Spring 2018

FAMILY MAGAZINE

Issue 02: Volume 04 Spring 2018

Dance Life developing lifelong values

FamilyLiving

TRIUMPH

celebrating life

SPRING 2018

Hearthstone Gardens BOTANICAL SANCTUARY

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F RO M spring THE PUBLISHER

Spring has arrived!

Kicking off our Spring issue is Master Breeder of White Silkies, Vickie Harry. She is quite the celebrity in the exhibition world of poultry, winning champion/reserve champion 33 times.

Hearthstone Gardens is a botanical sanctuary set to become a North Florida showcase. Be sure to pay them a visit in Wellborn.

The Lake City Humane Society is expanding to “save more lives.”

They are raising funds for a lowMantha Young and cost on-site spay/neuter clinic. So, Ruth Williams If you love animals, as my mamma We welcome Ruth as Triumph used to say, “Put your money where Editor at Family Magazine! your mouth is.” No donation is too small. $5 to $5,000 or more—it all adds up.

Recipes again abound in Family Magazine! The Trey and Bridget Hosford Family hosted a gorgeous Spring picnic brunch, and Rheba Lee reveals her fabulous chicken and dumplings recipe along with other delicious recipes in “The Gathering Barn.”

We are delighted to introduce a three-part series titled Family Living, which will concentrate on the value of living and investing in a neighborhood. The Preserve at Laurel Lake, the first in our series, showcases how both nature and a neighborhood are living in harmony.

Family Magazine would like to introduce Ruth Williams, an educator at Columbia High School, as our new Triumph editor. We are so pleased to have Ruth join us, as she brings out the best in the neighborhood.

As our Triumph editor, Ruth will be concentrating on unearthing the wonderful people living in our tri-county area who need to be celebrated. So, as you read our magazine, look for the special Triumph logo indicating a celebration story.

Spring 2018 Family Magazine has more in store for our readers. Dive in—yes, read about the cave divers cleaning the rivers—and enjoy!

Mantha 2

PUBLISHER Mantha Young TRIUMPH EDITOR Ruth Williams EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jeweliana Register CREATIVE DESIGN Sarah Nichols DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Shellie Young MARKETING TEAM Dawn Layton Cindy Ricketson Abbey Rocco CONTRIBU TORS Dr. Terri Andrews Befaithful Coker Joy H. Coleman Esta Eberhardt Holly Frazier Tammy Johns Susan K. Lamb Karen Leslie Jason Melvin Natalie Metzger Chip Parker Sam Ryan Anne Smith Delaine Spradley Dr. Lorrie W heeler Hayli Zuccola

North Central Florida Advertiser 358 NW Main Blvd, Lake City, FL 32055 386-752-8280

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photography, or illustration only with written consent of the publisher. Family Magazine, its officers, staff members or contributors do not warrant the accuracy of or assume a responsibility for any of the material contained herein. All submissions, text, and photography received by Family Magazine have been considered authorized for publication.

Member of Florida Magazine Association

First Class Care, Close To Home

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Growing our family to better serve yours.

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spring Summer Camp for Grown ups!

Themed Weekends

Food & Wine

June 1 - 4, 2018

Arts & Music

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Table of Contents Vickie Harry: Master Breeder of Silkie Bantams......................6 Spring Fashion 2018............................10 Explore the beauty of North Camp Beinville...........................20 Florida friendly, native plants and Yoga: It’s Legit...............24 animals Jones Jammin’ Jellies................26 Celebrating Good Parents.....................28 Lake City Humane Society...............30 The Traveling Shoes Dancing Team.............32 The Hosford Family...................34 Dance and the Kitchen World Remodel........................40 Values it Instills Entertaining Road Trip Games....................44 March of Dimes....................................46 Celia Martin’s Cycling Trip..........48

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Self-Defense

June 22 - 25, 2018

4th of July Fun

June 29 - July 2, 2018

Health & Nutrition

July 6 - 9, 2018

Loving The Outdoors

July 13 - 16, 2018

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Transforming Lives................................54 The Cathering Barn........................60 Florida’s Underwater Caves.........................64 Romance In Iceland..................68 FamilyLiving Infinity Con5 2018...............................72 The Preserve showcases Outdoors with Jason Melvin......................76 how nature and a neighborhood can live in Simple Southern Luncheon..............78 harmony.

Avocado Toast Recipe..............84 Glynnell & Bernice Presley......................86 History Made New..................90 The Melting Pot..............................92 Ronnie Collins & Columbia’s Top Talent..........94 Fort White High School FFA.................96 Piña Colada Salad Recipe.........................101 Backyard Bird Feeding.................102 Kanapaha Botanical Gardens...................104 River Run Olive Oil.............................106 Teeth Whitening.......................108 Heritage Square..............................110 On The Cover: Paul Gunter, Jade Spring Book Reviews.................................112 Cato, Allie Cherry and Marla Cortes-Wilkes are on the journey Good Jobs That Pay Without A BA.......114 of instilling life-long lessons Brittanie Powell.....................118 through dance. They are members Columbia County Builders Association...........122 of Danceology in Live Oak. Springtime Crescent Rolls Recipe.............125 Photography - Captured Memories Living Hope Recovery Center........................126

by Esta

spring

The Camp Bienville staff is ramping up for the best camp experience you’ve had since childhood! A variety of camp fun and excitement awaits you as you re-live some of your favorite camp activities with a ton of fun grown-up camp experiences such as the Pub Hike! Here’s a sampling of fun activities you get to choose from, like....

• 2 K Run • Archery • Arts and Crafts, Painting instruction, Take Home Project Each Weekend • Bonfire • Card Night • Dance Parties • Disc Golf • Essential Oils, Take Home Project Each Weekend • Face Painting • Fishing, Lakefront or from Your Cabin’s Dock!

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Vickie Harry

Master Breeder of Silkie Bantams

by Joy H. Coleman

You may have seen a chicken or two in your day, but we’re pretty sure you’re about to fall in love with the silkie bantam. It’s basically the glamorous supermodel of domesticated fowl.

Of all the ornamental chicken breeds, the silkie bantam is one of the most popular and beloved. They’re the fluffy kitty of the chicken world, complete with hair-like plumage that almost feels like fur and an incredibly sweet temperament.

The texture of their feathers resembles a luxurious fur pelt. Some of them sport elegant pompadours that would put Elvis to shame. They grow feathers all the way down to their toes. Their fluffy feathers make them unable to fly and can be a real pain to clean, but whoever said being beautiful was easy?

Vickie Harry, a recognized master breeder of Silkie Bantams by the American Bantam Association and the American Silkie Bantam Club, became a ‘chicken farmer’ in 2005. She’d gotten a few chickens so they’d have fresh eggs for breakfast. Surfing the internet, she came across the most beautiful chicken she’d ever seen: a silkie.

That was the day Sunshine Silkies began.

Vicky began competing in exhibition poultry in early 2006. Licensed poultry judges assess the chickens and place them from best of breed to best in show. In the exhibition world of poultry, Vicky has placed champion/reserve champion 33 times. Her

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master breeder designation is a very prestigious award and is earned by show wins. She also had a few cameos in the documentary Chicken People, which featured the world of exhibition poultry and aired on CMT. Exhibiting poultry is a very popular hobby.

Breeders across the U.S. gather from the beginning of fall to early spring to attend poultry shows. Vicky attends several shows, some with an estimated 10,000 chickens exhibited.

In the exhibition world of poultry, Vickie has placed champion/reserve champion 33 times.

Her master breeder designation is a very prestigious award and is earned by show wins.

Silkies are unusual in having black skin and bones, blue earlobes, and five toes instead of the normal four. In addition to their unique physical appearance, silkies are known for their calm, friendly temperament and are among the most docile of poultry. Hens have a wonderful mothering nature.

Silkie chickens are very easy to keep as pets. Children love them, as they can be easily handled. Silkies can be bearded or non-bearded. Bearded silkies have an extra muff of feathers under the beak area that covers the earlobes. There are nine colors of silkie recognized for competitive showing, which includes white, black, buff, blue, splash, gray, partridge, self blue, and white. There is a standard of perfection that all breeders adhere to when exhibiting poultry.

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Vickie Harry was featured in a cameo commercial for Chicken People, which aired last November on CMT.

Each silkie has to be conditioned, which includes a bath and blow-drying, before every show.

Walking into a show hall before judging starts, you’d think you were in a beauty parlor. Every bird is groomed to look their best.

Vicky’s Sunshine Silkies hatches approximately 250 silkies a year with the hope of breeding the next “show winner.” Being a breeder requires much more work than you’d imagine. She is tested yearly by the state of Florida and has her own standards as a breeder that she follows, including vaccinations, record keeping, and good biosecurity measures.

Vicky breeds for enjoyment and, when possible, her birds are available to other breeders, enthusiasts, and 4H kids. Her line of Sunshine Silkies can be found throughout the U.S. and in Canada, France, and Sweden.

If you would like a day of fun, find a poultry show. Lake City has a large poultry show every January at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.

You will find Vickie Harry in the “fluffy” section!

You can also find Sunshine Silkies on Facebook or at sunshinesilkies.com.

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Pet a silkie and you’ll understand how it got its name. The feathers are fine and flutter in wisps in the breeze.

What makes a silkie fluffy?

Feathers have several parts to them; the main part being the quill that grows from beneath the skin which tapers off up the center of the feather to become the shaft.

From each side of the shaft comes the web, which are tiny strands held together by small hooks or barbicels on the ends of the strands, giving the feather their typical appearance.

The silkie chicken’s feathers look like fluffy fur—and it is billed as one of the gentlest, cutest chickens out there. That’s why some people keep it as a pet.

“They’re excellent pets,” says Vicky.

“There are certain breeds of chicken that are just gentler. The silkie is one of those, partially because it cannot fly.”

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SPRING FASHION

2018

By Jeweliana Register

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With the return of our warm Florida spring days, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to put away those jackets and boots for fun pops of floral and classic looks. Check out a few of these staples for your spring 2018 closet and enjoy some wardrobe inspiration.

Girls

Floral pieces While breaking out the florals for spring is nothing new, you can still update this traditional print to fit current trends. Opt for a floral off-the-shoulder top on a nice spring day or consider adding a pair of flowerembroidered jeans. They pair perfectly with fun flats or classic wedges and a sun hat.

T-shirt dresses You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to sacrifice comfort to be stylish. These t-shirt dresses are cute and casual and pair nicely with almost every shoe option imaginable. Go for a solidcolored dress and add texture with a jean jacket and sneakers, or try a printed t-shirt dress with wedges for a casual office look.

Two-piece sets Matching sets are back! Whether you love to rock a tank and shorts combo or a two-piece dress ensemble is more your speed, this trend can be easily dressed up for date night. Grab a statement clutch and layer some bangles for a trendy vibe.

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Spring loafers If you want a breathable shoe that can easily go from casual to professional, consider a pair of neutral loafers. With so many options on the market, you’re sure to find a pair you love.

Hats Whether you are a classic baseball cap kind of guy or you love to rock a beanie, there are hat styles to add to your entire spring wardrobe and meet your every mood. Try a panama hat to add some spring zip to your look and spirit!

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Hearthstone Gardens Set to become a North Florida Botanical Showcase Sanctuary

By Joy H. Coleman

Photography by Dr. Terri Andrews

Judee Mundyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream is to build a botanical garden available to the public. A life-long educator and gardener, her lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream is to create a garden designed to stimulate the mind, increase awareness of our natural world, and provide a sensory retreat.

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Hearthstone Gardens, near Wellborn, is her dream coming true.

The mission of Hearthstone Gardens (non-profit 501c3) is to “preserve the land and work harmoniously with the elements. For example, if in clearing a path we come to a large tree, we go around the tree. We believe in maintaining and enhancing our natural world so others may know and appreciate our unique environment. Our goal is to establish a garden sanctuary that is free to the public, a place where people can come to and leave refreshed and hopefully have gotten some gardening ideas for their own homes,” shares Mrs. Mundy Hearthstone Gardens, near Wellborn, is located at 134th Place, off Hwy 90, one mile past the Columbia/Suwanee County line.

Mundy notes this is not a park. “There are no swings or merry-go-rounds or structures to overshadow the naturalness of the garden. We are dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural ecosystem, showcasing Florida-friendly and native plants to help sustain wildlife and create an attractive corridor. With Lake City growing west and Live Oak growing east, Hearthstone Garden will be a sanctuary in the middle of a business hub. We’ve only had it for two and a half years but it’s everything we wanted.” Mundy describes, “at Hearthstone Gardens, we have ponds, wooded pathways, a bird haven, a children’s garden, a Zen garden, and so much more. The Zen garden uses native and Florida-friendly plants to offer a contemplative atmosphere and provide a connection to our area’s culturally diverse communities.”

SUPPORT

Thus far, Hearthstone has been funded by Mundy with support from a Four Rivers Audubon grant and personal donations. Mundy’s goal is to establish a self-sustaining garden, a welcoming gathering place. Volunteers and donations provide help in maintaining and developing new gardens, creating new wooded pathways, building bridges and overlooks, greenhouse propagation and seeding or providing building materials, fertilizers, and compost. Whether monetary or personal time, your contributions matter.

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OPENING

Hearthstone Garden will open to the public at the end of October 2018, but dates are not set. Among other activities, Dr. Debbie Griffin, Lake City, has planned an opening 5K walk–run.

Jerry Walls, a decreed naturalist, will feature his live animals.

The current board of directors includes Kathy Koeppel, Bonnie and Charley Murphey, Jan Tinsman, Brittany McCrea, and Judee Mundy. Other volunteers working on the property are Ron Wilson, Verna Swaby, Linda Sheridan, Cheryl Nelson, and Gerry Murphy.

Botanical gardens, islands of serenity in the midst of increasing noise, are defined as places open to the public and in which the plants are labeled. Their purpose has greatly expanded to include rescuing plant biodiversity while offering programs of research and education to citizens of all ages. Botanical gardens create pleasing spaces away from modern life.

Because all gardens must be fertilized with support, they become places of community interest and learning to include scheduled events and programs. Once opened, the gardens will offer an array of education programs such as pruning, propagating, seeding, bird walks, and woods walks.

Botanical gardens are a boon to people and wildlife alike. Mundy shares, “On another level, we’ve had family members of hospice patients come here to relax and rejuvenate their spirits during a difficult time. We believe this paves a path for our contribution to North Florida.”

Come in and leave refreshed. This is a natural sanctuary.

For more information visit hearthstonegardens.org

“On another level, we’ve had family members of hospice patients come here to relax and rejuvenate their spirits during a difficult time. We believe this paves a path for our contribution to North Florida.”

—Judee Mundy

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(L-R): Charley Murphey, Bonnie Murphey, Kathy Koeppel, Ron Wilson, Linda Sheridan, Jan Tinsman, and Judee Mundy. (Not pictured: Brittany McCrae)

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By Natalie Metzger Photography: Holly Frazier Photography

Hot New Trend for Adults... Summer Camp!

Have you ever wished you could ditch the stress of everyday life and just get away? Do you envy that your kids get to experience the fun, laid-back atmosphere of summer camp? Is your soul yearning to get out of the office and enjoy the outdoors? Have you wanted to find new friends who are full of adventure? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you’re not alone!

Many people regard their summer camp experience as some of their best childhood memories, so it’s no wonder why one of the hottest new trends across the nation is summer camp for grown-ups! This trend is bringing fun and adventure back into the lives of grown-ups everywhere, and now you can experience it here in our own backyard. Bienville Plantation, White Springs, is hosting Camp Bienville, summer camp for grown-ups, as a way for busy people to trade in their stress for a weekend filled with relaxation, gourmet food, new friendships, and a ton of thrilling

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activities. One of America’s most renowned hunting and fishing destinations, take in acre after acre of beautiful landscapes, peaceful lakes, and unforgettable wildlife all while having the weekend of a lifetime!

At Bienville Plantation Choose how you want to camp: in one of the luxurious cabins, in your RV, or in a tent. Bienville’s comfortable cabins are bed and breakfast style. The five-bedroom cabins accommodate ten

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W H AT TO E X P E C T: At Camp Bienville, expect to smile a lot and enjoy every moment! You will not want the weekend to end! On your first day, arrive hungry because there will be a delicious Southern welcoming meal by Chef Rose Morgan. After dinner, plan to party! You will start getting acquainted with your new friends the very first night with a big welcoming bash!

How is Camp Bienville different from a work retreat?

Unlike super-structured work weekends, Camp Bienville offers the ability to completely unplug and relax. Campers choose which activities they want to participate in and there are no counselors.

Every person there is celebrated for who they are. Even the simplest moments become magical opportunities for a cherished memory with friends new and old.

Saturdays and Sundays start off with an amazing breakfast that includes Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas, followed by a few fun hours of activities: choose from outdoor art, essential oils class, the rock climbing wall, and more.

Work up an appetite in the morning so you can enjoy a gourmet lunch, then get set for more exciting activities: giant dominoes, dodge ball, water balloons, archery, a complementary massage, or any of the other cool things going on during your weekend.

Every grown-up needs relaxation time, but when is the last time you put it on your schedule? Camp Bienville has you covered with built in relaxation time each afternoon followed by happy hour.

Then you’ll gather ‘round the table for a decadent dinner, but the night is far from over! After dinner, the whole camp will join in a group activity together before a huge party with an open bar! people with two double beds in each room. Campers can enjoy being together in the common area, which includes a kitchen, dining room and living room.

A C T I V I T I E S I N C LU D E:

Tantalizing meals are prepared by Chef Rose Morgan who has been with Bienville Plantation since 1998. She received her Grand Diplôme®, the most prestigious culinary qualification at Le Cordon Bleu, London, that combines the study of classic French culinary and pastry techniques, and also trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Prior to and during her tenure at Bienville Plantation, she has honed her talents and specializes in seafood, wild game and French cuisine that always generate rave reviews from visitors.

• Archery • Huge Slip-N-Slide • Improv Theater • Outdoor Art • Pub Hike: nighttime

Who goes to summer camp for grown-ups?

C H O O S E YO U R T H E M E D W E E K E N D:

Anyone 21 or older! Business owners, musicians, developers, CEOs, students, artists, farmers, and everyday people just like you.

When you’re at camp, age and occupation won’t matter. You’ll be having too much fun with Big Shoals kayaking, giant dominoes, water balloons, talent shows, improv theater, a huge water slide, volleyball, archery and more!

June 1–4: June 15–18: June 22–25:

traipse through the woods with friends.

Follow clues to find kegs!

• Massages • Nighttime Picnic • Rock Climbing Wall • Talent Show • Crafting • Retro Macramé • Frozen T-shirt Game • Giant Dominoes

Food & Wine Arts & Music Self-Defense

• Giant Kirplunk • Giant Jenga • Water Balloons • Dodge Ball • Scavenger Hunt • Zumba • Ziplining And So Much More!

June 29–July 2: 4th of July Fun July 6–9: Health & Nutrition July 13–16: Loving the Outdoors

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â&#x20AC;˘

Sunday - Closed to spend time with our families

spring

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spring

It â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s L egit By: Jeweliana Register

Now that we are branching into spring, you may be searching for a few ways to spice up your workout and meditation routine. If you want some relaxation and time to clear your head, then yoga may be the practice for you.

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spring There are many different types of yoga— everything from hot yoga to strengthening yoga to slow, restorative yoga—and each one comes with its own benefits and unique practices. When choosing a yoga, you’ll want to find something that aligns with your training goals. Sharon Richards, a yoga instructor based in Lake City, explains the benefits of hatha yoga, a practice she teaches three times a week at Lake City Dance Arts and St. James’ Episcopal Church.

Hatha is a popular practice because of its versatility and its learning-focused teaching.

The goal is to learn how to safely move into each posture during class so that you know the way your body feels when you

Why Should I Practice Yoga?

Health Benefits

“Yoga is about the union between body, mind and spirit, and there are lots of ways to get there. The type of yoga I teach is called hatha. It is like the granddaddy of yoga, everything grew from hatha,” Richards explained. “It is about moving slowly and safely to learn more about your body. When we do a posture, we don’t hold it for a long period of time, but we take a long time to get there while describing the process to the students.”

-Sharon Richards

Strengthening of the body Improving flexibility and balance Managing anxiety and depression by giving you tangible ways to improve your breathing and increase oxygen flow to the brain in stressful situations.

Over time, lowering blood pressure, controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics, and relieving chronic pain.

execute them correctly. This ensures that when you are practicing yoga at home, you’ll be able to feel if you are doing a posture accurately.

“Once you become more aware of your body, you’re more aware of what’s going on in your body. You’re more aware if things are a little off or if things are a little better,” Richards describes. “I’ve had people who have had trouble sleeping and say that they use the breathing practices (from yoga) to fall asleep. One student said she hadn’t slept good in three years, then after one class she was able to sleep for eight hours straight!”

Another great thing about yoga is that you are never too young or too old to start. Yoga can be practiced at

any age and at any skill level. Richards explains that she teaches traditional yoga with the use of mats and other props for those who need them, as well as chair yoga for those who cannot get on the floor to practice because of injury or ailment. It’s a learning process like anything else, but practice makes perfect.

“One thing I try to encourage my students to do is to come as often as they can in the beginning. I teach three days a week, so if they can come three days a week, that’s a really good thing. If you can’t do that, just try to do it consistently. Then, start your own home practice,” Richards says. “Practicing every single day is the goal. Sometimes it doesn’t take a lot, but it’s a good way to get your body revved up in the morning to get yourself started… I try to help my students find how to fit little things in here and there that help them either sit at a computer longer or whatever it is they need to do.”

No matter your skill level, Richards explained that her classes give students the flexibility to start learning yoga at any time. It’s never too late to reap the rewards of peace of mind, so grab a yoga mat, put on your favorite pair of yoga pants, and start your journey to relaxation today. Namaste.

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spring

Jones Jamminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Jellies

A simple pepper jelly recipe leads to happy jelly lovers Article and Photography: Susan K. Lamb

Chris and Amber Jones live in the small town of Jasper where they have lots of similar interests: singing, playing music, worshipping the Lord every opportunity they get, raising their two talented sons, doting over their gorgeous threelegged, 16-year-old Maine Coon cat, Gracie, and enjoying lots of family activities.

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The Jones Family (left to right): Finnley, Amber, Chris and Fischer

spring But wait…there is one other interest that is “sweet with a little touch of heat!” Chris began his own cottage industry making pepper jelly that has ballooned into popularity. What?

A guy making jelly? You know it!

This singer; musician; former band director in Thomasville, Georgia, Branford and Jasper began a new career last year making homemade pepper jelly that took the world around him by storm! Chris was already busy with his church and family duties, volunteering for the praise team (along with Amber and sons Finnley, 8, and Fischer, 13) at First Baptist Church of Jasper where he’s a deacon and assists with the sound, plus his job at Coggins’ Farm Supply in Lake Park, Georgia. Now, he spends many hours in the kitchen.

This mild-mannered country boy obviously has super energy to make the most awesome, wildly popular and crazy-named pepper jelly that so many enjoy. It is so popular he and Amber can barely keep up with the orders. These can’t-get-enough-ofit jellies are made with everything from bell peppers, jalapeño peppers and pineapple to blueberries, blackberries, peaches, pears, cherries, cantaloupe, green apples, plums, raspberries, mangos, strawberries and watermelon. The quarter-pint jelly jars are decoratively labeled with the company name and fun, creative flavor names such as Blazin’ Blueberry, Cherry Bomb, Double Dare Pear, Fruit Cocktail Explosion, Groovy Green Apple, Hunka Hunka Burnin’ Blackberry, Mandarin Mayhem, and Perky Peach. Sugarfree varieties are also available.

You might want to start off your love of this wild and crazy good jelly by sampling a jar of Hunka Hunka Burnin’ Blackberry. That way you can tell your friends about it, mention that specific name, and there is no way they can get that name out of their minds!

“I experimented with plain pepper jelly. Some was hot; some sweet,” Chris explains. “I gave some for gifts, made some for folks at work, and everyone said it was good. I made some blueberry jelly and a fellow employee suggested I make blueberry pepper jelly. I made a blueberry pepper jelly (later named Blazin’ Blueberry) and Amber ate a whole jar that night!” It was then Chris knew he had something about to happen. And it did. Amber took some of the jelly to work, and it sold like hot cakes. “She was selling it faster than I could make it,” Chris said with a smile. The race was now on to provide for the masses.

