Ocala Gazette | October 2 - 8, 2020 by Magnolia Media Company

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 14

October is national Adopt a Shelter Dog month!

OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020

CEP named Chamber of the Year By Brad Rogers Executive Editor Well, the third time was a charm. The Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership was named the national Chamber of the Year on Wednesday after having been a finalist for the award three of the past four years. The award, presented by the Association of

Chamber of Commerce Executives, which represents more than 1,300 chambers of commerce worldwide, is based on financial performance, membership retention, organizational strength and impact on the community in such areas as education, business development and quality of life. Kevin Sheilley, CEO and president of the CEP,

said the award validates Ocala’s place as one of the nation’s best places to live and work. “It really is the final nail in the coffin of Nocala and Slocala, and that Ocala really should be included in the conversation with Ashville, Huntsville and Lexington,” he said. The ACCE uses benchmarks to compare the competing chambers, and once the finalists

are selected a panel of past winners evaluates and scores them. While the ACCE picks top chambers in four categories based on the size of the community and the chamber, Sheilley said he believes Category 3, which Ocala won, is the most competitive because of the size of the cities and that they are economic development hot spots. Most Category 3 communities have See CEP, page 11

Commerce, COVID-style By Richard Anguiano Correspondent

n more normal times, business leaders who can best anticipate and adapt to the unexpected often get an edge on competitors. In the year of COVID-19, the qualities of anticipation and adaptation are essential in a more primal way—without them, a business simply may not survive this era of unprecedented disruption. Stacey Atsides, owner of Tom Atsides Restaurant Supply, began paying attention to the toll the novel coronavirus was taking overseas weeks before the outbreak in the U.S. began making headlines. Her two children go to school in Europe. By February, they were living in lockdown. In addition to health concerns, Atsides saw business impacts. “That’s when I realized that we might have an issue with the supply chain and I started ordering heavy on inventory,” she said. According to Atsides, she spotted a freezer shortage early and invested $100,000 in buying them. “We’ve been riding through the summer beautifully and we had freezers when no one else had freezers,” she said. “I’ve sent freezers all over the state.” Atsides’ grandfather founded Tom Atsides Restaurant Supply in Daytona Beach in 1962 and the family opened the Ocala location in 1987. The business also serves nonprofessional clients. “People started cooking a lot more at home, so for the residential customer, my knife sales went through the roof,” she said. The April closing of nonessential businesses for about a month, including restaurants and bars, resulted in a surge of business for Atsides. “A lot of (restaurant owners) had projects in the works they moved forward with,” she said. “I remember one customer in Dunnellon was See Commerce, page 4

Michael LaRock, the warehouse manager, describes some of the features of a Core Pro commercial gas range and oven that is for sale at Atsides Restaurant Equipment and Supplies. Business has picked up for the restaurant supply company after a lull when the COVID-19 pandemic first started. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Voting-rights group paying off debts for area felons ahead of election By Bill Thompson Deputy Editor

n Orlando-based group has paid tens of thousands of dollars to settle outstanding court costs owed by convicted felons in Marion County to help them regain their voting rights. Since Aug. 11, according to county court officials, the Florida Rights Restoration Council, or FRRC, has paid $46,491 to cover lingering court costs tied to sentences for 38 convicted felons in Marion County. The bulk of that money – $43,093 – arrived on Tuesday, officials said. FRRC is expected to pay another $23,000 in coming days to square the accounts of three dozen additional felons. And the group has signaled that it may pay $48,028 more to help another dozen former convicts. But Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has asked state law enforcement to determine whether such payments are part of a potential vote-buying scheme to benefit Democratic nominee Joe Biden in November. At the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis, Moody last week requested a probe by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. That came after The Washington Post reported that former New York Mayor and presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg had raised $16 million to help 32,000 former convicts in Florida regain their right to vote. The article indicated Bloomberg was targeting blacks and Hispanics. Under Florida law, it is illegal for someone to “give or promise anything of value” in exchange for votes. Citing a memo by Bloomberg, the Post noted that the billionaire “saw the donations See Voting rights, page 6

Large mixers that are for sale are shown with other restaurant equipment at Atsides Restaurant Equipment and Supplies. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Kathy Crile, director of the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department. Crile is retiring this month after serving as the director of Recreation and Parks for the City of Ocala for the past 12 years. Crile worked for the City of Ocala for 32 years and worked for the Recreation and Parks Department for 29 years. She is being replaced by Preston Pooser, who was the director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Deerfield Beach since April 2019. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

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See Crile, page 3

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When Kathy Crile took over as director of the Ocala Recreation and Parks in 2008, she already had been a big part of the city’s push to develop sports and recreation facilities. The city had developed sites like Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex and the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, as well as aquatic centers and ballfields. Yet, in addition to sports and recreation, as director she was also charged with overseeing the city’s cultural arts activities and projects. It was an area that would

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After 32 years, Crile leaving “a completely different community”

OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Candidate Conrad disciplined for using school email By Brad Rogers Executive Editor

chool Board candidate and teacher Lori Conrad has received a written reprimand for using her Marion County Public Schools email “for the purpose of campaigning for public office and doing so during work hours.” Conrad, who is seeking the District 1 School Board seat and teaches at Dr. N.H. Jones

Elementary School, also has been under investigation by the Marion County Property Appraiser’s Office in relation to an earlier controversy regarding her place of residence, an inquiry that Property Appraiser Villie Smith said will cost her about $2,900 in back taxes. The email investigation by the school district found that between January and August of this year Conrad sent and received more than 100 emails on her school email account pertaining to campaign activities. Those emails covered everything from scheduling campaign speaking engagements and seeking help in gathering candidate petition signatures to communications with campaign consultants and even filing her candidacy papers with the Marion County Supervisor of Elections Office. Conrad said she did not intend to violate any policies and that she had not received any sort of reprimand during her 25-year teaching career. She said school officials merely told her early in the campaign not to put anything offensive on her emails because they would be public record. Moreover, she said most of the emails she sent were to friends within the school district who had

been helping on her campaign. “I wasn’t searching for political support,” she said. “I’ve been working with those women (the people she emailed) for more than 20 years. They’re my friends.” The email abuse came to light after a citizen, William Taylor, sent a letter to school system Employee Relations Executive Director Jaycee Oliver complaining that Conrad had used her school email and school equipment “to conduct campaignrelated correspondence with others.” “Even more troubling to me is that many of her emails that have to do with her run for political office have been sent to other teachers and school employees using THEIR school email addresses,” Taylor wrote. Taylor outlined a litany of alleged misuses of the email account, including coordinating with sponsors of candidate forums, having school employees gather data for use in her campaign, coordinating candidate petition efforts, arranging delivery of campaign signs, updates from her social media contractor and communicating with the elections office. The emails, provided by the school district, confirm these allegations.

The School Board policy cited in disciplining Conrad is School Board Policy 8.601 – Technology Acceptable Use, which states: “Prohibited personal use of the School Board’s e-mail systems and services includes unsolicited mass mailings, advertisements, political campaigning, dissemination of chain letters, and use by nonemployees.” The disciplinary memo from N.H. Jones Principal Jennifer Houle states that the reprimand will be placed in Conrad’s personnel file. Conrad is a 25-year teaching veteran of MCPS. As for the property tax inquiry, earlier in the campaign Conrad came under scrutiny over whether she resided in District 1, as required by state law. She said she had two homes, one just outside the District 1 lines and another on a family farm within District 1 where she claimed to live half the time. Elections officials said there was no way to act on the residency complaint since the law does not outline any punishment. Smith said, however, that no permits were ever filed for the farmhouse, so it was not listed on county tax rolls, and now Conrad faces a back-tax bill of about $2,900, Smith said.

Hundreds of applications received for millions in CARES Act funding By Bill Thompson Deputy Editor

cores of people, businesses and nonprofits have lined up for the first installment of Marion County’s COVID-19 relief program. With almost $16 million in hand, and another $48 million in reserve, the County Commission has funneled aid along three separate tracks. And requests to tap each have filled up fast. In August the board approved deals with the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership, the United Way of Marion County and the Community Foundation to target specific sectors hammered by COVID-19. The CEP is responsible for administering relief for businesses, the United Way helps individuals, and the Community Foundation aids local nonprofits. Each has been given a slice of $15.9 million Marion County received through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act, a $2-plus trillion coronavirus aid package passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump in March. That was the first installment of a $64 million fund the county has been allotted for COVID recovery. Nearly half of the county’s initial draw -- $7.5 million -- went to the CEP for Moving Biz Forward, the highest-profile distribution tool the county has utilized so far. Kevin Sheilley, CEO and president of the CEP, said the program has drawn 140 applications since its launch in midAugust. In the program’s first few weeks, Sheilley said, the CEP’s internal review committee has green-lighted $2.3 million. County officials, who grant final approval over all expenses, have agreed to dole out $1.75 million of that to date. For example, the CEP’s most popular program, based on money sought, has been Bridge to Recovery, which provides funding for rent or mortgages, salaries, utilities, supplies and working capital to companies with fewer than 25 employees. The CEP’s review committee has backed $1.1 million for that to date, Sheilley said. The next most sought-after funding falls under the Preparing for the Future program. That has totaled $570,000 to date. This

effort gives assistance to companies that make products that help fight COVID-19. The CEP committee also has endorsed $400,000 more through Moving Forward, which makes forgivable loans to companies with 26 to 100 workers for rent or mortgages, salaries, utilities, supplies and working capital. Meanwhile, its Project Operating Safely has been tapped for $162,656. That provides up to $3,000 in reimbursements to local businesses with fewer than 100 employees and up to $10,000 for those with more than 100 to buy personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety-related items. Finally, $82,939 has been approved for the Testing Capacity Reimbursement Program. That provides grants, capped at $30,000, to private, for-profit labs, clinics and physicians’ offices for COVID testing supplies or equipment, remodeling or expansion costs, or capital Improvements. A county report shows that recipients have included a diverse array of companies, including fitness clubs, restaurants, firesafety equipment manufacturers, accounting firms, transportation companies and some of Ocala’s biggest employers. Sheilley said he’s pleased with the Bridge to Recovery response because it is exceeding expectations. “The need is greatest with our smallest businesses, especially in the hospitality/entertainment sector, which I think explains the success of Bridge to Recovery,” he said in an email. “Our larger businesses seem to generally be faring better, which probably explains the Moving Forward response. We are still encouraging businesses to apply for the two reimbursement programs since they have already spent the money. I think we will see more traction on both of those programs.” Sheilley said he didn’t anticipate having to ask commissioners for more money at this point. Aside from those business grants, the county has developed eight broad categories for possible recipients. They include: other local government agencies; fooddistribution charities; housing assistance programs; human services outlets; COVID testing initiatives; job training; expanding broadband; and shelter for those who must be quarantined. Scot Quintel, president and CEO

