From the Desktop6 Santa Fe College President Jack Sasser

8 Kids Talk about their Best Friends

11 Exciting New Bike Shop Opens in Tioga

12 Dogs That Can Turn Lights On!

14 Local Wiz Kids Compete in Math

16 Kids Learn How to Be a Cop

I am sure I am not alone in saying that I am soooo glad 2011 is here!Spring is around the corner and thoughts of the beach are filling my head,which reminds me that I must visit the gym!

Something else that is on my mind is the new school year. I know thisseems far away but I am already wondering about my teen starting HighSchool for the first time and where he should go. My children’s future hasbeen on my mind ever since they were born. I am sure many of you arewondering about where to place your infants and toddlers. My kids startedtheir education at The Spencer House Montessori School in Alachua.We are now telling the story of this school in this issue. I feel as if it wereonly yesterday that both of my children were there and remember howhard it was to find a school I trusted with my child’s happiness, safety andfuture. Now I am sharing the story of this gem of a school with all of you.

Good Life Community Magazine is not just about clients placing an ad butalso about building a community of reliable, trustworthy services. I havepersonally worked with and used most of the advertiser’s services withinthese pages and feel honored to have worked with so many professional,talented, local people.

I excited about the New Year and all the lays ahead of us.

Make the most of every day and live……………. The Good Life!

Cover Story

18 All About The Spencer House Montessori School

Team:Trish Utter, Publisher and Chief Bottle WasherEditor Michael Ward • Graphic Designer Jamie Walker • Graphics Assistant Ann Joy RuthWriters Trish Utter, Ruth Ward • Photographers Trish Utter, Raul Fernandez • Kids Talk Colt Utter, Brooke UtterAssistant Patricia Hoyos • Webmaster Jamie Walker

Good Life Community Magazine is published byGood Life Marketing, LLCP.O. Box 278 Alachua, Florida 32616(352) 219-6702http://www.GoodLifeCommunity.com • trishgoodlifecommunity@gmail.com

by Trish Utter, Publisher & Chief Bottle WasherContents

20 What do Venison, Wild Boar & Buffalo have in common?

The Rotary Club’s Wild Game Feast!22 Beautiful Gowns from Noche De Gala

26 Community Pix

28 Crawl For a Claus!

30 The Art of Being a Butcher is Alive & Well

32 What’s On

35 Colt & Brooke’s Tops Picks for Disney

Good Life Community covers many events. Ifyou had your photo taken or would like to seemore photographs from our events please visitwww.GoodLifeCommunity.com and then clickon the photo link at the top of the page.

Do your Wisdom Teeth Hurt?Wisdom Teeth, or Third Molars, are usually the last teeth to develop and appear in the mouth. They are

called “Wisdom Teeth” because they usually appear during a person’s late teens or early twenties,

which has been called the “age of wisdom”. The normal position for developing wisdom teeth is behind

the upper and lower second molars. However, often times the mouth does NOT have enough room for

these extra teeth and they become impacted. This can lead to very serious

dental health and medical problems such as pain, infection, crowding of teeth,

cyst development, loss of other teeth, or development of pathologies that

could lead to more serious surgery. In fact, for nine out of ten people, at least

one wisdom tooth remains under the gum tissue due to lack of space in the

mouth. Proper treatment of wisdom teeth involves their removal using

special surgical techniques appropriate for each individual case. Wisdom

teeth are best treated by a specialist, like an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon.

What are Dental Implants?Dental Implants are titanium anchors placed in the jawbones, underneath the gum

tissue, to support artificial teeth where natural teeth are missing. Dental Implants are

actually placed in the jawbones, and don’t require removal like regular dentures or partials,

nor do they require the removal of natural tooth structure like crowns and bridges. They

look and function like natural teeth. Dental Implants can be used to

replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even hold dentures in place,

eliminating the need for denture adhesives. Dental Implants can

restore normal eating and speaking abilities, and enhance your facial appearance and

confidence. Dental Implants are best placed by a specialist, like an Oral & Maxillofacial

Surgeon, working closely with your restorative or general dentist.

RISING TO THE CHALLENGEPresident’s Update

As demand for more education and services is rising, Santa Fe College isrising to the challenge.

The past few years have been marked by significant new endeavors at SantaFe College. In 2008, for example, Santa Fe opened the Perry Institute forConstruction and began offering coursework leading to Bachelor’s degreesin needed specialties. In 2009, Santa Fe opened its new Perry Center forEmerging Technologies in Alachua and it has grown to nearly 300 students injust two years.

In 2010, Santa Fe graduated its first Bachelor’s degree students, who earnedtheir degrees totally online, in Health Services Administration.

2010 also marked a successful fundraising effort by the SF Foundation, whichraised $3.6 million in matching funds for scholarships, student services andother needed programs.

The progress of Santa Fe College continues this coming year.

