Light Up Ocala
Nov. 23
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Granite memorial honors military families
The artwork encompasses an inspirational granite monument and adjacent life-size freestanding sculpture.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Amonument titled “Family,” which evokes the joy of a service member returning home to loved ones after time away, was unveiled at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on Nov. 10.
The artwork encompasses an inspirational jet-black granite monument and adjacent life-size freestanding bronze sculpture of a man in a military uniform hugging and lifting a woman off the ground and out of her shoes, which remain on the base of the monument, as a young girl contentedly hugs the man’s leg.
Tripp Johnson, CEO of Johnson Granite Supply in Kansas City, Missouri, stated in an email message that his company had made a similar monument for the American Veterans Park in West Point, Nebraska, and that it “highlights the importance of family in each action we have and the challenges that war poses on all family members.”
Johnson described the nearly 8-foot-tall and over 5-foot-wide granite monument as having an inspirational and prayer message on the front and messages on the opposite side from letters written by soldiers away from home and trying “to stay connected” while serving. A few feet away from the monument is the sculpture depicting the reuniting family.
“The front of the memorial features
Trump picks Marion Rep. Michael Waltz for national security adviser
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Florida
District 6 Congressman Michael Waltz as his national security adviser.
Waltz won reelection on Nov. 5 to the 6th district, beating democratic challenger James David Stockton.
Once Trump is inaugurated, Waltz will serve as the future president’s principal adviser on all national security issues.
Gov. Ron DeSantis will hold a special election to fill the District 6 congressional seat. District 6 encompasses parts of Marion, Lake, Putnam, Volusia, Flagler and St. Johns counties. Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms and receive a salary of $174,000.
Waltz was first elected to
Walk of Fame honor for James Melton
One of America’s most famous tenors, who was a movie, radio, TV, concert and opera star, and pioneer in car collecting, grew up in Marion County.
By Susan Smiley-Height
susan@magnoliamediaco. com
Listening to the powerful voice of James Melton, who was a star on radio and television, in concert and at the Metropolitan Opera, with its perfect inflection and enunciation, one would likely never guess he grew up on a farm and lumbermill in Citra in north Marion County. Melton was born Jan. 2, 1904, in Moultrie, Georgia. He died April 21, 1961, in New York City and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Ocala. His gravestone bears the words, “On Wings of Song.” During his career, Melton graced stages around the world and traveled
extensively in the United States.
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, on a day as bright as his career, Melton was memorialized with a plaque on the Walk of Fame in front of the historic Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala. The event originally was set for Oct. 10, but Hurricane Milton caused it to be rescheduled. The Walk of Fame contains plaques dedicated to Bruce Mozert, the photographer whose creative underwater images put a major spotlight on Silver Springs; noted musical producer Bruce Swedien; underwater cinematographer Jordan Klein Sr.; and awardwinning photographer, musician and cinematographer Mark
Emery.
According to his biography on the IMDB website, a high school teacher in Ocala noticed Melton’s singing talents and encouraged him to further his vocal studies. He graduated from WardBelmont Conservatory in Nashville. At the University of Florida, he played saxophone in the college band and sang in the glee club. At Vanderbilt University in Nashville, he studied under Gaetano de Luca, then continued his studies at Florida State and Georgia State universities and privately with Michael Raucheisen in Berlin, Germany. After arriving in New York in 1927, he became part of NBC’s “Roxy’s Gang,” appeared on The Bell Telephone Hour
(1959) and other shows.
Between 1927 and 1933, he sang with the Revelers vocal quartet as first tenor on radio and in concert tours across America and Europe. By 1934, Melton became a solo performer and began to appear on radio, accompanied George Gershwin on a national tour and was signed to a three-picture Warner Bros. film contract. He studied in New York under vocal coach Angelo Canarutto prior to debuting with the Cincinnati Zoo Opera as Pinkerton in “Mme. Butterfly” in 1938, a role he continued for years in Cincinnati, Chicago and San Carlo, where he also sang other roles. He was a
Waltz, page A5 See Melton, page A6
People look on after the Family Monument was unveiled at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala, Fla. on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. Team Cone donated $141,000 to the Friends of the Marion County Veterans Park Foundation last year for the monument which was made by Johnson Granite Supply and was then shiiped to Ocala and installed.
James Melton in the 1930s [Photo courtesy Margo Melton Nutt]
a custom bronze piece called ‘Coming Home,’ which was sculpted in bronze and created in Colorado,” Johnson wrote.
Johnson also wrote of war not being “glamorous” but said the family was joined together in a “celebration.”
Host Todd Belknap with Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans welcomed guests to the unveiling event and said the monument has been “a long time coming.”
Vietnam War veteran Scott Henry was among the many veterans and guests who came to witness the unveiling on the eve of Veterans Day. He said the monument “means everything” and represents the “dream” of all who serve in the military.
“When I came home (to Oshkosh, Wisconsin) from Vietnam, I had a wife and an 18-month-old girl. My wife was pregnant when I left (for Vietnam),” Henry said.
The origination of the monument was the result of a collaboration among Johnson, Friends of Marion County’s Veterans Park Foundation Chairman Ron Oppliger and local officials.
Team Cone donated $141,000 for the project in November of 2023. Doug Cone III, director of community engagement and charitable donations, said during the unveiling that the monument is dedicated to “the importance of the family unit.”
Cone said his family and company are “huge into veterans and first responders.” He said the monument was “beautiful” and the statutes were “vivid (with) expressive faces.”
Warren Buck, 63, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, said the monument has “very special meaning.” Buck served in Beirut, Lebanon.
Katherine Henderson served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era and said she could relate to the monument. Henderson said she joined the Army at 18 and “left home for the first time.” She understood the “same sentiment” expressed by the couple depicted in the monument.
Twenty-year U.S. Navy veteran Ron Carignan pointed out that the service member’s uniform in the sculpture was non-specific as to any specific branch of service.
An honored guest at the unveiling was Korean War veteran Gene Tomaszewski and his wife, Sharon.
Myles McConico of Ocala said the monument reminded him of ceremonies and embraces following his Army service and “honors the monumental moments.”
Belknap thanked Mike Boyle Construction, R.M. Thompson, Ag Wave Solutions, Del Zotto Products (concrete), David Brady Construction and Joey Amato with Marion County Parks and Recreation for their contributions to the monument project.
Guests at the unveiling included State Representative Ryan Chamberlain and Marion County Commissioners Michelle Stone and Craig Curry.
Jeffrey Askew, director of the Marion County Veterans Service
Office, and who oversees the park, was recognized for his many years of dedicated services to local veterans.
Members of the local chapter of Blue Star Mothers, who have children serving or have served in the military, were recognized at the unveiling, including Joan O’ Hara (son, Ryan, Army), Debbie O’Rourke (son, Liam, Army), Debbie Ceres (veteran, daughter, Crissy Fratella) and Gail Corley (veteran sons, Alan, and Brian, deceased).
Member Audrey Dewey (son, Jim Dewey, veteran) provided honorary pins to 15 Vietnam War veterans during a car show held adjacent to the park, which Blue Star Mothers of Ocala President Anne Parker said raised an estimated $5,000 to benefit the chapter and the Friends of Marion County’s Veterans Park Foundation.
Ocala City Councilman and Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, Jim Hilty Sr., also was at the unveiling.
“I can relate (to the monument) having served in Southeast Asia,” he said.
