The Village Journal by The Village Journal

Vol. 12 No. 2

OLYMPIAN

CHRISTIAN The Ultimate Community Lifestyle Magazine

TAYLOR'S ROAD TO RIO

MEET THE MINDS BEHIND

EAT THE

2016 | Vol. 12 No. 2

Revolution LAUNCHING A

HOW THE RIVER PHOENIX CENTER FOR PEACEBUILDING IS CHANGING SOCIETIES NEAR AND FAR

What's Inside ON THE COVER

54 Footstone Photography Robert Hedges

Goodbye Dishes. Hello Delicious. Meet the minds behind Eat the 80.

CO V ER S TO RIES

20 24

Spotlight on Neighbors: Barbara Bour

A New Era for Haile Plantation Golf & Country Club

28 60

A Very Good Deed: Cultivating the Next Generation of Giving

Ask a Fitness Expert: Fitz Koehler

TheVillageJournal.com | 55

CON TE NTS

IN EVERY ISSUE 14 Haile Village Center Directory 18 Haile Market Square Directory 28 Real Estate Market Watch 29 Community Map 70 Calendar of Events 74 Snapshots 79 Register of Advertisers 80 From the Kitchen of Dean Cacciatore

local 20 Spotlight on Neighbors: Barbara Bour

24 A New Era for Haile Plantation Golf & Country Club

28 A Very Good Deed:

Cultivating the Next Generation of Giving

life 34 Hop, Step, Jump2012 OLYMPIC

Triple Jump Gold Medalist Christian Taylor Shares His Road to Rio.

6 | CONTENTS

40 12 Must Have Gifts for Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day 43 Looking for a Financial Advisor? Avoid These Red Flags. 48 Launching a Revolution: How Heart Phoenix and The River Phoenix Center for Peace Building is changing our approach to relationships.

taste 54 Goodbye Dishes. Hello Delicious. Meet the minds behind, Eat the 80.

wellness 60 Ask a Fitness Expert: Fitz Koehler

64 Industry Insider

Dr. Alissa N. Dragstedt Look Mom, No Cavities!

explore 66 Discover Fort De Soto Park

Pinellas County Communications Department

Footstone Photography

E DITOR’ S NO TE It was the perfect Florida day. It was around 75-degrees and sunny with a light breeze. Paul, our trusted photographer, and I arrived to take photos for our story, “Launching a Revolution” (p.48). Out walks Heart Phoenix and Jeffrey Weisberg to greet us. The hour that followed was full of depth, meaning and a wonderful reminder of the ‘good’ taking place in our world amidst harsh violence and hatred we hear about too often. Heart and Jeffrey are a couple that exudes the kind of love, compassion and human connection you wish you could bottle and spread around the world. And while Heart and Jeffrey founded the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding here in Gainesville, they are, in a sense, doing just that. The Center is blazing the path for organizations, law enforcement agencies, schools and families to change the way we, as a society, approach and handle violence and conflict resolution on a national, and even global, scale. We also caught up with decorated triple jumper Christian Taylor and get the inside scoop on his journey to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio (p.34); meet Barbara Bour who has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, hiked the Inca Trail to Manchu Picchu and navigated the rugged Patagonian Ice Fields, all post-retirement (p.20); and hear from the couple behind Gainesville’s premier food delivery service, Eat the 80 (p.54). Join me in following the journey of these incredible individuals.

Channing Williams editor@thevillagejournal.com

8 | EDITORS NOTE

Paul Privette photographing Heart Phoenix for our feature story, "Launching a Revolution" (p.48).

Kilty Bryson and Channing Williams of TVJ attending Girls Place Hats, Hearts & Handbags with Andrea Love-Leonor of a Very Good Deed (p.28). and Christine Worthmann of Comfort Temp (p.16-17).

@thevillagejournal

#VJCONNECT

@villagejournal

INSIDE SCOOP Hear from the people featured in this issue.

@villagejournal

@VillageJournal

Pensacola Beach

Destin Beach

Favorite Florida Beaches According to VJ Staffers

Crescent Beach Anna Maria Island Palm Beach Island

Christian Taylor Thank you for the well wishes. Blessed to come away with a win and a solid series. My 2016 season finally begins. Next stop Doha (May 6)

eatthe80 When the receipt's taller than the person, you might have a shopping problem. Or they just might be vertically challenged. Either one #growinglikecrazy

Keith Watson Productions produced yet another successful Heart Ball. Congratulations to everyone involved for such a wonderful event benefiting the American Heart Association.

Pure Aesthetics

Thank you to all that came out Wednesday to my 1 year business anniversary. It means so much to have such special people surrounding me. Here's to another wonderful year to come!

Fitz Koehler

Here are some ways for beginners to start exercising. #FitFriday #Fitzness

Head over to our Pinterest “Sweet Treats” board for summer bites like these champagne-fruit popsicles.

Touring 8 gorgeous homes AND enjoying featured food at each stop? Yes, please! Just a few of the reasons why we’re proud to be sponsors of the Junior League of Gainesville’s annual Tour of Kitchens.

thevillagejournal.com Head to the web for more stories, resources and updates, or drop us a line to share your thoughts.

10 | CONNECT

CON TR I BU TO RS

PUBLISHER:

Ryan Frankel EDITOR:

Channing Williams

Alissa N. Dragstedt, D.M.D Dr. Alissa Dragstedt holds undergraduate and medical degrees from University of Florida. In 2010, Dr. Dragstedt became a diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, which is the most prestigious qualifying status in the profession and is a distinction earned by fewer than three percent of all dentists. She currently serves as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University Of Florida. Dr. Dragstedt is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, the Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and the International Association of Dental Traumatology. She regularly attends Continuing Education conferences to ensure that she and her highly trained staff remain committed to excellence in pediatric dentistry and the latest in innovative technologies to enhance patient care. Dr. Alissa cherishes time spent with her two children and husband, and can be found around town at her children’s sporting events.

Fitz Koehler Fitz Koehler, M.S.E.S.S. is a fitness expert, TV personality, author, spokesperson and speaker who spends most of her time on stages and in studios teaching to the masses. She is founder of the global children’s running program, The Morning Mile, and serves as race announcer for major marathons around the USA. This Gainesville resident and mother of two, enjoys coaching her kids youth soccer team and water sports when she’s home. Check out Fitz’s core training DVD, FLIP FLOP ABS®, and find endless fitness resources on her site Fitzness.com.

Brian Watson Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), earned a Finance degree from the University of Florida and is a Partner at Koss Olinger, where he is an integral member of the firm’s Investment Advisory Committee. Brian specializes in retirement planning, investment management and estate planning and was central to the development of Koss Olinger’s trademarked process, The Wealth Navigator System™. Brian takes great pride in his ability to implement advanced planning techniques while simultaneously educating his clients.

12 | CONTRIBUTORS

DESIGN:

Jean Piot, Senior Graphic Designer Alexandra Villella, Graphic Designer Nita Chester, Production Manager ADVERTISING:

Kilty Bryson, Senior Account Executive SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS:

Dean Cacciatore Coleen DeGroff Emily Broaddus, Intern

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Lynna Lawrence Dante Lima Kendal Norris PHOTOGRAPHY:

Footstone Photography Kara Winslow Robert Hedges DIGITAL MEDIA:

Mehgan McLendon, Webmaster Jillian Kirby, Social Media Strategist Claire Fuller, Intern ACCOUNTING:

Diana Schwartz-Levine, Bookkeeper For advertising or licensing information call (352) 331-5560 or visit TheVillageJournal.com

105 SW 128th Street, Suite 200 Newberry, FL 32669 TheVillageJournal.com The Village Journal is published quarterly in Gainesville, Florida. Copyright 2016, all rights reserved by Frankel Media Group. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. Frankel Media Group is an independent entity, and neither it, its agents, employees, nor its publication The Village Journal, have any associations with The Haile Village Center, Haile Plantation, its developers, employees or tenants. Printed in the USA. ©2016 Frankel Media Group.

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PRESENTED BY

HAILE VI L L AG E C ENTER DIRE CTORY

ARCHITECTURE Jennifer Langford, AIA, CNU, PA . . . . . 371-7187 The Sustainable Design Group . . . . . . 327-3899

COMMUNITY Haile Equestrian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 665-7433 Haile Village Farmers Market . . . . . . . . 363-2233

EDUCATION Abacus Learning Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 376-1492 La Escuela Spanish Learning Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 514-4409

EVENT SERVICES Cacciatore Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 692-0701 Plantation Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371-1600

DANCE Cameron Dancenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335-7785

FINANCIAL American Optimal Advisors . . . . . . . . . 505-5632

DINING

Holloway Wealth Management . . . . . . 337-8177

Cacciatore Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 692-0701

Markey Wealth Management . . . . . . . . 338-1560

Haile Village Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378-0721

SunTrust Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375-6868

Limerock Road

Tillman Hartley, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335-9015

Neighborhood Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240-6228 Patticakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376-1332 Queens Arms Pub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378-0721 Volcanic Sushi & Sake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363-6226 14 | DIRECTORY

FURNISHINGS & GIFTS The Perfect Gift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375-8000

HEALTH & BEAUTY Cj's Plantation Salon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331-0400 Haile Barber Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374-2005 Haile Village Spa & Salon . . . . . . . . . . . 335-5025 Hang Ten Nail Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331-5545 Salon PhD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338-1011 Sarah’s Hair Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226-6909 Serendipity Spa & Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . 378-9088

JEWELRY Sander’s Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331-6100

LEGAL C. David Coffey, P.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335-8442 Warner, Sechrest & Butts, P.A. . . . . . . . 373-5922 Law Offices of Allan H. Kaye, P.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375-0816 Law Offices of Steven Kalishman . . . . 376-8600 Mark J. Fraser, Attorney at Law . . . . . . 367-0444 Niesen, Price, Worthy, Campo, Frasier & Blakey, P.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373-9031 White & Crouch, P.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .372-1011

