Ocala Style | June/July 2024

The home features a chef’s kitchen, spacious family room and first-floor owners’ suite, with a second floor that offers 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. There is a large screen-enclosed pool, 4-stall barn, 2 arenas, a stocked pond and direct access to miles of horseback riding, hiking and bike trails on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway and Trails. Additional acreage is available. $2,800,000

There are seven tracts of land, each five acres or more, located outside of The Villages and south of Ocala. A spec home is being constructed on one tract. The community is equine-friendly and offers the peaceful country setting you have been waiting for.

Horseshoe Bend

Ultimate Equestrian Lifestyle

This 9.7+/- acre property in the desirable northwest area offers a 3-bedroom, 2-bath split open floor plan, wood floors, stone fireplace, screen-enclosed pool and owner’s suite with bonus room and Generac generator. The equestrian will enjoy the 6-stall show stable, with tongue and groove ceilings, extensive wood details, a wash stall, rubber paver center aisle, entertainer’s office, kitchen and Generac generator. The outside features 4-board fencing, 8 grass paddocks and the potential for a covered arena jump field. Includes detached 4-car garage/workshop.

$2,361,750

The property is an 11+ acre estate with a custom cedar house and stunning views of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales’ Company racetrack. The home features a screened wraparound porch, covered outdoor living room and a top floor with an updated granite kitchen, open floor plan and original cedar beams. The main floor boasts a primary suite with a spa-like bathroom. Other highlights include 5 bedrooms, a new roof, HVAC system and a spacious workshop. The property is conveniently located just 12 minutes from the World Equestrian Center.

$1,150,000

Private, elegant living on 8+/- acres, perfect for quiet enjoyment. The tree-lined drive draws your eyes to this magnificent 2-story, 5-bedroom, 6.5-bath brick estate with lakefront views. The main floor owner’s suite has a luxurious bath. Upstairs are three ensuite bedrooms and a large bonus room for a game or media area. Guests will enjoy private and spacious accommodations. Enjoy evenings in the screen-enclosed lanai with a pool, jacuzzi and summer kitchen while watching beautiful sunsets over the pond, with bass rolling over in the distance A tennis/pickle ball court, gazebo and beautiful granddaddy oaks add to the uniqueness of this estate. Just minutes to city conveniences. $2,290,000

Expect an unparalleled combination of professionalism, integrity and relentless commitment to her client’s unique needs, interests, and desires.

Joan is a residential, equine property and land development REALTOR® since 1985 and a horsewoman herself so her clients have the benefit of experience and specialized expertise.

“The Ocala region is home to the most beautiful equestrian estates and horse farms in the United States and the natural beauty of the area, along with an amazing variety of equine-centered activities and venues, such as the phenomenal World Equestrian Center, makes this a place that more and more people want to call home,” says Joan.

Dear Readers,

ummer is a time when people love to be outside, lounging around the pool, working in the garden, reading in a hammock under a shady tree or traveling, or even switching gears and going into the dark coolness of a theater to see a new movie.

This issue is filled with stories about all of those things, ranging from the Driveable Destinations: DeLand piece to the It’s Mermazing tale of Eric Ducharme, who turned his childhood dreams into a thriving world of mermaids and aquatic life. Both of those adventures are within a short drive from Ocala. A scenic drive across the Ocala National Forest takes you to the charming small town that founder Henry DeLand envisioned as the educational and cultural mecca he called “the Athens of Florida.” With wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and artworks sprinkled throughout town, DeLand was one of the first cities in Florida to receive the Main Street America designation. Ducharme, also known as “The Mertailor,” for the gorgeous mermaid tails he makes, welcomes visitors of all ages to his Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter in Lecanto, just outside Crystal River, where you can see mermaids performing, touch and feed stingrays and more.

We take a behind-the-scenes look at Ocala-based casting director Karlie Loland-Ringer, who has been building a career in the film industry, including working on the recently released big budget comedy Summer Camp starring Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard.

We also offer a list of local authors and a summer appetizer soiree with Jill Paglia on her pool patio. Scott Mitchell writes about the Water Shapes Florida exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History, which showcases Silver Springs and our iconic glass-bottom boats; Belea Keeney checks in with the UF/ IFAS Master Gardeners; and Dave Schlenker talks about it raining alligators.

Here’s hoping your summer is filled with some of these kinds of adventures, or just quiet time. As for me, I like to spread a blanket under a nice, big tree near one of our local lakes or springs and relax with a good book, a picnic lunch and the soothing solace of nature.

Jennifer Hunt Murty Publisher

Publisher | Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com

Magnolia Media Company, LLC (352) 732-0073

PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478

Art

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Amy Crescenzo amy@magnoliamediaco.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Brooke Pace/Pebble Graphics LLC

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bruce Ackerman

Creative Imprints

Photography

Hilary Duke Photography

Eighteenth Hour

Photography

John Jernigan

Maudie Lucas

Photography

Scott Mitchell

ILLUSTRATORS

David Vallejo

CLIENT SERVICES GURU

Cheryl Specht cheryl@magnoliamediaco.com

Editorial

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Greg Hamilton greg@magnoliamediaco.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Belea Keeney

Danielle Marciano

Lisa McGinnes

Scott Mitchell

Jill Paglia

Dave Schlenker

Nick Steele

Beth Whitehead

Sales

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jane Lyons jane@magnoliamediaco.com

D istribution

Rick Shaw

ocalastyle.com

ocalastyle

ocalastylemagazine

ocalastyle

Morning Outdoor Yoga Blend of Hatha, Vinyasa, and Kripalu Yoga fostering compassion, balance and integrating breathwork with connection to mind, body and spirit. All experience levels are welcome.

Soundbath

Crystal and Tibetan singing bowls along with Koshi chimes and rainstick bathe you in sound.

Refreshing Catered Lunch on the Veranda

Afternoon to Enjoy Resort Amenities

• Relax at the beach entrance pool

• Sip on a poolside cocktail

• Play a game of pickle ball

Explore the trails by bicycle

45 SUMMER SOIREE

Throw a great party outdoors with these delicious appetizers.

50 A LITTLE BIT ABOUT…

Danielle Marciano shares some personal info.

51

IHMC LECTURE

Dr. Jose Gaudier will discuss Olympic athletes’ training protocols on June 27th.

53 SCHLENKERISMS

Alligator Allegory (Does it rain alligators in Florida?)

this issue

28

IT’S MERMAZING

Eric Ducharme turned his childhood dreams into a thriving world of mermaids and aquatic life.

34

MAKING MOVES

Meet casting director Karlie Loland-Ringer.

38

DRIVEABLE DESTINATIONS: DELAND

This town offers a glimpse at its past as it celebrates its future.

54

MASTER GARDENERS

The UF/IFAS program offers training and more.

56 ‘WATER SHAPES FLORIDA’

This Florida Museum of Natural History exhibit showcases Silver Springs and glass-bottom boats.

58

ENSURING AUTONOMY

Marion Senior Services helps senior citizens maintain their independence.

61

READ THESE WRITERS

Here are a few local authors for your summer reading list.

THIS PAGE: Top, Courtesy of the Mertailor’s Mermaid aquarium Encounter; Middle, by Jim Jernigan Studio; bottom, Courtesy of Florida Museum of Natural History

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

Lobster, Shrimp & Grits

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 June & July only.

INSIDER

Social Scene

Gwendolyn Mcclary, 8, was among the local ladies in attendance at the annual Interfaith Emergency Services High Tea fundraiser on April 27th at the UF/IFAS Extension Service Auditorium. The elegant event raised more than $48,000 for the IES homeless shelter.

Photo by Bruce Ackerman

High Tea Fundraiser

UF EXTENSION AUDITORIUM

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

The annual Interfaith Emergency Services fundraiser on April 27th featured tables arrayed with stunning displays. Jennifer Arvanitis won the Golden Teapot for raising more than $6,000, the highest amount of any of the hostesses. The overall event raised more than $48,000 for the IES homeless shelter.

Evelyn Duran and Gwen Hampton

Myrna Dawn, Sara Long, Selena Fink and Emily Quincy

Mary Rivera, Denise Dyson, Vivana Carcasses, Delilah Ruiz and Judith Lawrence

Patricia Sutton, Karla Greenway, Brittany Hilton Dame and Mandy Hodges Cane Colbert and Kelley Colbert

Escape to Margaritaville Block Party

DOWNTOWN OCALA

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

Fans of the late Jimmy Buffett took to the streets of downtown Ocala in a swarm on April 28th in the fun event hosted by the Ocala Civic Theatre in conjunction with the stage production of Jimmy Buff ett’s Escape to Margaritaville . There was dancing in the streets and lots of crowd interaction.

Sammi Leclair, Shirley Quinones and Patrick Freal

Christy Stalnacker, Amy Chasey, Joline Caron and Julie Rood

Annie and Mary Ellen Pabst

Beth Baillie, Susan Jones, Jaye Baillie, Susan Gilliland and Kaylee Johnston Kennedy Smith and Jeannine Plummer

NAACP Freedom Fund & Awards Banquet

MARY SUE RICH COMMUNITY CENTER AT REED PLACE

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

The local branch of the NAACP bestowed numerous awards during the April 26th gala, including honoring former branch president Loretta Jenkins with the President’s Award. The guest speaker was Jerron Hawkins, described as a “White House alumni, Barack Obama mentee.”

