Children and teens from the greater Gainesville community will perform in four productions at the conclusion of the Junior and Teen Summer Spectacular Theatre Camps, four-week camps designed to cultivate lifelong appreciation in the arts. Visit the Education page on our website to learn more about this and other education programs.
Little Women
By Betsy Foster
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Directed by Betsy Foster
Join Jo and the other March sisters in this adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy live with their mother in Massachusetts, struggling to get by while their father is off at war. The sisters never lack for adventure as they grow up together, perform plays, attend parties, and find love in unlikely places. As they get older and the war ends, the girls grow apart and begin their own lives. Heartbreak reunites the family, and reminds them all what home really means. This timeless story captures what it means to grow up, find friendship, and nurture family bonds.
Little Women Show Times:
Session 2
Monday, August 1 at 6:00pm (Preview)
Tuesday, August 2 at 11:00am
Wednesday, August 3 at 11:00am
Linda Luetjen assists buyers looking for Gainesville FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Gainesville FL homes for sale.
She understands the purchase of any Gainesville FL home represents not only one of the largest and most significant investment a person can make, but also a decision that affects the entire life of a family. It should be handled with all the care and attention such a significant transaction deserves. You may rest assured that Linda never forgets this. Her reputation depends on your satisfaction.
For more information about buying or selling your Gainesville FL home, please call Linda toll free at 888-424-8841 or via email with our convenient contact form.
Come out to the Hippodrome in Gainesville to enjoy Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps. This exciting productions that is packed with laughs as a cast of 4 portrays 150 zany characters. This show takes the Hitchcock thriller and mixes it up to make it the wonderfully funny show that it is. Some of the scene that takes place on stage is the handcuffs, missing fingers and there is even a little romance.
This performance will be here in Gainesville from April 15 until May 8, so grab your friends for a hilarious night out on the town.
Linda Luetjen assists buyers looking for Gainesville FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Gainesville FL homes for sale.
She understands the purchase of any Gainesville FL home represents not only one of the largest and most significant investment a person can make, but also a decision that affects the entire life of a family. It should be handled with all the care and attention such a significant transaction deserves. You may rest assured that Linda never forgets this. Her reputation depends on your satisfaction.
For more information about buying or selling your Gainesville FL home, please call Linda toll free at 888-424-8841 or via email with our convenient contact form.
Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival is one of the three largest annual events inGainesvilleand is known for its high quality, unique artwork. It is held in the downtown historic district, nestled amid restored turn-of-the century homes, stately palms and abundant azaleas. More than 130,000 visitors are anticipated each year.
Fun for the whole family, the Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival offers a wide selection of activities for all ages. Back again after a successful first year is a free jazz and blues concert at the 42nd Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival. The festival runs Saturday, April 9 from 9:00am until 5:30pm and Sunday, April 10 from 12:00pm until 5:30pm.
The 2011 real estate market forecast depends on who you talk to. There are conflicting signs but most experts predict a slow growth in sales nationwide. Real estate guru Barbara Corcoran has this to say about buying a home in 2011:
“Of course people are nervous about buying with so many mixed signals, but my advice would be: Do not wait. If there’s one thing I learned about this real estate is that it’s very slow to unwind and usually takes years to do it. But once it decides to turn around, those prices move up very quickly, and you’ll just be joining every Tom, Dick and Harry bidding on the same house. If you have an inclination to move, you’ll get no better time than now, with cheap money, cheap prices and an embarrassment of riches to choose from. Why wouldn’t you buy now if you were so inclined? The only thing you need is a little courage.”
Let’s compare December 2010 to December 2009 real estate statistics to see what improvement has taken place in our local market.
The Gainesville FL area single family home sales saw pending sales increase by 9% in December 2010, when compared against December 2009. New listings decreased by 6% and sold listing increased by 4%. The average sales price decreased by 11% to $173,848, while market times increased by 49 days.
Gainseville Area Single Family
New Listings
Pending Sales
Sold Listings
Avg. Sales Price
Days on Market
Dec 2010
309
152
187
$173,848
200
Dec 2009
328
138
180
$195,178
151
The Gainesville FL area Condo/Townhome market saw pending sales increase by 55% in December 2010 when compared to December 2009. Sold listings increased by 41%, and new listings decreased by 24% in December 2010. The average sales price decreased by 29% to $85,514 when compared to December 2009, while the average market times increased by 24 days.
