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County extends grant deal to boat builder

A&M Manufacturing owner John Hemken explains why he wants to continue the agreement with Levy County that led to his obtaining a $60,000 grant in 2019.

Story and Photos
By Jeff M. Hardison © March 22, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.
     BRONSON -- “What we've got here is failure to communicate.”
     This line from the 1967 movie Cool Hand Luke about a Florida prisoner’s experiences can be applied to a 2019 Economic Development grant agreement between the Levy County Board of County Commissioners and A&M Manufacturing.

 

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     The $60,000 grant provided on Aug. 6, 2019, would have required a repayment in excess of $98,700 if the County Commission chose that route Tuesday morning March 21) during the regular twice-monthly meeting held in the auditorium at the Levy County  Government Complex in Bronson.
     Instead, after a long discussion with Chief Executive Officer and company owner John Hemken, the County Commission voted 5-0 on a motion by County Commissioner John Meeks, seconded by Commissioner Rock Meeks, with Chairman Matt Brooks, Vice Chair Desiree Mills and County Commission Tim Hodges also voting in favor, to give Hemken another 120 days to provide updates of employees hired by the company.
     Hemken had accepted the $60,000 stimulus grant after moving A&M Manufacturing from Dixie County to Chiefland. The boat-building company started out well. 
     With the global COVID-19 pandemic things changed.
     Hemken chose to expand his boat-building enterprise and he needed even more space. He bought that space in Alachua County while modifying the operation in Chiefland.
     Unfortunately, a Jan. 23 letter sent via certified mail from Levy County Coordinator Wilbur Smith, as well as later communications from Nature Coast Business Development Council Executive Director Scott Osteen did not bring responses from Hemken until the March 21 County Commission meeting.
     Perhaps, “What we've got here is failure to communicate,” as the character “Luke Johnson” played by Paul Newman heard from “Captain” played by Strother Martin in that classic movie.
     In any event, the note and other communications from Levy County government noted that the county finds A&M in default of the grant agreement for the following reasons:
     ● A&M Manufacturing Inc. has failed to fulfill the economic development obligation required by the agreement.
     ● A&M Manufacturing Inc. is not operating in Levy County.
     ● A&M Manufacturing’s principal place of business address is 14700 N.W. U.S. Highway 441, Alachua.
     ● A&M Manufacturing Inc. has not provided annual reports per the grant agreement.
 

Diane Garth of Morriston says that as a small business owner, she knows the Florida Department of Revenue does not give any leeway to business interests in regard to paying the sales tax that is due the state just because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. County Commission members acknowledged that they heard what she said.

