CRUI CR UISI UI SIN’ SI N’ T THE HE F FO OSSI OSSI S L FR FREE EEWA WAY WA Y | AL A EX EXIS IS S DOL OLD D | SK SKYD YD DIV IVIN ING IN G
Sp pri r ng ng 20112
FR REE TA TAKE KE O ONE NE
Every Day is Training Day Gainesville’s Fire Rescue Dept. is Vigilant about Preparation
PARKOUR pg.62 In the increasingly popular sport of free running, it’s just you against yourself
SALSUMBA pg.146 Meet Orquesta SalSumba d’Gville, a Latin musical experience like no other
HELLO KITTY pg.170 A sanctuary for exotic wildlife in Melrose
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CONTENTS SPRING 2012 • VOL. 03 ISSUE 01
62
>> COOL RUNNINGS
Parkour ur
By Dana Edwards
You Against Yourself
You Against Yourself
STORY BY DANA EDWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TJ MORRISSEY
D
rew Drechsel, 22, scales concrete walls, twists, flips and rolls as he mazing vaults metal rails, jumps across stairs and lands with amazing
agility and speed. The professional parkour trainer and free runner from Coconut ut Creek, p, a sport Fla. moved to Gainesville to start the city’s first free running group, that uses natural elements of cities and landscapes to perform acrobatics. crobatics. Parkour (also known simply as PK) emphasizes moving from one point wiftly to another as quickly and as efficiently as possible, designed to swiftly overcome obstacles in the environment. Drechsel started free running after he found traditional high school sports “too boring and not fun.” He taught himself the sport port by watching YouTube videos for a year. “I love to walk around on my hands,” Drechsel said. “Now I walk faster on my hands than I do on my feet.” gy, The thrill-seeker enjoys the demand of parkour’s high-energy, adrenaline rush. Drechsel also said the sport is a very effective fire safety evacuation plan, although he has not encountered that situation. After five-to-six hours of training six days each week, Drechsel’s shoes take a beating. He prefers to wear K-Swiss Ariakes, which are specifically made for free running athletes
62 | Spring 2012
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Spring 2012 | 63
Drew Drechsel is a professional parkour trainer and free runner. For the uninitiated, parkour is a training method that involves vaulting, rolling, running, climbing and jumping, using both natural and urban environments. Like a real-life Spiderman, Drechsel can move through his environment like a Ninja. In fact, last year he competed in “American Ninja Warrior.”
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>> COMMUNITY
Collected Stories
Spring Festivals
Spring Greet the Season with these Fantastic Expositions and Activities Spring is in the air and with it comes some enjoyable and enlightening festivals in our area. Here you will find a small sampling of four events that offer visitors culture and education. The Town of Tioga and Cedar Key both offer good music, food and art this spring, while Gainesville brings us the Cinema Verde Film Festival and an Eco-Health Festival that will entertain and offer ecological information. Read on to learn more about these upcoming events.
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Green on the Screen An Eight-day Film Festival and Environmental Awareness Celebration BY JENNIFER RIEK
T
he Cinema Verde Film Festival was no more than a seed in Trish Riley’s mind when she moved from South Florida five years ago. It had not yet even begun to sprout when she selected Gainesville as her next place to call home, for reasons surely all local environmentalists share. “Gainesville is a treasure,” Riley said. “The city has taken a lot of steps to be at the forefront of sustainability and to protect our nature corridor, the tree canopy, the creeks. When people think Florida, they think of the beaches. They don’t come to this part, and this is a different kind.” In Riley’s words, Gainesville has been identified as the most progressive city in the state. The title has not been given off-handedly. Gainesville contains a chapter of an association called Green Drinks, a monthly gathering of non-government organizations, business owners, and environmentally active citizens. Riley founded the resident group.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRISH RILEY
Hitesh Mehta’s presentation of his book “Authentic Eco Lodges” and Andrea Holbrook.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity,” said Penny Nieman, Riley’s selfproclaimed right-hand woman. “You don’t have to be an expert. You can join the conversation and talk and learn about sustainability issues.” It was a Green Drinks gathering in 2009 that introduced Riley to
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Shirley Lasseter, cinema director of the Hippodrome. Together they decided that Gainesville needed an environmental film festival to spread the word about issues beyond its own community. Through their dedication and persistence, the Cinema Verde Film
Spring 2012 | 113
146
>> SHAKE YOUR BODY BABY, DO THE CONGA
Salsa + Zumba STORY BY ALYSON LANDRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY TJ MORRISSEY dozen men, ranging from their late-30s to mid-50s,
By Alyson Landry
SalSumba
Meet SalSumba, Gainesville’s Only Local Live Latin Band
A
Art. Ecology. Education. Food. Music. In this small series of articles we offer a sampling of some area festivals, from Jonesville to Cedar Key, from downtown Gainesville to the Northeast side of town. Read all about the Cinema Verde Film Festival, the Winter Fine Art Fair at Tioga, the Cedar Key Art Festival and the inaugural Eco-Health Festival.
them under her wing. “The event went great.”
surrounding communities,” Tamayo said, “and in that, put on display
take the stage at Calico Jack’s Oyster Bar and Seafood
John Peña, SalSumba’s founder, approached her about a show, and
our culture, our music, our rhythms and sounds, etc.”
House. The music starts and a deep, deep Latin flavor bursts forth from the trumpets and seven other instruments.
she took a chance on them. “I like to dance. I like the music. So, I decided to give it a try to get a good turnout,” said Romero, who is
The band consists of 12 professional musicians from Ocala and Gainesville, whose talents range from the piano, trumpets,
It energizes the soul, and gets under the skin. Soon the audience
also Latin. She expects their upcoming
trombone, and tenor saxophone to the timbales, bongos, congas and
cannot help but get up and move to the Salsa beat. The dance floor finally flows with Zumba-like moves. Orquesta SalSumba d’Gville
shows at Calico Jack’s to be as good, if not better. SalSumba is currently the only live 12-piece Salsa band in the
vocals. “The Hispanic community is craving this,” Peña said, who strives to pump fun and irresistible energy
made their debut on Dec. 9, 2011 at Calico Jack’s Oyster Bar and Seafood
Gainesville area, said the three band leaders John Peña, Luis
into every performance. Aponte, who has spent decades
House to an audience of about 200 people, said owner Patricia Romero. “It was fantastic,” said Romero, who is known by the band as ‘The
Aponte and Jorge Tamayo, who are also the vocalists for the band. “Our main goal is to become a part of the musical and artistical
on the road as a musician, selects SalSumba’s songs from known Hispanic artists such as: Sonora Ponceña, Johnny Pacheco, Pete “El
Godmother’ because she took
landscape of Gainesville and the
Conde” Rodriguez, El Gran Combo
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www.VisitOurTowns.com
Spring 2012 | 147
What do you get when you mix Salsa sounds and Zumba moves? Salsumba! There’s a new band in town, made of musicians with Cuban, Puerto Rican, Colombian, Dominican and American backgrounds, and boasting several decades of musical experience. They call themselves Orquesta SalSumba d’Gville. Our writer recently caught up with them at Calico Jacks.
52 PHOTO BY TJ MORRISSEY for LOTUS STUDIOS
>> FEATURES
ON THE COVER
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Firefighter George Keyzer with some of the tools of his trade. Keyzer is just one member of the cohesive team that makes up the Gainesville Fire Rescue Department.
Fossil Mania Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway Museum Exhibit BY MARY KYPREOS
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Rebuilding Together Elderly, Disabled, and Low-Income Families Receive Housing Repairs BY DANA EDWARDS
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Chute to Thrill Bird’s Eye View on the Sport of Skydiving BY ALLISON WILSON
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Vigilant Preparation Every Day is Training Day at the Gainesville Fire Rescue Dept. BY MARY KYPREOS
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Kickin’ Cancer Karate Tournament Raises Funds for Cancer Research BY AMANDA WILLIAMSON
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Run Amuck with the Duck Walk, Run, Hop, Waddle or Skip for a Lung Cancer Cure BY MARY KYPREOS
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Green on the Screen An Eight-day Film Festival and Environmental Awareness Celebration BY JENNIFER RIEK
COLUMNISTS 34 Crystal Henry NAKED SALSA 122 Brian “Krash” Kruger GATE CRASHING 142 Albert Isaac DIFFERENT NOTE 160 Janice C. Kaplan ADVENTURES IN APPETITE
INFORMATION 86 Community Calendar 108 Taste of the Town 176 Advertiser Index
The articles printed in Our Town Magazine™ do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Tower Publications, Inc. or their editorial staff. Our Town Magazine endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we can not be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Our Town Magazine reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. All rights reserved. © 2012 Tower Publications, Inc.
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Published quarterly by Tower Publications, Inc. www.towerpublications.com
PUBLISHER Charlie Delatorre charlie@towerpublications.com
130 PHOTO BY CAROLYN TILLO
The Chapel Bridge spans Lake Lucerne and is overshadowed by the adjoining Water Tower. The bridge dates back to the 1300s but was rebuilt in the 1990s after being destroyed in a 1993 fire, according to myswitzerland.com
>> FEATURES 115
Fine Art Fair Paintings, Food, Live Music and Fun BY ELLIS AMBURN
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Good, Clean Fun The Eco-Health Festival Educates, Unites Residents of Neighborhoods Near Superfund Site BY ALLISON WILSON
118
Cedar Key Art Show The Juried Event Means Quality Art BY LARRY BEHNKE
124 Alexis Dold Owner of Circle Square INTERVIEW WITH ALBERT ISAAC
130 Euro Trip The Backpackers’ Diet: A Great Way to See the Sights and Burn Calories BY CAROLYN TILLO and KATRINA SHARP
150 It’s the Climb Gosia & Ali Take to the Heights of Mount Kilimanjaro for Cancer BY MARY KYPREOS
156 Comedy Tonight! Gainesville Comedy Showcase is “Your Witty Date” for the Evening
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Albert Isaac editor@towerpublications.com fax: 1-800-967-7382 OFFICE MANAGER Bonita Delatorre bonita@towerpublications.com ART DIRECTOR Hank McAfee hank@towerpublications.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Neil McKinney neil@towerpublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ellis Amburn Larry Behnke Dana Edwards Janice C. Kaplan Mary Kypreos Alyson Landry Jennifer Riek Katrina Sharp Carolyn Tillo Amanda Williamson Allison Wilson INTERN Jennifer Riek ADVERTISING SALES 352-215-2833 Nancy Short nancy@towerpublications.com Helen Stalnaker 352-416-0209 helen@towerpublications.com Jenni Bennett 352-416-0210 jenni@towerpublications.com Larkin Kieffer 352-416-0212 larkin@towerpublications.com Pam Sapp 352-416-0213 pam@towerpublications.com Annie Waite 352-416-0204 annie@towerpublications.com
BY JANICE C. KAPLAN
170 Hello Kitty A Sanctuary for Exotic Wildlife in Melrose BY DANA EDWARDS
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SPECIAL >> STING LIKE A BEE
PHOTO BY AMANDA WILLIAMSON
The Boxer: Jerrod Caldwell errod Caldwell knows what a good right hook to the face feels like. Not many people know how to respond to being punched, he said, especially when it is in the face. But after training for four years, six days a week, Caldwell feels prepared when he enters the ring to fight his opponent. After all, the 22-year-old professional boxer knows who he will fight months in advance. During the time between fights, he studies only his future challenger. “I wish people knew how much
J
16 | Spring 2012
heart it takes to go toe-to-toe with a complete stranger,” he said. “It’s 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical. No matter what you’re going through, you have to train every day.” Caldwell grew up in a boxing household. His mother would purchase the fights on television through pay-per-view and gather up friends and family for boxing parties. Four years ago, he signed up for boxing classes at Gainesville Dojo. “I already had my sights set on joining the team,” he said. After three months, the
instructor introduced him to the boxing coach, Mark Rock. Rock told him to punch a bag to see what he had. Caldwell impressed him. “He told me to come in the next day and bring a jump rope,” Caldwell said. Caldwell’s upcoming bout, although not scheduled, will be his third pro fight. People get excited, he said, when he tells them about his profession. They always want to come out to see him fight and support him. “They want to be in the front row,” he said, “where the action is.” s
MESSAGE >> FROM THE EDITOR
Pizza Partner of the
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Spring is in the air as I type these words. In fact, it was in the 80s yesterday, so it could be we just jumped straight into summer! Our azaleas are already in full bloom. But I dare not plant anything because I’ve heard that we may still get a frost as late as Easter (that, and I’m too lazy, uh, busy to plant a garden). In this edition, we bring you a wide variety of stories once again, ranging from fossils to skydiving, from firefighters to cancer fighters, from salsa music to comedy. Sadly, as we were wrapping up our story on “Run Amuck with the Duck,” an annual fundraising “race to find a cure for lung cancer,” we learned the tragic news of the passing of Dianne Caridi, a young woman featured in the article. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family, and to everyone having to deal with the scourge of cancer. s
>>
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
I’m glad this magazine is free! It’s great! I picked up the latest Our Town Gainesville magazine at the local Publix and I wanted to let you all know that I really enjoyed reading this issue!! I especially enjoyed reading about backstage “tour” of the O’Connell Center. I have frequently wondered how stadiums manage to transform the spaces for other purposes. I am glad to see many of my interests discussed in this issue. My favorite sections were those focused on local food — Buy Local Movement, Blue Oven Kitchens, Food Entrepreneur, The Top, and also the Florida Trail Association and the bookstores. I am honestly sick of reading about UF Football — Gainesville has more to offer than a seasonal football team. Keep up the great work and I hope to read more about the “local” movements and being “green” in Gainesville! – SANDY CHIU
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STAFF >> CONTRIBUTORS Ellis Amburn
Mary Kypreos
is a resident of High Springs as well as the author of biographies of Roy Orbison, Elizabeth Taylor and others. He is also a guest-lecturer on narrative journalism at the University of Florida.
is a freelance writer and editor who enjoys discovering tidbits of knowledge about Florida from those who know it best. She is a proud Gator alumna and is currently working toward a Master’s in English language and literature.
ellis.amburn@gmail.com
kypreos.mary@gmail.com
Janice Kaplan
Alyson Landry
has been a freelance writer for five years. In her spare time Janice loves cooking, Gator sports, Jimmy Buffett anything and spending time with her husband and kids.
is a graduate of the photojournalism program at UF. She believes everyone has a story to tell and traveling possibilities are endless. She enjoys baking and running to counteract the chocoholic in her.
kaplan_ janice@yahoo.com
alyson.landry@gmail.com
Carolyn Tillo
Crystal Henry
wanted to go to law school until she realized she hated arguing. A UF graduate, she is pursuing her master’s in public relations at Boston University and hopes to eventually work as a communications coordinator for a nonprofit.
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
carolyntillo@gmail.com
Larry Behnke
Dana Edwards
is an artist, writer, photographer and a graduate of the University of Michigan in cinematography and painting. He has used solar electricity since 1984 and lives in a dome home.
is a student at UF. She writes for her hometown newspaper, the Tallahassee Democrat, and is a Peer Mentor in the residence halls at UF. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting and spending time with her dogs, Abby and Muffin.
larry@towerpublications.com
danaedwards14@comcast.net
Jennifer Riek
Katrina Sharp
is a freelance writer and a student at UF’s College of Journalism. She was born and raised in Seattle, and delights in all things classy or humorous. Needless to say, she would die in the wild.
was bitten by the travel bug and is now pursuing a Master’s degree focusing on international agriculture education, which will hopefully allow her to combine her passion of teaching and traveling.
screaminnocence@gmail.com
katrina.r.sharp@gmail.com
Amanda Williamson
Allison Wilson
is a student in UF’s College of Journalism and Communications. She has been writing for as long as she can remember. She enjoys spending time with her friends, family and animals.
is a communications coordinator for UF&Shands and a freelance writer and editor. She is way too busy to contribute any more facts to this biography.
awilliamson@ufl.edu
20 | Spring 2012
daw995@yahoo.com
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Pitch In to Put Alachua County on n Top In our community, we do a lot of things really well. Our schools, hospitals and, of course, sports teams are among the best in the state. But in one critical area, we’ve come up short. Alachua County is ranked 21st in Florida when it comes to recycling. Strive to make Alachua County #1. Our Challenge: Recycle 75% of All Solid Waste by 2020!
www.StriveFor75.org (352) 338-3233
©2012 Alachua County Waste eM Management ment Di Division Division.
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>> FOSSILS, ART & FUN
Fossil Mania Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway Museum Exhibit
BY MARY KYPREOS t may not have been possible millions of years ago when Florida was nonexistent, but it is certainly possible now — and it is official: Dinosaurs have come to Gainesville! Despite the complete lack of dinosaurs in Florida’s history, The Florida Museum of Natural History is excited to showcase fossils of all types and origins in its newest temporary exhibit, “Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway,” which will be publicly available from Feb. 4 through Sept. 3. “Most of us think of dinosaurs when we think of fossils, and this exhibit does have dinosaurs,” said Darcie MacMahon, assistant
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director for exhibits. “But it also focuses on how fossils ils inform us about really important nt topics, such as climate change and nd evolution. These stories will unfold nfold for the visitor as they enjoy the exhibit’s interesting graphics, real fossil specimens and an actively ctively staffed paleontology prep laboratory.” boratory.” The exhibit features res two complete skeleton casts, asts, one of a three-horned Triceratops, iceratops, a commonly found dinosaurs in the American West; and an Albertosaurus, a carnivore that lived about 70 million years ago. “Other fossils in the exhibit include an Ammonite, a large and extinct marine invertebrate; a dinosaur egg from China; a Diplomystus, an extinct fish that lived in the
western U.S. about 56 to 34 million years ago; a bat fossil from the Green River Formation; and petrified wood,” according to a Cruisin’ the Fossil Highway press release. One of the most unique features in the exhibit is not the Dinosaur fossils or others fossils, but the inclusion of a staffed paleontology preparation laboratory. Visitors will
be able to glimpse paleontologists as they prepare fossils and conduct research and have an opportunity to interact with the scientist during certain times of the day. “We wanted to engage the collections department more fully in an exhibit, and this one was perfect for it,” said Operations Coordinator Kurt Auffenberg. “The
prep lab will highlight ‘from field to museum’ ... It’s a long road from the field, through the research phases to eventual publication of the results or display in an exhibit.” Most of the fossils in the prep lab are from the Thomas Farm site in Gilchrist County and a research project site in Panama. “We’d like to convey that not all
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PHOTO BY ALBERT ISAAC
This Triceratops could be seen cruising the streets of Gainesville in January, as staff from the Florida Museum of Natural History loaded it onto a trailer and moved it from this warehouse to the museum. Operations Coordinator Kurt Auffenberg poses with the complete skeleton cast of the threehorned Triceratops dinosaur.
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PHOTO BY ALBERT ISAAC
Museum staff secure this immense Triceratops skeleton onto a trailer prior to hauling it down SW 34th Street. It required six people to maneuver it out of the warehouse and lift it onto the trailer.
cool fossils are those of dinosaurs,” Auffenberg said. “Also, not all fossils are dinosaurs, and finally, there are no dinosaur fossils found in Florida.” Although the dinosaurs may have been reduced to fossils over millions of years, the Cruisin’ the Fossil Highway exhibit strives to bring the dinosaurs and the work of a paleontologist to life with the inclusion of vibrant and colorful painting. Indeed, it is almost as if the exhibit is the fruition of two mediums — science and art — during a scientific road trip. “Kirk Johnson and Ray Troll
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loaded into Big Blue, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s fossil-hunting truck, and headed off on a 5,000-mile road trip in search of fossils, fossil-finders and their stories,” states Ray Troll’s website. “Ray’s art brought bizarre critters from the past back to life while Kirk’s science made sure that the stories were true.” “The artwork is fun and whacky, yet informative, and I believe enjoyable to all age groups,” Auffenburg said of the combination. Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway originated at the Burke Museum
at the University of Washington, posing the question, how did it end up in Gainesville? Because of the cost of arranging and maintaining temporary exhibits, museums will often create “traveling exhibits.” After contacting other museums and testing the waters, the originating museum will rent out exhibits to offset its own costs. The museum pays a rental fee, shipping costs, setup fees and other incidental costs. “You can’t imagine how much time exhibits take and how much money they cost,” MacMahon said.
UNEARTHED FOSSIL FACTS: Based on petrified wood samples, scientists estimate trees in Arizona reached heights of 150 to 200 feet between 227 to 210 million years ago. Until Unt Un nt recently, scientists believed the front legs of Triceratops were widely set, similar to crocodiles and Komodo dragons. w Scientists now know the legs were attached underneath the body like modern elephants. Sea scorpions, which roamed the Earth 416 to 423 million years ago, could be as large as 4 to 8 feet long, making them the largest arthropods, or joint-legged animals like crabs or insects, that ever lived. The state of Nebraska has 93 counties and elephant skeletons or bones have been found in 90 of them. During During Du riing ng the Great Depression, the Denver Museum used a team of Work Projects Administration workers to excavate a quarry. Between 1931 W Wo orrk kP rro ojje ec ctts ts A and and 19 an 11933, 933 3, tthey recovered 70 34-million-year-old rhinos from the site. The T Th he first known horned dinosaur was found in Denver in 1887. The Th he fossil ffo ossssiill was w examined by Yale paleontologist Othniel C. Marsh and thought belong to an extinct bison species. When a more complete thou th ough ght to to b specimen was found, Marsh realized it was a Triceratops. Information In Inf nfform n nform orrmati o rm ma atti ati tion io on n courtesy co co of the book “Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway” by artist Ray Troll and paleontologist Kirk Ki k Johnson, Ki Kir John John oh son so so on informational text from the exhibit “Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway” and Discovery.com.
“You can’t imagine how much time exhibits take and how much money they cost.” “Other museums try to recoup costs by renting them out to other institutions.” However, “many exhibits are extremely expensive.” MacMahon gave the example of the highly requested Bodies Exhibit, which she said is just too expensive to bring to Gainesville. Because the Florida Museum of Natural History funds 100 percent
of the exhibit cost, they too must offset the cost and attempt to do so by charging a small fee to see the temporary exhibit, which provide a crucial role in any museum. “We have a handful of permanent exhibits, but what the temporary exhibits allow us to do is continually refresh what we offer the community,” MacMahon said, adding that a number of museum visitors come time and time again, and the presence of temporary exhibits gives them another reason to visit. “They also allow us to present different kinds of subject matters and stories that we do not necessarily study at the museum,” she said, highlighting the exhibit’s dinosaur fossils, even though
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Florida never had dinosaurs. When the staff at the museum begins thinking about temporary exhibits, they have a number of options. They can see what is available from other institutions, they can create their own exhibit based on their research interests or, as with Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway, they can take another institution’s exhibit and build upon it themselves. “We really liked the idea of this exhibit, but it was a small exhibit and didn’t actually come with fossils,” MacMahon said. However, it did feature “amazing artwork that told the story of how paleontologists work and about fossils.” After learning of the exhibit,
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PHOTO JEFF GAGE/FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Ronald Chesser prepares this incomplete Uintatherium skull (left) and works on an Albertosaurus skeleton for the temporary exhibit.
the team at the Florida Museum of Natural History looked at the storyline and began to develop a wish list of objects they wanted to see featured in the exhibit. “The nice thing about the museum community is that people
are usually very generous in sharing both information and objects,” she said. “Would the Smithsonian lend us the Hope Diamond? No. But they would probably lend something else from their gem exhibit.” In the end, the Florida Museum
of Natural History not only supplemented the exhibit with its own as well as borrowed fossils, but also with the live paleontology laboratory. “Visitors will have the opportunity to see the process of science
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Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway AT THE FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
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through discovery,” Auffenberg said. “They can see researchers sifting fine sediment or picking through a big slab of rock in search of a bone or tooth from an animal that lived millions of years ago.” The success of Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway in Gainesville or any of the Florida Museum of Natural History’s exhibits is judged in different ways
depending on who is speaking. For MacMahon, exhibits always reach the point of DIB, or Done Is Beautiful. “This doesn’t mean adjustments aren’t made,” she said, “but you have a list of things you want to accomplish and then done is beautiful.” In general, for every exhibit, MacMahon hopes that “all visitors can come to the museum and enjoy themselves as a way to learn new things and just spend time with friends and family.” “We always like to have a full
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house — the more the merrier!” Auffenberg said. “We hope that our visitors learn that the remains of the past are beautiful and fascinating and that science can be fun.” Although success is measured any number of ways, both MacMahon and Auffenberg look to the youngest of their visitors to measure an exhibit’s true success. “If I heard that one child was so impressed with the exhibit that he or she wanted to pursue paleontology as a career, that would do it,” Auffenberg said. s
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A D V E RTI S E M E N T
Part of the Family
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TJ MORRISEY
hen you walk into the waiting room at Gainesville OB/GYN, the first thing you notice is the homelike décor. The soft lights, comfortable seating and subtle color palette provide a sense of calm for patients. But perhaps the most telling aspect is a small table near the check in window, upon which sits a sign:
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If you have waited for longer than 15 minutes, kindly let the front desk know. This small detail is a testament to the commitment that practice owner Dr. Michael Cotter, his colleagues and his staff have to their patients’ satisfaction and well being. “We want them to feel like this is their practice,” said Dr. Cotter. “This is their OB/GYN home where they come for care. We want to center the practice around them, around what they want and what they need.”