Because it is made in their home, Chris and Amber must comply with Florida laws that cover the cottage industry. Chris cannot

take the jellies into Georgia to sell, but Georgia residents can come to him to purchase this delicacy—and they do. “We can’t ship the jellies as long as it is a cottage industry,” Chris said.

Amber is the jelly promoter and sales director, while Chris is the one who must run everyone out of the kitchen so he can whip up a batch of his specialty jellies. “Everybody is running out of the jellies they bought at Christmas already, so I’ve got to get back in the kitchen and make some more,” he laughs. Asked if he plans to make pepper jelly full-time, Chris smiles. “I’m looking at it as more of a hobby to support our income, not as a business,” he notes.

But, there is something new! Amber brings out Chris’ latest invention: melt-in-your-mouth, got-to-have-some-more rock candy! “We are making this in half-pound bags in root beer, cinnamon, peach, cotton candy and bourbon,” Amber says as she pops a piece of this addicting concoction into her mouth while the boys also grab some candy. “My mom made me the cinnamon for Christmas, and I got the recipe from her,” Amber states as she brings out jars of beautiful rock candy in various colors. One taste is all it takes to realize the future for the Jones family is going to be very busy!

Find Jones Jammin’ Jellies on Facebook.

The Jones family does everything together and gets very involved in this unique cottage industry business. Chris is planning to grow his own peppers this year. When he has time, Chris loves to play trumpet and bass. Chris’ lovely wife, Amber, spent many years singing all over North Florida and recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, as she sought a country music career. But, as the world turns, these two teachers met, and the rest is history. These days, when she’s not attending church with her family or helping promote the jelly, Amber teaches music and drama in Echols County Schools in Statenville, Georgia, where their two boys attend school. She loved her early singing career in which she opened for famous country stars and became friends with Aaron Tippin. Amber will see Aaron soon at a nearby concert. It’s likely Aaron Tippin will take home a collection of pepper jelly and rock candy!

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spring

celebrating good

PARENTS

“Honor your father and your mother so that you may have a long life...”

(Exodus 20:12 CSB)

By Chip Parker

As a child, it seemed that particular commandment was primarily good advice on how to make it to your next birthday. Then “honoring” our parents had as much to do with staying out of trouble as anything else, but, with age, life looks different.

Subtleties appear—nuances and complexities you never really noticed as a child. Sooner or later, seeing the world through the lens of adulthood, I ask, “Am I someone my parents can be proud of?” In that moment we begin to get a sense of what it really means to honor our parents.

No one spends much time talking about how we honor our parents as adult children. Creating a fingerpainted flower for Mother’s Day is heart-melting when you’re five; it doesn’t quite have the same appeal when you’re forty-five. So, the question is, “How do I honor my mother and father in my adult years?”

Here are a few ways we can honor our parents: Seek their advice. Seeing your children grow up, spread their wings, and embrace adulthood are milestones in the life of any parent.

However, it’s nice to be needed every once in a while. We honor our parents by acknowledging that even though we are grown, independent, and successful, their knowledge, experience, and advice is still helpful and needed.

Respect their individual freedom and dignity. One of the hardest ideas to wrap your head around as a child is that before your parents

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were parents, they were actually normal people. It’s hard to see “Mom and Dad” as anything other than “Mom and Dad”. But, as we age, it is important to honor them by respecting and appreciating the life our parents have outside their children’s world. Yes, we need and value their advice and help, but we, as their adult children, should not define or consume their life. Let’s honor our parents by encouraging them to have fun, go on dates, take a road trip, and enjoy the fruits of their labor. And as they age, let’s honor our parents by helping them protect their dignity and individuality in the latter years of life.

Live a life of character. Christian author and blogger Carey Nieuwhof recently posted on Twitter, “At your funeral, your kids will never talk about your competency. They’ll spend the entire time talking about your character.” What an amazing thought! It is the character of our parents that makes the biggest impact on our lives. We see this more

Chip Parker with wife Leigh Anne and sons Haddon and Chasen

and more clearly as we move further into adulthood. Because of this, the best way that we, as adult children, can honor our parents is to live a life that reflects the best of who they are, and in so doing, pass that legacy down to our children and those we impact in the generations to come.

I hope on this year’s Mother’s and Father’s Days you are able to enjoy some time with your parents. But even if you can’t, honor them by being someone they would be proud of!

Chip Parker is Pastor of Ministry Development at The Orchard Community Church, Lake City.

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spring

Expanding To Save More Lives

By Natalie Metzger

Every day, the Lake City Humane Society positively impacts Columbia County through life-saving efforts to find homes for animals in need. Because of the shelterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts, over 5,000 animals each year are found, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and find a loving home.

Unfortunately, the costs involved in the spay/neuter process are presently a large burden. But the Lake City Humane Society is working to make the procedures more affordable, not just for shelter animals, but also for people in the community who need the procedures for their animals at a low cost. Currently, animals at the shelter are spayed/neutered off site, but with new plans to add a clinic to the existing building, the shelter will save approximately $70,000 per year by performing those procedures on site. The benefits are more than monetary and because the clinic will help the shelter to achieve no-kill status, saving even more animals and improving the community in the process.

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Dale Griffin has been an employee of the Lake City Humane Society for nine years and has seen the shelter improve significantly from a 45% live release rate to what is now 75%. He said the animals depend upon low cost spay/neuter to be eligible to be released. The new clinic will be incredibly rewarding for the whole community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How we treat our animals reflects on all of us in our community,â&#x20AC;? Griffin said. With that in mind, the shelter aims to have a 99% live release rate. Additionally, Columbia County residents will have a low cost spay/neuter clinic, which will also providing low cost vaccinations and wellness checks for those who cannot otherwise afford the service.

The clinic will cost $130,000 to build and is scheduled to break ground in April. Several donors have stepped up with donations large, small, and everywhere in between. The sales of Humane Society t-shirts are helping offset the cost. This clinic is dependent on the community’s support. “Saving lives is strictly a community The clinic will cost $130,000 to build and is scheduled to break effort,” Griffin said. The shelter is not funded by the government ground in April. Several donors have stepped up with donations for any of the life saving efforts; it is strictly on a donation basis. large, small, and everywhere in between. The sales of Humane Society helping off set thethe cost.

This clinicstory. is dependent “Wet-shirts don’tarealways know animal’s on the community’s support. “Saving lives is strictly a community Most of them have been picked up in the streets effort,” Griffin said. The shelter is not funded by the government a saving lot ofeff times areonscared, ” basis. for any ofand the life orts; itthey is strictly a donation

–Dale Griffin story.

“We don’t always know the animal’s Most of them have been picked up in the streets and a lot of times they are scared,”

S H O W YO U R S U P P O R T ! spring

S H O W YO U R

Purchase Your S UMerchandise PPORT! On-line!

Purchase Your Merchandise On-line!

–Dale Griffin

Dale Griffin One of the most rewarding experiences as a shelter employee or volunteer is to witness animals going into good homes and receiving the love and care they deserve. “We don’t always know Dale Griffinstory. Most of them have been picked up in the the animal’s streets and a lot of times they are scared,” Griffin explained. The One of the most rewarding experiences as a shelter employee shelter provides comfort and care for each animal, and works or volunteer is to witness animals going into good homes and to find loving homes for animals that would otherwise have no receiving the love and care they deserve. “We don’t always know chance at a better life. Many people who adopt animals return the animal’s story. Most of them have been picked up in the to the shelter later to show employees and volunteers photos of streets and a lot of times they are scared,” Griffin explained. The the animals that have become part of their family. shelter provides comfort and care for each animal, and works to loving homes for animals thatthis would have no Thefind shelter can only continue to do withotherwise the community’s chance a better life. people who adopt animals return support.atTo donate, goMany to LakeCityHumane.org.

Donations can to the later andShelter volunteers of also beshelter dropped offtoorshow takenemployees to: 1392 NW Glen,photos Lake City, the animals that have become part of their family.

FL 32055. Proudly wear the Humane Society t-shirt to let others know you are a supporter of the Humane Society’s life saving The shelter can only continue to do this with the community’s mission. support. To donate, go to LakeCityHumane.org. Donations can also be dropped off or taken to: 1392 NW Shelter Glen, Lake City, FL 32055. Proudly wear the Humane Society t-shirt to let others know you are a supporter of the Humane Society’s life saving mission.

Purchase your merchandise On-line at: https://stores.inksoft.com/lakecityhumanesociety/shop/home

H O W TO G I V E :

Purchase your merchandise On-line at: https://stores.inksoft.com/lakecityhumanesociety/shop/home This is the community’s opportunity to share in saving the lives of animals right in our own backyard. Every donation is valuable, whether it is $5 to $5,000 or more, it is the fact of participating. Use this campaign as a teaching moment for children. Bring them to visit the shelter, become educated This is the community’s opportunity to share in saving the on the value of caring for animals and allow them to bring lives of animals right in our own backyard. Every donation a donation. This will be very impactful! To donate, go to is valuable, whether it is $5 to $5,000 or more, it is the fact of LakeCityHumane.org. Donations can also be dropped off or participating. Use this campaign as a teaching moment for taken to: 1392 NW Shelter Glen, Lake City, FL 32055. children. Bring them to visit the shelter, become educated on the value of caring for animals and allow them to bring a donation. This will be very impactful! To donate, go to LakeCityHumane.org. Donations can also be dropped off or taken to: 1392 NW Shelter Glen, Lake City, FL 32055.

H O W TO G I V E :

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On a Beautiful Mission

By: Befaithful Coker

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spring

What do you get when you take a bunch of spunk-filled, retired, yet active Christian women?

Answer: The color-coordinated Traveling Shoes Dancing Team that rehearses weekly for showcasing throughout the community!

Peering from the background, the ladies filled the room with aromas of Southern dishes, hearty laughter, and sisterly fellowship. The founder of the group, Betty Goggins, hosted the monthly gathering.

Her beautifully decorated home embraced the colors of spring with bold turquoise, green, and silver-trimmed dÊcor. The brunch menu included seared pot roast, cornbread dressing, fruit salad, watergate salad, crème brulee, and sweet potato pie.

Betty began Traveling Shoes a year ago after retirement from thirty years of teaching in the Columbia County School System. She reached her concept of an empowering fellowship with courageous women, embracing this with no reluctance. Charlie Thomas, another school system retiree, and an original member of the group, attributes the special mixture of combined interests to loving God and praise dancing, the glue that keeps the members excited about rehearsals and performances.

Marvyne Waters, another original member and retired social worker, embraces the friendship, exercise, and dancing throughout the community.

After tasting the colorful deviled eggs, you appreciate the time and attention the ladies put into preparing to come together.

Another original member, Gaynell Lee, attributes it to the exciting choreography, opportunities to meet new people, and the excitement that benefits the community.

She expresses her elation of empowerment as she and the other middle-aged women display routines with collaborated choreography for community display.

Two of the newest members, Cassandra Tunsil and Thelma Jean, share how inspired they were as observers to eventually join the group and reap the expressed benefits of fellowship and exposure to the community as symbols of opportunities for women to remain active in creative ways.

The group has a permanent cheerleader in Debra Tunsil, who expressed her fulfillment watching the ladies and the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reactions to the coordinated group, praising God through dance and praise.

Just as scrumptious as the meal was the huge smiles and genuine sisterhood shared among the group.

The Traveling Shoes is a beautiful group of ladies on a beautiful mission to add an experienced flavor to praising God! Members not present include Dee Watson, Brenda Combs, Carrie Alexander, Delores Meritt, Lynda Elliott, Freedia Timmons, and Oni Allen.

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Spring Picnic Brunch with the Hosford Family

By Jeweliana Register Photography: Delaine Spradley Photography

34

spring

Spring has sprung, and what better way to celebrate the fresh air and nice sunny days than with a picnic-style brunch?

The Hosford family takes us along as they spend quality family time enjoying a few of their favorite recipes. Celebrate spring in style with these delicious Southern treats made with local Thomas Honey, sweet cane syrup from Foster Farms, and fresh produce from KC’s.

Trey & Bridget Hosford with their three daughters Destin, Sydney, and Harper

This family certainly bleeds Columbia High School Tiger purple and gold! From their beautiful daughters Destin, Sydney and Harper’s love for the Velvetine Rabbit to their homey backyard picnic, this spring brunch is what dreams are made of. Trey and Bridget are excited to share these awesome recipes with Family Magazine, and we can’t wait to dig in!

Design and Decor by Shannon Hall of Southern Elegance Events and Angie Neeley of The Velvet Farmhouse Photography by Delaine Spradley Photography Flower design by Cathy Jo Foster of Sunsations Flower Shop

This family certainly bleeds Columbia

Catering by Tracy Hicks of Catering for All Occasions

High School Tiger

Produce provided by Charles and Angie Neeley of KC’s Produce

purple and gold!

Honey provided by Thomas Honey Co. Cane Syrup provided by Foster Farms

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spring Trey has been principal at Columbia High School for about a year and a half and has enjoyed every minute of it.

As principal, Trey hopes to see higher graduation rates by utilizing three tracks to success: advanced placement courses, vocational courses and dual enrollment courses at Florida Gateway College. Mr. Hosford is also working towards creating a positive, inviting environment for students that allows them to take ownership and pride in their campus. Student-led school beautification projects have brought forth new life to the halls of CHS with inspirational quotes and artistic touches on once blank walls and bathroom stalls.

“I am so proud of Trey and what he has done and is doing at CHS,” Bridget says.

“He really has a strong passion to make CHS a place where kids want to come and work hard to succeed.”

Bridget has been a member of the CHS family for years as well, now serving in the role of career specialist. Her main goal is to create opportunities for students and assist in increasing graduation rates. With the distribution of standardized testing like PERT, ACT and SAT, students are given the chance to meet graduation requirements in a variety of ways. Bridget is also in charge of volunteer hours, online courses and student scholarships.

“Working at the high school, with me being principal and my wife working there, I think sometimes it can be a difficult job for Bridget. Not everybody is going to like me, and she has to have thick skin,” Trey says. “I think she’s done an amazing job this year and a half of supporting me, believing in me, and believing in what we’re doing in this

Trey & Bridget Hosford

school. She’s also been an amazing wife who does a pretty good job at home, too.”

Their three daughters Destin, Sydney and Harper, attend Eastside Elementary School and will be members of the Columbia High School class of 2027, 2029 and 2030, respectively. The Hosfords expressed how much they love attending school functions as a family, whether it is the CHS Top Talent show, sporting events, or any of the homecoming festivities.

“They love it. They’ve gotten to know a lot of the students and student athletes,” Trey expresses. “They look up to them, as do a lot of our elementary students in our county.”

When it comes to the best part of their jobs, both Trey and Bridget expressed how much they enjoyed the action at graduation. Watching a child walk across the stage on Columbia High School’s football field is one of the proudest moments for these two who work so closely with them.

“It’s an unbelievable moment just seeing those kids, knowing some of the adversities and difficulties they’ve had to face and seeing them make it,” Trey explains. “I’ve been pretty fortunate in my eight years of administration now to see some pretty cool things, but I don’t think anything tops graduation night and seeing kids when they finally make it there. It’s pretty special.” ~ Trey Hosford 36

spring

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spring

DOROTHY CLYATT’S PEA PICKIN’ CAKE Base ingredients: 1 pack of yellow cake mix 1 small can mandarin oranges with juice 4 eggs 1 cup cooking oil Filling: 1 large cool whip 1 large can of crushed pineapple with juice 1 small pack instant vanilla pudding mix Beat all base ingredients together in a large bowl. Bake in 3 separate greased cake pans at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool thoroughly before icing.

Combine crushed pineapples and pineapple juice with the instant pudding mix. Fold the mixture into the cool whip until smooth. Spread the filling between the layers of the cake and ice the exterior. Garnish as desired and enjoy!

BROCCOLI SALAD

1 cup mayo 1/2 cup sweetened, dried cranberries 3 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons vinegar 7 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets 1/2 cup shelled sunflower seeds 8 slices of bacon: crisp-cooked, drained and crumbled In a large bowl, combine the mayo, cranberries, sugar and vinegar. Next, add in the broccoli. Stir the mixture well to coat the broccoli. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Before serving, stir in sunflower seeds and bacon. Serve cold.

HONEY-CHICKEN SALAD

4 cups chopped cooked chicken 3 celery ribs, diced (about 1 1/2 cups) 1 cup sweetened, dried cranberries 1 1/2 cups mayo 1/3 cup honey 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper Combine the cooked chicken, celery ribs and sweetened dried cranberries in a bowl. Whisk together the mayo, honey, salt and pepper in a separate bowl.

Add the paste to chicken mixture, stirring gently until combined. Serve on croissants.

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spring

Going the Extra Mile for Their Clients

By Joy H. Coleman Photography by Dr. Terri Andrews Photography

Rob and Mary Hockett have lived in their home for 14 years.

Over time, they’ve remodeled, added on, raised children, and continue to care for their extended family. He’s the primary cook, being a trained sous chef and experienced restaurant manager for 48 years. She’s the family baker.

They’d talked about changing their small galley kitchen for years, but he wasn’t quite ready to take down the brick that created the interior wall. One day, on a whim, Mary laughs, “we were just out and about, looking. We happened to stop in to see what was in Kitchen World. We had no idea there was a showroom or a designer in the back.”

They met Dale King, the designer. Within a week, he came to their home, created several designs, and the rest is their happy history. In one exciting trip, they chose a design,

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picked cabinets and hardware, and a stunning quartz countertop, and the renovation began!

Kitchen World offers a free design service, cabinets, hardware, countertops, backsplashes, and window treatments. Quietly, Mary shares, “I’m so proud of our renovation. My husband works hard for us and has provided so much over the years.

This is just another example of how he loves us.”

Dale King notes, “like so many kitchens from the 80s or

spring King counsels, “there are planning ideas that need to be considered before a successful redesign: a) do you want to keep the same footprint of the room or are you willing to change the layout; b) are you willing to move the electrical and plumbing arrangements; c) how much will changing those things cost and how much of a budget is required?”

BEFORE 90s, theirs was small and a bit dark. I’m pleased to see the terrific transformation our design has provided the Hocketts.

We opened up the kitchen to a more modern space with a peninsula counter, providing a wider view of the living room. We updated the cabinets and hardware, moved the refrigerator, and widened the doorway.”

“The Hocketts were wonderful. They went the extra mile with the transformation. For families who’ve been in a home for a while and have gotten used to it being a certain way, it’s difficult to see that space from a new perspective. It can be very awkward trying something new. In their case, we changed the footprint but kept the same plumbing and electrical arrangement. It worked out perfectly,” he continues. ” They were so open and willing to consider options. Beyond the uncertainty, once the project’s finished, it’s a whole new world!”

Later changes include recessed lighting in the kitchen and hallway, laundry room, and under-cabinet lighting. Mary shares, “it feels so much lighter and open. We finished with pendant lights above the peninsula, which my husband chose. If you want to make a statement, hang them over an area you want to highlight.”

“As a designer, we love being able to support and inform all kinds of clients.

Some have seen what they like in a friend’s home or on a TV show; some may have saved magazine pages with ideas of what they’d like. Some don’t have a clue until we’ve been given the opportunity to create several design options. That’s what we do—help each one choose what they like instead of herding them down a path that doesn’t really suit them.”

“Today there are designs strongly seen in our area. Shaker style cabinets (a flat door front with a flat panel not as ornate as seen recently) are preferred, as are more painted (gray or white) cabinets. We provide different solid-wood cabinetry lines plus a custom shop where ‘if you can dream it, we can build it’ happens daily.”

Kitchen World is one of four sister showrooms. The Lake City office is the only location for building all cabinets for the region-wide company. You can literally pull in, choose kitchen or bath cabinets, countertops, fireplace surround and hearths, backsplashes, and window treatments in one location. Our professional team understands good customer service really means staying focused on your needs.”

Kitchen World provides a free design service. King offers to take what you’ve got and make it better or provide options to update your home, fitting new designs to your budget. He notes, “it’s surprising to realize how little it costs to change an entire room with a little design ingenuity.”

and roller shades. Also favored are the new dynamic twin light shades providing opaque or blackout capability.

Gina Heimer, design consultant, specializes in custom window treatments. Popular are plantation shutters, two-inch wood blinds, custom draperies, woven wood shades,

Lake City customer Lois Crist chose the plantation shutters. “We were wandering around, looking for solar shades. We needed privacy that didn’t require a great deal of care, but loved the 25-year warranty. Gina offered us choices but didn’t push anything on us. From the beginning, we knew she supported what worked for us. Our shutters were a great choice!”

Heimer continues, “the best we offer is a full design service with continued personal service well after the sale. We’re a familyowned and operated company committed to giving the best possible experience in our community. We’re going to take care of you because we understand good service and intend to continue offering the best to our community.”

Gina Heimer

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spring

“Today there are designs strongly seen in our area. Shaker style cabinets (a flat door front with a flat panel not as ornate as seen recently) are preferred, as are more painted (gray or white) cabinets. We provide different solid-wood cabinetry lines plus a custom shop where ‘if you can dream it, we can build it’ happens daily.”

—Dale King

Kitchen World www.kitchenworldjax.com Marble Today: Lake City 2698 S. Marion Ave Lake City, FL 32025 (386) 755-7884

King continues, “At Marble Today, we fabricate granite and quartz countertops at our state-of-theart 24,000 square-foot facility in Palatka. We’re proud to be able to ensure countertops are precisely measured, cut, polished, inspected, delivered and installed. We’ve invested millions to ensure the best possible service. The centerpiece of our technology is RoboCut, the stone industry’s only high-production dual-table waterjet/saw robot. Integrating both a high-pressure waterjet and a 20-horsepower directdrive saw allows us to produce a finished product, providing a uniquely precise result every time.”

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spring

Games to encourage the children to stow away the electronics and engage in family dialogue.

5

g n i n i a t r e t En

ROAD TRIP GAMES By: Jeweliana Register

Spring is in the air, and while that means April showers and May flowers, it also means that you may be venturing out into the warm weather for a little getaway. Whether you are looking to take a drive to the beach for some fresh, salty air, or head up north to visit family, these games are sure to keep all the children in your family (and even the adults who are kids at heart) happy during your journey.

I-SPY This game is an oldie but a goodie! There are a few potential ways to engage in this scavenger-hunt-like game, one of them being choosing categories for the clues. Some possible categories could be first letters or colors. For example, if you are giving hints about seeing a deer, you might say “I spy with my little eye something that begins with the letter d!” If you are using colors, you may say “I spy with my little eye something that is brown.” There are many different ways to play this game, so find the one that works best for your little ones and get to spying!

THE LICENSE PLATE GAME If you are driving through a long stretch of road with not too many fun things to spy, you may consider playing the license plate game. With this game, you will need to pick a state (or a few if you are feeling up to the challenge) and look for as many license plates from that state as possible. This could be an ongoing game or have a specific end point. Keep a mental note of the number of plates you have eyed and pick up the fun again on your way back home.

“CARPOOL KARAOKE” James Corden of the “Late Late Show” may have carpool karaoke down to a science, but that

44

does not mean that your family shouldn’t enjoy a nice Adele sing-along as well. If your family is looking for a way to pass the time, music can always help! So, turn on the radio or plug in your aux cord, try to remember the words, and sing your heart out!

Don’t worry—your family won’t judge your singing… too much!

PUNCH BUGGY Punch buggy, no punch back! There is something so exciting about seeing a VW bug on the road. To put a twist on the classic game, consider looking for a specific color of Volkswagen bug, or consider a reward for the winner of the game once you reach your destination. Allowing your family to punch each other for a game may seem like a bit of a nightmare, but the game is a classic for long road trips.

WOULD YOU RATHER? This pastime is always fun! For this game, you will want to come up with two equally horrible scenarios and ask your passengers which one they would rather do. An example is “Would you rather eat spiders every day for breakfast or never be able to brush your teeth again?”

While these questions may be a little, well, horrible, this game is guaranteed to make your car ride more interesting!

While there are hundreds of games you can play to entertain your posse during a long trip, these five are sure to awaken imaginations and help pass the time. So, get packed, hit the road, and don’t fear the iPad dying too quickly and the coloring pages being full before you even hit the next state line. Enjoy some of these favorite car ride pastimes, and enjoy your quality time with your family!

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spring

March of Dimes A Strong Support System

By Hayli Zucolla

For one day a year, a five-mile stretch near Lake DeSoto fills with crowds of people dressed in white and purple who come together as volunteers and participants in the March of Dimes’ annual Suwannee Valley March for Babies.

between kickoff and the march is the fundraising season.