of the United Way, said the agency is processing requests to assist with rent or mortgage payments or utility bills for those who can demonstrate they took a financial hit because of COVID. The county has dedicated $1 million for this effort, which entails paying landlords, lenders and utility companies directly, instead of paying the applicants. The United Way has processed about 50 of the more than 200 applications it has received to date, Quintel said. He added it was too soon to tell how far funding would stretch. “We’re still trying to analyze that,” he said. “As we get into October, we should have a better sense of the numbers.” The Community Foundation, meanwhile, seeks to aid local nonprofits. Lauren Deiorio, the organization’s president and executive director, said the foundation has received 91 applications for help. In roughly a month, 29 of those requests have been shipped to the county for approval, while the rest are at various stages of the pipeline. The County Commission has allocated up to $3 million for the foundation’s efforts, Deiorio said. So far, $1.6 million has been approved, although it has not yet been distributed to the organizations. Another handful ready to be forwarded for final approval in a few days will push the total beyond $2 million. The funding has covered things such as PPE, deep cleaning and sanitation of facilities, technology to support counseling services that cannot be done in person and partitioning to improve social distancing. But in some cases, nonprofits have sought help with “unmet expenses,” Deiorio said. For example, as COVID fears spread, those that once relied on older volunteers have turned to hiring and paying younger part-time assistants. “2020 fundraising events have just disappeared,” she said. “It’s an interesting dynamic because a lot of nonprofits have trouble with revenue diversification.” “We’re doing everything we can to advocate for nonprofits because we know they operate a lot of programming for the community that the community could not do without. If we don’t build the capacity of nonprofits, we’re going to see an increase in things like

addiction, mental health (issues), homelessness, domestic violence. We want to help in any way we can.” Deiorio added that she wasn’t surprised by the 29 applications processed so far, but she wonders about the other 62. She said the Foundation is encouraging them to finalize applications as soon as possible because if they don’t get funded, funding might not be available. Aside from those initiatives, the county as of Sept. 25 has spent nearly $1.8 million to cover its own needs and those of other government agencies, a county report indicates. The county’s expenses have run the gamut – from as little as $32 for nuts and bolts to install plexiglass barriers to $66,000 for three ultraviolet light sanitizers to $175,825 for temperature-screening kiosks. In other examples, the county provided Sheriff Billy Woods $1 million to defray overtime costs when COVID spread through the jail. And for instance, the city of Ocala received $227,546. Spokeswoman Ashley Dobbs said the funding was used for PPE, sanitizing equipment, disinfectant supplies, UV lighting, and other equipment to meet regulations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in public buildings. The process will be ongoing for a few more months. The CARES Act covers COVIDrelated expenditures incurred between March 1 and Dec. 30, 2020. And to help with vetting, the County Commission in August hired the Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm Witt O’Brien’s, which specializes in crisis and emergency management, to coordinate the distribution of the CARES funding. Meanwhile, more funding should be released soon. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Sept. 18 that the 55 counties with populations below 500,000 – which includes Marion County – would soon receive another installment of a combined $255 million. DeSantis’s directive added that counties must provide documentation on how they spent the initial payment, as well as a plan for the second sum. Additionally, the governor said future payments will be handled as reimbursements for costs, since the state is on the hook for any expenses considered ineligible under CARES Act rules.

OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

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Put ratings on books as we do with films

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iterature comes from all different walks of life. From innocent children’s books to erotic fan fiction that has been published into ongoing series, the wide world of books keeps expanding every single day. By giving the population free range of books, it comes with a side of backlash. Some people in society believe that certain books should be censored or even banned. While I believe everyone has a right to read whatever they would like and expand their minds, books should be monitored in libraries so graphic and hateful content does not fall into the wrong hands. For many authors it feels like a slap in the face when their

own creations come into question for being inappropriate for a certain reason. With that said, one of the focal reasons that articles come into question is because of the very mature content that many of them bring into light. For instance, “50 shades of Grey” by E.L James has become very controversial over the past couple years. Due to its very sexual and mature content people have spoken out against it many times. A sample of that is when the Brevard Public Library in Florida removed 19 copies from circulation based on one person’s misguided sense of decorum. While them removing the copies is a little harsh, they got the point

across about what they do not want to sell. Novels like that are very grown-up and should be monitored on who buys them. One thing that I believe that should happen is that books should be rated like movies are. If you are not living under a rock, you should know that movies are rated using things such as G, PG-13, R, etc. Obviously if someone wants a rated R movie and they are underage, they are going to find a way to get it, but having these ratings gives a very suggested age restriction. I think we should put these same ratings on books due to some having very developed content that minors should not have a hold of. It puts warnings on books so that everyone can be happy. We are

not banning books. We are just giving heavy suggestions on what ages should and shouldn’t read. No one wants a very mature book falling into the hands of a nineyear old. At the end of the day, if people really want something, they are going to think of a million and one ways to get it. If we ban books, they are just going to look for a less legal way to get what they want. Therefore, books should be monitored in libraries, not banned. There shouldn’t be free range of texts due to some being very sensual and grown. The last thing we need is the next generation to be even more “informed.” Elizabeth Cromwell Ocala

From Crile, page 1 grow, indeed explode during her 12-year tenure at the helm of the Recreation and Parks Department. Crile, 54, retired Wednesday after 32 years with the city, 29 of them with Recreation and Parks. She said what she is most proud of in looking back at her years leading Recreation and Parks is the growth of the cultural arts in the city and the people of the community stepping up to make good things happen. “I’m super proud of how the community comes together and makes things happen over and over, so that government doesn’t have to do it,” she said. She points to the Reilly Center for the Arts, housed in what was the old city Memorial Auditorium that was destined for demolition until a group of arts supporters stepped in to save it. “It’s amazing,” she said. “The gift to the community that that project was … I can tell you the wrecking ball was literally on the way. It was on I-75.” But citizens and the arts community were motivated to have a center for the performing arts and the Reilly was born. “They moved a lot faster than we expected,” she remembered. “And what a gift to the community. What a blessing. And now they’re expanding.” Crile notes the rise of the arts around the city, citing such projects as the Art Park, the Sculpture Stroll in Tuscawilla Park and the murals that now emblazon the sides of buildings downtown. “What I’m most proud of, well, I’m most proud of people, watching the people grow, watching the community grow,” she said. “It is a completely different community.” Crile went to work for the city in the Engineering Department at the age of 22. Three years later, former Recreation and Parks director Dave Pritchard hired her “because she could get things done.” Looking back on what Crile built on top of what was

accomplished during Pritchard’s tenure, he said she simply made something good even better. “We kind of made the cake and she put the frosting on it and made it really nice,” Pritchard said. “It’s always been exciting to see what was coming next because I had been a part of it when it was just talk.” In addition to boosting the cultural arts in the city, Crile also has overseen the expansion of neighborhood recreational opportunities. Crile’s latest accomplishment is the completion of a Community Cultural Arts Master Plan. “The whole document is a vision of what we want to be,” she said. She also led the drafting of a 10year Recreation and Parks Master Plan that is tied to the city’s Vision 2035 Plan. Among the goals is to have a park within a half mile of every resident, expanded walking trails and connectivity of those trails throughout the city. “Our City Council just gets it,” Crile said of the plans she has helped write. “During the recession, cities were closing parks and rec, and Ocala was investing in parks and rec. They understand the value of recreation and the cultural arts. We are very forward thinking, but we don’t always have the resources to do what we want.” Her final project to guide to reality was the new Mary Sue Rich Community Center – what Crile calls the city’s first true community center. Located on the west side on the old Royal Oak charcoal plant site, the facility will sit between the Lillian Bryant Recreation Center and the new Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, the new community center will create “an amazing corridor” for recreation and sports. Crile said she never saw her department as a pacesetter but rather a helping hand for citizens wanting to make the community better. “Our model is really set up to

help other people be successful running events,” she said. Nonetheless, there is little doubt Crile and her team have had a definitive impact on the look and feel of the community, especially when it comes to the arts. “Just look around, the arts have exploded,” said Jaye Baillie, executive director of the Marion Cultural Alliance. “The arts are just everywhere. I’ve worked with Kathy a lot and she’s one of the smartest ladies I know. She gets things done. I’m a huge fan.” Crile and her husband, Richie, have four grown sons and five grandchildren, whom she plans to spend a lot more time with. “I started when I was 22, and I’ve literally raised my family at the city of Ocala,” she said. She plans to remain visible and active in the community. The Fort King project is of particular interest to her and she said she will remain involved in its progress. “The economic impact of it will be amazing once it’s complete,” she said. As for what she leaves behind after 32 years? “It’s a completely different community,” she said. “You know, they used to call Ocala ‘The Friendly City.’ And it really is the friendly city. There are so many good people here.”