To learn more, go to marionfl.org/ agencies-departments/departmentsfacilities-offices/veterans-services and marionvetpark.com
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People look on after the Family Monument was unveiled at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala, Fla. on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. Team Cone donated $141,000 to the Friends of the Marion County Veterans Park Foundation last year for the monument which was made by Johnson Granite Supply and was then shiiped to Ocala and installed.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
People listen during the Family Monument unveiling at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala, Fla. on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. Team Cone donated $141,000 to the Friends of the Marion County Veterans Park Foundation last year for the monument which was made by Johnson Granite Supply and was then shiiped to Ocala and installed.
Doug Cone III of Team Cone, left, and his wife, Sarah, center, talk with Ron Opligger, the Chairman of the Friends of the Marion County Veterans Park Foundation, right, after the Family Monument was unveiled at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala, Fla. on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. Team Cone donated $141,000 to the Friends of the Marion County Veterans Park Foundation last year for the monument which was made by Johnson Granite Supply and was then shiiped to Ocala and installed.
Honoring and
Staff report
Twenty-eight graduates of the Nonprofit Excellence Academy and 133 Give4Marion participants gathered Nov. 8 to receive a few extra words of encouragement—along with more than $3 million raised during 33-hours giving marathon in September.
The Nonprofit Excellence Academy initiative started in 2019 when the Nonprofit Business Council, in collaboration with the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, publicly emphasized the economic impact of nonprofits in the community with a research consulting firm analysis at the cost of $20,000 for a study.
The study found that Marion County's nonprofit sector employs 4,925 people, generating $261 million in direct wages. Every 100 jobs in the nonprofit sector
additionally supported 60 indirect jobs, and for every $100 earned in nonprofit wages, an additional $27 is generated in wages across other sectors.
Fast forward to 2024, the academy was started as part of the Nonprofit Resource Center to meet the unique needs of local nonprofits, bolstering opportunity for leadership and professional development.
“Taught by experts in their fields, the comprehensive outline of the academy allows nonprofits to select workshops and classes that will advance their organization. Professional development is designed to also enhance the skills and abilities of all levels of people working in and directing the organization so they can operate at the highest levels possible. The program structure includes a robust 22 individual courses and is built around ‘mile markers’ of achievement, supporting their
journey to excellence as they earn miles for each class or workshop completed,” Ashley WheelerGerds, Director of Strategic Engagement for the Community Foundation explained during the graduation event.
These nonprofit organizations were recognized for their participation in the academy:
• Ambleside Ocala
• Boys & Girls Club of Marion County
• Break Barriers
• Brother’s Keeper
• Circle Up Center for Practical Peacebuilding
• Empowered/The Rock
• Fellowship of Christian Athletes
• Frank Deluca YMCA
• HIS Compassion
• Humane Society of Marion County
Ashley Gerds, the director of strategic engagement for the Community Foundation of Ocala/Marion County, left, speaks as Lauren DeIorio, the president and executive director, right, listens during the Community Foundation for Ocala/ Marion County Give4Marion 2024 Check Presentation and Nonprofit Excellence Academy Graduation at the Marion Theatre in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.
Nonprofits receive their checks during the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County Give4Marion 2024
at the Marion Theatre in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.
Nonprofit Excellence Academy graduates pose with their graduation certificates during the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County Give4Marion 2024 Check Presentation and Nonprofit Excellence Academy Graduation at the Marion Theatre in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.
Lauren DeIorio, the president and executive director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County gives out a check to a nonprofit representative during the Community Foundation for Ocala/ Marion County Give4Marion 2024 Check Presentation and Nonprofit Excellence Academy Graduation at the Marion Theatre in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
OPD charity car show draws 100+ vehicles
Proceeds from the event will benefit the nonprofit CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) Marion, a domestic violence services provider.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Car lovers had a sea of vehicles, ranging from a 1929 Ford Model A to a 2024 BMW M4, to enjoy at the sixth annual Cops and Cars charity car and truck show held Nov. 9 at Ocala Police Department headquarters.
“It’s a good show with vehicles old and new and it’s for a good cause. It’s a win-win,” said Bill Burdeshaw as he looked over the engine compartment of a 1929 Ford Model A with Brian Dyals. Both men are from Ocala.
Cars at the other end of the horsepower spectrum, from the Model A, which develops 40 brake horsepower according to Ford.com, included a 2017 King Premier Edition 825 hp Mustang displayed by Caesar Soba of Spring Hill. The Mustang, from Petty’s Garage, is documented as number 13 of 43 similarly made units and the dashboard is signed by NASCAR legend Richard Petty.
Next to Soba’s car was a modified 1955 Chevrolet twodoor Bel Air with a 350 cubic inch V-8 engine owned by Soba’s friend Al Gut, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, of Weeki Wachee. The two friends’ cars were in an overflow area just outside the OPD parking lot.
Show organizer Amanda Cummings, a property technician with OPD, said 129 cars were
registered this year and that the show will benefit the nonprofit CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) Marion, a domestic violence services provider.
“This year’s charity was CASA Marion. In the six years we’ve been doing the show, over $20,000 has gone to charities … between United Way, Greg Graham Legacy and now, CASA.” Cummings wrote in part in a text.
Car show visitor Bill Blair looked over a 1968 AMX model AMC. Blair, a Saint Cloud resident and U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, said the car “brought back memories.”
Jim and Brenda Ahern displayed their supercharged 1969 Chevy Nova with painted flames along the sides.
Karsyn Elwood, 5, was taken with the bright chrome and
especially the flames on the car. He was accompanied by his sister, Alexa, and their mom, Katelynn Elwood, and other family members. The Elwood’s were among the many families at the event.
David Albaugh, of Summerfield, a founder of the local chapter of the Asphalt Misfits Car Club, showed his 1933 five-window coupe Chevy
hot rod. Albaugh said the club, which is open to all types of cars, started in Fort Lauderdale around 2014 and now has a chapter locally.
Rick Olt, also in Asphalt Misfits, displayed his modified 1948 Ford pickup powered by a small block V-8 Ford engine.
Dawn Balken, wife of Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken, garnered the People’s Choice Award for her meticulously restored 1949 F-1 Ford pickup truck. The couple greeted visitors and displayed a book documenting the truck redo project.
Friends Paul Dempsey and Doug Gray had their stock-style antique cars side-by-side at the show. Dempsey displayed his Satin Blue 1952 Kaiser Virginian four-door sedan with Hydra -Matic shift, which sold new for $3,195.66. Gray showed his factory new looking 86-year-old 1938 Chevy, with accessories including a bumper decoration made of copper with an image of President Franklin D. Roosevelt made circa 1936. The durable political sign was like the original political “bumper sticker” Gray said.
To learn more, go to fb.com/ ocalapolicedepartment
Caesar Soba’s 2017 King Premier Edition 825 hp Mustang, reworked by Petty’s Garage, was one of 129 cars registered at the sixth annual Cops and Cars charity car and truck show held Nov. 9 at Ocala Police Department headquarters. The Mustang is one of 43 made and the dashboard was signed by NASCAR legend Richard Petty.
Photos by Andy Fillmore Ocala Gazette
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken with his wife, Dawn Balken, in front of their 1949 Ford F-1 pickup. The truck garnered the People’s Choice Award at the sixth annual Cops and Cars charity car and truck show held Nov. 9 at Ocala Police Department headquarters.
