Alachua County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 Commander Avery L. Owen (center) presented trophies and cash awards Dec. 12 to Ilo Pillari (left) and Isa Pillari as winners of the annual Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contests. / Photo by Michael P. Mauer special to Alachua County Today

GAINESVILLE ‒ Two local siblings earned top honors from Alachua County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 as this year’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen winners.

Earning first in this year’s VOD competition is 17-year-old Isa Pillari from Newberry, Fla. Her brother, 13-year-old Ilo Pillari, got the top slot for the post’s Patriot’s Pen scholarship. Both students are home schooled by their parents, Pramod and Catherine Pillari.

Each winner received a $100 award and a trophy from VFW Post 2811 at the organization’s Dec. 12 meeting.  Annabell Zachritz, a 17-year-old senior at The Rock School, received a trophy and $75 as the post’s second place VOD contestant.

At the same meeting, the siblings read their essays to VFW Post 2811’s membership and auxiliary.

“The post membership and I were truly impressed with the quality and content of both their essays,” said Avery L. Owen, VFW Post 2811 commander. “As an organization of combat veterans, many of us were sincerely touched at the sentiment. It is good to know that the basic principles of freedom and democracy that we fought for are being cherished by young people in our community.”

The topic for this year’s VOD essay competition was ‘Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?’  Competitors for the Patriot’s Pen contest wrote to the theme of ‘My Voice in America’s Democracy’.

“I don’t think the students who participated this year could have written to these subjects any better than what they did,” said Owen, a retired master sergeant who served with the 3^rd Bn, 20^th Special Forces Group of the Florida Army National Guard. “I think they’ll do well at the next level.”

The combat veteran also added a personal reflection.

“They give me hope for the future,” said the VFW Post 2811 commander.

The winning VOD and Patriot’s Pen candidates will move to the next bracket at Florida VFW District 14. This is comprised of VFW posts from Lake City, Palatka, Lake Butler, Interlachen and Gainesville. If forwarded from there, entrants will earn a chance to compete at the VFW Department of Florida. Once advancing, winners will then vie at the VOD national level where the top laurels include a $30,000 scholarship.

Other VOD national scholarships range from $1,000 to $15,000, and the top winner from each state can earn a minimum scholarship of $1,000, plus an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

The top Patriot’s Pen competitors selected from each state can earn $50,000 in awards, as well as a top prize of $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Both the VOD and Patriot’s Pen scholarships are open to all students from middle school through high school.

The VFW is observing its 125^th anniversary this year. Those interested in VFW Post 2811 and its activities can call 352-376-7660.

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Editor’s Note: Michael P. Mauer is a life member of VFW Post 2811. He served as an Army photojournalist during Operation Desert Storm, and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal by Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf for his actions during the war. This year, Mauer won the Silver Award for top feature article in the VFW National Publications Contest. Email mikemauer@hotmail.com

Christmas on Main Brings Festive Excitement and Holiday Cheer

ALACHUA ‒ Downtown Alachua turned into a winter wonderland on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, as crowds gathered for the much-anticipated annual Christmas tree lighting event. The second edition of “Christmas on Main Street,” a collaboration between the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, the City of Alachua, local businesses and civic organizations, brought festive cheer to residents and visitors alike with an evening packed with activities, live music, and holiday treats.

The festivities officially kicked off at 4:30 p.m., as Main Street buzzed with excitement. Families strolled through streets adorned with twinkling lights and garlands, while children enjoyed a variety of free activities ranging from crafting ornaments to face painting and playing in snow. At 6 p.m., the centerpiece of the evening—a towering Christmas tree near Skinner Park—was lit up in a spectacular ceremony.

Adding a touch of magic to the event, Santa and Mrs. Claus made a grand entrance on a shiny sleigh accompanied by “reindeer”, escorted by the Alachua Police Department. Santa led a jubilant countdown to the tree lighting before heading to his workshop on Main Street, where eager children shared their Christmas wishes and posed for photos.

The merriment extended across Main Street, where local businesses stayed open late, inviting revelers to browse unique offerings. Live music from Music Junction resonated through the crowds, adding to the festive ambiance. For adults, horse-drawn carriage rides provided a scenic way to take in the sights and sounds of the decorated downtown.

Eventgoers were treated to an array of refreshments, including hot cocoa, popcorn, cider, and pastries. Costumed characters, face painting by the Santa Fe High School Cheerleaders, candy handouts, a miniature train ride and bounce house were among the highlights for children, while activity stations delighted youngsters with holiday crafts and games.