Gainesville OB/GYN operates on the principle that every woman is unique and special, and the practice offers a private relaxed atmosphere to make patients more comfortable. Even clinical testing rooms reflect these efforts with plush chairs, potted plants, table lamps and plenty of reading material. The intent is to make the often anxiety-inducing tests given during pregnancy as relaxing as possible. Dr. Cotter is a second generation OB/GYN (his father, Julian, practiced in Gainesville for 30 years) who has been working in the field for almost two decades. But it’s the past two years that have seen the greatest amount of change in his practice. During that time he added a certified nurse midwife, Cyndi Vista, and Dr. Carmen Peden as a new partner, and he just welcomed a new physician – Dr. Heather Stevens, a graduate of the medical school at continued on next page the University of
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Arizona who just completed her residency at Shands.
to care dovetails with the practice’s dedication to patients.
“It’s fun and exciting to have partners you can talk to and share with and learn from. It’s been interesting,” said Dr. Cotter, who explained that the added practitioners also help to serve patients better as the practice grows. “Dr. Stevens is smart, very friendly and personable, relaxed and easygoing. We’re really excited to have her.”
“I will definitely do as much as I can for any patient’s problem. Once a patient comes in I feel they’ll have a very happy experience throughout their OB care.”
A relaxed, patient-centric approach to comfort continues to make Gainesville OB/GYN a popular choice...
Personnel additions aren’t the only news at Gainesville OB/GYN. The practice now offers several in-office procedures that previously would have required hospital stays. But thanks to emerging healthcare technology, many of them can be done more quickly and with less invasive methods. Patients undergoing NovaSure, a procedure to lighten or completely stop periods, can go home shortly after the procedure is done. Adiana, a minimally invasive sterilization technique, can be performed without having to give anesthesia.
After finishing her residency, Dr. Stevens decided to stay in Gainesville to take advantage of the warm weather and close community. Her passion for what she does is easy to see as she explains how she chose obstetrics and gynecology as her specialty.
Even a hysterectomy is made simpler. Robotics allows for the surgery to be done at the center before the patient is sent home the next day with a three to four day recovery time – a far cry from the six-week timeframe with a traditional hysterectomy.
“I loved deliveries and how happy the field was,” she said. “You could follow women from adolescence to menopause and build those relationships. The health of women in general has so much to do with their overall well being and attitude. They’re such a big part of the family unit that I think it’s really important that they’re well cared for.”
With all the technology available, however, it still comes back to the relaxed, patient-centric approach to comfort that makes Gainesville OB/GYN a popular choice among the women of north central Florida.
Dr. Cotter’s practice offered that feeling of family she was looking for, along with a highlyregarded professional presence. Her approach
“I think one of the most important things we do is to be there for our patients,” said Dr. Cotter. “Just be there when they need you, and do the right thing. It’s usually easy to figure out. Anytime you have to debate about whether something is the right thing… it’s not the right thing.”
— W E AC C E P T M O S T M A J O R H E A LT H I N S U R A N C E —
WE ARE PLEASED TO WELCOME
Heather Stevens
Gainesville OB/GYN Obstetrics and Gynecology
352.371.2011 www. Gainesville-OBGYN .com
M.D., OB/GYN SPECIALIST
GAINESVILLE: 6400 W. Newberry Road, Suite 207 CHIEFLAND: 1415 NW 23rd Avenue
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COLUMN >> CRYSTAL HENRY
Naked Salsa This ain’t my first rodeo. hh kids. I don’t know how it happened but all of a sudden I’m just weeks away from delivering the second person I ever made. It seems like just yesterday I was trying so hard to make that first one. Then boom. My baby is 2 and I somehow managed to make another one. Funny how that first baby differs from the next. Everything was magical with that first pregnancy. I started happily swallowing giant bricks marketed as prenatal vitamins the second we decided to think about possibly conceiving our first daughter. I silently, and sometimes not so silently, judged those horrible mothers who would even be in the same room as caffeine while they were pregnant. I made healthy food choices like carrot sticks and low fat yogurt, and I made it a point to walk around our neighborhood every evening while holding hands with my loving husband. Bless this second child’s heart. This entire pregnancy has been plagued by Beef n’ Cheddar cravings and shameful bouts of Cheetoh Puffery. And let’s face it, this child is no stranger to a Dr. Pepper. But give me a break, I’ve got to keep my energy up if I want to try and wrangle that escaped mental patient disguised as my 2-year-old. Between the 15 horsey rides and 10 tea parties each day, I really should be allotted more than the 200 milligrams of caffeine they allow. And I know
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that tea has to be decaf because I am more exhausted after the tea party than when we started. It’s not just Earl Gray and crumpets. Rapunzel Barbie, one-armed sock monkey and Carla the lizard can all vouch for me: the girl knows how to party. By the end of the day I’m just glad I remembered to feed myself as well as my child, and if we both have on real pants then it’s a good day. Who has time to remember if I took that prenatal vitamin this morning?
This entire pregnancy has been plagued by Beef n’ Cheddar cravings and shameful bouts of Cheetoh Puffery. Wait, I think I’m supposed to take them at night. That cuts down on the morning sickness. Nothing like having your head in the toilet and your 2-year-old rubbing your back whispering, “You OK Momma? You barfing?” Yes, while I used to sit in my chair with my feet up smiling sweetly at the little angel kicking ever so sweetly at my round glowing belly, I now just try and shield my bump from the not-so-gentle high fives and fist bumps that her sister throws her way.
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Don’t get me wrong, I still think all the tumbling and rolling around in there is pure magic. I just wish the magic happened during Sunny’s naptime rather than once I fall into bed exhausted at the end of the day. I’m assuming this contributes to the pregnancy insomnia I’ve developed. If it’s not one of the 30 bathroom trips I need in a night, or waking up to do a proper three-point-turn in order to face the other way in bed, it’s my toddler hollering at me for a drink of water or to find some random stuffed animal we haven’t seen in months that she absolutely, 100 percent needs in order to sleep at that very moment. Once I tend to all those needs, if my husband’s oh-so-soothing snoring doesn’t prevent me from falling asleep, my little bun in the oven decides to make her presence known with a few double axles and a triple salchow just to show off. It’s not uncommon for me to wake up at 3 a.m. simply because I can’t fall back asleep. My super-observant spouse has questioned this nonsense several times. “You know,” he said one night as I lay there reading quietly. “It’s not healthy for you and the baby to stay up all night like that.” I wholeheartedly agreed with him, but tried to explain that I just couldn’t sleep. He advised me to turn off the Kindle and close my eyes for the good of the pregnancy. I told him I would. My love rolled back over and settled into slumber in a matter of seconds. Immediately I started poking him repeatedly in the back. “What?” he asked in a slightly annoyed tone. “Nothing,” I replied. “Just go to sleep.” He settled back in once again, and when I could tell he was out, I started the nudging again. “What are you doing?” he asked, a little more grizzled. “Nothing,” I replied. “Just go to sleep. It’s not healthy for you to stay up all night.” He rolled over and when he was almost asleep I started poking again and added, “But it sure as hell isn’t easy to sleep with someone poking you awake either, is it? Now pretend your back is your uterus. Goodnight.” Ahh, the joys of pregnancy. s
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>> HAMMER ON
Rebuilding Together Elderly, Disabled, and Low-Income Families Receive Housing Repairs
BY DANA EDWARDS saac Fleming reminisces about the first home he and his wife Faye bought 15 years ago, the same house they live in today. “Coming from an apartment atmosphere, it was a big move into our own home, something we could call our own,” Fleming said. “The neighborhood was good, the location was close to church and school for our two children, we had friendly neighbors — everything was nice.” The couple, both 47, now live with physical disabilities that limit their capacities to maintain their precious home. Fleming can no longer work his job operating heavy equipment and disposing of hazardous waste materials, including
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asbestos, for the Alachua County Public Works facility. With little income, the Flemings and Renesia, his disabled daughter who lives with them, have tended to their high utility bills and numerous medical bills rather than home upkeep. Rebuilding Together North Central Florida (RTNCF) provides home improvement and weatherization assistance every year to families such as the Flemings. The organization is one of 225 Rebuilding Together affiliates throughout the nation with a goal to preserve affordable homeownership for families in need. There are an estimated 7,500 substandard homes in Alachua County, according to a 2003 study prepared for the Alachua County Housing Authority.
RTNCF focuses on emergency or critical home repairs that are necessary to ensure the safety of the home’s occupants. Repairs are provided at no cost, though the homeowners participate in the building process according to their abilities. With a grant provided by Shell Oil Company, Rebuilding Together North Central Florida is able to help the Fleming family this February through the combined efforts with Central Florida Community Action Agency and Gainesville Regional Utilities. The energy efficient weatherization repairs and improvements will keep the Fleming’s home warm, safe and dry. Repairs to the family’s home include windows and door replacements, an environmentally friendly
PHOTOS COURTESY OF REBUILDING TOGETHER NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA
TOP: Rachael Bashline, Sarah Hernandez and Earl Gardner Jr. (homeowner’s son) work together to rebuild a porch. RIGHT: Volunteers Kelly Dragoui (left) and Shawn Webber install new flooring for a local homeowner.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF REBUILDING TOGETHER NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA
TOP: Homeowner Loretta Young with a local volunteer group from RTNCF. MIDDLE: Volunteers Amanda Van Winkle, Kelly Dragoui and Ashley Mooring share a light moment while installing a new flooring. BELOW: Volunteers re-painting the exterior of a local home.
yard and landscaping treatment, a roofing job, and a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit. The Fleming home should be completed by the end of February. “RTNCF is pleased to partner with Shell and engage local volunteers and community partners to, not only assist a homeownerin-need, but also to educate the community on the importance of energy efficient practices,” said Melisa Miller, RTNCF executive director, in a press release. Following this project, Rebuilding Together will prepare for the annual National Rebuilding Day, serving five Alachua County families with the help of approximately 150 volunteers throughout the month of April. This year, the preparation day will be April 21, the main building day will be April 28, and the wrapup day will be May 5. RTNCF also hosts a similar Rebuilding Event each year during October. The local Rebuilding Together program repairs roughly 30 homes each year. Homes are 90 percent funded by donations and grants, and volunteers comprise 90 percent of the workers, said RD Bonner, AmeriCorps member and volunteer coordinator for RTNCF. “You feel really empowered after helping at a build,” said volunteer Heather Platter, a member of AmeriCorps and coordinator of the Community Weatherization Coalition for RTNCF. “The bonds you make with the family and other volunteers makes you wanting to come back for more. It’s super fun!” RTNCF began as Rebuild
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Gainesville, a grassroots organization. The idea of the organization came from high school and college students who saw a need for repairing homes in Alachua County in 1998. One of these individuals was Melisa Miller, then 15 years old and now the executive director of RTNCF. The project started with building a house ramp for an elderly family, and snowballed from
there when the family’s neighbors asked for help as well. These individuals offered their building services to the community on weekends and after school. Several of the students, including Miller, had traveled on church mission trips to fix substandard housing. “When we came back to Gainesville, we realized the need in our own community to repair
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PHOTO COURTESY OF REBUILDING TOGETHER NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA
Volunteer Brian Lockhart working during Fall Rebuilding Day 2011.
homes and we couldn’t just stand idly by,” said Miller, a building construction management graduate from the University of Florida. “At that moment, I realized it was possible to live in Gainesville without seeing the East Side of town, and that was a problem.” For the next two summers, Miller and her friends met at Westside Park every Wednesday with donations of $5 for materials and tools to fix homes. The students made home repairs, cleaned yards and provided any other services families needed.
“We performed a wide range of odd-jobs for disabled, elderly and low-income families,” Miller said. “I even remember talking with some elderly ladies while I painted their nails. They just needed company.” In May 2005, Rebuild Gainesville became an official non-profit organization. As it grew, and the needs of the Alachua County community increased, Rebuild Gainesville made the decision to become an affiliate of the national organization Rebuilding Together in 2008. Rebuilding Together North
Central Florida is always looking for volunteers, skilled or unskilled, and building captains with expertise in construction, plumbing and electricity. The projects scheduled for April have already been filled with volunteers, but donations and volunteers for fall projects are being accepted. Applications for home repairs and weatherization are closed for this year, but Rebuilding Together North Central Florida is accepting applications for 2013. “It feels like a miracle,” Fleming said of his current home repairs. “It’s a very wonderful feeling to get some help. We appreciate what these agencies are doing for us. We are so grateful.” s For more information, visit www.rebuildingtogetherncf.org.
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st Street Music & Sound Company believes it’s never too late to learn how to play an instrument. From guitars to pianos and most everything in between, 1st Street has something for everyone. “You need to see it to believe it,” says Steve Briscoe, owner of 1st Street Music and Sound. “We have over 7,200 square feet of prominently displayed musical instruments, all of which are ready for you to play. As a matter of fact, I encourage it!” With brand names such as Fender and Ibanez guitars, amps and accessories; Yamaha and Roland pianos, keyboards, and accessories; Ludwig and Tama drums and hardware; Yorkville and Soundcraft pro audio gear and Traynor amplifiers, 1st Street Music spotlights the finest the industry has to offer. If you already have an instrument but it needs a little work, 1st Street offers a complete repair shop. From repairing wear and tear on your guitar to replacement parts for just about any instrument, their repair department has years of experience to get
that instrument playing perfectly. If you’re in need for a particular kind of instrument, but can’t afford to buy one, 1st Street’s rental department may be just what you need. “We rent everything from picks to pianos,” says Steve. “Often times someone needs an extra guitar or an amplifier for an upcoming gig, and instead of buying it, they can rent it from us.” And if you’re wondering where the “sound” comes from in 1st Street Music and Sound, it’s from their custom commercial designed sound systems. Designed for auditoriums, arenas, churches and most other commercial venues, their custom solutions for sound can bring life into most any location. Located in the heart of Lake City, 1st Street Music and Sound company would like you to take the short drive and visit the area’s largest and most complete music store in the area. To learn more about what they have to offer, check out their web site at www.firststreetmusic. com or call them at 386755-2060. Open every day except Sunday.
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>> NOTHING BUT AIR
Chute to Thrill Bird’s Eye View on the Sport of Skydiving
BY ALLISON WILSON kio Flewelling was twitching. It had been nearly two weeks. He needed a fix. He seemed untroubled enough, sipping some Saturday morning Starbuck’s with his lovely, young girlfriend, Andrea Knowlton, and their easygoing dog, Zeek. The conversation was effortless, the temperature a perfect 70 degrees, and the sky was cloudless. “Tomorrow,” he said, nodding with relief. “I cannot wait.” When tomorrow finally comes, Flewelling will jump out of a perfectly good airplane for the 74th time. This network administrator by day, licensed skydiver by weekend has been making regular trips from
A
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Gainesville to his neighborhood drop zone, Skydive Palatka, for the past eight months. He has completed his Accelerated freefall (AFF) training and is the proud owner of his very own rig (that’s skydiver slang for parachute.) With hopes to eventually become an instructor for others who share his passion, he has become part of a diverse community of individuals who chase the excitement of skydiving beyond the “bucket list jump.” “I think skydivers get a reputation for being crazy adrenaline junkies, but the sport appeals to a really wide base,” Flewelling said. “We are doctors, nurses, network administrators — and yeah, we’re definitely taking a risk, but that’s what life is about, right?”
Art Shaffer, owner of Skydive Palatka, would certainly agree. He has made his life about skydiving in one way or another for 27 years. In the beginning, he got into competitive canopy piloting, one of the more spectator-friendly skydiving sports, which involves flying a parachute through a slalom course consisting of buoys on the water.
He and his 22-year-old son, Shane, now compete together. Shaffer also works with a military contractor, testing jumps and training skydivers in drop zones all over the world. His two favorite sites are Vancouver Island and the Florida Keys. Shaffer purchased Sky Dive Palatka in 2005 after retiring from his day job at Anheuser Busch. He
trains approximately 50 skydivers through to their A licenses each year. (This is the license a skydiver gets after completing 25 jumps.) The progression to an A license usually begins with the initial tandem jump, which is a jump with a licensed, certified instructor strapped to your back. “Everybody remembers the first
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PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLISON WILSON
Our Town writer Allison Wilson not only writes about skydiving, but has also been known to take the plunge. Here she descends to earth on her ďŹ rst tandem jump in Jacksonville in February of last year.
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PHOTOS BY ALISON BAWDEN
Andrea Knowlton with Gary Hancock, her tandem master, skydiving over Palatka last year. They typically fly to altitudes of 13,200 to 14,500 feet, depending on air traffic and weather conditions.
jump,” Shaffer said. “Once I jumped I knew that’s what I’d be doing for a long time.” Many skydivers who make this decision, such as Flewelling for example, will then go through their AAF training. This involves a six to
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seven hour class and a minimum of seven tandem jumps. Once a person completes those jumps and receives a certification, they can jump without an instructor. Most students can complete AAF training in about a month, but they must
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“Technology makes the equipment really safe with backup chutes and devices that automatically deploy our reserve parachutes.” also be prepared for a significant financial commitment — because freefalling ain’t exactly free. “I was going to buy a car,” Flewelling said. “But now I have a parachute. It was a fair trade.” A fully equipped parachute system typically costs $2,000$6,000, according to information on the United Sates Parachuting Association website. The USPA is a non-profit organization that partners with skydiving schools, clubs and drop zones “to provide properly trained and rated instructors using recognized training programs and following the skydiving community’s basic standards of safety.” There are
more than 220 USPA-affiliated drop zones nationwide. Though the Federal Aviation Administration does regulate some aspects of skydiving — air traffic, pilot certification, how planes are maintained and flown — the agency largely relies on skydivers to self-regulate using USPA recommendations and guidelines. This seems to be an effective model, as the sport gets safer each year. The USPA recorded only 21 skydiving fatalities out of the 3 million jumps made in 2011. Compare that number to the annual average of 32.3 fatalities from 2000-2009 and an annual average of 34.1 during the 1990s.
“Technology makes the equipment really safe with backup chutes and devices that automatically deploy our reserves,” Flewelling said. “But in general, skydiving just has a culture where no one wants to see anyone else get hurt. So we make sure to inspect all our gear really well and to look out for each other too.” USPA has a membership of more than 33,000. In 2010, 45 percent of those members had made at least 25 sport jumps and 38 percent had made 500 or more sport jumps. Membership demographics are literally all over the map (10 percent come from the Southeast) with ages ranging from 16 to 60 and occupations as diverse as the cloud formations. So, like the experience of skydiving itself, its poster children are almost impossible to define. “It’s hard to put a thumbprint on a certain demographic who chooses to do skydiving as a sport,” Shaffer said. “It’s such a huge cross section of people. And that’s the beauty in it.” s
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>> YOU GO; WE GO
Vigilant Preparation Every Day is Training Day at the Gainesville Fire Rescue Dept.
STORY BY MARY KYPREOS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TJ MORRISSEY he single, constant shrill of a bell changes everything. Meals are abandoned uneaten as men slide down a pole, struggle with bulky clothing and rush to the scene of a fire, with their trusty Dalmatian on hand to help, of course. Perhaps this scene played out at a fire station in decades past, but now, with the advent of new technologies, fire prevention education and strategically placed stations, nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed, even the word itself “firefighter” — lacks the necessary breadth to describe the work of Gainesville Fire Rescue Department firefighters, for they rarely act as firefighters in the traditional sense.
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Today, they are also EMTs, paramedics, hazardous material technicians, SWAT medics and more. “We are a natural fit to cross train for emergency services,” said Fire Chief Gene Prince of the Gainesville Fire Rescue Department. “We are strategically located to respond to emergencies quicker.” In reality, the logic behind the expansion of a firefighter’s job comes down to simple economics. There were a number of calls and emergencies that required responses and no one to do it, Prince said. The Gainesville Fire Rescue Department (GFR) was in a unique position to step in, as it already had the infrastructure and staff in place. By 1985, GFR offered EMT services as basic life support and has offered
advanced life support since 1990, Prince said. Scattered across the Gainesville area today, GFR hosts seven stations with advanced life support, and one airport station with basic life support, a far cry from the services it first provided at its inception in 1882. “We are very honored to be a group of individuals who serve the City of Gainesville and have the opportunity to serve in the industry,” Prince said. In 2010 alone, fire calls ranked third in reasons the department was called to service. Medical calls, numbered at 12,290, far outranked the second most cause for a call, alarms, at 1,642. Fire emergencies numbered 1,292, followed by hazardous materials and other calls.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Driver Operator Eric Pace, FF George Keyzer, FF James Brown, FF Andy Pearce and FF Joey Gonzalez.
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“The quicker we can get to them and get them out of that atmosphere, the better the chance for survival.” Before even responding to a call, let alone joining the department, a firefighter must complete the statuary requirement for the State of Florida, the Firefighter Minimum Standards course, consisting of a minimum of 398 training hours. The course teaches basic firefighting skills, such as using nozzles, ladders and extraction equipment; basic fire aid; public education; physical training; how to stay safe and other skills. “The minimum standard is the minimum amount of knowledge and training that you need before you can work or be employed,” said firefighter/paramedic George Keyzer. The minimum. This does not include cross training or constant refresher courses and tests that occur throughout a firefighter’s career. When Keyzer first applied to become
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a firefighter at the GFR, he completed the entire selection process, only to discover the GFR was not hiring non-certified firefighters, he said. However, because he passed all the testing, Keyzer was on the list of eligible candidates for two years as he completed EMT school, attended paramedic school and completed the Firefighter Minimum Standards. Since joining the department two years ago, he has also studied rope rescue, confined spaces and technical rescue, in addition to other subjects. “We train so much, and everything is about preparation,” Keyzer said. “When you are prepared for something and something else catches you off guard, you can still do it.” Furthermore, every firefighter must complete readings, computer training and quizzes on a variety of subjects each month, on top of training exercises,
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LEFT TO RIGHT: Captain Bill McCrea, Chief Donnie Sessions, Chief Gene Prince, Chief Michael Randolph and Acting Chief David McIntire.
mandatory physical activity every morning and keeping abreast of new technology. “Technology is the way of the future, and we look for ways to be on the cutting edge, where we can take advantage of the technology and use it,” Keyzer said. “With technology comes ease of access.” While defibrillators once performed limited services, the
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machines now correct heart rhythms, check breathing rates and more. Gas detectors are now handheld devices, found on every truck that allow for more flexibility to mitigate a situation quickly. Thermal imaging devices are getting smaller, lighter and faster. “Thermal imaging cameras are the best technologies we have seen as to the advantage it gives us to get
in and find a fire victim or the seed of the fire quicker,” Prince said. “The quicker we can get to them and get them out of that atmosphere, the better the chance for survival.” In December, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation donated an $11,000 thermal imaging camera to the GFR. This technology would otherwise be unavailable to the department because of
QUICK FACTS: In 1678, the first fire engine company in the U.S. was founded in Boston. Before that time, bucket brigades extinguished fires. A flashover is the stage of fire when all surfaces and objects are heated to their ignition temperature (flash point) and flame breaks out almost at once over the entire surface. The first salaried fire department was established in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1853. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home-fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading factor contributing to these facts.
budget restraints. “Our local heroes need to be prepared at a moment’s notice to protect and save lives,” said Clark Coleman, general manager of the Gainesville Firehouse Subs. “They deserve the best tools, training and technology, and our foundation is here to make that happen.” Thermal imaging cameras detect body heat and hot spots, ensuring firefighters reach victims in half the time and find the seed of the fire
more quickly. Although many public safety departments have suffered from cutbacks and layoffs during the economic troubles, Gainesville has been fairly isolated from such issues. In June 2011, the GFR opened its first new fire station in 30 years, located at 3223 NW 42 Ave., which also necessitated the hiring of new firefighters. The department received a two-year SAFER grant of $1.6 million to hire
In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,331,500 fires. These fires caused 3,120 civilian deaths and 17,720 civilian injuries. In the same year, 72 firefighters were fatally injured while on duty. There were 78,150 firefighter injuries in 2009. Information courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association
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“You must be willing to work with others to be a firefighter.” the new firefighters. “As our cities and population grow, we will need to increase our service as we move forward into the future,” Prince said. Although GFR has managed to maintain and even extend its service areas, its firefighters receive fewer raises. About three years ago, it was common for a firefighter to receive a 3 percent raise each year and/ or a 2.8 percent merit raise, said Josh Roberts, an eight-year veteran of the GFR. Now, they receive a 1 percent raise; however, with insurance costs rising, it hardly registers. Nevertheless, “compared to others, we haven’t lost people; we’ve hired people,” Roberts said, adding that like many careers, it can be difficult to find work as a firefighter in today’s market.