     Hemken said A&M Manufacturing is still making boats in Chiefland. He anticipates increasing the workforce even beyond the minimum required, and he plans to pay workers more than that minimum listed in the grant agreement as well.
     He conceded that he failed to provide annual reports in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, as required in the grant obligations.
     Hemken admitted failure to communicate his intent and activities with the county government as well, in regard to meeting the grant obligations to which he had agreed in 2019.
     As for the jobs in Chiefland, A&M Manufacturing currently operates its upholstery shop, its metal shop as well as the Lancer Craft boat brand of production, Hemken said.
     The six-acre former Central Florida Electric Cooperative site in Chiefland remains as to A&M Manufacturing, Hemken said, and the 38-acre former Hunter Marine site in the City of Alachua is his other boat-building operation.
     When Hemken opened in Alachua, he said, he could have moved everything from Chiefland to that site. He chose against doing that.
     “My intention and my full belief is to continue operation in Chiefland,” Hemken said. “I never left. I just added another site.”
      During 2020, he said, he reduced his business to six employees to reduce dangers of spreading COVID-19. 
     Right now, there are 22 jobs in Chiefland, Hemken said. He believes this will increase to 34 jobs by the end of this year. By the end of 2024, Hemken said there will be 54 jobs in Chiefland and by 2025, there will be 88-plus jobs at to A&M Manufacturing in Chiefland.
     Hemken asked the county leaders to reconsider demanding grant repayment with interest.
     Commission Chairman Brooks said the grant agreement the county government made with the business was done so in good faith. He noted Levy County wants business interests to understand they appreciate them locating in Levy County, and the creation of job opportunities being created for the people of Levy County.
     Sometimes, though, when conditions are not seen as being met, that triggers action, he said.
     Levy County Attorney Nicolle M. Shalley said staff members, including County Coordinator Dean, became involved because this contractually legal obligation appeared to have been defaulted upon by the grantee.
     Should any grantee fail to comply with the obligations, Shalley said, upon 30 days of written notice to the grantee, the County Commission can revoke the grant, terminate the grant agreement or take such other action that the County Commission deems appropriate.
     This includes a demand for repayment of the grant with interest.
     Commissioner John Meeks commented.
     First he said he is sorry that Hemken needed to leave town to tend to a medical issue with his wife Kathleen Hemken and was therefore unable to attend the March 6 meeting to speak about this matter.
     Meeks said he did take exception and offense, nonetheless, because he was one of the commissioners who in 2019 approved the grant, as an economic incentive to attract good business interests to Levy County.
     Meeks further said that NCBDC Executive Director Osteen communicated well with him about what was going on, and the Nature Coast Business Development Council staff member advocated on behalf of A&M Manufacturing.
     Meeks said this problem could have been resolved in late 2022 without needing Hemken to come to County Commission meeting months later. 
     After much more discussion, the County Commission directed county staff to amend the grant agreement for reapproval within the next 120 days.
     Hemken said he intends to do as he said in regard to increasing employment opportunities at A&M Manufacturing in Chiefland. If Hemken does fail to meet his obligations in the meeting, then he will repay the grant with interest as is noted to be required.
      To read the November of 2019 story and see the pictures related to A&M Manufacturing, click HERE.
 

Business interests honored at luncheon
Teachers and others recognized 
Merit scholarship finalist mentioned

Among the many stars of the day at the 18th Annual Dixie County Education-Business Partnership Luncheon on March 17 are the band director and members of the Dixie County High School Band’s Jazz Ensemble. William Malloy, director, is in his ninth year of being the teacher and leader of the entire DCHS Red Regiment Marching Band. He is seen here with members of the DCHS Jazz Ensemble, in which he participates and which includes students Zachary Pendarvis, Peter Morris, Jay Young, William Rigby, Blaine Valentine, Cole Johnson, Elexes Eitenior, Anna Miner, Haylie Wilson, Jalen Teague and one other member whose name was accidently left off the program for the luncheon.

