Ocala Magazine October 2011

Erin Stern 2010 Ms. IFBB Olympia

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OCTOBER 2011 $4.95 U.S.

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CONT CON NTENTS TENTS CELEBRATING 31 YEARS

October 2011

FEATURES

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The Ghost Whisperer Catherine Wendell sees dead people.

She sees them riding bikes, smoking cigars and walking around like regular folks.

And she sees them all the time.

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Busted! Riding Shotgun With Ocala’s Law Men Crime doesn’t pay in our community, where local law enforcement agencies work together to keep our streets safer for all of our citizens.

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The Playbook for the Serious Tailgater Football fever in Ocala is at an all-time high.

Here’s a guide to the latest and greatest tailgating plays Ocalans use to stand out among the crowds.

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ON THE COVER: ERIN STERN PHOTOGRAPHY: ERIC HEIKKINEN

15 Minutes with Olympia Dukakis When Olympia Dukakis walks into a room, people notice. We talked to the Moonstruck star, who recently made a stellar Rose in Ocala, about politics and the performing arts.

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editor’snote

Linda Marks publisher linda@ocalamagazine.com Gene McConnell vice president gene@ocalamagazine.com

OCALAMAGAZINE Volume 32, Issue 04

EDITORIAL/ DESIGN Rob Feeman editor

SEASONS CHANGE IN PARADISE

rob@ocalamagazine.com Jim Canada senior designer james@ocalamagazine.com Eric Heikkinen photo editor/photographer eric@ocalamagazine.com John Sotomayor associate editor john@ocalamagazine.com Alex Martinez production manager alex@ocalamagazine.com -------------------------

CONTRIBUTORS

Ron Wetherington correspondent Kelli Hart correspondent Heather Reinblatt intern Caroline Fischer intern

SALES & MARKETING Ron Kolb director of sales & marketing ron@ocalamagazine.com

Alex Martinez business analyst alex@ocalamagazine.com Jayme Green business analyst jayme@ocalamagazine.com Sam Guerra business analyst sam@ocalamagazine.com ------------------------

OPERATIONS Norm Herbert distribution

Barbara Stanton accountant + collections barbara@ocalamagazine.com -------------------------

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An old girlfriend once told me that autumn was her favorite time of the year. For the life of me, I couldn’t understand why. I was living in Pennsylvania (where I went to high school) at the time, and we were probably raking leaves or something like that—one of those quintessential fall activities. I’m sure I groused at her comment, because when you live up north, the arrival of fall not only means colorful foliage, apple picking and hot chocolate, but it also signals the imminent arrival of winter, which inexorably brings with it piles of snow, icy roads, single-digit temperatures, long dark nights, cold noses and toes, and, of course, lots and lots of shoveling heavy frozen stuff (which, for the record, I’ve had my fill of, thank you very much).

I’ve grown older and wiser since that day in Pennsylvania, and changed my view of fall, which, as a season, has a charm all its own. Even while living up north and out west, I came to appreciate it as the years passed. I’ve watched the trees in New England turn brilliant red and orange, and seen the aspens in Colorado mellow into a golden hue. I’ve picked apples and pumpkins, been on a few hayrides, watched more football games than I can count and taken my young kids trick-or-treating on spooky yet magical nights. All in all, I’ve learned, fall ain’t so bad.

Of course, the fall season is even better here in Florida, where it’s much more enjoyable, as September fades into the rear-view mirror, to watch the daytime temperatures drop steadily from the 90s into the 70s, rather than from the 70s to the 40s (and often much lower), as they do up north. (Frost on the windshield every morning? Who needs that?)

Fall also signals the arrival of the busy season here in Ocala and Marion County, which is kicking into high gear as we make the mad dash to the end-of-the-year holidays. This year, of course, many activities and events are hampered by the realities of the economy, and yet there are still plenty of goings-on around town to keep us all busy, even on a tight budget. In fact, this issue of Ocala Magazine is practically bursting with all things fall—so much, in fact, that we could barely fit it all in.

On the pages that follow, we’ve hit all the highlights, including haunted houses, tailgating—and yes, football—as well as the myriad activities taking place in our community this month. It’s truly an impressive array of events, offering something for just about everyone. And now that the hot weather has broken, it’s a great time to get out and see all that our area has to offer. Whether you’re tailgating at a UF game, stopping at a craft fair or art festival, taking in a ghost tour, negotiating a corn maze, chasing down the new Horse Fever herd in town or stopping by an auto event like the upcoming Pumpkin Run, Marion County is at its best in the fall. And the best news of all? There’s no snow in the forecast. As an older gentleman said to me recently, every autumn day here is “just another beautiful day in paradise.”

Rob Feeman, Editor rob@ocalamagazine.com

OCALA MAGAZINE

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q+a with

A conversation with ALLISON CAMPBELL, APR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HOPE FOUNDATION BENEFITING ARC MARION, AND FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE NON-PROFIT BUSINESS COUNCIL

Non-profit executive Allison Campbell discusses a new program designed to introduce philanthropy to school-age children.

ALLISON CAMPBELL

Q: Allison, how did the new program called Youth Philanthropy in Action (YPIA) come to be?

A: During a Hope Foundation strategic planning session, we determined we wanted to “start” a youth philanthropy education program. That’s quite an undertaking for a small nonprofit, so I talked with the Non-Profit Business Council’s (NPBC) chairwoman, Meghan Shay, who loved the idea.

An education program is also a priority for the newly formed Community Foundation, so we had an instant committee of support.

Q: Who is involved with this project, and what is Youth Philanthropy in Action’s mission?

A: I love it when a group of likeminded professionals come to a brilliant consensus in about an hour.

That’s exactly what happened when Meghan (The Centers), Lisa Lombardo (CF Foundation), Beth McCall (Munroe Foundation), Barbara Fitos (Community Foundation), Carole Savage (Public Education Foundation) and Tina Banner, APR (United Way) joined me one afternoon. Together, we developed the mission for YPIA: To foster a culture of philanthropy among Marion County youth through education and outreach programs that encourage and equip students to make a difference in their community now and in the future.

Q: How does YPIA work?

What will be taught to students?

A: We hope to pilot our YPIA curriculum in one middle school during the 2011-2012 school year, with the hopes of reaching multiple schools

next year. The program is currently designed to cover five objectives focusing on civic responsibility. By the end of the program, students will have determined what they value, and how they can use that to make their local or even the global community a better place.

Along with the students’ personal mission statements, the class as a whole will work together to adopt a mission statement by which they can truly put their philanthropy into action as responsible citizens.

Q: Who will teach the classroom sessions?

A: We plan to have a minimum of two-person teams going into classrooms with the five sessions being taught weekly, monthly or however else the session’s lesson plan fits into the teacher’s curriculum. There are nonprofit leaders in our community already signed on to help this be a success—they are on standby, ready and eager to facilitate the sessions under the supervision of the instructor.

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Oct. 13 – Ocala Business Leaders Meet and Greet, at the Central Florida Eye Institute, 3133 SW 32nd Avenue, directly behind the Paddock Mall; 5 to 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 – Hispanic Business Council Meeting, at the Chamber of Commerce Boardroom (310 SE 3rd St., 2nd floor); 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 15-23 – China Trip 2011.

Oct. 19 – Power Series 2011 Workshop: Business Relevancy; Chamber of Commerce Boardroom, 7:30 to 9 a.m.; free admission.

Oct. 20 – Business After Hours Series, United Way of Marion County, 1401 NE 2nd St., 5 to 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 – Chamber 101: New and Prospective Member Orientation, Chamber of Commerce Boardroom, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Q: What are the next steps?

A: We have been encouraged by the response of leaders within the public school system to the YPIA program and are excited to see which school steps forward to give this opportunity to its students.

Q: How can people learn more about the program?

A: To learn more about our very active Non-Profit Business Council, please visit www.ocalacc.com. The Non-Profit Business Council meets the first Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. at the Chamber.

Jaye Baillie, President and CEO PHOTO: FULL LINE STUDIO

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Want to see a “ghostly mist” in action. Check out the spooky video at www.ocalamagazine.com.

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Catherine Wendell sees dead people.

She sees them riding bikes, smoking cigars and walking around like regular folks.

And she sees them all the time.

STORY: ROB FEEMAN

Take a walk down East Fort King Street with Catherine Wendell and you’ll soon learn about neighbors you never knew you had. At one of the stately homes lining the historic street, there’s a gentleman who likes to hang out on a second-floor balcony smoking cigars. Next door, a 1940sera woman named Liza dances, turns off lights and blows out candles. A few doors down, another young woman likes to ride a bicycle along the sidewalks, mysteriously disappearing when she rides behind a pole. And a couple blocks north, across Silver Springs Boulevard, a man named Jeremiah likes to talk about ale but tends to avoid the subject of tobacco, even though he once farmed the crop.

They all seem like relatively nice people. There’s only one problem: none of them is alive. They’re among the many spirits who haunt Ocala.

And Catherine Wendell sees them all.

“Moving to this area, I lived and worked right around here,” Wendell says as she stands on the corner of East Fort King Street and Southeast 8th Avenue on a warm September afternoon. “I lived here at the Birdsey House and worked over there at the Seven Sisters, and just being in these different structures, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, why is it so haunted around here?’ And I always said, ‘I wish I could prove it to people.’”

As the owner of Ocala Ghost Walks and Historical Tours, which operates

walking tours along Fort King Street on Friday and Saturday evenings, she’s attempting to do just that. And she has plenty of stories to tell about the ghosts who haunt the historic houses of Ocala.

GRANDMOTHER’S GIFT

Talking with Wendell, one quickly gets a sense that she is completely truthful when she discusses her ability to see entities that exist in a realm beyond our own. “I see them like they’re you and me—apparitions, or I’ll see orbs or mist,” she says. “I’ve seen them since I’ve was a child, but at first I didn’t want to.”

Seeing and communicating with spirits has never been scary for Wen-

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dell, but as a child, dismayed by her special ability, she tried to deny it. “When I was young, it was very perplexing,” she says. “People weren’t accepting of it. They didn’t want to believe me. They would say I was crazy, or seeing or hearing things. So when I’d see things, I’d always go, ‘No, no, I didn’t see that.’ ” Her particular ability is a part of her heritage, however, since her grandmother also saw spirits. But when Wendell was younger, she rarely talked to her grandmother about her ability, because she remembers seeing her grandmother marginalized and ostracized. “I worried because my grandmother had seen them. She had the Gift, but everyone called her crazy, so why would I want that?”

But she soon learned she couldn’t fight it, since it appears the Gift is in her blood. Her grandmother’s sister had it, she recalls, and an aunt before that. “It seems like it skips a generation,” Wendell says.

Now, Wendell wishes she had talked to her grandmother more, because it would help her better understand her regular encounters with spirits in Ocala. It has taken her a long time to come to terms with her own personal Gift, she says, because she was concerned about being called crazy herself. However, meeting other people who have had similar experiences and tracking down evidence to corroborate her encounters has helped her accept what she’s been seeing and hearing all her life.

believes, they are drawn to her. “I think it’s because I see them, and they’re not used to being seen,” she says.

At the Birdsey House, Wendell was frequently visited by a woman in a long white Victorian dress, whom she describes as “very pretty.” The woman sometimes appeared as a full apparition and sometimes as mist. Once, while stretching before work, Wendell says “a white poof—it wasn’t smoke but more like mist—came out of my son’s room and went right through

my black lab Sarah. She started yelping and shaking, so I got upset and started hollering at the mist. I think the spirit was trying to help but she really bothered my dog.”

The female spirit also likes to ride a bike on the sidewalk around the house.

Once, while riding on a bike past a pole, the woman failed to re-materialize on the far side. “She disappeared and never came out on the other side of the pole,” Wendell says.

Although Wendell doesn’t know the

THE WOMAN IN WHITE

While living in the Fort King Street area in the late 1990s (she still lives in Ocala a few blocks away), Wendell says she saw spirits daily—or, at least, “on a very regular basis.” Over a twoyear period, while renting a first-floor apartment at the Birdsey House (built around 1891), she says the local spirits would visit her frequently because, she

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Victorian woman’s name, she has been able to verify that the woman actually lived in the house. “I ran into the old owners of this house, and they had a photo of the second family that owned the house. It was a big family, and I saw the woman in the photograph. I rarely get confirmation like that.”

Others have seen the Victorian woman at the Birdsey House as well, further confirming Wendell’s claim. “I’d meet people who said they had seen the same lady I saw, with a white Victorian dress and dark hair pulled back. I’d have them describe her to me, and it was the same thing I’d seen.”

SPIRITS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

There have been other sightings at the house catty-corner from the Birdsey House, currently occupied by Soul Essentials, a New Age shop. “We’ve seen apparitions there and we have a couple of mist pictures,” Wendell says. She and an associate, Paula Kinder, have also snapped plenty of digital photos in the house showing “orbs”—round, cellular areas of light that, Wendell explains, represent the energy fields of spirits.

The history behind some of the houses, such as this one, is sketchy, but Wendell has made an effort to research the houses and the stories associated with them. Many of those stories come from individuals who have taken Wendell’s ghost tours. “They’ll validate the hauntings with their stories,” she says.

For instance, a woman on one of the tours told Wendell that she had babysat at the house during the 1980s.

“The woman said that when she was a teenager, she babysat upstairs, and saw a shadow of a man near her. It wasn’t a shadow like our shadows, but something a spirit would make. She made her mom come back and stay with her.

She never went back to babysit.”

In encounters like this, Wendell notes, no one ever gets hurt, but it can be disconcerting for some, which is why Wendell’s friends have called on her to help deal with spirits. “They say, ‘Could you just come over and tell me whether it’s good or bad?’ ” She’s also conduct-

ed cleansings of houses for friends.

When she encounters a bad spirit, Wendell says she “gets an upset stomach or a headache, or they’ll try to hide on me if they’re no good.”

Every spirit manifestation, she notes, is different. “The apparition is the hardest thing energy-wise for them to produce, because it requires a lot of energy for them to manifest themselves.”

This explains why some spirits appear more solid while others are transparent, while still others appear as an orb or mist, since these forms take less energy to produce. “Mist or orbs you can photograph, and you’ll see them longer with the eye,” Wendell says. “Some of them appear see-through, and some look just like you and me, and then they disappear. It just depends on how strong their energy is.”

Further along the street, other spirits have been seen at the Scott and Rheinauer Houses (the former is also known as the Seven Sisters Inn). “Both were said to be boarding houses. The Scott House has a few ghosts, including Liza and a few children, whereas at the Rheinauer House I haven’t seen any children.” At the Scott House (built around 1895), spirits have “opened and closed doors, flushed toilets, and turned on and off lights, when it was an inn.

They were really being pests. There’s more activity here. In this house, they also love Christmas, because it’s a festive thing.”

At the Rheinauer House (built around 1891), which currently sits empty, Wendell has witnessed an unnamed man who stands on a secondfloor balcony. “He’s very thin, with his hair slicked back,” she says. “He’s between his twenties and forties. You’ll smell cigar smoke in the second-floor rooms,” which seems appropriate, she says, since the Rheinauers, who built the house, helped start Marti City, the cigar-producing area that once existed in Ocala.

