BMX PARK LOCAL SPORTS PARKS THE ADVENTURE CLUB ALACHUA SOCCER LEAGUE
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NE NEW N EW E WBE BER B ERR ER RY Y & JONE JO ON ONE NE N ES SVI SV VIILLE V LL L LE L E ED EDIT IITI TIO ON N
Homegrown Olympic Athletes Some University of Florida athletes have achieved global recognition during the Olympic Games. In the pool, the track and beyond, these competitors have made their mark as Gainesville greats.
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Where dance dreams come true!
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Visit us at MomentumDanceArts.com or facebook.com/momentumdancearts
T H E G A I N E S V I L L E H A R L E Y- D A V I D S O N F A M I LY I N 2 0 1 5
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352-472-8484
CONTENTS
J U LY/ A U G U S T 2 0 1 6
G R E AT E R A L A C H U A C O U N T Y
| V O L . 1 4 | N O. 0 4
ON THE COVER >> EVERY FOUR YEARS (EVERY TWO IF YOU INCLUDE THE WINTER OLYMPICS), PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE UNITE TO CHEER ON THE BEST ATHLETES IN THE WORLD. WITH THE SUMMER GAMES UPON US, WE’D LIKE TO PROVIDE A SMALL GLIMPSE INTO THE LIVES OF SOME OF THESE REMARKABLE ATHLETES. GO USA!
FEATURE STORIES 20
EASTON NEWBERRY SPORTS COMPLEX Community partnerships create a facility that not only benefits local residents, but also boosts the economy through sports tourism.
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ALACHUA SOCCER LEAGUE Creating lifetime friendships for children living in High Springs, Williston, Newberry, Bronson and Hawthorne.
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OLYMPIANS FROM THE SWAMP In the pool, the track and beyond, these athletes have solidified their reputations as Gainesville Greats.
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HIGH SPRINGS BMX STADIUM Jim Gabriel’s vision of creating a track for families to enjoy came to fruition with the help of dedicated volunteers and donors. The High Springs BMX track is considered one of the smoothest in Florida and has even attracted Olympic hopefuls to train there.
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JONESVILLE PARK This diverse park, featuring soccer fields and a full-service baseball-training academy, offers today’s youth an array of athletic activities.
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CONTENTS
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RACING THE TRAILS Amateur motorcycle enthusiasts, and long-time off-road riders, participate in races and events throughout the year.
COLUMNS
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66 EMBRACING LIFE
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CHAD DAVIS In three seasons as head volleyball coach for P.K. Yonge, his teams have 89 wins and five losses.
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NAKED SALSA by Crystal Henry
by Donna Bonnell
130 HEALTHY EDGE 62
VAULTING TO THE TOP Lacy Harper shares her experiences as she made her way to the Olympic Games.
by Kendra Siler-Marsiglio
140 DIFFERENT NOTE by Albert Isaac
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THE ADVENTURE CLUB Whether it’s jumping out of an airplane or into a raft, an adrenaline rush is guaranteed for this group.
94
IT’S GREEK TO ME Gain a clearer understanding of the history of the Olympics, which originated in ancient Greece.
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MODEL BEHAVIOR Tawanya Norwood aspires to be a Nike model and motivational speaker, using past adversity as fuel.
DIY CRAFTS 124 OLYMPIC DECORATIONS by Ericka Winterrowd
REVIEWS 34
122
GAINESVILLE ROLLER REBELS Hear from two Roller Rebels as they explain just what it takes to be a part of the team.
READING CORNER by Terri Schlichenmeyer
114 GATE CRASHING by Brian “Krash” Kruger
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COOL RUNNINGS Past Olympian Byron Dyce recounts his journey to the ’68 and ’72 Games.
142 ADVENTURES IN APPETITE by Ken Peng
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OLYMPICS ON THE HORIZON Olympian Gemma Spofforth starts a traveling swim camp for youth of all ages.
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OLYMPIC HOPEFUL CAELEB DRESSEL Standout Gator’s attempt to swim his way to victory at the Games in Rio.
INFORMATION 100 Charity Winners 102 Taste of the Town 108 Community Calendar
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KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE UF’s Head Swimming Coach Gregg Troy is no stranger to the Games, having served on the Olympic coaching staff for the USA Swimming team.
The articles printed in Our Town do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Tower Publications, Inc. or their editorial staff. Our Town Magazine endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we can not
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GATOR STATS How many Olympians have come from Gator Nation? More than you might think. 10 |
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be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Our Town Magazine reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. All rights reserved. © 2016 Tower Publications, Inc.
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8th Annual
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Albert Isaac editor@towerpublications.com MANAGING EDITOR Ericka Winterrowd ericka@towerpublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Aileen Mack, Bianca Favata, Cyanne Dunn, Gabrielle Calise, Jennifer Tallerico,
Sept 16-17th
Junior Skepple, Meghan Mangrum, Paola Asencio, Peggy Macdonald, Ray Carson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
2016
Kristin Kozelsky CREATIVE DIRECTION + DESIGN Hank McAfee, Neil McKinney
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CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS If you would like us to publicize an event in the greater Gainesville area, send information by the 1st day of the month prior to the next issue. For example, submissions for the March/April issue are due by February 1. All submissions will be reviewed and every effort will be made to run qualified submissions if page space is available. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We want to hear from you. Send your letters to the attention of the editor at 4400 NW 36th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32606 or editor@towerpublications.com. Letters must be signed and include a phone number in the event we need to contact you. (Your phone number will not be published.) OUR TOWN MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY TOWER PUBLICATIONS, INC. REPRODUCTION BY ANY MEANS OF THE WHOLE OR PART OF OUR TOWN WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER IS PROHIBITED. VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE EDITORIAL PAGES DO NOT IMPLY OUR ENDORSEMENT. WE WELCOME YOUR PRODUCT NEWS. INCLUDE PRICES, PHOTOS AND DIGITAL FILES WITH YOUR PRESS RELEASE. PLEASE FORWARD PRODUCT SAMPLES AND MEDIA KITS TO REVIEWS EDITOR, OUR TOWN MAGAZINE, 4400 NW 36TH AVENUE, GAINESVILLE, FL 32606. WE CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR UNSOLICITED PRODUCT SAMPLES.
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Voila! Christmas in July! A work pproject roje ro ject je c of thee Women’s Recovery Center Wome Wo m n’ ns R ecove very ry C entter en
“A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out”
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WOMEN’S RECOVERY CENTER IS A 501(c)(3) CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION. NO GOVERNMENT FUNDING. JULY/AUGUST 2016
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EDITOR ’ S LET TER J U LY/ A U G U S T 2 0 1 6
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Olympics and Athletics So the Summer Olympics are upon us. A time to be amazed by some of the most dedicated competitors in the world. A time to cheer on the U.S.A. Indeed, a time for couch potatoes like me to sit back and watch fantastic feats by incredible athletes. If pressed, I’m not sure which I prefer the most — the summer or winter games. Both are highly entertaining, and there’s never enough time to watch it all. Some of my first Olympic memories include watching the fast and furious fists of Sugar Ray Leonard back in 1976 with my high school buddies. With the Summer Games in mind, we are pleased to offer you stories about the upcoming Olympics and athletics in general. In this issue you can learn about the history of the Olympics, as well as some interesting Gator Olympic statistics. Additionally, our intrepid reporters caught up with a pair of past Olympians that have Gainesville connections; athletes who agreed to share their stories with us. We also have a feature on one of the fastest (if not the fastest) swimmers in the world, who just happens to be a UF student. Read about Caeleb Dressel and his coach, Gregg Troy. And speaking of athletics and UF, we also have stories about P.K. Yonge’s volleyball coach (who was recently named Coach of the Year) as well as an aspiring fitness model and UF grad who strives to motivate others to be all that they can be. We also bring you an assortment of stories centered on athletics and people that enjoy living an active lifestyle. From soccer to volleyball, from rock climbing to motorcycle riding — and more — we tried our level best to bring you some exciting stories from the world of sports. Makes me want to get out my bicycle and go for a ride! Heaven knows I could use the exercise. Have a healthy, happy and active summer!
Albert Isaac, Editor-In-Chief
BRIAN SMALLEY w/ Remedy Tree 5-6 pm
The Great Outdoors Restaurant
CINDY BEAR & FRIENDS
6-8 PM
Priest Theatre
5-6 PM
CRACKER THE BOX
LAGRANGE
The Diner 615 NW Santa Fe Blvd
Gazebo In James Paul Park
DELTA DUTCHMAN PATCHWORK TRIO The New Century Women’s Center 4 PM
NE 2
2n d
El Patio
6 PM
El Patio
5 PM
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High Springs CRA
6 PM
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High Springs Fire Dept 3 PM
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2 PM
CASSIE KEENUM & RICK RANDLETT
BARBARA ARMBRECHT
Ma in
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High Springs Museum & Train Station
St
1 PM
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Wood Buildings
G R A ND OPENING
Metal Buildings
J U LY/ A U G U S T 2 0 1 6
Carports
needs! r u o y o t d e iz Custom
The Traveling Water/Ways Exhibit
24910 West Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL
The Smithsonian Institute and the Florida Humanities Council is bringing a traveling exhibit to High Springs. On July 16, the High Springs Community Local Water/Ways Exhibit will have its grand opening, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., held at the High Springs Historical Museum. The opening will kick off “Water/Ways,” a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Museum that will focus on the rivers that bring life to the area. High Springs is one of six Florida communities chosen to host the exhibit. The Smithsonian has partnered with the Historical Society, which will provide educational programs, events, and locally created exhibits to enhance the experience of exploring the nature and importance of the rivers, springs and Floridan aquifer. One of the exhibits will include a simulated dive into the river. Visitors will harness their security line and drop a marker or two as they virtually experience the karst system, discover some local fossils and aquatic life, delight in its beauty, and embark on a recreational adventure at one of our many springs, according to the High Springs Museum’s website. Over 70 partnering businesses and individuals are donating time and funding for the exhibit. In addition to at least 12 educational talks at the museum, there will be sponsor events leading up to the exhibit opening. The exhibit’s vision: “The Relationship of Water & People.” Water is a critical resource. Water’s impact serves as a source of peace and contemplation. Many faiths revere water as a sacred symbol. Water plays a practical role in society. What is water’s history, its sense of place, physicality, spirituality, usage and industry? The Water/Ways Exhibit runs from July 16 to August 27. The High Springs Historical Museum is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that relies on the generosity of its friends and supporters to meet the expense of providing valuable exhibitions, educational material, access to historical collections along with the care and maintenance of all the unique memorabilia and artifacts.
Water|Ways Exhibit July 16 - August 27 High Springs Historical Museum - 120 NW 2 Ave., Gainesville
352-472-7100 RedBarnHomeCenter.com 16 |
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CONTRIBUTOR S
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MEGHAN MANGRUM is a journalism graduate student at UF. A Florida native, Gainesville is her fourth stop in the state. In her free time, she enjoys brunch, bacon and spending time with her Beagle. megmangrum@gmail.com
BIANCA FAVATA is a third year advertising major at the University of Florida who was born and raised a Gator. She loves traveling, photography, painting, playing with her bunny and eating hot fudge sundaes. bfavata@ufl.edu
PAOLA ASENCIO is a Guatemalan-American, now studying journalism at UF. She loves spending her free time creatively by practicing pottery, yoga and swimming. In her little bit of free time, she enjoys finding new music and bonding with her pet mini-pincher, eevee. Paolaa.9210@gmail.com
JUNIOR SKEPPLE is a Kentucky native andËUF Journalism School graduate. He enjoys watching Gator sports and working out at the stadium. jskepky@gmail.com
PEGGY MACDONALD is a native Gainesvillian and the executive director of the Matheson History Museum. She has taught history at Florida Polytechnic, Stetson and UF. She is also the author of Marjorie Harris Carr: Defender of Florida’s Environment. peggymacdemos@gmail.com
GABRIELLE CALISE is a sophomore journalism major at the University of Florida and freelance writer. In her spare time she enjoys collecting vinyl records, taking photographs and watching movies. gcalise@ufl.edu
RAY CARSON is a photographer with over 25 years of experience. He is the author/photographer of The Civil War Soldier - A Photographic Journey published by Stackpole Books and was the principal photographer for the book Gainesville: Alive With Opportunity. raycarsonphoto@gmail.com
JENIFER TALLERICO is an award winning fine art photographer. She moved to Florida from New York City for her Master’s in Engineering, but her photography business became her true passion. Her time is well spent after work with her husband and their two children. admin@jtnoirstudios.com
AILEEN MACK is a Florida native and journalism major at the University of Florida. She loves stories in all forms and enjoys traveling, reading, pop culture, and coffee with her oxygen. aileenmmack@gmail.com
CYANNE DUNN is a recent graduate of the Journalism and Communications College at the University of Florida. Though she was born in Miami, she has lived in Alachua since elementary school. She loves traveling and hopes one day to relocate overseas. cyanne.k.dunn@gmail.com
JULY/AUGUST 2016
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Aubrey Webster (right) and Robert Regojo practice at the Newberry Easton Archery outdoor range. Regojo is the head coach at the range and runs all programs. Webster is a 2020 Olympic trainee and a coach at Easton.
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PARKS & RECREATION ATHLETIC FACILITIES >> EASTON SPORTS PARK
Partnering for Performance S TORY A ND PHOTOG R A PHY B Y R AY C A R S O N
S
ometimes it takes a partnership to create a project. In 2008, The City of Newberry Parks & Recreation Department was tasked with a plan to create a sports park that would not only beneďŹ t local residents, but would also use sports tourism as an economic engine for the city. As is often the case with small town government budgets, funding was limited. The solution was to form a partnership with other entities that could share resources and funds to create the park. Florida Fish and Wildlife donated land and the Easton Foundation provided additional funds and an archery facility. Other partners included Suwannee River Management District, JULY/AUGUST 2016
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ATHLETIC FACILITIES >> EASTON SPORTS PARK
Florida Recreation Assistance Development Program and the Elite Pro Ball Academy. Together, this group helped build a multi-use 100-acre sports complex with facilities for archery, baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball, laser tag and a RC car racetrack. Located 1.6 miles north of Newberry on U.S. Route 27, the complex is now co-owned by the City of Newberry and the Easton Foundation, for which the complex is named. Created by Jim Easton in 1984, the purpose of the Easton Foundation was to promote interest in archery by growing the 22 |
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sport as a mainstream activity at state and national levels. The Foundation supports the building and operations for ranges at city parks, schools and sports complexes throughout the United States. There are four premier facilities owned by the foundation, of which Newberry is the only one on the east coast. The Foundation provides training for all skill levels of archers and coaches, including Olympic candidates. It has also created the Olympic Archery in Schools program (OAS), which allows middle and high schools to apply for loans and grants to outďŹ t
The Foundation provides training for all skill levels of archers and coaches, including Olympic candidates.
We
Build FAMILIES
Now building in: Cinnamon Hills Estates HIGH SPRINGS
Cedar Key Plantation CEDAR KEY
Oak Ridge at High Springs HIGH SPRINGS
Bartley Lane NEWBERRY
a 10 archer team. The program seeks to give students the opportunity to participate and excel in Olympic-style archery as well as identify potential Olympic team members. The Easton-Newberry archery facilities feature three ranges. The indoor ranges offer 20 lanes with a shooting range of 25 meters. The building also contains a gymnasium for basketball and volleyball maintained by the
Parks & Recreation Department for public and school use, as well as for competing teams the Parks & Recreations department organizes. For large archery competitions, the gym can be converted into an additional range, which doubles the lanes available. For outdoor archery, the facility offers three ďŹ elds. A practice ďŹ eld, used for daily lessons and tournament warm-up, offers covered
Newtown 1894 NEWBERRY
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IHBHomes.com JULY/AUGUST 2016
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ATHLETIC FACILITIES >> EASTON SPORTS PARK
lanes with a shooting range of 90 meters. For large tournaments, a field range has been developed that can hold 64 targets in a single line. A trail through a 60-acre wooded lot offers a range with targets and 3-D models for field training and bow hunters. “We offer facilities for any type of archers, for recreational shooting, competitive training and hunting. Bow hunting is big in this area, and many of the hunters use our field range to improve their skills,” said Eric Blalock, the Archery Programs assistant director. “We offer classes year-round for everyone from beginners to Olympic candidates. Our instructors can teach different bow styles including recurve, compound, traditional and bare bow techniques.” The Easton Foundation also sponsors tournaments, such as the 2009 Archery Youth World Cup and the 2011-2012 World Archery Cups. The Newberry center is supplying all archery equipment to the wounded warrior Invictus games and will
host the final trials for Olympic archery candidates. The City of Newberry Parks & Recreation Department sponsors programs for basketball, volleyball, baseball, T-ball, soccer, cheerleading and football at the sports complex. Indoor sports are played in the gym, while outdoor sports are played on adjacent fields maintained by the city. “We offer athletic programs, summer camps and an after school program for youths,” said Brad Carmen, director of Parks and Recreation. The city also organizes teams for competitive play and provides equipment and uniforms for a fee. City tax dollars and usage fees for equipment and team participation pay for maintenance of the facilities and equipment. Additional information for both archery and city programs can be found at: www.eastonnewberrysportscomplex.com.
ABOVE: RC car enthusiasts race their vehicles at the Easton RC car track. The track is open to the general public. LEFT: Ellie Sessler practices her batting skills at the Elite Pro Ball Academy in the Easton complex.
Batting Cages, Pitching Mounds, Laser Tag, RC Car Racing, Astronomy and more!
T
he sports complex also has other partners that provide a diversity of activities. The Elite Pro Ball Academy offers private lessons in an 8,000-foot indoor facility that has three batting cages, two baseball pitching mounds and a softball pitching mound. Founded by Mike Spina, a former player for the Atlanta Braves and Oakland Athletics, the Academy offers lessons in pitching, catching and
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batting, coached by former pro and college players. The Academy also organizes and hosts competitive teams for youths age 13- 17. Additional information and fees can be found at: www.elitetrainingfacility.com. Another popular program is laser tag. M2Battlesports offers scenario style games in a 20-acre pine forest. Laser tag
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uses guns that shoot an invisible and harmless infrared signal similar to a television remote. Each player wears a vest with a receiver in it to record hits and keep track of a player’s score. “Laser tag is similar to paintball and airsoft, but without the mess and pain,” states the company website. Since it only fires an infrared beam, it is also environmentally friendly, leaving no mess or damage to the surrounding area. The company offers open individual play on Saturdays, and organized group play Saturday through Thursday. They also sponsor competitions and tournaments with organized teams in the regional area. More information and pricing can be found at: www.m2battlesports.com.
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Other perks of the sports complex include a radio controlled (RC) car racing track that is open for public use, as well as a venue to view the stars. The Newberry Star Park features a large storage building and eight concrete viewing pads with power outlets for telescope use. The Alachua Astronomy Club also has a building at the complex for members to view the stars. More information about the astronomy club can be found at: www.alachuaastronomyclub.org.
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ADVERT ISEM EN T
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Countryside Animal Hospital has been a familiar face in the Alachua community for decades. With a longstanding reputation for compassionate care and a history of excellence, Countryside has consistently stood as a pillar in the community and the number one clinic for emerging veterinarians to cut their teeth.
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W
e have undergone a few changes over the past few years, including a fresh new look for our building. And our doctors and staff have never been more ready to push forward into an exciting future, while still maintaining the same friendly culture and top level of care our patients have grown to expect. But our location isn’t the only thing new and exciting. There are some new staff members as well as some familiar faces who are eager to provide our patients with the best care in veterinary medicine and get more involved by giving back to the community. In 2012, Countryside welcomed Dr. Cortney E. Wright to the team. With a degree from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Wright brings more than 20 years of experience in small animal medicine. She and her husband have two children and are loving life in Central Florida with their spunky black and white cat named Clark.
Dr. Cortney E. Wright
Dr. Andrea Hernandez
Dr. Andrea Martinez-Sheehy
We are also excited to welcome Dr. Andrea Hernandez to the Countryside family. In 2007, this South Florida native moved to Ocala to study animal science at the University of Florida (Go Gators!). Following her Bachelor’s degree, she attended clinicals at Purdue University and was awarded her degree in veterinary medicine from St. Matthew’s University. Dr. Hernandez graduated with her DVM in 2011, and worked for a progressive practice back in South Florida before settling down in Central Florida to be closer to her family. Her areas of interest include clinical pathology, internal medicine and surgery as well as traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. After work Dr. Hernandez in an outdoor enthusiast who surrounds herself with family and friends including her beloved dogs, horses and cats. Another Gator grad who is proud to be joining Countryside is Dr. Andrea Martinez-Sheehy. Born and raised in Bogota, Columbia where she completed her veterinary degree, Dr. Martinez came to Gainesville to earn her master’s degree in Zoology at the University of Florida. She also completed two internships focusing on veterinary emergency and critical care, as well as the rigorous ECFVG program and U.S. veterinary accreditation. For the past five years, Dr. Martinez has worked as an emergency and critical care vet. Her enthusiasm and commitment to animals has led her to focus on preventative and internal medicine as well as geriatric care for those pets getting closer to the rainbow bridge. She is a nature lover and an explorer who loves traveling and spending time with her husband, dogs, cats and one very loved little sugar glider. One of the newest members of the Countryside team is Dr. Cynthia Smith Orange. This Lakeland native originally intended to treat people, but while earning her degree in biochemistry from Florida State University she worked at a family-owned pet boarding facility where she developed a passion for working with animals. After completing her Bachelor’s degree at FSU, she switched her focus to animals, earned her DVM from Oklahoma State University and never looked back. She’s so happy to be moving back to Florida with her fiance and two spoiled little pugs.
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All of the new and familiar friendly faces at Countryside are eagerly looking forward to the future through these changes and growth. We are committed to the same quality care and compassion we’ve always been known for, but we are looking forward and pushing to be more than just a vet clinic. The future of Countryside is to offer more progressive medical care for your pets and to become an even bigger part of this wonderful community.