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020

OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

in the middle of remodeling and he said, ‘I’m going to take the time and get it finished.’” Dr. Jennifer Salpeter of Brick City Cat Hospital was already familiar with coronaviruses, nothing new in veterinary medicine. Like Atsides, she began keeping a close eye on COVID-19 in February. That month, she flew to Arizona on business. “I packed a mask and Clorox wipes to wipe down my seat,” Salpeter recalled. “No one else was wearing a mask on the plane. “That’s when I began to wonder, ‘What does this mean?’” she said. “I did some reading and got more nervous about the impact of a new coronavirus.” Salpeter returned to Ocala and held talks with her staff at the specialty practice she founded in 2000. On March 19, Brick City Cat Hospital stopped allowing anyone not on its staff of 13 inside. “When the client arrives, they call, we talk to them on the phone, a technician will wear gloves and a mask and come to their car to get their carrier and their cat and

bring it inside,” she said. Salpeter said the new approach is less efficient, involving more steps in communicating with clients, but “is really safe.” “We are very busy,” she said. “Our numbers are pretty similar, maybe down a little bit. “My biggest concern was how to be able to practice, take care of our clients and their cats and ensure that our staff was safe and able to retain their jobs and their livelihoods,” Salpeter said. “I would say we’ve been very successful.” Vicky Bryant Morrison, a Realtor, recalled bracing in March for business to come to a halt for her brokerage, Bricks & Mortar. “What really happened in our industry was that we were blessed enough to kind of continue,” Morrison said. “In our property management portion, we are seeing some people who are struggling a little bit to pay rent,” she said. “As far as commercial tenants are going, some of our restaurants are struggling.” On the other hand, the brokerage has seen no

Atsides Restaurant Equipment and Supplies is shown on West Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala, Fla. on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

interruption in requests to see homes for sale, according to Morrison. She credits this to three main factors: Marion County’s real estate market had been suffering from a low number of homes on the market before COVID; interest rates are at record lows; and potential buyers from areas hit harder by the pandemic are expressing interest. “Currently, if there’s a home on the market and it is at market value, it’s selling within a couple of days,” Morrison said. The Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership is administering $7.1 million in federal grants for local businesses affected by COVID-19. So far, the CEP and a board including local officials has approved more than $2 million for some 120 businesses, according to Kevin Sheilley, the CEP’s president and CEO. The grant amounts range from $3,000 for personal protective equipment reimbursement for smaller businesses to higher amounts for demonstrated impacts.

Sheilley said business owners can learn about the types of grants and apply at movingbizforward.com. “We will take applications until the money’s gone or we reach the time limit,” Sheilley said, adding the CEP plans an application deadline of Dec. 1. Salpeter and Morrison said they considered applying, each deciding the grants are more suited to businesses hurting worse. Atsides has invested heavily in PPE. She plans to apply. “I just got my invoices together,” she said. The three business leaders say emphasizing safer practices is a new fact of life. Morrison said home shoppers no longer ride with agents, who now do as much as possible with technology and electronic signatures. When Salpeter takes an X-ray of a cat, she photographs it on her iPad and brings it outside to show the owner at a canopied table. “And we do require that (the owner) be masked,”

Michael LaRock, the warehouse manager, describes some of the features of a Blue Air commercial refrigerator that is for sale. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Salpeter said. “It gets me very annoyed when people’s masks go beneath their noses. It took me a while to get confident to tell people to please raise their masks, because it just seems so obvious and I don’t like to be confrontational, but I’ve learned to do that.” Atsides and employees hand out masks at the door at both the restaurant supply and Stella’s Modern Pantry, her gourmet shop downtown. “For us, it’s not political, it’s about safety and protecting our employees and the customers,” she said. “And we’re superfriendly about it.” Still, Atsides said, some get angry at the mask requirement. And Salpeter said one client emailed Brick City Cat Hospital, calling the changes due to COVID “ridiculous.” “The vast majority of people have been very happy with how we are practicing,” Salpeter said. “I was in Lowe’s picking up plants this weekend, and a client was behind me and actually thanked us for what we’re doing.”

Copper ware and other items are shown for sale at Atsides Restaurant Equipment and Supplies. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Manufacturing & Logistics Virtual Career Fair Thursday, Oct. 15 10 - 11:30 A.M.

bit.ly/MLCareerFair

For more information, call:

800-434-5627

CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids/services are available upon request to persons with disabilities and in Spanish. Phone numbers may be reached using TTY/TDD equipment via Florida Relay at 711. For accommodations, call 800-434-5627, ext. 7878. Programs funded by CareerSource CLM as grantee of the U.S. Department of Labor as part of awards totaling $8.7 million, revised annually, with no funds from non-governmental sources. A proud partner of the American Job Center network and member of CareerSource Florida.

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OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Horse Alliance ponies up for those in need Group creates program to help financial victims of pandemic feed their horses By Ben Baugh Correspondent

he smallest ripple can reach the deepest oceans. It was an idea of Ellie Trueman, the founder of the Ocala Horse Alliance, that would be the difference in helping to transform the lives of horse owners throughout Marion County this spring and summer. The Horse Alliance’s Emergency Feed Fund program kept horses nourished and healthy during a time when well-being became a cardinal concern. “Ellie came up with the idea, and presented it before the executive committee and we said let’s do it,” said Ray Di Maria, Horse Alliance co-founder. “This was in April when COVID was raging. We were the only organization in Marion County that developed a program like this … a lot of people in town donated to the feed fund program. Many people wrote in, got qualified and received help from us.” The effort was driven by the knowledge that Covid-19 was ravaging the horse industry, just as in other sectors of the economy and community. Some area horse owners were furloughed or even lost their full-time jobs and faced the prospect of not being able to care adequately for their horses. “A lot of horses got fed who were owned by people who were experiencing hard times because of Covid,” said Di Maria. “It was very successful. No other organization thought of this or did this in this county. It wasn’t the major farms that asked for vouchers. It was the backyard farms, places that weren’t a commercial venture, but for those owners it’s more of a passion. Whoever qualified for the grant was issued the grant.” The Horse Alliance emphasizes education and bringing people together in the horse community together, but has focused much of its effort recently on those impacted by the epidemic. “Those who were approved received a voucher, and when they were

approved, they took that voucher to the store,” said Di Maria. The horse owners redeem the vouchers for hay and feed. Horse Alliance leaders say the response from the community has been overwhelming. “We were approached by the OHA to partner with them, by the OHA Emergency Feed Fund,” said Suzanne Donaldson, Berretini Feed Specialists. “We were happy to do that as being part of the Alliance. We have a lot of farms in the area that are customers. It kind of worked well. It was a supportive relationship on our end to help those farms that visit us routinely.” But it was the rapid and direct response by the Horse Alliance that made a marked difference in the success of the program, said Donaldson. “From the time they had it out on their website, the application process, they tried to meet a couple of times a week to go over these grants and the people that needed them,” said Donaldson. “A person could fill out an application online. They told them they would get back to them within 24 hours, once they met to approve those grants. The paperwork went immediately to us. We put the paperwork together and sent it to our stores. Someone could be granted money that day and go in and get hay and grain. What the OHA did … their timeframe was amazing.” Many of the pleasure farms in the area are small and had to contend with the evolving environment, one of constant change, where horse owners in some instances had to contend with job loss, compromising their ability to support taking care of their animals. “Those are the ones we saw the most of, the smaller farms,” said Donaldson, who said many of those in distress found out by word of mouth what the Horse Allliance as offering. “It was very heartwarming for our staff to feel like they were doing something to help the community and the people they usually see,” said Donaldson.

The Ocala Horse Alliance has raised significant funds to help horse owners affected by the Coronavirus pandemic pay for feed and hay for their animals. [Photo by Meagan Gumpert]

FAFO to serve up smaller doses of art By Lisa McGinnes Staff Writer

The pandemic has forced the cancellation of Ocala Arts Festival, above, but FAFO is rolling out smaller arts events it is place. [Photo by Meagan Gumpert]

very fall, art enthusiasts look forward to the Ocala Arts Festival, a prestigious, juried show that draws talent from around the country and more than 20,000 visitors to downtown. Amid coronavirus concerns, Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) made the difficult decision to cancel the festival this year. While the news was disappointing, FAFO is introducing several smaller events and exhibits to keep our arts community alive in coming weeks. “While FAFO did not feel like the large festival was appropriate or manageable in the time of COVID-19, we felt compelled to move FAFO’s mission forward,” explains FAFO President Beth Cannon. “We are excited to present two monthlong art exhibits, an evening to celebrate horticulture as art and other art-related projects in the community.” The Alone Together art show opens at the NoMa (North of Magnolia) Gallery on October 1st and continues through the 31st. Patrons are invited to a reception on October 9th, and the exhibition is open Thursdays-Saturdays. The featured artists are best-of-show artists from the last five Ocala Arts Festivals, including Michael Brennan, Richard Currier, Susan Currier, Tony Eitharong, Dustin Goolsby, Jeff Ripple and Michelle McDowell Smith. NoMa Gallery, in the historic Coca Cola building, is owned by Lisa and David Midgett, who support the arts through the Midgett Foundation. At the Brick City Center for the Arts, FAFO has taken over the Marion Cultural Alliance gallery for art exhibits, events and classes all month long. The Community exhibition, open October 2nd-31st, features works by local artists exploring the question “What does community mean to you?” Following the opening reception on October 2nd, the exhibit will be open Tuesdays-Saturdays.

Accompanying events to encourage the support of local artists will be announced on FAFO’s Facebook page. FAFO’s month-long celebration at The Brick will culminate with Ocala Art·I·Culture, a celebration of our community’s landscape and its fusion of horticulture and art, on October 29th. The free event featuring City of Ocala Horticulture Supervisor Suzanne Shuffitt will be held on the patio, with a walking tour available. FAFO is a nonprofit organization formed in 1966 to promote appreciation of the fine arts and enhance art education in our community. For more information, visit www.fafo.org.

If You Go Alone Together NoMa Gallery, 939 N. Magnolia Ave. Open Thursday-Saturday 12-6pm Opening reception: October 9th, 12-6pm Community Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. Open Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 11am-4pm Opening reception: October 2nd, 5-7pm Art·I·Culture Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. October 29th, 5-7pm Follow @FineArtsForOcala on Facebook for additional announcements. Visit www.fafo. org or call (352) 867-0355 for more information.

OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Voting rights, page 1 as a more cost-effective way of adding votes to the Democratic column than investing money to persuade voters who already have the right to vote.” Quoting the memo directly, the Post added, “The data shows that in Florida, Black voters are a unique universe unlike any other voting bloc, where the Democratic support tends to be 90%-95%.” In response, the FRRC’s founder, Desmond Meade, now suggests Bloomberg’s statements could be a setback. Meade said Bloomberg introduced anti-Trump politics into an effort that only seeks to help “returning citizens” participate more fully in our electoral system. Meade denies that his group is working to help only Democrats in a contentious election year in a critical battleground state. Meade told the Post last week that the FRRC’s intention is to aid “people from all walks of life, from all sort of politics.” Two days after the Post’s article, Meade issued a statement reiterating the group’s intention to serve all comers. “We are committed to making sure our efforts to help returning citizens in Florida become full members of society are not infected by partisan politics,” Meade said. “At the core of our mission and our Fines and Fees Program is the belief that all returning citizens – from all walks of life and political persuasions – should have access to our Democracy, if they choose.” “We have been openly, honestly and legally working with local clerks to clear fines and fees for returning citizens since 2019,” the statement continued. “That includes payments to clerks’ offices in the vast majority of Florida’s 67 counties. We will continue to make decisions that center on the lives of returning citizens and do the work of building a more inclusive democracy in Florida.” In an interview with the Ocala Gazette on Tuesday, Meade seemed to welcome Bloomberg’s effort, like those of 80,000 other FRRC donors, to integrate former felons back into civil society, especially through voting. Yet he also seemed to lament the former New York City’s mayor’s interjection of politics into the cause. “At the end of the day, any politics is hurtful because it distracts from the positive work that’s going

on,” said Meade. “Amendment 4 brought people together. You didn’t see any attack ads (in 2018). People voted out of love,” he added. “Partisan politics takes away from the real work people are doing on the ground.” The controversy is driven by the passage of Amendment 4, a state constitutional change supported by 65 percent of voters in 2018. The amendment’s language authorized former felons, except those convicted of murder or sex crimes, to regain their right to vote “upon completion of all terms of sentence including parole or probation.” The amendment took effect in January 2019. Advocates for felons, such as FRRC, the driving force behind Amendment 4, believed the restoration of voting rights for an estimated 1.4 million felons was supposed to happen automatically at that time. Yet later in 2019 Republicans in the Legislature pushed through a measure outlining how Amendment 4 was to be implemented. That law declared a felon’s sentence included fully paying all fines, fees and restitution costs. A legal battle ensued between the state and felons’ advocates. Last October a federal judge in Tallahassee ruled that parts of the law were unconstitutional, supporting activists’ claims that the new statute created a “poll tax.” The state appealed, and in mid-September a federal appellate court overturned the ruling. “There is no evidence that any kind of animus toward indigent felons motivated Florida voters and legislators to condition reenfranchisement on the completion of all terms of sentence,” the majority’s opinion said. “After all, the voters of Florida made it easier for the vast majority of felons – who are disproportionately indigent – to regain their voting rights.” “Florida’s voters intended only to reenfranchise felons who have been fully rehabilitated, and Senate Bill 7066 (the law implementing Amendment 4) drew a rational line in pursuit of that goal,” the opinion continued. “Court

fees and costs imposed in a criminal sentence … are part of the State’s punishment for a crime. They are not taxes.” The FRRC’s Meade said felons generally initiate the process by reaching out to FRRC through the group’s website or by calling. The FRRC then vets them to ensure they meet the criteria of Amendment 4. Once that is satisfied, Meade said, the FRRC seeks to “maximize” the impact of its aid by looking at what people owe. Typically, he added, the group set a ceiling of about $1,000 per felon. But as contributions have risen, the ceiling has as well, now to about $1,500. When asked if FRRC told or encouraged the felons how to vote, Meade gave an emphatic, “Hell no.” “When we do our

“I don’t know if it’s tied directly to the presidential election, but you don’t have to stretch the imagination too far. Everybody knows what a battleground state Florida is,” said Harrell. Harrell said his office has identified about 25,000 cases with outstanding debts. He noted that a single defendant may have more than one case. The total amount owed was not readily available. But, Harrell added, “We’re definitely talking about a lot of money because felonies, by their nature, are going to have more significant fines than misdemeanors.” These payments go almost exclusively to the state to offset the cost of running the court system. Meade described that as one of the major benefits of his program.

education work, it’s to benefit returning citizens – on both sides of the aisle,” he said. “At the end of the day, we don’t care how somebody votes, but that they have the opportunity to vote.” Greg Harrell, general counsel to Marion County Clerk of the Court David Ellspermann, and the clerk-elect who will succeed Ellspermann in January, said that the American Civil Liberties Union and the FRRC began inquiring months ago about the names of convicted felons and amounts owed. Then in mid-August, the correspondence got more specific. Twice in August and then again on Sept. 18 and on Tuesday, the FRRC sent letters with enclosed checks to cover the outstanding costs for former felons, Harrell said.

“Our Fines and Fees Program is removing barriers so poor people can vote; it’s helping fund the court system, including the victims’ compensation fund; it’s saving taxpayers’ money; and it’s creating a more inclusive democracy,” Meade said. “You can’t script a better scenario. I’m personally excited by all that.” While the letters come from the FRRC, the checks are cut by Tides Advocacy, which backed FRRC’s bid to pass Amendment 4 in 2018. On its website, the FRRC says it is “dedicated to ending the disenfranchisement and discrimination against people with convictions, and creating a more comprehensive and humane reentry system that will enhance successful reentry, reduce recidivism, and increase public safety.”

Under federal law, Tides Advocacy cannot contribute directly to candidates. But according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a Washingtonbased nonprofit that tracks federal campaign fundraising and spending, from 2012 to 2020 those affiliated with Tides Advocacy gave $1.8 million to federal candidates – all of it to Democrats, including Joe Biden this year. Tides Advocacy on its website bills itself as “a team of political, legal and financial experts that identify, connect, and fuel movements for social justice and the health of our democracy.” Meade characterized Tides Advocacy as FRRC’s “financial sponsor,” meaning it was organizing the feepaying effort. But Hayden Ludwig, an investigative researcher with the Capital Research Center, a conservative think tank in Washington, says there is more to it. He said Tides Advocacy is an “arm” of the larger Tides Foundation, whose original benefactors include billionaire George Soros, who has also given to the FRRC. Tides Advocacy now declares its independence from the Tides Foundation. But Ludwig said his group traced $20 million flowing from the foundation to its appendage between 2010 and 2018. “FRRC is a project of Tides (Advocacy), which means it’s just a front for Tides,” Ludwig said in an email. Collectively, he added, the Tides Foundation and its affiliates form “a gigantic network of left-wing nonprofits that provide a collective service to the professional Left by passing through money from major foundations to activists groups and sponsoring the creation of new activist groups,” such as the FRRC. Ludwig said Bloomberg does not seem to be a major donor to Tides. But there is no doubt they share the same political goal. “In my experience, the Left has dozens and dozens of ‘nonpartisan’ groups that do nothing but try to get likely Democratic voters registered and mobilized ahead of elections – this is nothing different,” he said. “It’s part of a larger strategy by the Left to use IRS rules to engage in voter registration to supplement (emphasis original) the Democratic Party’s own GOTV (get out the vote) activity in elections.”

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OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

CF braces for expected funding cuts By Brad Rogers Executive Editor

ith declining enrollment already denting the College of Central Florida’s budget, Gov. Ron DeSantis is asking the college to prepare a 2021 spending plan that cuts spending by 8.5 percent. CF President Jim Henningsen this week greeted the news with concern but said the college has been proactive in reducing expenses, and he believes the college can withstand such a cut, although it would be challenging. As of now, however, the DeSantis request is merely that - a request - and there is no assurance it will even come about. “We don’t know if it will come to fruition,” he said, “but we have a plan for it. Hopefully, it won’t come to fruition.” If such budget slashing did happen at the hands of the Florida Legislature, Henningsen said it would mean losing about $4 million from the college’s exiting $42 million budget. The president said the college has managed to set aside $2 million for just such an occasion, but it would still have to find $2 million in savings if the plan is enacted by Tallahassee. The second $2 million would require cutting somewhere. Compounding his concerns is the steady decline in enrollment. Typically, college enrollment jumps during periods of high unemployment when people are looking for new jobs and

new careers. During the Great Recession, CF enrollment soared, reaching a record high of 16,946 non-credit and credit students at its three campuses in 2010. This year, the enrollment is down to 10,032, a decline of about 10 percent from last year, Henningsen said -- something that is baffling college leaders. “I am surprised by the enrollment,” Henningsen said. “Under historical models, when unemployment is up, we usually see a bump in enrollment. That’s not happening this time.” The trend is not unique to CF or Florida, he said, but is being seen at community colleges across the country. A lot of students locally are taking a year off waiting for the pandemic to subside, Henningsen added, to which he responds, “All you’re doing is postponing your wages.” Henningsen said CF has held the line on raises since the onset of the pandemic, but it has also avoided any employee furloughs or layoffs because of budget cuts made last year. “I’m trying to keep the team whole,” he said. “We haven’t furloughed anybody through the pandemic. … We can get through this year. We’ve done a lot of trimming already.” Henningsen said he is awaiting clarification on just how much the actual budget cut will be and also what will happen to enrollment in the spring. That said, he believes if the cuts called for are less than 8.5 percent, “we’re good.”

IS IT TIME? [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette/ 2020.

City of Ocala hosts tire amnesty day Oct. 10

he City of Ocala is providing residents with free tire disposal from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. Disposal locations will be at the corner of Northeast 14th Street and Northeast Eighth Avenue and the Hampton Aquatic Fun Center located at 255 N.W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Tires generated by businesses will not be accepted and there is a limit of 10 tires per resident. This service is for residents living within the city limits. A driver’s license listing a city address may be requested. For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Residential Sanitation Division at 352-351-6697.