Although she’s encountered other spirits throughout Marion County—

such as Jeremiah, a former tobacco farmer who inhabits a building just off East Silver Springs Boulevard that now houses a bridal shop—they seem localized on Fort King Street. This, Wendell initially thought, had something to do with the Seminole Indian wars, but lately she’s come to believe that it is more related to the age of the houses and outbreaks of diseases like malaria and the Spanish flu pandemic, which swept across the United States in 1918.

People died in their homes in those days, Wendell says, which explains why some spirits are still attached to houses built before that time.

INTO THE LIGHT

In Wendell’s opinion, the spirits she sees are ones who “didn’t go into the light. The light comes for everyone, but I think, for many different reasons, some people don’t go. Say, for instance, they did something wrong, so they don’t want to go into the light because they’re afraid they’ll go to hell. Or they love their house and they’re not leaving. Or a lot of times it’s a matter of the heart.”

In Wendell’s view, we all have a decision to make when we pass on.

“The people who stayed here, it was by choice. They all had that choice, but once you choose not to go into the light, it doesn’t come right back.”

Wendell says in some cases, she’s able to help a spirit “cross over, when I explain to them they’re earth-bound. I tell them to go to the light.”

When it comes to her ability to see spirits, Wendell says she knows there will be those who believe her and those who do not. “There’s no middle ground when it comes to this subject,” she says.

“It’s either ‘Yes, I believe you,’ or ‘Absolutely not.’ I won’t try to convince people, but I tell them, ‘If I can get you into this house, I can show you.’ ” Every Friday and Saturday night in Ocala, with her ghost tours, she attempts to do just that. OM

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busted riding shotgun with ocala’s law men STORY: JOHN SOTOMAYOR

Crime doesn’t pay in our community, where the Ocala Police Department and Marion County Sheriff ’s Office work together with other law enforcement agencies to keep our streets safer for all of our citizens.

Officer Dale Parish, Officer Robert Cashner and Officer Don Snow

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Officer Snow and suspect

Want to give a shout out to our local law enforcement officers for keeping our streets safe?

Log on to www.ocalamagazine.com and post your thoughts. www.ocalamagazine.com.

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! d e t s u b “Bingo!” shouted Officer Donald Snow, content his search had yielded a huge payoff. It was near the end of a long 12-hour shift when two other officers reported suspicious activity—a vehicle driving into and out of several motel parking lots off 441. The vehicle stalled, so Officer Snow used the opportunity to offer assistance, which eventually led to probable cause and a search of the vehicle.

The search yielded the big catch of the day—mixed drugs that included a prescription drug, morphine and crack cocaine. “This here is why we do what we do,” Snow said as officers tested the drugs on the hood of a squad car with

Officer Snow and suspect

a portable chemical kit and a database on drugs.com. “Sweep this junk off the streets and lock up the bad guys so citizens can sleep well at night.”

Last month, Ocala Magazine profiled three mayoral candidates vying for your votes in the upcoming November election: Kent Guinn, Randy Alvord and Rusty Juergens. The may-

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or’s primary roles are to represent the people of Ocala and serve as the head of the Ocala Police Department. During his interview, Guinn offered an analogy he learned from Michael Hess, New York City’s general counsel under former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

Hess, responsible for the miraculous transformation of Times Square from a cesspool of drugs and prostitution to a Disney-esque tourist destination, offered the following comment: “Once broken glass is left on the sidewalk, it becomes acceptable.”

In his analogy, glass and graffiti symbolized crime and corruption. If it is ignored, it becomes an acceptable way of life. Currently, illegal drugs are the number one offender that underscores just about every criminal offense in the nation, including domestic batteries and robberies. Illegal drugs not only fill our jails with convicted criminals but also leave behind broken families and homes. It is the job of our local law enforcement teams to sweep the city of Ocala of its broken glass.

To get an up-close look at the current state of law and order in our community, Ocala Magazine recently arranged a ride-along with Officers Hunt and Snow of the Ocala Police Department and participated in a drug bust with Lt. Donnie Winston and his assembled team. Here’s our report, direct from the streets of Ocala and Marion County. opd patrol A call over the patrol car’s radio broke the otherwise peaceful quiet. It was shortly after 10 p.m., September 9, and a Code 16 was dispatched, notifying officers of an obstruction in the road, followed by a Code 47, which meant that Emergency Medical Services (EMS) reported a suspicious activity. Officer Charles Hunt, on the force for a little over a year and a half and on his seventh hour of a 12-hour shift, suspected the obstruction is merely a tree branch and responded to the Code 47, which involved a teenage girl who had smoked an unknown substance and felt ill.

The Code 47 happened to be in Officer Hunt’s zone, from NE 8th Avenue to NW Martin Luther King Boulevard.

The house from which the girl, 17, had called was located near Section 8 housing, as it’s commonly called, since it’s low-income housing provided by Section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937.

It’s a location frequently plagued by shootings, according to Officer Hunt.

On route, Officer Hunt passed by a smashed-in A&M discount storefront on 18th Street and 24th Avenue. A few days earlier, thieves had broken into the building, using the back end of a stolen pickup truck to ram in the doors. A bit further along, Officer Hunt stopped to see if a car accident scene required any additional assistance. A woman who gave her account to an officer stated a vehicle hit a car at a very high speed, triggering a multi-car collision, and then took off after the impact. Two people had already been rushed to a hospital. No additional assistance was needed, so Officer Hunt called in a 10-8, 10-51 meaning he had cleared that scene and was again en route to the original call.

Within minutes, Officer Hunt arrived at the scene. The teenager’s mother was outside. Officer Hunt asked her what happened. She replied that her teenage daughter went to a neighbor’s home, where young adults were drinking and smoking. According to the mother, the teenage girl was told it was legal marijuana, most likely a substance called Salvia, and had tried some. Upon returning home, she became disoriented.

The mother had called 911, and the paramedics had checked her daughter.

The girl felt better, but after the paramedics left she became dizzy again, and her pupils were dilated. Officer Hunt examined the teen, who corroborated her mother’s story, adding that the neighbors were lifelong acquaintances.

After warning her about the dangers of taking non-prescribed substances from others, Officer Hunt asked her how long she had smoked these types of substances, to which she replied, “Not that long,” to her mother’s astonishment.

After assessing the teenager and determining that she did not require further treatment, Officer Hunt gave the girl a stern warning, telling her to avoid

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“This here is why we do what we do.

Sweep this junk off the streets and lock up the bad guys so citizens can sleep well at night.”

OFFICER DON SNOW

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! d e t s u b this type of activity in the future and encouraging her to change her friends.

He then left the premises, and called for backup to visit the home where the alleged activity took place.

Officer Snow arrived moments after Officer Hunt requested backup. It turned out the house where the alleged activity took place was occupied by the sons of Melissa Dean, the Ocala mother who infamously stated in 2008 that she was “going on strike” from raising an unruly household. She left her then 17-year-old son in charge of his brothers, then 16, 14, and 13. Dean was charged with neglect for doing so. Allegedly, the occupants are all on house

Officer Charles Hunt

arrest for various crimes. Without a search warrant, the officers could not enter the house, but they could investigate given the teen’s testimony.

Earlier, Officer Snow had briefly stopped at the site of a fire that consumed Citrus Sew & Vac at 1615 East Silver Springs Boulevard. Snow was checking in with officers who had been directing traffic from the 1600 block to the 2000 block when the call came in from Hunt for backup.

As a next-door neighbor repeat-

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edly called out “What’s going on?”— perhaps alerting others that police officers were approaching—Snow and Hunt circled the house with flashlights in hand as someone ran out the back door. Once it was determined that all the occupants were in the home except for the one male who ran, the officers asked the occupants to show their identifications. Among a dozen or more 19- to 24-year-olds was a pretty 14-year-old girl in skimpy attire.

The officers explained why they were summoned to the home, and while the group insisted they did no wrongdoing and had no knowledge of the other girl, one 19-year-old male admitted bringing the 14-year-old to the party after picking her up at the mall. The 14-year-old and the older individuals insisted they all knew each other. The officers told the group they could not leave the minor at a party where drinking was occurring by legal age occupants and required the girl’s mother to pick her up.

The 14-year-old girl’s mother was called and given half an hour to arrive from Dunnellon to pick up her daughter. After an hour passed, the officers attempted to contact her, without success. They opted to take the minor to police headquarters for her safety until the mother could pick her up there.

Throughout the evening, Officer Hunt warned of the dangers a pretty underaged girl faces when surrounded by an older, mostly male crowd. Officer Hunt said warnings are not required but offered by officers in their role to serve and protect.

Near the end of his shift at 3 a.m., Officer Hunt spent an hour diverting a sea of rowdy party-goers away from the Ocala Entertainment Complex, which included a DUI arrest for a man driving the wrong way on a one-way street only moments before the unruly crowds emerged from the club. Meanwhile, Officer Snow made his routine traffic stops that eventually yielded his big catch.

at work, briefing the four combined teams comprised of the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST), the Multi Agency Drug Enforcement Team (MADET) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) at the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office.

He went over arrest procedures and team functions, and conducted a communications check for the county/city’s investigation called “I Got The Blues.”

The operation name refers to the street name for oxycodone pills, commonly called “blues.”

For the past three months, Agent JC had supervised the operation, in which agents identified 23 subjects in the county selling prescription narcotics. Arrest warrants for the subjects had been obtained, and today they would be served. The targeted areas spanned a wide net across Marion County, and included locations in Ocala, Anthony, Sparr, Citra and Silver Spring Shores.

Given that the suspects could tip each other off once the arrests began—most of the subjects traveled in the same circles and some were related—it was imperative that all units work fast and diligently. The briefing, which included Ocala Chief of Police Samuel Williams, was thorough and highly organized.

The idea was simple: On September 15, with warrants in hand, the teams would systematically seek the targets where they were suspected to reside and nab them at the early morning hours while they slept. This required a well-coordinated effort. By 5:45 a.m., the units were on their way.

UDEST Commander Lt. Donnie Winston was the designated leader of Team 3, which would apprehend targets in the northeast part of Marion County, specifically in Anthony, Sparr and Citra. Safety was a concern.

“There’s always the threat that they are high and could be alerted we’re coming, so someone could get injured,” said Winston.

The first target was 26-year-old Scotty Weaver, wanted for one count of trafficking oxycodone, one count for dea on arrival the sale of oxycodone, one count for Although it was barely 5 a.m., Agent possession and one count for the sale of JC (changed to conceal the identity of Alprazolam, a prescription drug used the undercover agent) was already hard in such products as Xanax. “Everybody

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“Earlier Officer Snow had briefly stopped at the site of a fire that consumed Citrus Sew & Vac… when the call came from Hunt for back up.”

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! d e t s u b familiar with the Weavers?” asked Lt. Winston. The team replied affirmatively. The Weavers have a long rap sheet.

Two of Scotty Weaver’s brothers are serving time in federal prison for the murder of Else Haymaker, an elderly neighbor whose home they broke into before beating her to death. Winston reminded his team that the last time they delivered a search warrant to the Weaver home, they recovered a gun and a bulletproof vest.

Upon arrival at the house, the agents drew their guns and called out for Scott Weaver. His father answered the door.

An agent discovered Scott Weaver hiding in the home and made the arrest without incident.

Tiffany May and Lt. Donnie Winston

The next home contained a sign that read, “Beware of dog” on a chain link fence. A roommate answered the door and was detained by the agents while others searched the house. A quick search on a database found no warrants for the roommate. They found the target, Jason Schaefer—wearing a t-shirt that read “I’m a drinker not a fighter” and wanted for one count for the sale of oxycodone, one count for possession, one count for the sale of Alprazolam, one count for possession of Alprazolam and one count for possession of cocaine—in bed with his infant son.

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Schaefer’s pupils were severely dilated, indicating he was under the influence and had recently used drugs, endangering the welfare of the child.

With Schaefer apprehended, the agents could not proceed forward until they contacted the child’s mother, so she could retrieve the infant.

While part of the team waited for the mother’s arrival, Lt. Winston and Agent JC proceeded to the next target, located nearby. This search was for Weaver’s girlfriend, Brandi Wilson, who was wanted for one count for the sale of Alprazolam. Upon arrival at her home, the officers found several other occupants, who did not interfere with the arrest. Wilson was found asleep on the couch.

This systematic process continued throughout the morning. By 8 a.m., the four teams scattered throughout Marion County had apprehended half of their suspects, and by 9:30 a.m., all but six of the targets were in custody. By noon, the time Ocala Magazine ended its participation in the roundup, 20 of the 23 targets had been apprehended.

One of the final arrests made by Lt. Winston’s Team 3 was of Tiffany May, wanted for two counts for the sale of oxycodone and two counts for possession of oxycodone. She was more difficult to find. The occupants of the trailer home listed as her residence—where agents complained of a foul, pungent odor—said she no longer lived there, and that she was separated from her husband. A tip led them to a second location, where they found the target.

Taken into custody, May kept asking over and over, “What did I do?” As May was escorted to an awaiting marked car, a woman holding a baby emerged from the house where May had been apprehended. It was initially thought she was the child’s grandmother but she turned out to be a family friend who needed to leave to go to work. Once again, the agents waited for the child’s father to be located so he could retrieve the child.

From the marked car, May admitted to selling pills and confirmed she was an addict. “They are saying that I am selling drugs, selling pills, and I did a couple of times just so I wouldn’t be sick,” said May. “It all happened when

I had my daughter. I had an emergency C-section and they gave me Percocets.” Percocet is a brand name for oxycodone. “I ran out one weekend and someone brought me some. I didn’t even know what they were, and I did them,” May continued. ‘Ever since then, I don’t know, I just like doing them, I guess.”

May said this occurred almost two

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“We had 23 people to round up… the majority were apprehended before 10 a.m. – an exceptional job.”

Lt. Donnie Winston

An officer with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office arresting Jason Schaefer.

years ago. She claimed she attempted to quit a few times but could not maintain sobriety. “I wish I would have never gotten addicted to them,” she sobbed. May’s uncle, David Huebner, 54, was also arrested for possession of oxycodone in a separate location.

It was reported by Lt. Winston that by 7 p.m., 14 hours after the initial operational briefing, all of the targets

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had been apprehended, and the police had discovered a meth lab as well. At the final arrest, the agents discovered drugs all over the house, and witnessed an unsuccessful attempt to flush drugs down the toilet, which netted several more suspects not on the original list.

“To me, overall, the operation has been a great success,” assesses Lt. Winston. “We had 23 people to round up

in completely different geographical areas in the county, and the majority were apprehended before 10 a.m.—an exceptional job.” Lt. Winston acknowledged the efforts of his agents, the cooperation in working together across various agencies, and the professionalism and communication exhibited as examples of what good teamwork can do for the community. OM

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Got a favorite tailgating recipe or story you’d like to share? Tell us about it - www.ocalamagazine.com.

