Features

Meeting and first talking with Olivia Davis, a person might feel two different ways at the same time. On the one hand, you could feel a little shy because Mrs. Davis herself is reserved in a stately sort of way that brings to mind a personage like the Queen Mother. On the other hand, because she pays close attention to what is being asked of her and then makes every effort to be helpful, you also feel welcome and cared about, like you would with a friend.

Anyone who spends even a little time getting to know the people who are living at Williston Rehab can tell you this: you won’t find much in the way of self-pity in their talk.

In fact, to a remarkable extent, what you will find are attitudes and ways of being like those of Marvin Martin.

Marvin, who is 50 years old, has been living at the nursing center for four months, and this is the first thing he says in response to a sympathetic comment about how young he is: “Many folks here are in worse condition than me.”

From the moment you ring the doorbell, there is no doubt about what drives Eden Langworthy: his family and his music.

The affable Langworthy greets guests in his bare feet and torn jeans. A tattoo in large ornate script says “Windy”, his wife of some 25 years and the person responsible for most of the words that flow from his brain to his fingertips as he writes songs inspired by those he loves and the life he lives.

Step in a world of lush tropical foliage. Bask in the fragrance of heady summer flowers. Delight in the verdant colors of Florida. Bask in the tranquility of all the best that nature can provide. Welcome to Linda Waddelow’s world.

Just a stone’s throw off Hwy. 27A west of Williston lies one of the most developed and yet natural half acres in Levy County.

Linda, an Indiana native who has lived here three years, has created a masterpiece in her front yard using plants, decor and imagination.

When Reba strayed into the animal shelter April 27, she was missing fur on over 50 percent of her body. Yet both staff and volunteers took to the sweet personality dog and decided she was a life worth saving.

Dr. Darlene Esler at Chiefland Animal Hospital drew blood, ran tests and confirmed that while Reba had demadex mange, she did not suffer with heart worm.

Dr. Esler prescribed medication and Arnette Garrison began a treatment plan to restore the loveable dog to health.

School’s out so it’s time to party and Miracle Vision Tabernacle Outreach Center is sponsoring its second annual “Summer Break Kick-Off” with a wealth of local and out of town musical talent.

“It’s for kids to start out with something positive for the summer,” Center Youth Adviser Shereka Jackson said. The entertainment is free.

The day starts at noon with games, activities, food and drink. On the menu is barbecue chicken and ribs, hot dogs, and french fries.

Amy Dixon proved Tuesday that you’re never too old to shake your booty to the music you love. Dixon, a Jamaica native who has lived in the U.S. since 1945, turned 95 Tuesday and celebrated with family and friends at Williston Rehab. After the cake presentation, Dixon asked for the music to be turned to reggae and as soon as it started, she got up and busted some moves. Dixon has lived in Florida for 30 years, coming here from New York where she was a dietitian at St. Vincent’s Hospital.

Lylia Jean Bracken is a happy woman indeed.

She fell in love with the Highwayman-style picture on display at the library, frequently bought tickets for the raffle, and, at the last meeting of the Friends of the Williston Library, her name was chosen as the winner.

The oil-based work was painted by Sylvester M. Wells, who executed it with an associate at a fall presentation at the library.

The Williston Regional Art Promotion will be held Saturday, May 2, at the Williston Woman’s Club on State Road 121 North.

One of the entertainment features will be Donovan, the Magician. Donovan comes to us with a wealth of experience, having appeared not only locally at Highlands Country Club, The Villages, Inglis and Yankeetown but he also toured the country as Ronald McDonald in his early years.