HOSPITAL
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YOUTH SPORTS >> SOCCER
CLEAN SWEEP
FOCUSING ON THE FUN AND ENJOYABLE THINGS IN LIFE
Alachua Soccer WRITTEN BY AILEEN MACK
Opposing teams are very competitive and do all they can to win, but off the field, these children are friends and know each other well, despite the fact that they’re from different cities. 30 |
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S
occer brings children together and teaches them about teamwork and getting along with one another. Some of the players are homeschooled so it gives them a chance to interact and make bonds with children they normally wouldn’t meet because they go to different schools in different cities, said Gary Eagle, coach for Alachua Soccer League. “They’re building lifetime friendships,” said High Springs resident Nancy Cook, whose children play for the league. “[My son] has more friends in Alachua than with the kids he goes to school with just because of soccer. Now he knows kids all over, and I think that’s really cool to have a big group of support.” Alachua Soccer League is under the Alachua Task Force on Recreation, which includes teams from Williston, High Springs, Newberry, Bronson and Hawthorne. Across all the cities, there are over 30 teams and 500 children playing. Each city has multiple teams in each age group and alternates hosting the tournaments, said John Salbert, director of ASL. For tournaments, teams get thrown in a pot and play one another. They try to arrange it so a team isn’t playing its own city. It brings people out to
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enjoy the game, Cook said. “Being a parent on the sideline is so fun,” she said. “You bring your chair; you’re friends with all the people around you, all the parents. You cheer on your team and have fun.” Her daughter, who is now 16, started playing soccer at 4 years of age, so Cook has been on the sidelines and volunteering doing concessions with the league during that time. She’s seen some of the same children year after year, as well as the volunteer coaches that give their time on days off and after work. “It’s like family,” she said, “you see the same people all the time.” Over his seven years coaching, Eagle has noticed a high return rate of children to soccer, which compliments the coaches’ and league’s ability to have the players enjoy what they’re doing. And as a coach, Eagle finds it rewarding watching the players develop throughout the year, such as when a shy child starts out standing and watching everyone else play but follows the ball by the end of the season, or when the older players
Haven’t you
waited long enough?
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realize they need to work as a team. “No matter how good a kid is, they get their participation trophy, and especially the really little kids. They’re so happy when they get that,” he said. “They feel like they’ve accomplished quite a lot, whether they’ve progressed a lot or not. They feel like they’ve done something.” There have been times where parents have thanked him for being fair and letting all of the children have playing time, no matter how good or bad they are, and because of that, their child had a great time playing soccer. Eagle knows that previously some players had a bad experience with a coach not letting them play. For those who aren’t as good, he tries his best to reward and praise them for the smaller things because it makes a difference. Traveling to another city to play a tournament makes the children feel like they’re doing a little more than playing recreational soccer — playing the same teams over again, Eagle said. It gives them a sense of accomplishment. “It’s a perfect sport for little kids,” Salbert said. “As far as
sports go, soccer does not require any right-off-the-shelf amazing physical ability or coordination. They can get by, even if they’re not really athletic.” Anyone who wants to play is welcome, which is good for the community, he said. Soccer is also more affordable than most sports, and the league’s a good building block for middle and high school programs because they know the fundamentals and basics of the sport going into the competitive side, where they have to try out. By the time the players go through the league’s system of recreational soccer, they know if they want to play competitive or not. There are children still involved with the league who have played for middle and high school that Salbert has coached. They still remember working with him when they were younger and have a bond with him unlike anything else. “The rewarding thing to me is just the influence you have on somebody else’s life and having a positive enjoyable thing,” he said. “There’s enough crummy things that happen to you in your life so it’s nice to put emphasis on the fun stuff.”
Soccer is also more affordable than most sports, and the league’s a good building block for middle and high school programs.
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BOOK REVIEW
TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER’S
Reading Corner THE MECHANICAL HORSE: How the Bicycle Reshaped American Life written by Margaret Guroff
C.2016, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS PRESS, $24.95 / $34.95 CANADA, 287 PAGES
TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER HAS BEEN READING SINCE SHE WAS 3 YEARS OLD AND SHE NEVER GOES ANYWHERE WITHOUT A BOOK. SHE LIVES WITH HER TWO DOGS AND 11,000 BOOKS. HER BOOK REVIEWS ARE PUBLISHED IN MORE THAN 200 NEWSPAPERS AND 50 MAGAZINES THROUGHOUT THE U.S. AND CANADA. bookwormsez@yahoo.com
BACK WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD, THE BAD GUYS NEVER WON.
N
o matter how many of them, no matter which imagined danger they came from, you were always able to get away. All you had to do was pedal faster; they didn’t stand a chance of catching you on your bike. And in the new book “The Mechanical Horse” by Margaret Guroff, you’ll see how that mode of transportation changed more than just YOUR world. It was well after bedtime for most people on that evening in May, 1819, when a small crowd stood in Washington Square in Philadelphia, waiting to see if rumors were true. When they saw “the beast,” they couldn’t believe their eyes: it was a man straddling a wheeled machine, moving nearly as fast as a horse could trot. He was aboard a draisine, a precursor to the bicycle, and Americans went wild. People lined up to take lessons and try the contraption themselves but the danger was that draisines were uncontrollable: they didn’t have brakes. “Within months,” says Guroff, “draisine riding was against the law on most American city sidewalks.” As for riding on early American ROADS, well, that was often easier said than done. Even by 1865, when the velocipede came to Brooklyn via France, country lanes were all but impassable. It didn’t take long for new riders — some four million of them —to embrace the pedaled vehicle, and riding clubs sprung up everywhere, but rutted, muddy roads often kept them riding
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indoors. By the end of the 1800s, though, much had changed: railroads arrived, roads improved, automobiles were imminent, the end of slavery altered the way goods entered homes … and women eschewed confining corsets in order to partake of the new “safety bicycle,” which closely resembled the basic bike we know. It wasn’t the bicycle itself that drew so much initial attention, however. It was more the sight of a woman (gasp!) in trousers that scandalized Americans so terribly. Bikes, says Guroff, paved the way for automobiles and airplanes. Bicycles were transportation for kid and adult alike, on and off, through history. And if their popularity wanes again, don’t worry. “If the bike goes away again, it will be back.” Tis the rare Baby Boomer who can’t recollect after-school or summertime bike rides and the imagination they demanded. Tis the rare reader who won’t think of those things while enjoying “The Mechanical Horse.” Indeed, author Margaret Guroff shows how the bicycle is buried spokes-deep in our childhoods and in the timeline of American culture — a story that’s sometimes quaint, humorous, and always lighthearted. We see, not just the bike’s history, but that of fashion, equality between the sexes, the waging of war, the American economy, and the burgeoning of print advertising. That all makes this book as fun as a spin around the block on a warm summer evening. Reading it is as easy as, well, riding a bike. And if that was (or is!) one of your favorite things to do, then “The Mechanical Horse” is a winner.
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g n i c Ra
nts e v E s r e d i R l Trai a d i r o l F n i y amil f d n i f s l a c o Youth, l Justin Short (#55) rounds the bend during the Anchor 3 Hare Scramble held in Maxville, Florida on April 2, 2016.
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HOME TO ROOST
EGHA N BY M WRITTE
E
ven after breaking his back in June 2015, Justin Short never had a second thought about getting back on his bike. An Alachua County native, Short, a junior at Santa Fe High School, has been competing in races with the Florida
PHOTOGRAPHY: ANGEL STEWART
R N MANG
UM
Trail Riders Association (FTR) for two seasons. Growing up in North Central Florida, Short has had a dirt bike since he was five years old and learned to ride on the trails at Gatorback Cycle Park. “I’ve always had a passion for riding,” Short said in a recent telephone interview. “It’s what I enjoy doing and I don’t know what I would do without riding.”
JULY/AUGUST 2016
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MOTORCYCLE RACING >> FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
s l i a Tr
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MOTORCYCLE RACING >> FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
Logan Stewart races the track at Justin Short’s home (AKA Compound 55). This image was pulled from a video shot by Short for their YouTube channel, S&S Racing Team.
Short regularly trains at least three times a week with Logan Stewart, 16, his friend since middle school. Logan and his older brother, Cody Stewart, have also raced with FTR for two seasons, which run from late August to July.
“The funny thing is, is that Logan broke it,” Short still jokes. “Logan was doing a wheelie and tipped backward and knocked me off my bike.” Short spent one day in the hospital and the rest of his summer in bed, doing physical therapy and
Hare Scrambles, the more traditional races, are two-day events, with races divided between different classes, starting with Peewees who are typically as young as six years old. “Growing up, I rode Gatorback,” Logan said. “That influenced me to get a bike and I love riding and have raced ever since.” The two friends have a YouTube channel, S&S Racing Team, where they upload videos of their races across the state. When Short broke four vertebrae in his back last summer, the boys caught the incident on their GoPro camera. 38 |
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trying to recover in time to train for the 2015-2016 racing season. “It was definitely a shock to the family and our friends who rode,” Short said. “I started training as soon as I could in August to ride again.” The Florida Trail Riders Association is a registered, non-profit corporation in Florida that has served its 2,500-plus membership for over 40 years.
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MOTORCYCLE RACING >> FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
The organization attracts amateur motorcycle enthusiasts and long-time off-road riders, offering Hare Scramble races, Enduro races and other events throughout the year. Hare Scrambles vary in distance and time, and riders typically complete multiple laps over the rugged course with the winner maintaining the highest speed throughout. Enduro races are longer, more technical rides without as many spectators, typically held on state land such as the Ocala National Forest, Withlacoochee State Forest or Osceola National Forest, among other areas. Events are sponsored by clubs dotted throughout the state, from Tallahassee to Fort Lauderdale. Even members from clubs in Alabama and South Carolina will attend or compete in events. “We cater to all ages, all genders,” said FTR President Randy Faul, and member of the Sarasota Dirt Riders chapter. “Our organization is more about family than anything else.” Hare Scrambles, the more traditional races, are two-day events, with races divided between different classes, starting with Peewees who are typically as young as six years old to seasoned senior riders. These long weekend events across the state are a whole lifestyle for most of the participant families, Faul said. “Sixty to 70 percent of participants who show up are families,” Faul said. They bring grandparents, grandchildren, brothers and sisters in campers and RVs and “circle the wagons” for the competition.
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MOTORCYCLE RACING >> FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
“Everyone really enjoys the weekend, the company,” Faul said. “Motorcycle people are a special type of person.” Some of the most popular locations for races in the state are Okeechobee, South Central Florida, and even Gatorback in Alachua. Depending on the location, the tracks can vary from a wider track with more motocross-type jumps that often appeal to younger riders, to tight trails between palmetto trees and over roots and creeks that require technical skill. Short and Stewart have both raced all over the state, sometimes traveling four or five hours. This season, Stewart won first place in a Junior A class race in Palatka, but both boys consider Gatorback home. “On the track, it’s just you and the bike,” Stewart said. Short, who has also broken two ribs, a finger and suffered a concussion, said that his parents told him, “one more broken bone and you’re done.” However, he doesn’t plan on stopping. “I’ll race as long as I can, until my body tells me I can’t,” Short said. Faul understands that commitment — he has been riding since he was about six years old, and today he and his wife are both involved in FTR. First as a rider and competitor in the 1980s, Faul eventually moved up the organization’s ranks and is serving his second stint as the organization’s president. “This is about all we do — we don’t go fishing, or hunting, or bar-hopping,” Faul said. When new members first check out an event, they often stick around. “A friend invites them over to our organization … they kind of get in the groove and they get hooked,” Faul said, “and it ends up in their blood.”
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COLUMN
CRYSTAL HENRY’S
Naked Salsa SURROGATE SAGA: THE PREGNANCY
CRYSTAL HENRY IS A FREELANCE WRITER AND COLUMNIST BORN AND RAISED IN WEST TEXAS. SHE RECEIVED HER B.S. IN JOURNALISM IN 2006 FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA. SHE IS IN LOVE WITH THE FLORIDA LANDSCAPE. ces03k@gmail.com
THE FIRST TRIMESTER WAS DELIGHTFULLY UNEVENTFUL.
I
was slightly ill and extremely tired, but I took those good signs all the way to the bank. It was nice to have a calm part of our journey after all the hullaballoo of IVF, ultrasounds and embryo transfers. At the end of the first trimester we did a Harmony test, which mainly checks for genetic abnormalities. But it can also determine the baby’s sex. Baby Mama and Baby Daddy had that information locked away in their embryologist paperwork, but on the day of our transfer they had it covered up with a little piece of tape. They, or more specifically he, didn’t want to know the sex of the baby before transfer. I thought they might be ready now that the pregnancy seemed to be viable, but nope. They told the midwife they didn’t want any gender results. All they wanted to know was if they had a healthy baby on the way. I have to hand it to Baby Mama. That level of restraint is legit. With my own babies I was itching to find out if it was a “he” or “she” the second I got a positive pregnancy test. In hindsight I don’t know why I even bothered finding out. We didn’t decide on a name for either of our kids until after they were born. And we bought all gender-neutral baby accessories, whatever that even means. I’m a self-proclaimed feminist, so the only thing that would’ve made any difference as far as gender was concerned would’ve been circumcision decisions, and even those we’d decided to leave up to our kid. His junk, his choice. People kept asking if I was going to secretly ask the midwife to check the gender, since I was the one who was carrying. And I guess for a split second I thought I might peek at our 20-week anatomy scan. But why? I didn’t need to pick out baby names. I didn’t need to plan the nursery theme. The only reason I even wanted to know the gender was so I could quit referring to the person in my abdomen as “it” all the time. And I’ll admit it was a little tough not knowing at times, but honestly 20 weeks flew by quickly and after the hump of our
anatomy scan passed I got on board with Team Surprise Me. The biggest surprise I’d ever had on delivery day was being able to birth Violet without so much as a Tylenol. Baby Daddy’s reasoning is actually what convinced me to wait. He said everything about their journey to parenthood was sterile and planned. They didn’t get to experience any of the raw organic surprises that come along with a new baby. They planned the egg retrieval. They scheduled our transfer dates. Their pregnancy tests weren’t taken at home hovering over the stick on the bathroom sink — they took place in a clinic three hours away with blood work from another woman. Baby Daddy just wanted one day of surprises. I tried to explain how surprising it is to see a tiny human shoot out of a bigger human, but they stood strong. And I’m actually so glad. It’s funny because the actual pregnancy part of my surrogacy was the least exciting part. I was busy with my own family, so really the little Peanut was just along for the ride. With my own babies I was constantly thinking about baby names, picking out gear and talking to my belly. With this little one I would sometimes forget I was pregnant. I can tell you for certain that motherhood is a frame of mind. There are plenty of women who say they can’t imagine being a surrogate because of the attachment they’d feel for the baby, but I think you’d only get attached if you wanted to. With 100 percent honesty I can say there wasn’t a shred of maternal attachment for me. I felt responsible for the little life, just as my friends do when I asked them to watch my kids for an afternoon. But there wasn’t a bond. The only bond forming was the one little Peanut’s mommy started as she picked out baby names, bought cute little onesies and decorated the nursery. So 20 weeks passed, then 30, and little Peanut accompanied me to my brother’s wedding. I was pretty giant at that point, and my Nana wasn’t too thrilled about me doing the Electric Slide or getting a little bit softer now during “Shout.” But we made the trip just fine, and when I got back we were in the third trimester. The final dramatic countdown to D-Day was about to begin.
People kept asking if I was going to secretly ask the midwife to check the gender, since I was the one who was carrying.
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YOUTH SPORTS >> VOLLEYBALL
PUT ME IN COACH
THE BLUE WAVE’S COACH OF THE YEAR
Chad Davis WRITTEN BY JUNIOR SKEPPLE
In the hollows of an old battery plant off of U.S. 441 in Alachua, Florida, sits the Gainesville Juniors Volleyball Complex. Chad Davis, the 2016 Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year, is hard at work with his 11 and under girl’s volleyball team. A noble task for one of the most decorated high school coaches in the state. Coach Davis’ coaching career began over 20 years ago as an assistant coach in his hometown of Kissimmee, when Davis was still in his teens. “I had no clue what I was doing but I totally fell in love with it,” Davis said. Davis said his big break came when he was 21 years old and new to Gainesville. He dropped his resume off at Gainesville High School and it landed on the desk of Cindy Boulware, the woman whom Davis said is his mentor. “She’s the best coach this area has ever seen. She took me under her wing as an assistant and it kind of took off from there,” Davis said. “I owe a lot to Coach Boulware. 44 |
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Jaccara Walker celebrates with her teammates on their road to the State Championship. Walker (green headband) will play at Marshall University next season.
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I still incorporate a lot of what we do at P.K. directly from what I learned from her at GHS.” Davis, the son of a nurse and a state attorney, credits his upbringing for his coaching style. “My parents have always held me to a high standard, raised me a certain way, and a lot of that gets reflected in my coaching,” Davis said. “You are going to work your absolute hardest at all times. The biggest thing we teach is accountability.” Coach Chad, as his players affectionately call him, inherited a team that won less than half of their matches in 2012. Since Davis arrived the Blue Wave has lost a total of five matches since 2013. With virtually the same team returning from the previous year, Davis turned the program around and led his teams to state titles in 2014 and 2015. P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School now has four girl’s volleyball state titles in the school’s history. In Davis’ three seasons as the head coach for P.K. his teams have 89 wins and five losses, good for a winning percentage of almost 95 percent. The success P.K. Yonge has enjoyed under Davis could not have been imaginable just a few seasons ago. “When kids are used to winning they are going to want to continue to win,” said the Kissimmee native. “Our program is recognized at that [winning], and when you understand where that comes from, people want to be a part of our high school.” During his two decades of coaching girl’s volleyball and with the amount of success that Davis has had during his coaching career, he has picked up a few secrets to keep winning. “I am superstitious. I use the same pen the whole season. I have to have a new pair of socks for every game I coach in,” Davis said with a laugh. “It started many years ago. I always needed lots of socks, but one season we were doing really well and I was wearing new socks. Then I got another pair of socks and we won.”
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YOUTH SPORTS >> VOLLEYBALL
In addition to working at P.K. Yonge, Coach Davis coaches the 11 and under Gainesville Juniors volleyball team (above).
Last season during P.K. Yonge’s run to its second consecutive state title, Davis wore over 30 different pairs of socks. He also said he has to have a certain type of gum to chew during every match. “Orbit Wintermint. It has to be that gum or I will not have anything else. I am just obsessed with that,” Davis said. “It just helps calm me. I know that it’s ridiculous but it makes me feel calmer and it works.” Davis has seen his fair share of victory and defeat during his time on the sidelines, but no loss sticks out more than P.K. Yonge’s defeat in 2013 to Lake Highland Prep in the State Regional Final.
DeLuca also said he knows how bad Davis wanted the win for those girls and, most importantly, for the lone senior on the 2013 squad. Deluca said the aftermath of the Lake Highland Prep loss and seeing Davis “falling apart” showed Deluca how much Davis cares about his players. Jaccara Walker, the 2015 Florida Gatorade Player of the Year, said Davis helps his players off the court as well as on the court. “He’s really good at history and I was definitely struggling in my history class and I would come in here while my sister was practicing. We would
“Anytime I need him he is only a phone call away.” “We were 28 and 1 and having a great, incredible season, and that was the most heartbreaking. That was soul crushing,” Davis said. “It gave the doorway in to what we just achieved. I made sure we were never going to forget that moment ever in our program.” Joe Deluca, a longtime assistant of Davis, also remembers losing one game short of the State Final Four versus Lake Highland Prep. He said it was the lowest he has ever seen Davis. 46 |
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go over it and he would really help me,” said the Marshall volleyball signee. “Anytime I need him he is only a phone call away.” Davis plans to continue working with the Gainesville Junior’s Volleyball Club teaching younger players the game and continuing to share his knowledge with the next generation of area talent. “To be really good at it [coaching] you’ve got to love it,” Davis said. “When a sport can transform your life, that’s pretty cool.”
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GAINESVILLE GREATS >> LOCAL OLYMPIANS
GOLDEN GATORS
Gainesville Greats Olympic Athletes with Ties to the Swamp The University of Florida has produced a number of successful athletes over the years, but some have even achieved global recognition during the Olympic Games. In the pool, on the track and beyond, the following athletes have solidified their reputations as Gainesville greats.
Bridget Sloan
B
GYMNASTICS
ecause she was an active child, Bridget Sloan’s parents signed her up for gymnastics at the age of 4. Two decades later, Sloan is an accomplished former Olympian that helped guide the Gators Gymnastic team to three consecutive national titles. Sloan was born on June 23, 1992 and grew up in Pittsboro, Indiana, according to bridgetsloan.com. She trained at Sharp’s Gymnastics and went on to compete at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 at age 16, where she won the bronze medal in the all-around, and a silver medal on floor. Sloan’s contributions helped the USA gymnastics team take home the silver medal behind China. Just one year later, Sloan won the US nationals as well as the world all-around title. In 2012, Sloan joined the Gators gymnastics team. According to FloridaGators.com, as a freshman, she helped the team secure its first NCAA championship win in history. The Gators went on to win two more consecutive national titles. Sloan also made UF history as the first Florida gymnast to earn a 10 on every event (vault, bars, beam and floor). During her college career, she had 27 all-around wins, six NCAA event titles, and eight 10.0 marks. She also appeared on the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll. In 2013 and 2016, she was named the Honda Sports Award recipient for gymnastics, signifying her as the country’s top collegiate female gymnast. She graduated from the University of Florida in April 2016 with a degree in telecommunications.
