Currents magazine jan2014

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 2 COMPLIMENTARY JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2014

Kayli Kvistad

2013 Florida Class 6A Player of the Year

Lady Tigers look to repeat

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Currents | January/February 2014 12/23/13 10:12 AM| 3

PUBLISHER Todd Wilson EDITOR Robert Bridges ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Theresa Westberry SALES Eileen Bennett Donna Bowen Brian Duncan

6

Columbia High Lady Tigers look to repeat as state champions

contents 5 Kayli Kvistad

14 It’s tax time

8 Community Foundation

20 Resolving Resolutions

10 Battle of Olustee

22 New Year Resolutions

12 Valentine’s Day

WRITERS Tony Britt Amanda Williamson Stephen Richmond Brandon Finley DESIGN Dave Kimler

ON THE COVER Kayli Kvistad, a senior at Columbia High School, is reigning Florida Class 6A softball Player of the Year.

–Photo by Brent Kuykendall Photography

Publisher’s Letter VOLUME 8 ISSUE 2 COMPLIMENTARY JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2014

Softball team makes us proud If you haven’t seen the Columbia High School Lady Tigers softball team in action, find a home game and mark your calendar. Go check out these amazing young ladies and the way they play the game.

It’s intense.

Columbia is the defending Florida Class 6A State Champions and returns a good group of very talented players.

Leading this group is Kayli Kvistad, the 2013 Florida Class 6A Player of the Year, and our cover model for this issue.

4 | Currents | January/February 2014

All of these girls on the CHS team can play the game. They hit like pros, they field, they pitch, they play the game with intensity not often seen at the high school level. They are dedicated to putting in the work in order to play like champions on game day and we salute their effort.

Our community is proud to support them and we all look forward to another successful campaign this spring. Enjoy their story and the other features in this issue of Currents. This is your magazine — the magazine of Lake City and Columbia County since 2006.

Kayli Kvistad

2013 Florida Class 6A Player of the Year

Lady Tigers look to repeat

CURRENTS magazine is a publication of the Lake City Reporter.

180 E Duval St., Lake City, FL 32055.

To inquire about advertising, call (386) 752-1293 or e-mail Currents@lakecityreporter.com. © Copyright 2014.

Kayli Kvistad 2013 Florida Class 6A Softball Player of the Year

On repeating as state champions: “I think it can happen if we stay strong like last year.”

By BRANDON FINLEY Kayli Kvistad has done it all for the Columbia High softball team, but the senior has one more year left to add to her legacy.

Kvistad was named the state’s Class 6A player of the year last season after leading the Lady Tigers to the state championship in a win against Pembroke Pines Charter.

She owns the Columbia home run record and is a .500 hitter. Some would say there’s not a lot left for Kvistad to accomplish, but she’s ready to try to lead the Lady Tigers to another ring.

“I’m really excited because we have a great group of senior girls and also my sister came up (from middle school),” Kvistad said. “I hope we go as far as last year, but our district has gotten harder. We aren’t guaranteed anything.”

Kvistad said that home runs aren’t her goal, but with 30 in her career, she has a magic number in mind.

“I hope to reach 20 this year,” Kvistad said. “My goal as a freshman was to reach 50 altogether.”

Home runs will likely be hard to come by for Kvistad, not due to lack of power, but because opposing teams pitching around her. Still, she hopes to make a memory like the one that capped off last season with the state title.

“It is (my best memory),” Kvistad said. “Winning state was awesome. I

like making history for our school.

We were the first girls besides weightlifting to make state. Sharing it with little kids was awesome.”

Getting back to state will be harder for the Lady Tigers with all the teams gunning for Columbia, but Kvistad believes it is obtainable.

“I think it can happen if we stay strong like last year,” Kvistad said.

“My sophomore year we kind of played for ourselves instead of playing as a team. Four of those girls went to play college ball, but last year we came together. We have awesome freshman coming in.

(Head coach) Jimmy (Williams) will have a hard decision on who makes the team. We have all worked over the summer and prepared for this upcoming year, so I think we should be where we were or better.”

But Kvistad said there won’t be any pressure to repeat.

“I mean pressure is an option of course,” Kvistad said. “When the situation is there you’ll feel a want to help the team out. I hope the team, all together, can go undefeated. That’s my ultimate goal. We had four losses last year. That’s my ultimate goal. It’s a lot, but I feel that we can do it.”

As an individual, Kvistad still see sroom for improvement. Although her numbers would be envied by many, the Florida signee knows that there is no limit to her potential.

“Last year I worked on my stolen

base thing,” Kvistad said. “I hope to have a higher batting percentage and to be a leader. I want to show the younger kids what to do and make an impact here and show the juniors how to lead.”

Kvistad believes that playing with family will make her want to compete even harder to win another championship.