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NAMI Family-to-Family and Peerto-Peer classes resume Oct. 7

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ational Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Marion County, Inc. announced that its Family-toFamily and Peer-to-Peer classes will resume Oct. 7. NAMI Marion County’s Family-to-Family classes will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. via a Zoom link that will be provided upon registration. NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, eight-session education program for family, friends, and significant others of adults with mental health conditions. It offers instruction about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. Other topics covered include communication, problem

solving, treatment, and recovery. NAMI Marion County’s Peer-to-Peer classes will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. via a Zoom link that will be provided upon registration. NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, eight-session recovery course for adults 18 and older with a mental health condition. It offers information, skills, resources, and a community of support. Participants learn in an environment of respect, understanding, encouragement and hope. No formal diagnosis is required. For more information or to register for either class, visit www.namiocala.org or call John Podkomorski, NAMI Marion County Executive Director, 352875-9890.

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OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

A legacy of strength and love By Susan Smiley-Height Staff Writer

argaret “Peggy” Akers Wallace loved horses as a child, and that love became a lifelong passion for helping others - especially those with special needs and challenges - discover the secrets of the bond behind people and horses. Wallace, 86, who was the founder of the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association and an avid supporter of the Stirrups n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, died Sept. 26 in Ocala. Over her many years in Marion County, Wallace taught horseback riding to scores of people, including multiple generations of some families. Wallace was born in Roanoke, Virginia on Oct. 23, 1934, to Tom and Kathleen Akers. She was the youngest of four children. “She was raised in a blue-collar family and was the first and only of the children to get a college education,” said her nephew, Bruce Akers. Akers said his aunt and her husband, Johnny Wallace, an avid horseman, moved to Ocala in the early 1970s to run a horse farm for Elliott Mackle. “They ran his farm and scratched together enough money to buy a small farm in Ocala,” Akers said. “In the beginning, she taught hunter and jumper classes for kids. They never had any children, but she had a genuine love for all kids and also hosted numerous exchange students over the years. “She’s the one who first put me on a horse,” Akers added. “Now, my wife and I are just winding down our horse boarding business. The apple did not fall far from the tree.” Akers said his aunt’s good friend, Ann Granger, came from Michigan to Florida with the couple. After Johnny’s death in 1970, Granger remained on the Ocala farm with his aunt. It was in 1983 that Wallace founded the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA) at her farm. The association was operated without paid staff. The goal was to offer horseback riding as a way

to “help physically and mentally challenged people build self-esteem and independence,” according to the MTRA website. Wallace later moved it to Hillcrest School when two teachers convinced administrators they needed the program, said Pam Morrison, the current executive director of MTRA. “MTRA has been around almost 40 years and is a pioneer in therapeutic services outside offices,” Morrison added. “The program grew so much it had to move to enlarge the capacity.” Today, MTRA is based on 30 acres on the Florida Greenway and Trails in a facility constructed in 2008 with the proceeds of a Community Development Block Grant. “We now have up to 150 riders a week in season,” Morrison said. “These are clients with cerebral palsy, MS, Down syndrome and veterans. Between parents, caregivers, students and others, we touch 3,000 to 4,000 lives a year. And Peg Wallace got it all started. She was a much-loved character.” Betty Gray, the founder and executive director of the Stirrups n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, located in Citra, and which has a satellite campus at Hillcrest School, was an original board member of MTRA and became lifelong friends with Wallace. “When Kathy had her accident in 1980, when she got kicked in the head by a horse and I needed to get her back on a horse, I knew that would help her,” Gray said of her young daughter and the new therapeutic riding program being offered by Wallace. “I knew Peg because Jason, my son, was doing 4-H and Peg always had all the 4-H kids there,” Gray recalled. “She said, ‘Come on Betty, I’m starting up this therapy program and I’m making all my boarders and riders volunteer and we use their horses.’ I helped Peg, along with many of her boarders, put MTRA together.” Gray said MTRA really evolved in 1983. “Kathy was 6 years old and Peg thought the world of Kathy,” Gray noted. “I used to take her horse Oink down there for her to ride and she also showed one

of Peg’s horses, Baby Doll. The Hillcrest School, and some others, transported riders to Peg’s every week. Then, in 1989, we moved to the Hillcrest facility and Peg kind of backed out a bit.” Gray said she had a thriving career as a trainer of Morgan horses, but that Wallace really encouraged

good for so many people,” Gray added. “She just loved helping these kids. It was her passion.” Gray said Wallace told her repeatedly that when her horse Baby Doll died, she would retire from her farm, and she did. Wallace and Granger had a home off Fort King Street. After Granger passed away,

Peg Wallace, photo courtesy of Christ the King Anglican Church

Kathy and Baby Doll, courtesy Betty Gray

her involvement with therapeutic riding. Gray served as executive director of MTRA from 1997 to 2007, when she started Stirrups n Strides. “When I started Stirrups n Strides, Peg was there for me,” Gray offered. “She said, ‘OK, Betty, let’s get you some sponsors. All of my old students now own half the businesses in Ocala and they won’t tell me no. “She wanted so much

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Gray said, Wallace moved to the Hawthorne Village Retirement Community in southwest Ocala, where several of her friends lived. In addition to her passion for horses, Wallace was a devout Christian and was very active with Christ the King Anglican Church. Church member Fran Christman, who knew Wallace for about six years, was a frequent visitor at Hawthorne Village.

Christman said Wallace was a member of the Daughters of the King ministry of prayer and service, and was a subdeacon at the church. “She was a tenacious Christian,” Christman said, adding that Wallace suffered from macular degeneration. “In church, she never gave up. She couldn’t see, but she would light candles and try to keep up with Bible study on her Kindle. She was always ready to serve. She was a strong, colorful Christian.” The Rev. Don Curran, rector of Christ the King, said Wallace also was a member of the “posse.” “It was my stepmother, Jeanne Curran, Winona Wilson, Diane Anderson and Peg who were the posse,” he said. “They did Bible study together and helped me with various projects. They have, one by one, all gone to the Lord.” Curran said Wallace was an acolyte at noon healing services every Wednesday and would light the candles. “At the end, she would have to put out the candles and I would tell everyone, ‘Now for the most exciting part of the program.’ She couldn’t see, but she would finally snuff out the candles and then she always said, ‘Muscle memory!” “She was very quickwitted,” Curran noted. “I am really going to miss her. Everyone wanted to be with her. She had a heart of gold.” “And,” he added, “she was only 5 feet tall but she radiated strength. She loved horses, the church, her family and friends, and the Lord. And she taught Marion County how to ride.” “To say she was a colorful character is an understatement,” said Akers. “She was a very unique person. Her legacy is that she touched everyone she came in contact with in some way.” In addition to Akers and his wife, Eileen, Wallace is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their family members. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 10t at Christ the King Anglican Church, 4440 S.E. 3rd Ave., Ocala. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the church or to Stirrups n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center.

OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Record number of steer weigh in for Youth Fair

ne of Ocala’s premiere community events, the annual Southeastern Youth Fair, is still months away. But the fair’s most watched competition is already underway, with a record number of competitors. On Sept. 12, SEYF organizers conducted the weigh-in for the annual steer competition. The weigh-in provides the starting point for what will be a months-long journey that instructs local youngsters in a variety of life lessons – everything from understanding grooming and feeding techniques for cattle to improving math and communication skills. This year, 148 steer were entered, a record number. Travis Teuton, the SEYF’s steer competition coordinator, attributed this year’s spike in interest to a couple of causes. For one thing, he said, steers in recent years have

been fetching higher prices when shown at the end of the contest. That translates into real cash for the competitors. “Compared to hogs or sheep, cattle offer the opportunity to make a lot more money at the end,” Teuton said. Typically, he said, the kids can bank about $1,000, although some contestants can make more, if they do a good job marketing their animal. Teuton cited his son, Luke, as an example of the potential payoff. He participated in the steer contest from ages 8 to 12, Teuton said, and has now banked enough money to pay for college. Another reason for the popularity of steers, Teuton added, is that they are the “funnest” of the marketanimal projects, which along with cattle include swine, lambs and goats. “It’s a lot of labor and hard work on their part,” he noted, “but a lot of kids have just gotten into steer projects. Of all the projects it’s the funnest.”

SEYF Director Sara Lefils noted that participation in the steer competition is way up, while it’s way down for swine, and typical for lambs and goats. Lefils said that may be because more children want to move up to a bigger animal. Or, she added, maybe the competition is an outlet for COVID-19 and one of the few things that hasn’t been canceled. The steer contest is open to children from age 8 to high school seniors. The participants come from Marion County chapters of 4-H and Future Farmers of America. Teuton and others who work with the competitors say they face a long road between weigh-in and the auction, which will occur on Feb. 23. They have to feed and water them twice a day and show consistent weight gain. Teuton said the contest requires that the animal must add 2¼ pounds a day and boast at least a quartinch fat on its ribeye section. Contestants also have to document their work

Ashley Sellers, Trinity Catholic High FFA (12th grade) and her steer, Bear, prepare for the weigh-in for next spring’s Southeastern Youth Fair recently. (Courtesy of the Southeastern Youth Fair, 2020)

with the cattle in a record book. And they must train and prepare the cattle to be shown at the fair. “You can’t force a cow to do anything. It’s not like a dog or a horse,” Teuton said. “You have to be real gentle and real patient.” “They learn how to raise and animal and take care of it, and how to deal with an animal you can’t communicate with,” he noted. “It teaches them a lot of responsibility, life skills and communication skills.” Nicole Alberts, an agriculture teacher at Vanguard High School for the past seven years, has several students participating in the steer event. She agreed that the children, regardless of age, develop both “soft skills” and “hard skills” by working with the cattle – lessons that will serve them later in life. She said, on one hand, they improve in areas such as time management, record-keeping, math and writing, since part of chronicling the animal’s trek to market includes crafting an age-specific essay about

handling their cow. But they also learn how to take responsibility and communicate with adults because they must market the steer, and themselves, to potential buyers and answer judges’ questions. “I see a lot of confidence in them,” Alberts said. And they go into it knowing what awaits at the end of the day. Teuton said there is only one way out for the steers: to the butcher. All of the animals must be sold for consumption, either to an individual who has the animal slaughtered for his or her own use or to a commercial beef processor. “That’s part of the cycle,” Teuton said. “For the cow, the end game is still the same.” The steer competition is the oldest event of the fair, dating to 1941. The Youth Fair itself is the oldest all-youth continuously operating fair that doesn’t feature rides. The Southeastern Youth Fair runs from Feb. 19-27 at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala.