During this period, individuals or teams raise money for the March of Dimes with the hope of reaching their new goal, which is $52,000 for this year’s Suwannee Valley march.

The March of Dimes was founded 80 years ago during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt who created the program in order to find a cure for polio, also known as infantile paralysis, a disease that left the president paralyzed from the waist down. The organization, which was originally named the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, eventually found a cure for polio and changed their name and their mission: to prevent birth defects and fight for the health of all moms and babies—and just like that, the March of Dimes became what it is today.

According to Jackson, participants raise donations in a number of ways like selling chocolate bars, having a yard sale, or organizing a car wash. When the march finally rolls around, it symbolizes the end of the fundraising season and, hopefully, culminates in the celebration of reaching the charity’s financial goal.

Over the foundation’s history, the March of Dimes has conducted research to prevent and diagnose birth defects not limited to prematurity. This research has led to what are now routine checks for newborns such as an Apgar score, which assesses the overall health of a baby, and a heel prick test, which checks for certain health conditions. They discovered that there are things moms can do to help lower their child’s risk of birth defects. For example, Vanessa Jackson, the Development Manager of the Suwannee Valley and Putnam County March for Babies, notes that the March of Dimes suggests taking folic acid during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida.

To fund this research, the March of Dimes holds the annual March for Babies walk. A few weeks before the march, the organization hosts a kickoff event. The time

46

“My daughter spent 86 days in Shands’ NICU—her first 86 days of life—and we are very grateful to that organization (March of Dimes) because without them, her survival—her chance of survival, would have been much slimmer.”

—Misty Olive While many participate in the march for philanthropic reasons, some have a personal connection to the March of Dimes.

Leading up to the birth of her daughter, Misty Olive’s pregnancy was fairly normal until she developed preeclampsia or high blood pressure. This eventually led Misty to have an emergency cesarean section. At just 27 weeks, daughter Kendall came in to the world weighing

spring

Suwannee Valley March for Babies 9 a.m., Saturday, May 5th Darby Pavilion at Wilson Park Lake City, Florida

Linda Williams, Shirley Lick, Vanessa Jackson/ MOD Development Manager, Rachel Shelley and Karen Green

Ambassador Family Keith, Misty and Kendall Olive

a mere one pound and 13 ounces. She spent a total of 86 days in the UF Health Shands’ Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Kendall was given a surfactant to help expand and develop her lungs, a procedure with research funded by the March of Dimes.

“Even though the March of Dimes is there to support you, it can get be very lonely sitting in that NICU...your life is kind of put on hold, (and) your family’s life continues outside,” Misty recalls of her time in the hospital with Kendall.

Kendall Olive, Ambassador

Two years later, “(Kendall) is a healthy, thriving, full-of-life, strong-willed little girl,” Misty says.

Misty and her family have been chosen to be the 2018 March for Babies and have been selected as this year’s family ambassadors. They are thrilled to promote all activities of the March of Dimes from their research, their presence in the hospital, to providing occasional lunches to anxiety-ridden parents.

“I encourage everyone to participate. The main reason is to raise awareness and to fully understand what they do and what the organization supports,” she says. “My daughter spent 86 days in Shands’ NICU—her first 86 days

of life—and we are very grateful to that organization because without them, her survival—her chance of survival, would have been much slimmer.”

The Suwannee Valley March for Babies will be held Saturday, May 5th at Darby Pavilion at Wilson Park.

The registration for the five-mile walk begins at 8 a.m., and the walk begins at 9. To donate to Misty’s team, Team Kendall Reece, or to start your own team, visit marchforbabies.org.

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spring

Celia Martin

LIVING HER BUCKET LIST

By Joy H. Coleman

Orthodontist Celia S. Martin, DMD, recently took a cycling trip to Lake Constance, a vast lake connecting Germany, Austria and Switzerland in an overlooked corner of Europe. This is her fifth cycling trip.

48

spring “We usually travel with Vermont Biking Tours. We started out going to Croatia in Central Europe. Later we traveled the California Wine Country and the Pacific Coast, then the Loire Valley in France, the Tuscan Coast and the Tyrrhenian Sea. This past trip in 2017 was to Lake Constance. In 2018, we’ll travel Ireland,” Dr. Martin explains.

To train for the recent trip, she continued her regular weight training and riding the 16.5-mile Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. She rides weekly with two cycling groups: one is family and friends; the other is a women’s group, “Gator Chicks on Bikes.”

This inveterate traveler reports, “Vermont Biking Tours takes great care of us. There’s always someone on the road with us and someone on the van support shuttle behind us. The trip includes two local, expert, bilingual trip leaders; guided sightseeing; full immersion in the cultural life; daily maps and directions; accommodations; a welcome reception; and many lunches and dinners.”

“I’ve enjoyed having local guides and meals with local families.

It gives me so much more of an authentic flavor of an area, its people and culture. I’ve always felt safe traveling with VBT as they keep us off the beaten path. We bike the entire route, and many of us in the group take the opportunity to add an extra leg to our daily cycling distance.”

VBT provides a road bike or a hybrid, so Dr. Martin didn’t ship her personal bike. She notes, “some riders take their own shoes and pedals or a seat and helmet, but VBT also gets traveler’s measurements to provide the best bike possible as a part of the original price.”

SLOW DOWN TO SEE THE WORLD WITH A BIKING OR WALKING TOUR Guided and supported cycling trips are among the best vacations you can take. You get a slower-paced, up-close look at whatever destination you choose, enjoying the scenery and back roads in a way you just cannot appreciate as much from a car window. You get exercise while still enjoying a relaxing vacation, and because you work up an appetite, the food is even more enjoyable and guilt-free.

You don’t need to be an avid cyclist to enjoy these trips, you just have to know how to ride a bike and be moderately fit.

Each trip is rated for difficulty overall, from easy to avid, and there are multiple route choices of varying lengths every day to accommodate the occasional rider to families with kids in tow to hardcore high-mileage junkies. But what the best cycling trips have in common is they are not self-supported: someone moves your luggage, maps the routes, chooses the better hotels and restaurants, arranges tours and special experiences, and maintains the bikes. All you have to do is show up and ride. This is a far more enjoyable experience than carrying all your luggage and gear wherever you go.

For more information, visit vbt.com. They offer both biking and walking tours.

“Our riding group is competitive—we’re a bunch of overachievers. We don’t allow complainers; everyone’s got to be able to roll with the punches and fix their own tires. Home is in Gainesville, but of course, each of us brings new friends along for our training rides or travel. In our group, everyone knows someone, but rarely does everyone know everybody.“

Above left: Biking along sunflower fields Right: The starting point for Gator Chicks on Bikes

49

spring Summit of Zugspitz with Dr. Martin on the far right.

The group stays in hotels, usually two nights in each hotel. The general pattern is to cycle to a town and the next day cycle both ways to different sites of interest. Then they ride to the next town. There are times when it is necessary to take a train or bus to get from place to place. For example, they take riders from the airport on a bus to get to the trip’s starting point.

This particular excursion focused on the area around Lake Constance. Dr. Martin says, “I really did not think this trip would be as exciting as it was. I went for the camaraderie, but the tenday trip with easy bike paths through towns framed by snowcapped peaks was beyond my expectations...I was amazed at the places, people, and sights. We always see great places on these trips, but this one had so many.”

The cultural highlights were almost too many to list: the crafts of Bregenzerwald, a floating stage in Bregenz; St. Gallen’s Baroque Cathedral and Library; a Stone and Bronze Age archaeological site; and a walking tour of the town of Constance. She notes, “the list would go on and on. Suffice to say, it was a surprise and terrific.”

She shares what she enjoyed the most:  Visiting the site of the 1936 Summer Olympics hosted by

Hitler’s Germany. 

Seeing the Neuschwanstein Castle, which is a 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany. This is the dream castle from which the Cinderella Castle in Disney World is replicated.



Crossing Austria’s 200-meter (656.168 feet) Holzgau Suspension Bridge that spans the Höhenbach Gorge.



Drinking steins of beer at the Hoffbrauhaus during Oktoberfest.

H E A LT H B E N E F I T S O F R E G U L A R C Y C L I N G :

• Protection from stroke, heart attack, some cancers, depression, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis

• Increased cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, flexibility,

strengthened bones, posture, coordination, and life longevity

• Decreased stress and body fat levels and reduced anxiety/ depression by release of feel-great hormones

• Boost in brain power and prevention of Alzheimer’s • Faster recovery from injuries Resources: organicfacts.net | bicycling.com

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spring climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. In a different trip, she hiked across Antarctica with National Geographic, taking the difficult and renowned Shackleton’s Crossing in 2003.

Her father’s advice is what she would share with all students graduating high school: “When I was very young, my father told me to choose work you love and you’ll never work a day.”

Above: Dr. Celia Martin and fellow cyclist Robbie Stringfellow viewing Neuschwanstein Castle.

Below: Crossing the suspension bridge spanning the Höhenbach Gorge at Holzgau.

Dr. Martin has an admirable view of life. At age 12 her mother, an anesthesiologist, shared a philosophy that has remained with her daughter: “There are three ways in this world that you acquire money. The first is you inherit it; the second is you marry it, which carries a heavy price tag; the third is you find a career you love and make your own money.”

The majority of her family members are physicians. At 29, she returned to dental college seeking her next degree and graduated the University of Florida Dental College in 1984.

In travel and in her professional career, she shares, “I love my work. I get to make a difference in lives. There is no “hump day” for me, wishing it was closer to the weekend. I’m happy doing what I do. I get to live my bucket list. I don’t think I’ll quit work.

If possible, I’ll do this forever. Retirement’s not for me!”

Dr. Martin has been a practicing dentist and orthodontist in Lake City for 27 years. Her practice has been lauded with special achievements including being named to the National Advisory Committee for 3-M Unitek and being named to the Academy of Women Dentist and Operative Dentistry. She is a past faculty of the University of Florida Dental School.

Dr. Martin has an impressive travel/vacation list: In 1999, she was a member of Great Aspirations, an 11-person team that cross-country skied the North Pole. Later that year, she

Her public service involvement includes being an Altrusa member and being a strong community supporter of youth activities and sports.

D O Y O U D R E A M A B O U T A C Y C L I N G VA C AT I O N B U T H AV E D O U B T S ?

H E R E A R E E I G H T R E A S O N S T O J U S T D O I T. 1. COMPACT CONTINENT, MANY COUNTRIES

4. EUROVELO

Europe is our smallest continent, but contains 50 countries, allowing cycling through many countries, each with their culture and cuisine.

EuroVelo is “the website for people interested in cycling in Europe.” It’s a cycle route network connecting the European continent.

Spain, Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona, Hundertwasser in Vienna, old castles in Germany, and Bilbao modern museums. There is no other continent blessed with this array of masterpieces.

2. MEMORIES

5. FOOD & DRINK

7. BIKE CULTURE

Exploring big cities or remote villages provides memories of a lifetime. See rolling vineyards, riverside castles, and some of the world’s fabled rivers.

Cyclists may be the only group who can eat and drink and not worry about gaining weight or losing their health. Europe provides options: tapas in Spain, French cheeses, Viennese coffees and pastries, Hungarian goulash, Belgian chocolates, Czech Absinthe, Italian Tiramisu, Slivovitz in Slovakia, and beer in Germany. What’s not to like?

Bike shops are everywhere. Hotels and restaurants are marketed to two-wheeled travelers. Kiosks on bike paths meet cycling needs. Trains feature baggage and passenger cars geared to cyclists. Local riders are ready to assist.

3. GREAT INFRASTRUCTURE

Europe is the world leader in cycling infrastructure. Here are the best bike paths including long-distance cycling paths like the Danube Bike Trail, snaking through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary or the 1,200 km Tour de Manche along the English Channel in France and England.

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6. ARCHITECTURE

Enjoy Gothic cathedrals in England and Central Europe, spectacular renaissance villas in Italy, Moorish influence in

8. ARTISTIC & NATURAL BEAUTY

Beautiful coastlines, snow-capped Alps, the finest theatre and concerts, modern art museums, folklore, modernity, the Roman Coliseum, Venetian canals... there is no end to what you’ll experience.

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spring

Lives:

Transforming

The Pregnancy Care Center

By Jeweliana Register

E

stablished on June 14, 1985, the Pregnancy Crisis Center was formed by three people who loved life and wanted to ensure that options were given to those who found themselves in unplanned pregnancies. In 2009, the center’s name was changed to the Pregnancy Care Center, where the staff gives care to pregnant women every step of the way.

The Pregnancy Care Center has now been open for over 32 years and have made a difference in the community every day their doors are open. Their ministry has grown due to the generous donations of time, money and prayer from supporters. In July of 2017, a remodeled Lake City location was officially opened. Thanks to the kindness and continuous support of Lester and Anne Scaff, the new building serves as a symbol of hope for those who feel hopeless and offers healing to those who feel broken.

“Lester and Anne both loved the unborn and wanted to see each one have the chance to live their full life. Mr. Scaff authorized the memorial to his wife just prior to his passing in 2016. Donna Sandage, executive director of the Pregnancy Care Center, expresses the center’s gratitude, “We are so grateful for the impact they had on many lives through the Pregnancy Care Center.”

With three locations in Lake City, Live Oak, and Jasper, the Pregnancy Care Center’s reach continues to expand. Each location offers a four-part ministry to reach women and men at any stage of the pregnancy to promote Our desire life and encourage healing.

is for our clients to feel there is hope, there is help, and they are loved.

“We have four parts to our ministry. First, we’re pro-life and we believe that every baby deserves the chance at life. We want every mom to know their options. A lot of women who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy feel hopeless and helpless, and don’t know what to do or who to turn to, and abortion is just there. It seems easy; it seems like a fast, quick, easy way out and that’s what they go for,” Sandage explains. “We want them to come to us and let us show them the truth about life...show them that there are

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spring options and there is hope. There’s help, there’s love, and there’s another way.is ” hope. There’s help, there’s love, options and there and there’s another way.the ” four parts of Sandage went on to explain

Sandageeach wentas onimportant to explainas the four parts their ministry, the last.

Theof ministry, each as important as the last. The centertheir offers free pregnancy tests to any woman centerin offto ersverify free pregnancy tests to any woman who comes they are pregnant.

Once who comes in to verify they are pregnant.

Once pregnancy is determined, they offer free ultrasounds pregnancy is determined, they off er free ultrasounds as early as eight weeks so the mother can as early eight weeks so the mother can experience theasbaby’s heartbeat. experience the baby’s heartbeat.

“We want the mom to see that it’s a life. When they “We pregnant, want the mom see feel thatit; it’sthey a life.

When they are newly they to don’t don’t are newly pregnant, they don’t feel it; they don’t know they are. They’ve just been told that they are. they them are. They’ve justlife been told that they are.

We canknow connect with that at eight weeks.

We can connect them with that life at eight weeks.

We do an ultrasound and we can see the heartbeat, ” We do an ultrasound and we can see the heartbeat,” Sandage explains. “We see that little baby and Sandage explains. “We see that little baby and they understand that it is a life. They at least they understand that it is a life. They at least have the truth.” have the truth.”

The Pregnancy Care Center’s ultrasounds The Pregnancy Care Center’s ultrasounds are completed by volunteer, trained are completed by volunteer, trained sonographers.

All the centers operate on a on a sonographers. All the centers operate largelylargely volunteer basis,basis, so thesostaff volunteer the expresses staff expresses how blessed they feel to have so many greatgreat how blessed they feel to have so many volunteers who make the ministry possible.

The The volunteers who make the ministry possible. sonogram machines in all three of their facilities sonogram machines in all three of their facilities were donated by the Knights of Columbus, a men’s were donated by the Knights of Columbus, a men’s organization associated with the Catholic church organization associated with the Catholic church that strives to provide everyevery pregnancy care center that strives to provide pregnancy care center with sonogram machines.

Dr. David Stewart and Dr. with sonogram machines.

Dr. David Stewart and Dr. Michael CotterCotter serve serve as medical directors over over the the Michael as medical directors facility,facility, and Cindy Horvath, ARNP,ARNP, serves as the and Cindy Horvath, serves asnurse the nurse manager who oversees all volunteer sonographers. manager who oversees all volunteer sonographers.

In addition to these resources, the Pregnancy In addition to these great great resources, the Pregnancy Care Center off ers support for those who choose Care Center offers support for those who choose life. life.

They offerparenting 250 parenting classes for mothers new mothers They off er 250 classes for new and fathers to how learnto how be good parents. and fathers to learn beto good parents.

Sandage explained that the center believes Sandage explained that the center believes in in empowering than enabling, so these classes empowering ratherrather than enabling, so these classes are ‘earn while you learn, ’ meaning for each course are ‘earn while you learn,’ meaning for each course the parents attend, theygiven are given “Mommy Money” the parents attend, they are “Mommy Money” and “Daddy Dollars” to purchase items for their and “Daddy Dollars” to purchase items for their in Cathy’s Closet.

The items in Cathy’s Closet babiesbabies in Cathy’s Closet.

The items in Cathy’s Closet range from gently used items to new items with range from gently used items to new items with tags. All the items are donated from the community tags. All the items are donated from the community and help set these new mothers and fathers up for and help set these new mothers and fathers up for success. Whether it is diapers, clothing or car seats, success. Whether it is diapers, clothing or car seats, the Pregnancy Care Center appreciates donations as the Pregnancy Care Center appreciates donations as a way to reward their clients for choosing to become a way to reward their clients for choosing to become good parents. good parents.

56

Alina Rioseco with her children Lania Maria Alina Rioseco Antonio. with her children Laniastaff Maria and Demetrius The center’s and Demetrius Antonio.

The center’s staff feels blessed to see Alina’s progress. feels blessed to see Alina’s progress.

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The final part of their ministry is lesser known The final part of their ministry Care is lesser known by the public.

The Pregnancy Center offers by the public. The Pregnancy Care Center offers post-abortion counseling. These sessions, entitled post-abortion counseling. These sessions, entitled “Surrendering the Secret,” are very private and “Surrendering the Secret,” are very private and confidential. Classes are taught by instructors who confidential. Classes are taught by instructors who have been in their shoes, so the ministry is very have been in their shoes, so the ministry is very personal, but over the course of eight weeks, the personal, but over the course of eight weeks, the women learn to surrender their secret and walk in women learn to surrender their secret and walk in forgiveness and freedom. forgiveness and freedom.

The Pregnancy Pregnancy Care CareCenter Centerhas hasaapassion passionfor for The providing care care to tothe themen menand andwomen womenof ofour our providing community.

With their wonderful volunteers and community. With their wonderful volunteers and their generous sponsors, the Pregnancy Care their generous sponsors, the Pregnancy Care Center has has brought broughtthe thetransforming transformingmessage messageofof Center Jesus Christ to 452 people, counseled 557men menand and Jesus Christ to 452 people, counseled 557 women, off offered ered1,959 1,959parenting parentingclasses, classes,and andinin2017 2017 women, alone, saved saved 57 57 unborn unbornbabies babiesfrom fromabortion. abortion. alone,

I will give thanks to You, for I am I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfullyand andwonderfully wonderfullymade; made; fearfully Wonderfulare areYour Yourworks, works, Wonderful Andmy mysoul soulknows knowsititvery verywell. well.

And Psalm139: 139:1414 Psalm

“We are are so so grateful gratefulto tothe thecommunity communitywho whobacks backs “We this great organization.

When you’re a nonprofi this great organization. When you’re a nonprofit t with nothing nothing guaranteed, guaranteed,and andyou youstay stayininbusiness business with 32 years, years, it’s it’s because becauseof ofthe thegreat greatcommunity communitythat that 32 backs you, you, and and the thebusinesses businessesthat thatback backyou. you.We We backs do not not take take that thatlightly; lightly;we weknow knowthat thatwe weare arehere here do because people peoplelove lovewhat whatwe wedo, do,and andwe wehonor honor because that,””Sandage Sandage expresses. expresses. that, “Our “Our desire desire isis for forour ourclients clientsto tofeel feelthere thereisishope, hope, there there is is help, help, and andthey theyare areloved. loved.That’s That’sour ourmission, mission, that’s that’s our our slogan, slogan,and andthat thatisiswhat whatwe wewant. want.We Wewant want them to leave here feeling hope when they thought them to leave here feeling hope when they thought it was was hopeless, hopeless,seeing seeingthat thatthere thereisishelp helpwhen whenthey they thought they were helpless, and they are loved thought they were helpless, and they are loved unconditionally unconditionallythrough throughthe thelove loveof ofChrist Christthrough through us. us. That’s That’s our our prayer prayerand andour ourmission. mission.””

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The Gathering Barn

Where Love Unfolds and Memories Begin!

Rheba Lee decided in 2008 their home had outgrown their gatherings of family and friends for entertaining. This is where husband, Ronnie, gets in the picture. Together the decision is made to build a gathering barn in 2009, a place where gatherings can be held, with plenty of room for all.

Upon entering the family gathering barn, you immediately sense tranquility and love. Rheba and Ronnie start sharing stories of the many vignettes enveloping the room. Precious memories are told of living family members as well as precious family memories of those gone long before.

A true rarity: this pristine â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;handâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of tobacco was gifted to Rheba by her daughter, Monica. It was discovered in a barn, on her father-in-lawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farm 35 years after the last harvest.

Initially, Rheba was contacted for her fame of cooking, in hopes of publishing some of her hard-sought-after recipes with Family Magazine. What we found was a woman with a love for community and family. Her phenomenal recipes include chicken and dumplings and coconut pecan cream cheese pound cake...

By Anne Smith Photography: Mac Photography

60

THE BARN

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2

COCONUT PECAN CREAM CHEESE POUND CAKE • 1 1/2 cups butter, softened (Butter not margarine) • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened • 3 cups sugar • 6 large eggs • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 cup bourbon or milk (or rum) • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted • 1/2 cup shredded coconut

1

3

5

(Continued on next page)

4 PHOTOS 1

Rheba and Ronnie Lee in front of a cedar barn door created by Ronnie with wood cut at his saw mill.

2 Rheba was the first Stephen Foster ‘Belle’ in 1967.

Her mother, Ms. Idell made the dress.

3&4 This quilt vignette is a tribute to Rheba’s mother, Idell Zorn Morgan. This is the last quilt Ms. Idell, along with her mother, pieced and quilted over 60 years ago. Ms. Idell was especially talented with crochet, as is evident by these intricate designs.

5 “Come Sit a Spell”: this slab of wood was milled

by Ronnie. Their daughter Monica Chambers beautifully painted the wooden slabs. This is just one of Monica’s many artistic creations.

6 The antique tobacco basket brings back a flood of memories to those who worked the farms in an earlier era.

7 The dessert corner is decorated for Spring. Doesn’t the sour cream pound cake look delicious? It was!

8 Military Wall: Ronnie’s family is a military family.

His father served in the Army in WWII, fighting at the Battle of the Bulge, and all his brothers served in the Navy. Ronnie himself served in the Coast Guard.

He was also selected to march in President John Kennedy’s Inaugural Parade.

6

7

8

Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating at medium speed until light and spring fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until the yolk disappears. Sift together flour and salt; add to butter mixture alternately(continued) with bourbon, beginning and ending with flour mixture. butter and just cream cheese at medium an electric Beat batterBeat at low speed until blended afterspeed eachwith addition.

Stir mixer until creamy.

Gradually add sugar, beating at medium in vanilla, pecans, and coconut. Pour batter into a greased and speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until the floured 12-cup tube pan. Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 30 minutes yolk disappears. Sift together flour and salt; add to butter mixture or until a long wooden inserted in center the cake alternately withpick bourbon, beginning andof ending with comes flour mixture. out clean. Beat Coolbatter in theatpan on a wire rack 10 minutes.

Remove fromStir low speed just until blended after each addition. pan; cool completely on wire rack. **Th e bourbon/rum gives this in vanilla, pecans, and coconut. Pour batter into a greased and floured 12-cup tube pan. and Bakeflat 325°but for 1you hour andsubstitute 30 minutes pound cake a wonderful aroma avor, may or until aoflong wooden pick inserted of pecans the caketo comes an equal amount milk, if desired.

Lightlyinflcenter our the keep out clean.

Cool in the pan on a wire rack 10 minutes.

Remove from from settling to the bottom of the cake batter.

RHEBA’S PIZZA

pan; cool completely on wire rack. **The bourbon/rum gives this pound cake a wonderful aroma and flavor, but you may substitute VEGETABLE an equal amount of milk, if desired. Lightly flour the pecans to keep from settling to the bottom of the cake batter.

