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2016 is here, has been here for seven days, and will be here for three hundred and fifty eight more days.  There are some things that we pretty much know will happen in White Springs before the year is over, and then there are some things that we don’t know, but would like to know.  Here is a partial list for your consideration.  Some of this will be of interest to our “out of town” friends who read this column too. 

What we do know; we will get a new fire station.  The bids go out this month for a brand new, three bay fire station and it should be built and operational this year.  This will be a good thing for our fire protection and for our insurance rating.   What we don’t know is how many volunteer fire fighters we’ll have.  I’m thinking that we’ll have more because of the new facility.  It will be a much nicer place with better facilities and amenities that our volunteers deserve.  Thanks go out to our firefighters who have worked under less than ideal circumstances over the years.  I hope this new facility makes things better for you and draws in some new recruits too!

What we do know; we won’t have to dodge as many potholes.  There will be some street repaving going on, starting with First Street.  What we don’t know is when we’ll get to all the streets that need it.  Soon I hope.  I know that the folks at Town Hall are actively looking for money for streets that need repaving.  In the meantime, be patient and report any bad potholes to Town Hall.

What we do know is that the spring is flowing and has been doing so for some time.  While that is good news, what we don’t know is how long the good news will continue.  That should be a concern.  We haven’t changed our consumption habits enough to be confident that our spring won’t run dry again.  Confidence of that sort seldom comes without preparation, courage and action. Will we have the courage to do what is needed?  We don’t really know.  We do know that some people in White Springs will continue to be a voice for progress and preservation in the great debate over springs restoration and water conservation.

What we do know is that over at Stephen Foster we have one of the finest state parks and campgrounds in the State of Florida.  What we don’t know is whether or not they can maintain that excellence in the coming year in view of recent state mandated staff and budget cuts.  You can help by letting your state representatives know that parks are important to you and to our local economy, and by becoming a volunteer.

What we do know is that people love to visit White Springs and will continue to do so.  What we don’t know is where to put them.  If they are not campers, there is only one B&B in town, and when it has no room we have to send folks to another county to find lodging.  We need more lodging in White Springs!  Could this be the year?  We should hope so.

We do know that we need a health care clinic in White Springs.  What we don’t know is when it will finally happen.  It would perhaps be a good use for the old Nature and Heritage center.  Stay tuned, but in the meanwhile be prepared to travel when you need health care.  Let’s hope this changes this year!

What we do know is that there will continue to be wonderful, world class music in White Springs.  Between the Florida Folk Festival, the monthly coffee houses, the gospel concerts, and the White Springs Folk Club’s series, there will be plenty of people playing.  What we don’t know is how many people will be listening?  Oh, there will be good crowds, because they know how great it is, but how many other folks would come every time if we could just get them to come the first time.  If you attend these events, keep coming and keep spreading the word.  If you’ve been putting it off, keep watching this column.  I’ll be sure to let you know about upcoming musical events in White Springs.

We do know that the “Old Ways” will continue to be appreciated and respected with all the appreciation and respect that is due them.  We don’t know which of the “New Ways” will be accepted.  Let’s at least give them some thought.  For instance, a Wellbeing Workshop with Tammy Bernard will be held at Suwannee River Yoga on Saturday, January 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a “pot luck” lunch.  Its called “De-Stress with Breath, Renew with Gratitude: The Science and Practice of Wellbeing.”  Tammy holds certification in Mindfulness Yoga and Meditation, Yoga of Awareness for Cancer and is trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Tammy works as an Integrative Medicine Practitioner and Yoga Therapist at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida where she delivers wellness programs to staff, patients and community. Her work with patients supports individuals living with chronic health conditions ranging from arthritis to cancer. Through breathing exercises, gentle movement and focused attention, she encourages individuals to explore the inner landscape of mind, body, and heart as pathways to self-discovery and self-nurturance.  Yoga may be “New” to White Springs, but many local folks have discovered it now and they will be there.  To register, or for more information, call Dottie Price at 386-208-3966.  

In the coming days I hope that you will all continue to launch the New Year with mindful tools and resources for greater self-care and self-compassion, which will then spread to our families and friends and neighbors.

Now that you’ve heard from me, I need to hear from you!  I am not the all-seeing and all-knowing!  Let one of your New Year’s resolutions be that you will contribute to your community by contributing to this column.  I hope that you will remember that I love to report the good news about life in White Springs.  If you have a story or some good news that you’d like to share in the coming year, I’d love to hear from you!  I am thankful that we truly are all connected and, as always, I look forward to seeing you out and about, enjoying your life in White Springs.  

Walter McKenzie

lifeinwhitesprings@gmail.com

386-303-1394