Ocala Style | March 2024

SE Equestrian Property

Beautiful 1.25+/- acre lot in the deed restricted and gated community of Bel Lago. Enjoy gorgeous sunset views while overlooking the pristine lake. Custom Tuscan and Mediterranean architecture only. Bel Lago is within minutes of major hospitals, schools, shopping and natural recreation.

Bel Lago

This 10+/- acre property is situated in a great location, just 5 miles to the Florida Horse Park and 5.5 miles to the Florida Greenways and Trails. Bring your plans and build your dream home on this property that offers some attractive sites. The center aisle concrete block show barn has 8 stalls, a/c tack room with full bath. Property also has a flat area previously used for polo field but would also be suitable for a jump field. There are also 4 paddocks. Adjoining acreage is

This 10+/- acre property is situated in a great location, just 5 miles to the Florida Horse Park and 5.5 miles to the Florida Greenways and Trails. Bring your plans and build your dream home on this property that offers some attractive sites. 5-stall barn and paddocks Property also has a flat area previously used for polo field but would also be suitable for a jump field. Adjoining acreage is also available.

Hidden Gem

This prestigious and impeccable 4-bedroom, 3-bath home encompassing 2,700 +/- square feet has stunning natural light. It’s balanced and grand, yet warm and inviting. The foyer invites you into an open great room, dining room and chef’s kitchen. The great room has sliding doors leading to an enclosed lanai, summer kitchen, pool with large deck and seating areas, making it perfect for entertaining. The master suite offers a luxurious bath with dual vanities, free-standing tub and large walk-in closet. There is a Generac generator, irrigation system, RO water system, water softener system and custom garage storage system. This gated community is near the Santos Trail Head.

$949,000

This Ocala horse farm is very private and desirable! Drive into the scenic NW Ocala area and you will find beautiful country living-perfect for the equine enthusiasts! Thoroughbreds, quarter horses, hunter jumpers, eventers, Paso Finos or even cattle enthusiasts. Consider this unique 38+/- acre property on HWY 326. Just minutes to WEC and HITS. Beautiful vistas from every view, lush pastures with impressive granddaddy oaks, and mature landscaping. Main residence encompasses 4-bedroom, 3.5 baths, open kitchen, spacious living room with impressive stone fireplace and built-in bookcases. Family room offers access to screen enclosed lanai and pool area while overlooking lush green pastures. Enjoy the grand owner’s bedroom with luxurious bath and expansive closet plus 3 more bedrooms, and private office. The equine facilities includes a 12-stall stable with tack room, feed room, wash bay plus 1/1 apartment. Second story allows for hay storage. Covered parking on each side of barn for horse trailer and other items of your choice. Large 3 bay equipment building with workshop plus RV hook-up. Genuinely nice 4-bedroom 2 bath residence for your farm manager and family. The lush fields are perfect for grazing your horses or cattle with just the right number of scattered oaks for shade and a tranquil setting.

Dear Readers,

s much as I love to travel and see and experience new things, I equally love home and I’m always happy to return to it. My love for home came from my grandmother. She moved from a very small town in Tennessee to Washington, D.C., as a young woman and did clerical work in hospital administration for most of her working years. When it came to outfitting her home, she overcame her limited means by having a discerning eye. Her home was filled with English country antiques and beautiful vintage rugs, and art she haggled for and picked each piece with intention. She instilled her love for beautiful tableware in me. After all, why eat with anything else but the most beautiful glass, utensil and dish you can? And that didn’t mean spending a lot. She masterfully paired mismatched China collected over decades from thrift stores and antique shops.

At 95, she is not able to live at home anymore, but she wanted to make sure her things, some of which are family heirlooms, stayed in the family with the people who wanted them. As it turned out, those were her oldest grandchildren. My cousin and I were talking the other day about what to do with some of the stuff still in storage and nowhere in the conversation was the thought of getting rid of anything.

We both appreciated grandma’s elegant style and fondly remember drinking from crystal goblets while eating our sandwich from a delicate piece of China when our feet still couldn’t reach the floor.

I realize that we are lucky in that she exposed us to how much more enjoyable it is to live in a home surrounded by things you like to look at, and not in a materialistic way, but as the act of living intentionally with beauty and character.

So, when we do our home edition, it is always with the hope that we inspire others to create living spaces that bring them joy.

I predict everyone will be inspired after reading the feature Mystical Oasis, about how one unique courtyard home in an Ocala historic district, designed by a noted local architect, continues to be a warm and art-filled space.

To help you think about your options, JoAnn Guidry serves up the latest home trends in Home Sweet Stylish Home for those still trying to explore what the possibilities are and what they like.

And special thanks to some firefighters with Ocala Fire Rescue and Marion Fire Rescue for sharing their favorite recipes in our special version of Ocala Cooks—after all, in this oftentimes-frantic world, a home-cooked meal always hits the spot, whether it’s at the fire station or in your favorite space.

Jennifer Hunt Murty Publisher

43

OCALA COOKS

Check out some tasty recipes from local firefighters.

48

THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

This fundraiser supports dementia education in the community.

50

IHMC SPRING LECTURE SERIES

Kevin Gluck will speak about the human mind on March 28th.

53

THINGS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT Karan Gaekwad shares some of his favorite things.

in

this issue

23

LEADING REALTORS

Meet some of the region’s top real estate professionals.

28

MYSTICAL OASIS

This mid-century modern courtyard home has an air of intrigue.

34

HOME SWEET STYLISH HOME

We offer some home décor and style trends for 2024.

38

40 YEARS IN OCALA

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing opened here in 1984.

54

SPRING FESTIVAL TIME

These gardening events will help cure spring fever.

56

COLONO-WARE

A small clay pitcher offers insight into a mix of local cultures.

61

SCHLENKERISMS

The Alabama Takeover (AKA fraud).

62

PATHWAYS FOR SUCCESS

The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County helps children and families.

Cover and this page

Cover and top left: photos by John Jernigan, Jim Jernigan’s Studio. This page: photo at left by Bruce Ackerman

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

Redfish St. Charles

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

Available during our Mardi Gras Parade of Flavors Feb. 1 - Mar. 31

Happy Hour Specials: 2-7p every day

$4 Draft Beer

$5 House Wine & Premium Cocktails

$6 Super Premium &

$7 Harry’s Signature Cocktails

INSIDER

Social Scene

Among those attending the Interfaith Emergency Services Legacies of Love event on February 14th were IES Chief Executive Officer Karla Greenway, Marion County Tax Collector George Albright and his wife, Tammy Albright.

Photo by Bruce Ackerman

Legacies of Love

CF KLEIN CENTER

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

The venue was awash in a sea of red attire for the February 14th event that was hosted by Interfaith Emergency Services to honor community champions Wes Wheeler, Monica Bryant and the late Wayne McDonald.

Frank Rasbury, Naida Rasbury, Heather James and Tom James

Monica Bryant, LeAnn Mackey-Barnes and Lena Hopkins

Jim Maguire and Vern Shukoski

Brick City Bluegrass Festival

CITIZENS’ CIRCLE

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

The city of Ocala’s inaugural event on January 20th featured Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, The Flattlanders, Low Ground and The Price Sisters. A large crowd enjoyed the music under a warm winter sun.

Natalie and Ryan Paul Kendall Pittman, Alice Benson and Tim Gittinger

Low Ground

Nancy Upham and Buddy Densten with Molly

Aundrea Richard

Medical Expo

INDIA CENTER

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

The annual gathering on January 20th offered more than 200 physicians and medical vendors, information about healthcare topics and trends, presentations, guest speakers and various forms of Indian culture.

Dr. Srinivasa Murthy, Dr. Bhavesh Patel, Lakshmi Jagalur, Tina Chandra D.D.S., and Dr. Ketan Doshi

Lindsey Hathaway-Snyder, Al May and Barry MacCallum

Stu McAlpin and Hebah Fox

Monica Bryant, Valerie Mitchell and Trevor Rockafellow

Shay Michelle, Carol Olson and Sonia Torres

Never Give Up On Country Concert

SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

More than 1,000 guests filled up the lawn in front of the Twin Oaks Mansion stage on February 3rd to see entertainers Johnny & Heidi, Chris McNeil and Parmalee. It was hosted by the Travis Mills Foundation to benefit wounded, or “recalibrated” veterans and their families.

Steve and Carol Glodack with Jersey

Chloe and Travis Mills

Leanne and Jared Brown Brandy, Gary and Bradley Lancaster

OTrak

Chalk Walk

DOWNTOWN OCALA

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

Several artists chalked up masterpieces during the January 27th event with the theme of “O, The Places We’ll Go,” inspired by the OTrak pathway linking Ocala City Hall to the Tuscawilla Art Park. The winners were Sky Noel Sadler, Hilary Frambes and Brain Morris.

Carla Gonzalez, Camila Gonzalez, Jose Angel Bello, Fabio Bello and Greter Carrete

Lana Hayes, Yuliia Tomenko and Mykhailo Molyboha

Louis, Allison, Annie and Madison Greil

Sky Sadler, Ara Celis and Anastasia Perez

Kinitty Blackwell

Hilary Frambes

With 40 years of experience and expertise in virtually every style, each project is a passionate interpretation of your tastes and your needs.

“Linda has designed the interior of our 1920’s remodeled home and did so with excellent attention to our tastes. We have had her design our second home and even brought her to Texas to do our townhouse in Dallas. She is currently finishing another Florida condo and starting plans for our vacation home in Alaska. Her sense of style, selection of quality materials, and use of colors is exemplary and makes each of our homes unique yet familiar and comfortable. She’s the best!”

- Mike Sweeney

Bourbon in the Barn

CF VINTAGE FARM

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

The February 9th signature fundraising event for the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County brought out numerous supporters to enjoy specialty bourbons to sample, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and live and silent auctions.