MEDICAL Aguirre & Sappington Orthodontics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378-2545 Alix L. Baxter, M.D., P.A. Psychiatry and Psychotherapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373-2525 Benet Clinical Assessment . . . . . . . . . . 375-2545 Burnell Acupuncture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367-0900 CFK Cardiac Tech, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332-3760 Haile Endodontics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374-2999 Galvan Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327-3561 Haile Medical Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367-9602 Haile Plantation Family Dental . . . . . . . 375-6116 Haile Plantation Family Medicine (UF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265-0944 Infectious Disease Consultants . . . . . . 375-0008 Kelly Aissen, PhD, LMHC . . . . . . . . . . . . 278-7008 Kent Wegner, M.D., Psychiatry & Neurology . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333-1109 Kids Only Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335-7777 Lori Libert Physical Therapy . . . . . . . . . 222-1583 TheVillageJournal.com | 15 15

H AIL E V I LLAGE C E NT E R D I R E C T OR Y Linda Goodwin, PhD, LMHC, Counselor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373-0030 Options Medical, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317-6379 Speech & Language Center at Haile Plantation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284-3323 The Haile Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337-0551 William E. Beaty PhD, Psychologist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331-5520

PET CARE Haileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Angels Pet Rescue . . . . . . . . . . 262-4232 Haile Plantation Animal Clinic . . . . . . . . 377-6003 Shampoodles by Jan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336-7236 Sweet Paws Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264-8995

REAL ESTATE Bosshardt Realty Services . . . . . . . . . . . 371-6100 Coldwell Banker, M.M. Parrish Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335-4999 Haile Plantation Sales & Information Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335-4999 Management Specialists Services . . . . 335-7848 Premier Management Associates, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379-4641 Henderson Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339-3478 Rabell Realty Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559-8820 Thomas Group Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226-8228

TITLE & INSURANCE AmeriLife Insurance Marketing . . . . . . . . 371-8213 Brightway Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 519-1900 New York Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379-8171 Homestead Insurance, Agent Ann Toms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505-6565

TECHNOLOGY Advanced Turbine Support, LLC . . . . . . 302-2364 E-Tech Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-785-5993 Neptuno Data Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 514-4215

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HAI L E MA R KE T SQ UARE DI RE CT O R Y

BEAUTY Great Clips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331-1005 Venus Nail Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331-3878 Salon 119. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505-3819

DINING

INSURANCE Bo Greene Insurance Agency. . . . . . . . 333-1123

MEDICAL Archer Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3 1 - 4 7 3 1 Haile Market Therapy &

Bamboos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331-1522

Behavioral Medicine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331-0020

I Love NY Pizza. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333-6185

Kinetix Physical Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . 505-6665

Loosey’s Bar & Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331-6620

UF Health PRC at Haile . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265-0944

Subway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332-1707 Sweet Cup Frozen Yogurt. . . . . . . . . . . 240-6828

DRY CLEANING On the Spot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332-9494

FINANCIAL Florida Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 7 7 - 4 1 4 1 Wells Fargo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331-8239

FITNESS Sweat Life Fitness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 692-4926 Sweat Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 692-4926

GROCERY Publix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3 1 - 1 0 3 7 18 | DIRECTORY

PHARMACY Publix Pharmacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331-1086

SHOPPING Haile Jewelry & Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333-1905 Haile Kitchen & Bath. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 745-3456

SPIRITS The Spirit Shoppe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331-7274

REAL ESTATE Tommy Williams Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . 331-8180 Viking Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333-9333

LOCAL S POT L I GH T ON N EI GH B O R S

BARBARA BOUR Hitting all the Highs of

Mother Nature

By Kendal Norris | Footstone Photography

aile resident Barbara Bour was born in Springfield, Missouri, the Queen City of the Ozarks. But she grew up in or around two big cities— Boston and St. Louis—as a result of her father’s career as a professor of music. Her mother worked as a telephone operator in Watertown, Massachusetts, where she could be seen riding her bicycle to and from the phone company each day. Barbara recalled, “I guess my older sister and I were some of the earliest latch key kids; it created a strong streak of independence in both of us.” Barbara’s fondest childhood memories include spending summer holidays at her grandparents’ home in Fortunes Rock Beach, near Biddeford, Maine. Barbara chose to go to the University of Colorado in 1968 to begin her studies in the field of physical therapy. Transferring to the University of Missouri two years later, she earned her BS in that discipline in 1971 and met her future husband, Dave, in the process. Barbara remembered, “Some years after graduation, I had my heart set on going to Nigeria to work in a leprosy colony through the sponsorship of an organization called CUSO (Canadian University Services Overseas) but that’s when Dave proposed marriage.” It was one of those critical forks in the road that determine one’s future; Barbara chose to

accept his proposal and stayed here in the US. She would be rewarded by many opportunities in the future to serve on international medical missions. And Dave, a salesman in the health and beauty aids industry, was consistently and enthusiastically supportive of her career throughout their marriage. Relocating to St. Petersburg, Florida in the 1970s, Barbara started her own physical therapy clinic, Children’s Therapy Center, concentrating on the care of children with disabilities. Meanwhile, she and her husband had welcomed into the world their daughter, Whitney. When Whitney was only five years old, another life-changing event occurred: she was diagnosed with leukemia. Luckily, we found it at the right age, and she had the right blood type for curative treatment. She underwent extensive chemotherapy and thankfully survived.” Barbara recalled that when her young daughter (understandably traumatized by the hospital stay and treatment) asked her mother, “Why me?” Barbara responded, “Everyone’s going to have trouble and pain in their lives. Aren’t you lucky to be so young when you learn important lessons from this, like how to be grateful for every moment and every day, no matter what?” As testimony to the impact of that experience, Whitney decided to go into medicine herself. She graduated from UF Medical School, did TheVillageJournal.com | 21

her internship in neonatology at Washington University in St. Louis, and is completing her fellowship there in June of this year. She and her husband, Charlie Eldridge—also a physician—will be moving to the Tampa area this summer. Whitney has a position with St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, and her husband will be attending staff at All Children’s Hospital.

Monte Fitz Roy is a mountain located near El Chaltén village, in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, on the border between Argentina and Chile.

In 1997, Barbara decided to sell her physical therapy practice to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg and continued working there until 2008, when she endured an unexpected turn in life with the sudden death of her husband, Dave. She commented, “I was so lucky to have had him as a partner; he was a prankster and a charmer who always had a smile for others, and he was always there for me.” Following Dave’s passing, Barbara moved to Gainesville to continue her physical therapy career at UF. “I first came to this area to be a part of a collaborative project between UF Health and UF’s Physical Therapy Department to start clinics for cancer patients,” she stated. “Our initial goal was to help cancer patients who were undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. After that program was successfully launched, we opened another physical therapy clinic in the Pediatric Oncology Department.” Barbara also assisted with the design of the pediatric and oncology clinical aspect of the course curriculum. The side effects of cancer treatment can be debilitating. As Barbara put it, “Our job was to help make these side effects manageable. For 22 | LOCAL

example, kids with brain tumors often have balance problems because of the location of the tumor. We work on balance so that the patient is safe and less clumsy in movement.” In leukemia patients, a “foot drop” issue can result from the effects of chemotherapy. Physical therapists assess patients’ treatment throughout their cancer experience and use braces and exercises to lessen the intensity of the problem. Bone cancer patients often have to undergo surgery and radiation to reduce tumors, affecting range of motion and strength in the muscles and joints. With the help of physical therapy, their range of motion, flexibility, strength and function can be improved. “Even cancer-related fatigue can be reduced by doing exercises to improve muscle endurance and aerobic capacity,” according to Barbara. Physical therapy provided to the pediatric oncology population is still in the nascent form. The program in Gainesville is only one of several such undertakings in the entire United States. Barbara noted, “My experience here at UF and UF Health has been truly remarkable. I’ve seen close communication and cooperation between physical therapists, physicians, patients, patients’ families, social workers, child life therapists, and the nursing staff. At times, they would all come together in the physical therapy gym with the patients to dance to the Wii as part of the aerobic training portion of treatment. For the children, it makes the chemotherapy experience somewhat bearable and even fun.” While at work one day, she met Ron Farb, a volunteer at UF Health pediatrics. As many in the Gainesville area know, Ron started the Climb for Cancer foundation and has raised a tremendous amount of money for cancer patients through climbing events, both in the US and internationally. The loss of her husband had caused Barbara to stop and reflect of her own life, and remembering the advice she had

giver her daughter many years earlier, she created a bucket list of things she still wanted to accomplish. On that list was the desire to hike Machu Picchu in Peru and climb Kilimanjaro in Africa. As she said, “I’d loved hiking in nature, but hadn’t really been a serious hiker. The El Chaltén hiking trail. Mt. Fitz Roy can be seen in the background.

In 2013, Barbara hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. In July 2015 she summited Kilimanjaro and in January 2016, she climbed mountains and roamed across glaciers in Patagonia, South America. “It was a truly amazing journey,” she said of Patagonia. “We flew to Buenos Aires and started hiking in El Chaltén, the hiking mecca of Argentina. Each day we’d hike over rolling hills and witness the beauty of the outdoors. The scenery was spectacular and breathtaking.”

Atop the Viedma Glacier on Lago Viedma in Patagonia.

Retiring last year from her extremely rewarding forty-plus year career, Barbara said that among her favorite memories were ones from various medical missions in which she was privileged to participate. These took her to countries in Central and South America and even to Western Samoa in the South Pacific. She recalled, “On some of these trips the conditions were quite primitive. We would visit villages and have to ask the chief’s permission to interact with members of the community. We would assess the person’s disability and provide treatment using donated medical equipment as well as patient, family and community education.” She also had some interesting adventures along the way—including being stranded with a colleague in the middle of a coconut field and having to hitchhike back to their base of operations. Barbara has plans in the near future to hike in the mountains around her North Carolina vacation cabin and visit her newborn granddaughter, Blake. When the traveling slows down, she plans to volunteer at the UF Health pediatric oncology clinic where she once worked. An eager explorer of life and

Hiking with daughter, Whitney, in North Carolina.

