GAINESVILLE, FLA.- Jan. 11, 2024 – Today marks a momentous occasion as ICI Homes breaks ground on its latest philanthropic endeavor, ICI Homes for Hope. In collaboration with local vendors and subcontractors, ICI Homes will construct a home in the Oakmont community. The net profits from the sale of this home will be generously donated to four deserving charities in the Greater Gainesville region:

• Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health
• Junior Achievement of Alachua County
• Pace Center for Girls Alachua
• Rex & Brody Foundation

"This initiative is a testament to our unwavering dedication to philanthropy and our desire to make a positive impact on the communities we serve," emphasized Joe Blanco, ICI Homes' North Florida Division Manager.

Mayor Harvey Ward and Eric Godet, President and CEO of the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, were present at this important event. Both commended the project's positive influence on the community.

“ICI Homes, you keep raising the bar.” Eric Godet went on to share, “That’s something that we want to continue to do in our community, to think out of the box and continue to raise the bar on how we can help those who live in our community and especially those who are less fortunate.”

"ICI Homes for Hope is more than just a building project; it's an opportunity to create lasting change and strengthen our community's foundation of compassion and generosity," added Blanco.

Embarking on this journey of giving back, ICI Homes for Hope aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Stay updated on the latest developments by following ICI Homes for Hope on Facebook or reaching out to us at HomesForHope@ICIHomes.com.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA ‒ It was smiles galore at the Alachua Police Department’s (APD) annual Shop with a Cop event as local children experienced some special holiday cheer courtesy of local law enforcement.

The event has become a holiday tradition for APD, City of Alachua staff, and volunteers. APD reported that this year 50 children from local schools were treated with a shopping spree at Walmart. Each child was given a $100 gift card to spend on any items they wished, which for many included gifts for family members.

Excitement began to build early with a police escort to and from a local Walmart where the shopping spree took place. And as children, armed with their $100 in purchasing power, browsed the store aisles, their joy was evident in their smiling faces. Today was their day to do more than just window shop, but instead to peruse their options and buy that special item.

About the event, APD noted, “The success of Shop with a Cop relies heavily on the kindness and dedication of sponsors and volunteers like you. Your contribution has not only brought joy to the children involved but has also strengthened the bond between our officers and the community we serve.”

Shop with a Cop will undoubtedly be a day to remember in the lives of the children who had the opportunity to not only make their Christmas a happy one, but also a joyous occasion for their families as well.

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The High Springs City Commission honored two teachers at their Dec. 14 Commission meeting. L-R: Santa Fe High School teacher Elizabeth Treese, High Springs Mayor Katherine Weitz and High Springs Community School teacher Sarah Rendek. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Two local educators have been recognized for their excellence in teaching. The High Springs City Commission awarded two local teachers with certificates at the Dec. 14 High Springs City Commission meeting.

Sarah Rendek and Elizabeth Treese received the certificates presented Mayor Katherine Weitz, “In appreciation of your remarkable contributions and commitment to the students at High Springs Community School and Santa Fe High School, and the students of our community. Your efforts have made a significant impact and we are grateful for your dedication and service.”

Sarah Rendek is a team leader and seventh grade reading teacher at High Springs Community School as well as the Community School Middle School Reading Department Chair. She has taught for 13 years, with the last nine of those years at High Springs Community School.

School Principal Lynn McNeill was unable to attend due to family illness but asked Mayor Weitz to read what she would have said had she been able to attend.

“Sarah has been instrumental in developing a successful approach to ensuring that our struggling readers, as well as all other students, make the most possible learning gains each year. Her success has not gone unnoticed as District level supervisors often observe and arrange for teachers to observe in Sarah’s classroom.

“Mrs. Rendek focuses on building strong relationships with students and creates a strong learning community in her classroom. This relationship building stretches out further than her classroom as she and her team members go above and beyond to build trusting relationships with all of our seventh graders.

“Sarah serves as a personal role model for her students and provides daily encouragement as her seventh graders navigate these in between middle school years.

“And just on Monday, High Springs Community School learned that Sarah was selected as the Alachua County Public School’s Middle-School Teacher of the Year. This means that Sarah’s one of the three finalists for the Alachua County Teacher of the Year.”

Santa Fe High School Principal Dr. Timothy Wright was on hand to talk about Business Instructor and Department Chair Elizabeth Treese.

In summary he said, “I have the privilege and was asked to come and talk about Santa Fe High School’s Teacher of the Year, Beth Treese. Beth started teaching in 2009 in Lake City and she joined the staff at Santa Fe in 2014.

“She was an algebra and geometry teacher, and for the last six years, our computer teacher. She teaches digital information technology, digital design which, as [one] can imagine, spans a large field of opportunities for students.

One of the amazing things about Mrs. Treese is that for all of the classes that she teaches and all of the certifications that her students have the opportunity to earn as high school students, certification in Microsoft, the whole suite of Microsoft, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, all of those students that have Mrs. Treese have the opportunity to earn those certifications by passing the test at the end of the year.

But to be able to teach those classes, Mrs. Treese has to be certified. So in all of the courses that she teaches and the certifications that her students have the opportunities to take, she’s already earned certification.

“I know she would never ever say it about herself, but last year in the Microsoft Suite” (i.e., word, power point, excel) “her students have a 97 percent pass rate for earning certifications. In the Adobe Suite, she had a 96 percent pass rate.”

Elective teachers like Mrs. Treese survive on students wanting to be able to be a part of their classroom. “In Mrs. Treese class, 100 percent of the students are there because they want that class. And so, “I’m very thrilled that Beth was chosen by our faculty to represent Santa Fe High School as Teacher of the Year.”

Weitz presented the certificates to each of the teachers to a round of applause from Commissioners and audience members.

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