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GAIN GA IN NESSVI VILL LLEE GR LL G EA ATS >> LO LOCA CAL OLLYMPI P AN ANSS
Ryan Lochte L SW IMMING SWIMMING
S
wimme Ryan Lochte made a wimmer splash as a a three-time Olympian. athlete won 11 medals (five gold, The athl silver and three bronze) and was three silv named both Amer American and World Swimmer of times. the Year two time Lochte was born in Rochester, New York b on August 3, 1984, aaccording to ryanlochte.com. His father, a swim co coach, taught him how to swim years old. The family moved to when he was 5 year father’s job and Lochte grew up in Florida for his father Daytona D aytona Beach. At a young age, L Lochte competed in Junior Olympics tournaments. In high school he realized O Ol ympics tournament swim professionally. Lochte tthat th at he wanted to sw aattended at tended University of Florida, where he won the title of NCAA Swimme Swimmer of the Year twice. He was ti also al s a seven-time SEC champion and a 24-time All-American. Al A ll-American. At his first Summer Olympics, the 2004 games in A Athens, thens, Lochte swam with Michael Phelps, Peter Vanderkaay V and n erkaay and Klete Keller to win the gold medal in n tthe he 4-by-200-meter freestyle relay. He also won other ot the her medals in Athens aand during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing nB eijing and the 2012 Olympics in London. In addition to his aathletic success, Lochte is a pop po p culture icon. The swimmer has made cameos “90210,” was featured on People on “30 Rock” and “902 on Magazine’s “Sexist Man Alive” list, and has over one Ma million Twitter. According to Lochte’s m mi illion followers on Tw currently resides in Gainesville. of cial website, he curr offi 50 |
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SWIMMING
O
lympic champion Gemma Spofforth is known for h e r 2 0 0 9 F I N A Wo r l d Championships in Rome, Italy, but she is also a world record holder, a three-time British record holder, five-time NCAA champion, 18-time All-American Selection, and 2009’s SEC Female Swimmer of the Year. Born on November 17, 1987, in Shoreham by the Sea, England, Spofforth was coached by Graham Wardell until her 2006 graduation of Portsmouth High School. According to the University of Florida website, Spofforth chose Florida because of the “amazing facilities and great atmosphere.” “From my perspective, UF changed my swimming career. I almost quit swimming the year before I went to UF but the coaches there took a gamble on me. I was out of shape going into that first year. I was not showing much promise in training and it was not until the NCAAs that the coaches’ gamble paid off,” Spofforth wrote in an email interview. “I was so happy to be part of the team, part of the environment, and part of this world. American swimming is so much different from England’s in that there is more of a team, more facilities and more coaches willing to do what it takes for a team, not just an individual. It is incredible!” Her final time at the 2009 FINA World Championships in the 100-meter backstroke was 58.12. Spofforth was also the first Gator woman in 17 years to win a national title in the 200 backstroke. She finished fourth in the 200-meter backstroke with a time of 2:06.66. “The win itself was amazing and I cannot begin to describe the emotions surrounding it,” Spofforth said. “My mom died in 2007 and I swam for her and for me.” She went on to write, “Dealing With It: Six Years of Mourning, Medals and Men,” a book that describes losing her mother on the way to her first Olympic Games. Spofforth graduated from UF with an M.Ed./Ed.S. in school counseling and guidance.
OUR TOWN MAGAZINE
JULY/AUGUST 2016
PHOTOGRAPH BY JENNIFER TALLERICO
GAINESVILLE GREATS >> LOCAL OLYMPIANS 52 |
Gemma Spofforth
“The Camera as Mirror: Being Frida Kahlo” Gallery Talk Saturday, July 9, 3 p.m. Carol McCusker, Curator of Photography, will discuss how Frida Kahlo, one of the most photographed women of her time, collaborated with friends and noted photographers to become the person and artist we now celebrate.
Museum Nights: Diverse Perspectives Thursday, July 14, 6 – 9 p.m. What can art teach us about the power of diversity? Get together with people from our community to enjoy challenging and rewarding activities, collaborative tours and stories about positive change.
Museum Nights: Hack the Harn August 11, 6 – 9 p.m. Who hates museums and why? Bring your naysaying friends and your cell phones (with photo capabilities) over from the dark side once and for all. Enjoy contests, comedy and outrageous conversation.
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GAINESVILLE GREATS >> LOCAL OLYMPIANS
Frank Shorter TRACK & FIELD
O
lympian Frank Shorter is attributed to launching the running boom in the United States in the 1970s. He is the only American in history to win two medals in the Olympic marathon event and is known as one of the most influential athlete speakers in the running world. Shorter was born in Munich, Germany, where his father, a physician, was serving in the U.S. Army. He attended Yale University and enrolled in the University of Florida College of Law. He graduated from UF with a Juris doctor degree in 1974. In the 1972 Summer Olympics in Germany, Shorter won the gold medal in the marathon. He also won the silver medal in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada. He was inducted into the Olympic Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Field Hall of Fame in 1989. Aside from his academic and Olympic pursuits, Shorter is also credited for starting the running movement, according to Frankshorter.net After he won medals in the ‘70s, the craze of running for fitness spread across the country. Shorter still runs for pleasure and travels around the United States as a speaker at running events.
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GAINESVILLE GREATS >> LOCAL OLYMPIANS
Tracy Caulkins SWIMMING
A
t the age of 15, Caulkins won five gold medals i n t h e 1 9 7 8 Wo r l d Championship. She was poised to win more medals in the 1980 Olympics, but President Jimmy Carter boycotted the Moscow Games that year after the USSR invaded Afghanistan, according to swimswam.com. Caulkins had to wait four years to compete as an Olympian and only had the chance to participate in one Olympic Games. Still, she won three Olympic medals. Caulkins studied broadcast journalism at the University of Florida and trained under Coach Randy Reese. She served as the captain of the U.S. women’s swim team at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and won three gold medals. She ended her competitive swimming career with 48 national championship titles and she set five world records and 63 American records. After the 1984 Olympics, she retired from competitive 56 |
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swimming. She gave up her senior year of NCAA eligibility to focus her attention on finishing her degree. As she graduated from UF in 1985, she was inducted into the UF Athletic Hall of Fame as a “Gator Great.” Caulkins married UF alumnus and fellow swimmer Australian Mark Stockwell. As an American-Australian dual citizen, Caulkins lives in Queensland with her husband and five children. She was given a Medal of the Order of Australia for her work promoting sporting opportunities for women.
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GAINESVILLE GREATS >> LOCAL OLYMPIANS
DeLisha Milton-Jones BASKETBALL
D
eLisha Milton-Jones is one of the most successful Gator basketball players to date, with a long list of records and accomplishments at UF as well as several Olympic gold medals. Milton-Jones was born in Riceboro, Georgia in 1974. She won an athletic scholarship and played for the UF women’s basketball team from 1993 to 1997. During that time, she scored over 1,000 points and had over 1,000 rebounds. She led the team to four NCAA tournaments in a row and was one of the most decorated players in the school’s history, according to WRUF.com. Milton-Jones was the first athlete at UF to earn All-American honors in basketball. Milton-Jones was the first Gator to be named SEC Player of the Year. She was also voted Most Outstanding Performer of the 1997 NCAA Tournament Mideast Regional according to FloridaGators.com. Milton-Jones helped the United States team achieve gold at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, as well as the 1998 and 2002 FIBA World Championships and at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The oldest player in the WNBA, Milton-Jones has played 16 seasons. In addition to her accomplishments, she is known for her uncommonly long 84-inch wingspan. Keep an eye out for future Gators going for gold during this Summer Olympic Games in Rio.
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Here are just a few properties we have available. For more pictures, information or to see other available properties Check out our website at FerroPartners.com
Lovely home with space for everyone. Large master bedroom, three additional bedrooms, dining room, and large great room with high ceilings. Screened in pool, and patio area for entertaining. Large mature trees on the property to provide shade. Completely fenced in backyard. Home recently had new hardiboard put on outside structure. Windsor Glen is a desirable gated community with sidewalks and cul de sac streets. Publix is just down the road as is lots of shopping, and schools and churches and San Felasco State Park. Can ride or walk to everything!
Sold! Super Kenwood subdivision where the lots are big and wooded, the homes are spacious and nestled among the trees, and the schools are incredible. This 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath POOL home features high ceilings, living room/dining, family room(built-ins)/kitchen, laundry room, three bedrooms on one side, and master bedroom, and additional study/den/bedroom with closet & built ins on the other. l.l7 acre fenced in corner lot. Large glassed in sun room(19 X 14) with built-ins which is perfect for entertaining. It is heated and cooled, but not included in the tax roll sq. footage. Screened in pool with pool bath, and storage room right off pool deck.
This is an extremely visible commercial space located on SW 91st Terrace in the very desirable Haile Village Center. Zoning is “Planned Development” and allows for retail, business and office use. Current layout is a large open space at the entry and a couple of administrative offices in back. Haile Village Center is a vibrant “downtown” community with several annual events that generate lots of pedestrian traffic. Great spaces like this don’t come up often. This space is also available for lease. Contact Listing Agent for details!
Welcome to the Upland Business Center at Alachua, Alachua’s newest office/ warehouse complex with frontage on US HWY 441 and just minutes to I-75. Total building space available is about 6600 SF. Lease rate includes build out of 1/3 of total SF of heated and cooled space and 2/3 SF of warehouse with a 5-year lease. A shorter lease may require tenant participation in the build-out costs. Five units at 1300, 1250, 1250, 1284 and 1503 SF remain to be leased and can be combined as necessary. This property has been approved for Commercial Intensive zoning. Making it suitable for a wide variety of uses.
352-224-5757 • 2131 NW 40th Terrace JULY/AUGUST 2016
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OLYMPIC JOURNEY >> LACY HARPER
R AISE THE BAR
Vaulting to the Top The Journey of an Olympian Who Was Her Own Biggest Competition W R I T T E N B Y C YA N N E D U N N
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acy Janson listened as the crowd started clapping to the cadence of her competitor’s run. She could hear the beat getting faster and faster, and knew takeoff was about to happen. The crowd screamed in excitement and for a second Janson’s heart sank. But then the screams turned to moans of disappointment and she knew she had made it through to compete in the 2012 London Olympics. “It was a very cool turn of emotions,” said Lacy, who is now Lacy Harper after her marriage in 2012. “It was surreal then and it stayed surreal, even when I was walking in the opening ceremonies.” Competing in the Olympics had been a lifelong dream that, as a naturally competitive athlete, Harper had never really questioned. But it was a dream that almost didn’t happen. She began pole vaulting as a student at Cardinal Mooney High School in Sarasota. By the end of her senior year, she had set the state record at just over 13 feet.
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After graduating in 2001, she attended Florida State University on a full scholarship. While in college, Harper won six Atlantic Coast Conference championships for both indoor and outdoor and became the 2003 indoor pole vaulting national champion. But at the senior national championships her sophomore year, things had gone wrong. This was a hugely important meet for Harper — the world record holder was going to be there and Harper was determined to compete. But she had a stomach bug and felt terrible. On her first jump of the day, Harper didn’t push her pole far enough into the box. So when she jumped, instead of sailing over the bar, she flew up and then fell, landing on her tailbone, directly onto the concrete between the box and the pads. Harper began a mental spiral. She began running through instead of jumping, which counts as a miss, or she would only feel comfortable jumping while using poles that were too small, which gave her a lot of horizontal momentum but not a lot of height.
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“[Something] felt wrong, but nothing really was wrong,” Harper said. “It was just a mental thing. Like sometimes the pole just felt heavy. That’s stupid. The pole isn’t heavy if you’re confident.”
and began to compete globally, traveling to countries in Europe, Asia and South America. In 2008, she went to the Olympic trials again, feeling confident after a great year.
“You stick with something and work at conquering it enough and eventually you hope that you can overcome it, and I did.” Still, she continued winning championships. “You stick with something and work at conquering it enough and eventually you hope that you can overcome it, and I did,” Harper said. “I set the collegiate record at 15 feet.” That was 2004, the year of Harper’s FIRST Olympic trials, at the height of her mental block. She had jumped high enough that year to qualify for the Olympics, but at the trials she ran through three times. She began using mental cues to overcome her confidence issues, such as counting out every time her left foot hit the runway, or making up a rhythm in her head. After graduating in 2006, she received a Nike sponsorship 64 |
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But at the trials, Harper came in 10th place. It was a huge blow, and she was frustrated to have to wait four years to try again. She began to feel more pressure — she was getting closer to her 30th birthday, and although the longevity of pole vaulters is longer than in other sports, injuries had been known to end careers. That risk had become very real to her after her fall. Her mental blocks continued to frustrate her and she almost quit before the next Olympic trials. Then, in 2012, she was again having a consistently good year. When it came time for the trials, however, it seemed nature was against her. It was a misty day, which affects a vaulter’s grip on the pole. There was a headwind blowing directly against them,
slowing them down. Harper watched her competition struggle, many of them missing or crashing. But she cleared bar after bar, and soon she was competing neck-in-neck for third place. It came down to whether or not her opponent could clear the last bar. “I just had to walk away, I could not watch this,” she said. “I have no control now. My destiny is in [her] hands.” But Harper made it through the trials. Once she was in London, the opening ceremony was so grand she knew it had to be the Olympics, but everything still seemed dream-like. Competing, however, was surprisingly routine. “It didn’t seem any different than any competition I had ever been in,” Harper said. “It was the same girls [from international competitions], I had seen them all before … it was a pretty familiar layout.” The wind was swirling hard that day, and Harper watched as Olympian after Olympian crashed. But she cleared the bar on her first try, and watched for a long time as her name stayed first on the leaderboard. But then, on their third attempts the vaulters started clearing one after another. Her next round, Harper couldn’t figure out which pole was best for the conditions. She flew through her first two times, propelled by too much horizontal momentum and not gaining enough height. The third, she pulled on the pole the wrong way, which stopped her momentum. “And that was it,” she said. “I was sitting at the top of the leaderboard and then I wasn’t.” She didn’t place high enough to advance to finals. But, Harper said, she still feels she had the full Olympic experience. And despite her successful career, Harper wasn’t ready to give up pole vaulting. “But I didn’t have the drive to keep fighting that mental fight that I had to fight every year,” she said. The mental cues she had learned would only work for one year before she had to think of new ones. In 2012, she had competed in the indoor world championship, become an Olympian, and married Warren. By comparison, 2013 began to feel pale. Warren had been admitted into the University of Florida veterinary college, and while the couple was living in Gainesville, Harper began to train with the UF track coach. “They let me on the track, even being a Seminole, and they let me train with them,” she said. “I wasn’t affiliated with them in any way but they brought me in and that was really a blessing.” But traveling to meets on weekends was beginning to be more bothersome than exciting. Flying with 15-foot poles was difficult, and equipment had been known to go missing en-route. After a performance at the 2013 US Nationals Harper describes as “kind of embarrassing,” she knew it was time to retire. “It just got to the point where [competing] was just old and I’d had enough of it,” she said. “I just ran out of that passion that you need to have to be a good competitive athlete. I didn’t crave it anymore.” PHOTOGRAPHY: STACEY MUÑIZ OF SOUL THREADING
Harper retired on her own terms — not because she was injured — and her clean break felt good. She hasn’t missed it since, she said. After retiring, Harper became at personal trainer at Gainesville Health and Fitness. In March of 2015, she had a son. When she was a sophomore in college, the idea of a last meet had horrified Harper. But when the time actually came, she said it felt like a relief. “I just got to take that next step into life. And it was good,” she said. “It felt like [my athletic career] had run its course.” JULY/AUGUST 2016
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COLUMN
DONNA BONNELL’S
Embracing Life SHANE’S STORY – SPORTS/SUMMER/SUICIDE
DONNA BONNELL BECAME THE AUTHOR OF HER COLUMN, EMBRACING LIFE, MORE THAN A DECADE AGO. SHE SHARES HER PERSONAL CHALLENGES AND VICTORIES WITH THE GOAL OF INSPIRING HER READERS TO ANALYZE WHY THINGS HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. dbnewberry@aol.com
SUMMER IS A SPECIAL SEASON.
I
t is a time for vacations with family, sports camps for young aspiring athletes, and training for college and professional football players. As I write this column, the excitement is building in Rio de Janeiro, the host city of the 2016 Summer Olympics. While observing folks from around the world embracing the global camaraderie of the XXXI Olympic Games, I cannot help but reflect on the years when my children and their cousins would eagerly anticipate our annual family summer excursions. Circa late 1980s and early 1990s, my sister and her family lived in Western New York. Every year we planned a family reunion somewhere along the coast of North or South Carolina (a destination mid-point from Florida and New York). Those vacations were scheduled in the spring, so we were able to plan other activities for our kids, such as baseball or basketball camps. Shane, the oldest of the cousin clan, was always the unofficial activities coordinator. When searching for the perfect beach house rental, top on our list was access to a basketball hoop. He could easily fill any downtime with a friendly-family basketball pick-up game. There was never a dull moment, as Shane thrived on finding ways to entertain the rest of the gang. Those memories feel like a double-edged sword. None of us would trade our getaways for anything. Over the years we fondly dubbed those adventures as our sequel series to “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” Our shenanigans seemed similar to those of the Griswolds at Walley World. Unfortunately, our summer season finale ended on a sad note. We lost our leading star actor, Shane, to suicide. Seeing old vacation pictures of Shane with his contagious smile spurs feelings of immense joy and tormenting grief. Those photos exemplified Shane’s love for his family and sports. Not only could he coach his cousins, he knew the statistics of most every athlete. From an early age, he wanted to play basketball for Duke University. He never took a break from training. While on vacation, Shane would run stairs to keep in shape. Fast-forward a few years. Shane did not go to Duke, but enlisted in the Air Force, where he sustained a severe back
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injury. After his discharge, he lived with my husband and me. His new goal was to become a physical education teacher and coach, which he aggressively pursued. One evening he met a friend to play basketball. He came home hunched over and in unbearable pain. A call to 911 and a visit to the emergency room began a painful journey for my beloved nephew. Shane returned to New York, excelled in his education and career, met his soul mate and was ready for marriage. He never became a teacher/coach. However, he counseled countless veterans at the national suicide hotline. Unfortunately, there was a hidden side to this incredibly handsome, intelligent and kind individual. He, too, secretly suffered from depression. After several surgeries for neck and back injuries, and privately seeking treatment for depression, his condition worsened. Shane could not participate in sports at the level he desired. Yet, he lived life to his physical fullest. Shane coordinated local flag football competitions, organized annual neighborhood turkey bowls on Thanksgiving and spearheaded Fantasy Football drafts with folks across the country. In my dear nephew’s mind that was not enough. His depression spiraled down to a dark place of no return. Mike Singletary, football coach and former professional football player said, “Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play.” Shane’s dependence on playing sports was much more serious than Singletary’s quote. Shane equated happiness with the opportunity to participate physically in the game. In spite of his many other amazing attributes and accomplishments, mental illness slowly destroyed his ability to reason with reality. He believed his days of enjoying life were over and he committed suicide. In honor of Shane, my mission is to continue sharing his story. My goal is to help stop the negative stigma associated with mental disabilities. We must insist that employers have compassion, and that insurance companies compensate for treatment. In spite of our family tragedy, some of us will get together this summer. We will watch the Olympics. Football season is right around the corner and the continued rivalry between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins will continue. Every day (in every season) when I see a basketball hoop, I will remember Shane’s infectious smile.
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ACTIVE LIFE >> ADVENTURE CLUB OF GAINESVILLE
TO INFINITY AND BEYOND
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Dying Young as Old as Possible
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The Adventure Club of Gainesville Encourages All to Enjoy Life W R I T T E N B Y B I A N C A F AVATA
I
ACTIVE LIFE >> ADVENTURE CLUB OF GAINESVILLE
Adventure Club member Chip Sullivan takes flight. Using water jet propulsion attached to his feet, Sullivan can dive and jump out of the water, performing various freestyle figures with a Flyboard attached to his feet. Flyboarding is but one of the many activities club members enjoy.
f all of your friends jumped off a bridge, would you jump too? For The Adventure Club of Gainesville, the answer is yes. They jump with their friends. Whether they’re jumping out of a plane or into a raft, the members of The Adventure Club have a bold spirit. Imagine you’re driving to Titusville, Florida, and it’s storming. You’re supposed to go kayaking, but the sky doesn’t look so promising. Luckily, by the time you get there, the rain stops, revealing a beautiful sky illuminated by the stars. With the kayaks in the water, you and your friends follow a guide through the smooth, moonlit waters. Every time you paddle, a natural lightshow illuminates beneath you. The dark water sparkles with blue and green specks. This is bioluminescence. Tiny organisms undergo chemical reactions that emit neon color when they are displaced in the water. Looking at the magic, it’s almost as if the water becomes part of the stars. It is a moment that is nearly indescribable. Nancy Henry, who experienced the bioluminescent kayaking trip, is the administrator for The Adventure Club. She describes herself as the “girl behind the curtain.” Henry joined the club in 2004 and now organizes many of the events. The Adventure Club has gone white water rafting, hot air ballooning, horseback riding, climbing, hiking, tandem JULY/AUGUST 2016
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ACTIVE LIFE >> ADVENTURE CLUB OF GAINESVILLE
hang-gliding, geocaching and skydiving, among others. Beyond that, members gain more than just an adrenaline rush. Longterm friendships begin from simply enjoying life. Ages range from the 20s to 60s but most people are 30 to 50 years old (although an 80-year-old has skydived with the club). Many join because they are empty nesters. Their children have left the house, so there’s more room for new experiences and challenges. For some, the club becomes a way of life. The Adventure Club originally started by someone (who remains a mystery to Henry) that wanted to run it as more of a business. That didn’t turn out as planned, but Henry is glad it has stuck around throughout the years. Nowadays, social media websites such as Facebook, which foster online event planning, create competition for organizations similar to The Adventure Club. Although that may seem bad, using social networking sites to connect can help with the future of The Adventure Club. Whether it is partaking in a daring event with friends in the 70 |
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club or running the club itself, a lesson remains true: As long as you can adapt, you can succeed in any situation. Currently there are 150 people active in the club, and it is growing every day. People can join when they’d like and leave when they like. They can take a break if life gets in the way or attend as many events as they see fit. There is no committed obligation when joining The Adventure Club. Henry said it’s nearly impossible to know everyone in the club; people tend to find a group with similar interests. Henry loves cycling, so she spends a lot of time biking the trails in Gainesville. She and her fiancé, Chip Sullivan, who is also a member, recently completed a 100-mile bike race. Sullivan said that to prepare for this sort of endurance, he has to practice – a lot. “And [take] some Ibuprofen,” he added with a laugh. Henry said she gets her adventurous spirit from her mother. Her life mantra: “Die young as old as possible.” Henry does so by staying healthy and active through The Adventure Club.