In 2011, we will open a magnificent new Fine Arts Hall on our Northwestcampus. This state-of-the-art facility will enable our students and thecommunity to experience the arts in exciting new ways. The 600-seat

auditorium will offer a variety of student and professional performancesthroughout the year, in a convenient, easily accessible venue.

In 2011, we will begin to offer yet another Bachelor’s degree opportunity,this one in Early Childhood Education. The new degree program will meetthe growing need for qualified teachers in that important area of childhooddevelopment.

Positive change and growth continue to be themes at Santa Fe. Our newdegrees and our new arts building validate once again the College’s primarypurpose – to meet the needs of our students and communities.

I invite you to campus this year, to help us celebrate.

Jackson N. Sasser

Jackson N. SasserPresident, Santa Fe College

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• Robin Williams used the Latin phrase, Carpe Diem- Seize the Day to encourage his students in the movie “Dead Poets Society”

• The first box of Crayola Crayons cost 5cents

• Lead in a pencil is made out of carbon

• Socrates was an ancient educator known for his technique of instructing through questioning students

The average teacher works 11.6 hours un-compensated in the U.S.(according to a 2001 NEA study)

• 2 percent of all school-age students ages 5 to 17 are Home-schooled

• The longer you stay in school the more you will earn according to the U.S. National Census Bureau

• $83,144 Average annual earnings of workers age 18 and older with an advanced degree $58,613 a year for those with bachelor’s degrees $31,283 for those with a high school diploma only $21,023 for those without a high school diploma.

SchoolTrivia

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ike Works is the newest bike shop in the Gainesville community. Located in TiogaTown Center, the store offers a range of bikes for all budgets and is part of a thrivingcommunity and vibrant commercial center. As you enter the shop, you will find

customers enjoying leather sofas and sports on the large screen TV, having a beer or glass ofwine, and chatting to staff about the latest bicycle and club rides. The climate is festive, andthe service is impeccable. The repair and sales staff have a combined sixty years of experi-ence riding, racing, commuting, fixing, and selling bicycles.

Owners Tony and Dawn Cousins, Gainesville native Barry Bullard (Bullard Homes), andUF-Shands Faculty David Quillen, M.D.--all cycling enthusiasts--befriended each otherthrough commercial connections and mutual friendships.

Bike Works settled on brands based on the owner’s personal experience and on the quality ofservice for which each one is known. Giant is the world’s largest quality bike manufacturer,leading the industry in carbon-fiber and aluminum frame building for everything from full-suspension off-road bikes to neighborhood and commuter platforms. They also make anddistribute a full line of kid’s bikes, helmets, trailers, and other accessories.

Finished in the Basque region of Spain, Orbea makes some of the most beautiful triathlon androad bikes in the world, and has long been famous for the quality of its research and testing.They are one of only two European companies with in-house testing facilities.

Ellsworth is unique in making its bikes entirely in the United States. Individually machinedcomponents, sought-after suspension patents, and elegant styling in trail, road, and triathlonbikes all take place in a certifiable “green” environment where nothing is wasted and no detailis overlooked. Custom builds, like a blue and orange “Gator” full-suspension bike, make theEllsworth ride hors-de-cat`egorie (beyond categorization), as they say in cycling.

Since all the owners of Bike Works ride the new large-wheeled off-road standard (29”wheels), Niner was a natural brand selection. Being a company that exclusively producesbikes with twenty-nine inch wheels, they lead the industry with innovations in this plat-form. All of Bike Works Niner bikes are built to personal specification, whether it’s a long-travel suspension “R.I.P. 9” or the race-ready “J.E.T.” Niner builds single-speeds and gearedbikes in all frame materials, including steel, aluminum, and carbon.

From the beginning, attending to women’s needs on the bike has driven the business plan.Bike Works’ Terry clothing line is made by women, for women. With saddle exchanges,woman-specific accessories, and woman-specific bicycle geometry, the shop exceeds theindustry tradition of “painting it pink and putting flowers on it.” Whether you are fittingshoe cleats for spin class, raising cane on the trail, or finding a CamelBak for the female torso,Bike Works understands women specific needs.

Bike Works’ other brands meet the same exacting standards. Pearl Izumi has both men’s andwomen’s shoes and winter wear, including spin, trail, and road equipment. Tifosi makes thefinest and most affordable sunglasses, with optional lenses, photo-dynamic shades, andattractive but ride-specific ergonomics. CamelBak, Gu, Garneau, and Canari complete theset.

These fine bikes and components are only as good as the bike’s fit to your body. Thedynamic fitting at Bike Works is included with all new bike purchases, and available as aseparate service for current bike owners. Fitting doesn’t end with angle measures, plumblines, and stem and saddle selection. Your pedal stroke, lumbar position, hip articulation,and some basic coaching also receive attention.