Gainseville Area
Condo/TH
New Listings
Pending Sales
Sold Listings
Avg. Sales Price
Days on Market
Dec 2010
67
33
37
$85,814
194
Nov 2009
88
15
22
$121,084
170
For the latest Gainesville FL real estate market conditions in your area, please call me at 888-424-8841 or visit MyGatorCondo.com.
Once again the mortgage interest deduction (MID) is under attack as the Deficit Reduction Commission has recommended modification of this deduction. The tax deductibility of interest paid on mortgages is a powerful incentive for home ownership and has been one of the simplest provisions in the federal tax code for more than 80 years. In a new survey commissioned by the National Association of Realtors@ and conducted online in October 2010 by Harris Interactive of nearly 3,000 homeowners and renters, nearly three-fourths of homeowners and two-thirds of renters said the mortgage interest deduction was extremely or very important to them.
Recent progress has been made in bringing stability to the housing market and any changes to the MID now or in the future could critically erode home prices and the value of homes by as much as 15 percent. This would negatively impact home ownership for millions of Americans, including those who own their homes outright and have no mortgage. Any further downward pressure on home prices will hamper the economic recovery, raise foreclosures and hurt banks’ abilities to lend and likely tip the economy into another recession resulting in further job losses for the country. It will effectively close the door on the American dream.
The National Association of Realtors urges you to please make a quick call to your senator’s office today to ask him or her to defend the MID from any cuts or reduction as outlined in the Deficit Commission Report released last week.
Now let’s take a look at November home sales in Gainesville FL.
The Gainesville FL area single family home sales saw pending sales increase by 24% in November 2010, when compared against November 2009. New listings decreased by 12% and sold listing decreased by 23%. The average sales price decreased by 3% to $180,84, while market times increased by 16 days.
Gainseville Area Single Family
New Listings
Pending Sales
Sold Listings
Avg. Sales Price
Days on Market
Nov 2010
297
176
134
$180,847
164
Nov 2009
339
134
173
$186,430
148
The Gainesville FL area Condo/Townhome market saw pending sales increase by 55% in November 2010 when compared to November 2009. Sold listings increased by 45%, and new listings increased by 12% in November 2010. The average sales price decreased by 19% to $89,176 when compared to November 2009, while the average market times increased by 54 days.
Gainseville Area
Condo/TH
New Listings
Pending Sales
Sold Listings
Avg. Sales Price
Days on Market
Nov 2010
65
31
31
$89,176
215
Nov 2009
57
14
17
$110,147
161
For the latest Gainesville FL real estate market conditions in your area, please call me at 888-424-8841 or visit MyGatorCondo.com.
Yes, it’s that delightful time of year again, the time of shopping, decorating, baking, counting down the days, carols, entertaining, and making merry with friends and family. It’s a time of hustle and bustle–with so much to do in so little time! And so…it must also be time for some Christmas tips and time-savers to help you enjoy the holiday just a bit more–and to give you an excuse to sit down for a minute or two while you read this message! In an attempt to make life a little easier, I’ve organized my hints and suggestions into general categories. Unfortunately, this is the only thing I seem to be able to organize, as my own house is strewn with unwrapped gifts, un-hung decorations, and recipes for unbaked goodies! Maybe tomorrow…
SHOPPING AND GIFTS:
Little known trivia: 7/10 of all dogs in Britain receive gifts from their owners.
Out of ideas? Need something unique like a ‘I Love You’ stones, a wine chiller, a deluxe valet or birthstone ornaments? RedEnvelope.com will surprise you with its offerings. Prefer something whimsical, geeky, or spiritual? Then go to Gifts.com.
There are ideas for those who are budget conscious and those with champagne taste. Many online shopping sites offer free shipping, and some will even gift-wrap for you!
Remember, you can rarely go wrong with a book and Amazon.com is a great source of seasonal favorites, new releases, or the perfect book for just about anyone, young or old.
Little known trivia: There are two Christmas Islands in the world–one in the Pacific and one in the Indian Ocean.
