Summertime and the Living is Easy!

THEIR FAVORITE TIME of the year is approaching. Released from the death-grip clutch of school that enslaves their social life and free time, for three months kids are going to sleep in late, chase the ice-cream man around the block and walk around the house in their dripping-wet bathing suit. Don’t want to follow them around all day with a mop? We understand. You need your ...

Habitat For Humanity

People Helping People, Gainesville, FL   OWNING A HOME is every family’s desire, the American dream. But for those less fortunate, this dream can be a nightmare when even affordable homes seem so far out of reach. For many years, Habitat for Humanity International has sought to make this dream a reality for these families. “Habitat for Humanity is a great ...

Letter from the Publisher

AS WARM WEATHER APPROACHES, and the Dogwoods and Azaleas bloom, we are reminded of how life is a cycle of change and a blessing. It’s it beautiful? In watching a recent film where a young soldier gives his life for our country, I am reminded of sacrifice, sacrifice so others can enjoy the freedoms of our country. Regardless of the sense or lack of sense related to ...

Generating Peace of Mind

FLORIDIANS HAVE their share of storms and power outages—and then some. If you were around during the 2004 hurricane season, chances are you were affected in some way. Even if you’ve only lived in Florida for a short period of time, you’ve probably experienced the power outages associated with seasonal thunderstorms or nearby construction. Wouldn’t it ...

April Showers Bring May Flowers

NATURE’S CALENDAR marked March 20, 2006 as the first day of spring, the safest time to start planting gardens. But just because nature knows best doesn’t always mean that we do too. Make sure you’ve done your Alachua gardening homework before rolling up your sleeves. Florida’s up-and-down roller coaster weather only allows certain plants to come along ...

Parade of Homes

FOR THE PAST year, members of the Builders Association of North Central Florida (BANCF) planned, developed, and worked together to showcase the latest in home building and neighborhood design in the Gainesville community. The 48th Annual Parade of Homes™ opens on Saturday, April 22nd and will run through April 30th. “We are proud to show off the local building industry ...

Finding a Home Mortgage That's "Just Right" at Sunstate

B UYING OR building a house is probably the single, biggest purchase you will make in your life. It’s important you find a home that’s not too big, not too small, but just right for your family. Equally important is finding a mortgage that’s “just right” for your situation and lifestyle. If it’s your first time, or even if it’s your ...

Rising Star - Performing Arts Academy

How do you bring Broadway to Gainesville? By putting together a team of highly qualified people who have worked in the entertainment industry in New York, on Broadway and on some of televisions biggest shows to work with some of the brightest up and coming stars of Gainesville and train them at The Rising Star Performing Arts Academy! Our staff makes the difference! Sherwin ...

Spring Tonics

Now that spring is here, it’s time to pack away the hot chocolate and take a spring tonic – a little dose of medicine to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. Spring tonics can be anything from a jog outside to a trip to a spa, and they vary for everybody. No matter what the remedy is, spring tonics bring people out of winter hibernation refreshed and ready for spring. ...

Cell Phones for Soldiers

OLD UNUSED CELL phones may not serve any purpose around the house, but they could help pay for an American soldier’s phone bill calling home from overseas. Cell Phones for Soldiers , a national no-profit organization, recycles used cell phones and phone accessories such as batteries, chargers, pagers, and PDAs into cash used to purchase prepaid calling cards for soldiers ...

A Special Man in the Community

PHIL SNYDER IS SEEN as a lot of different things by a lot of different people. He’s seen as a husband, father and grandfather by his family. He’s seen as a friend and mentor by his own boss. And he’s seen as someone who’s made a difference in Gainesville by his community involvement. Snyder has helped raise money for the Special Olympics through a ...

Creative Cuisine

I F YOU VISITED the Tour of Kitchens, or Puttin on the Ritz you may have had the opportunity to enjoy some of Executive Chef Michael Garcia, of Sweet Peppers cooking. He has shared one of his delicious recipes for your pleasure. Hope you enjoy, or stop by Sweet Peppers and say hi to Michael and let him prepare it for you. Bon Appetite!    

Gator Watch: Tennis

WHEN BILLIE JEAN KING defeated Bobby Riggs in a “battle of the sexes” tennis match in 1973, she proved that male and female athletes have much more in common than people might think. But that’s not a point that needs to be made with the Gator and Lady Gator tennis teams – two squads with a lot of similarities. Both teams have championship traditions, ...

Deborah Minck: 10 Things I Love About Gainesville

10. From Butterflies to Beethoven – Culture, arts and education are all available year round. From regular visits with my son to the Butterfly Garden and University of Florida museum for a learning experience to date nights at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Center with my husband for world-class performances, Gainesville is a place unlike any other. ...