ORLANDO, Fla. — John Rivers opened a second location of 4 Rivers Smokehouse, whose ribbon cutting ceremony was held April 18. The new addition is bigger than the original, but don't expect the queues to be any shorter.
People are still forming long lines to get a taste of what started in Rivers' garage as a fund raiser for a child with cancer. Rivers needed a new place to continue cooking and giving back to the community when his wife kicked him out of that garage due to the messes that the barbecues were leaving behind.
"Oct. 26 of 2009 we opened the doors ... the lines started that day, and we're very blessed that the line has never stopped," said Rivers.
One could attribute the long lines to the place being too small, but that doesn't seem to be it in either the customers's or Rivers' eyes. Rivers credits the success of his restaurants to the quality of the food and the level of customer service his employees give.
"Barbecue's not my favorite, but this sis different for some reason," said Bridgett Hagen, one of the many customers in line at 4 Rivers Smokehouse. "The food is actually really good and the people are really nice."
The barbecue sauce and brisket — which took four years and 18 years to perfect, respectively — are what Rivers feels set his barbecue apart from all the others.
About the customer service Rivers said, "everybody pitches in and because it's such a small place ... it really creates that teamwork ... that ultimately emanates down to the customer."
Rivers also spoke business and what he sees in store the restaurant's future as of now. Rivers said that his goal is to eventually own 24 locations — non-franchised — throughout the country. He eventually hopes to be able to open two locations per year.
In the short-term, Rivers already has a space leased for a third location in Longwood, Fla.
Information on Rivers and 4 Rivers Smokehouse can be found on the website, http://www.4rsmokehouse.com/ and on the company's Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/4RSmokehouse.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Jenks
By Amanda Gonzalez
ORLANDO, Fla. — Andrew Jenks, a young filmmaker with a hit show on MTV, made an appearance Wednesday, March 16 at the University of Central Florida. Jenks told the audience of his journey to where he is today and encouraged attendees to never give up. Success was not instant for Jenks.
Jenks spoke about his first documentary, “Room 335,” and the ups and downs that it brought for him. No nursing home in New York would allow Jenks to live in the home for a week to follow and document the lives of the elderly. As the “no’s” kept rolling in, Jenks decided to make some calls to Florida, where a Port St. Lucie nursing home finally allowed him to move in, live with, and document life for the residents at the home.
The task of putting the documentary out was just as hard for Jenks. “I started submitting it randomly to film festivals, I just wanted to get on screen somewhere,” said Jenks of the documentary he made. “I got rejected from a lot of places. Some of those film festivals even called and said it wasn’t even a good movie, stop submitting it to film festivals.”
Jenks said that one of the biggest things he learned professionally, “was not taking no for an answer.” Jenks made it a point to inform that he would not be where he is today had he accepted the “no’s” from the nursing homes in New York and the film festivals.
“World of Jenks,” which is Jenks’ MTV show, seemed to be a topic of interest with the audience. Jenks says he agreed to do the show because he wants to give the younger generation in America a voice. Jenks lived with and filmed people in the age range of 19-25. Each subject had a different life from the other, but it was all real and all happening to these young kids.
Jenks said that he cannot choose a favorite because each person opened his eyes to something different. Jenks moved in with each subject for a week, whether it meant staying in their room, on their couch, on the floor or on the streets in one particular case.
“I thought this would be a cool way to still be able to work and kind of engage with what is my audience, the people who watch the show, and talk to them and get a feel for. You have the show, but it’s on TV and you don’t get that same experience,” said Jenks of his college speaking tour.
Adam Hill, a longtime friend of Jenks and law student at Florida Coastal in Jacksonville, was in attendance at Jenks’ speech. “He’s a down to earth guy, the same guy you see on TV. That’s why he’s doing this right here, to put a face behind it,” said Hill. “You see an episode and don’t actually get to see that this is what he’s really all about.”
After Jenks’ speech students were given the opportunity to line up and ask him questions. Most questions were based on “World of Jenks” and the different subjects from different episodes, some of whom Jenks still keeps in contact with.