DECORATIONS:
Little known trivia: The first tree tinsel was real silver cut into thin strips.
Looking for new ideas to freshen up the holiday decorations in your Gainesville FL home? Think about displaying seasonally dressed teddy bears, hanging small ornaments on house plants, using cookie cutter or foil-wrapped walnuts as tree ornaments, and tying ribbons and bows to the stems of wine glasses and around the handles of cutlery . These ideas and 95 more can be found at http://www.allthingschristmas.com.
Get suggestions for suggestions on both indoor and outdoor decorating, making wreaths, and creating themed trees. The site also includes some unusual centerpieces, such as a child’s pop-up book, an arrangement of green apples, cinnamon, and greenery, and colorful balls made from Christmas light bulbs. Ever thought about a sugar plum tree?
Little known trivia: 77 million Christmas trees are planted each year.
And speaking of trees, did you know that 5 miles of lights are used to light up Rockefeller Center?
You can also have a virtual visit to theWhite House tree in the Blue Room. And you just can’t miss the singing tree!
Singing! How could I omit the MUSIC category?
MUSIC:
Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself around you like a shawl. – Bess Street Aldrich
The sounds of this holiday are like no other with pealing bells, children’s shrieks of delight and excitement, rustling gift wrap, whispered secrets and wonderings, and ever theChristmas songsinviting us to sing along in joy and celebration. In addition to the singing tree, you can join in, listen to, or hum with seasonal tunes. Think to about joining or forming a group to go out caroling some evening.
Perhaps it’s time for a lighthearted Christmas poem before we continue on our holiday journey.
The scene we often envision at this time of year is one of family and friends sitting around a blazing fire with a brightly lighted tree, stockings hung from the mantel, and colorfully wrapped gifts adding to the cozy and festive atmosphere of your Gainesville FL home. A setting lovely to imagine–and to experience–but also one which requires awareness and safety precautions. Fires occurring during the holidays claim the lives of more than 400 Americans each year, and approximately 2 to 3 people per hour are treated in an emergency room due to “decorating” falls and other seasonal injuries.
At the time of year when lists–gift lists, menu lists, activities lists, and to do lists, e.g..–play such a large role in our lives, it is also necessary to establish a safety checklist to ensure an accident-free holiday for your family, guests, and even your pets. Suggestions for taking precautions include the following:
DECORATIONS
Inspect lights for damage and link no more than 3 strands together. Use only UL approved and only as directed–indoor lights should not be used outside. Beware of overloading outlets. Don’t leave on when you’re not home.
If you prefer a live tree, make certain it is fresh when you buy it and water, water, water!
Use non-flammable or flame retardant decorations.
Never leave lighted candles unattended, near combustible materials, or within reach of children or pets. Make certain to extinguish them before retiring for the night.
It is commonly believed that the first actual celebration of the harvest and blessings from God took place in Plymouth in 1621. The festivities lasted three days and included feasting, entertainment, and competitions. For more about the holiday’s history!
Who Doesn’t Love a Parade?
The first annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place in 1924. That first year, it was known as the Macy’s Christmas Parade. It was created to launch the holiday shopping season. Today, the parade is attended by an estimated three million people each year. Approximately 44 million people around the country watch the parade on television.
Other large parades which commemorate the holiday are the IKEA Thanksgiving Parade in Philly, McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago, and the UBS Parade Spectacular in Stamford.
Money-saving tips for Thanksgiving–something we would all be thankful for!
1. Have a BYOD (bring your own dish) celebration. Asking your guests to contribute to the meal is a great way to save on expenses–and on your own cooking time.
2. Keep it simple. Cut down on the number of side dishes you have. A festive table doesn’t have to be extravagant.
3. Serve boxed wine or large bottles of soda. Cans and individual bottles are far more expensive.
4. Use natural items for decorations–leaves, fruit, squash, gourds, pumpkins, and dried flowers from your garden. A large candle and colorful fruit make a lovely centerpiece. Visit a dollar store for inexpensive holiday items.
5. Check store ads for sales and coupons before you shop for Thanksgiving Day goodies.
6. If time and your schedule allow, bake it yourself. Baking all your pies at one time will also save energy costs.
7. Plan ahead for using the leftovers. In addition to the tradition soup and sandwiches, think about turkey chili, tacos, frittatas, enchiladas, salads, and even paella. Note: price per pound of a turkey decreases with weight. The bigger the bird, the less the cost–and the more for leftovers!
