Marion Healthy Living December 2016

STOP LUNG CANCER BEFORE IT STOPS YOU

Are You a Longtime Smoker? This Simple Scan Can Save Your Life.

Lung cancer is the #1 leading cause of cancer death in the US, above breast, prostate and colorectal cancers. The vast majority of cases occur in heavy smokers.

Who is Considered a Heavy Smoker?

The American Cancer Society considers someone to be at high risk of developing smoking-related lung cancer when they share the following traits:

55-77 AGES

Ages 55-77 Currently smokes or has quit within the past 15 years

Has smoked tobacco for 30 or more “pack years,” which is the number of packs smoked per day times the number of years smoked

Unfortunately, by the time symptoms appear, lung cancer has usually spread outside the lung, making it difficult or impossible to treat. Early detection is the key to surviving lung cancer.

If you’re 55 or older and a heavy or longtime current or former smoker, talk to your doctor about a screening chest scan called Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT). This painless, noninvasive test uses up to 90% less ionizing radiation than standard CT scans, and can capture lung cancer in its earliest stages when it is easiest to treat.

With your doctor’s referral, your scan may be 100% covered by Medicare.

People 50 and older with a 20-pack-year smoking history combined with at least one other risk factor, such as a personal or family history of lung disease, are also considered high risk. Talk honestly with your doctor. If LDCT is right for you, your doctor can refer you to RAO for advanced LDCT services. Our team of Board Certified radiologists will work directly with your doctor to review your results and ensure you’re getting the best possible care.

For 25 years, we have been committed to creating an environment where our residents feel secure, cared for and loved. We would be honored to care for your loved ones in their time of need.

Services Offered:

In-House Psychiatrist

Podiatrist

Ophthalmologist

Dermatologist

Nurse Practitioner

Organized Social Activities

Church Services

Daily Living Assistance

We are currently accepting referrals

Ocala’s Best-Kept Secret

Prestige Manor

Assisted Living Facility

6333 SE Babb Rd. | Belleview, FL | 352-307-6333

prestigemanorassistedliving.com

Carrol Dillon-Smith Administrator/Owner Megan Christine Forrest Director of Operations

U KNEE QUE

Mako™ partial knee replacement is the only truly patient-specific procedure, planned from a 3-D model of your knee and performed with proven, highly accurate Mako™ robotic-arm assisted surgery.

Compared with manual Oxford® procedures, Mako™ partial knee replacement offers:

• Less post-op pain from Day 1 up to 8 weeks 1

• Increased knee functionality at 3 months post-op1

• 9 times lower failure rate at 2 years2

Mako™ partial knee replacement is available at Ocala Regional Medical Center.

Just like fingerprints, no two knees are the same. You deserve a knee procedure customized just for you.

1. Blyth MJ, Smith J, Jones B, MacLean AD III, Anthony I, Rowe P. Does robotic surgical assistance improve the accuracy of implant placement in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty? AAOS 2013 Annual Meeting, March 19-23, 2013, Chicago, IL.

Roche MW, Coon T, Pearle AD, Dounchis

results may vary. There are risks associated with any knee surgical procedure, including Mako™ partial knee replacement. Your doctor can explain these risks and help determine if Mako™ partial knee replacement is right for you.

Live Your Life IN MOTION

We’re committed to making a difference.

When you live life “on the go,” you don’t want chronic joint pain to slow you down. That’s why Ocala Health takes a leading-edge, comprehensive approach to the treatment and rehabilitation of joint pain – designed to return you to maximum function as quickly and safely as possible. Our exceptional outcomes and shorter average length of hospital stay is among the best in the country.

Highly trained board-certified orthopedic surgeons and a multi-disciplinary patient care team work with you and your primary care physician to develop a customized treatment plan. If you need surgery, we offer the most advanced surgical procedures using the latest technologies, including minimally invasive techniques with the MAKO robotic arm.

To be connected with our award-winning team of physicians, please call 1-800-530-1188 or visit us at ocalahealthsystem.com.

We perform the following specialized joint surgeries:

• Knee replacement

• Partial knee replacement

• Knee resurfacing

• Hip replacement using both anterior and posterior approach

• Shoulder replacement

• Reverse shoulder replacement

• Arthroscopic sports medicine

Athanason

Giving

The

Every

thousands of sick patients wait for “the call” that says a donor organ is available for them. › By Cynthia McFarland

A Year Of Giving › PAGE 32

Have you bought your 2017 calendars yet? You’re going to want to circle these dates. We’ve gathered just a few events that will not only have people talking but giving back, too.

› By Laurel Gillum and Melissa Peterson

ADVISORY BOARD

HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE has brought together a group of medical experts and community leaders to serve on our advisory board and share their expertise and insight with our readers.

Craig Ackerman Public Information O cer FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN MARION COUNTY

Ashley Hersey Clinical Liaison KINDRED HOSPITAL OCALA

Ashley Cauthen, M.D. Cosmetic And Clinical Dermatology MIDSTATE SKIN INSTITUTE

Derek Farr, D.O. Orthopedic Surgeon TWIN PALMS ORTHOPEDICS

Joseph Foster Senior Solutions Director SUPERIOR RESIDENCES OF LECANTO

Carmen M. Hernandez Health Education Program Manager FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Michael Holloway, M.D. Physician-Directed Weight Management & Medical Aesthetics LIFESTYLE SOLUTIONS MEDSPA

Mark Jank, M.D. Ophthalmology OCALA EYE

Amy McLaughlin, APR, CPRC Director, Marketing & Communications SEVEN RIVERS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Katie Myers, APR Director Of Marketing And Public Relations CITRUS MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM

Navinderdeep Nijher, M.D. Plastic Surgery OCALA PLASTIC SURGERY

Chris Okonkwo, M.D. Pediatrics CHILDREN’S HEALTH OF OCALA

Amanda Ostrom Director of Marketing and Communications RADIOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF OCALA, P.A.

Jayanti Panchal, M.D. Internal Medicine And Medical Weight Management SUCCESS BY DESIGN

Carolyn Reyes, MPA, M.Ed. Community Liaison, Citrus & Hernando Counties COMFORT KEEPERS

Suzanne Santangelo Director, Marketing OCALA HEALTH

Linda M. McKenna Director of Professional Relations CHAPTERS HPH HOSPICE

Meghan Shay, CFRE Director Of Public Relations And Development THE CENTERS

PUBLISHER

Kathy Johnson kathy@healthylivingmagazines.com

OFFICE/PRODUCTION MANAGER

Cynthia Brown art@healthylivingmagazines.com

EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Karin Fabry-Cushenbery karin@healthylivingmagazines.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Melissa Peterson melissa@healthylivingmagazines.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Katie McPherson katie@ocalastyle.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Cealia Athanason cealia@ocalastyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angelique Anacleto

Brett Ballantini

Jim Gibson

Laurel Gillum

JoAnn Guidry

Bonnie Kretchik

Cynthia McFarland

ART art@healthylivingmagazines.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jessi Miller Castro

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Christina Geiger

Kristy Taylor

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ralph Demilio

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SALES DIRECTOR OF SALES

Dean Johnson deanjohnson@healthylivingmagazines.com

SALES MANAGER

Sharon Morgan ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Anne Farrior anne@healthylivingmagazines.com

Lori Tani

Skip Linderman

Peggy Sue Munday

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DISTRIBUTION

Dave Adams

Debra McQueen

Rick Shaw

IMPRINTING

• OBEDIENCE/OFF-LEASH

• HUNT & RETRIEVE

CARLA W. RICHARDS

Founder/Trainer Ph. 352.745.0147

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Yuletide Yoga

1. Exhale a big sigh of relief while relaxing the shoulders, neck and upper back. This will promote the release of feelgood hormones in the body, like dopamine and serotonin.

2. Show tired feet some love. Lie on your back with legs elevated by a pillow or on a chair. In just one minute this position improves circulation and decreases swelling.

3. Stretch away stress by raising your arms above your head, shoulder width apart. Take five deep breaths. Inhale while reaching to grasp your left wrist with your right hand; exhale as you side bend your entire body to the right, stretching out your left side. Hold for a breath, and then repeat on the other side.

December is a season full of many things: family, gatherings, stress… you know. Constant cooking for out-of-towners and spending hours shopping will try to take its toll, so fend off the humbugs with three simple yoga suggestions.

Good Deeds Word Of The Day: Transition

› By Katie McPherson › Photography by Ralph Demilio

Just like you can’t put a good book down, Healthy Living can’t leave a good story alone. Since we last visited the Dream Chasers and X-Treme Speakers at Marion Correctional Institution in March, they’ve been busy mentoring new men and spreading their initiative across the state.

Toastmasters International is an organization that seeks to improve members’ public speaking skills, honing their communication and leadership abilities in tandem. Gavel Clubs provide the same experience to members who aren’t eligible to join Toastmasters clubs, which is why Leonard Rera wrote to Dr. Manal Fakhoury of Toasting Ocala to start one inside Marion Correctional Institution. The rest is well-spoken history.

