By: Ryan Luke

On the west side of Jacksonville in  McGirts Creek Regional Park, one baseball league is redefining what it means to be a part of a team and to play the sport.  

The Jacksonville Miracle League is an adaptive baseball league that provides children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to play in an inclusive and supportive environment.  

To support its mission, the league uses volunteer “buddies” who help the players throughout games with actions such batting, throwing, and running the bases. Their help ensures that the players get to fully participate and experience some of the benefits and joy derived from the game.  

For many families, however, the impact extends far beyond the field. Carey Hansen, president of the Jacksonville Miracle League, says the excitement the players get the moment they see the field is indescribable, and participating gives them a sense of pride.  

“They have a team of their own, they have teammates, and they are bringing the family to watch their game finally,” Hansen said.  

The organization’s influence also lies in its ability to provide a welcoming space where all players feel comfortable enough to be themselves. Sherri Snow, the league’s secretary and a parent of one of the players, says that people with disabilities are still largely overlooked by the community and that the league helps level the playing field. “Out here nobody looks at your disability, so they can be themselves and be around the same type of people,” Snow said. “We’re like a family out here.” 

For parents like Tameka Jones, the environment upheld by the league has left a lasting effect. Her son Myles, who has autism, has gained both confidence and connection through the experience.  

“There is a great support system,” Jones said. “It has built up his confidence, and it does give him a talking point because sometimes he does have a hard time starting conversations.” 

The sentiment shared by the parents is perhaps best reflected by the athletes themselves. From friendships with buddies and teammates to getting to share the field with people like them, the athletes say that the experience is something they truly love. 

“I just love it so much,” said player James Veasy. “I love to be with my buddies and my friends and baseball.” 

With each swing, rounding of a base and crossing of home plate, the Jacksonville Miracle League continues to prove that baseball is a game for everyone and that every moment is worth celebrating.  

By: Lily Mitchell

The Jacksonville Pottery Studio is a welcoming space that offers workshops, classes and memberships to anyone no matter the skill set. Three years ago, the studio moved into a larger 7,350 sq. ft building allowing them to expand their operation and grow with the community. 

Peyton Delaney has been the retail manager at Jacksonville Pottery Studio since they moved to the new location. Delaney felt burned out from her corporate job and wanted to try something new, so she took a wheel-throwing class. She fell in love with pottery and working on the wheel because it became therapeutic for her to use her hands. When she saw a position open, she applied and hasn’tstopped making cups, planters, and bowls since.  

Wheel-throwing is hard though. There are several moving parts, like your hand placement and pedal speed, that take time to get used to. Hannah Middlebrooks is a studio assistant and teaches a 5-week beginner course. She coaches her students and helps them become one with the clay until eventually they reach a “flow state” where you experience a mind and body synchronization that makes your movements ‘flow.’  

“Just like any other skill …you gotta practice, practice, practice.” —Hannah Middlebrooks 

For those suffering from stress or feeling drained from work, it can be beneficial to have a creative outlet such as ceramics. Research shows that making art increases happy hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin, while decreasing cortisol, the stress hormone. The Jacksonville Pottery Studio has become a place for people to escape their worries and create something to use in their daily routine.  

“I think mentally it’s just a good break. When you’re throwing on the wheel you can’t think about anything else.” —Hannah Middlebrooks 

Pottery incorporates art into everyday life and for people to have an idea, bring it to life and use it all the time can be quite special. Not to mention being a part of a community like the one at Jacksonville Pottery Studio helps with the creative process. The people who work there and their members have created a relaxed atmosphere that allows guests to feel inspired without judgement. 

 The Jacksonville Pottery Studio encourages everyone to slow down and dig into their creativity. 

To book a class at the Jacksonville Pottery Studio, click here.