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Kiwanis
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iwanis of Ocala hosted several inspiring and educational speakers during the heat of July with many current members and guests in attendance. Jim McGuire introduced Mickey Thomason and Bre Ximenes of the Florida State Park Service, who presented the history of the Marjorie Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Several were involved in the founding and beginning of this project, including our most recent Marion County Clerk of the Court and long-time Kiwanis member, David Ellspermann. Thomason has overseen the project for over 21 years. Tammy Hoff, incoming President, brought forth the following week, our special speaker, Matthew Wardell, current City Council member and past Chair and Director of the Ocala Symphony and Reilly Center. Accompanying him was James Hartley, Business Operations Manager. Gary Rigby, was assisted in honoring our flag led by his grandson, Chase Angelotti, with grandmother, Beverly Angelotti, a Kiwanis member, beaming with pride. Tammy Hoff, Program Chair, brought forth Pamela Wardell, wowed all attendees with updates on The Reilly Center, The Ocala Symphony and The Marion Theatre. She shared of the current status of upcoming events and current projects all three entities are in the process of undertaking. She additionally noted they are looking for new members and partners to help in restoring the 2nd floor of the Marion Theatre with more information coming soon. Roseann Fricks, Kiwanis Lt. Governor and Tammy Hoff, incoming President, were proud to share our Marion County Emergency Management Director, Preston Bowlin, which is part of the Marion County Sheriff ’s Department. Bowlin gave updates of the division, the current outlook during this hurricane season, how they work close-
ly with our local authorities, the State EOC in Tallahassee, FEMA and other emergency divisions, including nationwide, during potential threats of a state of emergency or when one has been declared. Our local
Emergency Management Center has been hailed as one being most prepared in the State of Florida.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members, and partners, dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. Today, with more than 550,000 members in 80 Countries, Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of our children, such as fighting hunger, improving literacy and being a mentor. Kiwanis Clubs host over 150,000 service projects per year.
www.facebook.com/KiwanisClubOfOcala
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| AUG 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