Prince, Roberts and Keyzer all highlighted GFR’s growth and staff preservation, a comment on both the fire department’s stability and its strong sense of family. From the get-go at fire school, focus is placed on the success of firefighters as a team. Training sessions may be passed or failed as a group, just as success in the field depends on every member of the crew. “You must be willing to work with others to be a firefighter,” Roberts said. “You can’t do it without help.” After a crew has been working together for a time, every call and each scene represents an extremely well-oiled machine of firefighters. Jobs are specified by the order of arrival, and everyone knows and performs the same procedures to the point that Roberts
practically reads his colleague’s thoughts. Keyzer agreed. “The group of people we work with is like a family, and a lot of the time we rely on each other for support,” he said. “We do a lot of things together.” Even with the trust and familial bond that contributes to the function of a firefighting unit, it is nonetheless a dangerous job, with which may come injuries or death in the course of a call. Within both a firefighter family and the community at large, the fire department experiences great support when an injury or death occurs, Prince said. However, just because the person injured was a firefighter, does not mean that his or her family is taken care of indefinitely. Thus, Chief Prince recommends reaching out to see how one can help. “Whenever you get a chance, thank a firefighter for their service,” he said. “That goes a long way.” s
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hen Sergio Campanaro’s grandmother-in-law became ill with dementia, he wanted nothing but the best of care for her. But most places he found had too much of a hospital setting for his liking. “We cared for her in home for 19 months before she passed away,” he said. “We couldn’t find a place that would give her that family atmosphere that (dementia patients) should be in when 60 | Spring 2012
they’re in that kind of condition.” The experience inspired Campanaro and his family to open a facility like the one they had looked for but never found – a homelike environment with individual attention and care. This vision was realized in June when with the opening of Loving Care Assisted Living. Centrally located at 1205 NW 9th Avenue, Loving Care has eight bedrooms, most of which
are private. Meals are cooked from scratch and can be customized to specific health needs, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Daily activities for residents include exercise such as walking and stretching, crafts, tea time, beauty sessions and more. Campanaro emphasizes that the physical activity in particular, combined with the low resident to staff ratio, provides key benefits for seniors with dementia. “We make sure they’re active every single day,” he said. “Even if someone is in a wheelchair, the improvements are dramatic within a few weeks of being with us. We’ve had some people previously in a nursing home who were told they would never walk again, but they’re up now! They’re not running marathons, but they’re not completely dependent on somebody having to do everything for them.” The individual attention isn’t the only unique aspect of Loving Care. The facility also offers daytime care on an hourly or daily basis, as well as short-term overnight
stays. Tending to a loved one with dementia is exhausting, and caregivers need a break every now and then. Patients can be brought to Loving Care for just about any time frame without a long-term commitment, even if it’s just for an hour so they can go to an appointment or for a week or two while they go on vacation. All staff members, including a registered nurse on call and certified nursing assistants, meet and often exceed the state requirements of care for dementia patients. But Campanaro said there is one more important qualification they must have. “They must love what they do. This has to be a calling for them,” he said. “They take joy in every improvement in a resident here; they take it personally. They just absolutely love our clients.”
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>> COOL RUNNINGS
Parkour You Against Yourself
STORY BY DANA EDWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TJ MORRISSEY rew Drechsel, 22, scales concrete walls, twists, flips and rolls as he vaults metal rails, jumps across stairs and lands with amazing mazing agility and speed. The professional parkour trainer and free runner from Coconut ut Creek, Fla. moved to Gainesville to start the city’s first free running group, p, a sport that uses natural elements of cities and landscapes to perform acrobatics. crobatics. Parkour (also known simply as PK) emphasizes moving from one point to another as quickly and as efficiently as possible, designed to swiftly wiftly overcome obstacles in the environment. Drechsel started free running after he found traditional high school sports “too boring and not fun.” He taught himself the sport port by watching YouTube videos for a year. “I love to walk around on my hands,” Drechsel said. “Now I walk faster on my hands than I do on my feet.” The thrill-seeker enjoys the demand of parkour’s high-energy, gy, adrenaline rush. Drechsel also said the sport is a very effective fire safety evacuation plan, although he has not encountered that situation. After five-to-six hours of training six days each week, Drechsel’s shoes take a beating. He prefers to wear K-Swiss Ariakes, which are specifically made for free running athletes
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and last three to five months. an Recently, Drechsel competed as the youngest challenger on the third season of “American Ninja th Warrior,� an ultimate obstacle W course challenge hosted in Japan. co
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Drechsel made one of the top 10 competitor spots on the show, but had to drop out of the challenge after sustaining an injury from a 4-foot drop during the third course. Surgery last August was only a
slight setback for the thrill-seeker. His torn anterior cruciate ligament, chipped tibia, cracked femur and other injuries from the fall did not
stop him from teaching parkour and free running courses at Go Primal Fitness and Training Institute. A week after surgery, Drechsel said
he would begin training in November for American Ninja Warrior’s fourth season, after consulting with his physical therapist, who also takes his courses at Go Primal. On Sept. 8 Drechsel began an 18-day Recovery Tour sponsored by American Parkour across the state. The tour began at the University of Florida continuing through the
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“At some point for people it becomes less about fitness and more about accomplishing something; fitness becomes a byproduct.” campuses at the University of Miami, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, as well as at other colleges and towns. “I never thought I could jump off a wall in a back flip without touching the ground until I followed Drew’s instructions,” said Steven Cen, a freshman pre-med student at the University of Florida who attended the first day of Drechsel’s Recovery Tour. Cen said parkour and free running is big in his hometown of Orlando, and when he saw Drechsel’s Facebook event in Gainesville he knew he had to attend. A high school polevaulter, Cen said he has always been
interested in the development of the human body and its abilities to perform astounding feats. After completing Drechsel’s makeshift obstacle course around UF’s engineering buildings, Cen finished in 2 minutes and 33 seconds — a record for a first-timer Drechsel has taught. During the second weekend in January, Drechsel traveled to New Jersey to meet, train and compete against competitor hopefuls during a Professional American Ninja Warrior Training Weekend he helped host. “It is clear that these endurance sports are growing,” said Mike Odio, a health and fitness graduate student at UF. “It started with 5K races a
few years ago, then half-marathons. Now you see mud-runs and obstacle courses where people are upping the ante. At some point for people it becomes less about fitness and more about accomplishing something; fitness becomes a byproduct.” Both Drechsel and Odio encourage fun and creativity while working out. “There is no winning or losing [in parkour and free running],” Drechsel said. “It’s not about competition. It’s about you against yourself, learning new things and challenging yourself.” But extreme workouts can result in extreme injuries. Odio suggested trying new challenges in a safe, supervised environment while using common sense. Whatever the activity of choice, he said, make sure it is something fun and keeps you wanting more. “Forget eight-minute abs” Drechsel said, after climbing a suspended rope without using his legs. “I give you 12-second abs.” s
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>> DISCIPLINE. RESPECT.
Kickin’ Cancer Karate Tournament Raises Funds for Cancer Research
STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA WILLIAMSON s a USA Goju Karate Instructor, Keith Teller is always prepared to take on a challenge. Whether it is teaching a class of 10 children or organizing a tournament with 100 participates, Keith manages to tackle the task with ease. After all, he is prepared. He knows the best stances to off-balance an opponent, the proper way to perform a side kick and the importance of remembering to breathe. But when his mom was
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diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it didn’t matter which stance she took; her opponent was devastatingly strong. A fighter, Rosalie Teller lived years longer than the doctors expected. She passed away last year. On February 25, karate students can participate in the 23rd Annual Gainesville Challenge Karate Tournament, hosted by Lincoln Middle School, which raises money for cancer research in Rosalie Teller’s honor. Proceeds will go to “Stand Up To Cancer.” Last year, the event drew
PHOTO BY AMANDA WILLIAMSON
Keith Teller instructs his students to bow to each other before a fight. Keith’s son Neil, 16, started karate when he was four years old. He said, “As I’ve progressed, I’ve learned karate is not something you do as just a hobby.”
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approximately 160 competitors and 300 spectators. Teller said that all his karate students are participating in the competition. He also handed out 100 fliers to karate instructors and sent around 200 e-mails. “We have people coming from as far as Georgia and Miami,� Teller
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said. Participants are also driving in from Tampa and Fort Meyers. At the tournament, the karate styles will vary from tae kwon do, kung fu and tang soo do. While those are the main styles, Teller predicts there will be more. The tournament is divided into
three categories: forms, a prearranged set of fighting movements; weapons forms and sparring. Each category is further broken down by rank and age. The winner of each category will go home with a cash prize and a trophy. Judges are respected Black Belts
GAINESVILLE CHALLENGE Open Martial Arts Tournament All Proceeds Go to “Stand UP2 Cancer”
February 25, 2012 Lincoln Middle School 1001 SE 12 Street, Gainesville 8:00 am - Registration Begins 9:45 am - Black Belt Meeting 10:30 am - All Divisions Begin $
5 at the door (under 5 free)
that attend the competition. There are usually 3 to 5, and they rank participants on a scale, similar to the Olympics. “It’s kind of like what they show on Karate Kid, but less theatrical and less injuries,” Teller said. In the movie, the participants did not
wear any gear. At the Gainesville Challenge, they are required to wear protective gear. Teller said the tournament is a success every year. “It’s like any other sporting event,” he said. “When everything runs smoothly, it means everyone
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During the adult karate class at The Gainesville Dojo, Instructor Keith Teller leads the class in a series of forms: a series of pre-arranged movements. As children spar (bottom right), Teller looks on, ready to correct any mistake. All the students pictured will be at the upcoming tournament.
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has a good time, kids are treated fairly and no one gets hurt.” It also means that there is enough money to donate after covering the cost of the tournament. There is always enough, he said. “Stand Up To Cancer” became the chosen charity for Teller after he found out that all of the donations go to cancer research, unlike some charities that spend a portion of their donations on administration costs.
people a year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Over the years, the Teller family put on the Gainesville Challenge together. Teller has held an annual event ever since he organized tournaments while attending the University of West Florida to raise money for the Karate Club. After Teller created the Annual Gainesville Challenge, his mother participated in concessions, and even continued
Students set goals that are unique to each individual. Martial arts are about improving the whole person, including creating discipline and instilling respect for others. “We saw their first TV telethon when my mother was still alive and being treated for pancreatic cancer,” Teller said. According to the “Stand Up To Cancer” website, “Stand Up To Cancer is a new initiative created to accelerate groundbreaking cancer research that will get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives.” “Stand Up To Cancer” hopes to encourage collaboration instead of competition by bringing together the best in the field. This is where the end of cancer begins,” the website states. Last year, cancer killed 571,950
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to go to the tournament after she was diagnosed with cancer to watch her grandson, Neil, perform. “She inspired me,” Neil said. Neil has participated in the tournament since he was five years old. He is now a 16-year-old student dual-enrolled at Gainesville High School and Santa Fe College. The tournament has been a part of his life for the last ten years. He said the tournament is a networking event, allowing him to see other styles of martial arts. There used to be more local schools that participated, Keith said. Over the years, the martial
arts have evolved. Some schools, he said, do not go to tournaments, and some only go to competitions that are style-specific. Most people think karate is just about techniques, Neil said, but really it is about self perfection. “It’s not so much a place to learn, but to test,” he said. During year-round training at the Gainesville Dojo, the students set goals that are unique to each individual. It is different, Neil said, than training for other pro-sports, such as Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, or professional boxing. Professional boxers train for a specific person, unlike the Goju Karate training. Martial arts are about improving the whole person, including creating discipline and instilling respect for others. Jim Beach, a student of Goju Karate at the Gainesville Dojo, has been to the tournament twice before. “Personally, I do it to show support for the dojo and to represent my Sensei,” Beach said. “It’s not about the trophy for me.” He said it is exhilarating to perform in front of the Black Belts, whose work he admires and respects. The judges, Beach said, are unbiased. “Your only opponent is yourself,” he said, “and you’re just trying to be better than you were last time.” s For more Information, call Hanshi Teller at 352-378-3070 or visit gainesvilledojo.net For more information about “Stand Up 2 Cancer” or to make a donation, visit www.standup2cancer.org
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>> LUNG CANCER AWARENESS
Run Amuck with the Duck Walk, Run, Hop, Waddle or Skip for a Lung Cancer Cure
BY MARY KYPREOS n the fight against lung cancer, one three-word question continually undermines the disease: “Did you smoke?” To lung cancer survivors, fighters and advocates, this seemingly simplistic question ignores the fact that lung cancer is no longer a smoker’s disease. “We really want to raise the awareness that this is an equal opportunity disease,” said lungcancer survivor Caren Gorenberg. “The face of lung cancer has
I
changed dramatically over the last few years, but the stigma has not.” Reversing this stigma has, in fact, become almost as important as fighting lung cancer itself, since the question often implies that lung-cancer patients “deserve it.” This in turn leads to a greater lack in funding and fewer breakthroughs in research, compared to other cancers. Run Amuck with the Duck: Fight Lung Cancer, a 5K walk or run series in its third year nationally and in Gainesville, seeks to do just that: raise awareness and funds
for lung cancer while changing misconceptions. “We just have to change it and educate people and let people know that they have to support it,” Gorenberg said. The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (BJALCF) sponsors the event, which takes place this year on March 31 at the North Florida Regional Medical Center. “We are really looking forward to the event and thrilled to be back in Gainesville,” said Amelia Lewis, event director at the BJALCF. In Gainesville, more than 300
PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL GORENBERG.
Run Amuck with the Duck coordinators and lung cancer fighters pose together during the Second Annual Run Amuck with the Duck event. (from left) Sandy Soloman, Caren Gorenberg, Dianna Caridi and her son Anthony, posing with Crackers the Duck.
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RUN AMUCK
WITH THE DUCK FIGHT LUNG CANCER North Florida Regional Medical Center PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL GORENBERG
Saturday, March 31 Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. and a celebration from 10:00 a.m. until Noon. $
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people participated last year, and due to demand, this year’s event will also feature a time factor for serious runners, Gorenberg said. The past two years of Run Amuck have seen extreme success; it has
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raised more than $100,000 in funds. “We had tremendous support in Gainesville,” Lewis said. “Caren Gorenberg and Dianne Caridi did a fantastic job. We are hoping for the same beautiful weather we had last
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refreshments, registration, etc. BJALCF began the walk/run series as a way to reach out to communities and spread awareness of lung cancer, Lewis said. “What we found is that there is really a lack of lung cancer events across America,” she said. “It has been a tremendous success in increasing awareness.” Bonnie Addario created BJALCF after fighting her own battle with lung cancer. Although the foundation is relatively young at only six years old, it nonetheless strives to create a positive impact. BJALCF wants to help raise the 5-year survival rate of lung cancer from 15.5 percent, where it has remained stagnant for decades, said BJALCF Executive Director Shelia Vondriska. “Our immediate goal is to make sure that every single patient has the same opportunity to survive,” she said. Furthermore, they seek to develop a blood test to detect lung
cancer earlier. When caught early, the survival rate increases from 15.5 percent to 92 percent — a huge difference between life and death. At the moment, lung cancer is often discovered through CT scans. “Lung cancer doesn’t have any symptoms, so most patients don’t catch it until they are at stage 4,” Vondriska said. Lung cancer is measured in four stages, the last of which indicates an advanced stage of cancer that has usually moved to other areas in the body, according to Lungcancer.org. BJALCF focuses on lung cancer not only because of Bonnie but also because few people care about the disease due to the smoking stigma, she said. “I believe we can change it, and it is just a matter of time,” Vondriska said. “But not all lungcancer patients have this time. If we can get $20 from a million people, imagine what that could do for lung cancer,” she said. For Gorenberg and Dianne Caridi,
both local lung-cancer survivors, this funding means the difference between a death sentence and living with a lung cancer diagnosis. Doctors diagnosed Gorenberg with stage 4 lung cancer after a routine chest X-ray in 2006. “I had not a sign; not a symptom,” she said. “I felt fabulous, so it was particularly shocking.” Over the years, she has had multiple rounds of chemotherapy, part of her lung removed, and she now takes the drug Tarceva daily. Gorenberg explained that she calls it her “golden pill” because of its expense and the fact that it keeps her alive. She received her first clear scan in January of 2008 and continues to receive scans every three months. In December, she joined the ranks of the 15.5 percent of people who have survived five years with lung cancer. Although Gorenberg has reached this stage, she nevertheless focuses her attention on others; on those she calls “the poster” children of
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LUNG CANCER FACTS You can get lung cancer if you have never smoked. In fact, 60 percent of lung cancer occurs in people who have never smoked or are former smokers Lung cancer accounts for 30 percent of all cancer deaths and is the number one cancer killer. It affects more people than breast, prostate, colon, liver, melanoma and kidney cancers combined For every $1 spent on lung cancer, $9 is spent on breast cancer Most lung-cancer patients are diagnosed so late that they will die within one year Information courtesy of the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation.
the disease. As an older woman, Goreberg believes it is important to remember that this disease also affects people in the prime of their lives, young people and everyone in between. “The big battle is to let people know that there is a Dianne Caridi
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out there who never smoked a day in her life and is a young mother of two,” Goreberg said. Caridi, who was a competitive swimmer, went to the doctors with what she thought was acid reflux, but in the end, turned out to be lung cancer.
“When I found out the diagnoses, it was literally the shock of my life,” she said in an interview in April 2011. Since her diagnosis, Caridi has undergone extensive cancer treatments, and has needed re-hospitalizations because of lung and brain cancer progressions. She continues to fight against cancer and to raise funds and awareness for this devastating disease. For Caridi, it was — and is — her family, friends and community who help her, and from whom she draws her strength. Most importantly, Caridi hopes cancer patients will keep fighting: “No matter what the statistics say, don’t give up hope. You never know what is around the corner.” s EDITOR’S NOTE: Dianne Caridi passed away on February 2 after a truly valiant three-year battle with lung cancer. She was just forty-two years old. For questions or volunteer information: e-mail Caren Gorenberg at carengorenberg@gmail.com, Subject: Run Amuck; or call 352-378-2000.
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bout every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The American Hearth Association has designated the month of February as “Healthy Heart Month.” Now is a good time to evaluate your lifestyle to make sure you are doing everything possible to ensure your heart is as healthy as possible! A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons you have to fight heart disease. It is important to remember that it is the overall pattern of the choices you make that counts. As you make daily food choices, read nutrition labels and base your eating pattern on these recommendations: • Choose lean meats and poultry and prepare them without added fat. • Select fat-free, 1% fat, and low-fat dairy products. • Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. • Aim to eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol each day. • Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars. • Select and purchase foods lower in salt/sodium. • Keep an eye on your portion sizes. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack. To help identify, monitor, and prevent future attacks Mederi Caretenders has developed a Telehealth
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program. Patients are provided with the highest level of care both while health professionals are in the home and in between visits utilizing Telemonitoring and Telehealth. Home monitoring signals the onset of potential adverse events – alerting us to the need for intervention, ideally, preventing the need for emergency room visits and hospital readmissions. Our Telehealth program supports active involvement of patients with their own care through education and responding to early signs and symptoms. Every day, patients enrolled in the program may take one or more of their own vital measurements – weight, blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, or glucose levels using a wireless device in their homes. These measurements are automatically transferred to a computer monitored by a dedicated nurse who will assess the survey questions and make a decision on whether the patient needs to be seen immediately by a member of our clinical team. All care decisions are made in conjunction with and under the supervision of your individual physician. The Telehealth program is for any patients who have: • Congestive Heart Failure • Heart Failure • Coronary Artery Disease • Atrial Fibrillation • Hypertension • Diabetes Mellitus Call Caretenders today if you or someone you love could benefit from this high touch, high tech program. We would love to provide you with better health and peace of mind!
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CALENDAR If you would like to have an event considered for publication in this calendar, please submit information directly. post 4400 NW 36th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32606 | e-mail editor@towerpublications.com | fax 352-373-9178
LOVE LETTERS Through February 19 Times Vary ACROSSTOWN REPERTORY THEATRE - The play centers on just two characters, Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepease Ladd III. Using the epistolary form sometimes found in novels, they sit sideby-side at tables and read the notes, letters and cards - of nearly 50 years - from their meeting in the second grade until one of them dies. 352-371-1234.
WILD BUFFALOS, WILD WHEELS Thursday, February 16 5:00pm - 6:00pm THE LIBRARY PARTNERSHIP - 1130 NE 16th Ave. Celebrate Black History with members of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club. Come learn about the legacy of the club and hear stories about these honorable military men, the role they played in American history and how the motorcycle club keeps their memory alive. 352-334-0165.
Walk Alone” and “Ave Maria,” Celtic Woman is backed by a six-piece band, the Aontas Choir and a renowned Irish dancer. 352-392-ARTS.
LIFE INSURANCE Thursday, February 16 2:00pm - 3:00pm SENIOR RECREATION CENTER - 5701 NW 34th St. Limited to 24 participants; Come to an informative presentation to discuss life insurance and the many ways it can help provide for your family. Call 352-265-9040 to reserve seat.
DRAG RACING Thursday, February 16 10:00am GAINESVILLE RACEWAY - NHRA Lucas Oil Series drivers in seven categories compete for valuable points leading to regional, divisional and national championships, and a share of a $500,000 purse. Categories that compete in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series are Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street. 352-377-0046.
CELTIC WOMAN Thursday, Feb. 16 7:30pm - 9:00pm O’CONNELL CENTER Performing classic Irish tunes, such as “The Water Is Wide,” “Green Grow the Rushes”; timeless pop anthems, such as “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Sailing”; and inspirational songs, including “You’ll Never
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ANTI-JEWISH POGROM VIOLENCE Friday, February 17 7:00pm UF HILLEL - Jeffrey Kopstein is Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto and Acting Director of its Centre for Jewish Studies. Professor
Kopstein is currently co-authoring a book on pogrom violence at the beginning of World War II. 352-392-8902.
NOEL PAUL STOOKEY Friday, February 17 7:30pm UNIVERSITY AUDITORIUM Noel Paul Stookey has been altering both the musical and ethical landscape of this country and the world for decades — both as the “Paul” of the legendary Peter, Paul and Mary and as an independent musician who brings the spiritual into the practice of daily life. 352-392-2346.
40TH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET Friday, February 17 5:00pm - 7:00pm ARREDONDO CAFE Reitz Union. Join the Institute of Black Culture to celebrate the IBC’s legacy and this milestone in UF history. Admission is free and dinner will be served. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Lori Patton, Associate Professor in the Higher Education Program at the University of Denver. 352-392-1217 ext. 252.
DANCE 2012 Feb. 17 - Feb. 26 Times Vary
DORIS BARDON COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER - 716 N. Main St. In this six-week class, students will use prior knowledge to take their pottery to the next level. Students will make a set of cups or bowls, pull a handle, attach a spout and practice on the potter’s wheel. Limit 10 students. 352-505-5062.
CONSTANS THEATRE This performance event incorporates a variety of classical and contemporary dance works choreographed by renowned professional artists and UF faculty. The performance has a mixture of dances, including serious, emotionally moving, thought provoking, celebratory and comedic. Feb. 17-18 and Feb. 21-24 at 7:30pm; Feb. 19 and 26 at 2:00pm. 352-392-1653.
BACH AND JOHANSON
CARMINA BURANA
Friday, February 17 7:30pm
Feb. 17 - Feb. 18 7:30pm - 9:30pm
HOLY FAITH CHURCH 747 NW 43rd St. 2012 Jubilus Festival. 352-376-5405. www.
PHILLIPS CENTER - Dance Alive National Ballet joins the UF Symphony Orchestra and Chorus along with the
FIRDAY POTTERY Friday, February 17 10:00am - 1:00pm
holyfaithchurch.org.
Gainesville Civic Chorus and guest artists from the world of opera in the brilliant production of Carmina Burana. A dynamic, breathtaking and utterly moving journey from Adam and Eve to Armageddon.
www.dancealive.org. 352-392-ARTS
INVITATIONAL STEP SHOW Saturday, February 18 7:00pm - 11:00pm O’CONNELL CENTER - The 23rd Annual Step Show presented by BSU. General admission. 352-392-5500
FAMILY DAY Saturday, February 18 1:00pm
NHRA Gatornationals March 8 - March 11 Times Vary GAINESVILLE RACEWAY - Start your engines! This four-day event is an annual National Hot Rod Association drag-racing event. General admission available for all days, and pit access is included with every ticket. Thursday, opening at 8:00am; Friday and Saturday, opening at 7:00am; Sunday, opening at 7:30am.
HARN MUSEUM OF ART - Bring your family to discover the new exhibition, “Verdant Earth and Teeming Seas: The Natural World in Ancient American Art.” Family-friendly guided tours will be followed by an opportunity to create art inspired by the earth and seas. A donation of $2 per child or $5 per family is requested if participating in the activity. 352-392-9826. harn.ufl.edu
Arlo Guthrie 2/23/12 7:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER - In addition to being a masterful musician in piano, guitar, harmonica and a dozen other instruments, Arlo Guthrie is a natural-born storyteller, whose offbeat anecdotes and personal tales weave seamlessly into his performances. Arlo Guthrie artfully crafts political commentary and spiritual musings into lively, thoughtful folk music. 352-392-ARTS.
WINE TASTING AND AUCTION Sunday, February 19 1:00pm - 4:00pm REITZ UNION - Grand ballroom. Enjoy the ambiance and join the celebration of Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM. This year’s theme is the “Grape Gatsby.” This is an annual wine-tasting event and auction for North Central Florida’s public radio station. Tickets are $55 in advance and $60 at the door. www.celebrationofwine. org. 352-392-5200.
SUNDAY AT THE POPS Sunday, February 19 2:00pm FINE ARTS HALL - Santa Fe College. The Gainesville Community Band will feature several guest artists, such as Bill Prince, who is playing his arrangements of the Big-Band era. Other soloists are William Dishman, trumpet; Charles Propper, trombone; and Rachel
Matz, tuba. Tickets available at the door. Suggested donations of $5-10 per person or $10-20 per family. www.
