Ocala Magazine October 2022 Digital Edition

Tales

Reduced Pending

Pending

Beautiful

home

room,

dining room,

and

room

of the property. The barn/equipment building

fireplace and extra-large windows to enjoy panoramic

quarters with

bath.

Let Me Show You Ocala!

Just Listed Just Listed

Country Club of Ocala 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath contemporary home. Stunning details throughout include mill work in ceilings, open floorplan w/travertine floors, owners suite has lavish bath, soaking tub and shower, chef’s kitchen w/custom appliances, open fireplace, custom cabinetry and attention to detail throughout.

Equine Enthusiasts! 38+/- Acre property located in NW Ocala on HWY 326. Beautiful vistas from every view. 3 Bedroom, 3 bath pool home. 12 Stall stable with 1/1 efficiency. 4 Bedroom /2 bath employee residence, large equipment building with tool workshop and RV hook up.

Pending

Country Club Farms on 4.55 +/- acres – 4 Bedroom 4.5 bath pool home features formal living, formal dining, media/ theater, and open kitchen family room. Expansive master suite with dual closets. Porta corche with bonus room perfect for guests or home office. Plus 4- Car detached garage. Equine friendly community.

3 Bedroom/2.5 bath home. Stone fireplace in family room. Screen enclosed porch. Beautiful views of the property. 2 Car garage plus detached 3 car garage which 1 bay currently finished off with A/C and full bath. 48’ X 50’ metal building.

List with us today!

This Is Horse Country

Just Listed

43+/- Acres — Thoroughbred, dressage and/or breeding facility in Starting Point. 3 Barns - 51 stalls, eurocizer, round pen, arena, and 23 various size paddocks. 1/2 +/- mile irrigated exercise track plus deeded access to 5/8 +/- dirt track, 4 /4.5 owner’s residence, 4/3 guest home, 3 /1 apt, efficiency apt, A/C workshop, plus RV hook-ups. Just 4 miles to HITS and 15 miles to WEC.

Just Reduced

Palatial Chateau on 82+/- Acres. Luxurious interior captivates you with 4 BR, 4.5 BA, delightful gourmet kitchen with top grade appliances, formal dining room, spacious family room, travertine floors throughout, ample windows and detached 4 car garage with 1 BR, 1 BA guest quarters. Show stable offers 18 stalls, office and a 1/1 apt.

80+/- Acres — State of the art equestrian facility with 3 recently updated CB barns -96 stalls, each barn has wash racks, office/tack room, bathroom, and LED lighting. 8-Stall wooden barn. 3/4 +/- Mile race track, covered eurocizer, round pen plus plenty of lush green paddocks. New 4-board fencing. 4 Bd/3 ba owner’s residence with open floor plan. Guest/staff housing. Just 8.5 miles to WEC.

136.68+/- Acre estate — State-of-the-Art Equine facilities, located in the NW. Luxurious 4,000+ Sq ft of living area. Detached garage 1 BR, 1 BA guest quarters. INN offers 8 ensuite bedrooms. 5-stall isolation barn with 1/1 apt. 25 Stall center aisle barn with a European free walker and aqua treadmill. 5/8 +/Mile synthetic cushion training track.

Little Red Photo by Ralph Demilo

Carlton Reese |

Capital

Philip

philip@ocalamagazine.com

Penny Miller

VP/Corporate Development penny@ocalamagazine.com

ART

Little Black Mask Media Jessi Miller | Creative Director jessi@ocalamagazine.com

Jenn Princinsky | Creative Assistant Andrew Grunther | Graphic Designer Website StevensLabs

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ralph Demilio | Chief Photographer ralph@ocalamagazine.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Mark Anderson/Marion County | Writer Larry Bush | Writer

Mayor Kent Guinn | Columnist

John Jernigan | Photographer

Ashley Lopez/City of Ocala | Writer Brandi Wright | Photographer

OPERATIONS

Randy Woodruff, CPA | CFO randy@ocalamagazine.com

King St., Ocala,

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 4649, Ocala, FL 34478

editor@ocalamagazine.com SUBSCRIPTION One year - $49, Two years - $95, Single Issue - $5.95.

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the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association.

CUSTOM BUILT ON YOUR LAND SINCE 1972

For over 50 years, America’s Home Place has built quality custom homes for our customers. Our philosophy is our foundation. “Principle over profit.” The driving force for our culture and growth since 1972. When you choose America’s Home Place, you can be sure we will build your dreams on solid ground.

from the publisher

October Reflections

OCTOBER ALWAYS REPRESENTS A HAPPY ANNIVERSARY of sorts in that it was four years ago this month that I purchased Ocala Magazine from Linda Marks, the esteemed founder of this publication and who I still see as a guiding light for its operations. The publishing game was a completely foreign venture for me at that time, but it has helped to have such great leaders to help shepherd this product and make it the award-winning publication it is today.

From within, those leaders come in the form of people like Penny Miller, our vice president and director of corporate development. In a way, she is sort of a “Mrs. Ocala” because it seems she knows everyone and everyone knows her – she loves this community more than anyone I know and that love is only matched by hers for Ocala Magazine. Her role in bringing OM back to its prominent position in Ocala has been vital – without her I’m not sure it could have happened.

Also making OM something of which this community can be proud are all the long-time advertisers and business partners. I speak of people like Dr. Tina Chandra and Joan Pletcher as well as businesses such as Cox Communications, International Diamond Center, Nirvana Medical Spa, Silver City, The City of Ocala, Hawthorne Estates, and The World Equestrian Center, to name a few. For decades, they have never wavered in their dedication to this magazine and helping it be a pillar of the community, which it has now for 42 years.

Then, of course, there is the staff at OM – the talent that makes this publication not only relevant as a service to the community, but also provides compelling and entertaining content that is presented in a visually appealing manner and sometimes in a fun, toungein-cheek way. Ocala Magazine has evolved into a well-rounded publication unmatched by any other and for this we are quite proud.

But what more than anything makes a city magazine? That would be a community of caring and sharing people, for which the city of Ocala has no peers, in my opinion. I am con stantly amazed at the number of people who give not only their money, but their time and services to worthy causes in this town. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people in need here in central Florida, but relative to the size of the population the number of people stepping up to help their fellow citizens is astounding. It is those people that make this town so special and also make publishing this city’s magazine such an honor.

Reflecting this spirit is this month’s charity spotlight, Foster Florida. In addition to fulfilling its main mission of retaining quality foster care for children in need, the group also makes for a happy Christmas season for many children who otherwise would be left out of the joy. This year, Foster Florida will make sure many children who would have received little or nothing for Christmas will instead enjoy unwrapping gifts.

It’s hard to imagine the sadness in a child’s heart during the most joyous of seasons when others are opening presents while they get nothing. Thank God for organizations like Foster Florida and the many others that help bring magic to the Christmas season for a lot of children who deserve it.

LEST I FORGET, OCTOBER ALSO MEANS A HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my father, Jerry Glassman. What a blessing for me to have had this man as a role model my entire life! Dad, I wish you all the blessings in the world and happiest of times on your 81st birthday! Cheers to you!

PHILIP GLASSMAN, PUBLISHER

Foster Florida

Upcoming Events

Friday, October 14th New Riff Bourbon & Rye Dinner Pairing (SOLD OUT)

Join us and enjoy a custom 4-course dinner paired with 4 different New Riff Bourbon & Rye samples. This event is sold out, but look out for a similar event in early 2023.

Saturday, November 5th Celebrity Chef Dinner with Chef

Lorena Garcia and Silver Oak Winery Tickets on sale now, online via OcalaFoodAndWineFest.com Join us at Mark’s Prime for this exclusive

event featuring author and Celebrity Chef Lorena Garcia and the finest wines from Silver Oak Winery, for a once-in-a-lifetime diner’s experience as part of the Ocala Food and Wine Festival. Limited to 100 attendees, all tickets will be sold online. Reservations will not be available during this exclusive event.

Saturday, November 12th Closed for a private event.

A long-time guest and friend of the restaurant is hosting a private dinner to celebrate a major milestone, and we will not be available for regular bookings.

Friday, November 18th Closed for a private event.

A long-time guest and friend of the restaurant is hosting a private dinner to celebrate a major life event, and we will not be available for regular bookings.