• 2 packages crescent rolls RHEBA’S VEGETABLE PIZZA • 16 ounces cream cheese • 2 packages crescent rolls • 1 cup Hellman’s • 16 mayonnaise ounces cream cheese • 1 package Hidden • 1 cup Hellman’s Valley ranch dressing mayonnaise mix • 1 package Hidden • 1/2 cup radishes, Valley ranch dressing chopped mix • 1/2 cup radishes, • 1 cup carrots, chopped chopped • 1 cup broccoli, finely chopped • 1 cup carrots, chopped • 1 cup cauliflower, finely chopped • 1 cup broccoli, finely chopped • 1 cup fi•nely shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup caulifl ower, finely chopped

1 cup fi nely shredded cheddar cookie cheesesheet. Do not grease 1. Flatten •rolls in the bottom of 15-inch the pan.1.Bake 12-14 just of until lightcookie brown.

Cool Flatten rolls minutes in the bottom 15-inch sheet.

Do not grease completelythe pan. Bake 12-14 minutes just until light brown. Cool completely

2. Throughly mix cream cheese, mayonnaise and dressing mix Throughly cream cheese, mayonnaise and dressing mix together.2.Spread on mix cooled crust. together. Spread on cooled crust.

3. Sprinkle vegetables in layers on top of the cream cheese mixture.

3. Sprinkle vegetables in layers on top of the cream cheese mixture.

4. Sprinkle4.with the with cheese Sprinkle the cheese

5. Cover and refrigerate at least at 4 hours beforebefore cutting intointo 2-inch 5. Cover and refrigerate least 4 hours cutting 2-inch squares and serving. squares and serving.

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS Prepare chicken broth: • 2–3 pounds chicken • 2 cups chicken broth AND butter DUMPLINGS • CHICKEN 1 teaspoon • Prepare Water suffi cient to cover chicken broth: in pot •contents 2–3 pounds chicken • 2 cups chicken broth

You will also need to boil at • 1 teaspoon butter least 3 eggs to chop and add • Water sufficient to cover aftercontents makingindumplings. pot Dumplings: You will also need to boil at • least 2 cups flour, 3 eggsall-purpose to chop and add aft er making plus extra dumplings. for rolling dumplings • Dumplings: 1/2 teaspoon salt • •52tablespoons butter cups all-purpose flour, extra for rolling dumplings • 1 plus large egg 1/2cup teaspoon • •1/2 wholesalt milk • 5 tablespoons butter

• 1 large egg into a large stock pot. Add chicken broth and water.

Place the chicken • 1/2 cup whole milk is covered with water. Bring to a boil and Make sure the chicken reduce heat to simmer. Throughout cooking, skim away any foam that Place the chicken into a large stock pot. Add chicken broth and water. forms your Simmer for about 1 hour until Makeinsure thepot. chicken is covered with water.

Bring to achicken boil andis done and tender.

Remove chicken from the broth and allow to cool. reduce heat to simmer. Throughout cooking, skim away any foam that forms in your pot. Simmer for about 1 hour until chicken is done and

Debone the chicken once it is to handle. tender. Remove chicken from thecool brothenough and allow to cool. While deboning, discard undesired parts (skin, bones, etc.) Cut deboned Deboneinto the chicken oncepieces. it is cool enough to handle. While chicken bite-sized deboning, discard undesired parts (skin, bones, etc.) Cut deboned

chicken into bite-sized Now it’s time to preparepieces. your dumplings. Preparing the dumplings is Now easy.it’sMix flour, salt, egg, butterPreparing and milkthe indumplings a large bowl. timeyour to prepare your dumplings.

Continue to mix a ball forms. your board well is easy. Mix your until flour, salt, egg, butterFlour and milk incutting a large bowl. and begin to make your dumplings by rolling out the dough Continue to mix until a ball forms. Flour your cutting board well to about 1/8 inch ontoa make cutting board.

Use abysharp or dough pizza to cutter and begin your dumplings rollingknife out the aboutto cut 1/8 dough inch on into a cutting board. pieces.

Use a sharp knife or pizza to cut your bite-sized (Nowadays, you cutter can buy frozen your doughifinto pieces. you candumplings.) buy frozen dumplings youbite-sized don’t want the(Nowadays, bother of rolling dumplings if you don’t want the bother of rolling dumplings.)

Bring the chicken broth to a boil. Drop dumplings into boiling broth, Bring the chicken broth to a boil. Drop dumplings into boiling broth, ensuring submerged.Keep Keep dumplings sticking together ensuringthey they are are submerged. dumplings fromfrom sticking together bybyadding butter and dunking dumplings a fi nal time.

Reduce adding butter and dunking dumplings a final time. Reduce heat heat totomedium-low andcook cookfor for8 8toto minutes. boiled eggs and medium-low and 1010 minutes.

AddAdd boiled eggs and simmer until done.

Your dumplings are now ready to serve. simmer until done. Your dumplings are now ready to serve.

The Gathering The GatheringBarn Barn Where Memories WhereareMemories Made!

are Made!

62

Photo courtsey of: https://edgarsbakery.com/product/strawberry-cake

spring

Rheba Lee

Recipe Exclusive

RHEBA LEEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

STRAWBERRY PECAN CAKE Cake Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix 1/2 cup milk 1 small box strawberry Jell-O 4 eggs 1 cup Wesson oil 1 cup coconut 1 cup finely chopped strawberries 1 cup pecans, chopped

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THE

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64

Underwater caves diving at Ginnie Springs in High Springs, Florida

spring

FLORIDA’S UNDERWATER CAVES

By Hayli Zuccola

Below the emerald surface of Florida’s springs and rivers, well beyond the circling fi sh and clusters of eel grass dancing in the water’s current, is a limestone abyss that takes cave divers into a labyrinth of alluring tunnels and breathtaking scenery, creating an adventure like no other.

Tom Mount, a renowned pioneer and published author in technical diving, has spent over 40 years diving through reefs, oceans and caves despite the fact that during a fraction of this time, safety regulations and diving certifications weren’t commonplace. In 1991, Mount joined the already-established International Association of Nitrox Divers to form the new and improved International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers, which would offer training and certification in nearly all aspects of diving.

“We basically had four of us that had a lot of cave diving experience...Evidently we as individuals are doing something right—we’re still alive—so let’s combine our knowledge and... it grew from that,” he said.

Over the years, IANTD has expanded significantly. With its world headquarters in Lake City, the organization maintains offices in more than 25 countries and offers qualified instructors in over 60 countries.

Mount is also responsible for founding the National Association for Cave Diving, which was the first cave diver training agency in the United States.

With its land surrounded by water, speckled with springs and carved by rivers, Florida offers some of the best opportunities for cave-diving enthusiasts. For example, Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park in Live Oak attracts divers from all over the world and “features one of the longest

underwater cave systems in the continental United States,” according to floridastateparks.org. “(In) Florida we have some of the best cave dives in the world, and...this area is probably the best area for someone to train in cave diving...because you can dive basically every type of cave here...plus we typically have very clear—some of the most clear caves in the world,” Mount said.

With decades of experience, Mount considers cave diving and exploring what lies beneath these underwater grottos to be his favorite form of diving.

“It’s that age-old thing that drives people. You want to see where it goes, so you explore it. It’s a challenge to your technique and your skill—which when I first started doing cave diving, there were no real formalities in it, so we kind of learned by survival and developed the foundation for all the rules that are applied today,” he said.

The beauty that lies beneath our waterways is indescribable, which is why keeping it free of plastic and garbage is of the upmost importance, especially for Wayne Kinard, who is the owner of Amigos Dive Center in Fort White, which welcomes 6,500 customers from all 50 U.S. states and 90 foreign countries.

Tom Mount getting ready to dive in the Grand Cayman

65

spring Kinard began scuba diving in 1971. After borrowing some equipment from a friend, he went into the blue hole in Ichetucknee Springs and began teaching himself how to dive. Kinard didn’t receive proper training until 20 years later, which he advises is not the correct way to do it, but that was well before certification and training were readily available.

For the past 18 years, Kinard has been cleaning up the local springs and rivers one plastic bag at a time, but it wasn’t until the past few years that he decided to create a game out of it. There is a rule that cave divers can’t dive 24 hours before flying, making tourists question what to do with their final day in the area. To occupy their time, Kinard invites these thrill-seeking travelers to accompany him

Wayne Kinard (left), a few volunteers, and the trash they collected on one of their fishing trips.

“We’re gonna take the beautiful river and make it more beautiful by picking up the garbage.”

—Wayne Kinard on a free “fishing trip,” but the catch of the day is rather unusual.

They spend the boat ride collecting jellyfish (plastic bags), flip flop flounders (flip flops), alumafish (aluminum cans), sturgafoam (styrofoam) and bottlenose (bottles). Last year, Kinard and his volunteers collected a total of 6,473 pounds of trash hoping to uncover the glistening river that’s often blanketed by litterbugs.

“We’re gonna take the beautiful river and make it more beautiful by picking up the garbage,” he said. “The water is what’s important to this area. Nobody realizes, ’till they start thinking about it, how many tourist dollars come into this area because of our water.”

Wayne Kinard and the trash collected along the river.

While Kinards’ trips are rather sporadic and on a smaller scale, the organization Current Problems helps plan larger events like the Great Suwannee River Cleanup, which gathers certified cave divers who collect trash within the water, kayakers who clean the water’s surface, and other volunteers who walk along the river collecting garbage tangled in trees or plants. Over the years, Kinard has seen everything from small items like sunglasses and bottles, to larger, more perplexing items resting on the river floor like washers, tires, and even a drivable lawn mower.

Diving into underwater caves or simply snorkeling among marine life is a thrilling experience, one that will remain so if we prevent our waterways from turning into an aquatic trash can. You can help keep our rivers and springs pristine and full of beauty by properly disposing of trash or by volunteering at a local cleanup.

As Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote, “A river is more than an amenity, it is a treasure.”

Wayne Kinard and volunteers going on a “fishing trip” to collect trash along the river.

66

To find out about upcoming cleanup events, visit currentproblems. org, or to learn more about diving courses, visit iantd.com or amigosdivecenter.com.

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spring

IN AMY AND SNUFFY Article and Photography by Holly Frazier

68

spring Snuffy and Amy (Francis) Smith wanted a wedding that was unique. So, they set about planning a most wonderful wedding, reflecting their style and love of each other. Which is of course the advice Amy, herself being a successful event planner, gives to all her brides!

As you approach the automatic doors to the outside world at Keflavík International Airport, you’re not quite sure what to expect; but as they open, you take in a quick breath as you’re swept up in a brisk and frigid wind. It’s then that you know you have just entered a magical place and that an adventure unlike any other is awaiting.

Welcome to Iceland.

There is a magic that sweeps through the everchanging terrain of Iceland that is like no other place. It is the land of fire and ice and weather that can change at the drop of a hat. It is a country that draws you in; instantly sets your soul on fire. Iceland is a place that you go to experience life and beauty so different from your own home and leaves you longing for more.

You never know exactly how much fun you had nor appreciate the beauty until you’re back home and can digest your trip. It was all these things that left a longing in Amy (Francis) Smith of Imperial Productions to travel back to Iceland for her own wedding.

In February of 2017, Amy, along with Kate Herndon and myself, visited this magical land for the first time. It was at that point she fell in love with all the beauty this country has to offer. After her now husband Stephen “Snuffy” Smith proposed back in September, they decided together they wanted to incorporate Iceland into this special time in their lives. This is not surprising as they both have adventurous spirits and a beautiful zest for life. Amy is a lover of traveling and has been to England, France and Italy as well as all throughout the Caribbean. Stephen is a dive master and has dove the most amazing waters throughout the United States and the Caribbean. So, travel is in their soul.

69

spring Amy and Snuffy chose to have a small surprise wedding ceremony at Halpatter Brewing Company, leaving most of their wedding portraits to be photographed in Iceland. They invited their unsuspecting guests to celebrate at an engagement party, which turned into a beautiful and sweet ceremony. The ceremony was filled with love and joy, with the vows being written by Snuffy himself. Having a surprise wedding meant that they would be free of the pressure of other’s expectations of what an event planner’s wedding would look like. Rather, the guests were able to experience what Amy and Snuffy’s love look like.

Their surprise went off without a hitch. They were able to leave the next day for a wedding photo destination experience unlike any other. From the beginning of wedding planning, Amy and Snuffy believed having their pictures taken in Iceland would provide them with unique wedding portraits as well as show you how to step outside of the box, with traditional wedding portraits not being for everyone.

M U S T- S E E P L A C E S I N I C E L A N D :

While enjoying each other’s company as newlyweds, Amy and Stephen visited many of the beautiful Iceland sites, as well as taking time to get off the beaten trail. Everything from hiking a glacier, exploring waterfalls to chasing the Northern Lights were on the agenda. Unable to see the Aurora Borealis in its full glory, Amy and Snuffy are already planning a return trip next year around their anniversary. Next time, they will focus on the north side of the island instead of the south, providing the opportunity to further explore this magical country.

They would not change the uniqueness of their wedding, as it truly reflects them as a couple. They were able to spend the day with each other just as they imagined, as well as have one-of-akind wedding portraits to commemorate this incredible time in their lives.

• Jökulsárlón Glacier • Seljalandsfoss Lagoon Waterfall • Downtown Reykjavik • Golden Circle • Black Sand Beach • Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon at Vik • Blue Lagoon 70

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spring

Lake Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comic Con

y t i n y i t i f n n IInfi CCCooonnn5

By Joy H. Coleman

P

op culture aficionados will gather for Infinity Con 5 in April at the Florida National Guard Armory in Lake City.

Infinity Con has grown, offering an exciting venue for those who celebrate the art of comic books and characters, anime, games, movies, cartoons and television shows with other art lovers. Infinity Con 5 will unite groups celebrating the art they love in an inclusive environment of acceptance and diversity.

Infinity Con began in 2014 as an impromptu half-day gathering with only 25 to 30 people expected to show. Instead, the convention was attended by hundreds of comic, sci-fi, gaming, anime, and pop culture fans.

From the start, David Heringer, Infinity Conâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events coordinator, and Ray Hancock, event coordinator and event manager, set out to include not only the comic book creators they loved, but many other aspects of popular arts.

72

David Heringer and Ray Hancock with guest Hell Girl Cosplayer, IC 2017

Face painting Spider-M at IC 20 an 15

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Family family fun!

Iron Man g (Jax) hangin out with kids at IC 2015

One attendee at the Lake City 2017 Infinity Con reported on the family affair it is to him:

“My family and I had a great time at Infinity Con. There was a great kid’s section where my daughter had a princess tea party. There was a free play video game section that my son enjoyed.

The con staff was courteous and very helpful. We took plenty of pictures and all of the guests were very nice. This con is growing and we look forward to seeing where it goes. It’s definitely on our yearly con schedule Superhero now!” story time with Princess Leia and her Jedi guards reading in the Kid’s Con Area, IC 2017

Each year they’ve grown. By the fourth year, 2017, a thousand attended. The attendance for this year’s April 12-15 event is expected to be around 1,500 fans.

Infinity Con has become a focal point for regional comic conventions. The 2018 focus is comic book creators as special guests. One such guest artist is Ron Wilson, who worked on The Thing from the Fantastic Four stand-alone series.

The conference offers a total experience: a vendor area featuring comic books, collectibles, cartoons and anime dealers, and an artist alley bringing together writers, artists, and novelists from the southeast. The programming schedule features dozens of separate events from tournament and free play gaming and demo

Young Jedis from the Last Council Saber Academy in Jacksonville after a LightSaber Dual

73

spring

(tabletop and video), superhero story time, Anime 101, Cosplay 101 (short for costume play), crafts, and princess tea party. Panels discuss topics such as writer’s block, crafting your story, and indie comics.

Infinity Con security hanging out with Darth Vader and Storm troopers, IC 2016

The rapid growth in the number of people cosplaying as a hobby since the 1990s has made the phenomenon a significant aspect of popular culture in Japan and some other parts of Asia and in the western world. Cosplay events are common features of fan conventions and there are also dedicated conventions and local and international competitions, as well as social networks, websites and other forms of media centered on cosplay activities.

New this year includes jedi training; extended kid’s photo opportunities; arcade machines; and video gaming. Also, the conference is partnering with Florida Con-Artists (floridaconartist.webs.com) for the cosplay contest and Cosmunity (cosmunity. com).

Superhero story time with Wonder Woman reading in the Kid’s Con Area, IC 2017

Cosplay Contest with $1,000 Grand Prize The 2018 program highlight is a Cosplay Contest featuring the Star Wars Cosplay Group with a projected 300 to 500 attendees.

The Grand Prize for the professional section is $1,000.

Cosplay (defined on Wikipedia) is a contraction of the words “costume” “play” and is a hobby where participants called cosplayers wear costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character. Cosplayers often interact to create a subculture, and a broader use of the term “cosplay” applies to any costumed role-playing in venues apart from the stage...

Favorite sources include anime, cartoons, comic books, liveaction films, television series and video games.

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David Heringer, Infinity Con events coordinator, is an independent publisher of short stories, novels, and comic books and is collaborating on the screenplay, The Dybbuk. He can be found at his blog on Patreon (patreon.com/11seventy9), an outlet for his creative ventures, sharing behind the scenes from the director’s chair, trips to comic conventions, scripts, and music.

Stay tuned on Facebook and infinityconfl.com for information on tickets, vendors, sponsors, artists, panels, special guests, cosplay contest, the afterparty and more. ...And remember, the possibilities are infinite!

2017 winners

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spring

GOBBLE, GOBBLE Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Turkey Season

By Jason Melvin

Jason Melvin

With Spring comes warmer weather, beautiful flowers, and the majestic sound of turkeys gobbling at day break. I am not sure what it is about that sound, but hearing that thunderous eruption from the timber gets my blood pumping harder than an entire pot of coffee could.

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spring As a young man, my first turkey hunt was something unique.

I did everything wrong. I started calling before daylight, over called, set up on the edge of a road with no cover, and I placed my decoys just feet from where I sat. Despite those rookie mistakes, I had ten gobblers fly down from their roost and walk right into range. My first bird was a mature tom with an 11-inch beard. Hearing those birds gobble every time I called and watching them come to full strut, I was hooked. I foolishly thought to myself, “This is easy. I’ll be back tomorrow to get another!” It was two years before I killed another bird. That is how turkey hunting goes. Some days you can’t do anything wrong but most days seem like you are pursuing the most intelligent animal in the woods. The turkey woods are a special place. You never know what will happen.

The social aspect of the hunt is something that I particularly enjoy about the spring turkey season. Unlike deer hunting, turkey hunting is often shared with friends. Walking what often seems like miles through the woods, talking, telling stories, just enjoying God’s creation, creates memories that stick with you long after the hunt ends. I have often said that while I would rather kill a trophy buck, I enjoy hunting turkeys far more than sitting by myself in a deer stand. Over the last two years, I have had the privilege of introducing my two young daughters to the sport.

I cherish each opportunity I have watching the sun rise with these girls. Even though getting up that early can be rough, in lv e they always enjoy the nM Katelyn time with Dad. Talking about life, teaching them about the outdoors, simply enjoying the time we spend together builds bonds that will last a lifetime. Nothing beats the surprised look on your child’s face the first time that old tom hammers close.

to crawl over and move the decoy so that it was more visible. I continued to call. Just as he was returning back to his gun, the birds emerged. They had looped around and come in from another angle, never making a sound. I quickly whispered for him not to Preston Parks move. The birds were keyed in on the decoy only 30 yards away. Preston had his back to the birds, but he was close enough to hear my whisper. I told him that there were two huge toms just behind him. Being in position, I told him I would shoot first. I instructed him to swing around and take the other bird as soon as he heard me shoot. From this position, a double seemed highly unlikely. I shot, and after spinning around, he followed immediately behind with another round. Standing up to see, we had downed two of the largest birds I had ever taken. Both birds were over 20 pounds, sporting 12-inch beards and one-and-a-half-inch spurs! You couldn’t wipe the grin off our faces for a week!

Remember to enjoy your time outdoors and share your passion with others as often as you can.

Calling turkeys is an art. Having a bird respond and come in to the call is what makes turkey hunting so addictive. One of the coolest hunts I have been a part of took place a few seasons ago. I attend church with a young man named Preston Parks.

Despite many attempts, he had never killed a turkey. After sharing stories, he asked if I would join him on a hunt and do the calling. Honored at the request, I quickly agreed. We located the birds in an open field. The gobblers were with hens and did not appear to be interested in my calling. I motioned for Preston

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spring

Simple Southern Luncheon Making it easy

By Anne Smith

Easy and delicious—what many of us are seeking for a Southern luncheon. Round up the girls! This simple Southern luncheon inspires us to enjoy the moment! Leave behind intensive labor that many times leaves us ‘tuckered out’ before the party starts. (If you don’t tell your guests, they may not even know just how easy this was to pull off!)

Chicken Salad Croissants Fifth Generation Farms in Lake City makes a delightful chicken salad. Get the best croissants possible—some brands can be a bit dense; they should be light!

Rheba Lee’s Piña Colada Salad Find the recipe on page 101. Make ahead and refrigerate.

TheCozyApron.com

Summer Pasta Salad Boil 12 ounces of Farfalle (bow-

tie) pasta to your liking and drain. In a bowl, combine half of a purple onion, chopped; one baby cucumber, peeled and chopped; one cup of halved grape tomatoes; one bottle of zesty Italian dressing; and salt and pepper to taste. When the pasta is cool, toss with the other ingredients. Refrigerate. This can be made a day ahead.

Time-saving tip: purchase pre-chopped onion.

Rheba Lee’s Coconut Pecan Cream Cheese Pound Cake Find this recipe on page 61. This can

be made several days in advance. Better yet, keep one frozen. Take it out and use when needed! Serve with fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped topping.

This is a scrumptious summer luncheon that can be prepared days in advance, leaving you time for the best diversions of the season: friends!

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Master the

Mimosa

A fizzy mimosa is a tasty addition to your Southern luncheon. Serving this simple two-ingredient signature cocktail is refreshing!

Pour 2 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice, strained and chilled, into a fluted wineglass. Slowly add 2 ounces of freshly opened Champagne. Serve immediately. Consider customizing your mimosa: instead of orange juice, use grapefruit, pineapple, pomegranate or mango juice.

The Champagne can also be replaced with Prosecco, Cava or a sparkling rosé.

spring

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Dance

By Jeweliana Register

and the Values it Instills Shannon McCook, owner and instructor at Danceology, describes the priceless values that dance instills in the lives of dancers like confidence and teamwork.

Five, six, seven, eight…

This is a countdown that avid dancers know like the back of their hand. When you enter a dance studio for the first time, there will be several sights to take in. There may be a young girl whose mother is pinning her bun into place for her first tap class, a teenager clad in leotard and tights tying up her pointe shoes before her lesson, and a class full of six-year-olds trying on their pink tulle costumes for their upcoming recital. Off in the corner you may see a nine-year-old eating carrots before class and a twelve-year-old boy taking a water break during his hip hop class. The smell of rosin will be on the floor and the chatter of excited students lining up for class will fill the air. You’ve just experienced the excitement of a dance studio, but the fun does not stop here. Dance is more than an exciting afterschool activity for children or a way to get daily exercise. It is an art form and it's an important tool for teaching young men and women key skills for life.

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“Dance gives you confidence because it teaches you to be in front of a crowd and not be afraid to be there; it gives the confidence to be in front of people,” McCook explained. “Dance also teaches them to not only be on their own, because they do have to practice at home, but they also have to work with that group dynamic. You have to be able to get along and have that team feel, even if it’s just a class.”

McCook also explains that these skills carry dancers far beyond their time in the studio. It carries over to their education, workplace and home life.

“I feel like dance instills responsibility.

You must have your proper clothes and you have to be on time for class.

You have to make sure you’re getting your notes to your parents so they know what’s going on and what time you have to be at rehearsal,” McCook describes. “I encourage my kids to

mployers e s n o s a e Six r ancers: rah Jukes d t e l l a b e hir llet dancer Sa a b y b st o p a .

Inspired by teachable e r a s r e c n .

Ballet da are flexible rs. s r e c n a d t e Balle e fast learn ared. r a s r e c n a p Ballet d always pre e r a s r e c n rs.

Ballet da ard worke h e r a s r e c Ballet dan m players. a e t e r a s r ce Ballet dan

“There’s a lot of people that are my age or older that their parents couldn’t afford to let them take dance lessons, but they really want to learn. Some people don’t feel like they can dance, but it’s one of those things you kind of have to just try,” McCook says.