Story and Photos
By Jeff M. Hardison © March 18, 2023 at 9 a.m.
All Rights Reserved - Do Not Copy And Paste Material
     CROSS CITY – Several people were specifically honored Friday afternoon (March 17) in Cross City, but from a global or universal perspective, the entire Dixie County Public Education System shined with its intangible rewards that were partially reflected during the awards ceremony.     The 18th Annual Dixie County Education-Business Partnership Luncheon provided an opportunity, as Dixie County School Board Vice Chair Cheryl Pridgeon said, to recognize people whose return on investment in the public school system “cannot be measured in dollars.”
     “It’s measured in the successes of our students and our programs,” Pridgeon said as she opened the celebratory lunch conducted again this year at the Dolphus Peppers Jr. Gymnasium on the former campus of Dixie County High School. The former campus includes the DCHS football stadium and field as well.
     Vice Chair Pridgeon expressed her gratitude to all of the people and businesses that help Dixie County’s public school system.
     Dixie County Superintendent of Schools Mike Thomas let everyone know that the hosts this year are the School Board members who are Vice Chair Pridgeon (District 1), Amanda Mills NesSmith (District 2), Paul Gainey (District 3), Chairman Timothy Alexander (District 4) and Lucas Rollison (District 5). Joining Superintendent Thomas and the School Board as luncheon sponsors were Educational Staffing Solutions, the Foundation for Rural Education Excellence and Culpepper Construction.
National Merit Scholar
     As Pridgeon mentioned, investment in public education is not measured in dollars, but in success of students. One Dixie County student’s stellar accomplishment was briefly mentioned during the annual luncheon to recognize business-oriented contributors.
     The superintendent of schools noted Dixie County High School senior Julia Lord is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist as he asked everyone to join him in congratulating her in this extraordinary accomplishment.
     She was among the 1.5 million national contenders who were narrowed down to the more than 15,000 Finalists from all over the United States of America. Winners of the national scholarships will be announced in four national news releases from April through July, Thomas said.
     As noted by the institution on its website, the National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Approximately 1.5 million high school students enter the competitive program for scholarships each year.
     Of the 1.5 million entrants, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index scores qualify for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
     In September, these high scorers are notified through their schools that they have qualified as either Commended Students or Semifinalists.
     In late September, about 34,000 of the approximately 50,000 high scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT receive Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise. Commended Students are named based on a nationally applied Selection Index score that may vary from year to year and is typically below the level required for participants to be named Semifinalists in their respective states.
     In early September, more than 16,000 students, or approximately one-third of the 50,000 high scorers, are notified that they have qualified as Semifinalists. To ensure that academically talented young people from all parts of the United States are included in this talent pool, Semifinalists are designated on a state-representational basis.
     Semifinalists are the highest scoring entrants in each state. Qualifying scores vary from state to state and from year to year, but the scores of all Semifinalists are extremely high.
     The NMSC provides scholarship application materials to Semifinalists through their high schools. To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, Semifinalists must advance to Finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards.
      In February, over 15,000 Semifinalists are notified that they have advanced to Finalist standing. High school principals are also notified and provided with a Certificate of Merit to present to each Finalist.
     All winners of Merit Scholarship awards are chosen from the Finalist group based on their abilities, skills and accomplishments -- without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference, the National Merit Scholarship website notes.

Business Partners of the Year

Russ Allen, owner of Florida Forest Products of Cross City, holds one of the two 2023 Business Partners of the Year plaques as last year’s recipient Shannon Smith of Smith Law Firm and Smith Asset Management stands between Allen and Superintendent of Schools Mike Thomas.


Freedom Metals is the other recipient of the 2023 Business Partners of the Year Award. Seen here with Superintendent of Schools Mike Thomas are Amanda Hires, Bud Bechtold, Joel Bechtold, Elly Andrews and Rob Andrews.

     Dixie County Superintendent of Schools Thomas spoke about Russ Allen and Florida Forest Products deserving the honor of being named one of the two 2023 Business Partners of the Year.
     Thomas and Allen went to Ruth Rains Middle School to determine what needed to be replaced at the school. Allen measured to see how much lumber was required, Thomas said.
     Thomas asked about the cost of the lumber.
     The school superintendent was told by the businessman that when Allen came to Dixie County 20 years ago, Dixie County told him “Yes” and they gave him a job in Dixie County.
     “He said, ‘I’m going to donate this to the students of Ruth Rains Middle School,’” Thomas said. “That is several hundred dollars’ worth of lumber. This is just one example of how Russ helps students. At Dixie County High School, he also sponsors our sports programs and extracurricular activities.”
     The other recipients of the award are a pole barn and roofing material provider, Thomas said.
     They pride themselves on giving back to the community and are dedicated to supporting the youth of Dixie County, including at Babe Ruth, the Suwannee River Fair Youth Livestock Show and Sale, Dixie Bass Masters, DCHS volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, baseball and softball teams.
     Freedom Metals this year donated a pole barn to the DCHS Gymnasium for a cook shed for volleyball and basketball games, Thomas said. They also donated metal for batting cages at the softball and baseball fields, he said. 
     “And they have just recently completed two pavilions at our high school baseball field,” Thomas said.
The Luncheon
     The luncheon included chicken as the main course. Salads and drinks were served by students enrolled in the Hospitality and Tourism Management classes. The meals were wonderful, and diners picked them up from servers in a manner similar to students at school cafeterias.