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ACTIVE LIFE >> ADVENTURE CLUB OF GAINESVILLE
Once, Henry and her mom went on a hot air balloon ride. Her mom asked the man who was operating it what would happen if she had to use the bathroom. All he said was, “Why do you think the basket is made of wicker?” Sullivan has also been hot air ballooning, but the hardest thing he’s done with the club was riding a bike across Iowa. “If it wasn’t for [Henry], I wouldn’t be doing it,” he said. Andy Caldwell, a member since 2014, has kayaked on the Chassahowitzka River in Homosassa, better known as the Chaz, and has enjoyed a moonlight paddle, but cycling is his favorite activity. Every Sunday he bikes 30 miles with the club. The more experienced bikers always support him and help him whenever necessary. He’s been inspired to push himself because of The Adventure Club. “You don’t know until you do it,” Caldwell said. Even a blind man was able to participate in one of the 100mile bike races. Thanks to tandem biking, he doesn’t have to 72 |
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see to be able to enjoy one of life’s many pleasures. Peddling the caboose of the tandem was more than enough to help with the cycling journey. That’s another great aspect about the club. Your skill level doesn’t have to match up to anyone else’s. There is no intimidation because the main idea is just to have fun. Having fun can take you to new limits. Henry never dreamed to be a triathlete until joining The Adventure Club, but everyone encourages each other to try new things. “If I can do it, you can do it,” she said. “You learn from everyone.” In one particular instance, Henry was biking with a group on the Gainesville-Hawthorne trail and a lady showed up without a bicycle. Henry decided she would stay behind with the newcomer. They took a walk, which led to a group of people shooting targets with an atlatl, an ancient weapon invented before the bow-and-arrow. Henry would never have learned how to use an
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atlatl had she gone with the other bikers. “You never know how something’s going to turn out,” she said. Keeping an open mind can lead to a unique experience every time. The fun doesn’t always have to be hardcore, either. Caldwell loved the time when Henry had a Halloween party and showed the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” outside. Lots of people dressed up and interacted with the audience during the film. The Adventure Club has many social events, such as movie nights, which simply focus on gaining friendships. Henry has learned that fear is only mental. What she thought would be her most dangerous adventure actually didn’t end up being so terrifying. A group went whitewater rafting and Henry decided to use
an inflatable kayak called a ducky. She was nervous for the entire two-hour trip waiting to cross the rapids because a ducky kayak is more unstable than a raft. After she crossed the falls, however, she realized it wasn’t as scary as she’d anticipated. The trip ended up being more fun because in a ducky she was more submerged in the rushing waters rather than floating on top in a raft. If she hadn’t been worried about the uncertainty of trying something new, she wouldn’t have been scared at all. At the end of every outing is good conversation around a big dinner table. That is Henry’s favorite part: building relationships and connecting with others. It’s not just about the excursions, but ultimately enjoying life with people who enjoy it just as much as you. Feeling Adventurous? Learn more about the Adventure Club of Gainesville on their website: www.Adventureclub.info
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Solid Waste and Resource Recovery
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It only takes a few seconds to make a big KPɈLYLUJL MVY V\Y LU]PYVUTLU[ Alachua County prides itself on having a clean and beautiful community. When you come across litter, do the right thing and pick it up. Whether you recycle or throw it away, removing just one piece of litter a week can help keep Alachua County clean. It may be a small action, but it makes H ^VYSK VM KPќLYLUJL MVY (SHJO\H *V\U[`»Z ^PSKSPML HUK LU]PYVUTLU[
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YOUTH SPORTS >> BICYCLE MOTOCROSS RACING
GET IN GEAR
Creating A Dream High Springs BMX Stadium S T O R Y A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y R AY C A R S O N
I
n the movie “Field of Dreams” Kevin Costner is directed by a mysterious voice to build a baseball diamond in a cornfield with the instructions, “If you build it, he will come.” The same could be said for the creation of the High Springs BMX track. Jim Gabriel, owner of the Santa Fe Bicycle Outfitters in High Springs was a city commissioner in 2002. At that time the city was building a sports complex with soccer and baseball fields by the Civic Center. The city had also purchased a piece of land adjacent to the soccer fields to expand the local cemetery, but decided it was not viable because of the cost. “Cemeteries are expensive to maintain with little revenue return,” Gabriel said in an interview. “Many
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towns have tried to privatize city owned cemeteries due to the drain on the budget. I was very active in supporting community youth projects and saw the possibility of using the land to build a BMX track. I felt it could not only benefit local youth with a family-orientated sport, but it could also boost the local economy by bringing BMX enthusiasts from all over the region to High Springs.” Bicycle Motocross racing (BMX) was invented in California in the late 1960s, and has gained popularity around the world. In the 1970s, the USA BMX Foundation was established and by 1981 the International Cycling Union officially recognized it as a sport. In 2008 it was officially sanctioned as an Olympic sport. BMX is an off-road bicycle competition between up to eight riders on a serpentine single lap clay track that includes jumps and large
Jaystin Simmons, age 4, practices on the BMX track in High Springs prior to entering a gated race. Riders compete against other riders in a similar age bracket to gain racing points to compete at state, regional and national levels.
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“We could not have accomplished this without all the volunteer help.”
Cassandra Rehe (above) has the number one on her plate signifying she has won races at the district level. Dexan Pinner (below) becomes airborne as he clears a hill on the BMX track.
banked turns. The bikes have a single gear, with two classifications based on either a 20- or 24-inch wheel size. There are non-pedal bikes for young children called Striders, which are moved by the riders’ feet. High Springs’ BMX racing attracts a wide variety of ages, some as young as 2 and one who is 71 years old. Today, there are over 370 BMX tracks in the United States. Gabriel anticipated the growing popularity of the sport and was able to convince the city commission to lease the land to develop a track. He had received $25,000 from an Alachua County 80 |
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Tourist Development grant, which helped fund the initial cost of materials for the track. However, that was a fraction of what was needed to produce a quality track that would attract riders from around the state. Much of the materials and labor to build the track were donated. “I got very good at seeking out free supplies and asking for donations,” Gabriel said. The dirt for the track was donated from a construction site; the asphalt and light poles were donated by local contractors, as
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“Many times the parents will come to watch their kids race and wind up doing it themselves.”
was some of the heavy equipment to lay out the track. The local bicycle community and youth organizations helped with the labor. “We could not have accomplished this without all the volunteer help,” Gabriel said. “It was a real commitment by a handful of people that persevered against all obstacles to make this dream a reality.” Every time the original track was not in use it had to be protected from weather with large tarps held down by tires. Maintaining the track was very time intensive for both Gabriel and the volunteers. Gabriel stayed on as track manager for five years, but found his business was 82 |
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suffering because of the amount of time spent on the track and helping establish an organized local BMX club. Rick Gayheart took over managing for several years until the present manager, John Pringle, came in five years ago. For Pringle, managing and maintaining the track is a family affair. He is the track operator and his wife, Laura, handles the financial end. Both of them and their two young daughters are avid BMX riders. The clay track now has a coating so that it is more weather resistant. Concessions and seating have been improved. Like his predecessors, Pringle has had to find sponsors and donations to keep the track running and
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relies heavily on volunteers among the BMX community. “We couldn’t do this without the help from the volunteers,” Pringle said. “BMX racing is a true family sport. Everyone can do it and it’s just you and the track. No one has to sit on the bench or be a spectator, most of our members are families,” Pringle said. The track is a non-profit and is free to watch and ride the first time. To help defray the cost of maintaining the track, there is an entry fee for practice and competitions. Frequent riders can get a membership for $60. The track also sponsors competitions, both locally and with other state teams. Riders gain points based on the amount of competitions they win. Everyone starts as a novice. Both boys and girls move up after winning 10 races, and boys move up again after 20 wins. More wins allow riders to compete in district, state and regional contests. If they win these, they can compete at the Grand Nationals held in Tulsa Oklahoma. The High Springs BMX track is considered one of the smoothest in Florida and has even attracted Olympic hopefuls to train there. “We have had teams from Japan, Russia, the Netherlands and Colombia training at the track. We also have produced more #1 state riders than any other track,” Pringle said. “One local rider, Mackenzie Gayheart, is rated 4th in the world.” But to Pringle, it’s not the competition that’s important — it’s the family-orientated spirit among the BMX community. “Many times the parents will come to watch their kids race and wind up doing it themselves,” he said. “You don’t see too many sports where parents participate with their kids.” High Springs BMX Track is located at US Route 441 and North West 2nd Avenue in High Springs (behind the Civic Center). For more information, visit: www.highspringsbmx.com
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SPORTS FACILITIES >> JONESVILLE PARK
PARKS AND RECREATION
Into the Swing of Things From Peanut Farm to Performance Facility S T O R Y A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y R AY C A R S O N
T
he University of Florida had run a peanut farm for agricultural research west of Gainesville near the small town of Jonesville. But, over the years the town grew and the University no longer needed the land, so it donated it to the city of Gainesville. The Alachua Parks and Recreation department wanted the land for its countywide recreation plan. While trying to develop parks and recreational facilities, the Parks Department was limited in what it could do, budget wise. There were tax dollars from the county bed tax, which received revenue from tourism, but there was no funding for recreational use. As the result, the County Wide Recreation Master Plan was established based on a collaborative effort of
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stakeholders, county residents and a diverse steering committee comprised of recreation providers, vendors and interested citizens. The goal was to provide recreational facilities within the community to help improve sustainable communities through local recreational parks and sports complexes. Since the county was not active in the recreational business, sponsors and vendors were combined to create the Jonesville Park. The county could provide the land and general construction, but individual sports facilities and maintenance would be provided by the sports organizations and vendors. At the same time, the Gainesville Soccer Alliance was looking for a location for its practices, teaching camps and tournaments. The Alliance had been steadily growing and needed a place with multiple full-size ďŹ elds. The Alliance took out a $750,000
A student at the Gator Ball Academy in the Jonesville Sports Park practices his skills in one of six batting cages available. The Academy offers private lessons and instructional camps for all ages and skill levels. Gator Ball also sponsors recreational teams for ages 4 to 14 and has four fullsize fields for competitive games and tournaments.
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Coach Eli Meyer (top left) works with Remington Kil on his tennis technique, and players compete on one of the full-size soccer fields at the Park. The Center offers private and group lessons.
loan to help build the soccer fields at the park. “This collaboration with the county was a blessing, a beautiful partnership that gave us multiple fields to meet the demands of our expanding clubs,” said Alan Womack, the public relations director for the Gainesville Soccer Alliance. They also relied on fundraising among the community and local donors such as Fred Shore of Robinshore Incorporated. The park features multiple full-size fields including two that are open to all players for free. The Gainesville Soccer Alliance offers education and summer camps for youth soccer players from age 4 to 18 through its YSI program, which stresses player development. Its Academy program offers more advanced training for players who want to move beyond recreational play. The Soccer Alliance also sponsors the TOPSoccer program, 88 |
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which is designed for children with special needs, and gives them the opportunity to play soccer with peers and volunteer coaches. The program adapts game rules to the abilities of the players’ special needs so that every child is a winner. The Gainesville Soccer Alliance also hosts games and tournaments offering opportunities for players to compete on local, regional and national levels, using the same curriculum as the National Olympic Development Program. Additionally, the Alliance hosts the Gator Soccer Showcase, one of the biggest competitions in the state. Currently there are over 2,000 players in the Alliance and the program is growing more than 10 percent a year. For more information on the programs and cost visit www.gainesvillesoccer.org.
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B
ut soccer isn’t the only sport available at this diverse park. The Gator Ball Academy is a full-service baseball training academy that offers private lessons and instructional camps for all ages and skill levels. Beyond teaching, it sponsors recreational leagues for ages 4 to 14 and competitive travel teams for local and regional tournaments, along with guidance for high school and college placement. With a coaching staff comprised of professional and college players, they provide instruction and teams in T-ball, softball and baseball. The facilities consist of four full-size fields, six batting cages and a threemound bullpen area.
The Center also sponsors four tennis leagues and hosts tournaments. Founder Stephen Barton said the main goal of the academy is not about profit or competition. “We just want to create baseball opportunities and provide the needed resources and guidance for athletes to fulfill their true potential,” Barton said. For more information about their programs visit gatorballtraining.com. The park is also the location of the Jonesville Tennis Center, which is a privately funded organization that offers private and group lessons as well as summer camps for youth and adults of all skill levels. Their facilities include 14 lighted courts, one tournament standard show court, two large pavilions, restroom and showers, and a pro shop to purchase equipment.
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Manager David Porter said the Jonesville Tennis Center is one of the least expensive tennis facilities in the area. “We have also started a Pickle Ball game court,” Porter said. “Pickle ball is similar to tennis but is played with a foosball and a paddle similar to a Ping-Pong paddle. It’s becoming quite popular and is open for play Monday through Friday.” The Center also sponsors four tennis leagues and hosts tournaments. The facility is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Center also has ball machine rentals for players that prefer to practice alone. For more information and court charges visit www.jonesvilletennis.com. Other facilities at the park include a children’s playground, walking trails and picnic area, offering Jonesville a unique and diverse recreational area.
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SPORTS ORIGINS >> HISTORY OF THE OLYMPICS
ANCIENT ROOTS
THE HISTORY OF THE OLYMPICS
It’s Greek To Me WRITTEN BY ERICK A WINTER ROWD
Every four years, viewers from around the world are captivated by the intensity of the Olympics. After various countries make bids to host the iconic games a city is chosen. Opening ceremonies always display the massive arenas and installations that have been built specifically for the monumental event. It seems that everything about the games is so big and modern, when in actuality its entire history is not — well, perhaps for its time it was. The games are full of rich history, stemming from ancient Olympia in Greece. And there are layers upon layers of historical research that continue to bring us closer to understanding the beginnings of this supreme competition. 94 |
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Dr. Gonda Van Steen is a Classics professor in Greek studies at the University of Florida. She has dedicated her life to understanding the history of both ancient and modern day Greece. “I just love to see the connections,” Van Steen said in a recent phone interview. She explained that the very beginnings of the Olympics are somewhat clouded in mystery, but the games seem to have brought all of the Greeks together who otherwise would have been divided in their city-states. “For an effort like this, they all came together,” Van Steen said. The starting date of the Olympics is typically said to be 776 B.C., and it took place in the Valley of Olympia. Van Steen said there is no historical reference for the precise reason for choosing Olympia as the hosting site for the games, but researchers have a theory for this choice. “The facilities were there,” Van Steen said. “And there was PAINTING: “CROWNING OF VICTORS AT OLYMPIA” BY JAMES BARRY
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“Sell-outs existed back then, as well … it’s all very recognizable today.” The Games were named for their location at Olympia, a sacred site located near the western coast of the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece.
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the temple dedicated to the gods.” The reasoning behind the Greeks wanting to compete, however, was not just to honor Zeus. “Competition is a very natural drive,” Van Steen said. “You want to show that you excel at something by measuring yourself with other people.” She explained that victors were awarded laurel crowns or vases instead of medals like the Olympics today. However, the true reward was one that wasn’t tangible. “Really, it was all about the prestige that you took away,” Van Steen said. “The honor that you took away, for your family and for your city.” Hymns were even composed for the champions, and as much as it was important to be known as the winner, in the same measure it was damaging to get caught cheating or to be known as a cheater. “Cheating existed too,” Van Steen said. “[The games] were all about honor or dishonor.” In ancient times the participants of the Olympics would have been adult male Greek citizens. Women and slaves were not allowed to compete. As time passed and the games grew, Roman Emperor Nero became interested in being a part of the competition. And, as Van Steen explained, “you can’t say no to Emperor Nero, so
what do you do?” As the story goes, not only did they have to let him participate, but they also had to let him win — making it look as if he had really earned the victory. “And it kind of indicates that there’s no such thing as the pure ancient model in modern day corruption,” Van Steen said. “Sell-outs existed back then, as well … it’s all very recognizable today.” Women were not even allowed to watch the games, mainly because for most events the athletes competed in the nude. “They would be naked in [any event] that would required you to basically move fast and not give your opponent a grip,” Van Steen said, such as wrestling. “[The wrestlers] would also cover themselves with olive oil so that you would be slippery and your opponent would not so easily get a grip on you.” She said that nowadays practicing a sport without wearing clothing would be a big deal, but to the ancient Greeks this was the normal way they had been practicing all along. “In fact, in the word ‘gymnasium’ or when we say, ‘I’m going to the gym,’ the gym part of gymnasium actually means naked,” Van Steen
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18627 27 Main M St. • High Springs • 352-433-7087 7 OPEN TUESDAY TUE - SATURDAY 11:00am-7:00pm m
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1904 games in St. Louis were the first in which gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded for first, second and third place. With the exception of the medals for the 1956 equestrian events, the medals for the games became standardized starting in 1928. The website states that on one side of the medal there was the traditional design of the goddess of victory holding a palm in her left hand, and a winner’s crown in her right hand. The image of an Olympic champion being carried triumphantly by the crowd, with a stadium in the background, was on the other side. Gonda Van Steen said that the difference Van Steen between medals does have monetary value, but it’s also symbolic. “Gold has always been perceived to have more value than silver,” Van Steen said. “And the monetary value may or may not be a whole lot more, but symbolically gold ranks above silver in a way that you could be a gold member with an airline and outrank the silver member.” Van Steen said one of her favorite events to watch during the Olympics is the marathon, but it was not part of the ancient Olympics. Instituted as a new element in the modern Olympics it was actually named after the city of Marathon in Greece. Van Steen said that during the Persian War in the 5th century B.C., one of the battles took place at Marathon and the Greeks won. “The messenger ran all the way to Athens,” she said. “He was running the marathon without it being called the marathon yet. And then he announced, ‘we have won,’ and then he collapsed.” As the story goes, the messenger died, and a running event known as the marathon was named in his honor. Salts, Spices, In ancient times, Van Steen said, other Honey and events would have included horseback riding other great and discus throwing. Chariot racing was specialty food popular in later years, and was part of the items reason Emperor Nero was attracted to the Himalayan Salt games. Lamps “In comparison to today’s Olympic comUnique Olive Oil petitions there wouldn’t have been anything Bath Products like it,” she said. Beautiful Olive One of Van Steen’s favorite things about Wood Dishes teaching the Classics to her students is being and Cutting g able to compare the old with the new, and Boards finding the commonality between times. “There’s just so much that we think of as entirely new that is just so rich with history from ancient times,” she said. “And I love explaining that.”
ash of the sacrifices. The ash was mixed with water from the nearby river Alpheios, and then pasted onto the previous ash. Eventually the altar reached some 22 feet in height. The decline of the ancient games began after Rome conquered Greece. During the 4th century A.D., when Christianity was part of the structure of the Empire, the Emperor Theodosius thought the Olympics were too much of a Pagan festival and that it was too representative of the non-Christian religions. The Olympic institution was done away with until 1896, when the games were reinstated and became known as the first modern day Olympics. That year they were brought back to Greece and held in Athens, and ever since then they have been on a four-year schedule. The 2004 games, which were held in Athens, honored their Greek roots by awarding the winners with both the ancient ritual of laurel wreaths and the modern day ritual of medals. According to www.olympic.org, at the first Olympic Games of the modern era, the winner was crowned with an olive wreath and received a silver medal. James B. Connolly of Massachusetts was the first modern Olympic champion to be awarded this. The
OUR TOWN MAGAZINE
JULY/AUGUST 2016
DR. SWAMY WELCOMES DR. SPARKS AND HIS PATIENTS TO
CLEAR SOUND AUDIOLOGY
Dr. Swamy is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Sparks to Clear Sound Audiology. With over 55 years of combined experience, Dr. Swamy and Dr. Sparks offer state of the art hearing technologies individually tailored to your hearing, lifestyle, and budget. Please call today to schedule your complimentary hearing consultation!
352-505-6766 clearsoundaudiology.com 2240 NW 40th Terrace, Suite C Gainesville, Florida 32605
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We feel the best way to find and recognize local charities in our communities is by asking you! The SunState Community Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves the communities in and around North Central Florida by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. The Foundation was established to promote and provide charitable assistance that contributes towards the development, education and well-being of the communities, areas and residents of Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy Counties in Florida. The foundation’s initial goal is to administer and fully fund the award winning Facebook Charity-of-the-Month program. SunState Federal Credit Union started the program in 2013, but has turned over administration of the program to the foundation, with SunState Federal Credit Union acting only as a sponsor. This has been done in the belief that this path will ensure the program remains a strong and expanding community resource long into the future. The SunState Community Foundation, Inc., provides donors/members opportunities to participate in the furtherance of the foundation’s goals in multiple ways. First, and foremost, the donors/members are providing funds to support the foundation’s charitable initiatives. Donors/members can also nominate groups for the Charity of the Month program, and then vote for the group of their choice. Donors/members are encouraged to participate and vote in the Charity of the Month program. Ultimately, the voters choose where foundation donations go as part of the infrastructure of the program.
SunState Community Foundation, Inc.
SPONSORSHIP L EVEL S AVAIL ABL E $
1,000 CHARITY OF THE MONTH SPONSOR
$
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Recognized on all 4 Entercom Communication stations, 30 times (120 total); KTK, SKY, WRUF and ESPN.
