Ocala Magazine February 2023 Digital Issue

Golf Course Communities

Located in Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, just a golf cart ride to and from WEC is this spectacular 6 bedroom, 5 full and 3 half bath home offering 15,000 +/- square feet of living area on two lots for a total of 1.79 acres. Property is perfect for family living and entertaining with open floor plan, resort style screen enclosed pool, summer kitchen, beautiful sunsets overlooking the golf course. Community amenities include: clubhouse, restaurants, golf, tennis court, pool, spa, stables, access to the World Equestrian Center’s restaurants, horse shows, security guard and various other entertainment venues. $6,499,000

Country Club of Ocala home overlooking the 14th tee with 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths plus den/office. Custom-built home features: living area with electric fireplace, coffered ceilings, built-in shelving, large windows to allow natural light and French doors opening onto lanai. Chef’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, cook-top with vented hood, custom cabinets, and breakfast nook overlooking views of the property. Back porch with brick pavers overlooks large back yard with wrought iron perimeter fencing. Relax in the evening sitting around the firepit. Community amenities include: Junior size Olympic swimming pool, tennis courts, golf course, clubhouse, banquet hall, and security guard. $749,000

Let Me Show You Ocala!

Close to World Equestrian Center ‘’WEC,” HITS and The Florida Horse Park! Bring your horses! Centrally located with easy access to HWY 200. This gorgeous, gated estate offers privacy and serenity with almost 30+/- acres of breathtaking property views. Southern style home has 3,900+ square feet of living area with 3 bedrooms, 4 baths. Open floor plan with plenty of windows bringing natural light to this stately home. Equestrians will enjoy the 5-stall center aisle stable which includes tack room, feed room, wash rack, overhead storage area plus equipment/ storage room with a roll up garage door for easy access. Open flat areas, perfect for covered arena or jump fields depending on your discipline. You have two 2 bedroom/ 2 bath guest/ employee houses. Additional features include generators, 3 wells, wrought iron fenced area for your pets. $3,750,000

You can have the best of both settings - beautiful lakefront views in the front and horses in the back. Two story home sits on 13.90+/- private acres with 300’ feet of waterfront. Home includes 2 bedrooms plus bonus room of your choice, 2 baths, modern gourmet kitchen, and maple hardwood floors. Enclosed covered wrap around porch with outdoor bar overlooking private beach and magnificent views of Lake Weir. Detached 12 x 10 utility workshop. 200” feet of boardwalk and dock is the perfect setting for boating, fishing, skiing, and lakefront recreation. Wonderful layout for exceptional viewing and recreational pleasure. Property is zoned for horses. $1,900,000

List with us today!

REALTOR®

Pending

This Is Horse Country

Spacious pool home on 2+/- acres. Main living area is perfect for entertaining family and friends with high cathedral ceilings, open floor plan plus access to screen enclosed patio/ pool area. Chef’s kitchen features stainless steel appliances, raised bar with seating for 5, breakfast nook and granite counter tops. Located off Highway 484 between Ocala and The Villages plus just 2 miles to I-75. Just minutes to Fl Horse Park, Marjorie Carr Greenways and the Santos bike trails. Zoned A-1 for horses or cattle. Property can be purchased with residence and 2 acres for $499,000 or residence and 10 acres for $743,000

11+ Acres in SE Ocala with no deed restrictions. 3 Bedroom / 2.5 bath home. For the car enthusiast there is an attached 2-car garage plus a detached 3-car garage which 1 bay currently finished off with A/C and full bath. There is also a 48’ x 50’ metal building which has many possibilities. Paddocks are suitable for building arena or jump fields. Property is zoned A-1 so you can have horses, cattle, or other animals. Located just minutes to the Florida Horse Park and the Florida Greenways and Trails. $1,095,000

Just Reduced

38+/- Scenic NW Ocala area and you will find beautiful country livingperfect for the Equine Enthusiasts!

Minutes to WEC and HITS. Main residence 4-bedroom, 3.5 baths, open kitchen, spacious living room with impressive stone. 12 Stall stable with tack room, feed room, wash bay plus 1/1 apartment. Large 3 bay equipment building with workshop plus RV hook-up. Nice 4-bedroom 2 bath employee residence. The lush fields are perfect for grazing your horses or cattle with just the right number of scattered oaks for shade and a tranquil setting.

$3,950,000

26.20+/- Acre equestrian farm conveniently located between Ocala and the Villages. 10 Stall barn with tack room, feed room, and hay storage area. There are seven feed stalls under the shed row. Your guests or employees will enjoy the two apartments. Property features an 80’ x 225’ riding arena, 9 various sized paddocks graced with granddaddy oaks and lush green grass on the farm. Property is fenced. Horses, cattle, or chickens allowed. This property is perfect for any discipline of horses. Exquisite. $995,000

CELEBRATING OUR 42ND YEAR!

Photo by Ralph Demilio

ART

Little

Jessi Miller | Creative Director jessi@ocalamagazine.com

Website StevensLabs

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ralph

ralph@ocalamagazine.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Mark

Ashley Dobbs/City of Ocala | Writer

Mayor Kent Guinn | Columnist Brandi Wright | Social Photographer

OPERATIONS

Randy Woodruff, CPA | CFO randy@ocalamagazine.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Philip Glassman, CCIM Publisher

Philip has been at the helm of OM for nearly 5 years with 15 FMA awards. He is also an astute businessman, working primarily in the commercial real estate arena and joint venturing in business start-ups. Philip is a former actor, a creative thinker and father to two beautiful children.

Mark Anderson

Penny Miller VP/Corporate Development

Penny is with OM over 20 years and owner of an insurance company over 30. She has authored 5 books, owns a media company, founded/directed the Marion County Homeless Coalition, and an appointed Senate-confirmed Commissioner by 4 Governors. Penny served on the Advisory Board of the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation and President of College Park Kiwanis Club. Her best blessings are her 4 children and 5 grandchildren.

State of the County Columnist

Mark Anderson is a Public Relations Specialist for Marion County, where he specializes in photography, writing and anything else that comes his way.

Louisa Barton

Equine Editor

Louisa is the Equine Initiative Director at the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, Showcase Properties of Central Florida Farm Realtor and host of the Horse Talk Show on the Sky 97.3, Audacy.com and Equus Television.

Ralph Demilio

Chief Photographer

Ralph is an award-winning photographer that handles OM's every need. From shooting the great people of Ocala, to food and horses, Ralph has an amazing understanding of art and lighting that brings everyone and everything into beautiful focus.

Ashley Dobbs

State of the City Columnist

Ashley Dobbs is the Marketing and Communications Manager for the City of Ocala. She is responsible for internal and external communications, managing social media, brand standards, and working with collaborators providing outreach to citizens. The City's goal is to put citizens first and make Ocala a great place to live, play, and prosper.

Kent Guinn

Mayor's Column

Kent's family came here in 1850, he is a fifthgeneration Ocalan. After 12 years on the Ocala city council, he has served the last 11 as mayor and overseen unprecedented growth of the area during his tenure. Married for 43 years with two sons and a new granddaughter, Guinn loves to play the game of golf when he can.

Jessi Miller Creative Director

Jessi's career is as old as Photoshop but she doesn't limit her art to the computer. Fine artist and award-winning creative director, she is saving the world, one graphic design at time at Little Black Mask Media. She is passionate about storytelling, community involvement, peacebuilding, family, and the arts.

Jackie Prince

Creative Assistant

Jackie is the creative assistant at Little Black Mask Media. An indespensible team member who is usually hidden behind the scenes, she tolerates people with a smile — and prefers the company of her two great danes.

Sharon Raye

Copy Editor | Distribution

Sharon is a native South Floridian who has called Ocala home for 10 years. She studied at The Acting School of South Florida conservatory. She was an active actress and model in FL, NY and abroad for 20 years. Her love for the arts dates back to childhood especially in writing and attention to detail. She is curious by nature, loves traveling, good food, learning about cultures and is an advocate for natural health. Sharon has a daughter who is her greatest joy and primary focus.

Carlton Reese Contributing Editor

A freelance writer and editor, Carlton is a fourth-generation Ocalan who has written for newspapers and magazines since he was a college freshman in 1985. A father of four daughters, Carlton used to play lots of golf, but is busy enjoying time with his family instead.

Brad Rogers

Contributing Editor

For more than a generation Brad has written about the people, places and issues that shape Ocala, first as a newspaper columnist and editor and now as a free-lance writer. He is married and the father of two grown children and grandfather of one. In this month’s issue, he interviews Dr. Jim Henningsen, OM’s Person of the Year.

Brandi Wright

Social Photographer

When Brandi isn't on the scene, capturing social events for OM's Society section, she might be baking for her Double Baked Bakery business or shooting for her BW Photography business. Make sure to smile for the camera if you see her while out and about.

HITS, Live Oak International part of what makes this place special

HEADING INTO THE MONTHS OF FEBRUARY AND MARCH, we are reminded by the upcoming events just how special a place we live in and what an exciting time it is for Ocala and Marion County. It’s tough to watch the nightly news and be reminded of all the pain, misery and anger that blankets this planet, so it’s much better to step outside in Marion County to breathe in the warm, fresh air and count the blessings we have here. Going into 2023, despite what the talking heads keep warning, the future is bright for Ocala/Marion County — just look around and you will see why. For starters, the annual HITS event is as strong as ever and getting a jolt of capital that will certainly take it to a whole other level. The equity firm Traub Capital Partners has bought HITS and will continue this tradition that has been a local staple for over 40 years now. Beyond simply continuing the tradition, it will grow the event and make it even better by pumping multi-millions of funding into it, giving those map-makers another reason to place the word “OCALA” in big bold letters for all to see.

In March is the Live Oak International, which you will see gracing the cover of Ocala Magazine — yet another tradition I look forward to. Just as the lights going on the trees downtown signal the upcoming holiday season, so is the dressage cover of the March issue of OM a harbinger of another glorious spring in horse country.

There is so much more. The FAST aquatic center is now open and is already a premier training and competition facility for swimmers in the nation — right here in the “Horse Capital of the World.” It’s just another thing that is No.1 on the world stage and reason for us all to thump our chests.

Of course, there is the World Equestrian Center, which at this point goes without saying … but let’s keep saying it, shall we? The finest equestrian center in the world — I’m pretty confident in those words — stands alone as an equine facility in itself, but it offers more. A multi-faceted venue, WEC hosts dog shows, car shows and even major volleyball tournaments to name just the tip of the iceberg of events that take place.