Following the success of the first two Gavel Clubs at Marion Correctional Institution, five more have spawned this year: Soul Speakers at the main unit of MCI, Freedom Speakers at Re-Entry Center of Ocala, Beautiful Minds at Florida Women’s Reception Center, Free to Speak in Polk County and a Gavel Club for Special Olympics athletes. Seven clubs? That’s approximately 245 Gaveliers getting a chance at personal and professional development. For Leonard, being the man who wrote the letter to spark it all is humbling.

“I never imagined it doing that. I thought one club, a few guys, maybe one volunteer, but it turned into seven clubs—it’s mindblowing. This shows that even though I’m incarcerated I can still have an impact,” he says with a smile. Today he serves as VP of Membership, recruiting new members when others go home.

Dr. Fakhoury is a Distinguished Toastmaster and now Gavel Club Chair for the district. Besides overseeing new club creation, she recently helped submit a successful proposal for Toastmasters International to amend their rules, ensuring inmates in Gavel Clubs retain any awards and progress upon their release when they join Toastmasters clubs.

“We wanted to confirm for anyone who is a Gavelier that their awards are recognized. Once they hit their first award, they earn a credential and we introduce you as a Confident Communicator up to a Distinguished Toastmaster. For example, Andre is at a bronze level, and when he goes out and joins a club, his awards aren’t lost. Now we have it in writing that they don’t have to start over,” Fakhoury explains.

During their October open house, four members gave speeches, the band played and three members performed an original poetic segment titled “Conscious Awakening” about an inmate’s struggle with his positive and negative inner voices. Each meeting features a word of the day to enrich Gaveliers’ vocabulary, and transition happened to be it. It’s the perfect fit for a club aiming to help members become better versions of themselves.

Despite soaring growth and major steps for Gaveliers everywhere, these volunteers and members still have hopes large and small for their clubs.

Dream Chasers President Nathaniel Mandelbaum says one goal will always be consistent: improving their members’ confidence and communication.

“We have a lot of talent and experience in the prison system, but inmates are often discounted immediately because of the way they speak. It’s part of the culture. This is a small way to combat that. If a guy walks out of here and he can express himself a little better, then we’ve done something,” he explains.

In his speech during open house, Mandelbaum pointed out that communication is at the heart of good relationships.

Dream Chasers has helped him solidify his.

“A year into this program, my relationship with my family is better than it has ever been, not because I see them every day but because when I get them on the phone I know how to communicate.”

For VP of Public Relations Andre Staton, it’s important to express their experiences to the next generation of children without leadership.

“We want to bring kids to the Gavel Clubs we’ve started so they can see and hear the stories. They think this lifestyle is glamourous. Who are the future men in blue? Our children, if we don’t do something about it. I didn’t have access to doctors, real estate agents, PR company owners,” he says, pointing to volunteers around the room, “who could show me how they got where they are. All they need is someone to show them they are able.”

One side effect of Gavel Clubs is that they become incubators for more ideas. One upcoming goal is a proposal to create a personal development dorm for inmates who want to surround themselves with others and share that common vision.

While all of the volunteers genuinely enjoy their involvement, the members still feel some pretty immense gratitude.

“Dr. Fakhoury and Toasting Ocala came here not knowing what to expect. They’d never been in a prison before, and it changed their minds about what the inmates are like,” says Mandelbaum. “She’s doing amazing work here. We all owe her a huge debt.”

“I call her my Gavel mom,” Andre adds. “To see seven new clubs is just confirmation you can chase your dreams—even from prison.”

Find out more › If you’re interested in learning more about Toastmasters or Gavel Clubs or would like to attend a meeting, email Dr. Manal Fakhoury › manal.llc@gmail.com or info@myfli.com

We have a lot of talent and experience in the prison system, but inmates are often discounted immediately because of the way they speak. It’s part of the culture. This is a small way to combat that.

› Nathaniel Mandelbaum

A Notable Achievement

Oak Hill Hospital is proud to announce that Catherine Edmisten, RN, MBA, FACHE, recently became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the nation’s leading professional society for health care leaders. Fellow status represents achievement of the highest standard of professional development. In fact, only 9,100 health care executives hold this distinction.

“The health care management field plays a vital role in providing high-quality care to the people in our communities, which makes having a standard of excellence promoted by a professional organization critically important,” says Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, president and chief executive officer of the American College of Healthcare Executives. “By becoming an ACHE Fellow and earning the distinction of board certification from ACHE, health care leaders demonstrate a commitment to excellence in serving their patients and the community.”

Welcome To The Neighborhood!

Residents of Marion, Lake and Sumter Counties have additional access to emergent care as Ocala Health opens its new Summerfield ER, a freestanding ER located on Hwy 441 adjacent to the Del Webb Spruce Creek Community. The nearly $10 million project employs approximately 40 full-time health care professionals. Expected to serve more than 15,000 patients in its first year, the 10,500-square-foot facility features 11 exam rooms, a laboratory and imaging services, including CT scan, ultrasound and X-ray.

“The new Summerfield ER facility allows us to provide critical health care services in a more convenient setting for our patients,” says Chad P. Christianson, CEO, Ocala Health. “We continually monitor development in Marion County, and our hospitals are seeing an increased number of patients from the Summerfield area. This new facility provides emergent care more closely to where our patients and their families live.”

Ride On!

The Florida Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (FTBOA) presented $1,000 to Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA) to benefit physically, mentally and emotionally challenged children. The funds will be used to sponsor rides for clients who are unable to pay the full amount for therapeutic riding lessons. MTRA relies heavily on the generosity of the community and its businesses through donations, grants and other funding. They have maintained the equine-assisted therapy program in Ocala for over 30 years.

“We have many riders who benefit greatly from therapeutic riding but are unable to pay the entire cost of a session,” says Leslie Gettys, MTRA executive director. “Donations such as this one from FTBOA ensure those riders continue to receive the wonderful benefits of our programs.”

A Helping Hand

Bank of America representative Erica Watts presented a check for $2,500 to Helping Hands to support their efforts in helping people impacted by homelessness, abuse and poverty. Helping Hands provides shelter and related assistance for people in need, mostly women and children. They also assist with food, clothing, medical, dental, transportation, jobs, job skills training, education grants and counseling.

“We greatly appreciate the generosity of Bank of America and their bank’s leadership team,” says Brad Dinkins, chairman for Helping Hands. “Their support is a big lift to our efforts in helping hurting people in our community.”

Toxic Tampons

Ingredient

When shopping, read feminine product boxes for what they do say to avoid toxins. Opt for organic cotton tampons to avoid pesticide residue and BPA-free applicators to eliminate that cancercausing compound. Stark white tampons have been bleached in chlorine, creating traces of dioxin, which is known to disrupt hormones. And always go fragrance-free—it’s an easy way to avoid an extra batch of chemicals.

label checkers beware: Personal care products, like pads and tampons, aren’t strictly regulated on the chemicals they can use in their products, and they aren’t required to list them, either.

Itch By Itch

When itching is out of control, however, this advice may be too hard to heed.

So, what’s the problem? Although itching is often attributed to a mosquito bite or an allergy rash, chronic itching can sometimes be the symptom of something else altogether. The solution? Find the root problem to ease any discomfort. If itchiness persists, contact your doctor. Here are some possibilities.

You have dry skin. Dry skin usually results from environmental factors such as hot, cold or humid weather mixed with longtime use of air-conditioning or heating. Bathing too frequently could also take a toll on your skin. Try using a moisturizing body wash with coconut oil.

You are stressed. Stress is very damaging to your body’s organs. Because your skin is the largest organ, anxiety is known to lead to rash and a feeling of itchiness. Squeeze a stress ball when you feel overwhelmed. Take a walk. Read a book. Listen to music. Get a

massage. Do whatever helps to calm you down. Lavender oil is known for its calming effect, so rub two to three drops on your feet, temples and wrists.

You are pregnant. Skin conditions like dermatitis can worsen during pregnancy. Some women, however, report itchy skin, especially on the abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms, without being previously diagnosed with a condition. If you think pregnancy is a possibility, a talk with your OB should be in your future.

You have bed bugs. The face, neck, hands and arms are target sites for bedbug bites. Redness, swelling and itching are common. Most cases of bedbug infestation will require treatment by a pest control expert. Check for the bugs in the seams along the base of your mattress.

You have an allergy. Wool, soaps, makeup and other products often play a role in itchy skin. Food allergies cause breakouts. Elimination diets are something to consider if you think this may be a source. Make a log of products and foods that seem to trigger reactions. Note any new medications.

You have an internal disease. In this instance, itching usually affects the body as a whole. The skin could very well look normal. The list of potential conditions includes liver disease, celiac disease, kidney failure, anemia or thyroid problems. Itching could also be an indicator of certain cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma. Contact your primary care physician to request further testing.

“Don’t scratch yourself. You’ll only make it worse,” said every mother ever.

Great Reasons To Say Yes To A Multivitamin

› By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

If you’re among the 50 percent of Americans who don’t take a multivitamin regularly, here’s an important reason to add one to your daily routine. A brand-new study finds that guys who popped one regularly for 20 years or longer cut their risk of developing heart disease by 46 percent.

We know multivitamins have gotten a bad rap in recent years. And it’s true that some studies haven’t found a benefit. But plenty have, and by and large, the longer a study tracks the benefits, the more benefits are revealed! We’ve added it to our top five reasons to say yes to a daily multivitamin.