UCF student Alexis Acosta stuck around for the entire two hour speech. “I’ve seen him before in St. Louis at a convention,” said Acosta. “It was just about the same speech, but both times it was so awesome because he speaks for people our age.”
Jenks was pleased with the crowd stating that it was an, "amazing crowd here in Orlando."
Casting for the second season of “World of Jenks” is currently taking place. Information on the show can be found at http://www.mtv.com/shows/world_of_jenks/series.jhtml. Information specific to Jenks and his college speaking tour can be found at http://andrewjenks.com/.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Andrew Jenks, a young filmmaker with a hit show on MTV, made an appearance Wednesday, March 16 at the University of Central Florida. Jenks told the audience of his journey to where he is today and encouraged attendees to never give up. Success was not instant for Jenks.
Jenks spoke about his first documentary, “Room 335,” and the ups and downs that it brought for him. No nursing home in New York would allow Jenks to live in the home for a week to follow and document the lives of the elderly. As the “no’s” kept rolling in, Jenks decided to make some calls to Florida, where a Port St. Lucie nursing home finally allowed him to move in, live with, and document life for the residents at the home.
The task of putting the documentary out was just as hard for Jenks. “I started submitting it randomly to film festivals, I just wanted to get on screen somewhere,” said Jenks of the documentary he made. “I got rejected from a lot of places. Some of those film festivals even called and said it wasn’t even a good movie, stop submitting it to film festivals.”
Jenks said that one of the biggest things he learned professionally, “was not taking no for an answer.” Jenks made it a point to inform that he would not be where he is today had he accepted the “no’s” from the nursing homes in New York and the film festivals.
“World of Jenks,” which is Jenks’ MTV show, seemed to be a topic of interest with the audience. Jenks says he agreed to do the show because he wants to give the younger generation in America a voice. Jenks lived with and filmed people in the age range of 19-25. Each subject had a different life from the other, but it was all real and all happening to these young kids.
Jenks said that he cannot choose a favorite because each person opened his eyes to something different. Jenks moved in with each subject for a week, whether it meant staying in their room, on their couch, on the floor or on the streets in one particular case.
“I thought this would be a cool way to still be able to work and kind of engage with what is my audience, the people who watch the show, and talk to them and get a feel for. You have the show, but it’s on TV and you don’t get that same experience,” said Jenks of his college speaking tour.
Adam Hill, a longtime friend of Jenks and law student at Florida Coastal in Jacksonville, was in attendance at Jenks’ speech. “He’s a down to earth guy, the same guy you see on TV. That’s why he’s doing this right here, to put a face behind it,” said Hill. “You see an episode and don’t actually get to see that this is what he’s really all about.”
After Jenks’ speech students were given the opportunity to line up and ask him questions. Most questions were based on “World of Jenks” and the different subjects from different episodes, some of whom Jenks still keeps in contact with.
UCF student Alexis Acosta stuck around for the entire two hour speech. “I’ve seen him before in St. Louis at a convention,” said Acosta. “It was just about the same speech, but both times it was so awesome because he speaks for people our age.”
Jenks was pleased with the crowd stating that it was an, "amazing crowd here in Orlando."
Casting for the second season of “World of Jenks” is currently taking place. Information on the show can be found at http://www.mtv.com/shows/world_of_jenks/series.jhtml. Information specific to Jenks and his college speaking tour can be found at http://andrewjenks.com/.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Abuse Prevention and Recovery
By Amanda Gonzalez
Valencia Community College recognized sexual responsibility week. Darlene Barriere made an appearance at Valencia's East campus to give a presentation on abuse prevention and recovery, topics that go hand in hand with the Get into Reading book choice, "Push."
Barriere began her presentation by informing the audience that she was a victim of child abuse and sexual assault herself. "I really wanted what happened to me to have purpose. What better way than to share my story," said Barriere. "Awareness helps you to understand and make better choices."