Emma Hatch, a tenth grade student at Dixie County High School, is among the people serving diners at the luncheon. She is part of the corps of Career and Technical Education students in action that day. Hatch is enrolled in the Hospitality and Tourism Management classes. Students Mason Valentine and Blane Laite were guest speakers about this program.


(from left) Student Madison Dierling, student Ava Huffman, Career and Technical Education (CTE) - Hospitality and Tourism Management Teacher Tammy Arrington, student Talandria Goodman and student Kailey Wimberly stand near delicious green beans, chicken and other food at the luncheon, where they served diners. Dixie County High School has an extraordinary CTE program with various options for students to consider, including the Hospitality and Tourism Management curriculum.

Substitutes Of The Year

Kim Carver of Educational Staffing Solutions (at the podium at the right) tells with Blanca Moore, Robert Robinson and Cynthia Shannon, they earned the titles as Dixie County Substitutes of the Year. Jennifer Osteen, another title winner, was absent from the luncheon.

     Blanca Moore of Old Town Elementary School, Robert Robinson of Ruth Rains Middle School and Cynthia Shannon of Dixie County High School were present to accept recognition as substitutes of the year. Jennifer Osteen was absent from the luncheon, where Kim Carver of Educational Staffing Solutions called the winners forward for recognition.
     Carver let the recipients know they are valued and very appreciated. She thanked them for their current service, their previous service and for their future service as substitute teachers.

School-Related Employees of the Year

(from left) Paden Kalishek of the Maintenance Department, Micalea Pridgeon of Old Town Elementary School and Johnny Geathers of Anderson Elementary School stand with Superintendent of Schools Mike Thomas for recognition as the 2023 Dixie County School-Related Employees of the Year. Not pictured are other winners in this classification -- Glenda Keen of Ruth Rains Middle School, Misty Frier of Dixie County High School and Darnell Gainey of the Transportation Department.
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     Superintendent Thomas spoke about all of the wonderful traits of the 2023 Dixie County School-Related Employees of the Year. Across the board they showed dedication and care in the performance of their duties, often going far beyond expectations.
     Johnny Geathers of Anderson Elementary School, Micalea Pridgeon of Old Town Elementary School, Glenda Keen of Ruth Rains Middle School, Misty Frier of Dixie County High School, Darnell Gainey of the Transportation Department and Paden Kalishek of the Maintenance Department all earned the highest ratings in their areas of employment in the school system.
     Keen, Frier and Gainey were absent from the luncheon due to circumstances beyond their control.

Teachers of the Year
     Students of the Dixie County Teachers of the Year each read why they felt their teachers deserved this honor.


Anderson Elementary School third grader Jake Sanchez reads why his teacher Jill Thomas deserves the title of Teacher of the Year from Anderson Elementary School.

     Jake Sanchez, a third grader at Anderson Elementary School, told why he thought Jill Thomas deserved the award. 
     “She is passionate about teaching and demonstrates that every day in our classroom,” Sanchez said.
     The young student said he always has a lot of questions, and his teacher takes the time to walk him through each assignment.
     “Believe me,” Sanchez said, “she has a lot of patience. Thank you, Miss Jill.”
     He said that he and his classmates are proud of her.
     Superintendent Thomas said he concurs with the third grader, about Jill Thomas having patience. She is his wife, and that’s probably why she has so much patience, he said.

Third grade student Jonah Raulerson speaks about why Michelle Hurst deserves the honor of being Teacher of the Year at Old Town Elementary School.

