“Mini Masseur”
John Baltz picked his spot at the Renaissance Fair, offering his “sidewalk” therapy, alongside the arcade, ice cream, coffee, and bicycle shops, and let’s not forget, Hyde & Zeke’s Records, and Nell’s Takeout.*
((( “It’s All I Can Do” )))
dave hogerty
Relax
Jim Sumerlin and daughter Lea enjoy a moment with John Baltz’ magic fingers, and a recently cracked, ice-cold Heineken.
(After publication, one reader wrote an angry “Child Abuse” letter, and the “Editor” chose not to print it.)
monday
November 26, 1979
vol. 72 no. 43
dave hogerty
John Baltz is one of many sidewalk vendors at the Renaissance Fair, 1636 W. University Ave., but he’s also one of a kind. He doesn’t deal in leather, glass, clothes, or jewelry. He deals in aches, pains, and muscle tension. Although his style and location of massage are casual, Baltz’ training was formal. He received his master’s degree in education from the University of Miami (Ohio). After spending 15 years as a social worker in three Chicago hospitals, Baltz and his family moved south for warmer climates last spring.
Baltz enrolled in a Gainesville massage school and later received his license as an acupressue therapist.
But Baltz added a personal element to his new pursuit. He has applied elements of t’ai chi, a Chinese exercise using slow body movements. Baltz became interested in t’ai chi in Chicago.
Acupressure is associated with the more well-known acupuncture technique, but involves no penetration of the skin.
Baltz helps soothe strained, aching muscles by applying pressure to body areas, including the head, shoulders, and neck. A morphine-like substance and body-building proteins are released in the body, producing a tingling sensation.
Unlike most masters of the art of massage, Baltz is taking it to the streets in an effort to make the practice less mysterious and foreboding to the everyday person. Shunning body oils and dark, private surroundings traditionally associated with masseurs, Baltz tries to interact with a substantial portion of the diverse university community.
Baltz said that now, the massage venture is only a supplement to the money he and his wife earn otherwise, but he does hope one day to expand massage into a full time job.
What is the difference between a $I massage, a $2 massage and a $3 massage?
Baltz says unselfishly that, the sign is mostly for show, and for the most part, he’ll take whatever anyone offers.
Three Days In Gainesville
tuesday
April 11, 1978
vol. 70 no. 112
monday
November 26, 1979
vol. 72 no. 43
friday
October 24, 1980
vol. 74 no. 25
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA PLACES
• page 1.
dave hogerty
Three Days In Gainesville
tuesday
April 11, 1978
vol. 70 no. 112
monday
November 26, 1979
vol. 72 no. 43
friday
October 24, 1980
vol. 74 no. 25