Author: Debbie Roney Smith

Pebble Hill Polo Classic

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The Pebble Hill Polo Classic is coming to Tallahassee Saturday, March 18th. The event is an opportunity for Pretty Woman fans to live out the annual polo tradition of “Stomping of the Divots” as popularized by Julia Roberts as Vivian. Dress up in your favorite fascinator or seersucker suit and embrace the tradition. The Polo Classic will feature a women’s polo match, children’s activities, live music, and local food. Come out to Pebble Hill Plantation to enjoy the event. Tickets are $50 per vehicle; learn more or purchase your ticket online HERE. 

March Full Moon

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March’s full moon was for the history books. This month’s moon was a super moon, a term coined by astrologer Richard Nolle. It describes either a new or full moon that is close to Earth; this usually increases the visibility, brightness, and perceived size of the moon by those on the planet’s surface. March’s full moon goes by many names and is recognized by many cultures across the world. 

Northern Native American tribes refer to the March moon as the Full Crow Moon. Some groups call it the Crust Moon, the Sap Moon, or the Sugar Moon. In Sri Lanka, it’s known as Madin Poya or Medin. The moon holds cultural importance for many cultures. In the Hebrew calendar, the full moon is linked to the observance of Passover. March’s full moon also corresponds with Holi, a Hindu celebration of the conquest of good over evil.

It is widely known as the Worm Moon thanks to the Native Americans who named it “worm” in reference to a type of beetle larvae that emerges from the thawing bark of trees. In some areas of the world, it’s known as the Worm Moon because of its association with the warming of the ground, the emergence of worms, and the return of spring. 

 

Astronomy at Florida Caverns State Park

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Florida Caverns State Park is excited to announce a special Astronomy Night! Thanks to the participation of the Tallahassee Astronomical Society, there will be an evening opportunity for interested individuals to come out to the State Park to learn more about stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies. 

The Astronomy Night will be held on Saturday, March 18th from 5-8pm CST. While the event is free, park entrance is $5.00 per vehicle and is required to access the event site. In the event of poor viewing conditions, cancellation
information will be available at the Ranger Station by 4pm on Saturday. For more information contact Florida Caverns State Park at 850-482-1228.

Greenwood: A Great Place to Live!

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Greenwood is a small, close-knit community in Jackson County, Florida. The town is home to a number of historic sites such as the Historic Erwin House and the Great Oaks/Bryan Plantation. Additionally, Greenwood is home to the oldest running hardware store, Pender’s Store. Pender’s was opened in 1869 under the name of N. B. Long and Bros. The store maintains the original shelves and heart pine floors. 

The small town is nestled among a growing community, has a lovely public park, and is within a day of a number of amazing cities, state parks, and family-friendly activities. Considering moving to Greenwood? Click on the photos of the beautiful homes below to visit their listing and schedule a viewing!

Senior-Specific Moving Service

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Seniors are a group of individuals who often relocate. There is a variety of reasons seniors move including retirement, downsizing, or access to better health care. No matter the reason, moving can be a lot to handle for the elderly. Hiring a senior-specific moving service can help make the process smoother and less stressful. This is important as 45% of Americans report that they find moving to be stressful.

Caring.com, a leading senior resource, has created a new resource that provides information on the best senior moving companies. It pulls together all the information seniors or their caregivers need to make an informed decision. The resource contains senior moving company details such as specific services, features, service coverage, and discounts. The resource also explains how to avoid scam companies.

Visit the resource HERE. 

Caregiver Appreciation Day

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Caregiver Appreciation Day is a national celebration that recognizes the individuals who provide care services to people who cannot care for themselves. These people include the elderly, the disabled, and those who are hospitalized or in need of temporary care. There are a variety of caregiver appreciation days but it is generally celebrated on either November 13th and/or March 3rd. The value of services provided by informal caregivers has steadily increased over the last decade; worth $450 in 2009, $470 billion in 2013, and $375 billion in 2007.(1)

This annual celebration honors and thanks the selfless caregivers who give their time, effort, and emotional energy to those who need it. Caregivers work with a spectrum of individuals who need assistance due to different conditions; some individuals who require full or part-time caregivers are those living with disabilities, illnesses, and the elderly. There are over 40 MILLION caregivers in the U.S.A. They play an essential role in communities and often go unrecognized for their work.(2) 

Habitat for Humanity Ocala Strawberry Festival

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While a bit of a drive, the upcoming Ocala Strawberry Festival is worth the trip. The 8th annual one-day event features over 230 unique vendors, a kids zone with a petting zoo, a pie eating contest, a petting zoo, live entertainment, photo booths, a car show, a BMX show, and bushels of Plant City strawberries to enjoy. Not only is the festival a fun, tasty time for all ages but all proceeds go to a great cause – proceeds go towards the building of a new, affordable home for low-income families. The house will be called Strawberry House and it will offer low-income families an affordable mortgage and a safe, secure environment to raise their children.

The festival will take place at the McPherson complex on Saturday, March 4th from 9am to 5pm. Festival entry is FREE but please note that on-site parking will be $5/vehicle and vendors will be taking cash/card. Learn more by visiting the festival website HERE for more information or to pre-order your strawberry flat for pickup at the festival. 

North Forida Vegfest

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The 7th Annual North Florida VegFest is coming to Tallahassee on March 4th! Visit Tom Brown Park from 10am to 4pm to enjoy the festival. Tom Brown Park is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your well-behaved, four-legged friends; they must be on leash. VegFest is put on by the Tallahassee Vegan/Vegetarian Community to celebrate and educate on the veg-lifestyle. The festival focuses on healthy, sustainable, and compassionate living and is appropriate for all ages and all lifestyles. Entry to the festival is FREE but vendors will be taking cash and card, so come prepared. The festival will feature speakers, cooking demos, food vendors, artisans, healthy living vendors, eco-friendly vendors, non-profits, kids’ activities, and free vegan food samples! Be sure to check the North Florida VegFest website for updates HERE. 

 

 

Science Spot for Tots

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The Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida is currently holding a series of Science Spots for Tots. Located in Tallahassee, the Discovery Center welcomes all ages to the class although they are geared towards the 2-5 age group. However, the activities are adaptable so children of many ages/abilities can learn and participate. Entry to the event includes day admission to the museum! The event typically runs from 11:30am to12:30pm EST. 

The cost for members of the museum is as follows: $5 for the 1st child and $3 for each additional child. Non-members pay $6 for the 1st child and $3 for each additional child. For both purchases, one accompanying adult is free. The next available class is the February 28th Push & Pull event. However, there will be a number of events until the end of April:

  • March 7th – Light & Shadow
  • March 14th – Sound
  • March 21st – Growing/Animal Babies
  • March 28th – Materials/Things We Use
  • April 4th – Ants
  • April 11th – Spiders
  • April 18th- Rocks
  • April 25th- Backbone Bonanza

Great Oaks Historic Site

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Great Oaks is a Greenwood Historical Site. It’s an Antebellum style mansion built in 1860 for Hamilton Bryan’s mother. The house was originally erected on the 5,200 acre plantation owned by Elijah Bryan, Hamilton’s father. The home slowly fell into disrepair until Bryan desendants eventually sold the home to the Claude-Reese family. The family restored the home between 1961 and 1965; the home is built almost entirely out of heart yellow pine. It stands as a tribute to the era is was built in and is supported by the Jackson County Historical Commission.