“Dance is more than just art. It’s a sport because it’s athletic...and it’s art, but it’s also kind of that teaching tool for life. It is an all-around great teacher and should be open to boys and girls alike. I can’t imagine my life without dance in it in some form.”

LAKE CITY DANCE ARTS

Danceology offers classes to aspiring dancers at their Jasper and Live Oak locations in a variety of dance styles for all ages. The studio offers courses in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, pointe and creative movement to name a few. Danceology also has a competition team for students looking to expand their skills and compete against other teams.

20 17 RE

BESTof theBEST

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DE

Fall/Summer Registration Begins June 12th

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get perfect attendance and I reward them for that.

That’s because even though I don’t want them to come in and get everyone sick, I want them to just be there and watch class. Even just watching, you learn something and won’t be so far behind. Seeing a lot of my kids grow up, a lot of them are much better in the workplace. They don’t stay home just because they Shannon McCook Owner and Instructor have a headache; they still come Danceology in and do as much as they can do. I feel like that’s the thing I see in them the most—that responsibility.”

Lake City Dance Arts

RS’ C HOI

Ballet | Tap | Pointe Modern | Jazz | Hip Hop | Yoga

Praise In Motion Lake City Dance Arts has been teaching dance since

Dance Ministry No experience required!

Summer Workshop offered for new members.

1995. We are a proud member of International Dance Entrepreneurs Association with a code of ethics that emphasizes age-appropriate movement, integrity, fair business practices & qualified faculty.

1197 SW Grandview St. | Lake City, FL DanZers for Christ

386.755.8869 | LCDanceArts.com 81

Laurie Readout-Schmidt, spring owner and instructor at Lake City Dance Arts, explains that her Lake City-based studio also focuses on traditional teaching methods that can instill the values of responsibility and teamwork in dancers of any age.

“You should never be too old to dance,” ReadoutSchmidt states, going on to explain that she offers a variety of classes starting at age three.

Want to Keep Your Brain Youthful?

You should be dancing!

Competition Team students from Danceology

Lake City Dance Arts provides training on the dance basics for those just starting out. Later they branch off into different styles like traditional ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, hip hop, West African, middle eastern belly dancing, yoga and much more. The studio also offers a praise-in-motion class where dancers use their skills for faith-based community outreach. No matter the goal or skill level, Lake City Dance Arts offers the ability to explore dance and fall in love with the process.

“The best part about it for me is the feedback that you’ve made a difference,” Readout-Schmidt describes. “A lot of children struggle emotionally and physically, and when you hear that you are helping them, it’s very rewarding and makes it all worthwhile.”

Dance is not just a sport; it is a lifestyle. It provides students with the tools to thrive in an academic setting, a professional career and any other endeavors they may pursue. These tools can carry them through the rest of their lives and provide them with a foundation for success.

We all know the songs of our youth are like time capsules that can make us feel young again. As we grow older, most of us typically experience a decline in mental and physical fitness, which can exacerbate conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. But there is good news: a growing body of clinical studies finds that aerobic exercise— especially in the form of learning dance routines—can help maintain the youthfulness of your body, mind, and brain across a lifespan.

The latest research shows dancing has surprising antiaging benefits for the brain. MRI brain scans from a 2017 study on dancing show that agerelated degeneration in brain structure improves dramatically when people (with an average age of 68) participate in a weekly course to learn choreographed dance routines.

These findings were published in Frontiers in Neuroscience psychology journal.

—Christopher Bergland/The Athlete’s Way

Instructors Lisa Browning, Laurie Readout-Schmidt and Debra Caley with students at Lake City Dance Arts.

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Danceology

Join us for our Annual Recital! spring

“UNDER THE BIG TOP” Jasper Saturday, May 12th • 2pm Courthouse Annex Auditorium

Where Dance is Learned, Lived & Loved!

Live Oak Saturday, May 19th 10am & 4pm

Offering*: Ballet • Tap • Jazz Hip Hop Pointe • Contemporary

Suwannee High School Auditorium

FALL REGISTRATION BEGINS AUGUST 2018 Miss Shannon - Owner/Live Oak Instructor Miss Chelsea - Jasper Instructor

Live Oak Location

625 Helvenston St. SE Live Oak, FL 32060

386-590-0535

Studio/Registration Information www.DanceologyFL.com Email: DanceologyFL22@gmail.com

Jasper Location 114 Hatley St. Jasper, FL 32052

386-855-1742

*Not all classes are available at both studios* (Jasper has an AcroJazz class but does not offer hip hop or contemporary)

“Teaching Them to dance not only from their feet, but to dance from their hearts!”

ney, who is er friend, Whit h of p el h e th gels with coach of the An known d so ea al H , d io d an u er St d n the Fou rist Dance is open to DanZers for Ch Lake City, Fl ce Team, which in an d D e te iv ca it lo et is p , m io Co ud studio as DFC Dance St ind their youth building. old. She is also s ar ye 8 -1 11 ages beh at Christ Central based dance studio. We n teacher. ia s of age We are a Christ n age ren from 2 year er ild od m ch d h ac an te n e ia ses W rist age offering clas dance to both Ch lections. Our goal is to of s ar ye 18 h throug sic se of ballet, appropriate mu dance and oys in the styles b to d ve an lo ls n ir g ca r u ing. We fo yo , tap and clogg propriate teach kids that op h ap ip in h e , th zz ja of l, e t class, lyrica t som and movemen c si have fun withou day and age. Studio u m n fu a also offer day’s 5 years old. influences of to non, began es, for ages 1an ab B Sh , g er in h ie g ac te oo B dio udio Owner and stu e started the st Sh .

09 20 ly Ju the studio in

386.867.4587 Shannon

386-292-9048 Whitney

S FITNES S ADULT E CLASSSOON! G COMIN Check Us Out On:

217 SW Dyal Ave Lake City, FL 32024

83

Rachel Ray Every Day

spring

AVOCADO toast

By Anne Smith

Being a late-bloomer to the love of avocado, I simply cannot resist this Rachel Ray Every Day recipe. It is the ultimate with scrambled eggs. Saturday mornings are definitely on the upswing! Pair this with a cup of freshly brewed ground coffee to start these Spring weekends.

I’ve made a few additions to the avocado, and I use toasted Ezekiel bread—my favorite is the sprouted grains. Enjoy!

source of naturally good fats

Ingredients

rich in vitamins & fiber

boosts immune system balances hormones

lowers inflammation of the heart

84

natural detoxification

lowers cholesterol

• • • • •

1 teaspoon butter 1 egg, beaten 1/4 avocado Lime juice 1 slice sprouted wheat bread, toasted • Jalapeño hot sauce, such as Tabasco • Sliced tomatoes (optional) • Salt & pepper (optional)

stabilizes blood sugar

Preparation In small nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add egg; season to taste and scramble. In small bowl, mash avocado; season to taste and mix in lime juice.

Spread avocado mixture onto toast. Sometimes I top with sliced tomatoes.

Top with egg; sprinkle with pepper and hot sauce.

Makes 1 serving.

spring

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spring

GLYNNELL AND BERNICE PRESLEY

By Ruth Williams

Glynnell and Bernice Presley are models of excellence. For over 50 years, both have selflessly served the community with purpose and passion as educators, humanitarians, and civil rights advocates. In addition, they continue to fight for and serve our youth. Their continuous dedication throughout the community has garnered many proponents who agree their years of achievements rightfully deserve recognition—in fact are overdue—but for the Presleys, spotlights and recognitions are reserved for the people they serve—not for themselves. Because they avoid any attention to be recognized for what they genuinely love doing, getting them to share this story came only after multiple requests, lots of persistence, and a refusal to be denied.

Finally, both agreed to share their heartfelt commitment for people and this community and tell why this is their lifelong calling.

CORNERSTONES OF THE COMMUNITY Growing up in Clearwater, Florida, Glynnell Presley’s pathway in life derived from two cornerstones who made indelible marks on his life: parents Leroy and Alma Presley. He says, “They gave us a sense of direction and Christian values to guide us.” By age 12, the oldest of six siblings, he was performing several household duties including cooking all meals, washing, sewing, ironing and babysitting. Core values taught by his parents are part of who he is today.

Later living in Lake City, he was noted as an exceptional academic student and outstanding athlete, excelling in baseball and football and playing varsity baseball in the 9th grade. Being a gifted athlete led to an invitation to play semi-pro baseball by Mr. Gurley Brown, owner of the Browns team, which consisted of U.S. veterans and older men. After graduating from Richardson High School in 1949, he was offered a full football

86

scholarship to Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach.

Entering Bethune Cookman College and graduating with honors in 1955, Presley remembers the motto, “Enter to learn, depart to serve,” which has stayed steep in his thinking. He attributes his then president and founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune of Bethune Cookman College, as being another figure who influenced his direction in life. “Few people have excelled without the influence of mentors. This requires a commitment from the teacher and the student, Presley says. Dr. Bethune was a guardian of love who uplifted, inspired, and educated. One of the saddest moments of my B-CC experience was in 1955, the year that Dr. Bethune passed. We (the students) tolled the campus bell for days, mourning Dr. Bethune’s demise,” he states. Presley went on to join the United States Air Force, serving and receiving an honorable discharge.

During his career as educator, Presley

A partial list of Bernice Presley’s Recognitions and Awards: • Florida Education Fund Center of Excellence Achievement Award • Induction in the Great Walls of Legends • Ida S. Baker State Outstanding Educator Award (1st classroom teacher in the State of Florida to receive this award) • Rutledge Pearson State NAACP Award • State NAACP Service Award • Governor of Florida Point of Light Award • Sonny’s Random Acts of BBQ (Kindness) AWARD • Richardson High School Alumni Roundup Honorary Award • Founder & organizer of the P.A. Browning National Junior Honor Society at Lake City Middle School • First elected female president of the Columbia County NAACP Branch

spring

initially worked as a physical education teacher, driver’s education instructor, and head basketball coach. He enjoyed tremendous success as a teacher and coach, winning a state championship in basketball in 1968 and later becoming an assistant principal.

Speaking with Grover Lewis, a community leader and longtime friend of the family, he commented on the Presleys’ contributions and community involvement by stating, “Do you have all day? They are a must in a community; they fight the hardest for all youth and people in general— selfless, true examples of leadership with family and community. Although both have retired, they never retired.” ~ Grover Lewis

In harmony with his life partner, Bernice, both give credit to God for sustaining them and being able to utilize their talents in what they love doing, serving others. Family, friends, and a community they love serving adds encouragement and support in all their endeavors. Mr. Presley affirms, “God has given me favor in everything I attempted to do.” They are the proud parents of three beloved daughters, Glynese, Sharyn, and Debby, and have four talented grandchildren, Idrissa, Devon, Deron, and Travis. Born in Cordele, Georgia, to Minister Frank and Marietta Daniels of Ormond Beach, Mrs. Presley is the ninth child of a family of six boys and seven girls. She acknowledges her husband as a trailblazer and his passion when approaching any task, but she jokingly states, “Glynnell has good attributes, but he’s not a Rattler!” referring to the rivalry between the B-CC Wildcats and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Rattlers. He responds with a playful smile because he knows this squabble cannot be defeated.

With equally distinguished credentials, Mrs. Presley has been described by many as one who is quick-witted with a sharp intelligence and who dutifully cares for people. During her years in high school, Mr. Oliver Perkins, her eighth grade math teacher, is credited with inspiring and encouraging her to pursue

87

spring Makeba Murphy, a local educator in the Columbia County School System, states: “They were instrumental in the Makeba Murphy success of several students receiving full ride scholarships to various universities for many years, which included me receiving a full scholarship to the University of North Florida for winning and participating in Black History & Cultural Brain Bowl during my high school years.”

Although Murphy graduated from FAMU, she and others were presented several options to consider various educational opportunities the Presleys initiated in the community.

a math career and being a figure in her life who planted the seed of striving for excellence in any endeavor. A graduate of FAMU in Tallahassee, she has a master’s degree in mathematics and science.

Mrs. Presley makes it clear that her most privileged role is being mother and grandmother. Rather than addressing obstacles and focusing on challenges, the Presleys’ energy is fueled by faith and prayer. “Working with our youth, they can be incorrigible and come with a lot of social challenges,” states Barbara Perry, a friend of the Presleys for over 36 years, who has mentored and participated in activities for them. She explains, “The Presleys are wonderful beings, unselfish with their time, especially working with other people’s children; very committed and are exemplary of humility, leadership and unmatched generosity.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Speaking with Grover Lewis, a community leader and longtime friend of the family, he commented on the Presleys’ contributions and community involvement by stating, “Do you have all day? They are a must in a community; they fight the hardest for all youth and people in general—selfless, true examples of leadership with family and community. Although both have retired, they never retired.”

TRAIL BLAZERS Many quests for justice caused Glenel Bowden, Leonard O’Neal and Mr. Presley to file lawsuits against the Columbia County School Board and the county commissioners to seek single-member district voting. “We won! Prior to this time no African American had ever won an election in Columbia County,” Mr. Presley states. Single-member district voting exists today because of their courage to challenge the then-existing state of affairs.

Half the story has not been told of Glynnell and Bernice Presley’s ongoing passionate and loving spirit of making a difference in so many lives that they continue to touch. Glynnell and Bernice Presley, you are special in love, humility, leadership, and generosity in all you do. You have made this community shine so bright with your presence.

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Events, Organizations and Activities of

Mr. and Mrs. Presley: • Coordinated the Men for Social Change After-School Tutoring Program for at-risk boys.

• Coordinated the EXCEL After-School Tutorial Program • Organized the first FCAT Blast off in Columbia County, which lead to the successful FCAT scores of all schools that participated.

• Coordinated the first FCAT Summer Preparation Camp at Lake City Middle School for several summers, which is presently held at Columbia High School.

• Founded the Presley EXCEL and Scholars Program, Inc. that recognized, for several years, all students in the Columbia County School System who earned no grade lower that a B or S. • Sponsored an “Outstanding Scientist Moving on the A Train” recognition program that honors all students who made an “A” in science.

• Co-sponsor the Presley/Lan Community Youth Program that sponsors Dr. MLK programs • Sponsored McKnight Achievers and coached for the National Achievers Society Brain Bowl from 1985 to 2006. Mrs. Presley was the Columbia County Coordinator for McKnight Achievers. More than 100 students received scholarships from the History and Cultural Brain Bowl Competition and the Mathematics Competition.

• Sponsor the “Mind of a Child” Radio Ministry Program for grades K-12 on WUAF 109.7 FM Angel Radio Network.

• Organized and sponsored several Alabama heritage tours for students.

Happy Holidays from RONNIE BRANNON

spring

Tax Collector

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2017

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HISTORY

spring

Made New

By Ruth Williams

Jonathan & Jennifer Jordan with sons Hunter and Luke

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The Jordan family’s hobby says, “Family members started with a vintage know this is something we Brunswick sewing machine love, so they offer a lot of five years ago. Dated from the encouragement and share 1900s, the Brunswick machines items with us.” Along with were of high grade; comparable their two boys, Hunter Jordan, to Singer machines. Jonathan age 10, and Luke Jordan, age Jordan’s grandmother, Celia 4, “excitement and energy Jordan, passed the heirloom come from watching the boys on to him from her family. on family outings. Looking Jonathan, the principal at through treasure troves of finds Pathway Academy, and wife can be fun and enjoyable, but Jennifer, an instructional coach can be exhausting, too. The for Columbia City Elementary, boys will ask questions about are recognized as leaders and different objects, which ends are well respected in their up becoming cultural and respective fields as innovative historical lessons in real time, educators. When it comes to so much more valuable than weekend trips after busy school receiving a lesson in class,” days, one of Jennifer notes. their favorite Other items Jonathan, a former excursions doted on is browsing history teacher, says include, “a antique chair from “artifacts are a way to shops and Grandpa Drew approach the past— flea markets Dicks’ farm. each object has a story.” to collect At one time, and refurbish the chair had antiques. a cowhide as the cushion, but Always on the lookout all that is left now is a frame.” for objects, Jonathan, a Another prize, Rufus Jordan’s sixth generation Columbia farm plow, sits in one of their County native, comes from flower beds, and a hand drill two extended families in the that belonged to Jonathan’s area: the Dicks and the Witts.

Great Grandpa Priest Perry is Family-cherished antiques now an emblazoned décor. have been passed on and As they talk of their love for given to them by family collecting antiques, it’s evident members who have observed as collectors they have become their passion for uncovering enthusiastic teachers of the hidden antiques, particularly art of collecting antiques. farmhouse décor. Jonathan Jonathan, a former history

teacher, says “artifacts are a way to approach the past—each object has a story.”

Television shows such as American Pickers and Antiques Roadshow make finding treasures easy, Jennifer admits, “but discovering unique items is sometimes a matter of stumbling on a find or digging through shop after shop until an item of interest appears.”

Future projects consist of taking an old sink from the home of Jonathan’s grandparents, Gerald and Tercie Witt, that will be used as a decorative flower pot, and boards from his Great Grandpa Priest Perry’s hay barn that will be used for porch benches and a mantle for a fireplace.

Some of the family’s favorite markets are in Ocala, Micanopy, and Webb’s Antique Mall in Ellisville. A YouTube video of Webb’s Antique Mall (youtube.com/ watch?v=vD8OQ-RsKGw) shows the large scale of items this market offers, with over 400 dealers in one location. After seeing this, it’s easy to see how the family is so enthralled with locating the next prize piece to add to their antique collection. We just don’t know what’s located in our backyards until we take a closer look.

spring

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We assist with trap neuter and return of community cats.

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melting pot the

A Performing Arts Gallery in Downtown Lake City By Befaithful Coker

Thirty-two years ago, social studies in Columbia County public schools included a discussion about America’s melting pot. Discussion in college was advanced to figure if the different cultures melted in the pot, becoming the United States, or if the cultures remained individual and all acknowledged the others’ existence while being in the United States. The innocent dialogue, which has no right or wrong answer, plagues us today. Are we Americans full of cultural flavor or are we the sum of different heritages occupying America, holding on to our flavor?

My paradigm was shaped growing up in a blended family without the habit of referring to half- or step-siblings. My parents did a very good job of intertwining our life with those of all backgrounds. Sharing our world, nation, and the community seemed natural. I walked into the world from Lake City concluding the melting pot was a careful blend of different cultures and flavors of people into one great big pot where the flavor may have been distinct, but together all the rich differences made it a very special dish served to celebrate each of our contributions.

At The Melting Pot, we blend all the community, from all walks of life, in an environment that celebrates the performing arts, which gives life to so many areas of discussion and opportunity to appreciate all that we bring together to the table. The walls boast different people in the community from the postal worker to the mayor, the sheriff to the school board member and many citizens in between. We come together and celebrate each other with a nice catered meal.

If you visit The Melting Pot restaurant with locations around the country, you will be delighted with a fondue experience; however, the Melting Pot, a performing arts gallery in downtown Lake City, is the careful creation of blended performing art talents of all ages and sizes, in celebration of the different cultures within our community. It’s About My Efforts, Inc.—our community based non-profit organization—which began celebrating the various heritages recognized by national holidays approximately nine years ago. The organization usually receives a proclamation from the local government, and the presentation—along with talent complementing the month’s heritage—uses venues all over town. From Asian heritage to North American, to African heritage and all in between, the community has experienced an array of talent, giving a snapshot of the contributions within

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Today, venues such as The Melting Pot performing arts gallery provide an opportunity to explore the differences around us through a lens of performing arts. The building previously occupied by Second Hand Rose at 500 North Marion Avenue, Lake City, is now home to the performing arts gallery and many community programs serving both youth and aged citizens. The Melting Pot provides a calendar of show dates for presentations using drama, voice, instrumental, comedy, dance, and visual performing arts to compliment the contributions of different heritages within our community. In addition to the regular shows, the center offers training in each of the performing arts categories, along with arts and crafts, etiquette, and public speaking.

The gallery is open for tours, private events, meeting space, learning events, performing arts training, and custom souvenirs. The souvenir shop will not sell any of the art on the wall, but patrons can have any piece of art placed on either a bottle, t-shirt, mug, or other item. Stop in and say hello, browse the walls and rooms, and learn about the talented citizens among us. Find us on Facebook at The Melting Pot a Performing Arts Gallery.

Special moments captured forever...

Terri Andrews DR. TERRI ANDREWS PHOTOGRAPHY

PORTRAITS

&

EVENTS

386-397-9167 | facebook.com/drterriandrews

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ByBy Befaithful Befaithful Coker Coker

RONNIE RONNIE COLLINS COLLINS &&

COLUMBIA’S COLUMBIA’S TOP TOP TALENT TALENT

Today, Today, Columbia Columbia County County youth youth have have options options inin addition addition toto the the promises promises offoff ered ered toto good good academic academic stewardship. stewardship.

There There areare the the rewards rewards provided provided toto students students forfor their their diligence diligence inin expounding expounding onon their their natural natural talent. talent.When When Ronnie Ronnie Collins Collins was was a student a student inin Columbia Columbia County County Schools, Schools, hehe sang sang inin church, church, wrote wrote music, music, danced danced around around the the house house and and became became the the “Break “Break Dance Dance King” King” around around town. town.While While Collins Collins enjoyed enjoyed athletic athletic activities, activities, hishis secret secret passion passion would would remain remain the the singing singing and and dance dance the the kidkid inin him him never never got got a chance a chance toto pursue. pursue.

The The chance chance toto work work with with youth youth inin Columbia Columbia County County Schools Schools was was aa natural natural fit.fit.

Ronnie Ronnie Collins Collins

AtAt a young a young age, age, hehe has has performed performed in in thethe show show since since age age 16.16.

HeHe recently recently received received a contract a contract from from anan affiaffi liate liate group group of of Warner Warner Brothers Brothers Records.

Records.

Jeremiah Jeremiah Ross Ross Additionally, Additionally, notable notable It seemed It seemed a lifelong a lifelong pursuit pursuit that that Collins Collins at at school school forfor allall toto see, see, and and five five hundred hundred contender contender and and country country would would pursue pursue a career a career working working with with dollars dollars grand grand prize. prize. singer singer Adam Adam Sanders Sanders performed performed in in 2005.

2005. thethe youth youth in in Columbia Columbia County County Schools.

Schools.

Sanders Sanders won won three three consecutive consecutive years years HeHe shared shared that that thethe opportunity opportunity toto Without Without help help of of competition competition at at Columbia’s Columbia’s Top Top Talent Talent inspire inspire and and motivate motivate youth youth in in our our and and inspiration inspiration before before moving moving to to Nashville Nashville in in 2009 2009 and and community community was was a reward a reward in in and and of of from from Ronnie’s Ronnie’s signing signing with with Big Big Yellow Yellow Dog Dog Publishing.

Publishing. itself. itself.HeHe embraced embraced thethe opportunity opportunity go-to go-to team, team, show show AsAs a singer, a singer, Sanders Sanders holds holds thethe claim claim toto and and created created a competition a competition step step team team performances performances fame fame for for the the song song and and vocals vocals of of “Thankful “Thankful at at Columbia Columbia High High School School in in 2002.

2002.

In In would would not not bebe hits hits For. For. ” As ” As a songwriter, a songwriter, hehe is credited is credited forfor 2005, 2005, hehe created created Columbia Columbia Idol, Idol, which which year year after after year. year. the the creation creation of of number number one one singles singles forfor later later became became Columbia’s Columbia’s Top Top Talent.

Talent.

The The The The dream dream team team Denise Denise Nordmeyer, Nordmeyer, Cole Cole Swindell’s Swindell’s “Ain’t “Ain’t Worth Worth the the Whiskey” Whiskey” talent talent competition competition is open is open toto students students consists consists of of Ronnie’s Ronnie’sRachel Rachel Letu Letu and and Anne Anne and Dustin Dustin Lynch’s Lynch’s “Hell “Hell of of a Night, a Night, ” ” Robinson Robinson and in in Columbia Columbia County County Schools Schools toto compete compete family family members, members, attributing attributing the the fi ne-tuning fi ne-tuning of of his his skills skills toto forfor thethe recognition recognition of of holding holding thethe top top particularly particularly early early performances performances in in northern northern Florida.

