OM OC A L A M AGAZ INE
SEP 2019
E 2019 OF FIV E R E N WIN IDA MAGAZIN ARDS W R A O N L F IATIO ASSOC
2019 Cover Model Winner
Desirae Frisby Wedding Pros Talk Shop An Insomniac’s Dream Fire Houses of Ocala, Pictured
Tougher Than Steel America’s Hope After 9/11
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Still Ocala’s most award-winning magazine.
OM
OCALA MAGAZINE
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All Consumer | Bronze Award | 2019 Ocala Magazine
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DESIGN EXCELLENCE
Best Photography: Single Feature Image All Consumer | Charlie Award | Yoga in Bar
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Trust the ER Experts Life is unpredictable. When an emergency happens, you need to know you’ve got a team you can count on. Marion County’s most trusted ER is here with two convenient locations including our newly renovated and expanded ER at our main Ocala campus (opening in September). Featuring 42 private treatment rooms, our new ER allows our specialists to better serve you, by providing you and your family with fast, compassionate and expert-level emergency medical treatments that you know and trust.
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OM
CONTENTS SEPTEMBER • 2019 FEATURES 16
Tougher Than Steel: America’s Hope After 9/11
20
While They Wait
28
Wedding Feature
36
A Climate You Can Affect
40
An Insomniac’s Dream
46
Glamour and Goals
Looking back at how far we’ve come since 9/11 A look at Ocala’s fire stations
Local wedding professionals dish on throwing the perfect wedding Why local elections matter
A conversation with Insomniac Theatre founder Chad Taylor Cover Model Contest Winner: Desirae Frisby
DEPARTMENTS 12 14
Publisher’s Letter From the Mayor
49 LIVE 50 Everything Equine 52 State of the City 54 State of the County 56 Charity Spotlight- Marion County Homeless Coalition
ON THE COVER Model: Desirae Frisby
OM O C A L A MAG A ZI N E
Photographer: Ralph Demilio Hair and Makeup: Face the Day Spa & Salon Jewelry: Lemieux Diamond Company Wardrobe: Dillard's Ocala
SEP 2019
2019 OF FIVE E WINNERA MAGAZIN RDS FLORIDATION AWA ASSOCI
2019 Cover Model Winner
Desirae Frisby Wedding Pros Talk Shop An Insomniac’s Dream Fire Houses of Ocala, Pictured
Tougher Than Steel America’s Hope After 9/11
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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2019
Ocala’s City Magazine Since 1980 | $5.95
59 EAT 60 On The Menu: West 82° 67 PLAY 68 Events Calendar 72 Local Music Scene: Lee Britt 74 Hyprov: Colin Mochrie and Asad Mecci 76 Socially Speaking 85 ETCETERA 86 Medical Journal 94 Scoop 96 Looking Back
SPONSORED 88
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OM Volume 39, Issue 3
SEPTEMBER 2019
OCALA’S #1 MOST AWARD-WINNING CITY MAGAZINE Linda Marks | Founder & Advisor linda@ocalamagazine.com
Philip Glassman, CCIM | Publisher philip@ocalamagazine.com
Penny Miller | VP/Corporate Development/Principal penny@ocalamagazine.com
EDITORIAL Melissa Deskovic | Managing Editor melissa@ocalamagazine.com
ART Jessi Miller | Creative Director jessi@ocalamagazine.com
Ronald W. Wetherington | Social Editor ron@ocalamagazine.com
Joshua Jacobs | Graphic Designer joshua@ocalamagazine.com
Sharon Raye | Copy Editor Robin Fannon | Food/Lifestyle Editor
IVE R OF FIDA E N N I W FLOR INE 2019 A M GATZION CIA DS ASSOA WAR
PHOTOGRAPHY Ralph Demilio | Photographer The Creative Pretzel | Photographer
CONTRIBUTORS
Brody Barcode | Writer Jade Brown | Writer Carey David | Writer Mayor Kent Guinn | Columnist Ashley Lopez | Writer City of Ocala and Marion County OPERATIONS Randy Woodruff, CPA | CFO randy@ocalamagazine.com Doug Hummel | Director of I.T. Ilia Laboy | Production Assistant Ross Anthony | Director of Distribution
EDITORIAL OR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 352.622-2995
www.ocalamagazine.com OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER HOPS — Historic Ocala Preservation Society MEDIA PARTNER & PRESENTING SPONSOR of the Tailgating Competition at Live Oak International OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR 2019 International Women's Day EXCLUSIVE MEDIA SPONSOR FOR George Albright Annual Golf Tournament OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR FINE ARTS FOR OCALA
THE OFFICIAL CITY MAGAZINE OF
TEDxOcala · HITS · Equiventure
FOLLOW US ON
OFFICE 743 E Fort King St. Ocala, FL 34471 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 4649, Ocala, FL 34478 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR by mail or email; editor@ocalamagazine.com SUBSCRIPTION One year - $49, Two years - $95, Single Issue - $5.95. COPYRIGHT ALL contents copyrighted 2019 by Ocala Magazine Publications . All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or advertising content in any manner without written permission is strictly prohibited.
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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2019
Come to the
Blessing of the Animals
of Marion County Feel better. Live better.
Friday, October 4, 10 a.m. Hospice of Marion County’s Memorial Park 2895 SE 62nd Street Ocala, FL 34480
Held on the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, this celebration of four-legged friends will pay homage to the role they hold in our lives.
Come share stories, prayers and inspiration for beloved pets. This event is free and open to the public. All pets must be leashed or in a carrier. RSVP is required to reserve your space. Contact Veronica at (352) 873-7456 or vvaughan@hospiceofmarion.com.
Hospice of Marion County is your not-for-profit hometown hospice. We’re here to help. (352) 873-7400 | www.hospiceofmarion.com
LETTERS
from the publisher
A Lasting Impact THIS MONTH OM IS EXCITED to present to you Cover Model Contest Winner- Desirae Frisby. Ocala Magazine’s Cover Model Search has been a long-standing tradition and we are excited to keep it going. In August we were able to speak to Kimberlee Leemans, Ocala’s very first Cover Model Contest winner. It was a great experience to see how far she has gone in her career since appearing on the cover of Ocala Magazine. Her story proves that if you take a chance even the smallest decisions can have a lasting impact on your journey. ONE OF THE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT any contest that we host is the support we receive from the community. Ocala is truly a place where our community knows how to come together and help support each other. Over my lifetime I have been inspired by those around me who have dedicated their lives to supporting those around them. One person in particular that I remember having an impact on my life is George Albright Jr. His dedication to the Kiwanis Club and for helping our youth is one of the reasons I was inspired to join forces with longtime family friend Penny Miller and John Anastasia to form the College Park Kiwanis Club. PENNY HAS ALSO BEEN A CHAMPION for those in need through her various charity affiliations, one of which is the Marion County Homeless Council. The MCHC’s involvement has been a driving force in our community helping those less fortunate get back on their feet, as well as change the stigma of homelessness in the area. IT’S A NATIONWIDE PROBLEM however there are things that we can do locally to help out our community. The MCHC works hard on a daily basis but they still need our help. So let’s rally around them and show them what it means when a community comes together. FOR MORE INFORMATION you can contact the Marion County Homeless
Council online at www.mchcfl.org
PHILIP GLASSMAN, PUBLISHER
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Introducing new granite marker signs located alongside sidewalks offering a glimpse into Ocala’s past
HOPS Set amid the ambience of the city’s oldest historic district and through the generosity of the homeowners, H.O.P.S. is pleased to showcase some of Ocala’s distinctive architecture, history, and culture. Since 1992, these home tours have provided a rare opportunity for guests to go inside some of our community’s most beautiful private residences.
The signs will include the year the home was built and the architectural style as well as other historical information. An app for smart phone users named OnCell will allow the downloading of images, historical text, and a google map locator. “This endeavor will assist in preserving Ocala’s extensive history using 21st Century technology,” states Pamela Stafford. The granite markers and signage are being offered at a modest cost to the residents who live in the Ocala Historic District, Tuscawilla District, West Ocala, and to business owners in the Downtown business district. “We are thrilled that this project will encourage walking tours and lead to a greater awareness of local history” states Brian Stoothoff, a HOPS board member who is spearheading the project. “This is an awesome project that makes Ocala’s history come alive” adds Pamela Stafford.
To order a sign or obtain more information, please contact HOPS by calling (352)351-1861, or by email: Hops_admin@HistoricOcala.org
2019 Historic Ocala Preservation Society Board Members Pamela Stafford — President Richard Perry — Vice President Dennis Phillips — Treasurer Brian Stoothoff — Secretary Linda Anker Leon Geller Jarl Hagood Peg Harding R.J. Jenkins Lela Kerley Caryl Lucas Penny Miller Suzanne Thomas Diana Williams Link Wilson
712 S.E. Fort King St. Ocala, FL 34471 | (352)351-1861 | www.HistoricOcala.org
LETTERS
MAYOR
from the
&
Moments Memories STORY AND PHOTOS BY MAYOR KENT GUINN
T
here are moments in history that change us forever. These moments become etched in our memories. We remember every detail of what we were doing the exact moment they occurred. For those of us who have lived long enough, we have collected quite a few of these historic moments. I remember where I was on the day that the United States landed on the moon. I remember where I was when I heard that President Kennedy had been shot, and I remember where I was when the Twin Towers fell on 9/11. Even though Ocala is over a thousand miles south of where the World Trade Center once stood, the devastating effect of this attack was felt here in Marion County. Like many of you, I know people who were in those towers on that day. Good people, working hard, building a life for themselves, and contributing to the betterment of this country. After the attack as the months moved on, volunteers from across America offered their services including citizens from right here in Ocala. They provided food for the first responders that lived on the scene. They donated money and time, helping in any way that they could. It was an outpouring of love from the heart of America. In December (only three months after the incident,) I visited New York and went to downtown Manhattan to pay my respects to the officers, first responders, and American citizens that lost their lives. It was a somber experience, yet one that opened my eyes to the reality of what our first responders face and how willingly they jump into action. As we look at another year removed from this tragic event, I think about the months that followed. Through our sadness and anger, our nation came together, resolute and united in the face of adversity. We do not want to forget what happened, but we mustn't forget that the best way to honor those who gave all is to remain united. I have stood at the World Trade Center site. I have stood on the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor, and I will continue to stand with our nation as we continue to work together to build our future.
Mayor Kent Guinn
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COMING JANUARY 2020
Celebrating OM Ocala Magazine’s 40th Anniversary › A COFFEE TABLE HARDCOVER RED BOOK › THE TOWN & COUNTRY ISSUE › THE STATE OF THE CITY › HORSE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
A state-of-the-art edition showcasing our great city of Ocala and Marion County.
TO RESERVE AND ENSURE YOUR PLACEMENT, PLEASE CALL (352) 622-2995 EXT. 303
TOUGHER THAN
STEEL America's Hope After 9/11
O
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RALPH DEMILIO
n a bright Tuesday morning of September 11, 2001 at exactly 8:46 am, the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Seventeen minutes later, the South tower was hit. Then the Pentagon, and lastly a fourth aircraft went down in Shanksville Pennsylvania. On that day our nation saw the worst in humanity. Destruction on a mass scale. And from that day forward those events were forever etched in history. 2977 Americans includ-
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Survivor Tree Seedling Program. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2019, from www.911memorial.org/ survivor-tree-seedling-program
BY JADE BROWN
ing 343 firefighters, 23 New York City police, and 37 Port Authority officers were lost in the greatest attack in history on American soil. Yet, with as much destruction as we witnessed, there are those who showed us what it means to be an American. They are the First Responders, they are the courageous ones doing the unthinkable without hesitation. The following days were a test of our strength as a nation, our love for each other, and our will to rebuild from Ground Zero. Brian Stoothoff, former President of the Historic Ocala Preservation Society and retired Assistant Fire Chief remembers the day in vivid detail. On the morning of September 11th, Fire Station #1 watched in silence as the North tower fell. Before they could even process the magnitude of the destruction the alarm sounded, sending them out to handle a structure fire. Stoothoff, recalls being on edge, stressed, and in a constant state of heightened tension. This day was unusually busy with calls that kept them moving and it, was a while before they found
On the morning of September 11th, Fire Station #1 watched in silence as the North tower fell. Before they could even process the magnitude of the destruction the alarm sounded, sending them out to handle a structure fire. out the exact events that had occurred. “Immediately after there was an outpouring of support and appreciation from the public. In a lot of ways, it made our jobs easier,� says Stoothoff. Our community remained united and showed our appreciation for our First Responders as we still do today. On the same day, Hurricane Gabrielle
formed in the Gulf of Mexico. On September 14th , just three days after the attacks, Hurricane Gabrielle hit Florida as a Category 1 with sustained winds of 70mph, wreaking havoc as it moved up the state. Ocala firefighters were prepped and ready to deploy to Ground Zero when Hurricane Gabrielle kept them in the state to assist through the cleanup. En-
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There is an entire generation of people who have no emotional attachment to this piece of history. trapments, trees on powerlines, loss of power, and flooding damage kept them working into November. In November of 2001, Stoothoff traveled to Ground Zero not only pay respects but to assist in any further cleanup and identification. During this visit, the Port Authority gifted our community with a segment of steel from the World Trade Center. This segment is currently and permanently on display at the Ocala Fire Museum which hosts a rich history of our city’s fire department and stories of the bravery of September 11th. Sadly, there is an entire generation of people who have no emotional attachment to this piece of history. It’s important to continue to educate future generations so it is not forgotten. “Ocala is fortunate to have on permanent display a segment of the World Trade Center steel. It serves as an educational and visual reminder of the horrific events that occurred that day and it’s my hope that everyone from Ocala would take the time to visit the Ocala Fire Museum.” – Brian Stoothoff This year will be the 18th anniversary of the attack. While the wound still feels fresh, there is hope. The true American spirit rises from the ashes. Love for our fellow American, unity in the face of peril, and laying down our lives for others are trademarks of the America we saw in that time. In the middle of Ground Zero sits a lovely Callery Pear tree, known as the “Survivor Tree”, which endured through the destruction of the World Trade Center. Every year the 9/11 memorial presents seedlings from the pear tree to three communities that have suffered tragedy in that year. These seedlings are symbols of hope and healing. Like that tree, we have a visible demarcation from the pain of our past. Now with our nation currently divided, the call for unity is of the utmost importance.