Alfonso and Davida Randolph and Gwendolyn Dawson

Barbara Brooks and Sarah Greene

Loretta Jenkins and James D. Stockton III

Ben Marciano and Rachel Drayton

William Miller, Narvella Haynes and Cynthia Franklin

Florida Thoroughbred Gala

CIRCLE SQUARE CULTURAL CENTER

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

The annual Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association event, held April 15th, celebrated the equine industry in the Horse Capital of the World. The gala included entertainment and dinner as well as the presentation of numerous awards.

Stewart Kaiser, Robyn Kaiser, Vanessa Nye and Garrett Owens

Georgie Yates, Michael Yates and John Shaw

Dorothy Harden and John Ropes

Teona Rodriguez, Manny Martinez and Jena Antonucci Eddie and Stormi Miller

VIP Reception and Movie Screening

BRICK CITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS AND MARION THEATRE

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

The film Ocklawaha: Tales My Father Told, billed as a “symphonic poem” by composer John Gottsch, with Ocala’s Mark Emery as director of photography, was screened following a VIP reception on April 22nd, presented by the Florida Defenders of the Environment and Marion Cultural Alliance.

Steve Robitaille, Florence Turcotte, Helen Warren, Robert Knight and John Gottsch

Ingrid Scales, Bubba Scales and Beth McCall

Shirley Rudnianyn, John Rudnianyn and Jaye Baillie

Jim Hilty, Margaret Spontak, Joe Wallace and Mary Emery

Karen Chadwick and Mark Emery

Earthfest: Celebrate Arbor Day

TUSCAWILLA PARK

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

April 20th was a gorgeous day in Ocala and the city of Ocala’s event was the perfect setting for guests to enjoy tree giveaways, ecofriendly vendors, a youth fishing derby, rock wall climbing, butterfly encounter, yoga, live music and food trucks.

Brian Cengizt

Edwin Jiminez

Naomi Cherubin, Terrace Moody, Vanessa Appling and Danielle Cherubin

One Phonphiboon and Aom Lakin

A Beloved Tradition

On Mother’s Day in Ocala, many families spend the day and evening at FAFO’s Symphony Under the Stars event, which helps support the annual Ocala Arts Festival.

By Susan Smiley-Height | Photography by Bruce Ackerman

From the first load of picnic supplies rolled onto the lawn to the last boom and flare of fireworks, this year’s Symphony Under the Stars was yet another reminder of how much Ocalans love this Mother’s Day tradition.

Working for months behind the scenes to bring it all together on May 12th at the Ocala Golf Club were Chair Katrina Neumann and Co-Chair Emily Andrews. The two are board members of the Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) nonprofit, which also is the powerhouse behind the annual Ocala Arts Festival.

Neumann has been a resident of Ocala since 2011, holds a master’s degree in accounting from Saint Leo University and is the wife of local artist Ryan Neumann. She has extensive experience working for the government/private sector.

Andrews was born and raised in Ocala. She earned a bachelor’s degree in editing, writing and media from Florida State University. She has

participated in Leadership Ocala/Marion Youth, Leadership Ocala/Marion Class XXXIII and the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership.

The annual event features the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and attendees are encouraged to come early, bring chairs and blankets, kids and games, food and libations, and stay late for the fireworks extravaganza. Proceeds from this event support FAFO’s annual arts festival.

This was the second year for Neumann to serve as event chair. She notes that the greatest challenges, “revolved around effectively managing diverse expectations while ensuring seamless coordination of multifaceted logistical and operational aspects.”

This was the first time for Andrews to co-chair Symphony Under the Stars.

“I’ve been on the FAFO board for four years and was so excited for the opportunity to take on

more responsibility,” she offers. “Symphony has been a staple event in our community for decades and I was thrilled to be a part of the behind-the-scenes preparation.”

For her, the greatest challenge was “coordinating all of the separate components of the day, from the food vendors, programs, volunteers, the fireworks, the marketing—there are a lot of moving parts. Our board worked hard, and everything came together, as it always does, for a wonderful event.”

As for the greatest reward, Neumann shares, that “is in orchestrating an event that gives back to the community and witnessing its profound direct and indirect contributions.”

“Whether serving as a board member, volunteering, or participating as a patron, everyone’s collective efforts and financial support of this specific exceptional opportunity on a uniquely memorable day plays a pivotal role in benefiting the local artist populace” she says.

“In a fast-moving world with waning attention spans, it’s becoming more and more special to share a collective, live experience,” Andrews states. “Once the sun sets and we get to slow down, it’s rewarding to look around the sprawling crowd and see families and friends settle in and enjoy the beautiful music from the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. I always smile when their faces light up, both literally and figuratively, under the fireworks. It’s a magical moment that makes all the preparation worth it.”

As for how the concert and fireworks event benefit the art festival, Neumann explains that, “In essence, the concert and fireworks event serve as an integral financial pillar, enabling the sustained growth and enrichment of the arts festival, while simultaneously enhancing its cultural impact and reach within the community.”

“Fine Arts for Ocala is a unique nonprofit in that we have two signature events each year: Symphony Under the Stars and the arts festival,” adds Andrews. “Even though I grew up attending both events, I never connected the symphony event with FAFO, and I think that is true for a majority of our community. This year, one of our goals as a board was to use Symphony Under the Stars to not only help fund the Ocala Arts Festival but help the public associate both events with FAFO and drive awareness of our mission: to promote fine arts within our community.”

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of this year’s Symphony Under the Stars. This event brought together thousands of families and fine art lovers to enjoy the rich musical talent we are fortunate to have in our community,” offers Billye Mallory, FAFO president. “We are grateful for the generous support of our attendees, sponsors and volunteers who help us fulfill our mission to enhance art education and support local artists. Thanks to the dedication of our board members and everyone involved, we are proud to say that this year’s event was a resounding success, and we hope to see everyone at FAFO’s Ocala Arts Festival this October.”

To learn more, go to fafo.org

Katrina Neumann, Billye Mallory, Emily Andrews and Ashley Morgan

Catherine and Jane Howden

Editor’s Picks

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

EN POINTE: EXPRESSIONS OF DANCE IN ART

Appleton Museum of Art

Through October 6th

This exhibit explores forms of dance and more through paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, masks and costumes. More than 60 works from the permanent collection will be on display. Several videos of dance add to the experience and an interactive station invites visitors to add their own form of art in motion. From poetic paintings and drawings of the Ballet Russes by Ernst Oppler (German, 1867-1929) and prints of Native American dancers depicted by Alice Asmar (American, 1929-2021), to a full Panamanian Diablico Sucio costume (circa 1980) and a golden pair of traditional Thai headdresses (circa 1900), visitors can discover how performative arts have inspired the visual arts in cultures throughout history. To learn more, go to appletonmuseum.org

PATRIOTIC SKIES: A FOURTH OF JULY DRONE EXPERIENCE

Tuscawilla Park

July 4

Marvel at the synchronized movements of 300 drones as they paint the sky with colors and shapes. The inaugural event is hosted by the city of Ocala, in partnership with the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau. There will be entertainment, food trucks and a kids’ zone. Free and open to the public. Drone show: 9:30 p.m. To learn more, visit ocala.fl.gov/julyfourth

THE GREAT AMERICAN SOULBOOK

Reilly Arts Center

July 12

Journey through the decades of Motown, R&B and other music that inspired generations in this high energy tribute. The show is performed by the American Soul Band, featuring four lead choreographed male lead singers who will remind you of the Temptations with their smooth harmonies and moves while covering many of the biggest hitmakers. Deanna Carroll, who for years toured as Dianna Ross in Lady Supreme, is joined by background singers to bring the songs of the Ladies of Soul to life. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com

OCHELLA ART AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Ocala Downtown Market

July 13

This event has been established to raise funds for the Lake Weir High School Band. It will feature student performers alongside local musicians. Local artisans will display works and there will be food trucks and more. Learn more at fb.com/events/289479000785822

CHEF’S 100 FOOD PANTRY BENEFIT AND BAKE SALE

Forest United Methodist Church

July 13

Support the church and the nonprofit Project Hope with this benefit and bake sale. Enjoy a dinner of Polynesian pork with pineapple red pepper fried rice, with a drink included or donate the entrée value to Project Hope to help women and children experiencing homelessness. Baked

goods will be available for purchase with proceeds to support the church’s food pantry. Go to square.link/u/wbg5m0pp for tickets and more information.

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: WISH YOU WERE HERE

Reilly Arts Center

July 14

Fans of classic rock will have the chance to see the Pink Floyd album Wish You Were Here performed live in concert. Visit reillyartscenter.com

TAYLOR SHINES: THE LASER SPECATCULAR

Reilly Arts Center

July 19

This laser light show will feature DJ Tiff and DJ JC playing the best of Taylor Swift. Swifties and non-Swifites can jam out at this special presentation of music and visuals, with video projection and 3-D special effects. Tickets can be purchased at reillyartscenter.com

HOT DOGS-A-JUMPING

Ocala Dog Ranch

July 27-28

This tournament is sanctioned by International Dog Sports. Dogs compete in a series of dock jumping events measuring agility, distance, and catching ability. Dayof event signups will be available. Go to ocaladogranch.com to learn more.

COMING UP:

4TH ANNUAL CHAD SMITH BENEFIT EXTREME RODEO

Florida Horse park

August 3

This event will feature some of the best riders and wranglers from all over the world, of all ages, as well as bulls from multiple southeastern stock contractors. There will be live music, a cornhole tournament, food and a full bar for guests 21 and older. Tickets start at $15 for presale. Call (352) 857-6716 or visit bit.ly/ XtremeRodeo2024

photo by

Bruce Ackerman

VOWS

Celebrate...

