ALACHUA COUNTY’S CUSCOWILLA,
SUMMER CAMP AT ITS BEST
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If you are looking for a great and affordable summer camp experience, Alachua County’s Cuscowilla (formerly Camp McConnell, 210 S.E. 134th Avenue, Micanopy) is registering children from kindergarten to twelfth grade for overnight and day camps. At Cuscowilla Summer Camp, campers get back to nature, develop a sense of community, and learn leadership skills in a safe atmosphere at this 210-acre camp with a lake and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Activities for campers include swimming, archery, canoeing, a climbing tower, arts and crafts, and recreational games.
“Summer Camp is a great way to continue to engage youth during out-of-school time,” says Camp Manager Lexi Green. “At Cuscowilla, we strive to engage youth in hands-on activities throughout their time with us as well as create a space where youth feel free to be themselves, build community, and develop skills like problem-solving and communication with their peers.”
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Alachua County Victim Services Survivors of Violence Art Show |
The Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center recently held their annual Survivors of Violence Art Exhibit at the Harn Museum of Art. The exhibit showcased original artwork in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April). All survivors of interpersonal violence are welcome to submit original work, including performance pieces, for the annual exhibit.
"Art can be utilized as an expressive outlet to process one’s emotional wellbeing," said Alachua County Project Coordinator Cassandra Moore. “We are honored to host this event and share the stories of those in our community who have been impacted by interpersonal violence.”
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Safety Around Pools and Waterways Reminders |
With summer quickly approaching, Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) reminds parents and other community members to be safe when children are enjoying their time in and around pools or Alachua County’s waterways.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children one to four years old, and although children are more prone to drowning, anyone can drown. About 3,400 people drown each year in the United States. These events happen quickly and silently. Fortunately, drowning is preventable.
Before the splashing begins, teach children about pool and water safety. Children should learn how to swim before jumping into the water and should also be taught to stay away from drains and other outlets.
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June’s Plant of the Month is the Seminole Pumpkin |
The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce that the June “Plant of the Month” is Seminole pumpkin.
Seminole pumpkins make an excellent substitute for pumpkin or butternut squash when cooking. Young, green fruits can be harvested and eaten without peeling. The beautiful yellow flowers are also edible raw, stuffed, or fried. Seminole pumpkins are 90 percent water, and 1 cup of cooked pumpkin flesh is less than 50 calories.
June is a good time to grow Seminole pumpkins in North Central Florida. Check the Plant of the Month website for information on planting, harvesting, recipes, and more.
The Plant of the Month program is a collaborative effort between the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteers, the Alachua County Public Library, and Working Food.
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Alachua County Emergency Management Invites Public Participation in Mitigation Planning |
Alachua County Emergency Management invites residents to attend the Alachua County Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) Working Group’s Project Ranking Task Force meeting on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Alachua County Emergency Operations Center (1100 S.E 27th Street, Gainesville). Participants can attend the meeting in person or via Zoom. Those planning to attend should RSVP by sending an email to [email protected].
Attendees will be able to observe how mitigation projects are ranked for prioritization.
“The Alachua County LMS Working Group is responsible for maintaining the Alachua County Local Mitigation Strategy. This document is intended to guide efforts to protect life, property, and the environment from natural or technological hazards,” said Emergency Management Director Jen Grice.
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2022 4-H Summer Day Camps |
The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the 2022 4-H Summer Day Camps. These camps are being offered by Mary Lee Sale, 4-H Youth Development Agent, at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium (22716 W. Newberry Road, Newberry) unless otherwise indicated.
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The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County Provides an Update on the Current National Infant Formula Shortage |
The Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) is monitoring the current infant formula shortage and takes this life-threatening issue very seriously.
On May 12, 2022, State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo sent a letter to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf regarding the formula shortages affecting some of Florida’s most vulnerable populations. DOH-Alachua wants to ensure Floridians are kept up to date on this issue and have the correct information on how to protect their family.
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Environmental Protection Advisory Committee Vacancies |
The Alachua County Commission seeks applications to fill openings on the Environmental Protection Advisory Committee (EPAC). EPAC currently meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at the Environmental Protection Department Conference Room A, located in the Seagle Building (408 W. University Avenue, Gainesville).
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