At Main Street Theatre Park, the stage came alive with vibrant performances that enchanted the gathering crowds. The Alachua Elementary School Chorus filled the air with heartwarming melodies as proud parents and spectators watched with delight. Adding a theatrical flair, the Children’s Theater captivated the audience and left spectators smiling and applauding. The evening’s musical elegance was elevated by the spellbinding performance of violinist Shelby Adams, leaving listeners mesmerized.

Further down Main Street, a magical favorite was the sight of snowflakes swirling high in the air over Main Street in front of the Chamber of Commerce building, delighting giggling children who leapt and twirled beneath the snowy cascade. Behind the building, a bustling snow play yard became a winter wonderland, where youngsters tossed handfuls of snow and reveled in the rare, festive treat.

Sponsors such as the Alachua Chamber, Dollar General Distribution, Walmart Distribution, Visit Gainesville, City of Alachua, and Florida Portable Services, alongside numerous local businesses and organizations, contributed to the evening's success. Activity sponsors included Good Life Station, Mi Apa, Alachua Flowers, the Santa Fe High School Cheerleaders and the Alachua Police Department, among many others.

The night was an undeniable triumph, transforming downtown Alachua into a scene straight out of a storybook and leaving families with cherished memories that will be treasured for years to come. The joyous atmosphere, filled with laughter, music, and the twinkling glow of festive lights, ignited the holiday spirit.

Summing up the magic of the evening, one awe-struck youngster exclaimed with wide-eyed wonder, “This is the most fun, ever!” Their words echoed the sentiments of countless children and adults alike, who found themselves swept up in the enchantment of the season and the heartfelt charm of Alachua’s celebration.

“This tradition is truly the heart of our Christmas season,” said Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari. “It’s about bringing our community together, creating magical moments, and giving families—especially children—experiences they’ll cherish for a lifetime.” Boukari continued, “Many thanks are due to the hard work and dedication of Alachua Chamber of Commerce members, our local businesses and the City of Alachua.”

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Nutcracker Classic Christmas Fantasy Brought to Life

ALACHUA/HIGH SPRINGS – Main Street in Alachua was a vibrant scene of holiday cheer on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, as the annual Christmas Parade, hosted by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, took center stage with its Nutcracker theme. Families, friends, and community members turned out in large numbers to celebrate the magic of the season, marveling at elaborately decorated floats, festive performances, and, of course, Santa Claus himself.

Later that evening, the holiday spirit continued just down the road with the City of High Springs Twilight Christmas Parade, which also embraced the Nutcracker theme. The evening parade enchanted spectators with glowing lights, whimsical floats, and twinkling displays, bringing the Nutcracker wonderland to life under the stars and completing a day of magical holiday celebrations in both communities.

In Alachua, the air buzzed with anticipation as children eagerly lined the streets, their faces filled with excitement for the parade and the chance to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself. The crowd cheered as parade participants walked the parade route tossing sweet treats to spectators. Some children scrambled for candy while others gazed in awe at the dazzling holiday-themed creations.

The parade began along North Main Street and made its way across U.S. Highway 441, led by a police escort complete with sirens wailing and red and blue lights flashing. Alachua Police Chief Jesse Sandusky and High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard joined in the festivities greeting onlookers and waving.

Adding to the hometown charm was the parade’s grand marshal, longtime Alachua resident and City of Alachua employee Cap Wilson, who waved to the crowd from a vintage blue convertible Mustang, accompanied by his wife, Holly. Behind them, the City of Alachua’s official float showcased scenes from the Nutcracker ballet that included larger than life nutcrackers, the mouse king and ballerinas in sparkling tutus, earning smiles and cheers as Alachua city commissioners joined the fun.

The event showcased local businesses, civic organizations, religious groups and schools, all stepping up to deliver festive cheer. Among the participants were Santa Fe Ford, Mi Apa Restaurant, MatchMaker Realty, Momentum Dance Academy, the Mebane High School Alumni Association, the Alachua Business League, Alachua Senior Cha Chas, Horizon Realty, Capital City Bank and members of the Hare Krishna community, along with scores more.

The parade also featured spirited performances by the High Springs Community School band, Mebane Middle School band and the Santa Fe High School Raider Regiment Marching Band, a crowd favorite, whose holiday-themed melodies captivated spectators. Dressed in seasonal costumes, dancers from the high school joined the performance, adding flair and movement to the procession.

