is remarkable home o ers a picturesque view of the 10th hole of the Ocala National Golf Course. Boasting three bedrooms, a well-appointed o ce, three bathrooms and an expansive three car garage, this residence epitomizes luxury. e gourmet kitchen seamlessly connects to the living area, creating an ideal space for entertaining. e oversized island is perfect for hosting dinner parties and gatherings with loved ones. e owner’s bedroom is generously proportioned with a sitting area, beautifully accented tray ceiling, beautiful bath and access to the lanai. e split oor plan design places the guest rooms on the opposite side of the home. A spacious screened lanai is perfect for entertaining and enjoying the Florida sunshine and stunning golf course views. Conveniently located near the World Equestrian Center and Golden Ocala.
$998,000
Discover peace and tranquility in this unique three-bedroom, three-bath main home with 2,926 square feet of living space, situated on 32+/- acres—truly an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. e expansive owner’s suite includes a versatile adjoining room, perfect for a home o ce or cozy retreat. Enjoy the large bonus room for added storage and convenience, with a washer and dryer. Step outside to a private lanai and pool area, ideal for relaxation and entertaining. Enjoy the privacy and views. Additional features include a one-bedroom, two-bath “Chicken Shack” with a stylish host room and workspace, and a charming “She Shack” cottage with a kitchenette and outdoor shower. e guest cottage o ers three bedrooms and two baths, plus various outdoor seating areas. e property boasts a 15-stall barn, a second barn for equipment and an outbuilding with electricity for workshops or extra storage. Live your dream in this beautifully designed retreat!
Equestrian Estate
Discover an unparalleled equestrian estate in northwest Marion County. is magni cent property o ers state-of-the-art equine facilities professionally sculpted and architecturally designed for both function and elegance. e 3,984-square-foot o ce is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring an inviting lobby, a stylish lounge, private o ces—including an executive suite—and a state-of-the-art conference room, all equipped with ber optic internet for seamless connectivity. e grand 5,400-square-foot breeding barn boasts six premium stalls, a spacious holding stall and a dedicated veterinary area, while the stallion barns impress with seven expansive 16-foot by 16-foot stalls adorned with sophisticated design touches. A spectacular 9,618-square-foot broodmare barn o ers 27 stalls, complete with top-notch foaling accommodations and a chic one-bedroom apartment. e training barn is a haven for equine excellence, featuring 23 stalls, a well-appointed lab and a cozy apartment, alongside additional luxurious amenities such as a European free walker and beautifully landscaped outdoor areas. A general manager’s residence is equally impressive, encompassing 1,884 square feet with four spacious bedrooms and two elegant baths. e property is further enhanced by stunningly landscaped grounds, a secure entrance and a dedicated maintenance shop. is remarkable equestrian property is a showcase of unparalleled quality and exceptional amenities. Additionally, there are exible options for potential buyers, including the opportunity to purchase approximately 190 acres, 210 acres or the entire 400 acres, allowing for customization to meet your speci c needs. Call for options and pricing.
Call or Text: 352.804.8989 | joan@joanpletcher.com | joanpletcher.com Besilu – An Unparalleled
What should you expect working with Joan
Pletcher?
Expect an unparalleled combination of professionalism, integrity and relentless commitment to her client’s unique needs, interests, and desires.
Joan is a residential, equine property and land development REALTOR® since 1985 and a horsewoman herself so her clients have the bene t of experience and specialized expertise. “ e Ocala region is home to the most beautiful equestrian estates and horse farms in the United States and the natural beauty of the area, along with an amazing variety of equine-centered activities and venues, such as the phenomenal World Equestrian Center, makes this a place that more and more people want to call home,” says Joan.
Dear readers,
new year brings fresh start opportunities if we choose to live intentionally, making smart life choices that factor in the things we can’t control along with the things we can. While many of us might use the opportunity to choose better fitness and eating habits with the new year, this issue explores a few more complicated scenarios that should be considered carefully. For example, preventing falls at home, figuring out a path forward upon release from prison, or how to pursue treatment help outside of mainstream medicine.
In this issue, you will learn about Julianne Stowell, who, through the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances Farm at Ocala-based Lowell Correctional Institution, made the most of the opportunity to create a new life for herself at Naill Brennan Stables and recently earned a national thoroughbred industry employee award.
We share the story of Keszia and Bryce Hale, whose daughter Siena, 9, is one of fewer than 100 children in the world with the rare genetic disorder ALG13-CDG. There is no cure for the condition, so the Hale’s, along with other parents, are working to raise enough money to begin collaborating with a biotech company to find a potential treatment to improve their children’s quality of life.
You also will learn about the newly organized Marion County Fall Prevention Coalition, which is working to address the reasons why our county tops all others in the state of Florida for deaths from accidental falls. The article offers details about how local residents, particularly seniors, are at risk, and ways to prevent falls from happening.
This book also features some healthy recipes from Jill Paglia, ways to get some exercise and enjoy the gem that is Silver Springs State Park from Scott Mitchell and even how to incorporate camellias into your garden for pops of winter color that can brighten your mood by Belea Keeney.
So, from our team to our readers, here’s to your good health and happiness in 2025!
Jennifer Hunt Murty Publisher
Publisher | Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com
Jill and Emily Paglia show us how good food can be good for you.
54 AN ARTISTIC MILESTONE
The Ocala Art Group is celebrating its 75th anniversary in February.
58 THE GEM OF THE WINTER GARDEN Camellias can add some sparkle to a cool season landscape.
this issue
30
SAVING SIENA
The family of a girl with a rare genetic disorder is working to fund research.
36 A JOURNEY OF SELF DISCOVERY
Julianne Stowell created a new life and earned a national thoroughbred industry award.
41
COMBINING RESOURCES
The Marion County Fall Prevention Coalition hopes to prevent deaths from falls.
60 REAL FLORIDA
Explore, relax and recharge at Silver Springs State Park.
62
CHILDREN’S CHARITY CLASSIC
This new event will unite the equestrian world with philanthropy.
64 A LITTLE BIT ABOUT… Judge LeAnn Mackey-Barnes shares some personal insights.
PHOTO BY BRUCE ACKERMAN
PHOTO BY JOHN JERNIGAN
PHOTO BY MEAGAN GUMPERT
INSIDER
Social Scene
Photo by Tammy Griffin of Tammy Portrait Artist
Nathan Sands and Amy Alvarado were among the many guests sporting costumes to accent the theme of Surrealist Ball for the Marion Cultural Alliance’s annual Applaud the Arts event.
Surrealist Ball
NOMA BLACK BOX
Photos by Tammy Griffin of Tammy Portrait Artist
The Marion Cultural Alliance’s Applaud the Arts gala on November 14th recognized Charles Eady as Arts Educator of the year, Darian Mosely for the Service Award, Angie Lewis for the Vision Award and conferred a posthumous award to famed Ocala tenor James Melton.
Mel Fiorentino, Lisa Irwin, Isaiah Pepper and Geraldo Rodriquez
Estelle Cress, Segourney Isaac, Jessica St. Hilaire, Katerina Lescouflair, Lorrie Terbilcox and Monica Graces
Sarah Lajealle and Darian Mosley
Sandra Brazzel, Ken Brazzel and Kendra Brazzel
Tyrus Clutter
Night of Hope
COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
by Bruce Ackerman
The Marion County Children’s Alliance’s Night of Hope, which honors victims and survivors of domestic violence, took place October 21st at the College of Central Florida. The guest speaker was pastor and author Michael Neely, who himself is a survivor.
The Transitions Life Center’s soiree took place October 26th and included entertainment, a live auction and more. TLC is a nonprofit whose purpose is to provide a safe, caring and enriching community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Linda and Mike Paglia
Sabrina Hughes and Diane Carrizzo
Frank and Angela DeLuca
John and Diane Renyhart
Zoe, Jody and Sara Long
Head to El Toreo for the best Mexican food this side of the border! Enjoy all of your favorite traditional Mexican dishes in a friendly and festive atmosphere.
Specials:
Mondays and Wednesdays, Margaritas are $2 Saturdays, 2 for 1 Margaritas All Day
El Toreo
3790 E Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala (352) 694-1401 › 7 days 11a-10p
SR 200, Ocala (352) 291-2121 › 7 days 11a-11p
Dine-in or take out available
Located in the heart of downtown Ocala, Harry’s offers traditional Louisiana favorites like Shrimp and Scallop Orleans, Crawfish Etouffée, Jambalaya, Shrimp Creole, Blackened Red Fish and Louisiana Gumbo. Other favorites, like French Baked Scallops and Bourbon Street Salmon, are complemented with grilled steaks, chicken, burgers, po’ boy sandwiches and salads. Their full bar features Harry’s Signature Cocktails, such as the Harry’s Hurricane, Bayou Bloody Mary or the Cool Goose Martini. They also feature wines by the glass and a wide selection of imported, domestic and craft beer.
Harry’s Seafood
Bar & Grille
24 SE 1st Avenue, Ocala (352) 840-0900 › hookedonharrys.com Mon-Thu 11a-9p › Fri & Sat 11a-10p › Sun 11a-8p
Happy Hour Specials: 2-7p every day
$4 Draft Beer
$5 House Wine & Premium Cocktails
$6 Super Premium & $7 Harry’s Signature Cocktails
Crab Crusted Redfish Royale
Ocala Arts Festival
DOWNTOWN OCALA
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
The Fine Arts For Ocala event on October 26th and 27th had more than 150 artists, entertainment, student performances and more. Judges Robin Perry Dana and Victoria Billig selected the artists who shared $27,000 in cash awards.
Shari and Ken Ausley
William Kidd
Austin Faulkner, 7, Lucas Faulkner, 9, Blake Faulkner, 4, Chris Graham, Maddison Ruggles, 12, Heavenly Faulkner, 6, Stephanie Faulkner and Alyson Ruggles, 14
Paul Ware and Jordan Shapot
Malisa McCreedy and Vivian Coleman
Ocali Country Days
by Bruce Ackerman
Visitors to the festival from November 8th10th were treated to displays of pioneer life, including the stoking of the wood-fi red kiln on the campus of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center, live entertainment and much more.
SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK
Photos
The Cracker Village
Deb Sands and Patsi Jennings
Ledger Connolly, 11
Mike Kolodka and Kaydee Ellis, 8
Jack Frost
TEDx Ocala
COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
TEDx Ocala celebrated its 10th anniversary on November 9th with a roster of 13 speakers. The theme was “humanity.” The event was organized by Manal Fakhoury and other volunteers, and she said it included “a wonderful day of curiosity, connection and conversation.”
Emily “Cali” Callahan, Laila Fakhoury, Hanna Barakat and Zach West
Tiffany Edith
Manal and Riadh Fakhoury
Christine Del Monte, Angela Lightfoot Redondo and Waiquiria Polanco-Gracia
James Melton lived in Ocala. He was a radio, television, concert and Metropolitan Opera star, and collected vintage automobiles. On November 13th, he was memorialized with a plaque on the Walk of Fame at the historic Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala.
Myra Knowblock, Ann VanDenburgh, Shirley Ausley, Jill Shoaf and David Stafford
The Marion Theatre
Liz Thompson and Julie Weiss
Natalie McComb, Gerald Ergle and Jaye Baillie
Jean Morillo, Alexa Schmidt, Rick Schmidt and Larry Galyean
Horse Farms Forever Conservation Summit
OCALA BREEDERS’ SALES ARENA
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
Filmmaker,
musician and photographer
Mark Emery was the guest speaker at the November 14th event. The Acorn Award was presented to Guy Marwick, executive director of The Felburn Foundation and founder of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center.
Bernie Little, Guy Marwick and Margaret Spontak
Erika Skula
Busy Shires
Sara Powell-Fennessy
Mark and Mary Emery
Light Up Ocala
DOWNTOWN OCALA
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
The November 23rd event was the 40th annual celebration. The Herrera family fl ipped the switch to illuminate glittering holiday lights all around the square. The event included the Junior Sunshine Parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and lots of entertainment.
Sisters Kiana Soto, 8, and Izabella Soto, 5 Evelyn Calderone, 7, and Eva Sculley, 4
LODGING · DINING · TRAIL RIDING
ON-SITE TRAIL RIDING
Black Prong puts you on a path to fun with on-site horseback trail riding. Don't have your own horse? Book a ride with Black Prong Adventures to explore the Goethe State Forest on our friendly trail horses. Horse owners are also welcome to explore over 100 miles of trails with direct access from the Black Prong property!
COMFY ACCOMMODATIONS
WINE AND DINE
Black Prong Bar & Grill serves up craft cocktails, steak, and seafood for dinner with live music weekly!
Or you can also enjoy poolside service on the weekends.
Black Prong is a nature lovers paradise that’s right-sized for every preference—offering an eclectic array of accommodations, from rustic vacation cottages with stalls attached, to tiny home resort cabins and cozy, retro-chic Airstream travel trailers, and even a few RV spots. And we’re pet-friendly, so don’t hesitate to bring Fido or Kitty.
See 200 unique and powerful works donated to the museum in the last five years, with notable names such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Charles Ephraim Burchfield, Ansel Adams, Jim Dine, Louise Nevelson, Käthe Kollwitz, Joan Miró, James Rosenquist, Genryusai Seiya and many others.
Untitled from “Polígrafa XV Años,” 1979, Joan Miró (Spanish, 1893-1983), Lithograph on Arches paper, Anonymous donation; ed. 41/100, Florida Institute of Technology 2021 transfer.
Editor’s Picks
A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION: HONORS RECITAL
REILLY ARTS CENTER
January 12
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s annual recital will feature finalists in junior and senior divisions. The winners will return in March to perform as soloists at the OSO’s Youth, Tricksters, and Metamorphosis concert. Visit reillyartscenter.com to learn more.
DIXON’S VIOLIN
OCALA CIVIC THEATRE
January 17
Dixon is a world-renowned violinist. With the help of electric looping, Dixon is able to perform as an entire orchestra. Go to ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets.
HYPNOTIST SHOW
MARION THEATRE
January 18
The Aliens Are Among Us and They’re Hilarious show will feature Flip Orley’s unique act of comedy and hypnosis. For tickets, go to reillyartscenter.com
VIVE LA FRANCE! REILLY ARTS CENTER
January 25-26
Guest conductor Raymond Chobaz will lead the Ocala Symphony Orchestra through a medley of great French composers, including Debussy’s Trois Nocturnes, Camille Saint-Saëns’ Africa: Fantasy for Piano and Orchestra and Maurice Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe Suite No. 2. For details go to reillyartscenter.com
P hoto by Bruce Ackerman
Brian Morris works on his sidewalk chalk art during the OTrak Chalk Walk. The competition is part of the Tuscawilla Art Park series.
OTRAK CHALK WALK
TUSCAWILLA ART PARK
January 25
Watch as artists create works on sidewalks, visit vendors, listen to music and check out some food trucks. Free to attend. Learn more at ocalafl.gov/chalkwalk
GRANDVIEW INVITATIONAL
FLORIDA HORSE PARK
January 30 – February 1
See Clydesdales, Belgians and Percherons in action. Gates open at 8am and shows begin at noon. Camping packages are available. Learn more at grandviewinvitational.com
NEVER GIVE UP ON COUNTRY
CONCERT
SHELTAIR AVIATION
January 31
Enjoy a patriotic evening of music featuring Chris Janson and Chris McNeil, to support the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting veterans, first responders and active service members. Learn more at travismillsfoundation.org
FREE FIRST SATURDAY
APPLETON MUSEUM OF ART
February 1
Entry is free for all patrons on the first Saturday of each month, typically with special programming or presentations. For more information, visit appletonmuseum.org
DADDY LONG LEGS
OCALA CIVIC THEATRE
February 6-23
Based on the 1955 film with Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron, this clever two-person musical reveals the secret of happiness. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for all the details.
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
DOWNTOWN OCALA
February 7
Local artists and vendors will be found all around the square and there will be musical performances as well. Visit downtown restaurants and bars downtown to make it
an evening out. Free to attend. Learn more at ocalafl.gov
SILVER RIVER KNAP-IN
PREHISTORIC ARTS FESTIVAL
SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK
February 15-16
Expert flint knappers, archaeologists, shell carvers, potters, hide tanners, bow makers, dugout canoe carvers and other specialists in native skills will demonstrate their crafts. Hands-on activities will include archery and pottery making. Vendors will offer crafts and food for sale, and guests can tour the Silver River Museum. Learn more at silverrivermuseum.com
ART OUTSIDE THE LINES
TUSCAWILLA ART PARK
February 15
Come for brunch and an art tour, and enjoy live music, art and mimosas. $30 brunch; $35 brunch and tour. Get tickets at ocalafl. gov/aotlbrunch
OPERA AT THE REILLY: PUCCINI LOVE AND LAUGHTER!
REILLY ARTS CENTER
February 23
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra and University of Florida Opera Theatre will present some of the classic works of Giacomo Puccini. The one-act opera Suor Angelic is an operatic drama with a soaring orchestral score. The second performance will be Gianni Schicchi, a comedy translated into English and including “local references” for the Florida audience. For tickets, go to reillyartscenter.com
Photo
River
Expert flint knappers will display items such as these during the Silver River Knap-In Prehistoric Arts Festival.
EIRINN ABU: TUNNEL TO TOWERS FOUNDATION BENEFIT CONCERT
CIRCLE SQUARE CULTURAL CENTER
February 28
Eirinn Abu, Miami Sound Machine
guitarist Manny Lopez and violinist Pedro Alfonso are set to deliver an exceptional performance with their Anthem tour, with proceeds benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. For tickets, go to csculturalcenter.com/events
HITS OCALA WINTER CIRCUIT
HITS POST TIME FARM
Through March 23
For four decades, the circuit has provided one of the largest equine shows in the country, with premier competitions for riders and horses of all levels. Learn more at hitsshows.com/hits-events/hits-ocala-wintercircuit
WINTER SPECTACULAR SHOW SERIES
WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Through April 6
This series offers world-class hunter/jumper competitions sanctioned by US Equestrian (USEF) and the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). A CSI5* World Cup Qualifier is February 11-16. The second leg of the Longines League of Nations will return March 18-23. Learn more at wec.net
OCALA POLO: WINTER SEASON
FLORIDA HORSE PARK
Sundays through March 23
Matches are family friendly and don’t worry if you don’t know anything about horses or polo, come ready for a fun time tailgating with friends and they will teach you the rest. To learn more, visit ocalapolo. com
COMING UP: LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL
LIVE OAK STUD PLANTATION
March 13-16
This is the largest combined driving and show jumping competition in the United States and the weekend will feature plenty of equine action. For details, go to liveoakinternational.com
P hoto by Bruce Ackerman
Lauren Proctor-Brown, Guillermo Jeime, Sissy Sugarman, Sherry Wegmuller and Katie Glynn play during an Ocala Polo Club match at the Florida Horse Park.
VOWS
You are cordially invited to…
Celebrate Ocala’s brides and grooms, get a glimpse into their most special of days and hear about the memories that will always hold a place in their hearts.
Pictured: Taylor (Baldwin) & Sam Runge / Photographed by Joleigh Budd, Flyin’ W Flicks
TAYLOR (BALDWIN) & SAM RUNGE
May 18th, 2024
VENUE: College of Central Florida Vintage Farm
PHOTOGRAPHER: Joleigh Budd, Flyin’ W Flicks
WEDDING PLANNER/DECORATOR/FLORIST: Shelley Sharp, The Event Warehouse Co.
HAIR: Kylie Kilgore, Created By Kylie
MAKEUP: Laney Baughman, LaneyXO
Her favorite memory: “For our unity ceremony, my cousin, Austin Baldwin, handcrafted a beautiful cord of three strands unity sign. Our faith is so important to us, and we know that a marriage with Christ at the center will be so much stronger. Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, ‘… A cord of three strands is not easily broken.’”