Tammy Hoff and Angie Ray Stokes

Darlenska and Michelle Hardaway

Rachel Murphy, Caitlyn Murphy and Josie Reed

Danielle and Ben Marciano

Valerie and Hugh Dailey

Rachel Stevick and Joshua Gray

Beyond the Stage

REILLY ARTS CENTER

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

The February 15th fundraiser started with cocktails in the Frank DeLuca Grand Lobby and included performances by members of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and Community Music Conservatory, and the Doug Adams Band.

Natalie McComb, Rebecca Rogers and Steve Rogers

Chris Cervellera and Alexandria Vadney

Azim Saju, Lisa Lombardo and Alex Lombardo

Bernadette Castro, Maryann Donohue and Sonya Nasser

Bernii and Tom Coppola

Editor’s Picks

A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

McPherson Governmental Complex

March 2

Organizers promise a “berry good time” with lots of vendors, a kids’ zone with a petting zoo, a pie-eating contest and a car show. Entertainers will include The Petty Experience and Chris Patti a Great Crooners and Frank Sinatra tribute artist. The festival is free to attend. Parking is a $5 donation, to benefit both Habitat for Humanity and the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. Expect lots of strawberry food options and a family-friendly good time. Visit habitatocala.org/strawberry for more information.

NIGHT AT THE FARM

College of Central Florida Vintage Farm Campus

March 2

This year’s fundraiser theme is “Strings, Wine and Bites.” It will be an evening of elegant wines and food provided by Eaton’s Beach, known for “Florisiana” cuisine. Entertainment will be provided by The String Smith. Tickets are $125 per person or $200 per couple. Proceeds will support scholarships for CF students. To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/night-at-the-farm

SPRINGSFEST

Silver Springs State Park

March 2-3

This day out in nature will offer educational activities, games, food trucks and vendors with artwork, photography, crafts and more. Photo ops with mermaids will be available on Saturday. There will be live music on the Twin Oaks Mansion stage each day. Admission is $2 and offers access to the main park and the Silver River Museum campus. Glass-bottom boat rides will be available for an additional fee. For more information, visit bit.ly/florida-springsfest or fb.com/events/678703191023899

MASTER GARDENERS’ SPRING FESTIVAL

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion

March 9-10

This festival may inspire you to plant, pollinate and prune your yard. With dozens of vendors, you can hunt for leafy treasures, find garden décor items, learn about plants and more. The Master Gardeners focus on Florida-friendly landscaping and you can buy native plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, houseplants and more from vendors. The KidZone will include educational activities and a live butterfly encounter. Educational presentations will go on all day. Admission is $3; free for ages 12 and younger. There will be food trucks on site. Bring a cart or wagon. More information is available from sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/master-gardeners/events

LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL

Live Oak Stud

March 14-17

This renowned event off ers driving dressage classes, cross-country driving and arena show jumping. International driving

Habitat for Humanity Strawberry Festival, photos by Meagan Gumpert of MAVEN Photo + Film

teams will splash through water hazards, navigate cones and cover an outdoor obstacle course and the show jumping component will nurture young talents. Tickets range from $12 for a day pass and $12 to park to VIP packages starting at $250 that include meals, premium parking, parties and reserved seating. Visit liveoakinternational.com/buy-tickets

OCALA RODEO

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion

March 15-16

The pro rodeo returns with breakaway roping, saddle and bareback bronc riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel races and bull riding. Tickets are $25 each, with pre-event, cash-only sales at Badcock Home Furniture, the Boot Barn, Russell’s Western Wear, Tack Shack of Ocala, Klover Leaf Tack & Western Wear and Sparr Building & Farm Supply. There is no entry fee for children ages 5 and younger. Proceeds from concessions will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Marion County. For more information, visit ocalarodeo.com

NATIONAL SAVE THE FLORIDA PANTHER DAY

Fort King National Historic Landmark

March 16

This evening at the fort will feature presentations from park rangers and other experts. The award-winning fi lm Path of the Panther focuses on the work of wildlife photographer Carlton Ward Jr. and his quest to capture images of the rare big cat. The event will include the showing of the movie, a dusk trail hike through the park and craft ing activities for children. It is free to att end. For more information, visit bit.ly/fort-king-events

ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE

Reilly Arts Center

March 21

This tribute to ELO features a fusion of pop and classical infl uences. Expect to hear Mr. Blue Sky , Roll Over Beethoven , Evil Woman , Can’t Get It Outt a My Head , Don’t Bring Me Down and more. The 12-piece band blends violin, cello,

guitar, drums, bass and keyboards with distinctive vocal harmonies. Tickets are $30-$55 from reillyartscenter.com

PARK AFTER DARK SERIES: NEW ORLEANS

Sholom Park

March 21

The Jazz Phools will perform New Orleansstyle jazz, traditional Dixieland, modern line brass, funk and Zydeco styles. Spontaneity and improvisation are key elements to this band’s appeal. The evening will include the Ragin’ Cajun Kitchen food truck. Tickets options are coach for $15 and you bring your own picnic basket and beverage; or first class for $25, with a special tasting menu from the food truck and a reserved area for seating. Registration is required through bit.ly/park-after-dark-new-orleans

Live Oak International, photo by Bruce Ackerman

RIDE RUN ROLL RELAY

Shangrila Campground and Trailhead

March 23

The annual fundraiser will combine teams of a runner, a horseback rider and a mountain biker for a relay race through a trail course on the Cross Florida Greenway. Runners go 3.1 miles, riders go 5 miles and bikers go 8 miles. The day’s options will include raffles, food trucks and vendors. The event will benefit maintenance of equestrian trails on the Greenway. The cost is $75 per racer. Register at runsignup.com. A camping package includes a Friday night cookout, Saturday lunch and one entry. For more information, visit suncountrytrailblazers.org

MEALS 4 WHEELS

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion

March 23

This car show will benefit Marion Senior Services and its Meals on Wheel programs, which delivers more than 400 meals daily to area seniors to help them stay in their homes and get proper nutrition. The day will offer food trucks and vendors. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit wheels4meals.org

ALMOST

ABBA

Reilly Arts Center

March 30

This tribute band highlights Abba, the Swedish super group that hit it big in the ‘70s and had a revival with the release of the Mamma Mia movies. You’ll be out of your seat with Dancing Queen, Knowing Me, Knowing You, Take a Chance on Me and

Mamma Mia. Tickets are $22-$50 from reillyartscenter.com

MARION COUNTY DAY 2024

McPherson Governmental Campus

March 23

The festival will celebrate Marion County history, with historians off ering information and artifacts on display. Kids can enjoy bounce houses, a pett ing zoo, archery and other activities. Admission is free. For more information, visit bit.ly/2024-marion-county-day

SPRING MAKER’S MARKET

Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop

March 30

For a charming day out, head to the far southwest part of the county and check out Dunnellon’s historic and artsy district. The festival will showcase local artists, jewelers, seamstresses, painters, photographers and more. There also is a garden center and café. To learn more, go to grumbleshouseantiques.com/events

Photo courtesy of Reilly Arts Center

ALYSSA (JAROSZEWICZ) & SHANE MORRIS

November 18th, 2023

Venue: Pine Haven Ranch

Photographer: Eighteenth Hour

Photography

Wedding Planner: ANC

Coordination

Hair/makeup artist: Symmetry

Hair Design

Their favorite memory: “Celebrating our first moment as a married couple will forever be our favorite memory. Our future as one had arrived and with overwhelming joy we smiled and held one another close as we walked back down the aisle as husband and wife. All the hours of hard work, the late-night conversations, the work we had put into our relationship led up to the joyous moment, sealed with ‘I do.’”

KAILEIGH (SKINNER) AND JOSHUA WALTON

December 2nd, 2023

Venue: Pine Haven Ranch

Photographer: Lyn Larson of Mahal Imagery

Wedding planner: Lyn Larson

Hair/makeup: Nicci D’Orio, Pretty n Pinned

Her favorite memory: “It started to rain during the ceremony. We were looking at each other and laughing. Nothing was going to stop me from marrying my best friend. It reminded me that through God and with each other we can handle any obstacle life throws at us, rain or shine.”

His favorite memory: “Our last dance was just me and my bride; the woman of my dreams. It was a moment that signified her and I for the rest of our lives.”

With expertise in residential, commercial and horse properties, these real estate pros have the local know-how to meet your real estate goals.

the trusted expert

as a horsewoman, residential, equine property and land development Realtor® since 1985, Joan Pletcher is the trusted expert in horse farms and real estate.

With more than $125,103,323 in local real estate listings, she has earned a reputation as the region’s top seller and has built her track record of success by offering professionalism, integrity and relentless commitment to clients.

Pletcher and members of her family are not only equine enthusiasts, they also are developers, which means she understands the unique needs and desires of discerning clients who are seeking their first home, a luxury estate or top-level farm in the Horse Capital of the World.

She says the Ocala region is home to the most beautiful equestrian estates and horse farms in America. Combine that with the natural beauty of the area, the variety of equine-centered activities and venues, such as the World Equestrian Center, Florida Horse Park and Florida Greenways and Trails, and it’s no wonder this is a place that is growing in population.

“Ocala is the new destination,” she offers. “Let me show you why!”

“My passion,” Pletcher offers, “is seeing the smiles and the happiness on the faces of my clients when they walk onto the property that is just right for them.”

Top Lifestyle Producer

Tasha Osbourne is consistently in the top five in real estate sales volume in Ocala/Marion County— and there are good reasons for that.

Tasha Osbourne is not one to shy away from a challenge. She understands the issues involved in moving to a new community, working while raising a family and never saying ‘no’ when she truly is passionate about something she believes in her heart is the right thing.

Combine all those characteristics with a mind for business, a background in finance, a love of people and a knack for knowing the local

real estate market inside out, and you have the Tasha Osbourne—Premier Sothebys of Ocala Florida firm, which celebrated a grand opening on January 25th at offices at 3024 SW 27th Avenue.