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Football fever in Ocala is at an all-time high. Amongst the frenzy, fans find unique ways to have more fun. Here’s a guide to the latest and greatest plays Ocalans can use to stand out among the crowds. compiled by: Rob Feeman and John Sotomayor

A national pastime and a personal passion for many, tailgating has become a distinctly American tradition. The tailgating phenomena is as prevalent here in our own Ocala/ Marion County backyard as it is anywhere else in the U.S.A., since we’re centrally located among a trio of pro football teams, as well as some of the top college football teams in Florida. Family and friends can engage in friendly rivalries,

rooting on their favorite teams, whether they’re Gator, Seminole, Osprey, Bull or Knight fans. It’s a chance not only to show your team spirit but also to show off your creativity, culinary skills and fashion sense. No matter how small or large you go with your tailgating party, they all have some common elements. So park the car, grab the grille, call your friends and get ready for some SERIOUS TAILGATING.

background Photo courtesy of University of Arkansas Provided by Tailgater Monthly (tailgatermonthly.com)

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THE ULTIMATE TAILGATING PARTY

THE GEAR THE KOOL KADDY FROM KOOLATRON™ is ideal for long trips, big families and tailgate parties. Use it horizontally or vertically like a fridge. A shelf is included and it powers from the 12V outlet. Or there is an optional adapter for 110V. It holds 57 12 oz. cans! $179.95

THE COLEMAN® ROADTRIP® GRILL LXE packs full-size grilling space and performance into a portable form factor.

With 285 square inches of cooking surface area and a pair of 20,000 BTU burners it’s got all the power necessary for the tailgate or backyard. All that cooking power is very easy to transport, thanks to the folding frame with easy to pull handle and wheels. Available accessories like the griddle plate, stove grate and wheeled carry case add to the unit’s versatility. $179.99

YOU CAN WIN THIS KOOL KADDY SEE PAGE 37

THE COLEMAN® 10’ X 10’ INSTANT CANOPY is great for use at a variety of events, from tailgating and camping to backyard picnics and garage sales. Every Coleman canopy features exclusive Comfort Grip Technology to allow for setup in 3 minutes or less with no finger pinching thanks to the push-button release levers. The canopy’s UV Guard™ protection protects occupants from sun exposure and helps to extend the life of the canopy. $157.99

THE COLEMAN® PACK-AWAY® outdoor picnic set for four is perfect for those tailgaters looking for plenty of meal and gathering space in a compact travel size. It features durable aluminum frames with MDF prep surfaces so it is light and strong. The benches fold up into the frame, keeping the unit compact and self-contained for travel.

Despite a light carry weight of 16.2 pounds for the table and benches, each bench can support up to 400 pounds, so there’s plenty of room for everyone. $103.99

YOU CAN WIN THIS XTREME 6 COOLER SEE PAGE 37

THE 50 QUART WHEELED XTREME® 6 COOLER is among Coleman’s best-performing coolers, keeping ice up to six days at 90 degrees. Up to 70 cans can stay cold thanks to the environmentally friendly Thermozone™ insulation, which contains no CFCs, HFCs or HCFCs. The cooler also features a leak-resistant channel drain in the floor, so there’s no need to tilt the cooler to drain. The easy to pull handle and large wheels help the cooler navigate rough terrain with ease. $94.99

The TOWABLE TAILGATES™ JUNIOR TAILGATER includes all the basic necessities for making that Gameday Tailgate great! Its lightweight and compact size makes this Tailgate Trailer very easy to tow behind any vehicle.

JUNIOR TAILGATER PACKAGE:

Sony 1000w 5.1 Home Theatre System w/ Ipod Direct-Connect External Keg Tap 37” LCD HDTV Roof Mounted TV Satellite w/ Digital Elevation Sensor DirecTV Receiver Cooler Compartment w/ Lockable Door 54 Qt. Tailgating Cooler on Full Slide System

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30 AMP Electrical Panel Box 25 Ft. Shore Power Cord 2 4 Ft. Fluorescent Lights Interior and Exterior Electrical Receptacles Premium Vinyl Flooring Premium 15" Aluminum Wheels w/ Radial Tires Hitch Mounted Tailgating Grill 800w Portable Tailgating Generator Starting at $8,995

The PICNIC PLUS TUB COOLER is great for your next tailgate party! The large insulated cooler holds over 72 cans of your favorite beverages as well as ice. The top pocket opens for easy access to your drinks without having to unzip the lid each time. With a leak proof liner and drain plug, clean up is a breeze and best of all, it sets up and folds in seconds. Take it along anywhere with the included carry bag. $44.95 Enjoy a sporting event or outdoor concert with the PICNIC PLUS® SPECTATOR BENCH. It’s a portable, foldable, 2-person bench seat built with a lightweight aluminum frame and 2 mesh beverage holders on the center console. There’s also a handy, removable pouch that can be affixed to the front of the end panel. The adjustable, removable shoulder strap makes its easy to carry. $14.99

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Ocala tailgaters have their favorite players to root for, whether they’re at the high school, collegiate or pro levels. Here are four of Ocala’s standout native sons.

THE PRO BOWLER

This lightweight aluminum frame SPORTS CHAIR from PICNIC PLUS® is constructed with durable 600D polyester and has a weight capacity of 300 lbs. Designed with a foldable side table to hold food and beverages while watching your favorite sports, or tailgating comfort. The side panel has storage pockets to hold drinks, sunglasses, cell phone and more.

Available in Red, Black, Navy, purple, Camo and Sailboat print for $67.99 at www.ebags.com The GAME DAY TRAVEL GRILL SET by PICNIC PLUS is the most convenient tailgating grill set around.

This set comes with a portable propane gas grill, 4 stainless steel barbecue tools, salt/pepper shakers, bottle opener and a cooking mitt. The large fully insulated thermal foil carry bag holds the grill set plus room for food and beverages. The 2 end panels have plenty of pocket storage for portable propane tanks and snacks. Take the GAME DAY to your next event and be the envy of your friends. $99.99 YOU CAN WIN THESE DECK CHAIRS SEE PAGE 37

Daunte Culpepper was born in Ocala and played college football at the University of Central Florida. A three-time Pro Bowl selection with the Minnesota Vikings, Culpepper also played for the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions. He had a historic 2004 season with the Vikings, in which he set a single-season record for most total yardage produced by a quarterback in NFL history. Culpepper ranks 14th all-time in NFL career passer rating and holds the sixth best single-season passer rating from his historic 2004 season.

THE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Clint Hart, born in Dade City, played baseball at College of Central Florida, Ocala, at the time known as Central Florida Community College, before focusing on football. In 2000, he was signed by the Tallahassee Thunder arena football team as an undrafted free agent, and played for the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League in 2001, when he was named Player of the Year. In 2003, he was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles, and later played for the San Diego Chargers and St. Louis Rams. With the Chargers, he was named Team Captain for one year and the Walter Payton “Man of the Year” in 2007. He is currently a safety for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League.

THE MVP John Brantley, who was born in Ocala, currently plays college football for the Florida Gators at the University of Florida. Prior to UF, he played for Trinity Catholic High School. During his junior season, Brantley led Trinity to the Florida Class B State Final. He completed his high school career with a FHSAA record of 99 touchdown passes, breaking the previous record of 98 held by Tim Tebow.

Highly sought after during recruitment, he considered Alabama, Louisville, Oklahoma and Texas before accepting Florida.

THE ROOKIE THE COLEMAN® ALUMINUM DECK CHAIRS are made from light, strong aluminum and feature padded seats and backs, making them a great option for the deck or travel. Options include a side table, adding extra versatility. Each model supports up to 225 pounds, and features built-in carry straps to make transportation to deck or campsite easy. $50.99 deck chair, $55.99 deck chair w/ side table COLEMAN PRODUCT IMAGES PROVIDED BY COLEMAN COMPANY, INC. PICNIC PLUS IMAGES PROVIDED BY PICNIC PLUS BY SPECTRUM JUNIOR TAILGATER IMAGE PROVIDED BY TOWABLE TAILGATES

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In 2010, Charles “Chuckie” Looney, born in Ocala, became the first freshman quarterback to see playing time in Head Coach Jim Parady’s tenure at Marist University in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Recently, he was chosen as starting quarterback in his sophomore year. Prior to Marist, Looney led North Marion High School’s football team to a runner-up finish in state and led his team to state finals every year. He was named First Team All-Area and Third Team All-State, Student-Athlete of the Year and was a Scholar-Athlete of the Year nominee.

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THE ULTIMATE TAILGATING PARTY

THE VEHICLES

Tailgating ranges from the simple to the extreme. Some fans just like to open up the back of the SUV or wagon, lay out a tablecloth and chow down, while others prefer a more eye-popping approach.

Here are two tailgating vehicles guaranteed to draw some stares, smiles and thumbs-up from appreciative fans.

AMBU-GATOR: Rescuing Fans from Tailgating Boredom

John, a University of Florida graduate, has been tailgating at Gator games since 1982. Over the years, he says, he’s “gone from having sandwiches on the hood of a car to an Expedition with a satellite dish on the top.” His latest tailgating vehicle is an authentic 1996 ambulance, which he bought in November on www.ambulancetrader.com. “It came from the Goochland, Va., Fire and Rescue department,” he says. “They used it from ’96 to 2010. A leather craftsman from Nashville bought it, thinking he could use it for his weekend shows, but it didn’t work out, so he advertised it online. We bought it, it was delivered in January and I’ve been working on it ever since.” The ambulance is outfitted with a satellite TV on a swivel arm, satellite radio, home theater speakers, a Blu-ray DVD player, a microwave oven and even Gatorade in IV bags suspended from the ceiling, just in case an emergency infusion of liquid is required after a last-minute touchdown. To learn more, visit www.ambugator.com.

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PHOTOS: ERIC HEIKKINEN

THE SWAMP BUS: Taking the Competition to School

Owners Glen and Andy, along with several others, bought the Gator Bus about three and a half years ago, and have been outfitting it ever since, doing most of the work themselves. “We’ve done a lot of work on it,” says Glen, who graduated from UF in ’69 with a degree in broadcasting and political science, and served several years as a Navy aviator. He’s now a lawyer. “It was a Daytona race bus,” he says, “and we got it and converted it back to Gator stuff.” One of the bus’ most unique features is its luxury-oriented upholstery, complete with the Gator logo stitched into the back of the seats. The bus also has two TVs, two flagpoles on top, a small mural of the Swamp over the driver’s head and plenty of room to party. And since it was once used by a radio station for broadcasting events, it even has nitrogen lines, which were once used to shoot confetti out at enthusiastic crowds. Although there are no immediate plans to make the system functional again, may we suggest blue and orange confetti if it ever flies at Gator games?

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THE ULTIMATE TAILGATING PARTY

THE WARDROBE

COMPILED BY KELLI HART

No more borrowing the husband’s oversized gear or feeling frumpy when it comes to football. Now-a-days, ladies can tailgate with the best of them while still looking trendy and feeling confident. From form-fitting tops and knee-high boots to glitzy gems and fashionable frocks, companies across America, including some of our own local boutiques, are carrying lines for the unconventional football fan.

Finally, pigskin meets pretty!

PIGSKIN IN PINK Athletic programs from high school to the NFL have started to recognized and support Breast Cancer Awareness. Through charity efforts and even by incorporating pink in to their uniforms, teams have started a trend in pink apparel for their fans. This season, show your support of those who have battled, survived or lost a life to breast cancer by buying and wearing your own version of this pink fan apparel.

Nike’s jersey is 100% polyester and is available at T.J.Maxx. Sunglasses are available at Serendipity Boutique, 1925 SW 18th Court, Suite 110, Ocala, FL 34471, 352.671.3288.

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WHO NEEDS A HELMET? Ball caps are so last year! This season, make a statement not only for your team, but for yourself when you sport an adorable head wrap from Stadium Stompers. Made from soft acrylic yarn, adorned with a crystal button, these wraps will keep your ears warm during cold games. And talk about Quarterback sneak!?! This wrap also functions as a sassy scarf when worn around the neck!

Gabriel’s Christian Book Store 3506 E Silver Springs Blvd Ocala, FL 34470 352.732.8675

HOORAY FOR THE HOODIE Football and comfort go hand-in-hand. And what could be cozier than pulling on that favorite team hoodie? Paired with shorts or jeans, dress-up or down, the game-day hoodie is a fan favorite that never loses its sense of wonder. Whether it’s brand new or pulled from the old cedar chest, the hoodie creates memories, consoles our losses and can be waved in victory. So join me when I say, “Hip-hip-hooray for the hoodie!”

MAKING THE CUT Here’s a fashion fix that’s quick, easy and free... leaving you cash for the concession stand! This project would be great for game day scarves. All you need are team colors and about ten minutes.

Step #1: Cut the bottom off of a used up T-shirt. For a single fringe, cut about 3-4 inches off. For a double fringe, cut 6 inches.

Step #2: For the single fringe, cut straight into the cut side of the fabric towards the hem. Make a cut every ¼ to ½ inch. For the double fringe cut off the bottom edge. Fold the circle in half lengthwise and cut towards the fold every ¼ to ½ inch. Stop with 1 inch to spare at the fold.

✁

✁

GAME HIGHLIGHTS Move over game-day ponytails and make way for the newest trend in team tresses. Now, the biggest of sports fans can show of their team pride without compromising glam. With a simple snap, you’ll be one of game-day’s biggest highlights!

Available at footballfanatics.com.

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SPIRIT FINGERS Who needs cheerleaders? From head to toe-NAIL, you can show off your team spirit using temporary nail tattoos. A true fan covers all of their bases and these tiny logos make a huge statement! They are easy to use and can even be applied to skin! Fingernail tattoo-stickers are available at sears.com.

THAT’S ONE HOT FAN! Cuce knows it’s hard to cheer with frozen toes.

So, they’ve developed a line of boots that keep us warm and have us looking hot! From the flirty, fuzzy Devotee to the ultra-lightweight Admirer, Cuce provides quality fan boots for the quality fan! Made of faux furs and water-repelling materials, Cuce boots are a score!

Available at lovecuceshoes.com

SUPER BOWL BLING! As much as we love a dirty game of football, ladies still need a little bling in the bleachers.

Even in jeans and a jersey, adding a subtle hint of sports-fan sparkle is a critical part of football fashion. Team-inspired earrings are a great way to top off your game-day gear. From a sparkly stud to dazzling dangles, earrings are a great way to score big in the apparel department.

A Cut Above Salon & Boutique 11175 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Suite 105 Ocala, FL 34481 352.897.0731

DRESS FOR SUCCESS Just because it’s a “boy’s sport” doesn’t mean we can’t dress like a lady! Even southern bells like to throw back a few and hang with the fellas, but it doesn’t mean we have to lose our sense of style. Thankfully, football and fashion have now collided creating apparel that succeeds in both style and team spirit.