ROZINA (DELPRETE) & JOHN FORTIN
June 2nd, 2024
VENUE: The Treasury on the Plaza, St. Augustine
PHOTOGRAPHER: Wildalys Photography
WEDDING PLANNER: Coastal Celebrations
FLORIST: Jade Violet
HAIR/MAKEUP ARTIST: Beauty Marked
Their favorite memory: “We didn’t do a first look beforehand, so the anticipation and excitement of that moment were even more special to us. It was truly an unforgettable moment, full of emotion and joy. As soon as we locked our eyes, it was just us, completely overwhelmed with love and happiness.”
KORI (GORDON) & SAM SCHULTZ
October 19th, 2024
VENUES: Ceremony at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church; reception at Protea Weddings and Events
PHOTOGRAPHY: Rising Lotus
Photography
WEDDING PLANNING AND DESIGN: Blessed Magnolia, Penny Baird
FLORAL: Bluegrass Chic
BEAUTY: Painted by Ayla
Their favorite memory:
“At the end of the night, just the two of us slow danced at first, then we picked up our 4-monthold son to join us. He smiled while we held him between us and swayed to the violins. It was such a beautiful moment for our little family.”
SAVING SIENA
By Susan Smiley-Height
The family of a 9-year-old Dunnellon girl with a rare genetic disorder is working to fund research to help improve her quality of life and for other children like her.
Photography by Bruce Ackerman
The sweet smile on Siena Hale’s pretty face melts the hearts of those whom she encounters. Her inquisitive eyes quickly scan the visages that enter her orbit. She might extend her delicate hands to touch someone, but she cannot have a conversation with them.
Siena seems to be like millions of other 9-year-old girls, but she is one of fewer than 100 children in the world with a rare genetic disorder called ALG13-CDG, one type of a group of metabolic diseases known as congenital disorders of glycosylation, or CDG. ALG13-CDG is caused when a mutation arises spontaneously in someone’s ALG13 gene or is inherited. In Siena’s case it was spontaneous.
Nearly all children with ALG13-CDG experience neurological and developmental delays, muscle tone disorders, gastrointestinal problems, cortical visual impairment and seizures. Siena’s mother, Keszia Hale, says her daughter has the brain function of a 2-year-old.
There is no cure for ALG13-CDG, so parents of children like Siena are hoping to raise enough money to begin collaborating with the biotech company Perlara PBC on a drug repurposing project to find a potential treatment to improve the quality of life for their children.
Keszia and Bryce Hale are among the parents working to raise $150,000 through findingacureforalg13-cdg.org to complete the first three phases of the project, for things such as optimizing yeast avatars, drug repurposing screens and confirming findings.
“Our long-term fundraising goal is to continue to raise funds for future phases of the drug repurposing project (e.g., clinical trials) and to participate in any scientific research opportunities that arise for ALG13-CDG,” Keszia notes.
The Hale family lives on the Rainbow River in Dunnellon. Their home is a safe and fun haven for Siena and her sister Zenika, 7, who was not born with ALG13-CDG.
“Siena’s ‘big’ little sister is Zenika or ‘Zen,’ who loves, dance, gymnastics, baseball and acting,” Keszia notes. “The Rainbow River bonds us all together as we all love the water. I think Siena enjoys the water more than any of us.”
And, Keszia adds, “Every child like Siena needs someone who loves them exactly the way they are, and that is her daddy”.
“As you can imagine, Siena is my world. She is the sweetest child you have ever met and does not want for anything but just to be happy,” states Bryce Hale. “Finding a cure for this disease and giving her the ability to speak and communicate with us would be life changing. Everybody who meets her says she is the most wonderful happy child they’ve ever met. She is a positive influence on everyone she meets.”
THE JOURNEY
Keszia moved to Inverness in 2010 and commuted to work in Ocala at Collier, Jernigan & Goedert as their lead CPA auditor.
“My husband and I built our dream home in Dunnellon and moved in January 2015. Siena was born on March 18, 2015, at Monroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala,” she shares. “When Siena was 6 months old, a daycare worker saw her eyes roll
while they were giving her a bottle and they called me in and said take your baby to the hospital right away. We went to the pediatrician, and they said, ‘Oh, that’s nothing, that’s something that they do. Within two days I was like, ‘Okay this is not nothing.’ She had lost hearing and vision. She couldn’t walk. She was like a ragdoll.”
She recalls that Siena was hospitalized and “they tested her for a million things under the sun and they couldn’t figure anything out.”
“The first step was to stop the chaotic brain waves with a nine-week steroid treatment of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which cost over $32,000 per 5 milliter vial,” Keszia recalls. “Next, we attempted to gain seizure control. At barely 6 months old, Siena went through an array of tests— EEGs that burned her head, MRI’s, ultrasounds, EKG’s, spinal tap and an epilepsy panel.”
The steroid treatment worked for about two months. Keszia says doctors with UF Health tried anticonvulsants, which seemed to make things worse. At some point, “I said, I’m not disrespecting your opinion but I’m going get a second opinion and they said please do. We don’t know what’s going on.”
“We flew to Boston Children’s Hospital. They said to stay on the regimen and try to max it out. If that doesn’t work, try a ketogenic diet,” Keszia explains. “That was in September and by October I said this is not working.”
The Hales learned about Dr. Peggy Borum, research director of the precision ketogenic therapy program at UF Health.
“She’s amazing,” Keszia offers. “She said we must admit her to the hospital to get her on keto. We did that on December 4th by December 8th the seizures were gone.”
Adhering to the PKT diet required an extreme effort from Siena’s family, but it helped for nearly six years.
“Every one of her meals is measured to the 10th of a gram. It is 90% fat, 7% protein and 3% carbohydrates,” Keszia explains. “We have been in the program since December 2016 and feel as if it gave Siena a better life than was expected. She didn’t have another seizure until November 2023.”
“For more than a century, the medical community has used a starvation-mimicking diet known as the ketogenic diet to treat seizures. When antiseizure medications became more prevalent in the 20th century, the ketogenic diet lost favor because it was more labor intensive,” offers Borum, a professor of food science and human nutrition at the University of Florida in
Gainesville.
“During the past 30 years,” she continues, “it has regained popularity with patients often seeing a greater reduction in seizures and fewer side effects compared to treatment with antiseizure medications. Nutrients are the chemicals we use to treat seizures as well as support the nutritional status of the patient. Our pediatric PKT clinic and adult PKT clinic both take the approach of creating a protocol that is precise and personalized for each patient.”
In addition to working with medical experts, Siena tried occupational, speech, physical, aqua and other kinds of therapies.
“We started in-home counseling with the Florida School of Deaf and Blind and in-home support from Early Steps (Florida’s system for those age birth to 36 months who have or are at-risk for developmental disabilities or delays) until Siena was 3,” Keszia notes. “Needless to say, between all the doctors’ visits, therapy and counseling, I quit my job at the CPA firm to provide the best care possible to Siena. And, finally, a whole exome sequence genetic test led to her diagnosis at 22 months old.”
THE CDG CARE COMMUNITY
The CDG CARE (Community Alliance and Resource Exchange) nonprofit 501(c)(3) was founded in 2014 by parents like the Hales.
“Our mission is to promote greater awareness and understanding of CDG, to provide information and support to families affected by CDG and to advocate for and fund scientific research to advance the diagnosis and treatment of CDG,” says Executive Director Andrea Miller, whose daughter Bianca, now 14, was diagnosed with PMM2-CDG as an infant.
“I witnessed firsthand the challenges of navigating a rare diagnosis and the critical gaps in care, resources, education and research. This inspired me to build an organization that empowers families, connects them with experts and drives advancements in treatment and quality of life for all children and young adults diagnosed with CDG,” she says.
Miller says ALG13-CDG research represents a crucial step forward for families like Siena’s because it addresses the unique challenges and medical complexities of this specific CDG type.
“Children with ALG13-CDG often face significant neurological and developmental challenges. Tragically, many lives have been lost to this medically complex disorder, making the
pursuit of research not only essential but deeply personal for affected families,” she explains.
“While there is currently no cure for ALG13-CDG, each discovery from this research project brings us closer to tailored treatments and, ultimately, improved outcomes for the children diagnosed with this rare and devastating disease. For families, it offers hope—hope for better symptom management, a deeper understanding of their child’s condition and a clearer path to care. For families like Siena’s, this project embodies a collective effort to tackle the challenges of ALG13-CDG through science, innovation and community,” she shares. “Advancing this research not only impacts Siena but contributes to the broader CDG research landscape, offering insights that could benefit the entire CDG community.”
May 16 is CDG Awareness Day and offers a way for families to connect, along with an annual national conference. There are numerous social media components, including Facebook and YouTube presentations. Find Siena, for example, at fb.com/throughsienaseyes and youtube.com/@sienahale9274
RESEARCH IS KEY
Siena has been part of a CDG study for five years and Keszia says that as part of the research, the “lead CDG doctor has taken cells and created a ‘mini brain’ of her— with a yeast avatar.” She offers that Perala PBC would be testing “more than 8,000 drugs or nutraceuticals on a yeast avatar that has her mutation.”
Perlara launched in 2014 as the first biotech public benefit corporation. Researchers and clinicians share expertise to guide cure and treatment paths.
“The research will use Perlara’s yeast-based screening platform to discover existing drugs that could be repurposed to treat ALG13-CDG. We begin by working with an ALG13 yeast patient avatar, an off-the-shelf yeast model engineered to mimic the disease. Yeast is an efficient and cost-effective research model for drug discovery, as it’s easy to grow in the lab and shares many genetic similarities with humans,” explains Kristin Kantautas, Ph.D., CDG Program Director, Perlara PBC.