Among abuse and recovery issues Barriere covered were the effects of alcohol and its presence in many rape cases, the shame that victims of abuse feel as well as the blame they put on themselves, and the more modern issue of sexting.
Other topics that were addressed with particular importance were those of dating violence and consent. Attendees were informed that sexual awareness can make all the difference in becoming a victim of sexual assault. Barriere also stressed the importance of consent, including what can and cannot be considered consent.
David Novalis, a peer educator at Valencia, was part of the group that made Barriere's appearance possible.
"We already had a lead on her, someone already knew about her, so we contacted her. We had tables outside on Tuesday and Wednesday and we made the brochures," said Novalis of preparations for the speech.
Barriere felt she could relate to Precious Jones, the fictional character from "Push," because Barriere was also scared to speak out at first. Barriere happened to be one of the abuse victims who believed society would put the blame on her and look at her in a negative light."I thought they were going to blame me," said Barriere, "because it wasn't just my parents I thought it would come from; I thought it would come from my friends too."
Marilyn Friedland, a student at Valencia, shared her thoughts on the presentation and the ways in which it relates to "Push." "The situation with the mom and Precious in the book, that's someone you trust, that's someone that's your family member and they still turn their back on you," said Friedland. "She also has really low self-esteem, like the speaker was talking about that those people get targeted more often."
More information on Barriere and her work on abuse prevention and recovery can be found at http://www.darlenebarriere.com/ and http://www.child-abuse-effects.com/. Barriere can also be found on twitter under the name of HealFromAbuse.
Valencia Community College recognized sexual responsibility week. Darlene Barriere made an appearance at Valencia's East campus to give a presentation on abuse prevention and recovery, topics that go hand in hand with the Get into Reading book choice, "Push."
Barriere began her presentation by informing the audience that she was a victim of child abuse and sexual assault herself. "I really wanted what happened to me to have purpose. What better way than to share my story," said Barriere. "Awareness helps you to understand and make better choices."
Among abuse and recovery issues Barriere covered were the effects of alcohol and its presence in many rape cases, the shame that victims of abuse feel as well as the blame they put on themselves, and the more modern issue of sexting.
Other topics that were addressed with particular importance were those of dating violence and consent. Attendees were informed that sexual awareness can make all the difference in becoming a victim of sexual assault. Barriere also stressed the importance of consent, including what can and cannot be considered consent.
David Novalis, a peer educator at Valencia, was part of the group that made Barriere's appearance possible.
"We already had a lead on her, someone already knew about her, so we contacted her. We had tables outside on Tuesday and Wednesday and we made the brochures," said Novalis of preparations for the speech.
Barriere felt she could relate to Precious Jones, the fictional character from "Push," because Barriere was also scared to speak out at first. Barriere happened to be one of the abuse victims who believed society would put the blame on her and look at her in a negative light."I thought they were going to blame me," said Barriere, "because it wasn't just my parents I thought it would come from; I thought it would come from my friends too."
Marilyn Friedland, a student at Valencia, shared her thoughts on the presentation and the ways in which it relates to "Push." "The situation with the mom and Precious in the book, that's someone you trust, that's someone that's your family member and they still turn their back on you," said Friedland. "She also has really low self-esteem, like the speaker was talking about that those people get targeted more often."
More information on Barriere and her work on abuse prevention and recovery can be found at http://www.darlenebarriere.com/ and http://www.child-abuse-effects.com/. Barriere can also be found on twitter under the name of HealFromAbuse.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Duality
‘Duality’ shows two sides of great art
By Amanda Gonzalez
ORLANDO, Fla.—Chris Kahler, professor of painting and drawing at Eastern Illinois University, made an appearance at Valencia’s East Campus as part of the opening reception for “Chris Kahler: Duality.”
“Chris Kahler: Duality” is an art exhibition, which went on display this January at Valencia East. Although some of Kahler’s paintings are displayed in galleries in St. Louis, Mo. and Santa Fe, N.M., this is his first art show in Florida.