Osbourne says the grand opening was five years in the making and that it commemorated, “a journey filed with determination, perseverance and unwavering belief.”

She shares that what began as a dream has come to fruition, but that didn’t mean the journey was easy.

“We were met with skepticism, market share issues, days on market, lots of resistance and numerous obstacles,” she explains. “We were told ‘no’ time and time again and faced walls that seemed insurmountable. But through it all, I never lost faith.”

She says her success is a testament to her persistence and strength and she takes pride in being recognized as a top producing agent. In 2023, Osbourne was number three in total market share based on individual sales volume for Ocala/Marion County. Her total sales volume exceeded $44,840,000.

And, she says, it’s no wonder the real estate market is so robust here.

“It’s a hidden gem, waiting to shine,” she says of Ocala and Marion County, noting the abundant natural beauty and, of course, all of the things that make this the Horse Capital of the World.

Osbourne is very involved in her community, especially because she wants it to be a place where the quality of life is the best it can be for her own family and those of others. After all, she came here 19 years ago because she has extensive family in the area.

Once settled in, she quickly adopted the community as her own. She is involved in initiatives such as the Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Horse Farms Forever, the Reilly Arts Center, the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership and other area groups and nonprofi ts.

SOLD

15500 W Highway 316, Williston, FL 32696

Beautiful 25-acre horse farm with 5,020 sq ft residence with spectacular hilltop views. $4,000,000

Local Roots, Global Vision

Since obtaining her real estate license in 2012, Ashley Yates has consistently stood out as a multimillion-dollar producer year after year. Her dedication to excellence and unwavering commitment to her clients has positioned her as a leader in the real estate landscape, earning her the trust and admiration of the local community.

While her expertise encompasses all aspects of real estate, her true passion lies in guiding sellers through the intricate process of home sales. From strategic staging to enhancing curb appeal, her hands-on approach ensures that every step, from listing to closing, is seamless and rewarding.

She is a not only a seasoned broker and owner, she also has achieved the prestigious Graduate Realtor Institute, or GRI, designation, which helps successful realtors increase their skill levels with in-depth training in legal and regulatory issues, technology, professional standards and the sales process.

Ashley Yates Realty is more than a real estate agency; it’s a gateway to turning dreams into reality.

“Whether you’re looking to buy or sell in Ocala or anywhere in between, my local knowledge, combined with a global perspective, ensures that your real estate journey is not just successful but personally fulfilling,” she offers.

One satisfied client enthused about his interaction in this post on social media: “Working with Ashley Yates was an absolute pleasure. As a first-time buyer, I had various questions and Ashley promptly answered all of them. Her professionalism and expertise made the process of buying my dream home smooth and stress free. I felt informed and supported every step of the way.”

Yates’ connection to the community runs deep, evident not only in her extensive real estate portfolio but in many other ways as well. She has lived in Ocala for more than 30 years. She and her family live on a 15-acre farm, where they raise horses and cattle, and she is even the “go-to” neighbor for farm-fresh eggs.

She wants to assure those seeking a seamless real estate experience, that “Ashley Yates Realty is the key to unlocking the door to your dream home or the successful sale of your property.”

Meet Ocala’s Real Estate Experts

When Olivia Perez wanted to make a change from the hustle and bustle of Miami, she was drawn to the Ocala area, where her father was living. Now, she is one of this region’s top selling Realtors and is the head of her own real estate firm, The Ocala Collective.

“My Dad had been here about 15 years and I wanted somewhere with more of a hometown feel,” she shares. “I started as the lifestyle director at the Ocala Preserve, formerly Trilogy, and after

2 ½ years, I wanted to grow as a professional. I had a great relationship with the sales team, and I got my license and started selling Shea homes. I was the Rookie of the Year and the number two salesperson in my very first year.”

She says it was a wonderful experience selling for the home builder, but she wanted to branch out “across all of Ocala” so she went into general real estate in 2020.

“It’s been great,” she says with pride and a lilt in her voice. “And it’s not just about selling homes; It’s all about the people. I’m an ambassador with the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership and am involved in many ways in the community, such as with special events, ribbon cuttings, After Hours socials and more.”

She credits much of her success to being a people person and having a “small but mighty team.”

She says a lot of clients come from word of mouth with satisfied and repeat customers who trust her, as well as being extremely active on social media. She even has a YouTube channel and recently was selected to host segments of the Emmy-winning American Dream TV series, which showcases the lifestyle in a city.

“I’ll be featuring local favorite hot spots in the community,” Perez notes of some of the topics she plans to highlight. “It’s very exciting for me!”

Perez wants to assure potential clients that she and Real Estate Advisor Christine Young are passionate about offering the highest level of customer service that goes above and beyond expectations.

“Buying a home can be very emotional,” she states. “We will be there every step of the way, providing the very best in concierge service.”

The

MYSTICAL OASIS

THIS MID-CENTURY MODERN COURTYARD HOME IN AN OCALA HISTORIC DISTRICT CONTINUES TO INTRIGUE AS PASSERSBY WONDER WHAT LIES BEHIND ITS DOUBLE DOORS

By Susan Smiley-Height

by John Jernigan

Photography

When renowned Ocala architect Hal Thomas Reid—known for his many visionary and award-winning designs, such as the iconic waterfall-themed The Cascades office complex, Concord Square and several banks— built his custom mid-century modern courtyard home in the historic district in southeast Ocala in 1974, it didn’t conform to the architecture of the surrounding residences. .

The front of the house, with its flat façade (no porch or steps), had an aura of Eastern mystique, both then and now.

Behind the intriguing entrance you will find a distinctively unique three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a sprawling open-concept living and dining room area, custom windows that bathe the space in warm sunlight, a wood-burning fireplace and cozy nooks, all nestled around an interior 442-squarefoot courtyard that is a stunning focal point.

Reid, who also designed the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) building on the square (formerly the Ocala City Library) and the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce building that was razed to make way for the Ocala Hilton Garden Inn on the square, had been inspired by Japanese courtyards during travels with his wife, Barbara.

“Even with a meager and small house, they would always have a front courtyard, not always, but mostly,” he explains. “In cities where you’re in a cityscape, you have a very limited distance around your house. They would create a courtyard in the front and enjoy that space from the inside. Where Western man wants to tout all his wonderful things, wants to show off on the street, the Japanese took that space and used it and that’s always inspired me.”

Reid notes that the property “had been sitting there for ages and the city wouldn’t let anybody build

on it because of some restrictions. It was half of two or three lots, and I finally convinced them I could do it.”

“It was, I think, 78 feet deep and 130-something feet long and you had 25-foot setbacks so there wasn’t an awful lot of space to build in,” he recalls. “But the oak trees and all the stuff around there, it was a beautiful site.”

Reid was born in Tampa. He graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor of arts in architecture in 1958. He founded Hal Thomas Reid Associates, P.A., in Ocala in 1969. He and Barbara lived in the home for 37 years, as is denoted on a “Reid House” brass plaque affixed to a marble base and recently installed at the property by the Historic Ocala Preservation Society.

When asked if he has a preference for commercial or residential architecture, Reid shares in his raspy drawl, with a little chuckle at the end, “It doesn’t make any difference. If somebody wants to try to a unique design, I’ll do a teapot if I have to,” he offers during a phone conversation from his newly built home in Cedar Key, which is based on the original Ocala home. He says the Cedar Key house is smaller, but still has the same kind of “privacy and greenery” as the original residence. “That was sort of the basic idea of it all,” he offers.

Today, the grandaddy oak trees near the Ocala property are even more magnificent and the yard is graced with old-growth camellias and dark, cool stands of bamboo. Inside the double doors, the enchanting courtyard, with its towering trees and other greenery, comfortable seating and two resident bunnies, leads into the interior of the eclectically appointed 1,820-square-foot home.

In 2021, Deena Balogh and her husband, Michael Hogg, wanted to make some lifestyle changes and she found a listing for the house online. They toured the property and put in a bid, although there was already a contract on the home. They purchased it when the other contract fell through.

“It was all about the house,” she shares. “We didn’t necessarily have moving to Ocala in mind.”

Balogh and Hogg made some renovations to the home before they moved in. They were committed to preserving some of the original look and feel of the iconic residence, but they remodeled and modernized the kitchen and bathrooms, removed the popcorn ceilings and installed new flooring,

walls, paint, wallpaper and fencing.

The courtyard remains a focal point and the open-floor concept begins with a welcoming sitting area, flanked by the dining room and another area occupied by Hogg’s drum set and stand-up bass, where, they say, Barbara Reid used to have her baby grand piano. One wing contains the master bed and

bath, a cozy TV/library room with a fireplace, and a kitchen accented with stunning wood cabinetry. The opposite wing offers a guest bed and bath, an office and a music room.

“Hal Reid seemed to have the same mid-century vibe as Frank Lloyd Wright,” notes Hogg.” The house reminded us of the mid-century modern

homes in Herndon, Virginia, Westchester County, New York and Northern California.”

The couple kept some of the original furnishings, such as an 18-bulb light fixture over the dining room table and the table itself. They purchased mid-century modern pieces such as sofas and an arc light to accent the theme.

“One of the most significant design elements of mid-century modern is the heavy use of walnut wood,” Balogh offers. “I had all of the custom cabinetry built with walnut in the kitchen and bathrooms. We chose each plank for its unique character and had them built by Magnuson Custom Woodwork here in Ocala.”

There are ample spaces throughout the home for the couple’s beautiful cockatoo Glorious Maximus, or “Max,” to call his own and he also loves to be outside.

Max is a rock star, Balogh offers, often drawing the attention of visitors passing by on foot or in

golf carts.

“Max introduced us to the neighborhood,” she says with a bright smile. “He is so exuberant, and traffic just stops. When we visit places such as the Downtown Market on Saturdays, we are known as ‘Max’s parents.’”

Balogh is from Storrs, Connecticut, and Hogg is from Newburyport, Massachusetts. Before coming to Ocala, they had homes in Clearwater and Port Richey.