8. Volunteer. Soup kitchens, church outreach programs, and ‘Meals On Wheels’ can certainly use help, so skip the shopping, share your time with others, and let your family members see how fortunate they really are.”
“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, “Thank you,” that would suffice.” Meister Eckhart
Interesting facts:
More than 40 million green bean casseroles are consumed each Thanksgiving!
Tofurkey, a soy-and-wheat based turkey alternative, was created by Sam Tibbot in 1995 and continues to be a popular choice among vegetarians.
To calculate the amount of food you’ll need, follow this guide.
Whole turkey–1 lb. per person
Bone-in turkey breast–¾ lb. per person
Boneless turkey breast–½ lb. person
Time required for thawing the bird: for each 4 ½ lbs. of frozen turkey, allow 24 hours of thaw time in the refrigerator. Once fully thawed, the turkey may be refrigerated for 1-2 days.
Quick” thawing method: Place turkey in its original wrapping in sink and cover with COLD water. Change the water every 1/2 hour to maintain the temperature. Allow 1/2 hour per pound to defrost the turkey. Most turkeys will take from 5 to 10 hours to thaw.
There are so many Thanksgiving activities for the younger set to take part in, especially while they’re waiting for the turkey to cook.
Make memories with these turkeys made from tracings of your child’s hands and feet.
Use fresh and dried leaves for art projects like the creative ones at Squigly’s Playhouse.
Make a simple banner using coffee filters and printed letters looks more complicated than it is. Children will love folding the filters to look like turkey tails.
This Thanksgiving Feast is a fun arcade-style food game for kids to learn about nutrition.
Visit a rain forest right in Gainesville at Devil’s Millhpper Geological State Park. You will travel down 120 feet into the bowl shape cavity where lush vegetation thrives, even in on a hot, dry Gainesville summer day. The sides of the sinkhole are limestone and there is a small stream that flows down the sides and into the ground. People from all over the world come to see this natural wonder and to learn more about the natural history of Florida. Fossils belonging to sharks, marine animals and the remains of extinct animals have been found in the sinkhole.
This is a great family adventure that will leave everyone talking about the interesting things that they learned through the interpretive displays. Don’t forget to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in this wonderful place.
Now is the perfect time to visit one of Gainesville best attractions, Kanapaha Botanical Garden. Walk through the 1 ½ miles of paved walkways viewing the stand of Chinese royal bamboo, giant Victorian water lilies and Asian snake arums. As you walk through the garden there are different areas that highlight certain types of plants and flowers.
Here are just a few of these specialized areas:
In the Herb Garden you can learn what herbs are native to the Gainesville area and also what herbs can be used for medical purposes.
The Bamboo Garden is an amazing display of different types of bamboo which is the fastest growing vascular plant. Some bamboo can grow as fast as 2 inches an hour during the shoot season.
The Woodland Garden which is home to plant that thrives in a more wooded area. Some of the plants you can expect to see are the Asian snake arums and spike mosses.
The Hummingbird Garden is home to flowers that attract hummingbirds, who like tubular flowers that are red, orange or pink. There is only one hummingbird that is native to Florida the ruby-throated hummingbird.
Don’t miss the Children’s Garden which is an interactive garden designed just for children. They will enjoy hunting for fossils, sea shells and other artifacts at the Treasure Wall. Teach your children about plant pollination at the wildflower meadow and vegetable garden. And young and old alike will enjoy trying to figure out the hedge maze.
The Gardens offer benches and gazebos through out for those who want to relax and take in the beauty of their surroundings. Spend the day exploring the gardens and learning more about native plants of Gainesville.
Little Women
SHOPPING AND GIFTS:
Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself around you like a shawl. – Bess Street Aldrich
DECORATIONS
Ode to Thanksgiving
1. Have a BYOD (bring your own dish) celebration. Asking your guests to contribute to the meal is a great way to save on expenses–and on your own cooking time.
There are so many Thanksgiving activities for the younger set to take part in, especially while they’re waiting for the turkey to cook.