Saturday, November 19th Light Up Ocala

We have limited openings for dinner for the evening of Light Up Ocala. Come join us either on the patio or inside for a special evening and a great downtown event. Make your reservations on OpenTable, or call us to book your evening.

words of wisdom

Time to get to know our local charities

Ihad the pleasure of attending a lun cheon during last month’s Give4Mari on campaign. What an uplifting event. I came away filled with feelings of good will and compassion from those attending who work for the various charities the annu al fund-raiser aims to boost.

Jamie Gilmore, a one-time high school football sensation at North Marion, talked about how his organization, Kut Different, is mentoring at-risk young men so they grow into respectable, educated, contribut ing members of the community.

Karla Greenway of Interfaith Emer gency Services worried aloud about her or ganization’s food pantry, whose shelves are being steadily depleted by growing numbers of people seeking food assistance in the face of skyrocketing grocery prices.

Amy Hill and Brianne Inman gushed about their organization, the all-volun teer Foster Florida, which helps guide and counsel foster families in Marion County –something for which there is always a des perate need.

The Pearl Project, a family and parent mentoring organization, was represented by Jes sica Blagdon, who was excited about the prog ress her group and its clients have been making in developing stronger, more stable families.

These are just a handful of the charities that make Ocala/Marion County a better place to live every day. Yet, too many of them are invisible to too many of us, even though every day they change lives and Ocala/Mar ion County for the better.

Lauren Deiorio, executive director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/ Marion County, is a champion for our com munity’s 1,000-plus nonprofit organizations, that is, its charities.

The Community Foundation sponsors the Nonprofit Business Council and Give 4Marion, giving Deiorio a unique insight into the hard work and successes of the nonprofits that address everything from homelessness to

domestic violence to child neglect.

What she sees is bittersweet. What’s sweet is people working diligently to up lift their fellow Ocalans who have fallen on hard times for one reason or another. What’s bitter is too many people failing to support these worthy causes because of an unaware ness of just how many people depend on them for help and, in some cases, to survive.

“People complain that the nonprofits are always asking for money,” Deiorio said. “What people need to understand is that nonprofits generate income through the gen erosity of donors. They can’t make a product and sell it. How else are they going to fund their programs if not through donations from individuals, businesses and grant funders?”

How indeed. Thank goodness for the Community Foundation and Give4Marion, which raised $771,000 for various charities Sept. 20-21. There is strength in numbers and having a champion in Deiorio and the Community Foundation means these orga nizations can get financial advice, manage ment expertise, fund-raising training and, yes, new donor awareness.

But here’s the thing about these chari ties and their initiatives, whether it’s mentor ing young people or guiding foster parents or housing the homeless: They make our com munity a lot better because of what they do. Imagine if Interfaith didn’t have a food pantry? Or the Salvation Army didn’t have its Center of Hope shelter? Or Veterans Helping Veter ans didn’t provide its one-stop service center to troubled military vets? Or Kimberly’s Center didn’t provide protection to abused children?

I could go on and on, but you get the point. These agencies take care of the most downtrodden, the most disenfranchised among us.

If they didn’t, who would? The County Commission? Pffftt. The City Council? Not likely. The Chamber & Economic Partner ship? Meh.

No, the people who care for those who

BY BRAD ROGERS

can’t care for themselves work for the charities like Kut Different, Foster Florida, Interfaith and the Pearl Project. They really do change lives, indeed save lives. Every. Single. Day. But they need help so they can help. Find a char ity with a cause you care about. Donate your money and, if possible, your time.

And as for the question of why the charities are always asking for money. Well, Ocala/Marion County is growing fast. It’s not just retirees and logistics workers mov ing in, there are also people looking for a fresh start or to escape a troubled past. Soon er than later, they’ll be seeking help from our already overwhelmed charities.

Get to know our charities and what they do. What you will find is heroic deeds by people who care about their fellow man. And that makes us as a community a much better place to live.

"...nonprofits generate income through the generosity of donors. They can’t make a product and sell it."

KutDifferent Program

from theMAYOR

USS Ocala Victory artifacts headed home

BY MAYOR KENT GUINN

In December of 1944, the USS Ocala Victory was christened in Baltimore Harbor, then served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War before being part of the Na tional Reserves Defense fleet until 1992. Now, several artifacts from this ship will soon make their way to Marion County.

What an honor it was for me and the citizens of Ocala to receive a letter last August from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration informing us that the commission’s successor agency had preserved artifacts from the Ocala Victory and was making them available to the city of Ocala through loan or donation. It represents the next chapter in the story surrounding Ocalan Louis Dosh and his wife, Betty, whose story is on display at the Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology.

The USS Ocala was one in a long line of cargo ships mass produced during World War II, many named in honor of American cities. Interestingly, there was also a USS Gainesville Victory, Sarasota Victory, Okaloosa Victory and Lakeland Victory in honor of those other Florida locales.

The ship was 445 feet long with a capacity of 10,850 deadweight tons and was capable of a speed of just over 15 knots.

What makes the USS Ocala Victory special is not only its long service, but the circum stances surrounding its launch, which took place on December 19, 1944. Christening the ship was none other than Betty Dosh, whose husband, Louis, was at the time being held prisoner by the Japanese at the infamous Cabanatuan camp in the Philippines. He fought in the hills near Luzon for three years before being captured. In January of 1945, Dosh was aboard an unmarked ship transporting prisoners – ships known as “hell ships” as they were taking pris oners to be used as forced labor. Under orders to sink any Japanese ship, American planes sank Dosh’s ship and he was not among the few survivors.

Dosh was posthumously awarded the Army Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Prisoner of War Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Of course, the christening of the USS Ocala Victory was also in his honor.

Dosh’s story is fascinating and worth the trip to the museum to read about his heroism. And now, another piece of the story is being added with the recent letter I received. Among the artifacts being shared is the builder’s plate from the ship as well as its clock. We expect these items to arrive in the coming weeks, at which time we will garner the necessary permis sion to transfer them to a proper display.

The saga of Louis Dosh and the commissioning of the USS Ocala Victory are potent reminders of our past and the important sacrifices made by those who came before us. Through their sacrifices, we are able to enjoy so many freedoms that we too often take for granted. Seeing these artifacts on display and hearing the story of Dosh and his travails in the Pacific Theatre of World War II are necessary to remind us of just how fragile our freedoms are and the high price that was paid to keep them.

MEET JOHN VANDUZER, CPA, PARTNER

John helps a variety of clients to achieve their long-term goals, minimize their tax burden and maximize the value of their business. As a key member of our Real Estate Services team, he has extensive knowledge and experience in the accounting and tax concerns of this industry. The Partner-in-Charge of our Ocala office, John also heads the firm’s Tax Department and leads a team of over 40 professionals in serving the firm’s business and individual tax clients.

Graveyard Manning the

A journey through the perils and perks of working during the famed shift that takes place during the witching hour.

BY CARLTON REESE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RALPH DEMILIO

Graveyard Shift

The still of the night feigns its slumber, a masquerade for the tor rent of quiet industry hidden from the multitude of somnophiles who flee to their warm enclaves. The dark ness does not merely settle in where light has retreated, it devours it and with it all pre tensions of a day’s final demise, belying its lifeless façade.

It is here, soon after the post meridiem surrenders to the ante, that the expectation of the interim societal coma proves to be but a myth. Churning within is a potent commerce, rife with all the cogs of production grinding in seeming perpetuity. And there to admin ister the manufactures are people, human beings of the nocturnal sort, toiling in the witching hours before withdrawing to their own stupors as light begins to hold sway.

To the vast populace unaware of this hive in the darkness, the world of the a.m. would seem the domain of freaks and ghouls, but they would be wrong. For in this crepus cule chill are truck drivers hauling their pay loads across the highways and byways, mod ern cowboys of the industrial herd; doctors and nurses tending to those victims strick en in the most vulnerable of hours; and, of

course, the lads stocking the shelves of the grocery store all for the convenience of the diurnal, blithely unaware of their efforts.

We wake up daily to a world that for 12 hours is in the custody of those who work “the graveyard shift.” They man their posts while cultivating a peculiar lifestyle that includes the sleep cycle of coyotes and owls. And the social life of the “graveyard shift” employee? Tenuous at best, but few complaints.

THE NIGHT WATCH

“I have a front row seat to the greatest show on earth,” said Christopher Russo, a veteran

officer of the Ocala Police Department and now in his third year patrolling the night shift. “Being from New York, I’m from the ‘City that Never Sleeps,’ and when I came to Ocala everyone said, ‘You’re moving to Slow-Cala.’ Once I got on nights (shift), I learned really fast that Ocala doesn’t sleep, either.”