     The next student to read about his teacher was Jonah Raulerson, also a third grader. He spoke about why Michelle Hurst deserved the honor of being Teacher of the Year at Old Town Elementary School. His presentation was priceless.
     “Here goes,” Raulerson said as he called the event “The Dixie County Teacher of the Year Banquet” when he welcomed everyone to the event.
     This third grader made his presentation extremely well.
     Raulerson said this event was to honor the teachers who have earned the respect of their peers, students and administrators.
     The Old Town Elementary School Teacher of the Year “… is none other than my teacher Miss Michelle Hurst,” he said.
     The third grade student named his teacher’s three children before speaking about her earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 2013. 
     “Miss Hurst absolutely loves teaching third grade and the challenges it brings her each day,” Raulerson said.
     He noted that his teacher holds her students to high expectations, because the highest expectations bring the highest results.
      Raulerson said that OTES Principal Karen Tillis “… reports that Miss Hurst is a high-performing teacher because she never gives up on a student in her class.”
     The third grader said his teacher has been able to overcome all obstacles, including ever-changing curriculum standards and assessments the state keeps throwing her way.
     “As you can see,” Raulerson said, “she’s kind of a big deal, and I would like to tell you more from my point of view. I think she should be Teacher of the Year because she is kind, patient and caring. 
     “She is strict, but in a good way,” her student added.
     Raulerson said Hurst helps her students learn to say difficult words, and she assures that the students do not waste class time. She shows her patience, he said, by helping students “decode” how to say a word if they are having difficulty with it.
     Raulerson said Hurst is a very caring teacher. If a student is injured during physical education activities, he said, then she will assure they are helped. And she always helps with academic tasks as well, he said.
     “Miss Hurst, we are so proud of you for earning Teacher of the Year,” Raulerson said. “We love you. Congratulations!”


Seventh grader Logan Marlo from Ruth Rains Middle School tells about RRMS Teacher of the Year Jean Driggers deserving this honor.
 
     Seventh grader Logan Marlo from Ruth Rains Middle School spoke about RRMS Teacher of the Year Jean Driggers. 
     Marlo said he is proud of Driggers earning the award.
     She is a dedicated teacher who went to school to teach the students, even when her husband was in the hospital, Marlo said. 
     “She makes sure we are always on task and paying attention,” he said. 
     Marlo said Driggers keeps her lessons fun and engaging.


Tenth grader Mattie Cobb speaks about Dixie County High School Teacher of the Year Krashelle Skelly, who is also the 2023 Dixie County School District Teacher of the Year.

    Tenth grader Mattie Cobb spoke about Dixie County High School Teacher of the Year and 2023 Dixie County School District Teacher of the Year Krashelle Skelly.
     Skelly has affected Cobb in a positive manner, where the student’s grades have improved, as has her attitude toward school, the student said.
     Cobb said she is grateful for all of the time Skelly has invested in her. 
     “Looking back,” Cobb said, “I can see just how much I have changed under her instruction.”
     Skelly’s impact on this student have not only helped her with her mathematics, but all of her other subjects as well, Cobb said.
     Cobb sees how her teacher has balanced her life as a teacher, and knows her teacher has positive moral values by conversations they have had. 
     “Miss Skelly is a woman I genuinely look up to,” Cobb said. “You can see her passion and leadership through everything she does in life.”
     While this student knows this teacher has positively impacted her life, Cobb knows, too, that Skelly has had a similar effect on Cobb’s classmates and other students at DCHS, she said.
     Superintendent Thomas said Skelly has found new and interesting ways to engage students in mathematics. 
     She has been instrumental in improving students’ performance, Thomas said, adding that Skelly embodies all of the qualities of an exemplary teacher.


Teacher of the Year Krashelle Skelly of Dixie County High School (who is the District Teacher of the Year), Old Town Elementary School Teacher of the Year Michelle Hurst, Ruth Rains Middle School Teacher of the Year Jean Driggers and Anderson Elementary School Teacher of the Year Jill Thomas all stand with Dixie County Superintendent of Schools Mike Thomas during a photo opportunity at the luncheon.