“Deena started her career in medical instrument sales, which led her to starting her own company training doctors and nurses on how to use new medical equipment. She eventually sold her company and moved to Florida,” Hogg shares. “My career was in computer engineering (IT security and computer networks). We met in Florida and together started a new business that utilized both of our skill sets and backgrounds. We sold that business just about the same time we were moving to Ocala.”

Hogg is a musician and songwriter who plays gigs around

Florida, records his own music and plays on other people’s projects. He has an identical twin brother who also is a musician and a sister who is an actress.

Early in life, Balogh was a “horse person” and even bought an equine when she was 10 years old, without her parents’ knowledge, and had it delivered to her home in suburbia (she did get to keep it). She also was a beekeeper and started a nonprofit rabbit rescue that is still in existence in Massachusetts.

Both Balogh and Hogg love the way their property combines living spaces with nature.

“It's a unique home that just makes so much sense. It utilizes outside space and brings it inside. It’s perfect for the next phase of our lives,” Hogg says “It's great for entertaining and its smaller footprint forces us to downsize and not accumulate so much stuff.

There is just not enough room, and we are forced to live a little more simply. I think it's a good lesson.”

Both Balogh and Hogg say they love their neighborhood and exploring their new city and the surrounding areas.

“We love it here. It reminds me of St. Petersburg in the early ‘90s,” Hogg offers. “The artists and hipsters are starting to make their mark, and there are lots of interesting homes and 1920s bungalows. We think Ocala is a bit of an undiscovered treasure.”

Speaking of undiscovered treasures, “Just what is behind those doors?” is what people have been asking since the home was built—and it continues to be a source of fascination for locals.

“Often, when we are outside, people will come by and ask if they can look inside,” Balogh notes. “Even after all these years.”

HOME SWEET STYLISH HOME

By JoAnn Guidry

Our homes are our sanctuaries, so it is important that we surround ourselves with designs and décor that nurture us. Here is a look at a few predicted home design and décor trends in 2024 that might just make your home even more sweet and stylish.

Pantone named Peach Fuzz its 2024 Color of the Year while trend forecasting agency WGSN went with Apricot Crush and Etsy picked Berry. But if none of those colors set you abuzz, the color palette for 2024 is a wide-ranging one.

There are the new neutrals of soft blue, sage green, buttery yellow and dusty rose pink, which can be used as accents on baseboards, moldings and ceilings. Not your thing? Well, there are always the

earth tones of burgundy, creamy whites and all the shades of brown. Maybe the moody tones, primarily deep gray and blue, speak to you.

If you want to make a really bold color statement, olive green and Kelly green are being touted as trending color hues of the year. There are also jewel tones, such as jade green, emerald green, cobalt blue and ruby red being used in wall paint, cabinets, furniture and window coverings.

Above: Glidden's Color of the Year "Limitless"

GOING ESSENTIALLY ORGANIC

The ongoing desire to connect with nature in our homes has led to integrating that element into home design. Organic light fixtures use natural materials such as wood, rattan and clay, matched with essential metals, which can include brushed chrome, steel, nickel, aluminum and brass used in lighting hardware, appliances and furniture. Organic textures for wall coverings and earthy color palettes throughout can also bring a natural vibe to a home.

SPA BATHROOMS

There will be a continuing trend for spa-like amenities in home bathrooms, including steam showers and wet rooms.

A steam shower is a self-contained, standalone shower stall without a bathtub. This can create a tropical experience in your own home with reported benefits of alleviating allergies, lowering blood pressure and contributing to better sleep. If you’re eco-conscious, a 30-minute steam shower uses two gallons of water while a regular shower can use two gallons of water per minute.

A wet room is a totally waterproofed or tanked bathroom with a shower area at the same level as the rest of the floor. The walls and floor are sealed with a waterproof lining to prevent water from causing damage. The water drains away through a flush drain within the shower area. A bathtub is incorporated right into the shower space, allowing you to soak while getting the benefits of a steam shower. This can be an open design or have an installed glass screen.

THE CASTLE DOOR

Front door designs are expected to be earthy, with textured finishes, such as terracotta, stone accents and curved, soft arches. Sustainably sourced wood and materials will figure prominently, with doors being finished with natural oils and waxes. The colors sage and navy blue are expected to be popular.

Front door sidelights windows are in and top transom windows are out. Sidelights windows let natural light in, add symmetry and are easier to keep clean than top transom windows.

Front doors will also feature technology such as smart locks, automated door openers and built-in screens at front entrances.

SMALL SPACE WALLPAPER

Wallpaper is having a comeback, especially in small spaces. With myriad patterns and colors schemes to choose from, wallpaper can liven up a hall and/or linen closet, a hallway, a kitchen nook or a bar area. Look around your home with an eye to thinking small with wallpaper and you’ll add a surprising décor touch.

PAST & PRESENT

Elements of Americana will be more widely mixed with modern interior design elements. With that shift comes a deeper appreciation of Americana as cultural art crafted by people historically marginalized, which would include craftspeople of color, women and girls, Native Americans and immigrants. Viewed through a social lens, Americana pieces become a part of history worth integrating into your present-day home décor.

EAT-IN KITCHENS

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, many new homeowners are opting out of formal dining rooms in favor of eat-in kitchens. As kitchens have become larger and are usually the center of the home, built-in breakfast nooks or banquettes are being custom designed to reflect the lifestyle of the family.

QUIET LUXURY

Think of quiet luxury design as classic and functional. This can be described as an interior design that combines sustainable materials (organic, environmentally conscious), discreetly integrated

smart technology (television, music, communication and security systems) and revival of classic design.

BOOKSHELF WEALTH

Originating on TikTok, bookshelf wealth is all about being intentional with what you put on your bookshelves. Of course, the books you have read and love should be the centerpiece of your bookshelf, arranging them in any way or order that has meaning to you. The meaningful theme should continue with other items you mix in with the books, such as photos and knickknacks. As for the bookshelves, if you don’t have built-in ones, you can go with any design that suits you and your home décor.

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL

Going into 2024, searches for mirror installation were up 30 percent on Yelp. Mirrors come in all sizes, designs and colors, and are increasingly considered to be functional wall art. From antique to modern to whimsical, statement mirrors can say a lot about you and your home.

ROMANTIC LOVE NOTES

Not a subtle home décor, romantic design embraces florals, ribbons, bows and the colors pink and red in a big way. Floral maximalism is forecast to be a big trend in bedding, pillows, area rugs, curtains and even furniture. Keeping with the theme, fresh flowers are encouraged but artificial and dried varieties are also accepted. So, cozy up with your significant other in a home awash with the colors and styles of romance.

GOING GREEN

Nothing greens up a home décor like indoor plants. easyplants.com has a few choice picks, even for those without a green thumb. Its 2024 Plant of the Year is the Dracaena Janet Craig Compacta, which is compatible with any décor. The easy-tocare-for plant, which can grow up to five feet tall, features thin stems with big, leafy tufts on the end of each spike.

Other home décor plants recommended by easyplants.com include:

Black ZZ plant : This is a variation of the traditionally green ZZ and is described as naturally elegant with shiny, full leaves. Considered a low-maintenance plant for beginners, the Black ZZ is the perfect color to go along with any neutral and minimalist design.

Rubber tree: A consistent indoor plant favorite, rubber trees with their dark green and shiny leaves add a bold design element to any home.

Money tree: Feng shui experts recommend the money tree, which symbolizes wealth and good fortune.

ALL ABOUT FLOORS

Not to be overlooked in any home décor is the flooring. From the flooring material to the design, several trends in 2024 will make you stop and look down.

Patterns are predicted to be a major element, whether in hardwood or tile. Expect to see playful patterns such as basketweave, chevrons and checkerboard, including the classic black and white in the latter. Natural and light wood tones such as unstained white oak are expected to prove popular. Extra-wide, 10-foot plank flooring is also an anticipated trend.

Mosaic tile will continue to incorporate marble, slate and porcelain. Terracotta (ceramic) and terrazzo (marble chips, natural stone and colored glass mixed with cement) will be bigger and bolder.

Photo top right, Dracaena Janet Craig Compacta plant, courtesy of easyplant.com

40 Years in Ocala

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing opened in south Marion County in March of 1984.

By Susan Smiley-Height |

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

You know the old saying about a man’s home being his castle. Well, for “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, the “king” of drag racing, his castle is just one of the buildings on the sprawling campus that houses the Don

Garlits Museum of Drag Racing.

The museum is celebrating 40 years of being in Marion County, having opened in March of 1984. The property is at 13700 SW 16th Avenue, at the Highway 484 exit on Interstate 75. And

that is exactly the kind of placement Garlits had in mind years ago when his late wife, Pat, asked him what he was going to do about the museum he opened in 1976 at their garage and racecar shop in Seffner, near Tampa, which had never had a paying customer.

“We had plenty of free ones,” he says of early visitors in Seffner. “You know, the sponsors, friends, relatives, writers, photographers, but nobody actually paid money. My wife was the comptroller since I opened my shop in 1956. She said to me one day, ‘Honey, what are we gonna do with that white elephant over there when you can’t race anymore and support it?’ I said, ‘I always thought I’d move it to the interstate.’ She said, ‘You would move off of this property?’ My father had left me the land; it was the old homestead. Mom and Dad hacked it out of the wilderness in 1927. I said, ‘Well, I thought that when we got older that maybe we would move it to the interstate where we could get some traffic.’”

And, wow, does the museum get traffic. According to Chuck Keppel, the comptroller and general manager for seven years, about 30,000 visitors stop by annually.

“January, February and March are our busiest times,” Keppel notes, “because of all the things going on in Daytona and the Gatornationals in Gainesville.”

Garlits, 92, is credited with saving the lives of many drag racers after a front-engine dragster crash early in his career nearly killed him. After that, he began to produce the rear-engine top fuel dragsters that are now the standard. He continues to develop new versions of his famed Swamp Rat dragsters, all numbered in sequence, including an electric version (No. 38).

