I keep hearing about Jonesville but can’t find it on the map. What can you tell me about it?

Posted on May 14, 2012 by betsypepine

Jonesville is an informal name for the area around the intersection of CR 241and Newberry Road in west Gainesville. Since I moved to Gainesville in 1974, I have seen both people and businesses continually move west. Unknown to many, Jonesville is home to Jonesville Park which includes an USTA award-winning tennis center, soccer and baseball fields, running trails and picnic areas as well as the most recent addition of an 18-hole disc golf course. In addition, The Eye of the Eagle Sanctuary is also located in Jonesville. It houses and provides care for confiscated animals including tigers, lions, leopards, bobcats and cougars and offers tours to the public. Many businesses are located in Jonesville and most recently, McDonalds announced it will be opening a restaurant. An array of housing options are available for people wanting to move to Jonesville from apartments to luxury homes on horse farms. Given such growth and the fact that many communities were recently rezoned for the new Meadowbrook Elementary School opening this fall, demand for housing in this area is expected to increase.

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Keep Your Lawn Green This Summer

Posted on May 3, 2012 by betsypepine

April and May tend to be dry months, so follow the guidelines of St. John’s Water Management District’s Daylight Savings time rules when watering your lawn or garden. These guidelines are in effect now until November 3rd. Please keep in mind that the following restrictions apply to well water as well as metered water.

  • Odd number addresses irrigate only on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  • Even numbered addresses irrigate only on Thursdays and Sundays.
  • Businesses irrigate only on Tuesdays and Fridays.
  • Water only before 10AM or after 4PM.
  • Water only when needed and only for one hour or less per zone.

For more information, rebates and other water saving tips visit www.gru.com

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Scramble for PACE

Posted on March 27, 2012 by betsypepine

Mary Wise “Scramble for PACE” Golf Tournament will be on Fri., April 27, at the UF Golf Course. Sponsorships and playing spots available. Enjoy golfing while giving girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy.

Visit http://www.marywisescramble.com or call 352-374-8799 for more information.

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2011 Citizen’s Report

Posted on March 20, 2012 by betsypepine

Check out the 2011 Citizen’s Report, including information about GRU. It informs residents about Gainesville, its services, programs and financial conditions. We hope it gives you a better understanding of your local government and services the city provides.

For more information, please call 352-334-5017.

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A Royal Good Time With Prince Poppycock

Posted on March 15, 2012 by betsypepine

Friday, March 23rd, 2012 8:00pm
General Admission Ticket: $45
General Admission Ticket + VIP Meet and Greet: $85
Limited number; please reserve early.

Prince Poppycock, star of NBC’s #1 show America’s Got Talent, will headline a special one-night-only performance. A finalist on AGT 2010, the Prince (aka John Quale) dazzles audiences with his beautiful voice, lavish costumes, versatility, and magical charm. Since AGT, he’s drawn huge crowds at clubs and events across the country and internationally. Local talents Sondra Hunt, Gussie Lee, and Kelly Atkins (Suds, The Great American Trailer Park Musical) will also grace the Mainstage. A VIP Meet and Greet with photo opportunity will be held after the show.

 

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India Fest & Health Fair

Posted on March 14, 2012 by betsypepine

India Cultural and Education Center presents its annual extravaganza on Sat., March 17, at Santa Fe College from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy food, music, dancing and arts and crafts.Admission is $5. Kids under 5 get in free.

Call 352-378-7112 or e-mail indiafestgainesville@gmail.com for information.

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Kanapaha Spring Garden Festival

Posted on March 13, 2012 by betsypepine

Gainesville’s Kanapaha Botanical Gardens will host the annual Spring Garden Festival on the weekend of March 24 and 25. More than 200 vendors will be exhibiting plants, crafts and more to accent and beautify your gardens and edible landscapes.

For more information, please call 352-372-4981.

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Antique Tractor and Car Day

Posted on March 9, 2012 by betsypepine

The Antique Tractor and Car Day will be held at Dudley Farm Historic State Park on Sat., March 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Friends of Dudley Farm CSO invite you to learn about our rich heritage as members of the North Florida Antique Tractor Club demonstrate the importance of the tractor to agriculture. They will plow a sugar can field on a variety of vintage machines, dating from the 1930′s. As an accompaniment to the ‘old time’ tractors, the local Antique Automobile Club of America will display their cars for your view pleasure. Entrance is $5 a car for up to 8 occupants.

If you have any questions, please contact 352-472-1142 or visit http://www.friendsofdudleyfarm.org.

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Hats, Hearts and Handbags 2011

Posted on March 7, 2012 by betsypepine

Girls Place, Inc. (formerly known as Girls Club of Alachua County) is proud to present its eighth annual Hats, Hearts & Handbags event to be held on Friday, April 8, 2011 at the UF Hilton Conference Center. This signature event continues to be the first of its kind in our community. It celebrates the girls of today and the women of our future. The two-hour luncheon program will feature a renowned speaker and highlight women leaders in our community who will serve in the benefactor’s role of table captains. Girls Place expects 400 women will attend.

This year, Hats, Hearts and Handbags has teamed up with Lily Pad in the Oaks Mall for a special promotion. Simply bring your gently used handbag to Lily Pad between March 7-23 and you’ll receive a 15% off coupon to use at the Vera Bradley Summer Launch on March 24. Donated handbags will be received by the Girls Place.

Since 1985, the Girls Place has made a difference in the lives of over 15,000 girls.  More than half of them are considered at-risk due to socio-economic circumstances and a lack of significant role models. The Girls Place has been able to fill a void that would otherwise remain empty for so many.  The Girls Place offers recreational, athletic, tutorial and mentoring programs in a safe and nurturing environment.  For many, the Girls Place is a home away from home where they develop their potential and acquire a sense of responsibility for themselves and to the community.

If you have any questions, please contact Girls Place (352-373-4475), Kay Ayers (352-514-1674), or Sheila Crapo (352-284-6596).

 

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Q. I found a house that I think I want to buy but think, because it’s almost spring; more homes will be coming onto the market. How many more homes will be coming and is it worth waiting?

Posted on March 7, 2012 by betsypepine

Ask Betsy PepineA.  That is a valid concern.  Last year, sixty percent of the new listings were on the market in the first half of the year.  The average number of new residential listings was 348 per month, but the first half of the year saw an average of 407 new listings per month.  March and May saw the most new residential listings (493 and 409 respectively), while December had the lowest number of new listings, with only 228 last year, followed by September with 295.  This year, we have averaged 366 new listings per month in the first two months.  Inventory levels are down 5% year-to-date compared to last year but the timing of new listings coming onto the market should mirror years past.  So, yes, more inventory is coming in the next few months.  If you don’t love the house, I would hold off as approximately 30% of the inventory for the year will be coming onto the market over the next three months.

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