To the south of us is The Villages, No.1 in the world for homebuilding yet again. It seems this is the case every year and it only makes sense because the ultimate in graceful Central Florida living is right here.

In the middle of it all is Ocala Magazine, on a mission to highlight this wonderful community as well as lend a helping hand. This month, our annual Charity Register goes into print and is a fantastic reflection of the enormous heart possessed by the people of this community. The register is a testament to the fact people here not only talk the talk of giving back, but they walk the walk by putting their money and their valuable time where it is needed — helping those who are less fortunate or in dire circumstances through no fault of their own.

I am so proud of the citizens of Ocala/Marion County and particularly the readers and sponsors of Ocala Magazine who bring such charitable giving to fruition. Central Florida is a wonderful place, but some people can be left behind this rising tide and that’s where the generous spirit of the people come in — looking through the Charity Register is absolutely proof of that.

With that, I want to wish everyone in the Horse Capital of the World a happy and prosperous 2023 and ask that we all count our blessings and continue to support these events and organizations that truly make Ocala/Marion County special.

PHILIP GLASSMAN, PUBLISHER

The Arnette House Photo by Ralph Demilio

words of wisdom

For the people... all the people

Mary Sue Rich describes herself as “a people person.” When I first heard that self-description, I thought: Yeah, yeah, how often have I heard that – from everyone from hopeful job applicants to smoothtalking salesmen to vote-seeking politicians?

But during an interview on a chilly winter day more than a decade ago, as we tooled around Ocala’s westside in her SUV, I came to realize Rich really is a people person. We raced around west Ocala as the then-city councilwoman went about a series of errands and city-related stops. Everywhere we went – and I mean everywhere – everyone from children to old friends to city employees greeted Rich with enthusiasm and respect. At the Lillian Brant Center, a westside recreation center, I remember dozens of children running up to her car yelling, “Hey, Ms. Rich!” as she got out and waded through the youthful throng.

That interview was about a program Rich established in 2000 called One Ocala One America and its accompanying Racial Harmony and Cultural Awareness Task Force. The goal was “bringing together diverse citizens to promote racial harmony and encouraging appreciation and respect for cultural differences.”

Recently, I sat down with Rich again. This time, I wanted to ask the 82-year-old if One Ocala One America – which has been on hiatus since the onslaught of the pandemic – had indeed achieved what she had hoped. Are we more unified as a community? Have race relations improved?

The setting for the interview answered the questions, profoundly, if only partially. We sat in the lobby of the new $10 million, 41,000-square-foot Mary Sue Rich Community Center on Ocala’s westside, located on

the site of the former Royal Oak Charcoal plant, a notoriously dirty corporate neighbor.

As passersby stopped to say hi and pay their respects to the grande dame of west Ocala, Rich looked around. “Twenty years ago, this wouldn’t have been here,” she said of a gleaming, modern center. “So, yes, I think the city and county are getting more unified all the time. We’re getting more unified than we’ve ever been. But, of course, there’s still work to be done.”

“My hope was to bring all people in Ocala together – African Americans, Caucasians, Indians, all ethnicities”

Rich said Ocala’s booming economy has played a role in greater interaction among the races, noting that her once all-black neighborhood, Happiness Homes, now has several white families living in it.

“There are more franchises coming to Ocala and they’re providing more opportunity ….”

Yet, Rich the realist recognizes that improving race relations in our community is a work in progress, and the dream of a truly One Ocala is far from fully realized.

BY BRAD ROGERS

“I don’t know if this will become One Ocala, at least in my lifetime,” the mother of four and grandmother of 10 said. “But maybe in my children’s or grandchildren’s lifetimes it will. That is my dream. That’s why anything that I’ve ever done wasn’t for black people, it was for all people.”

In the meantime, the woman who served on the Ocala City Council for 24 years, is basking in the pride and joy that the new community center has brought to not only her, but to the community she served.

Rich looked around the community center bearing her name – with a gym, a workout area, an indoor walking track, meeting/banquet rooms and a public library branch—and took it all in. How does it feel, I asked.

She smiled sweetly.

“I can’t describe the feeling,” she said. “It feels marvelous, awesome. I am very, very, very blessed.”

"We’re getting more unified than we’ve ever been. But, of course, there’s still work to be done.”

Photo by Brandi Wright

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Booster Stadium has given us all great memories over the years, so perhaps now is the time to reward this old venue with the facelift it deserves.

Booster Stadium needs our help

BY MAYOR KENT GUINN

In 1971, Booster Stadium opened as the host venue for both the Vanguard Knights and Forest Wildcats athletics programs and has since hosted some of the area’s most memorable moments. There was the Wildcats’ state football championship in 1974, a victory over Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna that was the program’s first of two consecutive titles. In 1994, Booster Stadium was the site of perhaps the most memorable game played there when a pair of future NFL quarterbacks squared off in Vanguard’s Daunte Culpepper and Gainesville Buchholz’ Doug Johnson. The Knights’ won a dramatic come-from-behind thriller that is still talked about to this day.

It was Booster Stadium in the 1980s where a team of locals went up against The King and His Court with the legendary softball pitcher Eddie Feigner who was able to strike out hitters even while blind-folded. Yes, many memories reside at Booster Stadium, but age is taking its toll on what is certainly an iconic venue in these parts, the most pressing being the fieldhouse which has not received any updates or renovations since Booster Stadium was built over 50 years ago.

The fieldhouse is not even used by visiting teams anymore since the locker rooms are so small and the conditions are so filthy.

Visiting teams conduct their halftime sessions on a knee in the end zone, and it is not a good look nor a flattering one for Ocala. I’m reminded of the old days before renovations at Taylor Field, the visitors to Ocala were given a non-too-flattering first impression of our great town, but with the new beautiful facility there now, that first impression is one we’re all proud to own. Today, many visiting teams come to Ocala and what they see at Booster Stadium is their first impression of the town, and it leaves them wondering, “what’s with this place?”

With that in mind, I think it’s time to start thinking about renovations to Booster Stadium, starting most importantly with that field house. Until 2005, when the new Forest High School facility that included a football stadium was built, Forest and Vanguard shared Booster and the school which won the annual game was allowed to paint the fieldhouse in its school colors. So, what was once an object of pride is now just a curious, 3,000-square-foot eyesore sitting in the north endzone.

I used to meet with Larry and Rusty Fuqua at The Lunchbox downtown and we would talk about this need, and even draw up plans on napkins. It’s time for those ideas to come to fruition and I believe a lot of community support can make this happen — anyone with fond memories of Booster Stadium will certainly want to help in the fundraising necessary to getting this project off the ground. The Marion County School Board is behind its infrastructure budget, so this will have to be a grass-roots fundraising effort by members of the community, and I believe it will be well worth the time, effort and money.

Some logistical changes should be made to Booster that involve inflow and exit strategies plus concession areas, but for now the fieldhouse is the biggest priority. The solution could be to tear it down and build a new one, but I do not think that will be necessary — additions and renovations should bring it back to life nicely.

Talks are already underway with the school board about revamping the fieldhouse, but a campaign from the community might be the boost this project needs. I’m looking forward to future meetings with the board on this subject and even more looking forward to seeing just who all in our great community will step up to see this thing happen.

Booster Stadium has given us all great memories over the years, so perhaps now is the time to reward this old venue with the facelift it deserves.

College of Central Florida President Jim Henningsen in the Ewers Center lobby on the CF campus.

PERSON 2022 OM

of the year

Jim Henningsen

Leading CF to national recognition over and over

BY BRAD ROGERS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RALPH DEMILIO

Jim Henningsen needs a little love. No, make that a lot of love. “My whole philosophy toward the college is I need everyone to love the college,” the president of the College of Central Florida told OM.

And Henningsen is working hard for that love.

In just the past year, CF has been named one of the nation’s top community colleges for the fifth time by the prestigious Aspen Institute. The school’s nursing program is ranked No. 1 in Florida among all colleges and universities by RegisteredNursing.org. Oh, and it perennially makes the list of the top 1 percent of America’s most affordable colleges.

The college received $7 million from the Florida Legislature to create a new health sciences building in the old gym, drawing praise

from Tallahassee for CF’s innovative solution to an expensive need. Renovations to the college’s Hampton Center were completed, allowing a significant expansion of the center’s dental program.

There has been a litany of other CF successes since Henningsen became president in 2012 – not the least being the rescue of the Appleton Museum from closure. So many, that even the normally modest Henningsen says the college is not just succeeding, it’s setting the bar for 21st century community college education in Florida.

“We’re now a leader in the state when it comes to how we operate and our outcomes,” the 57-year-old veteran college administrator said.

For Henningsen’s leadership in creating a community college that has become a national model for its workforce development programs and its ever-widening engagement of the community, Ocala Magazine name’s Dr. James Henningsen its person of the year.

A SERIES OF CHALLENGES

Henningsen said the college’s emergence as an educational leader is a result of partnerships throughout the community and state. He said partnering is such an integral part of CF’s long-term strategy that those on his management team have come to refer to the college as “The Partnership.”

“We call ourselves The Partnership,” he said. “We partner with businesses. We partner with universities. We partner with the community.”

Henningsen reflects on when he arrived at CF, replacing the beloved Chick Dassance. CF was doing well, so an enthusiastic Henningsen wasn’t sure where to start moving the college forward.

“That’s the hardest thing -- coming in and everything’s great,” he said. “(Former college trustee) Frank Rasbury said, ‘Jim, we’ve got a good thing going. Don’t muck it up.’

“So, we set about asking ‘how can we do things better?’ That’s become our mantra. And we’re about the community.”

Since Henningsen arrived at CF, Ocala has had to pull itself out of the debilitating Great Recession, deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and adapt to the community’s needs as it undergoes a growth explosion and economic diversification.

The first thing Henningsen and his team undertook was examining the programs the college offered and determining which ones were no longer needed because they were no longer relevant, or they were being offered by others.

Then, the task was what programs did CF need to add to serve the fast-changing needs of the business community and prospective students. Henningsen said adaptability and quick response have become cornerstones of CF’s approach, noting that since 2021 the college has added 51 new academic programs to support the community’s workforce needs. Overall, the college has 135 different educational programs.

Among those programs are the state’s only agribusiness and equine programs, a state-of-the-art robotics program that Henningsen says is unmatched among CF’s peers throughout the Southeast and, of course, the nursing program.

One area that he is especially proud of is the new health sciences program that will serve 200 students and allow CF to support Level II trauma centers.

The $7.8 million project, which is expected to open this semester, is a microcosm of the kinds of challenges and decisions Henningsen and the college face as it continues to grow and meet the needs of the community.