“We start by measuring how the ALG13 yeast avatar grows compared to yeast with a healthy ALG13 gene. Since ALG13 is essential for yeast health, the patient avatar is expected to grow much more slowly. Next, we screen a library of 8,400 compounds—including FDA-approved drugs, drugs in clinical development, nutraceuticals and supplements—to identify those that improve the patient avatar’s growth,” Kantautas continues. “Promising candidates are then validated in follow-up studies in yeast and more advanced models, such as patient cells or ‘mini-brains.’ In cases where the top drug candidate is a readily available dietary supplement or nutraceutical, patient testing can often
Keszia, Siena and Zenika Hale
begin immediately. Perlara’s approach accelerates the discovery of cost-effective treatments for rare genetic diseases like ALG13-CDG, offering hope for families impacted by these conditions.”
Kantautas says that as the world’s first biotech public benefit corporation dedicated to discovering treatments for rare diseases, Perlara has gained a lot of experience in drug repurposing.
“To date, we’ve discovered potential treatments for over 25 rare genetic diseases. Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), including ALG13-CDG, are one of our core research areas,” Kantautas notes. “We currently have 13 active drug-repurposing programs focused on different types of CDG. So far, every screen has uncovered promising candidates, and in many cases, we’ve advanced to patient studies within a year. We’re optimistic that the ALG13-CDG program will follow a similar path to success.”
As for what ALG13 families might expect along the journey, Kantautas says each project at Perlara is led by a cure guide, which is a scientist or clinician with expertise in translating drug discoveries from the lab to the clinic.
“The first phase often moves quickly—sometimes in under three months—as we narrow down the list to the most promising options. The next steps depend on the type of candidate we discover and what’s needed to safely bring it into the clinic. We work closely with CDG researchers and clinicians across all our programs to move the research forward quickly,” she explains. “While the journey will include exciting moments and some waiting periods, our ultimate goal is to bring safe, effective treatments to patients as fast as possible.”
“The research with Perlara would help identify a treatment that would improve quality of life for ALG13CDG kids,” Keszia offers. “This could mean Siena may be able to grow up, she may be able to make friends, she may be able to communicate her needs and express her feelings without so many tears. She may be able to avoid the pain and suffering that her peers experienced later in childhood. This research could be life changing to almost 100 families who don’t fit into any single group large enough for the FDA to notice they desperately need help to save their children from constant pain and suffering without any relief for their supporting families. This research is hope.”
As of December 27th, a little more than $41,000 has been raised out of a goal of $150,000 to help get the research started with Perala. Once the group obtains $90,000 in donations, Perala will begin its work.
To donate to help Siena’s family and others, go to secure. givelively.org/donate/cdg-care/finding-a-cure-for-alg13-cdg
To learn more, visit findingacureforalg13-cdg.org, cdgcare. org and perlara.com
A Journey of Self Discovery
By JoAnn Guidry
Through the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances Farm at Lowell Correctional Institution, Julianne Stowell created a new life for herself and recently earned a national thoroughbred industry employee award.
Photography by Meagan Gumpert, MAVEN Photo + Film
Sometimes the worst thing that happens to you turns out to be the best thing that could’ve happened to you. Even if that worst thing is going to prison.
Such was the case with Julianne Stowell, whose cautionary tale began as most do, with bad company and bad decisions.
“My family life was good; good parents and grandparents, a brother and a sister,” shares Stowell, 31, who grew up in Port Canaveral, Florida. “The problem was the people I was involved with outside of my family, particularly my boyfriend. He was the boy next door, who ended up being a drug dealer.”
Stowell was a self-described rebellious teenager, who partied and hung out with the wrong crowd, drank too much and smoked weed. The latter habit progressed to harder drugs.
“But then I would straighten myself out and somehow managed to graduate high school. Then I enrolled in a college of health sciences in Orlando,” says Stowell, whose quiet demeanor and soft-spoken tone are in stark contrast to the story she is telling. “But then my grandfather, who I was very close to and who developed Alzheimer’s, died in 2013. I started doing drugs again, got kicked out of college and got arrested for possession of a controlled substance.”
A short jail stay for the misdemeanor charge did not scare Stowell straight.
“With my boyfriend, I just kept doing drugs and then progressed to breaking into houses with him,” admits Stowell. “In 2015, we were caught, and I was charged as an accessory to burglary. I was sentenced to three years. My parents petitioned the court to send me to a rehabilitation program instead of jail. I was sent to Faith Farm Christian Residential Treatment Center in Boynton Beach, Florida.”
After a year at Faith Farm, Stowell went into a halfway house and then back to her childhood home under house arrest while still on probation. She would be visited regularly by a probation officer.
“One day after my probation officer left, I just took off and drove to what the cops later described in my arrest report as a known drug area,” explains Stowell. “When a cop attempted to pull me over, I sped away. When I was finally stopped, I was arrested for fleeing and eluding, as well as aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.”
Stowell’s original three-year prison sentence now became a six-year prison sentence. She spent six months in the Brevard County Jail until she was transferred in October 2017 to Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala.
“It was surreal when I arrived at Lowell,” says Stowell, who was 24 at the time. “That’s when I realized where my life had led me. And I knew I had to change.”
A New Reality
After being in the LCI general population unit for eight months, Stowell moved to the women’s work camp. The women live in dormitories and are assigned to work in different programs, including Women Offering Obedience and Friendship (WOOF) and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances Farm.
A partnership between LCI and Patriot Service Dogs, the
WOOF program pairs the women inmates with canines to train them as service dogs for disabled veterans.
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Saratoga Springs, New York, and whose primary mission is to save thoroughbred racehorses no longer able to compete from possible abuse and slaughter. Its Second Chances Program is located at eight prisons across the country, where retired racehorses play a role in inmate rehabilitation. The TRF Second Chances Farm at LCI is located on 100 acres on state property adjacent to the women’s prison. Established in 2001, the farm is home to 50 retired thoroughbreds at capacity. The women inmates participate in handson work experience with the horses and in an equine care technology vocational program.
Julianne Stowell with Luna
“I always liked horses, but I never had one. I was hoping to be able to work at the TRF Second Chances Farm,” says Stowell. “But instead, I was assigned to the WOOF program, which was fine because I grew up with dogs and it’s a great program.”
Finally, after two years in the WOOF program, Stowell moved to the TRF Second Chances Farm in June 2020.
“I loved working with the horses from day one. Actually, I enjoyed all of the farm work,” notes Stowell. “We were required to work five days a week with a weekend day being voluntary. I always worked a weekend day.”
The female inmates feed and groom the horses, as well as learn basic equine care such as farrier and dental work alongside professionals who volunteer their time. There also is an opportunity to learn to ride. In addition, they do farm maintenance, including mowing, fixing fences and equipment repair.
In fact, Stowell points out, she was “as comfortable working on a tractor as working with the horses. I’m a fixer. Anything that’s broken, I want to fix.” That trait led her to working with horses who were special cases.
“I was drawn to the horses who were tougher to deal with than others,” she offers. “There was one who came from Puerto Rico, where he had been abandoned in a barn that caught fire. He escaped but was obviously traumatized and he hated being
in a stall even to be groomed. I would take him on walks around the farm or exercise him in the round pen to help him burn off his nervous energy. It was good therapy for him and for me.”
A Bit Of Serendipity
Stephanie Brennan, with her husband Niall, owns and operates Niall Brennan Stables in Ocala. In 2019, Stephanie Brennan hired TRF Second Chances Farm graduate Lauren Bandi to work at Niall Brennan Stables, where she exercised horses and was the client relations person for the operation.
“Seeing Lauren thrive because of her time at Second Chances encouraged me to become more involved in the TRF and I became a board member,” explains Brennan. “As a TRF board member, I began volunteering at Second Chances Farm and that’s how I met Julianne, who I know as Jules. I could see that she was committed to changing her life. Jules approached her work with the horses and the other inmates with empathy, resilience and deep commitment to growth.”
When Bandi decided to leave Niall Brennan Stables to start her own media relations business, Stephanie Brennan knew right away who to hire to fill the open position.
“Two weeks before Jules’ release date, I offered her the client relations position,” says Brennan. “I had come to know Jules and I knew she deserved this opportunity.”
Julianne Stowell, Joseph Marciano and Olivia
Six years to the day of her sentencing, Stowell was released from LCI on April 12, 2023.
“Soon as I as released, I interviewed and got the job at Niall Brennan Stables. I got out on a Wednesday and started working the following Monday,” says Stowell, smiling. “The Brennans put me up in an Airbnb for two weeks. I then rented a room with thoroughbred trainer Gail Woods. I was very fortunate to have such support within the thoroughbred community.”
In her position as client relations, Stowell is responsible for keeping Niall Brennan Stables clients apprised of their thoroughbreds’ training progress while at the farm. It includes taking photos and videos of the horses, which can number 200 during the peak of the training and sales season, and sending them to the clients. Stowell also serves as a liaison when clients come to visit their horses and when they ask about her horse background, she’s not shy about her answer.
“I want to share my story and my experiences at the TRF Second Chances Farm,” explains Stowell, who also helps out wherever she is needed on the farm. “I think it’s important that I acknowledge my journey by
Above: Joseph Marciano, Olivia, Stephanie Brennan on Rugby and Julianne Stowell
Below: Julianne Stowell and Niall Brennan
sharing it with others.”
Stowell also began connecting with other TRF Second Chances Farm graduates and volunteering to take donations for work release programs in the community. She and Brennan began brainstorming about creating a program to help TRF Second Chances Farm graduates re-enter the workforce. Tentatively named “Leg Up,” the program was in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status at this writing.
“It’s very difficult to come out of prison and back into the real world,” notes Stowell. “Things like finding housing and getting your driver’s license are not easy once you’re released. We want Leg Up to provide support and guidance so they can have a real chance to rebuild their lives.”