Russo’s shift starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 7 a.m., rendering his daylight hours spent

mostly in bed. Days off and vacations pres ent opportunities for “normalcy,” but there is always an acclimatization process that must take place before returning to the beat.

“If I have to stay up normal hours on my off days, even if I get good sleep, my body is yelling at me, saying, ‘Hey, you’re supposed to be sleeping – it’s 2 o’clock in the after noon!’ That re-set is super hard.”

The freaks and ghouls feared by those

“You don’t know what’s around the corner, and that keeps me on my toes. You get that feeling of ‘what goes bump in the night’ ...because you can’t see."

—OFFICER CHRISTOPHER RUSSO

who prefer their beds at midnight are a rare sighting, but exist they most certainly do, and encounters generally include an officer of the law. For Russo, the stories of strange behavior guided by the light of the moon have piled up in three short years.

One evening, Russo feared there may be a chainsaw massacre in the offing when he received a call to the Ocala downtown square at 4:45 a.m. Prepared for the worst, Russo encountered a man indeed walking down

town and revving the motor of his chainsaw.

“He wasn’t threatening anybody, but walking around and yelling, ‘Does anyone want to see my chainsaw?’” Russo recalls. “It didn’t even have a chain on it, and he was ex cited to show it to me – he wanted to tell me how it was a one-of-one vintage chainsaw. I don’t believe he was on any drugs at the time and the chainsaw wasn’t stolen.”

Getting the call that a man is wielding a chainsaw is enough to get one’s adrenaline go

ing, but that is part of the allure of being a cop, especially one that works the night shift and will encounter things that go beyond strange.

“The calls we’re going to at night are things that are in progress most of the time, so it’s more exciting for me at least,” Russo said. “You don’t know what’s around the cor ner, and that keeps me on my toes. You get that feeling of ‘what goes bump in the night’ you don’t really know because you can’t see –it’s a little more eerie at night.”

The a.m. hours seem pregnant with ab errant behavior and must be dealt with by more than just the men in blue. Even a ware house worker tends to keep one eye on the door, not knowing what may lurk from the shadows of a dead calm morning. Wilfred Forde, an advisor on the late-night shift at the AutoZone distribution center in Ocala, can attest to the oddities that come strolling in from behind the dark curtain of the night.

One early morning during Forde’s graveyard shift, a strange man walked into the warehouse, which is generally secure with an officer on duty. “He came in through the drivers’ door, no shirt on, no shoes on, just walking through the warehouse scream ing,” Forde recalls. “Everybody thought it was a driver at first coming in to get his pa perwork. But no, he was some outside person who got on the property. He finally walked right out the front door.”

Dealing with the unhinged may be the exception to the rule. One would expect a police officer to occasionally come across the eccentric and unpredictable, but for the rest of the graveyard shift workers not in a hos pital, interactions such as those aforemen tioned are fairly rare.

Dania Williams works as a night audi tor at the Equus Inn and is yet to experience anything beyond late-night revelers.

“Fridays and Saturday nights we’ll get

drunk people coming from the bars down town,” Williams explained. “As far as stuff out of the ordinary, I haven’t seen any, but

“You do get some weirdos sometimes; it’s not frightening, more irritating.”—DANIA WILLIAMS

you do get some weirdos sometimes; it’s not frightening, more irritating.”

SLEEP CYCLES AND SOCIAL DISCONNECT

The spookiness or potential dangers aside, workers of the graveyard shift face mainly the issues of unconventional sleep cycles and a lifestyle that hinders significant social in teraction. To work the flip side of the time clock means either owning the night owl gene or simply grasping the best available work option. Either way, the advantages of working a graveyard shift may ultimately outweigh the disadvantages.

Those disadvantages seem mostly to center around a major adjustment to sleep ing habits.

“My first graveyard shift was the abso lute worst,” Williams said. “I was not pre pared for it. I was like, ‘Oh, I’ve got this – I usually stay up to 2 or 3 o’clock in the morn ing anyway – this is nothing. I get halfway through the shift and I almost pass out; I’m ready to go night-night.”

Williams has since adjusted, but she is a newbie compared to Forde, who has worked the graveyard shift for 20 years, at AutoZone now and for Cheney Brothers before that. In those 20 years, Forde has enjoyed a success ful marriage and raised a family of four chil dren, the youngest now age 23. He started the graveyard shift not out of some innate desire to do so, but because the money was good. He and his wife made the necessary adjustments and the formula has paid dividends.

“It started because my wife was working days and we were raising kids,” Forde said. “It was easier for us, for one to have a job during the day time and the other to have a job at night, so there was always somebody with the kids.

“I started out on nights as a selec tor because it paid so much. I was averag ing almost $40 an hour selecting pieces at Cheney Brothers.”

One does not remain on the graveyard shift for 20 years without experiencing some benefits. Sure, the money was good and there were familial advantages as well, but other aspects gave the night shift strong appeal.

“Basically, you’re almost in charge of ev erything because there’s no upper manage

ment there on your shift,” Forde said. “You have pretty much the full reign. It’s a little bit less stress on you because you don’t have as many people giving you advice on what to do and changing up stuff.”

Then there is the commute, which Forde says is far more relaxing than that experienced by the rush-hour traffic crowd. In all his years, he has not had to sit still in traffic waiting for a light to change. On his way home, he gets to witness the early com

“Basically, you’re almost in charge of everything because there’s no upper management there on your shift. You have pretty much the full reign.”

—WILFRED FORDE

muters begin their battle coming from the opposite direction.

At the hotel in the middle of the night, matters are quiet, perhaps too quiet, accord ing to Williams.

“There’s very little interaction with peo ple,” Williams said. “I am a people person and I love interaction. I was originally hired for night audit because that was all they were originally hiring for – you got to get in where you fit in.

“If you’re a people person and like to be active all day, the night audit is not for you. If you prefer a nice, smooth, quiet and easy slow-down shift at work then night audit is for you. It’s the most relaxed shift and it’s re petitive. If I could change anything, it would be more people coming in.”

The social disconnect for now does not worry Russo, but he understands the future will likely dictate a change in his shift. As a young single who likes to play golf with his buddies on off-days, caring for a family does not enter the equation. But he knows that his life will ultimately take him in another direction, and when it does, that could mean the end to the graveyard shift.

“I do worry about my social life – I’m a social guy,” Russo said. “I like to have friends and I think it’s super important for a cop to have a life outside work. So, it gets tough.

“I think that will all change once I start a family and there’s another person in the picture or I have kids. I think I’ve got a few more years in me on the night shift until I think about going to days.”

For a young man, the night shift has presented Russo with some opportunity for levity the way working the day shift likely would not. One dark early morning when on patrol at Six Gun Plaza, he noticed a shad owy figure standing in the parking lot be hind one of the buildings.

“I was a little freaked out because he wasn’t moving,” Russo said. He flashed his bright lights onto the figure, only to realize it was just a mannequin, settling his heart and bringing some laughter. It also sparked an idea in his head.

“I took the mannequin and snuck it in the back of another buddy’s patrol car.”

Now, it was time for another officer to get that jolt of adrenaline, only to come down in a chuckle of self-awareness.

PROS AND CONS

of Working the Graveyard Shift

Pros: Relative higher pay

Little to no traffic

Lack of micromanaging supervisor

Interesting/bizarre happenings

Quiet time

Cons: Hindrance to social life

Unconventional sleep cycle

Fear of the unknown

Interesting/bizarre happenings

Quiet time

“There’re definitely some spooky things we run upon that the everyday person does not get to see while they’re sleeping,” Russo said.

When pondering the graveyard shift, most people think of a loner toiling away in a cacophonous warehouse or empty lobby, and though this may be true, it does not tell the whole story. Life still hums, even for the bal anced and reasonable, at hours designated for repose. We call it the “graveyard shift” and the irony is that as much life abounds as during

the day, only shrouded in such a caliginous air.

In the end, the graveyard shift cannot be pinned down to its singular metaphor – it encapsulates a multitude of concepts. In the graveyard shift, there is not simply darkness and quiet, there exists laughter and boredom, fear and excitement, solitude and sleep deprivation. Mainly, the graveyard shift keeps the world open while the rest of us shut down. And for that, the graveyard shift has earned all our gratitude.

Corporate events are golden here.