Karsyn Elwood and his sister Alexa check out flame decorations on the side of a modified 1969 Chevy Nova owned by Jim and Brenda Ahern at the Cops and Cars charity car and truck show Nov. 9 at Ocala Police Department headquarters.
Paul Dempsey, left, and Doug Gray stand in front of Gray’s stock style 1938 Chevrolet. An original copper political ornament made circa 1936 promoted the campaign of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Car enthusiasts look over rows of cars at the sixth annual Cops and Cars charity car and truck show held Nov. 9 at Ocala Police Department headquarters.
Caesar Soba’s 2017 King Premier Edition 825 horsepower Mustang reworked by Petty’s Garage was one of 129 cars registered at the sixth annual Cops and Cars charity car and truck show held Nov. 9 at Ocala Police Department headquarters.
Community With A Heart kicks off
County Commission elects new chair and vice chair
Kathy Bryant and Carl Zalak to lead board
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners chose a new chair and vice chair on Tuesday to serve over the course of the next year.
The annual campaign offers a hand up to help people recover from unexpected challenges.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The annual Community With A Heart (CWAH) campaign helps individuals and families living in Marion County. The goal of the program is to help those who have experienced an unexpected major life event get back on their feet. The scenarios might include not being able to get to a job because of car trouble or missing a rent payment or two and being in danger of becoming homeless.
The campaign, which relies on donations, begins in early November and runs through the middle of January. The nonprofit group is governed by a board of 13 members who are affiliated with area help agencies. Those who are seeking assistance must apply through one of the agencies on the board, present recent documentation of the need and demonstrate self-sustainability.
“Community With A Heart is often the lifeline for individuals and families who don’t qualify for assistance with other local agencies,” said board chair Monica Bryant, the Family Violence Prevention Coordinator with the Marion County Children’s Alliance. “The key is, they must be able to pay their bills the following month if they get help.”
Now in its 37th year, CWAH has collected more than $1.8 million, of which just over $30,000 was raised during the 2023-2024 campaign. All of the donations go directly to help local residents.
The CWAH board meets once a week during the campaign to review applications that have been vetted by the members. The board member must make a home visit, and the applicant must show documentation to verify the need, such as two estimates from a certified car repair shop, if they are requesting help to get their car fixed, or a current mortgage or rental statement showing how much they owe.
The board reviews each case and votes on who receives support. It has to be a majority vote, and no money goes to the person; it goes to the landlord, the car repair shop, or the business providing the service. There is a cap of assistance at $1,200 and approved applicants may not apply again for three years.
Often, local businesses, churches and volunteers donate their services to stretch the giving even further, such as in the case of Casaundra Park, who needed her car fixed to get her daughter, who was diagnosed with a terminal illness, to medical appointments outside of Marion County. CWAH assisted the family by paying for the car repairs.
Marion County Sheriff ’s Office in Ocala, Fla. on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.
“Considering the current state of our economy right now, for many, CWAH is the only option,” Bryant said. “There’s definitely still a need for this program because we get calls year-round for help. I’m grateful the community continues to support it so we can help those who need a hand up, not a handout.”
How to help CWAH:
To support the Community With A Heart campaign, make a donation online at ocalafoundation. org/community-foundation-funds/ community-with-a-heart/ or mail a check to CWAH Fund, P.O. Box 1777, Ocala, FL 34478. Donations are tax deductible and go directly to help residents in Marion County.
How to apply for CWAH assistance:
To seek help from Community With A Heart, contact one of the following agencies for a referral to the program to receive assistance: Marion County Children’s Alliance, Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services, Marion County Public Schools, Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida Inc., Ocala Housing Authority, Isaiah Foundation, Central Florida Community Action Agency, Marion County Community Services, Habitat for Humanity and Cleve Butler and James Jackson, who are community-at-large members. The CWAH program does not have a direct phone number. For questions or information, call one of the agencies listed above or go to fb.com/ profile.php?id=100075921828652 to send a message. Please allow 24 to 48 hours to receive a response.
Ongoing needs for CWAH:
• Marion County Children’s Alliance: Funds for emergency shelter in motel/ hotel for victims and survivors of domestic violence, gas cards and new, unwrapped toys or gift cards for youth 12 to 18 years old. (352) 438-5993.
• Brother’s Keeper: Gas cards, bus passes, non-perishable food items and unwrapped toys for children ages 1-12.
622-3846
• Interfaith Emergency Services:
bus
for adults
new
perishable food items (352) 629-8868.
Kathy Bryant will take over as chair, with Carl Zalak taking over as vice chair. Previously, Commissioner Michelle Stone served as chair and Bryant was her vice chair.
The board voted Bryant and Zalak
into the roles unanimously. The pair will assume their roles at the next county commission meeting.
Both Bryant and Zalak have served on the county commission since they were first elected in 2010.
The chair’s responsibilities include presiding over county commission meetings and executing documents and records.
The role of the vice chair is to act as the next-highest authority and fill in for the chair in the instance he or she is not able to preside over meetings, execute documents and records or attend events.
Michael Waltz
Continued from page A1
Congress in 2018, taking the place of Ron DeSantis when he became governor. Waltz is the chairman of the House Armed Services
Subcommittee on Readiness and member of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and serves on the House China Task Force.
Continued from page A5
(352)
Towels, gloves,
passes,
socks and underwear
and non-
Casie Park, second from right, poses with four of her five children, from left, Nate Powers, 16, Miley Park, 9, Kyanna Tryon, 18 and Dylan Ramsdell, 18, at their home on Northwest 3rd Street in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022. Miley, who is her youngest daughter, has been diagnosed with 11 illnesses, some of which could be critical. Park has 5 children and is being helped by Community With A Heart for repairs to her 2007 Jeep Liberty, which has over 264,000 miles on the odometer. Park, who works two jobs as a medical assistant, has already been helped by the homeless services team at Interfaith Emergency Services to find her housing she could afford. She is in need of a newer, more reliable vehicle, so that she can take Miley to Orlando on a weekly basis for treatment. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.
Monica Bryant, the chair of the Community With A Heart board, right, speaks with April Adams of Marion County Public Schools, left, during a meeting at the Emergency Operations Center at the
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
James Melton
member of the Chicago Civic Opera Company. On Dec. 7, 1942, he made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Tamino. Throughout the 1940s he was a leading tenor at the Met, appearing in 83 performances of seven operas. He also was featured on a weekly radio series and had a recording contract with RCA Red Seal and was very active in wartime bond rallies, military hospital tours and benefit concerts. He later began to appear on television, hosting his own musical series in the 1950s and appearing on other programs while also performing in nightclubs and producing a revue that toured the East Coast.
Melton, a lifelong automobile aficionado, created the Melton Museum of Antique Automobiles in Norwalk, Connecticut, which opened in July of 1948. He later moved his James Melton Autorama to Hypoluxo in Florida, near Palm Beach.
Melton’s Associated Press obituary notice in the “Los Angeles Times” on April 23, 1961, noted that the handsome, 6-foot-2 and usually smiling Melton made his home in Weston, Mass., with his wife, Marjorie McClure of Akron, and their daughter, Margot.
The notice stated that the singer, who intended to become a lawyer, credited the late A. A. Murphree, president of the University of Florida, with advising him to take up a musical career after Murphree heard him singing in chapel. Although Melton’s success in New York was almost instant, he had some difficulty getting a chance to show his talent.