Transformation Rewarded
During Stowell’s time at the TRF Second Chances Farm, another frequent visitor was Maggie Sweet, the TRF executive director. Sweet also followed up with Stowell once she began working at Niall Brennan Stables. Impressed by what she saw, Sweet nominated Stowell for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards’ Newcomer Award. Goldolphin, an international thoroughbred operation, began the TIE Awards 20 years ago to celebrate the behindthe-scenes employees in the thoroughbred industry. Award ceremonies are held in different countries; the 2024 event was in Lexington, Kentucky, on October 15th.
Stowell had no idea she had been nominated until she got a Zoom phone call from Sweet, letting her know that she was one of three finalist for the Newcomer Award.
“I was shocked,” admits Stowell. “I was overwhelmed just to have been nominated.”
Stowell’s life had changed in many ways by then. With her partner, Joseph Marciano, she was expecting a baby. Since Stowell was so close to her due date and couldn’t fly, she and Marciano drove to Lexington for the TIE Awards ceremony. Good thing she did because Stowell won the Newcomer Award, including a $5,000 cash prize.
Stowell wasn’t the only Ocala-connected TIE Awards winner that night: Lauren Marks of Ocala Breeders’ Sales won the Katherine McKee Administration Award, Steve Vargas of Bridlewood Farm garnered the Dedication to Breeding Award and Christine Jones of Pleasant Acres Stallions took home the Managerial Award. Each won $7,500.
“I was so honored to have won the Newcomer Award,” recalls Stowell. “It was so unexpected and humbling.”
“Julianne’s journey is a shining example of what the TRF Second Chances program stands for,” Sweet offers. “Her success shows the incredible potential of people and horses when given the opportunity to heal and grow together.”
Seven days after winning the Newcomer Award, Stowell gave birth to daughter Olivia on October 22nd, 2024. Marciano is now the maintenance supervisor at Niall Brennan Stables.
“I could never have imagined the life I have now. My life experiences show that change is possible,” Stowell shares. “And that change was made possible by the TRF Second Chances Farm, which gave me a career and a new life. I will always be grateful for that and always pay it forward.”
For more information about the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and its Second Chances Program, visit trfinc.org
Joseph Marciano, Olivia and Julianne Stowell
By Susan Smiley-Height
The newly organized Marion County Fall Prevention Coalition is working to address the reasons why our county tops all others in Florida for deaths from accidental falls.
COMBINING RESOURCES
Falls are a leading cause of injuryrelated deaths among adults ages 65 and older. The bad news is, Marion County is at the top of state charts for such deaths. The good news is, many falls can be prevented.
In 2022, the age-adjusted rate per 100,000 population of deaths from unintentional falls in Marion County was 25.0 compared to 12.2 for the state of Florida. The data, from a state-based Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, is collected at the state level each year and at the county level every three years, thus the 2022 numbers.
A proclamation issued by Ocala Mayor Ben Maricano on September 25th, in recognition of Falls Prevention Awareness Week, notes it is estimated that 18.8 percent of Ocala citizens and 28.8 percent of Marion County citizens are 65 or older. Falls are a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among adults in the U.S. and, according to the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among people 65 and older in Marion County, leading to 178 deaths, 1,616 hospitalizations and 4,756 emergency department visits in 2022.
Along with the medical costs associated with them, falls can have many negative consequences for older adults. These include fear of falling again, forced relocation from the home, loss
of independence and stress in the family. By reducing the chances of a fall, older adults can stay independent and have an increased quality of life.
Local officials are working to do something about that through the Marion County Fall Prevention Coalition. Leading the team is Amy O’Brien, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital’s injury prevention coordinator, trauma services. O’Brien, who has a master’s degree in public health, is working closely with Dr. Darwin Ang, the hospital’s trauma medical director, and several partners, including Marion Senior Services, Marion County Fire Rescue, Ocala Fire Rescue, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, AdventHealth Ocala, Elder Options and the Florida Department of Health in Marion County.
She shares that at the health department, “part of their community health improvement planning process is identifying health issues in the community where we can collaborate, and we got together and decided to form a fall coalition. We started in August, and it’s just been growing. We’ve got Sumter County involved now because
In this file image from Ocala Style’s sister publication, the Ocala Gazette, Capt. Chris Hickman of Ocala Fire Rescue, left, talks with Violet Kuntz, who was having some problems getting around in her home and had recently lost her husband, as he was working with a co-responder team member from Marion Senior Services to provide support for her at her home in Ocala on Feb. 15, 2023. [Photo by Bruce Ackerman]
Age-adjusted Deaths From Unintentional Falls, Single Year
Age-adjusted Deaths From Unintentional Falls, Rate Per 100,000 Population, 2022
Images provided by flhealthcharts.gov
of The Villages. Our highest fall ZIP code, 32162, is in the southern part of Marion County and leads into Sumter County.”
Two other areas with high incidents of falls are homes in greater Ocala and the State Road 200 corridor.
“With the trauma center, falls is our top mechanism of injury, at 57 percent of our traumas last year,” O’Brien notes.
“Having an injury prevention coordinator like Amy is really unique to trauma because we’re actually trying to prevent injuries from happening and if you look at falls in particular, from 2013 to 2023 we had 17,000 admissions for falls,” notes Ang. “We see a lot of hip fractures and people think maybe a hip fracture is not so bad, but if you look at the one-year mortality risk it’s between 15 percent and 30 percent, and if you look at fi ve-year mortalities it can be almost as high as 60 percent.”
Ang says other traumas with high mortality rates are neurologic and spine injuries.
“With the brain injury, the reason why that’s such a big player here is because everyone’s on blood thinners,” Ang states. “If they fall and hit their head, they tend to have more serious brain injuries even though it’s what we call a low-speed mechanism. It’s not a high-impact mechanism, but it has some of the most severe consequences.”
Ang says the average age of a trauma patient “for us is about 63 years old and the group that is the highest risk for falls is between 65 and 90 years old.”
He explains that age is an independent risk factor for falls, “but you have intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. So intrinsics like age, you can’t change that; then there are medications and medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s and dementia. Most of the prevention stuff is related to extrinsic factors like your environment, rugs, small pets, fl ip-fl ops. All those things can make you fall and a lot of preventing that is community education.”
KEEP MOVING
Aft er someone is treated for injuries from a fall, they may be referred to a rehab center before they go home. Jennifer Martinez, executive director of Marion Senior Services, shares that once patients are home, they may not be amenable to using a walker or rollator out of stubbornness or pride.
“There is also the fear factor, that I’m going to fall again. So that leads people to be more sedentary, and then it becomes a vicious cycle,” Ang off ers.
“The reason people who have falls have a high mortality rate is they develop complications from bed sores, they attract infections or pneumonia. All those things could be prevented if you were more active. If you’re not afraid to go to the bathroom when you need to instead of holding it in, you’re going to have less urinary tract infections. If you’re walking, you are breathing deeper,” Ang explains.
O’Brien says members of the coalition have received training for the Matter of Balance cognitive behavioral program, provided through Elder Options, which is helpful for those who have fallen and are in recovery. The team also plans to target diff erent age groups by incorporating Stay Active and Independent for Life, or SAIL, an evidence-based strength, balance and fi tness program for ages 65 and older that is designed to reduce fall risk.
“SAIL reduces fall risk by 41 percent if they stick with it,” she states. “As the saying goes, if you don’t move it, you lose it.”
Her plan is to off er a free SAIL class three days a week for one hour, over 10 weeks. It will be funded through the hospital. One of the innovative ways she plans to attract participants is to pair the program with bingo, which is popular at many independent living facilities.
“It’s a fi ve-minute warm-up, 20-minutes of moderate aerobics and then time for moves for balance and strength. You do three bingo calls and some type of exercise, and instead of playing for money, we play for prizes related to fall prevention. I thought the coolest one was this light you put on the toilet that is motion activated so you can see in the dark. A lot of falls happen on the way to the bathroom.”
She also plans to target more active or younger
populations, such as within 55-plus communities.
“A lot of them have community centers, with exercise programming already, so why not add an evidence-based fall program to that?” she shares.
O’Brien notes that fall prevention information can be provided through primary care doctors and that people can do a home safety assessment through a brochure the hospital can provide.
“If you live alone, have a neighbor or friend that you check in with it on a daily basis, and talk to your physician if you notice any change in the way you walk or your gait. Maybe you have cataracts starting, maybe you have an issue with hearing. There is postural hypotension, when you’re lying down and you get up too soon and feel dizzy. Even not staying hydrated. Not having grab bars in a bathroom,” she off ers. “There are so many things that can cause a fall. It’s okay to ask for help. That is one of the things that I try to reassure people.”
People want to stay independent, and no one wants to give that up. One thing you can do is reduce risk, but aft er that it’s strength and balance training on a regular basis to keep everything going, she adds.
“Falls can be prevented, and our main goal is to take care of the community also in the front end,” Ang adds. “Your trauma center takes care of people in the back end by the time they get an injury, but we are a profession trying to make ourselves extinct. So, if we can prevent falls, we’ll be 50 percent less busy.”
Patricia Price, the chief nursing offi cer with AdventHealth Ocala, states that, “Our community is at the heart of everything we do, and we are grateful to be part of this important project focused on educating about fall risk and prevention. This is an excellent opportunity to make sure educational and safety information is being provided to our community members, and we look forward to being part of this coalition with so many amazing community leaders and organizations.”
BUILDING ON SUCCESS
Marion Senior Services has expanded on its elder co-responder program—which works with partners to help increase quality of care, reduce barriers and better serve at-risk seniors—to be more of a multidisciplinary team. Martinez says
Amy O’Brien taught a falls prevention curriculum at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital on Sept. 25, 2024, during National Falls Prevention Week. [Photo courtesy HCA Florida Ocala Hospital]
there are 22 partners involved, with the core groups being the Marion County Sheriff ’s Offi ce, the Ocala Police Department, Ocala Fire Rescue and Marion County Fire Rescue.
One area of focus is those who are high utilizers of the 911 system.