1. LOWER RISK FOR HEART DISEASE. In this study of 18,350 men from the Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital, those who stuck with their multivitamin habit enjoyed lower rates of life-threatening cardiovascular events. A 2015 study found a similar benefit for women, with a 46 percent lower risk for fatal heart disease in multivitamin takers.

2. CANCER PROTECTION. A multivitamin reduced overall cancer risk by 8 percent in one recent study and 18 percent for men over 70. In another study, this habit also cut by 14 percent women’s odds for developing colon growths called adenomas that can morph into colon cancer.

3. FEWER CATARACTS. A study published in Ophthalmology tracked the eye health of nearly 15,000 male physicians. Half took a common daily multivitamin, as well as vitamin C, vitamin

E and beta carotene; half had a placebo. The vitamin-takers reduced their risk of cataracts by 9 percent and of nuclear cataracts (clouding in the middle of the eye, related to aging) by 13 percent.

4. GUARD AGAINST DRUG-RELATED NUTRIENT GAPS. A multi may be especially important if you’re among the millions of people who take a diuretic (a water pill), an acid-blocking proton pump inhibitor or the diabetes drug metformin. Some types of diuretics can deplete potassium, a mineral important for blood pressure control and healthy muscle function. PPIs can reduce levels of vitamin B-12, which helps your body make red blood cells, nerve cells and the body’s genetic material. And metformin can lower magnesium, which helps with blood pressure control.

5. A HEALTHY BRAIN AND SPINE FOR BABIES. A multivitamin with folic acid, if taken before and during pregnancy, can help women of childbearing age protect their future children from autism spectrum disorders by as much as 40 percent and from brain and spinal cord defects and childhood cancers.

Truth is, no multi can replace the natural nutrients in a healthy diet. But if your plate’s not perfect at every meal (and whose is?), a multi plus a few additional smart supplements is a great insurance policy. What we do:

Go for a basic multivitamin. Skip megadoses! Choose a multi with key nutrients (including vitamins A, C, D, E and K, as well as potassium, zinc and iodine) at levels close to the recommended daily allowance. Take half of your multi in the morning and half in the evening to keep levels of water-soluble vitamins (the ones that get eliminated when you urinate) steadier.

Take these, too: We also recommend a daily calcium (600 mg) and magnesium (400 mg) supplement as well as 1,000 IU of vitamin D-3 daily. Add 600 mg a day of the superbeneficial omega-3 fatty acid DHA from fish oil or algal oil supplements. To cut your risk for vision loss and early forms of age-related macular degeneration and mental dysfunction, you can up your dose to 900 mg of DHA along with a lutein and zeaxanthin supplement.

Mehmet Oz, M.D., is host of The Dr. Oz Show, and Mike Roizen, M.D., is Chief Wellness O cer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into The Dr. Oz Show or visit sharecare.com. © 2015 Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Escaping The Meds

Their temperature is steadily climbing, and the cough is only getting worse.

Take a look inside your medicine cabinet. What medications do you trust to give to your kids?

When the FDA ruled that all overthe-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under the age of 4 and makers removed these products from store shelves, many parents were concerned about the ingredients in similar products still available for older children.

Decongestants and antihistamines have been proven to offer little to no benefit to children under 6 and only a negligible benefit for children ages 6-12. Another factor to consider is that many cold-fighting products often contain acetaminophen, increasing the chances of an overdose if you give Tylenol for a fever in addition to the cold medicine.

With all that in mind, what’s a parent to do? Here are alternatives, recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which have been proven both safe and effective in relieving symptoms of the common cold. (Contact your pediatrician if your child’s cold does not clear up within five to 10 days or a fever rises above 104°F repeatedly or 100.4°F for an infant under 3 months.)

A Bit About Fevers

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can reduce aches and pains and reduce a fever. Which is best to use? Researchers have not found any substantial difference in safety and effectiveness between fever reducers acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Proper dosing of any medication by weight (not age) is crucial.

A child with a fever can worry any parent. Some parents take to the practice of alternating between or overlapping

Humidifier. A cool mist humidifier works wonders by shrinking nasal passages to allow easier breathing.

Saline nose drops. When nasal passages are kept moist, it is far less likely that you will experience stuffiness.

Nasal suctioning. This method is especially effective in children under 1 year of age. Use a bulb syringe for best results.

acetaminophen and ibuprofen to keep fevers at bay. Because the two drugs have different dosages and timeframes in which they should be given, the AAP says this practice could result in accidental overdoses and there are questions as to whether this practice is safe or actually makes children more comfortable. It’s important to contact your pediatrician before alternating these medications.

Saltwater. 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt, dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water can relieve a sore throat. Of course, this may require some gargling lessons first. You can also try ice chips or 100 percent fruit popsicles.

Rest. Sleep is a natural cure for the body. Have your child lay down for a nap after school. This is a great preventative medicine as well.

Liquids. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water and juice will help prevent dehydration. (The AAP actually recommends chicken soup—apparently Mom really did know best!)

In addition, in 2011, the AAP released new guidelines that urged parents to recognize fever as a sign the body is working to fight infection and not something to be feared. It’s most important to help the child feel more comfortable, either with or without a fever-reducing medication, and focus on the child’s general well-being while watching for signs of serious illness rather than to maintain a normal temperature.

Give A Home For The Holidays

Adopt a local child this holiday season

Throughout our community, there are many children who have spent much of their youth in unsafe environments before being moved into foster care. As the holidays draw near, the greatest wish on their list is for a loving home for the New Year. Please read more about them, and ask yourself if this is the season for you to open your heart and home to give a forever family:

Olivia is an engaging young lady who describes herself as a “girly girl.” She loves fashion but also enjoys singing, dancing, school and church. She says that her most prized possessions are her friends, with her biggest wish being to have a permanent family.

Abigail is a sweet young lady who loves simple pleasures like riding a bike and singing songs. What she wants more than anything is “a family who will never give up on me and will always love me.”

Moise was born in Haiti and entered the American foster care system here at a young age. He has lost a lot but not his sense of humor or his love of animals and sports. Moise (who prefers to be called Moe) is Haitian for Moses, and he wishes for a loving home this season.

Beau is a truly wonderful child with a big smile who gets along well with others. Among his favorite things are SpongeBob and playing catch. Beau needs a family that is committed to his lifelong success.

Mekdes is a beautiful young lady with a cultural background stemming from Africa. She would love new siblings, a mother who enjoys shopping and a father with a passion for travel and learning.

Giving to others.

It makes us feel good while helping those in need at the same time. Our area overflows with worthwhile charities and the kind-hearted people who support them.

In this issue of Healthy Living Magazine, we take time to honor the spirit of giving. From area businesses and philanthropists that give of their time and finances to everyday individuals who dedicate countless hours to assist others—it all matters. And it’s all appreciated.

In the following pages, we share stories of those who have experienced the ultimate act of giving—organ donation. You can also peruse our list of some of the year’s most well-known and well-loved charitable events. There just may be a black-tie event or 5K with your name on it.

In the end, it doesn’t matter how much you give. Maybe it’s an afternoon of volunteering or a modest donation to your favorite charity. Whatever moves you to give, just give.

Investing In Our Kids’ Futures

> BY CEALIA ATHANASON

For Stan Creel, it’s all about serving the kids at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County.

When two buses pull up to the front of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County’s Ocala location, Stan Creel opens the front door to let two converging lines of half-running children into the building.

“Walk please! You will all get to sign in,” the chief professional officer smiles and repeats to the excited kids, “slow down.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County is in its 49th year, and Stan has already seen its impact on many kids’ lives. It all started for him when he was growing

up on a “dead-end street in the forest.” Stan’s dad was left homeless at 17 years old, so Stan’s father was all about being there for his kids, as well as the kids in the neighborhood. Kids were over at his house all the time. The rule of the house was work before play so all the kids pitched in to help with chores before playing games.

“It was kind of a little Boys & Girls Club,” Stan says.

Stan has worked with youth for about 13 years now. He coached soccer and worked in Ocala’s Recreation and Parks Department until he was approached by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County to take on the leadership position there. He picked up the same interest his dad had and says he could see the need.

When Stan took on his position at the Club, he had his goals in order. No. 1 on his list: It’s always about serving the kids. There are five core program areas at the Club, all available to the students to help them grow and

develop properly: Education & Career; Character & Leadership; Health & Life Skills; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. All of these programs help the kids develop essential skills, while the staff provides the support needed for the kids to succeed.

“Kids need love and encouragement,” Stan says. “They don’t recognize the opportunities. The Club can pull that veil away.”

Stan also says that kids need a minimum of five positive influences in their lives and that about 52 percent of parents are single moms, 5 percent are single dads and 9 percent are grandparents and foster parents. That’s why he, his staff and volunteers are so vital in these kids’ lives.

“I see the kids as much as possible and get to the other sites when I can,” Stan says. “I love doing it.”

There are three club locations in Marion County— Ocala, Dunnellon and Silver Springs Shores. Kids ages 6 through 18 can become members. The annual membership runs from June to June, and parents just need to register their kids and pay a yearly fee to get them involved. Parents also have the option to sign kids up for transportation to the Club from school.

“We don’t turn parents or children away for their inability to pay,” Stan says. “We work to find a way to help them.”

