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Column and Photo
By Myrtice Scabarozi © March 19, 2019 at 10:39 p.m.
LEVY COUNTY – The Log Cabin Quilters met Thursday (March 14) at the Levy County Quilt Museum -- 11050 N.W. 10th Ave. (near Levyville, kind of on the way to Judson on Levy County Road 134 from U.S. Alt. 27).
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We enjoyed our Bye-Bye Snowbird Lunch, knowing our friends will soon be heading home. Marie brought in the finished large quilt that needed binding. We also got to see a show-and-tell T-shirt quilt. T-shirt quilts are made from T-shirts of places or things you’ve done and want to remember the memories that were made.
Correctional Officer Gregg and the adult male inmates from Lancaster Correctional Institution were out this week. One of the guys took on the task of cleaning the refrigerator and cabinets of outdated food items. It’s something we think about doing, but just seem never to be able to do it. The lawn was mowed. The weeds and dead plants were pulled to get us ready for spring. Thanks, LCI for all of your help.
Our Blue Sky vine on Tuesday was just a brown plant a couple of inches off the ground and on Saturday it had 3- to 4-foot runners heading for the sky. It’s fascinating to watch it grow. Barbara has spent the last few weeks giving our potted plants new life. I killed some of the cactus and a few of the others. Thanks Barb for rescuing the plants.
We’re slowly raising money for the new flooring. We’re up to $700. Please help us replace the flooring in the sewing room.
The weather has been great for sitting on the porch. Come out and join us and watch the Blue Sky vine grow.
The T-shirt quilt made from shirts from restaurants. Think of the memories of all that food.
5141 Joyce made the quilt top. She decided that she didn't want to quilt it. We quilted it, and it looks great.
FWC kills tent-invading bear
found at the Juniper Prairie
Wilderness Area campsite
Story and Photos
By FWC
Published March 18, 2018 at 7:09 p.m.
OCALA -- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists working with the United States Forest Service captured a bear exhibiting dangerous behavior at a campsite in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness Area.
The Juniper Prairie Wilderness is a protected wilderness area in the Ocala National Forest in Florida.
The FWC captured the bear in response to multiple reports of a bear entering tents.
After the U.S. Forest Service closed the wilderness area, the FWC set up an empty tent and trap. The same bear came to the tent twice and showed no hesitation when entering the tent. The male bear was captured by the FWC and, because the bear posed a threat to human safety, it was humanely killed.
One of the most recent events to occur at the campsite was in late January when a group of campers set up their tents with no food, toiletries or other attractants inside. Following BearWise guidelines, the group was cooking dinner approximately 50 yards from their campsite when a bear entered their tent.
“These people were doing exactly what they needed to do to not draw bears to their campsite,” said FWC bear biologist Mike Orlando. “However, because some people camping in the area previously did not follow these guidelines, this bear associated tents as an easy place to find a meal, which could have resulted in a very dangerous situation for campers.”
It is important that people recreating in bear county follow these steps to reducing conflicts with bears:
● Are bears active in this area? Talk with a local park ranger, concessioner or facility manager and see if bears have been active in the area recently. Remember, bears can be found anywhere in Florida.
● Make some noise. Wild black bears typically avoid people, but it is best to be safe and make noise when in bear country to scare off any bears in the area.
● Eliminate attractants. Secure anything that has a scent, including food, toothpaste, deodorant, bug repellent, sunscreen and other items with strong scents. Bag your food in airtight, odor containing bags. Store the food in a bag or other container away from the campsite. Hang it at least 10 feet above the ground and four feet from the tree or pole to which you attached it. Burn off food residue on outdoor grills.
● Keep it separated. Where you cook and eat, where you sleep, and where you store food and other scented items should be separated from each other.
● Carry bear spray.
● Keep dogs secured or on a leash.
“If people do not change their behavior, it is likely we will have this situation again,” said Orlando.
For more information on how to live and recreate in bear country, click HERE.