Twirling batons, members of the All Stars Twirling Academy dazzled onlookers, while young athletes from the Santa Fe Babe Ruth Baseball team, the Santa Fe Soccer Academy and the Raider cheerleaders proudly showcased their community spirit. Volunteers, dressed as Santa’s elves and Nutcracker-themed characters, walked alongside the floats, handing out treats and spreading smiles.

Serving as parade judges were Horace Jenkins, Carol Richardson, and Wendy Hewett. At stake for parade entries were three prizes valued at $500, $300 and $200. Momentum Dance took 1^st place, Alachua Business League came in 2^nd place and Canvas Church wrapped up 3^rd place.

As the floats approached the judge’s stage at the intersection of 148^th Place and Main Street, parade MCs Ben Boukari, Jr. and Damon Messina kept the excitement alive, introducing each float and engaging the crowd with lively commentary.

The parade also included the well-known Alachua Parade Pooper Scoopers, Don James and Jovante Hayes of the Alachua Lions Club, who cheerfully followed the festively decorated horse entries, keeping the streets clean for the participants who followed.

The highlight of the parade came at the grand finale, as Santa Claus made his highly anticipated appearance atop a firetruck, waving joyfully to the children who called his name and waved back with excitement. For the young spectators, this magical moment sparked dreams of Christmas morning and the treasures waiting under their trees.

“This event truly captures the spirit of the season,” said a local resident. “It’s a reminder of the close-knit community we’re lucky to have here in Alachua.”

As the parade wrapped up and families began to disperse, the holiday spirit lingered. From the decorated floats to the costumed characters, the 2024 Christmas Parade was another resounding success, a true celebration of community and tradition.

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A.L. Mebane High School 2024 Homecoming Reunion

ALACHUA ‒ While many Americans spent the day after Thanksgiving recovering from hearty meals or braving the Black Friday shopping crowds, a vibrant tradition was unfolding in Alachua. Alumni of A.L. Mebane High School, proudly wearing their green and gold, came together for the annual A.L. Mebane High School Homecoming Reunion. This cherished event has grown into a cornerstone celebration of community, history, and school spirit.

Since its inaugural Homecoming event in 1996, the A.L. Mebane High School Alumni Association has worked tirelessly to preserve the school’s rich legacy. This year’s celebration, held from Friday, Nov. 29, through the weekend, featured a variety of events aimed at honoring the past while fostering connections within the present community.

The reunion brought together alumni from graduating classes in a friendly rivalry to showcase their pride and preeminence. This year’s special recognition was for the classes of 1957, 1959, 1964, 1969 and 1974. Beyond nostalgia, the gathering underscores a broader mission: to instill community pride, maintain connections, and support future generations through scholarships and community projects.

On Saturday, Nov. 30, the streets of downtown Alachua buzzed with excitement as spectators gathered along Main Street for the annual Homecoming parade. Festivities began with a police escort, complete with flashing lights and wailing sirens, as floats and decorated cars rolled down the street to the cheers of onlookers.

Alumni classes showcased creative floats or festively adorned vehicles, many tossing candy to thrilled children. Community organizations and local churches joined the parade, adding to the celebration’s inclusive spirit. Dignitaries and homecoming queens waved to the crowd, embodying the pride and unity that define this yearly tradition.

But the annual A.L. Mebane High School Homecoming Reunion was more than just a parade—it was a weekend-long celebration brimming with activities that united alumni, families, and the community in a shared spirit of pride and camaraderie. In addition to Saturday’s parade, attendees were treated to a variety of events, including the Mr. and Ms. Alumni Pageant, a Live Auction, and the highly anticipated Green and Gold Social.

The A.L. Mebane High School Alumni Association goes beyond reunion celebrations, engaging in year-round fundraisers and community projects across Alachua and surrounding areas. Funds raised during the Homecoming weekend directly contribute to the association’s scholarship program, which supports local students in pursuing higher education.

The Homecoming Reunion has become a vital tradition, weaving together alumni, families, and community members in a celebration of shared history and pride. For those who donned green and gold, the weekend is a testament to enduring bonds and the unshakable spirit of the Hornets.

As the final notes of the parade faded and the weekend’s events came to a close, the alumni association reflected on another successful year of honoring their alma mater’s legacy and strengthening the community. With an eye toward the future, the Hornets are already planning next year’s celebration, ensuring the legacy of A.L. Mebane High School continues to thrive.

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