4 minute read
Words of Wisdom
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.
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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. 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, tounge-incheek 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 constantly 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.
Friday, November 18th
Closed for a private event.
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.
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.