Ocala’s brides and grooms, get a glimpse into their most special of days and hear firsthand about the memories that will always hold a place in their hearts.

Pictured: Alexis & T.J. Lucas | Photographed by Maudie Lucas Photography

ALEXIS & T.J. LUCAS

February 4th, 2024

Photographer: Maudie Lucas

Photography

Venue: Historic Venue 1902, Sanford Florist: Wedding Day Flower Rental

Hair/makeup: Laura Reynolds Artistry

Their favorite memory: “We live in Ocala now, but our favorite memory from our wedding weekend was eating at all of our favorite restaurants in the Sanford/Lake Mary area, near our hometowns of Debary/DeLand. Most of the restaurants were where we spent our first date or many anniversaries together.”

RAENA (GOLDENBERG) & ANDRES RAMOS

March 16th, 2024

Venue: Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, with reception at Golden Ocala Photographer: Eighteenth Hour Photography Hair and makeup artists: Pretty N Pinned

Their favorite memories: “Those were the moments I walked down the aisle at Blessed Trinity to our grand entrance at Golden Ocala and our sunset photo session.”

LAUREN (LETTELIER) & MATTHEW ELLIOTT

April 6th, 2024

Venue: Andalusia Acres

Photographer: Creative Imprints Photography (Amanda Speight Durham)

Wedding planner/rental décor/florist: Shelley Sharp with The Event Warehouse Company

Hair/makeup: Hair by Daphne; makeup by Dani Does Beauty

Their favorite memory: “Our favorite memory from our wedding day is celebrating with our friends and family, but also when our corgi Tucker interrupted our ceremony by getting loose and jumping on us in the middle of our vows. He was literally jumping for joy!”

KENDALL (HIRST) & RYAN STEPHENS

March 23rd, 2024

Photographer: Hilary Duke

Photography

Venue: The Gastonian (ceremony) and Vic’s on the River (reception); Savannah, Georgia

Florist: Urban Poppy

Hair/makeup: Royal Makeup & Hair

Her favorite memory: “The entire day was absolutely perfect. Despite a rainy forecast, we woke up to the most beautiful weather. Ryan and I made sure to schedule a first look before the ceremony started and it was so special to have some time together, just the two of us.”

I t’s

Mermazing

Eric Ducharme has turned his childhood dreams into a thriving mermaid tail-making business and encounter attraction that showcases mermaids and aquatic wildlife with interactive and immersive opportunities.

By Susan Smiley-Height | Photos courtesy of Eric Ducharme

alk about tenacity!

When Eric Ducharme was a small child, he wanted to be a merman and make mermaid tails. He says people told him he was crazy.

Now, the Mertailor is celebrating 20 years of creating some of the most spectacular mermaid tails and accessories on the planet. And he’s only 34 years old.

Not long after the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a near standstill for a time, Ducharme purchased a building in Lecanto, near Crystal River, with the intent of creating a place where he could not only manufacture his elegantly crafted mermaid merchandise but also create a tank in which live mermaids could perform for the public. The Mertailor business now occupies half of the building that houses the Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter at 4100 West Gulf to Lake Highway.

“Three years ago, we bought this building and moved our manufacturing for mermaid tails and things, and I said, ‘We’re going to do my dream. We’re going to get a tank and we’re going to have mermaids swimming in it in one end of the building,’” he recalls. “And then one thing led to another, and I said, ‘Let’s open a small educational aquarium attraction here in Citrus County, in combination with the mermaids shows. Let’s give people something to do.’ It developed into this small but big project.

“And the next thing you know,” he says, “we have all these tanks going up and filter systems going in and here I am the mermaid tail creator extraordinaire turning into a marine biologist and aquarist. I love it because I always had ambitions as a child of being a marine biologist and working with animals, so I’m getting part of my childhood dream right now. And I’m educating people; we’re opening eyes, but we’re also entertaining people at the same time.”

When you enter the doors at the encounter, you are surrounded by the sights and smells of saltwater beings, meaning mermaids and mermen, and living aquatic wildlife, with some magnificent macaws sounding off in the background. A colorful brochure you receive when you purchase tickets offers “Your Key to the Sea.”

Shows and Experiences

Several times a day, live mermaids and an occasional merman perform underwater shows, or aquatic artistry, to music. To remain submerged for the duration of the show, they use the type of air hoses that Ocalan Newt Perry created for his mermaids when he opened the world-renowned Weeki Wachee Springs attraction in 1947, which

became a state park in 2008 and still features live mermaid shows.

Ducharme is well acquainted with Weeki Wachee, having performed there as the prince in The Little Mermaid. He also has created mermaid tails used by the performers there as well as by the students in the annual Sirens of the Deep Mermaid Camp (of which this writer is an alumnus).

“I had a very deep, deep adventure with Weeki Wachee Springs, deeper than most people will ever experience,” he shares. “It allowed me to embrace who I really am as a person and as a creator and gave me the drive I needed to move forward and create something so magical and phenomenal and eye-opening. I’m grateful for the experience.”

For those who are ready to immerse their inner mermaid, the Mermaid Aquarium Encounter offers “experiences” such as the “discover mermaid swimming” opportunity for ages 7 and older.

“You can learn how to be a mermaid for a short period of time in our tank. It’s a 30-minute experience,” Ducharme explains. “We get you in the tank and you get to swim with the sharks and the fish and the rays. You get to work side by side with one of our certified mermaid trainers. It’s so awesome and so many dreams

Opposite page: Eric “The Mertailor” Ducharme; This page: Mermaid Annie and Mermaid Serena

are coming true.”

In the “swim with the fish” experience, participants don snorkel gear and spend 30 minutes interacting with a variety of tropical fish, stingrays and sharks. The “Stingray Encounter” offers 30 minutes of seated and or wading tank time on a shallow platform in the mermaid tank, with guidance from the aquarist staff during the interactive session.

“We’re trying to do these in-water experiences to give individuals an insight into what it’s like to swim with these awesome creatures,” Ducharme elaborates.

“I can’t tell you how many people walk away from here feeling so fulfilled, with so much more appreciation for aquatic life than they did when they got in the tank.”

“This kid blows me away,” offers Barbara Wynns, one of the longestperforming mermaids at Weeki Wachee. “I’ve known Eric since he was 7 years old. He’s amazing. Every nail, hose, tank, fish and bird came through his head and his hands. He does it all.”

She said that as a longtime professional mermaid, she is in awe of the quality of the performances being done at the encounter.

“Compared to Weeki, it is a small tank, and what they do in that little tank is phenomenal,” she notes. “He started with former Weeki Wachee mermaids and now is training others. With underwater ballet, it’s all about synchronicity and you must be invested in the number to pull that off.”

Wynns says she has seen several of the themed shows, such as during the Christmas season and for Easter, and was amazed each time.

“He will have his own Epcot one day,” she enthuses. “For such a small place, what they are achieving is just phenomenal.”

The recent NetFLix docuseries MerPeople featured extensive footage with both Wynns and Ducharme.

Aquatic Life Up Close

The Mermaid Aquarium Encounter includes an amazing variety of living aquatic life, some of which you can touch in the interactive tank exhibits.

“There is one where you can see the rays and touch the rays and learn about the various species in Florida as well as around the world. We have some exotic species,” Ducharme explains. “We have a touch tank filled with sea stars, sea urchins and

mollusks, which are great for the littles who are freaked about touching things that are swimming. And then we have our shark tank where you can learn about their personalities and the different species. So many people come into the aquarium and they’re like, ‘We never knew any of this existed.’ My goal is for people to leave entertained but educated with something new.”

And, he continues, “Some of our sharks were rescued and rehomed. We have a wobbegong shark. I think she’s adorable, but people say she’s this ugly little thing that looks like she has a mustache, and she blends in with the rocks. She is in a tank by herself because she is an ambush predator. This species only gets up to about 30 inches long, but she is a shark. She can consume predators that are about half the size of her body. This shark was in somebody’s home aquarium and was eating thousands of dollars of ornamental fish and they were like get this thing out. We gave her a home.

“We do that a lot,” he continues. “We have other species of small carpet sharks. People get them and don’t realize how big they get. They don’t’ realize what their dietary needs are. We just got a rehome of a tessalata or honeycomb eel, along with a really beautiful vlamingii tang (also known as a unicornfish).”

A spacious part of the encounter houses numerous colorful and noisy macaws, most perched high atop stands as they peruse those eyeing them.

“All of those birds are rescues. Before my other half and I started the aquarium, we used to rescue macaws and cockatoos and other exotic birds to give them a better home,” Ducharme notes. “We thought this was the perfect opportunity to get them out of the house, get them into a nourishing environment and to where they could live with one another and get daily enrichment from our guests and people can learn about them as well.”

Ducharme says the current format of the encounter building is phase one and they are working to “move pieces of manufacturing and administration to other locations and then the aquarium will be built out.”

The Mertailor

“I’ve been making tails for over 20 years, but it’s our 20th anniversary for Mertailor, which is huge,” Ducharme shares. “People said when I was a little kid that I was crazy

for wanting to make mermaid tails. Well, here we are and I’m doing just fine. My mermaid tails have been shipped all over the world.”

Ducharme and a staff of 12 create a wide range of mermaid tails for all ages, for professional “mers” as well as “the average person who wants to do something unique, fun and different, to escape reality and do something fanciful. We also do production work for television and movies, and production companies, but our main draw is that person who wants to dress up as a mermaid and swim around in a tail.”