“Roxy” Rothafel, headman at the Roxy, “was too busy to give him an audition. Melton settled that by singing in a loud tone outside Rothafel’s office door while aides shouted in protest. Rothafel went out to see what the commotion was about, liked Melton’s voice and hired him on the spot. From 1940 to 1942 alone, he gave 30 operatic and 100 concert performances and appeared on 125 radio broadcasts.”
A FULL LIFE
According to his daughter, Margo Melton Nutt, in her book, “James Melton: The tenor of his times,” her grandfather, J.W. Melton, with his wife, Rose, had four sons and three daughters. James was the third born of the
boys.
“Before James was a year old, J.W. moved his growing family to Citra, Florida, so he could take advantage of an opportunity in the lumber business,” Nutt wrote. “The hands who worked at the Melton sawmill lived in shacks on the dirt roads lacing through the pine groves. It was from those workers that young James first heard the Negro spirituals he sang so movingly in his concert repertoire years later. By the time he was 12, James would drive the circuit before school, picking up the workers in a Ford Model T and taking them to the mill, fetching supplies and pickup up the payroll at the bank.”
She noted that her father, who often worked on machinery and vehicles, became “quite a mechanic.”
The liner notes of the book state that Melton was called “America’s Favorite Tenor” from the 1920s through the 1950s.
“He was perhaps the first multi-media performer—in a career that spanned concerts, recordings, movies, the Metropolitan Opera, radio and television. His fame as a singer was equaled by his renown as an antique car collector. In this hobby he was a pioneer in recognizing these vehicles not only as an important part of America’s history, but as works of art. His career and his hobby reflected the two great technologies that knit the country together in the first half of the 20th century—radio and the automobile,” Nutt wrote.
She offers tantalizing tidbits throughout the book, including her father’s friendships and collaborations with notables such as Will Rogers, George Gershwin, William Randolph Hearst, Milton Berle, Irving Berlin, Walt Disney and Henry Ford II.
The book notes share that Nutt wrote an biographical memoir that allowed her to tell the story from her point of view— anecdotally. The pages are filled with details about her famous father, her beautiful and smart mother, and the ups and downs of their storied life, which included his penchant for lavish spending, dalliances outside his marriage and, ultimately, a diminishing call for his talents.
“The James Melton story is a rags-to-riches-to-rags story of a talented, confident young man who raised himself from obscure beginnings in a tiny Florida town to the height of fame on stage, screen and airwaves—but who could not live without the adulation of an adoring public, and who had nothing to fall back on as he aged and musical tastes changed,” she wrote.
THE WALK OF FAME
There were a number of people who helped ensure that Melton received a plaque on the Walk of Fame in front of the Marion Theatre, among them Carswell Ponder, a longtime local resident, businessman and community supporter.
“It’s kind of a long, drawnout thing. It goes back several
years,” he said in his charming southern drawl. “Carol Cole was a niece of James Melton and grew up in Ocala. One of her classmates was David Stafford. He knew that Melton was an outstanding individual but didn’t know the whole history. He was at Woodlawn Cemetery and ran across the Melton plot, where there are six or eight sites and monuments, and he noticed the grounds were not being kept up and, because of his friendship with Carol, he cleaned it up, which he did for several years. At some point, he found a book about Melton called ‘Bright Wheels Rolling.’ Somewhere along the line he spoke with Margo, and she told him about her book. He got it and read it, about the end of last year, and we were talking about it, and I told him my mother knew Melton and that my brother had met him one time. I read Margo’s book, and it just blew me away all the stuff Melton had done.”
The two decided to “see what we can do,” so they reached out to Laurie Zink, formerly the executive director of the now defunct Ocala Film Foundation, which hosted an annual Ocala Film Festival for a while and initiated the walk of fame, and who also is involved with many other organizations. She suggested getting the plaque for Melton to add to the walk of fame.
Ponder said it wasn’t long before a lot of other people came on board.
“Buddy Martin got involved. Gerald Ergle got involved. Brad Rogers, Jessi Miller, Jessica Fieldhouse, Jeff Robertson, Tom James, John Dozier … a whole bunch of people. It was kind of a grassroots effort. Several people helped raise money and gave cash donations. We had two major sponsors: Rick Schmidt of National Parts Depot, picked up the tab for the plaque and the event sponsor is Angie Lewis,” Ponder said.
“It was a community-wide effort,” he said.
“This was a private group that put this together,” said Zink. “Myself, Brad, Gerald, Carswell, David, have worked on the whole thing. The walk of fame has been important to me from the foundation and the film festival, and so I think it’s very cool that it is continuing and that as you unearth cool stories, you put the plaque on the walk and the story will continue to be told.”
At the event on Nov. 13, Schmidt had a 1911 White gas automobile on display. That model was one of Melton’s favorite vehicles.
“We sponsored the plaque because James Melton is not just a very famous entertainer from way back, but also a very noteworthy and early car collector. My father and I are huge automobile collectors and car enthusiasts, and we also are very involved with the Antique
Automobile Club of America, which was a club that Mr. Melton was also very deeply involved with,” Schmidt said.
“So, there was a lot of symbiosis there and I just felt it was the right thing for us to do, being a large presence for the collector car hobby here in Ocala, to sponsor the plaque for Mr. Melton. We’re fans for his automotive endeavors, where there are a lot of fans of his singing,” Schmidt added.
Rogers was the spokesperson for the unveiling of the plaque.
“We are here to honor James Melton and while many people don’t know who he is, he is arguably the greatest entertainer ever to come out of Marion County. He rose to fame in the 1920s and ‘30s and at one point was voted the number one soloist in America and was part of the group the Revelers, the number one group in America at the same time. And he was a genuine pioneer in car collecting,” Rogers said.
“James Melton was extremely famous. He had an estate in Connecticut and a townhouse in New York and he was a big deal in his time. And he had two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and who has that? When he died, his funeral in New York City had 3,500 people. His daughter said she knew he was famous, but she had no idea how famous until he died,” Rogers added.
A DAUGHTER’S MEMORIES
Nutt said in an email exchange that she doesn’t recall being in Ocala, “although I might have been there as a small child. I was 15 when my father died. I did not accompany my mother to Ocala for his burial in Woodlawn Cemetery.” She said she does remember
her father “speaking fondly about Marguerite Porter, music supervisor at Ocala High School, which he attended, who channeled my father’s budding talent and restless teenage energy toward music. He kept in touch with her for the rest of her life.”
Of her life with her energetic father and equally resourceful mother, she offered, “In many ways, we were a typical American family of the mid-1940s, but with a distinctly Melton twist owing to his fame. For instance, there always seemed to be a professional photographer around to capture any newsworthy occasion, and that included strictly family events. Our ‘family photos’ were all 8x10 glossies.”
“As a long-awaited only child—my parents were married for 17 years before they adopted me—my life was full to the brim of anything a child could want,” she noted.
“Many little girls put their fathers on pedestals. But mine was literally up there—on stage. I could sit in the audience night after night and gaze up at him, as he held listeners spellbound. One of my father’s favorite concert tunes was ‘Surrey with the Fringe on Top’ from ‘Oklahoma.’ If there was a willing little girl in the audience, he would call her up on stage to sit beside him as if in an open carriage, while he sang the song to her. If I was in the audience, as I frequently was, that little girl was me,” she continued.
As for how she would like people to remember her father, Nutt said, “I think his generosity was a key feature of his personality—he was very generous to his family, friends and colleagues. He realized how very fortunate he
was to be in a position to share his wealth.”