Florida. talent, talent, anan engraved engraved trophy trophy that that remains remains brother brother Daniel Daniel Collins; Collins; Glen Glen Cherry, Cherry, a T.V. a T.V. productions productions teacher teacher at at CHS, CHS, who who is quite is quite Collins Collins continues continues toto write write music music in in hishis Wayne Wayne Jernigan Jernigan a talented a talented singer; singer; Chris Chris Coleman Coleman and and spare spare time time and and remains remains inspired inspired byby thethe Chester Chester Nordmeyer, Nordmeyer, both both artart teachers teachers at at talented talented youth youth in in Columbia Columbia County.

County.

CHS; CHS; Denise Denise Nordmeyer, Nordmeyer, a math a math teacher; teacher; When When asked asked why why retirement retirement is not is not in in nurse nurse Rachel Rachel Letu; Letu; Anne Anne Robinson, Robinson, who who hishis near near horizon, horizon, Collins Collins explains explains there there heads heads attendance attendance and and soso many many others others remains remains too too many many students students who who need need who who have have willingly willingly worked worked tirelessly tirelessly in in someone someone toto push push them them beyond beyond thethe any any capacity capacity toto make make thethe shows shows seamless seamless immediate immediate reality, reality, and and he he enjoys enjoys being being each each time. time.

Linda Linda Taylor, Taylor, a retired a retired record record that that person person when when given given the the opportunity. opportunity. attendant, attendant, was was one one of of thethe first first crew crew addition addition toto finding finding time time toto keep keep members members who who collected collected money money at at shows shows In In inspiring inspiring our our community community youth, youth, Collins Collins and and typed typed upup programs. programs. finds finds time time toto continue continue hishis passion passion forfor writing writing songs, songs, thethe latest latest of of which which is ais a Another Another supporter supporter of of Columbia Columbia Top Top dedication dedication to to his his late late mother mother entitled, entitled, Talent Talent has has been been special special guest guest singer singer “Hey, “Hey, Mama”.

Mama”.

Jeremiah Jeremiah Ross, Ross, a gospel a gospel and and R&B R&B artist. artist.

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Our backyard is your backyard.

feeding the futureâ&#x201E;˘ 95 2014 Columbia County Information Guide | 21

FORT WHITE FORT WHITE HIGH SCHOOL FFA HIGH SCHOOL FFA

Developing Leadership Skills Developing Leadership Skills

By Joy H. Coleman

By Joy H. Coleman

L-R: Katyana Carr and Madison Eames, Mr. Wayne Oelfke, Noah Anvez and Kasey Collier L-R: Katyana Carr and Madison Eames, Mr. Wayne Oelfke, Noah Anvez and Kasey Collier

The Fort White High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) students The Fort White are well High known School forFuture excelling Farmers through of America hard work (FFA) and remaining students are well focused knownon forachieving excellingacademic through hard and personal work growth. and remaining The members focusedenthusiastically on achieving academic develop and skillspersonal to not only strengthen growth.

The members American enthusiastically agriculture but develop buildskills healthy to not local only strengthen American agriculture but build healthy local communities. communities.

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Fort White FFA members “LIving to Serve” at the Second Harvest Food Bank in Orlando, Florida

Mr. Wayne Oelfke, dairyman, agriscience teacher at Fort White High School, and FFA co-advisor shares, “As a retired dairy farmer and now a teacher, I can pass on what I’ve done in my agricultural life. Our community and faculty have so much we can e share with our students.

Wayne Oelfk Some families are moving away from the agriculture way of life that requires a certain character development and strong work ethic. We have a lot of good students that only need guidance and sharing and are eager to return to that lifestyle.”

At Fort White High School, Oelfke and co-advisor Jill Huesman’s vision is to first invite students to participate—to become a part of the whole learning experience. They learn that science and agriculture are completely linked and have a practical use in the community. Oelfke continues, “they learn how to learn and how to apply ideas; how to manage a situation

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

—Benjamin Franklin by questioning, looking up information, analyzing details, evaluating possibilities, testing results, evaluating conclusions, and if necessary, trying other solutions.”

“Our five-county area is environmentally sensitive. We have to focus on what methods can be used to grow crops and animals while reducing the risk of contaminating our underground resources. So, in this program, we engage in project-based education to communicate what agriculture is all about, to educate students and develop advocates. Throughout this program, they learn to respect the process and understand there will be failures before success. But there will always be a success.”

During February 2018, about 18 FFA high school and middle school students and faculty co-sponsor Oelfke were asked: “What have you learned through FFA?” Here are some of their thoughts:

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spring Noah Anvez: “It’s expanded my leadership skills, helped me learn how to influence others, taught me to try to do better in everything but especially in working for stability in school performance. FFA’s taught me to keep trying to do better wherever I am. It’s my responsibility to develop my own work ethic, show up on time, be prepared, dress properly for the occasion, and show character and confidence in my chosen career path.”

Hunter: “FFA has taught me respect, teamwork, learning to help each other and to share the load by working together.”

Trace, James Tayler: “We’re learning life skills—meaning, how important it is to work hard. The most important thing is to keep going no matter what life throws at you.”

Jerry Donald Tyre III: “It’s important to work hard and stick to things that may not be easy at first. It’s very important to treat others better, more respectfully sometimes than yourself.

We’ve learned to plan for the future and to make sure we have resources for our children.”

Katelyn Daryale Peyton: “My great-grandfather was a farmer, and since then my family has farmed. My goal is to support and contribute to my family’s history by continuing the tradition.”

Kaylee Doty: “Through the encouragement and support of FFA, I’ve worked through a fear of public speaking. I’ve learned to open up and publicly speak about agriculture and development issues dear to my heart.”

While the above thoughts were widespread, a more unified response followed when asked what broader issues students considered while in FFA.

Thomas Beardsley, Medilicia Kitchell, Katyana Carr, National FFA Secretary Victoria Harris, Mark Conners, Andrew Timmsen, and Andrew Faul at the 2017 Florida State FFA Convention

“We learned that farming and ranching are tough and pricey.

Go for it. Farmers have always found a way to pull through by pulling together and engaging developing and advanced technology. If you don’t succeed at first, get out there and do it again.”

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W H y F FA ?

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

This is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. The official name of the organization is the National FFA Organization. The letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America. These letters are a part of its history and heritage that will never change. ... So today, it is still the Future Farmers of America.

Millions of Americans have grown up under the auspices of the FFA program. A small sampling of famous FFA members who have learned to recite the FFA creed: Taylor Swift, Trace Adkins, Easton Corbin, Don Henley, Tim McGraw, President Jimmy Carter, Heisman Trophy Winner - Bo Jackson and the Editorin-Chief of the National Geographic magazine, Chris Johns.

FFA continues to help the next generation rise to meet challenges by helping members develop their unique talents and explore their interests. Today, they are still the Future Farmers of America. But they are also the Future Biologists, Future Chemists, Future Veterinarians, Future Engineers and Future Entrepreneurs of America, too.

One FFA member referred to Florida’s famous Ben Hill Griffin.

From Griffin, “When I bought my first grove, my grandfather asked me what was the best fertilizer for my grove. I tried to give an impressive answer to all the types of fertilizer I could use. He said, ‘The best fertilizer for your grove is your footprints,’ meaning I needed to get involved.”

Madison Eames shared how the organization opened a new world for her, “I always had a thing for animals, took local classes, even joined the NJROTC in Jacksonville. But FFA introduced me to a new world where I could be independent but still get a lot of support.”

spring

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time Fort White or Columbia County FFA will be a part of the Parliamentary Competition in Orlando, June 2018.

Katyana Carr joined FFA because her sister was a member, plus she was always interested herself. Since the 5th grade, she’s lived on a small farm and has learned useful methods to increase her farm’s capacity. She’s recognizing her own leadership skills, developed her public speaking confidence, and is building her professional network.

Kasey Collier has found FFA interesting and challenging while building her knowledge base for future works. “FFA isn’t just about animals but bettering the person; helping each student become an adult capable of growth and change.” sina and drain, Chandler Fri Biddle, Sydney Ca an sti p.

Tri m rs Ca be try em FFA m a FFA Fores Campers at Florid Andrew Faul - Top

Andrew Faul noted that FFA has kept him open to new endeavors, career choices (agribusiness, forestry), and has expanded his network. This year he placed tenth in the individual competition at the National Forestry Competition.

Andrew Timson has worked to expand his leadership skills.

He has entered a statewide FFA parliamentary procedure competition. Entrance into this competition will be the first

THE FFA CREED

Each student offered kudos to sponsors Jill Huesman and Oelfke, noting the countless number of hours each has remained on campus—up to 11 pm—helping students finish a project. They commented, “this is a totally joint effort!”

Oelfke explained the scope of FFA’s endeavor requires more than just show and tell. “There’s a greenhouse, a land lab, a shop which includes welding, woodwork, aquaponics, aquaculture, beekeeping, and anything else you can think of that keeps our community great.”

In agriculture, there’s something for everyone. They know a lot more work is done and effort is made than any farmer or rancher gets credit.

I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds—achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.

I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.

The creed was written by E.M. Tiffany and adopted at the Third National FFA Convention. It was revised at the 38th and 63rd conventions.

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I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so—for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.

I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.

spring

PIÑA COLADA SALAD

By Rheba Lee

This is a quick, easy and sweet recipe—perfect for your next Spring get-together, potluck or picnic.

Ingredients 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice 1 package (3 ounces) instant coconut cream pudding mix 1⁄2 cup flaked coconut 3 ounces cream cheese 1⁄3 cup white sugar 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping

Photo: Mom on Timeout

Directions Mix crushed pineapple with juice, instant pudding mix and coconut.

Cream together cream cheese and sugar in separate bowl, then add to other mixture.

Fold in whipped topping and chill several hours.

Garnish with toasted coconut if desired.

Family Magazine made this recipe and added pecans, miniature marshmallows and a small splash of rum to give it a ‘kicked up’ piña colada flavor!

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Backyard Bird Feeding: The Basics

It’s as easy as one, two, tree.

By Jeweliana Register

A

s the flowers begin to bloom and the air starts to feel crisper, we know that spring has officially arrived. The birds are outside chirping as the sun comes up and the usual lush greenery is replacing the withered winter grass and shrubs. If you are looking for a fun activity for a Saturday morning at home or are seeking to educate your kids about wildlife, try your hand at backyard bird feeding. Not only will you be providing food for these birds, but you’ll also be able to watch these beautiful creatures up close.

If you’re new to the bird watching world, here’s a few quick DIYs that can help you start bird feeding in your backyard today: DIY BIRDHOUSE Whether you decide to make an entire project out of constructing a birdhouse from scratch or you decide to go purchase one pre-made, be sure to add personal touches on the house. Make it a family event and allow the kids to paint their own birdhouses to hang outside their bedroom windows.

Also, a nice addition is to decorate the outside of the house with leaves and twigs to mimic its surroundings. As for stocking your birdhouse, be sure to put nesting materials inside and birdseed to attract residents.

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DIY PINECONE BIRD FEEDER This DIY bird feeder can be completed with just four simple materials: a pinecone, peanut butter, a string, and the birdseed of your choice. Start by finding a large pinecone outside and tying a string to the top so that you can hang it on a branch or pole later on. Next, spread the peanut butter over the pinecone until the exterior is completely coated.

Finish off by rolling the pinecone in birdseed until it is covered.

Hang it outside near a window for easy bird watching and enjoy!

spring

SUET FEEDERS Suet feeders are enclosed bird feeders that hold suet cakes. These cakes are nutritional supplements for a variety of birds that are made out of coconut oil, sunflower seeds, wheat or oat, and pork fat.

They can be purchased at local gardening and hardware stores. These feeders attract birds like the warbler, the woodpecker and the wren.

TRADITIONAL BIRD FEED Bird feed can be found in a variety of places locally, but it can also be made. For a DIY bird feed, mix a variety of sunflower seeds, peanuts and corn together and place into a feeder or birdhouse. Some birds that love traditional bird feed are jays, northern cardinals, song sparrows and house finches.

NECTAR This type of feed mostly attracts hummingbirds, so if you are looking to see those fast-flying birds, grab

a nectar feeder and fill it with the sugar water substance. Since birds are naturally attracted to the color red, try to find a red feeder to increase your likelihood of hummingbird sightings.

DIY HANGING BIRD BATH This DIY is the perfect addition to your backyard landscape. To create this fun bird bath, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need a large saucer, a grapevine wreath (or any other wreath of your choice) and rope. Start by attaching the saucer to the wreath with hot glue, then wrap the ropes around the wreath and saucer to create a swing-like structure and hang it in a sunny spot.

You can add greenery to the ropes or adorn the bath with the flowers of your choice for spring.

Then, fill the bath with water, add some bird seed to the sides of the dish, and enjoy your birdwatching area.

Now that you have your bird-watching areas set up, you may be wondering what types of birds you may encounter and what they eat. Check out this list of popular bird feed from the University of Florida IFAS Extension, and learn about some of the birds that they attract: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw192

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Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Connecting you to the natural world

By Hayzli Zuccola

Behind towering clusters of bamboo, lavish shrubs and budding flowers ready to blossom in the spring, lies the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.

If a special event isn’t in progress like the annual Spring Festival held at the end of March, the orchid show, the Moonlight Walk in April, or any other special event, the gardens also welcome well-behaved and leashed four-legged friends to accompany you on your nature walk.

Located at 4700 SW 58th Drive in Gainesville, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens—whose name comes from the Timucuan words “palmetto leaf” and “house” —is a 62-acre oasis founded by Kanapaha Gardens is home to the North Florida the state’s largest public display Botanical Society and opened its of bamboo and a herb garden doors to the in the Southeast. The walkways public in 1987.

are largely wheelchair accessible,

The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens are open from Monday through Wednesday and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. or dusk. The gardens are closed on Thursdays. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages five to 13, and free for children under five.

The flourishing and benches, gazebos and other gardens are rest stations are liberally spaced speckled with pops of colorful throughout the facility. foliage and are made up of 24 major collections, To find out more but two of the most noteworthy are the herb information about the gardens or to learn garden, which is the largest in the southeast, about special events, visit the Kanapaha and the vast assortment of bamboo, which Botanical Garden’s website at kanapaha.org. is the largest public display of bamboo in Florida—good thing hungry pandas aren’t native to the Sunshine State!

Guests can walk along the trails while listening to birds chirping and take in the peaceful sites and floral scents of the gardens. Whether it’s strolling across a bridge overlooking waterfalls and water platters, which are the world’s largest water lilies, or sitting in the gazebo of the hummingbird garden, the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens are sure to bring a tranquil vibe to any outing.

The gardens offer self-guided tours as well as guided tours for guests to learn more about the various plants and history of the gardens.

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RIVER RUN OLIVE OIL COMPANY

O L I V E O I L S A N D V I N E G A R S S P E C I A LT Y S H O P By: Joy H. Coleman

On your pizza crust or in your salad, a little bit of olive oil or balsamic vinegar can explode flavor in the simplest of meals.

River Run Olive Oil Company in High Springs offers 58 varieties of infused extra-virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars. With that many different flavors, there are more combinations than you could imagine. Experiment and choose your favorite from the premium selection or allow them to enlighten you on the many creations for which olive oil and vinegar can be used in your daily life.

Customers are welcome to sample everything they’re interested in on artisanal baguettes before buying. Taste, fall in love with, and take home! They also offer home delivery to you or a friend. On their website, riverrunoliveoil.com, find your flavor of choice and call the shop to place your order.

Owners Connie and Mike Casey, and General Manager Brooke Williams, have designed the store to appeal to a wide range of customers: those who are health conscious and use olive oil for its anti-inflammatory properties and vinegar for digestive health and those who simply enjoy the taste and flavors.

The Caseys’ business partners, Ron & Marcia St. John, bought around 100 acres in the Trenton area and planted approximately 80,000 olive trees in May 2016.

The intent is to have locally grown and milled olive oil. Olive trees are particularly suited for North Central Florida’s dry soil and easily handle the heat of our full sun.

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The group realized, “If we are successful in growing our own trees and producing our own oil one day, then we need a place to sell it.”

River Run Olive Oil Company opened in downtown High Springs, March 2016.

Once a month, River Run offers chef’s night. A local or regional guest chef introduces personal recipes using River Run’s infused oils, spices, and balsamic vinegars. A cooking demonstration is the highlight of the evening. A maximum of 40 people attends each event, sampling wines, hors-d’oeuvres, and the chef’s cooking. All leave with a copy of the evening’s recipes. For reservations, call or email the.office@riverrunolive.com.

In addition to satisfying olive connoisseurs’ interests, other products and home décor are available including Himalayan salt lamps; olive oil bath and skincare products; olive-wood dishes and kitchen utensils, plus cutting boards and salad servers; spices; soup mixes; Terrapin Ridge Farms jams, jellies, and mustards; local honey; and salt grinders.

River Run Olive Oil Company 18627 High Springs Main Street High Springs, Florida 32643 (corner of West U.S. Highway 27 and North Main Street)

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www.BuildingsAndMore.com • 386-755-6449 107

Brushing and flossing are Brushing and flossing are spring everyday ways ways to to keep keep your teeth bright, bright, white white and healthy. healthy. Still, Still, if if you you might feel like like your your smile smile is lacking some some sparkle sparkle or is more yellow yellow than than it used to be, you’re be, you’re not not alone. Thinking about Thinking about teeth whitening? teeth whitening?

Get Get the the facts facts first. first.

TeethWhitening TeethWhitening

By Dr. Lorrie Wheeler

By Dr. Lorrie Wheeler

Why Do Teeth Change Color?

Why Do Teeth Change Color?

Over time, your teeth can go from white Over time, your teeth can go from white to not-so-bright for a number of reasons: to not-so-bright for a number of reasons: age, food and drink, tobacco use, trauma, age,medications. food and drink, tobacco use, trauma, and and medications.

What Are My Whitening Options?

What Are My Whitening Options?

• Whitening toothpastes (for surface stains only) • Whitening toothpastes (for surface stains only) • In-office bleaching • In-office bleaching • At-home bleaching (which can be over-the• At-home (which be over-thecounter products bleaching or customized from yourcan dentist)

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

How Doesproducts Teeth Whitening Work?

Whitening contain one of two Whitening products contain one ofor two tooth bleaches: hydrogen peroxide tooth bleaches: hydrogen peroxide carbamide peroxide. These bleachesor carbamide These bleaches break stainsperoxide. into smaller pieces, which break stains into smaller pieces, which makes the color less concentrated and makes the color less concentrated and your teeth brighter. your teeth brighter.

Are There Any Side Effects from Teeth Are There Any Side Effects from Teeth Whitening?

Whitening?

Temporary sensitivity is the most Temporary sensitivity common reported sideiseffthe ect.most common reported side effect.

Does Whitening Work on All Teeth?

Does Whitening Work on All Teeth?

No, which is why it’s important to talk No, which is why it’s important to talk to your dentist before deciding to to your dentist before deciding to whiten your teeth, as whiteners may whiten your teeth, as whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. not correct all types of discoloration.

Whitening will not work on Whitening will not work on caps, veneers, crowns or fi llings. It caps, veneers, crowns or fi It also won’t be as effective ifllings. your tooth also won’t be isascaused effective if your tooth discoloration by certain discoloration isa tooth causedinjury. by certain medications or medications or a tooth injury.

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counter products or customized from your dentist)

You can see the full article and get a list You can see the full article and get a list of all ADA-accepted at-home bleaching of all ADA-accepted at-home bleaching products at mouthhealthy.org or ada.org. products at mouthhealthy.org or ada.org.

Information is important, but nothing Information is important, but nothing replaces that personal relationship with replaces that personal relationship with your dental professionals. your dental professionals.

Oak Hill Dental Group, dentistry for Oak Hill Group, dentistry adults andDental children, celebrates 20 for Natural Teeth Whitening: adults and children, celebrates 20 years in business. Dr. Terri Andrews Natural Teeth Whitening: Fact vs. Fiction years in business.

Dr. Terri Andrews and Dr. Lorrie Wheeler, along with Factmay vs. see Fiction You many different methods andhygienists, Dr. Lorrie Wheeler, four help you along decidewith the You mayonline see many erent methods featured and diff in magazines—from four hygienists, help you decide the best customized treatment to your featured and inand magazines—from oil pullingonline to charcoal, even turmeric. best customized treatment to your situation. oil pulling to charcoal, and even turmeric. particular Healthy smiles come in many shades, particular situation.

New patients accepted.

Healthyit’s smiles cometointhink manyingredients shades, though tempting New patients accepted. it’skitchens tempting to think inthough our own could holdingredients the key inaour own kitchens could the key 272 SW Bently Place to brighter smile. Still, justhold because 272City, SW Bently Place a brighter smile.doesn’t Still, justmean because Lake FL ato method is natural it’s Lake City, FL a method is natural doesn’t mean it’s 386-752-3043 healthy.

In fact, DIY whitening can do 386-752-3043 healthy.

In than fact, DIY whitening can do more harm good to your teeth. more harm than good to your teeth.

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spring

“Heritage Square has the potential to be something special and unique to make Live Oak a destination which will revitalize the downtown area,” said City Council President/ CRA Chairman Frank Davis, “a vision Keith [Mixon] worked tirelessly to promote.”

HERITAGE SQUARE Preservation and Development

By: Susan K. Lamb

Heritage Square is not yet a household name in Live Oak, but that may soon change. Much work has already been done and is expected to lead to a master plan for this cultural and historical area. City officials are working with the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to purchase all the property within the square and develop this historical area for future redevelopment, job growth and historical value.

Heritage Square will be part of a rectangular portion of land along the CSX railroad in the city between Northeast Mussey Avenue on the eastern boundary, Northeast Duval Street on the northern boundary, U.S. Highway 129/North Ohio Avenue on the west, and the CSX railroad track right-of-way on the southern boundary. This area takes in the Live Oak Fire Station; refurbished old city hall, now home to Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce; the historic refurbished railroad depot, known as the Union Passenger Station and the Atlantic Coastline Freight Station, which includes the Suwannee County Historical Museum.

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A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.

—Marcus Garvey

Ideas about how it will look are being developed. A master plan is expected soon that will show the area enhanced with unique buildings, beautiful landscaping, walking areas among quaint shops and restaurants and include areas where visitors might take a moment to admire the beauty of the city and perhaps watch trains pass by. If Amtrak passenger trains again travel these CSX rails locally, the number of shoppers could increase dramatically. A recent meeting where citizens were asked to share their thoughts on how Heritage Square should look brought much enthusiasm as well as an abundance of ideas. Some of those ideas are expected to be included in the master plan.

Initially the plan was to restart the Amtrak luxury passenger service on the CSX rail lines which run east to west and separate the north end of Live Oak from the south

Keith Mixon

Late Live Oak City Council President

Frank Davis

Live Oak City Councilman District 4

when trains travel through. The Heritage Square idea was pushed to the forefront by the late Live Oak City Councilman/Council President Keith Mixon, who also served on the Community Redevelopment Agency as chairman. Mixon died suddenly at his home in 2016 of natural causes, leaving the project without its main cheerleader. But, the CRA and the City of Live Oak have renewed the vision for Heritage Square and are moving it forward. Mixon’s dream of passenger trains bringing many people to Live Oak and Heritage Square could still take place, fulfilling his and many others’ dreams for Heritage Square.

“Heritage Square has the potential to be something special and unique to make Live Oak a destination which will revitalize the downtown area,” says City Council President/CRA Chairman Frank Davis, “a vision Keith worked tirelessly to promote.”

Heritage Square plans are progressing. The next CRA meeting at Live Oak City Hall is expected to move the project forward towards providing a beautiful area in the middle of Live Oak to preserve this historical downtown area.

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spring

BOOK Spring is here and it’s time to search up a great book!

The Moralist

by Patricia O’Toole This is a great new presidential biography on Woodrow Wilson. Delving into the life of Wilson and his presidency, the reader will understand the difficulty of the years leading up to World War I and the enormous decisions upon Wilson’s shoulders. These decisions are still being felt in today’s America.

History buffs, enjoy!

They Say Blue

by Jillian Tamaki

This picture book for young readers is captivating with paintings full of movement and transformation.

Jillian Tamaki shares this book about color through the perspective of a young girl as she examines the colors in the world around her.

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CAR & TRUCK ACCESSORIES spring

REVIEWS Family Magazine encourages—nay, challenges—you to read at least two books from “The Greatest Books” list.

The list is generated from 114 “best of” book lists from a variety of great sources. We’ve chosen just a few of our favorites for this review.

Find the complete list at thegreatestbooks.org.

#1 on The Greatest Books list: Don Quixote

by Miguel de Cervantes

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Alonso Quixano, a retired country gentleman in his fifties, lives in an unnamed section of La Mancha with his niece and a housekeeper. He has become obsessed with books of chivalry, and believes their every word to be true.

