4 minute read
Letter from the Publisher
THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER OFFICIALLY MARKS THE BEGINNING
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of the holiday season, and like most everyone else I get caught up in the cheer and good tidings that comes with it. The decorations, the cool weather and the overall positive energy generated by the weeks that surround Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve is unrivaled by anything else in our culture. For two years, the festivities have been mired by COVID and we haven’t been able to enjoy the closeness of our friends and family as before. Today, there is a greater sense of freedom and comfort since early 2020 and we can take advantage of spending time with our loved ones without the same fears. I am looking forward to enjoying the holidays with my loved ones, and I hope that our readership is able to rekindle the close-knit festivities with their families. This year represents a great time to count our blessings that we are able to get together and celebrate as before.
In addition to the festive air, the season brings with it a sense of charity that one does not witness the rest of the year. In Ocala, that is a heavy statement because the charitable nature of the people in this town is off the charts, no matter what month you are talking about.
In this issue, our Charity Spotlight shines on the Lions Club, whose charitable endeavors are famous here and throughout the world. Although an international club, the local Lions focus on the needs of this community in a way that we can all be proud. The Lions provide a much-needed service to the children in our school system through visual screenings, and the importance of this cannot be overstated.
A child’s future depends on good parenting and quality education, but with poor vision the prospects of a quality education rapidly diminish. Since eye care in general is an expensive proposition, many low-income students who nonetheless possess tremendous amounts of potential may suffer without the proper screenings and aids. That’s where the Lions come in – to help administer these free screenings and help provide necessary visual aids.
This type of charity work may not be as unsung as other endeavors, but it is extremely important and provides a residual benefit to the community that is often not seen right away.
Also in this issue is a story on the Plantation Redfish Tournament, which is much more than just a good time on the water snagging redfish and grouper. One of the main points of the event is to raise money for local scholarships. This past year, from the tournament alone three different Citrus County students were granted $5,000 scholarships toward college or vocational schools.
When the beneficiaries of charitable giving are the children of the community, that is perhaps the greatest reward for the time, money and resources invested. It’s one thing to give food to a hungry person or temporary shelter when it is needed – these things patch up a momentary leak in our society, but they do not solve any long-term problems. Providing vision aids and proper education to young people helps to create better citizens in the future and make all of our lives better as a result.
I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY SEASON. Coming together, making core memories with my children and all my extended family. I hope readership can rekindle that with their families. As two years ago we couldn’t. Life could change in an instance, so count your blessings.
Lions Club
PHILIP GLASSMAN, PUBLISHER
Upcoming Events
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.
Friday, November 18th
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.