Barbara and her porter, Paul, who helped her summit Mt. Kilimanjaro.

mindfulness, she remains a source of inspiration and abundant energy—always ready to help those in need or pick up at a moment’s notice to embrace the next high jinx adventure on her ever-expanding bucket list. TheVillageJournal.com | 23

A New Era for

Haile Plantation Golf & Country Club By Dante Lima | Renderings provided by Club Corp.

illions of viewers watch The Masters tournament every April, held at the epitome of American country clubs, Augusta National. Just to get a peek of the grounds on TV feels like a privilege, but Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club is trying to buck the antiquated views of what country club life was. Instead the club is is undergoing an extensive clubhouse reinvention this summer that will bring stylish new décor along with new dining, social and family features that fit the lifestyle of today’s private club members.

Future "44 South" Patio.

“With this reinvention, it will feel like we’re opening a new club,” said Jay Pittman, the club’s general

within the greater Haile community, the new vibe of the club will match the experiences members

"I WANT THEM TO REALIZE IT’S MORE THAN JUST GOLF AND TENNIS AND IT’S MORE AFFORDABLE THAN THEY THINK." Evan Walker

manager. “These renovations are going to add more value to membership and give members so many more reasons to visit the club.” Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club isn’t just a stand alone club amidst a sea of houses in a gated community. It’s one of the centerpieces of a vibrant community of leisure and commerce, and because of its unique position 24 | LOCAL

might get elsewhere in Haile, and Gainesville for that matter. “We want to blow away our members – to have it become a place where they want to bring their friends to gather for dinner, celebrate milestones or just watch the big game,” said Evan Walker, membership director. “The club has been around for over 20 years, and this brings it more into the modern where we will offer a robust calendar of events and build on our traditions to solidify the club as the place to be in the community.

Footstone Photography Evan Walker, Membership Director, and Kyle Caudill, Head Golf Pro

The reinvention, which will begin in May and extend through the Summer, won’t involve one golf hole or one tennis court. It will start where modernity is needed most, in the dining room. To better satisfy the younger members, whose generation has seen trends in dining turn to shifting menus, cool atmospheres, and fun experiences, the club is expanding with a brand new “44 South” grill and bar featuring TVs throughout, a Napa Technology WineStation™ wine dispenser, a temperaturecontrolled Wine Wall, local craft beers and even a signature club cocktail. When many clubs around the country close after dinner service, Haile will be boasting a new late-night menu so members don’t have to leave to extend their evening after a meal. They can walk out to the new “44 South” Patio with lounge seating, an expansive fire pit for the chillier Gainesville nights, and special tableside service or they can relax in the new Cabana as well. Even if you decide to bring the kids for a late afternoon instead of a late night, they’ll be able to order artisan s’mores on the patio too. As far as the menu is concerned, Walker says, some favorites will stay, but as with the rest of the reinvention principles, the idea is to make it better, fresher and more suited to modern tastes. “We’re even improving the layout of the kitchen. We rotate our menu seasonally now, but we’re going to be more agile with what we can do in the kitchen,” he said. “We are going to breathe some life into the menu and add some innovative, new items.

TheVillageJournal.com | 25

Future "44 South" Grill.

"THE CLUB CAN BE THE SOCIAL HUB, THE GO-TO RESTAURANT OR NIGHT SPOT...THINGS THAT OTHER GOLF-CENTRIC CLUBS AREN’T." Kyle Caudill

Walker grew up as a member at Haile and has worked at the club for seven years. He says even though membership is strong, any club not working to bring things into the future won’t continue to satisfy members. “We have single members, young couples with no kids, retired members, families, and they all want a great experience,” he said. “And for future members, I want them to realize it’s more than just golf and tennis and it’s more affordable than they think. It’s really a place where you can do a lot of social activities on one property.”

26 | LOCAL

Head Golf Pro, Kyle Caudill, has worked at Haile for 13 years in just about every job within the club you can imagine. He wants the reinvention to establish the club as the new center of the community, where members can relax, eat, play, swim, socialize, and call their own. “Ideally we want this to become the hub for our members. We have a beautiful golf course and an active golf program, but there’s more beyond golf. The club can be the social hub, the go-to restaurant or night spot, you know, things that other golfcentric clubs aren’t,” Caudill said.

Close to a million dollars will be poured into the kitchen, dining area, patio and bar alone. Which means members can expect much, much more than just a simple redecoration and a new menu. The common theme when talking to Haile employees about the reinvention is inclusion – including more tastes, more preferences, more styles, more ages, more families, more diversity into the look, feel, and menu of the club. Where other clubs may rest on their laurels and adhere to the common country club stereotypes, Haile has set those aside in order to create a special experience for more members. The pursuit of happiness will hopefully not only satisfy their existing members, but bring some new ones through the door as well. “I want people to stop by to see the reinvention in progress,” Walker said. “Once they see all the changes that are to come, I’m 99% sure they’re going to want to be a part of it.”

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Cultivating the Next Generation

of Giving Gainesville family volunteer organization, A Very Good Deed, teaches children about the gift of giving back. By Kendal Norris | Photos provided by AVGD

riendship binds together Andrea Love-Leonor, Shilpa Patel, and Jennifer Sabile. But what makes the bond even stronger is their mutual commitment to serve the greater Gainesville community through A Very Good Deed (AVGD). AVGD is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization they founded focused on volunteer service. The idea arose out of a desire for parents to involve their children in hands-on giving to others through simple, coordinated, well-planned, creative activities. Jennifer commented, “All three of us are professional women; I have three children, Andrea has three, and Shilpa has two—all under the age of ten. Because we work a lot and realize all too well the heavily-committed nature of modern family life, we wanted to devise easy, convenient ways to involve our children in giving back.” If children see their parents writing out a donation check, that’s one thing. But to actually participate in age-appropriate acts of kindness takes the experience to another level, instills positive life lessons, and makes doing good things for others a commonplace reality. 28 | LOCAL

Réme Love-Leonor, 2, helps plant flowers at Ronald McDonald House.

The first event produced by A Very Good Deed took place late last year at the Food4Kids warehouse. A group of more than 20 adults and 30 children spent the day unpacking donations, sorting through items for expiration dates, and repacking food boxes for needy families. Andrea recalled, “This type of direct involvement has the ability to cultivate giving hearts in our

children. It instills in them a desire to respond to the needs of others who may be less fortunate. They can see the value of their contribution firsthand. And positive, service-oriented activities reinforce their ability to grow emotionally and become better siblings, friends, and citizens.”

was an opportunity to learn about recycling and reusing materials and taking care of the earth, while spreading around some of Mother Nature’s beauty in the form of flowering shrubs. Actions definitely speak louder than words when the

"THIS TYPE OF DIRECT INVOLVEMENT HAS THE ABILITY TO CULTIVATE GIVING HEARTS IN OUR CHILDREN." Andrea Love-Leonor On Earth Day, AVGD organized a fun event where parents and children got together to plant azalea bushes at the Ronald McDonald House in Gainesville. Tropic Traditions donated the azaleas, and landscape designer Tammi Wait helped the children develop their planting skills. Added value at this volunteer gathering

entire family is involved in volunteering time and effort to give back. Recently, AVGD partnered with Ronald McDonald House at Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club to do a “Baskets of Sunshine” event sponsored by Comfort

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ACTIONS DEFINITELY SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS WHEN THE ENTIRE FAMILY IS INVOLVED IN VOLUNTEERING TIME AND EFFORT TO GIVE BACK. Celebrating Earth Day at Ronald McDonald House.

deserves special thanks for donating tons of Barbies and Hot Wheels toys.” AVGD also endeavors to make each one of their charitable activities easy for volunteers to become involved. Corporate sponsors are encouraged to contribute monetarily, and families are only asked for a minimal donation when they show up for an event. Everything’s already been prepared and made ready ahead of time, so there’s no need to carve too deeply into busy schedules.

Delivering Easter baskets to UF Health Shands Childrens Hospital.

Temp Company. Families involved with AVGD got together to make and distribute Easter baskets to the siblings of sick children at Ronald McDonald House and UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. “We had a great, enthusiastic group who contributed to making up and giving out over 100 baskets to kids who often get overlooked in view of the serious illnesses their brothers or sisters are dealing with,” Shilpa said. “And Newell and Hebah Fox 30 | LOCAL

In response to the establishment of a statewide appreciation day for first responders early in 2016, AVGD volunteers acted on the idea by taking donuts and snacks to local police and fire departments. While there, children were treated to talks and demonstrations from police and firefighters about how they do their jobs and what equipment they use on a daily basis, including canine assistants. This type of meet-and-greet activity helps educate kids; they become fascinated with, rather than fearful of, law enforcement personnel and firefighters. It also helps volunteers establish good relations with those who are putting their lives at risk to protect and serve community residents.

Visiting the Gainesville Fire Department for First Responders Day.

AVGD also responded to an invitation to participate in the Swamp Dash and Bash on April 23, 2016 at Rembert Farm. It’s an annual fundraiser for Tyler’s Hope for Dystonia Cure that drew hundreds of people who ran the fourmile course with obstacles. AVGD volunteers were on hand to cheer the runners and award them medals at the finish line. The AVGD founders and dedicated volunteers hope to encourage wider participation by enlisting talented, motivated board members to further their mission, and will be holding the first board meeting on May 16th at Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club. The organization’s goal, in summary, is to provide volunteer activities for families and create awareness of local, national and global social issues. The seeds of kindness planted today will reap a harvest of goodwill tomorrow and long into the future. AVGD is off to a great start and hopes to expand its family-based efforts to increase awareness of and direct energy toward helping others.