“Our group of girls last year were awesome,” she said. “There weren’t any conflicts there. I hope to make history with my sister. She deserves it too, because she’s put in all that hard work. I want the last hoorah for the seniors. It’s going to be sad when it’s over.”

This will also be the first time that Kvistad has played alongside her sister.

“We’ve never played together in travel or school,” Kvistad said. “I’m excited. We’re a lot different. She’s right handed and I’m left handed.

Our fundamentals are the same. Her being here will make me strive to be better. It will push us to succeed.”

But no matter what, when the season is over, Kvistad said that she won’t look back with regrets.

“I think everything has been a success,” Kvistad said. “I always wanted to win state. I’ve already done that, but hope to win it again.

If we don’t, I’ll still consider everything a success.”

Currents | January/February 2014 | 5

Lady Tigers look to repeat as state softball champs

By BRANDON FINLEY Some say that the only thing harder than winning a championship is repeating. Columbia High’s softball team will take on that task this year as the reigning Class 6A State Softball Champions.

Head coach Jimmy Williams said it won’t be any easier this year and it all starts with the district competition, with Oakleaf, Middleburg, Orange Park and Gainesville all being perennial powerhouses in softball and joining the Lady Tigers this season.

“I’d like to get out of districts,” Williams said. “That would be my 6 | Currents | January/February 2014

first goal. We have two final four teams and three district winners.

We have to go one step at a time, just like every year. We start with the same goal, win districts and host some playoff games. I’m not really looking at final four, I’m looking at district first. Then, key players staying healthy, always seems to affect you. We just play one game at a time and have a little fun along the way.”

Skill won’t be a problem. The Lady Tigers return all but three players and each of their starters from last season.

“We have lots of talent,” Williams said. “I expect them to have an opportunity to win no matter who

they are playing. I wouldn’t trade them for anybody else’s team, that’s for sure. I don’t think we’ll sneak up on anybody. We’ll probably be everybody’s biggest game. Being a state champion, I look forward to the competition. I want these girls to have to play to their ability.

Our games should be very exciting.

That’s what I was looking for when I made the schedule.”

Williams doesn’t want the team thinking state championship or bust. He wants them to approach the game the same way they did last season.

“We have to go through the steps,” Williams said. “If we don’t make it to

the Final Four again, it would be sad for me and this group, because we’ve played together enough that we have the ability to do it. We can’t look ahead though. Winning districts is as important as winning state, just the way the district fell.

I’m worried more about that than anything else.”

Columbia didn’t have an easy road last year with Atlantic Coast and St. Augustine in the district, but he believes the competition just went up a few levels.

“I thought last year’s district was tough with three teams in the top 10,” Williams said. “This year it’s like we jumped out of the frying pan into the fire.”

The strength of the Tigers will be senior leadership, starting with Florida commit Kayli Kvistad.

“The fact that three of them signed scholarships (Kvistad, Caleigh McCauley and Brandy Morgan) and another committed to go to college (Lacey King), we have really mature, athletic proven winners coming back,” Williams said. “Pitching-wise, we’re a year better (with Ashley Shoup and Erin Anderson). We probably have the

best outfield there is in the whole state. All of them are college players. We have the player of the year (Kvistad), who sometimes is limited to what she can do, because people pitch around her. Tatum Morgan and Brittany Morgan and (Lauren) Eaker and (Hollianne) Dohrn kind of makes our team click. Playing the same type of ball we played last year, playing good defense and having the ability to make plays no matter who is up. We have lots of hitters. Each person seems to have their contribution at the right time. It’s not really Kayli carrying the load. It might be McCauley or Shoup coming in getting a big out. We never know what we’re going to get, but we know it’ll be good whoever it is.”

Williams has always prided his team on being a family. He said staying a family will be one of the biggest challenges for the Lady Tigers this season with a championship already in the past.

“The biggest obstacle will be our chemistry,” Williams said. “You can’t see or measure it, but you hope they play for each other. You hope they play for the name on the front of the shirt. We’ll continue to play for each

other and have the sisters’ attitude. I think that will be our biggest thing.

Just the fact that every coach will tell you that the chemistry of your team means more than anything else. You can’t see it, but you can feel it in the dugout and at practice. You don’t see it from the bleachers.

“It won’t be our ability, there’s plenty of that. We have to work harder than we did last year just to maintain. You don’t want to maintain, you always want to get better.”

Williams said that there might not be a way to top last season, but that they have to regard it as a thing of the past and look to add to their resumes.

“I don’t know how you get better than a state championship, but we have to understand that just showing up won’t do it,” Williams said.

“We have to know what we do this year is way more important than what we did last year. Everybody knows in the area and probably throughout the whole state who the best teams are. I’m hoping that we work harder and continue to have good team chemistry.”

Currents | January/February 2014 | 7

Community Foundation gives non-profits backing

By AMANDA WILLIAMSON “Nonprofits, is there anyway we can help?” asks the chairman of the Suwannee Valley Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization that supports projects throughout its five-county jurisdiction to help build the community.

