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Southern Knights Celebrates 30 Years
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Letter From The Publisher Welcome to the first edition of The
Mid-State Messenger. I have set out to publish stories to inspire the mind and warm the heart. I am bringing print media into the 21st century with a mobile app available on both Android and iPhone. I hope you will download and install the app so you can not only read this issue but stay up-to-date with the latest news and events. There’s also a chance you can win some money. Details are on page 26 so be sure to check that out. Kick back, relax, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the premier issue of The Mid-State Messenger. Stay Blessed, Ryan
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Improve Your Summer With A Few Simple Tricks Summer is here, and that means
picnics, beach trips, cookouts, and bug bites. While we love to beat the heat, get away with the kids, or catching some rays, often there is a downside to our summer splendor. With the following tricks, you can turn your summer from good to great.
Keep Your Ice Cream Soft Nobody likes to chip away at rock solid ice cream. When you are craving that cold, creamy goodness, you don’t want to spend 30 minutes breaking into your brick of ice cream. I bet you didn’t know there is a trick to keeping your ice cream soft. Simply placing your ice cream container in a Ziploc baggie before putting it in the freezer can prevent it from getting overly hard. It also keeps away those nasty little ice crystals.
even more? Fill a few ice cube trays with aloe vera gel and freeze. Store the cubes in ziploc bags. The next time you come home with a horrible sunburn, your skin will thank you when you take a frozen aloe vera cube and rub it on your burnt skin.
Keep Your Beach Valuables Safe Many thieves might find your cell phone, car keys, and definitely money worth snatching while you are playing in the water. What they might not find tempting is a suntan lotion bottle. Save an empty suntan lotion bottle with a wide lid and use it to store your valuables while you are at the beach.
Keep The Sand Out Of Your Stuff
I bet you get tired of sand getting everywhere Heal And Sooth A Sunburn when you go Quickly to the beach. Worse yet, Everyone knows Aloe Vera can help is when you heal and soothe sunburn but did you must bring know freezing it helps sooth a sunburn everything
back to the car. Next time you go to the beach bring a fitted sheet. Lay it down upside-down and use items like coolers and beach essentials to keep the sides propped up. You know have a sand-proof little fortress.
Keep Sand Off Your Feet. Speaking of sand, everyone hates tracking sand in their car. You can wash the sand off, and your wet feet will probably pick up more sand and dirt. What to do? Bring along a bottle of baby powder. Rubbing a little baby powder on your feet will cause the sand to fall right off.
Keep Your Drinks Cold and Not Watered Down. Whether you enjoy a cold glass of sweet tea or iced coffee, nothing is worse than melted ice in the summer heat that waters your drink down. Next time freeze your favorite beverage ahead of time in ice cube trays and use it to keep your favorite beverage cold.
Freeze Green Grapes To Keep Wine Cold. Perhaps you aren’t the tea or coffee type. A cold glass of wine can be just as refreshing, but you don’t want to freeze your wine. Instead, buy some green grapes and freeze them, then place them in your wine. Not only will it keep your wine chilled, but it looks fantastic and classy as well.
Keep Bugs Away When people think of Lime the fruit and summer, they may think of a tropical drink with coconut or maybe key lime pie. What many people don’t know is sticking cloves into a lime cut in half is a natural bug repellent. It also is a great fragrance too if you have an enclosed patio. You will love it and the mosquitoes will hate it.
Soothe Mosquito Bites. Ok, so you forgot the limes and cloves, and the mosquitoes are out in full force. It’s been said the state bird of Florida is mosquitoes. This is especially true in the hot summer months right after a good rain. Keeping a small tube of toothpaste on you will help relieve the itch of a fresh bite. A little dab of toothpaste on the mosquito bite will soothe it and keep it from itching
No More Messy Popsicles Kids and adults alike love a cold popsicle in the hot summer heat. What we don’t like is the mess that often follows when the popsicle melts as we eat it. This is a great trick, especially for children. Cut a slit into a cupcake holder and place the popsicle through it. Presto! Instant mess catcher.