Because even though on game-day we may not act lady-like, we still deserve to look like one. Available at Serendipity Boutique

BEST CLUTCH PLAYER Being well equipped is essential on game day. Being caught without cash or identification makes for a poor sport. Toting a team-colored clutch is one great way to score big in both fashion AND function. It’s small, sporty and still leaves a free hand for that giant foam finger! Available at Serendipity Boutique.

STADIUM STOMPERS Rain or shine, these rubber Stompers are a must have! Covered in mix-nmatch polka dots, these team inspired boots look great with cut-offs and your favorite team tank. From high school to pro, these tailgating trampers have all of the colors covered.

Looking like a champion never felt so good!

Gabriel’s Christian Bookstore Models: Amber E. Yates Amber Barre Alyssa Morris Photographer: Eric Heikkinen Hair: Cosmo Easterly Lisa Kerr Makeup: Kathleen Rios

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FANTASY FOOTBALL It’s no secret who you’re rooting for when it comes to the new Victoria’s Secret Gal Gear. Finally, sexy sports attire that we can wear outside of the bedroom! From tees and sweats to hoodies and tanks, VS features the game’s most popular teams in adorable, fitted styles the guys will love to see us in. Because after all, us girls like the gridiron too.

Victoria’s Secret, Paddock Mall Ocala

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THE ULTIMATE TAILGATING PARTY

THE RECIPES

SCORE BIG WITH

GAME-DAY RECIPES Whether you’re tailgating before the big game or just hanging out at the house with friends for a game-day party, you can use these recipes as your playbook for an event that scores big on taste and fun.

PARTY PIZZAS

Scratch delivery and frozen pizzas from your playbook.

Set up a pizza bar with heat-and-eat crusts in full and Try a fresh and easy homemade pizza like the California mini sizes that can be piled up with everyone’s toppings of Confetti Pizza. Cut it up into appetizer-sized bites to make choice. Then pop them under the broiler or on the grille for it even easier to eat. a few minutes for quick, customized pizzas.

CALIFORNIA CONFETTI PIZZA 4 ounces avocado, mashed, or Wholly Guacamole 1 12-inch pizza bread shell, purchased or homemade 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or canned 1/2 cup Wholly Salsa or other salsa 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions 1/4 cup chopped Anaheim chile 1/4 cup red bell pepper 1 cup Feta cheese 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh oregano

Brush pizza bread shell with olive oil.

Spread salsa over shell. Spread guacamole over salsa. Sprinkle corn, green onions, Anaheim chile, bell pepper, cheese and oregano on top. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Bake at 450° until cheese is lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

PILE ON THE FLAVOR

When it’s your turn to call the plays on game day food, rity chefs Pat and Gina Neely are a must for your tailgating you need recipes that are easy to make, easy to eat and playbook—full of satisfying flavor that will score big with will feed a crowd of hungry fans. This recipe from celeb- football fanatics.

ZESTY 100-YARD BITES 1/3 cup mayonnaise (preferably reduced fat) 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (Thai hot sauce) or hot pepper sauce 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice 12 slider buns 12 slices honey ham 12 slices roasted roast beef 3 Colby Jack cheese slices cut into quarters 2 plum tomatoes, cut into 12 slices 12 pickle chips 12 stuffed green olives

Mix mayo, Sriracha and lime juice in a small bowl. Spread each bun with 1/2 tablespoon mayo mixture. Fill each bun with one folded slice each of ham and roast beef, a cheese slice quarter, tomato slice and pickle. Top each bun with a small decorative bamboo skewer, skewered with an olive. (Prep time: 20 minutes; makes 12 servings.)

HOT-DOGGIN’ ON GAME DAY

Chefs Pat and Gina Neely also created this combo of hot than 25 million meals through its Facebook page at www. dogs and potato skins as part of Kraft’s “Huddle to Fight facebook.com/KraftFightHunger.

Hunger” program. The company’s goal is to donate more

POTATO DOG SKINS

3 large baking potatoes (2 1/2 pounds), baked 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons butter, melted 3 beef hot dogs/franks 1/3 cup barbecue sauce, warmed 1/2 cup shredded cheese 1/3 sour cream 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

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Heat grill to medium heat. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and spoon out the middle section, leaving the shells with about a half-inch of potato all around. Mix garlic and melted butter. Brush potatoes on both sides with garlic butter mixture. Grill franks 7 to 9 minutes or until heated through, turning occasionally; slice into rounds. Grill potatoes until crisp, about 4 to 4 1/2 minutes on each side. Spoon sliced franks into the potato shells; drizzle with barbecue sauce and top with cheese.

Grill until the cheese is melted. Top with sour cream and chives.

OCTOBER 2011

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It’s Simple! Snap a photo of you and your friends showing off your team spirit by painting your face or body with your team’s colors. Demonstrate your creativity by showing us your best team spirit stadium-wear. Then “friend” Ocala Magazine on Facebook by clicking “Like” on the our page and tagging us in your photos. The photo that amuses our panel of judges the most wins!

Please, keep it clean.

Prizes are from The Coleman Company Inc. and Koolatron Inc, nearly

$400 IN PRIZES!

See the descriptions in this month’s feature article “The Ultimate Tailgating Party.”

Deadline is 5 pm Friday, October 21, 2011

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Now’s the time to get fit, thanks to the new All Pro Challenge from All Pro Fitness, which is designed to help members make health and fitness a priority ERIN STERN’S RECORD 2nd 2011 IFBB Sheru Classic Asian Grand Prix Pro Bodybuilding & Figure 2nd 2011 IFBB Olympia 1st 2011 IFBB Jacksonville Pro 1st 2011 IFBB New Zealand Pro Figure 1st 2011 IFBB Australian Pro Grand Prix XI 2nd 2011 IFBB Arnold Classic, Ms. International, Fitness International & Figure International 1st 2010 IFBB Olympia 1st 2010 IFBB Europa Show of Champions 2nd 2010 IFBB Arnold Classic, Ms. International, Fitness International & Figure International 2nd 2009 IFBB Ft. Lauderdale Pro Fitness & Figure 6th 2009 IFBB Olympia 2nd 2009 IFBB Houston Pro Figure 2nd 2009 IFBB Jacksonville Pro 5th 2009 IFBB Europa Show of Champions 10th 2009 IFBB Arnold Classic 1st 2008 NPC National Bodybuilding & Figure Championships 1st 2008 NPC National Bodybuilding & Figure Championships 1st 2008 NPC National Bodybuilding & Figure Championships

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OCTOBER 2011

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Ab-solutely no excuses! That’s how the experts at All Pro Fitness feel when it comes to health and fitness. Their goal is to help people break their lazy habits and forge healthy ones—something that can be done, they say, in just 21 days.

To help people make health and fitness a top priority, All Pro Fitness developed the All Pro Challenge, which could potentially

Model: Erin Stern Photographer: Eric Heikkinen Hair: Cosmo Easterly Lisa Kerr Makeup: Kathleen Rios

10/3/11 4:21:33 PM

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

grant the successful challenger one free year of membership. The All Pro Challenge is based on the concept that it takes 21 days to form a habit. All Pro Fitness will offer a free month’s membership to any individual who commits to working out for at least half an hour a day for 21 days during any given month.

“Because of the economy, many people lost their jobs or have cuts in pay, so the first thing they give up is the ‘luxury’ of health and fitness, which is actually not a luxury, but should be seen as the most important thing you do,” says Bryan Myers, owner of All Pro Fitness.

The new program was devised because the staff firmly believes that health is the most important human asset, and should not be given up because of a

busy lifestyle or financial restraints.

“As managers, our goal is to become a results-oriented gym, helping people reach the results they want while enjoying the ride, rather than simply going through a routine,” says manager and personal trainer Richard Rozmus.

All Pro wants to know, are you up for the challenge?

HOW IT WORKS The All Pro Challenge calls for new members to join the gym and sign up for a one-year membership under their VIP plan of $39.99 per month. If you work out for 21 days in a month (the days don’t have to be consecutive), and train for at least half an hour per day, your membership for that month is free.

Should you miss your monthly goal, they will charge you for the month but you get to try again the next month, up to one year. So, potentially, you could receive a free membership every month for a year.

“Number one, the program challenges people to try their best,” says Myers, “and number two, it allows people who normally would not be at the gym because they can’t afford it to have an opportunity to stay in shape.”

CUSTOMIZED MEMBERSHIPS By customizing membership packages, All Pro Fitness accommodates the

diverse needs of its members without requiring them to accept offerings they don’t need or desire. In addition to the VIP package, All Pro Fitness offers the Gold Plus for $29.99 per month, whereby members can use the gym equipment but have a choice in selecting either the fitness classes or day care.

Available classes include a spin class, Body Blast, Ab Attack, Zumba and cinema room, among others. In addition, All Pro Fitness recently introduced a special deal of just $19.99 per month, which allows members access to either the gym equipment or all classes.

“One of our considerations when designing our group schedules was making sure members can design their own fitness workouts to hit their goals,” says class trainer Josh Yailaian.

On Mondays, Yailaian scheduled cardio sessions, followed by weights on Tuesdays, then alternating again to cardio on Wednesdays. “It gives the member a really good, full body workout,” says Yailaian, “while also having fun doing it.”

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

PERSONALIZED TRAINING All Pro Fitness offers one other incentive no one else does: One FREE week of personal training with a trainer, upon signing a one-year membership. All instructors are certified personal trainers.

“Everyone who joins my gym goes through the training program for one week for free,” says Myers. “The goal is to cut down on the dropout rate.”

Myers says people who are not used to training sign up enthusiastically, but

when they come in, the machines intimidate them, so they mill around for a while, get frustrated and quit.

To prevent that from happening, the trainers at All Pro Fitness carefully assess each new member, including the individual’s wants and needs, and then structure a training program based on that information. This gives the member a week to become familiar with the gym equipment and learn how to train correctly.

“For example, I have a client who is a baseball player,” says Dan Rivera, a manager and personal trainer who specializes in sports-specific training.

“He’s having a problem with his swing.

I analyze the problem and correct it.”

That’s what makes All Pro Fitness stand out, he emphasizes. “Every health club in the world has the same equipment.

What we like to promote here is a positive experience.”

MARIANNE HELMS, INSTRUCTOR: “I started out as a member before instructing, and I always enjoyed being there, because it has a friendly atmosphere. You don’t feel like a stranger. Rather, you know everyone like family. I instruct a group fitness class, aerobics and weights, and the members are very comfortable, so we always laugh together and spend time together outside of class.”

PETER CHACON, MEMBER: “I’ve been going to All Pro for six months now and I love it. It’s a great environment for all ages. The staff and members are very friendly and always willing to give you a hand or a spot if needed. They offer various classes to target everyone’s individual needs.

The equipment is well maintained and clean. I’m very satisfied with All Pro and I recommend them to anyone.”

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In the end, every member has a variety of choices in a friendly atmosphere and clean setting. With all of the unique services it offers, as well as tanning booths and a full-time masseuse, All Pro Fitness is the ultimate full-service experience. for information: All Pro Fitness 2660 College Ave., Ocala, FL 34471 Phone: 352.854.5555 www.allprofitnessocala.com

KAREN DEWEESE, MEMBER: “The name says it all. They are extremely professional, they hire certified instructors, they cater to everyone and appeal to the entire family. They offer classes that are doable for anyone from a beginner to an expert. They will guide you along, with professionals to teach you how to use the machines, as well as a routine regimen if that is what you’re looking for. I love the Zumba, spin and yoga classes.”

OCTOBER 2011

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At its larger, brand-new facility, Step-by-Step Success offers solutions for families seeking answers about autism

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october 2011

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

By the time Angel Otero reached his second birthday, his parents knew something was wrong. He would not make eye contact nor respond to his name. Worse, he did not speak.

Priscilla Otero wanted to believe that the delays she was beginning to notice in her son were due to him being born prematurely. Soon after his birth, the doctors diagnosed him as developmentally delayed. “As soon as he was born, he started off delayed,” says Priscilla.

“Everything he did was delayed.”

By the age of 2, Angel should have been able to talk, but instead he would only grunt. But after being informed that most children born prematurely eventually “catch up” with their typical peers, the Otero’s became faced with the reality that there was reason to be concerned about their son’s continued delay in development.

Priscilla worked in a doctor’s office and was familiar with Autism. She even had a nephew who was already diagnosed with autism and had already researched the subject on her sister-inlaw’s behalf. But still, she had a hard time accepting Autism as the reason for her own son’s delayed development.

“The signs were there,” admits Priscilla, “but I didn’t want to believe it. I was holding on to the belief that it was because he was premature.”

Although it already seemed too much to bear, the Oteros were determined to try every method possible to get their son to speak. They tried speech therapy for almost two years, but to no avail.

By the age of 4, when Angel was still unable to speak, they could no longer deny that there was something wrong.

Angel was diagnosed with Autism.

AN ANGEL‛S VOICE Concerned that Angel would not live a typical life, Priscilla began attending autism support groups, where she heard several other parents rave about Shannon Gunter, M.S., B.C.B.A., and her organization, Step-By-Step Suc-

Angel Otero

cess. Upon meeting, Gunter informed the Oteros exactly what she was able to offer and worked with the family to set new goals. Since then, now almost three years, Gunter has been working with the family to continue to achieve and develop new goals.

Gunter began with small steps, first teaching Angel how to request desired items using only a single word such as “movie.” Eventually, Gunter taught Angel to request in sentences and to begin responding to social questions. Now nearly 8 years old, Angel can express himself in full sentences. He can say, “I want Cheerios, please” which, for his parents, is a miracle.

UNBEARABLE SOUND Angel is not alone. When Brandon Brooks was 2 years old, he also wasn’t talking, and he was late to crawl and walk. His parents kept hoping that he would just “hit a growth spurt and

snap out of it,” says his father, James Brooks.

By the time Brandon was 3-anda-half years old, his parents could no longer deny that something was wrong.

He was hardly talking and awkward socially. In crowded places, Brandon would completely shut down, covering his ears and closing his eyes in an effort to escape. The noise was too much for him. He was engaging in a lot of selfstimulatory behaviors, also known as stimming, a condition common among children with autism. Brandon would frequently walk on his toes rather than heal to toe.

They had Brandon evaluated, and he was initially diagnosed with pervasive developmental delay. His parents initially held on to that diagnosis, because it did not say he had Autism. As a result, Brandon would not see Shannon Gunter until he was 12 years old.

“From 3-and-a-half to 12, Brandon

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Brandon Brooks

attended various schools and had lots of therapy,” says James. The therapy was expensive and extensive, requiring trips to Tampa and Gainesville, causing many changes with their insurance providers to help find ways to cover the expense.

Brandon was officially diagnosed with Autism around the age of 6. Like the Oteros, the Brooks finally reached a point in their lives where they had to surrender and accept a diagnosis of Autism.

The Brooks took Brandon to see Gunter in May 2011. He had severe audible sensitivity and would not leave his own home, or even his bedroom, opting to wear headphones because loud noises were difficult for him to endure.

