Features

El Salvador

Are you longing to travel to an exotic place? El Salvador may be just for you. Be prepared, however, El Salvador is not the typical American tourist hideaway.Not all Central American countries are... Read More

Gainesville Mystery Writer

Several years ago, an interesting thing happened to author Mary Anna Evans on her way to Mississippi. While traveling on Interstate 10, Evans envisioned the setting for her first mystery novel, as... Read More

The Women Air Force Service Pilots

The Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) contributed incredible services to the World War II effort, but the group is only now gaining the recognition afforded to other war veterans. Recently, three... Read More

Homes Are Where Her Heart Is

Little houses all lined up in a row — shingles just right, walls painted to perfection. A veterinarian, a hospital and even a toy store, all painstakingly detailed by caring hands.There are 39... Read More

The Foster Grandparent Program Needs You!

Want to help children in the community? Then consider the Foster Grandparent Program.For Seniors 60 years of age or better, who are full of love and patience, have a deep desire to help and are... Read More

Veteran Profile: Like Father Like Son

A small piece of metal follows Frank Towers Jr. everywhere he goes. It is a small reminder of his past, embedded in his leg since 1969.Vietnam veteran Towers enlisted in June 1967 and entered the... Read More

Hurricane Season is Here: Be Prepared

It is never too early to get prepared for hurricane season. Last year saw 16 named storms during the 2008 season. Eight became hurricanes and five were Category 3 or higher. And now the 2009 season... Read More

Time Management 101: Getting it all Done

Whether one is newly retired, about to retire, or a long-time retiree, here are a few tips to keep as organized as possible for what may be the busiest time of one's life.For Linda Richards,... Read More

In Praise of Moms

Larry BehnkeMom could be difficult, but I loved her dearly. She did not always cope well after Dad died when I was five. My sister was two months old. The dealership took back our car, but Mom was... Read More

A Lady Steps Up

It was the middle of March 1943, and June Whitehurst sat one morning, sick with the German measles, listening to Arthur Godfrey on the radio. He was announcing the Marine Corps opening its doors to... Read More

The Gainesville Civic Chorus

Maestro Will Kesling stood on stage in the University Auditorium, ready to conduct the Gainesville Civic Chorus and Philharmonic Orchestra. The audience was silent, the recorder running, the... Read More

Peace Corps Volunteers

In 1997 Purita Dayawon, then 59, boarded a crowded, hot bus with animals and children alike. Three months of classes and training with the Peace Corps could not prepare her for the trip to the... Read More

When the Sun Goes Dark

On July 22, a most wonderful and singular event will occur. In distant lands once considered by Europeans as the mysterious east, the Sun will undergo the longest duration total eclipse that anyone... Read More

From the Big Top to Gainesville

Anyone who has seen a Cirque du Soleil show will say the same thing: "You simply haven't lived until you've experienced Cirque."Lucky for Gainesville, the city will get its own... Read More

A Time to Remember

In 1932, unemployment in Germany had peaked. The dreary economic and political climate aided Adolf Hitler in establishing the Nationalist-Socialist Party -- with "Mein Kampf" as its... Read More

Celebrate Planet Earth

Nearly 40 years ago, a United States senator from Wisconsin proposed an idea that, quite literally, changed the world.Sen. Gaylord Nelson, a democrat elected in 1962, was passionate about the... Read More

Leading the Way

Black and white photos of a concentration camp in Buchenwald, Germany, decorate a foam presentation board. World War II veteran Frank Towers, sitting at his dining room table, slowly points to the... Read More

As Time Goes By

by Abigail Traffordc.2009, Basic Books $25.95 / $30.00 Canada275 pagesThe first few notes of the song begin, and his eyes meet hers from across the room. Shyly, they smile.It's their wedding day,... Read More

Social Security Questions and Answers

Q.When a person who has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies, who is eligible for survivor's benefits?A.Social Security survivor's benefits can be paid to:* A widow or widower -- full... Read More

Five Minutes with VITO

by David Mattson and Anthony Parinelloc.2009, Pegasus Media World,  14.95 / $15.50 Canada, 103 pages In your left hand, you gripped your briefcase. In your right hand, you had keys and a... Read More