Golden Ocala is the ideal location for corporate inspiration. From golf outings on a majestic, championship course to garden-view strategy sessions and ballroom-surrounded luncheons, we have the picture-perfect office getaway for groups of any size. With state-of-the-art amenities like a touch-screen podium, microphone integration, satellite radio streaming, dual projectors and theatre seats, you’ll be more than ready for team-building, brainstorming and anything else that lies ahead.

Brynn Donnelly & Michael O’Laughlin NUPTIALS

Date of wedding: April 9, 2022

Bride hometown: Ocala, FL

Groom hometown: Hong Kong

Planning/Design: The Petal Report

Photography: Rachel Craig Photography

Rings: All three rings were designed by Mike’s mom

Floral: Fresh Weddings and Events

Venue: Founders Hall, Charleston, SC

How we met: Medical school

Engaged: November 2018 at Magnolia Gardens

Special touches: Brynn changed into red which is the traditional color for Chinese wedding dresses

Unusual happenings: Brynn & Mike eloped in 2020 after having to postpone their origi nal wedding due to COVID

NUPTIALS

Steven Patterson and Roseann Fricks

Date of wedding: May 7, 2022

Bride hometown: Buffalo, NY (Ocala since '75)

Groom hometown: Wooster, OH

Parents of Groom: Sam and Jayne Patterson

Parents of Bride: Joe and Fran Fricks

Photography: Family and friends

Design: Casual and simple

Ring: Platinum rings for both of us

Floral: Sunflowers and white roses

Venue: Our home in Ocala, intimate group of family and friends attended

How we met: Online

Engaged: October 17, 2021

Honeymoon: Blue Ridge mountains in GA

Special touches: My granddaughter, Lilly Mae Cabrera, was part of our wedding. All our guests participated in our candle lighting ceremony. Our wedding officiant, Wendy Thurow (Our Simple Ceremony) provided humor.

Unusual happenings: I forgot there was a ribbon around the cake, so it took us a while to cut the cake (last picture).

Your wedding dreams can come true with

A Water Lover’s Paradise - Enjoy an authentic Florida experience at our beautiful, relaxing, eco-friendly 232 acre resort surrounded by the natural springs of King’s Bay. The resort offers 196 hotel rooms, over 12,000 sq ft reception rooms, 18 hole Championship golf course, Restaurants, Tiki Bar, Swim with the manatee experience, kayaking, fishing charters, boat rentals, full service spa and much more!

The best independent living for the money HAWTHORNE ESTATES:

When a tornado ripped through Ocala last spring and de stroyed Frank Marchisa’s apartment building, he need ed to find somewhere new to live. He didn’t have to look far. Marchisa moved across the street into Hawthorne Estates and, look ing back, says it was a great decision for his well-being and his bank account.

“It’s the best deal in town,” the 79-yearold retired iron worker said. “When you figure in everything, I’m living cheaper than in my apartment. And this place has class. I get 10 times more here than I did in my apartment.”

Hawthorne Estates, located at 3211 SW 42nd St., Ocala, provides independent living in an affordable, resort-style setting. It’s 93 spacious units provide residents with their own home while providing an array of services from meals and utilities to house keeping and social activities.

Marchisa, a Marine who served in the Vietnam War, said his studio apartment is spacious and the staff and residents make living in Hawthorne Estates a joy.

“It’s wonderful,” he said. “The two meals a day. Anytime there is a maintenance issue, they have a professional crew who are johnny on the spot. There’s transportation if you need it. There are so many activities, too. And look at the place – they keep it immac ulate. It’s a well thought out organization run by caring people. They’re people people, there’s no other way to say it.”

Hawthorne Estates is part of a larger senior care complex that also includes a re hab facility and a nursing home.

That’s what brought Harold Bowie to Hawthorne last year. The retired manager

for the Detroit city water system moved into the indepen dent living facility after his wife, Mary, had been hospital ized and was sent to Hawthorne’s adjoin ing rehab facility. When his wife later died, Bowie decided to stay on at Haw thorne, even though he had a home in Beverly Hills.

“I love it here,” the 96-year-old said. “They treat me so well. They’ve never treated me as any thing more than another of God’s children. They treat me like I am one of theirs.”

Bowie said after his wife’s passing, the Hawthorne Es tates staff went above and beyond to accom modate and comfort him. They even brought his meals to his room.

Beyond the kindness and helpfulness of the staff, Bowie said living at Hawthorne is simply easy and convenient.

“They feed me,” he said. “I don’t have to clean my room. I don’t have to do my laun dry if I want to pay someone. Everything I need to do, they do for me.”

That is what makes living at Hawthorne Estates so special, both Marchisa and Bow

ie said. Included in your monthly rent is an array of essential services and social and en tertainment activities that, when bundled together, make Hawthorne a great deal.

Residents can choose between studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, with each unit having a kitchen.

The services and amenities that are included in the cost of the apartments are numerous. All utilities -- except for your personal phone -- are part of the package. That means electric, water and sewer, cable

Frank Marchisa

TV, wireless internet and trash removal.

Hawthorne residents also can schedule transportation on the facility’s van through the front desk, or they are welcome to have their own vehicle, with free parking on the property.

For those who want to see a doctor without having to leave the facility, Haw thorne Estates has an outside concierge physician service that will come and treat residents in their homes.

Every resident has a choice of what size apartment they want, depending on their needs. Again, they can choose between studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. The apartments have a full-size mod ern kitchen, individual heating and cooling units, plush wall-to-wall carpeting, a large bathroom with safety features, spacious closets, blinds, screened porches and smoke alarms and a sprinkler system.

Hawthorne Estates is a smoke-free fa cility, too.

In addition to all that, residents are provid ed weekly apartment cleaning as well as weekly linen service. Laundry facilities are located in convenient areas throughout the facility.

Carolyn and Merrick Owen recently

moved into Hawthorne Estates. Merrick, 95 and a retired geology professor from Penn sylvania, and Carolyn, 76 and a retired fac tory worker from Ocala, got married three years ago.

The Owenses said they looked around for an independent living facility for months throughout Central Florida before deciding Hawthorne Estates was the best option.

“We liked the place,” Merrick said. “Having two meals was attractive. And we could afford the two-bed, two-bath apart ment, which is the biggest.”

The Owenses said the central location of Hawthorne Estates – near the Paddock Mall and State Road 200 – also made it ap pealing. But the biggest selling point was the affordability factor.

“We’ve been to some places that cost $7,000 a month, and they aren’t as nice as this,” Merrick said.

Prices for Hawthorne Estates run from $2,111 a month for a studio to $3,708 for a two-bedroom/two-bath.

Anyone interested in checking Haw thorne Estates out is invited to attend any of the Friday night Happy Hours.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

of Ocala 3211 SW 42nd St., Ocala www.hawthorneresidence.com (352) 237-7776, ext. 255

Carolyn and Merrick Owen Harold Bowie

Each

FALL

is the favorite season according to

respondents.

OF OM READERS POLLED SAID THEY PREFER CHOCOLATE CANDY FOR HALLOWEEN, while the remaining

prefer hard or gummy candies.

OFREADERS POLLED STATED THEY WILL NOT BE HOSTING A HALLOWEEN PARTY THIS YEAR.

WHEN IT COMES TO WINE SELECTION,

OF READERS SAID THEIR FAVORITE TYPE OF WINE IS CABERNET SAUVIGNON.

NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET

AS THE BEST HORROR FLICK. A few other reader favorites were Psycho, The Shining, and The Exorcist

OM READERS VOTED FOR 72%

WHEN IT COMES TO THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU WAKE UP,

33%

OF OUR RESPONDENTS’ SAID THEY HEAD TO THE BATHROOM while 27% head straight for an electronic. The remainder of respondents were torn between letting the dog out or reaching for the pot of coffee.

IS SPOOKY YOUR THING?

83%

OF RESPONDENTS WILL BE ANSWERING THEIR DOOR ON HALLOWEEN WITH A BIG BOWL OF CANDY FOR VISITORS,

while the other 17% won’t be handing out candy as they’ll be doing the actual trick-or-treating.

WHEN IT COMES TO DRESSING UP FOR HALLOWEEN,

OF READERS CHOOSE A FUNNY, ICONIC, OR SCARY THEME COSTUME.

27% said they don’t dress up for Halloween at all.

OF OM READERS SAID THEY LOVE VISITING HAUNTED HOUSES.