Teacher of the Year Krashelle Skelly of Dixie County High School (who is the District Teacher of the Year), Old Town Elementary School Teacher of the Year Michelle Hurst, Ruth Rains Middle School Teacher of the Year Jean Driggers and Anderson Elementary School Teacher of the Year Jill Thomas stand with Carol West and Kathryn McInnis of the Dixie Education Foundation. McInnis, a longtime president of the Foundation, and Foundation President West presented the teachers with Dixie Education Foundation tote bags and other tokens of appreciation. West let all listeners know that while the Foundation is known for its scholarship awards, it helps students and the county education system in many other manners nowadays, too.
 

FHP locates suspect vehicle
in fatal hit-and-run crash
By Jeff M. Hardison © March 15, 2023 at 1 p.m.
Updated March 16, 2023 at 7:45 a.m.
     GILCHRIST COUNTY – Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Patrick Riordan noted on March 15 at 6:15 p.m. that FHP crash and homicide investigators have located the 2020 Kia, which was involved in the  (Wednesday morning, March 15) fatal hit and run crash, on State Road 26.
     In addition, a person of interest has been identified, Lt. Riordan noted in a press release sent at 8 p.m. on March 15.
     In a conversation with Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz on Wednesday morning, the sheriff mentioned to HardisonInk.com that his office was involved at the initiation of this suspected felonious action, which immediately went to the state law enforcement agency to hopefully solve as the lead agency. All law enforcement agencies generally work together to protect and serve the people in the United States of America.
     The sheriff, like Lt. Riordan and most other human beings, takes a very dim view of drivers who hit a person with a vehicle and then flee from the scene.
     This particular silver-colored sedan was westbound on State Road 26, east of Southwest 19th Circle before 6 a.m. on Wednesday (March 15), when it hit a pedestrian, the Florida Highway Patrol noted in a press release at 12:35 p.m.
     The victim was a middle-aged white female with an unlisted city of residence. The next-of-kin had not been notified as of the time of the press release.
     The FHP is seeking help from the general public in finding the driver of this sedan, the press release noted.
     The pedestrian 1 was walking eastbound on the northern paved shoulder of SR 26, sometime before 6 a.m., the FHP said, when for reasons to be determined, the vehicle travelled to the northern shoulder where it hit the pedestrian.
     The driver of the vehicle then fled the scene in the vehicle, the FHP said.
     The pedestrian was transported to Shands were she later died, the FHP said.

 

Grand Jury indicts two
for first degree murder

Isaac Mitchell Williams and Kentavious Demarous Brown
Mugshots By Levy County Sheriff's Office

By Jeff M. Hardison © March 13, 2023 at 5 p.m.
     GAINESVILLE – Today (Monday, March 13), Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian Kramer announced the Spring Term Grand Jury results for criminal cases in Levy County.     Two men with Williston residential addresses were indicted for a suspected first degree murder that occurred in Williston, according to information from Darry Lloyd, Chief of Investigations and Director of Witness Management in the Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office.
     Today (Monday, March 13), Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Kramer presented to the Levy County Spring Term Grand Jury, single count indictments based on a Williston Police Department investigations, Lloyd said.
     On Feb. 5, officers with the Williston Police Department investigated a disturbance related to a shots-fired call, Lloyd said.
     Officers with the WPD identified Isaac Mitchell Williams, 20, and Kentavious Demarous Brown, 22, were directly involved in the incident that occurred on Northeast Fourth Avenue in Williston, Lloyd said. The Levy County Spring Term Grand Jury returned a True Bill – indicting Williams and Brown for the unlawful killing of Malik Jamar Hall, 26, of Williston.
     The finding of a True Bill means that the defendants will now be arraigned and will face trial at a later date, Lloyd said.
     The Honorable Senior Judge Bo Bayer presided over the hearing. No bond is set for first degree murder charges in the indictment.
     To read the Feb. 25 story about the arrests of the two suspected murderers from Williston, click HERE. 
 