To learn more about A Very Good Deed and how you can get involved in upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit averygooddeed.org. TheVillageJournal.com | 31

MARKET WATCH A selection of single-family and attached homes sold in Haile Plantation, January 1, 2016 through March 31, 2016. Provided by Coleen DeGroff of RE/MAX Professionals.

Laural Park | SW 83rd Terrace

The Links | SW 52nd Avenue

Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

Sold Price

1982 1,262 3/2 $75,019

Sold Price

1998 1,344 3/2 $130,000

Heritage Green | SW 86th Terrace

Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

Sold Price

1983 1,320 3/2 $92,000

Sold Price

1983 1,320 3/2 $136,500

Plantation Villas | SW 52nd Road

Founders Hill | SW 83rd Drive

Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

Sold Price

1995 1,088 2/2 $108,000 The Links | SW 52nd Avenue

1984 1,119

Sold Price

2/2 $145,000

Heritage Green | SW 86th Terrace

Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

Sold Price

Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

1998 1,002

$111,000

1981 1,496 2/2 $149,900

Sold Price

Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

1/1

The Links | SW 52nd Avenue Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

Laural Park | SW 54th Lane

1998 1,250 2/2 $114,000

1983 960

Sold Price

1981 1,747 3/2 $165,000 Village Center | SW 91st Way

Quail Court | SW 88th Court Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

Sold Price

2/1 $115,000

Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

2005 1,401

Sold Price

2/2.5 $182,000

Village Center | SW 52nd Road

Hampstead Park | SW 97th Drive

Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

2006 1,112

Sold Price

2/2 $115,000

The Links | SW 52nd Avenue Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

Ashleigh Circle | SW 34th Road Sold Price

1998 1,454 3/2 $115,000 Founders Hill | SW 46th Lane Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

Sold Price

1997 1,908 3/2 $202,500 Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

2000 1,873

Sold Price

3/2 $219,000

Grahams Mill | SW 91st Terrace Sold Price

1983 1,323 2/2 $118,000

Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

Sold Price

1989 2,102 3/2 $229,900

Plantation Villas | SW 52nd Lane

Lexington Farms | SW 55th Lane

Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

Sold Price

1995 1,400 2/2.5 $126,000

1992 1,711

Sold Price

3/2 $245,000

Plantation Villas | SW 97 Way

Market Square | SW 25th Road

Year Built Sq Foot Bedroom/Bath

Sold Price

1995 1,400 2/2.5 $129,000

2006 1,959

Sold Price

3/2 $250,000

For the complete list of homes sold in Haile Plantation during this time period, visit thevillagejournal.com/local.

32 | LOCAL

Publix Market Square

SW 24th Ave

Chiles Elementary Storeys School Round Retreat Bedford Victoria Square Place Circle

Sable Pointe

Mills Glen

Matheson Woods

Benjamins Grove

Millington Matthews Grant Madison Square Colsons Corner Stratford Ridge Annadale Round William Kent Court

Hampstead Park

Albury Round

Charleston Park

Whitaker Oaks

4th

Butterfly Garden Kestrel Point

The Links Condominiums

Middleton Green Chickasaw way

Haile

Sutherland Crossing

Plantation Villas

Blvd

Lexington Farms

Bennets Garden

Spalding Place Indigo Square

Hale Equestrian Center

Founders Hill Planters Grove

The Haile VIllage Center Camden Court Magnolia Walk

Evans Hollow Grahams Mill

Laurel Park

Southgate

SW 91st ST

HAILE PLANTATION COMMUNITY MAP

Kanapaha *Middle School

Quail Heritage Court Green

Evans Hollow

Chestnut Hill

Tower Rd

Hickory Walk

The Hamptons

Av e

India Station

School

The Thomas Evans Haile Preserve

Oakmont Amelia Gardens

Kimball *Elementary

Westfield Commons

Cameron Park

Hail e Bl

Buellers Way

Fairhaven

Tower Rd

Ashleigh Circle Lenox Gardens

Prestonwood

Carlton Court

Branton Court

SW 91st ST

Katelyn Lane

SW 24th Ave

Shopping Trails

Eloise *Gardens

Parks

Schools

Outside of Haile Plantation

Lugano

rch

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S 34 | LIFE

HOP STEP JUMP 2012 OLYMPIC TRIPLE JUMP GOLD MEDALIST CHRISTIAN TAYLOR SHARES HIS ROAD TO RIO. By Dante Lima

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12 OLYMPIC CHAMPI

ast time we had a chance to catch up with Christian Taylor, a former track star at the University of Florida and the reigning 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist in the triple jump for the USA, he was in Gainesville for the summer enjoying some time off and reflecting on his journey from college athletics to the world stage. He was coming off of one of the greatest achievements any athlete can claim – standing on a podium with a gold medal draping from your neck while the “Star Spangled Banner” plays as the soundtrack to your dedication. Elites in other fields rarely

Christian and others on the U.S. track team have had, so they’ve been eager to learn from the various gold-medal winning training methods and techniques. “I really enjoy it [Holland]. The people have been open and warm and they want to learn a lot from what we’re doing, you know, peek behind the scenes,” Christian said. “One of the nicest things is that I can drive again. In England, they drove on the other side of the road, and here they use the ‘normal’ side, so it gives me the chance to branch out and go more places.”

"I’VE JUMPED FARTHER THAN I EVER HAVE BEFORE" get proof. They’re judged by claims and reputations. Not Christian. For him, proving he’s still the best in the world is a big deal. We talked to Christian as he continued his training in Bradenton, FL for the upcoming Olympic Trials, which will be held in Eugene, Oregon from July 1-10. Christian doesn’t speak much Dutch. Luckily he doesn’t have to. Most of the people in his new home of the Netherlands speak English, which has made it an easy transition. When we last spoke, the 25-year-old was living across the pond in London, England, but since, he’s followed his coach to Holland to work with the Dutch Federation. The Dutch athletes were intrigued by the success

36 | LIFE

It’s not just track stars that train in Papendal. Christian watches athletes prep for Rio in boxing, handball, judo, and even though the Winter Olympics are two years away, speed skating. Though he’s in the mix with different athletes and sports, his training focus is completely singular. It’s been a hard road back to excellence for Christian after the 2012 Summer Games. Since he’s had to learn to jump from his weak leg, which he now is his strong leg. The 2013 track season, one in which he placed 4th at the World Championships as reigning champ, was one of the more turbulent times of his career. Injuries in the patella, or kneecap, were hindering his progress, so his coaches proposed a change. Early on, it didn’t sit well with Christian.

#roadt #yearo #triple In 2015, Christian regained the title of World Champion in the triple jump, which was evidence he’d regained his strength and confidence. Currently, he’s just eight centimeters short of the all time world record. That’s nothing, he says. It’s a big part of the bucket list. Since London, the world record has been at the forefront of his mind. It’s what’s driven him through hard training, changing his technique completely, living in Holland far from his family and his home-base of Gainesville. And as he looks forward to the Olympic Trials, all he can see is himself on the top of the sport – and of the world. “If I want to do something, anything, I want to be the best at it. I want to go out on top and take on a new challenge,” Christian said. “If the world record doesn’t happen, I’d be disappointed, obviously. To be this close and have the experiences and the story I’ve had, it would be a good way to end it. I believe the record is mine.” If he does set the new world record during this Summer’s Olympic Games, he’s sure to have plenty of fellow Gators present

012 OLYMPIC CHAMPIO

“It was so early in my career; it [the change] didn’t make sense. It seemed kind of stupid to make an adjustment like that after winning Olympic gold, but it’s worked out great,” he said. “I’ve jumped farther than I ever have before. The change will give me extra life on my career. Now I can go to competitions and really crank it up, and to compete on the elite stage, that’s what it’s all about.”

12 OLYMPIC CHAMPI

"IF I WANT TO DO SOMETHING, ANYTHING, I WANT TO BE THE BEST AT IT." to witness it. During the London Summer Games, University of Florida sent 35 athletes across the pond in five different sports, and the Gators took home 17 medals. The University of Florida could have practically represented its own country. Christian says the Rio Summer Games should be no different.

to seeing most? “The big Jesus on the hill,” as he said it, or Christ the Redeemer as it’s officially called.

“Gator swimming, Gator diving, Gator track and field, we’ve definitely raised our level. I don’t see any reason why we’re not going to bring an even stronger team than 2012,” he said. “For triple jump, we have a chance to bring three Gators to the games alone.”

What’s beyond Rio for Christian? He’s already got his eyes set on the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020. Though by the time he gets to Japan, there’s a good chance he’ll be wearing different shoes. Running shoes.

Having familiar faces around helps keep far away places feeling like home, he said. But one of Christian’s favorite things to do is travel. He’s a self-described travel nut and since he’s never been to Brazil, Rio De Janiero presents an especially cool opportunity for him personally, as well as professionally. What he’s looking forward

38 | LIFE

“I’ve got to see it. Everyone that goes to Rio has to see that shot, because it looks over the entire city and the ocean. I’d love to take that in,” Christian said.

“I’ve been training for the 400 meters and the 400 meter relay. I’ve gained a little experience and I’ve been able to wear the USA uniform at other world events,” he said. “I’m putting in the prep now and I can only hope I’m chosen when the time comes.” Follow Christian as he shares his journey on the #roadtorio. @taylored2jump

12 Must Have Gifts for Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

Dad deserves something awesome! So skip the matching socks and necktie this year and get him a gift that will, well, maybe just knock his socks off.