The staff at Bike Works is familiar with all the local trails and can help you decide on a goodcommuter route or road ride. Enjoy pleasant seating, neighboring food and coffee, or aconversation about cycling while your bike is being repaired in their full-service shop, usingonly Park Tools, the best in the business.

Whether you are an elite rider, a weekend neighborhood wanderer, or you have a child thatneeds a bicycle, Bike Works guarantees the best in service and value. If you’re looking for aclean, comfortable, and friendly atmosphere to buy a bike, or just have some questions aboutcycling, Bike Works is your shop.

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While most people are familiar with seeing-eye dogs for the visuallyimpaired, many do not realize that there are other types of servicedogs. Seeing-eye dogs were first introduced into the US in the early1900’s. The training and use of service dogs to assist other types ofimpairments did not begin until the mid 1970’s. Unlike therapy dogsthat visit nursing homes, federal law protects a Service Dog. Due tothe level of training and assistance they provide their recipients, theycannot be denied access into any venue where the public would beallowed such as stores, restaurants, movie theaters, airplanes, etc.

There are over 52 million mentally or physically disabled people in theUS today. Most can benefit from highly trained service dogs to assistthem with life skills that would otherwise be impossible. Disabledpeople live their lives without the ability to do tasks we typically takefor granted such as picking up a dropped item, opening/closing a dooror refrigerator, turning on/off the lights, etc. Each dog is custom trainedto do these tasks based on the individual’s needs. There is virtuallynothing that we cannot train these dogs to do, performing everythingfrom simple tasks to complex tasks to improve the quality of life fortheir recipient.

Carol Borden, (below) CEO and HeadTrainer is working with Dazzle as a mobilitydog. Dazzle will eventually perform daily lifeskil ls for a quadrepelegic person byopening/closing doors, refrigerators,turning on/off lights, bringing items to hislap, etc.

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Since this is a very specialized industry, there are very few people producingservice dogs for the handicapped. Many of these organizations have waitinglists of 6 to 10 years. Additionally, the cost of taking one of these dogs fromstart to finish is about $20,000 making it nearly impossible for someone ondisability to afford.

Guardian Angels chose to become a 501(C)(3) non-profit public charity so wecan raise, train and donate these dogs to deserving individuals, but we needyour generous donations to restore independence and dignity to these people’slives.

We welcome your support through private donations, corporate sponsorships,professional services, matching gifts, bequests, etc., as well as volunteers to joinour various programs (hug a puppy, foster families) and committees.

For more information, visit our website: www.medicalservicedogs.com or call:352-425-1981.

Thank You!Carol Borden, Founder and CEOWilliston, Florida

Wilson (right) meeting a new young friend.When Wilson completes his training, he willbe joining his recipient as a seizure alert dog.

hey are a different kind of athlete. To be champions, they need toexercise their brains instead of their muscles. Instead of using bats orfootballs, their equipment of choice are a calculator and a pencil.

These Mathletes® are middle school students who have a knack for math andsacrifice much of their free time to train for an annual math competition.

This February about 100 middle school students from Alachua County andPutnam County will compete against each other during the localMATHCOUNTS® competition. Their knowledge of subjects like geometry,algebra II and even statistics will be put to the test. Most students don’t learnthese concepts until they are in high school!

MATHCOUNTS is a national program meant to spark students’ interest inmathematics, a key component of today’s crucial careers. The program is

organized by the National Society of Professional Engineers at local and statelevels. Alachua County has held a competition for over 20 years. This Februarywill be the first time that Putnam County schools will be added into the mix.

Douglas Dycus, president of the North Central Chapter of the FloridaEngineering Society, said “It’s amazing how much math touches other careers.You probably use math on a daily basis and don’t even realize it.” He said thatas a civil engineer, math is his life. Civil engineers deal with the design,construction and maintenance of physical structures like buildings. They usearithmetic, calculus, differential equations and geometry among many otherforms of math.

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Many students who participate in the program end up using math for morethan just balancing their checkbooks or for measuring things. Andrew Roberts,Chapter co-chairman, said that many competitors grow up to work in careersthat heavily rely on math, and he would know. Roberts himself participated inthe competition when he was in middle school and now he’s an engineer.According to data from an alumni survey in 2008-2009 by the MATHCOUNTSFoundation, 81% of participants end up receiving a college degree that heavilyrelies on math like engineering or biomedical science; this is higher than thenational average. This should come as good news to anyone who is concernedthat the United States is falling behind in math and science education incomparison to other nations.

The competition includes individual and group rounds, as well as an excitingjeopardy-style competition in which students press buzzers to answerquestions. Locally, the two top teams and top four individuals will go to thestate competition which will be held in Orlando. Last year, Lincoln MiddleSchool placed first in the area. Howard Bishop Middle School placed secondin the area and second in the state competition. The winners of the past tennational competitions had an opportunity to meet the president.