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IF YOU GO:
Visit The Ocala Fire Museum. Admittance is free and open Monday through Friday from 8 am and 5 pm. 3001 NE 21st St, Ocala, FL 34470
COMING NOVEMBER 2020
Special OM 40th Anniversary Edition
The White Charity Register Join us in Celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2020 at our CHARITY REGISTER WHITE PARTY GRAND EVENT. Reserve Your Ad Placement Now — Space Is Limited. More Information On Our White Party Will Be Forthcoming.
TO RESERVE AND ENSURE YOUR PLACEMENT, PLEASE CALL (352) 622-2995 EXT. 303
WHILE THEY W A Look At The Firestations That House Ocala's First Responders
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RALPH DEMILIO
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Y WAIT
Captain Shawn Sams at Station #1
SEP 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |
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W
ith over 130 years of dedicated service, our firefighters work around the clock, and are always there to help during life’s most tragic events. Without recognition or accolade they serve the community by running into the face of danger without a second thought. Yet, they long for the slow days. Not for their own benefit, but on the days when the alarm does not sound it means that Ocala is safe.
A lack of calls does not mean their work is done. They do not sit idly by, rather they complete a list of chores. Tasks assigned to them as they work together to keep their station in top working order. They complete continuing training courses, using the time between calls productively. Behind the walls of the station they are their own mini communities living and working together while they wait for the next emergency.
1 FIRE STATION 1 340 NE 8th Ave. Ocala, FL 34470
2 FIRE STATION 2 2701 Southeast 36th Ave. Ocala, FL 34471
FACT
Fire Station #2 has moved once. Original station #2 was located where the Ocala Marion County Veteran Park sits; on NE 25th Ave. In 2003, Station #2 was relocated to 36th Ave.
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Fire Station #3 will be relocated in 2020. The station will be part of a first responder campus. The campus will include Fire Station #3, the new fire department headquarters, a community room, and a basketball court, as well as a police department substation.
FACT Fire Station #1 has moved three times in since Ocala Fire Rescue (then, the Ocala Fire Department) originated. The department’s first station was located where the downtown parking garage sits today. In 1967, Station #1 moved to 235 NE Watula Ave. In 2019, Station #1 moved to 430 NE 8th Ave.
3 FIRE STATION 3 737 SW Martin Luther King Jr. Ocala, FL 34471
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FACT
4
Fire Station #4 is home of an aircraft fire fighting apparatus, thus dubbed the ARFF station.
FIRE STATION 4 3300 Southwest 20th St. Ocala, FL 34474
5 FIRE STATION 5 2340 Northeast 25th Ave. Ocala, FL 34470
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FACTS
NEW stations #1 and #7 were funded by the Marion County penny sales tax. Fire Station #5 is known for its nocturnal medical responses. The fire fighters who work from station 5 call themselves the Sleepless Knights.
6 FIRE STATION 6 5220 Southwest 50th Ct. Ocala, FL 34474
FACT
Fire Station #6 is the only Ocala Fire Rescue station housed in a 2-story building with a sliding pole.
7 FIRE STATION 7 885 SE 31st St Ocala, FL 34471
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Unspoiled. Unmatched. Unforgettable.
Weddings at the Plantation on Crystal River
From exquisite and extravagant to casual and relaxed, let the Plantation on Crystal River make your wedding memories unforgettable. The Plantation on Crystal River provides the Perfect Setting for your Perfect Day. Pamper yourself and your guests before and after your special day. Enjoy tastefully appointed sleeping accommodations, championship golf, water activities and our fullservice AVEDA spa. Let our event specialists at the Plantation on Crystal River create the wedding of a lifetime!
For more information contact: Wedding Sales Department
352.795.1605
Wedding WISDOM BY ROBIN FANNON
Ocala’s Most Prominent Wedding Professionals Share Their Sage Advice
I
f you are a newly engaged bride (or groom) and are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the process of planning your wedding day, then you have just won the lottery! We have assembled the quintessential seasoned wedding team to help guide you along and drop some pearls of wisdom along the way. Think of them as a real-life local Pinterest board, chock full of great ideas and inspiration. Each one of these professionals has an established online presence that puts a plethora of brilliant ideas and creativity at your fingertips. We sat down to break bread, and for a roundtable discussion on how to get started, dish on wedding trends, and overall sage advice for anyone contemplating the plans for their big day.
What is your best advice for a first time newly engaged bride or groom who doesn’t know where to begin? DAWN LOVELL: “Before we even approach the subject of budget, I would advise them to really define how they see the day unfolding. What is the tone and atmosphere they would like to create? If it is within their means, then it is highly recommended to hire a trusted, experienced wedding planner to assist either with the entire event or at the very least a “day of ” person.” (This was unanimously agreed upon by all of these pros).
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CHEF ALABAUGH: “Our team at Golden Ocala always recommends a troubleshooting list to utilize continuously throughout the planning process. I try and guide our clients through the food selections by educating them on what will hold up well in a banquet situation, have a beautiful presentation and satisfying to many different palates”. LAUREN GROVE: “Hopefully, they will check my website and social media pages! There they will find not only informative checklists and other useful tools, but expert planning advice for the novice, and experi-
enced couples as well. Today’s bride is looking for structure and guidance, but also the ability to customize the experience. It’s also great to give them a variety of budgetary options (from low to high costs). The average wedding is now running around $28,000, so flexibility is of paramount consideration. It’s important that they educate themselves a much as possible, so they have an idea of what they want before they start choosing venues and vendors”. BRITTANY BISHOP AND TAYLOR GRACE both agree that establishing a relationship with your vendors is key. “During
the selection process, make sure that you feel comfortable with this person, and that you genuinely like them. It can be a long, and sometimes stressful day, so you want to know that your vendors will take care of the details as discussed and have your back.” What should a couple look for when selecting a venue? BRITTANY BISHOP: I always look for the lighting (both natural and artificial), pretty backgrounds, and interesting architectural details. DAWN LOVELL: “We look at key entry points (entering and leaving, flow and ac-
cess to food stations and restrooms). We can make just about any venue look amazing, but flow is fundamental”. CHEF ALABAUGH: “Well I am partial to Golden Ocala, which has all of those elements the others have outlined and more. In addition, in my humble opinion, we have the best food and beverage team in Central Florida. What are some current wedding trends? DAWN LOVELL: While the rustic-glam design is still popular, we are seeing the shift away from “farm” to a more elegant design.
In other words, less cowboy and more jewel-tone glamorous. TAYLOR GRACE: “We emphasize natural colors and elements, and frankly, choose not to work with anything else. These classic hues and texture never go out of style. We try and guide our clients into blending complementary colors into their color scheme rather than going for a full-on match. This can render the most extraordinary results.” LAUREN GROVE: “We are definitely seeing a shift from the blush and creams that have been popular in the recent past to more muted jewel tones.”
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F
Meet the Pros
inding the right team to trust with your wedding can be overwhelming for a newly engaged couple. That is why we gathered some of Ocala’s most experienced and knowledgeable wedding professionals that are ready to help you make the most of your wedding experience.
Wedding blogger extraordinaire! Lauren is the Founder and editor of Every Last Detail. A wedding blog where she delivers expert advice on everything from finding your vision, working out a budget, choosing your vendors, and making your whole event become a reality. Find them at www.theeverylastdetail.com or Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @ everylastdetailblog
Photos by Brittany Bishop
Lauren Grove
Dawn Lovell
As Designer and owner of Party Time Rentals, Dawn leads the best team in Central Florida to assist in all aspects of décor and equipment rental. From choosing silverware to tents, and everything in-between, they’re more than just a rental company. Party Time has a full-fledged event design team who can make wedding daydreams a reality. Their warehouse in Ocala is a marvel to behold and is the perfect place to find inspiration galore! Find them at (352) 6298858 www.partytimeentals.us/ or on Facebook and Instagram as @partytimerentals or on Pinterest as @partytimedesigns
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IVY ON THE SQUARE
BOUTIQUE
Come visit Ocala’s chic boutique experience, where you’ll discover oneof-a-kind posh gifts, accessories and apparel. Stop by today and get ready to answer the question,
“Where did you get that?”
We appreciate our wonderful customers and the friends they bring by to see us!
42 SOUTH MAGNOLIA AVE., OCALA, FL • (352) 622-5550
Taylor Grace Chef Rick Alabaugh
Executive Chef at Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club, Chef Rick is the man behind the kitchen magic that happens at Ocala’s premier wedding venue. His years of experience and perspective on food and menu design can make any wedding a delicious experience. Part of a well-oiled team of wedding professionals at Golden Ocala, the dedication he brings to his craft shines through at every event held there. The extraordinary clubhouse, well-manicured grounds, and attentive staff make it an unparalleled experience. Find them at www.goldenocala.com or on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram: @goldenocala
Owner of The Graceful Gardener, Taylor Grace is Ocala’s most sought after florist- and with good reason. Her flower designs are on-trend, equally perfect for the modern bride or bride who prefers a more traditional or vintage look. The Graceful Gardener will understand your idea and deliver the goods. From Flower crowns to large pedestal pieces and everything in between, if you are looking for beautiful, natural floral designs, then look no further. Contact them at (352) 414-9807 Find them on Instagram and Facebook as @ocalagracefulgardener
Brittany Bishop Photographer extraordinaire Brittany Bishop is a true artist who can capture the aesthetic and emotion of your wedding with every shot. Her informative blog can help you navigate the entire process of wedding photography. From capturing beautiful moments during the ceremony, reception, and wedding departure, Brittany has the eye to Brittany will create charming and beautiful memories for you. Find them on www. brittanybishopphotography.com Instagram @brittanybishopphoto Facebook and Pinterest
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Weddings are golden here. From the moment you arrive on our property and see the lavish clubhouse, smell the fragrant rose garden surrounding our grand stairway entrance, you can be assured your hopes, wishes and dreams are in good hands with our professional planner and staff. Let your special occasion become momentous and memorable in our breathtaking indoor and outdoor settings.
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Destination Engagement:
Winter Wonderland ART NUSSEL & HARLEY WHITE
January 4, 2020 | Quail Branch Lodge Lake Park, Georgia PHOTOGRAPHY: SEEDHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY
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Destination Wedding
Beachfront Paradise DOUG & RHONDA JORGENSEN
October 2, 2015 | Tradewinds Resort, St. Petersburg Beach, Florida PHOTOGRAPHY: WENDY MCGINNIS, ELEGANT EXPOSURES
SEP 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |
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Local Politics:
A Climate You Can Affect BY CAREY DAVID
A breakdown on Ocala's upcoming local election and why your participation is important.