The tails range from $100 up to $6,000.

“It depends on the type of material and the detail the customer is looking for,” Ducharme explains. “Our introductory tails start at $100 and go up to $1,000 and are made from spandex, which is a swimsuit material, or scuba knit, which is a thicker material. Then we have our $2,000, $3,000 and up tails, which are made from silicone rubber using various molds. They are handpainted and weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. Those are very realistic looking tails.”

The Mertailor also creates all kinds of accessories for those seeking to be a “mer.”

“We have an entire line that partners with all of our mermaid tails so you get the full experience, or you can just get a swimsuit that you love the look of, or leggings that you want to wear at the gym or jogging or yoga,” he notes. “And we make all of that stuff right here at Mertailor.”

Plan Your Visit

From Ocala, you can take State Road 200 to State Road 44 in Inverness, then head west to Lecanto or, from the Dunnellon area, take U.S. 41 south to SR 44, then west for a trip of a little over an hour either way.

The Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter is open daily 11am to 4pm. Touring the aquatic life space and taking in a couple of the mermaid shows will provide an hour or two of entertainment and enlightenment.

“I try to explain to people to come with their eyes open, with their brain open to learning and exploring. We are a smaller facility, but we have a lot packed into a small space,” Ducharme notes. “We are a family-run organization, wanting to educate and open minds to all ages, and in hopes that when they leave, they leave fulfilled in learning something they didn’t know and had a wonderful time, whether it’s watching mermaids swim, watching birds flap their wings, getting to see and touch a stingray or feed a shark. There’s something for everybody.

“And at the end of the day, I’m not trying to put myself on a pedestal,” he says. “But if someone can look at what I’m doing and living my dream, maybe it can allow them to do what it takes to realize that they can do the same. It’s a lot of work; not gonna lie! And we’re just getting started.”

To learn more, go to mermaidaquariumencounter. com and themertailor.com

Making Moves

Meet the Ocala-based casting director who has steadily been building a solid career in the film industry, working on a variety of cool projects that include the recently released big budget comedy Summer Camp starring Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard.

By Nick Steele

Karlie Loland-Ringer was born in South Louisiana but spent most of her formative years in the Pensacola Beach area. At 18, she relocated to Tampa and then made the move to New York City at 20 years old. Now in her 30s, she says she still feels at home in those cities, but her heart is in Ocala. We chatted with LolandRinger about what drew her to the area and her emerging career in the entertainment industry.

How did you come to live in Ocala? Ocala was never on my radar but when I met “the one” we had some big decisions to make together. My wife is a world champion equestrian and needs to be here in the Horse Capital for her career. I also knew I could always hop on a flight to be where I needed to be for work or jump in the car. Now, coming home to Ocala always feels like a breath of fresh air. With the growth of the general Tampa Bay area, I often make jokes and call Ocala the Hamptons of Tampa. This year marks five years that I’ve embraced being a Brick City local.

What was your career path before you got into casting?

I spent the majority of my 20’s as a lifestyle and commercial talent agent. When I moved to Ocala, I wasn’t fully sure how everything would fall into place. I felt like a lost puppy dog here. My wife showed me nothing but grace in my time figuring it out and then the pandemic struck. The part about my journey that’s so interesting is the way my life has come together in an unexpected scenario. Collectively, the world experienced such devastating hardship through the pandemic and the functionality shift we overcame is now what allows me to do what I love.

As a prior agent, I did have my hands in a few films and had many business relationships that have carried over through the years. Producer Joseph Restaino put me on my first film about 10 years ago as a production assistant and, coincidentally, it was a story about an enchanted Friesian horse titled Albion: The Enchanted Stallion. Producer Dori Rath and writer/ director Castille Landon of Summer

Camp were also the creators of Albion and have strong equine roots themselves. Producer Elayne Schmidt played a crucial role in both of those films and is the person who first introduced me to casting and gave me my first Hallmark film. Producer Melissa West and I came up together and I wouldn’t have found the success I have today without each of these people having a hand in my full circle journey.

I’ve been blessed to work with some of the best in the businesses over time and can only hope to continue my growth. Since establishing my casting company, KLR Creative Group, I’ve worked on over 40 feature films nationwide while living in Ocala these last five years.

Did you begin by casting background players?

I have paid my dues when it comes to background casting. I started from the bottom and truly have pounded the pavement every step of the way. The value in learning by doing is irreplaceable. I’ve been able to structure my business where we can always successfully run a background talent division and give clients a full-service experience with their projects from start to finish if they choose. While my personal focus is now on principal casting, I’m pleased to have the resources to build a team that can really carry the company and maintain the level of service and artistry I started with.

What’s the most challenging aspect of casting?

There’s a lot of significant moving parts you may not realize exist unless you’re in it, just like any other business. Casting within the means of a project or the Screen Actors Guild union scale at hand is a big one when people come to me with a script. There are negotiations, budget conventions, sales conversions, etc. The business side can provide its challenges from time to time. On the creative end, what I’ve learned is, never be married to only one idea and that things work out as they should, even in the worstcase scenario, which I have experienced.

Describe your role in casting the A-listers. Nurturing and maintaining relationships is so important in this business. A great casting director should be able to bring names to the

This page from top: Summer Camp promo photo, courtesy of Roadside Attractions; Behind the scenes for Karlie’s reality show Pride of Tampa; Karlie on set. Photos courtesy of Karlie Loland-Ringer.

table. With that said, every project’s needs are different. When working with A-listers, many times producers and directors already have name actors in mind when casting is signing on for a feature film. When handling names of this caliber, it’s rare that actors will audition, and the norm is to go straight to offer. As a casting director we also work diligently to stay current on up-and-coming talent with the “it factor” and those already on the rise. Our job is partially to advise but also to spark ideas while offering up options that partner with the rest of the process in hopes of creating a salable feature film. Casting directors and associates also handle the communication between actors’ representation and the production through the closing process.

You’ve also recently been working as a producer on some projects. How did that start?

Casting is still very much at the forefront for me and my main focus, but I’ve gained a lot of experience and knowledge over the years that I’m able to offer wearing an associate producer or co-producer hat. I love puzzling things together as producers do and it’s been a fruitful addition to my skill set more recently. What I’m able to offer as a producer lies a lot within the network I’ve built, pitching, selling and bringing perspective to the casting process from the business side when it comes to finances and delegating what makes sense for the project at hand. I also feel these are things that make me a stronger casting director because I’m able to truly advocate for talent internally.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Marion County?

During the summer months you can always find us boating or paddle boarding in the springs. We spend a lot of our time at the World Equestrian Center, both socially and for business. We enjoy Sunday brunch on the square and currently frequent District Bar & Kitchen. We do our best to spend our time at the local businesses in the area like Juniper General Store. I love getting my work done there. And then of course, there’s the farm. My wife has made me an Ocalaloving horse girl through and through.

To learn more, visit klrcreativegroup.com

Nurturing and maintaining relationships is so important in this business. A great casting director should be able to bring names to the table.

– Karlie Loland-Ringer

This page from top: Behind the scenes on Mother Nature and the Doomsday Prepper with producer/director Christian Cashmir, actress Tanya Christiansen, Karlie and Tik Star/ Comedian Danae Hays; Hallmark’s True Love Blooms set with Sara Rue and Jordan Bridges (Karlie’s first film). Photos courtesy of Karlie Loland-Ringer.

Driveable Destinations: DeLand

This Main Street America town offers a glimpse at its past as it celebrates its future.

By Lisa McGinnes

This hidden gem in Volusia County has been voted Best Main Street in Florida five times and its quaint, historic downtown is ideal for a day trip.

Just a short, scenic drive across the Ocala National Forest takes you to the charming small town that founder Henry DeLand envisioned as the educational and cultural mecca he called “the Athens of Florida.” With wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and artworks sprinkled liberally throughout town, this city of around 40,000 residents was one of the first in Florida to receive the Main Street America designation nearly 40 years ago

About 60 miles from Ocala, you’ll find DeLand’s business district centered around the intersections of state Highway 44, known locally as New York Avenue, and state Highway 17, or Woodland Boulevard. Parking is free at several lots within a few blocks.

History and Higher Education

Baking soda manufacturer Henry DeLand visited a tiny community then known as Persimmon Hollow in spring 1876 with his brother-in-law, who wanted to grow oranges. The New Yorker fell in love with the rolling pine meadows along the eastern shore of the St. Johns River and purchased his own homestead. When he donated land for a school, church and main thoroughfare a few years later, residents named the town in his honor.

The educational institution that opened in 1883 as DeLand Academy was renamed Stetson University in 1889 after John B. Stetson, the trustee and donor who made his fortune in hats. The private university’s 175acre campus is designated by the National Register of Historic Places for

Florida’s oldest collection of education-related buildings, including DeLand Hall, the oldest building in Florida in continuous use in higher education, and Sampson Hall, opened in 1908 as a Carnegie library.

Now open to visitors for holiday tours in November, December and January, the Stetson Mansion, known as “the house that hats built,” is Florida’s only Gilded Age mansion. When hatmaker Stetson built his innovative, three-story winter retreat in 1886, it had all the modern conveniences: Steam heat, indoor plumbing, electricity—installed by Thomas Alva Edison himself—and a private railway spur, thanks to Henry Flagler. The estate was purchased in 2005 by J.T. Thompson and Michael Solari and, after extensive renovation, they opened their residence to the public for holiday tours. The 10,000-squarefoot Victorian manor, with a blend of Gothic, Tudor, Moorish and Polynesian details, features rare parquet wood floors and 10,000 panes of original leaded glass windows.

