City employees and community members gathered at the Boy Scout Troop 88 Scout Hut across from City Hall to lay 22 pallets of sod as part of this year’s “Keep Alachua County Beautiful” campaign.

ALACHUA – The City of Alachua launched its annual “Keep Alachua County Beautiful” initiative this past weekend, joining communities across the nation as volunteers came together to spruce up local areas. The city coordinated a voluntary trash pickup in parts of town, carried out special projects to clean up and beautify areas as well as a city-wide waste tire roundup.

City mayor Gib Coerper officially proclaimed April 12 as Alachua’s “Keep Alachua County Beautiful” day. “The City of Alachua is proud to be a sponsor and participant in the annual cleanup,” Coerper said. “It is a great opportunity for people to work together to keep their community clean and make a difference locally.”

The City of Alachua Public Services Department coordinated with Waste Pro, Inc. and local volunteers to undertake this year’s cleanup on Saturday. Volunteers gathered at 8 a.m. at the Swick House located behind City Hall on the Municipal Complex site. Volunteers were assigned various locations to carry out planned projects until noon. Armed with the necessary accessories such as gloves, trash bags, safety vests, and instructions, the volunteers headed to their worksites.

Headquarters for the waste tire roundup was the city’s Paul O’Dea Advanced Water Reclamation Facility located at the southern end of NW 126 Terrace. Other locations included Welch Park at 13801 NW 142nd Ave., and property at the Boy Scout Troop 88 Scout Hut across from City Hall.

After the cleanup ended at noon, lunch was provided back at the Swick House for the volunteers.

#     #     #

Email editor@

Alachuatoday.com

C.M. WALKER/Alachua County Today

Alachua Chamber of Commerce President David Flinchum cuts the ribbon at the ceremonal grand opening of the Chamber of Commerce and Museum as city officials and chamber members gather to witness the event.

ALACHUA – A renovation that began with an idea around 2006, is nearing completion in downtown Alachua. The Alachua Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center and Museum, 14801 Main Street, was the site of a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 9.

On hand for the ceremony were David Flinchum, Alachua Chamber President, Jerry Smith, first Chamber President and founder, and Building Committee members Jim Brandenburg, retired Alachua Elementary School Principal, Linda Rice Chapman, local attorney, Gib Coerper, Mayor, and David Pope, WACO.

A crowd of approximately 75-80 dignitaries and representatives from city and county governments, various Chambers of Commerce, volunteers and Alachua Chamber members were on hand to witness the ceremony and hear comments by Pope, acting as master of ceremonies, Flinchum, Smith, Coerper and Emelie Matthews, President of the Alachua Historical Society.

Recognizing dignitaries and company representatives in the audience who donated time, products and/or financial support to the project, the speakers thanked them for their support and talked about how they believed the Center would benefit area citizens and visitors alike. A brief history of the Chamber and a vision of how the various elements of the Welcome Center may benefit the citizens was the focus of Smith's talk.

“This is the culmination of an idea some of our Chamber members have had for a long time,” said Coerper. “We were offered an opportunity to lease this building from the city at a nominal fee when it became vacant in 2007. However, we had a few hurdles to jump over before we could begin the actual renovation,” said Chapman.

The structure, which was built in 1961, began life as a post office. When a new post office was built, the building saw some changes as it became the home of the Alachua Police Department.

The 2010 sq. ft. police facility was completely gutted during demolition. “The only remaining vestige of the police department is a small holding cell which was left in place for historic reasons,” said Coerper.

The building is now open. Demolition, code-related repairs, painting and landscaping have all been done.

“We are extremely proud of what has been accomplished here,” said Coerper.

Grants from the Alachua County Tourist Development Council and the Alachua Downtown Redevelopment Trust Board, plus a generous personal donation from Jerry Smith, as well as additional donations from the historic society and many other individuals and businesses helped get the project started and kept it going to completion, Coerper said.

Local architect Paul Stresing donated his time to work with the chamber to get the building up to code while also maintaining the integrity of the historic structure. Additional donations of time, supplies and manpower by people like Jim Brandenburg, who painted the entire outside of the building by himself, WastePro, which provided dumpsters during demolition and paid all of the dumping fees, plus volunteers from Rebuilding Together and the Walmart Distribution Center, who pitched in during demolition, were all vital to this project, he said.

The Welcome Center will also house a historical museum and a small Chamber office. Chapman, the fundraising chair for the project, and Matthews are continuing to seek further funding to furnish the interior and complete some outside projects.