Stan is always working on funding to upgrade the facility and provide the best for his kids. The Club is run on donations, grants and fundraisers. In fact, they finished up their first Great Futures Annual Campaign in November with a goal to raise $200,000 to help with the necessary aspects of running the Club. At the beginning of the year, the Club ran another campaign to raise money to renovate the gymnasium. The plans for the gym will be implemented soon, and that’s just one of the many projects Stan has in mind.

The teen center stretches out from the administration office in the back. A computer lab is the first room in the center, and Stan hopes to update it in the future.

“I want to work with the kids to upgrade this room and give it more of a coffee-shop feel,” he says.

The lab connects to a large, open room with couches and pool tables. It’s the perfect space for teens to hang out and play games in. There’s also an impressive weight room and fitness facility that was donated to the Club. Stan believes it’s important for teens to be able to relax through different activities—it makes it easier for them to get to know other teens and the Club’s staff.

Next door, the gymnasium is attached to another building that houses classrooms and activities for the younger kids. There’s one child sitting at a computer doing his math homework. Passing by, Stan says these computers come in handy for many of the kids. They can complete and print off their homework for the next day or just get some extra studying in.

“I can’t express to you the importance of the Boys & Girls Club,” Stan says.

And because of it, Stan continues to see a difference in the lives of many kids.

“Kids need love and encouragement. They don’t recognize the opportunities. The Club can pull that veil away.”

–Stan Creel

A Living Legend

Ocala is a great place to call home, and sometimes it’s easy to forget that some of the best things this area has to offer are the result of the hard work and the smart decisions of people who came before us.

There’s a man, still with us through 90 years of Ocala’s history, whose work continues to benefit us today. His name is Jim Williams, and he was born and raised here, and so too were his father and his grandfather. It’s hard to imagine an Ocalan who has seen more change or done more to move us forward than Jim. As a young businessman, with a half interest in Dixie Lime & Stone and also an involvement in cattle and citrus, a couple of things happened in our town that turned his thoughts in another direction. One was a struggle that was happening nationwide, but especially in the South. Racial integration was a contentious issue here, and Jim saw a need to get involved, helping to end segregation in his church and in the wider community as well. The other thing that happened was a dispute between teachers and the Marion County School Board, which led to a teacher strike. Jim was asked to mediate, and his ability to find common ground between the warring factions helped them avoid a work stoppage.

He began to see that his problem-solving and people skills might be useful in politics, so he ran for the state senate in 1968. Shortly after taking office, he took a stand that went 180 degrees against local opinion. He came out strongly against the CrossFlorida Barge Canal. Most of our local businessmen and politicians were for it, and it was moving forward at a rapid pace. If you doubt it, look at the giant bridge east of Silver Springs on State Road 40. It was built for the Barge Canal. A canal cutting straight through our state from east to west would have had a catastrophic impact on our aquifer and been ruinous to our supply of fresh water. Yet, it was about to happen until Jim (in what many considered to be an act of political suicide) became a powerful voice in an opposition movement that ultimately led to a federal order, which halted the project. If he did nothing else, that courageous act alone would be a shining legacy, but he did much more.

Jim was the driving force behind the creation of Florida’s Water Management Districts. It was a new concept. The districts were set up geographically along the paths that our fresh water naturally flows, and management was organized in ways that minimize chances for petty political and regional disputes.

Always good with numbers, he had a big impact on our state’s fiscal policies during his six years in the senate and also during his four years as lieutenant governor under Reuben Askew, where he, unique among lieutenant governors, headed the Department of Administration. Thus, for a decade, from both the legislative and the executive branches of government, he was the main architect of Florida’s budgets. It was a time when quite a few city and state budgets in this country were having huge problems (some even went bankrupt, including New York City). Without big tax increases and also without big cuts in services, Florida’s budgets during this time were always balanced, with no deficits. His budgets were studied and copied by numerous other states in America and by quite a few European countries as well.

For his efforts in state government, he was honored as Most Outstanding

Environmental Legislator and as Florida’s Legislator of the Year.

Then, President Jimmy Carter appointed him deputy secretary of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and for the next four years, he oversaw the vast operations of that 80,000-person organization. After another two years spent facilitating a merger between two of America’s largest mining associations, he moved back home from Washington.

Jim always thought of politics as public service, and although he retired from politics, he did not stop serving people. One way he served was by chairing the Munroe Regional Medical Center Board of Directors through a rather tumultuous time. As always, he had a calming influence, making things less confrontational and helping to find compromise. He was also a key fundraiser for the Salvation Army and for the group headed by Randy Briggs, along with Ed Dean, that built our YMCA.

With a 71-year loving marriage to his late wife, Lou, and a wonderful family life, Jim has done it all, and he’s seen our great town grow, change and prosper through the years. If you want a living embodiment of the term “pillar of the community,” look no further than Jim Williams.

It’s hard to imagine an Ocalan who has seen more change or done more to move us forward than Jim Williams.

Find Help. Find Hope.

Principal® is proud to support National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Diana Williams Principal Securities Registered Representative Investment Adviser Representative Sr. Financial Representative 50 SE 16th Avenue | Ocala, FL 34471

(352) 629-6556 | williams.diana@princor.com

©2016. Principal Financial Services, Inc. Principal, Principal and symbol design are registered trademarks and service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the Principal Financial Group® Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co. (except in NY), Principal Life Insurance Co. Securities and advisory products offered through Principal Securities, Inc., 800/247-1737, member SIPC. Principal National, Principal Life, and Principal Securities, Inc. are members of Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. AD3196

e largest grassroots mental health organization, founded in 1979. e nation’s voice on mental illness, with affiliates in every state.

Mission: To improve the quality of life of individuals and their families affected by mental illness, through education, support and advocacy.

NAMI Marion County: Provides education programs, support group meetings, partners with mental health court diversion program and advocates for those living with or affected by severe mental illness.

2017 Blueberry Horseshoe 5k Sunday • February 19th, 2016

Benefitting NAMI

Lambholm South, Marion County Florida

14163 NW 100th Avenue Rd, Reddick

Gates open at 6:30a • 8:00a Chip Start Time

For More Information contact Diana @ 352-817-4174

Find more details about this swag-packed 5k by visiting BlueberryHorseshoe.com facebook.com/BlueberryHorseshoe5k YouCaring.com/NAMIflorida-2017-5k

Big Enough to MATTER ...Small Enough to CARE

• United Way

• Dining In The Dark

• Hooked Up for Tatas

• Junior Achievement

• Marion County Cheerleaders

• Kiss The Horse Literacy

• Ocala Film Festival

• Combat Veterans To Careers

• Kiwanis

• Humane Society of Sumter County

• Williston Central Christian Academy

• American Heart Association

• March of Dimes

• Marion County Humane Society

• Sumter County Humane Society

• Marion County Homeless Children Program (Marion County Public Schools)

• The American Tourette Association of America

CBC Bank is proud to support the following charities: Working Together To Strengthen Our Community!

Every year thousands of sick patients wait for “the call” that says a donor organ is available for them. Are you a registered donor?

By Cynthia McFarland

Tim Rooks knew what it meant to live life to the max.

An athletic, adventurous, fun-loving man, Tim poured his zest for life into everything he did. It was this passion for living that fueled his decision to register as an organ donor.

When hypertension caused some of his arteries to dissect, emergency open-heart surgery was necessary. In April 2014, Tim was flown from Seven Rivers Hospital in Citrus County to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, where successful surgery was performed. Although doctors gave Tim, who was just 51, a good prognosis for recovery, he suffered a major stroke in the hospital. Both his sisters, Terry and Deena, were at his side when this happened.

“I couldn’t remember ever having a discussion with Tim about him being a donor, but at the hospital, they told us he was registered,” says Terry Rooks, who lives near Homossassa. “We read his living will, and he had even specified no pain medication if it would affect his organs for donation. He had specified that his organs, his corneas, tissues and even bone, anything that could be used would be donated.”

Terry and Deena wrote a declaration in recognition of their brother.

“The doctors read this over Tim in the operating room when they took his organs,” Terry notes. “It was special for us that they did this.”

Because of the condition of some arteries, not all of Tim’s organs were able to be donated, but his liver and one kidney were transplanted.

“One of the things my brother always said—one of his ‘Tim-isms’—was that you only get one chance at life and you need to live it to the fullest,” says Terry. “He did that, but he also thought of others. This gift of life through donation was him thinking of others. He made such a difference in their lives, and it brought peace and comfort to us knowing that part of him lives on.”

A long-time teacher in Citrus County, Terry retired shortly after her brother’s death. She frequently visits high schools in Citrus and surrounding counties to speak about organ donation.

“Tim has a legacy that goes on,” says Terry. “By giving this gift of life through organ donation, people can make an impact even after their death. We later learned that both of the recipients are grandfathers with kids and grandchildren. My brother never had any children, so in a way, now he does.”

On the Receiving End

When Ashley Kennen went on the national transplant list in June

2010, her prognosis was so poor doctors didn’t think she would make it to Christmas without a life-saving double lung

transplant. Not that they told Ashley this at the time, of course.