“Within the county, the fi rst responders across all the agencies, collectively, I think I’m safe to say, we have reduced their high utilizer volume by at least 50 percent. I know for the sheriff ’s offi ce it’s 54 percent,” she explains. “We are number one in the state for fall deaths. Falling and breaking a hip can change your entire trajectory. When you fall and you lose your mobility, it cuts down on your quality of life. It’s like a waterfall, you forget about your fi nances and a lot of our seniors are already struggling fi nancially. They’ll forget to pay their electric bill and get out of rehab and go home to no power, no food. They don’t have a way to get prescriptions. If we can provide care for these people, they wouldn’t have to call 911 and go to the hospital.”
Briana Kelley, Ph.D., is a human services counselor at MSS. She works with a team that is a hybrid of a co-responder and a mobile integrated health and mobile response team. Kelley was riding along on a recent day with OFR Capt. Chris Hickman and checking in on some high 911 utilizers.
“We have amazing partners with Ocala Fire Rescue and help with the community paramedicine program and being able to work together to identify medical needs as well as social barriers and fi gure out gaps and how to bridge them,” Kelley shares. “Capt. Hickman is able to do home safety assessments and go over their medications, for example.”
“Some of our crisis behavioral care coordinators are contacting the 55-plus communities to start building connections with residents and start talking to them about if they have fallen, ways to prevent another fall, and if they haven’t fallen, ways to strengthen themselves and put safety measures in place beforehand,” she adds.
“Why the fall coalition was such a necessary piece is that partnerships are going to help better the outcomes because anytime we have more than one entity at the table it helps to have more of a brainstorming with all the resources that are available,” Hickman off ers.
“The fi re service is trying to tackle issues that really aff ect our community, and the fall-related deaths are very pointed in the fact that we track the data by ZIP codes and that told us exactly where the falls were happening, the frequency,
the time of day and all those factors that are contributing to deaths,” Hickman adds. “Our goal is to mitigate as many of these factors as we can to help increase the outcome and the value of our community, not to mention reduce unnecessary use of the 911 system and make room for more emergencies as the growth of our community continues to increase.”
As of July 1, 2023, the estimated population of Marion County, according to census data, was 409,959. The estimated population for 2024 is 423,481. In 2020, it was 375,908.
“We have exponential growth in this community,” Kelley off ers. “Knowing that we already have an overwhelmed system and that it’s going to continue to be overwhelmed until we get something in place, we must fi gure out how to stop the bleed fi rst. So, hopefully, if we can work in an intervention capacity, maybe eventually will be able to get the prevention in place.”
ALL ABOUT COLLABORATION
“We are always working with data and the data were showing we have core outcomes related to falls, and we know we are continuing to bring in that population demographic. We started asking, what can we do to make a diff erence? And Amy was on the same line, so we jumped on it and that’s how it all started,” notes Tracey Sapp, health education program manager for the Department of Health in Marion County. “Amy has been a great champion, and we have worked closely together to try to pull the right people to the table. With the health department, we want to increase awareness about the issue and help provide knowledge about the resources out there so we can reduce injury and death as it relates to falls.”
And, Sapp adds, “The people in Marion County deserve to live healthier and longer lives. And we want to work toward that with this coalition working together and collaborating to make the diff erence. I think one of the things we do best in Marion County is collaboration. We are even hiring a person dedicated to healthy aging and brain health and falls. That’s how dedicated we are to making sure we are making a diff erence. We’re early on with this and I’m proud of how far we’ve come and that this is a community that sees the need and that we are really rolling with it to make the changes.”
To inquire about presentations related to fall prevention, email amy.obrien@hcahealthcare. com, jmartinez@marionseniorservices.org or tracey.sapp@fl health.gov
LIVING
To Your Health
Good food can be good for you.
By Jill Paglia | Photography by John Jernigan
Emily Paglia, left, joined her mother-in-law Jill Paglia in creating these tasty dishes.
Each new year often brings with it new goals. I think it is a great time for a health reset, but when we set the bar too high, we inevitably blow it, blame ourselves and go back to the status quo.
According to a survey done by Statista, more than half of Americans make goals related to weight loss or eating habits each year. I think a great start is to have a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains. You can try adding more vegetables to meals, like spinach in pasta or peppers and onions in eggs. And I urge you to cook at home when you can, where you have more control.
The recipes featured here are healthy and nutritious, and packed with fiber, protein and flavor. The power bowl can be made with a multitude of substitutions, such as subbing in salmon, chicken or sushi grade tuna for the protein. It includes turmeric, which is becoming a more common spice in many home pantries, especially because of its many purported health effects, including reducing inflammation and serving as a powerful antioxidant. The kale salad is a nutrition superstar. It is very high in fiber and only has 20 calories per cup. In winter months, I’m a big fan of soup. It is nutritious, easy to prepare and smells so good simmering on the stove. The soup recipe here is light and refreshing and you get to choose the amount of rice noodles you consume. The crostini bites do have some carbs, but they are so delicious, and we all need a little indulgence, right!
I think an important factor in healthy eating is mindful eating. By that I mean sit and enjoy the taste of your food, savor each bite slowly, resting between each one as you would when out to dinner with friends. You could, for example, choose to eat the soup featured here with chopsticks to slow it down to more mindful eating, and then “drink” the broth at the end.
As we embark on this new year, I hope you will take the time to take it easy, count your blessings, try some new recipes and savor the flavors. And I do think it’s true that you are what you eat, so choose wisely.
Healthy Shrimp Grain Bowl
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
3 cups cooked brown rice
1/4 head red cabbage, thinly sliced
2 small carrots, trimmed and peeled into ribbons
2 large limes, halved, one half cut into wedges for serving
1 bag frozen pre-cooked shrimp, thawed
1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
2 scallions, thinly sliced
3/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 teaspoons chili paste
1 1/2 teaspoons honey
Salt and fresh ground pepper
Toasted sesame seeds
Toss the sweet potatoes, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper on a baking sheet until evenly coated. > Roast until tender and lightly browned, tossing halfway through, for about 30 minutes. > Toss the cabbage, carrot ribbons, juice from one lime half, a pinch of salt and a couple grinds of pepper in a medium bowl until well combined. > Squeeze the juice from the remaining two lime halves into a small bowl.
> Stir in the yogurt, fish sauce, chili paste, honey, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1/4 teaspoon ginger and 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, a pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper until smooth and set aside.
> Heat the rice and divide it into four bowls. >
Top with roasted sweet potatoes, cabbage-carrot slaw, shrimp (about six per bowl), edamame and scallions. > Drizzle the spicy yogurt dressing over the ingredients in the bowl and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. > Serve with lime wedges.
Pork, Pepper and Rice Noodle Soup
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 ounces shiitake or baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced
3 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
1 pound ground pork
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
6 ounces flat rice noodles
1/4 small head napa cabbage, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Salt and fresh ground pepper
Toasted sesame seeds and sriracha
In a medium-size pot, heat the olive oil over medium to high heat. > Add the mushrooms, carrots, bell pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook until the vegetables are softened, for about four to five minutes. > Add the garlic, ginger and scallion whites and cook until softened, for about two to three minutes. > Add the pork, another teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of pepper, breaking up the pork with a spoon and stirring occasionally for about five to six minutes. > Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. > Put in the noodles and cabbage and cook until both are tender but still have some crunch. > Stir in the soy sauce and vinegar. > Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with scallion greens and sesame seeds and sriracha as desired.
Kale Salad With Fruit and Nuts
Salad
1/2 cup pecan halves
8 ounces kale
4 to 5 medium radishes, thinly sliced 1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 medium pear, chopped
1 small Granny Smith apple, chopped
2 ounces goat cheese crumbles
Dressing
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon. smooth Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
Salt and fresh ground pepper
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spread the pecans on a baking tray. > Toast them until lightly golden and fragrant, tossing once or twice, then set aside to cool. > Remove the kale leaves from the stem and shop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
> Transfer the kale to a big bowl, sprinkle with salt and massage the leaves with your hands until they are darker in color and fragrant. > In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients together. > To serve, put the kale in the bottom of a salad bowl and add the pecans, cranberries, apple and pear across the top. > Crumble the goat cheese over the top. > Serve the dressing on the side. (Note, you also can mix all the ingredients together and let the salad marinate for 10 to 20 minutes before serving.)
Whipped Feta Hot Honey Crostinis
1 baguette, sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons sea salt
7 ounces feta cheese
1/3 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup chopped honey roasted pecans
2-3 fresh rosemary sprigs
Mike’s Hot Honey
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
> Slice the baguette into rounds and place on a baking sheet.
> Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. > Bake 10 to 13 minutes until golden.
> Combine the feta and cream cheese in a food processor or stand mixer and blend until smooth. > Spread some whipped cheese mix onto each baguette slice and arrange on a serving dish. > Sprinkle each piece of crostini with chopped pecans and a fresh sprig of rosemary, then drizzle with hot honey.
Team members as they appear from left to right: David Hooper, Lisa Miller, Kathryn Thomas, Joe Vorwerk, Nick Blaser, Tom Ingram, Nataya Foerster, Patty Ingram, Josh Radeker
An Artistic
Founded in 1950, the Ocala Art Group is celebrating its 75th anniversary in February under the guidance of its president, Leona Asta, who has been a member for more than 20 years.
By JOANN GUIDRY / Photography by THOMAS FLETCHER
“I didn’t want to be bored in retirement, just sitting around watching television. So, when we saw all the activities always going on in The Villages, we thought that would be a good place for us.” – Leona Asta
AQueens, New York, native, Leona Asta always considered herself artsy, but she also always wanted to be a teacher. The latter became her vocation while becoming an artist gradually became her avocation.
“When I was growing up, art was not considered a career. I loved interior decorating too, but that wasn’t an option either,” says Asta, her strong New York accent giving away her roots.
“I would paint on my own, including painting the windows of our Queens apartment with nativity scenes during Christmas. I took interior design classes in high school and college. But what I became was a public school teacher and I loved it.”
In fact, Asta and her husband Frank were both teachers for 24 years while raising daughters Carla and Angela. The Astas also owned two Baskin Robbins ice cream shops for a time and Leona used her artistic bent to become a specialty cake decorator.