Upon entering the Anita S. Wooten gallery, the title piece of the installation can be seen with a painting of Kahler’s just below it. Behind the large-scale painting is the gallery itself. Several of Kahler’s paintings are on display in the gallery. The largest of all the paintings, which happens to be 20 feet wide, is displayed in a separate hallway of the same building.
“I’ve always loved drawing,” Kahler said. “My mom was a painter and my dad was an architect, so it runs in the family.”
Even though Kahler’s study of architecture came to an early end, the inspiration of architecture is apparent in many of his paintings, as well as the inspiration of biotechnology and anatomy.
Jackie Otto Miller, curator of the Anita S. Wooten gallery and a teacher of Design at Valencia, said, “Our dean, Wendy Givoglu, and our provost, Ruth Prather, they went to a conference and they met him and they saw his work, and they suggested to me that we post an exhibition of his work.”
The gallery is open to the public, as could be seen at the opening reception Friday night. Students, teachers, and outside visitors came with friends and family to see Kahler’s work as well as to hear his lecture.
“I’m here with my friend,” said Gabriela Cruz, a student at Valencia. “She likes art and wants to maybe take some art classes here, and she didn’t want to come alone. I liked it. It was really pretty and interesting to know how he does his work.”
By Amanda Gonzalez
ORLANDO, Fla.—Chris Kahler, professor of painting and drawing at Eastern Illinois University, made an appearance at Valencia’s East Campus as part of the opening reception for “Chris Kahler: Duality.”
“Chris Kahler: Duality” is an art exhibition, which went on display this January at Valencia East. Although some of Kahler’s paintings are displayed in galleries in St. Louis, Mo. and Santa Fe, N.M., this is his first art show in Florida.
Upon entering the Anita S. Wooten gallery, the title piece of the installation can be seen with a painting of Kahler’s just below it. Behind the large-scale painting is the gallery itself. Several of Kahler’s paintings are on display in the gallery. The largest of all the paintings, which happens to be 20 feet wide, is displayed in a separate hallway of the same building.
“I’ve always loved drawing,” Kahler said. “My mom was a painter and my dad was an architect, so it runs in the family.”
Even though Kahler’s study of architecture came to an early end, the inspiration of architecture is apparent in many of his paintings, as well as the inspiration of biotechnology and anatomy.
Jackie Otto Miller, curator of the Anita S. Wooten gallery and a teacher of Design at Valencia, said, “Our dean, Wendy Givoglu, and our provost, Ruth Prather, they went to a conference and they met him and they saw his work, and they suggested to me that we post an exhibition of his work.”
The gallery is open to the public, as could be seen at the opening reception Friday night. Students, teachers, and outside visitors came with friends and family to see Kahler’s work as well as to hear his lecture.
“I’m here with my friend,” said Gabriela Cruz, a student at Valencia. “She likes art and wants to maybe take some art classes here, and she didn’t want to come alone. I liked it. It was really pretty and interesting to know how he does his work.”
Brian Rickson seemed to agree. “I’ve seen his work before on the internet, but it’s better live,” said Rickson.
“Chris Kahler: Duality” will be on display at Valencia's East Campus until March 4. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Anita S. Wooten gallery can be found in building 3 of the Valencia East Campus.
Aside from visiting the “Chris Kahler: Duality” art show at the East Campus, you can see some more of Kahler’s paintings at http://www.brunodavidgallery.com and also at http://www.davidrichardcontemporary.com. Kahler’s work can be found under the artists tab on both web sites.
“Chris Kahler: Duality” will be on display at Valencia's East Campus until March 4. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Anita S. Wooten gallery can be found in building 3 of the Valencia East Campus.
Aside from visiting the “Chris Kahler: Duality” art show at the East Campus, you can see some more of Kahler’s paintings at http://www.brunodavidgallery.com and also at http://www.davidrichardcontemporary.com. Kahler’s work can be found under the artists tab on both web sites.
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