Handmade ceramic and wood mug

Organic Wheatgrass Self-Watering Kit Makers Kit, $24

Mugr, $48

Soap on a Rope Turbo Body Bar Jack Black, $15

Leather Laptop and Tablet Case

Mod Laptop 2 by This Is Ground, starting at $399.99

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker, M.D. Amazon, $11 for paperback

40 | LIFE

Stainless Steel Top and Spinning

ForeverSpin, $38 (top) and $39 (base)

Camonest

ENO Hammock, $84.95

Best Dad T-shirt

Spreadshirt, $16.99 (Available in 16 colors)

Zip Line Adventure

Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours, $59 - $96 per person

Florida Gators速 Cooler Bed, Bath & Beyond, $170

Retro Gamer Crate Man Crates, $84.99

Leather 6-Pack Spartan Carton Walnut Studiolo, $98

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42 | LIFE

Looking for a Financial Advisor? Avoid These Red Flags. By Brian Watson, CFP

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here is a seemingly endless list of questions when it comes to planning your financial future. Questions like: Should I refinance my mortgage? Will I have enough money to retire and maintain my lifestyle? What is the best way to allocate my retirement investments? How can I help my child or grandchild prepare for college expenses? If something happened to me tomorrow, could my family afford the life I would want them to live? How do I prepare for possible long-term care expenses? What is the best way to transition my business to a family member or other party? It is common to have these types of questions, and trying to answer them or achieve your financial goals can be difficult. Even more, determining a resource or sounding board to help you can also present a similarly challenging task. During your first meeting with a potential advisor, you should try to determine whether s/he is a good fit, meaning, does this advisor offer services that match your current needs? During this discussion,

44 | LIFE

ask questions like: What services do you provide? What donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you provide? What is your educational background? What is your work experience? What are your fees and how are you compensated? This covers the basics, but there are a few additional topics to discuss that will clarify whether the advisor is a good fit for you and your needs, not to mention raise potential red flags.

No Fees If you are looking for financial advice, ask how many clients the advisor has given advice to for a planning fee. A financial advisor savvy in planning and giving advice should be able to explain their experience in giving advice solely for the benefit of a planning or advisory fee. Those who charge clients a fee display a level of professionalism and a commitment to giving advice that is typically higher than advisors who do not charge a fee. An advisor that does not charge a fee for their advice or says they only receive payment when you buy an investment or insurance product from them is a possible

red flag. Although this is not necessarily a bad sign, it often times indicates a situation where the advisor will use an investment or insurance product to drive the advice they give to you, rather than your goals being the driving factor in their advice to you.

Ambiguous Process If you are trying to figure out whether you can retire and sustain your lifestyle, ask what process the advisor uses for retirement planning. Do they use straight line projections where one rate of return is assumed for every year (this never happens)? Or do they use a Monte Carlo simulation to factor in variable returns every year (what really happens)? A potential red flag is if the advisor doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use Monte Carlo simulations or worse yet, has no process at all. This may show a lack of commitment and an acceptance of an oversimplified and inaccurate method for helping their clients with retirement related questions. TheVillageJournal.com | 45

A possible red flag is if the advisor only represents one insurance company or the large majority of the insurance business they do is with one company. Every situation is different, and sometimes two people with similar situations and only different ages warrants using two different companies to ensure the best possible insurance fit.

Lacking Investment Philosophy If you need help with your investments, ask what process the advisor uses to make investment recommendations. Inquire about their investment philosophy and how much money they manage. A possible red flag occurs when the advisor focuses on past or hypothetical performance and doesn’t have much to say in terms of an investment process. Any competent investment advisor should have a well-defined investment philosophy and process, and be very organized in how they run their investment operations.

Limited Options If you are looking for help with your estate plan, how in depth does the advisor go into making sure your assets and wealth go to the people you want, and in the way you want? Do they have experience working with local estate planning attorneys, who help collaborate on the client’s behalf and draft the legal documents? Does the advisor develop a clear game plan on paper so you can consider the options? Or do they focus on just one piece of your situation and present only a life insurance option as the way to solve the problem? If the advisor has a background in life insurance, what is their process for picking the right company and product for different clients? 46 | LIFE

There are many qualified and competent financial advisors who can save you time, energy, money and most importantly, help you achieve your financial goals. There are also many “advisors” who, although give advice and may look the part, will only cause you to spin your wheels rather than get you closer to achieving your goals. Asking the right questions and taking time for due diligence will help not only separate the two and save you time, money and frustration in the future, but ultimately provide a sound financial strategy and peace of mind.

Brian offers securities through ValMark Securities, Inc. (Member of FINRA/SIPC). Investment Advisory Services offered through Koss-Olinger Consulting, LLC. ValMark Securities, Inc. is separate from Koss Olinger. Koss Olinger is located at 2700-A NW 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32606. 352-373-3337 The material contained in the herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual nor does it take into account the particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs of individual investors. The information provided has been derived from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the material discussed, nor does it constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, products or services mentioned. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of author and are subject to change without notice.

Revolution LAUNCHING A

By Dante Lima | Footstone Photography

The River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding, co-founded by social activist Heart Phoenix and Jeffrey Weisberg, is changing the way societies, near and far, repair generations of violence and conflict using one simple fundamental: relationship building.

48 | LIFE

t’s rare to meet a person named Heart. It’s also rare to meet a person whose name is such an exact and enduring representation of what she means to her community. Heart Phoenix is that person. If you’re reading her last name and thinking, “that sounds familiar,” it’s because it is. She is the mother of actors, River, Rain, Joaquin, Liberty and Summer Phoenix. But the fame her name has brought her is secondary to the mission it now drives, the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding in Gainesville. Through the center, Heart has been able to truly immerse herself in the type of social activism she once traveled the world to seek, right here in her own home. “I changed my name from Arlyn to Heart 30 years ago, and part of why I changed it was Heart is an anagram for Earth. But it also reminds you to constantly stay in that space. Nobody is perfect, and my name reminds me to be an example of that compassion,” Heart said. Compassion, as she describes it, is the essence of the success of the Center for Peacebuilding. To some, peacebuilding may seem like an abstract concept that raises more questions than it does answers. Though Heart and husband Jeffrey Weisberg, with whom she founded the Center, have worked to compartmentalize what the goals of peacebuilding actually are. The lofty, often far-fetched notions that a nonprofit in Alachua County can stop a global war, or mend the ills of a generation of hatred and violence on a global scale are trimmed down to

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more manageable expectations of how we can achieve solutions in the community – and the solutions boil down trying to learn more about each other. “After hundreds of years of war, we’re not any closer really to understanding each other, to doing things a different way. The default seems to be violence and anger to solve problems,” she said.

visits became more frequent, the two started learning more about each other, connecting via a common cause, and eventually the friendship blossomed into love. Before long, the pair was traveling across the country leading gender healing workshops. Jeffrey was a kindred spirit. He’d grown up to progressive parents, traveled the world alone at the age of 21, and worked as an Outward Bound instructor for 15 years supporting children and adults through natural adventures. The same qualities Heart saw in herself, she saw in Jeffrey.

The Center’s mission is to find areas where peace can improve outcomes, whether it is creating a forum for dialogue between youth and law enforcement, offering a curriculum “I was a pretty spiritually minded person to on how to de-escalate anger in schools or begin with, but Heart opened my mind to animal teaching social-emotional learning for young rights issues, veganism and other dimensions people, helping of spirituality,” Jeffrey the underserved, said. “We have this underrepresented and great alignment the forgotten. with our values of " This organization is a creating social justice continuation of his spirit. The Center is about and environmental River is an angel helping building relationships, activism. We love because it was built each other so much, to guide this." from a strong one – and we even share Heart Phoenix her marriage. Heart an office.” and Jeffrey have been together for Weisberg was a court 23 years, but their relationship was one that appointed mediator for years, working with kids progressed spiritually very early. Soul mates is who’d committed battery in their families. Some an overused term, but as Jeffrey describes it, hit their siblings, parents or grandparents and he and Heart had an “an amazing meeting of Weisberg would work with them to prevent our hearts and minds.” larger, more grave acts of violence from leading to a life as an adult in the criminal justice system. Both have a kinship to the natural world and the Unfortunately, the program lost funding, so Earth that oozes from each breath. For Heart he and Heart set out to reinstate it as the pilot and Jeffrey, none of what they say or believe program for the Center for Peacebuilding. is a fad. None of it is a front. It’s their purpose as humans, and that purpose is what ultimately “We had the funding, and we had a curriculum, brought them together. They met through an all we needed was a chance from the involvement with an environmental education Department of Juvenile Justice,” Heart said. center in Massachusetts called Earthlands. “Gretchen Casey at the State Attorney’s office Jeffrey was living in Massachusetts at the time, remembered Jeffrey from their work together, and Heart was a regular visitor. As Heart’s and she knew how much he loved his job, 50 | LIFE

Heart and Jeffrey spend time together enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the nature that surrounds their home.

how committed he was. She was our first cheerleader. We wanted to teach kids how to communicate, how to make better decisions, alternatives to anger. They knew their behavior wasn’t right, but if they knew how to be different and how to respond rather than react hastily, we knew the program could be a success.” And it was. The class, which used to be singular, now happens in several different schools throughout Alachua County, as well as within the juvenile justice system with youth on probation. The center teaches a method for addressing conflict and crime that seeks to repair and rebuild relationships, rather than only punishing. This process is called Restorative Justice and brings together those directly and indirectly effected in order to understand what happened, who has been impacted and how to repair and prevent this type of incident from occurring again. “By giving everyone a voice and a say in how to make the situation better, we see dramatically more positive outcomes,” Heart said. Heart is hesitant to call herself a social activist; she’s more comfortable calling herself an educator or an advocate. For years, long before

the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding was born, she traveled the world as an advocate for peace, justice, environmental awareness, animal rights and a host of other causes that the Phoenix family felt strong enough to support – even her children. Much of her job consisted of raising her five children, but as their acting careers progressed, it gave her the opportunity to be the “social ambassador of the family,” she said. Whether it was saving endangered land in Costa Rica, co-founding the Peace Alliance in Washington D.C. or working to prevent deforestation across the globe, Heart’s passion’s typically came with a passport. Not so much anymore though. “When Jeffrey and I were working with the Peace Alliance, we met so many people pioneering ways to build structures for growth within a system. You know, it’s not just words. It’s creating the models and presenting the curriculum and drafting legislation to help change societies,” she said. “And we thought we’d come home and bring back what we know here.” Heart’s love for Gainesville began in the mid80s when she and family would travel from California to visit her parents. As she puts it, TheVillageJournal.com | 51

