~Youth Council highlights July 4 with patriotic flag displays~

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ In anticipation of the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations, the High Springs Mayor’s Youth Council has taken the initiative to adorn the city with a patriotic display of flags. Spearheaded by Mayor Katherine Weitz and Commissioner Wayne Bloodsworth, along with the enthusiastic participation of local Boy Scout Troop 69, the youth council embarked on a collaborative effort to line the streets with American flags.

The project was made possible through the generous donation of flags by ACE Hardware, a gesture that was crucial in bringing this community initiative to life. Elva Bryant played a pivotal role in coordinating the logistics, ensuring that every detail was meticulously planned and executed.

“This is more than just a display of flags; it's a symbol of our community coming together to celebrate our nation’s independence,” remarked Mayor Weitz, emphasizing the significance of civic engagement among the youth.

The flag display not only adds a festive touch to the city streets but also serves as a reminder of the values and freedoms cherished by the residents of High Springs. As the Fourth of July approaches, residents can look forward to a vibrant display of patriotism, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Mayor's Youth Council, local officials, community volunteers, and supportive businesses.

The Mayor's Youth Council is composed of students in grades 8-12 who live within the city limits of High Springs. Students interested in applying for a future opening on the Mayor's Youth Council, can complete the form at https://www.highsprings.gov/city-commission/page/mayors-youth-council and return it to the City Commission office, Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. located on the second floor of City Hall, 23718 W U.S. Highway 27.

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ALACHUA – The Alachua Chamber of Commerce’s annual Sportsfest Golf Tournament brought together area teams on June 15, 2024, at the picturesque Turkey Creek Golf Course. Despite record heat, the charity event saw unprecedented turnout in participation, volunteers, and funds raised. In its 35th year, the event drew golf enthusiasts for a day of friendly competition and community support.

“The community enthusiasm for this event only continues to grow,” said Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari. “Our business partners continue to step up and put our community first helping to raise funds that support the youth of our community.”

Participants kicked off the day early in a shotgun-style start, with teams of four players engaging in a best ball scramble format. Each team strategically used the best shot among their group for subsequent plays toward the pin, navigating the 18-hole course over approximately four hours.

Check-in process was at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast provided by MiApa. Shotgun start was at 8:30 a.m. Beverage station at the turn was sponsored by Alachua Okito. Lunch was provided by local community staple Conestogas Restaurant. A multitude of raffle prizes donated by area businesses were awarded, from gift cards, to hotel stays to TVs to new golf equipment. Afterword, the traditional and famous shootout — for teams that qualify — can win bragging rights and prize money to the victors.

Winning Teams and Results

• Shootout Team: Campus USA Credit Union clinched the winning title, featuring Fred Hilton, Josh Hansen, Josh Dunbar, and Yancey Steingraber.
• Gross Scores: Devin Osbourne, Bryan Faulk, Luke Tillman, and Clayton Gregory from Sysco.
• Net Scores: Luke Smith, Charlie Culp, Jeff Tyre, and Nick Tyre from Concept Companies.

Beyond the thrill of victory and the camaraderie on the greens, the tournament holds deeper significance. Funds raised through the event traditionally support youth programs in the city of Alachua, particularly benefiting Legacy Park Recreation initiatives and education. Recent past contributions include enhancing study spaces at the Alachua branch library and supporting educational resources for local students.

This year’s event featured 27 teams with 108 participants, supported by over 30 volunteers “We are incredibly grateful for the well-organized, community-supported golf tournament,” said Sportsfest Committee Chair Shelley Vickers of Scherer Construction. “This event would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, committee members, and especially our sponsors.”

The 2024 Sportsfest Golf Scramble raised over $26,000 to support local youth who participate in the City of Alachua’s activities, program and events. “It took an army of chamber volunteers and local merchants who donate their time and funds to consistently make this happen,” said Vickers.

Sportsfest sponsors were Dollar General, Capital City Bank, Scherer Construction, Palms Medical, Pizza in the Hood, Okito, MiApa, Conestogas, Boukari Realty, Campus USA Credit Union, Edward Jones Potts & Surrency, Concept Companies, Menadier Engineering, San Felasco Tech City, Waco Properties, Santa Fe Ford, Florida Credit Union, Douglas Adel, Waste Pro, Easy Dumpster, ReMax, State Farm, Sysco, True Force Roofing, New Generation Builders, Polaris, and the City of Alachua.

“The City of Alachua's crew was amazing, generously donating their tent, tables, and chairs for the event,” said Vickers, adding, “We also had numerous wonderful hole sponsors and community donations, all contributing to making this event unforgettable.”

The success of the tournament was made possible by longstanding sponsors such as Dollar General and Capital City Bank, whose support continues to foster positive impacts across Alachua.

A shoutout from Vickers captured the event’s long running success, “Thank you to everyone who made this year's Sportsfest one for the books! We can’t wait till next year.

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Veterans attending an Adaptive Sports Program event at the north shore of Lake Wauburg in Micanopy, where Veterans were able to take part in paddle boarding, kayaking, pedal boating, and canoeing, June 12, 2024, pose for a group photo at the end of the day’s activities / Photo special to Alachua County Today

GAINESVILLE ‒ Veterans recently gathered at Lake Wauburg's north shore in Micanopy for a day of aquatic sports designed to boost their independence, well-being, and quality of life. Organized by the Adaptive Sports Program (ASP) of the Veterans Health System (NF/SG-VHS), the event offered paddle boarding, kayaking, pedal boating, and canoeing. These activities aim to enhance cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength, underscoring the program’s commitment to improving physical and mental health among Veterans with a disability or a senior Veteran age 55 or older.