E
veryone talks about the weather but no one does anything about it. I fear at times this mirrors our attitude about the electoral process and political choices we make, or don’t make. Many are happy to complain but it seems few are willing to exercise the privilege of casting their vote to make a difference. For Presidential races some will argue that since we operate under the Electoral College (a process not a place) system that the Popular vote is meaningless. But it’s not. Your popular vote may not decide who becomes President but it does determine the Electors YOU put in office. If you participated and voted for your man or woman in Congress or the Senator to represent you. If you didn’t, we are right back to talking about the weather. So, let’s talk about a change. A change that you can be a part of. Something that you can see, touch, feel. Something that impacts you and your family directly. That something you being a part of the change you want to see with the City of Ocala election that will be held in just a few days. It’s about choices. It’s always about choices. The City of Ocala is divided into 5 Dis-
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tricts each represented by a council member who serves a 4-year term. Our Mayor serves a 2-year term. Ocala is run by what is called a council-manager form of government. THE ROLE OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS (or Chief elected official in some cases). Under the council-manager form, our elected officials are the legislative body and the community’s policy makers. This is the body, which approves the budget and adopts local laws and regulations, for example. The elected officials also focus on the community’s big-picture goals, such as community growth and sustainability. The elected officials hire
a professional city, town, or county manager based on that person’s education, experience, skills, and abilities and NOT on their political allegiances. The elected officials supervise the manager’s performance, and if that person is not responsive and effective in their role, the elected officials have the authority to remove her or him at any time. THE ROLE OF THE MAYOR. Typically, the mayor in a council-manager community is a voting member of the governing body who may be either directly elected, as in 69 percent of council-manager communities, or who is selected by and from among their colleagues on the governing body. The mayor is the public face of the community who presides at meetings, assigns agenda items to committees, facilitates communication and understanding between elected and appointed officials, and assists the governing body in setting goals and advocating policy decisions. THE CANDIDATES: The following is a listing of the candidates who have qualified for the September 17, 2019, City of Ocala Elec-
City of Ocala
BY THE NUMBERS TOTAL ACTIVE VOTERS:
34,546
tion and how their names will appear on the official ballot: MAYOR Barbara Fitos Kent Guinn CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2 Ire J. Bethea Sr. Reginald E. Landers Jr. Tyrone Oliver CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 Candidate Matthew Wardell is unopposed. Now that you understand the structure of how our City is run and know who is running for office, you might be asking yourself, “What is the benefit to me as a citizen and what opportunities are available to become involved, to have my voice heard?” In addition to the obvious action of voting, council-manager government like ours often actively engages and involves their residents in community decision making. You can help guide our community by serving on boards and commissions, participating in visioning and strategic planning sessions, and designing community-oriented local government services. City Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 4 p.m. and are open to the public. There are also other board and advisory meeting that you may have a personal or vested interest in. You can find them by going to the City’s website under Public Notices. (www.ocalafl.org/government/public-notices)
VOTE BECAUSE IT’S YOUR CIVIC DUTY. We’ve all heard this before but I was recently listening to a TED Radio Talk on NPR called, “The 7 Deadly Sins.” One of the guests, Dave Meslin is a community organizer in Toronto and in his job, he runs into political apathy all the time. He also had an interesting TEDx Toronto talk in 2010 titled, “The Antidote to Apathy” where he addresses the lack of engagement by the public in politics regardless of the level. Meslin is a bit of a rebel but since our country was born out of rebellion to escape oppression, I think this excerpt is worth sharing from that TED Radio Show that aired on July 5, 2019. “…What I mean by that is we have to talk about political engagement in the context of it’s a civic duty. You know you should vote because it’s your responsibility. I think you should vote out of greed. I think the best way to get people voting isn’t to say it’s your duty as a citizen it’s to say don’t you care about the transit system? Don’t you care about your taxes, don’t you care about the quality of your water? Well, if you care it’s in your own self-interest and selfishness, and greed to participate in the system that’s been set up to make sure you have a voice.” Whether you consider it your civic duty or greed and self-interest no other level of politics offers you the accessibility and the opportunities to become involved in having an impact to help direct and build a better community. A better City for you, for me, for all of us. I hope everyone will take the first step in having their voice heard on September 17. This is “weather” we can do something about. I’ll see you at the polls!
THE BREAKDOWN: WHITE 23,628 BLACK 5,969 HISPANIC 3,110 OTHER 1,839 MEN:
WOMEN:
WHITE 10,635
WHITE 12,838
BLACK 2,157
BLACK 3,758
HISPANIC 1,352
HISPANIC 1,719
OTHER 740
OTHER 893
THE 2017 CITY OF OCALA GENERAL ELECTION: BALLOTS CAST:
4,834 13.99% VOTER TURNOUT:
Source: Marion County Supervisor of Elections, 2017 General Election Statistics
Vote
Tuesday, September 17th 7am-7pm FIND YOUR LOCATION: WWW.VOTEMARION.COM
SEP 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |
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The Comedy of Errors That Built Ocala’s Favorite Independent Theatre BY MELISSA DESKOVIC PHOTOGRAPHY BY RALPH DEMILIO ILLUSTRATIONS BY JOSHUA JACOBS
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I
t’s a stormy afternoon. Rain clouds have unleashed a fury of water over the city, and although it’s only 4 pm, if one didn’t know any better, they would think it was midnight with how dark the sky had become. Other than the sounds of rain, everything is productively silent. The workday is winding down as we wait for Chad Taylor to arrive. A local celebrity of sorts those in the artistic community know him well. He is recognized not only by his name—but for his work. He is the definition of a true creative. He has struggled for his art, and through blood, sweat and tears, he founded and kept the Insomniac Theatre alive. As he opens the door, the entire office lights up, and suddenly the stormy weather outside is of no consequence. Everyone loves him, and he is greeted with open arms. Born in Ft. Lauderdale and
raised in Ocala, Taylor has always had a love for the arts “I was always one of those ‘overdramatic’ kids,” he states. “When I was 11, I signed up for the Arts for All summer program at the Civic Theatre. My first role was as the Major General in the Pirates of Penzance, and as soon as the spotlight hit me, I was hooked.” His ability to weave a story is magnetic. A trait honed over decades in the theatre; one cannot help but become enveloped in his vividly detailed anecdotes. He shares personal musings from a life devoted to his passion for storytelling; and for his knife-wielding rabbit named Slippers Aloysius Von Bunnybutt of the Honeycut Von Bunnybutts. “People think I joke about that,” he laughs. “But I was twenty minutes late to a meeting one time because the bunny had me trapped.” Speaking with
a twinge of nonchalance, he sets the scene, and his delivery is perfect. “I used to live downtown right off the square, and I used to let my bunny run around the room. You would hear the clack clack clack on the wood floors. I was laying in my bed writing—I was working on Barfly on the Wall—and it was about time for me to go to a meeting, and here’s the edge of the bed.” He raises his arm. A prop in this imaginative tale “...and the bunny’s head goes like this.” He raises his other hand imitating a bunny menacingly looking over the bed. “...and it’s got a knife in its mouth, and I don’t know where the hell it got it.” He laughed, “Then it does this.” He lowers his
“I was scared to move because I’ve seen Pet Sematary. I know what happens if I move.” On being held at knifepoint by his pet bunny
hand to mimic bunny disappearing beside the bed. “I was scared to move because I’ve seen Pet Sematary. I know what happens if I move.” The office roars with laughter. He has our full attention. This story, although inconceivable for most, is just a glimpse at the type of situations he finds himself in. His journey is somewhat a comedy of errors. And one that he is happy to discuss. “Have you seen my car wash video on Facebook?” He asks, smiling. Again the office erupts with laughter as the video plays. The footage he captured plays out as if written for the big screen. In the video, you hear him exclaim in delighted horror as he helplessly watches the brightly colored soap start pouring in through a leak on the driver’s side door. All he can do is laugh. Because it’s the picture-perfect end to a day that was a laundry list of mishaps and this is just another day in the life for Taylor. His love for storytelling is nothing new. His journey has taken him from Ocala to Orlando and eventually out to Los Angeles.
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“I always thought the best way for me to learn something was to do it, so I wanted to be where there were more opportunities for me to learn. So one day I just said ‘I think I’ve gone as far as I can in Florida, I want to move to L.A.’ I sold everything I own, and about a week later there I was.” As he recounts his days out West, you can hear the fondness he has for the journey. Aside from New York, the Los Angeles entertainment scene is a rough one. It’s home to some of the greatest acts you will never know because the competition is fierce. Politically charged, it’s often more about who kisses the ring than who is the most talented. “I got a lot of callbacks, but always lost the roles to the same two more well-known guys, so I decided to scratch the theatre itch again. That’s when I started producing my own shows, and it felt like home.” The official start of Insomniac Theatre Company was created not out of a long-held desire to establish a formal business, but as a matter of convenience. “One of the venues I wanted to rent—if I didn’t want to have to pay extra insurance—I would have to have an actual company. I decided to call it Insomniac Theatre Company because I’ve been an insomniac since I was 13,” he explains. “So that is technically how Insomniac got its start—11 years ago in California, as a joke.” Through a tragic twist of fate, the time in Los Angeles was abruptly interrupted. “I ended up moving back to Ocala because they told me that I only had a year to two years left of hearing. I was going deaf.” He states. “I wanted to come back and be around family to adjust. Then, I got bored,” he jokes. Making the most of being back home, he once again re-entered the theatre scene. Despite prior experience, community theatre can be extremely difficult. The dance between the players and the decision-makers is a choreographed movement that can grow tiresome. “Even though I was able to do theatre professionally out in Los Angeles—which is one of the hardest markets—it was very hard for me to get on stage or cast in a show here. So I thought, `If I can’t get cast on stage then who else who has talent and can’t get on stage?’ I figured I would start something to give people another opportunity.” The independent nature of Insomniac Theatre draws quite the mix of creatives. A
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“We were a smaller venue, and we were at the place where we really had nothing to lose. Like when we did Hedwig And The Angry Inch,” he says proudly. “No one else would touch that, but it’s such a good show. We had people come back four or five times because they loved it so much.”
community with a passion for the performing arts, without the overlaying corporate stigma often rampant in mainstream theatre. Obstacles don’t matter. Industry politics merely feed the desire to succeed. It’s the support from the audience that helps them go on. Bringing Ocala quality, live shows to enjoy, and sparking conversation among the community is at the heart of the Insomniac mission. But in order for the arts to thrive locally, it needs support. For the Insomniac Theatre, support has been a hard-fought battle. It’s something they have wrestled with tooth and nail, and even when the doors were shut in their face, they persevered. “We were always kind of the island of misfit toys,” he jokes. “Our first big event was Life Imitates Art, where I got artwork and wrote original short plays about each piece. I wanted to give the proceeds from the show (to a charity), and all I asked was that they allow us to say we were giving away the proceeds. I had to go to 33 different non-profits before someone would say they would take money. I’ve been trying to find an organization since then to do it again, but nobody’s been interested.” In a stroke of much-needed luck, they finally found an ally in Nancy Ledding and the Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) who opened their doors and gave Insomniac a home. It was with her help they acquired the historic bank building on the downtown square. Built in 1911 this 3,975 square foot
building would be their home for more than 150 different productions over the course of three and a half years. There are benefits to being an independent theatre. There is freedom to push the envelope delving into topics that others may find taboo. “We were a smaller venue, and we were at the place where we really had nothing to lose. Like when we did Hedwig And The Angry Inch,” he says proudly. “No one else would touch that, but it’s such a good show. We had people come back four or five times because they loved it so much.” The downtown location was a labor of love for all involved, but there is only so far love will go. With a lack of funding, eventually the theatre officially shut its doors. A consistent trend, the performing arts have always battled for community support. For those who pour their souls into this medium, it’s an exhausting experience. One that, over time, chips away at the passion that once kept them going. “I was just done. Just mentally, physically, financially done,” he recalls. “It had gotten to a point where it felt like there was no community support. I would swallow my pride—go ask for help from places—and nothing. I worked a day job and then worked another 60-70 hours a week at the theatre. Eventually, I got so burned-out, if I didn’t close it down I probably would have put myself in the ground.” After all the work poured into the venue, after all the shows were over and the cheers subsided, they turned off the spotlight and called it a day. And after 12 years of working, he finally took a vacation.
Unbeknownst to him, his talent for production had garnered the attention of Matthew Wardell and Pamela Calero-Wardell who at the time were busy trying to put together the puzzle that would become The Reilly Arts Center. “They said ‘If we do this, would you be interested in putting on some shows there?’ I said ‘I don’t know.’” He laughs now as he looks back, but it was their passion for what they were doing with The Reilly that influenced further introspection. The final crescendo arrived in a manner familiar to him: the theatre. A prequel to Peter Pan, Peter and the Starcatcher was not supposed to be on stage that weekend, but the day of his arrival in New York, the production company announced a limited, Off-Broadway run. Sitting in the audience, he found himself overcome with emotion. “It reawakened to me what live theatre should be.” The Reilly was very gracious, offering full creative control over his productions. As the resident theatre company of The Reilly, he took a tip-toe-into-the-deep-end approach, gauging audience reaction and interest. “I played it safe the first year, and then we had the idea for the shadowcast series, which we had never done. We wanted to do shadowcasts to a movie that should not have a shadowcast to it. So we did Jaws.” Shadowcasting is especially difficult for both actors and directors. Following a movie move-for-move brings a level of creativity to the stage that keeps time with the screen and is only accomplished through a strict set of rules. “I love shadowcast because it’s essentially my brain on stage.” Surprising audiences with their theatrical choices at every turn filled seats quickly, and audiences clamored for more. So they pushed the envelope once again. “I got to show The Reilly what we could really do with Sweeny Todd. It was the first show we had money behind. People came up to me who had seen the revival on Broadway and said ‘Yours is better.’ The reasoning I think is because ours is more intimate. You feel like you’re a part of the show.” As we look towards the future, the dream that Chad Taylor built, is solid. With
support from the community, the Reilly Center, and a strong team—he is ready to take his final bow. In November Taylor’s run with Insomniac Theatre will come to a close. “I think I’ve taken it as far as I can. If I want it to grow and change, then I need to put someone in there that has a different viewpoint than I do you know. In November he will hand over the reins to Sebestian Lombardo. Familiar with Insomniac Theatre, Lombardo began his work with the theatre company on the stage. He’s been Taylor’s right hand through many of their productions; he has a good grasp of the process, and a great vision for the future. And now that Taylor has weathered the storm he feels secure enough to hand it over to a new generation. “I’ve always been a believer in that art, at the end of the day, should make you feel something—and that was always our goal,” he reflects. “We may not have done the shows that people have heard of before, but people were always able to come and know that when they came, they could see a good show—and they’d feel something during it.” The theatre can be a great teacher. Whether you are on stage or in the audience every story has a twist. For Taylor, there was one thing he didn’t expect, one thing about the process that was
surprising. When posed with this question he leaned forward, as he looked away in thought. With a heavy sigh his reply was simple: “How hard it is to let go.” The room fell into a bittersweet silence. He has had a great run but now it’s time to move on to other things and hopefully this time- his bunny will be a little more supportive.
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FINAL THOUGHTS: I can’t believe the amount of love and support I have received since starting this journey. I am so thankful for this opportunity to be on the cover of Ocala Magazine. Than you all who voted for me! I hope this Encourages everyone to follow their dreams because anything is possible.