Born with cystic fibrosis, which damages the lungs and digestive system, Ashley, who was raised in Gainesville, still managed to live a fairly normal life, albeit one filled with daily medications and frequent hospitalizations. She was working as a cardiac sonographer when she got pneumonia in October 2009. Ashley was so sick, her weight

Tim Rooks

“This gift of life through donation was him thinking of others. He made such a difference in their lives, and it brought peace and comfort to us knowing that part of him lives on.” –TERRY ROOKS

become a possibility until brain death is confirmed and doctors have noted time of death.

It’s the hospital’s responsibility to notify the local organ procurement organization (OPO) when a patient dies or is close to dying. In the case of Tim Rooks, the OPO was LifeQuest, an organ procurement organization that serves Florida’s donation and transplantation community.

Should a patient be a potential candidate

for donation, a representative from the OPO goes to the hospital. If the patient was a registered organ donor, this is accepted as legal consent. If the patient wasn’t registered, the OPO representative can ask next-of-kin for authorization to donate. Once donation is authorized, a medical evaluation is performed, including taking a complete medical and social history from the family. (Because all incisions are closed, organ donation will not interfere with an opencasket funeral.)

If evaluation/history confirm that donation is possible, then it’s all about matching organs/tissue with appropriate recipients.

Matching Donors And Recipients

There is a national database of every U.S. patient awaiting a transplant. Every 10 minutes another name is added to the list.

This computerized database is operated by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). In order to get on the list, a patient must be referred by their doctor and evaluated by a transplant program to see if he or she is a candidate. If determined to be a suitable candidate, his or her name is added to the OPTN waiting list.

When an OPO representative searches the database, a list is created of patients who match the donor by organ. The matching process includes multiple aspects, which are crucial to successful transplantation. These include:

› Blood type

› Body size

› Severity of patient’s medical condition

› Distance between donor’s hospital and recipient’s hospital

› How long patient has been waiting

› Patient’s availability

During this search process, the organs of the deceased donor are maintained via life support. (The medical team that cared for the patient is replaced by the transplant surgical team.)

You’ve probably seen a movie or television show in which an organ is whisked off for transplant via plane or racing ambulance. There is definitely truth to such dramatic scenes. Certain organs can survive outside the body longer than others, but time is of the essence and can become a determining factor in which patient on the waiting list receives an available organ.

Life-Giving Transplants

The recipient is typically already in the operating room when the transport team arrives at the hospital with the organ.

Depending on the organ in question, surgery can take anywhere from 90 minutes for a kidney

Organ Donation By The Numbers

22:

People who die each day waiting for a transplant

30,970:

Transplants performed last year

120,000+:

Men, women and children currently on the national transplant waiting list

8:

Number of organs one person can potentially donate

95:

Percent of American adults who support organ donation

48:

Percent of American adults registered as organ donors

Source: organdonor.gov

transplant to four to five hours for a liver transplant. Assuming all goes well, a kidney recipient could be out of the hospital in three to seven days, while a heart or liver recipient may take a week to 10 days. Complications of any kind would, obviously, extend that time frame.

If all goes as planned, the body will accept

the transplanted organ and healing begins. In an effort to avoid rejection, doctors give the recipient patient immunosuppressant medications, also known as “anti-rejection” drugs. Because these medications can make the individual more vulnerable to illness and infections, an organ recipient—and

their family—need to be vigilant against exposure to sickness and injury. Depending on the case, a recipient may need to be on medication for a long period following transplant surgery.

Who Pays?

You don’t have to worry that by registering as an organ donor you are leaving your family with an additional bill. The donor’s family never pays any costs associated with organ/tissue recovery; those expenses are covered by the OPO.

Transplant surgery involves an array of expenses, including lab tests, transportation to and from the transplant hospital, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, therapy and medication.

Although health insurance may cover some or most costs, the insured is generally responsible for all costs not covered. You’ll need to go over the details with your insurance company and then meet with the financial coordinator at the transplant center. In some cases, you may be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid to help pay for costs.

Contact Between Donor Family And Recipient

Gratitude is a natural response when someone’s life is saved or radically improved by organ donation. When a recipient wants to reach out and say thank you, they can write a letter to the family and send it to their transplant center. The letter is then passed on to the donor family, provided both donor and recipient sides have agreed to such action.

By law, the confidentiality of donors and recipients is maintained, unless both want contact.

“Right after Tim’s death, my sister wrote to two of the recipients of his organs,” recalls Terry Rooks. “The letters were sent to LifeQuest, which forwarded them on to the recipients. We did hear from them by letter and it was a positive thing.”

Living Donations

Not all tissue and organ donations occur because the donor has died. Approximately 6,000 living donations occur each year. Under the right conditions, living persons are able to donate:

› A kidney

› One lobe of the liver

› A lung or part of a lung

› Part of the pancreas

› Part of the intestines

› Skin

› Bone (typically after knee and hip replacements)

› Bone marrow cells

› Umbilical cord blood

› Amnion (after childbirth)

› Blood (white and red cells, platelets, serum)

Organ Viability Timeline

Organs aren’t created equal when it comes to surviving outside the body. Here’s how long major organs remain viable, which is a significant factor in determining which patient on the waiting list receives that organ.

Heart: 4 to 6 hours

Registered?

Making the decision to be an organ donor is the first step; the next action is to register. You can do this online or in person at your local motor vehicle department.

Kidney: 24 to 36 hours

To register online, just go to donatelifeflorida.org or registerme.org and complete the registration form. (You can specify which organs/tissues you would like to donate and any you want to exclude for whatever reason. You can modify this information at any time.) That’s all it takes to know you’ve chosen to give the gift of life.

Liver: 8 to 12 hours

Lung: 4 to 6 hours

You want to be sure to let your family know you’ve registered as an organ donor so they are fully aware of your decision. As next-of-kin, family members will be asked certain questions at the time of your death. Because this will be a highly emotional time for them, it can be comforting to know they’re helping carry out your final wishes.

Pancreas: 12 to 18 hours

Intestines: 8 to 16 hours

Of these, blood and bone marrow can actually be donated more than once, since the body regenerates/replaces them. (The National Marrow Donor Program maintains a national registry of bone marrow donors. You can learn more at marrow.org or by calling (800) MARROW-2.)

Because there is always a level of risk involved with any major surgical procedure, a potential living donor is carefully evaluated to determine whether donation is suitable and is informed of what is involved, potential problems and any financial considerations. Even though the recipient is typically responsible for all costs related to transplant, the living donor may experience loss of wages during recovery time, for example.

Learn More

organdonor.gov

transplant.org

lifequestfla.org

donatelifeflorida.org registerme.org

The Healthy Home Program was created to reduce the hospital re-admission (within 30 days) of elderly patients discharged to their homes.

The Healthy Home program is sponsored by the Munroe Auxiliary, Inc.—a 501©3 charitable organization with a mission to improve the health and well-being of Marion County residents. Over 300 patients have received the following services free of charge:

• Short-term Food Plan

• Transportation Arrangements to Physician Follow-up Appointments

• Safe Home Evaluation & Fall Prevention modifications: Grab bars, handrails and ramps with Habitat for Humanity

• Well Check Telephone Calls

• Socialization/Compassionate Care

• Home Health Nurse Home Visit

• Emergency Response System—60 days free

• And more...

Have you bought your 2017 calendars yet? You’re going to want to circle these dates. We’ve gathered just a few events that will not only have people talking but giving back, too. No matter the year, charity is the one thing that will never go out of style. Save the date, we’ve got you covered—from January to December.*

RAMAL Charity Fundraiser

(January 7)

This event supports RAMAL Educational and Social Services, Inc., which provides scholarships to nontraditional students, summer academic and enrichment programs, and community projects such as a Christmas party for at-risk children. The event will include breakfast, music, vendors and giveaways. ramalservices.org or (352) 873-1319

Florida Fun Mini Match Dance Competition

(January 15)

The Florida Fun Mini Match is a ballroom dance competition held at the Circle Square Cultural Center. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association dancedancedance.biz/minimatch or (352) 266-0015

11th Annual King of the Wing

(February, TBD)

Come out and support ARC Marion and the Marion County Building Industry Association by enjoying some of the area’s best wings and pizza at this annual event. mcarc.com or (352) 387-2210

Helping Hands Dinner and Fundraiser

(February, TBD)

Support Helping Hands at this fun-filled evening. Hear from people who have benefited from Helping Hands while enjoying dinner, dessert, ra es and auction items. Helping Hands provides shelter and related assistance for people in need, mostly women and children. helpinghandsocala.org or (352) 732-4464

16th Annual Arnette House Benefit

(February, TBD)

Enjoy an evening of entertainment, food, drinks, games and auctions, all while raising money for the Arnette House, a 24-hour emergency youth shelter for children ages 10 to 17 who are runaways, lockouts, homeless, truant or experiencing parent-child conflict. arnettehouse.org or (352) 622-6135

Day of Caring

(February 25)

During the United Way’s annual Day of Caring event area businesses, individuals, organizations and civic clubs can help local nonprofit human service agencies accomplish much-needed projects during one day of organized volunteerism. uwmc.org or (352) 732-9696

Pancakes In The Park

(February 25)