However, he would soon find Step-byStep, a company that would open new doors and help him develop new skills

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to function within the community.

ent trainings and community activities to the families. “We have more therapy rooms available, more staff to work with the kids and more programs that we can offer now,” says Gunter. “We are truly excited about all that our new facility has to offer!”

Located in a medical complex, the new Step-By-Step Success facility has a perfect layout in a serene, peaceful setting. In 2012, Step-By-Step Success plans to open a new school for children with Autism, “We will be able to offer a pre-k program as well as programs for children from elementary to middle school and we will continue to offer our summer programs for children ages 3 and up,” says Gunter.

Last summer, Angel participated in Gunter’s “Summer Bash” program, which Priscilla attributes to helping Angel take new steps toward independence. The children engaged in group games and participated in many activities throughout the community including the local water parks, bowling, and having lunch at the lake.

Brandon also attended the “Summer Bash” program and has similarly made great progress. He now goes outdoors and throws the football with his father, will visit restaurants that previously caused severe meltdowns, can go to the movies for the first time in years, and most importantly the Brooks can go out together as a family.

“When you’re the parent of an autistic child, if you see any improvement at all, it’s like you won the lottery,” says James, “You cannot put a price on what a relief that is.”

In the end, what Step-By-Step gives families the most of is hope. “I don’t know whether or not he will graduate with a high school diploma,” says Priscilla, “but at least I know that Angel has the ability to be a fully functioning adult.”

THE ABA WAY When working with children with Autism, Gunter uses ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy sessions to teach new skills. “We work on everything from potty training to feeding skills, personal care skills and behavioral concerns,” Gunter says. We hold social skills groups to work on following group instructions, initiating peer play, and learning appropriate communication skills.

As of October 1st, Step-By-Step Success operates out of a brand new 4,000-square-foot facility, which dwarfs the organization’s 900-square-foot pre- for information: Step by Step 7558 SW 61st Ave., Suite #3 decessor. With the facility upgrade, Ocala, FL 34476 Step-By-Step Success can now house an 352-425-0385 Early Intervention Center, hold more www.step-by-stepsuccess.net social skills groups, and offer more par-

OCTOBER 2011

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10/3/11 10:53:40 PM

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OCALA MAGAZINE

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Gigi Olivia

Agnier

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Bellerose

The contribution from Stella’s includes all that you see here

10/3/11 9:14:51 PM

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

A new fundraising event, destined to become one of the most fashionable in town, seeks to empower women when it comes to philanthropy story: john sotomayor

The Women of Worth have found a fashionable way to showcase philanthropy’s feminine side. On November 3, the ladies of WoW will hold their inaugural fundraiser gala, called Power of the Purse, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the glamorous Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club. The goal is to raise money to fund programs for women and children in the areas of education, income and health. Who else but

Tommy Hilfiger

Liz Claiborne

Coach

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the Women’s Leadership Council of United Way could correlate high-end purses with philanthropy as a moneymaker?

Women of Worth was launched in 2004 by enterprising women who felt it was time women empowered themselves when it came to philanthropy.

Led by co-chairs Janet Kent and Manal Fakhoury, the original steering committee was comprised of such notable philanthropic leaders as Julie Shealy, Jane Fontaine, Phyllis Ewers, Nancy Vaneven and former United Way president Toni James Currently, WoW boasts more than 110 members. Members are women who are already contributors to United Way and also give a minimum of an additional $125 per year, over a 10-year period, to WoW. In past years, the organization’s premier fundraising event has been Ocala’s Favorite Things, modeled after Oprah’s Favorite Things. The idea was that everyone in the audience would get the same free gifts. For WoW’s audience, that meant 300 versions of the same item from a local merchant and/ or donor. Talk about a wow factor! One year in particular, the organization handed out 300 Horse Fever statuettes.

The fresh, innovative concept was well received, and was held for three years starting in 2004.

“By the third year, it started to get a little difficult to get 300 items of the same thing,” says Shealy, the event chair and director of School Development and Evaluation at Marion Technical Institute. “It started to get a bit expensive for each donor.” WoW has not had a signature fundraiser since then.

In addition to raising funds, the purpose of Power of the Purse is to raise awareness about the benefits WoW provides to the local community. “We want this to be an initiative to inform other women about our programs that

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support women’s initiatives, and empower women to be more financially responsible,” says Shealy.

Shealy credits Cathy Truesdale with researching different United Way programs nationwide. She found others Coach with similar concepts, such as It’s in the Bag. Recognizing the endless variety of to the live and silent auctions and hors popular fundraising themes in Ocala, d’oeurves. A cash bar will be provided. and Marion County—the most popular de jour capitalizing on the dance for information or to purchase tickets: Power of the Purse craze—the ladies of WoW ran with Cathy Truesdale something that had not yet been tried at United Way in our area. at 352-732-9696 Purses of all sizes, colors and brand November 3, 2011 names will be offered in live and silent 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. auctions, and some of the purses will Golden Ocala Golf come accessorized with special “pack& Equestrian Club ages,” such as a weekend in Savannah (in a gorgeous Coach bag), a diamond micro-dermabrasion facial and massage, jewelry, gift cards for area merchants, a Gator tote with two tickets and even a dog lover’s bag of treats.

In addition, all of the downtown merchants have collaborated to create a “downtown purse” with items from the EVENT SPONSOR shops in the downtown area.

Adding another WoW factor, the Power of the Purse will feature two COMMUNITY SPONSOR purses for auction that were donated by a local celebrity—perhaps the most recognizable woman on the planet who resides in Marion County. Hint: As far SIGNATURE SPONSORS as fashion goes, she knows “What a Girl Wants,” and her purses will leave guests “Waiting to Exhale.”

“Men are invited as well,” says Shealy who adds that the auction items will include satchels and briefcases “or maybe a really cool gym or duffle bag.” There are items for just about everyone and every interest. Other items include diaper bags and picnic bags. The women of WoW have thought of everything.

Tickets will go on sale the first week in October and will be $40 in advance, or $45 on the day of the event and at the door. Ticket prices include entry ®

OCTOBER 2011

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e at the v i l d e Film

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The Refuge Foundation Transitions Intensive Outpatient Program offers a safe place and successful program for the transition of a traumatized soul from chaos to calm Serenity now. Often uttered with closed eyes and a deep breath, this simple request is one we often turn to as a form of mental and emotional passage from chaos to calm in order to overcome the challenges we face in our daily lives. For some, it is not so simple to transition one’s state of mind, especially if compounded by trauma. Trauma is commonly experienced by a wide range of people, from shell-shocked soldiers returning from Afghanistan or Iraq to a survivor of a crisis—such as a violent attack or long-term abuse.

The scars are not always visible, but internal. Traumatized persons live in fear, even though they do not scream. Many resort to substance abuse to anesthetize the pain as an emotional escape that leads to addiction.

There is no need to suffer alone in darkness. The Refuge Foundation is here to serve as a beacon of light, providing exceptional trauma and addiction treatment and education for those in need, now available to all through their Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), located at the Wellness Center on Maricamp Road, Ocala.

The Refuge Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports unique and life-saving trauma and addiction treatment for people through Judy Crane and her worldrenowned The Refuge,A Healing Place.

Dayna Kreiter, manager of the Refuge Foundation on Maricamp Road in Ocala, believes strongly in its mission. “I will go on record and say that I am an alumni of the Refuge myself” says Kreiter.“I know it works. The Refuge saved my life and I am passionate that everyone should be able to get that quality care regardless of their financial status or ability to pay.”

The Refuge IOP provides a complete array of therapeutic services, including assessment, education, process therapy, 12-step recovery, experiential therapy and peer support. Throughout this program, participants receive psychological, social and alcohol/drug assessments, an individualized treatment plan and continuing care recommendations. The IOP is specifically targeted for adults 18 years and older who are experiencing substance abuse problems.

“We are offering scholarships to the local Marion County community for the IOP,” says Jackie Gibson, director of The Refuge Foundation. “The Refuge specializes in trauma, which is the root underlying cause of addiction, so we offer comprehensive care.” The Refuge can accept clients who are court-mandated and those who are voluntarily seeking help and support. Recipients must complete all foundation application processes and have their own transportation to the program.

Offerings of The Refuge include: • partnerships with local organizations to raise awareness of resources available regarding domestic violence, sexual abuse, substance abuse, eating disorders, process addictions, PTSD and grief/loss • educate the community on trauma recovery methods and provide hope to those who are suffering • facilitate local community recovery support groups • create and support programs that promote emotional wellness as well as sponsor local events to raise awareness • advocate for trauma, substance abuse and addiction prevention • host local schools and organizations to participate in team-building, leadership skills and self-esteem programs.

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

You manage your business; we’ll manage the technology behind IT!

abou For many business owners, keeping up with technology is a distraction at best and a nightmare at worst, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Think Technologies Group offers all-inclusive outsourced information technology services through a partnership business model, building relationships with their clients and understanding their network requirements, all for a flat monthly rate.

Think Technologies Group’s all-inclusive managed solutions allow business owners and professionals to predictably budget annual IT costs. The old support model of break-fix is unpredictable, because you never know what will fail or the associated repair costs, not to mention that when a network isn’t monitored and maintained, it generally costs more to fix a problem after the fact than before it happens.

“There are business owners who spend $100,000 on their network infrastructure and don’t have a plan to manage their investment,” says Matthew Villella, Director of Sales and Marketing and Co-Founder for Think Technologies Group. “A network is like a car—it needs maintenance. It’s been proven that a maintained network lasts longer, works better and is more reliable. Think Technologies Group proactively manages your network in real time, which allows us to prevent problems before they happen.”

To complement their Managed Solutions, Think Technologies Group also offers the Think Cloud Hosting Solution, providing infrastructure and software on a peruser basis. The Think Cloud Hosting Solution allows your organization to outsource the equipment and software used to support your operations. Through the Internet, you can access your organization’s network from anywhere on any device, including iPads and Macs, with a virtualized desktop, in which every computer operates as a completely self-contained unit with its own operating system, peripherals and applications.

Overall expenses are reduced because resources can be shared and allocated to users on an as-needed basis.

The integrity of user information is improved because all data is maintained and backed up in the data center.

Conflicts in software are minimized by reducing the to-

abou

Above left: Patrick Killian, Operations Manager, Co-Founder Above right: Mike Zarek, Lead Engineer Facing page: Matthew Villella, Director of Sales and Marketing, Co-Founder Chris Oleson, Chief Technology Officer Co-Founder

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out IT tal number of programs stored on any given machine. Even though resources are shared, all users can customize and modify their desktops to meet their specific needs.

Think Technologies Group takes all the mystery out of this new technology. After evaluating your business’s current IT Infrastructure, requirements and future needs, Think Technologies Group can create a plan that fits your operation and your budget. As always with Think Technologies Group, you pay just one fixed monthly rate and they take care of the rest.

“We’re a consultant for our clients and help them grow their businesses,” says Chris Oleson, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder. “We can help them structure their technology in a way that is more reliable and scalable for growth.” If you’ve been hearing buzz about “The Cloud” and would like to know if your business can benefit from this new technology, give Think Technologies Group a call.

In 2005, Oleson built a business based on the all-inclusive managed solution model that eventually grew into Ocala IT. Ocala IT’s first client, Gold Coast Equipment, was owned

by Matthew Villella, and over the years the two developed a solid personal and professional relationship. At the beginning of 2011, Oleson and Villella entered into a partnership to rebrand Ocala IT into Think Technologies Group, using the same proven, all-inclusive managed solution model but adding a sizable investment for additional infrastructure and resources. By merging their business and technology backgrounds together, they feel it brings a unique and fresh perspective to the managed service provider industry.

Oleson started his career in the IT field in 2000 as a web developer in Marquette, Mich. While attending Northern Michigan University, where he studied computer information systems, Oleson maintained a number of small business networks. In 2004, he relocated to Central Florida and worked as a full-time IT manager, but he soon set out on his own and founded Ocala IT in 2005.

Villella brings 20 years of management and business ownership experience to Think Technologies Group, with 10 of those years as the owner of Gold Coast Equipment Corporation, an independent construction equipment rental company. Being in the equipment industry for 20 years has provided Villella with a deep understanding of what clients

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expect from customer service. He carries that knowledge into the managed service provider industry.

Patrick Killian, Operations Manager and Co-Founder, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Prior to joining Think, he spent more than 10 years as a branch and area manager for the Hertz Corporation, and served as VP of operations of Gold Coast Equipment Corporation. Killian brings 20 years of management experience to Think Technologies Group as operations manager.

Mike “Zeek” Zarek, Lead Engineer, is a Microsoft Certified Professional and Certified Sonicwall Security Administrator, and has been involved in the high-tech industry for 30 years. He graduated from the University Of Central Florida with a BA in Radio/TV and worked as the assistant program director for an Orlando-area radio station, where he was among the first in the market to use a computer to schedule daily programming. As a Unix systems administrator for a worldwide company, Zarek was responsible for more than 100 servers across three continents.

In summing up Think Technologies Groups’ services, Oleson says, “We take all your technology worries away and give you peace of mind. Whether your company has five computers or 500, we manage everything on your network or the Think Cloud, all for one flat monthly rate.”

When it comes to maintaining your company’s computer systems, think proactively with help and advice from Think Technologies Group. for information: T hink Technologies Group 2620 SW 17th Road, Suite 200 Ocala, FL 34471 Matt Villella, matt@thinkdept.com Phone: 352.789.6043 www.thinkdept.com

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A LA CARTE NEWS, EVENTS & MORE

56 What’s News

What’s happening in and around the Ocala community.

61 Top Tables 67 Snapshots

Candid shots of events around town.

78 Calendar

Important dates to keep in mind.

80 VOX

The voice of the people.

Model: Amber E. Yates Photographer: Eric Heikkinen Hair: Cosmo Easterly Lisa Kerr Makeup: Kathleen Rios Wardrobe: Jezebels

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what’snews

Photos: shutterstock

Stories by: John Sotomayor & Rob Feeman

Frightfully Fun October October Originally the eighth month of the Roman lunar calendar—hence its name, derived from the Latin word octo meaning “eight”—October became the tenth month in 153 B.C., when the start of the calendar year was moved from March to January. It is a month packed with celebrations, including Oktoberfest and Halloween. Evolving from what once was a religious holiday, Halloween is now seen as a deliciously sweet and spooky night, while Oktoberfest is celebrated in Germany and around the world.

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month and National Arts & Humanities Month.

On This Date Oct. 4, 1904 – Mary McLeod Bethune opened the Daytona Beach school for African-American students that would eventually become Bethune-Cookman College.

Oct. 5, 1894 – Jose Marti, a Cuban journalist and national hero, arrived in Ybor City, Tampa, to meet with leaders of the Cuba Libre movement, which sought independence from Spain.

Oct. 7, 1763 – A Royal Proclamation divided British Florida into East and West Florida.

Oct. 11, 1968 – Apollo 7, the first three-person spaceflight, took off from Cape Canaveral on an 11-day Earth-orbital mission.

Oct. 18, 1906 – 130 men working on Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad died when a hurricane hit the Florida Keys.