23rd National African
gnvband.org.
children’s area, selected
American Read-In. Teen volunteers will be reading materials in the from works authored
AFRICAN AMERICAN READ-IN
by African Americans, in an ongoing Read-In throughout the day.
Sunday, February 19 7:00pm
Listen to a story,
TOWER ROAD BRANCH LIBRARY - Join more than a million readers in the
share your own voice.
www.VisitOurTowns.com
discover new books or 352-333-2840.
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Norman Goda 2/22/12
created by SF Dance Faculty and guest artists. $15 orchestra; $12 balcony; $9 seniors, children, UF students.
www.santafecollege.edu.
6:00pm - 7:00pm SMATHERS LIBRARY - UF Authors: English Professor Norman Goda will discuss his book “Hitler’s Shadow - Nazi War Criminals, US Intelligence, and the Cold War.” The book investigates how and why numerous Nazi war criminals, including high officials of the Gestapo, escaped prosecution at the end of the Second World War. 352-273-2505.
A SERVICE OF COMPLINE Sunday, February 19 8:00pm - 8:30pm HOLY TRINTY EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 100 NE First St. This service of plainsong chant and anthems places its emphasis on spiritual peace at the close of the day and is sung by the Gentlemen of the Choir. 352-372-4721.
SPAMALOT Monday, February 20 7:30pm
orchestra of traditional instruments in China. The Shanghai Chinese Orchestra will be represented by a 20-piece chamber ensemble, which will present a concert that features music from their Elegant Music Series, including Relic, Drum Fantasia, Moon’s Reflection on Er-Quan and more. 352-392-ARTS.
OVER THE TAVERN Feb. 22 - March 18 Times Vary
books. He won the Coretta Scott King Award for his illustrations in the poetry compilation: “In Daddy’s Arms I am Tall” and “Jimi: Sounds like a Rainbow.” Steptoe will discuss his artistic style, his inspirations and his work. 352-334-3900.
PASSPORT TO DISCOVERY Friday, February 24 7:00pm - 11:00pm MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - Enjoy dinner, live music and dancing while the Museum comes to life at the annual fundraiser, “Passport to Discovery: A Night at the Museum.” Help create a permanent and expanded Discovery Room. Proceeds from the event will support the planning and construction of the exhibit. 352-273-2086.
EDUCATION BENEFIT GALA Friday, February 24 7:00pm - 11:00pm THOMAS CENTER - Enjoy an evening of live music, dancing, and entertainment while supporting the Expressions Learning Arts Academy Charter School. The silent auction has something for everyone, include original artwork, gift certificates for local restaurants and shops, vacations, and more. Appetizers and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are $25 each. 352-373-5223.
THE CURIOUS CASE OF POLAND’S VANISHING LEFT Friday, February 24 Noon ANDERSON 216 - UF. Krzysztof Jasiewicz is the William P. Ames Jr. Professor in Sociology and Anthropology at Washington and Lee University. He has published on elections, voting behavior, party systems, and political attitudes in Poland. This talk is co-sponsored by the department of political science and the Raymond and Miriam Ehrlich Chair and the Center for European Studies. 352-392-0262.
PHILLIPS CENTER - Monty Python’s Spamalot is the outrageous new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic, Monty Python and The Holy Grail. Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Expect flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers. 352-392-ARTS.
HIPPODROME THEATER - Faith, family and Ed Sullivan fight for space in the Pazinski’s cramped upstate New York apartment. The youngest of the bunch, 12-year-old Rudy, is a precocious kid who’s starting to question his family’s values and the Roman Catholic Church. When he announces that he’d rather shop around for a more “fun” religion, all hell breaks loose. 352375-4477. www.thehipp.org
THE SHANGHAI ORCHESTRA
JAVAKA STEPTOE
DANCE THEATRE ELEMENTS OF STYLE
Tuesday, February 21 7:30pm
Thursday, February 23 6:30pm
Friday, February 24 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Feb. 24 - Feb. 26 Times Vary
PHILLIPS CENTER - The Shanghai Chinese Orchestra was the first large-scale, modern
HEADQUARTERS LIBRARY - Javaka Steptoe is an award-winning illustrator of children’s
SANTA FE COLLEGE Dance Theatre of Santa Fe will perform a dance concert with new works
ACROSSTOWN REPERTORY THEATRE - A provocative look into race and socioeconomic relations
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www.flmnh.ufl.edu/passport.
THE DOORMAN
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Tioga Winter Fine Arts Fair February 24 - February 26 Starts at 10:00am TIOGA TOWN CENTER Presented by the Gainesville Fine Arts Association. Enjoy art, wine tasting, fireworks, jazz and children’s activities. www.tiogatowncenter.com
in New York City during the dawning of the national civil rights movement. A one-act play set in Midtown New York City, circa early 1960s. It is about the interactions in the day of the life of a New
York City doorman. 352-371-1234.
FROM HERE TO THE SEA Feb. 24 - March 9 Times Vary THRONEBROOK GALLERY
- 2441 NW 43rd St., Suite 6D. Follow Trish Beckham as she takes you to places you’ve been time and time again and shows them to you as though you’d never seen them before. 352-378-4947.
EVIDENCE DANCE CO. Saturday, February 25 7:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER Through the blending of African, modern ballet and social-dance movements, Artistic Director Ronald K. Brown choreographs a masterpiece dance vision of African culture. Evidence, a Brooklyn-based dance company, focuses on the human experience in the African Diaspora, connecting history and traditions into a storybook of music, movement and spoken word. 352-392-ARTS.
FMI GODMEN CONFERENCE Saturday, February 25 7:30am WESTSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH - 10000 W. Newberry Road. The FMI GodMen Conference is a
Haven’t you
waited long enough?
N
Ge mo
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half-day equipping men’s conference led by Brad Stine with four mid-morning breakout sessions, from which men may choose to attend one. Brad Stine will use comedy and scripture to challenge men to be the men of God that they are called to be. 352-333-7700.
ARIEL STRING QUARTET Sunday, February 26 2:00pm UNIVERSITY AUDITORIUM - Formed in Israel, the Ariel String Quartet moved to the United States in 2004 to continue their professional studies. Among their many achievements, the quartet was awarded third prize at the Banff International String Quartet Competition and first prize at the
International Franz Schubert and The Music of Modernity competition in Graz, Austria. 352-392-2346.
AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTISTS Sunday, February 26 7:00pm HARN MUSEUM - Celebrate Black History Month by learning more about outstanding works of art by African American artists. 352-392-9826. harn.ufl.edu
BOSTON BRASS Tuesday, February 28 7:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER - In a premiere collaboration between the Boston Brass and UF’s awardwinning composer Paul Richards, the ensemble celebrates its 25th anniversary
through thrilling classical arrangements to renowned jazz standards, along with the best of the original brass quintet repertoire. 352-392-ARTS.
DESIGNER GENES: GENETIC ENGINEERING Tuesday, February 28 6:30 - 8:00pm WAREHOUSE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE - 502 S. Main St. Each Science Café includes a short presentation and is designed to allow community members to ask questions and engage in lively discussions with each other and guest speakers. RSVP at least one week in advance by emailing skelly@ flmnh.ufl.edu or calling 352-273-2085.
Now is the time.
VANISHING OF THE BEES Wed., February 29 7:00pm FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY This film examines the importance of honeybees in pollinating fruit and vegetable crops, and the impact of colony collapse disorder on the future of agriculture and Americans’ way of life. Cinema Verde brings together science and the arts to raise awareness of environmental issues and help forge sustainable solutions for the future. 352-273-2062.
A SOUSA SPECTACULAR Thursday, March 1 7:30pm - 9:30pm FINE ARTS HALL THEATRE Santa Fe College. Santa Fe Winds concert band,
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under the direction of Dr. Steve Bingham, will present a concert in the style of the famous “John Phillips Sousa Band.” $15 orchestra; $12 balcony; $9 seniors, children, UF students.
www.santafecollege.edu.
CONSIGNMENT SALE Friday, March 2 8:30am - 7:00pm
Music, Food, Rides and Fun!!
ALACHUA SPRING FESTIVAL In Historic Downtown City of Alachua 10 Miles North of Gainesville - Exit 399 on I-75
SUNDAY, April 15th, 2012 - 11AM - 5 PM Main Street in Downtown City of Alachua Free and Open to the Public
Enjoy a wonderful Sunday afternoon with the family while strolling along Historic Downtown Main Street in Alachua, lined with lovely Victorians. Savor delicious food while listening to local musicians and chatting with friends, neighbors and gracious shopkeepers and unique vendors! We look forward to seeing you!!
Sponsored By: Alachua Business League, The City of Alachua, SunState Federal Credit Union, Gator Dominos and Alachua Printing
For more information: alachua.business@gmail.com
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ABIDING SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL - 9700 W. Newberry Road. Girls and boys clothes, from Gymboree, Gap, Ralph Lauren, Janie & Jack, Kelly’s Kids, Lilly Pulitzer, Talbots Kids, Heartstrings, etc. Glider, Travel Systems, Diaper Bag, Bouncy Seats, Baby Gates and more! Benefits March of Dimes. 352-514-9602.
IMAGINATION MOVERS Friday, March 2 4:00pm and 7:00pm PHILLIPS CENTER - The New Orleans-based band will play its most popular children’s songs, capturing the magic of its television series. 352-392-ARTS.
RACE THE TORTOISE 5K Saturday, March 3 7:30am O’LENO STATE PARK - This is a certified out-andback race for runners and walkers along the park’s scenic, paved main road. It starts and finishes near the main parking area, which is about 1.5 miles past the Ranger Station. This race is limited to the first 300 registrants. Race starts by 8:00am; Arrival by 7:30am.
KEIRA GRACE FOUNDATION’S SHARE THE CURE Saturday, March 3 7:00pm - 11:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER - Be part of an annual fundraising event and bring hope, restoration and life to children with cancer in the Dominican Republic! Special guest, former University of Florida wide receiver and Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee, Chris Doering.
www.keiragracefoundation.com. 352-392-2787 or 800-277-1700.
WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS: FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL March 3 - March 4 9:00am - 3:00pm THORNEBROOK VILLAGE - Admission to the public is free. The festival includes art vendors, music, food, art activities, art demonstrations, kid’s activities, live reenactments and family friendly organizations. Spend an inspiring and creative fun-filled day to help promote Youth Art Month. yoppinc.com/ thornebrook.html.
POSTHARVEST HORTICULTURE March 5 - March 9 Times Vary FIFIELD HALL - UF. 2012 Florida Postharvest Horticulture Tour coordinated by Dr. Steven Sargent, Professor of Postharvest Technology, UF, Horticulture Sciences Department.
BRING THIS COUPON TO OUR GAINESVILLE STORE FOR 10% OFF ALL APPAREL!
352-872-5133 4401 NW 25TH PL. - STE L GAINESVLLE, FLORIDA
WWW.DEEPSOUTHLACROSSE.COM • CONTACTUS@DEEPSOUTHLACROSSE.COM
www.VisitOurTowns.com
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Pink Floyd Experience 2/29/12 7:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER - The English rock legends of Pink Floyd achieved worldwide success with introspective lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art and elaborate live shows. The Pink Floyd Experience will present the band’s 1977 legendary concept album, Animals, live and in its entirety. 352-392-ARTS.
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
SPRING PROMENADE
Wed., March 7 7:00pm
March 9 - 10 Times Vary
O’CONNELL CENTER - The Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team that combines athleticism, theater and comedy. This event is perfect for the whole family. Come enjoy a night full of fun and laughter! 352-392-5500.
THOMAS CENTER - The Friday night and Saturday tours feature five homes. On Saturday, free activities at the Thomas Center include Plein Air artists painting in the garden, self-guided tours of the period rooms and gardens. Reception and candlelight tour tickets are $20. Saturday tour tickets are $10. Tickets may be purchased during the event; Shuttle from Thomas Center. 352-373-2611.
HATS, HEARTS AND HANDBAGS Friday, March 9 11:00am - 2:00pm HILTON UF - An annual event held by Girls Place that celebrates the girl within every woman. Immerse yourself fully in the experience and reserve an entire table that you can decorate and compete for prizes. This event helps make it possible for Girls Place to provide girls a safe, nurturing environment. 352-373-GIRL.
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HOME SHOW Saturday, March 10 10:00am - 6:00pm O’CONNELL CENTER - Join the fun at North Central Florida’s 10th Annual Home Show, featuring hundreds of exhibitors, farmers market, prizes and drawings, and seminars on home and garden topics. 352-392-5500.
ANTIQUE TRACTOR & CAR DAY Saturday, March 10 10:00am - 1:00pm DUDLEY FARM - See the men on their vintage machines plow a field where sugar cane and corn will soon be planted. This event honors the innovations in methods and equipment showing the historical significance and importance of the tractor to agriculture. $5.00 per car, up to 8 occupants 352-472-1142.
TOUR OF KITCHENS Saturday, March 10 10:00am - 4:00pm JUNIOR LEAGUE OF GAINESVILLE - Back by popular demand, the Tour of Kitchens is a self-guided tour of Gainesville’s finest and coolest residential kitchens and outdoor spaces. Each magnificent home will feature a local restaurant and a sampling of their signature offerings. 352-256-4951.
NORDWESTDEUTSCHE PHILHARMONIE Sunday, March 11 7:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER - Formed 60 years ago, the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie is based in the German city of Herford and is one of three orchestras in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The orchestra plays more than 120 concerts each year, both at home and abroad, and has accompanied such renowned vocalists as Placido Domingo and Renée Fleming. 352-392-ARTS.
LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS Monday, March 12 7:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER - The renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra features 15 of the finest jazz musicians in the world. Led by Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, the group has been the resident jazz orchestra at Lincoln Center since 1988. Its vast repertoire consists of rare historic compositions as well as commissioned works, including compositions and arrangements. 352-392-ARTS.
ECHOING AIR CONCERT Thursday, March 15 7:30pm HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 100 NE 1st St. The Echoing Air Ensemble from Indianapolis, IN, presents a concert of music of the English Baroque. The worldrenowned ensemble will be joined by members of the Holy Trinity Choir for the performance. 352-372-4721.
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THE BURDEN OF MEMORY IN POST-1945 ROMANIA Thursday, March 15 3:30pm UF DAUER HALL 215 AND 219 - UF Maria Bucur is John V. Hill Professor of East European History and Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Programs in the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University, Bloomington. Her teaching and research focus on the recent history of Eastern Europe, with a focus on Romania and gender, and thematically ranging from questions of war and memory to the history of eugenics. 352-392-8902.
SPRING INTO SPRING Thursday, March 15 10:30am GAINESVILLE GARDEN CLUB - 1350 NW 75th St. The Gainesville Garden Club is hosting the program by Rick Schoellhorn of Proven Winners. Make reservations by March 1, 2012. For further information call 352-373-5278.
CELTIC CROSSROADS Thursday, March 15 7:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER Celtic Crossroads is critically acclaimed as one of Ireland’s best stage music shows, incorporating the talents of seven world-class musiciansplaying more than 20 instruments on stage-accompanied by thunderous Irish percussion and dance. Admission fee: $25-35. Open to the public. 352-392-2787.
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HIPPODROME BACKSTAGE OBSERVERSHIP Friday, March 16 3:00pm - 5:00pm HIPPODROME THEATRE Have you ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at how the Hippodrome brings a production from the page to the stage? Meet the theatre professionals that put it all together in this engaging session that will lead you through the creative process of A Midsummer’s Night Dream. 352-375-4477.
www.thehipp.org
SPLENDOR 2012: BACKSTAGE Friday, March 16 6:30pm NADINE MCGUIRE THEATRE “Theatre Magic” is the theme of this year’s Friends of Theatre and Dance benefit event. Experience a world behind-the-scenes of theatre and dance production during this exciting annual event, featuring a sophisticated evening of entertainment, silent auction, food and drinks. 352-392-1653.
JAN MARSHALL MEDIUMSHIP Friday, March 16 7:30pm UNITY OF GAINESVILLE - If you enjoy John Edward and the television shows, “Crossing Over” or “Cross Country,” then come and experience an evening of the “British Style of Mediumship” as Jan brings descriptions of the departed with messages from them to the audience. Jan may also do a Psychic Art drawing for you during the message. 352-373-1030.
HEALTH FAIR AND INDIA FAIR
RUN FOR HAVEN 5K/10K
Saturday, March 17 9:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday, March 17 2:00pm
SANTE FE COLLEGE GYMNASIUM - India Fest showcases more than 30 vendors selling jewelry, art and crafts, ethnic wear and delicious Indian cuisine. It also includes an afternoon of enthralling music and dance performances. The Health fair is a volunteer-run screening and information session in the morning. www.
TIOGA TOWN CENTER - Check-in and registration begin at 2pm and the run starts at 4:30pm. Registration fee includes the postrun party with live music, food, drinks, expo booths, awards ceremony and more! Purchase a Post-PartyOnly ticket, and you’ll be there to support the runners and a great cause. 352-331-8773.
icec-florida.org/indiafest.html. 407-970-2934.
GAINESVILLE COMMUNITY FESTIVAL Saturday, March 17 10:00am - 6:00pm ALACHUA COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS - The purpose of this event is to showcase Gainesville’s local businesses, clubs and nonprofit organizations and to raise funds for the Gainesville branch of Kids Kicking Cancer. 352-354-2397.
CAN YOU DIG IT? Saturday, March 17 10:00am - 3:00pm MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - Dig into geology and discover the ground beneath your feet. Enjoy hands-on activities and watch demonstrations of volcanic eruptions. Have your world rocked by the awesome presentations and activities from the UF Department of Geological Sciences and the Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society. 352-846-2000.
FIREFIGHTER’S BALL Saturday. March 17 6:00pm - 2:00am HILTON UF - An annual event consisting of great food, beverages, a 50/50 drawing, music and dancing, information about The North Florida Children’s Burn Camp, Inc (aka Camp Amigo), and a silent auction. The proceeds from the event will benefit Camp Amigo by providing a week of summer fun for children ages 6 - 18 years old and who have been victims of burn injuries. 352-377-2157.
PILOBOLUS Sunday, March 18 2:00pm PHILLIPS CENTER - Back by popular demand! Celebrating 40 years of defying gravity, this incomparable dance company has delighted, dazzled and amazed audiences across the planet with their superhuman flexibility and fascinating forms that challenge the limits of the human body. 352-392-3261.
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JEANINE DE BIQUE, SOPRANO Monday, March 19 7:30pm SQUITIERI STUDIO THEATRE - UF Performing Arts presents Young Concert Artist: Jeanine De Bique, Soprano. 7:30 p.m. Admission fee: $30. Open to the public. 352-392-2787.
UNCOVERING OUR FIRST COLONY Tuesday, March 20 6:30 - 8:00pm
Living the Gospel in Downtown Gainesville! The Rev. Louanne Loch Rector Dr. John T. Lowe Dir. of Music
LEONARDO’S 706 - Engage in a lively discussion with University of Florida experts during the Florida Museum of Natural History’s spring Science Cafe series. Each Café includes a short presentation and is designed to allow community members to ask questions. RSVP at least one week in advance by e-mailing skelly@flmnh.ufl.edu or calling 352-273-2085.
SANTA FE ENSEMBLE Tuesday, March 20 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Sunday Services 8:00am • 10:30am • 6:00pm
Wednesday Service 12:15pm
100 NE 1st Street Downtown Gainesville (352) 372-4721 www.HolyTrinityGNV.org The Episcopal Church welcomes you ...and we do mean YOU!
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FINE ARTS HALL THEATRE Santa Fe College. An enchanting evening of music, under the direction of Dr. Brian Holder, with musical groups comprised of Santa Fe students. $15 orchestra; $12 balcony; $9 seniors, children, UF students.
www.santafecollege.edu.
A ROYAL GOOD TIME WITH PRINCE POPPYCOCK Friday, March 23 8:00pm - 10:00pm HIPPODROME THEATRE Prince Poppycock, star
of NBC’s number one show, “America’s got Talent,” headlines this special one-night-only performance. The Prince (aka John Quale) dazzles audiences with his beautiful voice, lavish costumes, versatility and magical charm. Local talents Kelly Atkins, Gussie Lee and Sondra Hunt will also grace the Mainstage. 352-375HIPP. www.thehipp.org.
HOPPIN’ ON THE FOSSIL FREEWAY Friday, March 23 6:00pm - 8:00pm MUSEUM OF NATUAL HISTORY - Cruise over to the museum’s first beer-tasting event. Sample an array of beers from several area and regional breweries, along with delicious appetizers, and then explore the Museum’s newest exhibit, Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway with Artist Ray Troll and Paleontologist Kirk Johnson. This event is for ages 21 and older only; advance registration is required. 352-273-2045.
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE March 23 - April 15 Times Vary GAINESVILLE COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE - Young Millie has just moved to a New York full of intrigue and jazz — a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever. Filled with frisky flappers, dashing men and a villainess audiences will love to hate, Millie is an evening of madcap merriment. 352-376-4949.
field of jazz. In 2010, the Jazz Journalists Association recognized him as Musician of the Year and his ensemble trio received the Echo Award (the German equivalent to the Grammys) for best international ensemble. Admission fee: $20 - $30. Open to the public. 352-392-2787.
Musical Chairs Project Friday, March 2 7:00pm - 10:00pm DORIS BARDON COMMUNITY CENTER 716 N. Main St. Local artists are donating their time and talents to convert 26 wooden school chairs into unique and creatively designed art chairs. All of these chairs will be auctioned off. Proceeds will provide financial support to enhance Alachua County’s public schools elementary art and music programs. 352-316-0886 or 352-374-2342.
SPRING SALE
THE SPRING SKY
Saturday, March 24 10:00am - 3:00pm
Saturday March 24 8:00pm - 9:00pm
MILL CREEK FARM Alachua. 100 percent of the profits go to the care of the farm’s 130 horses. 386-462-1001.
www.millcreekfarm.org
MARCH FOR BABIES Saturday, March 24 7:00am - Noon WESTWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL - This 8.5 mile street party is a celebration of the lives Alachua County’s March for Babies is changing through outstanding fundraising efforts. Guaranteed to be a wonderful morning; food, fun and festivities. 352-378-9522.
DUDLEY FARM - Tour our spectacular solar system. Discover asteroids, constellations, comets, galaxies, meteorites, planets, satellites and stars through telescopes guided by the knowledgeable and enthusiastic club members. Discover the wonders of the universe at Dudley Farm. Presented by the Alachua Astronomy Club. Admission is $5.00 per adult. www.
friendsofdudleyfarm.org. 352-472-1142.
A Full Service Agency, Specializing in Cruises, Tours, and All Inclusives.
March 24, 9am - 5pm March 25, 10am 5pm
WALK FOR EPILEPSY Saturday, March 24 8:00am - 1:30am KANAPAHA PARK - This is a great event that the city of Gainesville can do for the 375,000 Floridians living with Epilepsy. EFOF Gainesville Chapter provides Neurological Care for 16 surrounding counties 352-378-4324.
VIJAY IYER TRIO Saturday, March 24 7:30pm UNIVERSITY AUDITORIUM - Vijay Iyer is one of today’s most acclaimed and respected young artists working in the
KANAPAHA BOTANICAL GARDEN - Features about 200 booths, offering plants, landscape displays, garden accessories, arts and crafts, educational exhibits, food and more. Also featured are a walk-through butterfly conservatory, children’s activities area, live entertainment and live auctions. Admission: $8 for adults; $5 for children, thirteen and under. Cash only (no credit cards). A $2 discount is given for members of Kanapaha. A $1 discount is given for individuals wearing any past Spring Garden Festival t-shirt. Pets are not allowed. www.kanapaha.
org/spring.htm.
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LENTEN LESSONS AND MUSIC Sunday, March 25 5:00pm HOLY TRINTY EPISCOPAL CHURCH - The Holy Trinity Choir sings a service of music for Lent. Music of J. S. Bach, Orlande de Lassus and John IV, King of Portugal. 352-372-4721.
PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ Sunday, March 25 6:00pm - 10:30pm SANTA FE COLLEGE - The Bosshardt Family of Companies presents the 25th Anniversary of Children’s Home Society of Florida’s annual fundraiser. This silver anniversary celebration of community support for abused and neglected children will be a stellar evening of fun, food, live music, dancing and silent auction. 352-3340955. www.CHSRitz.org.
Peking Acrobats Sunday, March 25 7:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER - Since their Western debut more than 25 years ago, the Peking Acrobats have redefined public perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. This troupe of China’s most gifted performers returns to the Phillips Center to share itss nation’s 2,000-year-old spectacle. Admission: ssion: $25 - 35. Open to the public. 352-392-2787.
HISTORY AND EMPATHY Monday, March 26 7:00pm to 8:30pm SMATHERS LIBRARY The UF Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere invites you to a public lecture by Suzanne Marchand (Louisiana State University). Prof. Fehr will use the diary of a 19th century Egyptologist, George Ebers, to examine how studying history, archaeology or classics gives us the opportunity to experience and learn empathy. A Q&A follows. 352-392-0796.
JOFFREY BALLET Tuesday, March 27 7:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER - For more than half a century, the Joffrey
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Ballet has been “America’s Company of Firsts.” Joffrey Ballet is committed to delivering world-class, artistically vibrant work to audiences, including pieces presented in this program. Admission fee: $30 - $45. 352-392-2787.