The Friends of Silver Springs State Park will be serving a pancake breakfast on the river side of the park at 9am. Proceeds benefit Silver Springs State Park’s education program. thefriendsofsilversprings.org or 352-236-5401

Taste of Ocala

(March 4)

This annual event features a social hour, restaurant tastings and live music. Funds raised benefit the CF Foundation at the College of Central Florida, which supports scholarship opportunities for future students. The event runs 6-9pm. cf.edu/foundation or (352) 873-5808

written & compiled by Laurel Gillum and Melissa Peterson

4th Annual Habitat Strawberry Festival

(March 4)

This festival, which will once again be located at the McPherson Complex, draws the community together in celebration of all things strawberry. The event raises money for Habitat for Humanity of Marion County habitatocala.org or (352) 351-3081

11th Annual Marion County Go Red For Women

(March 10)

Benefiting the American Heart Association, this event aims to increase awareness about heart disease and stroke in women. Guests are in for a night of live music and dancing, silent auctions and fine dining. goredforwomen.org or (800) 257-6941, ext. 8107

Charity Pro/Am Golf Tournament

(March 14-17)

The Ocala Open will take place at Candler Hills Golf Club. The event raises funds for Interfaith Emergency Services and Hospice of Marion County candlerhillsgolfclub.com or (352) 387-7510

H.U.G.S. Community Celebration

(March 23)

Honor cancer survivors at the H.U.G.S Community Celebration at the Country Club of Ocala from 6:30-8:30pm. All proceeds provide assistance to local cancer patients in partnerships with the Cancer Alliance of Marion County hugscharities.org or (352) 598-1066

Ocala Royal Dames’ Tiara Ball

(March, TBD)

The Tiara Ball is the largest fundraiser for the Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc. The event is a time to dress your best, recognize some of Ocala’s up-and-coming debutantes and raise money to support cancer research. ocalaroyaldames.org or (352) 622-7363

6th Annual Race Against Child Abuse

(April, TBD)

This family-friendly 5K race is fully escorted by the Ocala Police Department. The race benefits Kimberly’s Center

for Child Protection. Kimberly’s Center is Marion County’s child advocacy center, providing a safe and friendly environment for children to discuss issues such as sexual and physical abuse and child neglect. kimberlyscenter.org or (352) 873-4739

8th Annual Frank Polack Memorial Ride

(April, TBD)

The 9th annual ride to benefit Hospice of Marion County o ers 80-, 65and 30-mile options. The ride winds through the heart of horse country, and registration fees as well as any pledge donations will benefit Hospice. hospiceofmarion.com or (352) 873-7400

3rd Annual Friends of Furry Faces

(April, TBD)

This fundraiser supports the Humane Society of Marion County. The 2016 event featured a wine and animal art auction. Formed in 1964, the Humane Society is dedicated to matching families with homeless pets and educating the community about responsible pet ownership. thehsmc.org or (352) 873-7387

Bridles, Birdies and BBQ

(April, TBD)

Combining two of Ocala’s greatest passions—horses and golf—this event pairs teams of equestrian riders with local golfers in a relay race, all benefiting The First Tee of Greater Ocala. The First Tee provides young people with characterbuilding and life skills lessons using golf as the platform. thefirstteegreaterocala.org or (352) 362-2258

2nd Annual “Be You!” A Walk for Children’s Mental Health

(April 21)

This second annual walk benefits the children who utilize services at The Centers and recognizes the importance of individuality in children’s mental health. The Centers positively impacts the lives of thousands of children and adults through mental health and recovery support. thecenters.us or facebook.com/beyouwalk or (352) 291-5555

2016 Cattle Barron’s Ball Steve Churchill, Kay Bogolin, Jacquie and Gordon Ralph

2016 Friends of Furry Faces Ed Cluster, Julie Atkinson, Roseann Morton and Bruce Fishalow

2016 Ocala Royal Dames’ Tiara Ball Audrey Caplan, Savanna Ewers, Lanie Vorwerk, Alex Zeedyk and Felize Arcenal

Ride for the Arts

(April 22)

The third annual Ride for the Arts benefits the Marion Cultural Alliance’s Endowment for the Arts, which o ers grants to cultural organizations throughout Marion County. The event o ers three ride lengths—68 miles, 38 miles and 15 miles—so there’s a ride for cyclists of all levels. rideforthearts.com or (352) 369-1500

Relay For Life of Ocala

(April 28)

Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The event brings the community together to remember loved ones, honor survivors and raise money to help battle cancer. relayforlife.org or (352) 629-4727

March for Babies

(April 29)

Walk to support the health of babies by raising money for the March of Dimes. The six-mile event is family friendly and takes place at the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Register as a team or walk as an individual. marchforbabies.org or (352) 629-7555

Brick City Blues Festival

(May, TBD)

Take a musical journey down the blues highway and hear some of your favorite local and regional blues acts, all to benefit the Ocala Outreach Foundation’s Feed the Need project. The Ocala Outreach Foundation aims to help real people who need real help but may be overlooked by other programs. ocalaoutreach.com or (352) 535-0321

Derby Day—10K, 5K & Kids’ 1K

(May 6)

The annual Derby Day event benefits the PACE Center for Girls of Marion County and includes a 10K, 5K and kids’ 1K fun run. Happening the morning of the Kentucky Derby, the event also features a derby hat contest. PACE serves girls with academic, counseling and transition services. pacecenter.org/locations/marion or (352) 369-0571

4th Annual Glo with the Flo 5K Race

(August, TBD)

This fun, nighttime 5K will light up historic downtown Ocala with all its glowing participants. Proceeds benefit the Marion County Children’s Alliance and the Drayton Florence Foundation facebook.com/glowiththeflo

15th Annual Cattle

Baron’s Ball

(September, TBD)

Wear your best Western duds in support of the American Cancer Society. This annual event supports communitybased patient services programs, lifesaving cancer research and education in prevention and early detection. facebook.com/cattlebaronslakesumter marion or (352) 350-2273

4th Annual Team Scrabble

(September, TBD)

Gather your friends and come out for a rousing game of Team Scrabble, all to benefit the Marion County Literacy Council. The organization is focused on making sure all adult citizens have access to the resources available to help them improve their literacy skills. marionliteracy.org or (352) 690-7323

Walk to End Alzheimer’s

(September, TBD)

A fundraising event for the Alzheimer’s Association, the walk is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide and raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. alz.org or (352) 372-6266

Ocala Shrine Rodeo

(September, TBD)

Come out for a night of bucking broncos and rodeo cowboys—all to benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children, which provides care for children in the areas of orthopaedics, burn care, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. facebook.com/ocalashrinerodeo or (352) 694-1515

22nd Annual Autumn Gift Market

(October, TBD)

The Autumn Gift Market is one of Ocala’s favorite traditions. The event supports the Junior League of Ocala, which promotes volunteerism, develops the potential of women and improves communities through the e ective action and leadership of volunteers. juniorleagueofocala.com

4th Annual Dining in the Dark

(October, TBD)

A journey of tastes, sounds, touch, appreciation and awareness, guests will walk and dine in total darkness to experience the same challenges faced every day by blind and visually impaired persons. All proceeds benefit the Florida Center for the Blind flblind.org or (352) 873-4700

Jeeptoberfest

(October, TBD)

The annual fall Jeep show and swap meet will be held at the Ocala Speedway. The event benefits Paws for a Cause and Interfaith Emergency Services ocalajeepclub.com

Heart Walk

(October, TBD)

The annual Marion County Heart Walk benefiting the American Heart Association raises funds to save lives from the country’s No. 1 and

2016 OMCAR Chair-ity Event Todd & Jennifer Jones, Paul Stentiford and John Celebre

2016 Florida Fun Mini Match Dance Competition

Chris and Chi Potter, Svellana Rudkovskaya and Pavel Cherdarvsay

Passionate Practice

John Piccin of Piccin Law Firm is dedicated to seeking justice for his clients and has successfully litigated various personal injury cases, insurance disputes and wrongful death cases since the 1970s. His experience as a trial attorney has provided countless clients with positive outcomes, and he has held the highest ratings in legal ability and ethical standards for decades.

John has served as the past president of the North Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, a prestigious organization of plaintiffs’ lawyers, defense lawyers and judges with the mission of preserving jury trials and the independence of the judiciary. It may come as no surprise that John is also part of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a national organization specifically for trial attorneys who have achieved verdicts or settlements of $1 million or more.

John has also supported The Florida Bar and the community by serving two terms as chairman of the Marion County Bench and Bar Committee, which mediates disputes or difficulties that arise between members of The Bar and judges. John also served as chairman of the Fifth Judicial Circuit’s Judicial Nomination Commission, which investigates, interviews and recommends applicants for appointment to the judiciary. He also currently serves on the board of the Federal Bar Association’s Historical Society.

John believes in this community, and he supports the Salvation Army and Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, as well as the Humane Society of the United States. “I’ve supported the Salvation Army for maybe 15 years, and The Humane Society of the United States for probably as long as I’ve been in Ocala,” John says.

His office is a block away from The Salvation Army, and he sees its beneficiaries almost every day. He and his wife, Mary, are grateful for what this organization provides to people in need. Both John and Mary are also

animal lovers—Mary actually runs the family horse farm. This is one reason they find it so important to support the Humane Society. John mentions that it’s not the fault of the animals for being in the deplorable state in which they are often found.