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Josh Leverette Philip Glassman
Ocala’s Men In Pink... For a Great Cause! Publisher of Ocala Magazine Philip Glassman, and Josh Leverette, a Funeral Director at Roberts of Ocala Downtown Chapel, have teamed up to wear pink to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. “Our goal is to exceed the national average of $40,000 raised. We need everyone’s help. There is no amount too small, from $1 to $40,000, every little bit helps. Ocala is one of the most generous communities in Florida and we are positive that we will be able to not only meet but exceed our goal with your donations.” As active members of the Ocala community both men know the importance of helping those in need. It is their goal to help the American Cancer Society reach their financial goals so they can fund the research to find a cure.
To help them join the fight against cancer visit ocalamagazine.com/pink and make a donation.
live
Gracious Central Florida Living Photo by Ralph Demilio
Everything Equine p50 | State of the City p52 | State of the County p54 | Charity: Marion County Homeless Coalition p58
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LIVE
everything equine
Let’s Hear it For the
Dales BY LOUISA BARTON
T
he Dales pony is one of the United Kingdom’s native moorland and mountain pony breeds. The breed is known for its hardiness, stamina, strength, intelligence, and excellent disposition. The history of the courageous Dales pony is strongly linked to the history of lead mining in the Dales area of England. Initially, the Dales pony was a working pony descended from a number of breeds. Colors include black, with some brown, bay grey and, rarely, roan. White markings are allowed as a star and/or a snip, and white to the hind fetlocks. Ponies are renowned for the quality of their hard, well-shaped feet and legs. The Dales Pony is a critically endangered breed with numbers under 2000 worldwide. Early in the twentieth century, there was a huge demand for active “vanners” for town work and “gunners” for the Army. At this time there were many fine Clydesdale stallions and using them on Dales mares to breed vanners gave the farmer a good return but became a threat to the pure breed. The Second World War saw almost the end of the breed. Ponies were taken by the Army and Mares were used for breeding vanners. Even the young mares were sold off for work in cities and towns. Few ever returned, and after the war, there were only a few breeders who did not give up on the survival of this hardy breed. In 1964, the Dales Pony Society re-organized, and Dales ponies were sought out and registered. Now you may be wondering what this
rby.”
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has to do with Ocala, ‘the Horse Capital of the World’! About three years ago, the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership began an initiative to bring the horse world and the non-horse worlds together; and to reach out to the different breed owners from all the disciplines within the equine world to join them together as one alliance. Although the flourishing equine industry was clearly growing-according to the CEP commissioned equine economic impact study-the different breed owners were still very segregated. This initiative has been hugely successful, and the first equine Parade was held in downtown Ocala in February of 2015. It brought over 30 of the breed owners together showing the crowds on the downtown square a huge variety of incredible horse breeds. With over 60 different breeds located here in the Horse Capital, this was the start of an annual celebration of the horses who now call Ocala and the surrounding area their home. Being a Brit myself, I was delighted to meet Catherine York and Rob Costello from Elysium Fields Farm at this Parade, where I learned more about the critically endangered Dales pony from my homeland. Catherine and Rob decided to begin a small breeding
farm here in the Ocala area, where they could add a few foals annually to the US numbers of 250 Dales Ponies. The passion that Rob and Catherine have for the Dales Ponies began just over three years ago at Elysium Fields Farm is in Dunnellon when they acquired their first imported mare, Sowermire Carol, a dapple-grey Dales Pony. They fell in love with the Dales pony for its size and docile nature. The perfect fit to match their desire to have a safe, all-rounder to have fun riding as they grew older. Carol has had two foals. The first is Floridadales Blue Envoy. Born in 2018 he is the ONLY Blue Roan Dales born and bred in the US, and he will stand at stud here at three years of age, after licensing. Carol’s second foal, Floridadales Sidney, is a grey (bay base), that is currently for sale as a stud or gelding. As Catherine and Rob’s passion for the breed increased, they imported two more mares. Griseburn Lady Jane and Earnwell Unique joined them on the farm here after their arrival from England in February 2019. Unique was in foal to a lovely European stud Rosebarr Monarch. Unique recently had Floridadales Callalily who was purchased and will be staying in the Ocala area. Catherine and Rob also have Malhamdales Jupiter, a lovely black 6-year-old Dales gelding
Photos courtesy of Suzanne Suor
Ocala breeders set out to save these critically endangered and beautiful creatures.
Dales Ponies were bred for a specific job in a harsh environment. When the job changed, they successfully adapted for other uses, and today, the ponies can demonstrate all these qualities and abilities.
and he’s a master on the trails. He’s here on their farm on loan and for sale this year. Dales Ponies were bred for a specific job in a harsh environment. When the job changed, they successfully adapted for other uses, and today, the ponies can demonstrate all these qualities and abilities. The combination of strength, agility, thrift, hardiness, and high courage, with good conformation and a calm, intelligent nature, makes the Dales Pony a first-class riding and driving pony with all the abilities of a true ‘all-rounder.’ I am just so delighted that Catherine and Rob decided that the Ocala area was the ideal place to breed more of these wonderful ponies. However, I was even more delighted,
when right before I jumped on the Historic Stagecoach at the end of the Parade this year, Catherine came up to me and showed me a ring on her left hand. Right before the Parade, Rob had popped the question, right there during the best showcase of the many horse breeds we have in Ocala, Marion County. All the best to Catherine and Rob in all of their future endeavors and with the Dales pony breed. Thanks to them and others like them, we hope this endangered breed becomes more well-known and popular. And to all those older ladies I’ve spoken to, who don’t want a big horse but do want a hardy, sure-footed, and sturdy larger pony (minus the ‘pony’ attitude) Dales are the answer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION check out Elysium Fields Farm on Facebook and Instagram @Elysium_Fields. You can also learn more about the Dales Pony breed at: DPCNA.com, a conservancy group, formed to assist the conservation of this wonderful breed.
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LIVE
state of the city
Shape The
of Our
Water
BY RACHEL SLOCUMB
W
e use water every day, but have you ever wondered where it comes from? The City of Ocala’s water treatment plant produces safe drinking water for all Ocala residents and its visitors. One interesting feature of the water treatment plant are the tours it offers to groups of all ages. The water treatment plant has five wells on site. These five wells have been drilled into the Upper Floridan Aquifer and range from 187 to 265 feet deep. Each well is capable of pumping up to five million gallons of water a day. The Upper Floridan Aquifer is the source water for Silver Springs. Once the water is pumped from the aquifer, the first stop is the clarifier. In the clarifier, the water is mixed with calcium oxide, more commonly known as lime, to reduce the hardness of the water by 50 percent. This step is not required by regulation, but the City does so to improve the quality of the water. After mixing with the lime, the water moves to the outer portion of the clarifier to allow it to settle to the bottom of the basin. During this step, the lime is pumped out to holding ponds and left to dry. After it is dry, it is shipped by a local Marion County agricultural operation to be used to augment soil for better plant growth. Next, the water is moved to the recarbon-
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ation basin. In this stage of treatment, three components are added to the water. The first addition is carbon dioxide, which alters the pH of the water to around 8.9. Having this higher pH is important to facilitate scaling of the water. Residents may recognize scale as the white build up on their glassware after it comes out of the dishwasher. This scale is just calcium, but it is very important. This scale builds upon the interior of the ductile iron pipes that are used by the City in the more historic areas of town. Ductile iron is a porous material, and the scale builds upon the interior of these pipes providing an impervious protective layer between the water and the pipes. This scaling maintains the water quality throughout the distribution system. In this basin, the second additive, sodium hypochlorite, is added to the water. This is a disinfectant and is used to ensure the water is safe to drink as it leaves the plant and maintains sanitation levels throughout the entire distribution system. The final additive to the water is fluoride. Fluoride is added to assist with dental health for the residents and consumers of Ocala’s water. The final step of the water treatment process is the filtration. There are six, eight-foot deep multi-media filters that have layers of anthracite coal, sand, garnet, gravel of vari-
ous diameters, and a porous brick slab at the bottom. The filters remove odors, foul tastes, and any materials that are not desirable for the water customer. From the filters, the water is pumped to City of Ocala water customers, and to fill one of the ground storage tanks. The City’s most recognizable water tank is likely the one located adjacent to the Ocala Downtown Market, decorated with a mural of native Florida plants and wildlife. There is always a licensed operator at the water treatment plant, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These operators test the water coming out of the plant every two hours to ensure that it is safe to drink. An average of 12 million gallons of water is consumed every day by the City, and every drop is treated to the highest water standards by these operators. An annual water quality report is always available to customers on the City of Ocala website. It can be found here: http://bit.ly/OcalaWaterQuality2018. FOR MORE INFORMATION about drinking water in the City of Ocala, or to schedule a tour, please contact Rachel Slocumb, Conservation Coordinator, at 352-351-6772 or RSlocumb@ ocalafl.org.
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LIVE
state of the county
Every Second Counts
ies
BY BRANDON KALLOO
M
arion County 911 Management recently adopted new emergency communications technology to better pinpoint people during emergencies. The newly introduced RapidSOS system repurposes GPS data collected by various organizations, including cellphone providers and transportation apps, so emergency call centers can more accurately locate callers. “We adopted this new system to save lives,” said Division Chief Craig Damien, Public Safety Communications. “The biggest challenge for dispatchers is not knowing where the callers are. In many cases, calls are lost before cellphone towers can triangulate a position. This new tool helps close the gap in existing 911 technology.” Damien said the system has already proven useful in real world scenarios, including a recent emergency on the Rainbow River. “We were able to provide rapid access and care,” said Damien. “Without this technology, the response would have required launching a boat and searching the length of the river to find the caller.” According to 911 Management Director, Michelle Hirst, call center staff is better able to serve Marion County’s 350,000 plus residents because of time saved during calls. “We can get first responders to emergencies faster by saving valuable time,” said Hirst. “This allows us to address other aspects of emergencies and help people in need.” Marion County’s two emergency communications centers field approximately 215,000 calls per year.
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OM0519
Contact Eric Shaw, Local Rep 352-497-9707
charity
Photo courtesy of the Marion County Homeless Council
LIVE
The Ripple Effect of Action BY SHARON RAYE
How One Local Non-Profit is Working To End Homelessness and Change The Stigma Surrounding An Often Overlooked Community.
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T
here seems to be a common thread connecting us all together. Ocala/Marion county is a tight knit charity-based community. We have so many great organizations going above and beyond to assist our people and help one another. One such organization is Marion County Homeless Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;leading the way in their pursuit to end homelessness, empowering and counseling the people in our community when they are in their greatest time of need. I met up with Angela Juaristic, the newly appointed Executive Director of Marion County Homeless Council (MCHC) and some board members which included, Dave Layman, Martha Cieplinsky, Shelia Arnett,
and Sharon Staub-Minor. It was easy to see how each one brought their own unique passion, but their collective mission is simply to end homelessness. To hear a testimonial of success was emotional to say the least. The McFarland family is one such story. MCHC not only helped their family move out of a tent and into a home days before Christmas, but two years later the McFarland family is still receiving case management support to ensure sustainability. MCHC is multileveled. They work in conjunction with a network of other charitable organizations. Their purpose is to unify all agencies and facilitate the needs of low income families and the homeless. Investigating what services they offer or outreach seem boundless from food assistance, hot meals, legal assistance, local transportation assistance, self help public computers, to job training employment services, shelter sites, and housing. The list is too long to name them all. They are busy in their crusade to end homelessness and passionate about changing the stigma of who we as a community think homeless people are. Homelessness
can happen to anyone under a storm of circumstances. “The homeless aren’t just lazy drug addicts. [They are] normal everyday people with a masters degree, nurses who have gotten cancer, it can be any body.” as Angela states. I met some staff members working at the MCHC office who devote their time finding ways to help others. Alex Feliciano is their House Resource Specialist. He is on a continued quest scouring the internet, searching out in our communities for rent signs posted and cold calling landlords willing to house the homeless or low income families. Rodney Rodriguez is the HMIS- IT Support Specialist. He reports all outcomes to HUD and State Office on Homelessness. The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a software program which is used to better serve their clients by ways of
“The homeless aren’t just lazy drug addicts. [They are] normal everyday people with a masters degree, nurses who have gotten cancer, it can be any body.”
Homelessness isn’t an easy solve, but we can make a difference to someone.
filing and keeping track of client information, reports on services being used and manages resources from being duplicated. PJ Bopp is the HMIS trainer. Both PJ and Rodney are in charge of working with more than 30 agencies to secure the data’s quality control. MCHC operates through grants from the state, The United Way and local donations. They do not receive funds from our local government. There are many items grants do not provide for, such as, household cleaning supplies, feminine products, diapers, steel toe boots, bus passes, gas cards, bed sheets,
pillows, and even toilet paper... This is one reason why it’s so important to support them by means of local donations and attending their events. Collectively the board shared their excitement for an upcoming brand new event. MCHC will be putting on an Ocala band wars competition, in combination with a classic car show. This event will be held at the Live Stalk Pavilion next May. Stay tuned for further information on how to get involved and/or participate. Periodically check their website for updates. Shelia Arnett posed an interesting ques-
tion, “How do you eat an elephant?” To which I replied “One bite at a time.” Homelessness isn’t an easy solve, but we can make a difference to someone. All it takes is one person to create a ripple effect to help many more. The Starfish Story by Loren Eisley is fitting: One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…” I made a difference for that one.” We all have the ability to make an impact on someone... If you would like to donate to MCHC or need more information about their services contact them at: 108 N. Magnolia Ave. Ocala, FL 34475 352-732-1369 www.mchcfl.org
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eat
Key West Shrimp roasted with garlic, lime and cilantro, served with an avocado/mango salsa. — recipe on ocalamagazine.com Photo and recipe by RSVP Robin
On the Menu: West 42° at The Plantation p60 | Dining Out p62
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EAT
on the menu
Set Your Compass for
West 82°
STORY BY ILIA LABOY
West 82° at The Plantation is a Must Stop Destination All Year Round.