A community theater in Lake City, a food bank in Hamilton County and a playground in Union County — the Foundation uses unrestricted funds contributed by charitable individuals and lifelong lovers of the community to increase the local quality of life.

Founded in 2002 by local attorney Tom Brown, the Foundation secures, manages and distributes resources to build on the Suwannee Valley region. The non-profit serves the residents of Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette, Suwannee and Union Counties.

“When I die, what’s going to happen to my money?” said James Montgomer y, chairman of the Advisory Board for The Suwannee Valley Community Foundation. “Are parts of the family going to go out to buy a new car? Well, no, I want that money to go to something good.”

Instead, the Foundation allows Montgomery to establish endowments for a number of organization he supports. If he had decided on his own to create endowments, Montgomer y would have had to hire a lawyer. But through the 8 | Currents | January/February 2014

Foundation, he simply has to provide them with the money and direct them where to send it. The rest gets written into his last will and testament. Not only does it provide a streamlined process for establishing the endowment, but the Foundation also invests the money so that the organization honored will receive a yearly check for as long as it exists.

Currently, the Foundation has assets of $1.5 million. But the Suwannee Valley organization does not handle the money, Montgomery said.

“We’re too small an organization for that,” Montgomery said, adding that the local Foundation works as an affiliate of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida in Jacksonville.

According to Montgomery, a person can decide on an organization he or she is passionate about — the Humane Society, the Community Concert Series, the local College Foundation — and set aside a certain amount of money into a restricted fund. Through the restricted endowment, the named organization receives a check in the donators name every year forever.

A donor can also select to start an unrestricted fund, which pools into a collective account run by the Advisory Board of the Suwannee Valley Community Foundation.

Every year, the board can spend 4 percent of its unrestricted fund

on community projects. This year, Montgomery said, the organization had $80,000 to give away but only donated half.

“We don’t go looking for people,” he said. “So many people have no idea who we are.”

After the Foundation funded a playground in Providence, the community of Raiford quickly asked if they could have a playground constructed in their tiny town as well.

“Little Raiford, they simply have no money to build a playground,” Montgomery said. “I’ve never seen a project that has as much appreciation than what we got from Raiford.”

The Foundation usually only assists non-profits, preferably a 501(c)(3), that need help with projects. It will not provide operating expenses for an organization, Montgomery said.

“We want something to be shown for it,” he said. “What did we give that money for? Can we see it?... We don’t have unlimited funds.”

All donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible, but an endowment can only be started with a certain amount of funds. The endowments have to be around $20,000 to $25,000 to be accepted by the organization.

To find out more information about the organization, contact John Zell at the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida by phone at 904-356-4483.

Currents | January/February 2014 | 9

Battle of Olustee to mark 150th anniversary Dignity, respect and remembrance are hallmarks of annual re-enactments

By TONY BRITT

T

he Battle of Olustee was fought Feb. 20, 1864, when Union and Confederate troops clashed in the only major Civil War Battle fought on Florida soil.

Nearly four decades have passed with local re-enactors, Battle of Olustee descendants and living historians paying homage to the 2,807 troops from both sides that lay on the battlefield either dead or wounded following five hours of gunfire, cannon shots and strategic troop movements through a festival and re-enactment.

A total of 1,861 Union troops were injured or killed in the battle – 203 killed, 1,152 wounded and 506 missing. The Union lost five cannons, 1,600 rifles, 400 sets of accouterments and 130,000 rounds of ammunition.

Confederate losses were 93 killed, 847 wounded and six missing, totaling 946.

The battle, a Confederate victory, signaled the end of Union efforts to restore Florida to the Union.

The Olustee Battle Re-Enactment has been held for 38 years. The first two re-enactments took place at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville and the following 36 events took place at the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park in Baker County.

10 | Currents | January/February 2014

The Olustee Battle Festival, which takes place in Lake City and is Columbia County’s largest festival, has been held for 36 years.

2 0 1 4 marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Olustee and event organizers for the festival as well as re-enactment plan to commemorate the occasion in a big way.

Faye Bowling Warren, Blue-Grey Army executive director, said the events are not designed to glorify war, but to commemorate the event that impacted the local community 150 years earlier, and more importantly to do so with dignity.

She said preparation for the anniversary commemoration festivities began more than six months ago.

“Preparation for the festival is beginning to be more of a continuous

movement because it takes preparation for the event,” she said. “We have new people, but fortunately the Blue-Grey Army has been able to keep a lot of its command chairmen intact and have people who really love to do what they do.”

Warren said the Blue-Grey takes pride in having the opportunity to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Olustee.

“We are part of a larger organization that actually does the reenactment out at the battlefield and we feel like we need to make this as special as they do,” she said. “It serves as a historical moment in our community, as well as the Battle of Olustee itself.”