Mathletes® meet after school and on weekends throughout the year to preparefor the competition. Students can get involved in the program by checking iftheir school has a MATHCOUNTS club. Students need to be good at math tojoin. While not all club members compete, just being part of the program is agreat educational experience for students. Participants typically go on toscore highly in the math section of the SATs which can lead to being acceptedinto prestigious universities.

Schools participate in the program by registering online at the MATHCOUNTSwebsite. There is no cost to register, and schools receive free problem sets andgroup activities.

The general public is welcomed to watch the local MATHCOUNTS competitionthat will be held at Kanapaha Middle School in February.

For more information, visit www.MATHCOUNTS.org

They are a different kind of athlete.To be champions, they need to exercise theirbrains instead of their muscles. Instead ofusing bats or footballs, their equipment of

choice are a calculator and a pencil.

Secure Your Future with a Tax and Financial Planning Strategy

We wish all of our clients and all those people

who live in Gator Nation a very Happy and

Prosperous New Year. GO GATORS!!!

Call us at 352-337-0020

by Tim DeeganAll through the year and right up to the very end of 2010 Congress enacted legisla-

tion that will impact taxpayers of all types. There has never been a year like this from

a tax standpoint that having professional help to plan for and / or prepare your

individual, business ,trust or Estate tax returns could mean as much to secure your

family’s wealth .

In 2010 your representatives passed several pieces of tax related legislation that are

certain to impact your future. Some change or modify how you or your business is

taxed and how the assets you leave to heirs are taxed. Others go so far as to now

require you to have at least the minimum coverage of family health insurance.

Supporters on the administrations laws believe this legislation is a positive step for

the future of lower and middle class Americans. In the short term it allows tax

consultants and professionals to have in place guidance for future planning which

was set to expire at midnight December 31st 2010.

We at Timothy P. Deegan CPA & Company, as wealth managers, feel that regardless

of the way future taxes are assessed, it is time for major tax modification. We still

believe that comprehensive tax reform including a national value added tax or flat

tax are soon to be the way we pay our taxes.

Our goal for our clients is to make sure they have in place a comprehensive financial

plan that results in maximizing the transfer of wealth to their chosen heirs and

minimizes the tax effect while doing so.

Issues involving retirement, asset protection, annual tax reduction and current

cash flow are all areas every taxpayer should be concerned about. You should too!

If you don’t currently have a tax and financial strategy plan set, you should make a

new year’s resolution to set an appointment with a Licensed Certified Public Ac-

countant, Financial Advisor and your Stock Broker. They as a team will assist you

with developing your financial plan for the future. The initial consultation is usu-

ally free of charge.

For those who have a plan, stay in touch with your advisors and insist they keep

you up to date with all the latest developments. Don’t be reluctant to seek their

advice and ask questions as these new laws effect you.

All of us here at Timothy P. Deegan, CPA and Company are ready to assist you with

all of your tax and financial planning needs. Call and make an appointment to sit

down with us or visit our web site, www.ask-tax.com.

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our children are the most important part of

your life and you want the best for them. A

major aspect of this is giving them a good

start in their education. Wouldn’t you like

your kids to have the same start as Prince William

and Prince Harry, famous magician-David Blaine,

or the founders of Google and Amazon.com? What

do they all have in common? Well they all attended

a Montessori school.

Montessori is a 100 year old teaching method

named after Maria Montessori, who championed a

philosophy of a child centered classroom at a time

when classrooms were all about the teacher...places

where children sat at desks and were lectured to on

a daily basis. Maria recognized that children were

little scientists who, with the right environment and

learning tools, could teach themselves and develop

a love for learning in the process.

She created many wonderful les-

sons for children that are still used

in Montessori classrooms today.

Other curriculum have adopted

aspects of Montessori such as

mixed age classrooms and learn-

ing centers instead of desks.

However a Montessori trained

teacher brings a calm loving at-

mosphere to a classroom, with the

emphasis on respect for class-

mates, the classroom, and our

world. This is a hallmark of the

Montessori teaching philosophy.

In 1999 Directress Rebecca McCuller opened The Spencer

House Montessori School in a charming historic bungalow style

house in the city of Alachua. The school is named in honor of

the Spencer family, who lived in the house for over 60 years.

Rebecca is a Vermont native that moved to this area in 1995 and

attended Santa Fe College for a nursing degree. Part of her train-

ing as a labor and delivery nurse was to observe a delivery, upon

which she fainted. Deciding nursing was not for her; Rebecca

transferred all her credits and earned her undergraduate degree

in Child Development and Education. She completed the

Montessori Preprimary Teacher Certification program in 2000

and has her Directors Credential and an AS in Early Childhood

Education.

The Spencer House began with only six students and three teach-

ers. Rebecca's daughter Amanda was one of the first students.