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Mystic Jungle The Hidden Gem Of Live Oak Tucked away on the outskirts of Live Oak, Florida may be one of the best-kept secrets in a small town. Way back off the main highway and through a gorgeous canopy of trees is an educational paradise that awaits you. When you first approach the Mystic Jungle, you might assume that it is just another farm in the midst of small town America. That impression quickly dissipates when you take a moment to view your surroundings. Vera, energetic and vibrant, greets you and walks you through her large animal retreat. The first attraction you will see is a wide variety of tropical birds which surround
the entrance to the Mystic Jungle. Each bird unique in both looks and personality. Next, you will see two very special Siberian Tigers Bo and Lepa. Bo 10 years old, and Lepa 8 belong to the famous actor who once played Tarzan. In the state of Florida, you may own a Tiger but not take possession without proper licensing. Due to expired licensing Tarzan was forced to find someone to house his feline children and what better place than the Mystic Jungle. These two beautiful animals are visited each day now by Tarzan, who moved from South Florida to the local area to be close to them. Moving along, you’ll see Ra Ra
the African Caracal and Shrek the Florida Bobcat. The two are side-by-side with less than side-by-side personalities. Ra Ra, is a refined creature that one might mistake for a rather large and distinguished family pet, and Shrek is a rescued bobcat that was injured and his wild side can show at times. There’s Soloman the Bengal Tiger that chuffs as you pass by him. Chuffing, is the large cat equivalent of purring. Rosie and Samson are next. Two bonded and mated Indian Leopards.
Rosie and Samson are unique from the typical leopard because they are Indian Leopards. They are slightly smaller, and there are less than 1,200 of their kind in existence today. They have done their best to propagate their kind, though. You will also meet their two children that also call Mystic Jungle their home. One of the jungle’s most special residents is Spike, a Bengal Tiger. Spike suffers from Gerd, which requires a special diet. He lost a lot of weight but has gained quite a bit back.
Finally, of the large cats, there’s youthful Zar. At six months old he is still a juvenile and youthful spirit shows. As you tour the facility, don’t be surprised if Vera gets right inside with her animals and gives them affection. Vera is a big believer in having contact with her animals that are used to contact. Any animal which forms bond deserves to maintain that bond. Although large cats are
the main attraction at the Mystic Jungle, they are not the only creatures you will see. There is Cujo, Angel, and Cookie, three Florida Alligators that are statuesque in their pond. Okie is a Black Cap Capuchin monkey that plays outside during the day but resides in the home of Vera at night. Okie an elderly monkey with Parkinsons disease and limited vision receive extra care and attention indoors. His friend Squeaker keeps him
company during the day. Squeaker, a Mountain Coati, is a South American Raccoon that likes to play with his toddler toys. Tokala, an Artic Marble Fox, is nearby, and a must see. There’s playful Jackie Chan the Raccoon and Lola, Jack, and Jill, three Ringtail Lemurs the oldest known primates. The Mystic Jungle is a not for profit organization that gives tours on Thursdays for schools and Sundays for families. There is no charge to take a tour of
the facility, but I would encourage a donation to help support the wonderful care given to these creatures. Plan on learning a lot. With a notepad and an eager desire to take it all in, I still could tour the
facility again and learn and write even more. If you decide to go, call ahead to reserve a spot. Vera is extra busy taking care of her feline family and tours are on a scheduled basis. If you can’t make a visit, consider a donation. This organization runs on donations alone and often with residents like Spike, cost to give them a loving home can be thousands per month. You can find them at
www.mysticjungle.org facility again and learn and write even more. If you decide to go, call ahead to reserve a spot. Vera is extra busy taking care of her feline family and tours are on a scheduled basis. If you can’t make a visit, consider a donation. This organization runs on donations alone and often times with residents like Spike, cost to give them a loving home can be thousands per month.