One massive building at the museum houses many of his own “rail jobs” as well as the race cars of luminaries such as Shirley “Cha Cha” Muldowney, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and many others. Another wing is filled with vintage, collectible automobiles and memorabilia. One large building that houses numerous

race cars will eventually be opened to the public as well.

Finding the property in Marion County wasn’t easy for Don and Pat, who were married for 61 years until she passed away in 2014. He shares how they were looking for some land around the Brooksville area.

“I had just turned 50; it’s ’82. I said, ‘Honey, we need to go up there and take a look at that land. How much money do we have?’ he recalls. “In a few minutes she said, ‘We could write a check for $80,000 and the racing account would still have enough money in it in case there’s a problem.’ I said, ‘Let’s go see what the guy wants. Thank God, he wanted a quarter of a million dollars for that piece of dirt!”

A real estate agent showed them several other properties, but they were too small (they wanted at least 16 acres) or too expensive. They stopped

for the night at a Holiday Inn, with a vow to go a little further north in the morning. He said they prayed about what they were doing, saying, “If it’s your will, you’ll show us the property. And if we don’t see it tomorrow, we’re going to go back to Seffner and live our lives out and never trouble you with it again.”

The next day they drove past Wildwood and got off at the I-75 exit at Highway 484, a few miles south of Ocala.

“We come off the ramp out here and it’s totally undeveloped … and here’s this piece of property that we’re standing on right now. Completely vacant. Pat got giddy. She said, ‘Oh, honey, this is it! We can put the museum right there.’ I said, ‘Honey, I don’t see any for sale signs.’”

He drove past the property and turned right on Highway 475A.

“I got out of the car and down in the ditch there’s a little sign under a bush and all it had was a phone number and ‘for sale.’ We jumped in the car and drove over to Stuckey’s to use the

pay phone. I dialed the number and this lady— now it’s early in the morning—he says, his voice rising, says, ‘This is Shirley. What do you want?’ in a gruff voice.

“And Shirley Muldowney had just kicked my fanny in the 1981 AHRA World Championships. The first time I’d been beaten. I almost hung the phone up. I said, ‘There’s a piece of property over here on the interstate and 475A. How much is it? And she said, ‘It’s $80,000 cash.’ It still raises the hair on my arm and back of my neck,” he says, visibly shaken for a moment. “I said ‘I’ll take it. Cash.’”

The property was zoned agricultural, so Garlits had to approach the Marion County Commission.

“Don Green was the chairman. I had a twopage speech about how I was going to bring all these people to Ocala from all over. I got two lines of the speech out and Green said, ‘Stop. We don’t want to hear it.’ My heart stopped. He says we’re gonna give you the zoning, what we want to know is what caused you to land

Clockwise from top, left: Garlits' '40 Ford; '32 Cadillac Coupe; '35 Plymouth Sedan; replica of the Swamp Rat III

on that intersection ‘cause it ain’t never gonna be anything.”

“Let me tell you something,” Garlits says forcefully. “We got in here and got going.”

That was in 1982. In March of 1983, the main building was up, and he and Pat were living in a one-room cabin they had built on the property.

“We’re in there building the half walls in that first room and every artifact we owned was in that 10,000-square-foot room. A car drove in, and a guy asked if this was the drag racing museum and I said, ‘Yes sir, but we’re not open yet.’ And he had his three boys and his wife, and he said ‘Mr. Garlits, we’ve come a long way. Would you mind if the family and I went in there and looked around?’ I said ‘Okay, but it’ll be $5 each.’ He shelled out $25 and in they went! They’ve been back, and those boys are grown men now.”

He says between that family’s visit and the grand opening in March of 1984, “We sold a little over 11,000 tickets and we were not even open. We sold 27,000 the very first year.”

Garlits says he later was approached by a neighbor who wanted to buy the property.

“He says, ‘I’m Robert Dupont from the Dupont family. We own this farm south of you. We didn’t know this property was for sale. I’ll give you $180,000 for it right now.’ I said, ‘That’s a generous offer Mr. Dupont, but in my lifetime, I will never be able to sell this property. He said,

Clockwise from top: Garlits in the Swamp Rat XII; President Eisenhower's '56 Chrysler; 1998 NHRA Winston Champions wall

‘Why is that, Mr. Garlits?’ I said, ‘Because God himself gave it to me.’”

Visting the museum complex can be educational and entertaining, especially if, like on a recent day when the Ocala Style team was there, Garlits is there and is in his element. Inside the antique auto building, he held court, with his booming voice drawing in visitors like a magnet.

Standing by one his early Fords, he expounds in a sort of rapid-fire staccato: “This is the car that put me into Chrysler engines. I traded a ’36 channel coupe to a kid for this car and we took the engine out of it, and I went to Claude Major’s shop and I wanted a ’49, ’50 or ’51 Caddy motor, cause that was the engine of choice for the moonshiners and I wanted a strong tow car to tow the flathead dragster. Claude said, ‘We don’t have any Cadillac engines, the moonshiners were here last week and took them all, but I’ve got something better. It’s a Chrysler hemi and it’s more powerful than the Cadillacs.’ I gave him $450 and took this 1954 331-cubic inch hemi home.”

He put the engine in the Ford and after he beat a well-known local racer and then made some great times at a local airfield, he recalls telling Pat, “The first person who puts one of these engines in a dragster is gonna be a killer, and she said, ‘You better get on it.’ That’s how Swamp Rat 1 was born.”

“We’ve been here 40 years now,” he continues during the impromptu tour. “We started with a 15,000-square-foot building. Now we have 65,000 square feet and it is briming over. It’s been remarkable. We have treasures here that are priceless. We have the first dragster, from Santa Ana, California, from 1949, from the original owner. We have the Cook & Bedwell car, the first to go over 160mph and that’s the car that I outran at the World Series in 1957. I had modified my car to what I thought was the next step and went 176mph and it was the shot heard around the world—it set the stage.”

To learn more about the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, go to garlits.com

Ocala Cooks

Ocala Fire Rescue firefighter Gorka Aperribay shows off a pan of his signature lasagna, which is based on his mother’s recipe and uses Bechamel sauce instead of Ricotta cheese. He is one of four local firefighters featured in this special edition of Ocala Cooks.

Photo courtesy of Ocala Fire Rescue

Gorka Aperribay is a first-generation American whose parents were born and raised in the Basque region of Spain. “My mom has always been an excellent cook and one of her specialties was lasagna. Being European and having some Italian friends, she cooked the lasagna how an Italian would, with bechamel instead of ricotta cheese as is traditionally made in the United States. This recipe is a hit at the fire station, and I think it’ll be sure to please your family too.”

Lasagna

1 box lasagna noodles

1 pound ground beef

1/2 red onion, diced

3 cloves of garlic, diced

1 28-ounce can Pomodoro tomatoes

1 15-ounce can tomato sauce

3 tablespoons flour

3 tablespoons butter

1 ½ to 2 cups room temperature milk

2 packs shredded Mozzarella cheese

Parmesan cheese (to taste)

Fresh basil (to taste)

Oregano (to taste)

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Olive oil

Cooking spray

Meat sauce:

In a large pot on medium heat, add some olive oil and the fresh garlic, the red onion and a few leaves of basil, ripped. When it begins to simmer and becomes aromatic, add the Pomodoro tomatoes and tomato sauce. Using a masher, break up the tomatoes and stir the sauce, making sure it does not come to a boil. In a separate pan, sear the ground beef on all sides without breaking it up. Add the ground meat to the sauce, where it will finish cooking, and break it apart to allow the flavors to meld. Add oregano, salt, pepper and basil to taste. Cook on low heat for 1 hour, minimum.

Bechamel:

This sauce can be tricky to make but is well worth it. In a saucepan, add 3 tablespoons each

of flour and butter to create a roux. After 1 to 2 minutes, slowly add the room-temperature milk and whisk to incorporate until a smooth sauce forms. Cook on low heat for several minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. If it is too thick, add more milk and continue to stir. When you reach your desired consistency, add Parmesan if desired and salt to taste.

Lasagna noodles:

Boil per instructions until al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.

Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Spread some meat sauce on the bottom. Cover the bottom with noodles, usually 3 to 4. Spread meat sauce over the noodles, followed by the bechamel sauce, then Mozzarella, making sure to cover the noodles from edge to edge. Repeat 3 to 4 times to use up all noodles and sauces.

The final layer should have cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Allow the lasagna to rest for 30 to 60 minutes before serving.

To be featured in Ocala Cooks, send us an email at editorial@magnoliamediaco.com

Randy Walton is a 24-year firefighter/paramedic/engineer with Marion County Fire Rescue. He says he is a dedicated public servant who has always taken pride in helping those who cannot help themselves. Of this recipe, he says it “never disappoints at the firehouse and it won’t in your house either.” With just a few years left until retirement, he notes, “When I leave, it will be the camaraderie and station meals with my fire family that I will miss the most.”

Spaghetti Squash Bowls

2 spaghetti squash

2 16-ounce packages of Jimmy Dean Premium

Pork Sausage, hot

1 15-ounce jar of three cheese Alfredo sauce

8 ounces Mozzarella cheese, shredded 1-2 tablespoons minced garlic (to taste)

3 teaspoons oregano

2 tablespoon butter

Olive oil for basting Salt, pepper and garlic powder, to taste

Cut each spaghetti squash in half long ways and scoop out the center.

Baste the inside of both halves with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder, all to taste.

Cook the squash face down in a square pan at 350° for 45 minutes.

Brown the sausage in a skillet and then drain in a colander.

Warm up the three cheese Alfredo sauce in a pot.

Remove the squash from the oven and turn face up and let cool for 5 minutes.

Using a fork, scrape out the “spaghetti” into a large bowl. Add butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper and oregano and mix well.