WORD FIND

Kinsley Starling, Kendrick 4H (Blessed Trinity School, grade 6) poses with her steer, Socks, during the recent steer weigh-in for next spring’s Southeastern Youth Fair. (Courtesy of Southeastern Youth Fair, 2020)

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 20 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Around Victoria Solution: 20 Letters

By Bill Thompson Deputy Editor

Aireys Inlet Ascot Avoca Bank Bass Bays Bendigo Weekly Bogong Bolton Boom Bright

Bush City Cliffs Clunes Coast Cressy Eltham Epsom Euroa Exhibitions Fitzroy Genoa

Golf Greta Huon Lara Lorne Lurg Maze Mildura Moe Morwell Moyhu Nilma

Nyah Omeo Ouyen Pira Rhyll Romsey Sale Scuba Trams Ultima Yanac

OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Getting ‘intimate with the art’ Appleton Museum of Art reopening with fresh new look and bold exhibits By Brad Rogers Executive Director

ith refreshed galleries and a new exhibit featuring an Ocala artistic legend, the Appleton Museum of Art is planning to reopen its doors on Oct. 15 after seven months of pandemic-induced lockdown. Appleton Director Jason Steuber said the nationally respected museum will initially be open four days a week, Thursday through Sunday. The other three days will be used for deep cleaning and continued work developing the Appleton’s online programs it nurtured and expanded throughout its closure. The online programs, from games and puzzles to virtual museum tours and how-to art classes, have been popular, especially with the museum’s high school and college student audience, Steuber said. The Appleton is part of the College of Central Florida and has programs through the Marion County Public Schools, too. “Having the virtual experience really helped us reach all our campuses,” he said. “… We were very happy to remain engaged. While the doors were closed, we kept engaged online more than we ever have before.” The museum’s closure, Steuber said, also allowed staff to “refresh” the paintings, sculptures and artifacts that are on display, as well as cleaning and painting the various galleries. The museum suffered the loss of attendance fees and gift shop revenues, but over all it has weathered the pandemic and the closure well. “In terms of the overall budget, we’ve been able to look forward … and we have been proactive,” Steuber said. Jillian Ramsammy, CF

vice president of institutional effectiveness and college relations, echoed Steuber’s assessment of the Appleton’s fiscal status. “The temporary closure of the galleries has minimally impacted the Appleton Museum of Art budget,” Ramsammy said. “While we are always focused on growing membership and increasing the number of visits, the museum’s $1.85 million budget is supported

through state funding and a private endowment. We have made adjustments for the safety of our visitors and team members, but you will find that the Appleton Museum is still our community’s gem.” Some help came from applying for grants from organizations aimed at helping museums through these tough times. The Art Bridges Foundation, for example, provided the Appleton with $40,000 in grant

The Appleton Museum of Art is shown on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020. The Appleton is closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Jason Steuber, the director of the Appleton Museum of Art, poses for a photo in one of the galleries at the Appleton Museum of Art on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala, Fla. on. Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020. The Appleton plans to reopen their doors to the public on Oct. 15 after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

money that was used to bolster online programs, help fund the reopening efforts and to boost marketing as the Appleton prepares to welcome people back to its galleries. “Budgets become inspired because you’re doing good work,” Steuber aid. During the shutdown, Steuber said all the artwork was taken down, walls were painted, lighting was improved and conservation experts were brought in to change out the galleries. Among the exhibits the Appleton will feature upon reopening are the works of renowned Ocala underwater photographer Bruce Mozert, who not only introduced the world to Silver Springs through his photos but also invented the first underwater camera. The exhibit, known as “Mid-Century Tourism on the Silver River,” is being shown to the public for the first time and will feature Mozert’s photos of Silver Springs and Paradise Park in their heydays and, according to a CF news release, “highlight Mozert’s innovation, creativity and significance to the history of tourism in Marion County.” Among other new exhibits will be “The Spaces Between” by mixedmedia artist Christian Duran, who creates “theatrical landscapes” that, while giving a nod to historic botanical illustrations, create a way of looking at nature in abstract. Also, “The Art of Adventure” will feature serigraphs by Clayton Pond. The new Appleton hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Groups will not be allowed initially for health and safety reasons, Steuber said. Masks are required of all visitors. “Everything’s spruced up and ready to go,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to be intimate with the art.”

Has your business been negatively impacted by COVID-19?

Loan, Grant, and Training Funds for Marion County Businesses Marion County wants to ensure that every business continues to grow through the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to an allocation of the County’s CARES Act Fund, assistance programs are now available for businesses of all sizes. Every business should be committed to keeping employees safe.

Bridge to Recovery Program The Small Business Assistance Program seeks to assist businesses with 25 or fewer employees who have been experiencing continuing negative impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The business will need to submit an online application demonstrating the negative impact of COVID-19 and will be able to receive up to $15,000. The business will be expected to maintain the same number of employees. The company will report quarterly on their status for a period of 1-year.

Moving Forward Program The Business Assistance Program seeks to assist businesses with 26-100 employees who have been experiencing continuing negative impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The business will need to submit an online application demonstrating the negative impact of COVID-19 and will be able to receive up to $40,000. The business will be expected to maintain the same number of employees. The company will report quarterly on their status for a period of 1-year.

Testing Capacity Enhancement Reimbursement Grant Private labs, clinics, and physician offices can apply to be reimbursed for the purchase of equipment, testing supplies, additional space, etc. to expand their testing capabilities.

Project Operating Safely (PPE Reimbursement Program) Project Operating Safely will provide up to $3,000 in reimbursements to local businesses with fewer than 100 employees and up to $10,000 for businesses with more than 100 employees for the purchase of necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and other health and safety-related items and services. Businesses may apply once for a reimbursement and funds will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

Find out how your business can access funds and submit an application at

MovingBizForward.com

OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Offering comfort and kindness Hospice of Marion County held its Volunteer of the Year awards ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 29. The event is held annually to recognize the more than 200 volunteers who work at the Hospice Thrift Store and serve in an array of critical support roles for the organization. Normally, Hospice holds a banquet at the College of Central Florida for its volunteers, but the Covid pandemic scuttled those plans and forced the organization to instead hold a series of smaller gatherings at Hospice this year. During the event, Hospice leaders honored Sharon Rinschler and her therapy dog, Dakota, as the Volunteers of the Year and bestowed upon them the Hospice Presidential. Rinschler, a volunteer for Hospice for 25 year, has volunteered at the Six Gun Hospice Thrift Store since it opened in 2013. She and Dakota also visit Hospice patients at the different Hospice Houses to cheer them up. She is also a Hospice Ambassador at Meadowbrook Church. Dakota, a rescue dog, is the second therapy dog to serve alongside Rinschler as she visits and comforts patients. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Sharon Rinschler, right, with her therapy dog, Dakota, an 8-year-old female golden retriever, gets an elbow bump from Hospice of Marion County CEO Rick Bourne, center, as Beverly Lafferty, the Hospice director of Volunteer Services, left, looks on as the two are honored with gifts and applause during the 2019 Hospice of Marion County Volunteer of the Year awards ceremony.

Lanie Shirey, the director of marketing, left, and Kyle Johnstone, the health care liaison, right, cheer for volunteers during the 2019 Hospice of Marion County Volunteer of the Year awards ceremony at Hospice of Marion County.

Beverly Lafferty, the Hospice director of Volunteer Services, left, poses in the Smile Time photo booth with Rachel Harrison, a Hospice Thrift Store volunteer. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Photo courtesy of CEP

From CEP, page 1 in membership retention, especially in a year when the country and businesses are hamstrung by the coronavirus pandemic. He said the CEP tries to provide the community a singular voice for the business community, a onestop shop for businesses looking to locate or expand

here and - something he believes is somewhat unique to Ocala - a focus on existing businesses and their needs. Because of those things, he believes the CEP’s members are making an investment in the organization and the community. “This is an investment,”

“A Higher Standard”

he said. “If you’re a business, you want a return on your investment.” He said that return on investment comes in many ways, including networking with potential customers, learning new business strategies and ideas and the notion that “a rising tide raises all ships,” or that if

the community is adding new businesses in part because of the CEP’s efforts, it is good for all businesses. The CEP has a staff of 21 people and an annual budget of $2.5 million. About 20 percent of that budget is funded by the city of Ocala and the Marion County government.

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OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Are these guys for real?

The Forest Wild Cats storm the field before the North Marion take on the Forest Wildcats at North Marion High School in Citra, Florida on Friday September 25, 2020. Forest shut out North Marion 7-0 [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette].

Coming off a huge upset win over North Marion, the Forest Wildcats get a second big test this week against rival Vanguard By Morgan Willett Sports Editor

he public school football schedule got under way last week with a major upset as the area’s top-ranked program, North Marion, was blanked by underdog Forest 7-0. North Marion entered the season ranked 52nd in the state by MaxPrep Sports, while Forest was ranked just 328th and was expected to have a mediocre campaign. Instead, the win catapulted the Wildcats to 102nd overall in Florida, while the Colts slipped 60 spots to No. 112.

“Our defense played great, Forest Coach Robin Williams said. “We ended with 11 quarterback sacks and held them to only eight rushing yards.” The Wildcat Defense was led by Eli Russell, who registered five sacks to stifle the North Marion passing game. In other action, West Port narrowly escaped Belleview with an 18-17 win after trailing the Rattlers 10-6 entering the fourth quarter. West Port Head Coach Steve Rhem said, “It took us 45 minutes to get started, but we had a huge fourth quarter. The boys showed real fight and made some great plays.”