OF READERS POLLED SAID THEY PREFER TO CARRY THEIR PHONE IN A PURSE. 49% prefer to carry it in their pocket while the remaining 7% carry it in their hand.

DERMATOLOGY &AESTHETIC CENTER

Ocala Family Medical Center's Dermatology & Aesthetic team, Dr. Valentina Bradley Kalbaugh and Amber Starling, APRN-C, provide full, state-of-the-art care in general and cosmetic Dermatology!

They are experts in conditions and diseases of the skin, hair and nails, including the diagnosis and advanced treatment of skin cancers. Our CAP Certified on-site pathology lab allows us to provide patients with quicker, more accurate results.

Some of the conditions they treat are:

• Acne

• Diseases of Hair and Nails

• Eczema

•Growth Removals (moles, lipomas, warts, etc.)

•Psoriasis

•Rashes

•Rosacea

•Skin Cancer Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (Mohs Surgery)

Our Dermatology & Aesthetics Department also offers cosmetic treatments and procedures, including a wide array of facials, Botox® , Facial Fillers, Recovery Treatments (Dermal Stamping), Micro-needling, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), other laser procedures and more!

Valentina Bradley Kalbaugh, MD

Amber Starling, APRN-C

I’m Not Missing Out On Anything Vegan Burger

Photo by Ralph Demilio

Vegan Carnitas(yes, it’s a thing)

RECIPE + STYLING BY HELEN DEMILIO | PHOTOS BY RALPH DEMILIO

Get ready to challenge everything you might be thinking about vegan food. The word "vegan" can be intimidating. Just knowing it's the healthiest alternative for our bodies and for the planet sounds less indulgent and insinuates more work. Psh. It's not any more work and it's delish! We invite you to lean into the challenge with these plantbased carnitas. They're a perfect for anyone looking to incorporate a healthier lifestyle into their diet. To elevate the classic plant protein, we used a blend of savory spices to season with care. Whether you are serving this delectable dish for a weekend brunch or Taco Tuesday, your family and friends won't be disappointed!

Vegan Enoki Carnitas

INGREDIENTS

» 3 tbsp olive oil

» 2 enoki mushroom packs

» 1 red onion

» vegan sour cream

» cilantro

» 4corn tortillas

» 1avocado

» 1 1/2 tsp cumin

» 1 tbsp garlic powder

» 1 tsp onion powder

» 1/4 tsp black pepper

» 1/2 tsp salt

» 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

» 1 tsp oregano

INSTRUCTIONS

• Chop enoki into small pieces horizontally

• Dice your red onion and put it to the side.

• Slice avocado and put it to the side.

• Heat olive oil in a pan and then sear the enoki, cook half of the mushrooms at a time to avoid making the mushrooms soggy. Do not constantly stir, let the mushrooms crisp up on each side.

• Pour in your spices and mix together.

• Toast your tortillas.

• Assemble your tacos to your like and finish off with vegan sour cream.

dining out

dining out

Mark’s Prime SteakhouseMark’s Prime Steakhouse

Mark’s Prime SteakhouseMark’s Prime Steakhouse

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

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

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

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

30 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala | (352) 402-0097 Tues - Thurs 5pm - 9:30pm | Fri, Sat 5pm - 10pm https://marksprimesteakhouse.com

30 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala | (352) 402-0097 Tues - Thurs 5pm - 9:30pm | Fri, Sat 5pm - 10pm https://marksprimesteakhouse.com

19th Hole Sports Bar

West 82° Bar and Grill

It’s football season at The 19th Hole Sports Bar and Grill! The Plantation on Crystal River would like to welcome you every Saturday and Sunday for football game day. Join us for delicious food and drink specials like our Loaded Nachos or The Hail Mary and cheer on your team. We are open until 6 every day, but we will stay open until the end of the 4pm games. We look forward to serving you soon!

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

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

Call for reservations and weekly specials. Breakfast, Daily: 6:00am-10:30am | Sunday Brunch: 11:30am - 2:00pm Lunch, Daily: 11:00am - 2:30pm | Dinner, Daily: 5:00pm - 9:00pm For reservations, call 1.800.632.6262 9301 West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429 | (352) 795-4211 www.plantationoncrystalriver.com

Call for reservations and weekly specials at West 82° Bar & Grille. Breakfast, Daily: 6:00am-10:30am | Sunday Brunch: 11:30am - 2:00pm Lunch, Daily: 11:00am - 2:30pm | Dinner, Daily: 5:00pm - 9:00pm For reservations, call 1.800.632.6262 9301 West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429 | (352) 795-4211 www.plantationoncrystalriver.com

Ivy

The Square

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

53 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala | (352) 622-5550 Closed Mon, Tues 11am-2pm, Wed 11am-9pm, Thurs 11am-9pm 106 NW Main St., Williston | (352) 528-5410 Sun-Wed 11am-2pm, Thurs-Sat 11am-8pm | ivyhousefl.com

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

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

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

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

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

GOlist

Brought to you by GO52.events

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

Ocala Arts Festival

Oct. 22 & 23, 2022 | Downtown Ocala

Ocala's favorite arts festival since 1988. This October, come enjoy the Ocala Arts Festival in downtown Ocala. Enjoy the artwork of over 150 artists, local performers, and delicious food trucks. • Free to the public. https:// fafo.org/festival

Oct. 7 | Downtown Ocala @ 6 to 9 pm

Enjoy an evening of art, live performances, and downtown shops and restaurants. Over 30 artist displays, live entertainment, free family art activities provided by local arts organizations and extended shopping hours. Pick up a map on the square and take a self-guided tour. In the event of inclement weather, the FFAW will move to the Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE 3rd St.

Ocala Pride Festival Oct. 8 @ 11am–4pm

Tuscawilla Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala

Entertainers, Vendors, Food, and Music. Come Celebrate Pride during LGBTQIA+ history Month. Hosted by Ocala Pride, Inc.

Ocala Cars & Music Show Presented by Jenkins Auto Group

Oct. 14 @ 11-4pm Jenkins Open Air Theatre at the Reilly Center for the Arts in Tuscawilla Park

Live music, food trucks, local arts and vendors, and the latest lineups by Jenkins Auto Group. Bring a blanket and chairs. Musical lineup featuring Glass Onion, Kimber Davis Band and more. Partial proceeds support the new Ocala Symphony Community Music Conservatory. • Admission is FREE. www.reillyartscenter.com/ events/ocala-cars-and-music-show/

Oct. 8 & 9 @ 4 – 8pm

Step back into history as you meet the legends of Fort King’s past. They will tell their tales of a time gone by during a guided lantern tour of Ocala’s Seminole War historic site. Tour last approx 1 hour with groups starting every 10 mins. Also enjoy food trucks, vendors along with a live band and games.

Important Information to Know: Please plan to arrive 30 minutes early for transportation and check in. • $5 per person. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance. You can purchase on ocalafl.org or for more info call: 352.368.5533

Ocala Downtown Market

Every Saturday @ 10-2pm Rain or shine | 310 SE 3rd St., Ocala

Join local vendors and customers for shopping and dining. Just blocks off of the Ocala Downtown Square in an open-air Market Pavilion. Includes large overhead fans, restrooms, a nearby ATM, water fountains, a playground, and a permanent onsite beverage vendor, Buzz & Grind. • https://ocaladowntownmarket.com

McIntosh 1890’s Festival

Nov. 5 @ 8am-4pm

Shop along victorian McIntosh's tree-lined streets on this day for the whole family. Enjoy arts, crafts, antiques, artisan jewelry, one-ofa-kind gifts, garden, and homemade treats. • https://mcintosh1890sfestival.com

41st Annual Marion County Chili Cook off Nov. 5 @ 10am-5pm

Southeastern Livestock Pavillion

HCA

Celebrates 20 Years at West Marion Family Reunion

PHOTOS BY BRANDI WRIGHT

Many of the HCA Family came together to enjoy celebrating 20 years for West Marion.

Several dignitaries attend ed and a special ribbon cutting was done by Mayor Kent Guinn, CEP CEO Kevin Shei lly, Dr. James Duke and Dr. Sid Clevinger, among others. A special message was given by the HCA CEO, Chad Christianson.

The event was not only a meaningful and enlightening celebration for all in atten dance, but included a fun day with burrito bowls, a DJ and a selfie station.

HCA and West Marion Are both health care facilities that are as unique as you are.