The classes were so successful that the response from the com-

munity was overwhelming. Within a year the school had grown

to 45 students. Amanda graduated and now attends Eastside

High School’s International Baccalaureate program. Rebecca’s

youngest daughter Emilee is currently a student at the school.

The warm and friendly staff and the homey feeling of the build-

ing put children at ease when they start school for the first time.

Parents feel comfortable seeing a calm, clean, happy and orga-

nized environment for their children to learn in. Children are

directed to work respectfully and quietly in small groups, and

are allowed to develop at their own pace. The children are taught

everyday life skills such as scooping, pouring, and spooning.

Spanish, music and movement, Occupational Therapy, and Yoga

are all included in your child’s education at the Spencer House.

Gymnastics and dance are also offered. Class sizes are kept be-

low state student/teacher ratio guidelines, allowing the teachers

to have more time with the children on an individualized basis.

The school is divided into four programs:

Infant/Toddler and Beginners Program

Ages 2 months to 2 ½ years. Parents feel comfortable leaving

their precious children here as the school is clean, quiet and or-

derly and the caregivers are thoroughly trained and attentive.

This program allows young explorers to develop budding skills,

such as fine and gross motor coordination and visual discrimi-

nation through the senses and learning materials.

Preprimary Program

Ages 2 1/2 to 4 years old. Children of this age feel secure when

they have "freedom within limits". The children develop good

work habits and a sense of responsibility. The classroom be-

longs to them and the teacher encourages them to keep it clean

Y

“Spencer House Montessori is a wonderful

school and a positive influence in the City of

Alachua. The learning environment is one of

the best educational environments I have

seen in my 25 years as an educator.”

- Marybeth LaPointe

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The McCuller Family

and orderly. They learn to concentrate and complete a sequence

of steps. They return things to the shelf ready for the next per-

son to use and take pride in their abilities and environment. The

three-year age span lets children learn from one another and

allows the older ones to develop a sense of responsibility as

models to the younger ones. The older students feel very ca-

pable and gain a marvelous self-image of being the "big kids".

Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Prg.

The VPK program allows your 4 year old child to attend the

school and enjoy all the benefits of a Montessori education for

free. During the regular school year the state will pay for your

child to attend from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm each day. Your child

may attend for the remainder of the day for an additional monthly

fee. Early drop off and afterschool fees may also apply. During

summer school the state pays for a full day of attendance.

The Spencer House Montessori scored 1st place in the City of

Alachua for the most recent Florida Department of Education

VPK readiness rates, and came in 3rd out of 55 Alachua county

VPK programs!

Primary Program

Ages 5 to 8 years old. The primary class is ready to provide

children with the next stage of their education. In a Montessori

classroom, the environment is carefully prepared to promote an

enthusiasm for learning. The calm, quiet atmosphere of the class

allows each child to focus on academic lessons and to develop

social skills. The classroom is orderly to enable children to de-

rive order from it. A Montessori teacher encourages controlled

mobility from one academic area in the classroom to another.

She also requires all students to respect each other, their teach-

ers and their physical surroundings. In a Primary Class, each

child will acquire knowledge at his or her development level

and at an appropriate pace. In addition to hands-on experiences,

the older Montessori child begins to internalize information, and

memorization begins.

The Spencer House closely follows the Alachua County public

school calendar. Spring Break, Summer, and Winter holiday

camps are offered to assist working families in the community.

The Great Explorations Arts and Science summer enrichment

program is very popular.

To learn more about the Spencer House Montessori school, in-

cluding staff biographies, virtual tours of the classrooms, a link

to the school's Facebook page, and much more, please visit

www.spencerhousemontessori.com

With only 85 children in the entire school and high academic

scores, this school should be on every parent’s wish list. Secure

your child’s future by getting your application in now!

The Spencer House Montessori School

13921 NW 146th Ave

Alachua, Fl 32615

(386) 418-1213

www.SpencerHouseMontessori.com

TEACHERS: ( Above) Carol Grandgent,

Roberta Snyder & Carol Kubal

“Your children are the most important

part of your life and you want the best

for them. A major aspect of this is

giving them a good start in their

education....”

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rog legs, fried turtles and buffalostew. Exotic meats fried orbarbequed to grape salsa with brieand walnut crumble or the black

bean avocado crostini. No, I’m not talkingabout a Food Network’s TV special, butabout Gainesville’s own Wild Game Feastorganized by the Rotary Club of GainesvilleFoundation.

The Foundation is made up of members ofall the Rotary Clubs in Alachua County, andthe Feast is its signature event. Every year,the event attracts almost 2,000 people for aday of gourmet wild game food, head-bobbing entertainment and fundraising.The 27th Annual Wild Game Feast will takeplace at Hatchet Creek on March 3.