Warren said the primary characteristics that will be used to drive the 150th Battle of Olustee anniversary commemoration will be dignity, respect and remembrance.

“It’s important to commemorate the 150th Battle of Olustee because it’s like everything in history — if you don’t commemorate it, then it gets forgotten,” Warren said. “We want to make sure we don’t forget those who died in that particular battle and who were part of many families of this community and other communities around here.

We just don’t want to forget that. It’s part of our heritage.”

Duffy Soto, a local artist, designed the 2014 Battle of Olustee poster, as well as a commemorative poster for the 150th anniversary of the event and noted he wanted the poster to portray dignity for the troops that fought on both sides and for the many that gave their lives on the battlefield.

“Mr. Soto brought that out in his conversation when he unveiled the poster to us,” Warren said. “The poster was also a matter of not forgetting when the 150th anniversary comes around and we should always remember that this was a very important part of the local community.”

“Dignity” was the term Soto used to describe the posters.

“This is the 150th anniversary and it’s a special event and special occasion,” he said when he unveiled the posters. “To me there is no North or no South, only Americans, all which fought at Olustee.”

Currents | January/February 2014 | 11

Winning hearts with unusual gifts on Valentine’s Day Roses are red, violets are blue, chocolates are boring, so try something new!

By STEVEN RICHMOND

V

alentine’s Day, like all heavily commercialized holidays, is filled with clichés.

Chocolates, hearts, and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate overflow throughout stores as people scramble to find ways to express their romantic feelings for one another.

If you want to show your lover how you really feel, trying thinking outside the box and make a gesture they’ll never forget. “[My wife] says spending money on flowers is a waste,” said Lake City resident Charles Fish. “So on our first Valentine’s Day, I texted her a picture of some roses and used the flower money at Victoria’s Secret. I definitely came out ahead that day and knew that I had finally found the most sensible, level-headed woman in the world.”

If you’ve got a bit of a green thumb, why not try trimming, edging and mowing your way to a romantic front yard?

It’s simple — find the largest, most oversized bush on your property and whittle away at it until it resembles a heart. Or, you can mow a message into your front lawn by contrasting tall and freshly cut grass. You’ll kill two birds with one stone: A happy spouse and a freshly cut lawn.

Valentine’s Day will also occur the same weekend as the 150-year anniversary of the Battle of Olustee. What better way to memorialize a Columbia County romance by having a

12 | Currents | January/February 2014

couple’s photo taken in the style and attire of the 1860s? You’ll have an interesting keepsake that pays homage to both your partner and the rich, historical culture of North Florida.

If you and your partner have a love for guns or the outdoors, JW Weaponry on US 41 has a wide variety of items that would make excellent Valentine’s Day gifts. What says “I love you” more than a pink-handled gun or a morning cuddling together in a brand new tree stand?

You could also bring out your inner Casanova and write an original song for your love. Better yet, take a cue from the movie “Say Anything” and serenade them outside their window. Just toss pebbles at it until you get their attention— You’ll rekindle that puppy love feeling all over again.

If you really want to go all out for Valentine’s Day, have you considered surprising your spouse with a house? Campus USA, for example, just moved to a new location in Lake City and offers excellent deals on first mortgages.

Finding a new home for your future family would be the ultimate gift on the most romantic day of the year.

Whatever you decide to do, make the 2014 Valentine’s Day a romantic occasion the two of you will never forget.

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A taxing time of year

By TONY BRITT

T

he 2014 tax filing season is set to begin soon, and several changes are anticipated from last year.

For one thing, tax filing season does not begin until Jan. 31.

The Internal Revenue Service pushed back the opening date to allow the IRS adequate time to program and test its tax processing systems. The annual process for updating IRS systems saw significant delays in October following the 16-day federal government shutdown.

“Our teams have been working hard throughout the fall to prepare for the upcoming tax season,” said IRS Acting Commissioner Danny Werfel in a prepared statement. “The late January opening gives us enough time to get things right with our program-

14 | Currents | January/February 2014

ming, testing and systems validation. It’s a complex process, and our bottom-line goal is to provide a smooth filing and refund process for the nation’s taxpayers.”

The government shutdown meant the IRS had to change the original opening date from Jan. 21.

The 2014 date is one day later than the 2013 filing season opening, which started on Jan. 30, following January tax law changes made by Congress on Jan. 1 under the American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA).

The extensive set of ATRA tax changes affected many 2012 tax returns, which led to the late January opening.

The IRS cautioned it will not process any tax returns before Jan. 31, so there is no advantage to filing on paper before then. Taxpayers will receive their tax refunds much faster by using e-file or Free File with the direct deposit option.

Sandy Swilley, office manager at The Tax Station, said residents who want to have their tax returns prepared by professionals need to have their reports detailing how much income they earned in 2013.