Put the squash “bowls” back on the baking pan face up. Add the spaghetti squash mixture until about 3/4’s full. Add the sausage and pour the cheese sauce over the top. Top with shredded Mozzarella.

Put the oven on broil and bake until the Mozzarella is melted and just slightly begins to brown.

Serve with your favorite salad or vegetable and bread. Ocala Cooks is a place to share recipes and discuss all things food. Join the conversation at fb.com/groups/ocalacooks

Capt. Joe Talley is a 25-year Ocala Fire Rescue veteran who has dedicated his career to serving citizens. He is part of OFR’s Special Operations team as well as the Florida Task Force 8 Urban Search and Rescue crew. When he’s not helping others, Talley is making sure members of his team, family and friends are well fed. He is a mainstay with the OFR team at the annual Marion County Chili Cookoff, which benefits The Cornerstone School.

Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp to make two servings:

1 pound medium to large shrimp (peeled completely, rinsed and patted dry)

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1 ½ teaspoons paprika (smoked if preferred)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon salt (fine ground sea salt or Himalayan)

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Grits:

2 cups chicken broth or stock

2 cups milk (I use whole but 2% could be used)

1/3 cup butter (cut up)

Salt and pepper to taste

¾ cup of old fashion grits (25-minute type)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

After the shrimp are patted dry, coat them with half the EVOO and reserve the rest of the oil for cooking.

Blend the seasonings together in a small bowl and sprinkle a little at a time onto the shrimp, mixing it in as you go. Let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator while you begin the grits.

Combine the chicken broth and milk in a 6-quart pot and place on medium heat. Add the salt and pepper, then the cubes of butter. Once the liquid begins to steam, increase the heat to bring it to a

boil. Begin whisking in the grits to prevent lumps from forming and continue to whisk for 1 minute. Turn the heat to a low setting while still whisking for another minute.

Once the rolling boil slows, place a tight lid on the pot to allow the grits to cook for 20 minutes. Occasionally stir the grits to prevent them from sticking and lumping up. After 20 minutes, turn off the heat, add the cheddar cheese (fresh shredded is best) and mix thoroughly. Replace the lid and slide the pot to the back of the stove.

To cook the shrimp, pre-heat a skillet and add the remaining EVOO. When the skillet is hot, add the shrimp and as much of the oil and seasoning from the bowl as you like. After a couple of minutes, flip the shrimp and cook the other side, then move the skillet off the heat.

Place some grits in a bowl and add shrimp to the top. Be sure to get some of the drippings from the bottom of the skillet! I usually serve buttered bread with the meal.

To be featured in Ocala Cooks, send us an email at editorial@magnoliamediaco.com

Elijah Rushing is a firefighter/paramedic with Ocala Fire Rescue. He says he didn’t really get into cooking “until I started working for the fire department, where I began cooking for other people and realized I enjoyed it.” He likes to make simple, flavorful meals and says this recipe is “my go-to favorite because it’s a perfect mixture of surf and turf, extremely filling and very satisfying. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking.”

Poke Bowl (for two)

1 pound beef (fajita cut)

1 pound shrimp

4 ounces cold smoked salmon

2 cups cooked jasmine rice

8 ounces Brussels sprouts (cut into halves)

1 cucumber (cut into coins)

2 avocados (cut into slivers)

1 red onion (cut into slivers)

5 ounces chopped scallions

1 bottle zesty Italian dressing

Salt and pepper, to taste

Lemon Aioli Sauce

1 7-ounce bottle lemon juice

2 teaspoons minced garlic

Mayonnaise, to taste

Salt and pepper, to taste

When preparing the beef from scratch, I like to place it in a crockpot with some pepperoncini, teriyaki sauce and butter on low heat for roughly two hours. You also can use preprepared beef if desired.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Season the Brussels

sprouts with salt, pepper and zesty Italian dressing to taste and roast them in the oven for 18 minutes.

Peel and de-vein the shrimp and cook in a skillet with your choice of seasonings.

Prepare the cucumber, avocado, scallions and red onions.

Cut the cold smoked salmon into 1-inch slices.

Prepare the lemon aioli by mixing the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, minced garlic and lemon juice in a bowl until fully combined.

Assemble each bowl by adding one cup of cooked rice to the center and assembling the vegetables and proteins around it. Finish with a drizzle of aioli.

Ocala Cooks is a place to share recipes and discuss all things food. Join the conversation at fb.com/groups/ocalacooks

The Spirit of Giving

An annual golf tournament in memory of Nancy Renyhart is raising thousands of dollars to support dementia education in the community.

By Susan Smiley-Height | Photos by Bruce Ackerman

There is no sweeter sound than the solid “thwack” of a perfectly-hit tee shot—except, that is, for the sweet “cha-ching” of money being raised for a great cause.

On January 29th, the third annual Spirit of Hospice Golf Tournament at the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club attracted 184 golfers who teed off and helped raise $131,365. The event was sponsored by Pinnacle Retirement Advisors to benefit the Nancy Renyhart Dementia Education Program at Hospice of Marion County. The Spirit of Hospice award honoree was Ocala City Councilman Jim Hilty Sr., who is a member of the HMC board of directors.

The Nancy Renyhart Dementia Education Program, formerly known as the Nancy Renyhart Center for Dementia Education, currently is based at HMC’s Elliott Center at 3231 SW 34th Avenue,

Ocala. The executive director is Lanie Shirey.

Shirey shares that the HMC board of directors has decided to repurpose and renovate the former Estelle’s Hospice House at 2897 SE 62nd Street, Ocala, and the program will relocate to that venue.

“The facility will include an adult day care center, caregiver skills lab, sensory room, library, Virtual Dementia Tour training room and education center and will be the home for the Nancy Renyhart Dementia Education Program,” Shirey explains.

Since its inception in January 2021, the program has provided dementia education to more than 8,500 people. The program offers dementia caregiver workshops and to date more than 400 caregivers have attended. In partnership with Arts in Health, the program hosts monthly Memory Cafes, during which caregivers and their loved

Jim Hilty Jr., Brian Hilty and Jim Hilty Sr.

ones can participate in group discussions “while using expressive arts to encourage creativity and connections, resulting in more positive interactions,” Shirey notes.

John and Nancy Renyhart met at college in New York and married in 1965. He was an administrator with nonprofit organizations, and she was a substitute teacher and merchandiser with a pharmaceutical company. They retired to Ocala in 2006. Nancy was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment in 2011 and with Alzheimer’s disease in 2013. She passed away April 30, 2020. John became a trained HMC volunteer and member of the Philanthropic Advisory Board and established the Nancy Renyhart Endowment for Dementia Education.

Gary Crawford, co-owner of Pinnacle Retirement Advisors with his wife, Dawn, became acquainted with the Renyharts when they fi rst came to the area.

“John and Nancy became clients of mine back in 2006 when they moved to Ocala. Over the years of being their advisor, I walked along the journey of Nancy’s battle with Alzheimer’s. I learned how physically and emotionally demanding caregiving can be, and I realized that no caregiver should have to walk the journey alone,” Gary offers.

“The Nancy Renyhart Center for Dementia Education holds a special place in my heart,” he shares. “This is why my wife, Dawn, and our team at Pinnacle Retirement Advisors hold our annual Spirit of Hospice golf tournament each year. This tournament supports this amazing resource that we have right here in our backyard. Our goal is to raise awareness about the center and how it can help families in our community. Over the past three years, we have raised over $216,000 to help fund the center. The fourth annual Spirit of Hospice Golf Tournament is scheduled for January 27th, 2025, at Golden Ocala, where we’re hoping to raise an additional $300,000.”

“We are grateful to our community and our supporters such as Pinnacle Retirement Advisors who have held these fundraisers over the years to help us meet the needs of the families we serve,” says HMC CEO Rick Bourne. “These fundraisers support our mission to provide full life care and we simply couldn’t do everything we do without them.”

Hilty, who has served as an HMC volunteer board member in many capacities, including two years as president, says he was humbled to receive the Spirit of Hospice Award, “not just for selfrecognition, but to hopefully shed some light of the center for dementia education we will be building to help the citizens we serve have another avenue for support with this terrible disease.”

“I have had a first-hand experience with this as my mother was diagnosed and lived for

several years, causing challenges for the family,” Hilty adds. “Along with my mother, I have had experiences with my wife as well as my father all receiving hospice care. I have been blessed to have received their services for my family members and continue to look for ways to give back and support the organization.”

HMC will off er dementia caregiver workshops on April 4th, May 22nd and June 22nd at the Elliott Center in Ocala. Register by calling (352) 291-5138.

To learn more, go to hospiceofmarion.org/dementia

Top photo courtesy of Gary Crawford

John Renyhart, Lanie Shirey and D.J. Ryan

Rick Borne, Gary and Dawn Crawford

Mind Flight

IHMC Senior Research Scientist Kevin Gluck will speak about the human mind on March 28th in Ocala.

By Susan Smiley-Height

Kevin Gluck’s life and career paths have taken a circuitous route from California to New Jersey to Texas to Europe and back. He currently is a senior research scientist with the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition, which is headquartered in Pensacola and has a branch in Ocala.

His IHMC bio notes that Gluck “has a leadership role in building a basic and applied research program in computational cognitive sciences, will be a contributing faculty member to the Joint UWFIHMC Intelligent Systems and Robotics Ph.D. program, and will play a prominent role in fostering collaborations in these areas with government, industry and academia.”

These were amazing career development experiences that taught me about the fascinating, productive intersection of basic and applied research in cognitive science.

— Kevin Gluck

He has a bachelor’s degree from Trinity University, master’s and doctorate degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and was awarded a training fellowship from the Air Force Research Laboratory. He has collaborated on research topics such as spatial processing, fatigue effects on cognitive function, robust decision making, personalized learning and human-machine teaming.

When asked what put him on his career path, Gluck says he sampled college classes in a variety of academic departments and found psychology the most interesting. That became his major, with a concentration in cognitive psychology.