“I really enjoyed coming up with elaborate creative cakes,” says Asta. “Looking back, doing something artsy was always coming back up. So, finally, after I retired as a teacher at 57, I took a watercolor painting class at a library. I had five lessons and my painting was put on display in the lobby of the library.”
The Astas, who were thinking of moving to Florida, had a friend who lived in The Villages and she sent them a video of the retirement community.
“I didn’t want to be bored in retirement, just sitting around watching television. So, when we saw all the activities always going on in The Villages, we thought that would be a good place for us,” notes Asta. “We moved in 1996 and before I even unpacked, I was looking for an art group.”
Asta soon joined an art group, based just outside The Villages, which would become known by 1999 as the Visual Arts Association. Asta describes her artwork as going through phases, such as beaches, Oriental images and paintings inspired by Jimmy Buffet songs.
“My instructor encouraged me to exhibit one of my watercolor paintings in an upcoming VAA art show,” explains Asta. “I wasn’t so sure but decided to do it anyway. I was in my Oriental watercolor phase, so I entered one I named Oriental Flower. It ended up winning an honorable mention. I was surprised and delighted.”
Asta, who became the VAA president in 2001, expanded her art into mixed media.
“I describe myself as a funky artist,” she says. “I’ll do watercolor, acrylics, including
palette knife, spray painting and collages. I’ve even used kitty litter for sand in a beach painting.”
As her art avocation progressed, Asta learned of the Ocala Art Group, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational corporation for fine arts.
“At the time, OAG was having their monthly meetings at the Appleton Museum of Art,” says Asta, a grandmother of four. “I joined right away and also became a board member in 2002. Shortly thereafter, we had a show at the Brick City Center for the Arts. My painting won an honorable mention, and I sold it. Finally, with the sale of that painting, I started to think of myself as an artist.”
Asta would soon get further confirmation of her newfound artistic identity.
“In 2003, OAG had a juried show at the Appleton. I entered an impressionistic watercolor outlined in pen of my grandmother’s crystal vase. I titled it Nana’s Vase,” shares Asta. “But we had to go to New York, and I wasn’t there for the actual juried results. A friend called me and told me that I’d won Best In Show. I was thrilled and still call that my claim to fame.”
GROWING THE GROUP
Now in her fourth year as OAG president, Asta has shepherded the group through growing pains.
“After we moved on from our space at the Appleton, we met at the library and then Brick City for many years. In January 2023, we moved into the Chelsea Art Center and that suits us well,” says Asta. “We have seven meetings a year and have members who live in and all around the Ocala area and beyond. We are always finding new ways to engage our members and encourage their creativity. And, of course, we welcome new members.”
OAG has an Artist Book Club, where members are tasked to read a book every two months and paint something inspired by the text. The group has a Theatre Group, which includes season tickets to the Ocala Civic Theatre and has popup art show booths during plays and members display art inspired by the current play. Recent plays represented by OAG were Dracula and Margaritaville.
“I really believe in bringing art out to the public, such as our booth at the Ocala Civic
Theatre, and displaying OAG art at the World Equestrian Center,” explains Asta. “And we now have relationships with several restaurants and a car dealership in Ocala for OAG members’ art to be displayed. We want to continue to expand in this area.”
OAG will celebrate its 75th anniversary, beginning with a free open-to-the-public reception at 2pm on February 1st at the Chelsea Art Center, located at 3305 East Silver Springs Boulevard. At the heart of the reception will be the Wonder, Whimsy and Wild exhibit, featuring OAG members artwork. The exhibit will be judged by art expert Tyrus Clutter. The art will remain on view at the Chelsea Art Center until February 28th.
“We want to invite everyone to come out to the reception and enjoy the OAG art exhibit,” says Asta. “We donate 20 percent of OAG members art sales at local businesses to the Ocala Blue Star Mothers, who support the families of active and retired military members. We are part of the community and it’s our way of giving back to the community.”
To learn more, go to ocalaartgroup.org
Camellias:
The Gem of the Winter Garden
If you don’t yet have one of these easy to care for shrubs in your garden, consider getting a camellia for flowers that will sparkle in a cool season landscape.
TPhoto by Bruce Ackerman
By Belea T. Keeney
his time of year, many of our landscapes look kinda, well, drab. The seasonal grasses have died off and look brown, the perky annual flowers are mostly gone and the trees are nearly bare. If you’d like a pop of color in an easy to care for outdoor plant, then consider a camellia. Or 20.
Camellias are hardy, evergreen shrubs that do really well in this part of the country. The range for them growing easily in the Southeast ends at about Dade City to the south; anything farther south than
Photo by Bruce Ackerman
that and it just doesn’t get cold enough for them. To the north, South Carolina is at the tip of their range. Anything farther north than that, folks have to use greenhouses for protection, but we don’t have that problem. If there’s a hard freeze during blooming season (usually November to March, depending on the variety), you will lose some flowers and buds, but the shrubs will be just fine. There’s no need to cover them but some folks do to try and preserve flowers.
Camellias don’t need a lot of pruning or spraying or fussing with. Once established, they do well with a deep watering once a week (about one inch) if we don’t get rain. Given their more free-form growth patterns, any sort of sculpting pruning is heartily discouraged. Camellias aren’t grown for shape; they’re grown for flowers.
My own camellia story started when I was a kid, after my mother told me how her mother dug up and moved 40 camellias from their yard in Macon, Georgia, to their new home in St. Petersburg,
A Miss Bessie Beville camellia blossomed in 2021 on property owned by Patrick Andrews and Bob Weidman in Citra.
A Ville de Nantes camellia flower is seen on property owned by Patrick Andrews and Bob Weidman in Citra on Dec. 28, 2021.
Florida in the mid-1950s. Now that’s dedication. (Or Wacko Garden Grandma behavior; I’m not sure which.) Alas, the lot where they had the last of those bushes growing was cleared and a McMansion had been built there the last time I drove by it, which made me sad.
These camellias are growing in garden guru Belea Keeny’s backyard; the white is a Purity variety and the pink is a Nuccio.
Photo by Belea T. Keeney
When I bought a house in Zephyrhills in 2002, it already had four well-established, rounded (which means badly pruned) camellias in the front yard. They were probably about 40 years old and had been neglected. I dug out my grandmother’s 1954 edition of Camellia Care and started fertilizing, watering and lightly pruning. To my joy, the flowers came back with a vengeance, and neighbors driving by stopped to tell me how pretty they were. I never knew which variety they were—probably an heirloom given that the house was built in 1948—but the shrubs were more than 10 feet tall and the blooms were pretty and pink.
This time of year, camellia flowers are blooming all-around town. There are several lots in the downtown historic district and southeast neighborhoods that have some. Sholom Park has several dozen camellias. Take a stroll through the Bob Wines Camellia Gardens plant nursery on Southeast 38th Street and you’ll be tempted to buy a few. It’s a good time of year to transplant them. Just be sure you put them in slightly higher than ground level at the same depth they are in the pot. It’s easy to drown them if they’re planted too deep.
Camellias need some sun protection; these are not full-sun plants. They do well near oak and pine trees, and like acidic soil. Mulch them with oak leaves and pine needles to help conserve moisture and cooler temps in the summer. I fertilize around the summer holidays: Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. You don’t want to fertilize after September because the buds start to set in late September and early October, and you don’t want to encourage new leaf growth then. The few times I’ve had some scale issues, I do a spray down with Neem oil and the plants have been fine.
If you get hooked on these lovely flowers, the Ocala Camellia Society meets September through March. Meetings include a guest speaker, snacks, a Q&A session and the camaraderie that comes from hanging out with fellow flower lovers.
This year’s Ocala Camellia show will take place January 25th and 26th at Fort King Presbyterian Church at 13 NE 36th Avenue, Ocala. Attendance is free, and the club will have plants for sale. Show entries will be accepted from 7 to 10am on Saturday and you do not need to be a club member to enter blossoms. The show will be open to the public from 1 to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. To learn more, go to fb.com/Ocala-Camellia-Society100719056688048/?fref=nf
A native Floridian and lifelong gardener, Belea spends her time off fostering cats and collecting caladiums. You can send gardening questions or column suggestions to her at belea@magnoliamediaco.com
Photo by Bruce Ackerman
Beautiful blossoms can be seen on the hundreds of camellia plants at the Bob Wines Camellia Gardens and Nursery in Ocala.
“Real Florida”
Explore, relax and recharge at Silver Springs State Park.
By Scott Mitchell
People have been coming to Silver Springs for many thousands of years for a variety of reasons. Some relied on the clear waters and abundant wildlife for survival, while others sought adventure or relaxation.
The earliest evidence of people is at least 12,000 years old and includes distinctive Ice Age “Clovis” style stone spear points and implements carved from the ivory of extinct mammoths. Back then, the Silver River did not exist as we know it today due to much lower sea levels. It was likely a series of spring-fed watering holes that would attract people and the game animals they pursued.
Centuries later, when water levels rose, the river took its present form and was used as a travel route in the days before modern roads. Native Americans in dugout canoes, Spanish explorers and pioneers
in rowboats, and riverboat captains piloting their paddle-wheeler vessels, would have been common between Palatka and Silver Springs.
In recent decades, Silver Springs became a destination for promoters, tourists, film crews, scouting groups and scientists. In the last 11 or 12 years, the park has become a mecca for those wanting to experience the tranquility of natural Florida, or to recharge themselves through outdoor activities such as kayaking and camping.
In 2013, the Florida Park Service assumed management of Silver Springs itself and merged it with the existing Silver River State Park. At that time, the combined land was renamed Silver Springs State Park and it is truly one of the jewels of our state park system. The current parcel includes close to 5,000 acres of diverse habitat. The area is even
Photo by Mark Emery
These vintage posters are from the 1950s and ‘60s and are in the Silver River Museum collections.
connected to the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, which is an impressive 110-mile linear park that extends from the Gulf of Mexico across the peninsula to the St. Johns River.