“It’s quite an affair,” said Stephen Elder,Rotarian and Gainesville Carpets Pluspresident. He joined the Club about 20years ago after learning that it would givehim the opportunity to work with others toenhance the community. He knows thatthe Club really makes a difference inpeople’s life. “I love the club,” Elder said.”That’s why I stay.”

by Patricia Hoyos

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The event’s venue has a rustic feel, but don’t let the casual atmosphere fool you.The food served is anything but ordinary. Attendees can browse through tablespacked with a wide unusual food selection like wild boar, quail and buffalo sliders.There is also a huge roasted pig cooked to perfection. Vegetarian options likesushi rolls, sweet tropical mofongo plantain bites or stuffed peppers and freshItalian bruschetta are also available. For dessert, there is an assortment of piesthat is sure to satisfy the most demanding sweet tooth.

The 2011 Wild Game Feast’s main beneficiary will be the Southwest AdvocacyGroup (SWAG). This grassroots organization was formed to advocate for southwestGainesville residents who live in low income, high-crime neighborhoods. SWAGChair Dorothy Benson said the money will go toward furnishing a resource centerthat will provide children a safe place to go to after school. Last year, the Feast’s

proceeds went to the Fisher HouseFoundation which serves veterans.

The Rotary Club is a service organizationthat seeks to improve the communitythrough the service of community leaders.Rotarian and 2011 Feast Master GraceLambert-Horvath said that, aside fromfundraising, club members partake inservice projects that focus on helping thosewho are at a social disadvantage and inimproving households.

Perry McGriff, Rotarian and State Farmagent, estimates that each Feast raisesabout a quarter of a million dollars fromticket prices and sponsors. Being able tospend some time eating and talking withwhat he calls “2,000 of your closest friends”while raising that much money seems like a

great way to help fellow Gainesville residents.

McGriff has been involved with the Club since the early ‘90s because it’s a goodway to enjoy fellowship with peers while doing good things to make a better life foreveryone, including Rotarians. “I have been involved in many civic organizationsand this is one that does wonderful projects for improving the quality of life forpeople,” he said.

Come out and feast on alligator tail and venison while supporting a good cause,the $60 per ticket for attending the Wild Game Feast is well worth it. Tickets can bepurchased directly from Rotarians. www.rotarygainesville.org

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ome of the most affluent people in North Florida turned out in stylefor “THE” red carpet event of 2010, Noche de Gala, “The GrandBall”.Good Life Community Magazine was there to cover all the elegant

ball gowns. Black was the most dominant color of the evening howeverblack and white gowns seemed to be the new trend. The most fabulousdress was worn by Maria Urdaneta who wore a princess style white dresstopped off with a simple but stunning black sash and tons of pearls.Noche de Gala is an annual fundraising event to benefit the Sebastian FerreroFoundation. Horst and Luisa Ferrero lost their 3-year old son, SebastianFerrero, due to preventable medical errors. These brave parents turnedtheir tragic situation into something that will help a whole community bystarting the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation. The mission of the foundation isto advocate and fundraise for a full service, state-of-the-art children’s hospitalin Gainesville, while promoting excellence in patient safety and insuring thatall families are treated with compassion, courtesy and dignity.Over 1,000 of the areas ‘who’s who’ turned out in grand style for this lavishfundraiser that was fit for Cinderella herself. Limousine after limousine pulledup to the red carpet. Guests entered huge tents adorned with crystalchandeliers and tables decorated with glass slippers. The back drop forthe event was a multimillion dollar horse farm nestled in the rolling hills ofMicanopy, Florida. The Besilu Collection houses champion Paso Finohorses.Plans for October 2011 event are already underway so you have all year toplan what you will wear to this wonderful, spectacular event.

Noche de Gala proceeds will go towards a new pediatricED at UF&Shands slated to open July 2011.

For more information visit www.SebastianFerrero.org or www.NochedeGala.org to getyour red carpet photo.

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BBHitchcock’s Meat Department Staff

Wayne Josleyn,Hitchcock’s Vice President

by Ruth Ward

John Tucker,Alachua Meat Dept. Mrg.

1 - Don’t leave meat in your car.2 - Don’t let fresh meat sit on your counter too long.3 - To thaw meat properly put it in the refrigerator overnight.4 - Meat that is frozen in its original wrap must be used within two weeks.5 - If meat is wrapped in special freezer wrap then it can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.

John’s tipsJohn’s tipsJohn’s tipsJohn’s tipsJohn’s tipsob Hitchcock started Hitchcock’s Markets over 60 years ago,bringing local families quality meats atgreat prices. Bob’s Meat Market is

located in the Hitchcock’s stores and is knownfor carrying a vast selection of fresh meats.Wayne Josleyn, Hitchcock’s Vice President isproud to carry on the tradition.