#16 on The Greatest Books list: Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen Main character Elizabeth Bennet deals with matters of upbringing, marriage, moral rightness and education in her aristocratic society. This book remains a fascination of modern readership, continuing to remain at the top of lists titled “most loved books of all time.”

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GOOD JOBS that Pay without a BA

Leveraging Economic Opportunity

By Hayli Zuccola

A

fter high school, we often wonder what to do next. Usually there are two paths taken into consideration: go to college and get a degree or head into the workforce and get a job. However, something recent graduates don’t realize is there is a third option available. Learn a trade and earn a degree or a certificate through a technical college. Benefits of this option are the length of time to graduate is shorter than earning a Bachelor’s degree and classes are spent helping individuals learn skills they’ll use in their career rather than spending several semesters taking generalized courses that are required, but don’t necessarily teach in the field of interest. Fortunately, two local colleges—Florida Gateway College and RiverOak Technical College—offer several different career-building programs to choose from. The only tough decision is deciding which one is perfect for you.

Contrary to popular opinion, GOOD JOBS that pay without a BA have not disappeared. Visit this interactive site to explore more than 30 million good jobs and the demographics of those who hold them: goodjobsdata.org

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spring Administrative Assistant or Medical Administrative Specialist RiverOak Technical College

Building Construction Technology RiverOak Technical College

This program provides students with the skills they need to enter into the construction field such as carpentry, masonry, preparing and applying finishes to surfaces, plumbing and electrical, and installing roofing materials, among others.

On-Time Completion Rate: 67 Percent Placement Rate: 100 Percent

This seven-course program teaches students medical terminology, transcription of medical documents, use of business software application, and office procedures among other skills that are needed in order to work as an administrative assistant or medical administrative specialist.

The course also involves researching job opportunities and Reigniting the Skilled Workforce how to create a quality portfolio.

On-Time Completion Rate: 100 Family Magazine is highlighting these skilled trades that are in high demand. Mike Rowe of Percent Dirty Jobs challenges the persistent belief that a four-year degree is automatically the best path Placement Rate: 100 Percent for the most people. More information can be found at profoundlydisconnected.com and

Administrative Office Specialist RiverOak Technical College

skillsusa.org.

This five-course program prepares students for a career as a file clerk, general office clerk, secretary, or administrative assistant by learning office procedures, software applications, and production work.

On-Time Completion Rate: 95 Percent Placement Rate: 95 Percent

Auto Collision Technology Technician RiverOak Technical College

This program teaches students the skills needed to become automobile body repairers, painters, repairer helpers, and painter helpers by learning basic trade, refinishing, and sheet metal repair skills; frame alignment; use of fillers and paint systems; related welding and mechanical skills; and glass servicing among other necessary skills.

On-Time Completion Rate: 100 Percent Placement Rate: 75 Percent

Automotive Service Technology RiverOak Technical College

Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts RiverOak Technical College

This program is ideal for students who want to expand their love of cooking and baking by learning the skills to become a professional in the culinary world. During this program, students are taught food storage; serving and preparation; management; public relations; and use, care, and maintenance of commercial food preparation equipment.

On-Time Completion Rate: 75 Percent Placement Rate: 89 Percent

Commercial Heating & Air Conditioning, O.C. (HVAC) Florida Gateway College This five-semester program prepares students who want to have a career in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry.

Cosmetology Florida Gateway College & RiverOak Technical College

This program offers five certifications in brakes, steering and suspension, heating and A/C, engine repair, and electrical/ electronic systems. This hands-on program prepares students for careers in auto dealerships, used car repair shops and other automotive fields.

On-Time Completion Rate: 43 Percent Placement Rate: 80 Percent

From shampooing to manicures, cosmetology is offered at both RiverOak Technical College and Florida Gateway College and teaches students the skills to work as hairdressers, nail technicians, and/or facial specialists in salons.

Brick & Block Masonry RiverOak Technical College

This program prepares students to work in child care facilities as child care teacher aides or child care development specialists.

On-Time Completion Rate: 100 Percent Placement Rate: 100 Percent

This three-semester program teaches students the trade of becoming a brick and block mason by studying construction drawings and specifications as well as learning the tools and practices of brick and block laying.

On-Time Completion Rate: 100 Percent Placement Rate: 100 Percent

Early Childhood Education RiverOak Technical College

Facial Specialty, O.C. Florida Gateway College

Rather than a generalized cosmetology certificate, this program is more focused and trains students to become licensed estheticians.

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Electrical RiverOak Technical College

Although the Building Construction Technology program teaches the basics of electrical work, this program delves deeper by teaching students installation of electrical wiring, motor controls, as well as power and lighting systems in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

On-Time Completion Rate: 100 Percent Placement Rate: 100 Percent

Nail Specialty, O.C. Florida Gateway College

Surgical Technology RiverOak Technical College

Certified Surgical Technologists work with surgeons, anesthesiologists and registered nurses by handling instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary for the surgical procedure, as well as monitoring the operating room, conditions and needs of the patient and the surgical team. Job opportunities include working in a hospital or operating room, evaluating surgical products, or being a representative for medical product companies.

On-Time Completion Rate: 70 Percent Placement Rate: 57 Percent

This eight-credit program focuses on teaching students to become licensed nail specialists through studying and practicing manicure and pedicure I wouldn’t wish any specific thing for any techniques, acrylics, gel specific person—it’s none of my business. But nails and fiberglass wraps.

“

Patient Care Technician RiverOak Technical College

the idea that a four-year degree is the only path to worthwhile knowledge is insane. It’s insane.

This is a five- to six-month program that teaches students home health aide, nursing assistant skills, nutrition and phlebotomy in order to work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, health facilities, and other health care facilities utilizing assistants to nurses.

On-Time Completion Rate: 100 Percent Placement Rate: 80 Percent

Pharmacy Technician RiverOak Technical College

This program prepares students for a job in the pharmacy field and teaches them to perform a variety of technical duties related to preparing and dispensing drugs under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.

On-Time Completion Rate: 100 Percent Placement Rate: 100 Percent

Practical Nursing RiverOak Technical College

This course prepares students to work in hospitals, longterm care facilities, clinics, doctors’ offices, and home health agencies by teaching them how to care for medical and surgical patients. Over the course of the program, students will learn about nutrition, medication, life span, diseases and disorders, community health, CPR, and first aid.

On-Time Completion Rate: 100 Percent Placement Rate: 100 Percent

”

– Mike Rowe

Welding Technology Florida Gateway College & RiverOak Technical College

Students who are looking for a career in the welding field will learn techniques such as oxyfuel cutting, plasma arc cutting, and carbon arc gouging, as well as different processes like shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding among others. According to riveroakcollege.com, the demand for welders in Florida is high, and the average salary for a welder is $41,000.

Advanced Welding Technology Florida Gateway College

This program teaches students the skills to work in various welding careers such as building and bridge construction, ship building, industrial maintenance, excavation and fabrication as well as emerging careers like pulse welding, submerged arc welding and robotics. Students are taught a number of skills to help them in their future endeavors including pipe fitting, heavy wall pipe welding, and more advanced training in shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux core arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding.

To get a more detailed look at what each of these programs offers, including the individual courses as well as the length and estimated cost of the programs, visit:  fgc.edu/discover/academic-programs/trade-and-industrial  riveroakcollege.com/programs

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spring

e i n a t t ri owell B P

By Susan K. Lamb

Brittanie Powell of Live Oak started singing when she was very young. People who heard her sing were amazed…and a legion of fans formed to support her. Today, a junior at Shining Star Academy in Lake City, she plans to pursue a career in music. She has already attained many of her goals in life at the young age of 17, due to her God-given singing talent. One of those goals was to win the super elite talent show, Southside Idol, in Lake City. On January 13, 2018, that goal was accomplished.

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One of her grand prizes was a 2016 Kia Soul from Rountree Moore Kia in Lake City. Brittanie was overwhelmed with joy

“I really love Southside Idol, all it has taught me, and all the people I’ve met I now call family. To have won it means so much to me—finally having the title and inspiring others means everything,” —Brittanie Powell

Martin spring

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spring range often astonishes her audiences. A Suwannee High School band member before her singing career began to take up all of her free time after school, Brittanie has trained with career musicians Matt Johns and Donald Johns at Starlight Studios in Lake City. She currently trains with Tony Buzzella. She is also a member of Orange Blossom Country Music Association and has performed in many shows in Florida and Tennessee sponsored by this group.

Brittanie has amassed quite a number of remarkable contest wins. Her mom, Jennifer Bailey, has devoted her time, dedication and energy over the years to help Brittanie become the success she is today. Jennifer is the one to be sure her talented daughter makes it to her events on time and is always in a safe environment. Performing regularly in contests and auditions, she has captured almost 20 distinguished awards, one of which is the 2017 Future Star Award for NACMAI in Pigeon Forge.

Follow Brittanie on facebook.com/brittaniedeannapowell.

Live Oak’s Brittanie Powell, 17, is the 2018 Southside Idol Photo: Birdflower Productions

about the Kia as her family had just lost their car in an auto accident. Brittanie also received a bouquet of roses, a sash with “Southside Idol 2018” emblazoned on it, a sparkling tiara, as well as a four-week stay at French Woods Sports and Arts Center Summer Camp in New York.

Wayne Jernigan and Anthony Mobley stage this elite event each year, working all year to secure donations and volunteers so it can be free of charge to the contestants. Once a contestant auditions and makes it to the competitions, they work with vocal coaches who volunteer their time. The 2018 vocal coaches were Tony Buzzella, Chrys Rowe, Samantha Russell, Anthony Mobley and Willow Russell.

This Southside Idol winner is an amazing young singer who loves the Lord and gives God all the glory for her amazing singing ability. Brittanie’s hope is that when she performs, it motivates others to use their God-given talents to make this world a better place. “It does not matter how big or small, how old or young you are, with God by your side, you can change the world and succeed,” Brittanie declares.

Beginning to sing at age three, Brittanie made her first public appearance as a singer at age nine. At 17, she is confidant on stage regardless of the venue and has performed on many stages. Brittanie is comfortable singing country, pop, contemporary and other genres of music. Her beautiful high

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SHOWCASING TALENTED SINGERS Southside Idol is a program designed to showcase young talented singers.

These young singers receive vocal and performance training. The contestants then compete for prizes such as a new car, money and possibly college scholarships. All genres of music are accepted. Singers must be between the ages of 15 and 22. Training and rehearsals are conducted in October, November, and December, with the final showdown in Lake City in January. Anyone interested in learning more about Southside Idol should visit southsideidol.com.

Looking for a venue to host your event?

spring

You Have Found It! The Columbia County Fairgrounds located close to I-75 off Hwy. 90 provides two perfect buildings and spacious grounds.

Ready to host from 15 - 500 guests.

Family Reunions • Weddings & Receptions Retirement Parties • Indoor Yard Sales Sweet Sixteen Parties • Birthday Parties

Available for up to 500 Guests

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WHIDDON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

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“We Build Homes for Life” Not only do we build new homes or add an addition or remodel existing homes, but we also are: • VA Qualified for the HISA (Home Improvement and Structural Alteration) Program • Handicap Accessibility (ADA) - Bathroom Modifications - Door Widening - Entrance Thresholds - Ramps – Aluminum and Wood • Roofing • Home Inspections Call us if you need advice on what you need to do to your home to make it accessible!

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Columbia County builders’ assoCiation

P r o t e c t i n g

Y o u !

By Joy H. Coleman

You’ve done everything possible to protect your home from the oncoming storm. Tucked the patio furniture along with the pool and kids’ toys safely away. You’ve collected water in all available pots, including the bathtub. Extra batteries and charcoal have been checked off the list. It may be a few days before the power is restored. All is going fairly well until you hear the crack and WHAM! A tree has fallen on a section of your precious home.

What now?!

“Just yesterday I saw a truck advertising ‘Home Repair Services’ with only a phone number. This is illegal advertising.

Legitimate contractors have to put their license number on any advertisement.”

—Roger Whiddon

Builder’s Association Vice-President

In times such as this, you need to visit the Columbia County Builders’ Association (CCBA) website, which can be found at buildcolumbiacounty.com. CCBA members are reputable, licensed paid for quick work, perhaps poorly done, or work they’ll never and insured contractors ready for any building project. Columbia finish.

County is home to many qualified and legitimate contractors, many of whom are members of the Columbia County Builders’ Membership in the CCBA requires proof of licenses and Association, ready to listen and meet your needs, building quality insurances. Peace of mind comes from knowing you’re dealing projects and avoiding scam contractors. Their goal is to serve with a reputable business that has a good history in Columbia and protect our citizens by understanding construction laws.

County. Your worries Unfortunately, there are of being scammed can also many non-legitimate SAVE THIS extremely educational website. This website makes it easy to be laid to rest. CCBA is contractors—we’ve all met committed to providing locate any licensed contractor. It will also lead you through to a page where you can those guys with chainsaws Columbia County view any complaints lodged against a person or business. after hurricanes and other residents with information myfloridalicense.com/dbpr disasters. They want to be to protect themselves.

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We also offer in-ground, wall and depository safes from Hayman Safes of Florida.

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spring CCBA PARADE OF HOMES Saturday, April 28th • Time: 10am – 5 pm Sunday, April 29th • Noon to 5 pm For more information, visit the CCBA website: buildcolumbiacounty.com “CCBA is excited to be hosting the 2018 Spring Parade of Homes. We expect between 12-15 entries. It has been 10 years since the last one. It’s great to see that building is back in our community.”

—Bryan Zecher

CCBA President

THE BENEFITS OF HIRING A PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTOR Homeowners will reap benefits when hiring a professional contractor for their projects. According to the Columbia County Builders’ Association, experienced contractors bring a multitude of skills and qualities to successfully execute each home project.

“Professionals do construction better,” said Bryan Zecher, 2018 CCBA President. “They not only bring advanced construction skills and trained crews, but manage customer service and maintain quality business skills to improve the homeowner’s experience.”

Avoid unlicensed or uninsured wannabe contractors, renovators, or handymen. CCBA Vice-President Roger Whidden shares, “The law is there to protect the consumer, but most consumers don’t know the law. Just yesterday I saw a truck advertising ‘Home Repair Services’ with only a phone number. This is illegal advertising. Legitimate contractors have to put their license number on any advertisement.”

Permits are required for any work requiring a state license such as roofing, air conditioning, plumbing, or electrical work.

All contractors are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This is the same organization regulating physicians, lawyers, real estate agents, hair stylists, etc.

“If you hire a licensed contractor and have a problem with the work or the individual, you’re able to contact DBPR and file a complaint. When hiring an unlicensed contractor, you have nowhere to go—you don’t have any legal rights,” states Whiddon.

Whiddon stresses, “Essentially, consumers don’t know the law.

The CCBA exists to assist Columbia County residents with any

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kind of building issues they might have. They’re not going to offer an opinion on any builder, but they are going to help the consumer get the information on whomever they hire and help them find the information if they’re licensed and insured. They’re a resource the residents of Columbia County can use over and over again.”

ACQUIRING A CONTRACTOR Here’s what you want to hire

• One of CCBA’s top priorities is to support the community to find and work with dependable contractors. Whether finding a contractor through their organization or elsewhere, doing your homework can make all the difference in your project’s success.

• Interview 3-5 prospects in person.

• Verify your contractor’s background and check references

by contacting their materials suppliers, making sure they’re registered by visiting the Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board website, and calling recent customers.

• Ask about professional association membership, training in the field, and work in the community.

• Nail down the contract—get all the details in writing.

COLUMBIA COUNTY BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION 824 NW Emerald Lakes Drive, Lake City, FL 32055 Telephone: 386-867-1998 buildcolumbiacounty.com/contact-us

BUILDING DEPARTMENT, CITY HALL City of Lake City, 205 N. Marion Avenue, Lake City, FL 32055 Telephone: 386-752-2031 lcfla.com/index.php/contact-us

COLUMBIA COUNTY BUILDING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT 135 NE Hernando Avenue, Lake City, FL 32055 Telephone: 386-758-1008 columbiacountyfla.com/BuildingandZoning.asp

photo: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com

spring time

CrescentRolls INGREDIENTS • 1 package (8 or 12 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls (the larger size is easier to wrap around the marshmallows)

• 1/4 cup sugar • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon • 8 large marshmallows • 1/4 cup butter, melted

By Anne Smith | Photography by Noah Walker

The Toucey family invited Family Magazine into their home this Spring.

They shared a delightful and fun way to spend quality time with your children, plus teach little ones (and remind us older ones) about Christ’s resurrection. We know you will enjoy this scrumptious recipe also.

Thank you, Keith, Claire, Kai, Josie and Renna!

DIRECTIONS

• Separate rolls into eight triangles. Combine sugar and cinnamon. Dip each marshmallow into butter, roll in cinnamon-sugar and place on a triangle. Pinch dough around marshmallow, sealing all edges. Make sure to seal well or all the marshmallow will escape.

• Dip tops of dough into remaining butter and cinnamonsugar. Place with sugar-side up in greased muffin cups.

It helps to use jumbo muffin tins so the liquid doesn’t overflow.

• Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes or until rolls are golden brown. Allow to cool slightly, then eat warm.

“Our kids really enjoyed the simple yet delicious recipe. They had a lot of fun getting to help prepare it and they really liked eating it!”

—Claire Toucey

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spring

5 Strategic Points for Helping Someone Suffering from Addiction

By Sam Ryan, C.R.R.A., B.S.

Since my wife Melissa and I have opened our addiction treatment center, we are asked all the time, “How can I help my loved one who is struggling with an addiction?”

Unfortunately, addiction is a progressive, chronic disease, which is treatable, but no treatment will work until that individual suffering with addiction is internally motivated to get better.

However, as a concerned family member, friend, loved one, or neighbor, you can help. Here is a brief overview of my five strategic points to implement when helping any alcoholic or addict.

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Don’t EnablE

The worst you can do is, literally, assist someone in their addictive downward spiral. People enable addicts in many ways.

They deny or marginalize their loved one’s addictive behavior.

They make excuses for the addict’s behavior or, simply, ignore the behavior all together. Often, the concerned person hopes the addiction “situation” will improve on its own over time. You will hear excuses such as, “He drank so much because he has been going through a tough time,” or “She is just using drugs because she is experimenting and in a party stage of her life.” All these excuses give the addict a reason they need to continue to abuse their bodies and others.

As soon as the addiction is identified, you cannot, under any circumstance, financially assist the addict. If you monetarily support the afflicted individual, you are partially responsible for that person’s adverse experiences, which are guaranteed to happen.

You don’t conquer addiction by simply stopping using. spring

You recover through God’s grace and a new life, which makes it easier to not use.

Call for help at

386.365.4635 24/7 Addiction Help Line

1.800.413.2480

www.LivingHopeRecoveryFlorida.com

Living Hope Recovery Center 127 —Made Strong Through Grace— Lake City, Florida

spring 22

MaIntaIn HEaltHY boUnDaRIES

Once you have made the commitment to no longer enable the addict, you must maintain some healthy boundaries to ensure the addict stays encouraged to get help. Once the addict begins their journey to recovery, healthy boundaries will assist that recovering person in staying sober and keep you emotionally and physically safe.

An example of a healthy boundary includes holding that person accountable if they miss sober-support group meetings, therapist sessions, sponsor meetings, and other recoveryoriented activities. The best way to hold an addict accountable is to distance yourself (physically, emotionally, and financially) if the addict starts to slip back into old behaviors, which would mean not attending recovery-oriented activities, lying, manipulating, using drugs, and drinking.

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SEEK PRoFESSIonal HElP

Most of us sees a physician of some sort for our general health care needs, but when it comes to our minds we neglect that salient part of our body. Unfortunately, there are a lot of negative connotations that people link to seeing a mental health professional.

Anyone, not just addicts, can benefit by seeing a mental health professional. Since addiction is a disease that not only affects the individual, but the family and loved ones, it’s important for the addict and their family to process their feelings of anger, resentment, pain, and grief. Therefore, I would recommend that both the individual suffering from the addiction and their affected family members and loved ones seek assistance from a professional to help ensure proper guidance and healing occurs.

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the 12 Steps. This often times leads to a relapse. Remember, the two distinguishing characteristics of addiction is that the disease is both progressive and chronic. This means, even though a recovering addict may have multiple years of sobriety, that person stills possesses the disease of addiction. At any time, if the addict decides to use or drink again, he or she will, most likely, pick right back up at the same heavy level of use, with the same devastating consequences.

Addiction is a cunning, baffling disease that is devastating families everywhere. It takes love, patience, and lot of faith to be able to learn to live with the treated disease, but you can have a happy, productive life, growing and flourishing. Always remember, we are made strong through grace.

According to the Surgeon General:  1 in 7 in the U.S. will face substance addiction  The economic impact of drug and alcohol misuse and addiction amounts to $442 billion each year—topping diabetes at $245 billion “Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drug, and Health,” November

LIVING HOPE RECOVERY CENTER Living Hope Recovery Center is a state-licensed addiction recovery center, concentrating on giving personal one-on-one service.

Therefore, only 10 clients at a time are admitted at this small family-owned facility, which offers an integrated health care program.

no lIVInG In tHE PaSt

In addiction recovery, addicts shouldn’t forget the past, but they can’t live in it either. Addicts must learn to move on with life by forgiving others and themselves. If you are making the decision to continue to have a positive relationship with the addict in your life, you must forgive them, too.

Sam Ryan, C.R.R.A., B.S. Owner

If you continue to remind the addict of the pain they have caused, you are not only, possibly, damaging their recovery, you are hurting yourself, too. When we forgive others, we finally allow for true healing to occur.

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tHE DISEaSE oF aDDICtIon IS CHRonIC

Often times, addicts—once they have had some success in long-term recovery—will start to think they do not need to work their recovery plan any longer. The recovering addict will stop going to group sessions, therapy appointments, or stop working

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Melissa Ryan, C.R.P.S. Owner

1531 SW Commercial Glen, Lake City livinghoperecoveryflorida.com sam@livinghoperecoveryflorida.com 386-365-4635

Lake Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Lifestyle Community

Not just building housesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;building a neighborhood for people to engage, to connect and to call home... A place to be themselves.

Taking 300 acres of preserved natural wetlands and lake area in Lake City as his canvas, Scott Stewart has created an elegant lifestyle community.

The Preserveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charm begins with its long, meandering entrance and continues through every element of this idyllic community. The long entry stretches a quarter of a mile, providing maximum privacy to residents while sitting less than three quarters of a mile from town.

It is the first planned neighborhood in a natural wetland built in Lake City. It delivers on that expectation with stunning homes, a long list of resort-style amenities and natural surroundings, making this a fantastic place to call home. The

Preserve focuses on connectivity, allowing residents to build their own legacy. With a variety of open spaces ranging from green spaces, lakes, undeveloped parcels of land, to outdoor kitchens, this neighborhood has created a sense of place, allowing individuals and families to create memories of a lifetime.

Homes are offered for sale ranging from $250,000 to $489,900, with a current average list price of $297,000. The Preserve itself features 148 lots, of which many are still available to choose for building your favorite house plan.

Homeowners enjoy stunning Craftsman exterior styles. Many feature open-concept interiors flowing effortlessly from large

Tucked away amongst the trees and natural wetlands in Lake City sits The Preserve at Laurel Lake. Developed by Scott and Pam Stewart, The Preserve is no cookie-cutter neighborhood.

With a variety of home plans, this neighborhood offers esthetically pleasing choices and amenities many families seek.

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amenities

• family Playground • five Ponds—all stocked

• tennis, soccer,

Basketball, and Beach volleyball Courts

• Jogging Paths • gated Boat and rv Parking

• kayaking • Camp fire • Pool • Club house with kitchen, Patio, grill area, and restrooms

• Pavilion • Lights with timers • fire Pit • splash Pool • nature trails—over 3.5 miles

• Boardwalks through natural habitats

• annual Community events: family spring festival and more

• green spaces • sidewalks and street Lights

• mailboxes in

one Location

best neighborhood within ten counties offering a high quality of life, a safe and pleasant atmosphere, and an ease of living not found elsewhere.

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and welcoming rooms into modern center-island kitchens, and then to outdoor living spaces, making the most of North Central Florida’s picturesque natural habitat.