He said shortly after he arrived Ocala’s

health community began asking for more trained professionals. The requests grew louder and louder.

“They weren’t knocking at the door,“ he said. “They were pounding it down.”

So, he started the process of determining how to meet that need, which would require a new, bigger, modern health sciences facility. The price tag for a new building, however, was between $30 million and $40 million. He lobbied the Legislature; he sought help from the Marion County Hospital District; he asked individual donors. He could not get anywhere close to the amount needed.

Ultimately, Henningsen took drastic measures. CF came up with a plan to convert the gym into the new health sciences building. That meant, however, eliminating the college’s men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball programs. It was a big decision – the men’ basketball team won the national junior college championship in 2013.

The decision was unpopular with some. But, Henningsen said, it was the only prudent thing to do, given there was no hope of raising the money needed for a totally new facility. And besides, the return on investment between the sports teams and a new health sciences building wasn’t even close, he said.

“There’s no return on winning,” he said, referring to the nationally ranked basketball and volleyball teams that CF eliminat-

...the college is not just succeeding, it’s setting the bar for 21st century community college education in Florida.

Henningsen in a lab in CF’s new health sciences facility, which was created by transforming the old gym.

ed. “For the same money, we can have 200 health sciences students instead of 40 athletes, most of whom weren’t going to stay here. We had to move on.”

It paid off. Henningsen’s controversial move caught the eye of then-Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson, who has since been elected state agriculture commissioner. Simpson, who represented Citrus County, part of CF’s service area, openly praised Henningsen and CF for innovative, cost-conscious thinking. He also ensured the $7 million that has funded most of the new health science building’s cost.

“You have to be more business-minded like other businesses,” Henningsen said. “Because resources are scarce.”

One of Henningsen’s passions is art. He used to dabble in pottery and painting; so, when the Appleton Museum, which operates under the auspices of the CF Foundation, lost its state funding in 2017, Henningsen once again had to scramble for help.

Recognizing that the Appleton is a cultural gem – it is among just 6 percent of U.S. museums with accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums – Henningsen went into lobbying mode. The museum was on the verge of folding.

“It was gone,” Henningsen said.

But through intense lobbying, and support from key legislators, state funding flowed again and the Appleton “was saved.”

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME

Henningsen hails from North Bennington, Vermont. He holds degrees in economics and geography, as well as an MBA and a doctorate in education.

He started his career in higher education in 1989 at Valencia State College in Orlando, before moving to Seminole State College eight years later, where he worked until coming to CF in 2012.

“I felt like I was in the right place at the right time,” he said of his move here.

He and his wife, Jeanne, a leadership coach, have a daughter, 15-year-old Juliana. He said Jeanne compliments his personality and style.

“She’s a great listener,” he said. “She keeps me grounded. She helps slow me down sometimes — I was born caffeinated. She compliments me.”

And Jeanne Henningsen’s assessment of her husband?

“He calls himself a servant leader, and I would agree,” she said. “But I would say what makes him unique, especially being a president of a college, is that he doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not.

“James is just one of those people who

won’t compromise his principles just to get something he wants. He has this unique ability to be true to himself and still get what he wants.”

And, she added, Henningsen is passionate about the community. In addition to being CF’s president, he is chairman of the United Way campaign.

“She keeps me grounded. She helps slow me down sometimes — I was born caffeinated. She compliments me.”

Henningsen and his wife, Jeanne, and their daughter, Juliana, pose for a Christmas photo in one of the CF president’s vintage sports cars.

CF Excels

• CF was ranked among the top 15% of colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute for 2011, 2013, 2017, 2021 and 2023.

• Nationally ranked as one of the most affordable colleges in the country — top 1 percent.

• Since Spring 2012, CF has added 51 new academic programs to support the community workforce.

• Awarded more than 12,000 degrees and certificates in the past five years.

• In the last decade, CF Foundation assets increased by $53.8 million, an over 137 percent increase.

• CF has partnerships with the University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, Florida A&M University and University of Florida Online that guarantee transfer of credits for CF students.

• Successfully awarded accreditation by American Alliance of Museums for the Appleton Museum of Art, a status earned by only 6% of the museums in the country.

• Community rated CF highly in 2021 perception. Among respondents in Marion, Citrus and Levy counties 94 percent rated CF positively

• Both baseball and softball teams were state champions in 2022.

“He believes very strongly in the college being an integral part of the community,” she said. “He wants the community to know that he’s there and that he cares.”

Close friend and gym owner Ben Marciano said much of what Henningsen does to benefit his fellow Ocalans is more times than not done without anyone ever knowing.

“He does a lot behind the scenes,” Marciano said. “Jim’s not the guy who is going to be out front taking credit. He’s just a kind and compassionate person.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

When asked what he is most proud of as president of the College of Central Florida, Henningsen did not hesitate.

“No. 1, it’s the team,” he said of his administrative staff and faculty. “You’ve got to have a good team, and we do.

“No. 2, our ability to meet industries’ needs by creating training programs and finding the resources to do it.”

It is the latter that Henningsen said has turned CF from “13th grade” to a 21st

century workforce training institution that strives to be innovative, responsive and, most of all, meet the community’s immediate needs.

“Not everyone needs a four-year degree,” Henningsen said. “At CF, you can get a two-year degree or a certificate.”

As for the future, Henningsen said with the health sciences facility done, a new nursing building will be built, the old nursing building will be renovated and turned into an EMS/paramedic training center and there will be a new public safety building. All that will occur on the campus’ west side.

“The west campus will be pretty nice when we’re done,” he said.

In the meantime, Henningsen hopes the gains and successes of the college bring love from the community.

“CF has been an integral part of the community fabric since 1957,” he said. “Our mission is to be here for the community.”

And is he feeling the love?

Well, by at least two measures he is.

In a 2021 poll, 94 percent of respondents in Marion, Citrus and Levy counties rated the college positively, leading pollsters to say “CF stands high above the field of competing public and for-profit college-level providers in this market. It does so by being widely recognized, highly rated, and well regarded by residents of the community.”

And donors are taking notice, too. Since Henningsen’s arrival, the CF Foundation has seen its assets grow by $54 million, or 137 percent. “Donors want to see results,” the CF president said.

As CF moves forward, Henningsen said “we are constantly re-evaluating what we do and what the next thing we’ll see.”

“We’re growing by leaps and bounds. I think our next challenge as a college and a community will be ‘what does our next growth look like?’”

We asked OM’s 2022 person of the year, Chamber and Economic Partnership CEO Kevin Sheilley, what CF’s and Henningsen’s impact is on Ocala.

“I don’t even know how to assess the value of the college to our community,” he said. “I can’t imagine what our community would look like without it. Jim’s emphasis on developing workforce training programs has been critical. He’s such a good partner.”

Runnin’ Down a Dream

OPD officer Sean Price heads to Las Vegas in pursuit of his football passion

BY CARLTON REESE

Like the siren songs of Odysseus, the game of football keeps calling out to Sean Price, now eschewing his life as a police officer to return on his journey toward a professional career in the sport he so dearly loves. But unlike the sirens of Homer’s epic, football’s promises are not shrouded in falsehoods culminating in one’s ultimate demise, but rather offer a tangible road and opportunity to eventually reach his goal.

At the end of the journey, Price’s Ithaca would be the National Football League, the dream destination of every boy who ever strapped on the shoulder pads his first day in the pee wee leagues. Along the way are exotic destinations, tribulations and tests to his worth in one of the world’s toughest sports.

Now, Price’s Scylla and Charybdis awaits: Las Vegas and the XFL.

On Feb. 18, the fledgling XFL will begin its second season and Price looks to suit up for the Las Vegas Vipers on that day, officially marking his return to professional football. It means, however, walking away at least temporarily from his position as a law enforcement officer with the Ocala Police Department, where he has spent the last two years chasing criminals as opposed to running from defenders.

“I want my life with no regrets,” Price said. “I’m more on the side of taking advantage of (an opportunity) than sitting back wondering what life would have been like if I’d taken that chance and just worked a little harder and stayed focused.”

The game runs deep in Price’s blood. His cousin Jamie Thompson played defensive back at Oklahoma State and later for the NFL’s New York Jets and NFL Europe’s Amsterdam Admirals. Another cousin, Greg Carr, is head football coach at his high school alma mater North Marion after a standout career as a wide receiver for Florida State and later professionally in Canada.

Price himself has even had a taste of the professional game, playing in four games for the Dallas Renegades of the XFL in 2020, a season canceled mid-way due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the league went away, there was no way of knowing if it would return, but under the new ownership of actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and film producer Dany Garcia, the XFL

has re-ignited and with it the aspirations of many football players like Price.

Price headed to Bradenton to participate in the league’s combine, where he shined enough to get drafted as a tight end by the Vipers. With that realization, it was time for Price to step away from the police force to take one last shot at making football a career.

“I plan on riding it out as long as my body allows me to,” Price said. “I take good care of my body -- I think I’ve got three or four years left of playing, if God is willing.”

Price starred at North Marion during his prep years, finishing his career as the Colts’ all-time leader in receiving yards. He was good enough to earn a spot in the prestigious Under Armour All-American game and was among the nation’s top 150 recruits according to Rivals recruiting service.

As a tight end for the University of South Florida, Price was a starter all four years and finished his collegiate career in 2015 as the Bulls’ career leader for tight

want my life with no regrets.”

ends, with 75 catches for 897 yards. After USF, Price had workouts with some NFL teams, including the Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers, but things didn’t pan out in that direction.

After the XFL’s canceled season in 2020, Price entered the police academy to embark on a career as an officer and seemed content to ride out his days as such. So far, Price has been as comfortable on patrol as he

has been blocking and running pass patterns his whole life.

“He’s the epitome of the type of police officer we want here at the Ocala Police Department,” OPD Chief Mike Balken said. “He’s a hard charging, young, aggressive police officer that takes his job seriously. He strives to provide the best quality law enforcement service that he can each and every shift that he works. He’ll be sorely missed.”

Life on patrol the past two years has been a change of pace for Price, but in the

“I

Photo courtesy of Ocala Police Department

end it may help him in his quest to return to the gridiron. Running crossing routes into the realm of defensive backs trained to blast you no longer seems so daunting once you’ve stared down a criminal aiming a loaded weapon at you.

Price remembers a moment when a suspect actually had a loaded gun in the back of his car. When they reached the jail, the man revealed his weapon and stated, “If I wanted to kill you, I would have killed you.” Price was forced to draw his weapon and had the suspect at gunpoint in a moment of extreme intensity.