Meanwhile, heavily favored Dunnellon didn’t disappoint in its season opener, crushing Lake Weir 53-0. In talking with Head Coach Price Harris of Dunnellon, he clearly has big goals; as he describes room for improvement for his team this year, “Although we played a well rounded game and held Lake Weir to 38 total offensive yards, we still have a lot to fix. We had some unfortunate penalties that we need to clean-up.” Looking ahead to week two, the Vanguard Knights open their season against Forest, which looks to build on the

North Marion Colts running back Myron Harrison jr (24) reacts as the game comes to a close as the North Marion lost to the Forest Wildcats at North Marion High School in Citra, Florida on Friday September 25, 2020. Forest shut out North Marion 7-0 [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette].

momentum from its upset of North Marion and drive its record to 2-0. After squeaking past Belleview, West Port will travel to Citra to take on the North Marion. “North Marion is always tough, but we have been working hard to get back to true West Port football, and look forward to the challenge,” Rhem said. The Colts hope to turn things around with a win, while West Port looks to stay undefeated. North Marion Head Coach Greg Carr said the Colts are, “just looking to continue to get better as a team. We are playing a good

West Port team this Friday that is coming off a hard-fought win last week against Belleview. We have to be ready to play four quarters of good football.” Following a frustrating narrow loss to West Port, the schedule doesn’t get any kinder for Belleview, which faces a Dunnellon team fresh off a drubbing of Lake Weir. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have no choice but to pick themselves up, dust off the dirt and get back to the grindstone, as they have a bye. The area’s private schools were also in action last week.

Trinity Catholic pummeled Gainesville last week, 38-7, remaining undefeated at 2-0. The Celtics face an undefeated The Villages Charter on Friday. The St. John Saints, having lost their opener to Cedar Creek Christian with a disconcerting final score of 54-0, hope to turn things around against Eagle’s View this Friday. Ocala Christian remained winless on the season but put up an impressive 46 points against Halifax Academy on Oct. 18 and hopes to carry that momentum into Friday night as they travel to Deltona to take on Trinity.

North Marion’s #4 Titus Williams tries to evade Forest’s #9 Naylen Seymour the North Marion take on the Forest Wildcats at North Marion High School in Citra, Florida on Friday September 25, 2020. Forest shut out North Marion 7-0 [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette].

OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

West Port’s quarterback Gavin Savino (2) gets rid of the ball as he feels pressure from Belleview defender Julious Lane (42) during a football game at Belleview High School in Belleview, Fla. on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Belleview’s Lucas Thompson (16) battles for extra yardage as West Port defenders try to stop him. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

West Port’s Jeremyah Lightsey (3) eludes Belleview’s Cade Gray (8) for a large gain. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Belleview’s Eric Mclaughlin (11) pushes ahead for extra yardage as West Port’s Chaz Siddall (17) tries to stop him. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Wildcats aim for perfection Forest remains the team to beat as volleyball enters final week of regular season By Morgan Willett Sports Editor

ntering the final week of high school volleyball, the No. 1 and 2 spots within the MCAIC appear to be clinched, with Forest remaining undefeated following a win over North Marion on Tuesday, and Vanguard having only suffered losses to Forest. Bringing up the middle are North Marion, West Port and Belleview, with Dunnellon and Lake Weir trailing behind. Here’s what is coming up for teams this week: Belleview (3-5): Belleview will try

to build on their straight-sets win over Lake Weir on Monday, but will have their work cut out for them against Forest on Thursday and Vanguard next Tuesday. “Our season had a rough start. We have had some growing pains, but every new team has that. We have all the pieces we need and are working on making those pieces work together. We have a solid team and we showed that against Lake Weir yesterday,” stated Head Coach Lindsay Seek. The Rattlers will complete the 2020 season with an away game against North Marion next Thursday, Oct. 8. Although

Belleview walked away with a loss in their first meeting with North Marion, it was close at 3-2. If the lady Rattlers play consistently, they have the ability to end 2020 with a win. Dunnellon (1-8): 2020 has been a tough season for the lady Tigers. Suffering a grueling loss to Forest on Monday, Dunnellon faces another difficult challenge on Thursday versus Vanguard. They will then play at North Marion on Tuesday, Oct. 6, and finish the season with a home game against West Port on Oct. 8. Forest (9-0): As the only undefeated team in the MCAIC,

Forest is the indisputable firstplace team. After beating Dunnellon on Monday, the Wildcats notched their ninth win of the season against North Marion on Tuesday. Barring a major upset, it appears the lady Wildcats will finish the 2020 season undefeated, with their final opponents being Belleview (Oct. 1), West Port (Oct. 6) and Lake Weir (Oct. 8). Reflecting on the season and what awaits postseason play, Head Coach Jimmy Collins stated, “With the impact of COVID-19 we knew getting into the season that our schedule would not be as competitive as past years. My philosophy

has always been to play as difficult a schedule as possible to be best prepared for districts. Forest has always been part of a very difficult district. But I told our team before the season we will not use our less-thancompetitive schedule as an excuse. We have made our practices as competitive as possible. Our first goal was not to lose a set to any of the county schools. We still have the opportunity to reach that goal. Our next goal was to win the district tournament. That is still our goal.” Lake Weir (1-9): Similar to Dunnellon, the ladies from Lake

Weir have struggled this year. Recently outmatched in shutouts against North Marion on Sept. 24 and Belleview this past Monday, and West Port on Tuesday, the Hurricanes will not likely get any reprieve to end their 2020 season when they face Vanguard on Thursday and Forest a week later. North Marion (5-4): Currently hanging in the middle of the pack of Marion County teams, although enduring a loss on Tuesday to Forest, the North Marion Colts, with their win over Lake Weir on Sept. 24, have the opportunity to finish strong with games against West

Forest’s Ava Keuntjes (12) lays out on the floor for a diving dig save against Vanguard during a volleyball match at Vanguard High School in Ocala, Fla. on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020. Forest won the match 3 sets to 0. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

14 Port Thursday, Dunnellon Oct. 6, and Belleview Oct. 8. The Colts should be able to finish the season with a record of 8-4 if they play to their potential. Vanguard (8-2): Having already faced rival and conference powerhouse Forest, the Knights look to finish the 2020 season with a four-game winning streak. After beating West Port on Monday and Dunnellon on Tuesday, they hope to make it three in a row against Lake Weir on Thursday and beat Belleview on Tuesday. If Vanguard is able to use these final weeks to improve their consistency, they have the ability to do well in the post-season. Head Coach, Luis Perez confirmed, “We know our mental game must be better, smarter, and stronger to be able to beat teams like Forest High. We have the tools and potential and just need to put the pieces together. We

OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE are still trying to find a way to be better together as a team and we will continue working towards that. Our focus now is to get to the end of the state series. We know that as a young team we will have to work harder to click sooner as a team and fight for a spot for the state title.” West Port (5-4): Having been at 500, the Wolf Pack chalked up a win on Tuesday against Lake Weir and should be able to put another “W” on the board against Dunnellon on Oct. 8. That being said, games against North Marion on Thursday and Forest next Tuesday will likely leave them finishing 2020 at 500. Looking at the private schools, Trinity Catholic, while suffering some early season losses has turned it around with a 5 game winning streak. Following wins against Berkeley Prep (9/29) and Oak Hall (9/30), resulting in a current

record of 6-3, TC will have their work cut out for them as they face, Santa Fe Wednesday, Oct. 7 and Riverview Thursday, Oct. 8. Both of which currently have winning records. Ocala Christian (1-6) was defeated by Meadowbrook 3 sets to 0 on Tuesday and will complete their season with an away game against Wildwood. In their first game of the season, the Crusaders lost to Wildwood 3-2 but look to avenge that loss Thursday to end the 2020 season. With a current record of 11-2, the lady Saints of St. John played Redeemer Christian on Tuesday and walked away with a victory. They have two tough bouts ahead - on Thursday against Newberry, whose current record is 11-3, and in their final game of the season against Bell (13-3) on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Forest’s coach Jimmy Collins celebrates with Aubrey O’Cull (2) and Sheridan Turner (8). [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Vanguard’s Emma Ehmann (9) sets the ball. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Forest’s Sheridan Turner (8) and Aubrey O’Cull (2) jump to block a spike. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Forest’s Emma Santi (13) spikes the ball past Vanguard’s Christina Light (5) and Emma Joyner (10). [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

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OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community

10/2

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

10/2

Marion County Friday Market

Marion Oaks Community Center, 294 Marion Oaks Ln. 9am-12pm Fresh vegetables, artisan food products and handmade crafts.

McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave. 9am-2pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, cinnamon buns, jerky, freeze dried treats, olive oils and seafood.

10/2

Brown Bag Basics: Online Marketing Strategies

10/2

Fort King Archaeology Center Opening

10/3

Paddock Mall Halloween Run

10/3

Community Foundation Ocala Marion County – virtual 11:45am-1pm Lesley Banis, CFRE presents tips and techniques for online marketing nonprofit organizations. Registration is required via www.ocalafoundation.org/brown-bag-basics.

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St. 12-5pm The new archaeology center will educate visitors about the archaeological process of re-creating the fort replica and features new artifacts discovered during excavation. The Archaeology Center will be open Fridays and Saturdays 125pm. Visit www.fortkingocala.com or call (352) 368-5517 for more information.

Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Rd. 9am Run in a chip timed 5K race to benefit the Marion County Children Alliance and enjoy food trucks, beer, music, raffles and family activities or choose to participate virtually. Register at www.paddockmallrun.com or call (352) 237-1223 for more information.

Brownwood Farmers Market

2726 Brownwood Blvd., Wildwood 9am-1pm More than 70 vendors offer fresh produce and crafts. www. thevillagesentertainment.com

10/6

Website Planning 101

10/7

CEP South Marion NetWorks Group

10/7

1 Million Cups Ocala

10/7

Measure of a Man

10/7

MBA Marion Business Advantage

10/8

Farmers Market

10/8

Jr. LEAF

Online via http://midflorida.score.org 7-8pm Learn how to put together a comprehensive plan for your business’s website. Email midflorida@scorevolunteer.org to register for this free online workshop.

The Farmhouse, 11077 SE 57th Ct., Belleview 7:30-8:30am Contact Faith Wilt at (352) 602-5695 for more information.

Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave. 9:30-10:30am Two local startups present their business idea to an audience of community entrepreneurs. Email ryan@ocalacep.com for more information.