The historic Athens Theatre, a jewel of Italian Renaissance architecture, has been restored to look much as it did when it opened in 1922. Now the home of the Athens Theatre Company and Athens Theatre Youth Academy, the venue hosts live plays and music events.

An Abundance of Art

In downtown DeLand, even parking lots are adorned with art. Lot No. 2, just east of the city center, celebrates the city’s 2019 designation as Florida’s first Monarch City USA with a dozen larger-than-life butterflies on a vibrant blue background. Gazing at them from the lot’s north side is beloved bootblack Rufus Pinkney, on a mural marking the spot where Rufus’ Shoe Shine Parlor stood for nearly 40 years before he passed away in 2016 at age 84.

The city’s website at deland.org offers a downloadable guide to the DeLand Sculpture Walk, which features a dozen 3D works curated by the Museum of Art-DeLand. You’ll find 10 DeLand Butterflies throughout downtown, with their translucent wings reflecting brilliant yellow and orange onto the sidewalk, as well as functional art such as the Sunflower Whisper Bench, where you can stop and rest among oversized

blooms created from steel and hand-blown glass.

The shady Chess Park at the Courthouse Plaza is a haven for chess players, with permanent chess tables and a life-size chess board, and is a cool respite for anyone, with benches overlooking the mural, A Conversation Over Chess in 1929, and the soothing sound of the water wall fountain.

Don’t forget to look down—the 20 works in the Miniature Art Adventure, a collaboration between the city and the art museum, adorn mundane grates, pipes and steps with colorful and whimsical touches throughout the business district. Thanks to another city-museum collaboration, a dozen utility boxes throughout town are wrapped with original art.

Be sure to venture down Artisan Alley, where you’ll find the perfect selfie spot: The Wings, mural, painted in 2014 by local artist Erica Group after wings she chalked onto a door for a dress shop photo shoot went viral and the building owner requested that she paint a permanent version. Farther down the alley, another Group mural, Beer—Grain to Glass charts the Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company’s process along the side of its taproom. Get more details about these and 13 other murals, as well as a downloadable guide to the DeLand Mural Walk, at mainstreetdeland.org/mural-walk.

Stroll, Shop and Sip

The wide sidewalks of Woodland Boulevard were made for strolling and window shopping. North of New York Avenue, stop in Boho Collective, Pinup Parlor and Shellsea for boutique apparel and accessories and distinctly Florida fashions. For artsy gifts and accessories, visit the Museum of DeLand’s expansive museum store and find juried works by more than 30 local artists around the corner at the ArtWorks DeLand co-op gallery on West Indiana Avenue.

Venture south of New York Avenue for vintage finds from clothing to records to home décor. Look for the powder-blue antique Oldsmobile convertible parked in front of Nancy’s Vintage and Retro. Next door, Ms. Preppy Pants offers upscale women’s consignment and another neighbor, Steve’s Downtown Music, sells new and used CDs, records, posters and T-shirts. Continue down the block to the Marketplace at Rivertown, a three-story antique mall. Just don’t pass up the Muse Book Shop, where the local owner has offered bestsellers, Floridiana and fine old, rare and out-ofprint books since 1980. Around the corner, Florida Victorian Architectural Salvage, in a restored 8,000-square-foot 1926 building, is packed to the rafters with antique lighting fixtures, doors, windows and miscellaneous building bits.

When you’re ready to wet your whistle, choose from diverse options including craft cocktails, fine wine, fresh microbrews or high tea. The venerable Elusive Grape offers more than 40 wines by the glass as well as wine flights. The eclectic Sidecar Market features a beer, wine and coffee bar and sangria slushies with seating among upcycled furniture, local art and retro décor. Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company, which hearkens back to the area’s original name, pours pints of ales and lagers in the expansive taproom. Both the Tea Room at Destinations and Sweet Tea Café DeLand offer English-style high tea with savories and sweets served on fine china.

Delightful Bites

If you visit on Saturday or Sunday, don’t be afraid to venture underground for a bottomless brunch—with optional endless mimosas—featuring a Southern-inspired menu of scratch-made small plates such as shrimp and grits and fried chicken plus waffle, omelet and dessert stations. The Table, located at the main intersection, features outdoor seating in a sunny basement courtyard next to the River Life manatee mural fountain.

In Artisan Alley, BakeChop offers locally sourced, handcrafted sandwiches and salads six days a week. On North Woodland Boulevard, chef and owner Manny Politis serves up authentic Greek and Mediterranean dishes, including gyros, spanakopita and baklava at Santorini Greek Cuisine, open for dinner TuesdayThursday and lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday. On South Woodland Boulevard, Chicas Cuban Café, located in the Artisan Hotel, features authentic island favorites, from traditional Cuban sandwiches to roast mojo pork and picadillo, plus specialty Cuban coffee drinks. Chicas is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

In the mood for something sweet? At Pat and Toni’s Sweet Things, on North Woodland Boulevard, choose from hand-dipped chocolates or an extreme topped milkshake.

Sky High Adventure

With more than 100,000 skydivers a year, this small town is known as the skydiving capital of the world. Adventurers have been skydiving at the DeLand Municipal Airport since 1959, and more than 600 local residents are employed at 24 parachute equipment manufacturing and other skydiving-related businesses. At one of the country’s busiest drop zones, beginners can take tandem jumps and bona fide adrenaline junkies can take accelerated freefall training and participate in freestyle and free flying competitions. Not sure you’re ready to take the plunge? Watch the skydivers from the ground from the outdoor deck at the onsite Airport Restaurant and Gin Mill, open for lunch, dinner and happy hour, with live music in the evenings.

To learn more, go to mainstreetdeland.org

LIVING

Summer Soiree

Take advantage of the great outdoors and throw a party with a menu of delicious and easy-to-prepare appetizers.

By Jill Paglia | Photography by John Jernigan

Summertime, and the hosting is easy. How’s that for a twist on the beloved song?

Whether you’re throwing a backyard barbecue, tropical luau or pool party, these recipes for Sriracha Deviled Eggs, Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey, Melon Prosciutto Skewers, Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers and Bruschetta with Goat Cheese, Cranberry and Walnuts can help make it effortless. They can easily be doubled or tripled, and you can always fill in with chicken tenders and chips and salsa.

While outdoor entertaining is beloved for its dreamy, sun-drenched atmosphere, it does present complications, like heat and bugs. I like to work in advance to make my outdoor space as clean, cozy and welcoming as I can. I use citronella torches to repel the bugs and try to beat the heat by maximizing shady areas, even putting up a tent if needed. I also make sure I take care of the “small” things, like being sure the pool floats inflate and that I restock serving pieces and napkins, which allows me to extend last-minute invitations without stressing out.

Whether you’re hosting the baseball allstars or a multigenerational family, make your backyard the place to be with a lineup of fun for all ages. From old-school classics like croquet and badminton, have activities that help create priceless memories while enabling some friendly competition.

Make a big-batch cocktail and have a self-serve bar station. Pitchers of sangria are refreshing and pair well with many appetizers. Make sure you have sliced lemons, limes and oranges, along with club soda, tonic, sodas and a pitcher of lemonade with some fresh mint.

I recommend using shatterproof dishware and stemless wine glasses to help alleviate spills and breakage. For these appetizers, I asked Paula King, owner of Agapanthus in downtown Ocala, to share some “fun” dishware pieces. The brightly colored Italian Vietri Amalfitana plates and bowls did the trick, along with the luxury melamine Beatriz Ball VIDA Ocean White Oyster dip platter and The Queens’ Jewels Seashell glasses.

When I throw a summer soiree, I like to start around 4pm. I put on some nice background music and float candles in the pool later in the evening. As the party heads toward sunset and beyond, be sure to have your guests take photos that will capture the fun and the memories.

Sriracha Deviled Eggs

12 eggs

2 tablespoons mayonnaise, or less as desired

2 tablespoons Sriracha hot chili sauce, or more or less to taste

1/8 teaspoon dry mustard

1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

1 pinch smoked paprika, or to taste

Salt to taste

Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with water (I like to add a tablespoon of baking soda to the water to help them peel more easily). > Bring them to a boil, then remove from heat and let stand in hot water for 15 minutes. > Remove the eggs and put them under cold running water and peel them. > Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and place the yolks in a small bowl. > Mash the yolks with a fork and stir in the mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, dry mustard and cayenne pepper until smooth. > Season with salt. > Spoon the yolk mixture into a resealable plastic bag and snip off one corner. > Place the eggs on a serving platter and pipe some yolk mixture into each half. > Sprinkle with smoked paprika. > Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Bruschetta with Goat Cheese, Cranberry and Walnuts

1/2 loaf French bread sliced diagonally

1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese

1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries

1/3 cup glazed walnuts

Olive oil

Arrange the cut bread on a baking sheet and lightly pour a bit of olive oil on each piece. > Bake at 375 degrees until crisp. > Spread some goat cheese on the toast and top each piece with cranberries and walnuts. > Serve as soon as possible.

Melon Prosciutto Skewers

1 cantaloupe

12 fresh basil leaves

8 ounces of mozzarella balls

12 slices prosciutto sliced in half vertically Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Skewers for serving

Cut the cantaloupe in half and remove the seeds. > Use a melon baller to scoop out 24 balls. > To assemble, put one melon ball on the end of the skewer, then layer in basil leaf, mozzarella ball, prosciutto (folded to fit) and then end with a second piece of cantaloupe. > This should create 12 skewers. > Drizzle each skewer with balsamic glaze before serving.