The outstanding amenities include a community pool, clubhouse with kitchen, patio, grill area, fire pit and playground, as well as tennis, basketball and beach volleyball courts, walking trails and stunning landscaping. With over three-and-a-half miles of sidewalks and nature trails, The Preserve is perfect for running, bike riding or just hanging out with neighbors. Also available is a gated area for boat and RV parking.

The Preserve at Laurel Lake is found just off U.S. Highway 90, only ten minutes south of the intersection of Interstate 75 and Interstate 10, allowing for a convenient commute to Jacksonville, Gainesville, and Valdosta, with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Lake City offers a smalltown, friendly appeal with big-city conveniences in a beautiful natural setting. At the end of the day, you can take 45 minutes to relax, grab your pole and go fishing. Together, The Preserve and Columbia County offer residents the best of both worlds.

both kids and adults enjoy the neighborhood horses.

A fun ride on the golf cart with apples and carrots in hand makes for a great afternoon!

The Preserve is more than a home—it’s a community.

Family is the most important legacy. Through its amenities, The Preserve allows for quality family interaction, building that legacy and making memories.

the Preserve at LaureL Lake at a gLanCe….

Website: preservelakecity.net Number of Homes: 148 total planned Price Range: Starting at $250,000 Size: 1800 to over 4500 square feet

key features:

Residents enjoy small-town living at The Preserve at Laurel Lake

Community created with one builder 30 acres of pocket parks & open space 3.5 miles of walking, running, or wandering trails Pool and clubhouse

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aaron simQue homes

Simplifying the Homebuilding Process with Integrity

Aaron Simque comments, “When you walk the road with a homeowner from the time you break ground to the end, it’s truly a rewarding experience.

We’re able to assist and support by removing all the confusion, bringing the buyer a home they’ve designed, and we’ve built with the finishing touches included.”

Aaron Simque, builder at The Preserve, is known for his picturesque homes built with integrity. His work focuses on building single-family homes, with the real focus on the families themselves. Simque has a true passion for taking a plot of land and transforming it into a homeowner’s dream.

Amid his success, he’s always preferred the relationships established with the homeowners.

The highlight of the whole process is to build the home, create the interior design, and bring all the final touches to life. He comments, “Buyers choose a property, then pick and choose from various home features to suit their lifestyle. At The Preserve there’s no construction loan or land loan—it’s just one transaction, one closing. Easy.”

When purchasing a home through Debi Bennefield of the Stewart Team at Rockford Realty Group, every new home buyer quickly realizes they don’t sell lots, they sell land/home packages. At The Preserve—ONE transaction. House and lot are bundled together, keeping it “buyer simplified.”

“Homeowners are going to walk into our homes and almost

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be able to take immediate residency,” says Simque. “From the color of the interior door to the finishing luxuries, the design is integrated. We have a modern farmhouse or a modern rustic design with a Craftsman exterior which feels larger but requires less power. We’re moving toward a coastal design with pastel colors and Bahama shutters hanging from the window’s top. The shutters provide efficiency and privacy but allow all the natural daylight preferred.”

In the kitchen and laundry areas, floors have larger

Going on five months in our new home at The Preserve and loving it! Aaron listened to our ideas and built us a beautiful custom home that is suited to our needs. I really appreciated his design help on flooring, cabinets, countertops and bathroom tile.

We couldn’t be happier!

–Julie Snyder Schwarz

rectangular tiles with the smallest grout joint possible. The rest of the home is a higher grade European laminate flooring that is a half-inch thick. The benefits are numerous: it doesn’t scratch; the finish doesn’t wear off and it’s softer on feet.

Creating Community ConneCtion Aaron Simque Homes is about creating connection within The Preserve.

The community pool, pool house, and outdoor pavilion are very active throughout the year. The Preserve is a multi-generational community, with one of the best features being its location. A three-minute drive gets you to dining opportunities and shopping, but it’s still quiet sitting outside or at one of the five ponds. Ultimately, Simque not only wants the best-built homes for families, but also the best a community can offer. An important element is creating a joyful home— establishing an emotion about the home is paramount. The Preserve’s entrance sets this tone with its elegant detailed curb appeal of charming street lights and entryways. Simque shares that families love to live in a welcoming home and feel it from the moment they arrive curbside and walk through the door. The natural waterway feeding into Laurel Lake also feeds out of it, meaning all properties remain cool and safe yearround.

request. This constant state of learning keeps The Preserve in the front of the custom home-building business.

Living environments CustomiZed to meet needs The newest home technology is a part of the building. Consumers want connected home features that simplify their lives and blend into the home’s design. Simque offers the option of installing smart home technology using voice command systems to control integrated home lighting such as in living areas and under kitchen cabinets, automated window blinds, a home’s “go to bed” service, and HVAC temperatures. Homes are optimized for Wi-Fi connectivity based on its size and layout.

LifestyLes With fLeXiBLe Living sPaCes

Kitchen, living, and dining rooms are sleeker in 2018, reflecting more multipurpose spaces, of which Aaron Simque Homes excels in this design area. Kitchen cabinets, countertops, and appliances are harmonious throughout the home. Many home designs offer a larger reach through sliding doors and large windows along the back wall of the primary living areas. This provides a seamless transition between indoor rooms and outdoor living spaces. It brings the outside environment in when wanted. These homes offer more glass than other homes but it reflects heat and Creating more than a house sun.

After 30 years in the industry, Simque continues to immerse himself in national trends, focusing on incorporating the latest developments into each homeowner’s tastes and

If your family is geared toward an active and social lifestyle, Simque has many floor plans with spacious open living areas. With the popularity of outdoor kitchens, ask to see the model home featuring a high-end stainless gas grill,

complete with refrigerator, TV and other amenities. All this allows the homebuyer a relaxing neighborhood lifestyle vibe: on pleasant evenings it’s comfortable to cook, sit, and enjoy the outside while visiting or looking at the natural wetlands.

Homebuyers also can expect sustainability by having well-sealed and insulated buildings. All homes include Energy Star-rated appliances, and many are fitted with tankless instant water heaters. The Preserve homes are unique in that natural gas is available on every lot, reducing home costs to a fraction of electricity.

The Preserve chose Aaron Simque Homes as their premier builder due to their solid reputation as a visionary designer and custom home builder.

This team brings trending creative ideas, supreme quality craftsmanship and proven customer service to the homebuyer. When you build at The Preserve, your experience will truly be “an experience of a lifetime.”

For more information on Aaron Simque Homes, visit: aaronsimquehomes.com

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What makes you faLL in Love With the Preserve?

The way it combines both nature and a neighborhood in perfect harmony!

When looking for a new home, remember a golden rule of real estate: You’re not finding a home— you’re becoming part of a neighborhood. This couldn’t be truer than at The Preserve.

The Preserve carries the construction costs and offers special incentives. They don’t sell lots, they sell land/home packages.

At The Preserve, one transaction deals with the house and lot together. The Stewart Team works hard to keep it “buyer simplified.”

What happens when you first decide to move or to build?

There is angst. There is anticipated anxiety. At The Preserve at Laurel Lake, however, there is no angst. There is no anxiety.

Is the neighborhood in sync with your lifestyle? This great neighborhood has safe and friendly streets. Neighbors feel a true sense of inclusion. Over 300 acres of green space encourages physical activity, which has a direct relationship with quality of life.

The Stewart Team assists and supports you throughout the process. They remove the conflict and confusion, bringing you to a home of your choosing with the finishing touches included. Buyers choose a property, then choose from various home features to suit their personal choices and lifestyle.

Pride in ownership is obvious here as each resident maintains their home and cares about their neighborhood.

Since opening, property values have steadily risen at The Preserve. Due to a generous and well-managed homeowners’ association, the homeowner has less work, as the common areas are maintained by the association. The HOA provides security for your economic investment while also providing additional amenities at a below-the-norm, low annual rate.

For families with children, great schools top the list of what makes a great neighborhood. Not only are great schools important for families with children, but they also make the surrounding neighborhoods more valuable and more sought-after, continuing to keep property values strong. The

There’s no construction or land loan—it’s one transaction, one closing. Easy. Every buyer who comes directly to the community’s sales agent, Debi Bennefield of The Stewart Team at RRG, is given kid-glove treatment and assisted in designing the perfect home package at the best possible price.

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Ask to see how the model home showcases both nature and the neighborhood. This functional outside kitchen, along with the screened-in back room, makes for fun, year-round entertaining.

public schools closest to The Preserve are among the best in Columbia County. An area public charter school is a tenminute drive.

Being close to the outdoor adventures you love sweetens the

appeal of The Preserve at Laurel Lake. You can explore nature trails, ride horses, or wander the countryside. If you love golf, there are nearby courses keeping this neighborhood on par.

Within the grounds are five ponds fully stocked with fish, and the 70-acre Laurel Lake is perfect for canoes or kayaks.

The area is a designated wetland preserve—indigenous birds, plants, and waterways abound. Proximity and access to personal sports, a neighborhood pool with pool house, outdoor pavilion, and nearby country club will keep you in love with your home.

The Preserve encourages neighbors to create community. Through community events, neighbors go beyond the basic introduction, turning neighbors into friends.

What can help you fall even more deeply in love with your neighborhood? Being able to walk to the basketball and tennis courts, numerous green parks and spaces, and your personal private RV and boat storage secure area with electricity hook-ups.

The Preserve is a great neighborhood with its own special character. It is shaped by its physical setting, streets, landscape, open spaces, area culture and the people who live there, calling it home. The Preserve—combining nature and a neighborhood in perfect harmony!

NeSTiNg DuCk boxeS abound, showcasing the community’s commitment to nature and the environment. Many species of ducks such as wood ducks, barrow’s goldeneyes and common goldeneyes are all cavity-nesting ducks.

Ducks unlimited encourages this type of program for helping boost local wood duck populations. Seeing the ducklings’ little heads peeping through the hole as they ready for adulthood is a special treat at The Preserve!

Neighborhoods, where families live, create an asset for all homeowners. There are more opportunities for children to play, socialize, and make lifelong friends. Carpooling groups and other children’s programs are much more accessible when the neighborhood has children.

A great neighborhood has places for people to meet, talk and be neighborly. The Preserve encourages neighbors to create community. Through community events, neighbors go beyond the basic introduction, turning strangers into neighbors, and neighbors into family.

Swans, long representing elegance and refinement, are often seen gliding across Laurel Lake at The Preserve, as well as its five ponds.

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the imPortanCe of BuiLding Community

The True Purpose of a Homeowners’ Association

The Preserve’s homeowners’ association exists to create a sense of community, which in turn enhances the entire community. Wondering why a homeowners’ association is important?

Here are a few of the reasons.

Homeowners’ associations hold the community to a higher standard for the entire neighborhood’s appearance and protect property values for all owners. A well-maintained community appearance leads to higher property values.

Homes must meet standards, so they’re constantly being maintained. You’re less likely to see unkempt lawns or peeling paint. Architectural controls preserve the original community design.

So, what do the HOA fees actually do? HOA fees are used for building and ground maintenance, helping the entire neighborhood. As a result, the neighborhood develops a communityoriented atmosphere.

Some HOAs have rules about how many cars or even what type of vehicles can be parked on your property. For example, at The Preserve, a free, secure and private space with power is provided for boats and RVs. But at The Preserve, the HOA is much more.

The HOA at The Preserve provides the neighborhood with numerous amenities: sports courts and playing fields reserved for residents, a pool and pool house, an outdoor pavilion, landscaping, sidewalks, secure boat and RV storage, boardwalks to natural wetlands, and five ponds stocked with fish. These amenities

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substantially increase the enjoyment of living in a community. At The Preserve, the annual fees are so low one resident shares, “I couldn’t pay maintenance on a pool at home for that amount!”

Protecting the integrity and continuity of the neighborhood, The Preserve has only one developer and one builder. This continues to protect the homeowner’s equity by assuring only quality craftmanship and design.

“The Preserve’s HOA sponsors community

events, giving residents the opportunity to get to know everyone in the community.

This creates special bonds between neighbors,” explains Scott Stewart, developer. “We encourage residents to participate in these events. In reality, your neighbors become family.”

The presence of a well-run HOA dramatically increases the value of homes in the neighborhood, but at the end of the day, it’s the sense of community pride coupled with the love of your neighbors that trumps all other reasonings.

Federally Insured by the NCUA.

Financing your new memories.

Florida Credit Union is here to help all of Columbia County find the right mortgage financing. Learn more by contacting your local FCU mortgage originator, or visiting us online at flcu.org.

Nina Hoppe Mortgage Loan Originator Cell: (352) 204-7918 nina.h@flcu.org NMLS #1053744

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2018 home BuiLding trends shoWCased at the Preserve Amazing advancements are taking place in the building industry for homeowners due to technology. The Preserve knows how to help the buyer understand these 2018 trends, as well as how to effectively incorporate them into their lifestyle. Debi Bennefield, Realtor at The Preserve, can walk you through onsite models where you can see many of these trends, allowing you to make your decision with confidence.

The beautiful and functional models enable you to see the level of quality workmanship firsthand, guiding you toward the right solutions for you and your family.

2018 finds homebuyers are focusing on safety, privacy, and more space—indoors and out. The Preserve delivers in all these areas; resulting in a homebuilding experience that is personal, collaborative and empowering.

trending kitChen designs • Professional ranges and convection ovens • Whisper-quiet exhaust fans and range hoods • Top-of-the-line dishwashers and sub-zero refrigerators • Stone, poured cement, or granite counters • Cabinetry with storage • Kitchen islands and an extra sink • Apron-front farm kitchen sinks or hammered-copper sinks • Built-in microwaves with matching cabinetry fronts • Recessed lighting combined with hanging-pendant fixtures

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trend Bathroom designs • Lots of glass and stone • Brushed nickel • Double-handle, wall-mounted faucets • Vanities floating from the floor • Dual rain showerheads and hand-held sprayers • Motion light sensors • Power-assisted, low-rise toilets

CoLors • Earth-tone, soft colors with lots of blues, greens, and browns

rooms • Open floor plans combining family rooms with kitchen, dining areas, and outdoor rooms • A fourth room for media, home office, playroom or exercise

fLoors, WaLLs, and WindoWs • Walls with plaster, trowel textured or completely smooth • Windows with sleek lines and dual panes • Floors of travertine or marble tile, 18-inches or larger • European vinyl, wood, and exotic hardwood floors

Lake City/CoLumBia County

Small-Town Living with Accessibility to Big Cities • It’s All About Location Given new technology and Lake City/Columbia County’s Families and youthful retirees proximity to major cities and airports, it is very attractive for the new homebuyer. Email and the internet are credited with enjoy this mid-size community, Small-Town Living with Accessibility to Big Cities • It’s All About Location allowing families’ business interests far from where one lives. yet have the ability to be at the People seeking a much simpler lifestyle, coupled with a sense beach or the mountains in a Given new technology and Lake City/Columbia County’s of community, are discovering this North Florida paradise. Families and youthful retirees proximity to major cities and airports, it is very attractive for short time. ~Scott Stewart, Developer CountyEmail has experienced a growth spurt in with recent enjoy this mid-size community, theColumbia new homebuyer. and the internet are credited Scott Stewart years with the population increasing at about percent allowing families’ business interests far from where21one lives. yet have the ability to be at the in 2017, according U.S. Census Bureau data.

Toa keep lakes and streams, Lake City/Columbia County is considered People seeking a muchtosimpler lifestyle, coupled with senseup beach the inrecreational a growth,are new home construction increased by almost to beorone of mountains nature’s pristine playgrounds. The of with community, discovering this Northhas Florida paradise.

Stewart, Developer short time. is~Scott 19 percent in the last five years, according to Columbia population a comfortable 69,000, with three hospitals and Columbia County has experienced a growth spurt in recent County Economic Development.

Overall, the market here is a private airport.

Both Interstate 10 and Interstate 75 are Scott Stewart years with the population increasing at about 21 percent balanced and steady, assuring homebuyers of maintaining and minutes from any location in the county. in 2017, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. To keep up lakes and streams, Lake City/Columbia County is considered increasing the value their investment. with growth, new homeofconstruction has increased by almost to beThe onePreserve, of nature’swith pristine recreational The its dedication to playgrounds. livability, is positioned

Lake City/CoLumBia County

19Lake percent in the last five years, according Columbia a comfortable 69,000, with threeaccess hospitals andsmallCity/Columbia County is a rapidlytogrowing ecotourism population to offerismulti-generational homebuyers to this County Economic Development.

Overall, the market here is a private airport.

Both Interstate 10 and Interstate 75 are destination.

Home to the Suwannee River, Itchetucknee town atmosphere with accessibility to big cities. What a balanced and steady, assuring homebuyers of maintaining and minutes fromcombination! any location in the county. perfect Springs, several state parks and numerous underwater caves, increasing the value of their investment.

The Preserve, with its dedication to livability, is positioned Lake City/Columbia County is a rapidly growing ecotourism to offer multi-generational homebuyers access to this smalldestination. Home to the Suwannee River, Itchetucknee town atmosphere with accessibility to big cities. What a perfect combination!

Springs, several state parks and numerous underwater caves,

House Plans | Drafting | Floor Plans Construction Drawings | Building Design | 3D Renderings

Whether it’s a house, town house or any other type of single family dwelling, we can assist you with your design needs.

We will design your home to utilize your space and work within your budget.

Design

Call us for a free quote today! &

A S S O C I A T E S ,

I N C

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titLe ComPanies

Giving You Peace of Mind

By the time you reach the end of buying a property, you’re possibly mentally exhausted, having seen so many details, talked with so many people, and thinking “When will it end!”

Question: do you know the importance of a title company?

You NEED to know the value they bring to one of your major investments. Plus, they handle all the closing paperwork for you. They put a rope around the entire package and pull it together. Their goal is to provide and ensure a clean title to the property, giving you peace of mind.

During the title search of your property, the title company looks for any outstanding mortgages, liens, judgments or unpaid taxes associated with the property, as well as any restrictions, easements, leases or other issues that might impact ownership. The title company may also require a property survey, which determines the boundaries of the plot of land that a home sits on, whether the home sits within those boundaries, whether there are any encroachments on the property by neighbors and any easements that may impact an ownership claim. Not a big deal, until it’s a BIG deal!

Ask Susan Weirich of Lake City Title, who has 30 years of title experience: “We’re more connected and responsive to your needs; we’re less expensive, completely focused on you, your title, and making a stress-free closing experience.”

“In this office, we understand every step of the process.

We know what needs to get done and how to do it right the first time.”

She continues, “We combine our experience with passion.

Our work standards are not ‘kinda-sorta.’ They are black and white. We maintain the highest standards for title transfer so there will be no misunderstanding in the future.”

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“In this office, we understand every step of the process. We know what needs to get done and how to do it right the first time.”

—Susan Weirich, Lake City Title A title company works with all involved: buyers, sellers, real estate agents, surveyors, inspectors, appraisers, and mortgage lenders. They play the key role in processing real estate transactions and protect you, the buyer.

Acting in the interest of everyone involved, their goal is to provide and ensure a clean title to the property, establish an accurate ownership and lien history, find other factors that may affect the usability of the property, make sure the closing documents are accurate, and complete the entire property transaction.

They are an integral part of any real estate transaction, making sure every detail is correct and accurate at each stage of the process.

Homebuyers need to have a good and trusting relationship with their title company. They should feel free to contact their title company at any time to get answers to their questions on title searches, title abstracts, title insurance, escrow accounts or closings.

A title company makes sure the title to your piece of real estate is legitimate and issues title insurance for that property. Title insurance protects the lender and/ or owner against lawsuits or claims against the property that result from disputes over the title.

reaL estate estate agents agents reaL

They are are Valuable!

Valuable!

They

avoiding potential potential situations. situations. Some people may be involved avoiding in one, one, three, three, maybe maybe fifive ve home-buying purchases in their life. in We participate participate in in hundreds.” hundreds.”

We Realtors network network and and know know who provides services you need.

Realtors They know know who who has has aa reputation reputation for efficiency, competency, They and competitive pricing. and competitive pricing. They make it a priority to know just about about everyone everyone who who can possibly help in the process just of buying buying or or selling selling aa home—mortgage home—mortgage brokers, real estate of attorneys, title insurance attorneys, title insurance companies, home inspectors, and more. One One of of the the perks perks of working with a Realtor is you have more. access to their network. access to their network.

Buyingaahome homeisislikely likelythe thebiggest biggestfifinancial nancial decision decision of of Buying yourentire entirelife, life,and andyou youneed needto tohire hireaaRealtor, Realtor, ifif you you want want your todo doititright. right.Here’s Here’swhy. why.They Theyare aregoing goingto to guide guide you you to through situations you’ve never experienced.

Your Realtor through situations you’ve never experienced. Your Realtor goingto tocounsel, counsel,coach, coach,and andtake takecare careof ofall all the the details. details. A A isisgoing Realtor’s full-time job is to support you and be your liaison Realtor’s full-time job is to support you and be your liaison whetheryou youare arebuying buyingor orselling. selling.In Infifinding nding aa home, home, your your whether agentknows knowswhat whatmeets meetsyour yourcriteria criteriaand andmakes makes those those agent appointments. appointments.

DebiBennefi Bennefield, eld,Realtor Realtorwith withthe theStewart StewartTeam Team at at Rockford Rockford Debi RealtyGroup, Group,shares shares“Realtors “Realtorshave havelots lotsof ofexperience, experience, Realty knowing the real estate ‘language,’ and we are trained to to knowing the real estate ‘language,’ and we are trained guidethe thebuyer buyerthrough throughthe thebuying buyingprocess—all process—all while while guide helping them avoid delays or costly mistakes.

Despite what helping them avoid delays or costly mistakes. Despite what somepeople peoplethink, think,their theirentire entireexperience experiencecan can be be fun!” fun!” some Agentsknow knowwhere whereto tofifind ndwhat whatyou youneed needto to know. know. With With Agents their turbocharged searching power, they identify comparable their turbocharged searching power, they identify comparable sales,show showyou youthe theinformation informationon onschools, schools,shopping, shopping, and and sales, demographics.

Saving you, the buyer, precious time.

True, the demographics. Saving you, the buyer, precious time. True, the buyercan cansearch searchthe theinternet internetand andfifind ndalmost almost anything, anything, but but buyer Bennefield eldpoints pointsout, out,“A “Agood goodagent agentthrives thrives on on helping helping asasBennefi their client have the best possible experience when buying their client have the best possible experience when buying orselling. selling.A Aprofessional professionalcan canturn turnthe thebiggest biggest transaction transaction or of many people’s lives into a smooth, positive adventure by by of many people’s lives into a smooth, positive adventure

Realtors are are constantly constantly on on the move, checking out new Realtors listings, spending spending their their own own money to market the client’s listings, property, and researching property, and researching comparable real estate to make sure clients are are getting getting the the best best deal deal possible. possible. So, So, Realtors Realtors wear wear clients lot of of different different hats. hats. And And they they are are working working tirelessly tirelessly for for aa lot you all hours of the day and night.

Bennefi eld states, “This you all hours of the day and night. Bennefield states, “This possibly one one of of the the biggest biggest fifinancially nancially and and emotionally emotionally isis possibly charged decisions of your life.

It is not a responsibility take charged decisions of your life. It is not a responsibility II take lightly.” lightly.”

The bottom bottom line line isis you you want want to to make make sure sure you you don’t don’t The experience any unexpected title issues at closing.

Your experience any unexpected title issues at closing. Your Realtor isis aa professional professional that that will will make make sure sure everything everything is is Realtor staying on its projected timeline.

The buyer can have peace staying on its projected timeline. The buyer can have peace of mind mind knowing knowing that that aa trusted trusted Realtor Realtor is is dealing dealing with with all all of issues and and can can work work through through the the challenges. challenges. Now Now that’s that’s aa issues win-win. win-win.

Debi Bennefi Bennefield eld is is aa licensed licensed Realtor® Realtor® Debi who works with residential and who works with residential and commercial clients clients in in Lake Lake City City and and commercial the surrounding surrounding North North Florida Florida area. area. the She began in the industry in 2004, She began in the industry in 2004, specializing in in land, land, homes, homes, and and farms. farms. specializing As part of The Stewart Team, Debi has As part of The Stewart Team, Debi has been able able to to meet meet the the sales sales and and leasing leasing needs needs of of hundreds hundreds been of local local and and national national clients! clients! She She is is also also the the sales sales director director of for The Preserve at Laurel Lake, Lake City’s premier lifestyle for The Preserve at Laurel Lake, Lake City’s premier lifestyle community, and and has has played played aa key key role role in in the the growth growth and and community, development of this community. development of this community.

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www.PreserveLakeCity.net 142

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