“I was honestly shaken for two or three months,” Price said. “Everyone there, all the supervisors, pulled me aside and talked to me, checking on my mental health. They were more concerned about my health and how I was doing as opposed to the mistake I had made.

“There have definitely been moments at the Ocala Police Department where I put things in question — this job is no joke. It’s much easier catching a football and getting hit as opposed to catching a criminal with live ammunition who really doesn’t care much for your life. I’d much rather take that hit coming across the middle than take that bullet from anywhere.”

OPD officer Cheyenne Boyer attended police academy with Price and knows him as well as anyone else on the force. She sees qualities in Price during the line of duty that should serve him well on the football field, and it’s not all of the physical nature. Price stands over 6-feet-2 and weighs over 230 pounds, but his demeanor stands out more than anything, according to Boyer.

“He looks intimidating,” Boyer said. “But when he starts talking to people it all just washes away. He’s very humble and people take a good liking to him. When we’re in a heightened situation, he just talks to people and he can bring them from an escalated emotion to de-escalating them and calming them down.”

Boyer remembers moments at the academy when Price took on a leadership role and helped motivate the other cadets. In physical training, Price would naturally finish first in most exercises, but he would always go back to help motivate the others.

“Sean is a team player, whether it’s out on patrol with the rest of us or it’s on the football field. He brings that motivation, that leadership and his kindness to every-

where he goes. I’ve never seen an XFL game in my life, but I told him we’re definitely going to be watching it and I’m sure we’ll get together with other people at the department and make sure we watch his games.

“Nobody deserves this more than Sean Price.”

The correlations between being a football player and a police officer are few, but according to Price they are relevant. Price said he believes his time on the force has helped build his character and mature him as a person in ways that will actually make him a better player than before.

“As a law enforcement officer getting back into football, I think it has helped me a lot, helped me mature, given me more patience

and more mental toughness,” Price said. “There is an itch to play ball, but there’s a different approach to it now after being a law enforcement officer, like the way you think. My whole way of thinking has just changed – in a good way.”

Chief Balken faces a bit of a conundrum with Price — he fully supports a man and his dream, but he also wants to keep a good officer on his force. When Price informed him of the opportunity to play for the XFL, Balken had a decision to make and he chose the route that best suits everyone.

Price will not be quitting the force per se, but merely taking a leave of absence. Balken has assured Price that when his football days are over, there is a spot on the OPD force waiting for him.

“It’s much easier catching a football and getting hit as opposed to catching a criminal with live ammunition.”

Photo courtesy of Ocala Police Department

“It’s mixed feelings,” Balken said. “He’s a tremendous police officer, but to see someone’s dream come to fruition outweighs the 6-month leave of absence, or even longer, for me. I’m hoping he can attain those dreams in the XFL and maybe even the NFL one day and still have plenty of time to come back and give to the community he grew up in and that he loves.”

Price goes to Las Vegas with the understanding that if things do not work out on the football field, his job awaits him upon return. That fact gives him peace of mind and also a gratitude toward the department that nearly leaves him speechless.

“I can’t express my gratitude, how thankful I am for them supporting me and allowing me to take this journey without making me reapply or losing my job permanently,” Price said. “It’s really like a huge family at the Ocala Police Department, and we’re still a growing agency.”

During his time away from football, Price has maintained his speed and agility, constantly working out under the guidance of Tony McCall, himself a local legend on the track. McCall has Price engaged in more biometric and explosive movement training in addition to normal conditioning. Today, Price is every bit the physical specimen he was in college and as a member of the Renegades, perhaps even more so. He says the past several years there has been “no lapse of training” mainly because “I like to stay ready for whatever comes.”

Despite his resume as a prep standout at North Marion and a collegiate star at USF,

as well as his glowing performance at the recent combine, Price is not taking anything for granted out in Las Vegas. Others are out there working just as hard to earn the same job as he.

“Nothing is guaranteed — they are going to make cuts,” Price warned. “I’ve got to go out there and do my diligence. Nothing is given to you; everything is earned.”

If he makes the squad, Price will be one step closer to achieving his dream, and back in Ocala and elsewhere will be a throng of men and women in blue cheering him on as he represents not only his hometown but law enforcement officers everywhere.

“We told him to put a badge on his helmet, but I don’t think he’s going to do that,” Boyer joked.

There may be no badge on his helmet, but that badge will still reside inside Price as he takes the field, carrying his hopes and dreams while representing the force back home.

“It shouldn’t go unsaid, the relationship-building, the repairing between law

enforcement and communities around the country to know this young man is going to serve as a role model,” Balken said. “As a role model on the (football) field with people knowing he’s a police officer as well, I think maybe it can bridge some gaps and improve upon those valued relationships that we already count on with him in our community. I’m looking forward to him being able to help send that message throughout the country.”

Price transitions from facing live ammunition to head-hunting defensive backs, but when he’s there he won’t be alone. With him will be an entire community of citizens and those wearing the badge.

Odysseus completed his journey to Ithaca and returned as king of the island. Price’s odyssey continues and his Ithaca still awaits: the NFL by way of the XFL. Until then, everyone back home will cheer for the Vipers and their favorite son, the North Marion kid who would stare down a loaded weapon in service of his community.

Photos courtesy of USF Athletics

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Robotic Exoskeletons and a “MiniCheetah”

IHMC robotic dog offers a glimpse at our future

BY BRAD ROGERS

The star of the show was a robotic dog. He was cute. He did tricks. He also gave us a glimpse at the future.

Ocala’s Institute of Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) presented a program on Jan. 19 at its downtown facility featuring Dr. Gwen Bryan. Bryan is a research scientist for IHMC who focuses on developing robotic exoskeletons that are being designed to provide lower-limb mobility to people who are limited in their ability to walk due to spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis.

Bryan spoke at IHMC’s monthly lecture and discussed the possibilities that robotics provide through both augmentative and rehabilitative exoskeleton technology. Already the institute’s research is being implement through experimental programs with the Department of Education and people who have suffered spinal cord injuries. Bryan said the robotic exoskeletons are proving to well-suited to those needing assistance with mobility.

In addition to her lecture, Bryan visited area schools to share the magic of IHMC robotics with Marion County schoolchildren. Introducing the possibilities of science that await young people is one of the 29-year-old Bryan’s passions. She talked to every class she visited about those myriad possibilities.

Dr. Gwen Bryan

Photo courtesy of IHMC Ocala

Photos by Ralph Demilio

Photo courtesy of

The reception from students was enthusiastic.

“Oh my gosh! We took a robot, ‘Mini-Cheetah,’ with us. The reaction was that everybody was fascinated by the robot,” IHMC spokeswoman Laurie Zink said. “The little kids were literally jumping up and down and screaming. The big kids had very specific questions, and lots of them. A lot of people talked to Gwyn about what their options were in terms of science careers. They were very, very engaged.”

Bryan and the IHMC team visited South Ocala and Dr. N.H. Jones elementary schools’ Belleview Middle School; and North Marion, Vanguard, West Port and Forest high schools.

Photos by Ralph Demilio

Find nature's adventure just outside your door at Crystal River with access to the Gulf of Mexico. Only 40 minutes west of Ocala you can find pristine get-away from all the hubbub, at a price that's friendly to your budget.

Plantation on Crystal River features rare natural treats on the beautiful Nature Coast. Ask for our "Warmer Winter" special!

Fine resort accommodations and golf villas

27 holes of golf, Florida style

World-class inshore, offshore, and freshwater fishing

Kayak the pristine waters of Crystal River

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Snorkel for scallops during summers

Tie you boat up outside your lodging or rent a boat on-site

Pamper yourself at our premium spa

4 restaurants on the grounds, for drinks, dining, and fun

12,000 sq. ft. of function space for weddings or meetings

OM PULSE

Each month, Ocala Magazine will showcase the tastes, opinions and desires of its readers through its online survey. For February, we discovered these inclinations:

42%

OF READERS POLLED SAID THEY'LL SPEND VALENTINE'S DAY WITH A ROMANTIC EVENING AT HOME.

While 28% say, "Valentine's Day Shmalentine's Day, no thank you!" and 28% will be out to dinner somewhere special.

WHEN LOOKING BACK ON 2022, OM RESPONDANTS ARE PROUD OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS SUCH AS: Living through the year without COVID, setting personal boundaries, record-breaking sales and making big career changes.

A BUCKET LIST ITEM FOR RESPONDANTS IS:

"Being able to afford a new home in this stupid expensive housing market."

71%

OF THOSE SURVEYED SAID THEY DO NOT ATTEND CHURCH / TEMPLE / SERVICES

100%

OF OM RESPONDANTS HAVE TRAVELED OUT OF THE U.S.

14% once.

28% a few times.

28% maybe a dozen times.

28% more than they can count.

59% Yoga is...

OF RESPONDANTS DRINK ONE CUP OF COFFEE EVERY DAY.

And 41% enjoy 3 or more cups a day ... buzz buzz!

42% NO LABELS!

OF READERS POLLED IDENTIFY AS EXTROVERTS are introverts and say they can't be labeled.

57%

OF THOSE SURVEYED SAID THEY ARE NOT INTERESTED IN WATCHING THE 2023 SUPER BOWL.

Meanwhile, 27% will be watching for the commercials and half time show.

IN 2022, OM RESPONDANTS READ BETWEEN

8AND17 Books

(INCLUDING AUDIO BOOKS)

• 28% Fabulous, I practice regularly!

• 28% Something I've always wanted to try.

• 28% That wise little green guy.

• 14% Unsure, never tried it.

You belong at Lakeview Terrace

At Lakeview Terrace you’ll find life is more enjoyable knowing you have a plan for future health care needs through our Life Care. With Life Care, you can live without worry, confident you have a plan in place - no matter what.

With chef-prepared meals, local transportation and a community filled with good neighbors and great activities, you’ll find yourself right at home!

• Beauty Salon

• Professional Personal Trainer

• Library & Country Store

• State-of-the-art Rehabilitation Center

• Executive Golf Course

And living here is like being on a permanent vacation at a Luxury retirement resort.

Lakeview Terrace is unique with a large assortment of floor plans from which to choose, pick the right one for you!

Not ready to make a move yet, it’s okay - join our waitlist.

Romance comes in all different shapes, sizes, and flavors!

Treats Valentine

Treat your loved ones to a deliciously romantic Valentine's Day, full of sweet surprises and expressions of affection. With these delicious ideas and recipes, you'll be able to spoil them silly with decadent desserts — and even a wintery cocktail.