Hitchcock’s meat department has a long historyfor its consistent product of high quality Angusbeef. “The beef comes from the same ranchand makes for a consistent product that is freshand at a good price,” says Wayne. The storebuys the same Angus products every week sothe customer can be guaranteed they are gettingthe best product possible. Hitchcock’s conducts

price checks on a weekly basis to make sure you receive the best dealson poultry, pork and other meats and no solutions are added to theirproducts. The store carries over 100 cuts of fresh meat includingHitchcock’s own sausages made with natural casings.

For those looking for a healthier choice Hitchcock’s carries Laura’sLean Beef. This comes from cattle that are never administeredantibiotics or growth hormones and is lower in fat and saturated fatthan conventional beef.

Hitchcock’s even goes as far as carrying British bacon and bangers!

There is an art to being a professional butcher. The fully trained butchersat Hitchcock’s have at least 2 to 30 years of experience. Hitchcock’shas recently started the Hitchcock’s University of training. Hereemployees go through rigorous training and testing and go on to graduateto be a meat specialist. They are taught not only to cut meat but also toanswer questions customers may have on freezing, cooking or about aparticular cut of meat.

John Tucker is the Alachua Meat Department Manager with 14 yearsexperience and says that the staff is happy to assist customers in anyway they can like packaging a small portion for a single customer orgiving cooking advice. John and his staff get questions from customerslike how often can I reheat my cooked meat. John shakes his head andsays that once is safe but then it should be discarded. John also told methat many people thaw meat too fast.

“There’s nothing like a sizzling Rib Eye marinated overnight and cookedon the grill’” says Wayne when asked about his favorite cut of beef.Wayne is obviously very proud of his staff and products and it shows inthe knowledge and cleanliness of the stores.

The staff in the meat department at Hitchcock’s can help anyone planmeals and give advice on how the meat should be cooked and properlystored. Great recipes can be found on their website. Visit Hitchcock’sand take advantage of their weekly and 3-day specials. Don’t forgetabout their ‘Pick 5 for $19.99’ where customers can pick 5 productssuch as beef, poultry, pork etc., for only $19.99!

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What’s OnWhat’s OnWhat’s OnWhat’s OnWhat’s On

32 Good Life Community

GainesvilleSat, Jan. 29-30 and Feb. 5-6 from 10am-6pm, and Feb. 4 from 9:30am-3pm.Hoggetowne Medieval Faire at Alachua County Fairgrounds. $14 foradults, $7 for ages 5-17. Friday- half price. Call (352)393-8536 or visitwww.gvculturalaffairs.org.

Sat, Feb. 12, 10-7pm. ACEL 2011 Champions for Charity KickballTournament at Diamond Sports Park for more informationvisit http://www.acelfl.com/kickball/ .

Sat, Feb 12. Laugh Extravaganza at Philips Center of Performing Arts tobenefit Meridian. Starring comedian Chandra Pierce. Visit www.MBHCI.orgSat, Feb. 12 from 6:30pm-11pm. Gainesville Heart Ball at the Hilton UFConference Center. Dinner, dancing and silent auctions. Call 800-257-6941 ext. 8024.

Fri, Feb. 25-27. Winter Fine Arts Fair at the Town of Tioga Center. Partywith music, dancing and over 70 fine artists. Visit www.tiogatowncenter.com.

Thurs, March 3. 27th Annual Wild Game Feast at Hatchet Creek. Exoticmeats, gourmet food and live entertainment. Tickets: $60.Visit www.rotarygainesville.org.

Sat, March 12. Saved by Grace Fashion Show and Luncheon for PACECenter for Girls at Mt. Carmel Church. Call PACE for details at (352)374-8799.

Curtis Phillips Center of Performing ArtsSat, Jan. 15 at 2pm. Golden Dragon Acrobats $25-$40.Sun, Jan. 16 at 2pm. Celtic Crossroads. $25-$35.Sat, Feb. 12 at 7:30pm. Kingston Trio. $25-$35.Wed, Feb. 23 at 7:30pm. Travis Tritt. $30-$40.Thurs, March 24 at 7:30pm. Sun, March 27 at 2pm. The Sedoctaves at theSquitieri Studio Theater. $20.Wed, April 13 at 7:30pm, Sun, April 17 at 2pm. No Southern Accent at theSquitieri Studio Theater. $20.Wed, May 25 at 2:30 and 6:30pm. Imagination Movers Live!In a Big Warehouse Tour $25-$35.Call (352)392-ARTS or visit www.performingarts.ufl.edu

AlachuaSat, Jan 29. 4-9pm. 4th Annual Alachua Stone Age Fair at the Woman’sClub on Main Street. Educational fair displaying artifacts and fossils.Information on Paleolithic people and animals in North America. Call (386)462-1003 or (352) 392-7359

Sat, April 2. ViVA! 2011 – Goes Polynesian at Rembert Farm. This annualfundraiser benefits Haven Hospice. Live music, Polynesian cuisine, and liveand silent auctions. Visit www.vivameanslife.com.