“If they don’t have W-2s, they have to wait for their W-2’s to come in,” she said. “Once they have their W-2’s and all their information together, they can come see us and we will prepare the taxes.

We can’t send them off until Jan. 31, which is the first official file-in date.”

Swilley advised residents who file with professionals they need a driver’s license or identification card, as well as a social security card/ number for every dependent they are claiming, including themselves.

There were several changes in tax law implemented in 2013 and Swilley said she anticipates there will be more changes in store for the 2014 tax season.

“A lot of times the government will increase your regular standard deductions and earned income credits, but we don’t know yet because we haven’t gotten the information yet,” Swilley said. “Because of the cost of living going up, it usually always increases, we don’t know how much yet until we actually get something from them.”

The April 15 tax deadline is set by statute and will remain in place.

However, the IRS reminds taxpayers that anyone can request an automatic six-month extension to file their tax return. The request is easily done with Form 4868, which can be filed electronically or on paper.

There are three ways people can request an automatic extension of time to file a U.S. individual income tax return: (1) you can electronically file Form 4868 (PDF), Application For Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Tax Return; (2) you can pay all or part of your

estimated income tax due using a credit or debit card or by using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS); or (3) you can file a paper Form 4868 by mail.

If you file your Form 4868 electronically you will receive an acknowledgment or confirmation number for your records and you do not need to mail in Form 4868. If you need to pay additional taxes when filing Form 4868 electronically, you may do so through the outside service provider or through e-file.

Preparation tips for tax season:

• Make sure you have W-2 forms • Make sure you have any forms from the bank such as 1099 forms for the year.

• People can only file on earned income. Earned income is when money is earned and not given.

(Social security, disability and social security death benefits is not earned income. Workman’s Compensation is an earned income.)

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Currents | January/February 2014 | 15

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RESOLVING YOUR

The right resolution can’t really be broken.

By STEVEN RICHMOND

T

he start of a new year means a start of a new YOU, right? For whatever reason, 2014 is the year for you to turn your life around, to become the super human model of excellence, compassion and fitness.

People around the world set these lofty goals for themselves at the beginning of the year: Lose weight, stop smoking, be a better parent/spouse, cut out junk food, and so on.

But at some point, usually within 60 days, we’ll hear this cringeworthy question: “How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along?”

Making resolutions is easy, but keeping them is a whole different story.

Chances are you’ve already erred from your righteous goals.

You forgot to pick your kid up from soccer practice because you were smoking a cigarette and eating a Big Mac behind McDonald’s, or something along those lines.

When we consider resolutions as something that can be “broken,” we create the sense that they can never be reassembled, like some sort of priceless china collection or an antique statue.

When we promise to “keep” resolutions, we’re implying that they can be freed or escape, like 20 | Currents | January/February 2014

some songbird that will never be seen again if it manages to leave its cage.

Rather, it may be wise to think of a resolution as something to be maintained.

Think about it like hair—even if you don’t wash or cut it for weeks, it’ll still be there (albeit messy and a little smelly). But even then, all those weeks of growth won’t suddenly vanish.

Even if you broke your resolution, who’s to say one moment of weakness is enough reason to throw weeks of hard work and discipline out the window?

Like your hair, a potted plant, or a home, the success of your New Year’s resolution will be directly related to the amount of work and effort you put into it.

Perhaps the problem arises when we don’t clearly define our goals. Instead of saying “I’m going to stop smoking,” try saying “I’m going to smoke one less cigarette every week until I don’t smoke anymore.”

Mantha Young, President of Altrusa Lake City and chief architect of the Get Fit Lake City wellness initiative, advises people to set realistic resolutions, especially if weight loss is the goal.

“Reasonable would be looking at a pound and half a week. Don’t expect dramatic results in six weeks,” Young said. “It needs to be a lifestyle change.”

If you find yourself falling out of sorts with your resolution, you could benefit from contacting friends and family who might share your same goals.

“You need an accountability partner,” Young said. “Your partner needs to somebody who’s honest with you. An accountability partner makes a big difference.”

Being accountable for both yourself and another person will strengthen your commitment to your resolutions.

Ultimately, it comes down to a question of whether you’ll be able to deal with temporary setbacks and moments of weakness.

Two quarterbacks were drafted in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft: Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf. Both were considered the top collegiate prospects at the time and were starting quarterbacks in their rookie years.

Leaf was a runner-up for the Heisman, as well.

Leaf and Manning both had lackluster rookie seasons, each throwing an unhealthy number of interceptions and leading their teams to losing seasons.

However, you might only recognize one of those names. Why is that?

Leaf couldn’t stand failure. It was incompatible with his system. He was never able to move past or learn from mistakes he

made on the field, sending him into a downward spiral of poor performance, both on and off the field. He is now widely considered the biggest bust of all time.