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Recognized on the Charity of the Month Facebook Contest page, KTK’s Facebook page and Our Town’s Facebook page.
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Mentioned in the Charity of the Month page in Our Town Magazine.
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500 RANDOM CHARITY SPONSOR Recognized on 2 of Entercom Communications stations, 30 times (60 total); WRUF and ESPN Recognized on the Charity of the Month Facebook Contest page, KTK’s Facebook page and Our Town’s Facebook page. Mentioned in the Charity of the Month page in Our Town Magazine.
$
300 NOMINATOR SPONSOR
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Recognized on the Charity of the Month Facebook Contest page, KTK’s Facebook page and Our Town’s Facebook page.
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Mentioned in the Charity of the Month page in Our Town Magazine.
$
100 RANDOM VOTER SPONSOR
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Recognized on the Charity of the Month Facebook Contest page.
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Mentioned in the Charity of the Month page in Our Town Magazine
MOST RECENT WINNING ORGANIZATIONS TO NOMINATE A CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE OR TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE NOMINEES, VISIT:
www.facebook.com/SunStateFCU and click on “Charity of the Month”
APRIL WINNER - 3,078 VOTES
MAY WINNER - 1,147 VOTES
Team Paige
Covenant Pet Trust
The April Charity of the month is Team Paige, a charity created by Caleb Douglas for his wife, Paige, who is fighting synovial sarcoma. Synovial sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that forms near joints in soft tissue. She has been fighting cancer for many years with the help of family and friends through fundraisers, kind words, and hospital visits. Stay tuned and help her on her journey by checking her website: teampaige.weebly.com.
Covenant Pet Trust was formed to educate and assist pet parents to plan for the future of their pets without them. The group works with all pet parents, including terminally ill or permanently disabled parents. Its mission is to provide education and resources for pet parents to plan for their pets and to prevent neglect, abuse and euthanasia because of the death of their people. Services include in-home care support, foster care, visitation, relocation, re-homing or other personalized services as required. Its goal is to provide pet parents with the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what will happen to that pet in the event of the owner’s death. Info: www.covenantpettrust.org.
Paige Douglas will receive $300 for nominating the charity. The winner of the $500 random drawing is the Basketball Cop Foundation and the $100 random voter winner is Danielle Houle.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS >> CHARITY OF THE MONTH
CH A RIT Y OF THE MONTH WINNER S
A project of the SunState Community Foundation, Inc. Presented by SunState Federal Credit Union, Our Town Family of Magazines and Entercom Communications
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352-372-5468
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World of Beer 140 SW 128th Street • Tioga Town Center, Jonesville 32669 3265 SW 34th Street • Gainesville, Florida 32608 Monday - Thursday open at 3:00pm • Friday, Saturday and Sunday open at noon
352-727-4714 (Tioga) 352-559-8775 (Gville) worldofbeer.com TAVERN FARE — At World of Beer, we have 40 craft beers on tap, over 500 in the cooler and now we have added a tasty tavern fare that’s crafted to go perfectly with any beer. Our menu offers a wide variety of choices including a giant pretzel with beer cheese dip, artisan sausage boards, flat breads, innovative sandwiches and burgers, soups, salads and so much more! Visit our web site for a full menu and event schedule. Whether you’re a beer master or just beer curious, our insanely knowledgeable staff is here to guide you through every last pint, pour, and pairing. So c’mon. Let’s go. Because there’s no better place to go around the world, one sip at a time.
Adam’s Rib Co. 2109 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32609 1515 SW 13th Street Gainesville, Florida 32608 Monday-Saturday 7:00am – 9:00pm Closed Sunday
352-373-8882 NW 352-727-4005 SW AdamsRibCo.com BBQ — Celebrating our 10 year Anniversary. Looking for the best BBQ in Gainesville? Then look no further than Adam’s Rib Co. Adam’s is North Florida’s Premier Barbecue restaurant, serving North Florida’s finest bbq spare ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, slow smoked chicken and turkey. Choose from over 20 sauces – from honey sweet to habanero hot – and everything in between. Don’t forget dessert, like our scrumptious banana pudding and famous peach cobbler. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Adam’s can cater any event locally. Give Adam a call for your next tailgate party 352-514-8692!
Flying Biscuit Café 4150 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605 Located in the Fresh Market Center Monday-Friday 7:00am – 3:00pm • Saturday-Sunday 7:00am – 4:00pm
352-373-9500 www.flyingbiscuit.com Breakfast — The Flying Biscuit is out to reinvent breakfast in Gainesville! Maybe you’ve tried their soon-to-be-famous creamy, dreamy grits or their “moon dusted” breakfast potatoes, but did you know you can have them at anytime? With a unique open menu, all the items that appear are available throughout the day. With a variety of healthy and hearty dishes, The Flying Biscuit caters to a variety of tastes. With options ranging from the Smoked Salmon Scramble, the Bacon Cheddar Chicken Sandwich or the Tofu and Tater Salad, there’s something for everyone. Call us up to an hour before your expected arrival time to add your name to our call ahead seating list.
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Dave’s New York Deli 12921 SW 1st Road • Tioga Town Center Open 7 Days
352-333-0291 www.DavesNYDeli.com Authentic NY deli — The Reviews are in and here’s what customers are saying about Dave’s NY Deli Tioga Town Center! “Best Reuben, Best Pastrami, Best Philly, and Best Wings” Dave’s continues to be the place to go for authentic NY Deli food and Philly Cheesesteaks. Owner Dave Anders says “Nothing beats quality ingredients combined with a friendly staff. Dave serves New York size Pastrami and Corned Beef sandwiches, Cheesecake from New York, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, NY Kettle Boiled Bagels, Nova Salmon, Knish, Cannolies, Philly Cheesesteaks, Wings, Cubans, Subs, Kids Menu and more.” Come out and enjoy Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Dave’s NY Deli. Now serving beer and wine.
Napolatanos 606 NW 75th Street Gainesville, FL Tuesday - Thursday & Sunday 4:00pm-10:00pm Friday 4:00pm-1:00am • Saturday 4:00pm-11:00pm
352-332-6671 www.napolatanos.com ITALIAN — Napolatanos is the longest original owner operated restaurant in Gainesville. Nappys, the name the locals have given Napolatanos has the most extensive menu. Whether you choose pizza, calzones, salad, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, steak dinners or the best chicken wings in town, Nappy’s uses only the freshest ingredients. Visit on Tuesday for half price appetizers. Burgers & Brew Night on Wednesday and live music inside. Thursday is Pub night with Better than England’s Fish & Chips $7. Outside dining with live music, on the patio, on Sunday evenings. GRAB & GO family dinners feeds 4-6 adults, starting at $25.95. Choose from Ziti, Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Marsala and more!
Mark’s Prime Steakhouse & Seafood 201 SE 2nd Avenue, Gainesville, FL (Historic Downtown) Monday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm • Tues-Sat: 5:00pm to 10:00pm Happy Hour: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
352-336-0077 marksprimesteakhouse.com Steak & Seafood — Mark’s Prime Steakhouse and Seafood has a goal to create a unique dining experience that will please the palate and soothe the soul. We serve the finest beef, the freshest seafood, and naturally fresh vegetables. Recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence 2004-2011. Join us for Primetime Happy Hour featuring drink and appetizer specials Monday thru Saturday 5-7 pm. We are pleased to feature our full service, private dining facilities. It would be our pleasure to help plan your next reception, banquet, business meeting, or social gathering. Complimentary valet service.
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Brown’s Country Buffet 14423 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua, FL 32616 Monday-Friday 7:00am - 8:00pm Saturday 7:00am - 2:00pm Sunday 8:00am - 3:00pm
386-462-3000 brownscountrybuffet.net Casual — Country-style cooking at its finest, just like Grandma’s house! A buffet style restaurant, Brown’s Country Buffet is open seven days a week! Foods like fried chicken, grilled pork chops, real mashed potatoes, steamed cabbage, banana pudding and coconut pie, just to name a few, are served in a laid-back, relaxing environment. We offer AYCE fried shrimp on Friday nights from 4-8 along with whole catfish & ribs. In addition to their buffet, Brown’s also offers a full menu to choose from. Serving lunch and dinner daily and a breakfast buffet Friday-Sunday until 10:30am, you’re sure to leave satisfied, no matter when you go. So, when you’re in the mood for some good home cooking, Grandma’s style, visit Brown’s Country Buffet.
Lisa’s Corner Café 125 NW 23rd Ave • Gainesville, Florida Mon. – Fri. 8am -3pm • Saturday 8am – 3 pm Serving Breakfast all-day
352-363-6138 www.cornercafeandcoffee.com DELICIOUS HOMEMADE GOODNESS — This delightfully casual café is located on the corner of 23rd Ave. & NW 2nd St. The Café is sure to satisfy your cravings and bring you back for more. The menu features build your own omelettes or café traditions such as the “Belly Buster” or “The Toasty triple”. Cheesy grits, seasoned potatoes & sliced peaches are just a few of the delicious sides offered. For Lunch, we recommend the “All You Can Eat Hot Buffet!” It includes a drink & salad bar for only $9.89. Featuring a variety of homemade specialties such as meatloaf, fried chicken, shepards pie, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes & so much more! Visit us on Tuesday for “Taco – Tuesday!” The Café’ also offers a full menu. Delivery, Online ordering and Catering is available.
Bev’s Burger Café 315 NE Santa Fe Blvd. • High Springs Monday - Saturday 7am-9pm Sunday: 11 - 2:30pm
386-454-9434 Casual — If you’re looking for fresh, homemade food in High Springs, look no further than Bev’s Burger Cafe. Known for the best burgers in town and fast, friendly service you’re sure to leave satisfied. Not in the mood for a burger? You may also want to try one of their BBQ dinner favorites such as sliced pork, smoked turkey, BBQ chicken, baby back ribs, and more. Stop on by with the kids on Monday nights for some magic & balloon animals with Magic Mike. Also, on Wednesday nights starting at 5pm sodas and their famous tea are only $1.00, and bottled beer only $1.50. Don’t forget Bev’s is open for breakfast, also, served from 7am to 10:45am. Bev’s will be closed for the month of August due to renovations & will be looking forward to seeing you all back in September!
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Vegan 2Go 7625 W Newberry Rd Gainesville, FL. Mon., Wed., Thursday 11am – 8 pm Fri and Sat. 11am-9pm • Sunday 12 pm – 7 pm
352-505-8894 Vegan2GoGainesville.com COOKING WITH LOVE — This vegetarian & vegan restaurant is based on the concept that people and animals can live in harmony through sustainable plant based solutions. You can be sure that their ingredients are carefully selected from non-GMO, non-MSG, sea salt and organic products. The final result: something that’s delicious, tasty, healthy, and vegan! Their healthy barbeque skewers made from soy or the infamous vegan ginger onion chick’n, are sure to have you craving for more. If you want some bang for your buck, try one of the combos: your choice of noodles or rice with spring rolls, summer rolls, and either BBQ or vegan chicken. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous with your appetite, try making your own combo! Don’t forget the delicious, fragrant Thai Iced Tea!
The Great Outdoors 65 North Main Street, High Springs, Florida 32643 Open at 11:00am Tuesday through Sunday
386-454-1288 www.greatoutdoorsdining.com Summer Time at The Great Outdoors where there’s ALWAYS Something Going On! — SUNDAY FUNDAY! Every Sunday on our Patio cool off with an icy bucket of beer (bartenders-choice) just $6.99 and get down with A Full Pound of Steamed Crab Legs just $19.99, served with all the “Fixins” of course! All summer we bring you the best live music on the Patio every Wednesday through Funday Sunday! Save The Date. . . Back by popular demand - The Great Outdoors Restaurant & The High Springs Playhouse present, “Murder at the Tonylou Awards” playing July 22-23 & 29-30. So join us “as you are,” just off the river, this summer while the living is easy at The Great Outdoors in High Springs!
Copper Monkey West 14209 W Newberry Road, Jonesville, FL 32669 Across from the Steeplechase Publix Sunday-Thursday 11:00am - 11:00pm Friday-Saturday 11:00am - 12:00am
352-363-6338 mycoppermonkey.com Restaurant & Pub — Now serving Breakfast on Saturdays & Sundays 8am - 10:45am. We are located in the heart of Jonesville, this All-American dining is convenient to all neighborhoods in Gainesville, Alachua, Newberry, High Springs and beyond. Our family-friendly dining features great food at a great price. Whether you come in for the “best burger in town” or try any one of our freshly made salads, pastas or sandwiches, you will not leave disappointed. Our USDA choice steaks, served with 2 sides, offer a great alternative for the perfect celebratory meal. We also feature a full-service bar with signature drinks and many options for your viewing pleasure. Great food, great price, we’ll see you soon.
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Crane Ramen 16 SW 1st Ave. Gainesville Sun-Wed: 11:00 am - 4pm • 5pm - 10pm • Thu-Sat: 11am - 4pm • 5pm - 1am Sunday Brunch beginning at 11am
352-727-7422 www.craneramen.com Authentic Craft Ramen — Owners Fred Brown and Bill Bryson opened a restaurant serving sensuous, Japanese comfort food. Ramen creates a harmony of flavors, enjoyed layer by layer as they are mixed throughout your bowl. The richness of ingredients thoughtfully concocted delivers complete dining satisfaction. Crane Ramen is committed to a local/sustainable model of sourcing the best and healthiest ingredients. Our meat, eggs and poultry are sourced locally whenever possible. All of our food is scratch-made! We have our soup stocks bubbling 24 hours a day! In addition to ramen we also have a seasonal variety of delicious otsumami. Crane Ramen also has also curated its own unique offering of beer, wine, sake and creative cocktails!
Tony & Al’s Deli 14960 Main Street, Alachua, Florida 32616 OPEN 7 DAYS Monday-Thursday 11:00am – 9:00pm Friday-Saturday 11:00am – 10:00pm Sunday 11:00am – 8:00pm
386-518-5552 Italian — Locally owned and operated, Tony & Al’s Deli provides the finest quality Italian entrees in a family friendly atmosphere. Whether it’s their delicious appetizers, pasta classics, specialty pizzas, salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers or prime rib, Tony & Al use only their freshest ingredients. One of their favorites is blackened Salmon Francesca with Orange Tiramisu for dessert. Their sauces, dressings and specialty desserts including cannolis and tiramisu are all handcrafted. They serve daily lunch and dinner specials. Tony and Al offer a full bar with happy hour from 5pm-7pm including $1.00 off all drafts, wine and well drinks.
El Patio 60 N Main Street High Springs, Fl 32643 Mon-Thurs & Sun 11am-10pm Fri & Sat 11am-10:30pm
386-454-1330 Mexican — El Patio is now open in downtown High Springs. Family owned and operated serving authentic Mexican cuisine including: fajitas, burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas, and much much more. Kids menu also available. We have large screen TVs perfect for game day, a private party room for your special celebrations, and outdoor seating available on our nice patio. Call for our live music schedule. Also, don’t forget, we offer a full bar with happy hour everyday from 2pm-6pm including $1.99 domestic beers and $3.99 16oz lime margaritas.
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FANGS! FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 | 7:30 PM
A fabulous Halloween spectacle - Dracula rises from a fog filled haze, Vampyra ‘vamps’ playfully and the Raven quoth’s ‘Nevermore’. Chock full of fun AND dripping with spookiness. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
NUTCRACKER FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16TH | 7:30 PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17TH | 2:00 PM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18TH | 2:00 PM
Become entranced by the beauty of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her dazzling Court, enchanted by the swirling snowflakes and breathtaking snow, and cheer for the tiny toy soldiers and their leader, the handsome Nutcracker Prince. A sparkling production with beautiful costumes and sets, this is truly… ‘the all-time family favorite’.
ROBIN HOOD FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD | 7:30 PM SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH | 2:00 PM
In England in the days of yore lived the legendary Robin Hood. Fiercely loyal to his King, he and his merry band of outlaws (along with the beautiful Lady Marian - of course!) save the day by defeating the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. True to the story, the ballet is exciting, entertaining, comic, bold and filled with exciting sword fights.
RITE OF SPRING FRIDAY, MARCH 17 | 7:30PM
DANB brings the season to a close with brilliant music and dance. Joined by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, the luscious sounds of Russian folk melodies stream through the exotic tale of ‘Seven Beauties’ brought to life onstage by the glorious dancers of DANB, while Stravinsky’s magnificent ‘Rite of Spring’ leaps into visceral life with the wildly athletic prowess of the DANB company. FOR INFORMATION: DALIVE@BELLSOUTH.NET, DANCEALIVE.ORG OR 352-371-2986
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The Savants of Soul
Friday, August 12
Come out to Bo Diddley Plaza for a “Free Fridays” concert with one of Gainesville’s most dynamic groups! Blues, Jazz, Rock, Punk and Ska: The Savants of Soul
TIOGA FARMERS MARKET Every Monday 4:00pm - 7:00pm
JONESVILLE - Tioga Center, 13005 W. Newberry Rd. Market features a selection of vegetables, crafts, organic food, fruits and local specialties.
SYMPOSIUM & WORKSHOP First Monday of each month 6:30pm – 7:30pm
GAINESVILLE - Gainesville Music Association, 109 SE 4th Ave. Free workshop on a carefully developed aspect of the music business. After the presentation there is an open forum and moderated discussion. gainesvillemusicassociation@gmail.com.
PARKINSON’S EXERCISE CLASS
GAINESVILLE HARMONY SHOW CHORUS Every Thursday 7:00pm – 9:30pm
GAINESVILLE - Grace Presbyterian Church, 3146 NW 13th St. For all who are interested in learning and singing Women’s A Cappella Barbershop Harmony Music. Beckie: 352-318-1281.
HIGH SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET Every Thursday 12:00pm – 4:00pm
HIGH SPRINGS - Downtown Farmers Market, 115 NE Railroad Ave. Visit farmersmarket.highsprings. com for more information, weekly updates and a vendor directory.
Tuesday & Friday every week 9:30am
ENCORE DANCE WORKSHOP
GAINESVILLE - Alachua County Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th St. A fun and effective exercise class to help those living with Parkinson’s Disease and other balance-related health issues. Exercise is the only way to slow progression of PD. Free. www.facebook.com/ gainesvilleflparkinsonsnetwork.
Every Thursday 4:00pm – 5:00pm
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GAINESVILLE - Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th St. Workshop provides mature dancers with an opportunity to continue their practice in an adult-friendly environment. 352-733-0880.
OPEN MIC POETRY JAM Every Thursday 8:00pm – 11:00pm
GAINESVILLE - Civic Media Center, 433 S. Main St. Gainesville’s longest running open mic. All styles of poetry, acoustic music and a cappella singing, spoken word, performance art and more! Bring your friends for a night of artistic expression. Signup starts at 9pm. No cover, open to the public. www.civicmediacenter.org.
KIDS PAINTING SERIES Every Thursday, Through August 4 5:30pm – 7:30pm
HIGH SPRINGS - Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies, 23645 W. U.S. Hwy 27. Life in the Springs. Complete one 18”x14” canvas painting. Lemonade & cookie break. Ages 7-14. Maximum per class 8, minimum per class 3. $35 includes supplies.
AFRO-FITNESS Every other Thursday, July 14 - August 25 5:00pm – 6:00pm
GAINESVILLE - Cone Park Branch Library, 2801 E. University Ave. Exercise to African drumbeats and rhythms. Info: 352-334-0720 or www.aclib. us/cone-park.
TIOGA CONCERT SERIES Last Friday of each month 7:00pm – 10:00pm
JONESVILLE - Town of Tioga, 105 SW 128th St. Every last Friday of the month. Free admission. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
TIOGA MOVIE NIGHTS Second Friday of each month 7:00pm – 10:00pm
JONESVILLE - Town of Tioga, 105 SW 128th St. The second Friday of every month. Free admission. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
WIC FARMERS MARKET Every Friday 10:00am – 2:00pm
GAINESVILLE - Alachua County Health Department, 224 SE 24th St. Through October, stop by and support local farmers and choose from a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. 800-494-2543.
LADY GAMERS Every Friday 1:00pm
HIGH SPRINGS - New Century Woman’s Club, 40 NW 1st Ave. The Lady Gamers meet for fun, friendship and food. Everyone is invited. Meet old friends and make some new ones.
MALIBU NIGHTS
Water|Ways Exhibit July 16 – August 27 HIGH SPRINGS - High Springs Museum, 120 NW 2nd Ave. Grand opening is on Saturday, July 16. Free Admission. The exhibit’s vision: “The Relationship of Water & People.”
Every Friday 9:00pm
walls of their home more than a century ago. Open Saturdays, 10am – 2pm and Sundays 12pm – 4pm. 352-336-9096 or www.hailehomestead.org.
GAINESVILLE - Boca Fiesta, 232 SE 1st St. Outside Dance Party at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino. No cover from 9-10. $3 after. Info: 352-336-8226.
Every Sunday 1:00pm – 2:00pm
DUDLEY FARM KIDS’ FUN Second Saturday of each month 10:00am – 2:00pm
NEWBERRY - Dudley Farm State Park, 18730 W. Newberry Rd. Kids activities and classes.
BREWERY YOGA GAINESVILLE - First Magnitude Brewery, 1220 SE Veitch St. Brewery Yoga in the warehouse. All experience levels welcome; suggested donation of $5 (donations go to Forage Farms through August). www.fmbrewing.com/calendar.
DUDLEY FARM TOURS
FREE ZUMBA Saturday, July 2 5:00pm – 6:00pm
GAINESVILLE - Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Free Zumba class every first Saturday of the month with Cristiane Machado.
THE TOXIC AVENGER BLUE STAR MUSEUM DEAL
Fourth Saturday of each month 10:00am – 12:00pm
All American Song Fest featuring jazz by The Gainesville Big Band. “Free Fridays” concerts continue each Friday night through Oct. 21. www.gvlculturalaffairs.org.