Embrace the classics

SUGAR COOKIES MADE WITH LOVE NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE.

Let them eat cake!

CAKE DESIGN BY BRANDI WRIGHT, DOUBLE BAKED BAKERY

PHOTO BY RALPH DEMILIO

Strawberry Cheesecake? Berry Saucy!

CAKE DESIGN + PHOTO BY BRANDI WRIGHT, DOUBLE BAKED BAKERY

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE INGREDIENTS FOR THE CRUST

» 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

» ¼ cup granulated sugar

» 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

» 32 ounces cream cheese

» 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar

» 1 cup sour cream

» 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

» 1/4 teaspoon salt

» 4 large eggs

FOR THE SAUCE

» 16 ounces whole strawberries, diced

» 2 tablespoons cornstarch

» 1 cup granulated sugar

» 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

» 1/8 teaspoon salt

» 2 cups strawberries

INSTRUCTIONS MAKE THE CRUST

• Move the oven rack to the lower third position and heat the oven to 350°F. Wrap the outer bottom of a 9-inch springform pan tightly with aluminum foil.

• Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and about 2-inches up the sides of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool while you make the filling.

MAKE THE FILLING

• Reduce the oven temperature to 300ºF.

• In a large mixing bowl beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.

• Add the sugar and sour cream, beat until well combined. Add the vanilla and salt, beat on low speed until smooth.

• Using a silicone spatula, gently stir in the eggs just until combined. Pour the batter over the prepared crust.

• Fill a roasting pan with a few inches of boiling water and place the cheesecake in the center.

• Bake for 1 hour, OR until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn the oven off, leave the cheesecake in the water bath in the oven for another hour.

• Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and place it on a wire rack. Run a small knife around the outer edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan and leave it to cool at room temperature for about 1 ½ hours. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Remove the sides of the pan and transfer the cheesecake to a serving platter.

MAKE THE SAUCE

• Add the diced strawberries and cornstarch to the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Transfer to a medium saucepan and add the sugar.

• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 15 minutes.

• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, salt, and chopped strawberries. Set aside to cool for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Spread the topping evenly over the cheesecake or over individual slices just before serving

Sprinkle the love

ADD

A LITTLE POWDERED SUGAR DESIGN ON THEIR FAVORITE BROWNIES FOR A LOVE-LY INDULGANCE.

Snuggle up with a S’more Margarita

S’MORE MARGARITA:

» Glass: Berlin

» Eleven20 Mezcal, 1.5 oz

» Godiva Chocolate, 1 oz

» Grand Marnier, 0.5 oz

» Sour Mix, 1.5 oz

» Marshmallow Fluff, 1 TBS

» Mini Marshmallows, 3 Each

» Crushed Graham Crackers

• Shake the Eleven20 Mezcal, chocolate liqueur, Grand Marnier, fluff and sour mix over ice. Rim a Berlin glass with graham cracker dust, then fill it with ice and strain the drink onto the fresh ice. Top with three skewered mini marshmallows. Toast the marshmallows with a flame.

RECIPE COURTESY OF ELEVEN20 TEQUILA

“Creating a great cocktail is like composing a symphony – it’s all about finding the right balance of flavors and ingredients to create a harmonious and satisfying drink. Whether a seasoned mixologist or a beginner, the key is to have fun, be creative, and experiment with different flavors and techniques to find your unique twist on classic recipes.”

—ALEC AND TESA, CO-FOUNDERS OF ELEVEN20 TEQUILA.

Mark’s Prime Steakhouse Mark’s Prime Steakhouse

Mark’s Prime Steakhouse Mark’s Prime Steakhouse

Mark’s Prime Steakhouse is Ocala’s Premier Destination Restaurant.

Mark’s Prime Steakhouse is Ocala’s Premier Destination Restaurant.

Mark’s Prime prides itself on being a traditional fine dining steakhouse delivering a world-class guest experience. Our diverse menu features awardwinning wines and spirits, prime steaks, and fresh local seafood all prepared by our Certified Executive Chef Randal White and his outstanding team. We pride ourselves on delivering exemplary service to every guest, with attention to detail and intentional hospitality.

Mark’s Prime prides itself on being a traditional fine dining steakhouse delivering a world-class guest experience. Our diverse menu features awardwinning wines and spirits, prime steaks, and fresh local seafood all prepared by our Certified Executive Chef Randal White and his outstanding team. We pride ourselves on delivering exemplary service to every guest, with attention to detail and intentional hospitality.

30 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala | (352) 402-0097

Stop by our bar and enjoy our premium, specialty drinks! Gift certificates available.

Stop by our bar and enjoy our premium, specialty drinks! Gift certificates available.

Tues - Thurs 5pm - 9:30pm | Fri, Sat 5pm - 10pm https://marksprimesteakhouse.com

30 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala | (352) 402-0097

Tues - Thurs 5pm - 9:30pm | Fri, Sat 5pm - 10pm https://marksprimesteakhouse.com

West 82° Bar and Grill

West 82° Restaurant

It’s Back! The best brunch in Citrus County. Features include a hot/cold station, prime rib carving station, omelet station, and an assorted dessert display. Enjoy $7 Mimosas and Bloody Marys. Join us every Sunday unless it is a holiday 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. Sunday Brunch $26.95/Adult, $19.95/Child. Reservations recommended.

From wild, locally caught seafood to regionally grown produce and beef sourced within Florida, West 82⁰ Bar & Grill brings delectable farm-to-table plates while guests overlook the beautiful Kings Bay and Crystal River. Bring your own catch of the day, and the restaurant will prepare it for you flawlessly.

Join us for Sunday Brunch featuring hot and cold stations, a carving station, an omelet station, and an assorted dessert display.

Wine Wednesday’s 5:00 to 9:00 pm at West 82. $10 off bottle of wine with dinner entrée.

Call for reservations and weekly specials at West 82° Bar & Grille. Breakfast, Daily: 6:00am-10:30am | Sunday Brunch: 11:30am - 2:00pm Lunch, Daily: 11:00am - 2:30pm | Dinner, Daily: 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Call for reservations and weekly specials. Breakfast, Daily: 6:00am-10:30am | Sunday Brunch: 11:30am - 2:00pm Lunch, Daily: 11:00am - 2:30pm | Dinner, Daily: 5:00pm - 9:00pm

For reservations, call 1.800.632.6262

For reservations, call (352) 651-5746 9301 West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429 | (352) 795-4211 www.plantationoncrystalriver.com

9301 West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429 | (352) 795-4211 www.plantationoncrystalriver.com

Ivy On The Square

Whether gathering with friends or family for lunch or a night out, you’ll enjoy fresh salads, mouthwatering comfort food, late-night tapas and drinks. Specials include our Pecan Salmon, Southern Fried Lobster and famous baked Krispy Chicken. After dining enjoy a stroll in our boutique where we offer a variety of gifts, jewelry, home decor and clothing. Looking to host a special event or dinner? Call and talk to one of our staff members on the options we have available.

9301 West Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429 (352) 795-4211

9301 West Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429 (352) 795-4211 plantationoncrystalriver.com

plantationoncrystalriver.com

Stop by our new speakeasy bar and enjoy our specialty drinks! Gift certificates available.

Stop by our speakysy bar and enjoy our specialty drinks! Gift certificates available.

Feeling Artsy?

There’s more arts and culture happening in Marion County than you think!

There are 52 weeks in every year, what are YOU doing this week? GO52 makes that an easy question to answer. Unless you struggle with choices, because yeah, there’s a LOT to do here in Ocala. GO52 is an online event listing epicenter that is dedicated to sharing all of the Ocala and Marion County happenings in one place so your calendar will never be empty again. Visit go52.events, do a quick search, then get out ang go!

FIND,POST SHARE,PROMOTE PLAN & ENJOY EVENTS!

GOlist

Marion Rotary Duck Derby

Feb 11 @ 1pm | Tuscawilla Park

Join us Saturday February 11, 2023 when we launch 5,000 rubber ducks into the water at Tuscawilla Park for an epic race! Adopt a duck and watch it race across the lake for a chance to win cash prizes! Proceeds from this event benefit Discovery Center. The Cattle Drive and Duck Derby attracts thousands of people each year and will be at Tuscawilla Park in conjunction with the Cattle Drive & Cowboy Roundup. Your duck adoption is appreciated and you will help the children of Marion County learn cool things about science. Plus, you may win cash! Proceeds raised will benefit the Discovery Center, a family Science Center in Marion County and other local charities.

Adopt your duck here: https://www.duckrace.com/ocala/adopt

Cattle Drive and Cowboy Roundup

Feb 11 @ 10am - 2pm

Tuscawilla Park

Dust off your cowboy hat and shine up your boots for Ocala’s annual Cattle Drive and Cowboy Round-Up! Start the morning off early watching real cowboys drive Florida cracker cattle through downtown Ocala to Tuscawilla Park, then let the festivities begin! Festivities include live music, cowboy demonstrations, craft vendors, food trucks, kid’s corral, farm animals, trucks, tractors and trailers, plus the Marion Rotary Duck Derby and more. Mark your calendars and join us for hollerin’ good time.

Florida Safari Tram Tour

Feb 5 @ 10am | Silver Springs

State Park

Learn about the park’s land management practices and how we care for our natural resources. Wildlife sightings are common! Participants will meet at the archway near the springs side entrance. Free event with $2/person park entry. First come first serve or sign up in advance by calling the ranger station at 352-236-7148. Please let the ranger station know in advance of any special requirements you may have.

Interfaith’s Legacies of Love

Feb 8 @ 7-8:30pm

The Reilly Arts Center

Legacies of love - Interfaith is honored to continue the tradition of recognizing special men and women in our community that have made a lasting impact. Since its inception in 2013, Legacies of Love has highlighted those who have made our community great. This year’s event is at the beautiful Reilly Art Center. Join us at the main theater as we honor them with a brief program. All proceeds support Interfaith’s mission to provide essential services to those in need. Doors open at 6:30 pm; program starts at 7 pm.Tickets Sold Here: https://www. reillyartscenter.com/events/legacies-of-love/

Art Outside the Lines

Feb 18 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Magnolia Art Xchange

In partnership with the Magnolia Art Xchange (MAX), Art Outside the Lines is a brunch experience you don’t want to miss. Enjoy brunch, signature coffee drinks (including spirits), live musical performances, and artist speakers.