David Stafford, front left, and Carswell Ponder, front right, unveil the Walk of Fame plaque for James Melton, as back, left to right, Rick Schmidt, Brad Rogers, Ben Marciano and Jaye Baillie, look on during the unveiling of the James Melton Walk of Fame plaque at the Marion Theatre in Ocala, Fla. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.
A 1911 White Touring antique car from National Parts Depot is shown as people gather during the unveiling of the James Melton Walk of Fame plaque at the Marion Theatre in Ocala, Fla. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.
James Melton as Pinkerton in “Madame Butterfly” at the Metropolitan Opera (1940s). [Photo courtesy Margo Melton Nutt]
James Melton and daughter Margo on stage (1950s). [Photo courtesy Margo Melton Nutt]
TOPVETS club honors all veterans
The Ocala Preserve Veterans Club raises funds for its own projects and also supports other local groups
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Ocala Preserve
Veterans Club
member Bill Leitsch doesn’t wear his feelings about his 25 years of service in the U. S. Army on his sleeve: He displays it on his back.
Leitsch, an Army aviator who piloted twin rotor Chinook helicopters, served from 1975 to 2000, including in Operation Desert Storm. He wears a shirt with the message: “U.S. Veteran—Been There, Done That and Damn Proud of It.” The shirt has logos and names of 13 military installations where was stationed, including in Alaska, Iraq and Korea.
Leitsch said he joined the Ocala Preserve Veterans Club, known as TOPVETS, because he’s “proud of his service” to the country and enjoys the camaraderie with fellow veterans and it is a “great thing” to assist veterans. The club recently sponsored two veterans on the Villages Honor Flight and also sponsors a host of veteran related causes in the area.
The 501(c)(3) TOPVETS is “dedicated to building a strong, functional team of volunteers who can respond to the needs of veterans in our Ocala Preserve community and countywide,” according to the club’s website, topvets. org TOPVETS Vice President Glennon Neubauer, a U.S. Navy veteran, served in the Vietnam War in 1967 in SH-3A helicopters and said he “lost a lot of friends” in multiple aircraft crashes.
Club secretary Bruce Sprecher served for 30 years from 1974 to 2004 in the U.S. Air Force and as a public affairs officer handled information flow for the B-2 stealth bomber and more.
Vicki Welsh, a club member, served in the Army from 1979 to 2011. Her military occupations have ranged from field artillery to medical service and she attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. Although members may hail from many different areas, as veterans they have a “common understanding and can relate to each other and know there’s a role for
everyone,” Sprecher said.
The club’s primary fundraiser is the Veterans Day Golf Classic, which is held at the community and is open to the public. This year the event was set for Nov. 12 and included a silent auction and raffle.
The golf event raises around $25,000 annually, according to a club official.
Sprecher provided a fact sheet that stated the club has donated so far this year $20,500 to area causes including Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans, Guardian Angels Service Dogs, Friends of Marion County Veterans Park, North Marion High School Air Force JROTC, Villages Honor Flight and the Marion County Veterans Coalition for Veterans.
The club established a veterans park in 2022 on Ocala Preserve property, which has attractive landscaping, a spacious central area for events, a tall flagpole with a dedication plaque and an arch shaped walkway lined with engraved bricks honoring veterans. The plaque states the engraved bricks “pay homage to those veterans who died defending our nation; to honor those who have served; and thank those currently serving.”
Engraved bricks honor veterans such as Army Lt. Henry C. Grotyohan, who served in World War II from 1941 to 1946 and in the Battle of the Bulge, and many more who served.
Events held at the park include Memorial Day and flag retirement ceremonies.
North Marion High School Air Force JROTC cadets have partnered with the TOPVETS club to provide a color guard at park events and meet with the club members who can share their experiences with the cadets.
The unit’s commander, Col. Keith Cunningham, explained in an email that the cadets “have partnered (with TOPVETS) for several years … our cadets support their activities and charitable fundraisers many times each year.”
Cunningham said the cadets provide a color guard and drill team for ceremonies at the park and the veterans teach “honor and respect” for the American flag during flag retirement ceremonies, Cunningham stated the “real value” of the cadet
and TOPVET member meetings is the sharing between generations.
“Our older veterans can see hope in our future, that there are young people with character and patriotism; and our cadets can meet face-to-face some of our country’s heroes and be inspired by their sacrifice and loyalty to our freedoms,” he wrote.
Cunningham forwarded the text of a speech that will be given on Veterans Day (Nov.11) by cadet Kalea Gamoneda at the TOPVET’s Veterans Park. Gamoneda, a senior at NMHS, is the JROTC group superintendent and set to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps, Cunningham stated.
“These veterans are committed and have sacrificed much to protect and uphold the values of
our republic. As teenagers, we are still learning to appreciate just how good we have it in the good ‘ole U.S. of A. As cadets, we are learning that those freedoms do not come for “free.” They were fought for and in many cases purchased with blood,” she wrote in her speech.
“We find it difficult to fathom the depth of commitment they made to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. We understand that when they made that oath, they wrote a blank check made payable to The United States of America for an amount of up to, and including their lives. This is true honor. This is true loyalty to our country …,” she wrote in part.
For more information, go to topvets.org
From left, Ocala Preserve Veterans Corporation (TOPVETS)
Secretary Bruce Sprecher, Vice President Glennon Neubauer and member Bill Leitsch pose Nov. 6, 2024, next to a plaque that marked the dedication of the club’s Veteran Park at Ocala Preserve on Veterans Day 2022.
U.S. Army veteran Bill Leitsch walks along a path with bricks engraved with the names of veterans at the TOPVETS Ocala Preserve Veterans Park on Nov. 6, 2024.
Photos by Andy Fillmore Ocala Gazette
Appreciating those who care for loved ones
On Nov. 19, Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano will sign a proclamation naming November as Ocala Family Caregivers Month.
By Marian Rizzo Correspondent
Linda Lofton dedicates the first few hours of every day to helping her 48-year-old daughter get bathed, dressed and fed. Diagnosed with hydrocephalus at birth, Candra has multiple weaknesses in her arms and legs.
She has to be lifted from her bed to her wheelchair for the day and returned to her bed at night. At some point, Lofton gets a break while Candra watches TV or gets busy coloring or working puzzles. Then, one week every year, Lofton places Candra in a group home and takes a much-needed vacation.
While helping her mother care for her sister, Leah Taylor saw the need for a support group that would provide encouragement, information and resources. She got permission to start a group at the church she attends, Meadowbrook Church of Ocala.
She named it MBC Caregivers.
Originally known as Shining Lights, MBC Caregivers is geared toward family members who take care of loved ones of all ages and with all types of disabilities.
“I really hope to inspire groups in other churches,” said Taylor.
“By this time next year, we can do something much larger and meet other caregivers. Those connections are so important. The conversations that come out of it allow people who are isolated because of their loved ones to connect with other people who understand where they are.”
Among the members are
Robby and Barbara Drescher, whose 25-year-old son, Jubal, was diagnosed shortly after birth with multiple disabilities, including autism and cerebral palsy.
“Jubal is non-verbal,” said Robby. “He can’t communicate his frustrations, so he has tantrums when we can’t figure out what he wants. He’s put himself in the hospital hitting his head. My wife and I have determined we have to live to be 120 to outlive him.”