15 ounces ricotta cheese

1 clove garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for garnish

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves, plus more for garnish

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Mikes Hot Honey

Put the first eight ingredients in a food processor. > Whip until smooth, scraping down the sides once if needed. > Whip for 60 to 90 seconds more, or until very smooth and the garlic and oregano are well incorporated. > Spoon the dip into a serving bowl and use the back of a spoon to spread it around. > Use the spoon to create “valleys” on the surface. > Pour the hot honey over the top and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. > Shave some lemon zest and add that and more fresh oregano leaves on top. > Serve as soon as possible.

1 8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese

1 clove garlic, minced

12 jalapeno peppers

12 slices of bacon, cut in half Kosher salt

Freshly cracked black pepper

Preheat oven to 400°. > In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, pepper jack cheese and garlic. > Season with salt and pepper. > Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to remove the seeds and veins (you may want to wear gloves or be sure to wash hands thoroughly after this step. > Fill each half with some of the cheese mixture and wrap with a half slice of bacon. > Place on a baking sheet and bake until the bacon is crispy and the peppers are tender, about 35 to 40 minutes. > Serve as soon as possible.

Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

history:

education:

travel:

books:

food:

A Little Bit About ...

Danielle Marciano is a mom, volunteer board member with the Better Together foster prevention program and wife of Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano.

Where were you born? Chicago, Illinois

When did you move to Ocala? At age 2, when my dad opened his podiatry practice.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Belleview High School, then earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance from the University of Central Florida and an Associate of Science degree in interior design from Seminole State College.

Did you travel a lot? I worked for a talent management agency in Manhattan while flying back and forth to Florida to finish my design degree and compete for Miss Florida as Miss Ocala through the Miss America system, when I met Ben.

What have you read recently?

Up From Slavery, the Booker T. Washington biography.

What is your favorite meal?

Popcorn. I have been known to stop at the movie theater to get popcorn to take home to watch a movie.

life:

Where you like to revisit? After attending World Youth Day 2000 in Rome, Italy, I’d love to bring my family there to experience the ancient architecture, history and rich religious culture.

What are you currently reading? Mark Gregston’s Tough Guys and Drama Queens as well as Christ in the Home by Raoul Plus.

Favorite local restaurants? One of my favorites is Ivy on the Square, where the corny corn bread is out of this world, as are the Brussels sprouts at Longhorn Steakhouse.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done? When we were pregnant with our second son, I went into labor at 17 weeks and was told he could pass away in utero and render me sterile and put my life at risk. I was encouraged to terminate but chose to trust God and put myself on bed rest. Seven months and two labor scares later, I delivered a boy who is an outstanding young man and will turn 12 this year.

pet peeves:

style:

Who do you hope to influence in life? It would be great to think I could be a positive influence with everyone I meet. I love being around people and I love talking to people, but I don’t want to be the center of attention.

What is your biggest pet peeve? Tripping over shoes. My kids inevitably leave shoes on the floor, and I take them at the end of the night and then they have to “buy” them back by doing a chore.

Dogs or cats? Dog, but our bearded dragon is really fun.

entertainment:

Favorite color? Blue, but when it comes to playing a board game, yellow is my color.

What’s your favorite genre of music? Christian rock and show tunes.

Favorite movie? Life is Beautiful, written by and starring Roberto Benigni. You will laugh and cry.

From France to Ocala

By Susan Smiley-Height

The first Olympic Games were held in 1896 in Athens, Greece. In 1996, 100 years later, Ocala neurologist Dr. Jose Gaudier was in Atlanta, Georgia, to see the games firsthand.

On June 27th, Gaudier will be the guest lecturer at the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition in downtown Ocala. His topic will be Olympic Science and Glory—Performance Enhancement in Olympic Competition.

“The lecture takes us through the history of the Olympic Games with a focus on how improvements in techniques, equipment, physical and physiological variations on the human body, and performance enhancing drugs, provide advantages in Olympic competition,” Gaudier offers.

... always liked sports and always been fascinated by the Olympic Games and its goal to bring all nations together ...

— Dr. Jose Gaudier

He notes that he has “always liked sports and always been fascinated by the Olympic Games and its goal to bring all nations together, to celebrate athletic achievements in speed, strength and skills.”

This year’s games will include an estimated 10,500 athletes from around the world, competing in 33 different sports. There are 206 National Olympic Committees, such as the United States of America, which, together with International Sport Federations, are under the leadership of the International Olympic Committee.

The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be held

July 26th through August 11th. For the schedule and more, go to olympics.com

Gaudier says he does not plan to attend in person, but “will be glued to my TV screen.”

He was born in Alabama and raised in Puerto Rico, where he attended undergraduate, graduate and medical school. He returned to Brimingham, Alabama, for his residency and fellowship work. He is nationally board certified in neurology and is a member of numerous medical associations locally and nationally.

“I studied neurology at the University of Alabama and, following my training I moved to Ocala, where I have been practicing neurology for the last 33 years,” he shares. “I am a member and past president of the Marion County Medical Society, former board member with Hospice of Marion County and I was for years chairman of the hospital ethics committee.”

Gaudier said that in addition to his interests in medicine, he has always been interested in sports, traveling and the arts as well. He is a noted speaker and has given presentations locally at institutions such as hospitals and schools, and now, on Olympic Science and Glory at IHMC.

The lecture at IHMC, at 15 SE Osecola Ave., will begin with a reception at 5:30pm. To learn more and RSVP, go to ihmc.us/life/evening_lectures/ocala-lecture-series

Dr. Jose Gaudier will lecture about the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at IHMC on June 27th.

Alligator Allegory

By Dave Schlenker | Illustration by David Vallejo

My grandparents were the first to build a home along Lake Pasadena in St. Petersburg. It is called a lake, but it is more a retention pond with a dream and a small island in the middle.

When I lived in St. Petersburg as a child, there was always an alligator guarding the island, keeping a close eye on the dense residential neighborhood that circled the lake. We lived on one side of the lake, our grandparents on the other. We walked its shores daily in the 1970s.

Each evening, a neighborhood family would go to the lake and toss marshmallows to the alligator. Dangerous, dumb and illegal.

As a result, the gator would swim toward the shore the second he saw people—like me and my sister walking to our grandparents’ house. He was like a beagle puppy recognizing the treat lady, but the treat lady was every human, and the beagle was an 8-foot dinosaur who ate small dogs.

An unleashed dog or two would disappear, then animal control would remove the gator. Within months, another one would emerge in the lake.

As a kid, I was spellbound by the Pasadena alligators. I knew the rules, stayed back and watched with respect. I was as enchanted as I was terrified. I knew that if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone. I also knew they did not know the difference—or care—between a marshmallow, a hand or a poodle.

I often wonder how alligators find their way to ponds in busy neighborhoods. These ponds

are man-made indentions designed to collect and divert rainwater. Does it rain alligators when we are not watching? Do alligators stroll the streets at night with their Realtors?

The answer likely has to do with the pipes and culverts connecting the ponds. I could find out, but I like the notion of alligator rain too much to ruin it with facts.

All this is to say there is a small alligator now living in the fenced retention pond near our home. He has become quite the celebrity. In fact, my wife, who is not happy about a 4-foot carnivorous lizard nearby, softened recently and named the gator Pretzel.

At age 56, I am as fascinated by Pretzel as I was at age 8 with the Pasadena gators. Our dog, Rigby, and I, stop at the pond several times a week to check on Pretzel, who, on sunny days, is sunbathing safely on a fenced-in shore. This is Florida. Gators can materialize in any body of water.

Wildlife officials advise leaving small alligators alone in their ponds. If you don’t bother them—or feed them—they should not bother you. If the alligators get too close to homes or doorways or kitchens, call the state nuisance alligator program at (866) 392-4286.

In general, just leave them alone. Our family will keep a close eye on Pretzel, monitor his growth, preach common sense, keep the marshmallows at home and simply savor another freaky Florida perk.

Mastering Your Garden

The dog days of summer can be a good time to learn more about plants as part of Marion County’s Master Gardener program.

By Belea T. Keeney | Photography by Bruce Ackerman

You may already know about the Master Gardener program available throughout the United States. And if you want to expand your plant knowledge and gardening skills, then you may want to consider joining this dynamic group of volunteers.

Marion County has an especially robust program, coordinated by Jeremy Rhoden, the Urban & Residential Horticulture Agent for UF/ IFAS Extension Marion County. He encourages people to participate and is proud to have more than 150 volunteers in the program.

“You don’t have to have a green thumb to be a

Master Gardener,” Rhoden notes. “We train you and give you everything you need to know. Any plant knowledge you already have is just icing on the cake.”

One of the best benefits of being a Master Gardener volunteer is learning new things about plants and then sharing that knowledge with others, offers Sheldon Grant, who began his training in 2019.

“Growing plants, nurturing them, harvesting them, it all just made me feel really good. It’s good for me and the earth,” Grant shares. “I love to soak up the knowledge and then share that knowledge.”

Grant gives presentations at local libraries and

Brown turkey fig

clubs regularly and really enjoys helping other gardeners. He says he always liked plants and began gardening as a teenager in New York with a typical vegetable garden, “tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, herbs,” and found his interest in cooking blended perfectly with growing food. As an adult, his initial interest was in vegetable gardening, and he has branched out into pollinator plants that encourage bees, butterflies, birds and other wildlife to help create and populate his garden.