Master the Possibilities, 8415 SW 80th St. 1-2:30pm Visiting speaker Dr. Joe Ponds is the author of “The 600 m.o.l.: Black Helicopter Pilots in Vietnam,” a story of uncommon fortitude, perseverance and triumph. For tickets and more information visit www.masterthepossibilities.org or call (352) 861-9751.

Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, 310 SE 3rd St. 5:30-6:30pm A smaller version of the CEP’s Business After Hours networking event. Email jim@ocalacep.com for more information.

Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St. 9am-1pm Locally grown seasonal produce, baked goods, plants and more. www.circlesquarecommons.com/farmersmarket

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave. 10am A nature walk-n-talk with Park Manager and horticulture expert Brian DeVane for homeschoolers and virtual learners age 8-12. Registration at www.sholompark.org is required for this free event.

10/3

Ocala Downtown Market

10/3

Discovery Center Reopening

701 NE Sanchez Ave. 10am-4pm The Discovery Center premiers a new hands-on exhibit, “Astronaut Academy,” which explores the past, present and future of space travel. Capacity will be limited in three sessions, 10am-12pm, 12-2pm and 2-4pm. Visit www. mydiscoverycenter.org or call (352) 401-3900 for more information.

Now Pump Boys and Dinettes -10/25

10/4

Ocala Cars & Coffee

Now Alone Together -10/31

10/4

Rustique’s Fall in Florida Market

10/4

10/6

SE 3rd Street and SE 3rd Avenue 9am-2pm A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, arts and crafts, rain or shine. www. ocaladowntownmarket.com

War Horse Harley-Davidson, 5331 N. U.S. Hwy 441 7:30am-12pm See unique cars, trucks and motorcycles and enjoy coffee beverages and live music by Jeff and the Jarretts. Call (352) 732-2488 for more information.

Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 9am-4pm Vendors featuring handcrafted, vintage and repurposed items; food trucks; live music and photos in the pumpkin patch. Email rustiquevintagemarket@gmail.com for more information.

Arts

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd. 7:30pm This high-octane, country-flavored musical set at North Carolina’s Double Cupp Diner promises a down-home good time. Performances are Thursday-Sunday through October 25th. Visit www.ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets and more information, or call (352) 236-2274.

NOMA Gallery, 939 N. Magnolia Ave. 12-6pm An art exhibit featuring best-in-show artists from the last five Ocala Arts Festivals presented by Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) and sponsored by the David & Lisa Irwin Midgett Foundation at the historic Coca Cola building. Open Thursdays-Sundays. www.fafo.org

10/2 -31

Community

10/2

First Friday Art Walk

10/5

Expressive HeARTS: Healing Through the Arts

Gala of the Royal Horses

Peninsula Farm, 12020 U.S. Hwy 441 4-5:30pm The Royal Horses of Europe, including Lipizzaner stallions, Andalusian, Friesian and the majestic Arabian breeds showcase beauty and grace in breathtaking equine maneuvers. www.monumentaltix.com

Tuesday Talks

Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, 310 SE 3rd St. 8:15-9:30am Kelly McAtee of Things to Do Ocala and Debbie GarciaBengochea of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses present on ways to increase your social media presence. www. cepocala.com.

10/6

Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Attracting Wildlife

10/6

Biz Promoters Networks Group

10/6

Networking University

10/6

Florida Springs Protection Community Meeting

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 S. Broadway 12-6pm Local artists take on the topic “What does community mean to you?” in this new exhibition. Opening reception October 2nd, 5:30-7:30pm; exhibit open Tuesday-Saturday through October 31st. Call (352) 369-1500 for more information.

Downtown Ocala 6-9pm Stroll historic downtown Ocala and explore more than 20 artist displays, free, hands-on family art activities and extended shopping hours. Visit www.ocalafl.org/artwalk or call (352) 629-8447 for more information.

The Monarch Center, 2895 SE 62nd St. 9:30am Hospice of Marion County hosts a gathering for adults to express grief freely and without judgment through simple writing, craft and art projects in a relaxed environment. Space is limited; register at www.monarchcenter-marion.com or call (352) 873-7456

Virtual 10-11:30am IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners show you how to provide critical wildlife habitat in your own backyard. Registration via https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/ is required for this free online workshop.

Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave. 11:30am-12:30pm Bring your own lunch. Email tom@ocalacep.com for more information.

Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, 310 SE 3rd St. 11:30am-1pm Learn foolproof tips to help you make the most of CEP networking events and enjoy a free lunch. Email jim@ocalacep. com for more information.

Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Rd. 6-7:30pm A socially distanced open house to learn about water quality issues, environmental concerns and septic tank requirements in connection with Silver and Rainbow Springs. Call (352) 438-2300 for more information.

Photo by Tammy Griffin, courtesy of Brick City Center for the Arts

OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

10/7

Flip the Deck Reception

Sovereigns & Scoundrels, 56 SE 1st Ave. 7-9pm Get your first glimpse of skateboard decks painted by eight local artists at the new Sovereigns & Scoundrels Ink & Glass Emporium and vote for your favorite. www. sovereignsandscoundrels.com

10/8

Applaud the Arts: Starry Night

Marion Theatre, 50 S. Magnolia Ave. 6:15pm Marion Cultural Alliance’s 10th annual celebration of the arts and art awards features a screening of the film “Loving Vincent,” the world’s first fully painted feature film. Enjoy individually packaged tapas and beverages with live music by Ecliff. Visit www.mcaocala.org for tickets and more information

Government

10/5

Marion County Development Review Committee

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave. 9am The DRC votes on waiver requests, drainage/site plans, subdivision master plans, preliminary plats, improvement plans and final plats. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.

10/5

10/6

Marion County Public Hearing

10/6

Ocala City Council

10/6

Belleview City Commission

10/7

Dunnellon City Council Workshop

10/8

Marion County Development Review Committee Staff Meeting

10/8

Marion County Tourist Development Council

Marion County Board of Adjustment Variances

Growth Services training room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 2pm The Board hears potential variances to code regulations and challenges to zoning code interpretations. Call (352) 438-2600 for more information.

10/6

Marion County Board of Commissioners

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 9am Call (352) 438-2323 for more information.

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 2pm A hearing to consider amendment to the developer’s agreement regarding the Golden Ocala Project Site.

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. and online 5pm Call (352) 629-8401 for more information. Visit https://zoom. us/j/446885807 to participate online.

City Hall Commission Room, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6-8pm Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon 5:30pm Call (352) 465-8500 for more information.

Office of the County Engineer Bldg 1 Conference Room, 412 SE 25th Ave. 8:30am Applicants may discuss proposed or current projects with county review staff prior to meeting formally with the committee. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.

Visitors and Convention Bureau, 109 W. Silver Springs Blvd. 9am The Tourist Development Council recommends use of tourist development tax revenue to enhance, promote, advertise and develop tourism in Ocala/Marion County. Call (352) 438-2800 for more information.

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

6pm Heather Lynne Black Sheep on Broadway

4-8pm Conrad Marcum Eaton’s Beach Florisiana Cuisine

7-11pm Conrad Marcum County Line

8pm 2nd Rockin Night Black Sheep on Broadway

7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Night Circle Square Cultural Center

5-9pm Conrad Marcum The Black Sheep on Broadway

Ocala Symphony Orchestra kicks off fall season with Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale

he Ocala Symphony Orchestra has announced three performances for the 2020 fall season. The season opens Oct. 17 with Igor Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale and is followed by Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons on Nov. 21 and finally the holiday celebration Symphony Under the Lights on Dec. 4. Here is a look at each:

The Soldier’s Tale, Oct. 17

Igor Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale feature members of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, Joshua Mazur as narrator and a special collaboration with Dance Alive National Ballet. Tickets are $25$35 for adults and $10 for students. Written in 1918 near the end of World War I and at the height of the Spanish Flu pandemic, the premise of Stravinsky’s A Soldier’s Tale will sound familiar to fans of Charlie Daniels Band’s The Devil Went Down to Georgia. Narrator and dancer navigate the audience through this 60-minute story accompanied by live musicians. The community can learn more about this piece during Coffee with the Conductor at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 9 at the Reilly Arts Center. Maestro Matthew Wardell will talk about The Soldier’s Tale, composer Igor Stravinsky, and why he chose the piece.

The event is free and open to the public.

Vivaldi – The Four Seasons, Nov. 21

Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi - The Four Seasons will feature OSO concertmaster Stewart Kitts, and the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Max Richter (composer for Ad Astra starring Brad Pitt and HBO’s The Leftovers) offers a 21st century view of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. Tickets are $30-$20 for adults, $10 for students. According to the Symphony Orchestra, “The project presents an exciting opportunity to make favorite classics relevant to a wider audience,” adding that Max Richter’s approach differs fundamentally from the preceding releases: He is the first in the series to employ an existing score, ‘inscribe’ his new composition into Vivaldi’s and record a new version of a familiar work, creating a hybrid work “Vivaldi’s music is made of regular patterns, and that connects with postminimalism, which is one strand in the music that I write,” Richter says. “That felt like a natural link, but even so it was surprisingly difficult to navigate my way through it. At every point I had to work out how much is Vivaldi and how much is me. It was difficult but also rewarding because the raw material is so fascinating.”

Symphony Under the Lights, Dec. 4

Max Richter, who composed the score for Ad Astra starring Brad Pitt and HBO’s The Leftovers, offers a 21st century view of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons when he visits the Ocala Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 21. (Photo courtesy of Ocala Symphony Orchestra)

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra continues its holiday tradition Symphony Under the Lights, presented by Jenkins Auto Group. This concert is free and open to the public and takes place on the Jenkins Open Air Theatre. The concert will feature holiday favorites and some new surprises for the whole

family, according to an OSO press release. To learn more information and purchase tickets visit www. reillyartscenter.com or call 352-351-1606. Box Office hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The Reilly Arts Center continues to operate at a reduced capacity to

provide comfort and safety for guests and artists. When attending indoor performances guests can currently choose their own seats in pairs of two. Guests may contact the box office if they would like to expand their party to a group of three and four and remain socially distanced from other parties.

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