FURTHER INTERPRETATIONS OF REAL-LIFE EVENTS Wed., March 28 6:00pm - 8:00pm HEADQUARTERS LIBRARY - Kevin Moffett is the author of Permanent Visitors and Further Interpretations of RealLife Events, published in January. He has received the Pushcart Prize, the Nelson Algren Award, a grant from the National Endowment for
the Arts, and a National Magazine Award. He teaches in the MFA program at California State San Bernardino. 352-334-3931.
MILO KARADAGLOC Thursday, March 29 7:30pm SQUITIERI STUDIO THEATRE - Quickly rising up the ranks of classic guitar players, Milo Karadagli’s album Mediterraneo recently reached No. 5 on the Billboard classic album charts.
PLAYFUL ESCAPES ELEPHANTS Friday, March 30 8:00am - 4:30pm MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - Discover what makes elephants unique. Playful Escapes
are full- or half-day programs offered at the museum. Children explore the program through interactive activities, as well as the museum’s own collections and exhibits. A half-day session is $27 for members, $30 for non-members. A full-day session is $45 for members, $50 for non-members. 352-273-2061.
THE AUNTS March 30 - April 15 Times Vary ACROSSTOWN REPERTORY THEATRE - This drama, set in the living room of a house in Pittsburgh in 1979, is about three women one niece and two aunts. Aunt Meg has come to be with her sister Nan, whose husband is upstairs in agony, dying of cancer.
Saturday, March 31 10:00am - 5:00pm HARN MUSEUM OF ART - View the five exhibitions in the new Cofrin Asian Art Wing and Asian-inspired gardens. Activities include tours, gallery talks, bonsai display, children’s yoga sessions and Chinese calligraphy demonstration. Familyfriendly art activities include origami and paper kimono making. Free. 352-392-9826. harn.ufl.edu
RUN AMUCK WITH THE DUCK Saturday, March 31 9:00am NORTH FLORIDA REGIONAL HOSPITAL - The race to find a cure for Lung Cancer. Lung cancer is the top cancer killer in the world, and it’s not just affecting smokers. Join survivors Caren Gorenberg, Dianne
Give 3-Feet
It’s the Law!
UF MEN’S GLEE CLUB AND WOMEN’S CHORALE Wednesday, April 4 7:30pm GAINESVILLE - University Auditorium (corner of Union Road and Newell Drive). 352-392-2346.
REINVENTING THE HUMANITIES IN A DIGITAL AGE Thursday, April 5 7:30pm - 9:00pm SMATHERS LIBRARY - The UF Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere invites you to a public lecture by Gregory Crane (Tufts University). Prof. Crane, a classicist, will discuss the growth of digital libraries and museum collections and their impact on how we understand our past, present and future. 352-392-0796.
Message brought to you by:
COFRIN ASIAN ART WING OPENING
Caridi, Sandy UhlSolomon and Crackers the Duck, M.D. for Run Amuck with the Duck. It’s a chance to really make a difference. www. lungcancerfoundation.org or 352-256-6263.
The Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board (BPAB)
She is also taking advantage of this opportunity to flee her abusive husband. The niece, Pita, arrives to try and cheer everyone up; but the only effect she has is to make everyone even more nervous and upset particularly when they learn that ungainly, plain, not too bright Pita is going to have a baby. 352-371-1234.
When dark, wear bright clothing and use lights
Free materials & presentations: (352) 334-5070 BikePed@cityofgainesville.org
FACES, VOICES AND HEARTS April 5- April 8 Times Vary FINE ARTS HALL THEATRE - Santa Fe College. Under the direction of Gregg Jones, Theatre
Construction Management CM • General Contracting • Design & Build
352-338-2073 4639 NW 53rd Ave., Gainesville, Florida 32653 Visit us online anytime at www.bbi-cm.com
www.VisitOurTowns.com
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opportunity to qualify for the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show.
Young Frankenstein Wednesday, March 28
7:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER This wickedly inspired reimagining of the Frankenstein legend follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that’s Fronkensteen) as he attempts to create a monster - but not without scary and hilarious complications. Admission: $40 - $60. 352-392-2787.
Santa Fe presents an original theatrical production exploring the process of healing through the Arts. Panel discussion and Q&A following the Friday night performance. $15 orchestra; $12 balcony; $9 seniors, children, UF students.
www.santafecollege.edu.
VIVA EUROPE! Saturday, April 7 11:00am - 4:00pm BO DIDLEY COMMUNITY PLAZA - Enjoy performances by Irish dancers, bagpipers, cloggers, English Country dancers, Irish bands, Scottish dancers, Flamenco dancers and the star of the show, Can Cun Rumba Catalana, directly from Spain. 352392-8902 ext. 211.
CATALAN COOKING CLASS Tuesday, April 10 10:00am TAKE AWAY GOURMET Learn to cook authentic dishes from the Catalonia region of
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Spain with Geraldine Nichols on Monday April 16. Sign up NOW to reserve your spot in the small, hands-on class. 352-374-4433.
UNIVERSITY CHOIR Tuesday, April 10 7:30pm GAINESVILLE - University Auditorium (corner of Union Road and Newell Drive). 352-392-2346.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM April 11 - May 13 7:00pm HIPPODROME THEATRE - Gone are swordfighting men in tights, replaced by a cityscape of scenesters. This fantastical, modern re-imagining of Shakespeare’s classic work will make it engaging and accessible for young people who may never have thought that Shakespeare could be this fun. 352-375-4477.
www.thehipp.org
GUEST CHEF COCKTAIL PARTY Thursday, April 12 6:00pm - 8:00pm GAINESVILLE WOMAN’S CLUB - The party offers dishes from 35 local amateur and professional chefs. Enjoy favorite recipes, live jazz, a silent auction and a wine bar with a signature drink. Tickets: $50, available at the door or through www. peacefulpaths.org. A unique Watson Productions event to support victims of domestic violence. 352-377-5690.
CITRUS CUP MORGAN REGIONAL HORSE SHOW April 11 - April 14 Times Vary CANTERBURY SHOWPLACE 23100 West Newberry Road. Watch the best horses from all parts of the region and surrounding areas compete for regional titles and the
SANTA FE COLLEGE SPRING ARTS FESTIVAL April 14 - April 15 Times Vary HISTORIC DISTRICT GAINESVILLE - 26 NE First St. Features over 190 of the nation’s finest artists, children’s art jungle for kids’ hands on crafts, two stages with continuous entertainment, great local food vendors. Saturday from 9:00am to 5:30pm, Sunday from noon to 5:30pm.
www.sfcollege.edu.
RELAY FOR LIFE OF GAINESVILLE April 14 - April 15 Noon - 6:00pm SANTA FE COLLEGE TRACK - Food, music, games, and fun for all ages throughout the entire event. All funds raised benefit the American Cancer Society and cancer patients right here in our community. 352-381-3850.
TRIO CAVATINA Sunday, April 15 2:00pm SQUITIERI STUDIO THEATRE - Pianist Ieva Jokubaviciute, violinist Harumi Rhodes, and cellist Priscilla Lee formed Trio Cavatina in 2005 at the renowned Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont. Deeply rooted in a strong sense of shared musical values, Trio Cavatina has rapidly emerged as one of today’s outstanding chamber ensembles whose committed musicmaking prompted Harris Goldsmith to describe the trio, in his 2008
University of Florida Performing Arts Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie Eugene Tzigane, Music Director and Conductor Amit Peled, Cello Sunday, March 11, 7:30 p.m. Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Monday, March 12, 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Gainesville Today, Holloway Financial Services and Shands HealthCare
Pilobolus Dance Theatre Sunday, March 18, 2 p.m. Sponsored by Gainesville Health and Fitness and The Independent Florida Alligator Wonder Series Sponsor: American Airlines
Young Concert Artist: Jeanine De Bique, Soprano Monday, March 19, 7:30 p.m. Squitieri Studio Theatre Vijay Iyer Trio Saturday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. University Auditorium Peking Acrobats Sunday, March 25, 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Dharma Endowment Foundation, Gainesville Magazine and Wells Fargo Wonder Series Sponsor: American Airlines
Joffrey Ballet Ashley C. Wheater, Artistic Director Tuesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m. Vijay Iyer
Sponsored by Cox Media and Shands HealthCare
Miloť Karadaglić
Thursday, March 29, 7:30 p.m. Squitieri Studio Theatre
STOMP Back with new surprises! Friday, March 30, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by HOME Magazine World Series Sponsor: American Airlines
Trio Cavatina
march/ mayEvents
Sunday, April 15, 2 p.m. Squitieri Studio Theatre
Australian Chamber Orchestra with Dawn Upshaw, Soprano Friday, April 20, 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Lowry Financial Advisors, Inc.
Buffalo Rome
Friday, April 20, 7:30 p.m. Squitieri Studio Theatre
Five-time Grammy Award Winner BUDDY GUY Saturday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Blue Water Bay
Straight No Chaser
Sunday, May 13, 2 p.m. Sponsored by Blue Water Bay
A University of Florida Performing Arts 20th Anniversary performance.
All performances at the Phillips Center unless otherwise noted.
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Follow Us To The Bed ‘n Biscuit Inn BOARDING FOR DOGS & CATS • GROOMING • DAY CARE
C oin &
Jewelry
gallery since sinc si inc ce 19 1981 1 981 81
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386-454-0676
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LOCAL COIN DEALER Family Owned and Operated Since 1981 MILLHOPPER SHOPPING CENTER
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352.378.3983 www.coinandjewelrygallery.com Member ANA FUN Authorized NGC Submission Site
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Up to 6 people admission, camping.
OTGV mag. Exp 05-15-12
PARK
GOLD COINS
COUPON NOT VALID ON MAJOR HOLIDAY WEEKENDS
• Covered pavilions • Concession stand • Large tiled bath house • Canoe & tube rentals • Nature trail • Volleyball courts • Horseshoe pits
Located in beautiful High Springs
386-454-1369 www.bluespringspark.com
• Playground • Picnic tables & grills • Campsites w/ electric and water • Primitive wooded campsites • Dump station
Stomp 3/30/12 7:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. Admission: $40 - $60. 352-392-2787.
Musical America article, as offering ‘potent, intense interpretations’. Admission $30. 352-392-ARTS.
NO SOUTHERN ACCENT April 19, 7:30pm April 22, 2:00pm PHILLIPS CENTER - No Southern Accent is the University of Florida’s co-ed competitive a cappella group. 352-392-ARTS.
IN TEN April 19 and April 21 7:30pm - 9:30pm FINE ARTS HALL THEATRE - Santa Fe College. Performances of student written and directed ten-minute plays produced by Terry A. Klenk as
part of the Research in Undergraduate Education initiative. $15 orchestra; $12 balcony; $9 seniors, children, UF students. www.
santafecollege.edu.
BUFFALO ROME Friday, April 20 7:30pm SQUITIERI STUDIO THEATRE - Reminiscent of the 1970s West Coast country rock scene, Buffalo Rome brings a vinyl vibe to the digital age. Michael Visconti, Kevin Douglas and Mike Wallis blend acoustic roots with intricate harmonies and expert musicianship to create a heartfelt experience in their live performances. Admission fee: $30 - $45. Open to the public. 352-392-2787.
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
SPRING IS FOR SINGING
Saturday, April 21 10:00am - 3:00pm
Monday, April 23 7:30pm - 9:30pm
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - Bioblitz. Explore the wonders of life on earth. Participate in a bioblitz on the adjacent UF Natural Area Teaching Laboratory and see diverse specimens from the museum’s vast collections. 352-846-2000.
FINE ARTS HALL THEATRE - Santa Fe College. A light and entertaining Spring concert of choral music under the direction of Lynn Sandefur. $15 orchestra; $12 balcony; $9 seniors, children, UF students.
BUDDY GUY
www.santafecollege.edu.
STRAIGHT NO CHASER
Saturday, April 21 7:30pm
Sunday, May 13 2:00pm
PHILLIPS CENTER - When musicians talk about their influences, one of the names invariably mentioned is Buddy Guy. Admission fee: $30 - $50. Open to the public. 352-392-2787.
PHILLIPS CENTER - Lauded for their unforgettable live performances, this 10-member male a capella group comes offers a special Mother’s Day performance. 352-392-ARTS. s
ACTORS/ MOVIE EXTRAS A Needed immediately for upcoming roles
LIGHTS RA CAME ! ACTION
$150 - $300 PER DAY Depending on job requirements. No experience, all looks needed. 1-800-561-1762 Ext A-104, For casting times and locations.
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ADVERTISEMENT
WanteD
Veterans Seeking Benefits For Retirement Living!
How often does a veteran, one to whom this country owes so much, see that headline?!
Together they are making it possible for veterans in our area to live their retirement years in a care-free, allinclusive environment such as the beautiful Atrium where daily living is taken care of under the conscientious care of dedicated staff.
I
How Did This Service Come About?
f you or someone you know is a veteran and in need of up to $2,000 a month in living assistance, then there are two men and one amazing facility you should get to know in our Northeast Florida community. The men, two committed volunteers, are Tom Hanson, a former Navy man, and Gary Marriage. The facility is The Atrium of Gainesville, with Prem Paul Murrhee as the Director of Sales & Marketing.
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The Aid & Attendance benefit was part of a veteran benefit enhancement in 2001, but it wasn’t until Prem Paul Murrhee’s dad, retired from the Veterans Administration, introduced him to the benefit. Often times deserving veterans were turned away, but with help, they were able to navigate the political waters and receive the benefit they are not only
legally entitled to, but also earned! For the past 3 years Prem Paul Murrhee was a one-man show and the application process could be quite cumbersome; however, when Gary and Tom came aboard, as volunteers, the entire process became much more streamlined. They now conduct a monthly benefit talk at the Atrium on the fourth Thursday of each month at 12 noon. (Except for November and December, when it is the third Thursday.)
Why Are These Men Dedicated To Helping Veterans? Tom has been a dedicated volunteer helping deserving seniors for
years. As a former Navy man, he takes great pleasure in conducting the monthly benefit talk at the Atrium and helping with the actual application process. Gary, while trying to help his grandfather secure financial assistance for his years of military service, discovered the remarkable “Aid and Attendance Benefit” after plodding through a VA handbook. He’d been assured by a VA employee that no further assistance existed, but Gary felt certain there had to be. Gary was right. With the “Aid and Attendance Benefit” he was able to move his grandfather out of the very expensive nursing home that was draining every nickel of his grandfather’s savings and benefits. And, he was able to make sure that his grandmother would not be left penniless and unprovided for if left on her own. He and Tom are well aware of the unnecessary sorrow and hardships our veterans face and enjoy doing their part to help those who are eligible get assisted living dollars. They also know how frustrating the entire process can be. As General Patton said, “When you’re going through hell, keep going.”
Only 10% Of The Eligible Veterans Are Receiving This Benefit! Henry Hugh Shelton, General, United States Army [Ret.], the 14th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, having served under Presidents Bush and Clinton has partnered with Holiday Retirement and the Atrium on behalf of qualifying veterans to help get the word out. He urges veterans, and their surviving spouses, to seek out benefits that they are legally entitled to . There are an estimated 2 million eligible veterans and surviving spouses nationwide and
only about 200,000 are currently receiving benefits. Locally, Gary, Tom and the Atrium are taking General Shelton’s lead and reaching out to the area veterans.
Tell Me About The Atrium, A Holiday Retirement Facility Holiday Retirement is the oldest and largest retirement company in the United States with 313 locations, more than 35,000 residents, and growing every day. The Atrium has more than 200 apartments ranging from 400 to 1600 square feet, all fully equipped including dishwasher, stove, oven, fridge and freezer. The Atrium provides three delicious chef-prepared meals served daily; weekly housekeeping; utilities; transportation; 24/7 emergency service; and, free room and board at other Holiday Retirement Communities across the United States and Canada. Also available are rehabilitation and health care services as needed, the Atrium beauty salon, and Wise’s Drugstore. The Atrium offers this innovative and extensive Senior care on a month-to-month basis with no buy-in fees. General Hugh Shelton said it best; when you choose Holiday “you’ll be living the retirement you’ve earned as a defender of freedom”
Get In Touch With Prem Paul Murrhee At The Atrium The Atrium is located at 2431 NW 41st Street across from Thornebrooke Shopping Village. Veterans and their surviving spouses who are curious about their eligibility can attend monthly benefit talks at the Atrium on the fourth Thursday of every month at 12 Noon. (Except for November and December, when it is the third Thursday) by contacting Prem Paul Murrhee at 352-378-0773. -------------------------
Veterans Benefit Talks will be offered at noon on: February 4th February 23rd March 3rd March 22nd April 7th April 26th
Serving seniors since 1971
© 2012 Holiday Retirement Corp.
2431 NW 41st St Gainesville, FL
352-378-0773
www.VisitOurTowns.com
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Taste of the Town
SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352.372-5468 FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION.
Ballyhoo Grill 3700 Newberry Road, Gainesville Mon-Thu: 10am to 10pm • Fri & Sat: 10am to 11pm Sun 10am to 10pm
352-373-0059 Looking for the freshest seafood? — The Ballyhoo Grill is the place for you! With fresh seafood arriving daily, Try the amazing North Atlantic Cedar Plank Salmon, grilled on a cedar plank for a rich, smoky flavor. Other great eats include fresh sushi and hand-cut choice steaks. We’re serving up everything from salads and pastas to delicious burgers and sandwiches. make sure you try the incredible Bananas Fosters. Dine in or outdoors on their patio. Happy hour is 2-7pm daily with extended happy hour until 10pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Flying Biscuit Café 4150 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605 Located in the Fresh Market Center Mon - Thurs: 7am - 3pm • Fri - Sun: 7am - 4pm
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.
Gator Q 222 NE First Avenue, High Springs, FL 32643 Monday — Saturday: 11:30am - 8:00pm
386-454-9823
www.GatorQ.com
BARBECUE — Gator Q is a neighborhood BBQ joint using local black jack oak soaked in apple cider for smoking pork, turkey, St. Louis ribs, split chickens, and chicken wings, with the occasional beef brisket thrown in for good measure. Brette and Bob ‘Yogi’ Liebler serve made from scratch collards with attitude, bold BBQ beans, gourmet Mac-n-cheese, and a dill and ranch potato salad that will get in your craw and leave you craving more. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Check them out online at www.gatorq.com or follow them on Facebook. Ask your friends — the food really is that good!
Los Aviña 14841 Main Street Alachua, 32615 • 386-418-0341 16654 SW Archer, 32618 • 352-495-1314 Mon - Sat 11am to 10pm • Sun 12pm - 9pm
Open seven days a week For the past nine years Jorge Aviña has been serving delicious authentic mexican food. Originally located in Archer, Aviña opened a second location in High Springs, which is now relocated in Alachua. Los Aviña is open seven days a week and features all you can eat tacos Monday through Saturday llam to 4pm for $6.95. They also have combination dinner specials starting at $7.55 and lunch specials starting at $4.55 Monday - Thursday from 11am to 2:30pm. Aviña’s specialties include steaks, fajitas, chimichangas, burritos, taco salads and enchiladas. Los Aviña also serves beer and wine at the Archer location and a full bar at there new location in Alachua.
Mad Hatter’s Café 25 NE 1st Avenue, High Springs, FL 32643 Open 7 Days! 9am - 4pm Continental Breakfast served all day. Down Home Breakfast Sat. & Sun. 9am - 12:30pm
386-454-5700
www.madhatters-cafe.com
CAFÉ — Mad Hatter’s is a funky little cafe in the heart of High Springs. Owned and operated by five women who share a love of food and art. Now open 7 days 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A continental breakfast is served all day, everyday. Come out for our full “Down Home” breakfast served on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Omelets, Biscuits & Gravy, Waffles, Fruit & Muffin Bar plus... world famous Mad Hatter Monkey Bread! The lunch menu offers something for everyone — from burgers, quesadillas, soups, sandwiches, quiche, salads and wraps (don’t forget to save room for dessert)! Rent out the Mad Hatter for your next private party or event. Catering is also available.
Magnolia Parke Tavern 4860 NW 39th Avenue • Magnolia Parke (Kazbor’s former location) Sun – Thurs: 11:00am - 9:00pm Fri – Sat: 11:00am - 12 Midnight Happy Hour every day from 3:00pm - 6:00pm
352-372-8181 BAR & GRILL — Welcome to Magnolia Parke Tavern! Our familyoriented grille features a diverse and delicious menu. Serving favorites to satisfy the entire family, our great atmosphere and excellent menu are sure to be a hit. Start your meal with one of our homemade appetizers. Seared Ahi Tuna is a fantastic choice in addition to the soon-to-be-famous Cajun Crab Dip. Soups available include the “must try” Lemon Grass. Our dinner menu consists of a variety of favorites including sandwiches, hamburgers, steaks and pasta dishes. Our fresh salads include our signature Thai Chicken and Mediterranean Salads. Full Liquor bar available. Located in the old Kazbors location on 39th Avenue.
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Taste of the Town
SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352.372-5468 FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION.
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.
O!O Tapas & Tinis 2725 SW 91st St., #100, Gainesville, FL (Haile Village) Monday to Wednesday 5:00 - 10:00pm Thurs. to Sat. 5:00 - 12:00pm
352-331-6620
www.ootinis.com
TAPAS — O!O Tapas & Tinis is serving up a New Menu from Executive Chef Ryan Long, which includes a Porterhouse Pork Chop, Certified Angus Beef, Orange and Cranberry Duck Breast, Fresh Seafood and many, many other selections. Looking for great drink specials? Come see us Tuesdays and Thursdays for $5 Martinis and Live Music. Join us for Happy Hour from 5-7pm every night. Let us take care of the catering for your office parties or special events. Located in the Haile Village Publix Shopping Plaza.
Saboré 13005 SW 1st Road, Tioga, FL 32669 (Tioga Town Center) DINNER Tue-Thu, Sunday 5pm to 10pm, Fri & Sat: 5pm to 11pm LUNCH Tue – Fri: 11am - 3pm BRUNCH - Sat & Sun: 11am - 5pm
352-332-2727
www.saborerestaurant.com
FUSION — Saboré [sa-bohr-ay] is a world-fusion restaurant featuring a variety of European, South American, Mediterranean and Asianinspired tastes. Saboré’s namesake is from the word “sabor,” meaning “flavor.” Executive Chef and Co-Owner William “Willy” Hernandez’s menu features mouth-watering dishes that takes guests on a trip around the world, highlighting exotic flavors and ingredients from countries such as Argentina, Japan, Greece and Italy. Be sure to try their custom plates, desserts and signature cocktails you won’t find anywhere else in Gainesville. Chef Willy has been heralded for his innovative culinary skills at famed establishments such as Caramelo Restaurant, Giacosa, Casa Rolandi and Café Vialetto.
Taste 4860 NW 39th Avenue • Magnolia Parke Sunday – Thursday: 11:00am - 9:00pm Friday and Saturday: 11:00am - 10:00pm
352-372-8686
www.tasteingainesville.com
ASIAN FUSION — A Taste of Saigon features a vast menu of Japanese, Vietnamese, Sushi, Sashemi, and Asian vegetarian options. Our recognition of various kinds of Asian flavor profiles gives our food a unique taste that is sure to please any palate. We have over 20 types of Sushi and Sashemi, providing you with the freshest seafood paired with our other quality ingredients. Our returning customers love our Pho Soup, with rice noodles, sliced beef, meatballs, and beef flank, or our Spicy Beef Salad. We also offer a perfectly portioned and priced children’s menu to allow the younger members of your family to try Baby Pho or Sushi Rolls. We invite you to join our elegantly, casual atmosphere for lunch of dinner.
Tasty Buddha 25 NW 16th Ave., Gainesville 32601 Second location now open! 2410 NW 43rd St. Mon-Sat: 11am to 10pm • Sunday 12noon to 8pm
377-0287 16th Ave. • 872-5755 43rd St.
www.TastyBuddha.com
FUSION — Enlighten Your Belly. This is our motto and we are serious about it. We want to change the way you think about food. Food is not something you shove in your mouth to keep your stomach from growling. Food is a gift from the Earth; It is community; It is life. Tasty Buddha, formerly known as the Buddha Belly, is about real, tasty, affordable food. Our newest location is tucked behind Garden Gate Nursery off NW 43rd Street! With flavors from around the world, we have a variety for everyone. From fresh, delicious burgers, curries, and fried rice, to a huge selection of beer and wine and the occasional indulgence. Come in, and let us enlighten you!
Tropical Smoothie Café 3345 SW 34th Street • Gainesville Open 24 hours Order online: www.2dollardelivery.com
352-379-9988 Tropical Smoothie Café satisfies customers’ cravings with a healthy menu of real fruit smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, and salads. Brandy Heinlein, owner of the restaurant, located conveniently on SW 34th Street, said our customers get a boost since we use natural ingredients, and the smoothies offer three to five servings of fruit. Seasonal items compliment the menu now with a NEW Chicken Parm Flatbread and Cranberry Craze Smoothie. OPEN 24 HRS, Tropical Smoothie Café is a popular study spot during exams. “If you have something late at night, it might as well be healthy,” says Manager Mark Simonelli. Mention this ad to save $2.00 ON ANY SMOOTHIE!