In the past, John also volunteered as a chairman for the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce and participated in several political campaigns. But primarily, John is a family man. “To me, my family is the most important thing,” he says.

John and Mary have a daughter and a son—Katie Glynn and Tim Piccin.

Now at ages 47 and 43, both are well into careers of their own. Katie is the Chief Deputy Clerk of Court Services for Marion County, and Tim is an F-16 fighter pilot, now in the United States Air Force Reserve, with over 150 combat missions, two bronze stars and several air medals. Tim also flies 737s for American Airlines. John and Mary also have a 9-year-old grandson, Rory Glynn, who keeps them busy helping with school activities and lessons from piano and soccer to tennis and rowing.

John anticipates many more years of service to family and community.

“I’ve supported the Salvation Army for maybe 15 years, and The Humane Society of the United States for probably as long as I’ve been in Ocala.”

–John Piccin

No. 5 killers: heart disease and stroke. marionheartwalk.kintera.org or (800) 257-6941, ext. 8107

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

(October, TBD)

This annual tradition raises money for the American Cancer Society. Celebrating survivorship, the event happens during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Participants can join a team or walk as an individual. makingstrides.acsevents.org or (352) 629-4727

Ocala-Silver Springs Rotary Club 3rd Annual Classic

(November, TBD)

This golf tournament, hosted by the OcalaSilver Springs Rotary Club, has benefited Project Hope for the past two years, as well as Rotary International. Golfers can register as an individual or as a team. Project Hope is a transitional housing program that empowers homeless women, children and families to reclaim their lives. projecthopeocala.org or (352) 624-4673

9th Annual Chair-ity Event

(November, TBD)

Hosted by the Ocala Marion County Association of Realtors, this event has benefited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County in previous years. The event features food trucks, silent and live auctions and refreshments. omcar.com or (352) 629-2415

Annual Semesco Shamble

(November, TBD)

The Andrew J. Semesco Foundation Inc. hosts its annual Semesco Shamble at the Ocala Golf Club. All proceeds will benefit neck, head and oral cancer research. ajsfoundation.org or (352) 817-2158

Annual Florida Feast

(November, TBD)

The Florida Feast, hosted by the Marion County Roadbuilders Association, presents an authentic Florida menu year after year. All proceeds benefit ARC Marion, Interfaith Emergency Services, Marion Therapeutic Riding Association,

Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Kenny’s Place. iesmarion.org or (352) 629-8868

Special Olympics’ 7th Annual Golf Tournament and 4th Annual Champions for Champions Dinner

(November 5)

These events benefit the local athletes of the Marion County Special Olympics Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. specialolympicsflorida.org/marion or facebook.com/specialolympics marioncountyfl or (352) 243-9536

Annual Toy Run

(December, TBD)

The annual Toy Run, hosted by the Harley Owners Group of Ocala, FL Chapter, benefits underprivileged children in Marion County. Children will meet the riders near the downtown square where toys will be distributed. Children attending are invited through Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection and the Marion County Children’s Alliance. Toys are also distributed to Interfaith Emergency Services, the Salvation Army and the Ocala Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Center, among other Marion County charities. ocalahogchapter.net or (352) 427-6679

Pancake Day

(December, TBD)

The largest fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Ocala, come out for a yummy pancake breakfast and help support the Kiwanis Club’s Camp Kiwanis, an overnight summer camp for children living in Marion County. ocalakiwanis.org or (352) 854-2664

Let us know!

Have a charitable event you’d like to see listed in next year’s calendar? Email us at melissa@ocalastyle.com.

*Editor’s Note: This is not a comprehensive list of charitable events in the Marion County area. All events are subject to date changes and cancelation. Events without specific dates are based on when the event was held in previous years. There is no guarantee that the event will be held in this month during 2017 or whether it will be held at all. Contact the event host for more information about the event.

2016 Taste of Ocala Mayor Kent and Sandra Guinn

2015 Arnette House Benefit Rolando Sosa and Vernal Douglas

2016 Marion County Go Red For Women Kristin Nast, Evelyn Nussel and April Savarese

My name is Deborah and I am a single mom of an 8-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son with Autism. We are currently living in a local shelter’s transitional housing program.

United Way’s Strong Families program has provided my family with access to resources, and I love the motivation and encouragement I receive. Through their 15 skill-building sessions I have been given the opportunity to learn new skills or touch up on skills I already had, like setting goals, making a budget and career information. Strong Families has also connected me with a local housing agency to help me move into a single family home so my two children and I can leave the shelter. I appreciate the encouragement and support that I am getting through the United Way. Thank you for your donation. You have really helped me move in the right direction.

I have a passion

The pay-it-forward quote is stuck in my heart and mind forever. I’m involved with many local nonprofits. Here are my favorites:

Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research — I’m a life member and have volunteered for over 10 years and am a past president. We have raised and donated millions of dollars to cancer research at Moffit Center and UF Shands.

Hospice of Marion County — WOW! This organization is amazing. Their passion of care for each patient is truly from the heart from adults to children.

Bunco Babes of Ocala — A group of 12 ladies with hearts of gold, raising funds for Michelle-o-Gram (free mammograms).

There are many, many more non-profits. I feel it’s our duty to take care of our community.

When you give to United Way of Marion County, you are making the most powerful donation possible. That’s

because United Way is dedicated to investing in programs and services that are proven to deliver measurable results that change lives. Together—united—we can do more, help more, and make more of a di erence than any of us could ever do alone. This is one of those times, and we are counting on everyone to make a di erence, to define what it means to truly LIVE UNITED.

Every gift makes a difference. Every gift matters. Every gift is appreciated.

For more information, please call (352) 732-9696

1401 NE 2nd St., Ocala, Fl 34470

Sponsored by

Get involved by volunteering or make your gift to United Way TODAY at uwmc.org!

The Nature Coast’s LOCAL radio stations!

More music & less talk.

We know why our audience listens to our stations…because they LOVE THE MUSIC! So we avoid DJ chatter and deliver the greatest Top 40 and Classic hits of all time, along with important information like news, sports and weather. As a result, our listeners listen longer!

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Fitness Fail

Put down the Fitbits, folks. A study by the University of Pittsburgh has discovered that overweight people following the same diet lost less weight if they wore a fitness tracker compared with those who didn’t.

Over 18 months, the group with fitness trackers lost an average of 7.7 pounds. Participants without them shed an average of 13. Researchers suspect that being able to see how much they’ve worked out inflates the idea of how much they can eat and rest afterward. So with workouts, perhaps a little mystery is best.

Snack It Up

Nutritious food doesn’t have to be revolting. Step away from the celery and toss away the lettuce. It’s time we introduce you to some real food.

Eating healthy is not overrated. In fact, certain nutrients are key components in maintaining a healthy body. What is overrated? Eating like a rabbit.

Check out some fun—but still healthy—alternative snacks.

1. POPCORN. Served plain and simple or sprinkled with dark chocolate shavings. Either will do. Both are tasty.

2. SWEET TOAST. Rye or whole-grain toast topped with low-fat cream cheese and dried cranberries could almost be mistaken for a strudel. Try this for an early morning boost or a late-night snack.

3. APPLE SLICES. Dip these fellas in a tablespoon of almond butter and you’re good to go. Apple pie? Never heard of it.

4. VEGGIE PLATE. If you just can’t resist celery, at least make it interesting. A half cup of low-fat cottage cheese mixed with chives and pepper make for a great dipping sauce to accompany vegetables.

5. TRAIL MIX. Make up your own personalized concoction. Almonds, dried tart cherries, blueberries, oh my!

6. HARD-BOILED EGG. Sprinkled with freshly ground pepper, you could store a few backups of this no-mess snack in your refrigerator to enjoy tomorrow.

7. YOGURT JAM. Mix one tablespoon of jam with one container of non-fat plain Greek yogurt.

8. HUMMUS DEVILED EGGS Half some hard boiled eggs, and discard the yolks. Instead, add two teaspoons of hummus to each half, and sprinkle with hot paprika.

9. STRING CHEESE You don’t have to fry the cheese to use marinara sauce. Mozzarella cheese served with red sauce is still a win in our book of tasty treats.

10. PEANUT BUTTER POPSICLE. Cut a banana lengthwise, and spread one teaspoon of natural peanut butter on each side. Sandwich together, wrap in plastic and freeze for four hours. Dessert is served. You’re welcome.

Snacking Guidelines

Need help coming up with your own selection of yummy treats? Follow these mini-meal guidelines and see what amounts to a healthy snack.

› 150 to 250 calories

› 3 grams of fiber

› 5 grams of protein

› No more than 12 grams of fat

Note that hitting and maintaining all of these markers per day will be difficult. Aim for overall balance. For example, if one snack is a little high in sugar, know that your next snack should have less. Sources: realsimple.com, womansday.com

Just Breathe

When it comes to exercising, there isn’t one method of breathing that suits all routines. Check out these expert tips to improve your activity.

Stretching

The point of stretching is all about loosening up. Focus on inhaling deeply—the exhale will naturally follow. This method will relax your muscles for a better stretch and lower your risk of pulling anything.