Tickets Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artoutside-the-lines-tickets-445535076407

Horse of a Different Color

Feb 18 @ 7:30pm | Phillips Center, Gainesville Riding off into a different realm, Dance Alive does contemporary! This performance showcases the thrill and excitement of change! With choreography by guest artists, Company members and resident choreographers, the evening includes Judy Skinner’s awe-inspiring ELLIS ISLAND, and is set to music by Stella Sung. This program, a feast for the senses, is revealed through the extraordinary dancing of the DANB Company dancers, award winning artists who come from all over the world, bringing their unique and special talents to their every move, a palette of diversity and achievement through art. Tickets available in person at the Phillips Center box office, by phone at (352.392.2787 or 800.905.2787) or https:// tickets.performingarts.ufl.edu

Brought to you by GO52.events

There are 52 weeks in each year. What are you doing this week?

Almost ABBA — The # 1 Tribute to ABBA

The Reilly Arts Center | Mar 10 @ 7:30pm

Almost ABBA - The # 1 Tribute to ABBA have performed for The US Military, NBC, Universal, the release of MAMMA MIA and for crowds as large as 50,000! Tickets: www.reillyartscenter.com or www.AlmostABBA.com

Saturday Apil 8, 2023 2pm - 6pm @ Citizens' Circle, Downtown Ocala

Words, Music, Art... A Love Story Featuring The Brick City Cabaret Company

Feb 10-11 @ 8-9:30pm, Feb 12 @ 3-4:30pm

Brick City Center for the Arts

It’s Broadway at the Brick! Presented by the Ocala Civic Theatre and Marion Cultural Alliance. After a hiatus of several years, the vocal ensemble Brick City Cabaret Company is back with this snappy, sophisticated revue, featuring some of our region’s finest vocal talent. Both poignant and playful, it’s a delightfully PG-13 exploration of romance through songs from the heart of New York’s vibrant cabaret scene and the best of Broadway. This collaborative fundraiser to benefit Ocala Civic Theatre and Marion Cultural Alliance is presented in tandem with MCA’s exhibit “A Love Story: Paintings by Ro Martinez.” Together, the words, music, and art will explore that crazy little thing we call love. It’s a wonderful way to get into the Valentine’s Day mood a little early! La Casella Catering will provide heavy hors d’oeuvres, both sweet and savory, with a signature cocktail, wine, and beer. Come for cocktail hour to enjoy the food, drinks, and exhibit before the show. Tickets Available: https://app.arts-people.com

Visit

Featuring: Battle of the Bands

30+ Breweries & Wineries, Food Trucks, Vendors & Kids' Salon Station

Bluegrass and Barbeque

PHOTOS BY BRANDI WRIGHT

Part of the Tuscawilla Art Park Series, the City of Ocala held a crowd-pleasing event with live musical performances by International Bluegrass Music award-winning artists Appalachian Road Show with The Wandering Hours, among the public art and backdrop of the historic Ocala Union Train Station. Attendees enjoyed barbecue from Big Lee's Serious About BBQ and Country Boyz BBQ, with desserts from Big Man's Cafe.

Jessica Wong Sgt and Officer F Barry

Brandi Briggs and Michelle Slaven

Willow Heatherly, Leslie Notthingham and Tijuana Woods

Lauren Lindsay and Molly Fishalow

Apalachian Road Show

Mark Sykuta and Mikey Raney

Debbie Baum and Kevin Mccardle

Bonnie Ignico and Chase Anderson

Jerry and Debbie Steinorth, Gale and Terry Roberts

Rick Middlebrook and Darlene Daspit

Tommy and Teresa Evans

Michelle Reiners, Laura Walker, Curtis Hinnrichs, Jhonatiel Genao and Emily Parkman

Mary Sue Rich Community Center

PHOTOS BY BRANDI WRIGHT

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the brand-new Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place was held on January 10th. The newly created 41,750 square foot, two-story building includes designated indoor space for senior, youth, and family programs; a banquet/ event space; fitness equipment and indoor walking track; two full basketball courts; a library and multi-purpose studio rooms.

The Ribbon Cutting

Mary Sue Rich wtih her family

Damon Vitale, Captain Mike Sommers and Suzy Mcguire

Elissa Hughes and Alex Griffin

Dr Raphael Robinson and Mary Sue's daughter, Vivian McCray

Gloria Robeson, Glenda Walker, Iververne Jacobs and Iris McCoy

Terry Dickson, Kendell Vernon and Levoye James Kelsey Mears, Mike McCain and Jim Couillard

Roosevelt Overstreet

Sam Elsheikh, Victoria Greirur, Michael St.John and April McIntosh

A Birthday Party for the “Birthday Card Man”

How do you wish happy birthday to a guy who sends out hundreds of birthday wishes every year?

You throw a party for him.

Wes Wheeler’s family threw an 80th birthday party for him on Sunday, Jan. 22 (his birthday was actually on Jan. 19). More than 120 people showed up to celebrate Wheeler’s eight decades of life and living.

Wheeler, who grew up in Ocala and for years operated Mid-State Motors, is involved in a long list of civic organizations and causes but has become known over the years for his wonderful gesture of sending birthday cards to hundreds of his friends in Ocala.

For Wheeler, the birthday party was a celebration not just of him turning 80, but also of his “faith, family and friends.”

“I don’t feel 80,” he told OM. “I may not look it, but I feel 50 or 60.”

While guests were asked not to bring gifts, Wheeler’s pal Jimmy Phillips couldn’t resist — and Wheeler was thrilled. It was a gift that was both practical and poignant.

“Jimmy got me 50 booklets of stamps,” Wheeler said. “That was a real, real nice gift.”

A gift of stamps would be real, real nice if you send a lot of cards. And Wheeler does.

Over the past 25 years, Wheeler has been sending birthday cards to good friends around Ocala. And not occasionally. Every single day.

“I mail as many as five or six or seven,” he said. “Sometimes I mail as few as one or two. I’d say on average I mail five or six a day.”

That’s between 1,800 and 2,200 birth-

day cards a year. Wheeler said he get lots of positive feedback from the birthday card recipients.

“It’s a ministry I enjoy,” the First Baptist Church member said. “It’s a ministry I hope makes someone’s day.”

So, they threw a birthday party for the birthday card man, and it made his day.

“It was really special,” Wheeler said. “There were so many people I didn’t expect to show up, but they did.”

Alex Winter

Ocala Horse Properties Grand Opening

PHOTOS BY BRANDI WRIGHT

On January 15th, Ocala Horse Properties held the grand opening of their beautiful new building. They celebrated with cocktails, a grazing dinner buffet and a ceremonial golden ribbon cutting.

Jenn Frost and Cody Hall

Michelle Charlie Stone

Yohanna Alvarez

Cory and Jill Salter

John Rodriguez, Dilan Desino and Niki Tripodi

Rob Desino, Matt Varley and Chris Desino

Will, Michelle, Beth, and Bill Futch

The crew cutting the ribbon

Joel and Whitney Grabe

Janice and Roger James

Rob Desino, Bernie Little, Mary Jane Hunt and Chris Desino

HOPS 2023 Annual Members Meeting

PHOTOS BY HOLLY YOCUM

The Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS) held it’s Annual Members Meeting at Ocala's Historic Marion Theater on January 18th. The evening convened with members, guests and volunteers being served special cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. While celebrating a very successful year of 2022, they also learned of the new and exciting events that are being planned for the new season of 2023.

HOPS is a 501c3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring and memorializing the history and architecture of Ocala and Marion County. Founded in 1980, HOPS has saved dozens of historic properties from demolition. They have been a vital part of the Community. HOPS mission is to preserve the history of Ocala and it’s oldest buildings and structures in a way that aligns with the local area of the community.

“We shape our buildings; Thereafter, our buildings shape us.” —Winston

Churchill

To learn more about HOPS, email them at hops_admin@historicocala.org or visit 712 East Fort King Street, Ocala FL 34471, and follow them on Facebook.

Rick Perry, Holly Yocum, Rhoda Walkup, Trish Kilgore and Kat Ramirez

Kat Ramirez, Trish Kilgore, Holly Yocum and Rick Perry

Members of the HOPS board welcoming guests

Andrew Grunther and Rebecca Dallman

4th Annual Marion Rotary Duck Derby

HOSTED BY ALL ROTARY CLUBS OF MARION COUNTY

February 11, 2023 10am-2pm at Tuscawilla Park

Following the Cattle Drive & Cowboy Roundup through Downtown Ocala It’s

5,000 ducks race to win on Tuscawilla Pond!

13th 2021

Adopt a duck: $5 for one duck

$25 for Quack Pack (six ducks)

$100 for a Flock (25 ducks)

DRAKE—$5,000

CASH PRIZES for adopting the winning duck: 1ST Place $2,000 • 2nd Place $1,000 • 3rd Place $500

You will be recognized as an Elite Duck Sponsor at the event with your logo displayed on all marketing materials, T-shirts, event banners as well as MarionDuckDerby.com which will include a link to your company’s website. Your company name and displayed on all “You Got Ducked” yard signs.

Sponsorships available:

Drake $2,500 • Duckling $1,500 • Quacker $1,000

DUCKLING—

Paddler $500 • Good Egg $250

Proceeds benefit DISCOVERY CENTER and other local Rotary Club Projects

$1,500

You will be recognized as a Duckling Sponsor at the event and listed on all marketing T-shirts, event banners as well as MarionDuckDerby.com which will include company’s website. You will also have the ability to put marketing literature table the day of the event.

For more information visit www.duckrace.com/ocala

QUACKER—$1,000

You will be recognized as a Quacker Duck Sponsor at the event and listed sponsor board, adoption papers, and social media.

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

11:30am-1pm

Luncheon and Celebration $25

For information and tickets: IWD2023Ocala.eventbrite.com

Acceptance

BY ROBERT LEE FROST

When the spent sun throws up its rays on cloud And goes down burning into the gulf below, No voice in nature is heard to cry aloud

At what has happened. Birds, at least must know It is the change to darkness in the sky. Murmuring something quiet in her breast, One bird begins to close a faded eye; Or overtaken too far from his nest, Hurrying low above the grove, some waif Swoops just in time to his remembered tree.

At most he thinks or twitters softly, 'Safe!

Now let the night be dark for all of me.

Let the night bee too dark for me to see Into the future. Let what will be, be.'

equine

G racious Living in the Horse Capital of the World®

Everything Equine p74

Be Kind to Your Veterinarian

BY LOUISA BARTON

In August 1981, two Ocala equine practitioners, Dr. John Peterson and Dr. Johnny Mac Smith, established Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital. Additional veterinarians joined the team as the years passed and the practice continued to grow. Today, Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care, in Ocala, formerly known as Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital, comprises 26 veterinarians, nine of whom are partners.