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>> COMMUNITY
Spring Greet the Season with these Fantastic Expositions and Activities Spring is in the air and with it comes some enjoyable and enlightening festivals in our area. Here you will find a small sampling of four events that offer visitors culture and education. The Town of Tioga and Cedar Key both offer good music, food and art this spring, while Gainesville brings us the Cinema Verde Film Festival and an Eco-Health Festival that will entertain and offer ecological information. Read on to learn more about these upcoming events.
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Green on the Screen An Eight-day Film Festival and Environmental Awareness Celebration BY JENNIFER RIEK he Cinema Verde Film Festival was no more than a seed in Trish Riley’s mind when she moved from South Florida five years ago. It had not yet even begun to sprout when she selected Gainesville as her next place to call home, for reasons surely all local environmentalists share. “Gainesville is a treasure,” Riley said. “The city has taken a lot of steps to be at the forefront of sustainability and to protect our nature corridor, the tree canopy, the creeks. When people think Florida, they think of the beaches. They don’t come to this part, and this is a different kind.” In Riley’s words, Gainesville has been identified as the most progressive city in the state. The title has not been given off-handedly. Gainesville contains a chapter of an association called Green Drinks, a monthly gathering of non-government organizations, business owners, and environmentally active citizens. Riley founded the resident group.
T
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRISH RILEY
Hitesh Mehta’s presentation of his book “Authentic Eco Lodges” and Andrea Holbrook.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity,” said Penny Nieman, Riley’s selfproclaimed right-hand woman. “You don’t have to be an expert. You can join the conversation and talk and learn about sustainability issues.” It was a Green Drinks gathering in 2009 that introduced Riley to
www.VisitOurTowns.com
Shirley Lasseter, cinema director of the Hippodrome. Together they decided that Gainesville needed an environmental film festival to spread the word about issues beyond its own community. Through their dedication and persistence, the Cinema Verde Film
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Festival began to grow. “It’s easy to live here and know the issues,” Nieman said. “[At the festival] you see films about other horrific environmental things going on, and you feel fortunate of what we have and work harder to be more green... a lot of people feel comfortable not knowing. It’s easy to have blinders on.” To remove blinders is exactly Riley’s goal. For the last three years, she has made it her business to educate people about the crimes against nature and the effect on the earth. Collaborating with other organizations, such as Art Walk, and directors from all over the world, Cinema Verde reaches out to a multitude of people from a variety of angles so as to spread the message as far as possible throughout the community. “It’s a mission of bringing environmental awareness through an artistic medium,” said Ed La Combe, a member on the board of directors for Cinema Verde. “If people
realized how much money is going towards things they’re against, they would spend their money more wisely.” The 2012 Festival begins February 24 and will last until March 2. Each weekday, at least two hand-chosen films will be screened at Villa East, and four films on Saturday and Sunday. About 25 movies can be seen throughout the festival. Beverages and refreshments will be provided for visitors by Celebrations Catering. A viewing area with couches and chairs will be set up to accommodate what Riley hopes to be more than 3,000 people. The 2011 Festival brought in just above that number, a crowd so large the Hippodrome could no longer host the films as it had the prior two years. On this year’s opening night, shorts from a student film contest will flash across the silver screen. Patrons will vote to help determine the winner of the contest. In addition to the film screenings, Cinema Verde offers the Eco
Art Walk, which was described by the art director of the festival, Ken McMurry, as “live creativity.” An expected 70 artists will showcase their creations; the only rule is that the work must be environmentally themed. The first weekend is dedicated to the Eco Fair with many educational booths to bring about awareness. Riley has high hopes for the future of the festival and its impact on those who attend. “I’m not just presenting the problems, I’m presenting what we can do,” she said. “Don’t just watch the films and walk away. Hang around and get involved.” s
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Fine Art Fair Paintings, Food, Live Music and Fun BY ELLIS AMBURN he 5th Annual Winter Fine Art Fair at Tioga, hosted by the Gainesville Fine Arts Association and the Tioga Merchants Association ,brings another opportunity for artists to exhibit their work in February. Helen Rucarean, director of the annual fair, said it began in 2007 and 60 artists participated, each manning a booth. “Since 2007 was a Leap Year, we celebrated by launching the first night-time art fair in Gainesville, and it was a huge success,” Rucarean said. “Tioga asked that we become their permanent art fair, and we were happy to find our home.” In 2012, another Leap Year, “we will have a few surprises,” Rucarean promised. At Friday evening’s “art-underthe-lights” event, visitors can shop at artists’ booths, listen to live music, and buy food from vendors and Tioga Square merchants. The entertainment begins at 3:30 p.m. Friday with Debbie Hillburn and continues throughout the evening with Hartley Leacock, fire dancers, and Gruv Therapy. The St. Francis Band kicks off Saturday’s festivities at 10 a.m. followed by Anne Marie and Friends and the Chrome Group. Children will find a variety of planned activities, the goal being to introduce them to art beyond crayons and finger painting. Fun and games for all ages include face painting, karate, kick boxing, Zumba demonstrations, and Salsa dancing. A perennial at the fair, Jazz Station 100.9 will broadcast live from Tioga Friday night. This is a judged art fair, and ribbons are awarded for the best work. Categories include oil painting, watercolor, acrylics, sculpture, photography, fiber/textiles, wood, graphics/drawing, glass, mixed media, ceramics, clay art in various forms and jewelry. As to price
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PHOTOS BY CHRIS WILSON
TOP: Pottery sculptor Ruth Lehman exhibits everything from vases and pitchers to figurines and home decor items. ABOVE: Glass artist James Stanford displays his creations during last year’s art show. Stanford also gave a glass-blowing demonstration.
range, the fair’s public relations chair, Roz Miller, said, “Artists are realists; most will have works ranging from the least expensive [note-card reproductions] to the lower hundreds of dollars and up.” Director Helen Rucarean issues invitations after she and her volunteers scout around to discover the artists who measure up to the fair’s
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standards and rate a booth at Tioga. “This year we invited many artists who have not been in our show before,” she said. “What I have heard is that the word is out that this is one of the ‘artist friendly’ art fairs in Gainesville.” Since Tioga Town Center and the Winter Fine Art Fair are observing their fifth year together, “the fair
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will be the best one yet,” Rucarean said. “Our committee depends on wonderful, caring volunteers.” A Gainesville resident for the past nine years, Rucarean has organized seven fairs; her first was in Haile Plantation, her second at Oak Hall Schools, and the rest at Tioga. She has served on the GFAA for almost eight years. Gil Levy, CEO of Tioga Town Center, which hosts the event, said the center contributes financial support, manpower, and logistics. “Partnering with GFAA gives us an opportunity to bring art to the community,” Levy said. Senior artist Roz Miller, who has participated in the fair since its inception, will display her mixedmedia paintings at her booth. “It’s important to have art in our lives, giving satisfaction and enjoyment when we see something we like every day at home and at work,” she said. “The artist takes basic materials and turns them into something irresistibly beautiful. The wide range of work means most fair-goers will experience an aha moment and see something they can’t live without.” The fair also provides a unique opportunity for buyer and creator to mix and mingle. “Artists like to meet people who buy their works, and people like to meet the artists,” Miller said. “Over the years many develop friendships. Gainesville is a culturally rich community.” So come to the fair, she urged, and “feed the soul with beautiful art and the body with delicious food.” s
TIOGA TOWN CENTER IN JONESVILLE Friday, February 24 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25 - 26 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Southwest 128 Street and West Newberry Road, across from the West End Golf Course.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIA GRESS
Julia Gress and 12 UF graduate students went door-to-door in the Stephen Foster neighborhood to assess the needs of residents in areas contaminated by the Cabot-Koppers Superfund Site. They used the results of this needs-assessment to plan educational workshops for the upcoming Eco Health Festival.
Good, Clean Fun The Eco-Health Festival Educates, Unites Residents of Neighborhoods Near Superfund Site BY ALLISON WILSON magine that your yard, and possibly even your home, is contaminated with a toxic chemical. The grass your children and pets play in, the soil that grows your garden, maybe even the dust on your coffee table contain a harmful carcinogen. What options do you have if you can’t move or sell your home? How do you protect yourself and your family against the harmful effects of contamination? The organizers of Gainesville’s first Eco-Health Festival hope to answer those questions and many other questions on the minds of residents who live near the Cabot-Koppers Superfund Site on Northwest 23rd Avenue. For more than 40 years, residents have been concerned about health risks from chemical contamination around the site. The wood treatment facility used pesticides to preserve wood and dumped toxic chemicals onto the ground, which eventually leached into the
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groundwater. It was not until 2009, when the Environmental Protection Agency agreed to require soil testing of residential yards in the area, that residents understood the extent of the problem. Soil studies showed elevated levels of dioxin, and more recent studies have indicated that the contamination may also be present inside homes in the area. In January, the EPA approved a plan to test dust contamination levels in the homes near the CabotKoppers site. “I lived in that area for 16 years, and I only moved out because I was concerned about the impact on my daughter and my health,” said Julia Gress, a University of Florida soil and water science doctoral student whose research focuses on children’s exposure to harmful chemicals and the environment. “I know many people who live there also share those concerns.” Gress’ research led her to apply for a grant through the EPA Environmental Justice Program, which supports nonprofits that develop programs for groups of people who are negatively affected by an environmental condition. With this grant, she developed the
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Gainesville Environmental Health Education Project in partnership with the Suwannee River Area Health Organization Center, from which the Eco-Health Festival was born. Through educational workshops, art displays, and family-friendly activities, the Eco-Health Festival aims to increase community resilience and sustainability. Gress hopes to raise awareness about exposure to chemicals and the environment — issues that affect everyone in the world. “Participants can learn practical ways to reduce their exposure to chemicals throughout our households including hygiene and cleaning products, food and water with an added focus on contaminated soil in our yards,” Gress said. “The information will be accessible and we will have free childcare so adults can listen to presentations by local experts. It’s also going to be a lot of fun. We will have kids activities, including a bouncy house, and free healthy barbecue for participants.” In addition, the festival will offer an open mike opportunity, encouraging residents of the contaminated areas to share their concerns and experiences. “I developed this project so that the EPA can use it as a model for other affected communities,” Gress said. “A lot of people are confused. Some feel angry and disenfranchised and they don’t know who to trust. The Eco-Health Festival offers residents an opportunity to
connect with people in the same position. We want to build solidarity and community. We’re all being called upon to adapt to changing circumstances.” s
THE ECO-HEALTH FESTIVAL Saturday, April 21 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is free and open to all Gainesville residents.
www.ecohealthgville.com
Cedar Key Art Show The Juried Event Means Quality Art BY LARRY BEHNKE or a weekend each spring the tiny island town of 750 people blossoms in size as Cedar Key hosts the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts. For nearly half a century folks have flocked to see art at this piece of paradise jutting into the Gulf of Mexico. They will visit to see the 125 artists displaying works the weekend of April 28 and 29. And many will stay on for the fine seafood, free live music in clubs, and the slower paced “island time.” The juried art show lines both sides of Second Street, closed for the weekend to car traffic. There is some kind of art for everyone: oils, acrylics, ceramics, photography, sculpture, textiles, stained glass, jewelry, leather and crafts of all types. Each year holds new surprises and clever creations. More than
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$18,000 in prize money encourages the high quality of artwork. Gainesville artist Miriam Novack has often set up her tent at the Cedar Key event. Her abstract paintings have a colorful, stained glass feel. “The people who run this show are fabulous; they treat artists well,” she said. “The caliber of artwork is high and the setting is wonderful.” Novack does other art shows in Florida, but really enjoys this one. “It’s a lovely experience,” she said. “I look forward to it.” At the end of Second Street is the city park and beach. Here children play, make sidewalk chalk art and can get their faces painted. A raised gazebo hosts live music throughout both days. Nearby, local churches, school and civic groups serve up fresh seafood and homemade desserts. The Lions Club’s crab cakes and Garden Club’s lemonade are favorites. The Southeast Tourist Society has selected the art show as one of the top 20 events in the southeast. “Artists are continually impressed with our event because of the community and how well they are treated here in Cedar Key,” said festival coordinator, Mandy Cassiano. “Being treated like celebrities matched with high prize money keeps top quality artists coming back, which in turn keeps the crowd coming too.” Last year, the Department of Transportation tracked the number of people coming onto the island during
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Artist Sam Kates and his wife at the Cedar Key Spring Fine Arts Festival.
festival weekend. An estimated 23,500 people visited in two days. Those who stay beyond the busy weekend can experience a completely different atmosphere. Cedar Key returns to quieter ways, but still offers much: chartered boat trips, fishing from the big pier, biking or touring the town in rented golf carts, trying various restaurants, shopping on Dock Street and photographing the legendary, beautiful sunsets. The town is more correctly
Cedar Keys, since it is a series of islands connected by bridges. Thirteen surrounding islands make up one of our country’s largest wildlife refuges. Trout and drum are common catches in Gulf waters. Clam farming has become as big as the island’s tourist industry, and a local restaurant consistently wins prizes for its clam chowder. Motel rooms fill up fast for the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts, so reserve a place early if you plan to stay over. The best part about
staying on the island is being able to park the car and walk to shops, dock, music clubs, restaurants or sunset viewing areas. s
CEDAR KEY ART FESTIVAL Saturday and Sunday, April 28 - 29 From Gainesville, take Archer Road (SR 24) all the way to its end, which is the stop sign at Second Street in downtown Cedar Key. The 60-mile country drive is also a pleasant experience.
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COLUMN >> BRIAN “KRASH” KRUGER
Gate Crashing On Deck: Root Doctors, Driver, Ancient River and Big Oil DATE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 6 VENUE: DOUBLE DOWN LIVE reetings, live music aficionados! This issue finds us back at Double Down Live (formerly Common Grounds). Since I gave some factoids about the place in my last column, let’s get to the bands straightaway. Openers the Root Doctors, like most of the bill this chilly Friday night, have long and storied roots in the Gainesville music scene. The band itself has been in existence for more than 20 years, the only (almost) constant being its lead singer, whose roots go back to the early ‘80s local band Black Potato Society. The bassist and rhythm guitarist were together in Run Unidentified (with whom my band gigged a couple times in the ‘90s)
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Much of the set was trippy, with the lead singer/ guitarist using two mics, apparently for stereo vocals, and a two-amp rig for stereo guitar effects and Dharma Bums, and the lead guitarist’s history goes all the way back into the ‘70s with early country rockers the Archer Road Band. I saw these guys play an absolutely cranking set last November at an outdoor fest I also played, but tonight the gremlins were out to get them. Not long into their set the rhythm guitarist’s amp began acting up, and was fixed somehow or other, but shortly thereafter he broke a string on his G&L Strat, forcing him to switch to his backup Les Paul Voo Doo (yes, that’s the actual model name of that short-lived black with red skull accents Gibson offering). Before the set was over, though, the
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lead guitarist’s little Marshall amp (yes, though they’re more well known for big halfstacks, Marshall does actually make combo amps too) blew a tube, and he ended up having to play his vintage Gibson SG through a bass amp in the backline for the next band. Although the Docs played their swamp-blues rock well enough, the tech problems pretty much killed the set’s momentum, though they soldiered on like the troopers they are. Second up was Driver, the only band I wasn’t already acquainted with. This apparently relatively recent trio with two lead vocalist gals on guitar and bass, and a guy drummer was likewise made up of old pros; the two lasses having put time in the ‘80s band Mutley Chix’ rhythm section (each of them having played drums and bass at various times). Their sound was louder (with both guitar and bass distortion) and more stripped down (the latter almost a necessity with a power trio), reminiscent of slightly more hardcore grunge/riot grrl style, with less focus on melodic singing, no guitar leads, and big monster lockstep rhythm riffs. After one song false started a couple times, at least the tech problems from the first set did not reappear. The guitar choices were interesting, being a seldom-seen Les Paul bass (which is not analogous to a regular Les Paul, but is rather more like the Les Paul “Recording,” an equally rare guitar showing Les Paul’s later tinkering with the original ‘50s design) and a Fender Jazzmaster (whose perhaps best-known adherent is Elvis Costello, though I’m guessing a more probable influence on Driver is J. Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. fame). Third on the bill was Ancient River, who were releasing a new CD. My band played a show with them in March of last year, noted in the summer edition of this magazine, as well as them having played the same November fest with Root Doctors mentioned above, although for the latter show they played as a drums-guitar duo, without their bassist. This show somewhat struck a balance between their approaches in the two shows I’d seen previously, the first having been a ‘60s influenced rock
the set was trippy, with the lead singer/guitarist using two mics, apparently for stereo vocals, and a two-amp rig for stereo guitar effects (in addition to a large array of effects boxes, including a wah-wah pedal). Closing was four-piece Big Oil, another band that had played the November fest I mentioned. With two frontmen on guitars (Telecaster and a homemade rectangular slab with a single P-90) and vocals, in addition to the rhythm section, again the Gainesville roots went deep with this band, the two guitarists having PHOTO BY BRIAN KRUGER been in early ‘90s band the Root Doctors (L—R): Chaz Scales, Jim McKay, Bryan Blair, Rich Groene. Moles, which morphed into Grain, which they were also in. set with some flourishes of psychedelia thrown in, while Reuniting after a few years in Big Oil, the band has the short-handed fest appearance was more trippy with been a staple of the local “y’allternative” rock scene very long instrumental passages. This set emphasized ever since, but had not played a show in Gainesville the latter with a large movie screen behind the band proper (the November fest being just outside town) in and a ‘60s-style “gel” overhead projector aimed at it from a few years. They played an absolutely smoking set to one direction, while an old-school slide projector shot close the night. images from another. Much of the start and middle of Now, go see some bands. s
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>> INTERVIEW
Alexis Dold
OWNER of CIRCLE SQUARE
Alexis makes things. Furniture. Art. Custom bicycles. He is a craftsman and an artist. On a recent afternoon, I met with him at Circle Square and he showed me around his facility. He pointed out a variety of works in progress as some of his colleagues — artists and craftsmen — worked on various projects.
AGE: 39 HOMETOWN: MELBOURNE, FL Raised in Daytona MOVED TO GAINESVILLE: 1993 MARRIED WITH CHILDREN: WIFE ROBIN AND THREE DAUGHTERS AGES 8, 5, AND 8-MONTHS
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nside the warehouse, sparks were flying as a man cut through metal. Outside, another man sanded three large cypress planks that were glued together to form a future tabletop. Dold described how they would sand it again and again, each time using a finer grade of sandpaper until it meets their expectations. Described as ‘pecky’ cypress, its surface has channels and patterns as unique as a fingerprint, eaten out by a fungus that takes up to 125 years to germinate. At Circle Square, nothing goes to waste. Globs of resin, colored with food spices, end up as art embedded in a tabletop.
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The electronic remains of a computer are affixed to a board and hang on the wall. Even sawdust is used to fill in defects in the age-old wood. Dold described some of the intricate processes involved in fashioning furniture from century-old heart pine pulled from an old barn, or from 1,000-year-old cypress retrieved from the bottom of a river. He showed me boards salvaged from the Sad Sisters, old buildings that had sat empty for years on University Avenue. The repurposed lumber will now find new life in someone’s home. On a wall hang some of Dold’ custom bikes. He pointed out his
handiwork, explaining how the texture on the hammered and polished steel bicycle lugs was created by a secret process he invented. He also makes his own steel in the forge of a friend, built in 1907. “This one has metal that I forged,” he said. “I forge it into flat plates, and then take the flat plates and cut parts out of them and put the parts on the bike. The silver parts are pure nickel; the dark parts are 1095 steel. This is the only one like this in the entire world. This is a very rare piece.” Dold led me into the Circle Square Gallery, where cantilevered cypress tables are perched upon cypress knees, and
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALEXIS DOLD
BY ALBERT ISAAC
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALEXIS DOLD
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paintings hang on the walls. Within the gallery all manner of art can be found: paintings, ceramics, furniture. Dold said the Circle Square Gallery hosts an art show once every four months. The next one is in March. After the impromptu tour he answered questions while we looked through photographs.
When did you first start building furniture? My whole life I’ve been interested in building stuff. When I was a little kid I used to watch my dad build things. My parents split when I was 10 years old and we really didn’t have any furniture or anything, so I talked my mom into buying me some tools and letting me build furniture for the house.
And you were how old? I was 10. Then I got a circular saw and a jigsaw. I built a workbench and immediately after that I built a dining room table. And then I made benches. Ever since then I’ve just been building stuff that I needed and my family needed.
How many custom bikes have you made? I’ve made about 500 bikes. 493. About 10 years worth. There was a period of time when I was making 25 bikes a month.
When did you become interested in building bicycles? I had been racing bikes since I was 6 years old, so I had always been into bikes. And I’d worked at bike shops. I’d been
“This is me putting all of my skills on the table and saying, ‘If you need something come see me.’ I can build it as well as anyone in the United States.” How did that turn out? The first pieces were totally awful. One was like a cheap rendition of an entertainment center that I’d seen at Wal-Mart. It was made out of particleboard. It was nailed and not screwed together. But it held a TV and a stereo.
building furniture in San Francisco, and when I moved back here I had a show at Randy Batista’s gallery and sold it out with small things. So he asked me to have another show and make big pieces. Unfortunately, none of them sold. Here, nobody knew who I was. So I ended up sinking all
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of the money that I had saved up into just the wood for the show. I had these pieces of furniture left over from it — which I have since sold — but at that time I was like, “I need a job. I’ll get a job at a bike shop.” So I talked to Shalom and Arthur who owned Bikes and More and Gator Cycle at the time and they hired me to manage Bikes and More. I bought it from them a year later.
Is this when you began building bikes? I was building bikes before I owned the bike shop. Bikes and More was a great business. I got married, had our first child, and did that until 2008. I started Mr. Goodbike in 2003, while I owned Bikes and More. So the idea was that once I started making as much in frame building as the bike shop was making, then I could sell the bike shops and just pursue frame building. And then, what happened in 2008?
The economy crashed? The economy crashed, right! One of the first things on the We-Don’tNeed-This list is a $5,000 bike. I had a really, really rough time of it. We had about a two-year waiting list and didn’t get an
order for close to a year. It was like someone just closed the door. You know, like crickets. So we’re going on our third child and I was basically making an executive adult decision. I’ve got to do what I can. And this [Circle Square] is what happened because of that. I’ve still been making furniture the whole time. But this is me putting all of my skills on the table and saying, “if you need something come see me.” I can build it as well as anyone in the United States; so a little nod to manufacturing in the United States.
Are your girls interested in following in your footsteps? My middle one came to me the other day and asked, “Can you show me how to make bikes when I turn 10?” Of course I will. That would be awesome! It was kind of cool how she was so specific about the age. She’s got five years. As I was leaving, Dold was soliciting help to move the massive cypress tabletop into the warehouse, a work of functional art that is a far cry from his first particleboard entertainment center. s
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>> ACROSS THE POND
Euro Trip The Backpackers’ Diet: A Great Way to See the Sights and Burn Calories
BY CAROLYN TILLO and KATRINA SHARP fter being surrounded by dollar stores, dollar menus and dollar bargains at Target, two American girls like us can be forgiven for thinking that the U.S. dollar can get us almost anything. Alas, Europe isn’t as forgiving, and we found this out the hard way during our backpacking adventure. Switzerland gave us a crash course in the demise of the American dollar. Two cheeseburgers, some fries and a Sprite at McDonald’s cost 19 Swiss Francs, or $24. Never has a grease-filled, heart attack-inducing dinner been so hard to afford. We knew from that moment on we would be forced to starve for the next two weeks of our travels. Don’t get us wrong. The food in Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and
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Croatia is amazing, if you can afford it. But when you’re an incoming graduate student with American money in your pocket, $24 for one meal is a painful price to pay. Within the first few days of our trip, Katrina came up with the brilliant idea of the Backpackers’ Diet. Mix a little bit of starvation with a day full of running after trains, exploring cities and hiking mountains, and presto! You come home from your relaxing vacation with a beach body that will have the lifeguards sitting up straighter and the money you saved weighing more than you do. Despite the high food prices, we cannot complain. We climbed mountains in Switzerland, swam in a crystal clear Slovenian lake and
went on a gondola ride in Venice. We know. Our lives are tough. We want you to have the same European experience that we did, so here’s our Backpackers’ Diet guide for what to eat and what to see when you’re traveling through some of Europe’s most breathtaking places.
Switzerland When we arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, we realized that this city, home to the United Nations Office, is a melting pot of international cultures and a hotbed for high food prices. You may find a meal for 15 francs on a good day, but don’t be surprised when you
find one for 20 to 30. We spent more time looking for food rather than actually eating. Still, we saw plenty of sights along the way. Any visit to Geneva is incomplete without a stop by Lake Geneva and a picture of the Jet d’eau, Europe’s tallest fountain, which has grown more powerful
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PHOTO BY KATRINA SHARP
Built in 1287, Haus Bethlehem is the oldest house in Switzerland and is located in the small town of Schwyz. This picturesque community is a short train ride away from Luzern and is the perfect destination for a day-trip.