“I did a summer research position at Brooks Air Force Base then was hired as a research assistant at Lackland Air Force Base,” he shares. “These were amazing career development experiences that taught me about the fascinating, productive intersection of basic and applied research in cognitive science.”

In Ocala, he will lecture on Mind Flight: A Sampling of Things We Now Know about the Human Mind.

“It draws metaphorically on the experience of a sampler platter at a restaurant or a beer flight at a brewery,” he explains. “I will serve as your cognitive bier meister, offering a set of insights about our minds, with content drawn from a combination of my own research and the broader scientific community.”

Gluck shares that he embraced challenges even at an early age, including an Olympic-distance triathlon when he was 12 and a high school study abroad in France that was “full immersion.” He is married and has two children with his wife, Julie, who is an artist, and enjoys biking, hiking, snowboarding and traveling.

The lecture will take place at 15 SE Osceola Ave., beginning with a reception at 5:30 p.m. To learn more and RSVP, go to ihmc.us/life/evening_lectures/ocala-lecture-series

Photo courtesy of IHMC

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Karan Gaekwad

4 Food I live for food! My top restaurants are Amrit Palace, Sky Fine Dining and Tony’s Sushi I travel often and always look for local cuisines.

SHARES THE THINGS HE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

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Image

Self-care and looking my best are important. I give thanks for Alpha Barbers (Jose Rodriguez), Nirvana Medical Spa and Recharge Clinic

Karan is disciplined and determined. He has a military background and is currently an Army Special Forces Candidate. Along with managing hundreds of employees and developing commercial/residential properties with his family and close friends, he has an eye for industry trends and is a proponent of business growth in Marion County. He engages in state and local politics, and is an avid orator, keen to extol the virtues of entrepreneurship, education and planning for the future.

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6 Fitness

I train six days a week and sometimes work out twice a day. My favorite gyms are Orangetheory Fitness for cardio and Zone Health and Fitness for strength. I also enjoy golf and other athletic pursuits.

Family

My amazing family has supported, loved and mentored me every step of the way, and I am truly blessed.

5 Friends

My friends always have my back, and I am thankful for their patience, support and guidance.

Coffee

I drink two cups of black coffee every day. Having a great cup of coffee is vital for my success.

Spring Festival Time

If you have spring fever, here are three gardening events that will help you get outside and start planting.

By Belea T. Keeney Illustration by Jordan Shapot

The first big event of the year is always the Marion County Master Gardeners’ Spring Festival and it is unfailingly exciting and inspiring. This year it runs March 9th and 10th at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion at 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala.

The vendors fill up the covered arena and spill out into the parking lot with eye-catching displays of flowers, shrubs, trees, houseplants, garden décor, landscaping ideas and other garden goodies. Booths from garden centers, specialty shops, landscapers, nonprofits and the Master Gardeners program abound, with plants and more for sale along with free information. Organizers suggest you bring a cart and volunteers will help you load plants in your vehicle.

Food trucks on the west side of the main arena will offer tasty options and picnic tables are nearby, along with a grassy expanse under picturesque oak trees. On the east side will be a Kids’ Zone with activities, a butterfly tent, educational presentations offered throughout the day in the indoor auditorium and a demonstration garden of Florida-friendly landscaping.

Admission is $3; free for ages 12 and younger. No pets allowed, only service animals. For more information, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/mastergardeners/events

On March 23rd and 24th, the Kanapaha Spring Garden Festival takes place at, naturally, the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Drive, Gainesville. This is just off Archer Road (State Road 24) and about two miles southwest of Interstate 75.

Organizers expect more than 100 booths offering plants, flowers, shrubs, garden décor, home-made soaps and home crafts. Food trucks will be onsite. From 11am to 4pm on Sunday there will be live music by Aelea, Emmett Carlisle, Lost Safari Drummer, the Brian McMahon Band and Klezmer Katz.

Pets are not allowed at this event, and it’s best to bring your own wagon or cart to carry your purchases.

The gardens include 20 specialty areas with water features, including a koi pond with giant water lilies that makes for a striking photo op. Benches are placed along the paved, looping trail and the bamboo

garden is world-renowned. Festival admission includes access to the 68-acre garden.

Adult admission is $10 each day and $5 for those ages 5-13, with kids under 5 admitted free. Visit kanapaha.org for more information.

The Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens Spring Festival takes place May 4th and 5th, and I think it’s definitely worth a trip to Williston.

The festival at 4990 NE 180th Avenue always attracts dozens of cool plant-type vendors (one year, Kenny Coogan came up from Tampa with a whole selection of carnivorous plants). From tropical plants to shrubs, vegetables to bonsai, all kinds of booths will offer a variety of plants to take home and coddle.

There’s also live music to entertain you, food trucks to fill your tummy and lots of picnic tables. You can bring your own chairs and blankets for lounging. This is the kind of festival where you can literally spend all day browsing booths, meandering among the fabulous gardens, eating, napping and just enjoying the environment.

Some of the areas are handicapaccessible but because the gardens were built down into an abandoned quarry, most of the trails require solid footing and good balance. There’s even a walkway of steppingstones through the lake where the swans hang out. Water levels vary depending on recent rainfall. A waterfall offers a great vibe and photo ops, and a humiditycontrolled greenhouse is home to a substantial collection of cacti and other succulents.

Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for ages 6-13; free for ages 5 and younger. For more information, visit cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com

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

Locally grown produce at the Ocala Wellness Community Garden, photos by Bruce Ackerman

A Mix of Cultures in Clay

By Scott Mitchell | Photos by Scott Mitchell

Archaeology as a field is fascinating and diverse. It is a science that helps to tell the story of us. Casual observers often think it is the thrill of amazing discoveries, such as treasure or lost cities, that draws people to the field. While exciting finds sometimes make the headlines, like the recent discovery of a lost city in the Ecuadorian rain forest, archaeology is more mundane and rarely involves lost treasure or vinecovered temples.

The strength of archaeological research is twofold: Learning about ancient cultures that existed before written records and helping to

understand people who lived more recently but whose story was never included in history books.

During early historic times here in Florida, these groups include Native Americans, women, enslaved people from Africa, free African Americans, creoles or “maroons,” low-ranking Spanish soldiers and poor working-class folks making a living on the frontier.

In rare instances, objects can help us to better understand how cultures mix. The pottery style named Colono-ware is one such example. The term Colono refers to its occurrence during the colonial period (during the 1600s and 1700s).

A Colono-ware pitcher is among the many artifacts at the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center.

During this time, Native Americans who had lived in the Southeast for thousands of years saw drastic and often catastrophic changes.

Colono-ware is the result of a mixing of Native American and European, or African and European cultures. In Florida it is typically Native American and Spanish cultures that blend to create this unique ceramic tradition. Further to the north, from the Carolinas to Maryland, it is often the result of African and British or American cultures.

strap handles, bowls with ringed bases and even candlestick holders.

Sometimes the culture mixing involved enslaved people. Examples from the Carolinas have been found to include religious symbols from West Africa (Gabon and Angola). These pots are also made with coiling techniques unique to African pottery (but from local clays).

In Florida, many historians believe this pottery was made by Native American women (traditionally the potters in a community) at the request of Spanish colonizers to help supply tableware on the Spanish frontier. There are also theories about indigenous women marrying Spaniards and creating a new hybrid ware for the home based on local pottery traditions and European vessel shapes.

Several Spanish mission complexes existed along the Ocklawaha River from about 1609 to 1656. The missions were centered at prominent Timucuan Indian villages, where pottery production was a common occurrence.

In the 1960s, while diving the Silver River, local avocational archaeologist Ben Waller found an unusually shaped small pitcher with a flat base and strap handle, none of which are traits found in local Native American pottery. The pot was clearly very old, was made from local clay and was fired like other Native American pottery, but it was very different.

While a portion of the rim is missing from the otherwise intact vessel, it is clearly an example of local Colono-ware. The Spanish missions of the 1600s were located just downriver from where the pitcher was found. How it ended up in the Silver River is a mystery, but the object tells a powerful story. This small container bears testament to the merging of two drastically different cultures during a very brief period in Florida history.

By the early-1700s, the Florida missions were mostly abandoned due to disease epidemics and raiding from tribes to the north aligned with the British. The potter who made the small pitcher likely lived at or very near one of the Ocklawaha missions and would have witnessed two worlds colliding. Within a generation or two, most of the Timucuan people were gone and the tradition of making Colono-ware was replaced by the use of European utensils obtained through trade.

The pottery is made with local clays and Native American coiling techniques but in non-native vessel forms. Examples from North Florida include Spanish forms such pitchers with

The Colono-ware pitcher from the Silver River is on permanent display at the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center in Ocala.

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.

Bottom photo courtesy of Ceramic Technology Lab, Florida Museum

The Shift

One company aims to change the way you look at decorating your home and space.

The interior design and home décor industry has secrets that one company, sntHOME Interior Design Showroom (Silver Needle & Thread HOME), is committed to exposing through their philosophy and practice of what they define as “Pure Conscious Design.”

The company’s approach to design and decorating goes far beyond just making a space look pretty, because, in our world today, there are important underlying aspects consumers must consider. Furniture and all aspects of home decor have become what is now known as fast disposable furniture and products, for example. They are created with an obsolescence date, meaning they are constructed to last only about five years. In addition, the products are made up of highly toxic and hazardous chemicals, with many requiring up to eight years to off gas. These chemicals are medically linked to major illnesses plaguing our society and making us sick.

Patricia Davis, owner of sntHOME, is a connoisseur of beautiful, clean, healthy and

sustainable living, and has an extensive career in the fashion and design industry. As she assists clients in decorating their homes, her mission is to educate and make them aware of the alternatives through the implementation of “Pure Conscious Design” principles.