Sun, April 10, 11am-5pm. 9th Annual Alachua Spring Festivalon Main Street. Food, crafts, entertainment and more.www.alachuabusiness.com/festivals.html

StarkeFri, Feb 11, 5-10pm & Sat Feb 12, 9am-6pm. Boots N BBQ fundraiser forSanta Fe College students at the Bradford County Fairgrounds. Celebrityguest chefs, $16,000 in prize money! Admission $5(352) 395-5355 www.BootsNBBQ.com

St. AugustineEvery Wed, Craft & Farmers Market at St Augustine Beach. 8am.-12:30pm. by the pier. Bakery, fresh produce, crafts and more.(904) 347-8007

Fri, Feb 4. First Friday Art Walk. 5-7pm. at Rembrandtz AmericanCraft Gallery, 131 King Street. Latest exhibits, music, entertainment.Over 20 galleries in downtown St Augustine. (904)829-0065http://www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com

Thurs, Feb. 17 – Sat, Feb. 26 at 7.30pm. The Day They Shot John Lennonat San Marco Theater. $20 Adults, $18 Seniors (62+) and $10 Students.aclassictheatre@hotmail.com

Sat, Feb 26 6.30pm. Noche De Gala at Lightner Museum. 16th centurymasked ball. Guests will be escorted to the festivities by re-enactors inperiod clothing. Cocktail reception, dinner and dancing. Attire is black tie or16th century costume. Cost $185. Call (904)825-5033.Visit www.floridashistoriccoast.com for more events in the St Augustine area.

TampaSat, Jan. 22. Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza along the BayshoreBlvd. This pirate-themed festival features the Bicycle Safety Rodeo, GasparillaPreschooler’s Stroll, Gasparilla Air Invasion, Gasparilla Children Parade anda “Piratechnic” Extravaganza. Visit www.gasparillapiratefest.com.

Sat, Jan. 29. Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest starting atBayshore Blvd. Visit www.gasparillapiratefest.com.

Thur, Feb. 10-21. Florida State Fair at the Fairgrounds. Advanced childtickets $4 and advanced adult tickets (12+) $8. For more information, call(813)621-7821 or visit www.floridastatefair.com.

Sat, March 5 at 2pm. Gasparilla Outbound Voyage. Hundreds of pirateswill arrive and board their ship for a cannon salute. Visitwww.gasparillapiratefest.com.

OrlandoFri, Feb 11 & 12 at 8p.m. and Feb 13 at 2p.m. Battle of the Sexes at theBob Carr Performing Arts Center. The men and women of Orlando Ballet willface off once again for a night of action you won’t forget. (407)426-1739

Wed, March 2- May 15, International Flower and Garden Festivalat Epcot. www.disneyworld.disney.go.comFor more events in the Orlando area check www.orlandoinfo.com

Hollywood StudiosRock n’ Roll Roller Coaster Anenclosed steel coaster that has one of thesmoothest rides. We love the energizingrock n roll music of Aerosmith and the neonlight interior. It gives you the rush of beingon stage with the band. It’s also Mom’sfavorite too!

The Twilight Zone Tower ofTerror One of the most unique rides wehave ever been on. Enter the vacant1939 Hollywood Hotel. You are takenup in the service elevator for a ghostlytour and then…the drop! You get ashort glimpse of the outside and a bird’seye view of Hollywood Studios, but this isonly for a second as the view closes andyou drop down.

Animal KingdomExpedition Everest Don’t knowif we can tell you about this as theunexpected makes this the most fun.All we can say is that this railway caris careening out of control with you init so hold on for the thrill of your life!

EpcotTest Track Buckle up for anexhilarating test drive. Bump over cobble stone roads and other roadconditions. Feel the speed and wind rushing past on the race track asyou reach speeds up to 65 mph.

Magic KingdomSpace Mountain This ride has seen generations of riders, openingin 1967. Our grandfather used to love this ride. A huge indoor rollercoaster that makes you feel like one of the Jetsons. Fly through spaceon a rocket. Although it was built years ago it packs a punch with itstwists, turns and drops.

Splash Mountain Brooke calls this the Bunny Ride as it is aboutBr’er Rabbit. It’s a great, relaxing ride where you will probably getsoaked as there is the 52 ½ foot-drop at the end! This is the ride thatMom is most scared of.

Most important - On your way out of the Magic Kingdom do not missthe bakery on Main Street as we had the very best Cinnamon bun thatjust made the end of our visit …….perfect!

Need a place to stay?We recommend Coco Key Water Resort located on InternationalDrive. We like it as Mom can relax at the quiet pool while we get toplay at the huge 54,000-square-foot water park. There are life guardsthere so Mom can relax and not worry about us. The rooms are bigand beautifully decorated that feature Serta Perfect Sleepers and luxuryLinens, which yes even though we are kidswe notice!(877) 875 4681 www.cocokeywaterresort.com

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