The Rev. Christe Lunsford knew from a young age they had a spiritual calling. After growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, Lunsford, now 55, began seminary preparatory school at 19 years old. But when they came out as transgender, they were met with opposition that pushed them away from organized religion …
Read More »Medical marijuana usage is increasing in America
Not only did COVID-19 unleash a virus that affected the entire globe, but the growing pandemic also triggered an epidemic of anxiety and depression among America’s Generation Z and millennial populations. And many people turned to cannabis, as opposed to prescribed medication, to calm their minds. In 2021, cannabis sales increased to $30 billion, 40% higher than the previous year. The United States is expected to make up 75% of global cannabis sales in 2026.
Read More »LGBT app gives queer-friendly businesses a national platform
Finding relevant and accurate information on where queer people can hang out is difficult. The Pride App was created as a way for individuals to find businesses that are either gay-owned or operated or gay-friendly. Jonathon Pritchard, of Wildwood, is the creator of the Pride App, and he said he created the app to support LGBT and ally-backed businesses of all sizes. The app provides a platform where smaller businesses can be seen.
Read More »Montbrook Fossil Site volunteers unearth pieces of life millions of years old
Five to 6 million years ago, the area of the Montbrook fossil dig site in eastern Levy County was likely a river. Now, eight years after the discovery of bones in the area, it is one of the most productive fossil sites in the Southeastern United States. Over 70,000 specimens have been collected by the Florida Museum of Natural History and crews of volunteers.
Read More »Infamous Diamonds dance competition team dazzles Gainesville crowds
Step up and get bucked down. It’s as simple as that. And the Infamous Diamonds of Gainesville always bring their A-game. Majorette-style dance began in the 1960s, with dance lines at historically Black colleges and universities that typically accompanied marching bands. Shows such as “Bring It!” popularized the hip-hop style of majorette dance and competition in 2014, making it a household dance style for many who were unfamiliar with it.
Read More »An inside look at GRACE Marketplace’s animal welfare services
GRACE Marketplace’s animal welfare program extends GRACE’s services to homeless individuals with pets. GRACE partners with St. Francis Pet Care to provide residents with vaccines and any treatment or operation the pet may need. GRACE also uses grants and donations to provide them with pet food.
Read More »NASA’s Orion capsule splashes down, concluding Artemis I mission
NASA’s long-awaited Artemis I mission concluded Sunday with the Orion space capsule splashing down west of Baja California in the Pacific Ocean, paving the way for an ambitious program ahead. The 25.5 day long mission began in the early morning hours of November 16 after several false starts going all …
Read More »Gainesville organizations help homeless people with free hair cuts and food
Every Saturday and Sunday, Project Downtown Gainesville sets up camp in the same spot, where volunteers provide hot meals and other resources for individuals facing homelessness. On some weekends local barbers like Ju-Ray Kuo partner with the organization Project Downtown Gainesville to provide haircuts free of charge to homeless individuals.
Read More »Rosa Parks Quiet Courage Committee honors four community leaders
The four recipients of the Rosa Parks Quiet Courage award this year are Devondrick Slater, Sheila Payne, Tony Jones and Desmon Duncan-Walker, who were recognized recently for their work in the community that “demonstrates a commitment to the cause of justice, equality and peace.”
Read More »French game of pétanque finds a home in Gainesville
Sarah Lauerman took an interest in French culture and was intrigued by the sport of pétanque. She wanted to learn how to speak French and engage with the culture further, so she started a club around the sport. Now Lauerman is the president of Gainesville Pétanque, a club she started in 2017 with informal meetings. It has since grown to include 50 members and is played at two public courts in north Gainesville. And she had the sport included in the Gainesville Senior Games.
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