Peter Hempstead, Dr. James Duke, Chad Christianson, Mayor Kent Guinn, and Kevin Shelley

Hills BBQ Catering

Travis Morrow and Kaitlyn Butler

Marie Yives, Francesca Colon, and Faith Dobson

Charlotte Martin

Valerie Timons and Kelly Julio

Kevin Sheilley

Ladoma Coleman, Katherine Thomas , Ivy Mcvelley

Ocala Lions Club Jerry Cullison 29th Memorial Golf Tournament

The Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation would appreciate the support of the Ocala/ Marion County Business Community through the commitment of sponsorships to this full field event. The tournament (a four person scramble) will be held on December 3, 2022, at the Ocala Golf Club (Muni)

Platinum Level: $1,000

Have the name of your company significantly displayed on all promotional materials, on signs posted at the golf course on the day of the tournament, and in the program publication given to each participant. Receive a free entry for one golf team (four players).

Gold Sponsor: $500

The name of your company will be displayed on all promotional materials, on signs posted at the golf course on the day of the tournament, as well as in the program publication given to each participant.

Silver Sponsor: $250

The name of your company will be acknowledged on signs posted at the golf course on the day of the tournament, as well as in the program publication given to each participant.

Be a partner with the Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation in serving the community with its sight and hearing programs, Christmas in July, and Silent Santa Programs (these programs provide school supplies and holiday gifts to underprivileged children).

To become a sponsor, contact: Garry Adel: 352-895-1084 or Barry Fies: 352-362-7713

Kiwanis Sportsmans Dinner

PHOTOS BY RALPH DEMILIO

Hundreds of people attended the Kiwanis Club of Ocala’s an nual Sportsmans Dinner on Aug. 26,2021, at the Oak Run Palmgrove room for an evening of food, fun and fund raising.

The Sportsmans Dinner has become an annual tradition that raises money each year for the Kiwanis Club’s various children’s charitable efforts and projects, including Camp Kiwanis.

This year’s dinner featured a silent auc tion as well as a live auction. Attendees were served with a barbecue dinner.

Joe Borge and Erica Olstein

Rosanne Fricks, Dawne Dobbins, Merry Gray, Wes Wheeler and Andy Spahn

Cheyanne Quale, Joe Vogue and Dakpta Webb

Bill Catsulis - Weeks Auction

David Bird, Wendy Bird, Meghan Jerrel and Eli Jerrels

Jenny Mcleod Conley and Paul Stentiford

Brad and Debbie Rogers

Erik Raba and Samantha Rauba

Hometown Heroes Awards

PHOTOS BY BRANDI WRIGHT

The 5th Annual Hometown Heroes Gala was held on September 8 at On Top of the World’s beautiful Circle Square Cultural Center. Over 300 guests and award winners enjoyed the fes tivities, coming from Marion County, Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon, Citrus County, Levy County, Lake County, Sumter Couty, Alachua County, Putnam County and a task force who served heroically in the Miami condo collapse. Those honored were sheriffs, police, fire rescue, healthcare workers, hospice and utility first re sponders. The service provided by these men and woman, every day their job demands their utmost attention and clear decisions while pro tecting our communities.

Hiers Baxley Community Care orga nized the event. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Marion County) is the non-profit benefitting from the sponsorships.

Judge Lori Cotton was the keynote speaker. NAMI President, Carali McLean spoke about their programs. Carali summa rized where Hometown Heroes and NAMI Marion connect—“all are real people—nor mal human beings—who have chosen to work in professions that require above aver age courage, commitment, and compassion.”

The Veterans Park had a wonderful 9-11 display honoring our heroes. Chief Pam Driggers presented Dennis Baxley, Steve Tweedle and Leena Williams with a plaque to acknowledge the detailed work involved to making this event so meaningful and for pro viding a path to honor our local heroes.

Tabitha Downey, Cindy OConnor, and Dia Krevzer

Ocasio

L.,

Tito Fannic, and Isabel Torrus

Clint and Aubrey Welborn

Aubrey and Katelyn Hackney, Alicia and Jeremy Feil

Samantha and EJ Raines

T and Jason with Harley Davidson

Officers Turner, Welch, Johnson, and Konopiski

Jessica and Stan McClain

Angie and Edward Suggs

Jon and Paige Stephenson

Retirement Community

Retirement Community

Retirement Community

Hope to see you in 2022.

Hope to see you in 2022.

on many of our homes. Lakeview is a wonderful place to

on many of our homes. Lakeview is a wonderful place to

To celebrate the opening of our New Clubhouse, we are offering, for a limited time, Great Sale Pricing on many of our homes. Lakeview is a wonderful place to live and the Clubhouse, with its gorgeous performance stage and many dining areas, will give our residents even better accommodations, activities and service.

Now’s the time to sell your house and enjoy the peace of mind of Life Care at Lakeview. Houses are selling rapidly and at high prices with low interest rates. This may not last long. Now’s the time to experience Life Care at Lakeview.

Now’s the time to sell your house and enjoy the peace of mind of Life Care at Lakeview. Houses are selling rapidly and at high prices with low interest rates. This may not last long. Now’s the time to experience Life Care at Lakeview.

Now’s the time to sell your house and enjoy the peace of mind of Life Care at Lakeview. Houses are selling rapidly and at high prices with low interest rates. This may not last long. Now’s the time to experience Life Care at Lakeview.

Independent Living • Assisted Living • Rehabilitation

Independent Living • Assisted Living • Rehabilitation

You Are Not Alone, If You Are Home at Lakeview Terrace!

You Are Not Alone, If You Are Home at Lakeview Terrace!

Independent Living • Assisted Living • Rehabilitation You Are Not Alone, If You Are Home at Lakeview Terrace!

Reserve Today! 1-800-343-1588 www.LakeviewTerrace.com

Reserve Today! 1-800-343-1588 www.LakeviewTerrace.com

At St. Rd. 19 and Hwy 42, entrance on 19

Brand New 30,000 sq ft Clubhouse Reserve Today! 1-800-343-1588 www.LakeviewTerrace.com At St Rd 19 & Hwy 42, entrance on 19

At St Rd 19 & Hwy 42, entrance on 19

At St Rd 19 & Hwy 42, entrance on 19

Break the Silence

BY JERRY GLASSMAN

Silence can be easily broken Break it by using your voice

To champion the issues you are passionate about With that attitude, You will make a difference that you will be proud of

You don’t know how much good you can do unless you try to do it

By the way,

It’s a fun trip to make a positive difference

In other people’s lives

Close to cancer experts. Closer to what you love.

Florida Cancer Specialists’ top-ranked cancer experts provide the most advanced treatments in our local community.

From genetic screening to immunotherapies, our quality care brings effective, targeted treatment to you so you can stay close to home.

We take care of all the big things in cancer care, so you can focus on all the little moments that matter—every step of the way.

equine

Everything Equine p62

G racious Living in the Horse Capital of the World®

So Many Breeds and Disciplines, So Much to Learn

BY LOUISA BARTON

In “The Horse Capital of the World,” Ocala/Marion County, we know of more than 60 different breeds of hors es and a wide variety of disciplines or sports within the equine industry. Perhaps, you have attended a rodeo or one of the HITS shows at Post Time Farm in Ocala. Or maybe you wanted to, but you did not really feel you had enough horse knowledge to do so. Maybe you were even intimidat ed a bit, because you thought you might be expected to understand the sport and you were afraid to ask questions. Maybe you like to dine at the wonderful World Equestrian Center, and after lunch or dinner you have poked your head into one of the arenas and wanted to watch the equine sporting event that was going on that day, but you do not really know much about the particular breed of horse. Maybe you have young children who really want to ride horses, but you aren’t

sure yet what breed of horse or riding style suits them the best. Perhaps, you thought about going to enjoy the outdoors and nat ural beauty of the Florida Horse Park to watch a polo match, but you weren’t sure how the game works and did not want to be the only one there who wasn’t an expert.

We have a solution to all of this! If you join the Ocala Metro Chamber and Eco nomic Partnership’s Equine Initiative, pre sented By Pyranha on Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Florida Horse Park, your knowledge will increase considerably.

The Hobby Horse Equestrian Games, presented by Everglades Equipment Group Leesburg, your local John Deere dealer, is an event that will provide edutainment at its most fun for all ages with no admission charge. With stick horse instruction from top eques trians in horse racing, reining, roping, barrels, show jumping, dressage and a polo match, plus

a chance to compete yourself on stick horses for prizes, ribbons and medals, you will have an opportunity to learn all about horse sports from the safety of a stick horse. Bring your fa vorite stick horse with you or use one of ours.

