CURRENT ISSUE:
p48 Paige Beck:The Face and Voice of News in the Heart of Florida…and Much More
By David Greenberg
If you have lived in North Central Florida for the last two decades, and you don’t know who Paige Beck is, you have been living under a rock. She is without question the voice and face of news in this community.
Special Features
p26 Marion County Parade of Homes™: Breaking Records
By Holly Christensen
When the doors open on the Marion County Building Industry Association’s 2008 Parade of Homes™, visitors will have more opportunities to explore new homes, and view the latest in home building technology than ever before.
p30 Tour of Kitchens 2008: Designer Kitchens Help Fund Community Programs
By Yvonne Ayala
Kitchens have always played the most important role in a home. They are a hub for the family. They provide a venue for so many great memories, smells and tastes. With the open-air design of kitchens today, they are meant to be celebrated and showcased.
P37 Local Builder Donates Canvas Bags to Florida Museum of Natural History
By Hailey Petway
Barbara and Phil Emmer are donating the money, to buy 5,000 canvas bags to the Florida Museum of Natural History in hopes of raising money, protecting the environment, and helping Gainesville go green.
P56 Alachua County Parade of Homes™: Celebrating 50 Years
By Holly Christensen
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Parade of Homes™ offered by the Builder’s Association of North Central Florida (BANCF), and the association is celebrating by throwing the same open house they have provided the community for 50 years.
p62 Joe Alvarez: Selling Cars and Giving to the Community
By Christina LaCanfora
Entering Joe Alvarez’s office, a few things quickly jump to your attention. The walls are adorned with glass-encased electric guitars, indicative of a love for music. Shelves are filled with signed Gator paraphernalia, revealing support for the University of Florida’s superior athletic programs. One passion that isn’t as easily displayed is Alvarez’s commitment to the Gainesville community.
p64 Ronald McDonald House: Providing Comfort When It Is Needed the Most
By David Greenberg
There can be no worse time for a family than when they have to face the reality of a critically ill child. While easing the pain of such an event is a relative term, the volunteers and staff at the Ronald McDonald House of Gainesville offers comfort and support during those difficult times.
p67 Ultra Clean Carpet Systems: Making It Clean and Healthy
By David Greenberg
You wouldn’t go more than a day without washing your face, a few days without shampooing your hair, or more than a week or so without dusting around your home. Why, then, would you go six months or more without cleaning your carpet.
p72 Crystal, Albert & Alberta: Painting for the Gator Nation
By David Greenberg
She’s not quite Grandma Moses, but she is a grandmother and great-grandmother, and somewhat late in life, Joan Crystal has achieved some notoriety as an artist.
Building
p34 The Oaks of Lake City: A Marriage of Rural and Suburban Living Celebrates Equestrian Community with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
By David Greenberg
Excitement is growing at the Oaks of Lake City, where one of the most unique residential communities in North Central Florida is taking root.
p47 Isaac Construction: Satisfying Customers Through Quality Work
By David Greenberg
Quality means everything when it comes to homes built by Isaac Construction. Building quality homes is the driving force behind everything in the homebuilding company owned and operated by Lake City builder Isaac Bratkovich.
Departments
Around the Home
12 Everything is Illuminated
14 Remodeling Corner: Making Your Home Bigger and Newer
16 Curb Appeal Makeover: Make a Lasting First Impression
Community & Chambers of Commerce
20 Backyard Bar-BQ: Staple in Newberry Community
37 Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce: Experiencing a Growth Spurt
42 More to Show with Florida Horse Park Expansion
44 Newberry: Growing Main Street
Medical
46 West Marion Community Hospital: Growing to Meet the Need With a New Leader
Interior Design
22 Decorating and Design Corner: The Art of Faux Finishing: Endless Possibilities
Real Estate
45 Playing It Smart in Today’s Real-Estate Environment
Places to Go
68 Calendar of Events
News You Can Use
28 It’s a Great Time to Buy a New Home
36 Landscape Calendar
38 The Hidden Costs of Homebuilding: Part II
Schools
40 School House Rocks Marion County