Choosing Creative Life Skills
champions proves challenging
The grand champion and reserve champion exhibits in Creative Life Skills at the Suwannee River Fair are pictured. The grand champion is a jacket at the top and reserve wood podium at the bottom.
Story and Photos
By Terry Witt, Correspondent
© March 17, 2019 at 10:39 p.m.
Updated March 18, 2019 at 11:19 a.m.
FANNING SPRINGS -- The hog and steer shows at the Annual Suwannee River Fair Youth Livestock Show and Sale often enjoy the most attention, but there is another competition that gives 4-H and FFA members an opportunity to show off their talents.
Blue ribbon projects were placed on display to be judged for grand and reserve champion honors.
Photography judges Matthew Dettlof of Chiefland Middle School FFA and Darbi Meisner were co-superintendents of the Creative Life Skills competition. Here, they look closely at a photo.
Grand Champion in Creative Life Skills was awarded Saturday (March 16) to Emily Mauer of the Eastside Explorers 4-H Club in Gilchrist County and Reserve Champion went to Lawson Davis of Dixie County Middle FFA.
Creative Life Skills covers a range of categories from photography to arts and crafts, food and sewing.
Mauer sewed a colorful denim jacket with stars. Davis built a pine podium with a small sign attached to the front that said SRF (Suwannee River Fair), established 1952.
Judges for the various project categories voted as a group to award grand and reserve honors.
The judges agreed Maurer showed great sewing skills on a difficult project. Mauer wrote a message describing how she made the jacket. She said an elder of the family was near her as she worked on the jacket.
“I enjoyed spending time with my memaw while I sewed,” she said.
Lawson said he picked out the best pine boards for his project. He cut the boards to the correct length and screwed them together with a device called a kreg Jig. He then sanded the wood and coated it with polyurethane.
Lou Jones, one of the food judges, lobbied for a jar of strawberry and wine jelly exhibited by Charlee Hines of Trenton FFA. Jones thought it deserved grand champion or reserve champion honors.
Hines wrote that she bought the strawberries at a Bell FFA fundraiser and her dad sold fertilizer used to grow fruit used in the recipe. Jones said the jelly was a local product and it stood out in the competition.
But Emily King, one of the judges of clothing and crafts for the show, said the sewing by Mauer showed considerable skill and she thought it deserved grand champion honors.
Exhibitors were not allowed to watch as the projects were judged.
After the show, many exhibitors crowded into the doublewide where the show was held to scour the shelves looking at blue ribbon projects and other exhibits. Many seemed fascinated by the two champion projects.
One boat ramp still closed;
Two Levy County parks open April 6
Published March 15, 2019 at 7:39 a.m.
BRONSON -- Two Levy County boat ramps that had been closed due to hig levels of water on the Suwannee River are open, however one remains inaccessible now, Susan Billings, office manager of Levy County Parks and Recreation, and Levy County Mosquito Control noted in an email on March 14 at 4:06 p.m.
BOAT RAMPS
Fowlers Bluff and Camp Azalea Boat Ramps have been re-opened per Levy County Sheriff Dept.
Clay Landing boat ramp is still not accessible.
SUMMER PARK SCHEDULE
Blue Springs will open on April 6. The hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Blue Springs Park will be open seven-days-a-week until the end of Levy County Spring Break which is April 14 - 21.
Beginning April 22, Blue Springs Park will be open for long weekends Friday through Monday. The 7-day schedule will resume for School Summer break on June 1.
Henry Beck Park will be open Long Weekends, Friday - Monday, beginning April 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The current entrance fee at both parks $2 per person. Children 5 years old and younger can enter for free.
CF presents ‘Assassins’
April 5-7 and 12-14
Published March 14, 2019 at 10:09 p.m.