Today we are fortunate to have such a wonderful resource right in our own backyard. A quick view of the webpage for the Silver Springs State Park provides an overview of the opportunities to see the “Real Florida” as they say in the park service. These are organized into “experiences,” which includes things to do, and “amenities” such as campgrounds, gardens and playgrounds. Icons found on the website provide details and useful information for visitors. Collectively, they represent a wide variety of ways to play, exercise, relax, view nature or gather with friends and family.
Not surprisingly, most experiences are found outdoors and involve nature-based recreation. One can ride a glass-bottom boat or kayak (bring your own or rent one), explore hiking trails, search for geocaches, mountain bike, camp, observe wildlife, go horseback riding and more. While the equestrian trails within the park are designed for riders who can bring their own horses, Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides does offer guided trail rides on the nearby Cross Florida Greenway.
During the cooler months, kayaking is a major draw and it is not unusual for paddlers to share the river with manatees. Public tours of the Pioneer Village at the Silver River Museum are also offered in Fall and Winter. Tours are free and are scheduled for every second and fourth Saturday at 10am (park admission fees do apply). In the summer,
the museum offers a speaker series on that same schedule. Topics include birding, ecology, fossils, local history and Native Americans, to name a few.
The amenities found in the park make for a safe and enjoyable visitor experience. Camping sites include tent and RV spots with full hookups, comfortable cabins with all the amenities and a primitive group camping area. The park also boasts several picnic pavilions large enough for groups, an amphitheater, several boardwalks extending out over beautiful stands of cypress, garden paths, a playground, a kayak launch, interpretive exhibits, a visitor’s center, an education room, a banquet hall with a view of the main spring and the Silver River Museum.
As we enter the new year and begin planning our family outings or vacations, let us not forget all the great resources in our own backyard. Silver Springs State Park is truly a place that makes it easy to get outdoors, relax and recharge.
Learn more at floridastateparks.org/silversprings for park info and to book camp sites or cabins, and at silversprings.com for information about boat tours and kayak and facilities rentals.
Scott Mitchell is a field archaeologist, scientific illustrator and director of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center at 1445 NE 58th Avenue, inside the Silver River State Park. Museum hours are 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. To learn more, go to silverrivermuseum.com
Photos courtesy Scott Mitchell
Photo by Mark Emery
Combining Equestrian Sports and Philanthropy
The inaugural Children’s Charity Classic will help 10 local nonprofits further their goals in supporting Marion County children in the areas of education, financial stability and health.
By Susan Smiley-Height
The Children’s Charity Classic is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to supporting the needs of Marion County children in education, financial stability and health. United Way of Marion County has selected these agencies and programs for participation: Arnette House, Boys & Girls Club of Marion County, Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Episcopal Children’s Services, Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, Pearl Project, SMA Healthcare and United Way’s Community Partnership School, ReadingPals and Strong Families initiatives.
“While visiting Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, United Way staff and volunteers tried to corral the horse-shaped balloons they carried as they
walked inside,” notes Beth Nelson, vice-president for community impact with United Way. “They were ready to surprise the staff and board members with the announcement that they were one of the agencies selected to participate in the Children’s Charity Classic, however, a stunning portrait of Kimberly Boyd, the center’s namesake, with her arms wrapped around her horse, Jitterbug, made them pause. The portrait captured a beautiful connection and served as a poignant reminder of the mission they were there to launch.”
The nonprofit center was formed by a task force of law enforcement, prosecutors and child protection leaders in 1996 to find a better way to care for children and teenagers in the aftermath of
Photo courtesy HITS Horse Shows Ocala
child abuse allegations. Thad, Chris and Snow Boyd’s sister, Kimberly, had lost her life in a car accident in 1994 and the task force asked to honor her legacy by naming the nonprofit for her. Out of that came Kimberly’s Cottage, now Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection. The nonprofit was awarded 501(c)3 status in 1999.
Boyd told the group this was a “full circle” moment for him, reflecting on his sister’s legacy, her love of horses and the impact of the Children’s Charity Classic’s goal of harnessing the strength of collaboration and community spirit to improve the lives of children in Marion County, Nelson offers.
“We love this creative new fundraising event that will help to connect the nonprofit sector to the equine community that brings so much benefit to Ocala/ Marion County,” says Kimberly’s Center Executive Director Dawn Westgate.
Two years ago, Niki Tripodi, United Way’s vice president of resource development, saw an equestrian event that combined a love of horses and philanthropy, and felt this was something fit for Ocala.
“I was convinced that many equestrians are dedicated and giving. My passion for children drove me to create the Children’s Charity Classic,” Tripodi shares. “This is sure to be a fun and meaningful event that absolutely belongs in Marion County, the Horse Capital of the World. This legacy event will embody big team spirit and be a vision for change.”
Each participating organization in the classic, selected from a pool of video grant applicants, was recognized for innovative programs to support children and families. SMA Healthcare, for example, presented a video proposal aimed at helping mothers stay with their children during treatment. This initiative underscores the importance of familycentered care, fostering stronger bonds and enhancing
the overall effectiveness of treatment, Nelson offers.
This was the first time UWMC utilized this grant format, which led to tough decisions by vision council members in narrowing down the agencies, Nelson explains. The agencies were graded on: How will the funds be utilized? What gap does your organization fill? What is your organization’s unique or different approach to services?
UWMC CEO Robert Haight notes that, according to the Asset Limited, Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) report, 51% of families in Marion County live in poverty versus 40% statewide.
“Many of our 23 funded partner agency programs and United Way initiatives focus on children’s nutrition, education, financial stability and physical and mental health,” he shares, adding that the charities selected for the classic “are poised to make a lasting difference, ensuring no child is left behind and that families receive the support they need during difficult times. Our vision is that this event will become a destination with a lasting legacy of providing opportunities for children in our community to succeed.”
Local celebrities will randomly draw riders’ names to be paired with the charities and each organization could receive between $10,000 and $30,000, based on how well the horse representing them performs in the classic, Nelson notes.
“Together, we can change the world,” Tripodi offers. “We cannot do this alone and implore individuals and businesses to join us. We believe love takes action.”
To learn more, go to uwmc.org/childrens-charityclassic and find the event on social media.
Photo courtesy
United Way of Marion County
From left, Beth Nelson, Lindsey Fields, Kourtney Corcoran, Anthony Pierce, Martha Cox, Lisa Woods, Bob Haight and Turkessa Jackson are shown during United Way of Marion County’s visit to Episcopal Children’s Services to let agency leaders know it was selected for participation in the Children’s Charity Classic.
travel:
books, movies and music:
food:
A Little Bit About ...
Marion County Judge LeAnn Mackey-Barnes is a Marion County native. She attended Reddick Collier Elementary and North Marion Middle schools and graduated from North Marion High School. She has earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in criminal justice and sociology and a juris doctorate from UF. Her legal career spans more than 22 years, including as a chief assistant public defender.
Where have you traveled to? Cruising is my favorite mode of transportation, and I love going to any all-inclusive location in Jamaica, and to Orlando and New Orleans. Africa is my dream travel destination, and I look forward to traveling there to celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary next year.
What are you reading? My favorite reading material is anything involving the law. I am currently reading Just Mercy by Byran Stevenson.
What kind of movie or TV shows and music do you prefer? John Wick, and I can’t wait for the next chapter. I enjoy gospel and rhythm and blues. My favorite artists are Le’Andria Johnson and Jamie Foxx.
What’s your favorite meal? My husband is a native of New Orleans and for the 28 years we have been together, Louisiana seafood gumbo has been my favorite meal. Before that, my favorite dish was anything my mom prepared, especially Momma Mackey’s Banana Pudding. My guilty pleasure is a slice of vanilla or spider cake from Betty Cakes and Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes.
work:
influence:
What are the hardest things you’ve ever done. Campaigning in three elections and having to bury my father and my brother.
Favorite places to dine in Ocala/ Marion County? Ipanema Brazilian Steak House and Latinos y Mas. Their food, ambience and service make every dining experience enjoyable.
Coolest things you’ve ever done? Be a judge at the Marion County Christmas parade and travel to the Soviet Union (USSR/Russia) as a foreign exchange student in the eighth grade without my parents, where I boarded my first flight and witnessed snow for the first time. This sparked my love of traveling and was an experience of a lifetime.
Who has influenced you the most? My parents. They instilled in me the importance of prioritizing spirituality and generosity over material wealth and the significance of love, support and family.
pet peeves:
style: Dogs or cats? Dogs have my heart. I dislike and have a fear of snakes.
volunteer activity:
Who do you hope to influence? My aspiration is to inspire the youth of Marion County to remain committed to their dreams and understand they will face challenges but as long as they remain focused and make smart choices, they can achieve their dreams just like I have.
What are your biggest pet peeves? Bullying and disrespectful behaviors.
Favorite color? Taupe. Classic or trendy? Both, as long as they fit me nicely, and I have a weakness for shoes, shoes and more shoes.
With what groups are you, or have you, been involved? I am currently a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Ocala Women’s Network, Marion County Bar Association, on the board of the Marion County Children’s Alliance and chairman for the Florida High School Athletic
Introvert or extrovert? Introextrovert (if there is such a word). I’m an introvert until I watch football, which brings out the extrovert.
Appeals Committee. I have been involved with Pace Center for Girls of Marion County, Kiwanis Club of Marion County, Teen Court and the Marion County Youth Football League. My community service includes delivering motivational speeches to local children and participating in career day and mock trial events.
Pop-pop’s Movie Night
Grandkid Cuddles
Trusted Expertise for Your Brain and Spine
Hidden within the intricate folds of your brain are the pathways that lead to your thoughts, memories and dreams — the very essence of your human spirit. At the AdventHealth Brain and Spine Institute, our experts are dedicated to protecting those pathways. With state-of-theart technology and groundbreaking treatments, we care for the most complex neurological conditions, so you can keep moving, keep dreaming and keep being your whole self.