An optician, Barbara reduced her work hours when Jubal was able to attend ARC Marion, a local nonprofit that has been providing support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1959, and the Hillcrest Public School for Exceptional Children. When he no longer fit into those programs, Barbara quit her job to stay home with him. A postal worker, Robby retired last year so he also could help out at home.
So far, the Dreschers have been able to provide Jubal with leg braces from the Shriners’ organization. For a while they got him into therapeutic horseback riding, and they take him to church on Sundays. It was there, at Meadowbrook Church, that they discovered MBC Caregivers. The group meets over brunch
once a month and also hosts a separate Zoom meeting. Members get emotional support from each other and guidance from professionals who offer resources and recommend services, Robby Drescher said.
“For my wife, it was a social outlet when I was working and she was home all day with Jubal,” he said. “She met people who went to our church and were in a similar situation. Meeting once a month also gives us a chance to get out and socialize and enjoy a meal together.”
To reach more family caregivers, Robby has been sending letters to other houses of worship and has posted information about the group on his social media sites.
“We’re trying to bring awareness that there are members of our community who are voluntarily caregivers of family members,” he said. “They are allowing family members to stay at home and be comfortable.
According to AARP, 48 million family caregivers in America provide $600 billion in unpaid services annually. Though rarely recognized for their dedication and sacrifice, their efforts have not gone unnoticed by public officials.
During his campaign rally
Unity and compassion
United
of Marion County Women United raise more than $40,000 to support domestic violence survivors
By Beth Nelson of the United Way of Marion County
In a powerful display of unity and compassion, the United Way of Marion County’s Women United held a transformative luncheon on Nov. 7, raising more than $40,000 to support victims of domestic violence. The event, filled with inspiring messages and heartfelt connections, showcased the strength of survivors and the community’s commitment to making a difference.
Best-selling author and functional medicine expert Dani Williamson served as the keynote speaker. Known for her vibrant personality and deep knowledge of health, Williamson shared her powerful insights on healing the mind, body and spirit.
“Women are not stuck or broken. They are victors, not victims,” she stated, emphasizing the strength of survivors.
Her own journey of overcoming chronic lifestyle diseases and Lupus through natural healing methods exemplifies her dedication to redefining health and wellness. The impact of her words was clear, as attendees expressed gratitude for her empowering message.
Funds raised during the event will support local organizations like CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) Marion, which provides essential services for
women and children affected by domestic violence.
Laurie Ann Truluck, Women United chair, expressed pride in the event’s success, saying, “We were thrilled to welcome Dani Williamson. Together, we helped create safe spaces and provide the necessary resources for survivors.”
Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone, a participant, shared her enthusiasm: “This program was filled with good health. I know I have the power to eat well, because I understand the fork will either heal or kill you. I want to live strong.”
This sentiment echoed throughout the event, as many attendees were inspired to take charge of their health and wellbeing.
In addition to raising funds, Women United also named this year’s recipient of the Phyllis Ewers Community Service Award. Established in 2019, the award honors the legacy of Ewers, who was the founder of Women United, formerly known as Women of Worth.
Ewers dedicated her life to championing women and children’s causes through her volunteer service with UWMC. This year’s recipient was Beth McCall, a fundraising executive for over 20 years, during which where she has served as executive director of the Munroe Regional Medical Foundation, the
at Madison Square Garden, President-elect Donald Trump made this promise, “I’m announcing a new policy today that I will support a tax credit for family caregivers who take care of a parent or a loved one. It’s about time that they were recognized, right? They add so much to our country and are never spoken of but they’re going to be spoken of now.”
In 2022, Gov. Ron DeSantis designated November as Florida Family Caregivers Appreciation Month. The following year, President Joe Biden approved a similar designation for the nation.
On Nov. 19, Ocala Mayor
Ben Marciano will be signing a proclamation at City Hall naming November as Ocala Family Caregivers Month.
In light of the Thanksgiving holiday, the proclamation expresses gratitude to family caregivers for their selfless dedication, generosity and compassion. Marciano, himself, is no stranger to the role of caregiver.
“My wife and I took in a 3-year-old boy one time that had autism,” Marciano said. “At the end of the day we were exhausted. The sacrifices people make to take care of loved ones takes a toll. It means so much to recognize and appreciate them for what they do.”
To Meadowbrook Church pastor Tim Gilligan, “Family Caregivers Appreciation Month is an essential time to recognize and celebrate the selfless dedication of those who provide care for their loved ones. These caregivers often work tirelessly, with little recognition, to ensure the well-being and comfort of family members facing health challenges,” he noted. “This month serves as an opportunity to acknowledge their sacrifices, offer support and raise awareness about the challenges they face. As we honor and appreciate family caregivers, let us consider ways that we might encourage and bless them in this noble but challenging role."
For more information about the MBC Caregivers or to offer resources or services, call (678) 814-6099.
Education
and,
Ewers’ son, Gary, stated, “This is a special award. It memorializes my mother’s philanthropic generous spirit. She really cared for people. It means everything to us. Beth was a friend of my mothers, so it was an honor she received the award.”
“I’ve received a lot of awards, but this one means the most. Phyllis Ewers was a mentor and role model for my professional life,” McCall said.
The luncheon fostered a sense of community and solidarity, encouraging everyone to support those affected by domestic violence. As Jeanne Henningson
remarked, “This cause is near and dear to my heart. It was inspiring and informative.”
The success of this event highlights the ongoing efforts of the community to support survivors and promote healing. With the combined strength and compassion of individuals dedicated to this cause, real change is possible, proving that when people come together, they can make a lasting impact.
Truluck said Women United will work off the success of this year’s fundraising as they shift to ending generational poverty in 2025 and supporting Strong Families.
For those interested in joining Women United, visit uwmc.org/women-united
Barbara and Robby Drescher pose with their autistic son, Jubal, 25, at their home on Southwest 39th Avenue in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday,
Nov. 9, 2024. The Dreschers are members of the Meadowbrook Church Family Caregivers. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.
Public
Foundation of Marion County
currently, the Marion County Children’s Alliance.
Beth McCall reacts to receiving the Phyllis Ewers award from Ewers’ sons and Women United Chair Laurie Ann Truluck [supplied by Beth Nelson]
Sports
Forest tops West Port in girls’ soccer
Robinson’s two goals pace Wildcats past Wolf Pack
By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette
Forest senior Rylynn Robinson netted two goals to lead the Wildcats to a 5-0 win over West Port on Tuesday night. Forest also got goals from senior Kierstyn Foskey, freshman Ally Atkinson and a late header from Caroline Davis in improving to 2-1-1 on the season.
"We were a little sloppy at times, but we started connecting passes and did okay," said thirdyear Wildcats coach Stacie Runnels. "The back line and goalie played great, and we had some really good individual finishes, but there are definitely areas we can improve on. We are a young team, and our seniors need to be leaders."
With the loss, West Port dropped to 1-2 overall.
"We had a team goal to work hard and not give up until the last whistle," said fourth-year Wolf Pack coach Katherine Kelly. "We're working on some new things and just building chemistry together. I'm really happy with the girls and seeing them do things we have worked
on in practice in the games. We are lucky enough to have a junior varsity and that works as kind of a feeder system for the varsity."
Forest dominated play from the opening whistle as its front line controlled possession of the ball and utilized good passing to put pressure on the West Port defense. That pressure paid off as Atkinson took a beautiful crossing pass from Foskey and rifled a shot into the upper-left corner of the goal from 10 yards out to give the Wildcats a quick 1-0 lead just four minutes into the match.