Yoga

Hu ng and pu ng at the gym is never a good sign. A key element in the transport of oxygen to the lungs and muscles during your workout is found in the way you are breathing.

Vinyasa, the most popular form of yoga, translates to “breathe for movement.” Breathe in and out smoothly and deeply through the nose while constricting the back of your throat, so the rhythm of your inhaling and exhaling matches your movements.

Weight lifting

Want the secret to successful gains? Here it is: Exhale sharply upon exertion. Refrain from holding your breath, as it puts unnecessary pressure on the abdominal wall.

Boxing

Long and complete breaths through the nose will usually do the trick. You’ll want to keep your jaw locked the whole time for protection, so try to avoid breathing through your mouth.

Pilates

Each time you inhale, your diaphragm should be engaged so it pushes down and expands the torso. Each time you exhale, the diaphragm should relax and move up. This technique is about breathing as deeply as possible.

Running

Avoid rapid and shallow breathing at all costs during cardio workouts. Focus on slow, controlled breathing in and out through the mouth. Take in full inhales and exhales as much as possible.

Cycling

Your heart rate will elevate if you prematurely inhale and don’t allow yourself to fully exhale. Breathe smoothly throughout your workout, and lengthen your torso by straightening your spine. This will allow your lungs to fully expand.

Recovery

Post workout, focus on filling and emptying your abdomen with each breath rather than raising and lowering your chest. This allows more oxygen into your lungs and helps you regain energy.

Breathing. Seems simple enough, right? Think again. Apparently, there’s more to it than we thought.

Celebrating Your 49th Birthday… Again

A study published in J AMA Internal Medicine examined data from 6,489 people with an average age of 65.8 years who felt approximately 10 years younger than their actual age. What’s interesting is most people in the study didn’t feel like their actual age. Only 4.8 percent reported feeling at least a year older than their actual age. University College London researchers followed up over the next eight years and found only 14 percent of those who felt younger than their age had died. Over 24 percent of those who reported feeling older than their age had passed away. Sounds like a youthful outlook keeps the doctor away.

If you’re an age fibber, you may actually live longer than your peers (if you truly feel younger at heart, that is).

Room For Decor

A bedroom should hold more than a bed and a messy closet. The day has come.

Fold your clothes and break out the paint—it’s time for some sprucing up. There’s no need to knock down walls and go crazy. A few small changes here and there can make all the difference.

Color Counts

First things first, choose a color theme that suits you. Here’s what the pros use to decipher between swatches.

RED: If you are prone to stress, this is not the color for you. Red, an exciting and stimulating color, is usually associated with passion and vigor.

BLUE : If you like peace and tranquility, go for a blue hue.

PINK: Touted to promote a healthy balance of energy, no wonder we are advised to “think pink.”

YELLOW : You’ll always be in good spirits with this sunny shade. This cheerful tone is used by many to combat stress.

GREEN : Soothing and quiet, green, in shades of sage, moss or grassy, assists in fighting anxiety.

WHITE : Symbolic of clarity and pureness, a new coat of bright white paint will give you that fresh start just when you need it.

ORANGE : In addition to red, orange has similar effects, promoting stress. It can, however, help invigorate you when you’re feeling down.

Be A DIY Diva

Why spend your hard-earned dollars on something you can make yourself? Here are some DIY projects you’ll want to move to the top of your to-do list.

Personalize your space with decorative letters. Hide the letter (usually wood, cardboard or Styrofoam), with faux flowers or other crafty cutouts and spell out words or place initials above

Spray paint, spray paint, spray paint. Buy frames of varying sizes from yard sales or thrift stores and go crazy. Try out a glossy gold or a matte black. Maybe a classic white arrangement? The fun part is choosing pictures from your camera roll to display. Another option is to hang the empty frames sans the glass for an

3. STORE IT. Mason jars and other glass containers are perfect for easy storage. Whether they hold your makeup brushes, art supplies or paper clips, we don’t doubt they’ll be put to good use. These too can be painted to match whatever theme you choose to live with.

4. PAINT IT. Pick some of your favorite wildflowers and use them as paint brushes. Dip the tips in watercolor and use them to stamp a fresh canvas. Once it’s dry, hang it on the wall for a bold statement. Have an empty vase? Grab some sticks from the yard and some river rocks for a great spa look.

One pillow and one pillowcase—a faux pas of extreme proportions. Pile on the pillows. No bedroom is complete without a fluffy bed to snuggle on. And don’t shy away from mixing prints and patterns. Combine florals and geometrics. Whether your style is bohemian or shabby chic, pillows are not optional. A printed bedspread is where it’s at. Say sayonara to those boring solid comforters. A distinctive design by way of duvet, quilt or spread will add some life to a not-happening room.

PRINT IS NOT LIMITED TO BEDDING. If you can’t part with your solid bed covers just yet, pick a decorative rug that you can’t help but admire. A pop of color in the middle of the floor is hard to miss.

Décor On Display

Your personality is your best attribute. Don’t be afraid to show it. What kind of things do you want to wake up to? Put those same things out on display. If you enjoy photography, hang a display shelf with vintage cameras on it. What about black and white prints of the kids or nature? If gardening is your calling, mini succulents are easy and chic enough to disperse around the bedroom in cute pots. Here are some other fun ideas.

› LET THERE BE LIGHT. A wall lamp will free up space on nightstands and dressers. Multi-watt bulbs are ideal to finetune lighting for reading or relaxing. Your area will look less cluttered and offer more space for things you need.

› LIKE BOOKS? As much as we all love sleeping, your bedroom may also double as a hideout to read, write or study. Place a comfy chair in the corner with some blankets or a cute desk where you can store a laptop.

› CLEAN SWEEP. Although it’s easier to wad clothes in balls and slam dunk them into the abyss that’s affectionately known as your closet, it’s nicer to fold them. It’s a small task, but the difference will be huge.

› MAKE A SWITCH. Rearranging furniture is the perfect way to revamp an area. The best part? It’s completely free. Scoot the bed, lift the desk and in no time at all your room will have a whole new look and feel. While you’re at it, choose a piece of furniture to paint an accent color. Chalk paint is the way to go.

Get It On

Frisky Business

There’s more to it than hormones, ladies. Your emotional and mental health plays a big role in your sex drive. According to Dr. John Randolph’s study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, women need a lot more than men to get turned on. “Mood and an overall sense of health and well-being is key for women,” Randolph says. It’s really a mind game, but you too can play. These ideas should trick you into feeling a bit friskier.

When you hit the sheets at the end of the day and all you’re thinking about are the kids, work and to-do lists, sex is probably the last thing you want to do. But after a rogue night of intimacy, do you find yourself thinking, “Hey, we should do this more often”? Turn those good intentions into reality even when life makes you feel too tired, too stressed and just never in the mood.

1. GET YOUR ADRENALINE PUMPING. One study found that doing something exciting or daring boosts the attraction you feel for the opposite sex. Watch a suspenseful movie, go zip lining or learn to surf with your partner.

2. HAVE A GLASS OF WINE. Women who enjoy a daily glass of red wine reported higher sexual desire in one study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. Just keep it to one glass, and finish it off with snuggling.

3. PRACTICE YOGA. Getting in touch with your body will put you in touch with your sexuality, suggests another study. Plus, because yoga improves blood circulation, you’ll feel even better when the deed is done.

4. UNWIND. Go for a walk, or take a bubble bath. Relaxing and letting go of life’s burdens will ease stress and emotions, making you more open to sex.

5. BE TOUCHY. Even just holding hands will make you and your partner feel closer. The key is spontaneity—get a little grabby when he least expects it. It may help arouse both of you, and a bottle of massage oil will do the rest.

6. SWEAT AND SNIFF. The smell of men post-gym has been found to increase cortisol levels in women, which may lead to arousal. Better yet, join him in the gym and hit the shower together when you get home.

7. FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS. Get creative with positions or talk to your partner about trying something new. Nothing’s a bigger mood killer than the same old routine.

Seven sexy solutions to get you in the mood when you’re not feeling it.

DeLuca Toyota has been supporting local charities since 1978. Frank and Michelle DeLuca believe in giving back to the community.

Healthy Giving

Some charities supported by DeLuca Toyota:

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY • AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION –

2011 Co-Chair Red Tie Society Event & 2016

Go Red For Women Sponsor 2006 to present

• AMERICAN RED CROSS • BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB • CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY OF FLORIDA • COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA FOUNDATION • FRANK DELUCA FAMILY YMCA • GIVE KIDS THE WORLD • HABITAT FOR HUMANITY – Sponsor of 8 homes (28 people)

• HISTORICAL OCALA PRESERVATION SOCIETY (HOPS) • HOSPICE OF MARION COUNTY • HUMANE SOCIETY OF MARION COUNTY • INTERFAITH EMERGENCY SERVICES • THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

• MARCH OF DIMES – March for Babies

Chair 2009 & 2016 Major Sponsor • MARINE CORP SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

• MARION COUNTY CULTURAL ALLIANCE • MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION • OCALA ROYAL DAMES FOR CANCER RESEARCH • THE SALVATION ARMY • TOYS FOR TOTS • UNITED WAY OF MARION COUNTY

Frank & Michelle DeLuca

“Giving back… not only does it feel good, but it’s the right thing to do.”