OCALA — The College of Central Florida’s Theatre and Musical Theatre will present Stephen Sondheim’s “Assassins,” Friday and Saturday, April 5-6 and 12-13, starting at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 7 and 14, at 3 p.m., in the Dassance Fine Arts Center, 3001 S.W. College Road, in Ocala.
This production, with music and lyrics by Sondheim, book by John Weidman and based on an idea by Charles Gilbert Jr., is directed by Dr. Kathleen Downs, CF associate professor of Theatre. Musical direction is by Jason Longtin, CF associate professor of Music. Based on the premise of a murderous carnival game, “Assassins” is a revue-style portrayal of the men and women who have attempted (some successfully, some not) to assassinate presidents of the United States.
Sondheim’s score varies to reflect the popular music of the 1860s to the 1980s. The musical first opened off-Broadway in 1990, and the 2004 Broadway production won five Tony Awards. According to BroadwayWorld.com, “Assassins is an emotionally devastating theatrical experience, forcing us to look upon the monsters of our history books and see them as human beings.”
“Assassins” is produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. This show contains adult content and strong language and may not be suitable for children under 16. This production features guns and gun shots.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students. CF students, faculty and staff are free with CF identification. For tickets and more information, call the CF Box Office at 352-873-5810 or visit www.tickets.cf.edu. The box office is located in lobby of the Fine Arts Center and is open from 1-4 p.m. and an hour before show time.
Summer Art Camp at
The Appleton Museum of Art;
Enrollment begins April 1
Published March 14, 2019 at 10:09 p.m.
OCALA -- The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, will offer 22 weeklong summer art camps, and several two-week camps, over the course of eight weeks for ages 4 and older.
Enrollment begins April 1 at AppletonMuseum.org.
One-week camps are $100 for Appleton members and $120 for nonmembers. Two-week camps are $185 for Appleton members and $220 for nonmembers. For more information, contact Hollis Mutch, 352-291-4455, ext. 1613, or mutchh@cf.edu.
June 3-7
Crazy About Color (Limit 12 students): 9 a.m.-noon, Ages 4-6
Imagination meets inspiration in this color-filled week. Sensory, fine motor and color awareness skills will be explored while creating colorful works of art.
Van Gogh: 9 a.m.-noon, Ages 7-12
Learn about the artist Vincent Van Gogh and some of his most famous works of art while painting using his style and techniques.
Fashion Fun: 1-4 p.m., Ages 7-12
It’s all about fashion! This week is full of dreaming, designing and creating fashion and art using a variety of techniques.
June 10-14
Birds, Butterflies and Bees: 9 a.m.-noon, Ages 7-12
There are so many BEE-utiful colors and patterns in these wonderful little creatures. Campers will learn about the important role bees play in our environment while creating art. It’ll be a “honey” of a week.
Storybook Art: 1-4 p.m., Ages 7-12
What are flip books or triangle books? Learn all about them and make books and art inspired by stories.
Meet the Masters (Limit 12 students): 1-4 p.m., Ages 4-6
Through art and stories, pint-sized Picassos will be introduced to a new artist each day and experience a variety of materials to create inspired works of art.
June 17-21
Pop Art: 9 a.m.-noon, Ages 7-12
What is big with bright colors and fun subjects? Pop Art! Discover the Pop Art movement to create bold and exciting works of art.
Meet the Masters (Limit 12 students): 1-4 p.m., Ages 4-6
Through art and stories, pint-sized Picassos will be introduced to a new artist each day and experience a variety of materials to create inspired works of art.
June 17-28 (two-week camp)
Dig Into Clay Jr.: 1-4 p.m., Ages 7-12
It’s clay every day in this two-week camp where campers learn the basics of hand-building and glazing.
June 24-28
Printmaking and Illustration: 9 a.m.-noon, Ages 12 and up
Using our printing press, discover different types of printmaking and then combine these artistic processes with illustration.
Florida Wildlife: 9 a.m.-noon, Ages 7-12
Manatees, gators, herons and even snakes will be the subjects of our artwork this week. We’ll be drawing, painting and sculpting some of the most interesting animals that call Florida their home. Bring a gator home that doesn’t BITE!
