L-R: Alachua Mayor and Lions Club member Gib Coerper and Lions Club member Ralph Cellon. Cellon was honored with the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Progressive award at the 83rd Cattlemen’s Banquet

ALACHUA ‒ On March 28, 2023, the Alachua Lions Club celebrated the 83^rd Cattlemen’s Banquet, holding its largest charity fundraiser of the year to a packed house at Valley View, just outside of Alachua. Keynote speaker Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson delivered an enlightening overview of critical issues facing agriculture in Florida and around the country. His homespun delivery of childhood anecdotes about growing up on the family’s farm were both entertaining and informative. Wilton was introduced by State Representative and House Speaker pro tempore Chuck Clemons.

The annual Cattlemen's Banquet is the longest continuous Lions Club fundraising event in Florida, with all profits from the banquet supporting charitable sight, hearing, youth and community service activities. It all started 1940 when the Alachua Lions Club sought to bolster Alachua High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) students in their quest to raise a steer for auction. Lions Club members attended the auction and drove the bidding higher. Not only did their winning bid cover the FFA's cost, but it also provided additional funds to the FFA.

Each year the event grew, bringing many of the area’s cattle ranchers, politicians and residents to the event. For years the event was held at the Alachua Woman’s Club and attracted the attention of local and state officials as guest speakers including President Jimmy Carter, Florida Governors Buddy McKay, Lawton Chiles and Bob Graham. Eventually the event outgrew the Woman’s Club and was moved to a bigger venue at the Santa Fe River Ranch, and in 2022 the fundraising event was moved to an even larger venture at Valley View at Santa Fe River Ranch.

Last Tuesday was another fun filled evening of laughter and good food as nearly 450 people attended the event that was kicked off with a cocktail hour on the veranda overlooking rolling pastures dotted with sprawling oak trees. An event of this size takes months of planning as well as coordinating support from the 28 corporate sponsors who provided either funding or services for the banquet. The Alachua Woman’s Club, a longtime partner with the Alachua Lions Club, once again sponsored a Silent Auction. And, in keeping with tradition, the Santa Fe High School FFA Chapter was on hand to assist as guests helped themselves to the choice aged controlled steaks, loaded potato casserole, salad and dessert.

A number of county-wide politicians mingled in the crowd as well as city leaders, Alachua County Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr., and Alachua Chief of Police Jesse Sandusky. When the doors opened to the main hall, guests were welcomed by Alachua Lions Club President Jeremy Thomas. The Pledge of Allegiance ceremony was led by Lions Club District Governor Charlie Largen, the traditional singing of “God Bless America” was led by Alachua Lions Club member Bill Johnson, and the invocation was led by Alachua Lions Club member Gladys McMillan.

Former City of Alachua Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr., served as Master of Ceremony and offered good natured jokes, many directed at attending guests, who took it all in stride as an appreciative audience laughed.

A special recognition paid tribute to longtime Alachua Lions Club member Ralph Cellon as he was presented with the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Progressive award by Lions Club member Gunter Hirsch. This year’s Cattleman of the Year award went to Edward W. Jennings (Ed), IFAS County Extension Director and Extension Agent.

The books are closed on this year’s Alachua Lions Club Cattlemen’s Banquet, but it will undoubtably be back next year for another rendition of good food and good times for a good cause.

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Photo by VIVIAN ARNDT/Artists from Scotland begin projecting images on to walls on the first night of painting.

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ High Springs has a colorful and blended past. Unlike the small peaceful town of today, known for its antiques and springs, the town was once a major shipping hub. Prolific phosphate mines dotted the region, as well as row crops such as watermelon and tobacco, all waiting to be exported. This led to a large and mighty railroad presence. The manpower required to work the rails and run the trains contributed to the building of boarding houses, bars, and even a two-story hospital for the burgeoning population, all before the turn of the century.

The Beginning

Time marches on, and in this present-day era of great growth, the close-knit community of High Springs looked for a way to honor its history by incorporating the stories of the past into its present and future. The means to do this became the telling of stories, through a series of murals painted on walls throughout the town. Murals that are not only scenic but specifically designed to tell the story of how High Springs came to be, artfully weaving history into the modern day and the town's reputation, as both a gateway to the springs and a destination point for those seeking small locally-owned specialty shops, carrying unique one-of-a-kind items.

This project was five years in the making, involving a tireless commitment to not just the project itself, but to the stories that were waiting to be told. Beginning Wednesday, March 22 through Sunday, March 26, artists from all over the world came to town, some camping, some staying in local bed and breakfasts and motels, and some enjoying the hospitality of host families. After a welcome dinner, the great paint-out began.

The Painting

As the sun set, the artists perched high in the air on scaffolds, carefully stenciled the artwork being projected upon the wall. Over the next four days, 150 artists painted the stenciled walls on 11 separate murals. Murals telling the stories of the indigenous early people, the first settlers, civic leaders, the railroad, and the springs.   Along with the art appearing on the walls, personal stories began to emerge, such as the story of The High Springs Speedway, a great local event at which records in racing were set in the 1960s. Delores Barber, age 94, and her husband founded the Speedway and she got to see it come back to life on a wall, as well as meet the artist, Sam Sanfilippo from Pinson, Alabama who painted it. “It is moments like these that mean the most to us as artists<” Sanfilippo said. “Making a difference and a connection through art.”