Southern California was smoggy and crowded, friendly and full of life. In 1988, she brought the family here to stay. In a way, it was Heart’s way of getting back to nature. She could live in an expansive, rural section outside the city limits and have privacy, quiet and time to reflect on the Earth. To her, the literal growth around her over her 28 years in Gainesville is a reminder of creating a better community. “Until now, I’d never been in a place long enough to see the little saplings grow. When we moved, there were little plants and little trees and now they’re giant oaks. I noticed how alive the Earth is,” she said. “It’s a great symbol of how everything is connected. The plants, the animals, the people around you, we all make this community. We can love each other. I know it’s hard to believe, but I see it happening every day under the water line.” Jeffrey loves the land too. “We have about 30 acres and I love being outside working the tractor and watching the garden grow.” The surroundings, the sprouting plants, the work with the Center for Peacebuilding, they all still remind her of River, too. It took her 20 years to find a purposeful way to commemorate his spirit. There were plenty of ideas over the years, but to Heart, it had to be the right one. She recalls as a young child when River would perform on the streets and sing songs about love with his guitar. Or when the family traveled in South America and he went into prisons and comforted inmates by telling them ‘you’re not a bad person, you just did something that wasn’t right.’ He was an activist in his own right, who used his celebrity to shine a light on environmental issues and the unethical treatment of animals. River was a vegan before it became fashionable to be a vegan. And between all those things, he was 52 | LIFE

looking for solutions to problems, just like his mother. That’s why Heart named the Center for Peacebuilding after her son. “This organization is a continuation of his spirit. River is an angel helping to guide this,” she said. Her words when she speaks of River drip with love. They linger in a place of reverence and sadness, the kind of place that only a mother who’s lost her son could know intimately, and yet, because of the positivity that oozes from Heart’s soul, because of the ways her son is still getting to make an impact on the Earth after he’s departed it, she’s happy. “We can make this world so much better just by caring. I had no idea where this [the Center] was going to go. But there are people in this community working desperately to make the lives around them better. Unlike anger, we’ve seen building relationships is contagious.” Ideally, Jeffrey says, the model he and Heart are creating with the Center for Peacebuilding can be a template for other communities across the country, and even the world, to start centers that represent their own needs and cultures. A stigma that follows the word “activism” is a culture of complaining. The media portrays activists as people who are never satisfied with the world around them because they see pain, or destruction, or injustice, and they yell from a safe space without ever stepping a foot in the direction of real progress. Heart knows these things exist, but she doesn’t complain, she contemplates. She walks the road of progress every day, and it’s because of her compassion that her efforts feel real. They feel positive. They come from her heart, because that’s who she is. For more information and upcoming events, visit centerforpeacebuilding.org.

GOODBYE DISHES.

. s u o i c i l e D Hello By Lynna Lawrence | Robert Hedges

54 | TASTE

TASTE

ocal couple Carlee and Chris ‘Boris’ Marhefka’s passion project, Eat the 80, has flipped the perfection mentality to nutrition on its axis. Since launching Gainesville’s premier healthy meal delivery service, Chris and Carlee aren’t slowing down on their road to help 1 million people get healthy.

Years ago, Chris traded his suit-and-tie career in finance to handle even more meaningful investments – the health and wellness of over 2,000 clients to date. Chris first entered the fitness industry to help a friend open a Tennessee gym. Fueled by the process, he moved to Gainesville in 2010 to launch his own company, Body by Boris. Carlee met Chris in college at the University of Florida and supported him from the start. “I was one of his first three clients, and fell in love with his boot camp program, and then eventually him as well,” she said. Carlee and Chris were married in October 2015 as Eat the 80 grew to a local staple. With six years together and Chris’ 10-years fitness experience, they were prepared to bring a breath of fresh air to the wellness community with their 80-20 rule. Chris and Carlee live by an ethos that if you eat quality, nutritious food 80 percent of the time, you can enjoy the other 20 percent and leave diet guilt behind. Most often, well-intentioned diets fail because people go through on-and-off cycles that are

not sustainable for them, Chris said. On the flip side, the Eat the 80 plan doesn’t fail when you indulge in an office-party donut or try the foodie staple of a new city. As the Jewish-Italian daughter of a professional baker, Carlee is constantly surrounded by family and great food, she said. She advocates for living life in balance and not depriving oneself of the foods that add special flavor to life. Carlee and Chris take care of “the 80” by gathering local food, preparing delicious meals and delivering it right to customer’s doors. Their service rids their clients of food-label scrutiny, meal prep and even clean up. With a desire to spread their idea to the community, Carlee and Chris pitched Eat the 80 on a Tuesday and had a business up and running within a week. Before they dove headfirst into their new entrepreneurial venture, they first launched their service for four weeks. During their soft-launch, they quadrupled their membership. “There’s no way we can stop at this point,” Carlee said.

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Today, the young company has provided over 100,000 meals in the Gainesville area. Chris and Carlee’s ultimate goal is to help 1 million people get healthy through their service, one person and one meal at a time. While fitness success is earned on the field or in the gym, Eat the 80’s success is made in the kitchen. Carlee and Chris are currently renting a kitchen in an exciting transition period as they “begin to build [their] new forever home,” Carlee said. The couple will design their new space to cater specifically to Eat the 80’s customers’ needs. “We always wanted to have a kitchen of our own,” she said. “We just didn’t realize it would be so soon!” Eat the 80 primarily caters to two kinds of people, Carlee explained. Their first group of customers is already extremely health conscious. Typically, they work out for a portion of their day, and Eat the 80 helps “fill the other 23 hours… with good healthy food,” Carlee said. “This person just doesn’t have the time to execute,” she said. “They already know the value of eating healthy, so we’re just helping them with the time portion.” Then, there is “the individual that knows they want to make a change,” she said. They may not be healthy yet and may have some weight to lose. This person is “really just looking for a kick start” and doesn’t know how to execute a nutrition routine, she said. Regardless of which category Eat the 80 customers fall into, they unanimously share raving reviews with Chris and Carlee.

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“What if we measured our success not by necessarily how many people we’ve helped, but how many people don’t even need our service anymore because we’ve empowered them to be able to do it on their own?” Chris "Boris" Marhefka “They feel better. They look better. They’re loosing weight,” Chris said. “But also, they’re just like, ‘Wow, I get to spend more time with my kids. I get this extra hour of my day that was consumed,’” he said. Chris and Carlee started with a Paleo diet focused on lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats, while omitting dairy and whole-grain items that many people are sensitive to.

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Paleo created a sturdy launching point for the new company to gain its footing. Once they were up and running, they quickly added vegan and vegetarian options.

many people we’ve helped, but how many people don’t even need our service anymore because we’ve empowered them to be able to do it on their own?”

“When we started, Paleo made a lot of sense,” Carlee said. “As we’ve evolved as a company, we’ve realized that Paleo is not for everyone. Just like with fitness, there isn’t necessarily a one-size fits all for nutrition either.”

The couple hopes their food will energize customers and motivate them “to get out of bed in the morning and do the things they always wanted to do,” even maintaining their nutrition on their own, Carlee said.

They are currently expanding their line to include a less-restrictive Classically Healthy option. The Mediterranean-style plan will continue Eat the 80’s legacy of great, quality protein and local vegetables, while adding whole grains to the palette.

Chasing one’s wellness goals requires perseverance, strength and a fighting spirit. Carlee and Chris embody these qualities with an endurance that shatters the typical worklife balance.

“We talk about business at four in the morning Chris and Carlee practice a handslaying in bed,” Carlee said. on approach to ownership and are “Any separation that "We’ve gone out to involved in every we create when we say step of the process to their farms. We’ve seen ‘we’re not working’ is fulfill Eat the 80’s high just our choice to turn where our beef comes it off to focus and be quality standards. from. We’ve toured all present in something Eat the 80 uses only else,” Chris added. the purest ingredients, of these places." like organic produce, What would be stressful Chris "Boris" Marhefka grass-fed beef and to most people fuels the natural chicken. These ingredients travel straight young couple. Their unique understanding of from farms, located 15 to 20 minutes away, to each other’s big-picture goals helps inspire people’s plates in a week or less. cohesive plans for their company. “We’ve gone out to their farms. We’ve seen where our beef comes from. We’ve toured all of these places,” Chris said. Chris and Carlee believe in the Eat the 80 lifestyle so fervently that they dare measure their success by a metric other than meal orders – by people ultimately not using their product anymore. One day Chris asked Carlee, “What if we measured our success not by necessarily how 58 | TASTE

“We’re passionate about our work,” Chris said. “We get to truly help and impact the lives of so many people everyday. And we get to share that with our partner and the person we love.” “I don’t think there really is anything better in the world than that,” he added. Eat the 80 meals can be delivered fresh to your door or sent to several pick-up locations across Gainesville. Visit eatthe80.com to browse meal plans and follow Chris and Carlee’s journey.

