A Healthy Assortment

With so many banned ingredients out of the way, Earth Fare has plenty of room for healthy food. Front and center of the store is the produce department, naturally. According to the company, 70 percent of the produce department is Certified Organic, which is more than any other supermarket in the industry. A commitment to organic and non-GMO is evident throughout the store. In fact, all 500+ private brand food products are made with only non-GMO ingredients.

The store boasts over 4,000 additional non-GMO items storewide, with over 1,000 gluten-free products,

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and a wide assortment to meet other dietary needs as well. The meat and seafood department carries an impressive array of grass-fed meat and 100 percent sustainably sourced seafood. In fact, if they don’t have the catch you’re looking for, they fulfill custom orders within 48 hours.

Just shy of 30,000 square feet (a big jump from their first humble 1,200 square foot storefront), the Ocala Earth Fare also includes a full service Heirloom Organic Café, featuring all organic juices, smoothies and co ee. If grab and go is more your speed, an extensive prepared

“If you applied the same list of banned ingredients at a conventional grocery store, the shelves would be nearly empty.”

› Justin Jackson, CMO

foods department awaits, with an organic salad bar, fresh hot bar, and ready-to-go packaged meals. (Insider Tip: The store o ers $5 Whole Roasted Chickens every Monday!) Last but not least is the bakery with a gorgeous array of fresh-baked goods, including traditional French macarons, a 98 cent organic baguette and several artisan bread options.

Best of all, Earth Fare o ers this wide array of healthy food at an a ordable price, with even more savings available through their Healthy Rewards loyalty program and a Weekly Email Flyer.

“The Ocala community deserves a place where they can shop for their families confidently, knowing that their carts are full of only the healthiest, tastiest foods at a price they can a ord, and we are thrilled to provide that confidence,” said Frank Scorpiniti.

Visit Ocala’s first Earth Fare, opening April 19. Open 7am-10pm daily. Shady Oaks Shopping Center, 2405 SW 27th Avenue #101, Ocala. earthfare.com

well done!

Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center has named Chester Wheeler as the 2016 Employee of the Year. This award is the highest honor bestowed on a hospital employee each year. Chester Wheeler was chosen from among 455 for the honor. Employees are nominated for the award by their hospital peers based on their commitment to patient care, professionalism and contributions on the job. Wheeler has worked for Seven Rivers Regional since June 2014, first as a registered nurse in the telemetry unit and then transitioning to ICU.

A Critical Certi Cation

Dr. Amanda Aulls, a boardcertified radiologist with Radiology Associates of Ocala (RAO) and the medical director of RAO’s Women’s Imaging Center, has earned a Certificate of Added Qualification in neuroradiology from the American Board of Radiology (ABR). ABR certification identifies a superior level of education, performance and professional acumen both patients and referring physicians can consider when seeking a neuroradiologist.

“Discoveries and technologies change constantly, and I’m dedicated to staying in pace with everyone,” says Dr. Aulls. “It’s something I do to provide exceptional service to patients and the many referring physicians who trust me with their patients’ diagnostic care.”

A Needed Addition

Ocala Health leadership recently released details on a multifaceted expansion project at Ocala Regional Medical Center, which will add nearly 35,000 square feet of new space and renovate 50,000 square feet of existing space. These projects represent an increase in capacity of approximately 15 percent (34 more inpatient beds). Since 2012, Ocala Health has made investments totaling more than $236 million, which represent the addition of 32 emergency department beds, 124 inpatient beds, and 437 jobs for our community. These expansions, along with the recent addition of a freestanding emergency department in Summerfield, exemplify Ocala Health’s commitment to adding new services and more access points for residents and visitors of Marion County.

Always Fresh

Earth Fare, the authentic specialty organic and natural foods grocery store, recently announced that Ocala shoppers will soon have access to the cleanest and healthiest assortment of food available. Earth Fare invites the community to join them for a grand opening celebration on April 19 as they open their newest location, located at 2405 SW 27th Street in Ocala. This will be the 40th Earth Fare location nationwide and the fifth in Florida. The celebration kicks o just before 7am with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by an entire day filled with fun for the entire family, including exciting contests and giveaways, free samples, product demonstrations, live music and more. The festivities will continue throughout opening week. Beyond groceries, the 28,000-squarefoot store will also feature Earth Fare’s Heirloom Organic Café and Juice Bar. Shoppers will also find organic choices at the salad bar, hot foods bar, pizza station, sandwich counter and in conveniently packaged meals-on-the-go.

Heart Month Honored

February 1 marked the first day of American Heart Month, and Citrus Memorial Hospital planned some great events to educate and empower community members to take their health to heart. February 3 was Wear Red Day, a day focused on the importance of women’s heart health and the signs and symptoms of a heart attack—which can be very di erent for women. As part of Citrus Memorial’s Wear Red Day celebration, a photo shoot with hospital sta and community leaders was planned at the historic courthouse in downtown Inverness to show they are united in caring for the hearts of Citrus County.