West Port managed to work the ball down the pitch, but the Forest defense forced a turnover and quickly capitalized as Foskey made a nice run down the left sideline, cut back to the center of the field and found the back of the net from 15 yards out to increase the Wildcats' advantage to 2-0.
"This is Kierstyn's second year playing for me and she wants to play in college," coach Runnels said. "She has excellent speed and is definitely someone to watch this season."
Both defenses clamped down and the score remained 2-0 at the half.
It didn't take long for Forest, which had 13 shots on goal, to extend its lead in the second half as Robinson bent a corner kick that
found the back of the net to make it 3-0. Robinson tallied her second goal by eluding a bevy of West Port defenders to put the Wildcats on top by a score of 4-0.
"Rylynn played well and is one of our team leaders," coach Runnels said.
West Port had an excellent scoring opportunity midway through the second half when Brooke Benjoino had a one-on-
one against the Forest goalie, but her shot was blocked to preserve the shutout for the Class 6A Wildcats.
The Class 7A Wolf Pack continued to play hard against a solid Forest squad that tallied its final goal on a beautiful header by Davis just before the final whistle.
Ridge. The Wildcats take on rival Vanguard on Wednesday night.
on Thursday night and the
Wednesday night.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
somehow
Forest is back in action on Friday night with an away match against East
West Port is at North Marion
Wolf Pack will host Lake Weir on
Forest’s Anna Bernard (4) moves the ball downfield past West Port’s Brianna Espinosa (13) during a soccer match at West Port High School in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Forest won the match 5-0.
Forest’s coach Stacie Runnels watches from the sideline as they defeat West Port during a soccer match at West Port High School in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Forest won the match 5-0.
Forest’s Olivia Robles (3) moves the ball downfield against West Port during a soccer match at West Port High School in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Forest won the match 5-0.
Port’s goalie Reagan Lamoy (1) makes
save
Forest’s Rylynn Robinson (22) tries to score a goal during a soccer match at West Port High School in Ocala, Fla. on
Forest’s Kierstyn Foskey (5) heads the ball as she looks for a goal on West Port’s goalie Reagan Lamoy (1) and Elizabeth Graff (2) during a
soccer match at West Port High School in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Forest won the match 5-0.
People, Places and Things
Ocali Country Days notches milestone
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Visitors to the Ocali Country Days festival from Nov. 8-10 were treated to numerous displays of pioneer life, including the stoking of the wood-fired kiln on the campus of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center.
The event also offered entertainment, food trucks, visits to the museum and tram tours of Silver Springs State Park.
Ocali is a historic name for the native Timucuan people who lived in what is now western Marion County. The word was later adapted to become Ocala.
“Over the years the Ocali Country Days festival has become a local favorite and an important fundraiser for the Silver River Museum educational programs. Originally called Pioneer Days, 2024 marks the 30th year the event has been held. The event takes place each fall on the museum grounds and highlights Florida folk life and the pioneer history of Marion County,” said Scott Mitchell, a coordinator with Marion County Schools who works at the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center.
“The weekend is special because of the people involved. Crafters, historical demonstrators, vendors and musicians from around the state arrive to show what life was like years ago. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about old time skills such as sugar cane syrup making, weaving and spinning, blacksmithing, bowl carving, hide making and cooking over an open hearth to name just a few,” he shared.
Mitchell said museum volunteers and staff, and state park rangers and volunteers, make it all possible.
“Countless hours of hard work are required to host the festival. It is a busy time with a student day on Friday and then public days on Saturday and Sunday. Typical
attendance is about 4,800 people over three days,” he said. “A generous grant from the Marion Cultural Alliance, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, helped bring great bands to the festival this year. The bluegrass, folk and blues music only added to the atmosphere to create a memorable weekend,” Mitchell added.
To learn more, go to silverrivermuseum.com/
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Kaydee Ellis, 8, makes a rope in the Rope and Twine Making Demonstration area during Ocali Country Days in the Cracker Village at the Silver River Museum in Silver Springs State Park in Silver Springs, Fla. on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024.
Mike Kolodka, left, helps Kaydee Ellis, 8, right, make a rope in the Rope and Twine Making Demonstration area during Ocali
Jack Frost loads sugar cane into the cane press during Ocali Country Days in the Cracker Village at the Silver River Museum in Silver Springs State
Delilah Connolly, 9, pumps water from the well pump during Ocali Country Days in the Cracker Village at the Silver River Museum in Silver Springs State Park in Silver Springs, Fla. on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024.
Deb Sands, the resident potter, left, and Patsi Jennings, right, stoke the fire in the Wood-Fired Pottery Kiln
People explore the Cracker Village during Ocali Country Days at the Silver River Museum in Silver Springs State Park in Silver Springs, Fla. on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024.
Black smoke pours out from the chimney of the Wood-Fired Pottery Kiln as it is stoked during Ocali Country Days in the Cracker Village at the Silver River Museum in Silver Springs State Park in Silver Springs, Fla. on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024.
Light Up Ocala returns for 40th year
The annual event draws thousands of people to see the downtown square illuminated for the holidays.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
If you want to see some magic happen, then plan to be on the Ocala downtown square on Nov. 23. That is when the city of Ocala will again host the Light Up Ocala celebration, for the 40th time. This is the night when, with the flip of a large switch, thousands of glittering holiday lights will illuminate the square and the surrounding blocks.
This year’s theme is “Home for the Holidays.” The event will run from 3 to 8 p.m. The Junior Sunshine Parade will kick off the celebration at 3 p.m., beginning at the corner of South Magnolia Avenue and East Fort King Street. It will offer performances from local dance studios, Girl Scout troops, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Pipes and Drums Unit and Santa Claus. The lighting ceremony will begin at 7 p.m.
The celebration includes a wide range of entertainment, more than 100 vendors and activities for all ages. Stages will be set up on the square, at One SW Broadway St., which is where the lighting ceremony will take place; at Citizens’ Circle, at 151 SE Osceola Ave., which will include visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus; and at midtown, between Northeast First Street and Northeast First Avenue, with a street party, DJ, acrobatic variety show and jump rope performances.
There also will be a Punch and Judy Puppet Show on the corner of Fort King Street and Magnolia Avenue, The Living Angels at Citizens’ Circle and a Kids’ Zone at the parking lot in the intersection of Silver Springs Boulevard and Northeast Osceola Avenue.
Free shuttles will run from 2 to 9 p.m. from the Marion Technical Institute at 1614 SE Fort King St., the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center at 1510 NW Fourth St., the Ocala Skate Park at 517 NE Ninth St. and the Discovery Center at 701 NE Sanchez Ave. The event is free to attend.
For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/ lightup or call the city’s Recreation and Parks Department at (352) 368-5517.
Coehadjoe Park pickleball courts dedicated to the late John R. Hunt
Staff report
The Coehadjoe Park pickleball courts have been named in honor of the late John Hunt, who encouraged Marion County officials to build the courts for the public’s enjoyment. Hunt, 80, died on Sept. 13 this year.
Hunt’s endeavor to provide dedicated courts began in 2015, when players were using tennis courts striped with pickleball lines. By mid-2016, he had provided enough evidence regarding the growth of the sport to necessitate the construction of dedicated pickleball courts. The county used unspent funds from other projects to create eight courts, noted the news release from Marion County.
Hunt was the founder of First Avenue National Bank, served as chairman of the board of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce, Marion Culture Alliance and Public Policy Institute, and was president of the Ocala/Silver Springs Rotary Club.