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60 | WELLNESS

Photo by Rya Duncklee

W ELLNESS

ASK A

Fitness EXPERT FITZ KOEHLER

healthier stuff gives your body what it needs to thrive and you’ll simply get a lot more of it to enjoy. 1,670 calories will not go very far on greasy bar food and cocktails. Remember – liquid calories count!

VJ: How do you determine your

VJ: What about exercise? FK: You can achieve your goal weight

V personality, author, spokesperson, speaker and founder of the global children’s running program, The Morning Mile, Fitz Koehler shares her approach to achieving a healthy and balanced fitness and nutrition routine.

ideal healthy weight?

FK: Well, you could check out the healthy weight charts your doctor gives you, or learn about the BMI (Body Mass Index). However, most of us kind of know what our ideal weight is. It’s the place where we feel strong, athletic and energetic while liking what we see in the mirror. Not so complicated.

VJ: Once you’ve determined your ideal healthy weight, how do you come up with a plan to increase or decrease your weight? FK: I recommend my Exact Formula for Weight Loss, which is based on science, math and averages. I recommend you take your goal weight number, tack a zero on the end and make that number your daily caloric budget. For example, if you are striving to weigh 167 pounds, you would set your daily caloric limit to be 1,670 calories. Sticking to this budget will almost guarantee you reach your goal weight. You can also use this same method to gain weight. The smartest way to make this budget work would be to fill your daily budget with lots of highly nutritious, lower in calorie foods. The

without exercise. But you cannot have a fit, strong, athletic, flexible body without exercise. So, you should definitely work out, but your consumption habits are the most vital factor when it comes to weight management.

VJ: Once ideal weight is achieved, how do you maintain? FK: Continue the same behavior that got you to your goal weight to begin with. That’s why diets are DUMB! Diets are short-term solutions, which yield only short-term results. My Exact Formula is for life. Eat the right amounts of the right foods for the size you’d like to be. If someone ever tells you to cut out all white stuff, all sugar, all bread, all meat, all fruit, whatever … ignore them! Weight loss doesn’t require suffering or bizarre restrictions. It also doesn’t require shakes, pills, powders or those preposterous wraps. It just requires mindful management of what you put in your mouth, and regular sweat sessions … forever! VJ: What’s the best way to track this? FK: Download an app to your smartphone or computer. I like to use MyFitnessPal. TheVillageJournal.com | 61

20 MINUTE ON THE GO

Workout

Depending on your fitness level, complete this exercise circuit 3-5 times consecutively for a 20 minute workout.

Push-Ups

12 - 15 reps

Lunges 12 - 15 each leg

Crunches

20 - 25 reps

Chair Triceps Dips 12 - 15 reps

Mountain Climbers

15 - 30 reps

VJ: How do I set a realistic timeline to achieve results? FK: If you have a large amount of weight to lose, expect weight to fall off pretty quickly at first, but then slow down as you get closer to the finish line. If you only have a few pounds to lose, it shouldn’t take long at all.

VJ: Why is losing weight so hard? FK: Well, you had a heck of a lot of fun putting the weight on, didn’t you? Remember all those times you thought having extra this or that was no big deal? Well, undoing that requires work. Achieving and maintaining your ideal weight doesn’t require you to run a marathon, it just requires to you be moderate. It requires you to care and put forth effort. Being lean and athletic requires you to behave like an athlete. Choose who you want to be and put in the time and utilize discipline to get you there. Lots of awesome things require hard work. Why should this be any different?

VJ: What snacks do you keep on hand to avoid binge eating because you get hungry? FK: In the evenings, my go to nighttime snack is chopped tomatoes and cucumbers with salt. When I’m traveling, I like to have whole fruits like apples and oranges, and pre-packaged items like KIND Bars and Mandi Bites with me. VJ: What’s the most important thing I need to know about working out? FK: Your workouts should target all four areas of fitness: strength, cardio-respiratory endurance, flexibility and balance. Challenge yourself in each area to make progress. While strength training, you should grunt (and maybe even let a bad word slip too). While doing cardio, you should huff and puff. While training for flexibility, you should bend and reach until you wince a bit. While balance training, whatever you’re doing should make you wobble. If you don’t grunt, huff, puff, wince or wobble while training, you are not working hard enough and you need to up the ante. Also, exercise most days of the week, which means four to seven days. VJ: It can be difficult to eat healthy when traveling. How do you stay on track? FK: I’ve traveled all over the world and have discovered that produce, lean meats and water are served in every state and every country. I take my healthy eating

62 | WELLNESS

habits with me. Gaining weight because I’m in California or Ireland isn’t an option.

VJ: How do you approach working out with a life on the go? FK: I am what I am, and I’m willing to force in fitness wherever I am. Healthy eating is the same everywhere and so is exercise. I usually utilize my hotel gyms, but I also make great use of the free sidewalks, parks, trails, mountains and beaches surrounding me. Active adventure keeps me happy. I often check out Groupon “things to do” when I’m in a new place. I’ve gone wakeboarding, paddleboarding, horseback riding, snowboarding, cycling, roaming through orchards and have even taken fitness classes on rooftops. You must force in fitness if it is a priority for you, and make it fun whenever possible. VJ: What advice do you have for someone who wants to make a change, but is lacking motivation to get started? FK: I used to be 45 pounds heavier than I am today. Being overweight was hard. Not liking my body or my clothes and constantly trying to find a way to hide that was a nightmare. Through my education and life experiences, I’m grateful I learned many years ago that eating wisely really wasn’t as tough as the frustrations I’d had with myself and exercising really made me feel fabulous. Now, I almost never think about my weight. Instead, I have lots of time and energy to focus on my family, friends, businesses and other important things in life. I promise you that the effort you make to get fit and healthy will make everything in your life much sweeter, easier and fun. You only have one body and one life. Don’t waste one more single minute settling for a body and life you’re not in love with. Now, get to work!

For a more detailed explanation of Fitz’s Exact Formula for Weight Loss, exercise videos, recipes and more, visit Fitzness.com.

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IND US T RY INS ID ER

Look Mom, No Cavities! By Alissa N. Dragstedt, D.M.D. Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and owner of Grins and Giggles Pediatric Dentistry

sn’t that what every parent wants to hear at their child’s dentist appointment? A cavity-free mouth is a great accomplishment for both the child and the parent(s). But how do you achieve it?

As a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, I recommend parents and children establish habits early on that will lay the foundation for a path to a cavity free and healthy pediatric mouth.

Make healthy food and drink choices for your child.

Frequent meals and snacking increase the acidity of your child’s mouth, which increases the likelihood of developing cavities. Make water your child’s most frequent and popular beverage. Drinks like juices – even watered down juice – soda, Gatorade and chocolate milk can wreak havoc on your child’s teeth, so be sure to limit these sweet treats for special occasions only.

Brush and floss your child’s teeth until they are 8-9 years old.

The dexterity and patience required to do an acceptable job of cleaning your child’s teeth is similar to that of writing cursive. Make brushing and flossing part of a daily routine to set up a healthy lifestyle from the very beginning. Start brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts, which is usually around 6 months of age.

64 | WELLNESS

Take your child for their first dental cleaning and check-up at age 1.

The professional staff at your area pediatric dental office will give individualized oral hygiene instructions, as well as dietary recommendations to promote a cavity free household for your family. Taking your child to the dentist when they are one will not only get them acquainted and comfortable with the experience at a much younger age, but it will also allow the dental team to focus on cavity prevention, rather than cavity treatment. It is never too soon – or too late – to get started on a cavity free path for a happy, healthy smile!

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66 | EXPLORE

EXPLORE

Discover

FORT DE SOTO PARK By Lynna Lawrence Photography courtesy of Pinellas County Communications Department

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F F

ort De Soto Park offers one last, savory glimpse of emerald mangroves and pearly white beaches before the St. Petersburg-Clearwater peninsula fades into sparkly Gulf waters. With canoe, bike and foot paths, grab onto paddles, handlebars or simply your loved ones to explore the crown jewel of St. PeteClearwater. The true fun begins far off the grid after a spectacular sunset at the Fort De Soto campgrounds, where you can sleep under the stars on renowned beachfront real estate.

Explore a natural oasis

Enjoying the islands’ three miles of white sandy beach is rarely a spectator sport at Fort De Soto. While there are plenty of pristine places to soak up rays, a wealth of activities allow families to experience the islands’ natural beauty firsthand. Fort De Soto’s trails transport you to offbeat locales, from dangling your fingertips in the water on a more than two-mile canoe trail or racing pavement on extensive bike trails. Take advantage of free, one-hour guided hikes and nature walks that explore the Arrowhead Trail, Mangrove Tour, Beach Tour, Bird Watch and more. Fort De Soto is teeming with diverse bird life, wildlife and sea life – making it the perfect place to reel in a big catch. The park features two fishing piers, each with concession and bait stations to keep you hooked for hours. To make an even bigger splash, launch your boat at the park’s 800-foot-long dock and enjoy a day at sea.

Travel back in time

Fort De Soto gets its name from the 16th-century Spanish Conquistador Hernando De Soto that landed on the shores of an uncharted estuary now known around the world as Tampa Bay. During the Spanish-American 68 | EXPLORE

War, a fort was commissioned to ward off invaders arriving to seize the valuable port city. However, the builders ran into one small problem. With supply delays from the Northeast, they severely lacked sufficient materials. In desperation, the workers concocted a makeshift seashell and concrete formula. As luck and history would have it, the walls built from the worker’s backup plan still stand today and offer a leap back in time for visitors that tour the fort. Spend an hour exploring this piece of Florida history that gave the miraculous park its namesake.