A
s Florida residents, we tend to take all of the natural charms around us for granted. But just southwest of Ocala is a hidden paradise filled with nature so beautiful and food so scrumptious you won’t want to leave. Come with us and explore West 82° Bar and Grill, Plantation on Crystal River’s main dining attraction and a must-visit destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast. I’ve lived in Florida for more than 15 years and I know I’m not alone when I say that I have no idea about a tenth of the magnificent destinations it has to offer. We are lucky to have virtually endless opportunities to get away from the stress of the daily routine and escape to one of our many natural havens. After all, we get to live where everyone else vacations. If you’re looking for a getaway without too much travel, set your GPS for Plantation on Crystal River. Originally constructed in 1962, this beautiful golf resort and spa was the first of its kind along the Florida Gulf Coast to provide an elegant atmosphere and southern hospitality while showing respect for their natural surroundings. The beautiful golf resort is surrounded by over 25,000 surface acres of lakes and rivers, wildlife refuges and state parks. Apart from a golf school and tennis lessons, the proximity to all
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these ecological beauties gives the opportunity to also indulge in some nature-based activities, and there are plenty to choose from. From snorkeling, fishing, and sailing, to swimming with manatees, ecotours and scuba -- you could even get scuba certified! If you have a water or nature-related activity you want to explore, chances are Plantation on Crystal River can give you access to it. Take advantage of your stay and visit the relaxing spa, play a round of golf on their 27 hole course or spend the day out on the water, sailing, dock your vessel on their ample marina, and come into West 82° Bar and Grill to satisfy your appetite. Quaint and homey, with a view slightly reminiscent of a Bob Ross painting, the West 82° dining room is the heart of this small paradise. It has served as the main dining area since the beginning of Plantation on Crystal River. From the moment you enter the lobby of the resort, you can’t help but be welcomed and enamored by the aromas of the delicious delicacies this restaurant has to offer. As soon as you cross that threshold, you’re greeted by friendly faces. Once seated, you’re waited on with great care. The surf & turf inspired range of variety allows for elevated takes on southern classics, like their luscious shrimp and grits meal featuring perfectly spiced Conecuh sausage, fresh shrimp,
stone ground cheesy grits, and topped with crispy fried onions. In following with the resorts long-standing commitment to the preservation of the natural resources that make their location so unique, it’s apparent with just one look at the menu that they focus significantly on fresh, locally sourced seafood, meats and produce. The Ferris Farms Strawberry Salad, for example, features fresh spinach, pickled shallots, freshly picked strawberries, tangy goat cheese, and sweet candied walnuts for an extra crunch, topped with an enticing whole grain mustard vinaigrette. They also offer house staples like grouper, chicken, or shrimp cooked to
FUN FACT! The 82° in the name of the restaurant stems from the longitude of their geographical location.
your liking, able to satisfy every palette. Their commitment to fresh ingredients is so vast that there is even a menu option allowing you to cook your catch! Here you get to harvest your own fresh scallops or fish and have it prepared for you to your liking that same afternoon, without having to worry about cleanup or prepping for only $11.95, and the meal includes two sides from the restaurant and your choice of soup or salad. This unique dining option allows their guests to see that food comes from nature and doesn’t just appear by magic at the grocery store, allowing for a greater appreciation not only for their food but for nature as a whole. When it comes to amenities and options on what to do, this location does not disappoint. Their menu is vegetarian and
celiac-friendly, just make sure to let them know. And if you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, they have you covered too! The West 82° alfresco Tiki Bar faces the sparkling lagoon-style pool and has its’ own menu of delicious options to choose from. Their drink specials are sure to keep you cool by the pool while you munch on some lite bites. From specialty burgers and sandwiches to saucy wings and cocktails, their cuisine is any foodies dream. They also specialize in banquets, catering for weddings and special events, corporate meetings, sweet sixteen celebrations, and pretty much any other event needed to be organized. One of their most popular internal events is the Swamp Party, a fun and creative outdoor event with special props and outfits, creating a memorable
celebration. The team at West 82° is always innovating and creating new ways to bring unforgettable experiences to their guests. As they continue to evolve, they continue to focus on their guests’ needs and expanding on what they already do well— to bring their visitors a continuously great experience. As the industry continues to move in a more eco-friendly direction, they also carry on their journey to even more local, fresh, and sustainable products. This is reflected in their menu and the variety of new creative dishes they experiment with to bring you the most unique and delectable dining experience possible. Their location puts them in a favorable position where their biggest challenge has been trying to keep up with the demand for the area. This hideaway is smothered in southern hospitality and Florida charm, and although they specialize in surf & turf style dining, they cater to all tastes. The views are amazing, the service is excellent, and the food is delicious. West 82° is definitely a luxury watering hole amidst an ecological paradise. FOR MORE INFORMATION www.plantationoncrystalriver.com 800.632.6262 www.facebook.com/HayworthPR twitter.com/PlantationOnCR instagram.com/plantationoncrystalriver
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dining
OUT
Craft Cuisine World-Inspired Culinary Creations Mouthwatering Monday: Build your own four-course menu. Selections from $13.99. Tuesday Ladies Night: 1/2 price well drinks or wine, $3 margaritas & 2-4-1 martinis. Wine Down Wednesday: From 4-7p order, a charcuterie board paired with house wine for only $10. Complimentary glass of house wine with purchase of dinner entree. Burgers and Bourbon Thursdays. Prime Rib Fridays. Sangria Saturdays: Brunch Specials from 11a-3p; $5 Sangrias, Endless Mimosas $10, Bloody Mary $4 Special Bon-Appetitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for September: Tuna tartar seaweed salad, Toasted sesame seed, wasabi aioli, spicy tomato aioli and wonton crisp chip. And spiced pork chop, mashed sweet potatoes, pan roasted brussel sprouts with pancetta and buffalo trace bourbon apple glaze.
2237 SW 19th Avenue Rd., # 102, Ocala | (352) 237-7300 craftcuisineocala.com Lunch Mon-Sat 11a-4p | Dinner: Mon-Thur 4-9p | Fri & Sat 4-10p
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Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7p $5 select tapas & drink specials. Book your in-house gatherings, private parties, weddings or off-premise catering today. Golden Spoon Award Winner!
dining out
EAT
Tony’s Sushi Sushi Me! At Tony’s Sushi you can select your favorite sushi to include made-to-order specialty rolls by creating your own! Enjoy being entertained at the grill, watching your food being prepared while having some fun. For a more intimate setting, Tony’s offers private tables – perfect for special moments. Tony’s full bar includes sakes, imported draft beer & more. Like Tony’s on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TonySushiOcala
Ask about our daily, not on the menu items! We offer gift cards, catering and entertaining.
Mon-Thur 11a-10p, Fri & Sat 11a - 11p, Sun 12p - 10p 3405 SW College Rd. #103 Ocala, FL 34474 | 352-237-3151 www.tonyssushi.com
Ivy On The Square We invite you to come to enjoy the summer vibes Downtown at The Ivy on the Square. We offer cool cocktails, irresistible desserts, and some summertime southern favorite dishes for lunch and dinner. Indulge all your senses when you experience Ivy on the Square from a vintage industrial atmosphere to our innovative menu which features signature dishes with family old recipes. Our dining room and patio pay homage to old Ocala serving eclectic takes on southern food. Sure to please every pallet. We look forward to you dining with us!
Stop by and enjoy cocktails on our beautiful patio or at the bar. Gift cards available.
Named by Florida Trend as one of the “Top 500 Best Places to Eat in the State” for several years. Call for catering info. 53 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala | 352-622-5550 Tues - Sat 11am-9pm | Dining | Thurs - Sat 9pm -Til... | Tapas & Cocktails 106 NW Main St., Williston | 352-528-5410 Sun-Wed 11am-2pm, Thurs-Sat 11am-8pm | ivyhousefl.com
West 82° Bar and Grill Enjoy an evening under the stars at the Plantation on Crystal River. A short drive to enjoy dinner overlooking Kings Bay and Crystal River featuring the finest natural local ingredients. Start your evening with a cocktail at our Tiki Bar and you might just see some specials guest swim by, manatees or just relax and watch the sunset. Come inside to West 82 and enjoy your dining with your friends and family.
Join us for Sunday Brunch with the traditional breakfast favorites and an impressive assortment of fresh salads, peel and eat shrimp and Chef’s specialty dinner selections. Every Sunday from 11:30am to 2:00pm
Breakfast Daily 6am-10:30am | Lunch Mon –Sat: 11:30am-2:00pm Dinner Daily 5pm-9pm | Sunday Brunch 11:30am-2pm 9301 West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429 352-795-4211 www.plantationoncrystalriver.com SEP 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |
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Sky Fine Dining Sky Fine Dining is located on the 6th floor of the Holiday Inn Suites. The eclectic gourmet cuisine & steak house concept is inspired from current trends & classic dishes like fresh cut steaks, live Maine lobster, rack of lamb & fresh seafood such as sea bass, salmon & shrimp. Golden Spoon Award Winner 9 consecutive years - 2010 to 2018. Sky is the place to be for a unique fine dining experience.
Golden Spoon Award Winner 9 consecutive years! 2010 to 2018
Special menu Wednesday through Saturday.
FRIDAY SEAFOOD NIGHT AND SATURDAY STEAK NIGHT
Mon-Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri & Sat 5p-11p 3600 SW 38th Ave., Ocala, fl 34474 | 352-291-0000 www.skyfinedining.com
Fine Dining
The Lodge Craft Pub & Eatery The Lodge Craft Pub and Eatery is Downtown’s new gastropub for cocktails, food and fun! Follow The Lodge Ocala on Facebook for announcements about menu items and specials. We have more than 200 craft brews, a large wine selection and specialty food menus. This casual pub and eatery is located just off the downtown square, so you can take advantage of free valet service. We’ll see you soon at The Lodge! Sun-Thurs 11:30a–11p, Fri-Sat 11:30a–2a 36 SE Magnolia, Ocala, FL 34471 www.facebook.com/thelodgeocala
Murphy’s Oyster & Seafood Murphy’s is so much more than an oyster bar! Stop in for daily lunch and dinner specials. Grab a happy hour drink and stay to watch the game. Sit back and enjoy live music or join in the fun with karaoke. Relax with friends on the outdoor Hookah Patio. At Murphy’s we pride ourselves on serving great food along with a great experience. Our fresh seafood is the best in town, and we also o er a full menu with your favorite appetizers, burgers, salads and steaks.
Mon - Sun 11a - 12a Happy Hour 11a - 7p 3821 Old Blitchton Rd, Ocala, FL 34482 | (352) 236-5656 www.murphysocala.com
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DAILY SPECIALS JUMBO SNOW CRAB DINNER DOMESTIC DRAFTS, COORS LIGHT, MILLER LIGHT $2.75
PROOF Date: 15 Sep 2016 Customer PO: TBD Customer No.: 344 Order No: MM 344-01
Oyster • Seafood Bar and Grille
phone
352.304.5414 | 609.408.8959 | email SamGrafx@comcast.net
miniMENUMAGIC | ©2016 SamGrafx Design | 5724 SW 40th Place | Ocala, FL 34474 | All Rights Reserved
dining out
EAT
Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse Experience an authentic taste of Brazil featuring roaming gauchos slice and serve fire-roasted meats from skewers in continual fashion. Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse boasts 12 of the finest cuts of meat complemented by an opulent 50 item salad-vegetable bar, decadent desserts, wines, beer and cocktails. Book your private party and catering today! Our Sunday Brunch from 11a to 3p includes the 50 item salad bar plus crepe, waffle and omelet station. For $32.95 you’ll receive all of the above plus a free mimosa or bloody Mary and five different cuts of meat and our grilled pineapple.
Follow us on Facebook for exclusive on-line incentives! Join us Fridays for lunch. Private Dining Rooms Available. We invite you to consider Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse to host or cater your next event.
2023 S Pine Avenue, Ocala | (352) 622-1741 | ipanemaocala.com Lunch Friday 11a-2:30p › Brunch Sunday 11a-3p Dinner Tue-Thu 5p-9p › Fri-Sat 5p-10p › Sun 4p-8p
Latinos Y Mas Latinos Y Mas invites you to join them for their Summer Taste Bud Travel Tour of Central & South America! Mondays- Kids Eat Free with purchase of an adult entree. Taco Tuesdays- margarita, tacos al pastor $9.95 or order any two tacos of the regular menu and receive a complimentary margarita.
Ask us about our in house, off site, plated, buffet, and on the go catering of our authentic Latin fusion cuisine. Perfect for your next corporate, community or private event. NEW Curbside Carry Out!
Wednesday- 2 X 1 sangria and 1/2 price appetizer. Complimentary glass of house wine with purchase of regular entree.
Happy hour 3 to 7pm Monday-Thursday 2 for 1 house margarita 2 for 1 house wine
Thursday- Queso bites or Fish bites for $5 Friday- Ropa Vieja Lunch Special! $10.95. Saturday- Mofongo, Sancocho
2030 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471 | (352) 622-4777 www.latinosymas.com Mon-Thurs 11am - 9pm | Fri & Sat 11am-10pm | Sun closed
Cafe Crisp Faith. Fitness. Food. Conveniently located in the Frank DeLuca YMCA, Cafe Crisp makes clean eating easy with fresh, healthy meals – to enjoy at the cafe or to take home - and they offer weekly meal prep packages that make it easy to stay on track with meals and snacks. Cafe Crisp also caters events large or small! Stop in for a smoothie before your workout and come back for delicious sandwiches, soups and salad bar.