From 2-2:30 p.m., the Parade of Breeds, presented by Invictus Real Estate, will be gin around the Park, showcasing a vari ety of beautiful horse breeds. There will be horse demos and opportunities for meet and greet with horses throughout the day at the Fredericks Equestrian round pen, plus free hay rides provided by Larsen Hay, a vendor village and food trucks. There will be lots of horsing around all day!

For those who are really interested in learning more about horses, there could not be a more fun way to do it, so come to the Florida Horse Park on Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy the best in horsing around in the horse capital.

Photos courtesy of Louisa Barton

Equine Awareness

A few of the number of wonderful equine industry organizations that are 501c3 or ganizations and we are proud to be the home of so many who give back to this community in so many ways:

• Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses

• Heart of Florida Youth Ranch Equestrian Program

• Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Association

• Marion Therapeutic Riding Association

• Horses ‘n Heroes

There are more, of course, because we are the horse capital, so when think ing about things to do, please check them all out. If you can participate or donate, this is a great way to help them carry on with their great work.

VENDORS!

TRUCKS! HAYRIDES!

DEMOS!

BREED EXHIBIT!

PARADE!

ADMISSION!

OCTOBER Equine 101

Ocala Magazine Horse Fact of the Month

If a horse does not have papers recording his date of birth, how can you tell how old he might be?

From Dr. Adam Cayot of Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital and Complete Care on the Horse Talk Show and some information from the AAEP website also “Aging horses by their incisor teeth is as much an art as it is a science,” says Dr. Cayot.

SOME IMPORTANT CONCEPTS:

Horses under the age of 20 are placed into one of four age groups by examining a single tooth, the upper corner incisor (UCI). The teeth eruption dates, “cups,” Galvayne’s groove and the table surface shape of the lower central incisors are usually the most reliable indicators of age. Sometimes, other age indicators do not match up with the estimates from the teeth, so it may result in wide range estimates.

AGE CATEGORIES:

Under 5 years: This age group has a deciduous UCI from 8 months to 4 years.

Eruption time of the central, middle and corner incisors are the most important source of information in this age group and are usually very accurate in the general population.

5 to 9 years: UCI is now a permanent tooth and should be wider than it is tall (5-6 years) progressing toward square (9-10 years). Younger horses in this group should have “cups” on the table surface of lower incisors. The cups will be gone from the central incisors when the horse turns 6, gone from the middle incisors by 7 and gone from the corner incisors at 8-9 years. 10 to 14 years: The UCI should be square (9-10 years) to taller than wide (12-14 years). The Galvayne’s groove should start to appear at the gum line when the horse is 10 and progress to halfway down the UCI by the age of 15. The table surface of the lower central incisor should be round to triangular.

15 to 20 years: UCI should be taller than wide, and here is where the expression “long in the tooth” came from!

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

Where IT goes for IT support.

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by Ralph Demilio

Foster Florida:

A helping hand for foster families

ORGANIZATION NAME:

Foster Florida Inc. - Ocala Chapter

LEADERSHIP:

Amy Hill, chapter advocate

LOCATION:

Serving all of Marion County

MISSION STATEMENT:

The mission of Foster Florida is to empower families on the front lines of foster care by mobilizing and equipping their communities to support them. By enabling people to serve using their God-given gifts, we can recruit and retain quality foster homes, ultimately growing more connected communities filled with stronger families. Bringing a new child

into the home, especially a child who has experienced trauma, will require time for ad justment, loving, creating a sense of safety, and strengthening these family characteris tics. Families can do this better when they have a system of care from their local com munity and churches supporting them.

WHAT WE DO:

We serve in a number of ways, but our four fundamental forms of service through our matchmaking program are: prayer, child care, meals and financial support. We also offer sports scholarships, host fun events, fill urgent needs and so much more. There is nothing that compares to making Christmas magical for every single child in care. This year we are providing that Christmas magic to over 700 children in Marion County.

HOW YOU CAN GIVE OF YOUR TIME AND TREASURE:

• Sign up to be a Villager and get connected to volunteer.

• Get your church involved. We will gladly come and share our mission.

• Set up a supply drive. (Diapers, pajamas, shoes, anything children need.

• Financial support and/or event sponsorships.

Follow us on Facebook and watch for urgent needs.

Photos courtesy of Foster Florida

BY THE NUMBERS:

Currently, there are nearly 700 children in out-of-home care in Marion County.

Some of these children are placed with a relative or in a non-relative placement and about 350 of these children are in foster homes.

With our county having less than 80 licensed foster homes, some children are being placed out of county. We can do better. These children deserve to stay in the town they know, in the same school, and with their siblings. We have a desperate need for more homes today and we are continually trying to help recruit more quality homes for these children.

www.facebook.com/fosterfloridaocala www.fosterflorida.org

Are the Places You Spend Time Asthma Friendly?

[STATEPOINT]

Asthma is a lung disease that makes breathing difficult for over 24 million Americans. While there’s no cure, there are steps you can take to help control it so you can lead a normal, healthy life.

This is why the American Lung Associ ation’s Promoting Asthma Friendly Environ ments through Partnerships and Collabora tions Project is seeking to ensure more people live, work and go to school in asthma-friendly environments. Here’s what to know:

1. UNDERSTANDING TRIGGERS.

Asthma triggers can cause symptoms and if left untreated, could lead to an asthma attack. Common asthma trig gers include respiratory infections, al lergens, irritants, exercise and emotions. Indoor triggers found at home, school and workplaces include tobacco smoke, dust mites, pests such as cockroaches and mice, pets, mold, cleaning chem icals, dust, gases, vapors and fumes.

Common outdoor asthma triggers in

Learn more about how to improve the indoor air quality of your home as a tenant by reviewing the guide developed by the Environmental Law Institute found at eli.org.

3. TAKING ACTION FOR CHILDREN. Children’s respiratory systems are still developing, making them particularly vulnerable to air pollution. Howev er, 95% of American school buses are diesel-powered. To learn more about how to advocate for your school dis trict to modify older diesel school buses or transition to zero-emission electric school buses, visit lung.org.

clude pollen, wildfire smoke, ozone and particle pollution.

2. REDUCING HOME TRIGGERS. Peo ple spend over 90% of their time indoors and most of that time is in their home. Whether you rent or own your home, you can make these changes to improve the quality of the air you breathe:

• Run the bathroom fan after show ers and use the kitchen fan while cooking to control moisture and other air pollutants.

• Use vacuums with good filtration, such as a HEPA filter.

• Properly store food and other items that attract pests.

• Make your home (and vehicle) smokefree.

• Additional actions you can take in clude improving ventilation, main taining HVAC systems and using integrated pest management. If you rent, some of these solutions would be the responsibility of the landlord.

4. HEALTHIER WORKPLACES. About one is six cases of adult-onset asthma can be linked to the individual’s oc cupation and about one in five adults with asthma experience worsening of symptoms because of where they work. Missed workdays and lost work er productivity due to asthma can be costly for individuals who live with asthma and employers. By establishing lung-friendly workplace policies and offering an employee asthma education program, employers can help employees and family members with asthma better manage their conditions and experience fewer symptoms. If you have asthma or are a caregiver for someone with asth ma, consider speaking to your employer about instituting policies that promote a safe, healthy workplace.

5. ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE. The Cen ters for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Asthma Control Program de veloped “EXHALE” a set of six strate gies that help contribute to better asth ma control. The strategies can help you and your loved ones have fewer asthma symptoms, prevent emergency visits to the hospital and help you avoid missing school or work. To learn the strategies and for additional resources, visit cdc. gov. You can also check out the range of asthma programs and initiatives offered by the American Lung Association that align with the EXHALE strategies by visiting lung.org/AFE.

Sherrie Barch is the CEO of two Forbes-rated search firms. Inspired since childhood of communicating with loved ones through tinkling bells, Barch offers families a safe space in which to speak to youngsters about death and dying. It is a timeless story for all ages.

state of the city

Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape.

BY ASHLEY LOPEZ

Ocala Fire Rescue is joining the National Fire Protection Asso ciation (NFPA) in celebrating the 100th observance of Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 9-15)! Though we may be slightly biased, this year’s theme is undoubtedly great: “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.”

Making and practicing a fire escape plan should be a family affair. However, like any activity considered a task, getting every one on the same page can be challenging. We dare you to gather your troops this fire prevention week and let the escape planning adventure begin.