Oct. 25, 1834 – Osceola and Micanopy, among other chiefs, attended a Seminole Council at Fort King.

Oct. 31, 1900 – Eight earthquake shocks rocked residents of Jacksonville and North Florida around 11:15 a.m.

Sources: Florida Historical Society, City of Ocala

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Movies Oct. 7 – Real Steel, The Ides of March Oct. 14 – The Thing, Footloose Oct. 21 – Paranormal Activity 3, The Three Musketeers Oct. 28 – In Time, The Rum Diary DVDs Oct. 4 – Fast Five, Scream 4 Oct. 11 – Horrible Bosses, Zookeeper Oct. 14 – Green Lantern Oct. 18 – Bad Teacher, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Oct. 25 – Captain America: The First Avenger, Winnie the Pooh Nov. 1 – Cars 2, Crazy Stupid Love Books Oct. 4 – Seriously…I’m Kidding, Ellen DeGeneres Oct. 11 - The Best of Me, Nicholas Sparks Oct. 11 – Paula Deen’s Southern Cooking Bible, Paula Deen Oct. 11 – The Son of Neptune, Rick Riordan Oct. 18 – The Lady of the River, Philippa Gregory Oct. 18 – Double Dexter, Jeff Lindsay Nov. 1 – Out of Oz, Gregory Maguire Nov. 1 – Kill Shot, Vince Flynn Nov. 8 – 11/22/63, Stephen King Concerts Oct. 4 – Steve Miller Band (St. Pete Times Forum) Oct. 5 –Weird Al Yankovic (Hard Rock, Orlando) Oct. 8 – The Script (Hard Rock, Orlando) Oct. 10 –Neon Trees (Ruth Eckerd Hall, Tampa) Oct. 13 – Adele (Hard Rock, Orlando) Oct. 15 – Dolly Parton (Ruth Eckerd Hall, Tampa) Oct. 28 – Guns N’ Roses (Amway Center, Orlando)

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Oct. 28 – Guns N’ Roses (Amway Center, Orlando) Oct. 29 –Josh Groban (Amway Center, Orlando) Halloween Events Oct. 7-31 – Fright Nights featuring the Ocala Jaycees 39th Annual Haunted House (Silver Springs) Oct. 22 – Family Friendly Ghost Walk (Nature Center, Gainesville) Oct. 22 – Zooloween (Central Florida Zoo, Sanford) Through Oct. 29 – Howl-O-Scream (Busch Gardens & Sea World) Through Oct. 31 – Halloween Horror Nights (Universal) Through Nov. 1 – Disney’s Not-So-Scary Halloween (Walt Disney World) Out of Town Oct. 1-2 –Central Florida Peanut Festival (Williston) Oct. 7-9 – Festivals of Speed (Orlando) Oct. 8 -9 - Winter Park Autumn Art Festival Oct. 13-16 – Biketoberfest (Daytona Beach) Oct. 13-16 – Clearwater Jazz Holiday Oct. 31 – Jewish Food Festival (Savannah, Ga.) Nov. 3-6 – Riverhawk Music Festival (Brooksville) Other Events Oct. 5 – International World Teachers’ Day Oct. 9 – Leif Erikson Day Oct. 9-15 – National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 16-18 – Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany Oct. 12 – Columbus Day Oct. 24 – United Nations Day Oct. 27 – Navy Day Oct. 31 – Halloween

Zombies Invade Ocala

If you see a horde of zombies amblin’ along the streets and alleys of Ocala over the next few weeks, don’t be alarmed. It’s all part of a local “webisode” film project.

After putting out an all-call on their personal Facebook pages, local filmmakers Greg Wesolowski and Tim Allison were pleasantly surprised by the number of volunteers who showed up to participate in the filming of their zombie webisodes, which have been shooting in various locations around Ocala over the past few weeks.

“We both grew up with a punk rock ethic, which is all DIY—do it yourself,” Greg explains. Staying true to this to ideal, the filmmakers are using a mixture of corn syrup, chocolate syrup, food dye and water to create blood for use on clothes and props. Blood that spews from the mouths of the zombies is pure chocolate syrup, creating a realistic effect for the black-and-white film.

While the concept for the zombie webisodes has been brewing in their minds for about five years, the two have just begun the process of turning dreams into reality. They are planning a total of 12 webisodes, with the premiere episode scheduled to appear in December. Their motto throughout the production has been, “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” and so far, it’s working. As Tim explains, “It’s amazing how everything has just fallen into place.”

—Caroline Fischer

Creepy Trivia

Time to Choose Ocala’s Best

Where’s the best place in Ocala to dance the night away? Or to get piping hot pizza? Who’s the best local unsung hero, the most decked-out dresser or the best stylist? And where do you head for the best after-work activity, clearance sale or delectable dessert?

It’s time to choose the Best of the Best in Ocala and Marion County for 2011, and we’d like to hear your opinions. This year, we’re asking our readers to select the Best of the Best in a number of categories, including Food, Shopping, Community, People and Places, Kids & Family, and Culture & Media. So head over to our website, at www.ocalamagazine.com, and take a few minutes to fill out our online survey form and make your opinions heard! We’ll publish the results in our Best of the Best issue in December.

What’s your favorite zombie or Halloween horror movie?

Share your chills att www.ocalamagazine.com.

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Q: Which modern day scary movie was filmed in Marion County?

A: Jeepers Creepers. An open road in Dunnellon, Fla., known as “Tiger Trail,” was used for the film’s opening sequence. This was the same road used later on in the film for a night sequence, when viewers first get a good look at the Creeper as he kills the two police officers. The church where the Creeper dumps a body down a pipe was filmed on one of Ocala’s most beautiful horse farms, but the church burned down by arsonists a year after the movie was shot. The police station and the gym in the film were both shot at Reddick High School.

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what’snews

Story: John Sotomayor

15 Minutes with Olympia Dukakis The Moonstruck star recently made a stellar Rose in Ocala

When Olympia Dukakis walked into the room, the 40 people gathered there to meet her became instantly silent, as if entranced by her presence. Then, suddenly, the captivated audience broke into applause.

The Academy Award-winning actress had just finished performing her one-woman show, Rose, at the College of Central Florida here in Ocala. Arriving half an hour later at the Webber Center Gallery, accompanied by an entourage of cameramen and handlers, she looked radiant in a chic dark grey jacket over a black pantsuit—a far cry from the matronly attire she wore to portray a Jewish South Florida matriarch and Holocaust survivor. Two weeks earlier, Ocala Magazine spent 15 minutes talking with Dukakis. We asked her opinion on a variety of topics, including politics and the performing arts.

Q: The title role in the play Rose seems challenging, as the character regales the audience about her extraordinary life while sitting on a Florida park bench Forrest Gump style.

How did you manage it?

A: I had a very good director, Nancy Metzler, who was

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very wise in how she approached the play. Perhaps the most challenging part was addressing the audience the entire time. I have never done that before. I had to learn how to work with an audience, and it changed me as an actor. It was a confrontation every night until I realized they were part of the play. They were part of the journey I took.

Q: How did you prepare for the role?

A: (Laughs) Well, you deal with the text—what is important to her [the character of Rose]—and you make that a personal thing. We are all in our own ways survivors of something—some cataclysm in our lives.

Q: You were born in Lowell, Massachusetts, to Greek immigrant parents. Did your parents’ experiences add to your understanding of this character? What was it about this play that spoke to you?

A: Well, certainly as an immigrant, yes—that aspect of her life when she comes to America. It’s interesting—there are many things that spoke to me and that I wish to communicate back to the audience. Over the years, as I have performed the role, one thing will become more important than another. You think one thing is important for a period of time. That is the joy you get returning to a role over the years, that as you change, you become sensitive to other themes. The one that prevails is that “there is a freedom in not belonging,” an idea presented in the play, that you think everyone wants to belong, to be part of something, to be accepted, be acknowledged—and yet, when that doesn’t happen, it provides you freedom if you don’t give up on yourself, if you continue to reach for what you want.

Q: You have performed this show on numerous campuses across the nation. How do you connect with a new generation, in particular the young students at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, about the subject of the Holocaust?

A: I think the contradictions that are in this play are very timely about the current political situation regarding the Israeli and Palestinian conflict. Ten years ago, college audiences were less aware of it, but now the contradictions are very apparent to everyone. We’re all struggling on this planet with what is right, what is wrong, who should be supported, whose plight must be addressed today, whose tomorrow. During the first two-thirds of the play, we think Rose is only sitting shiva (the Jewish term for a mourning

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period of seven days), but then in the last third of the play we realize she is sitting on a political issue—that’s what really is going on here. Then it kind of explodes. It is quite interesting and very timely.

Q: Having been in the political limelight when your cousin Michael (former governor of Massachusetts) was the Democratic presidential nominee in 1988, what do you think of the current political climate, the political split between Republicans and Democrats, and how does it compare to the time Michael ran for president?

A: I think it is disastrous for the country … it is devastating what is going on. It seems it doesn’t really matter (to politicians) what happens to the people of the country.

Q: You have been an advocate and politically involved yourself. What are some of your current political involvements?

A: I’m very involved with domestic violence. This is pandemic in our country. I’m tied to a TV series as a producer to raise awareness; hopefully we will be able to help others.

Everyone is a victim, men and women. We must all understand that it’s a cultural illness. We must protect our children who model what they see.

Q: When can we see the series?

A: Oh, I don’t know. The series may be a year away.

Q: Regarding your five-decade career on stage and in film, what were some of the lessons you learned and would like to share with the next generation?

A: Patience with yourself is number one. Select the life you want to live. Trust that life will evolve for you, that you don’t have to solve everything in the next 10 minutes.

Q: Your work in Moonstruck was honored with a Best Supporting Actress Oscar, and you shown brightly in Steel Magnolias. What do you see as your personal career highlights?

A: Well, I think the two that you mentioned, but probably the most [important to me] is Tales of the City. The part was extraordinary, the director was extraordinary, the cast was extraordinary, the writing was extraordinary. I never played anything like that. The role was that of a transsexual—talk about a challenge!

Q: Like Rose, you are a mother and grandmother, to your children—Christina, Peter and Stefan—and grandchildren—Isabella, Sofia, Luca and Erlinda. What life lessons do you pass on to them, and what are your hopes and aspirations for them?

A: The only thing I’m interested in is that they pursue something they care about. What excites them—what matters to them.

Q: What advice would you offer to young people starting out in either the performing arts or politics?

A: If there is one thing you can do really well, do it.

(Laughs.) That is my first piece of advice, because you’re going to need a lot of stamina and determination to go forward.

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TOPTABLES BFE

Nowadays, burritos are about as common as burgers—but not so at BFE. The BFE burrito dazzles all the senses—the aroma, sight, and feel of each layer of seasoned beef, flavorful rice and refried beans, avocado, cheese and sour cream captivating complete attention. For appetizers, try the Animal Fries with cheese, caramelized onions and Thousand Island dressing or the Chicken Cordon Blue Bites. Follow up the French theme with the Frizzle Dizzle, roast beef and Provolone broiled over a cream cheese base with au jus for dipping. Tre bon! The Corona burger infused with taco seasoning and Doritos is topped with salsa, guacamole and sour cream. Delicioso!

Enjoy all of this sensory overload in a vibrant, energetic setting with eclectic music, soft light, beautiful murals and friendly staff.

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TOPTABLES BFE (Booze, Food and Entertainment) Brand new menu featuring homemade soups, salads, and wraps. All made fresh daily, including mouth-watering burgers and wings.

Live entertainment on the weekends. Mondays buy two meals get appetizer free. Kids eat free on Tuesdays. Great for private parties, or have your next big event catered. 4 p.m.2 a.m. Closed Sun. 18 SW Broadway St., Ocala 352.351.BFE1(2331).

Experience fine Cuvée Wine & Bistro dining in one of Ocala’s most inspiring settings.

Sample over 100 new and rare wines using their innovative self-serving wine systems. Daily chef specials utilizing the finest ingredients. Mon-Thu 4-10 p.m., Fri-Sat 4-11 p.m. for dinner. 2237 SW 19th Ave/Rd., Ocala 352.351.1816. Reservations preferred. All major credit cards accepted.

Honey Baked Ham A forty-year family tradition of hand-selected, 24-hour smoked ham and turkey, sliced to perfection, in a cozy sandwich cafe. Come in for a boxed lunch, shop while you wait, or pick up a dinner and sides to go. Don’t forget about our delicious desserts.

Mon-Fri 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.4 p.m. We Deliver. 2709 SW 27 Avenue, Ocala 352.861.0011.

“Best of Laki’s Greek Restaurant the Best” 2010, famous for their gyros! Proudly serving Ocala for 25 years. Laki’s is big on flavor, friendliness and fast service. Plus reasonable prices. Don’t fret over hot stoves—let Laki’s do the work! Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 12-9 p.m., 3405 S.W. State Road 200 #107, Ocala 352.237.3090.

The Mojo Grill and Catering

It’s always a southern-style party with plenty of soul at Mojo Grill—with the sweet sounds of the Blues and decor straight from a Mississippi delta eatery. Mojo’s satisfies every craving, especially if you have a hankering for food with a Cuban slant. Mondays offer Cuban-themed food with $3 Sangrias, Tuesdays have 2 for $12 Cubans or Mojito Chicken Salads, Wednesdays it’s all about Buffalo chicken quesadillas, and on Fridays it’s the one and only Mojo Fish Taco. Para luego es tarde (Cuban expression for “don’t wait, let’s do it now.”)

Mesa de Notte Ristorante Benvenuto, welcome, to Ocala’s only Italian fine dining experience in town! Chef Moreno shares his passion for Italian cuisine in a romantic setting for all to enjoy. The ambience is exquisite. The food divine. Fall in love at Mesa de Notte and with your new ristorante of choice. Buon appetito!

Open daily for lunch and dinner Mon-Fri 11 a.m.

– 10 p.m., Sat-Sun 3 – 10 p.m. 2436 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 352.732.4737.

With the The Mojo Grill and Catering sweet sounds of the Blues in the air, and décor straight from a Mississippi delta eatery, Mojo’s

Grill brings soul into downtown Ocala. Satisfy just about any craving you have, particularly if you’re hankering for food with a Cuban slant.

Mojo’s is also a full service catering company that can handle all of your event needs. Check out their open acoustic jam Tue 7-10 p.m., enjoy live music Fri & Sat eves, and enjoy Sunday dinner and a movie at the Marion Theatre for only $15.

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sun 12-7 p.m. 103 SE 1st Avenue, Ocala 352.369.6656. Also located at 5710 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 352.307.6656.

Ipanema Brazilian Steak House A CHURRASCARIA (Portuguese for barbecue) is a dining experience where roaming Gauchos slice and serve fire-roasted meats from skewers in a continual fashion. Ipanema Brazilian Steak House boasts 11 of the finest cuts of meat complemented by an opulent salad and vegetable bar, delectable desserts, and delicious wines, beers and cocktails. Brazilian native and Executive Chef Alonso Esgaib invites you to embrace the flavors of his homeland and experience the magnetism of Ipanema for yourself. Become a friend on facebook at www.facebook.com/ipanemaocala for great online specials.