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PHOTO BY CAROLYN TILLO
The Jet d’eau, Europe’s tallest fountain, was originally a security valve for a hydraulics factory in Geneva. Since the 1800s, it has grown in height and reputation, becoming one of the city’s major tourist attractions, according to the Geneva Tourism website. 132 gallons of water per second are jetted to an altitude of 459 feet by two pumps. The water leaves the nozzle at a speed of 124 mph. At any given moment there are about 1,850 gallons of water in the air.
since its installation in the 19th century. The lake is surrounded by a beautiful public garden, the Jardin Anglais, home to a clock made of flowers, and restaurants like the pizzeria where we ate, where lights in the trees sparkled after dark. The next day, we toured the United Nations Office and later
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went in search of Geneva’s Old Town, which turned out to be a longer walk from our hostel than we anticipated. Old Town’s ivycovered walls, lively cafes, and the cathedral that peeked at us from the hill made the trek well worth our time. We found no traditional food (this was the night we ate
McDonald’s), but we felt that we had seen a lot of Geneva in the two short days we were there. From Geneva we took the train to Luzern, a picturesque small town where the ancient Chapel Bridge glides over the surface of the bluegreen Lake Lucerne. The best thing about train rides through Europe?
lakeshore. We walked through an outdoor market, where vendors sold jewelry, handicrafts, scarves, dresses, bratwurst and ice cream. After ordering reasonably priced sandwiches (about 5 francs each) from a shop near the water, we sat on a bench and enjoyed our meal before making our way to the station again, this time for a quick trip to Schwyz, home to the oldest house in Switzerland, known as Haus Bethlehem, which was built in 1287. There, we toured the house, where even 5-foot tall Katrina could barely squeeze under the ancient wooden doorways. Next door to the oldest house in Switzerland is the Ital Reding-Haus, a manor house built in 1609 that is conveniently open for tours. Looking back, the next day of our European adventure goes down as one of our most extreme Backpackers’ Diet days. We took a ferryboat to Mount Rigi. At Rigi’s base, we took Switzerland’s oldest cogwheel train up the steep mountainside. We reached the top and hiked a good 3 miles, watching as gentle breezes rustled the purple and white wildflowers and marveling at the ice-capped peaks staring at us from a distance. Now we know what “Mountain air” detergent is really supposed to smell like.
Switzerland leg of the diet: Walking and mountain ambling + little food due to cost and appearance = negative calorie count
Austria
The food cart only comes around once, and you’re so distracted by the beautiful scenery that you forget to eat. Let the Backpackers’ Diet begin. Luzern in one word: colorful. Window boxes overflowing with pink and purple petunias line the bridge, and cafes cover the
We raced around no other city more quickly or efficiently than Salzburg. When we arrived at the train station, we got a Salzburg card. Found in cities throughout Europe, cards like this offer discounts on city attractions, serve as free passes at sightseeing destinations and provide you with free rides on city transportation. You may put down 30 to 50 euros for the pass, but it pays off, especially if you are as determined as we were to make
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every one of those euros count. We took a free ride down the Salzach River and explored Schloss Hellbrunn, a palace built for Archbishop Markus Sittikus as an adult playground. All ages will enjoy Sittikus’ trick fountain garden where we can guarantee you will have fun and excitement, but not necessarily dry clothes. Dodging squirts of water that seem to come from everywhere in the garden really gets your heart rate going, and off go more calories. “Sound of Music” fans like us cannot leave the grounds of Hellbrun without a picture by the gazebo used in the movie. Originally located outside an Italian restaurant, it had to be moved when the crowds and tour buses started disrupting the restaurant’s business. We caught a second glimpse of the gazebo during our Sound of Music tour, which took us through Salzburg and the surrounding countryside to see sights shown in the movie. When we returned to Salzburg, we remained on our feet, visiting Mirabell Gardens, which Maria and the children ran through in the movie. We also took a tour through Mozart’s residence, where we saw an original family portrait and a piano Mozart played. Although our shins ached and our calves burned, we did not return to our hostel until around 11 p.m. that night, after taking a tour of the Hohensalzburg Fortress that looms over the city. We walked through its ancient cobblestone streets and peaked at old cannons and a blacksmith shop. The fortress’ “newer” towers predated the founding of America. Although there are no tours of the fortress at night, exploring it at this time was well worth it. We avoided any daytime crowds and entered for free, and we had free reign to explore. Throughout the day, we gave in to two gelato cravings and loaded up on carbs at an Italian restaurant, but our aching legs attested to the fact that our ice cream was well
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PHOTO BY CAROLYN TILLO
Katrina paddles the swan boat toward the island in the center of Lake Bled, Slovenia, home to the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary. On the day we visited, the church’s bell was constantly ringing as tourists each made wishes by pulling the bell rope inside the house of worship.
deserved. The next day, we were on the road again. We took a train from Salzburg to Hallein, home to a former salt mine that now acts as a tourist attraction. After donning baggy white shirts and pants that fit us about as well as the butt-crack revealing shorts of ‘90s rappers, we headed into the chilly mountain interior, straddling a cart that towed our entire tour group of about 50
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people. The salt mine is a must-see, unless you are claustrophobic. It’s an amusement park underground, with wooden slides (like waterslides minus the water) and a boat ride on a shallow, salty lake.
Austria leg of the diet: Racing around Salzburg + exploring the inside of a mountain = toned calves
Slovenia After traveling through Switzerland and Austria, we considered ourselves extreme backpackers. We had been staying in cheap hostels, carrying our clothes on our backs and eating what we could find, or eating little throughout the day. Then, we met Jack and Ross, who made us look about as extreme as two preschoolers on a playground.
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Within minutes, these two lads from The University of Edinburgh managed to put the Almighty Backpackers’ Diet to shame. Jack and Ross had cycled 1,000 miles through Europe. We met them on the train from Austria to Slovenia, which turned into a 7-hour nightmare of construction delays, missed connections and painfully slow trips through the countryside. For part of this long ride, we sat near them, and, within minutes, these two lads from The University of Edinburgh managed to put the Almighty Backpackers’ Diet to shame. They described how they had survived off of stolen crops and cycled through France, where they communicated with a French farmer through hand gestures alone, since they did not speak French and the farmer did
not speak English. Their tales of survival and their close connection to the lands upon which they traveled inspired us. Case in point: they described how they spent extra time at one campsite with the hope that the sweet corn there would ripen. The corn never did ripen, but we managed to win them over with some storebought Swiss chocolate, which we are sure was much better anyway. After saying goodbye to Jack and Ross, we liked to imagine that any cyclists we saw were our friends, en route to their next farm and their next batch of stolen farm food. Besides being excellent cyclists, the Edinburgh boys also provided
a great travel tip. They said Lake Bled in Slovenia was a must-see, and, after taking their advice and making a trip there, we could not agree more. Lake Bled is a hidden gem in Slovenia, a tourist attraction for locals but without crowds and pomp, which makes it all the more charming. Its clear blue water is good enough to drink, and the small island in the lake’s center is home to a beautiful church. Tourists can rent swan boats and paddle to the center of the lake without fear of getting attacked by the alligators, sharks and snapping turtles you may encounter in Florida. After paddling to the island, we rang the bell inside the church and each made a wish. A woman we met on the train said the lake’s water is like silk, and she was right. Swimming in Lake Bled is a smooth, cleansing experience. Snow-capped mountains loom in the distance and the Bled Castle guards the lake water from
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PHOTO BY CAROLYN TILLO
Rovinj, Croatia, is a peaceful beach town with streets that awaken in the evening. The beaches on its rocky coast are accessible via flights of stairs from the street. We explored Rovinj’s outdoor markets, where vendors sold jewelry, scarves and handicrafts. Nearby, tourists and locals could buy fruit and produce from outdoor stalls.
above, as it has done since the year 1004. The fortress is worth a visit, with exhibits showcasing artifacts that predate Jesus. After forcibly dragging ourselves away from Lake Bled, we returned by bus to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Ljubljana may lack the natural charm of Lake Bled, but it has a cute city center with upscale shops and some delicious Slovenian food: delicious baconwrapped pork and a pork chop seasoned with herbs, with potatoes and traditional red sauce. Fueled by
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the protein in our bodies and the change still left in our wallets, we left Slovenia feeling refreshed and ready to continue our journey.
Slovenia leg of the diet: Swimming in a mountain lake + rowing a swan boat = toned arms and sore triceps
Croatia Unfortunately, one of the most severe side effects of the Backpackers’ Diet - nausea — kicked in during the journey
from Slovenia to Croatia. After an uneventful train ride to Rijeka, Croatia, we boarded a bus to the coastal town of Rovinj. The bus looked like a Greyhound, but the air conditioning was not working, and our Croatian drivers decided to talk on their phones while speeding along curvy mountainside roads. This was more than we could take. Katrina threw up and slipped in and out of consciousness for most of the trip. Carolyn prayed that she and the bus would not flip off the side of a mountain in Croatia, never
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We set out to explore the town center, where we strolled through shops and bought fresh cherries at an outdoor market. to be seen again. Luckily, things got better when we arrived in Rovinj. Our hostel was a house with rooms rented out by a family. It was by far the cleanest and one of the least expensive places we stayed. When in doubt, we recommend finding a family-owned establishment, especially in an unfamiliar country. We set out to explore the town center, where we strolled through shops and bought fresh cherries at an outdoor market. We quickly devoured most of the cherries. True to our Backpackers’ Diet, and the lack of available food on trains and buses, we had not eaten since breakfast.
While walking along Rovinj’s coast and exploring its beachside restaurants, we found a place with delicious seafood. Even more delicious were the prices. The dollar was about five times stronger than the Croatian kuna when we visited, so we took the price on the menu and divided it by 5 each time. Calamari never tasted so good. We were fooled by Rovinj’s small-town appearance, only to realize that it wakes up after dark, emitting an energy generally found in big cities. Tourists lined the cobblestone streets, passing from one illuminated shop to the next. Gelato stalls kept their doors open late, so we gave them some good
business. As a band played music in the courtyard, eager seafood lovers lined up for beers and plates of fresh calamari at the pier. We walked to the cathedral on the hill overlooking the town before dipping our toes into the Adriatic Sea, black at night but bright blue during the day. A nearby bar placed lights under the water, illuminating the shoreline with a blue-green glow.
Croatia leg of the diet: Long bus ride without food + long walk through Rovinj = two tired and toned tourists
Weary from lack of sleep, we returned to America, where any hopes of remaining on the diet or looking visibly thinner went down the drain. After two weeks of extreme backpacking, who could resist a free bag of chips and a cup of queso at Moe’s? That’s enough to hold us over until the sweet corn ripens. s
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COLUMN >> ALBERT ISAAC
Different Note Don’t Flip Your Lid recently ignited a firestorm of controversy at work. All the hoopla-ha wasn’t about the economy. It wasn’t about the tea party. It wasn’t about politics or school funding or gun control. Nope. This heated discussion was about toilet seats, and the people (men) who leave them up. The argument began when the men’s room at work was occupied and I had to use the women’s restroom. I will say I am fairly well trained at home to put down the toilet lid when I’m through. But for some reason this habit only works at home. When we are on vacation, the “Voice of Reason” (wife) will often chastise me: “Why do you leave the lid up while we are on vacation? I don’t understand it. Why can’t you close it? You always do this.” Apparently, I suffer the same affliction while at work. Because very soon after said visit to the women’s restroom, I hear the battle cry: “Who left the toilet seat up?” And she was not happy. Which reminds me of a joke: Q: How many men does it take to put down a toilet seat? A: Who knows — it’s never been done. I immediately owned up to my transgression and,
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being on deadline, went back to work. Meanwhile, down the hall a lively conversation ensued between a man and a woman. And by lively I mean loud, passionate and very much the Battle of the Sexes. It went something like this: “Put. Down. The toilet seat!” “Why? Why can’t YOU put it down?” “Because.” “No seriously. Why does it have to be our responsibility to put the seat back down?” “Because we have to sit down to go.” “Yes, and we stand up to go, so why should the impetus be on us to put it down?” (Only I don’t think he said impetus.) “Just because!” This continued for some time before morphing into a fascinating discussion about chivalry and women’s liberation. I was just glad to be busy working, especially since it was my action (or inaction) that started the whole debate in the first place. Both sides held their ground (not really — but, like a true journalist I will remain neutral). When it comes down to it, it’s just plain polite to put down the seat and close the lid. And, apparently, if
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the lids are left up, women might actually fall into the toilet bowl. I have to admit, that I too have fallen prey to such an embarrassing blunder. Typically late at night, when I’m roused from a deep sleep. I stagger into the dark bathroom, sit down and abruptly find myself enduring a cold and rude awakening. And it is awakening. It’s a well-established fact that splashing cold water on your cheeks will wake you up. It’s not a lot of fun. And now, as if I’m not awake enough, I have to jump into the shower because I’m sure not getting into bed with toilet cheeks. After the shower, I am wide-awake, blissful sleep but a distant memory. I can say this in all honesty: falling into the cold unwelcoming waters of the toilet bowl is not something I have to worry about any more. I have learned my lesson, and unless I am sleep-peeing, I always check the seat. If it’s up, I put it down. “Idiot,” I tell it. “Stupid moron!” Kidding aside, I close the lid not for the fear of hearing the Voice of Reason’s Wrath (OK, maybe a little), or because I might fall in. I close the lid to keep those nasty germs from jumping out of the toilet when I flush. And while I’m on this topic, I should say that women — and men as well — should be grateful for the lads who are thoughtful enough to put up the seat,
instead of leaving it down to be used for target practice. This bad habit of spraying the toilet seat seems more endemic in the nightclubs and the bars, oh, and the supermarkets and the libraries and — well most public men’s restrooms that I’ve had the pleasure to visit. I have to ask this of the guilty parties: “Would you sit on that nasty toilet seat? Do you do this in your own home? Do you spray all over the floor and the walls and the seat and the sink?” “TMI,” you are probably thinking. So I apologize for my potty mouth, but I think it had to be said. Or at least written. Hopefully read. I know it’s a pain to — heaven forbid — lift a toilet seat while in a public venue. You might get your hands dirty. So use your foot to open it. Makes it better for the next poor soul who has to actually sit down. My suggestion to the ladies: Please don’t go ballistic when your man commits this egregious act. I’m sure he does not want you to fall into the toilet. It could be just an honest mistake and not a deliberate malevolent blow to your femininity. And guys: At home, when you flush (not IF you flush) put the lid down first and keep those nasty germs from migrating to places you’d rather not think about. Like in that cup of coffee sitting by the sink, inches from Mount Vesuvius. Or on your toothbrush. And in the men’s public restroom, the seat should definitely be left up. s
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>> C’MON SHAKE YOUR BODY BABY, DO THE CONGA
Salsa + Zumba Meet SalSumba, Gainesville’s Only Local Live Latin Band
STORY BY ALYSON LANDRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY TJ MORRISSEY dozen men, ranging from their late-30s to mid-50s, take the stage at Calico Jack’s Oyster Bar and Seafood House. The music starts and a deep, deep Latin flavor bursts forth from the trumpets and seven other instruments. It energizes the soul, and gets under the skin. Soon the audience cannot help but get up and move to the Salsa beat. The dance floor finally flows with Zumba-like moves. Orquesta SalSumba d’Gville made their debut on Dec. 9, 2011 at Calico Jack’s Oyster Bar and Seafood House to an audience of about 200 people, said owner Patricia Romero. “It was fantastic,” said Romero, who is known by the band as ‘The Godmother’ because she took
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them under her wing. “The event went great.” John Peña, SalSumba’s founder, approached her about a show, and she took a chance on them. “I like to dance. I like the music. So, I decided to give it a try to get a good turnout,” said Romero, who is also Latin. She expects their upcoming shows at Calico Jack’s to be as good, if not better. SalSumba is currently the only live 12-piece Salsa band in the Gainesville area, said the three band leaders John Peña, Luis Aponte and Jorge Tamayo, who are also the vocalists for the band. “Our main goal is to become a part of the musical and artistical landscape of Gainesville and the
surrounding communities,” Tamayo said, “and in that, put on display our culture, our music, our rhythms and sounds, etc.” The band consists of 12 professional musicians from Ocala and Gainesville, whose talents range from the piano, trumpets, trombone, and tenor saxophone to the timbales, bongos, congas and vocals. “The Hispanic community is craving this,” Peña said, who strives to pump fun and irresistible energy into every performance. Aponte, who has spent decades on the road as a musician, selects SalSumba’s songs from known Hispanic artists such as: Sonora Ponceña, Johnny Pacheco, Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez, El Gran Combo
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de Puerto Rico, Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz and many others. Peña was surprised last year when the 10th annual Downtown Latino Festival, held by the Chamber of Hispanic Affairs, did not have any live Latin music groups. SalSumba is what Gainesville has been missing until now, Tamayo said. “We want to be a part of the community. We want to play at weddings, local businesses, community events and birthday parties,” Peña said, while also providing a
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place where the community can dance to the beat of live music. Peña recruited his brother-in-law, Aponte, about five months ago who in-turn contacted Tamayo. They continued to gather members through word of mouth and on Craigslist.com. The band was born with diverse talents ready to fill the air with their music. SalSumba is a mixture of what the band brings to the table: Salsa sounds and Zumba moves. Aponte came up with name SalSumba after
the band sifted through about 30 names in one night. He noticed Zumba classes were a huge hit in the Gainesville community. He combined Salsa and Zumba to create SalSumba. However, they are formally known as Orquesta SalSumba D’ Gville. Aponte said that anyone can use the moves they learn in Zumba to dance for fun wherever SalSumba plays. Zumba is a Latin-inspired dancefitness-program that was created in
Orquesta SalSumba d’Gville lle is: KOQUI ACOSTA Piano/ Music Arranger DOUG MEYERS 1st Trumpet CARLOS SANCHEZ 2nd Trumpet ELIO ORTA Trombone GUSTAVO CANTILLO Tenor Sax ERAS SAMMY “BONGO” OLIVERAS Bongos TONY VALS Congas CARLOS ESQUILIN or Timbales/Music Director JORGE TAMAYO m Vocals/Leadership Team TE LUIS “TORPEDO” APONTE p Lead Singer/Leadership Team/Co-Founder JOHN “NICKY” PEÑA Vocals/Leader/Founde er Vocals/Leader/Founder
2001, and is now in 125 countries, according to Zumba.com. Gainesville alone offers 80 classes a week at about 25 different locations, which can be found on Zumba’s website. They range from traditional gyms to places like the Senior Recreation Center at Northside Park. During the day, SalSumba band members are also professionals in other sectors: engineers, managers, computer developers, realtors, veterans and more.
However, SalSumba has several decades of experience between their musicians who come from Cuban, Puerto Rican, Colombian, Dominican and American backgrounds, Peña said. “At this point, it’s a hobby until the hobby decides that we go full time,” Peña said. SalSumba plans to cover all of Central Florida in the future, from Jacksonville to Orlando. SalSumba is committed to achieving a level of excellence in their music, Peña said, who emphasized
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that the band is a complete collaborative effort of all the members. “Right now we are really fine-tuning the group,” Peña said. “We want it to sound as perfect as possible.” Their goal is to play twice as better than the last time. SalSumba practices once a week and currently plays night events on the weekends. “We did our rehearsal last night and nobody wanted to leave,” Aponte said, “so we just kept playing. “It’s so contagious.” s
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>> FUNDRAISING
It’s the Climb Gosia & Ali Take to the Heights of Mount Kilimanjaro for Cancer
BY MARY KYPREOS n 2012, the American Cancer Society estimates that 1,638,910 new cancer cases will be diagnosed, with more than 1,500 people per day succumbing to the disease. This makes cancer the second most common cause of death in the U.S., only exceeded by heart disease. Reading the numbers is nothing short of disheartening, and at the same time, such statistics cannot possibly depict the personal emotions and devastation behind each
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number; the heartbreak behind fighting for and/or losing a mother, a son or a friend. “When I sat down and started thinking about how many people are affected by cancer, it was overwhelming,” said local musician Gosia Sobala. “There are too many people to mention. We still know people who are dealing with cancer now. It is so apparent everywhere.” Gosia and her husband, Ali Che’Ree, who is also a musician, have both known family members and friends who have battled cancer, and in some cases, lost. In
PHOTOS BY ALBERT ISAAC
Top: Local musicians Gosia Sobala and Ali Che’Ree train for their upcoming Kilimanjaro climb by walking the stairs at the Devil’s Millhopper -- 10 times.
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Climb for Cancer focuses its energy and attention on ensuring that the constant financial, emotional and physical ordeal placed on cancer patients and their families is eased. “What good is research, if [patients] cannot afford to get to Shands for treatment?” Farb said. “We do basic things that larger companies cannot.” As an entirely volunteer-based organization with no overhead, all of its donations directly pay for gas, meals and the hospital-parking fee — which Farb mentioned was recently eliminated — for local cancer patients and their families. Although the organization does contribute to seed grants, its main focus is a psycho-social approach to cancer aid. Social workers identify families in need and distribute vouchers paid for by the charity. “Anybody that needed it, received assistance that was paid for by us and will continue to be,” Farb said. To help raise funds and awareness, Farb and his wife chose the
“What we raise stays here, and we know where it is going. It is not a big organization where the accounting practices are hard to follow. You know where every dollar goes.” honor of each loved one, friend and stranger affected by the disease, they have partnered with a local cancer foundation to complete an even more unique and challenging mission for cancer: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. “By challenging ourselves, we hope to inspire people to open their hearts and minds to this cause. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro will be difficult and strenuous, but it does not compare to the struggles and challenges of people faced with cancer,” Gosia said in an appeal letter. “Over the years, I have performed at memorial services for lost friends; I have participated in
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fundraisers. Nonetheless, I never felt I was doing enough.” In 2008, Gosia and Ali met Ron Farb, co-founder of the Climb for Cancer Foundation, a local cancer organization that focuses on local issues. Inspired by Farb’s zeal and passion, Gosia and Ali resolved to join Farb. Climb for Cancer’s mission is to help ease the pain and suffering of those affected by cancer, and by extension seek the eradication of the disease. But as a small foundation, Farb and his wife Dianna, knew this would be an unrealistic goal for their foundation. While always hoping and looking to the future,
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name (and action) Climb for Cancer as a metaphor for climbing through the obstacles of the disease. Farb has climbed numerous mountain and has also climbed the highest summits on five continents — some he did for his own adventure, one to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and many as fundraisers for his own foundation. Just like Gosia and Ali, Farb is quick to add an addendum to his story: “Anyone who thinks that I am not committed to my foundation and the cause we serve, I take exception. I have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars of own money in travel costs.” Although Gosia and Ali must raise at least $20,000 to participate in Climb for Cancer’s summer trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, none of this money goes toward their travel. “We are not looking for someone to sponsor our adventure. We are responsible for our own travel costs, immunization costs and equipment,” Gosia said. “I want people to know we are just raising awareness. All the money goes toward the patients.” This aspect of the organization, along with its local mission, is one reason Gosia and Ali were drawn to participate. “Do you know how you buy locally to provide for the local community?” Ali asked. “This is similar because what we raise stays here, and we know where it is going. It is not a big organization where the accounting practices are hard to follow. You know where every dollar goes.” Gosia and Ali have never climbed a mountain. Nonetheless, they are excited about the climb, which they will complete with ten other people. They train on a regular basis by climbing stairs and engaging in cardio exercises. About three months before the climb, they will add weight to their shoulders as they train. “The biggest problem is not just the incline; it is the thin air,” Ali said. Throughout their journey
PHOTOS BY ALBERT ISAAC
The spotlighted piece for Starry Night’s auction is a personally designed quilt by Gosia Sobala and her friend and quilter, Susie Long. The quilt inspired the theme for the gala, as it features stars that are dedicated to cancer survivors.
with Climb for Cancer and their preparation for their challenging climb to the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, Gosia and Ali hope to use their public reputation and appearances as musicians and teachers to not only highlight this local organization but to also support those affected by cancer. “I want everybody to have hope and never give up hope; always turn to people for help,” Gosia said. “Just remember there are always people looking out for you,” Ali added. As a part of their challenge, Gosia and Ali are also organizing Climb for Cancer’s annual gala, themed “Starry Night,” with the help of local volunteers and businesses. The gala will feature a full band, catering provided by Monica Albert of Olive You, a raffle, and a live auction that will include a one-week vacation, certificates for
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hair stylings, art and other items. “This is the most incredible thing we have ever attempted to do,” Gosia said. “I do not know if the climb will be as challenging as putting the fundraiser together!” Gosia and Ali have relied on help from the community to plan the event, and credit a treasury of volunteers for the creation of a memorable night. In particular, the event could not be possible without its lead coordinator, Amy Keene of Adore Events; its lead event designer, Dan Hathcock of Unforgettable Events; Kristin and Paul Privette of Footstone Photography; Eric Hill of the Xerographic Copy Center. “We are so impressed with the community,” Gosia said. “It is overwhelming.” s For more information about Climb for Cancer, visit www.cfc-foundation.org. The Starry Night Gala will be at the Woman’s Club on University Ave. May 3rd.