Manning, on the other hand, was able to learn from his inconsistencies, take failures with a grain of salt, study what he did wrong and return to the game with a clear mind and determination in his heart every time.

Manning continued marching down the field in the face of adversities, eventually becoming one of he greatest quarterbacks in the history of the game.

The moral of the story—don’t let little moments of weakness deter you from maintaining your resolutions. We’re all human, we’re all going to make mistakes.

“A person needs to realize that the only person not making a mistake is the person who never does anything,” Young said. “You never stop trying.”

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Currents | January/February 2014 | 21

H O W

T O

G O I N G

By AMANDA WILLIAMSON

A

fter the spontaneity and dedication of the first few months of the new year wear off, it is easy to start slacking, let resolutions disappear and allow old habits to return.

But Lake City residents can remember a few tips about wellness, finances and giving back that will keep them meeting their weekly or monthly goals – whatever they are. Small steps can be taken to ensure that throughout the year individuals don’t deter from their aspirations because of time constraints.

On Wellness

Green vegetables and grilled, lean meat. At least two hours of exercise on a weekly basis, and regular health checks with a local medical provider.

With the start of the new year, school board member and nurse practitioner at Southern I n t e r n a l M e d i c i n e Stephanie Finnell wants people to remember that healthy eating is not about staying unrealistically thin.

“It’s about having energy, stabilizing your mood, keeping yourself healthy and warding off disease,” she said. “When looking at the whole year, remember to simplify things. Instead of 22 | Currents | January/February 2014

K E E P

T H O S E

Y E A R - R O U N D being concerned with counting calories, think about your diet in terms of color, variety and freshness.”

Remember to stay away from lots of carbohydrates, fatty foods and sweets. She also suggests reducing fried foods in favor of lean, grilled meats.

To some, this may seem a daunting task. But Finnell said, since the goal is to be a healthier you by next year, start slow and make changes over time.

For example, try to rid sweets from your diet this week. Next week, toss aside the pasta. The week after that, eliminate pizza from your diet. Slowly, an individual can remove all fatty, carbohydrate-heavy foods from their body.

“People typically go full-force at the beginning of the year, and that sets them up for failure,” Finnell said. “Moderation is the thing I really encourage. Don’t do carbs everyday, but maybe allow yourself one day a week to splurge or eat one thing you’ve been wanting to eat all week.”

But a diet change must be combined with weekly exercise to keep the body healthy, she said. Finnell suggests people walk 30 to 60 minutes a day at least four days a week. To stay in shape, walk at a brisk pace.

Some people, if they’ve haven’t exercised in a while, may have to start with smaller time increments.

Healthy Tips to remember:

• Get Vitamin D and cholesterol levels checked regularly.

• Don’t forget your flu vaccine or the Tdap, the Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis vaccine.

• Before starting any exercise routine, seek out advice from a medical provider, especially if over 40 years old.

On Finances

Big resolutions usually require money or even focus on money themselves: Traveling to Europe, buying a home or saving enough to do both.

But the first step toward your dream is to have enough funds to fall back on in case the impossible happens, such as losing a job or developing a critical illness.

“The first thing you want to do is make sure you have a sixmonth emergency fund,” said Melanie Cosentino, of business development and marketing for Gulf Coast Financial Services, Inc. A liquid three-month backup plan is the minimum, but six months is preferred.

To calculate the amount required, total your monthly expenses, including car payments, mortgage, rent, gas, food and more. Multiply that by six months.

“What if you lost your job?”

Cosentino said. “You want at least enough to cover your basic bills. ... A lot of people don’t even think about that.”

Everybody should be saving, she said, a fact that Gulf Coast firmly believes.

“You’re never too old or too

young,” Cosentino added. “If you start younger, you can let time save for you.”

To budget her monthly expenses, Cosentino uses an Excel spreadsheet that keeps track of her bills and expenditures. She records money spent on gas, fast food, work expenses and more.

“When you see something written down and you keep track of it, it’s really good about making you think about whether you need it at that point in time,” she said. “Most of the time, you’ll say no. If you have a goal and are aware of what’s going to get in your way, you tend to make the right choices.”

Cosentino stressed that everyone should educate themselves on what’s going on in the economy and then, remember to put only small amounts in risky investments.

Gulf Coast Financial Services, Inc., with investment advisor John Kuykendall, will be holding a seminar in February to teach interested individuals about the economy. Called “Taking Stock,” the seminar will address the perceptions versus the reality of what is actually happening in various markets.

For more information, contact Gulf Coast at 386-755-9018.

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On Giving Back

Giving time to a volunteer organization has been proven to help improve an individual’s physical and mental health, said George Burnham, chairman of the Lake City Habitat for Humanity.

“I enjoy meeting the volunteers,” he said. “They are unusual in that they believe what Jesus said — it is more blessed to give than to receive. They exhibit that characteristic by spending their Saturday afternoon putting shingles on a home.”