Ask about our weekly meal prep specials
Mon-Fri 7a–6p 3200 SE 17th st (in the YMCA), Ocala, FL 34471 | 352-694-3100 www.facebook.com/cafecrispocala SEP 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |
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Unforgettable Nights...
THURSDAYS:
Studio Night!- Live Music, Poetry, Spken Word, Comedy & Painting Open 7p-12a, Show 8-10p FRIDAYS:
Latin Night 8p-2a Live DJ Joe Ortiz Salsa • Merengue • Bachata SATURDAYS:
Saturday Night Dance 8p-2a Open Format • Hip Hop • Top 40
RENT THE TAVERN FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENTS!
BOOK IN-HOUSE GATHERINGS, PRIVATE PARTIES, WEDDINGS OR OFF-PREMISE EVENTS
BAR • ENTERTAINMENT Fri-Sat • 8pm - 2am • 21 & up 11 E. Silver Springs Blvd. • 352.390.8969
tavernonthesquareocala.com
play
“Tree on a Hill” by Diane Cahal Watercolor on paper | www.artisticlunasea.com | IG: @dianecahal | FB: @ArtisticLunaSea
Experience Ocala p68 | Local Music Scene p72 Interview: Colin Mochrie & Asad Mecci p74 | Socially Speaking p76
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experience Ocala
PLAY
September
2019
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
September 6th 6:00pm | S Magnolia Ave, Ocala, Florida 34471
JEANS AND JERSEYS TAILGATE PARTY
September 14th 5:00pm Country Club of Ocala 6823 SE 12th Cir, Ocala, Florida 34480 | $75
DUELING PIANOS AT THE LODGE
September 12th 8:00pm 36 S Magnolia Ave,
BOLLYWOOD FASHION PRESENTS OCALA CARNIVAL 2019 September 1st | 1:30pm Bask in some of our local fashion
talent as Bollywood Fashion debuts their very own brand “AMERICANA.” There will be music, shopping and so much more! Come out and support local talent.. Marion Oaks Community Center | 294 Marion Oaks Ln, Ocala, Florida 34473
OCALA CARS & COFFEE
September 1st | 8:00pm Open to all automotive enthusiasts! From classics to exotics and everything in between, this is a monthly meeting held on the 1st Sunday of each month from 8-11AM. Bring the whole family and have a great time! Sponsored by iCandy Designz. Chelsea Coffee Company
Ocala, Florida 34471 $20 per person Come out for a cold draft beer with friends and enjoy a night filled with music and fun! Our musicians will be taking your requests so don’t be shy to sing along. BUY ONLINE AND SAVE $5 PER TICKET! ($20 Entry at the door if available) - $15 GA Ticket includes: 1 complimentary draft domestic beer. - $30 GA Ticket includes: all you can drink domestic drafts (8-11pm) Seating starts at 7:30pm, Seats/tables are first come; tickets only guarantee admission. Tickets available via eventbrite.com Get your tickets now because this event WILL SELL OUT AGAIN!
This annual community event aims to raise funds to support Trinity Catholic School students and athletics. There will be raffles, silent auctions, live auctions, & full dinner!
3RD ANNUAL OCALA RECOVERY FESTIVAL
September 14th, 10:00am: 829 NE
Sanchez Ave, Ocala, FL 34470 Celebrate those in recovery and help increase awareness for those struggling with mental or substance-use disorders. Listen to great music, taste local foods, share your story and learn about the services available to help with recovery.
CONNECTED WARRIORS YOGA CLASS
September 4th | 12:00pm Health & Fitness
3300 Southwest 34th Ave, Suite 140 Ocala, FL 34474 Every Wednesday, you’re invited to Connected Warriors Yoga Class Connected Warriors is the largest community based volunteer organization providing trauma-conscious yoga therapy for service members, veterans and their families in the United States. Our primary goal is to provide a safe and secure environment with a strong emphasis on Participants of our classes learn how to handle stressful situations in a more relaxed manner by quieting and focusing their mind, which encourages positive thoughts and self-acceptance. By increasing relaxation and lowering stress, we are able to re-establish the mind-body connection and guide our warriors and families to healthier and more peaceful lives. For more information visit connectedwarriors.org/class/ocalavetcenter/ .
COUCH SESSIONS: FEATURING MARK SMYTHE AND NICK LUONGO
September 6th | 8:30pm
56 SE 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34471 Enjoy an evening of music, art, libations and food! Mark Smythe will perform his original works as well as covers. Accompanying the music, artist Nick Luongo will paint live and have his artwork on display for purchase. Chef Patti Moring of La Casella catering has created a cultural menu uniquely for our guests. Seating is very limited for this intimate concert in a unique location. Your $25 ticket includes hors d’oeuvres by Chef Patti, your first libation, and an intimate seat for the performance! Admission to the event begins at 7:30 PM
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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2019
AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN
September 13th | 8:00 PM - 9:45 PM Tuscawilla Park
Bring the whole family out to a movie night under the stars. These monthly events are FREE and open to the public. Refreshments are available for a minimal fee. Remember to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. For details, please call Ocala Recreation and Parks at 352.368.5517.
PICKIN IN THE PARK
INTERFAITH’S WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES September 28th | 10:00 AM Brick City Church 901 E Silver Springs Blvd Ocala, FL 34470
Interfaith Emergency Services is hosting a mile walk in order to build awareness for the homeless plight. Participants will help raise funds while experiencing first hand just some of the conditions that many of our homeless population live with day after day. Join us for this life changing experience.
September 15th | 1:00pm Come on out and enjoy local
and visiting musicians perform acoustic music in a scenic area near the springs. Have a good time enjoying the musical styling of the banjo, guitar, fiddle, upright bass, and accordion. Hand claps and foot taps are welcome but feel free to join in and bring your own instrument! This event is free with paid park admission. Please enter the park through the main entrance located SR 40.
2019 NIGHT OF HOPE: HONORING VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
September 26th | 5:30pm
3001 Southwest College Road Ocala, FL 34474 Come out to this beautiful gala and join us in honoring the victims and survivors of domestic violence. Keynote Speaker Connie Rose, A veteran TEDx speaker and trainer, shares her story “Moving Beyond Me Too: From Victimhood to Warrior” with the Marion County community. Drawing on her on personal journey of resiliency and transformation from more than 16 years of childhood sexual abuse, exploitation, sex trafficking and domestic violence at the hands of a serial sex offender father who was also her pimp. Enjoy dinner, music, giveaways, and vendors as survivors are recognized for their warrior spirit. For tickets, to sponsor a survivor, donate a basket or support the event go to https:// eventbrite.com or the Alliance, 3482 NW 10th St., Ocala, FL 34475. Free childcare available for children 2 years old or older. Call Patricia at (352) 4385990 to reserve a space.
Bingo and Balsamic September 28th 6:00PM - 8:00PM Olive Obsession
BELLEVIEW FALL GATHERINGS
September 28th | 10:00am - 3:00pm
Mossy Oaks Antique Mall 6260 SE 118th Pl, Belleview, Florida 34420
Join Belleview’s three most fabulous vintage decor shops for refreshments, door prizes and discounts on beautiful antique items and celebrate the start of the fall season at the Belleview’s Fall Gatherings. Enter for a chance to win the grand prize drawing, a $50 gift certificate from each shop plus a $25 gift certificate from BD Bean’s.
HISPANIC HERITAGE DANCE
September 27th | 6:00 PM
294 Marion Oaks Ln, Ocala, Florida 34473 Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with dance,music and sing-along! There will be dancing workshops on some of the most popular hispanic dances. This event is FREE and food will be available for purchase at friendly prices (cash only) . No outside food permitted.Those under the age of 21 are required to be with a parent or legal guardian.
SEP 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |
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PLAY
local music scene
Ode An
to Marion County
BY MELISSA DESKOVIC
With a Classic Country Sound, Lee Britt Captures The Essence of Southern Charm in Marion. YOUR 80TH BIRTHDAY IS COMING UP- OUT OF THOSE 80 YEARS HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING AND PLAYING MUSIC? About 40. I wrote a few songs while performing in the Hawaiian Islands back in 1966 & ‘67. WHO OR WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE MUSIC? I come from a musical where everyone sang and played instruments I studied the cello in elementary, junior and senior high then I learn to play string bass and then came the electric bass. I am an ex-Texas Troubadour as I worked with Ernest Tubb back in the 1970s. Possibly there are three of us left from that band.
TAKE US THROUGH YOUR WRITING PROCESS? HOW DO YOU CONCEPT, WRITE, AND CREATE THE MELODIES FOR YOUR WORK? I have a special feeling when I write a song and melody just seems to flow with what I am writing. Usually, my songs are like short novels and true stories from life’s adventures. I have been on many cruises traveled all over our beautiful country, and I write about those times. I have had a dream and woke up in the middle of the night and wrote a song about my dream. It is called ‘A Beautiful Dream’ (it’s)
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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2019
about two children that lived with me for four years. I just take an idea and go forward. YOU HAVE LIVED IN MARION COUNTY FOR 40 YEARS. WHAT ABOUT THIS AREA INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE ‘ODE TO MARION COUNTY?’ After performing at Silver Springs all of these years, my song (Ode to Marion County) is what really did happen when I was about 14. I now perform at Silver Springs State Park every Sunday afternoon, and I volunteer to entertain the hundreds of guests passing my way, I love it. LIKE OTHER ARTISTS, I’M SURE YOUR MUSIC HAS GONE THROUGH A LOT OF CHANGES OVER THE YEARS? I write some country songs, and some are like pop music or Caribbean flavored. YOU HAVE PLAYED ON STAGE AT THE OPRY JUST SOUTH OF HERE, WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MOMENTS ON STAGE? Well, there are two songs constantly requested, a cover song from Cal Smith Country Bumpkin written by a friend of mine Don Wayne, the story about that gets me fired up. And the other song is one of my originals The Darkest Nights on the Delta, and it is about Hurricane Katrina most folks really like it. PEOPLE CAN OFTEN FIND YOU STROLLING IN SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK SINGING TO THOSE WHO PASS BY. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A STROLLING TROUBADOR? I have been The Strolling Troubadour since 1987, performing all over Marion County people join in and sing along with me all of the time I have an extremely large repertoire and great variety. I can go from real old songs to newer ones in a medley. IF THERE IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE THOSE WHO WANT TO WRITE AND PLAY MUSIC, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I would tell them to write about life’s experiences; you can elaborate some to make it just a little more interesting to the listener, and it is still a short story.
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s
Television Star Colin Mochrie and Master Hypnotist Asad Mecci Bring HYPROV Tour to Marion County BY MELISSA DESKOVIC
W
hen it comes to the art of Improv there are specific rules to guide participants through the process. You cannot say no. You must say “yes, and.” Make statements and realize there are no mistakes. For fans of the hit television show ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway,’ the format of improv, is almost as well known as renowned television star and stand up comedic legend Colin Mo-
chrie. For decades he’s been making people laugh all over the world via stage and screen, and now he is coming to The Reilly. His tenure on ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway’ alongside comedic heavyweights such as Wayne Brady, Aisha Taylor, and Ryan Stiles has prepared him to bring audiences something they will not expect. With Master hypnotist Asad Mecci, the duo is prepared to wow audiences with a show that combines improv with the mysterious art of hypnosis. The brainchild of Mecci, the concept for HYPROV came together on a whim.