Another benefit to the Master Gardener program is the opportunity to get the scoop early on research that the University of Florida and other teams have done about plants, Rhoden says. For example, UF created a new citrus tree more tolerant of the dreaded citrus greening disease that has devastated the Florida citrus industry.

“Master Gardeners had the chance to receive free the Sugarbell Citrus mandarin hybrid soon after they were developed and they’ve only recently been selling to public,” Rhoden explains.

The volunteers also learned early on that research found that citrus grown under filtered sun, such as under a canopy of pine trees, was more tolerant of greening and didn’t show the effects of the disease.

The Master Gardener program entails an application process, background check and orientation session that is followed by 15 weeks of intensive education and training. After that, a time commitment of 75 volunteer hours and 10 hours of continuing education comes during the “internship” year. The internship year includes 20 hours of work in propagation, 20 hours of demonstrations and 10 hours in the plant clinic at the UF/IFAS office on the campus of the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala.

“We have folks do a little of everything the first year to expose them to all facets of the program,” Rhoden notes. “Once you’re done with your initial 15-week training, you choose what activities you want to focus on. For some people, that’s working in the propagation greenhouse or in the MG plant beds. For others, that might be speaking to area groups and classrooms, educating people about plants, landscapes and gardening.”

After that first-year commitment, it’s 50 hours of time plus 10 hours of continuing education. Volunteers often donate more time, of course, because the gig is fun. Many of them do their

hours during the program’s annual plant festival held in March and the summer and fall plant sales held in May and October.

The training includes field trips to local nurseries and research gardens, a mix of online and in-person classroom study and lectures, and a trip to the UF campus in Gainesville. Volunteers also receive a green polo shirt and a big training manual that outlines the classroom material. The cost for the course is currently $200 and Rhoden is hoping to adjust that fee downward soon.

The sense of camaraderie and connection with other gardeners is another benefit to the program—you can find your fellow plant people.

“I love learning, as much as I can get,” Grant says. It feels great to “help people who may have an issue or plant question.”

The overall mission, he shares, “is to educate residents on how to design, plant and care for their plants and landscapes using Florida-friendly landscaping principles.”

For more information, visit facebook.com/ marioncountymastergardeners and sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ marion/master-gardeners. You can contact Rhoden at jeremy.k.rhoden@ufl.edu or (352) 671-8400. He has a FAQ sheet he can send you that answers many basic questions.

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

Jeremy Rhoden

‘Water Shapes Florida’

The new exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History showcases Silver Springs and the iconic glass-bottom boats.

By Scott Mitchell | Photos courtesy Florida Museum of Natural History

The Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida is an amazing resource located in Gainesville, just north of Marion County. Founded in 1891, it serves as Florida’s chartered natural history museum and is a beehive of exhibits, research and study focused on our wonderful and diverse state.

The old North Florida exhibit at Powell Hall was recently redesigned into a new exhibit space, Water Shapes Florida. This new permanent exhibit highlights the complexities and importance of freshwater, our most precious natural resource. Notably for Marion County, the exhibit also

prominently features our own Silver Springs.

The Water Shapes Florida installation is unique in several ways. In a previous life, the exbibit focused on North Florida and many visitors will remember it as the “cave.” The old cave, interpretive panels and overall layout have been reconfigured into a fresh and exciting space that is the new exhibit. This was surely a challenging project in the sense that it is easier to completely start over with a blank slate. However, the talented designers at the Florida Museum kept some of the more popular components, such as the cave and large murals, while adding new updated displays.

This redesigned hall is also quite diverse. In addition to the “cave,” visitors find themselves exploring a water laboratory, display cases full of natural history specimens and artifacts related to water, a Florida springs gallery, a realistic glass-bottom boat and even a lounge with books, games and activities for adults and children alike. As I walked through the exhibit the first time, I was impressed with the eclectic mix of objects, large video screens, touchable items and detailed information about the freshwater cycle.

The Floridan Aquifer, that vast underground reservoir that filters and stores our supply of freshwater, and our wonderful springs (such as Silver, Rainbow, Juniper, Salt, Alexander and Silver Glen, just to name a few), are important themes in the exhibit. Visitors learn about how to conserve and protect our freshwater. This is critical information for anyone who calls the Sunshine State home.

Our growing population (we’re now the third most-populated state in the country) and porosity of the aquifer system mean that it is easy to overdraw and pollute our water supply. There are two main points to remember here: overdrawing our limited supply and allowing pollutants to enter the system and foul our sole source of water.

The exhibit designers who created Water Shapes Florida skillfully present a large amount of complex information in an easy-to-understand format. One of the highlights for me is the life-size replica of a glass-bottom boat from Silver Springs.

The vessel is named the Oscar Collins after the retired long-time Silver Springs glass-bottom boat captain. It looks and feels like one of our iconic local boats but sits in the middle of a major university. There are high resolution video screens in the well of the boat where the glass-bottom would be and around the front where a visitor would look ahead from inside the vessel.

Video of Silver Springs (shot by Ocala’s own Mark and Mary Emery), both below the water and above, play on the screens. There is even narration from Silver Springs boat Capt. Bill Crosby, which completes the experience. It is the closest thing to riding an actual glass-bottom boat one can find.

The Florida Museum of Natural History is open seven days a week and is worth a visit. Learn more at floridamuseum.ufl.edu. If you go, be sure to see the new Water Shapes Florida exhibit and learn how you can help protect our most valuable resource—freshwater.

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.

Martinez

Ensuring Autonomy

Marion Senior Services helps area senior citizens maintain their independence by providing meals, transportation and more.

By Beth Whitehead | Photography by Bruce Ackerman

Marion Senior Services began helping local senior citizens in 1973 when a handful of volunteers started delivering meals daily to 13 of their homebound neighbors. The local nonprofit exists to give many seniors some sense of the independence they may have lost in recent years.

“We believe everyone deserves to age with dignity,” says Natasha Dobkowski, the agency’s marketing and fund development coordinator. “Marion Senior Services provides supportive care services to the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged residents of Marion County.”

Executive Director Jennifer Martinez notes the uniqueness of the nonprofit’s mission.

“Marion Senior Services operates under three primary silos: Nutrition, transportation and in-home support. As the lead agency for adult protective services, MSS is the only agency of its kind serving Marion County senior residents,” she says. “As the only organization offering these services to seniors, our programs are crucial to

this growing population. We reduce barriers, increase quality of care and offer opportunities for individuals to maintain their independence, age in place and maintain their dignity.”

Serving Marion County residents for more than 50 years, MSS “touches the lives of hundreds of seniors every single day,” Martinez offers.

“What started as a group of volunteer neighbors who saw a need in their community has grown into an agency with over 100 employees,” she adds. “We serve as the lead agency for Adult Protective Service and as the County Community Transportation Coordinator in Marion County for the transportation disadvantaged.”

Martinez emphasizes the transportation department, Marion Transit, serves all ages, not just seniors.

Transportation is offered at an affordable rate of $2 per one-way trip. In 2023, Marion Transit buses drove just shy of 1 million miles throughout Marion County, reaching those in even the most rural areas of the county.

Jennifer

Martinez says the nutrition department delivers more than 300 meals daily through the Meals on Wheels program, with over 78,000 meals annually.

“Meals are delivered Monday through Friday rain, sleet, or snow, to frail and homebound seniors,” she states.

Once 8am rolls around, the nutrition program staffers and volunteers start packing meals in special containers for delivery. The drivers start their routes immediately afterward, so they deliver the meals fresh and hot to senior citizens across the county.

MSS also offers hot meals once a day at its service centers, along with fun activities for seniors who can drive but still need assistance with meals.

“While the nutrition department is bustling, our case managers and program specialists are working to ensure that our in-home support clients receive adequate support services,” Dobkowski says. “They regularly assess new and existing clients, reassess their care plans and adjust based on their needs. Our co-responder team is regularly in the field identifying at-risk individuals and ensuring that they are efficiently triaged and diverted from hospitalization, institutionalization or incarceration.”

The in-home support program provides senior citizens with case managers and service coordinators who can arrange for the accurate assessment of the client’s needs and care, ranging from light housekeeping, in-home meals, transportation to personal care, companionship, adult day care, medication management, shopping assistance and help with chores.

“We hope that with the work of our agency and senior-specific programs, no senior will fall through the cracks,” Dobkowski says.

One of the goals for 2024 is to decrease the waitlist, which is extensive due to a lack of sufficient funds.

The transit program of MSS is partly funded by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Marion County Board of County Commissioners. The nutrition program is funded partly by the United Way of Marion County and the Older Americans Act. The in-home support program is funded largely by state dollars.

MSS hosts yearly fundraisers to help expand services through the county and minimize the waitlists. On March 23rd, the agency hosted a Wheels4Meals car show that organizers hope will become an annual event and a signature fundraiser.

The Art of Aging is a collaborative effort of MSS and the Marion Cultural Alliance and celebrates aging through art, stories and education. The unique exhibit celebrates aging in

photographs, lectures and paintings by alliance member artists over the age of 55. This year’s theme is A Place in Time, sharing memories through art, and will be on display August 2nd31st at the alliance’s Brick City Center for the Arts in downtown Ocala.

MSS leans on the community for support not just for funding but for volunteers, with more than 155 volunteers currently donating their time daily to senior citizens, providing the support they rely on to maintain their autonomy.