Unfortunately, Dr. Smith developed a severe allergy to horses in 1993 and had to

leave the practice, but Dr. Peterson continued to see patients as one of the practice’s ambulatory veterinarians until the end of 2017.

Very sadly, an icon in the world of horse medicine, Dr. Peterson passed away this past December 25. Our most sincere condolences are with his family and friends. Dr. Peterson’s significant and lasting contributions to the equine veterinary industry are many. His role in leadership and mentorship has helped to shape the careers and lives of many veterinarians. Dr. Peterson and other vets like him, have helped to nurture and teach upcoming

Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care is a great example of the desire to excel in maintaining a tradition of leadership and excellence in equine medicine and has done so for more than 40 years. For the future, the entire staff is excited about the opportunities that are in store for the equine industry and grateful for the solid foundation upon which the practice was built. In 1999, the vision to create a reproduction center became a reality with the construction of the Equine Reproduction Center in Summerfield, now known as the Advanced Fertility Center.

Retiring from the practice this year, Dr. Phil M. Matthews, Dr. J. Kevin Hahn, Dr. Donnie E. Slone and Dr. Tim M. Lynch, will be greatly missed. These four exceptional veterinarians have contributed incredible amounts of dedication, time and energy to the success of the practice. Three new veterinarians have already begun their tenure with Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care and a new era is on the horizon. The hospital, fertility center and ambulatory

Photos courtesy of Louisa Barton

new veterinarians.

doctors will continue to provide excellence in equine medicine options and care. However, like many other large animal practices, the Peterson Smith staff has concerns about future veterinarian shortages in their practice.

As Ocala and the Marion County area continues to grow exponentially, this large animal veterinarian shortage concern was brought to my attention by Peterson Smith’s Chief Operating Officer, Jose Madera. This is a topic that has also been widely reported by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and is not only a concern here at home, but across the USA. This is why, I believe, it is more important than ever for us to be kind and considerate to our veterinarians. Most large animal veterinarians work long hours, often in rapidly varying temperatures and drive many miles throughout the day or evening, to assist clients dealing with horse health and emergencies. There is more traffic than ever and more horses needing attention. Clients also have the option to trailer into the clinic themselves if it will expedite care faster, especially for those who live farther away. Developing a relationship with a neighbor who has a trailer if necessary, or setting up an arrangement with a reliable horse transport company like Brook Ledge, for example, is also a great

New veterinarians Marcos Perez, LV, MSc, DACVS-LA (left) and Andrew Smith, DVM, PhD, DACVS-LA (right) join the Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care team.

idea. Do not wait until an emergency occurs to begin trailer loading training with your horse though! A phone call to the clinic is recommended to find out what your best and fastest option will be for that day, depending on how many other emergencies may be occurring at the same time. The end goal is always to get your horse treated as quickly and efficiently as possible. Another great tip to help your horse faster, is to be well-prepared when your veterinarian arrives, provide details of what has transpired with any records or insurance information plus any medications already given. Any diet or environmental changes are also very important to report to your vet. This will all make the visit much more efficient and provide the best opportunity to help the horse.

Another way you can help your horse and expedite an emergency call is to know how to check your horse’s vitals. Having a thermometer on hand and some basic first aid items nearby plus an inexpensive stethoscope is helpful. Knowing how to listen for gut sounds and having some basic knowledge on what sounds are normal for your horse will also help answer questions the vet may have on the phone call with you, before reaching you.

Becoming a large animal vet is hard work and there is no doubt that it does have its challenges, but Peterson and Smith’s Dr. Adam Cayot said it best in one of his most recent interviews for the Horse Talk Show. He said that helping horses to recover and become their best is so rewarding. He said that for him, as a veterinarian, seeing these incredible athletes go on to achieve great things for their owners, after recovering from an injury or illness, is the most rewarding part of the job for him and he wouldn’t change what he chose for his career path. We need many more large animal vets here in the ‘horse capital’ and what better place to be, if helping horses is your passion.

I believe, as horse owners who truly value our veterinarians, we can all make an effort moving forward in 2023 to encourage our hard working veterinarian force. Whoever you choose to be your veterinarian, be kind to them and try to be considerate of their time. At the end of the day, their goal is the same as ours, to help as many horses as possible in the most efficient amount of time, dealing with the most severe emergencies first.

FEBUARY Equine 101

Ocala Magazine Horse Tip of the Month

Some Recommended Medications

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAID) like Phenylbutazone (bute), and/or Banamine® (flunixin meglumine). You’ll want to get the correct dosage from your vet. Paste or injectables are available.

• Electrolyte paste for dehydration

• A Sedative like Acepromazine

• Triple-antibiotic eye ointment

Some Recommendations for Wound and Injury Treatment

• Gauze rolls and non-stick sterile gauze squares

• Self-sticking bandages similar to Vetrap

• Sterile water

• Sports medicine tape

• Pillow wraps and standing bandages for injuries

• Pre-moistened alcohol wipes

• Epsom salts

• Cleaning solution like Betadine or Vetericyn

• Wound treatment like Fura-Zone, or Wonder Dust

• Ice wraps

• Duct tape

• Swat fly ointment and Pyranha fly spray

• Syringes in a variety of sizes and needles if you use injectable medications

• Towels

• Bandage scissors

Equine Industry Needs

We need MORE large animal veterinarians!

• Thermometer and Vaseline (add string and a clothespin to the thermometer.)

• Flashlight and/or a head lamp

• Stethoscope

• Box of nitrile gloves

• Emergency halter and lead rope

Louisa Barton is the Equine Initiative Director at the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, Showcase Properties of Central Florida Farm Realtor and host of the Horse Talk Show on the Sky 97.3, Audacy.com and Equus Television.

Photo by Jessi Miller

The Arnette House

A safe haven for troubled youth

ORGANIZATION NAME:

Arnette House, Inc.

LEADERSHIP:

Cheri Pettitt, chief executive officer

Jason Kasten, chief financial officer

Mark Shearon, chief operating officer

Nick Benway, human resources officer

Shanda Hope, clinical supervisor

LOCATION:

2310 NE 24th Street

Ocala, FL 34470

MISSION STATEMENT:

To provide safe and effective programs to strengthen youth and families.

WHAT WE DO:

Arnette House provides emergency shelter, long-term group homes and non-residential counseling.

The Emergency Shelter serves youth 10-17 years old who are runaways, homeless, experiencing parent/child conflicts and foster children who have no placement. We provide shelter, clothing, nutritious meals and snacks; classroom instruction; individual, group, and family counseling; educational groups, vocational educational programs and outdoor educational programs.

The long-term group homes serve youth 13-17 years old from the child welfare system. We provide a home for six boys and a home for six girls. The group homes are a home-like environment that focuses on physical and emotional wellbeing, where the youth can have friends over, go to friends’ homes and participate in extra-curricular activities in school and in the community. We instill basic life skills aimed at developing self-reliance. The youth in the group homes can stay with us for as long as the system allows, up to 18 years old and longer, depending on the circumstances.

Arnette House has master’s-level counselors who provide counseling one time per week for 12 weeks for youth 6-17 years old. Our counselors provide services in the child’s school or community in order to prevent transportation problems from interfering in their services. Our counselors focus on the strengths of the family unit, while providing knowledge and skills to improve life at home. Youth are referred by parents/guardians, teachers, guidance counselors, the disciplinary office, law enforcement officers, etc. Youth who are provided services in the Emergency Shelter will be referred to a non-residential counselor for follow-up counseling.

Arnette House also has a SNAP (Stop Now And Plan) Program, which is an evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral model that helps troubled children and their parents learn how to effectively manage their emotions and “keep problems small.” SNAP is a 13-week program for children 6-11 years old, their parents and their siblings. Families

Photos by Ralph Demilio

EACH MONTH, OCALA MAGAZINE FEATURES A LOCAL CHARITY THAT UPLIFTS OUR COMMUNITY.

are provided with transportation if needed and dinner following group.

HOW YOU CAN GIVE OF YOUR TIME AND TREASURE:

Arnette House relies heavily on contributions made by caring businesses, private individuals and annual fund-raising efforts.

In addition to monetary donations, we are happy to accept hygiene products, bedding, towels, recreation supplies appropriate for teenagers, tickets to recreational/ entertainment events (or sponsors for such events), and school/art supplies.

We are always looking for mentors and tutors, as well as creative, enthusiastic individuals to do activities with our youth.

Your nose knows:

How smell is helping scientists detect brain disease and what you can do to help

Your sense of smell is a powerful part of the human experience. Smell strongly influences how something tastes. Emotion can be influenced by certain smells. And if your sense of smell is minimized or you’ve lost it completely, it could be an early indicator of brain disease.

THE NOSE KNOWS

While temporary loss of smell may indicate you have a cold, COVID-19 or a respiratory virus, ongoing and progressive smell loss may be one of the most important signals of brain health, including risk for Parkinson’s disease.

According to a research study sponsored by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), up to 30%

of people with enduring smell loss showed brain changes associated with Parkinson’s disease - a chronic, neurodegenerative disease that currently affects an estimated 6 million people worldwide.

Importantly, smell loss can happen years or even decades before the traditional motor Parkinson’s symptoms appear, such as tremors or difficulty with balance. But stud-

BRANDPOINT

ies have shown it can be surprisingly difficult to know whether you have smell loss - 7 in 10 people living with it didn’t know until they were tested.

“From my role on a hospice team caring for others, I used to think Parkinson’s started with a tremor or other movement symptoms. Little did I know, I had lost my sense of smell years before noticing its impact on my work, daily life and connection to my own diagnosis,” says Reni Winter-Evans, 68, of West Point, Indiana, a medical social worker and former journalist who lives with Parkinson’s and is an active research volunteer.

THE SCRATCH-AND-SNIFF TEST

While scientists don’t yet know why smell loss occurs in Parkinson’s, researchers are hard at work trying to uncover this link. It could be an important missing puzzle piece in understanding Parkinson’s, including

who’s at risk for the disease, who gets it, who doesn’t and why.

Now, MJFF is using a simple screening tool to measure your risk for brain disease. It’s a free “scratch-and-sniff smell test” for people over age 60 living without Parkinson’s, developed by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Research is becoming clearer that our sense of smell has the power to help scientists answer key questions around how Parkinson’s develops and when it begins,” says Maggie Kuhl, vice president of research engagement at MJFF. “In addition to helping further brain disease research, taking a test is a simple, free tool people can use to assess their own ability to smell.”