Through September 5 Times Vary
NEWBERRY - Dudley Farm State Park, 18730 W. Newberry Rd. Take a walk with a ranger or volunteer around the farmstead home site. Meet in the Visitors center.
GAINESVILLE - Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Rd. The museum is offering free admission to all fee-based exhibits for active duty U.S. military personnel and their families. www.flmnh.ufl.edu.
HAILE HOMESTEAD TOURS
ALL AMERICAN SONG FEST
Every Saturday & Sunday, Through August 27 Times Vary
Friday, July 1 8:00pm – 10:00pm
GAINESVILLE - 8500 SW Archer Rd. See the “Talking Walls.” The Haile family wrote on the
GAINESVILLE - Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. The 2016 concert series continues with The
June 3 – July 31 Times Vary
GAINESVILLE - Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE 2nd Pl. This rockin’ hot toxic love story and musical comedy is a summer must-see that will leave you laughing in the aisles! 352-373-5968; sdarden@ thehipp.org; www.thehipp.org.
FANFARE AND FIREWORKS Sunday, July 3 9:00pm
GAINESVILLE - University of Florida’s Flavet Field. The Gainesville Community Band plays 4th of July Favorites. www.gnvband.org.
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with original furnishings, an 1880s kitchen outbuilding, a general store and post office, and a functional cane syrup complex. Meet in the Visitors Center.
CANCER CONNECTIONS Friday, July 29 Noon – 1:00pm
GAINESVILLE - HealthStreet, 2401 SW Archer Rd. Monthly meeting and networking opportunities for anyone involved in the care or treatment of cancer patients, or provides a service to them. Lunch provided for those who RSVP; $4 donation is requested. Barb Thomas: bnbbarb@aol.com or www.myhealthstreet.org.
THE IRIE ONES Friday, July 29 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Bass Fishing Tournament Saturday, July 16
7:30am – 4:00pm
HAWTHORNE - Lochloosa Harbor, 15008 S.E. U.S. Highway 301. Inaugural Bass North Central Florida Fishing Tournament. Big fish measuring at 1:30pm. Payout based on length not weight. Info: Laurie or Jay @ 352-481-2114.
JULY 4TH CELEBRATION Monday, July 4 3:00pm to 10:00pm
ALACHUA - Hal Brady Recreation Complex. Activities for the kids, including a petting zoo, bounce houses, water slides, a spray park and skateboard park. For adults there are vendors, bingo contests, dancing groups and live musical entertainment to name a few.
Friday, July 15 8:00pm – 10:00pm
GAINESVILLE - Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Gainesville’s “Free Fridays” Concert Series presents americana, Blues, Folk by Ricky Kendall & The Healers. www.gvlculturalaffairs.org.
IDYLWILD
R&E’S ARMY - RICHY STANO & ELIO PIEDRA
Friday, July 8 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Friday, July 22 8:00pm – 10:00pm
GAINESVILLE - Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Gainesville’s “Free Fridays” Concert Series presents original rock, funk, blues and soul by Idylwild. www.gvlculturalaffairs.org.
GAINESVILLE - Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Jazz. Gainesville’s “Free Fridays” Concert Series presents: R&E’s Army - Richy Stano & Elio Piedra. www.gvlculturalaffairs.org.
THE HIPP SUMMER SPECTACULAR CAMP July 11 – 22 All Day
GAINESVILLE - Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE 2nd Pl. Theatre camp. Three age groups, all children welcome and guaranteed a role. Email hipp@ thehipp.org. or visit thehipp.org.
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DUDLEY FARM TOURS Saturday, July 23 10:00am – 12:00pm
NEWBERRY - Dudley Farm State Park, 18730 W. Newberry Rd. Take a walk with a ranger or volunteer around the farmstead home site. An authentic working farm, the homestead consists of 18 buildings, including the family farmhouse
GAINESVILLE - Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Gainesville’s “Free Fridays” Concert Series presents reggae by The Irie Ones. www.gvlculturalaffairs.org.
IMMERSION IN WRITING, CRAFT AND SKILL August 1 - 4 Times Vary
GAINESVILLE - P.K. Yonge Dev. Research School, 1080 SW 11th St. Immersion in Writing, Craft and Skill Summer Institute, designed to increase understanding of writer’s voice and to support the development of personal voices in writing. 352-392-1554; cgabbard@pky.ufl.edu; summerinstitutes.pkyonge.ufl.edu.
HARD LUCK SOCIETY Friday, August 5 8:00pm – 10:00pm
GAINESVILLE - Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Gainesville’s “Free Fridays” Concert Series presents: Hard Luck Society Country - Blues, Jazz. www.gvlculturalaffairs.org.
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS August 5 – 15 Times Vary
HIGH SPRINGS - High Springs Playhouse, 130 NE 1st Ave. Take a trip through Alice’s looking glass to the beat of a hip-hopping soundtrack by Bill Francoeur. This silly adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s “Through the Looking Glass” depicts the coming-of-age story with fun twists and music audiences of all ages will adore. The entire show is put on by youth volunteers. highspringsplayhouse.com.
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ART GALLERY ANNIVERSARY PARTY Saturday August 6 6:00pm – 8:00pm
HIGH SPRINGS - Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies, 23645 W. US HWY 27. Light refreshments, door prizes and fun! Storewide sale, Aug 2-6. www.lanzagallery.com.
WIZARD OF OZ BURLESQUE TRIBUTE Saturday, August 6 9:00pm - 12:00am
GAINESVILLE - Market Street Pub & Cabaret, 112 SW 1st Ave. Lions and Tigers and Burlesque dancers, Oh My! Featuring live music before and after the show. $8 Adv, $10 Door. This show is 18+. mischievous madams.
FREE ZUMBA Saturday, August 6 5:00pm – 6:00pm
GAINESVILLE - Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Free class every first Saturday of the month with Cristiane Machado.
RAG DOLL MAKING DEMO Wednesday, August 10 9:00am – 11:00am
GAINESVILLE - Friends of Dudley Farm, 18730 W. Newberry Rd. A demonstration of rag doll making. 352-472-1142. www.friendsofdudleyfarm.org.
THE SAVANTS OF SOUL
Murder Mystery Dinner Saturday, August 13
6:00pm
ALACHUA - Alachua Women’s Club, 14565 Main St. For the last three years the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe has put on a Murder Mystery Dinner to raise funds for its project account. This year it’s Murder in Margaritaland: a night of crime and chaos in the Caribbean. Doors open at 6pm; dinner at 6:30 and mystery starts at 7. Dinner tickets - $40. Contact Tom Weller: 386-454-3163.
Friday, August 12 8:00pm – 10:00pm
GAINESVILLE - Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Gainesville’s “Free Fridays” Concert Series presents: The Savants of Soul. Soul - Blues, Jazz, Rock, Punk and Ska. www.gvlculturalaffairs.org.
LITTLE JAKE Saturday, August 13 8:30pm - 1:00am
GAINESVILLE - Market Street Pub & Cabaret, 112 SW 1st Ave. Veteran blues and R&B recording artist and performer Little Jake Mitchell plays monthly at Market Street with his Soul Searchers. $10 at the door. littlejakemitchell.com.
BONNIE RAITT TRIBUTE Friday, August 19 8:00pm – 10:00pm
GAINESVILLE - Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Gainesville’s “Free Fridays” Concert Series presents: “Bonnie Raitt - Road Tested.” Tribute by Jana Horton-Kowitz & Friends. Classic Rock. www.gvlculturalaffairs.org.
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SASSY BURLESQUE & LIVE JAZZ BY SWING THEORY Saturday, August 20 8:00pm - 1:00am
GAINESVILLE - Market Street Pub & Cabaret, 112 SW 1st Ave. An intimate burlesque & variety show featuring a rotating cast of local and visiting performers. Live jazz with Swing Theory begins after the show at 10:00pm. $10 Adv, $12 door. This show is 18+. Reservations: sallybdash.com.
CANCER CONNECTIONS Wednesday, August 24 Noon – 1:00pm
GAINESVILLE - HealthStreet, 2401 SW Archer Rd. Monthly meeting and networking opportunities for anyone involved in the care or treatment of cancer patients, or provides a service to them. Lunch provided for those who RSVP; $4 donation is requested. Info: Barb Thomas: bnbbarb@ aol.com. www.myhealthstreet.org.
BREAKAWAY BURLESQUE Friday, August 26 10:00pm – 12:00am
GAINESVILLE - Market Street Pub & Cabaret, 112 SW 1st Ave. A night of burlesque inspired by favorite food and drinks! This show is 18+. $7 at the door.
ELECTRO AERIAL SHOW Saturday, August 27 8:00pm - 12:00am
GAINESVILLE - Market Street Pub & Cabaret, 112 SW 1st Ave. Electro Aerial Show featuring aerial bartending by AscenDance acrobats to live music. Corey Souza launched the first aerial arts school in the Gainesville area in 2010. AscenDance, is the school’s professional performance group. $5 at the door. SEND CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS TO: 4 4 00 N W 3 6 T H A V E ., G A I N E S V I L L E , F L 32 606 or E V E N T S @ T O W E R P U B L I C A T I O N S . C O M
Inaugural benefit event for the Alachua County Humane Society
november 10, 2016
Save the Date! Thursday, November 10th, 2016 | 6 PM – 10 PM The Barn at Rembert Farms in Alachua, Florida THANK YOU TO OUR EARLY SPONSORS!
For sponsorship information and further details, please call Margot DeConna at 352-415-2460. www.alachuahumane.org | 4205 NW 6th Street | Gainesville, Florida 32609 JULY/AUGUST 2016
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BAND B BA ND REVIEW
BRIAN “KRASH” KRUGER’S
Gate Crashing ON DECK FOR REVIEW: JAZZOLOGY, TERRAPLANE, GAINESVILLE BIG BAND BRIAN KRUGER IS A WRITER, MUSICIAN AND A GRADUATE OF THE UF COLLEGE OF LAW. HE HAS PLAYED IN SOME 17 OR SO LOCAL BANDS, PLAYING MOST EVERY GAINESVILLE VENUE FRIENDLY TO ORIGINAL MUSIC (AND SOME NOT SO FRIENDLY). bkrashpad@yahoo.com
DATE: SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2016 VENUE: TIOGA TOWN CENTER
was provided in part by the City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs. The first band up, at 7 p.m., was the Gainesville Big Band, featuring band leader and bass trombonist Marco Thomas, reetings, live music aficionados! This alto saxophonist Anne McReynolds, alto saxophonist Katie installment finds us out west of Gainesville, Sands, tenor saxophonist Jack Gregory, tenor saxophonist down Newberry Road a piece, at the Town of Tioga. John Leibach, baritone saxophonist John Hiemenz, trombonIf you’re unfamiliar with the western fringe of Gainesville, ist Gary Davis, trombonist Albert Isaac (yes, this magazine’s the Tioga Town Center is located across the street from the intrepid editor), trombonist Nick Simpson, trombonist Dan West End Golf Course, a few blocks east of the Jonesville Wells, trumpeter Rod Butler, trumpeter Paul McReynolds, Publix. Tioga isn’t so much an actual “town” in a municitrumpeter Dan Neal, trumpeter Frank Young, trumpeter Chuck pal sense, but rather a large residential subdivision with Riggs, Anthony Clark on his Epiphone Sheraton guitar, pianist an integrated small area of restaurants and shops. It is Dee Natour, bassist Chad Young, drummer Masa Enomoto, an example of the city planning movement called “New drummer Marvin Ripner, and vocalist Pattie Glenn. Urbanism,” which focuses on integrating busiOn our arrival a few minutes late the band ness and residential areas together, and was playing a jazz standard, which they being bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly. If you’re a regular followed up with a samba, and we were (A much larger Gainesville example is reader (and we hope you treated to solos on trumpet, saxophone found slightly east and south, in the are!) of this column, you know and trombone. These were audible Haile Plantation development and that your humble author is pretty but not optimally mic’d. Acoustic its Haile Village town center.) instrumentalists often don’t realize If you’re a regular reader (and we much a rock and roll guy, so a free that most modern microphones need hope you are!) of this column, you event not far from home, featuring to be “on axis” in order to best pick up know that your humble author is different styles of jazz is a welcome their instruments. Rock players have pretty much a rock and roll guy, so a opportunity to broaden my the advantage of being able to simply free event not far from home (I live in turn up an amp, whereas horn players southwest Gainesville just west of Haile), stylistic palette a bit. have a maximum that their lungs can put featuring different styles of jazz is a welcome out, and so for them microphone placement opportunity to broaden my stylistic palette a is more crucial. bit. I attended (and reported on) this same event, Vocalist Ms. Glenn was featured on “That Ol’ Black Magic,” the Gainesville Jazz Festival, last year as well, which was also “It’s Too Darn Hot,” and, from the Broadway play “Damn at the Tioga Town Center. So maybe it can become an annual Yankees,” the song “Whatever Lola Wants.” part of this column. Jazzology was up next. It featured trombonist Brian This year’s event was the 14th Annual Gainesville Jazz Stevens, saxophonist Paul Johnson, trumpeter and bassist Festival, presented by the Gainesville Friends of Jazz, along Andy Lawniczak, pianist Ben Shorstein, bassist and violinist with presenting sponsor Lowry Financial Advisors, and Main Ty Christian and drummer Dave Marsh. They picked up the Stage Sponsor Affordable Dentures. The Friends of Jazz has been chronology from the preceding band (performing mainly 1930s around since 1983, and frequently sponsors local shows. As in and especially ‘40s music), playing slightly more recent tunes previous years, the festival this year was a one-day, free-admismainly from the 1940s to the ‘60s. These included a Wayne sion event. Marty Liquori, vice-president of Gainesville Friends Shorter composition and an up-tempo version of Duke Ellington’s of Jazz, was the executive director for this year’s festival. Funding
G
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The Gainesville Big Band
Jazzology
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“Caravan” (which technically is a 1936 tune). Terraplane was third, and featured guitar player and vocalist Ivan Flower, saxophonist Ben Champion, keyboardist Vic Donnell, bassist and vocalist Danny Hamilton, and drummer and vocalist Al Tomes. This band is also known as the Terraplane Blues Band or Rhythm and Blues Band, so they brought the evening into the more modern electrically amplified era. The band’s name came
from Roy Rogers’ (yes, the movie cowboy) version of blues godfather Robert Johnson’s “Terraplane Blues.” This band dates from at least 1992 on the local scene, and included the occasional original tune, closing with an extended jam on Average White Band’s “Cut the Cake.” Good weather, good music, what more could you want? Now, go see some bands.
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MOTIVATION >> TAWANYA NORWOOD
TURN IT UPSIDE DOWN
Model Behavior After Overcoming Huge Obstacles, Tawanya Norwood Embarks on a Journey to Inspire Others S TORY A N D PHOTOG R A PHY BY G A BRIE LLE C A LI S E
T
awanya Norwood draws attention when she walks down the street — her muscled legs rippling under neon leggings, her braided purple hair swinging behind her back. But when she bends into a handstand, palms pressed onto the pavement and legs thrust above her head, people stop what they are doing to look at her. With over 2,000 Instagram followers and more than 700 posts, Norwood is as much an entrepreneur as she is an athlete. Her colorful outfits and complex yoga poses are how she hopes to peacock her way into a Nike sponsorship. But she’s not doing it for free shoes and workout gear. Norwood wants to become an
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icon. Using the Nike model status, she hopes to pursue her ultimate goal: becoming a motivational speaker who can change lives the way her heroes have changed hers. Norwood spends a lot of time scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest to find inspirational quotes. She scours the pages of books and magazines, then she writes her favorite lines in a tattered purple composition book. She’s opened and closed it so many times that the pages are falling out. The quotes offer hope in a life that has not always been kind to her. “Kids made fun of me for things that are my strong suit now,” she said. Her hair, her attitude, and her love of reading were all ridiculed in the halls and on the ride home.
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Tawanya Norwood leaps next to a mural on 30 North Main Street in Gainesville. She brings extra outfits and an iPad with her so that she can set up impromptu photo shoots around town on her lunch break and on her way home from work.
“One time the whole bus was making fun of me,” she said. When the school bus dropped her off, Norwood’s struggle to survive continued. “The neighborhood I come from, Liberty City, is not really safe,” she said. “There was a lot of violence.” Norwood remembers seeing the yellow crime scene tape strung in her neighborhood. She can recall walking by a dead body on the street as she was coming home from elementary school. She didn’t find security inside the walls of her low-income housing unit. “We took cold showers and didn’t have a lot of food sometimes,” she said. Her parents couldn’t offer her support. Her father used and sold drugs, and Norwood often came home to crack pipes scattered around the house. As a little girl, she didn’t understand why her mother disappeared for long periods of time or behaved strangely, yelling at Norwood about imaginary people who were trying to break into the house. Years later, Norwood learned that her mother suffered from schizophrenia and would leave for periods of time 118 |
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because she was either living in a group home or with Norwood’s aunt. When she was in the sixth grade, the school social worker called Norwood to the office. She was excited to be summoned — until the social worker said she couldn’t live with her dad anymore. Norwood lived in a foster home briefly before moving in with her aunt. Growing up in Liberty City gave her a fear of failure that worsened during high school. But then she discovered motivational speakers and suddenly things didn’t seem so impossible. Norwood applied to the University of Florida and became the first person in her family to go to college. Things were still hard. “I’m not really a party person,” she said. “I don’t like smoking or drinking.” Slowly, her life improved as she went to counseling and church. “It helped me have a better mindset,” she said. Norwood continued to listen to people such as Eric Thomas, a motivational speaker, author and minister. She began following Thomas when he was still early in his career. By the time she
MOTIVATION >> TAWANYA NORWOOD
graduated from college, he was delivering speeches to professional athletes. “To see his journey play out is what really inspired me,” she said. “He went from being home-
University Athletic Association. She also decided to try fitness modeling in her spare time. After winning an iPad during a raffle at a Gator Gymnastics meet, Norwood started taking pictures
“The neighborhood I come from, Liberty City, is not really safe. There was a lot of violence.” less to having a Ph.D.,” she said. When she had trouble in school, she reminded herself how it took Thomas 12 years to earn a fouryear degree. “I kind of had to make a decision to put my head down and push forward,” she said. Norwood graduated with a degree in sociology and started working in the HR department at the
of herself striking poses in workout gear. The device’s self-timer function allowed her to have spontaneous photo shoots on her lunch break or after work. Norwood had to be her own photographer. She didn’t have the money to hire a professional, and she had gone to track meets with friends who were too bashful to ask athletes for a photo. Norwood knew that her friends would be too shy to take her JULY/AUGUST 2016
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picture as she posed in public. “I knew I couldn’t depend on my friends taking pictures of me,” she said. Norwood uses her backpack as a makeshift tripod to prop up her iPad and shoot away. She’s taken more than 4,000 fitness shots since starting last May. She edits the photos with free apps and then posts the images to her Instagram, @th33besticanbe, with the goal of attracting the attention of Nike. “They were really innovative in the whole women’s fitness thing,” she said. Since there’s no way to directly submit photos to the company, there are few ways to get sponsored. Most of the people that Nike sponsors are top athletes first. But while Norwood has been running since high school, her times are not high enough to catch the eye of Nike. “I was not the best runner on my track team,” she said. She decided to go another route: modeling. Nike ambassadors are usually famous people or athletes, and since she can’t send photos to Nike, she is working to gain a social media presence. She is also interested in signing with a talent or modeling agency. Her look is largely inspired by the company — after all, she is trying to sell herself to them. “I step away from it and think, ‘how can I get the look k that Nike has?’” she said. But she also tries to add her own twist on things — literally. After noticing that Nike didn’t often feature yogis, Norwood searched for advanced yoga and gymnastic poses on Pinterest and Instagram. Using the flexibility and strength that came from years of running, she taught herself how to contort her body into splits, twists, bends and more. “I think it’s a gift that I attribute to being given by God,” she said. Another gift that Norwood uses is her knowledge off people — part from her sociology degree, part from her personality. “It’s good to have that understanding of society,” she said. “I separate myself from the person in the pictures from the person looking at it, or Nike. You try to tap into that person.” Norwood asks herself: What tags will she add to her picture? What pictures will entice users to double-tap? “Some of it is a natural ability, but there’s a lot that I didn’t know,” she said. Norwood first got the idea to post on Instagram from Sabrina Singleton, a mutual friend she met at church. Singleton, an account planner at Frankel Media Group, was happy to pass along her knowledge of social media and personal branding. “She’s very determined with her goals,” Singleton said. “I think that’s cool that she’s not wavering.” Norwood also contacted Bruce Floyd, the UAA social media manager, to get advice on her posts. OUR TOWN MAGAZINE
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“For me, the body that I have is a gift. Being fit is a gift.”
“It was just me using my resources,” she said. Once Norwood gets the sponsorship, she wants to travel and speak to people about her story. Since motivational speakers helped her so much, she has always had a dream to do the same for other people. “It was never supposed to end with Nike,” she said. “That’s a means to an end.” Norwood sees herself as an entrepreneur more than an athlete. People in awe of her bulging muscles and flat stomach have told her to post workout videos or start a YouTube channel. But her purpose is to motivate people to achieve their dreams, not tell them how to live. “If I can inspire people to be fit, I would love that,” she said. “But in my pictures I go for power and strength.” Fitness is especially important to Norwood because she wants to care for her body. “My mom passed away from a stroke and I don’t want that to happen to me,” she said. “For me, the body that I have is a gift. Being fit is a gift.” She still has to eat the foods she can afford, such as spaghetti and pizza. Instead of paying for a gym membership, she does 25 push ups every morning and 75 to 100 sit-ups during the day. She also jogs three times a week and tries new yoga poses.