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>> FUNNY MEN
Comedy Tonight Gainesville Comedy Showcase is “Your Witty Date” for the Evening
BY JANICE C. KAPLAN t’s a Wednesday night, and at Mother’s Pub comedian T.J. Brown is performing his headlining set. But one patron is talking so loudly to the person next to her that she unfortunately drowns out Brown (who has a microphone). Unfortunately, that is, for her. Brown good-naturedly tells the woman not to worry about disrupting the set, yet her discussion carries on. He continues his back-and-forth with the woman — which is actually just “forth” since she is still talking with her friend
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— as the rest of the audience roars in laughter, until she finally realizes that she has become part of the evening’s entertainment. It is a typical moment in the life of a comedian with the Gainesville Comedy Showcase. “It makes you sharper,” Brown said of the free shows they perform several nights a week. “Sometimes you have to get the audience’s attention, let alone get a laugh.” For the past two years, members of the Gainesville Comedy Showcase have entertained audiences at establishments such as Mother’s Pub, 1982 and Sweet Mel’s. At any given time
the circuit has about 20 comedians, roughly half of which have been members for a year or more. Some are just beginning to venture into stand-up comedy, while others tour throughout the country performing in places such as Orlando, Chicago and North Carolina. The circuit grew out of the shows at Coconuts, a comedy club that was previously located in the Holiday Inn West, later known as the Clarion, on Newberry Road by I-75. “They had a comedy show three nights a week and it was awesome,” said Pablo Momene, a GCC comic and Miami native who got his start
PHOTO BY JANICE KAPLAN
Pablo Momene, Rudy Mendoza and J.C. Currais (left to right) are regulars with the Gainesville Comedy Showcase.
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at Coconuts about two years ago. “Then I found out that there was a workshop every week that people could go to. All the comedians would hang out and practice their jokes on each other. I sat and watched them do their thing for another few weeks, and then I finally got the courage to do three minutes worth of material.� When the hotel and club closed, many comedians were stranded because there were no other regular comedy events outside of the University of Florida. So group co-founders Chris Cope and J.C.
Currais scouted local venues to see if owners would welcome stand-up performances. They carried over the Gainesville Comedy Showcase name and continued the weekly workshops so comedians could hone their craft. Momene said that the workshop system results in better comedy than the traditional “open mike� format where newcomers take the stage without assistance or instruction. “They don’t have anyone who will give them any constructive criticism at open mike nights, because they’re alone there. They don’t have the buddy system we have here,�
he said. “These workshops improve your comedy drastically, much faster than an open mike would.� A typical performance begins at around 10:30 in the evening and includes eight to ten comics. The less experienced performers go first with three-minute sets, and as the evening continues the more seasoned comics perform for seven or 10 minutes each. The headliner is the last to perform and can last anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour. Momene is also starting a weekly comedy night on Tuesdays at Dirty Bar (formerly Emerald’s).
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Each set will feature two or three of the group’s more skilled comics, and admission will be charged so that the performers can get paid — a great incentive for people who are normally compensated with bar tabs, if anything. Momene said such compensation would be a morale boost for the performers and create competition that improves the quality of the show. The group aspires to widen Gainesville’s already solid reputation for entertainment. While the city has become well known for its art and music scenes, local comedians are making their mark outside of the area as well. Currais has shared the stage with the likes of David Allen Grier and made his independent film debut in 2010, while Cope tours the southeastern United States. Another showcase member, Rudy Mendoza, was part of the team representing UF in TBS’s National College Comedy Competition, winning the title 2010 and finishing in the final four in 2009 and 2011. “Gainesville is known as a rock band town, and we’re trying to change that perception,” Currais said. “We have a flourishing comedy scene that’s getting bigger and better by the year. Right now you have eight comics in various stages of a pro career, and in the next three to five years I think you’ll have more people with national recognition from this town.” Showcase members hope to attract more audience members as this reputation grows. The group has formed a small if devoted following, with shows generally attracting 20-30 spectators on a
PHOTOS BY JANICE C. KAPLAN
J.C. Currais, one of the founding members of the Gainesville Comedy Showcase, started his comedy career on an open mic night dare about five years ago. Rudy Mendoza, part of the UF team that won the 2010 TBS National College Comedy Competition, has also performed in the Aspen Rooftop Comedy Festival and opened for notable comics such as Brian Posehn. Evan Ferl performing at Mother’s Pub in January. Ferl is currently participating in a university campus tour through several states. Pablo Momene performing his set at Mother’s Pub in January. Morales will be running the group’s show at Dirty Bar in the Thornebrook Village.
given night. It is a good total given the group’s minimal advertising, but it presents the challenge of keeping the material fresh for a repeat audience — a difficult task since routines often take time to hone and perfect. But such a challenge also provides the audience with comedy on a variety of topics, from the discomfort of using the men’s room to the burden of an extended birth name. (Note that much of the material is for mature audiences; if the show times and venues did not already suggest, it is best to leave the children at home.) Spectators are not the only people the group wants to reach, however. Momene would love to see more people give stand-up comedy a try. “There are so many people who walk away from each show saying, ‘I think I could do that’ or they have some part of them that wants to do it. The whole thing is really open to help people try it out. I think that’s fun too,” he said. Workshops currently run every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. in Weimer
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Hall room 1076 on the UF campus, and the group plans to add more sessions soon. People of all ages are welcome at all workshops to develop their comedy skills. And yet, comedy is not comedy without people to laugh at the jokes. Showcase comedians like Evan Ferl encourage local residents to stretch their entertainment horizons with this different — and free — opportunity. “Gainesville is a really interesting microcosm of people who are funny and are really working at it,” he said. “Instead of just sitting at a bar drinking, you can sit at a bar and laugh. And it’s always less pressure to have somebody else be funny while you’re there instead of you having to carry the conversation.” “We’ll be your witty date,” Brown added. s The Gainesville Comedy Showcase performs at 1982 on Tuesdays and Mother’s Pub on Wednesdays; other days and venues vary throughout the week. Visit the group’s Facebook page for more information on show dates, locations and comedy workshops, or ask a comedian at the next performance.
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REVIEW: BLUE WATER BAY >> JANICE C. KAPLAN
Adventures in Appetite Downtown Gainesville gets a taste of what Melrose has enjoyed for years... ike many people in Gainesville, I have heard many wonderful things about Blue Water Bay in Melrose. But I don’t often travel in that direction so I have never tried the restaurant’s fabled seafood dishes. And now I don’t have to, since chef and owner Byron Terwillegar has opened a second location in downtown Gainesville. Situated at 12 SE Second Avenue, Blue Water Bay occupies a building steeped in history. Originally a livery stable, it was later used for parking and storage until it began its new era on the restaurant scene. Most notably remembered as The Sovereign for 30 years, it was last known as Ti Amo before Terwilllegar came in last fall and renovated the space. Diners who patronized any of those establishments might wonder how the early20th century brick walls and wood beams could house a seafood place. But for the most part, Terwillegar and co-owners Billy Scheel and Shawn Shepherd have done a fine job blending the building’s history with Blue Water Bay’s seaside motif — with the possible exception of the large widescreen TVs and orange-and-blue painted fish on the walls, which might stand out to some guests. The restaurant is currently open for dinner seven nights a week from 4:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. and serves appetizers, full entrees, sandwiches and desserts. The focus is primarily on shrimp, oysters, mahi-mahi, scallops, salmon and grouper, with much of the seafood brought in directly from Florida’s shores. Landlubbers need not fear, however, as Blue Water Bay also offers chicken, beef, pork and vegetable dishes. My husband and I visited Blue Water Bay on a Wednesday evening. Upon our arrival we were greeted by a friendly hostess who seated us at a booth in the main dining area. Other tables were closely situated,
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which got a little noisy when a large party was seated nearby. But our booth was comfortable and roomy. A short while later our server came along to take our drink order and offer suggestions. We decided to share the Fighting Gator Tail appetizer, but we needed advice on the main course. Our server was more than happy to help, supplying countless details regarding any dish we asked about. I chose the Blackjack Oak Smoked Salmon, served with brown rice and sautéed vegetables. My husband selected the Grilled Chicken Wrap and picked the Creole Red Beans and Rice as his side dish. Our gator tail arrived within a reasonable time and featured more than a dozen chunks of breaded, fried gator meat and a cup of “Swamp Sauce” for dipping. This was a barbecue-style sauce laced with a hint of cilantro that truly complemented the meat. The gator was deliciously tender and not at all chewy, as gator can get when not done properly. The breading was a bit on the salty side, but that was easily mitigated with the sauce. Shortly after we finished the gator tail, our entrees were brought to the table. The salmon was topped with a little lemon, lightly dusted with seasonings and smoked until done. The flavor was subtle but delicious; unlike salmon dishes that are marinated or glazed, the taste of the fish really came through. (It was ever so slightly dry, but that might be due to the nature of the preparation and cooking method.) The brown rice was fluffy and tasty, and the vegetables — a combination of yellow and zucchini squash, asparagus and red and yellow bell peppers, sautéed in a little butter — tasted so fresh they might have been picked from the garden that afternoon. My husband’s sandwich was stuffed with chicken
I chose the Blackjack Oak Smoked Salmon, served with brown rice and sautéed vegetables.
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that had been brushed with butter and char-broiled to perfection. Teamed with onions and salad greens and rolled into a wheat wrap, the sandwich was juicy and flavorful. He also raved about the red beans and rice, proclaiming it some of the best he has had in Gainesville. Both dinners were generously portioned; neither of us could finish our meal, and we gladly boxed up the leftovers for lunch the next day. The only true disappointment of the night came after dinner, when our server regretfully informed us that they had run out of dessert. This was a bit of a shock as it was only 7:45 in the evening, and according to our server this has happened once or twice before. He explained that they get their desserts from a bakery in Melrose (the same one that serves Blue Water Bay’s original location) and that sometimes supplies are limited. This revelation was probably for the best, given our full bellies, but we were chagrined to miss out on the margarita cheesecake and key lime pie that we had spied on the menu. The total for our evening at Blue Water Bay was just over $50 including soft drinks and tip, which is about right considering the quality of food and the portions served. We both agreed that we will definitely return soon, perhaps with friends or extended family, to enjoy this welcome addition to downtown Gainesville. s
Here’s the Basics... LOCATION: 12 SE 2 Avenue, Gainesville PHONE: 352-872-5915 HOURS: Monday through Sunday, 4:30 pm. to 11:00 pm MENU: Dinner menu includes appetizers, entrees, platters, sandwiches and desserts; full bar. PROS: Food freshly prepared and generously portioned; friendly and knowledgeable service. CONS: The open floorplan and closely placed furniture make it a bit noisy for fine dining; the restaurant ran out of dessert at 7:45 pm. PRICE: Dinners start from about $10 for wraps/sandwiches; full entrees range from $14 up through $25, with seafood platters for multiple diners starting at $40. Daily specials for appetizers and entrees are available.
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2441 NW 43rd St. Suite 18 - Located in Thornebrook Village
Hours: Monday - Saturday 11:00am - 7:00pm
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On the Move! Need Help Moving? Jeannie’s Attic is expanding our services and we are on the move to help you relocate to your new home or to help you downsize for a simpler life. Our services include packing and moving, selling your excess furniture and household items, and cleaning services for both your old & new home. Our team of professional movers are licensed and bonded to handle your move with care from beginning to end. Jeannie’s Attic can also handle your estate sale needs with the assurance that your items will be sold in a courteous and professional manner, with no last day drastic mark-downs, as we can sell items not sold at the sale in our shop. We can also refer you to local real estate agents who can take the sell of your home into reliable hands and insurance agents to cover your new home with peace of mind. And you can rest assured that Jeannie’s Attic stands behind each and every service with the same trustworthy reputation we’ve been proud of for 14 years in the Alachua County area! Like Us at Jeannies Attic in Thornebrook
2441 NW 43rd St. #23 • Gainesville Call or stop in today! 352-375-5678 166 | Spring 2012
Jeannie’s Attic CONSIGNMENT
UPSCALE FUR NITUR E & HOME DECOR Mon.-Fri. 10am to 5:30pm Sat. 10am to 3pm
DIRTY BAR More than a bar, it’s an attitude. D
oes a night on the town sound like fun? What if you could grab some friends and head out for night filled with fun, dancing and your favorite cocktail? At Dirty Bar, located in Northwest Gainesville, all of that and more awaits, without the hassle of heading downtown. “I wanted to create an alternative to going downtown,” said Mike Rich, owner of Dirty Bar. “As I grew older, my friends and I wanted something a little different than the normal college club experience. We wanted a place where we could listen to great music and have fun without having to deal with all that comes with going downtown.” Focused on delivering a great time, Dirty Bar has something for everyone. “We wanted to develop a music venue that offered diversity, and we’ve done that by having different genres of live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights,” Mike said. Thursday nights feature some of the area’s best Country and Southern Rock bands; Friday nights rock with traditional and hard rock options; and Saturday nights mix it up with a variety of bands from our area. Additionally, Dirty Bar hosts the North Central Florida Blues Society monthly jam session on the 3rd Sunday of each month.
If performing is more your passion, then join Dirty Bar and some of the hottest Karaoke action each Tuesday night starting at 8 p.m. Bring your friends, be the star and belt out your favorite tune as other wannabe singers perform the classics. Want to laugh out loud? Join Dirty Bar’s new Comedy Club, held on the first Tuesday of the month. Comedy Night features some of the finest comedians in North Central Florida in addition to some wellknown nationally touring comedians. New for 2012, Comedy night starts at 8 p.m. Dirty Bar is open Tuesday thru Friday from 5 p.m. until close, and on Saturdays from 8 p.m. until close. Happy Hour specials are from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and feature 2 for 1 drinks on anything except bottled beer. Check them out on Facebook for a complete listing of upcoming events and special promotions.
TUESDAY Karaoke, FREE Pool, $ 2 Domestic Drafts $ 3.50 Wells, $ 3.75 House Wines, $ 5 House Martinis, Free Tacos WEDNESDAY Incredible 80’s Night! Various Drink Specials all night long, Free Pizza THURSDAY Ladies FREE Domestic Drafts, Wells & Wine 8-10. Live Music, Free Hot Dogs FRIDAY & SATURDAY The Best in Live Music $ 5 House Martinis. $ 3 Cover. HAPPY HOUR EVERYDAY 5PM TO 8PM (2 FOR 1’S) Free Tacos, Pizza & Hotdogs during Happy Hour (Tues - Thurs)
GOOD TIMES • GREAT MUSIC • SMOKE FREE
352.373.1141
THORNEBROOK VILLAGE - 2441 NW 43rd St. • Gainesville, FL 32606 www.VisitOurTowns.com
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Come discover unique treasures in Thornebrook Villages’ cozy, park friendly atmosphere. Connecting breezeways and alcoves allow you to leisurely stroll through this open air village. Our shops are filled with one of a kind curios and fashions. Art galleries, rare gems, antiques and collectibles, specialty furniture, custom framing, designer eyewear, fine dining and exceptional boutiques are just some of what you’ll find in Thornebrook Village.
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>> SINGLE VISION
Hello Kitty A Sanctuary for Exotic Wildlife in Melrose
STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANA EDWARDS oughly 50 minutes away from Gainesville, down a dirt road and past an iron gate lies a treasure in Melrose. Tigers, lions, bobcats, coatis, Malaysian squirrels, panthers, alligators and lemurs populate the 10-acre property of Carl Bovard, a former animal trainer at Sea World and Jungleland Zoo. With a passion for teaching the public about endangered species, Bovard, 40, rescues exotic species so that children and adults can become educated on current endangered species conditions.
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“This facility is used for educational purposes,” Bovard said while feeding grapes to four lemurs. “Some of these animals have been rescues through the Fish and Wildlife Service, some through USDA [United States Department of Agriculture] and others through trade.” Bovard said he always wanted to work with animals since he was a child helping with his grandfather’s farm. He earned a biology degree from Indiana University and began working with sea turtles and manatees at Sea World. Later he
Mayhem, a 7-month-old mountain lion, jumps on Bovard every time he enters the cage. Bovard uses Mayhem and his sister Chaos to teach about Florida panthers, which have about 80 different names including “mountain lion.”
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ABOVE: Lemurs, Abu, Apollo and Athena, remain active throughout the day, enjoying grapes and bananas as treats for good behavior. RIGHT: Rampage, a one-year-old bobcat, is a recent addition to the sanctuary.
accepted a position as a carnivore keeper at the Jungleland Zoo. Bovard’s home-turned-wildlife sanctuary began July 1, 2005. Two baby tiger cubs were born to a tigress he looked after at the zoo. Bovard felt an immediate connection with the cubs, Bali and Amira, who were born with sunken eyes. Just months before the birth of the cubs, Bovard had a motorcycle accident that left him blind. He slowly regained sight in his left eye. “As cheesy as it sounds, that’s how I came to name this sanctuary ‘Single Vision,’” Bovard said. “My single vision was to do what I could to save endangered animals.” Bali and Amira were Bovard’s first rescues. He slowly began accepting more animals, some abused that USDA confiscated from homes. “This is a critical time for tigers,” Bovard said. “There are now three extinct sub-species of tigers, and now there are less than 400 left due to poaching, primarily in China for medicine and habitat destruction.
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We need to fight for their lives, or soon captivity will be the only place these animal can be safe.” Bovard has two additional adult male tigers, Mohan and Samson, and lioness, Nala. “Most people don’t know that white tigers were inbred in captivity,” Bovard said. “Mohan is no exception. A white tiger is unnatural. Very few white tigers are born in the wild.” Other animals Bovard houses include an Asian black leopard, two bobcats, three mountain lions, four lemurs, two coatis, two Malaysian squirrels and their two offspring, two kinkajous, a 5-foot alligator named Tebow, a tortoise, a blue and gold Macaw, five German Shepherds and three housecats. He found that he could raise large cats and turn them into properly nourished animals capable of human interaction. Bovard said he would not go back to working for a facility that was not his own. “I never want to become just another facility accepting as many
animals as possible,” Bovard said. “It’s only me taking care of the animals, and I want to give each of them the love and affection they deserve each day in nice spacious habitats I built more than double the required size.” All the animals have a daily schedule, which incorporates meals, naptime, training, visitors and playtime — which most facilities do not provide. “I love the hands-on approach,” Bovard said. “I can’t get that working in a zoo.”
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Samson, a 3-year-old Siberian tiger, still enjoys treats of drinking milk from his bottle. Carl Bovard rescued the 700-pound tiger at 3-months-old from a traveling petting zoo.
tigers outside my house. Every day is a memorable day.” s Single Vision hosts many school tours to teach children the importance of protecting endangered animals. The facility is open for private call-ahead tours every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 501(c)(3) non-profit is completely funded by donations and advertised by word-of-mouth. The animals go through 200 pounds of meat alone every day, and donations help considerably. On Bovard’s website, singlevisioninc.org, a wish list and virtual adoption of the animals can be found.
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Bovard has trained the animals so that if they are needed for a movie scene, they can play the part with little direction. Amira has recently been filmed for the show, “Swamp Brothers,” and she has filmed several Animal Planet commercials. “There isn’t a day that goes by that something new and exciting doesn’t happen,” Bovard said with a smile. “I literally have lions and
$
When the sun comes up, so does Bovard. He works the sanctuary around the clock. He believes in training the large animals through positive reinforcement and love, while appealing to their natural animal behaviors. “Through this training I’m building a relationship with the animals,” Bovard said. “My survival depends on that. It’s a relationship built on respect more than trust.”
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ADVERTISER INDEX 4400 NW 36th Avenue • Gainesville, FL 32606 352-372-5468 352-373-9178 fax AUTOMOTIVE Ernie’s Southern Offroad......................83 Gainesville Harley Davidson ..................140 Maaco Collision Repair ........................ 135 Park Place Car Wash & Detail .............68 Streit’s Motorsports ....................................123 Terry’s Automotive & Qwik Lube ........ 116
Douglas M. Adel, DDS........................... 116 Gainesville Dermatology ..............................9 Gainesville OB/GYN .............................. 30 Gentle Dental Care ..........................................2 Loving Care Assisted Living ....................60 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery ............18 Palms Medical Group ............................ 40 Samant Dental Group ............................ 10 Vishnu Reddy, M.D. ................................... 7
REAL ESTATE Atrium ........................................................106 Innovative Home Builders ...................... 4 The Village ................................................... 6
FINANCIAL / LAW Campus USA Credit Union ...................51 Easy Tax & Accounting .........................78 State Farm - Tish Olesky ......................43 Stephen K. Miller Law Offices ................. 33 Sunshine State Insurance ................... 163 SunState Federal Credit Union ..............................81, 90, 180
FITNESS and BEAUTY Charisma for Hair ....................................34 Dawn Marie ................................................35 Emerge...............................................................80 Salon 5402.................................................66 Sun Station Tanning ............................. 166 Zoetic Designs, LLC ................................15
PETS and VETS Affordable Vet Clinic .................................144 Animal Health Center..................................83 Bed & Biscuit Inn ...................................104 Bob’s Compassionate Pet Sitting .......144 Dancin’ Dogs Boarding ............................144 Dream Dogz .............................................175 Eager Pup ................................................144 Earth Pets..................................................175 Invisible Fence .........................................174 Wild Birds Unlimited .............................175
EDUCATION & CHILD CARE Gainesville Country Day School ........28
MEDICAL / HEALTH 1st Choice Immediate Care ................. 161 Affordable Dentures ............................. 121 Altschuler Periodontic ........................ 158 Angel Reyes, M.D................................... 162 Archer Family Health Care ................ 120 Caretenders ...............................................84 Center for Medical Weight Loss ....... 161 Community Cancer Center ................. 121
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RETAIL / RECREATION Alachua Business League .........................92 Alachua Pawn & Jewelry .................... 155 Alternatives Global Marketplace .......42 Beacher’s Lodge......................................99 Bead All About It ........................................ 166 Bennett’s True Value ..............................82 Bicycle / Pedestrian Board ..................... 101 Blue Springs ............................................104 Coin & Jewelry Gallery ........................104 Colleen’s Kloset........................................35 Cootie Coo Creations ............................82 Crevasses Florist...........................................165 Dance Alive................................................95 Deep South Lacrosse ..................................93 Dirty Bar ................................................... 167 Especially for Women ...........................78 First Street Music & Sound Co................44 Gainesville Civic Chorus .......................93 Golf & Tennis, Etc. ........................................135 Harn Museum of Art .............................. 64 Hippodrome Theatre...................................89 Jeannie’s Attic ........................................ 166 Jewelry Designs by Donna....................... 82 Klaus Fine Jewelry ........................... 8, 168 Lentz House of Time ............................ 136 Lifestyle Cruise & Travel .......................99 Miracles Maternity ................................. 164 Mr. Goodbike ..................................................163 New Smyrna Beach ................................97 Paddywhack............................................ 139 Pawn Pro ....................................................68 Sapps Pawn, Gun and Archery ..........58 Swim America ................................................118 Thornebrook Chocolates ........................ 168 Thornebrook Gallery ..................................165 Thornebrook Village .................................. 164 UF Performing Arts .............................. 103 Valerie’s Loft Consignment .................42 Wood You Furniture..............................173
MISCELLANEOUS American Diversified ........................... 178 Cash for Cars .......................................... 178 Europe Grocery............................................ 166 Holy Trinity Episcopal Church ............98 U.S. Casting .................................................... 105
SERVICE Action ChemDry .................................... 129 Alachua County Big Blue .................... 116 Alachua County EPD .............................78 Alachua Co. Waste Management .......21 Alma Mater Screen Printing .............. 136 AllState Mechanical, Inc...................... 152 BBI Construction Management......... 101 Bertie Heating & Air ................................... 154 Bounds Heating & Air .......................... 145 Catholic Charities ....................................65 Cindy Taylor Photography........................ 75 COX Business.......................................... 163 COX Communications ...........................39 Creekside Outdoor Improvements.... 49 Dish Network ................................................ 154 Festival Sign Service ..............................69 Gainesville Regional Airport .............. 101 Harvest of Hope............................................. 74 Jack’s Small Engine Repair................. 114 Kurt Johnsen Energy Systems ..........173 Lotus Studios Photography ................22 Mini Maid ....................................................67 Rosenboom Construction .................. 120 Sears Carpet Cleaning...........................79
HOME IMPROVEMENT American Fence .......................................... 145 Blinds Direct ...................................................139 Carson’s Cabinetry & Design ..............59 Clint S. Davis.................................................. 143 Fences & Gates by IMI ...........................42 Gulf Coast Supply ........................................... 11 H2Oasis Custom Pool & Spa ..................126 Keen’s Portable Buildings ........................179 Overhead Door .........................................41 Red Barn Home Center................... 154, 173 Sherer Studio .......................................... 136 Southwest Greens Synthetic ..................137 United Rent-All........................................ 50 Whitfield Window & Door...................... 3
RESTAURANT Ballyhoo Grill...........................................108 Bubba Que’s ............................................. 119 Domino’s Pizza .................................... 17, 19 El Toro........................................................ 142 Flying Biscuit Café .......................108, 169 Gator Q .....................................................108 Hungry Howies Pizza ............................... 5 Joe’s Place ................................................ 141 Los Aviña.........................................................109 Mad Hatters Café ...........................83, 109 Magnolia Parke Tavern .............................109 Mark’s Prime Steak & Seafood .......... 110 O!O Tapas & Tinis ................................... 110 Saboré ........................................................ 110 Taste .....................................................................111 Tasty Buddha ............................................ 111 TCBY...................................................................165 Tropical Smoothie Café ........................ 111
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62 >> DO A BARREL ROLL
Drew Drechsel, 22, propels himself over a wall on the UF campus. In addition to teaching Parkour and free running in Gainesville, Drechsel was a contestant in the television show, “American Ninja Warrior,” shot in Japan. He trains five-to-six hours, six days a week and plans to again take on the extreme challenge of “American Ninja Warrior.”
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It’s time to get moving Trust SunState to help you do it.
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