Getting started is easy - people aged 60 and up without a Parkinson’s diagnosis can request a free smell test at MySmellTest.org/ GetStarted for delivery right to their door.

The 40 scratch-and-sniff multiple-choice questions are simple. You’ll be asked questions like, “Does this page smell like a rose, mint or coffee?” Then, you’ll submit your answers online and the results have the potential to change our understanding of brain disease, who gets it and why.

“It’s an opportunity to help people and families around the world living with this disease, and partner with leading scientists toward our joint goal of ending Parkinson’s for good. And, for many, the test is a fun and easy way to get involved,” says Kuhl.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO FURTHER PARKINSON’S PREVENTION

Scientists will then analyze your smell test results and you may be asked to join MJFF’s landmark brain health study, the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), that seeks to enroll 100,000 participants with and without the disease in the hopes of better understanding and preventing it.

Currently underway across the United States and the world, both in-person and online, smell test participants will be able to join PPMI and contribute valuable insights into the link between smell loss and brain health.

“We can only find a cure for brain diseases if we volunteer for research and educate ourselves on what we can actively do today to boost our brain health. I wish I had known about smell loss and its connection to Parkinson’s earlier in my disease journey,” says Winter-Evans, who began participating in PPMI after noticing Parkinson’s symptoms. “Today, I participate in research because I feel a strong sense of duty to help in any way possible to provide a disease-free future for myself, my children and everyone else.”

Not everyone with smell loss will go on to develop brain disease. That said, everyone can play a valuable role in helping find better treatments, cures and even prevention of brain disease altogether. If you’re over 60 and living without Parkinson’s, consider taking a few moments to put your nose to the test: MySmellTest.org/GetStarted.

Up to 30% of people with enduring smell loss showed brain changes associated with Parkinson’s disease

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place

BY ASHLEY DOBBS

On a crisp, shining morning in mid-January, a crowd gathered in anticipation of the long-awaited new community center opening within the City of Ocala. Surrounded by loved ones, family members, and spiritual and community leaders, Mary Sue Rich and Ruth Reed cut the ribbon signifying the official opening of the City of Ocala’s newest community center.

The new 41,750-square-foot, two-story center serves as a hub of the community. The facility includes designated indoor spaces for senior, youth, and family programs; a banquet/event space that can be divided into three rooms; and a kitchen to serve seniors and children after school, in addition to catering and public cooking options.

The significance of this building and its location was not lost in the grandeur of its opening. Built on the site of the former Royal Oak Charcoal plant, Ruth Reed tirelessly championed the removal of the plant and spoke about the health hazards it brought to the community. Reed’s vision and efforts combined with the legacy of Mary Sue Rich and her dedication as a public servant in Ocala, became the obvious choice when naming this new center.

“Serving 24 years as an elected official in this city allowed me to be a part of something that was much bigger than me. It allowed me to be the voice for the community that I served,” stated Mary Sue Rich. “We saw many great improvements, one of which has culminated into this beautiful building. I never could imagine, a young woman of color, that I would be a part of something that is going to change the face of this community for years into the future and it just happens to be named in my honor.”

Health and wellness facilities include an open fitness area; indoor walking track; two multi-purpose studios with an operable

partition for larger groups; two full basketball courts; a gymnasium with bleachers for each court; multi-level indoor playground with connection to one of the courts which will be used for camps; senior studio and multipurpose room; and a Marion County library branch named Sankofa, meaning ‘to retrieve’. There are also huddle rooms for tutoring and health advice.

The $10.3 million dollar project was made possible through community partnerships, including a $2.3 million investment

from the Marion County Hospital District and $50,000 from Ocala Junior League for the addition of an indoor playground. We would like to thank them and the continued community support throughout this project. This building, the legacy of the women it was named after, and the revitalization it will bring to our community make the year 2023 one for the record books already.

Ashley Dobbs is the Marketing and Communications Manager for the City Of Ocala.

Photos Courtesy of the City of Ocala

Cultivating knowledge for over 40 years

Since 1982 The Cornerstone School has offered a dynamic academic experience, centered on teaching and engaging the whole child. Our enriched programs, such as Project Lead the Way and Cambridge Assessment International Education, offer an individualized and project-based approach to learning.

Serving students ages three through 8th Grade, Cornerstone’s curriculum is designed to encourage students’ academic, socialemotional, and creative potential. Our graduates are confident, goal-oriented innovators with a passion for learning.

2313 S.E. Lake Weir Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 351-8840 | www.thecornerstoneschool.org

New Library, New Opportunities

BY MARK ANDERSON

Sankofa Public Library opens inside the new Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place

Among the workout machinery and activity rooms on the second floor of the City of Ocala’s brandnew Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place is Marion County’s newest library: Sankofa Public Library.

A full-service branch of the Marion County Public Library System, Sankofa Public Library is the result of a partnership between the City of Ocala and Marion County. The 1,360-square-foot library is home to a children’s area, 10 public computers and a study room. And, like all Marion County Public Libraries, any book not available at the Sankofa location can be sent from another location across the county.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Sankofa is a word used by the Akan people of Ghana meaning “to take from the past what is good and bring it into the present in order to make positive progress through the benevolent use of knowledge.”

In the months prior to the library’s debut, a naming committee consisting of members of Marion County staff and others from around the community discussed several names for the new library. While other names were considered, as soon as Sankofa was brought forth, it became the unanimous favorite.

The Sankofa name highlights a new beginning for the community center’s location — a former charcoal plant now turned into a place of learning and gathering.

CUTTING THE RIBBON

The community center’s namesakes, former Ocala City Councilwoman Mary Sue Rich and Ruth Reed, were on hand for the cen-

ter’s ribbon cutting on January 10. They were joined by Marion County Commission Chair Craig Curry, Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone, State Representative Yvonne Hayes Hinson, Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn, and several others from around the Ocala/Marion County community.

Both Rich and Reed shared what the new community center meant to them and how it was something they both wanted for the area — a place to gather and be together.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

The Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place and the Sankofa Public Library are open for business! The library is open Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and

on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come take part in recreational programs and classes at the community center and visit the library to check out your next favorite book or do research on one of the computers.

Marion County is honored to partner with the City of Ocala and bring the word “Sankofa” to life by bringing what is good from the past here to the present.

Photos courtesy of Marion County

Mark Andersonis a public relations specialist for Marion County.

Rotary’s 2 official mottoes are:

• Service Above Self

• He Profits Most Who Serves Best

Rotary International serves to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services and to advance goodwill and peace not only in their own communities, but around the world. There are over 35,000 member clubs worldwide and over 1.2 million individuals known as Rotarians.

The Rotary Clubs of Marion County:

Giving Back Through Service

The Rotary Clubs of Marion County Support Many Charitable Causes. Some of those include:

• Interfaith Emergency Services

• Discovery Science Center

• Annual Rotary Discover Fest Fundraiser

• Boys & Girls Club of Marion County

• Wear Gloves

• Kimberly's Center

• Marion County Literacy Council

• Domestic Violence Center of Marion County

• Honey Packs, Inc.

• Pace Center For Girls

To learn more about joining Rotary, please visit: www.RotaryInternational.com

Follow Rotary On Facebook

The Gary Building: Drugstores, five & dimes and attorneys

BY CARLTON REESE | WITH THE HISTORIC OCALA PRESERVATION SOCIETY

In 1884, a former local Confederate Army colonel took the lead in constructing a new building in downtown Ocala, helping to revive the area following the 1883 Thanksgiving Day fire that destroyed nearly everything on the square.

Col. S.M.G. Gary, who in 1850 relocated to Ocala from South Carolina, became very prominent in the early days of Ocala. He built what is now the office of Blanchard, Merriam, Adel, Kirkland and Green law office, the Gary Block Building on the corner of Broadway and Magnolia. Over the nearly 140 years of its existence, the structure has gone through many different tenants and physical changes.

As for the building’s namesake, Col. Gary was born in Cokesbury, S.C., in 1828 and was a lawyer by profession. He represented Marion County in the Florida secession convention in FEBuary 1861 and commanded a company of infantry at the beginning of the Civil War. After being wounded, he was transferred to cavalry and acted as aide to his brother, who was a general and was present for Lee’s surrender at Appomattox.

Upon returning to Ocala following the war, Gary became an advocate for the planting of citrus trees and is said to have named the famous Parson Brown orange, although official records indicate J.L. Carney named the fruit in 1875. Gary was “Intendant” of Ocala in 1867 when the International Telegraph Company first established wire communication between Gainesville and Ocala. In the first telegraph messages exchanged, Gary sent greetings to the Gainesville mayor, Col. Spencer, who responded in kind.

As intendants were basically mayors and Ocala was incorporated in 1868, this would make Gary Ocala’s first mayor. The first name for mayor in the records of the city clerk, however, is Gary’s brother Dr. Thomas P. Gary, who served the first of sev-

eral terms starting in 1877.

As for the building that bears Gary’s name, when first constructed it was a three-story structure divided into two sections with a stairway in the middle leading to the upper floors which were used for stock storage and professional offices. The building first housed the Palace Drug Store and the Birdsey & Co. Hardware Store. Then in 1890, the drug store relocated. Future tenants included the New York Life Insurance Co., Florida Hedge and Fence Co., Capital Phosphate Co., various physicians, attorneys and realtors. In 1894, the Ocala Phone Company would occupy the third floor and at one point Ralph’s Hardware, operated by Ralph Lopez, whose family had ties to the cigar manufacturing industry that was so prevalent in Ocala at that time, was a tenant in the building.

The most prominent tenant was Mc-

Crory’s, a national five-and-dime variety store that purchased the building in 1929. Originally, the McCrory’s store occupied one half the building while Marion Hardware occupied the other half. Eventually, the hardware store relocated and McCrory’s took over the entire building in 1936, at which time it began renovations to unify the two entrances. By 1937, McCrory’s occupied all three floors, plus an addition in the rear, and in 1948 consolidated a separate building behind it.

In 1969, the complexion of the building forever changed when another fire broke out and destroyed the top two floors. News reports at the time claim around 3,000 people were on hand to witness fire crews extinguish the flames. After the fire, McCrory’s embarked on renovations at the cost of $100,000 but only rebuilt the first two floors. To this day, the building remains a two-story structure.

In 1991, after 62 years in business, McCrory’s closed its doors and the Blanchard law firm later moved in. In 1993, extensive renovations created a more modern look that is present today.

a beautiful smile begins here

TINA CHANDRA, D.D.S., LVIF, FIAPA Cosmetic, Neuromuscular and Sleep Dentist ... a Physiologic Approach

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