“We believe that community partnership is what makes Marion County so special,” Martinez offers. “We are very fortunate to have a collaborative, innovative and generous community. Through these partnership and support, our mission is made possible.”

In the words of one client who has been receiving Meals on Wheels for over a year, “Friends are chosen family. I really, really appreciate the kindness and love of what’s fast becoming my chosen family—all of you—at Marion Senior Services. Smiling faces who come to my door five times a week, carrying food to nourish my body. It’s the smiles and genuine care of the volunteers who faithfully deliver in rain or sunshine. This adds the flavor of a beautiful dining experience. Of all these wonderful people, I have yet to meet someone who was not willing to give to little old me.”

To learn more, go to marionseniorservices.org

Maxine Stevenson and Diane Williams

Cliff Calhoun and Richard Pucci

Brownwood

Brownwood

Read These Writers

Our area has an abundance of authors. Check out some of their offerings and you might find things to add to your summer reading list.

By Susan Smiley-Height

Michael Adam Beck

Beck also is a pastor, professor, coach and consultant. He is the author of 14 books, including Deep Roots, Wild Branches: Revitalizing the Church in the Blended Ecology; Deep & Wild: Remissioning Your Church from the Outside In, A Field Guide to Methodist Fresh Expressions; , and co-author of Contextual Intelligence: Unlocking the Ancient Secret to Mission on the Front Lines with Leonard Sweet, Fresh Expressions in a Digital Age with Rosario Picardo, as well as The 21st Century Christian: Following Jesus Where Life Happens with Michael Moynagh. His most recent books include Painting With Ashes, Fresh Expressions of the Rural Church, The Five Congregational Personality Types, and Doing Justice Together. michaeladambeck.com

Elgin Carelock

Carelock is a coach, market analyst, real estate and business strategist and relationship builder. He is the author of Who First...Then What: Key Considerations for Starting & Growing Your Business. He says the book is a compilation of questions he uncovered while working with entrepreneurs and business owners.

“Instead of addressing the answers to the questions in a ‘how-to’ fashion, my intent is to help entrepreneurs ask the right questions when determining if they should go into business for themselves or what the best strategies are for growing to the next level of success,” he offers in the liner notes. “As a business strategist, I am often called to help businesses that have run into a significant challenge or have reached the end of their knowledge base and are looking for solutions. In many cases the source of the problem is rooted in a detail that was overlooked or one they simply did not consider.” linkedin.com/in/elgincarelock

Asa Drake

This author from Ocala received a Florida Book Award for a short collection of poems she wrote about her life experiences.

She shares that One Way to Listen, her debut poetry chapbook and this year’s Florida Book Awards Gold Medal Chapbook Winner “explores a fragmented experience in a setting defined by capitalism and diaspora. These poems study the border and how it is defined

through the body, ornament and nationhood. They seek a better understanding of what we risk by speaking in a geography that is both familiar and divisive.”

Her chapbook is available through Gold Line Press (University of Southern California), Amazon and for checkout at the Marion County Public Library System. Poems from her work in progress can also be found on The Slowdown Podcast, The American Poetry Review, The Paris Review Daily, MCA’s The Shop at Brick City and through her website, asaldrake.com

Mark Joseph Good

In Come Fly With Me, Good, the recipient of two Governor’s Distinguished Service Awards, the Florida Park Service Heroism Award and the National Park Service Award of Valor, gives a glimpse into his life as a master falconer.

The online description notes that, “Through engaging, insightful anecdotes, you will meet many of the raptors he has worked—and bonded—with throughout the years. One such bird is Thorin Oakenshield, a rare Eurasian eagle owl whose tale is one of intrigue involving the illegal pet trade, smugglers and government secrecy.”

Good says he is known as “The Owl Whisperer” and that his raptors teach young and old about our natural environment and the wildlife he loves. bit.ly/mark-joseph-good

Ashley Jones

Jones is an author, blogger and teacher, but prefers the title of Big Sister. She notes in her online bio that she is, “A firm believer that we all know something worth sharing,” so she started the blog Big Sister Knows as a way to encourage and inspire other young women to live with gusto.

Jones sees her books, Skilletheads and Modern Cast Iron, as a continuation of that mission. She instructs readers about cast-iron cookware and inspires them to cook simple, wholesome foods and to gather with family around the table. bigsisterknows.com

William S. King

King is the author of Till the Dark Angel Comes: Abolitionism and the Road to the Second American Revolution and the award-winning To Raise Up a Nation: John Brown, Frederick Douglas and the Making of a Free Country, named a Choice Outstanding Academic Title.

Book jacket notes from his The Timepiece from Gouldtown: An Initiation into American Mysteries indicate that by using John Brown’s pocket watch as a departure point, King explores the color line apparent from the founding of America as well as the network of whites and Blacks that fought to end slavery. This network is manifest in the operations of the Underground Railroad, but elements of its scope, capabilities and intentions are less understood.

King traces encounters and legislation strengthening slavery and segregation, beginning with Gouldtown’s founding, through the Amistad trial and the 1850 compromises. He then uses the careers of Brown and Frederick Douglass to demonstrate the crucial and wide-ranging united efforts of those in whom they confided and how their work extended beyond the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement in general. westholmepublishing.com/book/time-piece-from-gouldtown-king

Cassidy Glo Novak

Novak, one of Marion County’s part-time residents, who splits her time between here and Chicagoland, has, according to online materials, experienced just about every major trauma any person can, from childhood sexual abuse, a neardeath experience, rejection, eating disorders, anxiety, anger issues, a broken marriage and more. Through it all, she leaned into her faith and God brought her through every tragedy. Today, she is the mom of five children, including identical triplets. Of her book, I Can, I Have, I Will: Blooming Through Life’s Greatest Tragedies, she notes, “Experience the inspiring and incredible story of miraculous healing, divine intervention, trauma recovery, restoration of a broken marriage, and more. When it seemed like there was no way out, God made a way through.” publishandgo.com/cassidy-novak

Jennifer Odom

Jennifer Odom is a multi-award-winning veteran teacher and writer, selected as Teacher of the Year at her Florida Blue Ribbon School and Writer of the Year at the Florida Christian Writers Conference. Her online bio notes that her love of the land and its history reach back to the 1860s when her great-great-grandfather migrated to his new homestead in Central Florida near the railroad. Orange groves and farming busied the family while one adult child and her spouse established a general store and served as stationmaster for the thriving depot. Reflecting this love of Florida and its people, she has written human interest stories for the Ocala Star-Banner and gardening articles for the Ocala Gazette weekly newspaper, which is Ocala Style’s sister publication. Her fiction is published in Splickety and Clubhouse Jr. Magazines, as well as Main Review’s Juxtaposition. Her fifth novel, Along the Forgotten Coast is set in the quaint town of Carrabelle, Florida. It follows Under the Mango Trees, which is set in Fort Myers and is the first in her heart-warming Coral Series. Her previous Black Series (suspense/mystery) includes Summer by the Black Suwannee, Stranger with a Black Case and Girl with a Black Soul. jenniferodom.com

Marian Rizzo

A Pulitzer Prize nominee in the field of journalism, Rizzo has won numerous awards, including the New York Times Chairman’s Award and first place in the 2014 Amy Foundation Writing Awards. She worked for the Ocala StarBanner Newspaper

for 30 years and continues to write for the Ocala Gazette, Ocala Style Magazine and Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine. Several of her novels have won awards at Florida Christian Writers Conferences and Word Weavers International retreats. In 2018, her suspense novel, Muldovah, was a finalist in the Genesis competition at the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference. Two of her novels earned Amazon “Best Seller” status. Her latest books are The House on Maple Street, set in a town like the one she grew up in, and Road Trip, inspired by a true story and cowritten with Mario Villella, pastor of Good News Church Ocala. wordcrafts.net/marian-rizzo

Illustrated books

This area abounds with creative talents, some discovered, some undiscovered. These local authors are committed to encouraging not only reading, but also in instilling lifelong lessons about embracing diversity and making good choices. All three writers have had these stories in their heads for years and only recently have gotten their words on paper. All three books were edited, designed and illustrated by local artist Lila Ivey

The Patron, the Docent & the Webelo was written by Jessica McCune, who retired from a healthcare career but is working harder than ever. It was inspired by her unique experience one Saturday morning when she reluctantly agreed to give a museum tour to a group of young scouts. Her eye-opening story won a New York Book Festival Honorable Mention award in 2017. jessicastoryteller.com

The Battle of the Blueberry Muffin is a “true” account by Cynthia Van Heyde (a vice president at Southeast Trust Company) young son who just could not obey his mom. She made up a fantastical tale about muffinloving mice taking over the house that made a lasting impression. Her book won First Place in the Paris Book Festival in the Children’s Division for 2023. Available at Ocala and Gainesville Barnes & Noble stores and on Amazon.

SKY is a recounting by Mary McEwan of a special horse whose unusual markings made him an outcast by other horses. Her book teaches about the variety of breeds and the place each one of them, and us, hold, despite our differences. Email skygrowsup@ gmail.com for details.

Expert Stroke Care When Every Second Counts

A stroke can happen fast and without warning. By recognizing the signs and symptoms, you can take quick action to help save a life — maybe even your own. In a stroke emergency, feel confident knowing you have an experienced team at AdventHealth ready to provide immediate, comprehensive care.

Remember the signs of a stroke with BE FAST:

Balance Difficulty

Eyesight Changes

Face Drooping

Arm Weakness

Speech Difficulty

Time to Call 911