“sntHOME Interior Design is a retail showroom representing a cornucopia of 218+ fabric mills and brands from around the world and provides 21 services,” Davis shares. “We’re open to the public and to-the-trade professionals for residential and commercial design. No project is too small or big for us to help make beautiful, refresh or design.”

Davis states that the company’s focus is on the use of organic, natural and sustainable fabrics, products and materials, removing as many toxic items as possible.

“When you visit our showroom, you’ll find exquisite silks, fine Belgium and Italian linens, organic cotton, embroideries, hemp, wool, mohair, cashmere and blends,” she enthuses. “Because we

also have relations with several U.S. fabric mills, we can offer price points for every budget. Some of the major brands we offer include House of Scalamandre, Schumacher, Romo, C & C Milano and Cowtan & Tout.”

Davis notes that sntHOME will provide space planning and even color analysis to further assist clients.

“Some of our products include sustainable hardware, Carolina custom-built furniture, organic rugs, throw pillows, sustainable wallpaper, organic mattresses and decorative trims,” she explains. “Our services include custom drapery and all forms of window treatments, upholstery, furniture painting, professional measures/installs and pick-up and delivery.”

The company recently received the Best of Florida honorable mention award for interior design, hosted by GuidetoFlorida.com. This accolade is a testament to sntHOME’s unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability and, most importantly, their loyal customers.

So, what is “Pure Conscious Design?” It is comprehensive, all-inclusive, mindful creation of space, lifestyle and how we live.

“It is awareness of the resources available for a better, more balanced, healthier, peaceful and fulling way of life through the incorporation of transformative practices that draw upon the use of ancient wisdom. This wisdom includes knowledge of feng shui, celestial design and vastu shastra,” Davis says. “It also considers modern technologies such as ergonomic design to support movement-activity-functionality, the integration of blending nature with inside through the use of biophilic design, crystal energy healing, air cleansing and purification, electric and magnetic fields (EMF) interruption and reduction. The design is free of fake materials and additives. It’s design without any extraneous and unnecessary elements, not mixed or adulterated. The creator is totally aware, sensitive of and alert to their choices. Comfort, relaxation, healing and restoration to the body, mind and spirit also play an important role.”

If, however, you’re not quite there yet with a concern for healthier design, no worries. In a digital age awash with design inspiration from platforms like Pinterest and Houzz, sntHOME distinguishes itself with its portfolio of custom designs. These designs are more than blueprints, they are the canvas upon which your imagination can paint.

“Our team relishes assisting clients in tailoring their homes to harmonize all their ideas into a harmonious living space,” Davis affirms. “In a world where trends come and go faster than a summer storm, we stand tall as a beacon of timeless elegance and creativity. sntHOME is a realm where dreams are given life, and the ordinary is elevated to the extraordinary.”

Unlock the Power of Giving with a Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation!

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Alabama Takeover (AKA fraud!)

By Dave Schlenker | Illustration by David Vallejo

Iwas trying to pump gas the first time my identity was stolen. I poked my card in—and the gas pump spat it back out like rancid beets.

As I scratched my head, the bank called me to say they deactivated my card because of suspected fraud. They did not think I had purchased $3,000 worth of linens at midnight. They were correct.

The bank—as most banks do—had quickly noticed an anomaly in my buying habits and shut the card down.

“Hey,” I would imagine the bank folks saying at midnight, “Schlenker is not a linen guy. $3,000 worth of Cheez-Its perhaps, but linens? Nope.

SHUT IT DOWN, BOYS!”

I stopped buying gas at the pump and was doing pretty darn well for several years until the day my address and bank accounts were suddenly changed to an address in Huntsville, Alabama. Not only that, but the Alabama David T. Schlenker was starting new accounts. Even my mortgage account suddenly had the Alabama address.

The bank called it a complete account takeover. Not just ID theft, mind you, but a takeover.

“Alabama???” I moaned at the bank. “I HATE Alabama!”

My banker, a longtime friend, looked over his glasses, paused and said, “Hey! My mama lives in Tuscaloosa.”

I am sure his mother is a lovely person in a lovely place. She raised a nice son who declined to punch me and just fixed the fraud.

Weeks later, I received a Facebook message from a nice Huntsville resident who said she found

checks in my name on the porch of her unused cabin. Not sure if that cabin had linens or not, yet someone was going to buy something—or lots of somethings—on behalf of Alabama Dave.

I am amazed at the fraud-detection technology that exposes these ever-increasing, ever-moresavvy cybercrimes. Amazed and a little offended.

One recent evening, I was celebrating Friday night in my usual party-boy fashion: Eyes closed, book on my chest, cat in my lap, drool on my chin. Just before 9 p.m., a text woke me up: FRAUD ALERT.

Once again, I was grateful for the early detection, but the purchase that flagged the bank—the anomaly that triggered the alarm—was a membership to a real online health and fitness program (recipes, goalfocused workouts, training advice).

That was it. That was the purchase. That set off the alarm.

The same account guardians who determined I do not buy linens for my Alabama Unabomber cabin are the same account guardians who said, “Hey, Schlenker does not work out or eat healthy or take care of himself. SHUT IT DOWN, BOYS!”

I did not know what was worse: The bank suggesting I am a couch potato or knowing the bank is correct.

It took me a week to sweep up the mess— changing cards, unlinking accounts, monitoring transactions and wondering why the bank assumes I am a 56-year-old chunk of inertia.

Be vigilant, friends. And maybe exercise, too. Perhaps in Alabama. I know a place.

Creating Pathways for Success

The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County helps improve school readiness rates for children from birth to 5 years old and offers numerous resources for parents and caregivers.

By Beth Whitehead | Photos by Bruce Ackerman

At

first, 4-year-old Lia did not want to play with the children in the playgroup. She was attending Kaleidoscope Play and Learn, a weekly playgroup provided for free by the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County. The program is designed to give children from birth to age 5, who are unenrolled in childcare, and their caregivers, a place to play and socialize so the child can grow developmentally in preparation for kindergarten.

Lia was timid, so, in September, her grandmother Lourdes brought her to the playgroup to help her socialize and grow less

fearful. Lia entered the room shyly. She hid behind her grandmother quietly upon being introduced to the room of people. Gradually, she edged out and started exploring the room, pointing at toys and acknowledging questions with a nod of her head.

Lourdes learned from staff members how to help Lia arrive at developmental milestones. By January, Lia was talking with staff members, fixing them “sandwiches” in the play kitchen and initiating games with her young playmates.

It is this confidence and sense of security that Kaleidoscope Play and Learn seeks to foster in young children.

Juan Diaz, Ciana McFarlane, Wendy Williams and Patricia Gil

ELCMC is a school readiness nonprofit that began as the Marion County School Readiness Coalition, Inc., in 1999, when the Florida Legislature created “an integrated program of school readiness services to be administered at the local level,” ELCMC’s Chief Executive Officer Carrie Theall says.

Their goal, Theall notes, is to improve school readiness rates in children from birth to 5 years old to increase school performance, which will in turn give Marion County kids the platform for success.

“Research tells us the economic return for investments in quality early childhood programs results in a 7 to 10 percent return,” Theall explains. “This is realized in a decrease of social service and incarceration rates. Providing high quality early education opportunities for our youngest children provides the basis for success in life for our children.”

The 501(c)(3), which has a staff of 40, provides services to families through helping walk-in parents who are applying for School Readiness vouchers to help off set the cost of childcare, assisting local childcare providers with training and guiding families in search of screenings for developmental delays, parenting programs, literacy support and more.

ELCMC staffers also visit childcare sites and work with agency partners including Marion County Public Schools, the Marion County Children’s Alliance, CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, United Way of Marion County, Safe Kids Marion County, Ocala/Marion County Continuum of Care and others.

In addition to Kaleidoscope Play and Learn, the coalition offers multiple programs to help prepare kids for schooling:

• The School Readiness program helps families who demonstrate financial need to obtain vouchers to help ease the cost of childcare services.

• Volunteer Pre-Kindergarten offers free pre-kindergarten placement for any 4-yearold, regardless of family income.

• INCENTIVES$ is a salary supplement program for childcare providers and is designed to decrease turnover in the industry as well as help support childcare workers’ further education. Individuals working in childcare receive two installments of an annual financial award

Leannyz Olavaria and Wendy Williams

Ciana McFarlane, Amir Rucker and Taicha Olavaria

upon completing at least six months with the same early learning organization.

• The Child Care Resource and Referral network is for parents and caregivers looking for child development resources and childcare placement.

• The Help Me Grow program helps identify developmental, behavioral and educational issues with care coordinators to answer questions about child development, offer free developmental and behavior screenings and provide parenting guidance.

• A 14-week program called The Incredible Years is for parents or caregivers for children ages 3 to 5 years with challenging behaviors.

• There also is a program that offers free diapers and safe sleep spaces for eligible families.

With the Kindergarten Readiness rate of Marion County being the second lowest in the state of Florida, Theall says, ELCMC is making their 2024 focus the addition of an in-depth State of Early Childhood Assessment to their list of services.

The ELCMC is one of 30 early learning coalitions in contract with the state of Florida to receive money to primarily fund the School

Readiness program and the Volunteer PreKindergarten program, Theall says.

“Primarily, funding is from the state,” she offers. “However, its use is heavily restricted. We look to other funding sources to complete programs outside of our state contract. These are typically attained through grant applications.”

ELCMC also receives smaller amounts from local organizations such as United Way of Marion County.

“We are limited with the amount of fundraising we can complete, as state dollars will not support those activities,” Theall says. “We have participated in Give4Marion over the past several years and this has boosted our unrestricted funds that help us support parenting and literacy activities. However, we fall short for the needs of our community in those areas.”

ELCMC will host an Early Childhood Forum on April 30th at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Auditorium, during which community members can learn more about the need for early childhood education.

To learn more, visit elc-marion.org or fb.com/elcmarion

Patricia Gil, Leannyz Olavaria, Lourdes Montañez and Lia Hernandez

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