“Folding partitions and display cases will help provide display areas for historic artifacts,” said Chapman. “Museum displays are expected to change four times a year and will showcase different aspects of the history of our area. The first display is expected to feature the early turpentine industry in this area,” she said. “It's an aspect of this town that many residents may not have known about.”

Another aspect of the Welcome Center will be a tourist information bureau. “We will provide information to visitors on the places they are likely to want to visit in Alachua County. At some point, we hope to have a computer set up with photos and information for visitors to help them learn more about how diverse Alachua County is and all we have to offer,” said Chapman.

A donation received recently from Linn Check-Mathis of North Florida Stained Glass, was a stained glass window, which has been placed above the building's front doorway. The art is beautiful and functional as well as it prominently features the building number and the words, “The Good Life Community.” Coerper thought the glass should be flanked by two matching sidelights and donated the cost to have those made and installed.

Meanwhile, Chapman has found, cleaned up and replaced many of the tiny missing tiles from the front of the building, which had fallen in the dirt below.

“Everybody worked really well as a team on this project,” said Coerper.

Although many people involved have ideas as to how the building could be used by the public, the committee will have to meet to discuss details before parts of the building will be made available for meetings or other functions according to Coerper.

A Wall of Doners is nearing completion by Chapman. “It is one special way we can honor the time, money and effort of businesses, individuals and the volunteers who helped create this space for our community,” said Chapman. “We are very grateful for all of their efforts and this is one way we can show our gratitude,” she said.

#     #     #

cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

Center: Surrounded by family, friends, teammates and coaches, Matthew Bednarek signs his National Letter of Intent to play for the Jacksonville University Dolphins

ALACHUA – Santa Fe High School senior Matthew Bednarek has signed his National Letter of Intent to play football at Jacksonville University (JU).

Bednarek, who graduates from Santa Fe in June, will major in marine science and will move to Jacksonville in early August to start working out with the JU Dolphins. Bednarek was starting offensive lineman and left tackle, and assisted in earning a winning season for the Santa Fe Raiders.

Family members credit Santa Fe Head Football Coach Bill Wiles for being instrumental in molding Bednarak into a well-rounded student, player and teammate. He has been an honor and Advanced Placement student since starting his high school career, and his GPA currently stands at 4.3.

Matt expressed thanks to his parents, Nancy and Tom Bednarek of Alachua, his family, coaches, friends and school administrators for all of their support throughout his high school career. He attributes his faith and strong community support as having been and will continue to be key to his success.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

ELLEN BOUKARI/Alachua County Today

A combination of beautiful weather and colorful wares attracted crowds downtown Saturday.

NEWBERRY – While festivals were going on in other parts of the county on Saturday, April 5, folks who didn't want to brave the heavy traffic or lengthy drive required to get to some of them stayed closer to home. After rainy, gray days and cold fronts this winter, the near perfect spring weather was a welcome change that drew people outdoors to see what was going on in their neighborhoods.

It almost seemed as if the Newberry Main Street Organization (NMSO) knew how beautiful the weather was going to be as they set that date to host the Eighth Annual Spring Fling and Famer's Market in downtown Newberry.

Nearly 50 food, craft and fine art vendors were on hand to welcome the steady stream of visitors to the festival and Farmer's Market. Visitors found vibrant blooming plants, woodworked items, jewelry and a variety of gift and home items displayed.

A stroll through the Farmer's Market, featuring fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers, provided a blend of colorful sights and rich aromas. In addition, live music, bounce houses, the Easter Bunny and the new addition of a beer garden awaited visitors.

“A steady stream of people poured in all day long,” said Barbara Hendrix, NMSO Director. “We were very pleased with the turnout.”

A designated kids area featured face painters, balloons and a visit from Elmo early in the day, said NMSO event organizer Will Peeples. “The Easter Bunny was also in attendance and stayed the whole day,” he said.

Several areas were set up for people to stop and rest, take time to eat their lunch or enjoy some beer or wine in the Garden. “There was lots of food and fun for everyone, and I think the visitors really enjoyed themselves,” said Hendrix.

Another upcoming NMSO activity is an event called Second Saturday. Beginning on May 10, the monthly fundraiser will feature live music in the park from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. A beer and wine garden will be available for those who would like to relax and listen to the music with a drink. “Just like the Spring Fling, I think people will enjoy themselves and look forward to the music,” said Hendrix.

Upcoming NMSO events still in the planning stages include a barbecue cook-off in October, a fall festival in late fall and the always popular Festival of Lights in December.

#     #     #

Email ahart@

alachuatoday.com