July 8-12
Painting Possibilities: 9 a.m.-noon, Ages 12 and up
Spend a week discovering new painting techniques while creating with acrylics, watercolor and mixed media.
Ancient Egypt: 9 a.m.-noon, Ages 7-12
The mysteries of the Egyptian underworld and pyramid treasures will be unraveled as campers make Egyptian-themed works of art. But, they can’t bring their mummy!
Ahoy, Pirates! 1-4 p.m., Ages 7-12
Pirate ships, treasure maps and islands of adventure await campers. Live like a pirate for a week and create pirate-inspired works of art.
July 15-19
Myths & Legends: 9 a.m.-noon, Ages 7-12
Unicorns, dragons and mermaids: are they myth or legend? Creativity will be unleashed to make artwork inspired by these magical creatures.
Caribbean Art: 1-4 p.m., Ages 7-12
Known for bright tropical landscapes and crystal clear oceans filled with colorful fish, the Caribbean will inspire campers to bring the warmth and color of the islands to their work this week.
July 15-26 (two-week camp)
AppleTEENS Clay: 1-4 p.m., Ages 12 and up
This two-week camp for teens is all about throwing, building, glazing and discovering what fun clay can be! Learn to throw on a pottery wheel and combine it with unique hand building techniques to make some amazing pieces. Explore how glazes can make a simple piece spectacular.
July 22-26
Art from Nature: 9 a.m.-noon, Ages 7-12
Campers will go back to nature, where art began, and use supplies like sand, clay, leaves and sticks to create masterpieces.
Brick Art: 1-4 p.m., Ages 7-12
Design it. Create it. Wreck it. The ARTSpace’s LEGO collection will be used to build three-dimensional works of art. The LEGO creations will be used to inspire painting, printmaking and sculpture projects.
July 29-Aug. 2
Crazy About Color (Limit 12 students): 9 a.m.-noon, Ages 4-6
Imagination meets inspiration in this color-filled week. Sensory, fine motor and color awareness skills will be explored while creating colorful works of art.
Splat!: 9 a.m.-noon, Ages 7-12
Brush it, blend it, dab it, dribble it or stipple, layer and mix – explore all that paint has to offer. The possibilities are endless!
Wonky Sculpture: 1-4 p.m., Ages 7-12
Do you have a camper that likes to carve or build? This week will give them the opportunity to work with wood, clay and other materials to make three-dimensional sculptures.
Owned and operated by College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Free parking is available. For more information, call the Appleton Museum of Art at 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.
Yelena Thomas Signs With
Florida Memorial University
Published March 11, 2019 at 11:19 a.m.
Graphic Provided by Bronson Middle High School Beta Sponsor and Girls Athletic Director Sherrie Schuler
Chiefland FFA members earn
top titles in SRF Poultry Show
Poultry Judge Jackie Koedatich (center) presents Chiefland FFA members Burlynne Majeris (right) with the grand champion trophy and Hunter Sharp (left) with the reserve champion trophy.
~
Story and Photo
By Terry Witt, HardisonInk.com Correspondent
© March 10, 2019 at 11:09 a.m.
FANNING SPRINGS -- Chiefland Middle High School FFA earned the top two titles in the poultry competition at the Suwannee River Fair Youth Livestock Show and Sale (SRF) Friday (March 8).
Burlynne Majeris won grand champion and her friend Hunter Sharp won reserve champion.
Majeris and Sharp competed in the horse show Saturday (March 9) at the fairgrounds too.
Majeris, 15, was in her first poultry competition but said she got some helpful advice from an old friend when she bought three birds during a local auction. One of them became the grand champion.
She said she knew she had a good entry but couldn’t be certain she would win with Sharp in the competition.
“I thought she was a decent chicken but going up against Hunter and his chickens I was kind of skeptical,” Majeris said.
