Local Folks: Anna Valent
Helping her community and being of service is at Anna Valent’s core. She knew from a young age that being involved in something bigger than herself was what she was meant to do – and she does just that. Not only professionally as the incoming executive director of Dreams Come True, but through her volunteer […]
Local Folks: Nick Patterson
Nick Patterson was just eight years old when he made the big move from Scotland to Jacksonville with his mother and twin brother. He fell in love with Jacksonville and, despite a short stint away for college, has no intention of ever leaving again. “As I started getting older and deciding whether I wanted to […]
Local Folks: Alise Morales
Jacksonville is a proud military town, and it’s proud of the military families that call it home, even if just for a short while. Although Alise Morales may not be a local from Jacksonville, she’s a local “for now” and enjoying the five years she’s spent here so far. Her husband, Joe, is active-duty U.S. […]
Animal House: FEATHER: A Second-Chance Champion
Feather is a regal, brindle-colored racing greyhound. Alone in the shelter at approximately one year old, she no history except a tattooed ear. She was assumed to have likely failed on the racetrack like countless other greyhounds and given away, but unlike the other dogs who often met worse fates, this “failed” dog became an […]
Local Folks: Bryan Arnold
Bryan Arnold’s family tree has wide roots in Jacksonville, specifically the Ortega area. He is a Jacksonville native, and his father practiced law in the city for 54 years. “All my dad’s family grew up here,” he said. “If you run across any Arnold, I’m probably related to them.” A self-proclaimed “simple guy,” Arnold has […]
Local Folks: Josh Gellers
While Josh Gellers might claim his move to Jacksonville was just luck and timing, it took two years of applying to more than 78 jobs to finally beat out nearly 150 applicants for a job as an assistant professor in the political science department at the University of North Florida (UNF). “I’m very grateful, Gellers […]
Animal House: Have Pets, Will Travel
If the family’s recent travels with a pet included unexpected difficulties, planning – plus travel-friendly pet gear – can make future trips more carefree. Planning is essential to streamline public transportation or lodging for pets. Packing functional gear specifically designed for pets, including smooth-rolling carriers, lightweight backpacks or collapsible strollers, can make activities easier and […]
Local Folks: Dr. Azi Yavari
Azi Yavari is the doctor behind the healthy teeth and happy smiles at Hendricks Dental Studio, a practice she bought from a retiring dentist in 2016. “I love my job!” she said, and she’s been at it for nearly 20 years. An immigrant from Iran, Yavari came to Jacksonville at age eight and stayed until […]