Sleep seaside

Let the Gulf waters lull you to sleep, and come morning, unzip your tent to the ocean breeze and sand beneath your toes. As a Tampa Bay Times top-10 beach camping spot, Fort De Soto is the ideal location to truly fall off the grid. Here, you’ll find all the modern luxuries tucked underneath a roof of blue skies and palm fronds. Each site features a grill, picnic table, electricity and fresh water, plus the campground’s modern restrooms and laundry. Your personal inlet is the perfect place to silence phones, come together and enjoy Florida treasures as a family. For a romantic night under the stars, book a secluded

FORT DE SOTO PARK

campsite with nothing but you, your partner and miles of ocean on the horizon. If camping isn’t your style, Tierra Verde hotels do not disappoint. For a uniquely St. Pete Beach experience, explore the famous Loews Don CeSar Hotel. Built in the roaring twenties, the pink-shaded palace calmly exudes luxury from its perch on the shore. Relax as Gatsby grandeur meets old Florida hospitality at this area gem, and return to the park for more unfiltered fun.

Eat

You won’t find long waits or crowds for highpriced beach food anywhere near Fort De Soto. Inside the park, mealtime is all about coming together with your family and energizing yourself for the next adventure. Take advantage

of your off-the-grid status with a picnic at one of Fort De Soto’s shaded pavilions. For a fuller meal and a change of scenery, restaurants line the beachfront just outside the park in the Passa-Grille Historic District. Arrive early to snag a table at the acclaimed Hurricane Seafood Restaurant. Head to the second floor pavilion to sip the area icon’s signature drink and take in incredible views of St. Pete Beach.

Why Fort De Soto?

Unforgettable family memories start with long days outdoors where the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay meet to kiss the shore. This offthe-beaten-path retreat reenergizes and inspires with effortless family fun. And when the sun ducks below the horizon, unplug and unwind with the quiet ocean breeze humming you to sleep.

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CAL END AR Happening Around Town Submit your event including a description, date, time and location on our website. TheVillageJournal.com SUBMISSION DOES NOT GUARANTEE PUBLICATION.

ON-GOING » Bridge Every Monday, 1 p.m. Haile Plantation Hall Call Marj Crago at 352-336-1055 or Suzie Taylor at 352-337-9956 » Haile Village Farmer’s Market Every Saturday, rain or shine, 8:30 a.m. – noon Haile Plantation Village Center 352-363-2233 » Museum Nights 2nd Thursday of every month, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Harn Museum of Art www.harn.ufl.edu » Guided Walk First Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. - noon Kanapaha Botanical Gardens kanapaha.org » Artwalk Gainesville Last Friday of every month, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Downtown Gainesville Artwalkgainesville.com

MAY » Movie Night: Inside Out Friday, May 13, Beginning at dusk The Square at Tioga Town Center tiogatowncenter.com

Moonlight Walk Saturday, May 14, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens kanapaha.org » Windsor Zucchini Festival Saturday, May 14, 8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. 1401 SE County Rd 234 Gainesville, FL 32641 windsor-z-news.org

» Food Entrepreneurship Workshop Friday, May 13, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Straughn IFAS Extension Professional Development Center Fshn.ifas.ufl.edu

» Kids Day at Dudley Farm Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dudley Farm Historical State Park floridastateparks.org/park/Dudley-Farm

» May Day Glow Run Saturday, May 14, 8:30 p.m. Town of Tioga tiogatowncenter.com

» UF Carillon Concert Sunday, May 15, 3 p.m. UF Century Tower Carillon legacy.arts.ufl.edu/carillon

70 | CALENDAR

» Empty Bowls Event Thursday, May 19, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church breadofthemighty.org

Fun4GatorKids Touch-a-Truck Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Citizen’s Field gatortouchatruck.com » Archaeology Workshop Sunday, May 22, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Florida Museum of Natural History Flmnh.ufl.edu » Walter Parks Concert Thursday, May 26, 7 p.m. Thomas Center gvlculturalaffairs.org » 64th Annual Florida Folk Festival Friday, May 27 - Sunday May 29, 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park floridastateparks.org/folkfest

Blue Crab Festival Friday, May 27, 5 p.m. - 12 a.m. Saturday, May 28 - Sunday, May 29, 10 a.m. - 12 a.m. Monday, May 30, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Palatka, FL bluecrabfestival.com

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Spread the word

about your upcoming community event. Submit the event title, date, time, location and a website/phone number to info@thevillagejournal.com and we will gladly help promote your event in print and online.

Concert Night Friday, May 27, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. The Square at Tioga Town Center tiogatowncenter.com

JUNE » Movie Night: Planes Fire & Rescue Friday, June 10, Beginning at dusk The Square at Tioga Town Center tiogatowncenter.com » Father’s Day Special Sunday, June 19, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. or dusk Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Kanapaha.org » Concert Night Friday, June 24, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. The Square at Tioga Town Center tiogatowncenter.com

JULY

World of Beer and Sweetwater Battle of the Bands Saturday, July 2 World of Beer at Tioga Town Center tiogatowncenter.com/organizer/world-of-beer » Movie Night: The Smurfs 2 Friday, July 8, Beginning at dusk The Square at Tioga Town Center tiogatowncenter.com

3 52 .3 3 1.5560 T HEVILLAG EJO UR NAL.COM

» Concert Night Friday, July 29, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. The Square at Tioga Town Center tiogatowncenter.com Follow us on facebook.com/thevillagejournal for more event information and photos.

72 | CALENDAR

SNAPSHOTS

Junior League of Gainesville Tour of Kitchens

February 7, 2016 Photos by Kara Winslow

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SN AP SH OT S

Viva! Hollywood

benefiting Haven Hospice March 2, 2016 Photos by Kara Winslow

Winter Fine Arts Fair at Tioga Town Center March 4, 2016 Photos by Kara Winslow

74 | SNAPSHOTS

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SN AP SH OT S

Puttin' On the Ritz benefiting Children's Home Society March 12, 2016 Photos by Kara Winslow

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SNAPSHOTS

Embers Wood Grill Wine and Food Festival April 10, 2016 Photos by Kara Winslow

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SN AP SH OT S

Pure Aesthetics 1 Year Anniversary

April 20, 2016 Photos by Kara Winslow

78 | SNAPSHOTS

REG IS T ER OF ADVERTISERS A Personal Elf (p.69)............................................. 271-1111

GRU Natural Gas (p.1) ...................................... 393-1464

All About Women (p.71) ................................... 331-3332

Hippodrome Theatre (p.77) ...........................375-HIPP

Altschuler Periodontic and Implant Center (IBC) .........................................................................371-4141

Junior League of Gainesville (p.76) ..............372-1710

Avera & Smith, Attorneys at Law (p.4) ......372-9999 Barre Forte (p.63) ............................................ 727-7800 Bosshardt Realty Services (p.7) .....................371-6100 Comfort Temp (p.16) ........................................332-2665 Dr. Alix Baxter (p.73) ........................................373-2525 Dr. Storoe, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (p.31) ................................371-4111 Electronics World (p.27) ............................... 332-5608 Footstone Photography (p.47) ................... 562-3066 Frankel Media Group (p.42) ..........................331-5558 Girls Place (p.65) ..............................................373-4475 Grins & Giggles Pediatric Dentistry (p.11) ...316-7400 GRU (p.79) ........................................................................811

Kara Winslow, Make Artist (p.75) ........... 321-356-3116 Kinetix Physical Therapy (p.29) ................. 505-6665 Koontz Furniture & Design (p.25) .......352-622-3241 Koss Olinger (BC)..............................................373-3337 Lugano (p.15) ...................................................... 374-4910 Pink Narcissus (p.13) ........................................373-4874 Poser Plastic Surgery Center (IFC) ............ 372-3672 Pure Aesthetics (p.39) .....................................332-7873 SaborĂŠ (p.9) ....................................................... 332-2727 Smart Smile Dentistry (p.19) ...........................376-5120 Sun Country Sports Center (p.39) ................331-8773 Sweat Life Fitness (p.45) .............................. 692-4926 Tioga Town Center (p.2) .................................331-4000

GRUCom (p.42) ................................................334-3200

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F R OM T H E KIT CH EN O F D EAN CACC IATORE

CAVATELLI PASTA WITH SHRIMP, SPRING PEAS & PECORINO This is a great spring pasta recipe to enjoy on your cheat day when allowing yourself to indulge in a pasta dish! Be sure to use all fresh ingredients in order to enjoy this to the fullest. My grandmother use to say, “l’appetito vien mangiando,” which means, “the appetite comes by eating.” that is certainly true of this dish!

Buon Appetito! INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

Shrimp: • 2 pounds shrimp, preferably 16/20 count, peeled and de veined, tail on, shell off Cavatelli: • 1 pound frozen cavatelli pasta • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil • 2 shallots, finely chopped • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped • ½ cup chicken broth • 8 ounces fresh peas • ¼ cup fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped • 1 ½ tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped • 1 ½ tablespoons fresh basil, chopped • 1 ½ tablespoons fresh chives, chopped • ½ cup Pecorino Romano Cheese, finely grated • 1 tablespoon kosher salt • 1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper

Shrimp:

*If using fresh peas, simmer, uncovered, in salted boiling water until just tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain, then immediately plunge peas into ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and pat dry.

80 | TheVillageJournal.com

Lightly pat shrimp dry, place in bowl and season with olive oil, salt and pepper. On a grille that has been preheated on high heat for 20 minutes, carefully place shrimp and turn off grille. After 30 seconds, flip shrimp and cook for another 30 seconds. Then remove and place aside. Cavatelli: Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add cavatelli and boil until cavatelli float to surface, about 8 minutes. Drain, then immediately plunge cavatelli into ice water to stop cooking. Transfer to large bowl, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and toss to coat. In heavy large sauté pan over moderately high heat, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil until hot, but not smoking. Add shallots and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 1 minute. Add chicken broth, peas, parsley, thyme, chives, pasta, shrimp and pecorino. Stir to combine, then simmer until shrimp is heated through, about 1 - 1:30 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and fresh basil, serve immediately.