Norwood has received enormous support from the community. Followers leave her positive comments and one woman even bought her a pair of brand new Nikes. “It’s really exciting to see how much her page and followers have grown,” said Jasmine Quarterman, a friend of Norwood’s since their freshman year of college. Norwood studies social media strategies in her spare time and spends hours practicing new yoga poses, Quarterman said. “I think the most inspiring thing is she’s very determined and, to me, she thinks outside of the box,” she said. Quarterman believes Norwood would make a good motivational speaker someday. “I think she’ll be relatable to a lot of people because of her story,” she said. Despite the avalanche of likes and followers, Norwood is still humble, Singleton said. “You can be haughty if you have a lot of followers on Instagram, but that’s not her at all,” Singleton said. The Internet attention hasn’t changed how Norwood thinks of herself. “I’m just a regular person with a lot of determination and drive and belief in myself,” she said. “I think if you have a lot of faith in yourself, you can go far.” JULY/AUGUST 2016
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ALTERNATIVE SPORTS >> ROLLER DERBY
GOOD TIMES ROLL
THE GAINESVILLE ROLLER REBELS
Life In The Fast Lane S T O R Y A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y PA O L A A S E N C I O
It’s not unusual to be wary about roller derby. Most first-time attendees become immediate fans of the sport after their first bout. The high-level energy of athletic competition fills up the warehouse and begins to give attendees a true appreciation of what derby is. It’s the kind of sport that you love from the beginning or never at all. In Gainesville, the subcultural phenomenon has seen increased popularity, and for two Gainesville locals, roller derby it was love at first play. Better known as their aliases, Oxford Coma and Madam Secrescary, these two have played for two seasons. Coma, 28, is a blocker and the social events coordinator for the Gainesville Roller Rebels. Secrescary, 24, is a blocker and the social media coordinator for the GRR. 122 |
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Coma and Secrescary practiced aerial skills in Boston where they loved the uniqueness of learning and practicing circus arts. In 2014, the couple moved to Gainesville and found little-to-no resources for continuing their passion in circus arts. In search of a new alternative workout and community, Coma and Secrescary attended the GRR bootcamp and were instantly hooked. Roller derby provided a number of mental, physical and community benefits for Coma and Secrescary, Coma said. She described the sport as a challenge for her and her teammates because of the strategies and tactics. “I cannot understate the value of having a women-centered space — to participate in the betterment of women from around your community is of incredible value in itself,” Coma said. As interactive as roller derby is, not many people know what the game is about. In a nutshell, roller derby is a full-contact sport with two opposing teams on the track at the same time. The teams try
to assist their jammer (who scores points by lapping opposing team members) while stopping the opposing jammer from scoring points. “Essentially, a jammer’s goal is to escape the pack and pass the hips of as many opposing blockers as possible without committing penalties,” Secrescary said. “Each team can also designate one of the four blockers to be a ‘pivot’ [a leader for the blockers and someone who can accept the role of jammer in the event of a star pass].” Roller Derby gives those who love being active a good time. “Like any sport, derby is work,” Secrescary said. The pros and cons of derby go hand in hand, Coma said. There is the do-it-yourself aspect of the sport that can be frustrating at times, but it is also one of the most rewarding parts of playing, she said. The skaters make a time commitment to the practice schedule that runs three times a week. Their practices include creating a game plan to do during a game play and the teammates compete against each other to see where they need the most improvement. The skaters work to improve their skills and are required to pass a vigorous assessment before they can practice contact skills. The players all learn to skate safely in contact drills. “It’s a big achievement to graduate ‘fresh meat’ and move on to the vet side, where we scrimmage and prepare for bouts,” Secrescary said. Scrimmage is an essential part of a training plan; it allows the skaters to work together on the track to try all the skills they have practiced and to test out different strategies. There are other benchmarks along the way that the skaters learn. The skaters focus on mastering a skill, becoming proficient in each position, learning to referee, and making the travel team charter. Outside of practice, the skaters cross train and work out to improve their cardiovascular health. Secrescary said the GRR is a community of women 100 percent dedicated to keeping their passion strong. The players pay dues to the organization to cover the costs of renting practice space, to attend tournaments and for their own gear and uniforms, she said. “The investment is what fosters community,” Secrescary said. “When we practice together, skate together, travel together and volunteer in the community together, we really become a team.” Roller Derby teaches players how to understand the capabilities and limitations of the body and mind, Secrescary said. Additionally, she learns more about women’s leadership potential every day with GRR with all it takes to keep the organization running. “I see so many strong, smart and dedicated women stepping up and running every aspect of our league, from finances to advertising to scheduling and everything in between,” Secrescary said. “Derby is a DIY sport and we are truly at our best when everyone is contributing their skills to make the league run smoothly.” The GRR is open to every female who is interested in participating and no experience is required to join. The GRR has a recruitment event called “Derby 101,” which introduces interested skaters and volunteers to the sport. To join, email join@gainesvillerollerrebels.com. “Derby is really unlike anything else! It is constantly evolving as the best teams and players in the sport innovate strategies and skills and push everyone to keep getting better,” Secrescary said.
Before learning formation strategies on wheels, the team practices their routines in sneakers and play against each other with flags.
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DIY CRAFTS >> OLYMPIC WIND CHIMES & MEDALS
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Olympic Crafts I Y
D
Wind Chimes and Medals Made from Melted Beads S TORY A N D PHOTOG R A PHY BY ERICK A WINTER ROW D
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t’s that time of year again (every four years) when we get to cheer on the good ol’ USA while watching the Olympics with our family and friends. I don’t know about you, but when I was a kid the television remained on the channel of the games at all times. Hearing the crowd cheer gave me such a rush, and still does to this day. I imagined what it would feel like to be one of those incredible athletes on the quest for gold. And how a medal would feel draped around my neck as our national anthem played. Children of all ages seem to be transfixed by the Olympics. There’s just something about it that strikes a chord with each one of us. For me it was watching the “Magnificent Seven” compete during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Even at my young age I knew that when injured Kerri Strug stuck her landing on the vault—it was a moment to remember.
It was national pride. Watching these gymnasts receiving their hard-earned medals was enough to make me pen my very first fan letter to gymnast Dominique Moceanu. I remember thinking that the medals were so shiny and I loved the way the gold, silver, and bronze seemed to gleam in their own unique way. I told my sisters that I wanted one in each color, even though the gold was technically the best. I guess I must have wanted a little variety. In honor of the 2016 Summer Olympics, here is a DIY Olympic medal craft that is sure to bring your children the magic of the games as they watch them. Who knows, they might even replace it with a real one some day. Also included are steps to make your very own Olympic rings wind chime, which uses the same technique as the medals. By the time you’re finished with these adorable crafts your household will be cheering, “Let the games begin!”
*WARNING: Adult supervision required for all projects. Wearing safety goggles while using a drill is advised.
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Hopefully, these crafts will bring a little Olympic joy into your living room. The memories made in the process are what a family can be proud of the most. Here’s to family bonding and cheering on our country!
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MELTED BEAD OLYMPIC MEDALS Pony beads (Colors: translucent yellow, clear, and either an orange or brown. Also include blue, black, red and green.) Ribbon (with red, white and blue stripes.) Muffin/ Whoopee-Pie tin Dremel drill INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Place a single layer of pony beads inside a muffin tin. Color of beads according to which medal you are making (for example: yellow beads for the gold medal.) I used a whoopie-pie tin for this project and it worked great! 2) Make sure to leave space in the middle of each muffin cup for beads that will create the “Olympic rings.” For this you must use the colors: blue, black, red, yellow and green. 3) Once you have arranged the beads for each medal, place the tin in the oven at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. (Oven temperatures may vary, so be sure to stay near your kitchen and periodically check on the status of the beads. You do not want them to burn.) You may notice a slight aroma as the beads begin to melt. Turn on your oven fan and open some windows to help flush out any unwanted smells. 4) Using oven mittens, take the muffin tin out of the oven and set aside to cool. 5) Once completely cooled, you will be able to scoop out the hardened plastic without any problem. SOURCE: FEELINCRAFTY.WORDPRESS.COM
7) Once the hole has been placed in each medal, attach your red, white, and blue ribbon. Add a knot at the end. 8) Now your medals are complete. Hooray! The only thing left to do is recreate the medal ceremony in your living room. Make sure you have a copy of the Star-Spangled Banner to play in the background!
OLYMPIC RINGS WIND CHIME SUPPLIES:
Pony beads (colors: translucent yellow, clear, and either an orange or brown. Also include blue, black, red and green.) Ribbon (with red, white and blue stripes.) A decorative straw (a stick or pencil will work well, too.) Thread/ yarn 1) Place a single layer of pony beads inside a muffin tin. Color of beads according to which Olympic ring you are making (for example: green beads for the green Olympic ring.) 2) Be sure to leave a center circle in the muffin cup to add clear or translucent beads. This will act as a sun catcher for your wind chimes.
3) Once you have arranged the beads for each medal, place the tin in the oven at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. (Oven temperatures may vary, so be sure to stay near your kitchen and periodically check on the status of the beads. You do not want them to burn.) There is a slight aroma as the beads begin to melt. Turn on your oven fan and open some windows to help flush out any unwanted smell. 4) Using oven mittens take the muffin tin out of the oven and let it cool.
DIY CRAFTS >> OLYMPIC WIND CHIMES & MEDALS
SUPPLIES:
6) Now it’s time to make the hole in each of your medals. Using a Dremel drill, place one hole above the Olympic rings pattern, near the top of your medal. Do not attempt to use a heavy-duty utility drill. This type of a project requires a drill that can be delicately controlled.
5) Once completely cooled you will be able to scoop out the hardened plastic without any problem. 6) Now it’s time to make the hole in each of your Olympic rings. Using a Dremel drill, place one hole near the top of your ring. Do not attempt to use a heavy-duty utility drill. This type of a project requires a drill that can be delicately controlled. 7) Once the hole has been placed, attach thread or yarn to each ring and tie the chimes to a decorative straw or stick. 8) Tie a red, white and blue ribbon to the ends of the decorative straw, creating a loop that will aid in hanging your Olympic rings wind chime. 9) Now it’s time to find the perfect place to display this patriotic craft. Whether on your porch or in your house, everyone will know exactly who you’re rooting for. GO USA! JULY/AUGUST 2016
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PAST OLYMPIAN PROFILE >> BYRON DYCE
LIKE THE WIND
BYRON DYCE’S OLYMPIC JOURNEY
Cool Runnings STORY A N D PHOTOGR A PH Y BY ER ICK A W INTER ROW D
Former Olympian Byron Dyce did not start out planning to go to the Olympics, and he had no idea how far he could take his natural-born running abilities. “I had people who believed in me even before I believed in myself,” Dyce said in a recent interview at his Gainesville residence. As a child he remembers playing a running game where he would try to beat the red traffic lights before they turned green. “I always ran,” Dyce said. “Running is very natural to me.” Born in Jamaica, Dyce’s parents knew the educational opportunities for their family were much greater in America. And soon after Dyce was born, his parents moved to the United States, leaving him and his brothers with extended family in Jamaica. “Things did not come as quickly or as easily as they had hoped,” Dyce said. “It was almost five years before they were 128 |
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able to establish themselves in New York City, get settled and buy a home suitable for us to live in.” The family was reunited in 1953, the day after Dyce’s fifth birthday. Dyce said that his older brothers were successful runners in high school, and he wanted to follow in their footsteps and run too. He believed he would do fairly well because whenever he played games with his brothers, he always outlasted them. “They were more sprinter types,” Dyce said. “And I was more of a middle-distance runner.” As a junior in high school, Dyce approached his parents with a strong desire to start running track. Being fervent
he made it to the 1968 Olympics, running the 800-meter and 1,500-meter middle-distance events for Jamaica. While he only made it to the semifinal rounds, just missing out on the final, he left with the experience and determination to compete again in the next games, which ultimately became a reality. After four years of successful training and competing, Dyce seemed to be on a roll, but right before the 1972 Munich Olympics he injured his hamstring. “Being a competitive athlete you kind of teeter on the edge of over-training and doing just right,” he said. Dyce remembers limping into the Olympic Village, and credits the treatment he received while in Germany for still being able to run at the games that year. He competed in the first round and performed reasonably well, considering the injury. “And I’m just thankful for that,” he said. After his Olympic years, Dyce made his way to Gainesville where he would receive his M.Ed. as well as his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. It was during this time he met his future wife Kathy Jackson, who was born and raised in Alachua County. Together they have two grown children, Brigette and Byron, II. Dyce taught math at Santa Fe College for 33 years before retiring. However, he still remains very involved with the school, even teaching a course when time permits. At 68 Dyce still runs every day. “I’m not very fast, but my goal is to keep moving,” he said. “I do a walk-jog of about five miles a day, which is nothing compared to what I used to do.” Dyce said that he is very grateful for the experiences he’s had as a runner and certainly having the opportunity to go to the Olympics was very special. Nowadays, it’s his grandchildren that have his focus. “They’ve stolen my heart,” he said. Dyce still tries to stay up to date with the new crop of athletes who continue the track and field legacy. And he definitely plans on watching the Olympics this year, cheering on both the United States and his homeland of Jamaica. Dyce said he remains in touch with his teammates and other friends from his days of competition, and although it would have been nice to win an Olympic medal, he feels he still took home a top prize. “What I treasure most out of the experience are the relationships and the people that I met through all of this adventure,” Dyce said. “I’ve been very blessed.” JULY/AUGUST 2016
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PAST OLYMPIAN PROFILE >> BYRON DYCE
believers in education, they told him to focus on his academics instead. If he continued to do well in that area, however, he could run in his senior year. Dyce happened to have a very successful academic year, and approached his father again for his permission to run track. “I reminded him of his promise,” Dyce said. “And he gave in.” At age 16, just before his senior year, Dyce’s running career began. He said there was a lot of skepticism about how he would do in comparison with other athletes who had already been running for years. However, as he started to train and run in local Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) events, he began to be very competitive with older runners who had been in the sport much longer. It was Jimmy Borden, one of his coaches, who first planted the seed of an Olympic future in Dyce’s mind. “He talked about going to [the games] way before I even dreamt that something like that would happen,” Dyce said. Fast-forward to the end of his first competitive season in high school and several colleges were looking at Dyce as a potential scholar-athlete. “This caught my parents’ attention,” he said. “And they started to see that the combination of athletics and academics could really work to my advantage.” And it did. He went on to accept a scholarship to run and study at New York University (NYU), where he would earn his B.S. in mathematics. It was at NYU that he had the opportunity to compete on a national level. His training became far more intense and specialized under the influence of his coaches, which helped him progress overall as a runner. The classroom continued to be a priority along with running, so Dyce became very disciplined in order to accomplish both his athletic and academic goals. “Much of my social life revolved around my running and training,” Dyce said. In his sophomore year, Dyce’s athletic performances began to attract the attention of his homeland of Jamaica. And in 1967 he was invited to compete in the Pan American games, a competition held among athletes from nations of the Americas. Even though the 1,500-meter run was not his primary event, Dyce placed fifth in the final, which showed great promise in being a contender for the next year’s Olympic Games. Back home, Dyce continued to train hard and compete, which resulted in a prestigious NCAA Championship win and placing third in the U.S. Open AAU Championship. At 20 years of age
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COLUMN
KENDRA SILER-MARSIGLIO’S
Healthy Edge ZIKA VIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
KENDRA SILER-MARSIGLIO, PH.D, HCC IS A NEUROSCIENTIST, MEDICAL WRITER, COLUMNIST AND THE DIRECTOR OF RURAL HEALTH PARTNERSHIP AT WELLFLORIDA COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS. kendra.sm@gmail.com
ZIKA VIRUS HAS MADE ITS WAY TO THE US. HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ZIKA?
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n May of 2015, a case of Zika was detected in Brazil by the Pan American Health Organization. Within one year of that, Zika spread to the U.S. Currently, more than 75 people in Florida have been infected with Zika, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over 544 people have recently had Zika nationwide.
How does Zika spread? You’ve likely heard on the news that Zika infections are on the rise. Although Zika is spread to people primarily through the bite of a specific mosquito species (Aedes), all of the U.S. cases so far have been people who have either traveled recently to Zika-affected countries or had sexual contact with an infected partner. The Aedes mosquito is the same species that spreads dengue fever. In the U.S., these mosquitoes primarily inhabit the southern states. The CDC reports that U.S. areas with the highest Zika outbreak risk would be where localized dengue fever outbreaks have already occurred: Hawaii, Florida and Texas. With day-today international travel and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, Brazil, the spread of Zika may increase into the thousands. Zika may also be spread through blood transfusions.
What are Zika’s symptoms? The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (“pink eye”). Only 1 in 5 people with Zika show symptoms. So, typically, someone with Zika won’t get sick enough to seek medical attention. For this reason, many people might not realize they’ve been infected. Zika doesn’t typically cause death. And, once a person has been infected, he or she has immunity (kinda’ like chicken pox).
Why is Zika causing alarm? Zika wreaks havoc in infected pregnant women. It can cause a serious fetal brain and skeletal defects to unborn children — microencephaly (“small brain”) and microcephaly (“small head”), in particular. Even infections acquired during the 130 |
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third trimester can cause the Zika-related birth defects and death of the baby.
Where did Zika come from? The first human cases of Zika were identified in 1952. Zika outbreaks have been reported since then in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Brazil has been the latest outbreak site. Countries currently reporting mosquito transmission extend from Mexico to Paraguay. U.S. Territories and Cuba are also sites of concern. The CDC has also recently found active transmission in Puerto Rico. In the Southeastern U.S., Florida, Georgia and North Carolina currently have the most Zika cases. The graphic below from the CDC shows “Zika virus disease in the United States, 2015-2016.”
How can you avoid Zika? To prevent contracting Zika the CDC recommends using Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents and avoiding travel to areas with active mosquito transmission of Zika. Dr. Anthony Fauci, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health director, said that the Aedes mosquito is difficult to kill. History has told us this is a really difficult mosquito to deal with,” Fauci said. “It’s a whole new venue of transmission.” Furthermore, Dr. Anne Schuchat, CDC principal deputy director, is concerned that local mosquito control isn’t what it used to be. “We’re not starting in a good place. We used to have a lot stronger mosquito control and mosquito surveillance,” Schuchat said. “We really have a patchwork nation around mosquito capacity. The local governments are really concerned.”
Is there a Zika vaccine? There’s currently no vaccine for Zika, but researchers at the National Institutes of Health are working to develop one. For more information about Zika, go to www.cdc.gov/zika/ pdfs/fs-zika-basics.pdf. Traveling this summer? Please visit wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information for the most up-to-date travel information.
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OLYMPIC SWIM CLINIC >> GEMMA SPOFFORTH
MAKE A SPLASH!
ONE GOLD MEDALIST’S TRAINING FOR YOUNG ATHLETES
Olympics on the Horizon S T O R Y A N D P H O T OG R A P H Y B Y J E N N I F E R TA L L E R I C O
Hand over hand. Arms above the head. Abdomen tucked back, neck in line with the spine. Ears pressed closely to the biceps. Heart racing as the start buzzer resounds. With a strong push off the toes, the fingers pierce the surface as the body slices through the water. The shear thrill of this start from the block is what swimmers feel every race — the sounds from the crowd and the feeling of mind and body working as one. Early practices, team camaraderie and discipline follow swimmers throughout their lives, which is why one woman decided to make sure younger swimmers start their careers the right way. Gemma Spofforth, known for her 2009 FINA World 132 |
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Championships in Rome, Italy (among other awards), is introducing Florida to a new kind of swim camp. While teaching summer camps at the University of Florida each year, she noticed distance constraints from parents in other counties, and realized that even the most motivated and driven swimmers don’t always have access to the swim camps. So she started a traveling swim camp. “I love working with kids,” she said in a recent email. “I am currently a guidance counselor in Williston and I just love to be able to make a positive difference in these kids’ lives.” Her intent is to teach her students one of the most important skills required to reach their goals: motivation. Spofforth said that she has two passions — swimming and counseling — and so it was fitting to create a traveling camp for swimmers who don’t always have the means to come to UF or to any other camp. The importance of having youth in sports such as swimming
team. “The kids learned so much during their time at camp last year, improving their swim technique and building lasting relationships with their teammates. While Gemma’s accolades are impressive, I believe her initiative to work with coaches to develop camps and clinics specifically to assist areas where teams are lacking could be her greatest key to success.” “Most importantly,” Gemma said, “I feel that these camps will enhance our swimmers’ knowledge of the sport, possibilities of a future in the sport, and increase motivation and build technique. I intend to keep them fun and inspirational.”