To whom much has been given, much is required, Burnham added.

As for Habitat for Humanity, the organization builds simple, decent and affordable houses for low-income families to provide them with hope and opportu-

Currents | January/February 2014 | 23

nity. An early pioneer of Habitat for Humanity believed the world could end poverty if it first ended poverty in housing, Burnham said.

“It gives a family more stability if they own a home, more peace for their children to study and ultimately to build equity and value to pass on to the next generations,” he said. “Housing is so important. It’s often taken for granted, unless you were raised in sub-standard housing.”

Habitat for Humanity currently has about 300 local volunteers of all skill levels. Many people think the organization only needs carpenters, but it actually requires volunteers to donate building supplies, to prepare lunches for volunteers and to help with administrative support.

Currently, the local organization has constructed six homes, usually at a pace of one a year.

The homes are not free to the qualified families, but interestfree on a mortgage of 20 years.

“Any time you can improve the lives of other people, it will be a great benefit to that person,” Burnham said. “To me, it’s very rewarding — to dedicate a new home to a family, to spend time with volunteers that have the same goal, to end housing poverty, to see the smiles and the happiness on the children’s faces as they go into their new home to see their bedroom for the first time.”

For more information on how to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, contact the organization at 386-755-0014 or visit the website at hfhlakecity.org.

24 | Currents | January/February 2014

Currents | January/February 2014 | 25

F E B R U A R Y

I S

P E T

D E N T A L

H E A L T H

M O N T H

Are Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy?

D

id you know that oral hygiene is tied to your pet’s overall health? Studies show that keeping your pet’s mouth healthy may increase life expectancy by up to two years.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and it’s a great time to get started improving your dog’s oral health. You can prevent or reduce chances of developing oral disease by beginning a hygiene regimen from an early age.

A few easy steps can help you get started.

Signs of Oral Disease

Keep an eye out for bad breath and unusual or excessive drooling and pawing at the mouth, as they can be signs of dental problems.

In addition to bad breath, poor oral health can lead to kidney and 26 | Currents | January/February 2014

heart disease. The bacteria in the mouth can build up, entering the bloodstream via the gums. This puts extra work on the kidneys to filter out bacteria. And these bacteria can set up house in a dog’s heart valves, potentially leading to a condition called valvular endocarditis.

Establish a Routine

To ensure better dental health, brush your dog’s teeth daily. This can be daunting, but half the challenge is getting started and developing a routine.

Get dogs used to the experience by squeezing canine tooth paste on your finger and putting it between their cheeks and gums. Canine toothpaste has special food flavoring, making it appealing to pets.

As they lick the paste, praise them constantly.

Keep initial brushing sessions to a few gentle seconds. Once your dog is used to having his teeth brushed, do so for about a minute daily.

Treats Can Help

Other items and treats can help canine oral care, such as dental chews and rawhides which promote chewing and mechanically remove plaque. In addition, an advanced dental paste inside of the bone with a residual component adheres to dogs’ teeth and works to whiten by cleaning away plaque and tartar buildup.

Additionally, feeding your dog hard kibbles instead of soft, moist food is slightly better at keeping plaque from accumulating.

By following a simple dental routine you can help keep your dog happy and healthy for years to come!

Currents | January/February 2014 | 27

Bluegrass Music Celebrates at Rodeheaver Boys’ Ranch February 20, 21 and 22, 2014

10th Annual Palatka Bluegrass Festival

P

romoters Adams Bluegrass, LLC, announce that the 10th Annual Palatka Bluegrass Festival will be held at Rodeheaver Boys’ Ranch.

The three day event begins on (Thursday) February 20, 2014 at noon, with Open Stage Daily at 11:00 a.m. and goes until 10:00 p.m. each night.

Thursday’s terrific line-up features The James King Band, Kody Norris & The Watauga Mountain Boys, The Bluegrass Brothers, Larr y Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers, Grammy Nominated, and and winners of Numerous IBMA AWARDS including Entertainers of the Year for three straight years, Dailey & Vincent will perform one 90-minute show at 8:00 p.m. with special guest, Jimmy Fortune. Jimmy Fortune (formerly with The Statler Brothers), and Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame winner, will perform at 7:30 28 | Currents | January/February 2014

pm, Friday’s fabulous line-up of talent begins at noon and goes until 10:00 p.m. featuring The Stevens Family, Goldwing Express, The Gibson Brothers (2012-2013 Entertainers of the Year and 2012 Gospel Recorded Event of the Year), The Seldom Scene, The Primitive Quartet and Ron Thomason and Dry Branch Fire Squad.

Saturday’s Super line-up of talent begins at noon and goes until 10:00 p.m. featuring Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain Railroad, Dr y Branch Fire Squad, The Little Roy & Lizzy Show, Marty Raybon & Full Circle, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.

