You know, there are some activities that we avoid, particularly us menfolk, because we think of them as gender specific. When these observations are correct they save us from awkward situations. You don’t usually want to be the only man at a women’s tea party. But if you make an incorrect judgment, such as not going to the upcoming quilt show, you’ll miss out on a ton of regional and White Springs history, creativity and culture. This is truly another instance in which “The World Comes to White Springs” and it happens at the 28th Stephen Foster quilt show and sale on October 14 -16, 2016 at the Stephen Foster State Park in White Springs, FL. Quilts of all shapes and sizes will be on display and, more importantly, you and your family will have an opportunity to better know and understand the past and present of our region. For instance; On Friday October 14th at 11 a.m. Merri McKenzie will be speaking about the American Barn Quilt Trail movement, which is spreading all over the United States, including our community’s involvement, which came about with the creation of the White Springs Quilt Trail. Merri will highlight the work of two local quilters, the late Queenie Udell and the late Nancy Morgan. Artist Janet Moses, who painted all the quilt blocks in White Springs, as well as several in Madison and Lake City, will speak also. On Saturday October 15th at 2 p.m. the quilt show will have another special guest speaker, Mrs. Mary Fears, who will cover topics relating to the lives of African Americans and their traditional quilting techniques and usage during the Civil War. The program will include the display of the Underground Railroad Quilt, a pictorial display of slave-made quilts, quilts made from Civil War-era replicated fabric, an 1800’s-style infant cradle, and an authentic cradle from that era.
How does White Springs compare to the rest of the art and history world? Quite well I think. Beginning with the Whitney Museum of American Art's 1971 exhibit, “Abstract Design in American Quilts”, quilts have frequently appeared on museum and gallery walls. The Whitney exhibit helped shift the perception of quilts from solely a domestic craft object to art objects, increasing art world interest in them. Other museums that have featured quilt displays include the National Quilt Museum, the world-renowned Victoria and Albert Museum in England, the American Museum in Britain, the International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska, the Museum of New Zealand, The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, The New England Quilt Museum, The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum and the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawai’i. What’s my point??? Some of the best history, culture, art, presenters and educators in the world, in my opinion, will be right here in White Springs at the Quilt Show for your enjoyment and educational pleasure! Where will you be?
Congratulations to Helen Miller! Never doubt that a small town can make a difference. White Springs often has a voice that is heard just as well as the voice of bigger cities thanks to the individuals who are willing to do the work to make our voice heard. Helen Miller is one of those people. The Florida League of Cities has appointed our Town Councilmember, Helen Miller, to serve as vice chair of the 2016-2017 Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Legislative Policy Committee. Councilwoman Miller is a good listener and I think that our White Springs and regional concerns will be well represented as she undertakes this task.
I know that many of you care deeply about education in Hamilton County. If we are to grow and prosper, everybody from our students, to our private enterprises, to our public servants, should care about education. One way to show that you care is to go to the trouble to make informed choices when you vote for elected officials. Don’t vote just your party line, or just because of friendship or, even worse, misinformation. One way to make an informed choice is to get to know the candidates! You have the opportunity to do that with the candidates for Hamilton County School Superintendent. Supt. Tom Moffses and challenger Rex Mitchell are scheduled to be at the White Springs Community Center this Saturday, October 15 to discuss their vision and qualifications for the top education job in Hamilton County. The position of Superintendent is on the ballot for the November 8 Election. The candidate forum will begin at 3:30 pm and will conclude at 4:30 pm. Immediately after the forum, a BBQ chicken supper will be served. Chef Teddy Bear is grilling the chicken and the South Hamilton Elementary PTO is providing the sides dishes. In addition to making the community center available, the Town of White Springs is providing drinks for the event. Both candidates will make opening statements, followed by questions from the public. After the Q-A session, both candidates will make their closing statements. This forum is open to the public. Please join your neighbors to become better informed on the issues facing education in White Springs / Hamilton County. This is important to all of the children of White Springs, because your informed vote will affect them for the rest of their lives. Do your civic duty and vote but, please, make it an informed decision and, please, come to this event.
And on a more lighthearted side, something else that is good for the children in our lives. The 8th Annual Pumpkin Fest is being held at Big Shoals State Park on Saturday, October 15 at 3 PM. This will be a family fun event with pumpkin bowling, face painting, a treasure chest with prizes and a haunted hayride through the woods.
This column was written in digital shorthand! If you read last week’s column, you’ll know what I mean, and with that I’ll just say that, “Once again, I've said enough!” If your event or news is not in the column it’s probably because you didn’t tell me about it, and that is a shame because I love to hear from most of you! I hope to hear from you with news and I hope to see you out and about, enjoying your life in White Springs.
Walter McKenzie
386-303-1394