The North Florida / South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SG-VHS) offers countless programs to Veterans throughout North Florida and South Georgia, including ASP. The ASP hosted the sports day where Veterans were able to take part in paddle boarding, kayaking, pedal boating, and canoeing, June 12, 2024. These activities were designed to increase cardiovascular endurance as well as strengthen lower and upper body muscles.

The ASP partners with the NF/SG-VHS Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), which helps fund multi-day clinics for Veterans 55 and older to introduce them to various sports for a week at various locations. As more and more Veterans have learned about the ASP, as many as 25 Veterans have gone on to compete in the Golden Age Games while participating and training in the weekly events that NF/SG-VHS hosts in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Lake City and Gainesville.

“We have found that our Veterans that are receiving this benefit of adaptive sports, recreation and leisure vastly improved their quality of life,” said Katie Blunk, the Adaptive Sports Coordinator for NF/SG-VHS. “And to really demonstrate to the Veteran that they don’t ever have to say that ‘they can’t do something’ when it comes to their physical well-being, we will show them exactly how they can.”

The encouragement of competing and realizing they can participate in these activities is a true testament that Veterans of all ages are able to defy any of their limitations. Through ASP activities, Veterans have improved their individual health, physical wellness, teamwork, empowered leadership, improved self-confidence, and camaraderie.

One such Veteran, Erich Brockmoeller, a former U.S. Marine Corps non-commissioned officer, expressed that he was turned onto the ASP after experiencing a self-isolation phase in life. Participating in the program has helped Erich realize he was not alone. There are many Veterans just like Brockmoeller, and he encourages all disabled Veterans to take part and experience the rewards of the program.

“The connections I made have been monumental, not to mention the physical and mental health of being involved in the adaptive sports program,” said Brockmoeller. “Go one time! Give it a try. One time has turned into more times and now I go multiple times a week.”

An additional benefit of the ASP has been creating or inventing adaptive sports equipment for Veterans to utilize in order to return to their favorite sport. Specialized rehabilitation events have been created with an aim to optimize Veterans’ independence, community engagement, well-being, and quality of life. The programs are built on clinical expertise within the VA, with essential support from Veteran Service Organizations, corporate sponsors, individual donors, and community partners.

Grant programs for ASP are essential for the program. Through these grant programs, various organizations have come together to increase and expand the quantity and quality of sustainable adaptive sports activities that Veterans can participate in to treat mental health, physical injuries, and sustain a healthy lifestyle.

“Adaptive sports in general strives to remove barriers to allow Veterans to engage in activities that bring well-being on physical, mental, and spiritual levels,” said Dr. Carmen Fernandez, the Associate Director for the GRECC at NF/SG-VHS. “The GRECC promotes advances in geriatric care, and we are fortunate to be here to assist the ASP in this endeavor.”

The Veterans participating in the activities all had a great experience enhancing their physical fitness and connecting with their fellow Veterans. The NF/SG-VHS ASP and GRECC staff ensured their day was filled with world-class health care, physical and mental motivation, safety, and camaraderie that these Veterans value and hold dear.

The next multi-day Adaptive Sports Clinic with the GRECC is scheduled for Sept. 17-20, 2024. Veterans with a disability or who are 55 and older should request their primary care provider to place a consult for adaptive sports to receive an application for participation. The deadline for applying is Aug. 16, 2024.

For more information on the Adaptive Sports Program, visit Adaptive Sports | VA North Florida/South Georgia Health Care | Veterans Affairs or VA National Veterans Sports Programs.

For more information on the NF/SG-VHS, visit VA North Florida/South Georgia Health Care | Veterans Affairs.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Just before 5 a.m. on Friday, June 7, the High Springs Fire Department experienced a heartwarming and extraordinary event. Firefighters sprang into action to deliver a baby girl in the station parking lot, turning an ordinary morning into a memorable occasion.

The journey of this miraculous delivery began when mom, dad and their soon-to-be daughter were en route to UF Health Shands from the Live Oak area. Realizing that they wouldn't make it in time, they swiftly dialed 911, informing operators that they were moments away from the High Springs Fire Department.

Under the command of Captain Andy Burkhalter, the crew recognized the urgency of the situation and prepared for the imminent arrival. Firefighter (FF)/Paramedic Jon Friend, alongside FF/Paramedic Jake Rhoden, skillfully assisted in safely delivering the baby, who was born at approximately 33 weeks, into the world. FF/EMT Clinton Drake expertly applied cord clamps, while FF/Paramedic Doug Hope aided the new father in cutting the cord. The joy and relief on the faces of the parents were palpable as they welcomed their newborn daughter.

Following the delivery, mother and baby were transported to the hospital by Alachua County Fire Rescue to ensure they received further medical care.

“After the baby was born, I was speechless,” FF/Paramedic Jon Friend expressed while reflecting on the extraordinary event. “It was an emotion you rarely feel with the job,” said Friend. “It's not every day you get to deliver a baby.” Friend's sentiment echoed that of the entire crew, who found immense fulfillment in making a positive impact on the lives of others.

The High Springs Fire Department has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the new parents and wishes them a lifetime of joy and happiness with their newest family member.

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