Gene Watson & The Farewell Party Band will perform one 90-minute show at 8:30 p.m. with special guest, Rhonda Vincent.

The Rodeheaver Boys’ Ranch offers 790 acres adjoining the St. John’s River with plenty of free car parking. No Alcoholic beverages.

This is a family Festival!

The weekend extravaganza of family fun and American music is slated for February 20, 21 and 22, 2014 at the beautiful Rodeheaver Boys’ Ranch at Palatka, Florida. The show goes on rain or shine. A covered pavilion and tent is provided.

Please bring a lawn chair. Sound

by Blue Ridge Sound, with Sherry Boyd, M.C.

Ticket prices:

3 Day General Admission Tickets $85.00 Adult 3 Day General Children $45.00 Child (6-13) General Admission Daily Tickets $35.00 Adult Children Daily General $15.00 Child (6-13) Children (Under 6) Free With Parents

For more information: www.adamsbluegrass.com or info@adamsbluegrass.com 706-864-7203 Office--Tickets 386-328-1281 Rodeheaver Boys’ Ranch--Camping

Natural ways to stay healthy this season

W

hile you’re probably already accustomed with conventional ways of looking and feeling your best, this winter, consider more natural approaches to health and wellness.

Here are several good-for-you and good-for-the-planet steps you can take to help stay strong and healthy this winter:

Herbal Remedies

Feeling under the weather?

Before turning to your medicine cabinet, take a look at your kitchen cabinet. Herbs are not just a low-calorie flavor booster of meals, they’re said to also contain healing properties. Many herbs have been used for centuries as remedies for common ailments.

For example, according to the National Institutes of Health, sage may help ease your headache, hoarseness or cough, and is an effective remedy for a sore throat. Try infusing tea with sage, or using it to add flavor to your sauté or roast at

dinner. Running a fever? Rosemary has been used to treat fever and headache. So the next time you hit the grocery store, fill your cart with organic herbs that heal.

Check the Label

Where natural ingredients are concerned, the focus is often on our plates. It’s easy to forget the range of items we put into our body daily.

Given how often we use them, it’s worth a closer look at their ingredients.

Toothpaste, for instance, is something that goes in your mouth twice a day. Have you ever wondered what was on the label, where the ingredients are sourced or their purpose? Ingredients contained in some conventional toothpaste are unnecessary or offer no health benefit.

When choosing your next tube of toothpaste, consider a natural oral care option free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives.

Boost Immunity

Help stay cold and flu-free this winter with some natural lifestyle tweaks. Proper hydration and nutrition are important for good health and your skin. In addition to drinking plenty of alcohol-free liquids, look for soaps and skin care products that have natural olive oil as a primary ingredient. Natural oils help lock in moisture. Also, take steps to reduce stress from your life -- which studies have shown can take a mighty toll on your body’s ability to fight infection, according to the American Psychological Association. When you’re feeling tense, try products infused with lavender or chamomile, both of which can help relieve stress, or use the opportunity to finally try that yoga class.

If you’re interested in achieving the best health possible this season, making positive lifestyle tweaks and exploring natural health alternatives are two great places to start.

Currents | January/February 2014 | 29

David Baldacchi, Cassandra King headline Amelia Island Book Festival Each year more authors and programs are added to the annual Amelia Island Book Festival, slated for Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22, in Fernandina Beach.

Festival attendees have the opportunity to meet and mingle with nearly 100 authors representing many genres — from suspense thrillers, mysteries, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, young adult and children’s books. Most of the Saturday festival events are free to the public and will be held at the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Two of the events are ticketed: New York Times Bestseller David Baldacci will headline the Friday Writers Workshop.

In partnership with the Nassau County campus of Florida State College in Yulee, the Friday Writers Workshop will include sessions on editing, revisions, publishing options, characterization, plots, seeking an agent, and other subjects of interest to both the new and mature writer.

The full day cost is $65 for 30 | Currents | January/February 2014

festival members, $75 for non-members. Full-time students attend free of charge.

To attend the 2:30 pm session “David Baldacci on David Baldacci” alone, the cost is $25 for members, $35 for non members. Prices go up after February 1.

Acclaimed author Cassandra King is the speaker for the Saturday VyStar’s Readers’Luncheon Cassandra King is the keynote speaker and follows in the footsteps of past speakers, which include Debbie Macomber, Paula McLain, Rick Bragg and Jeff Shaara.

This event is always a sellout and is particularly popular with the local and regional book clubs. Corporate partner VyStar Credit Union has been the long time sponsor of the festival’s luncheon.

It will be held on Saturday, February 22, at the Fernandina Beach Woman’s Club, 11:30 to 1 p.m, at a member cost of $25, nonmember cost $35.

Read the details at ameliaislandbookfestival.com for details and reservations.

Currents | January/February 2014 | 31

32 | Currents | January/February 2014