Art and nature fest pins
fun and happiness meters

Doug Koch of the community of Suwannee stands as he speaks to an arriving motorist to determine if the driver is a vendor or a visitor. Koch was one of the many volunteers who made this event succeed.

Story and Photos 
By Jeff M. Hardison © March 11, 2023 at 8:30 p.m.
     SUWANNEE – Plenty of people probably had their fun and happiness meters pinned to the most positive side Saturday (March 11) when they visited the Sixth Annual Lower Suwannee Art and Nature Festival in Glen Dyals Park in the community of Suwannee (Dixie County).

Jane Connors (left), one of the two main organizers for the event, speaks with Ariel Mayes, a phlebotomist with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, who was looking for an ATM so that she could have cash to buy barbecue. The barbecue vendor accepted only cash. LifeSouth Community Blood Centers noted that day that it has an emergency need for blood.


Constance Mele of Tallahassee, owner of Little Birds Miniature Oil Paintings, works on her art. She started in this art medium after previously casting leaves in concrete (specifically 5,000 psi in Quikrete). She chose to switch to this art of miniature oil paintings of birds, which is a whole lot smaller and lighter, in 2019. Mele said she is happy with her new calling in this fine art.


This close-up view of an oil painting of a bird being created at the festival is shared by the artist -- Constance Mele of Tallahassee.


This finished oil painting of a hummingbird by Constance Mele of Tallahassee was among her many artworks that could be purchased by visitors.

     The weather this year was perfect.
     As in the previous five years of the festival, there was no gate fee. Parking was convenient and safe.
     This event includes local artists showing and selling their works. Artisans and crafters were in abundance, as they were showing and selling their crafts.
     This event registered a 10 out of 10 for all five senses – sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.
     And there is another “sense” on the fun and happiness meters where the registration needle was pushed so far to the positive edge that it bent that needle. That meter registers love, fellowship, human kindness and camaraderie. As is often the case in Dixie County, the people were friendly and warm.
     First in the morning, motorists found Doug Koch, one of the many volunteers this year, asking the drivers as they arrived if they were vendors or visitors. That determined the route they would be directed for parking.
     Visitors were guided clearly to a parking area, where they were not crowded and from whence they could depart – without the inconvenience of being “parked in.”
     Sauntering from their vehicles to the area of activity, visitors could smell the aroma of hickory smoke used to cook some of the fresh barbecue available for purchase. 
     They saw a broad assortment of beautiful artwork. They could feel the various merchandise made of wood, clay, metals, semi-precious and precious stones. 
     They could taste the amazing delicacies – including Hutch’s renowned swamp cabbage. And they could hear music as well as the voices of their fellow festival-goers and vendors.


Freddie and Ann Moody, retirees visiting the festival from their home in Chiefland, speak with Richard ‘Buzz’ Coulton of Old Town. Coulton owns a mill and he provides milled wood and tool sales. Among the woods he works with are sycamore, red cedar and pecan.

     There is a very long list of items available for purchase at this festival. Handmade soaps, t-shirts, drinking vessels, statues, rocking chairs and swings, handmade candles, local honey, wooden toys, freeze-dried snacks and custom-painted fishing lures are among those items.
     Cindy Trice from Fort White (Columbia County) brought her handmade soaps and much more for sale. John Colson of Chiefland said he sold two of his big wooden rocking chairs within the first 30 minutes of this festival.
     Juliana and Ron Pendleton of Suwannee did not have to go far as they bought plenty of amazing statues for sale.
     Amanda Young of Bronson brought her watercolor paintings, which she has been creating for the past year. Young shared a tent area with Kelsie Aman of Trenton, who brought her paper-maché art and her paper clay art sculptures for sale.
     Deb Childress of Lake City, owner of Deb’s Designs, had her wooden artwork on display for sale. She cut her designs with a scroll saw.