We now offer an extensive appetizer menu and full dinner service outdoors. Happy Hour Tues-Fri from 5pm-7pm. 2-4-1 drinks, wines, and 40% off of all apps!

HOURS: Tuesday-Friday 11am-2pm / Tuesday-Thursday 5pm-9pm Friday & Saturday 5pm- 10pm / Sunday 4pm-9pm, Closed Mondays.

2023 South Pine Avenue, Ocala 352.622.1741 www.ipanemaocala.com

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Voted 2010 Best of the Best

10/3/11 4:44:58 PM

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream– Bruster’s believes there’s no richer reward in life than the smooth, creamy pleasure of fresh ice cream. Bruster’s rotates over 30 of their 145 flavors every day, and because every generous scoop is made just a few steps from the counter where it’s served, it always tastes fresh. Favorite flavors include Birthday Cake, Cotton Candy, Peanut Butter Puddles, White Turtle and Key Lime Pie. Don’t forget their free doggie sundaes and baby cones for children under 40 inches.

BANANA THURSDAYS: BANANA SPLITS ARE 1/2 PRICE IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BANANA 2707 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 352.622.2110 brusters.com HOURS: Sun-Thu Noon-10pm / Fri-Sat Noon-11pm

Tilted Kilt– WELCOME TO THE TILTED KILT! Your home for ice cold beer, mouthwatering pub fare, a festive atmosphere, friendly staff, and televised sports year round. Our menu features an array of satisfying options sure to please everyone, from sliders, wings and wraps to shepherd’s pie, pasta and more! Visit tiltedkilt.com to view our menu or better yet, just stop in. Join us for the TILTED KILT CRUISE-IN, Oct. 5, 2011 from 6 pm - 9pm. You’ll be glad you did!

HOURS: Mon - Sat 11 a.m. - 12 a.m., Sun 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

3155 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

Ocala, FL 352.351.5458

Tony’s Sushi & Japanese Steak House– Visit www.tonysushi.com for 40% off on gift card!

Tony is a creative artist when it comes to his extensive menu, welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. He brings scrumptious sushi favorites from New York and Miami.

Tony’s now offers specialty rolls in half orders, so you can enjoy all of your favorites in one sitting. EXPERIENCE OUR HIBACHI GRILL where the chef prepares fresh entrees and entertains right before your eyes! Don’t hesitate to try our exciting daily specials. WE OFFER PRIVATE PARTIES AND A FANTASTIC CATERING SERVICE. HOURS Mon. – Thur. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.

HAPPY HOUR 2:30-6:00, 2 for 1, Draft Beer and Well Liquor BUY HALF SUSHI ROLL FOR HALF PRICE 3405 S.W. College Road, #103, Ocala, FL 34474 352.237.3151

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TOPTABLES Mochi Frozen Yogurt– Mochi frozen yogurt is causing a craze here in Ocala! Did you know yogurt is one of the healthiest foods in the world? Not only healthy and delicious, Mochi frozen yogurt is also 100% natural, nonfat, low-calorie, cholesterol-free and contains eight times more live and active cultures than normal yogurt. Indulge in Taro, Coconilla, Lychee and more! Top off your swirly creation with cereals, nuts, candies, and fresh fruit cut daily!

CAUTION: Mochi frozen yogurt is addictive and may cause extreme cravings!

Open 7 days a week, 12pm-Midnight 2611 SW 19th Ave. Road (By Regal Cinemas), Ocala, FL 352.671.1556

El Azteca EN FUEGO! Quality, traditional authentic Mexican cuisine. Homemade chile relleno. Come join us for the best fajitas in town. Daily Lunch, Dinner and Bar specials. Mariachi band on Thu 6 - 9 p.m. Karaoke on Fridays 8 - 12 a.m. Join us for gameday fun. Outdoor seating now available. Happy Hour Mon-Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday 11 a.m. - 12 a.m. Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday all day 2-4-1 Margaritas. All major credit cards accepted. Full bar available. Family atmosphere.

32-oz draft all day Saturdays/Sundays for only $2.00!

4011 East Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 352.854.5500

Kotobuki Japanese Restaurant– Kotobuki in Ocala has served its patrons the finest in Japanese cuisine since 1986. Kotobuki offers hibachi-style cooking at your table, freshly made sushi from the sushi bar and authentic Japanese cuisine from the Washoku room.

MENU ITEMS INCLUDE Steak, scallops, lobster tail, filet mignon and sushi.

HOURS Sun. & Mon.: 4:30 – 9 p.m.; Lunch: Tuesday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Dinner 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Fri.: 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Dinner 4:30 – 10:30 p.m.; Sat. 4:30 – 10:30 p.m.

2463 S.W. 27th Ave., Ocala, FL Shady Oaks Plaza next to Best Buy 352.237.3900

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Thrilling Thursday Girls Ocala Wine Experience HOME OF HORSE’S ASS WINE, GOLF BALLS, JEANS & APPAREL. Live music Friday and Saturday nights, wine tasting, gourmet cheeses, fondue, pizzas, desserts, coffee, eclectic gifts, gourmet holiday gift baskets. Private party and meeting space. Hookas in the courtyard with fruit tobacco and cigars. Personalized wine labels available for individuals or businesses.

Daily Wine Tastings!

HOURS: Mon - Thurs 1 p.m. - 8 p.m., Fri 1 p.m. - Midnight., Sat 2 p.m. - Midnight.

36 S.W. 1st Ave., Ocala, FL 352.369.9858 www.ocalawineexperience.com • www.wineexperience.cc

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They don’t teach heal in obedience school.

The UF Small Animal Hospital. It’s 4:45 in the morning, your dog is sick and you have an 8:00 meeting. That’s why we’re here. Our specialists and diagnostic equipment are available around the clock. And we’re right around the corner.

So get to your meeting. Before long, you’ll feel a cold, wet nose that says “Thank you.” Here When You Need Us.

(352) 392-2235 VetHospitals.ufl.edu

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Photo: David Johnston

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week.

10/3/11 4:51:36 PM

SNAPSHOTS see + be scene

John Sotomayor, Mayor Randy Ewers, Paula King Mark Hershberger and Clockwork Fury

Jessica McCune and Leslie Scales

Horse Fever II Unveiling

Have you herd? Ocala has Horse Fever! The Marion Cultural Alliance presents Horse Fever — 10th Anniversary sponsored by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association. Six out of 28 horses were revealed before 500 people at the downtown square commemorating the highly successful public art show and fundraiser; the rest scattered around town with handout map available to find them. Interactive map available on www.ocala.com.

Emilee Plazarin and Avery Balentine

Nancy Ihasz and Kelly Money Huff

PHOTOS: RON WETHERINGTON

Justin and Collin Turner Pam Michell, Megan Thompson, Beth Mccall, Kathy Barber and Dr. Harold McSwain

Freedom is not Free

For more SnapShots www.ocalamagazine.com.

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“I Sold My Ass On Ocala4sale.com!”

--Dawn McCrary

ocala4sale.com Marion County's Internet Marketplace!

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Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s Care Community 1665 SW 7th St., Ocala, FL 34471 phone 352.873.1400 www.memorylaneassistedliving.com

ALF License #AL 11887

22 S. Pine Ave. • 352-629-1663

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Pick Up Your Ghoul with Class

15th Annual

Ocala Storytelling Festival

Thursday and Friday October 20-21, 2011 Grand Concert, 10/21, at 7 p.m.

Centerpoint Community Church 3318 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

Ocala, FL 34470

 3524272942

 3528541247

WWW.PRONTOLIMOS.COM bookings over 5 hours receive 1 hour free!

Adults $10, Students $5, Family of four or more $25 For More Information visit: www.ocalastorytellingfestival.com

You're Never Too Young for Good Healthcare!

Accepting New Patients 18 Years And Up

Dr. Ratnasabapathy Sivasekaran

Family Care/Internal Medicine Privileges at Ocala Regional Medical Center, Munroe Regional Medical Center, The Vines Hospital, Kindred Hospital, West Marion Community Hospital & All Area Nursing Homes

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(352) 369-5300 Mon-Thurs 9-5 • Fri 9-4

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SEPTEMBER 2011

10/3/11 5:29:06 PM

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Find RELIEF for Chronic Leg Swelling

Meenu Jethwani

Proper treatment can help reduce pain and discomfort caused by swelling in the legs, ankles and feet.

O

ne of the most misunderstood symptoms presented to medical care providers is edema (swelling), because this condition is so common, and there are so many causes. Something as simple as gravity can cause swelling, or it can be a symptom of a more serious problem, such as vascular or malignant disease. Treating this condition can be complicated, since sometimes there is more than one cause of swelling.

As our understanding of the complexity of swelling disorders has advanced, the treatments have become more complex. Treatments can range from minimally invasive procedures (involving the use of catheters or catheter-based instruments to help restore the flow of blood) to medication, as well as various types of stockings, pneumatic devices and decongestive therapy.

As people live longer with chronic illnesses, lymphedema can be complicated by other medical conditions. A standard form of treatment known as complete decongestive therapy (CDT) was developed specifically for treating lymphedema but it can be effective in treating other types of swelling as well. It is important for lymphedema therapists to know the actual cause of the patient’s swelling, and not to label all swelling as lymphedema. Patients with various types of swelling are typically sent to lymphedema therapists, and these patients may think they have lymphedema, when in fact they do not. On the other hand, you have patients with swelling that could benefit from CDT and are not sent to lymphedema therapists because providers do not recognize the benefits of CDT for other forms of swelling. It’s important to remember that swelling is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and accurate diagnosis is essential to proper treatment.

veins, lymphedema occurs. In the early stages of lymphedema (called sub-clinical Stage Zero), there is no swelling or pitting of the skin. Symptoms of heaviness in the limbs are due to excess fluid, and may be present for months or years before progressing. The therapeutic approach at this stage is compression therapy in the form of bandaging, as well as elevation of the legs and exercise. In Stage One, the lymphatic system is still healthy but fails to drain the elevated lymphatic water load.

Swelling develops during the course of the day and tends to decrease or completely recede during rest at night, but returns the next day. The therapeutic approach in this stage is also compression/bandaging therapy, elevation and exercise. At Stage Two, blood capillaries and lymph collectors that remain untreated for extended periods of time will eventually suffer damage. The combination of this damage and possible inflammation causes the lymphatic system to develop a mechanical insufficiency, which, with the elevated load of water and protein, results in a combined insufficiency. Lymphedema is often exacerbated by symptoms associated with varicose veins, which manifest as pigmentation of the veins, as well as pain.

This condition is also referred to as phlebo-lymphostatic insufficiency.

In the early stages of lymphedema, the tissue is smooth and patients will experience “pitting.” In other words, when a fingertip presses the infected area, the area remains pitted or indented for several hours, although typically it responds overnight. Without treatment, the condition will progress into a more fibrotic stage, meaning it develops fibrous connective tissue. The therapeutic approach is CDT, which includes manual lymph drainage using Vodder techniques, and compression bandaging followed by a compression garment for maintenance.

DISORDERS OF THE VEINS

PROGRESSIVE CONDITION

Typically, veins in the leg deliver blood to the torso and heart. Valves in the leg prevent blood from flowing back or pooling in the veins. However, in some patients, particularly older individuals, the leg veins become enlarged, or dilated, preventing the valves from operating properly, resulting in backed-up blood can cause swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. This is referred to as venous insufficiency, which can lead to venous hypertension (imbalanced pressure in the veins), wounds, infections and pain. Longstanding venous insufficiency can also lead to secondary lymphedema, known as phlebo-lymphedema. Unless phlebo-lymphedema has developed, most early venous edemas are best treated with moderate to high-compression bandages/ stockings and calf exercises. Since high-level compression stockings are very difficult for many patients to manage, compression bandages are helpful in this stage.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

The lymphatic system helps the body combat disease by removing waste products from cells. When it is unable to do this due to the backup of blood in the

Regardless of how it starts, lymphedema is always a progressive condition; so in Stage Three, severe changes in the skin will occur. Tissues will receive a decrease in oxygen and nutrients, resulting in local hypoxia (deprivation of oxygen supply) and necrosis (dead cells and body tissue). Also typical for this stage is lipodermatosclerosis, characterized by inflammation of the fat under the skin, discoloration of the skin, and pain (especially after walking). The therapeutic approach at this stage is complete decongestive therapy and wound care. Elephantiasis, a condition characterized by extreme swelling and thickening of the skin and fat tissues, is also possible.

Providing your lymphedema therapist with a complete history and record of other medical disorders will greatly the therapist in making an effective plan of care for the patient to avoid the progression of lymphedema.

Meenu Jethwani is a certified lymphedema therapist. For more information please visit lymphedemaclinic.net or thetherapyforyou.com.

PHYSICAL THERAPY & LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT CENTER “Our Goal Is to Get Our Patients Back to Their Normal Life” OCALA EAST • 352-732-4006 OCALA WEST • 352-237-0073 THE VILLAGES • 352-391-9500 For More Information send email to: meenu@thetherapyforyou.com • ( Call to Schedule Your FREE Screening)

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Navigating the

-WORD Nurse Navigator Phyllis Albertson of Ocala Health System provides a valuable service for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

The C-word strikes fear in the hearts of anyone awaiting a diagnosis—cancer.

Once diagnosed, its treatment becomes a tricky course to navigate. Patients and their families enter a world of appointments with an array of doctors— family physicians, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, dieticians and surgeons—all communicated in a “foreign language” of medical jargon.

Fortunately for patients confronted with this emotionally painful crisis, Ocala Health System provides comfort and direction through its highly esteemed oncology nurse navigator program and the center’s oncology nurse navigator, Phyllis Albertson.

Oncology nurse navigation is kind of the new buzz across the country but it is really not new. In 1990, physician Harold P. Freeman, M.D., created the concept of patient navigation, which was designed to “eliminate barriers to timely cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care” across all segments of the healthcare continuum, according to Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute.

Caring for patients at Ocala Regional Medical Center and West Marion Community Hospital, Albertson’s job is to integrate multiple treatments and services for the individual patient. On one occasion, Albertson assisted an elderly grandmother in receiving her consult

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information for her cancer treatment. The elderly patient arrived at the emergency room with her equally frail husband, scared, confused and silent. Having examined the patient’s history and record, Albertson gathered the educational materials and gently started a dialogue with the woman that drew on her 20 years of oncology experience, in an effort to help the elderly patient understand the incomprehensible world of cancer diagnosis. The couple’s worries were soon alleviated.

“I love these patients,” Albertson says.

“It’s my job to help them understand, in laymen’s terms, what is happening to them.”

Albertson earned her nursing degree from Santa Fe College in 1990.

She began her career at Shands in the Adult Hematology Oncology Unit in 1991. While serving many roles, including hospice palliative care liaison, bone marrow transplant nurse and oncology educator, she continued to maintain excellence in oncology care.