6 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR CHILD LEARNING THIS SUMMER W
(BPT) hen school dismisses for the summer, parents across the country worry about how much their children will forget over the vacation months. Will all those hours helping them with math and reading dissolve with the carefree hours spent at the pool or playground? “While a break from the long days of school is needed, studies show that most kids lose up to two months of their math skills between school grades,” says Dominique Ciccarelli, Ed.M., education specialist for Kumon North America. “The brain is like a muscle and needs a regular dose of exercise to stay strong. Connections in your brain multiply when you learn new topics, and through this process, you get smarter.” Added to this concern is how much time over the summer parents will be able to commit to helping their children retain and reinforce what they learned during the previous school year. While millions of children are eager for the freedom of summer, parents are coming up with plans to keep the learning momentum
going.
Here are sIX fun ways to keep your child engaged over the summer with enriching experiences. Have a scavenger hunt at the museum. One way to turn a visit to the museum into a fun and educational experience is to make it a scavenger hunt. If you’re going to an art museum, your list can include things you might see
in paintings or sculptures from a certain country. If it’s a natural history museum, you can include dinosaurs and animals. Develop their green thumb. Gardening allows children to not only play and build something - as they might do in a sandbox - but learn about the life cycle of plants and the importance of nutrition. One way to make this more
exciting is to try to grow something giant, like a huge squash or zucchini that will provide an end goal to the entire experience. Let them be your travel agents. Before you set off on your summer vacation, get your children involved in the planning process. Let them help you search for lodging within your budget and in the area you want to stay. Together, you can learn about nearby attractions and plan your visit accordingly. The entire process not only builds confidence, but serves as a finance, geography, history and social studies lesson all wrapped in one. Have adventures in reading. Reading is one of the most important skills to maintain and develop. Reading to your children each day establishes a positive association in their mind and makes them excited to read on their own. Be sure to stay up to date with the activities
at your local library, which provides fun and sociable learning opportunities. Make something. While there are plenty of kits out there to promote STEM learning skills, you can encourage your children to use their creativity and knowledge to build projects from common household materials. Some classic examples of this would be making a raft out of empty milk cartons or plastic bottles, a homemade volcano using vinegar and baking soda or a homemade electromagnet. Become a collector. A great way for children to get hands-on knowledge of the natural world is for them to build a collection while discovering the outdoors. Rocks, plants, bugs - these are the things that excite a young mind. Search for different kinds of leaves to press at home, then work with your children to identify their types.
HERE AT CHRIST CENTRAL WE EXIST TO REACH, TEACH, AND RELEASE PEOPLE FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST. SINCE THE CHURCH BEGAN IN 1998 UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF PASTOR LONNIE AND TAMMIE JOHNS, IT HAS BEEN OUR GOAL TO CREATE A PRESENCE DRIVEN CHURCH THAT HAS A MINISTRY AND AN OPPORUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO FIND AND FEEL THE LOVE AND THE TANGIBLE PRESENCE OF THE ALMIGHTY GOD FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE. OUR SERVICES ARE EVERY SUNDAY AT 9:30AM & 11:15AM EVE AND EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 7:00PM OUR YOUTH SERVICES ARE ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT 7:00PM IN THE LOUD BUILDING ZAO, OUR YOUNG 18-30YEAR OLDS MEET THE FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 6:30PM WE WOULD LOVE TO INVITE YOU OUT TO EXPERIENCE WH GOD IS DOING HERE AT CHRIST CENTRAL! WHAT OFFICE: 386.755.2525 WEBSITE: WWW.CHRISTCENTRAL.ORG 359 SW DYAL AVENUE, LAKE CITY, FL 32024
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Summer Is Here Cool Off In The Springs
If you have lived in North Florida
any amount of time, you’ve probably visited a spring. You might be the type that slowly enters the cool water inch by inch until your body adjusts, or you might be bold enough to jump in head first. Either way, there is nothing more refreshing than some brisk, clear Florida water on a hot summer day. You probably have a favorite swimming hole, but you might want to try one of these springs if you haven’t already.
Madison Blue Spring State Park Located in Lee Florida is Madison Blue Springs State Park. It is one of Florida’s newer state parks and features a pristine blue swimming hole and hints of white limestone which run along the basin of the springs. Visitors can cool off in the blue spring swimming hole or just a few feet away relax in the much warmer Withlacoochee River. The park is open 365 days a year. The admission fee is only $5 per vehicle with occupants up to eight people.