Sharp has been showing poultry since he was 8 years old.
The chicken he showed won grand champion at the Orange Classic show in Gilchrist County recently.
He said Poultry Judge Jackie Koedatich indicated there wasn’t much that separated his chicken from Burlynne’s except her bird showed more maturity.
“In the end she had a better chicken and I’m almost glad she won because she worked hard on her chicken and prepared it well for the competition,” Sharp said.
Cedar Key Girl wins
SRF Rabbit Show
Rabbit Show Judge Jeff Albright presents Grand Champion honors to Reese Solowski (right) of Cedar Key and Reserve Champion honors to Kayden Davis of the Dixie County Wranglers 4-H (left). The winners received ribbons, trophies and belt buckles.
Story and Photos
By Terry Witt, HardisonInk.com Correspondent
© March 10, 2019 at 10:49 a.m.
FANNING SPRINGS -- Cedar Key FFA member Reese Solowski won the Suwannee River Fair Youth Livestock Show and Sale (SRF) rabbit competition with a rabbit she raised from a tiny fluff of fur to become grand champion on Friday (March 8).
Lane Rollison, 5, of the Dixie County Wranglers 4-H Club leaves the show ring with his certificate, green ribbon and rabbit Slider in tow. He said he enjoyed showing his rabbit in the Cloverbud competition.
Kayden Davis of Dixie County Wranglers 4-H Club won reserve champion.
Solowski, a sixth grader at Cedar Key School who earns straight “A”s, raises show rabbits as a sideline. Her company is called Reese’s Rabbit Tree.
Her show rabbit, Cakatiniss is from her line of rabbits. Some of her other rabbits in the show earned Best of Breed.
“I have 30 rabbits. I really like animals and I want to be a veterinarian when I’m older,” she said.
She is an accomplished horse rider and competed in Saturday’s (March 9) SRF horse show. Her favorite horse competition is barrel racing.
During the program Friday, Rabbit Show Judge Jeff Albright said he was pleasantly surprised by the quality of rabbits. He said the championship class was quality rabbits.
“I was pleasantly surprised,” he said.
Albright took the time to educate all the competitors about their rabbits. The smallest rabbit contestants, the Cloverbuds, ages 5-8, received a green participation ribbon and a certificate. They were also schooled about their rabbits.
Vaden Lemieux of Wekiva Run 4-H Club listens closely as Rabbit Judge Jeff Albright educates him about his rabbit Gizmo. Vaden took part in the Cloverbud portion of the show.
The championship class of exhibitors in the rabbit show watch with great interest as Judge Jeff Albright carefully examines every rabbit to find the best two in the show.
FWC reminds the public:
Nesting waterbirds
need room to breed
A black skimmer sits on chicks.
FWC photo by Carol Rizkalla
Information Provided By FWC
Published March 5, 2019 at 2:49 p.m.
TALLAHASSEE -- Give waterbirds room to breed this nesting season. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Audubon Florida are reminding boaters and beachgoers to watch out for nesting birds.
“It is very important to limit the disturbance of nesting waterbirds,” said FWC biologist Nancy Douglass. “When these birds are forced to leave their nests, their eggs and chicks are left vulnerable to heat and predators. By respectfully sharing our beaches and waterways with these birds, people can help ensure their survival.”
Shorebirds and seabirds build shallow nests out of sand and shells on beaches in spring and summer, and eggs and chicks are difficult to see. Shorebird nests, eggs and chicks are well-camouflaged and can easily be missed and even stepped on unless people know to look out for them. The snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer, American oystercatcher and Wilson’s plover are several of Florida’s beach-nesting bird species facing conservation challenges.
Wading birds, such as herons and egrets, and pelicans are also nesting now. They typically nest in mangroves and on tree islands around the state. Nesting waterbirds can be easily disturbed if people approach too closely. Such disturbance can cause birds to abandon their nesting sites, exposing eggs and chicks to predators, sun exposure and other harm.