with audience members who volunteer to be on stage. “The best way I can describe it is like you’re watching a horror movie right, and you’re so into it that you’re moved to a physiological response. You jump in your chair your palms start to get sweaty. Logically you know what you’re watching on the screen is not real but for that moment in time it feels “I thought it was terrifying but my really real. It’s like walking entire career has been built on being into a movie theatre and suspending your disbelief.” uncomfortable so they talked me into it.” Mecci explains. For skeptics, hypnosis is a proven method in many areas of study. From criminal justice to mental health, hypnoKnowing the comedic value of hypnosis from sis is widely used- and yes they can tell if his years working in the field, he decided to you’re really under. “It’s interesting because approach Mocheri to see if a collaboration I really have had no experience in this area,” could be arranged. After composing a quick Mocherie explains. “Now I watch as Asad is email to Mocheri’s team, within 24-hours he putting people under and I can see almost had his answer. Colin was in. “I thought it immediately ‘Okay-that person’s faking or was terrifying but my entire career has been that person’s totally out...’” built on being uncomfortable so they talked me into it.” Mocheri states. Performing a show "You jump in your chair your palms start to with seasoned improv proget sweaty. Logically you know what you’re fessionals is in Mocherie’s nature, however this is watching on the screen is not real but for different. Professional cothat moment in time it feels really real. medians know the rules of improv—audience members don’t—so there is no telling how they will react. From The mix of improv and hypnosis is the overly-emotional participant who becomes highly entertaining and audiences all over frantic over a make-believe parrot who just the world have enjoyed the dynamic the two flew into ceiling fan to the deadpan reponse, share on stage. For more information or to there's no telling what each show holds. purchase tickets visit Hyprov.com or ReillyIf you’re hesitant about hypnosis there ArtsCenter.com is no need to fret. The show is performed
—Colin Mochrie
GO: HYPROV
Reilly Arts Center September 7, 2019 Tickets: The Reilly Center 500 NE 9th Street Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 351-1606 www.reillyartscenter.com
—Asad Mecci
SEP 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |
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EVENTS
socially speaking
Dance Dance
Dance
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RONALD W. WETHERINGTON | SOCIAL EDITOR Ron@ocalamagazine.com
T
he Florida Fun Mini Match is an unsanctioned amateur and proam ballroom dancing competition produced by Dance, Dance, Dance Studios of Wildwood, Florida. The Mini Match, now in its seventh year, is presented by the studio owner, Mary K. Thomas and benefits the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA). Mary has been a business owner in Marion County since 1982 and is the president of FastTrack Staffing, Inc., Equistaff.com as well as Dance, Dance, Dance. Through her success, Ms. Thomas has been able to be an active philanthropist in our local community. MTRA and their mission holds a special place in her heart. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My niece with special needs was a student of Hillcrest School many years ago. She was given the opportunity to participate in therapeutic
Aleksei Alekseev, Mary K Thomas, and Ekaterina Derevleva
horseback riding with MTRA and the benefits and improvements in her life as a result were dramatic. With the recent closing of the onsite MTRA therapeutic riding program at the Hillcrest School due to issues from the last hurricane, it is so important now more than ever to help this program. There are limitations to what MTRA can do without funding. We are eager and have set our sights even higher to raise more money in the coming years to help with transportation costs for the Hillcrest students to be able to receive the therapy that they need.â&#x20AC;? said Ms. Thomas. At the Florida Fun Mini Match, competitors came in from all over Florida to compete in front of professional celebrity judges while winning cash and prizes. The local business community turned out in force. The silent auction was packed with goodies and directly benefits MTRA. Year after year, Ken Ward with USA Dance Chapter 6027 volunteers as the master of ceremonies. The DJ, Josh Angel, had the crowd moving and grooving while Jeff Roach of Jeff Roach Photography, another local Ocala business owner, was the event photographer. The Florida Fun Mini Match competition has increased with almost 200% growth. Dancers of all ages waltz, tango, foxtrot, salsa and two stepped from the early afternoon into the evening for a chance to be first place in their heat and win fabulous prizes. At the end of the night, there was a special performance by the celebrity judges, Ekaterina Derevleva
Donna Smart, William Brand, Christian Marcantonio, Asjate Bau Laura Thomley and Justin Brochdtti
Melody Sweigert and Stuart Nichols
Barbara Hladio and Greg Nelson Rachael Palmieri and Dr. David Lammermeier
Dan Dobrian, Margo Chase-Dobrian, Donna Sabo and Ray Parris
and Aleksei Alekseev complete with flashy costumes, fancy steps and a unique flair all their own. MTRA auctioned off pet and livestock care baskets, horseback riding lessons, yoga and personal training sessions, jewelry, salon services, art work, photography sessions, local wine packages and much more. All proceeds benefited the MTRA. One of the event sponsors and local amateur dancer, Dr. David Lammermeier, states, “Congratulations Mary! Everything you do is first class.” Ms. Thomas observes, “We are in the Horse Capital of the World so what better way to support those with special needs than with horses? The smell of the barn and the soft touch of their muzzle is something I think everyone could use a little more of.” Karen Cunningham, President of the Board of Directors of MTRA, believes, “Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, Inc., has been deepening the bond between horse and rider for 33 plus years, changing the lives of thousands of children, adults and veterans in our Ocala community. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of partners like the Florida Fun Mini Match.” For example, one child named Jayda told her grandfather “Papa, I never have a good
Maria Alvarez and Joe Glover Scott Roberts, Aiti Ennis, Rachael Palmeiri and Ben Mangum
day.” Crippled by PTSD and emotional disabilities, Jayda had her life completely transformed by MTRA and is now an honor student. This is just one example of the countless individuals MTRA has significantly helped. TO VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME or to make a donation to MTRA go to www. mtraocala.org or call 352-732-7300.
SEP 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |
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OM
OCALA MAGAZINE PRESENTS
October 10, 2019 AT
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socially speaking
EVENTS
Julie Ennis, Amber Reece and Merry Gray
Scott Brantley & Dr. Peter Indelicato
Buddy Martin, Aggie Albright and Randy Briggs
Dr. Lanny Slaughter, Jan Hotaling, Ron McMillin, Sonny Foster and Dean Gordon
Quarterback
Club
Wesley Wheeler & Judge Robert Landt
Kickoff
Mann and Sharlene Bailey
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RONALD W. WETHERINGTON | SOCIAL EDITOR Ron@ocalamagazine.com
D Wayne McCall & George Kirkland
Bill Marren, Todd Duffy, Fred Landt, & Mike McGuinness
Wally Wagoner and Scot Brantley
Bill and Gail Tuck
r. Peter Indelicato, a UF orthopedic surgeon, headlined the 2019 kickoff of the Ocala Quarterback Club's 64th season held at the Elks Lodge on August 15th. The special guest star was Scott Brantley, a former college and professional football legend in the National Football League. Over a hundred members and potential members came to celebrate and honor those that have brought decades of enjoyment to dedicated fans. The Ocala Quarterback Club was founded in 1955 by a group that included banker Doug Oswald, Chamber of Commerce President Dick Adams, and road construction czar and rancher, Trusten Drake Sr. Membership has come and gone over the years, but the excitement never wanes. And under the leadership of those such as Buddy Martin, Wes Wheeler, Todd Duffy (captain), Steve Lee, Fred Landt, Mike McGuinness, and others- it never will. The club will continue to soar into the year of 2020 and celebrate their grand 65th anniversary.
SEP 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |
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EVENTS
socially speaking
Welcome, to the MAX
O
n July 30, 2019, the Magnolia Art Xchange (MAX) opened its doors to the public for an informal celebration and tour of the newly constructed studio spaces inside the historic Ocala Union Station buildings. MAX will be operational with resident artists in studios and open public hours beginning in October. For more information visit www.maxocala.org.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY XOCHITL SMITH Sheron Lewis, Diane Cahal, EJ Nieves and Larry Maxwell
Justin MacDonald and Jessi Miller Barbara Fitos and Patricia Thomlinson
Matthew Fischer and Jordan Shapot
Jonathan and Laura Walker
David D'Alessandris, Dave Schlenker, Jaye Baillie and Richard Schleicher
Meagan Gumpert, Olivia Ortiz and Amy Davidson
Helen and Ralph Demilio Bob McCall and Leslie Hammond Joel Downing, Imogen Vesper Downing and Victoria Billig
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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2019
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EVENTS
socially speaking
A Celebration To Remember On August 4th, 2019, A birthday celebration was held at the Ocala Elks Lodge, to celebrate Elton Clemmon's 90 years of bringing joy and happiness to everyone he knows and even those he doesn't. (Although he still acts like a teenager). 150 plus people attended with lines of others waiting in line to get to spend a few minutes with Elton on this special day. Elton is part of the founding family of Moorehead Engineering, a Civil Engineering and Land Surveying Company, founded in 1884. His family played a major role in developing today's Ocala and Marion County. To know Elton is to know unconditional love as that is what he shares with all people he meets. His infectious laughter brings light and life everywhere he goes. A truly Happy Birthday was had by all, especially Elton.
with Mr. Bob Stentiford, Sr. and Paul Stentiford
with Dr. Larry Sutton
| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2019
with Wendy Staley
with Matt Verrando and Ted Smith
with Mr. & Mrs. Paul Miranda
Elton Clemmons & Family
with Mr. & Mrs. Keith Knorr
with Diana Williams & Catherine Vandeven
with Clay Albright, Penny Miller, Aggie Albright & Justin Albright
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with Scott Hackmeyer and family
with Nick Nikkinen
M
s
247
M
on WOCA The Source 1370 am / 96.3 FM
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SEP 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |
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A REVOLUT It’s time to Reflux (al or GERD) is c called the low acid and bi the esophag esophagus, t 1 in 5 p GERD and blocking me on medicatio of those pat premalignan cancer. The billion dollar Symptom regurgitation erosions, as Patient’s with sleep, reduce to avoid sy medications. Although medications
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etc
Scene Around Ocala {Studio Night at the Tavern} Photo by Ralph Demilio
Health Journal p86 | Florida Cancer Specialists p88 | Scoop p94 | Looking Back p96
SEP 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |
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ETC
health journal
A Change of Heart Research indicates there are newer effective ways to prevent cardiovascular issues PROVIDED BY BRANDPOINT
C
ardiovascular (CV) disease affects nearly half of all adult Americans[i] and is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Although it constitutes one of the most significant challenges facing the medical community, confusion remains around which therapies are best to manage the disease and prevent heart attack, stroke and death. For the 48% of adults in the U.S. with heart disease,[i] the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart
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Association (AHA) continue to recommend statins for at-risk patients. However, doctors are prescribing statins alongside drugs that the latest research shows may not work. TWO STEPS FORWARD, ONE STEP BACK Doctors began prescribing extended release niacin in the 1950s and fenofibrates in the 1970s, first in France and then eventually in the U.S., to help patients with heart disease
lower their cholesterol.[ii],[iii] Then, statins were approved in the late 1980s to help prevent CV risks such as heart attack, stroke and death from heart disease.[iv] Since then, tens of millions of people have been prescribed statins, many in combination with extended release niacin or fenofibrates.[v] However, in just the last decade, studies have shown that extended release niacin and fenofibrates are not effective in reducing the risk of cardiac events, such as a heart attack or
stroke, even in combination with a statin.[vi],[vii] For example, in a randomized, placebo-controlled Lipid Study of ACCORD (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes), researchers found a lack of efficacy for what was then a blockbuster drug - fenofibrate - in patients with diabetes who were taking statins. [vii] The largest study of extended release niacin, which included more than 25,000 people with heart disease, was published in The New England Journal of Medicine showing a similar lack of efficacy.[vi] As data and studies continued to emerge, they illustrated that the potential benefit of extended release niacin and fenofibrates no longer outweigh the potential health risks when taken with statins.[vi],[vii] After this research was published, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took an unusual step in 2015 and withdrew its approval of extended release niacin and fenofibrates to treat cardiovascular disease in combination with statins.[viii] Yet, in 2018, the total number of prescriptions for these drugs was almost 11.5 million and many are prescribed in combination with statins.[ix],[x] It is important for consumers to reconsider if they should still be on these drugs. “Statins have been a great advancement in the cardiovascular space,” said Norman Lepor, M.D., of Smidt/Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “But for many people, they’re not enough. Physicians, health care providers
and patients should know that there are new scientific data regarding medications and treating cardiovascular risks, including elevated triglycerides and/or diabetes, and those that further reduce LDL-cholesterol.” WHAT YOU CAN DO Whether you have heart disease or not, playing an active role in and being aware of your health are critical for keeping your heart healthy. This includes diet, exercise, and consulting your doctor about new, proven options that can help reduce your risk of heart disease. The following questions, which you may want to discuss with your doctor, can help you take the first step in managing your heart health: •
What can I be doing to reduce my risk of heart disease?
•
Is there new science available about the risks of heart disease?
•
Is the treatment you’re prescribing approved by the FDA for treatment of my specific condition?
•
Is there a newer, potentially more effective treatment out there?
•
If I’m already using a statin, what is the best add-on for a holistic heart health treatment plan?
•
48% of adults in the U.S. have heart disease.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. More than 600,000 Americans die of heart disease each year.
That’s one in every four deaths in this country. The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type is coronary artery disease, which can cause heart attack. Other kinds of heart disease may involve the valves in the heart, or the heart may not pump well and cause heart failure. Some people are born with heart disease. Source: CDC: Deaths: Final Data for 2009. www.cdc. gov/nchs/ data/nvsr/nvsr60/nvsr60_03.pdf
If I’m using more than one medication for my heart health, how do I know it’s the most effective combination?
[i] American Heart Association. Cardiovascular diseases affect nearly half of American adults, statistics show. January 31, 2019. Available at: https://www. heart.org/en/news/2019/01/31/cardiovascular-diseases-affect-nearly-half-of-american-adults-statistics-show (Accessed on February 22, 2019). [ii] Ganji SH, Kamanna SV, Kashyap ML. Niacin and cholesterol: role in cardiovascular disease (review). Nutr Biochem. 2003 Jun;14(6):298-305. [iii] Lalloyer F, Staels B. Fibrates, glitazones, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2010;30(5):894-899. doi:10.1161/ ATVBAHA.108.179689. [iv] Harrington RA. Statins-Almost 30 Years of Use in the United States and Still Not Quite There. JAMA Cardiol. 2017 Jan 1;2(1):66. doi: 10.1001/ jamacardio.2016.4709. [v] Salami JA, Warraich H, Valero-Elizondo J, et al. National Trends in Statin Use and Expenditures in the US Adult Population From 2002 to 2013: Insights From the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. JAMA Cardiol. 2017;2(1):56-65. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2016.4700 [vi] Landray MJ, Haynes R, et al. Effects of Extended-Release Niacin with Laropiprant in High-Risk Patients. N Engl J Med 2014; 371:203-212. [vii] ACCORD Study Group, Ginsberg HN, Elam MB, Lovato LC, Crouse JR 3rd, Leiter LA, Linz P, Friedewald WT, Buse JB, Gerstein HC, Probstfield J, Grimm RH, Ismail-Beigi F, Bigger JT, Goff DC Jr, Cushman WC, Simons-Morton DG, Byington RP. Effects of combination lipid therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus. N Engl J Med. 2010 Apr 29;362(17):1563-74. [viii] Food and Drug Administration. Withdrawal of approval of indications related to the coadministration with statins in applications for niacin extendedrelease tablets and fenofibric acid delayed-release capsules. 4/18/2016. Available via this link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister. gov/2016-08887.pdf [ix] Fenofibrates annual sales report. [x] Lovaza annual sales report.