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OLYMPIC SWIM CLINIC >> GEMMA SPOFFORTH
is vital not only to their health but also to their behavior towards reaching their goals. Spofforth’s expertise has reached hundreds of swimmers through beginning lessons, camps, clinics, talks and consultations. She hopes to bring a more accessible and flexible camp experience to Florida. Clinics, which are one- or two-day teaching sessions for small portions of the team, are currently offered in Gainesville and in Destin, Florida. In July of 2015, Spofforth created the first of the full camps (dedicated to the full team over the course of 4-5 days) in Palatka, Florida, working with the Putnam Sharks, a Putnam County co-ed swim team. “It is slowly growing to reach across the entire state,” she said. “My goals for these camps primarily lie with building teamwork, knowledge of a championship lifestyle, improving technique and, most importantly, working closely with the coach of the team, never [undermining] what he/she has already done and build off of their base.” The camp day starts with introductions and team-building activities, followed by an overview of the day’s activities, schedule and plan. Each day a different talk is given on a variety of topics, such as motivation, swimming in college, success and nutrition. Participants will work on in-water techniques geared to specific swim strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle, with demonstrations led by Spofforth and her team of instructors to help form or fortify a solid foundation. Following the in-water work, dry land training helps strengthen core muscles and overall physical fitness. The children watch instructional videos about the proper methods, including underwater footage recorded of each swimmer to show them how they are correctly accomplishing the technique, or where they can improve. As the camp heads into its second year, Spofforth isn’t the only one looking forward to the team-centric learning opportunities. “Last year’s results were impressive and we’re gearing up for an even bigger and better turnout this year,” said Jake MacGibbon, head coach of the Putnam County Sharks swim
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OLYMPIC HOPEFUL >> CAELEB DRESSEL
FREESTYLE
RECORD-BREAKING SPRINTER PREPARES FOR RIO
Caeleb Dressel W R ITTEN BY PEGGY M ACDONA LD
Although he’s only 19 years old, University of Florida sophomore Caeleb Dressel is one of the fastest men in the world. At the 2016 SEC Championships in Columbia, Mo., Dressel — the defending NCAA Champion in the 50-yard freestyle — set a world record by clocking 18.39 seconds in the preliminary heat. Then he broke that record by swimming the 50-yard freestyle finals in 18.23 seconds, laying claim to the two fastest 50 free swims ever, according to USA Swimming. Videos of Dressel slicing through the pool during the 2016 SEC Championships in February have been viewed more than 100,000 times on YouTube. Before this blistering success, 134 |
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Dressel won gold in the 50-meter freestyle in the 2015 U.S. Nationals, making him a serious contender for the 2016 Olympics. Dressel doesn’t let all this success get to his head, however. “I haven’t changed at all,” he said during a May 5 press conference at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. “My family members keep me grounded.” University of Florida Head Coach Gregg Troy described Dressel as both a stellar athlete and a good person. “His dad’s a vet and the family has good Christian values,” Troy said. “He’s just real caring about people in general. He’s very, very sincere.” To prepare for the Olympic trials in Omaha, Neb., Troy — who was the head coach of the U.S. men’s swimming team that competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London — has designed a workout that focuses on strength. Dressel spends two hours in the water on Monday mornings and on Monday
“He had a ton of success here,” Dressel said. Although Lochte is a wonderful role model, Dressel said his major influences are Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali and Bo Jackson. He is also a fan of his coaches. “Coach Troy has experience [with Olympic training],” he said. “He’s an old guy; he knows what he’s doing.” Troy described Dressel as both highly competitive and devout. “One thing you always have to see in practice is the light at the end of the tunnel,” Dressel said. “I always say a prayer before the blocks to calm my nerves. As soon as that whistle blows I get in a different mindset.” Regarding the Rio Olympics, Dressel is working very hard to prepare for the Olympic trials; he takes nothing for granted. “I grew up very blessed with good parents and they taught me you have to earn what you work for,” Dressel said. One of Dressel’s most important swimming role models is Brian Murphy, a teammate on the Bolles School Sharks “dream team,” coached by Sergio Lopez Miro. Miro coached 17 swimmers with ties to Bolles in the 2012 Olympics, according to the Bolles website. Unlike most of the Sharks, Dressel attended Clay High School instead of Bolles. Dressel said he looks to Murphy for advice. “He’s a big inspiration for me,” Dressel said at the press conference, adding that he was “always like the little brother” on the team. Dressel has an active life outside the pool. An anthropology major, Dressel made the 2015-16 Winter SEC Academic Honor Roll based on his grades from the 2015 spring, summer and fall terms, according to the SEC website. “He’s kind of a class act,” Troy said. “It’s a pleasure working with him. He makes you a better coach because he’s looking for ways to get better.” Dressel’s older brother swims for FSU and a younger sister will swim for UF next year. “All of them have real great technique,” Troy said, lamenting that UF “missed the boat” in not recruiting Dressel’s older sister. Troy attributes their success to great parents and the coaches they have worked with. Dressel has lots of swimming left, Troy said. “He’s only 19,” Troy said. “Most sprinters in the world peak at 23.” This is good news for Gator fans, who can expect to follow Dressel’s career for years to come. JULY/AUGUST 2016
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OLYMPIC HOPEFUL >> CAELEB DRESSEL
afternoons, along with general conditioning and core exercises. On Tuesdays he has a one- to two-hour session that is more technique oriented, Troy said, followed by weights for an hour. This same schedule is repeated on alternating days throughout the week. On Saturday, Dressel follows an extremely specific program. He also works regularly with strength coach Matt DeLancey and sprint coach Steve Jungbluth. “It’s a collaborative effort,” Troy said. “He’s a learner so he picks up from everyone.” Dressel is expected to swim the 50 and 100 freestyle if he qualifies for the Olympic team. Troy said Dressel is also qualified in the 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle and 100 breaststroke, but whether he swims in these races depends upon his performance at the Olympic Trials. “He’s really, really good,” Troy said, “but there are no sure things.” “It’s like the 100-yard dash,” Troy explained. “It’s really quick. There’s an incredible amount of work that goes into a really small time. It’s pressure-packed. You’ve got to be focused; there is no room for error.” The closure of the O’Connell Center Pool because of a major overhaul of the O’Dome has posed a challenge for Gator swimmers, but there have been some advantages for Dressel, whose training has focused on the long course (a 50-yard or meter pool) instead of the short course (a 25-yard or meter pool). In short course competitions, Troy said, swimmers can compensate for mistakes by pushing off the wall to recover speed. “We actually don’t have access to 25-yard water,” Troy said, because of the construction. Training outside has also meant more time in the sun. “I love it,” Dressel said, gesturing toward his arms. “Look how tan I am.” Dressel is constantly looking for ways to improve. “He’s very goal oriented,” Troy said. This quality is something the Florida swim team actively stresses during recruitment. “I look for high goal setters,” Troy said. “We’re looking for improvement in the whole person.” In his two years on the Florida swim team, Dressel has developed into a strong team player. “We’ve had some great success as a team,” Troy said. As an individual swimmer, Dressel has a similar skill set to Florida alumni Ryan Lochte, an 11-time Olympic medalist.
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SWIMMING COACH >> GREGG TROY
GOLDEN TR AINING
FLORIDA HEAD COACH GREGG TROY’S RECIPE FOR OLYMPIC SUCCESS
Keeping the Dream Alive W R ITTEN BY PEGGY M ACDONA LD
As a boy, University of Florida head swimming coach Gregg Troy did not know how to swim. Since, Troy has been named NCAA Coach of the Year multiple times and is a multi-time U.S. Olympic coach. “I was a non-swimmer,” Troy said in a recent interview in his office. “I could literally not swim until I was 12 or 13.” A Pennsylvania native, Troy learned to swim over the course of several summers at a hotel in Sarasota, where his family moved in 1962. He soon became a self-described “Y brat,” swimming and working at a Sarasota YMCA pool. “I found out later my father was a swimmer but he never moved me in that direction,” Troy recalled. Swimming is a passion Troy shares with his wife, Kathleen, who is co-owner 136 |
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of SwimAmerica, which offers swimming lessons to children at the O’Connell Center. By the age of 16, Troy was the assistant aquatics director and assistant swim coach at the Sarasota YMCA. He also swam on the Sarasota High School swim team. In high school, Troy said he lost one meet in three years. When he swam competitively at Texas Christian University, he won just one meet. “I saw both ends of the spectrum,” Troy said. It was a valuable experience in retrospect, he said, because it wasn’t fun losing all those meets. Troy graduated from Sarasota High School in 1968, the year the school was integrated. In 1972 Troy graduated from Texas Christian University, where he said he majored in history and government. After college, Troy coached at the Bradenton Country Club. This position led to a coaching position at Cypress Lake High
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OUR TOWN MAGAZINE
SWIMMING COACH >> GREGG TROY
School and a middle school in Fort Myers. He initially thought seven years. In late May, Wilby announced his resignation after he would teach for half a year to earn money for law school. He 19 years with the Florida swim team. Martyn’s wife, Jill Wilby, was accepted into law school at Florida State University and is the co-owner (along with Kathleen Troy) of SwimAmerica. Another Gator swim coach Troy handpicked is Anthony Stetson University. Nesty, who swam for and later coached under Troy at Bolles “I planned to go to law school and never went,” Troy said. and went on to win gold in the 100-meter butterfly in the 1988 Instead, he taught full-time for five years in Fort Myers. Later, Seoul Olympics. Nesty — who has served as an assistant coach while working at The Bolles School, a private college preparatory school in Jacksonville, Troy took classes part-time at night and for Suriname at the 2004 Athens Olympics and as the head coach for Suriname at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London taught history and “a little bit of everything” in the daytime. For 10 years Troy taught 8th grade U.S. history. And in his Olympics — coached Caeleb Dressel to UF’s first-ever 50-yard freestyle NCAA Championship, according to the University final years at Bolles, he coached full-time. In 1996, Troy served as an assistant coach for USA Swimming Athletic Association website. Troy credits University of Florida Athletic Director Jeremy at the Atlanta Olympics. During the opening ceremonies he Foley with providing the swimming program with a good vision stood 20 feet from Muhammad Ali when he took the torch up to light the Olympic cauldron. When a 40-pound bomb filled with nails and screws was detonated in Centennial Olympic Park July 27, 1996, killing one and injuring 111 visitors, Troy and his family were already on their way home on I-75. “The explosion took place right after the swim competition,” Troy said. Troy has served on the Olympic coaching staff for USA Swimming and a variety of international teams. Over the course of his coaching career he said he has traveled to Thailand, Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Guam, Australia, New Zealand, England, France, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Canada and Florida Head Coach Gregg Troy offers advice to Olympic hopeful Caeleb Dressel, who now holds the record for the two fastest 50 free swims ever. across the Caribbean. “I’ve been pretty fortunate,” said Troy, who has a deep passion for the of where the university is going. sport of swimming. “It has never been a job.” “If you work off of that vision — that you’re always competitive Troy said he misses the classroom. What he most misses now, however, is the O’Connell Center Pool. Troy’s swimmers have — it gives you the tools to do that,” Troy said. “We are structured been locked out of the pool during the $64.5 million renovation and we’re fairly disciplined. The athletes that understand the of the O’Dome. Troy expects to return to the indoor O’Connell structure tend to do well.” Recruiting is another important factor in Troy’s success, Center Pool in November or December. In the meantime, practices have taken place in the old Florida Pool. Two other campus first at Bolles and now at UF. “It never stops,” he explained. Effective recruiting stems pools — Graham and Broward Pools — are also available to from talent identification and skillset. students. “We’re looking for people that have a big work ethic,” Troy Troy developed a strong work ethic at an early age. “I come from a Depression-era family,” he said. “You work said. “Winning in collegiate athletics is no accident, it’s a longevity thing.” hard and good things happen.” Longevity is also the key to Troy’s impressive track record Another secret to his success as a swim coach is to “make sure you surround yourself with good people,” he said. “Good as a coach. He compared his approach to Olympic training as cycling tools in and out of a toolbox. athletes make you a whole lot better coach.” “Some tools work better than others,” he said. “I would hope Troy has also recruited an elite group of assistant coaches, that my toolbox is bigger now than it was 20 years ago.” including associate head coach Martyn Wilby, who helped revive With luck, Troy will keep his toolbox handy at the O’Dome Florida’s lagging swim program when he joined the staff in 1998. Prior to that, Wilby and Troy had worked together at Bolles for for many years to come.
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OVER 150 STUDENTS AND UF ALUMNI HAVE COMPETED OR COACHED IN THE OLYMPIC GAMES, according to GatorZone.com. Swimmer Catie Ball was the first University of Florida alumna to win an Olympic medal, but she did so while she was still a high school student and before she enrolled in the university, according to a 1984 article in the Gainesville Sun. Ball won her Olympic gold medal as a member of the U.S. 4x100-meter medley relay at the 1968 games in Mexico City. She later became the first head coach of the Florida Gators women’s swimming and diving team while she was still a university undergraduate.
Swimmer Tim McKee was the first University of Florida alumnus to win an Olympic medal while he was still an undergraduate and current member of a Florida Gators varsity sports team. He won silver medals in the 200-meter and 400-meter individual medley events, according to a 1984 article in the Gainesville Sun.
Also among the notable UF Olympians is distance runner Frank Shorter, a graduate of the UF College of Law and the only American athlete to win two medals in the Olympic marathon event, according to FrankShorter.net. Shorter won the gold medal at the 1972 games and the silver medal at the 1976 games.
Swimmers Ryan Lochte, a five-time gold medalist and winner of 11 medals, and Tracy Culkins, a three-time gold medalist, also join the ranks of UF’s elite athletes.
To date the most successful Gator Olympian is Dara Torres, a 12-time medalist and the first American swimmer to ever compete in five Olympics.
Olympic Controversy for Gator Tim McKee Tim McKee won a silver medal in the men’s 400-meter individual medley in the closest swimming decision in Olympic history, losing by a margin of two one-thousandths (0.002) of a second to Sweden’s Gunnar Larsson at the 1972 Olympic Games. Initially, the scoreboard showed that Larsson and McKee had tied with an official time of 4:31:98, but in a controversial decision, the event judges named Larsson 138 |
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the eventual gold medal-winner 10 minutes after the race was over. Larsson’s electric clock time was 4:31.981, McKee’s 4:31.983. The time difference was variously calculated as one-tenth of the time it takes to blink an eye, and the distance as thin as a coat of paint, a sheet of paper, or the minor imperfections in the individual lanes of the Olympic pool. As a result of the controversy, the
international swimming federation, FINA, subsequently clarified the timing rules for competition swimming. International races are now required to be timed to the hundredth of a second, and timing to the thousandth of a second is prohibited for tiebreakers. It was the first and only Olympic swimming event ever decided on the basis of thousandths of a second, according to the book, “Duels in the Pool.”
SOURCE: GATORZONE.COM. THE GAINESVILLE SUN, SPORTS-REFERENCE.COM, SARASOTA JOURNAL, INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING HALL OF FAME
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I’VE NEVER BEEN MUCH OF AN ATHLETE.
(although we sometimes called it by another name that began with “smear the…” and ended with a word that rhymes with on’t get me wrong, as a youth I was very active “smear”). In those days there wasn’t much to do inside anyway. There and physical. I could run very fast (now days, were no VCRs, no computers or streaming movies or Internet. not so much), and wrestle, and ride my bike for miles, but I never got into organized sports. I guess I was just not very None of that. For the children of the ‘60s there was a black and white television with rabbit ears and four channels, a record competitive (or very good). But back in the day, we were always outside, running around player, a large black rotary telephone tethered to the wall, and riding our bikes all over the neighborhood. Our folks didn’t “MAD” magazines and books. Oh, and models. We made lots of model cars and planes. That was about it. (Do I sound like even want us in the house (Mom: “Go play in traffic!”). an old fogey or what? “Get out of my yard you kids!”). And we often did. We’d play touch football in the street. Or Plus I grew up in Miami without air conditioning, so being we’d hit the baseball. Or we’d play “Kill the guy with the ball” outside with the sea breeze never seemed all that hot. In fact, I was stunned when I came to UF and joined the Gator Marching ST Band and began practice in the sweltering Gainesville heat. Holy heat wave, Batman! I thought it was supposed to be cool up north. But I digress, as I am wont to do. I could say I feel sorry for the youth of today that don’t get outside and play because they would rather be sitting in front of a computer or tablet or cell phone, but I don’t. Kids these days still have the choice : — stay inside and be a couch potato or get outside and play. I’ve seen plenty of them out there (my Friday AT 8PM youngest son included), playing soccer like Saturday AT 6PM champs in the oppressive heat, running, Monday AT 8PM running, running. Wish I had that kind of *unless advertised differently energy. ADMISSIONS: 3 years up $5 Alas, my outdoor activities now revolve around innumerable home repairs, which is good because as a desk jockey I would otherwise get NO exercise. So getting out in the sun (Vitamin D) and working in many capacities keeps me in shape, 18575 NW 237TH ST, sort of (skinny-fat is a shape). Clearly, I’ll HIGHSPRINGS, FL PriestTheatre.com never get back that Adonis-like physique I remember having as a youth, but even at
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my advanced age I can still do a lot around the house. Although I have to be careful because last time I bragged (in writing) about being so capable of home repairs I immediately went out and hit my finger with the hammer, smashed my thumb with a pry bar and got stung by an assassin bug (I wanted to assassinate him but they’re beneficial to the garden so I let him live to sting another day). And just last week I stubbed my toe in the bathroom and fell, catching myself with my left hand on the tub shelf, which, as luck would have it, had a plastic headband laying there that pierced my palm. But at least I didn’t crack the old coconut. So it’s all good. Anyway, this past weekend, my wife (the self-proclaimed Voice of Reason) and I were outside doing yard work. We talked about how all of this manual labor is so good for us, as we threw limbs over the fence into our woods. “It’s like the Olympics,” said the Voice of Reason. “Write about that.” So I threw the limb like a javelin, disturbed a wasp nest, and ran like an Olympic athlete. Then I carried some big rocks around. Not because I wanted to but because they were in the wrong place. And it dawned on me that these activities are more like the Highland Games, without the bagpipes and the kilts. By the way, the origin of the Highland Games predates recorded history — even before black and white television — and are claimed to have influenced Baron Pierre de Coubertin to revive the Olympic Games. So, like throwing a caber (where competitors throw a long tapered pine pole or log), I tossed fallen trees. Like the stone put, I threw large rocks into a pile of other rocks. Like the Scottish hammer throw, I flung my hammer across the yard after smashing my finger. And, like the Summer Olympics, I went swimming in our pool — and by swimming I mean floating around lazily sipping an adult beverage, which I guess is nothing like the Olympics. But after that hard work and all we had accomplished, I felt like a champ.
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FOOD REVIEW
Adventures in Appetite
CONTRIBUTED BY KEN PENG OF KEN EATS GAINESVILLE
KEN PENG HAS LIVED IN GAINESVILLE FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS OF HIS LIFE, BUT HAS BEEN EATING SINCE HE WAS BORN. IT IS HIS HOPE THAT ANYONE WHO READS THIS PAGE WILL DISCOVER A NEW SPOT TO VISIT THE NEXT TIME THEY’RE FEELING HUNGRY. keneatsgainesville.com
MAPLE STREET BISCUIT CO.
A
s evident by my love for Crane Ramen and Ameraucana Wood Fire (RIP, never forget), it’s no secret I’m particularly fond of restaurants that do one thing and do one thing very, very well. So if you follow me on Instagram and noticed the barrage of biscuit sandwiches, you’ll know of my affinity for Maple Street Biscuit Company. The restaurant born in Jacksonville recently opened a Gainesville location at 3904 S.W. Archer Road (next to the big Publix) to tremendous fanfare, and the place absolutely does not disappoint. Here’s a restaurant that takes a simple thing and goes absolutely bonkers with it. The menu is formidable, with a variety of biscuit sandwiches that range from The Five & Dime (fried chicken breast, smoked bacon, cheddar, sausage gravy and egg) for $9 to the Squawking Goat (fried chicken, fried goat cheese, house made pepper jelly) for $8 to The Garden Bird (over-easy egg, collard greens, chicken breast, and hot sauce) for $7. In all, there are over 20 different sandwiches to choose from. I’ve sampled six of them so far, and every single one has been wonderful. Other highlights include The Sticky Maple (fried chicken, smoked bacon, drenched in real maple syrup) for $7, The Farmer (fried chicken, smoked bacon, cheddar, house-made apple butter) for $7, and The Wildwood Deluxe (shiitake mushroom gravy and over-easy egg) for $6. 142 |
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The chicken is flavorful, the sausage gravy is some of the best in town, even the collard greens were really tasty. Don’t miss out on any of their homemade jams or jellies either. I’m in love with the pepper jelly. It’s not spicy, but has wonderful sweet pepper flavors. It is also worth noting that there are vegetarian options available, and the option to substitute sausage gravy with their house-made shiitake mushroom gravy. Whatever you’re ordering, don’t forget the sides. There are several varieties of a “Hashup,” which are home fries with chopped smoked ham, peppers, grilled onions, mushrooms, and cheese. Mac and cheese, oatmeal, sweet potato fries (get these), grits, and fried green tomatoes are available as well. The restaurant even grinds its own brand of coffee every morning. The beans are roasted at the Julington Creek location and shipped whole to the Gainesville location. I’m not usually a fan of flavored coffees, but their maple-infused “Maple Tap” roast has a wonderful aroma with just a hint of maple on the finish. It’s a fantastic, low acidity, and very smooth brew that really surprised me for being a restaurant cup of coffee. Oh, and please save room for the Iced Cinnamon Pecan biscuit. It’s a pecan- and cinnamon-filled biscuit completely covered in icing. If you’re asking yourself why all the fuss over biscuits, consider the following: Not only is the food really tasty, it’s actually really great quality as well. Maple Street uses all natural chicken with no added hormones. Their jams, maple mustard, honey mustard, ranch dressing, and pepper jelly are made in-house
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every day. The maple syrup comes from Bissell Family Farms, who have been producing pure maple syrup for over 150 years. Of course, the biscuits are made in-house as well, and are just absolute soft, flakey, buttery heaven. They’ve even nailed the ambiance of the place. It’s your standard issue wooden-everything, Edison bulbs, and nu-farmhouse trendy goodness. But it’s a fun environment. The seating is mostly communal to encourage guest-to-guest interactions, the staff is all smiles, and it’s lively. Even the ordering process is just a little different. Despite being
It has been some time since I’ve gushed this much over a new restaurant, but it’s truly a wonderful addition to our fast-improving food scene. your standard order-at-the-counter service, they’ve put their own twist on it. Instead of asking for the guest’s name, they’ll ask a rotating question like “What’s Your Favorite Band?” When your food is ready, they’ll call it out. Which could be a good thing or a public shaming depending on what band you name (someone said Backstreet Boys while I was there and I judged). Of course, you could always be like me and say “This is Sparta!” then watch the counter-worker fully commit to his best “300” impression. It has been some time since I’ve gushed this much over a new restaurant, but it’s truly a wonderful addition to our fast-improving food scene. And if the success of places like Maple Street Biscuit Company, Crane Ramen, and Cilantro Tacos are any indication, then we’re headed in the right direction. But really though, these are some seriously BOSS biscuits. Maple Street Biscuit Company Gainesville is open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 2 PM. They will soon add evening hours on the weekends, and will consider opening select Sundays during football season. 3904 SW Archer Road next to the big Publix, and in the former Barnes & Nobles location. 144 |
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