She maintained her certification with the ONS/OCN, a nationally recognized certification encompassing care of all disease types in oncology. She joined Ocala Health System in May 2011 in the role of nurse navigator.

As the nurse navigator, Albertson helps the hospital identify factors in the patients’ lives that are affecting their treatment. If a patient misses an

appointment, why did that happen? With the high unemployment rate in Marion County and high retirement population on a fixed income, most people do not have the finances to put gas in their cars to drive to four or five appointments a week all over town. Some people cannot afford their co-payments at the pharmacy for the drugs they need. Albertson finds the problem, then offers a solution, like connecting patients with national co-pay assistance foundations, helping them get a much-needed gas card or connecting them with the American Cancer Society.

In addition, she serves as a constant source of contact for patients when they leave the hospital and return home.

“A cancer diagnosis affects the whole family,” Albertson says. “It can be especially challenging when families are scattered all over the country, trying to understand what’s happening to their family. When I work with families, I can become the bridge or facilitator to integrate all of the services they may need during this time.”

As the nurse navigator, Albertson offers the reassurance needed, so patients always feel they have an anchor during a difficult time in their lives.

for information: OCALA HEALTH SYSTEM 1431 SW First Ave. Ocala, FL 34471 352.401.1000 www.ocalahealthsystem.com

OCTOBER 2011

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Dr. Patricia McEachrane-Gross will emphasize a common-sense approach to medicine when she opens her new practice, Peppertree Primary Care —and she’ll be making house calls.

Medicine With a Personal Touch When Dr. Patricia McEachrane-Gross opens her new medical practice, Peppertree Primary Care, in Ocala on Nov. 1, she will bring a new and unique philosophy to the community, combining elements of an old-fashioned doctor’s office with modern medicine and a holistic, common-sense approach to health and well-being.

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

“I call my philosophy ‘functional medicine,’” says Dr. McEachrane-Gross, who has both a medical degree and a Masters of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree among her credentials. “It’s a philosophy that’s been around for a number of years, but it’s becoming a new approach to medicine.”

Functional medicine, as Dr. McEachrane-Gross describes it, seeks to identify the underlying cause of a patient’s disease or illness before treating it. “It’s treating the patient as an individual person, with a unique makeup, and looking at the symptoms to find an underlying cause,” she explains. “It’s just a

tified in family medicine and preventive medicine. Her practice, she notes, will be primary care, with office hours throughout the week. However, she intends to reserve Thursday and Friday afternoons for house calls—a component of family medicine that has practically disappeared in the 21st century.

“My initial intent was to simply open a house-call practice,” says Dr. McEachrane-Gross, “since you can learn more about patients in their own environments. But after talking to family and friends I’ve made here in the community, I’ve decided to combine the approaches, so I’ll have regular of-

Educating patients about proper diet and lifestyle will be a major component of her practice, she says. “Most of our chronic diseases, whether it’s high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, cancer—all of them have a lifestyle basis. Yes, there are some hereditary aspects. But the majority of the causes are based in lifestyle and diet. The Western diet is what I call an inflammatory diet, because it produces inflammation in the body. And what causes inflammation?” Often, she says, it’s what we choose to eat.

“White rice, sugar, fried foods—all those are inflammatory. So my job is

“I call my philosophy ‘functional medicine’…” natural way of thinking about things.”

For example, Dr. McEachrane-Gross explains, “If you have joint pain, it wouldn’t be unusual for you to go to your primary care physician, present your swollen joints and be told that you have arthritis. You would then be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for arthritis.”

The functional medicine approach is somewhat different. “Functional medicine looks at the individual, gets a good history and looks for the underlying cause in the history and diagnostic tests,” says Dr. McEachrane-Gross.

“We then might use a combination of mainstream medicine, drugs, supplements and modification of one’s lifestyle and diet as treatment. That’s preventive medicine.”

That approach will be evident during a patient’s initial visit to Peppertree Primary Care. Prior to seeing a patient, Dr. McEachrane-Gross will review the individual’s medical history and background in detail, followed by a 20-minute conversation with the patient. Her approach, she says, involves “spending time with the patient, looking carefully at the symptoms and medical history, and getting lots of information.” This helps her tailor the treatment for each individual.

Dr. McEachrane-Gross is board-cer-

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fice hours. But I think the house call component is important.”

Dr. McEachrane-Gross grew up and went to school in the Caribbean. After her family moved to the United States, she attended medical school, did her clinical clerkship in New York and her residency in the New Jersey area. While in New Jersey, she was recruited into the Air Force, and subsequently spent six years in the military, stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Wash.

Upon moving to Ocala, she and her husband, Charles, decided it was time for her to set up her own practice. “It’s a dream come true,” she says, noting that she was previously employed in other medical practices.

With the opening of Peppertree Primary Care, Dr. McEachrane-Gross will have the opportunity to put her own personal philosophy of medicine, with its balanced scientific yet holistic approach, into action. However, Dr. McEachrane-Gross does clarify her definition of the word holistic.

“When I say holistic, what I mean is basically lifestyle, so I focus on diet and exercise,” she explains, “and, when possible, I emphasize diet rather than medications. So do I practice holistically? Yes. Do I practice Reiki and acupuncture? No.”

to educate people about an anti-inflammatory diet. It’s something a lot of people have not heard about, but includes foods with Omega-3 and Omega-6 in correct balance. Cold water oily fish shuch as salmon are the most well-known sources fut flax-seed is actually six times richer than most fish in Omega-3 fatty acids.. Most of us are dehydrated—we don’t drink enough water, but we drink a lot of caffeine, which can make the situation worse.

I also encourage my patients to focus on whole foods, like grains, fresh fruit and vegetables.” She also cautions her patients to avoid refined foods and additives like high fructose corn syrup.

Dr. McEachrane-Gross is aware of how difficult it is for some patients to make a transition to a healthier lifestyle, but she says she’s here to help. “It can be difficult to make these changes, but that’s my goal—to help my patients through these transitions.” It’s a common-sense philosophy, or as Dr. McEachrane-Gross calls it, “medicine with a personal touch.” for information: P eppertree

Primary Care

5850 SE 5th St., #102 Ocala, FL 34472 Phone: 352.350.5012

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calendaroctober

Your guide to what’s happening in Ocala this month

Sept. 30-Oct. 31 Timberline Farms’ second annual Corn Maze Festival; corn maze, petting zoo and hayride; afternoon to sunset, free parking; 3200 SE 115th St., Belleview; 352.454.4113.

Sept. 30-Oct. 31 Ocala Fear Fest, featuring a haunted house, local bands and a hearse car show; The Haunt opens at 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday nights; Ocala Entertainment Complex, 1227 SW 17th Ave.; 352.433.2232 or www. ocalafearfest.com

Oct. 2-8 10th annual One Ocala, One America, celebrating racial harmony and cultural awareness in Marion County, and featuring the Ocala Cultural Festival on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 1 to 8 p.m. on the Downtown Square, plus other activities throughout the week; free admission to all events; 352.368.5517 or www.1ocala1america.org.

Oct. 6 35th Anniversary Dinner at the Elks Club and Lodge, 702 NE 25th Ave.; reservations

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required; for information contact Bud Horne at 352.307.3234.

Oct. 7 Kickoff reception for Artoberfest at the Brick City Center for the Arts, featuring works by members of the Ocala Art Group; 6 to 8 p.m., with the exhibit open for viewing through the end of the month; 23 SW Broadway Street; 352.369.1500 or www.mcaocala. com.

Oct. 7 Florida Gardens Gone Wild book signing by Lucy Beebe Tobias; complimentary wine and tapas served; 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Primary Oven, 128 SW Broadway; also Oct. 23 from noon to 4 p.m. at Chelsea Coffee Company, 3217 E. Silver Springs Blvd.; 352.816.1252 or www.

LucyTobias.com.

Oct. 7-31 4th annual Fright Nights at Silver Springs Nature Park, featuring the Ocala Jaycees 39th annual Haunted House; 8 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (excluding the 30th) and 8 to 10 p.m. Halloween night; admission is $13; 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd; 352.236.2121 or www. silversprings.com.

Oct. 8 Craft Show featuring vendors, Christmas gifts and food; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Druid Hills United Methodist Church, 1712 SE Lake Weir Rd.; 352.629.5688.

Oct. 8 Ocala Scottish Highland Games, featuring Scottish athletes and Irish dancers, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Silver Springs Nature Park, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd; 352.236.2121 or www.silversprings.com.

Oct. 9 Hispanic Day at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, featuring food, crafts, plants and religious articles; from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Blessed Trinity Football Field, 5 SE 17th St.; 352.629.8092 or www. blessedtrinity.org.

Oct. 15 Diamond Oil Inaugural Annual Chili Cook-Off, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Diamond Oil Cascades, 111 NE 16th Ave.; 352.390.8039 or anorton@ diamondoil.com.

Oct. 15 13th annual Jazz Up Dunnellon, a Mardi Gras music-style festival featuring food, vendors and live bands; noon to 10 p.m.; hosted by the Dunnellon Area Chamber of Commerce, 20500 E. Pennsylvania Ave.; 352.489.2320 or www.dunnellonchamber.org.

Oct. 22 Rats & Rods with Big Daddy, featuring a Big Daddy Swap Meet, Pin Stripe Panel Jam, autographed parts for sale, custom trophies, music and food, at Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, 13700 SW 16th Ave.; gates open at 9 a.m.; 352.236.5607 or www. garlits.com.

Oct. 22 The 38th annual 1890s Festival in downtown McIntosh and Van Ness Park, featuring more than 280 crafts and antique dealers, plus music, food, puppet shows, a train ride, Victorian costumes and more; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., free admission; 352.591.4036 or www.friendsofmacintosh.org.

Oct. 22 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, featuring a 5K awareness walk, at Silver Springs Nature Park, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd; 352.236.2121 or www.silversprings.com.

Oct. 22-23 Ocala Arts Festival, hosted by Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO), showcasing works by more than 200 artists, plus live entertainment, food and children’s activities; McPherson Government Complex; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 601 SE 25th Ave.; 352.867.0355.

Oct. 27 Florida Horse Park second annual Fall Farm Tour, featuring riding and equine care demonstrations; the $50 admission fee includes lunch, transportation and entertainment; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 11008 S. Hwy 475; 352.307.6699, ext. 6 for reservations.

Oct. 8-9 The Pioneer Garden Club’s Fall Festival, featuring 40 vendors, fine art, artisan crafts, antiques, jewelry and more; at the Garden Club’s facility, 4331 SE Silver Springs Blvd.; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days; 352.236.4448 or www.pioneergardenclub.org.

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Oct. 28-30 First annual Ocala Pumpkin Run classic car show, featuring a car corral, automotive midway, live music, food, arts and crafts booth, family and Halloween activities, and more; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. all three days; at Castro Farms, 7700 NW Hwy 27; 352.620.9998 or www. ocalapumpkinrun.com.

Oct. 29 Midwest Cheer and Dance, featuring cheerleading and dance competitions, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Silver Springs Nature Park, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd; 352.236.2121 or www.silversprings.com.

Oct. 29 First annual Howl-OWeen Fall Carnival, with proceeds benefiting Fur Kids animal rescue and Feisty Acres cat rescue; door prizes, raffles, face painting, food, and more; 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the

Airport Road Animal Clinic, 4851 SW 60th Ave.; 352.861.1812.

Oct. 29 The Marion County Rose Society’s 16th annual Rose Show and Festival, showcasing prize-winning roses, plus rose programs, hourly drawings and potted roses for sale; 1 to 5 p.m., Ag Center Auditorium, 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd; 352.341.0564 or www.marioncountyroses.org.

Nov. 5 30th annual Marion County Chili Cook Off, featuring chili tastings, live music, children’s activities, a cake/pie contest, a salsa contest and a drawing for a $1,000 Visa card; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2220 NE Jacksonville Rd., 352.895.1648 or www.marioncountychilicookoff. org.

CONNECTING HEART, BODY, MIND & SOUL

October @ the Appleton Appletonmuseum.org Oct. 1-Nov. 6 “Tradition/Innovation: American Masterpieces of Southern Crafts and Traditional Art” and “Poetry: Landscapes by Jackie Schindehette”

PHOTOS AND ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK

Oct. 2 “Back to Baroque,” part of the SoundArt Series, featuring 17th-century compositions; 3 p.m.

Oct. 13 After Hours: Oktoberfest celebration featuring the Alpine Express Band, 5 to 8 p.m.

Oct. 15 Quilting Workshop with fiber artist Leigh McDonald Oct. 22

New members tour

Nov. 3 After Hours: Classic ’50s and ’60s rock ‘n’ roll by the Rewind Band; 5-8pm.

Educational Art Films (2 p.m.)

• Oct. 9 Craft in America: Memory • Oct. 16 Craft in America: Landscape • Oct. 23 Craft in America: Community • Oct. 30 A Century of Quilts CF International Film Series (2 p.m.)

• Oct. 4 The Reader • Oct. 18 Mao’s Last Dancer • Nov. 1 The Hurt Locker

Got an important date coming up?

Share your event for free at www.ocalamagazine.com.

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OCALA MAGAZINE

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VOX

“That Judaism’s greatest contribution to mankind was asking questions that can’t be answered, and that the glory of the race has less to do with giving the world Moses and Marx and Jesus, and everything to do with the invention of the phrase ‘on the other hand.’”

voice of the people

— Academy Award-winning-actress Olympia Dukakis, delivering a line from Martin Sherman’s play Rose, in a performance at the College of Central Florida

“We’re going to do this a little bit different.

I want to set the tone,

“Remembering is often

about thanking those who were there for us.”

and the first thing I want to say is that ‘I love you.’”

—Keynote speaker Bernadette Castro at the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, held at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park

—M arion Cultural Alliance chair Bill Lodzinski, addressing a full house of 300 patrons, in his opening remarks at the Saluting the Arts gala held at the Hilton Ocala

“Oh, there’s Betty White. She’s the reason we start the show at 5 p.m.”

— E mmy host Jane Lynch joking at the 2011 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles

“What you are doing with this merger, I think, is outside the box. I think it is bold, it is revolutionary and, frankly, I think it is trendsetting in the state of Florida. I commend you for your boldness, I commend you for your leadership, and for everyone taking part in it, it will pay off in huge dividends for Marion County.”

—Keynote speaker Rep. Will Weatherford, commenting on the merger of the Economic Development Corporation and the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce, at the annual EDC Luncheon at the Hilton Ocala

“I’m having so much fun. It has been the most fun time now that [my pregnancy] has been announced…

It was really difficult to conceal, but now I can be proud and excited about it.

I’m having so much fun shopping!”

—Recording artist Beyonce commenting on her pregnancy

“For more than a century, Florida’s local chambers of commerce have existed, amassing business thought leaders to identify and help solve community challenges and to seize opportunities. These leaders work with staff as bridge builders, conveners and collaborators. Chambers represent the very fabric of a community. Our job is to ensure we do all we can to keep it strong.”

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—Jaye Baillie, president & CEO, Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce and newly appointed 2011-2012 president of the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP)

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