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Florida Cancer Specialists Bringing World-Class Cancer Care Close to Home
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ong-time Ocala resident Barbara Dehart’s list of things to do after retiring from her career as a baker didn’t include breast cancer treatment. She was enjoying life with her husband and daughter and helping out a few days a week at a friend’s florist shop, when she received her diagnosis on Valentine’s Day in 2017. Fortunately, when Barbara was referred to Dr. Vipul Patel, a Board-Certified Medical Oncologist at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), she found easy access to some of the most advanced cancer treatments, cutting-edge diagnostics and a range of support services. And best of all, she
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didn’t need to travel far from home. “I knew instantly I was surrounded by good people,” Barbara recalls. “Every person bent over backwards to help me. They truly cared about me as a person.” Her fear and anxiety were soon replaced with hope and optimism. Barbara describes Dr. Patel as “a wonderful man who has helped me in so many ways.” He and his fellow FCS Board-Certified physicians have been providing expert care to Marion County residents for years at three locations in greater Ocala. They share a deep commitment to the local community. “We live here, we work here, and we are dedicated
to serving our neighbors,” said Dr. Patel. Providing world-class cancer care close to home is the essence of FCS’ mission. Founded in 1984, FCS is one of the largest private community oncology/hematology practices in the United States, with over 230 physicians and nearly 100 locations throughout the state. FCS recently celebrated the opening of its brand-new Ocala Cancer Center, located at 4945 SW 49th Place (off I-75 at exit 350/ SR200). It’s the first and only comprehensive treatment center of its kind in Marion County, serving patients needing treatment for a broad range of cancers, blood disorders
and other diseases. The state-of-the-art, 21,000 square foot Ocala Cancer Center includes 17 exam rooms, 47 chemotherapy infusion stations, as well as diagnostics and radiation oncology services. Patients also receive access to national clinical trials, 24/7 care management support, pathology laboratory services and specialty pharmacy services, including home delivery of oral medications. “Our patients and their caregivers no longer need to travel to multiple locations for different aspects of their treatment; everything is located in one place,” said Dr. Patel. Barbara confirms the importance
“These treatments are incredibly precise and can be tailored to each patient’s individual needs.” of that. “When you’re feeling sick, you don’t want to run all over town for different appointments,” she said.
Exceptional Technology, Training & Community Dedication Enhance Clinical Care
The addition of radiation oncology services and next-generation imaging technology—a
first for Marion County—is immensely valuable to the Center’s physicians and patients. Radiation oncologists rely on medical imaging procedures to identify, diagnose and treat many different cancers and conditions. For example, the Center’s next-generation PET/CT scanner utilizes Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT), or CT scans, to provide views of internal organs, bones, soft
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Advancing Treatment through Clinical Trials
Access to FCS’ robust clinical trials program, provided in partnership with Sarah Cannon, one of the leading clinical trial organizations in the world, is another benefit provided to patients at the Ocala Cancer Center. FCS rivals or exceeds most academic medical centers in the number of national clinical trials it offers patients.
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“I knew instantly I was surrounded by good people. They truly cared about me as a person.” —BARBARA DEHART
"Many patients and their loved ones spend a lot of time here, and we want to make sure we provide as comfortable a setting as possible." “We are advancing care in our community,” notes FCS Medical Oncologist/Hematologist Dr. Patrick Acevedo. “In fact, in the last four years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the United States were studied in clinical trials conducted with FCS participation, prior to FDA approval.”
A Place for Healing that Feels Like Home
Cancer can be scary, yet, stepping into the new Ocala Cancer Center immediately triggers a sense of comfort and calm. The new building was developed with feedback and guidance from the Ocala Cancer Center’s Patient Advisory Board, convened one year ago so that FCS physicians and staff and the facility’s design team could hear directly from patients and their caregivers about what they would like to see included in the new cancer center.
FCS integrated evidence-based design to enhance the patient experience and also improve operational efficiencies for providers. Studies have shown that using certain colors, lighting and art in healthcare facilities helps to reduce stress, and when there is less stress, patients are more likely to achieve the best possible outcomes. The FCS Ocala Cancer Center layout and interior design incorporate many natural elements. In addition, the equine artwork prominent in exam rooms, hallways and treatment areas reflects Ocala’s heritage and standing as the “horse capital of the world.” “We are trying to really listen to what makes a difference to our patients,” said Dr. Patel. “Many patients and their loved ones spend a lot of time here, and we want to make sure we provide as comfortable a setting as possible.” This attention to comfort extends be-
Photo courtesy of Andrew Kruglanski, eXp Realty Broker Associate & Ocala CEP Ambassador.
tissue and blood vessels with immense clarity and detail. These scans and other tests are now performed and reviewed on site by the Center’s radiologists. If radiation treatment is recommended, the Varian VitalBeam® linear accelerator (LINAC) uses high energy beams of radiation to pinpoint and destroy cancer cells, with great precision, to any area of the body. “These treatments are incredibly precise and can be tailored to each patient’s individual needs,” explains FCS Board-Certified Radiation Oncologist Dr. Luis Carrascosa. “Because we have the newest, safest and most advanced technology, we can more accurately target tumors, avoid healthy tissue and reduce side effects,” he said. “Combined with our on-site clinical expertise, we’re able to provide a quick turnaround of results and devise a personalized plan and schedule, which often shortens treatment times and improves patient outcomes.” FCS Medical Oncologist Dr. Craig Reynolds shared a real-life example of how proximity to this expanded range of services and on-site practitioners is enhancing patient care. “I was recently caring for a patient who receives chemotherapy and now also needs radiation therapy. I was able to walk down the hallway, obtain the imaging results, confer with my colleagues, and in a matter of minutes, share a plan of action with the patient.” Technology is integrated throughout every FCS patient care experience. A user-friendly on-line portal provides ready access to health information and treatment plan details. All scheduling is centralized, for optimal patient convenience and to ensure no disruption in care. And thanks to this connectivity across the FCS network, Barbara was recently able to enjoy a week of vacation with her sister in Vero Beach and receive her infusion treatments at the FCS location there.
Patrick Acevedo, MD
Medical Oncologist/Hematologist
Vipul Patel, MD
Medical Oncologist/Hematologist
Mohammed Kamal, MD
Medical Oncologist/Hematologist
Craig Reynolds, MD
Medical Oncologist/Hematologist
Luis Carrascosa, MD Radiation Oncologist
“We live here, we work here, and we are dedicated to serving our neighbors.” yond the Center’s walls and into an expansive outdoor healing garden. Funded by FCS physicians, the garden features a variety of plantings, a calming water feature, art sculptures and bench seating. Patients can enjoy the lovely flowers and plants during their treatments, or they can stroll outside and sit for a while to enjoy the soothing sounds of the fountain.
Personalized care through Community-based Oncology
Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone attended the recent ribbon-cutting
Shilpa Oberoi, MD
Medical Oncologist/Hematologist
at the new Ocala Cancer Center. On behalf of the community and, as a former FCS patient, she expressed her gratitude for the services available to her and others facing a cancer journey. “Years ago, I was a patient of Dr. Reynolds. He and his amazing associates provided me with the best of care,” she said. “I have no doubt that many more lives will be saved because of the noble work he and the many exceptional FCS physicians and staff provide.” FCS CEO Brad Prechtl, MBA recently recognized the entire Ocala team
Sachin Kamath, MD Radiation Oncologist
for their collaboration and commitment to the community. “I am always impressed by the dedication of our physicians and staff members,” Prechtl said. “Every day, they go above and beyond to ensure that our patients receive the very best treatments available and, most importantly, they make sure that our patients are treated like they are family.” Barbara Dehart agrees. She considers the doctors, nurses and staff more like siblings than caregivers, and the camaraderie among patients “makes everything easier and brighter.” “When I go there, it lifts my spirits,” she says. Indeed, FCS makes sure that cancer is a journey no one must take alone. FOR MORE INFORMATION Learn more at FLCancer.com.
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The Future of Laboratory Testing
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Florida Cancer Specialists Ribbon Cutting
Angie Negron and Aggie Albright
A Day of Honoring and Naming the Camp Kiwanis Infirmary in Honor of George Jr. and Aggie Albright.
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amp Kiwanis was born shortly after World War II as the fulfillment of a dream of Kiwanians Byron Craig, Miles Hiers, Jim Smith, Charlie Rogers, Wayne Millard and others to provide a camp environment for the youth of Marion County. For over 95 years this spirit of “serving the children of the world” has provided over 30,000 youth from our community, 7-13 years of age, the opportunity to stay at Camp Kiwanis for one week in the summer to enjoy activities such as swimming, canoeing, archery, arts and craft, field games, skits, dance and fellowship. Long lasting friendships and memories have been created during these
weeks that stand the test of time. You or someone you know may have fond memories of summer camp. In 2016, Camp Kiwanis lost one of its most passionate supporters, George Albright, Jr. It is in his honor that the Kiwanis Clubs of Lake Weir and Ocala partner to host the 2017 Camp Kiwanis golf tournament that bears his name, and fulfills his dream of a thriving Camp Kiwanis. Please join us in supporting Camp Kiwanis and honoring George Albright, Jr. by being a tournament sponsor, participating as a player in this fun event or making a tax deductible contribution to the Ocala Camp Kiwanis Foundation, a 501(c) (3) charitable organization. Your financial support helps maintain the camp facilities, provides the necessary infrastructure and need-based scholarships for up to 20% of annual applicants. Join us while helping the community SAVE CAMP KIWANIS!
For More Information Contact: Angie Negron 352-209-5850 Email: ansrg874@gmail.com
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commemorative ribbon cutting ceremony for the new, state-ofthe-art Florida Cancer Specialists Center was held July 30, 2019. FCS executives, physicians, staff members and patients were joined by local leaders, elected officials and hospital partners for the celebratory gathering and tours.
“I’m so happy to see the new Florida Cancer Specialists Cancer Center open. The convenience of having all the specialists needed, all under one roof, is a real blessing.”- Michelle Stone, Marion County Commissioner & Former FCS Patient
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Running The Race Ocala Native Chosen as Executive Director For FSU’s Relay For Life
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eagan Albright, a senior at Florida State University, has been selected to serve as the Executive Director for Relay For Life at FSU. Florida State University’s Relay For Life is the 3rd largest collegiate Relay in the nation. This is not Reagan’s first run with the organization. Last year Reagan served as the Greek Director, helping to raise over $231,000 at FSU which benefits the American Cancer Society. After Reagan’s mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2017, Reagan decided she wanted to help make a difference and the best way to accomplish this was through The American Cancer Associations Relay For Life. Reagan, a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, Garnet and Gold Society, and with a GPA that earns her spot on the Dean’s List every semester found the time to lend her efforts to this worthy organization. Reagan would like to thank everyone for all of their continued support on her journey towards helping to find a cure.
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looking back
A Vision For The Future
The Maughs Grotto Honors The Woman Who Envisioned Tuscawilla Park
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ince 1916 the land surrounding what was once known as Taylor Pond has been a gathering place for Ocala’s residents. Today, it’s a place where communities come together and enjoy art, sports, wildlife and all the beauty our Central Florida topography has to offer. Few know of its origins or the woman who championed its formation. According to the Ocala Star-Banner, it was In April of 1916, when residents Miss Brumby and Mrs. Maugh’s were driving past an overgrown area of town that had been desperately neglected. At the time it was considered Ocala’s worst eyesore. With the overgrown nature of the area, and the variation of animals roaming freely, pollutants were finding their way the stormwater that drained into the pond causing potential health concerns. Yet, Mrs. Maughs saw through all of those obstacles. She looked beyond the overgrown brush
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and into the potential of the land. She envisioned a place where children could play and a place where the community could gather. Deciding to put her desires into action she petitioned the Women’s Club President to appoint a parks committee to help further develop the project. Knowing of no person better equipped for the task, club president Mrs. R.A. Burford appointed Mrs. Maughs as chairman to oversee the park committee. In 1916, shortly after the idea for a park was created and a committee was formed, they petitioned the city to hand over the property to the care of the Woman’s Club of Ocala. A few council members initially opposed the idea however their hesitation was quickly turned into support and the city handed the property over for revitalization. The Ocala Banner published support for this project at the time stating that the Taylor Pond Property “...shall become one of the showplaces of our city.”
The Women’s Club worked tirelessly under the direction of landscape architect Harold B. Swope. In his own words his designs “would provide the greatest number of attractive park features for both children and adults, through the utilization of existing conditions rather than by resorting to costly experiments of grading and the alterations of the natural contours.” Passing away in 1919, Mrs. Maughs never got to see the full development of the park. Those that knew her honored her memory in the park with a beautiful memorial tableted in marble. The Maughs Grotto is dedicated to the tireless efforts of one woman who looked past the problems and saw a solution. Tuscawilla Park and the Maughs Grotto are standing legacies of what community spirit and ingenuity can produce. “In the building of a city we must not build merely for today or tomorrow, but for all future time.”
Photos courtesy of HOPS | Sources: Report Of The Ocala Club For The Biennial Convention G.F.W.C: Ocala In The Future Ocala Star-Banner September 15, 1916
BY THE HISTORIC OCALA PRESERVATION SOCIETY
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