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Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park
If you visit this first magnitude spring feeds the Suwannee River be sure to check out the natural limestone bridge which crosses the springs. The Lafayette Blue Springs State Park is a nice little getaway for the family with plenty of activities. There is canoeing, fishing, horse trails, scuba diving, and plenty of wildlife available to see. Lafayette Blue Springs State Park is located in Mayo, Florida. This park is also open 365 days a year from 8 am until sundown with an admission of $5.
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park is located in Live Oak, Florida. Formerly just Peacock Springs, this state park was recently renamed in honor of Wes Skiles, the famous late diver, explorer, and photographer. This spring is home to Florida’s largest underwater cave system. A word of caution: you must be an experienced and certified scuba diver to explore the 33,000 feet of underwater caves this spring has to offer. If you are not a certified scuba diver you can still enjoy taking a dip in the water, and there are beautiful trails to explore.
Troy Spring State Park
Hart Springs
This spring is another diver’s must. Not only is it a popular swimming hole for the locals, but there is history to this location as well. Located in Branford Florida, this park houses the remains of the Civil War-era steamboat Madison which was deliberately sunk in 1863 to keep it from being taken by the Union Army. The Madison was originally a mail boat named after its Captain’s hometown of Madison Florida. During the Civil War, it was a make-shift gunboat. If you are a certified diver, be sure to check this spring out and the remains of the Madison.
Located in Gilchrist County, Hart Springs is one of the largest spring-fed swimming areas in the State of Florida. This spring offers one of the warmer waters that local springs have. At a constant 72 degrees year round, this location is a must visit. It does cost a little more than state parks at $5 per person but is well worth it.
Ginnie Springs Located closer to home in High Springs Florida is Ginnie Springs. This location offers a very large swimming hole and is the perfect place to camp. It is also one
of the most expensive springs to enter. Although it costs more to enter, it can be worth it on a hot summer weekend. When everyone is headed to the springs, this park tends to have more room to swim so you won’t be elbow to elbow with other swimmers.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park Perhaps the most famous of all the springs, this state park is more river than springs. If you visit this park, be
sure to pick up a tube at one of the local vendors on your way. You will want to tube or canoe down the six miles of river this park has to offer. Relax and kick back in the river or play bumper tubes with your friends and family as you slowly float down this lazy river. At the end of your river journey, there is a shuttle service to take you back to the entrance. This park is open 365 days a year and is only $6 to enter per vehicle.
When asked what he is most proud of, Jack Hampton smiles and tells you thirty years of friends having fun, getting along, and not killing each other. Jack is the longest standing founding member of the Southern Knights Street Rodders Club of North Florida.
Founded in Lake City in 1986, the Southern Knights is a car enthusiast fellowship. Jack says he has been building cars for 64 years and hasn’t spent one year without a hot rod since he was 12 years old. The group of auto fanatics meets once a month and have car shows several times a year. With over 25 members and 50 cars, it’s safe to say the club has variety. The oldest car in the group is a 1928 Ford, and models range from there all the way to the sixth generation Corvettes. The primary requirement for joining the Southern Knights is a love of automobiles and hot rods. The Southern Knights do more than just meet and show cars. They raise money for many local charities like Haven Hospice, the American Cancer Society, and local veterans. Their largest event, the Derby Dash recently celebrated its 7th anniversary. Deff DeLaney, the president of the Southern Knights, said the event this
Southern knights celebrate
30 Years of fun and fundraising
year was a huge success raising over $17,000.00 for local charities. This July 23rd they are presenting what hopes to be an even larger event. The Ultimate Car Show will be held at The Spirit Of The Suwannee Music Park July 23rd from 8 am to 3 pm. There will be food, entertainment, games, and raffles. Saturday night there will be a sock hop featuring Hot Rod Lincoln Band. If you are looking for a fun weekend with the family, be sure to stop by and check out The Ultimate Car Show.
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