Mebane Ogden of Chiefland holds Pebble, a six-month old goat that was a rescue animal after wild dogs attacked a goat herd. Ogden owns Pie Vallie Goat Farm LLC, which is a small farm with a big heart. She has quality Boer, Kiko and Nubians, as well as goat-themed gift products. She has goat-gram photos, too. At the festival, she provided visitors with a chance for ‘Pix With Pebble,’ and for a $5 donation they could sit with the goat. Ogden said this funding helps her ‘feed the kids.’


Mebane Ogden of Chiefland (left) and Diane Strickland of Suwannee kneel with Pebble the goat. Pebble was outfitted with a Saint Patrick’s Day idea. Meanwhile, off camera, Jerry Frost of the Crazy Goat Factory, was wearing bunny ears to go with an Easter Bunny concept as she told people about her enterprise.


This is one part of the big festival area. Seen here early on, it was relatively easy for a somewhat clear photo of vendors. Soon, though, there were zillions of visitors.


Sharen Ewing of Old Town and Jane Maxwell of Trenton are under the tent for Fix-Them-All, a low cost spay-neuter organization. 


Precious and semi-precious stones (rough) await selection by consumers for placement into rings by Damian Lamb -- Bench 22 Creations.


Damian Lamb of Clearwater holds up a champagne quartz pendant set in sterling silver. His and Salina Khan’s jewelry company is Bench 22 Creations. Lamb and Kahn are husband and wife.


People can choose a ring style, select a precious or semi-precious rough or calibrated stone, and Damian Lamb and Salina Khan of Clearwater will set the stone in the ring. Marlene Raszmann said she met Damian Lamb at another event and he made a ring for her. She is thrilled with his work, and that is why she invited him to be a vendor at the Sixth Annual Lower Suwannee Art and Nature Festival.


Calibrated precious and semi-precious stones await selection by consumers for placement into rings.


Salina Khan and Damian Lamb of Clearwater own Bench 22 Creations, where they make jewelry. They are married.


Thunderboltz expresso, smoothies, energy drinks, frappes and lattes are among the offerings at this location at the festival. The beautiful blue sky above is reflexive of the wonderful weather on Saturday.


Emily Asbell (left), is Wendy Hutchison’s (right) mom, and sandwiched between the ladies is Hutch Hutchison. This trio was selling pickled items, jellies and cups of Hutch's Famous Swamp Cabbage.


Hot Wheels BBQ of Worthington Springs (Union County) was a popular spot for diners at the festival.

     There were Florida native plants for sale at this event, too, and there was much more.
     Among the non-profit groups there was Fix Them All, a low-cost spay and neuter organization.
     This event at the park resulted from Jane Connors, manager at Suwannee Library Technical Center, and Connors’ colleague in this endeavor Marlene Raszmann.
     Connors thinks the world of her fellow coordinator in this event.
     “Marlene is a very capable organizer,” Connors said. “She is brilliant.”
     And indeed, Raszmann must be. This year, there were 74 people or organizations that signed up to be vendors. And they were placed within a space that provided visitors room to see each one, as well as to buy things and speak with them in relative ease and comfort.
     Last year, there may have been 50 vendors, Connors said, but the weather was very bad. The parking area used this year was flooded last year. And some number of possible vendors called in last year to say they could not make it due to fallen trees blocking them from leaving, Connors said.
     A kiddie play area was available again this year.




The playground area of Glen Dyals Park offers plenty of equipment for children to enjoy for recreation.

     Ken’s Kettle Corn, Papa John’s Jumbo Boiled Peanuts, shaved ice, Back Porch Burgers and hotdogs, and other food vendors provided offerings beyond the wonderful barbecue option from Hot Wheels BBQ of Worthington Springs (Union County).
     As noted, the weather was perfect. The setting and vendor organization was absolutely brilliant. The people were warm and friendly. The food was great.
     And the art and nature of the festival made this event equal to a grand slam in baseball terms. A good time was had by all. And now, the volunteers can begin gearing up for the Seventh Annual Lower Suwannee Art and Nature Festival.
 

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