“With last year’s double-whammy of red tide and Hurricane Michael, coastal-nesting birds could be facing a challenging 2019,” said Julie Wraithmell, Executive Director of Audubon Florida. “Beachgoers and boaters can do their part by respecting posted areas—giving the birds some breeding room.”
The FWC has established Critical Wildlife Areas to protect congregations of one or more species of wildlife from human disturbance during critical life activities such as nesting, feeding or migration.
People can help keep nesting birds safe by keeping their distance from CWAs and other areas where birds are nesting or raising young. In addition to observing the marked-off areas around CWAs, people can also help by following a few simple steps while enjoying the beach this season:
Keep your distance from birds, on the beach or on the water. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close. A general rule is to stay at least 300 feet from a nest. Birds calling out loudly and dive-bombing are signals for you to back off.
Respect posted areas. Avoid entering any area marked with signs for nesting birds and use designated walkways when possible.
Never intentionally force birds to fly or run. This causes them to use energy needed for nesting, and eggs and chicks may be left vulnerable to the sun’s heat or predators. Teach children not to chase shorebirds and seabirds and kindly ask fellow beachgoers to do the same. Shorebirds and seabirds outside of posted areas may be feeding or resting and need to do so without disturbance.
It is best to not take pets to the beach, but if you do, keep them leashed and avoid shorebird and seabird nesting areas. Pets are not permitted on many beaches, including state parks, so always check and be respectful of these rules when preparing for a day at the beach.
Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, which can prey on shorebird eggs and chicks. Litter on beaches can entangle birds and other wildlife.
Spread the word. If you see people disturbing nesting birds, gently let them know how their actions may hurt the birds’ survival. If they continue to disturb nesting birds, report it to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone or by texting Tip@MyFWC.com. You may also report nests that are not posted to our Wildlife Alert Program.
For more information, go to MyFWC.com/Shorebirds and download the “Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting Birds” brochure. Or go to the Florida Shorebird Alliance website at FLShorebirdAlliance.org to learn more about how to participate in shorebird and seabird conservation efforts.
For more information about Florida’s CWAs, visit MyFWC.com/CWA.
Interested in doing more to protect nesting coastal birds? Email flconservation@audubon.org for opportunities to chaperone vulnerable baby birds with Audubon at a beach near you or visit FL.Audubon.org and scroll over the “Conservation” tab at the top, then click on “Coastal Conservation” and “Coastal Bird Stewardship."
Families Invited to
A Magical Night at the
Appleton Museum of Art
in Ocala on April 20
Story Provided By CF Marketing
Photos From 2018 Magical Night at the Museum
Published Feb. 26, 2019 at 11:09 a.m.
OCALA -- The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, will present its annual family event “Magical Night at the Museum,” Saturday, April 20, from 6-9 p.m.
Guests ages 4 and up are invited to embark upon an enchanted adventure around the Appleton that includes unicorn carriage rides, artwork that will come to life, a magic show, mermaids and more! Make your way to the ARTSpace to create a magic wand or orb. Light refreshments will be served in the Café. Children are encouraged to attend in costume.
Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Tickets go on sale March 4 at AppletonMuseum.org or may be purchased in person at the Visitor Services desk in the museum lobby.
Tickets for Appleton Members -- Family Package: $35 (includes two adults and up to three children); Single Tickets: $10 (all ages).
Tickets for Nonmembers -- Family Package: $50 (includes two adults and up to three children); Single Tickets: $15 (all ages).
Become a member of the Appleton at the Family Level ($60) or above from March 4 - April 20 and receive $15 off the family ticket package for members. To join, contact Colleen Harper,
harperc@cf.edu or 352-291-4455, ext. 1831. This promotion is not valid in combination with memberships purchased through Groupon.
Owned and operated by the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information call the Appleton at 352-291-4455 or visit http://appletonmuseum.org/.