Once all family members are present, the first step is to inspect your home. Unsure of what to look for? Finding two ways out of every room is a great way to start.

According to Ready.gov, an official U.S. Department of Homeland Security website, a small flame can turn into a major fire in less than 30 seconds. With no time to spare, it is crucial to know how to exit each room if the main entry point is out of play. In most spaces, your two ways out will consist of a window and a door.

If you include windows in your egress plans, make sure they are accessible and can be opened and shut easily. Residents of multi-story buildings should also consider how to exit safely through a window that is not on the ground floor and whether the need for an escape ladder exists.

As you examine the rooms, take a mo

ment to identify and test smoke detectors. Although this test may not produce the most pleasant sound, it will allow you to verify that the safety system is in working order while exposing your family to the alarming sound that could save their lives during a fire.

With emergency exits and detectors marked on your emergency exit plan, it’s time to head outside.

We’ve all heard the tagline stop, drop and roll, but do your children know these actions will only be helpful if their person or clothes are on fire? During a building fire, the essential thing to do is to get up and go; this is where the next planning phase comes in: designating a meeting place.

Your meeting place should be outside the structure but close enough to the home that everyone can access it safely. Your mail box or a tree in front of the house can serve as such a place.

As trivial as it may seem, having a meet ing place is vital to your escape plan. Having

a designated meeting point means neither family members nor first responders will fret trying to find someone – who safely exited the structure – in the burning building.

Now that you have a plan, practicing is the only thing left to do. Whether you pres ent this drill as an American Ninja Warrior adventure or a princess’s escape, entice your family’s attention as you run through the es cape plan’s motions, because practicing this family game could save your lives.

The NFPA recommends that these drills take place twice a year, but with endless theme options, the possibilities are endless. Give your family the gift of preparedness: make a plan, practice your escape drill and make being ready part of your routine.

For more information about fire escape plans or to download an escape grid, visit www.nfpa.org/fpw.

Ashley Lopez is the public information officer for Ocala Fire Rescue.

Photo Courtesy of the City of Ocala

state of the county

A Park to Remember

Exciting Updates Planned For The Ocala – Marion County Veterans Memorial Park

BY MARK ANDERSON

While the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memo rial Park is already full of informational displays and monuments honoring veterans, the Marion County Commission recently approved a new master plan for improvements and new features at the park.

Drafted in collaboration with county staff from the Veterans Services and Parks and Recreation departments, the Friends of Marion County Veterans Park Foundation and the Marion County Veterans Council, the master plan is a community effort with the goal of continuing to honor those who served or continue to serve our country.

Marion County Parks and Recreation Director Jim Couillard explained that the master plan will help guide improvements to the park over the coming years.

“Developing a solid vision and guide for the growth and improvement of the park is a big accomplishment,” he said. “Too often, a piecemeal approach is used for making im provements. Yet, with a master plan, a strong vision is created and then each aspect can be broken down into achievable pieces. At the end of it, all these pieces will work together harmoniously to provide a nice orderly ar ranged and dignified space.”

The new master plan consists of several improvements and new displays at the park, including updates to existing park features and eight new park monuments, ranging from an aviation monument to a Fort King soldier monument to a monument high lighting the war on terrorism.

The aviation monument is planned to feature a historic building that currently is on private land near I-75. The building will

be moved to the park, where it will then be refurbished and updated with exhibits about military aviation history in Marion County.

Renovations and updates planned for the park include new signage, donor recognition and timeline walls, a new entry gate and more.

“Expansion and inclusion of some less

er-used areas of the park will allow for more storytelling about conflicts that are not cur rently represented in the park, such as the War on Terrorism,” Couillard said. “There is no better way to teach history and to explain why and how these types of conflicts occur other than storytelling. A new serpentine brick wall is planned for the northern area of the park to include these stories and to provide space for future stories.”

The master plan for the park is expected to be implemented over the coming months and years as county departments and the Friends of Marion County Veterans Park Foundation and the Marion County Veter ans Council make improvements at the park.

The Ocala-Marion County Veterans Me morial Park is located at 2601 SE Fort King St., Ocala, FL 34471. For more information, go online to www.marionvetpark.com.

Mark Andersonis a public relations specialist for Marion County.

“There is no better way to teach history and to explain why and how these types of conflicts occur other than storytelling.”

HOPS looking back

Ocala’s Nathan Mayo: “Mr. Florida”

BY CARLTON REESE | WITH THE HISTORIC OCALA PRESERVATION SOCIETY

For 37 years, Ocala’s Nathan Mayo was perhaps the most powerful and influential person in Florida pol itics. He served as Florida’s Com missioner of Agriculture from 1923 until his death in 1960 and made his mark on a growing state, likely more than even the 11 different governors with whom he served.

Born in 1876, Mayo moved with his family from North Carolina to Summerfield when he was 10 years old, and in 1913 en tered politics, earning a seat on the Marion County Commission. In 1921, Mayo was elected to the Florida House of Representa tives where he caught the eye of Gov. Cary Hardee, who in 1923 appointed Mayo as commissioner of agriculture. Little could he have known that he would remain in that post longer than anyone before or since.

When he took over as commissioner of agriculture in 1923, around 1 million people called Florida home – most of them earning a living in the agriculture sector and facing numerous problems as growers, which Mayo would dedicate his life to solving.

Mayo was known for his aggressive means to solving many of the agricultural difficulties facing the state as he was himself a farmer of varying staples, including citrus and cotton.

Among his accomplishments, Mayo advocat ed for the enactment of higher maturity stan dards for fruit and established citrus inspection in order to enforce these new higher standards. It was all part of helping to bring Florida ag riculture and even tourism to the world stage.

As such, Mayo published thousands of book lets advertising Florida’s resources to stimulate advertising and tourism, making him de facto the state’s first advertising commissioner.

Mayo’s list of accomplishments are long and varied. He supported tick eradication in the 1920s and ‘30s, which helped make live

stock production profitable in Florida. He established the State Marketing Board that organized a system of state farmers’ markets, which were then copied throughout the country. He promoted the construction of crop and livestock pavilions throughout the state, helped to establish the Florida Citrus Commission and encouraged the develop ment of the frozen concentrate industry.

Mayo devised mobile labs for inspec tion and scientific analysis of various farm products and supplies. In short, he helped usher in the era of modern agriculture.

Mayo’s tenure as commissioner of agri culture came during an era when that role was likely more important than the governor’s. In addition to the inspection of agricultural prod ucts, he also oversaw the state Highway Patrol system and the state prison system, in which he drew some criticism for abuses that had taken place. It was Mayo who was instrumental in bringing the women’s state prison to Lowell.

Throughout his long career, Mayo was celebrated as a staunch defender of agriculture, but was not without his critics due to many of the draconian measures he championed. One

of his biggest contributions, though, may have been in what he refused to do – sign Gov. John Martin’s $20 million bond issue to finance draining of the Everglades.

Throughout a career that included many triumphs, Mayo in the end was known mainly for his promotion of the state of Florida, earning him the nickname “Mr. Florida.” The Miami Herald called him the “No.1 booster of Florida farm products” and “one of the state’s best super salesmen.”

When rumors circulated in 1959 that Mayo would soon retire from his position, a reporter from the Tampa Tribune wrote that without Mayo, “… Tallahassee will feel somewhat as if it awoke one morning to find the statehouse rotunda gone.”

He was set to retire in 1961, but in April of 1960 he passed away due to lung cancer at the age of 83. At the time of his death, Mayo’s farm and store in Summerfield were still in operation.

In 1964, Mayo was inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame and in 1980 he was part of the first class of inductees into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Nathan Mayo

Nathan Mayo (in white hat) at a mobile milk lab in Ocala, 1955

Photo: the State Library and Archives of Florida.

A SHOWCASE OF PRESERVATION

The Historic Ocala Preservation Society is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to discovering, preserving, restoring, and memorializing the history and architecture of Ocala and Marion County. Since its founding in 1980, HOPS has saved dozens of beautiful historic properties from demolition and engaged directly with fellow citizens to share Ocala’s rich and vibrant history. Through advocacy, educational 712 E. Fort King St. Ocala, FL 34471 www.HistoricOcala.org

programming, and fundraising events, HOPS has been a vital partner in our community, working alongside property owners, small businesses, and governmental entities to enhance the quality of life in Marion County. We invite you to connect with us and to learn more about ways you can get involved in local preservation efforts!

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