Artists took breaks from painting, stealing small moments of time to enjoy the atmosphere and the cuisine generously supplied for them by local restaurants and businesses. Doug Hancock, the Project Coordinator of this weekend's event said, “I deeply appreciate that the community of High Springs has come together with such love for the visiting artists ‒ the artists tell me they definitely felt that love from the community.”

Festival on the Green

Like draws like, and local artists from the area also set up their art under tents for the public to see and purchase, creating a “Festival on the Green” on the grassy space where the railroad tracks used to be. The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by a car show and strolling musicians for the enjoyment of the crowds that came out to witness the “Walldogs Dive into High Springs” event.

This was the first time the Walldogs organization has ever done an event in Florida, one which might not have ever happened without the chance meeting of local High Springs resident Nancy Lavin and Hancock of Alachua, who happened to be a Walldog himself. That sidewalk conversation five years ago led to the formation of “The Heart of High Springs,”, a non-profit organization that raised donations for this event. “This is a project of the heart for sure, and it is wonderful to see it unfolding now,” said Lavin.

The weekend event has passed. The scaffolds are gone, and the paintbrushes have been washed and packed away, but the inevitable camaraderie that results in the coming together of people united in a common creative event, remains.

Artists from four countries and all over the U.S., as far west as Oregon and as far north as Pennsylvania, have boarded their respective planes and headed home, hopefully, enriched by knowing the profound impact they leave behind. Their tireless hours of talent, which they donated free of charge, are left to tell the unique character of this small town for years to come.

Ross Ambrose, treasurer of “The Heart of High Springs” said, "It was so nice to see the opportunities for local businesses and individuals who stepped up in huge ways to make this possible, as well as volunteers on every level. I am so proud to have been a part of this.”

As for local residents, they have new friendships with these artists who welcomed them to paint alongside, and who they shared meals and conversations with for these all-too-brief few days. They also have the distinction of being the first town in Florida to host a Walldogs mural event.

High Springs made history this weekend by telling its history.

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Photo by VIVIAN ARNDT/Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe congratulates Oak Hill Middle School students Dylan Lamb and Aurora Aguero on winning nationals in the VEX IQ Robotics Competition and qualifying to go on to international competition in April.

NEWBERRY ‒ Spring is in the air and so are the festivals that celebrate them. This weekend it was the Newberry Main Street Organization’s 2023 Spring Festival that brought the people out in full force.

“We are thrilled with the turnout this year,” said Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe. “Just this year we have doubled the number of vendors participating in our festival.”

Tents stretched as far as the eye could see down Seaboard Drive, the smell of BBQ beckoned and the mood was lighthearted. In addition to the many booths showcasing crafts, woodwork, jewelry, and plants, there was a big focus on activities. Camel rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, and a children’s train delighted young and old alike and provided many picture-worthy moments.

Two bands, The Hogtown Slayers Band and Midnight Blue, kept the crowd entertained under a huge spreading oak offering shade from the warm sunny weather. This event was from 9-4 and if you missed it, keep your eye on The Newberry Main Street Organization website for more events in the future at https://www.visitgainesville.com/organizer/newberry-main-street-organization/

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ALACHUA ‒ Perfect weather and a full schedule of baseball drew crowds to Alachua's Hal Brady Recreation Complex on Saturday for the Babe Ruth 37^TH Opening Day Jamboree. Seven games were played at Hal Brady, and one at Copeland, from Tball up to Seniors division. The aroma of BBQ, the crack of bat on ball and clouds of spring pollen were all in the air as parents, fans and children gathered to celebrate America's favorite pastime.

Dignitaries present for the opening ceremony were Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper, Vice Mayor Jennifer Blalock, and Commissioners Shirley Green Brown, and Dayna Miller were joined by Chief of Police Jesse Sandusky, City Manager Mike DaRoza, Parks and Rec Director Damon Messina and Finance Director: Rob Bonetti. City of High Springs dignitaries included Mayor Gloria James, Chief of Police: Antoine Sheppard and Assistant City Manager: Bruce Gillingham. Also present were Santa Fe Babe Ruth Board members and special guests Santa Fe High School Junior Varsity and Varsity Baseball.

High Springs Boy Scouts Troop #69 served as Color Guard and Rachael Goll of Canvas Church sang the National Anthem. Preston Howell offered the invocation.

Getting the games underway, the ceremonial First Pitch was thrown by Hall Brady, Alachua’s former recreation director, to catcher Lucas Moore.

The Hal Brady Award was presented by Will Moore to recipient Paul Buchner.

Teams were sponsored by Alachua Plumbing, Rosenboom Construction, El Toro, Q&D Painting, Stellar Services, Lawful Defense, North Florida Buildings, Piesanos, SIMED Health, Rex and Brody Foundation, Gemini Water, Drummond Realty, Keim Clearing LLC, Keim Clearing LLC, Digestive Disease Associates, Campus Scooters, and Gator Drain.

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