The park is located at 4225 NE 35th St., Ocala. To learn more, go to parks.marionfl.org
Holiday food drive will run through Dec. 6
Local nonprofit leaders predict increased needs this season.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The 2024 Bring the Harvest Home holiday food drive is underway and will help fill pantries for Interfaith Emergency Services, Brother’s Keeper, the Salvation Army and Veterans Helping Veterans.
The drive, which kicked off Nov. 5, is now in its 15th year. Drop-off locations include public libraries, city and county fire stations, county recycling centers, Marion County Sheriff’s Office district offices and tax collector offices, as well as offices such as the supervisor of elections, clerk of court, Ocala City Hall, county administration and the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership.
The most needed items are:
• Food such as rice, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, crackers, peanut butter and jelly (and plastic containers are preferred)
• Canned meats, including corned beef, corned beef hash, ham and tuna
• Canned vegetables and fruits
• Baby items including cereal, diapers and lotion
• Toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and toilet paper
The collection will culminate with a massive drop-off event from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6, on the Ocala downtown square.
“Every year we brace ourselves for an increase in families looking to us for help during the holidays. This year we know the need will be more than usual due to the impact inflation is having on many households. Bring The Harvest Home has become the ‘jump start’ that we need to stock our pantry for the Christmas holiday,” said Karla Greenway, CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services.
“It's such a testament to our city and county leadership who champion this event for the sake of their constituents. On this one day they unite us all for the greater good to help our neighbors in need,” she added, speaking of the final day of the drive.
"Brother's Keeper is dedicated to serving those in need in our community. Over the years, Bring the Harvest Home has been a huge contributor to the work we do during the holiday season. The food donations that we have received through Bring the Harvest Home has helped thousands of men, women, and children through the years. It seems that the needs of our community increase every year, so we are very grateful
for the generosity of everyone who donates food to help their neighbors in need,” said Jason Halstead, executive director of Brother’s Keeper, a ministry of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church.
Donations during the 2023 holiday food drive brought in 21,000 pounds of food and $12,000 in monetary donations, according to Marion County officials.
Donations for this year’s drive may be dropped off at locations throughout the county until Dec. 5 and during the Dec. 6 event on the square.
To learn more, including a list of drop-off sites, go to marionfl.org/bhh
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Pallets loaded with food from “Bring The Harvest Home” is shown at the Reuben Brawner Food Distribution Warehouse at Interfaith Emergency Services in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.
Thousands of people look at Christmas lights after they were turned on during Light Up Ocala on the Ocala Downtown Square in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.
Kaehla Lopez, 18 months, gets lifted up by her father, Jose Lopez, as the look at Christmas lights after they were turned on during Light Up Ocala on the Ocala Downtown Square in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.
Dancers with Premiere Dance perform on stage for people during Light Up Ocala at Citizens’ Circle in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.
Exploring a theme of humanity
The 10th annual TEDxOcala featured 13 speakers with “ideas worth spreading.”
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
TED was born in 1984 out of Richard Saul Wurman’s observation of a convergence among technology, entertainment and design. TEDx is a grassroots initiative in the spirit of TED’s mission to share “ideas worth spreading” independently under a free license granted by TED.
TEDxOcala celebrated its 10th anniversary on Nov. 9 at the College of Central Florida, with a roster of 13 speakers. The theme was “humanity.”
The local event is organized by Manal Fakhoury and a team of other volunteers.
“TEDxOcala 2024, carrying the theme of humanity, was remarkable. I concur with many of our attendees who have reached out to say the speakers sharing their ideas were top-notch, the many details the team provided to create a wonderful day of curiosity, connection, and conversation did not go unnoticed,” Fakhoury said after the event.
“We learned about limitless love, the internal lines of beauty, the ability to claim oneself as an artist, the understanding of consensus through AI when it is not a solution, the true meaning of hospitality, not to be misled by labels, understanding heroic anarchy, the importance of a plan and the lies about perfection, developmental trauma to be transformative, being re-marketable, creating space for joy, and the core of being a global citizen. We are grateful to our community for supporting us for 10 years as we move into our next decade of bringing ideas worth sharing.”
To learn more, go to tedxocala.com
Rick Steves’ Europe
Denmark’s countryside delights, from Viking ships to fairy tales
Copenhagen is a thriving metropolis and the main attraction in Denmark. But a trip here isn't complete without a swing through the cute Danish countryside. In under two hours, you can time-travel from modern Copenhagen to a 10th-century Viking ship, 17thcentury castle, or 19th-century fairy tale.
While today's Denmark is small – roughly twice the size of Massachusetts – at one time the Danish empire included all of Scandinavia and stretched into Germany. A reminder of that power is the stunning Frederiksborg Castle, floating serenely on an island in the middle of a lake. An hour north of Copenhagen, Frederiksborg is considered by many to be the grandest castle in Scandinavia – the Danish Versailles.
Built in the early 1600s, Frederiksborg was the castle of the mighty King Christian IV. Today the castle houses the Museum of National History, filled with countless musty paintings that create a fascinating scrapbook of Danish history from 1500 until today.
Frederiksborg still gives visitors a feel for what it was like in its heyday. The suitably regal entry is ringed by a moat designed more for swans than defense. The royal apartments exude royal opulence. The Great Hall is where Christian IV threw lavish parties, with the orchestra playing from their perch above.
If you prefer Rauschenberg to royalty, a trip to the Louisiana is a must. About 30 minutes north of Copenhagen, Scandinavia’s mostraved-about modern-art museum is a holistic place that masterfully mixes art, architecture, and landscape. A delightful sculpture garden sprawls through the grounds, downhill toward the sea. Inside, the ever-changing collection displays post-1945 art, including Picassos, Warhols, and Hockneys.
While Copenhagen is Denmark's political and cultural capital, its historic capital is located about 20 miles to the west in the town of Roskilde. Eight hundred years ago, this was the seat of Denmark's royalty and its center of power. Today, the town is famous for hosting northern Europe's biggest rock festival each July, featuring such acts as Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars, and Dua Lipa.
But long before Coldplay came to play, Christians came to pray. Roskilde's centerpiece is its imposing 12th-century, twin-spired cathedral. This stately old church, with fine wood carvings and a great 16th-century organ, is the resting place of 40 kings and queens.
After the Reformation gutted the church of its saints and Marys, it left a blank slate for Danish royals to fill with their tombs. The oldest tomb, from 1397, holds Queen Margrethe I, whose strong leadership and clever negotiating helped unite the three Nordic Kingdoms. Today, a spot has been reserved for its next resident – Margrethe II (who reigned as queen from 1972 until her abdication earlier this year); she teamed up with an artist to design her own tomb.
A short walk from the cathedral leads to Roskilde's waterfront and the excellent Viking Ship Museum, highlighted by five full-size vessels. These ships were deliberately sunk a thousand years ago to block the entrance to the strategic and rich city. In 1962 they were brought up from their salty grave.
The big, ocean-going trade ship is similar to the ship Leif Eriksson took to America 1,000 years ago, though this one was likely used to carry Viking emigrants – with their families and the entire farm – to Iceland and later on to the New World. The skinnier, faster longship, powered by about two dozen oarsmen, terrorized much of Europe back when people dreaded those rampaging Norsemen.
The museum's interactive exhibits are great for kids. Craftspeople demonstrate boatbuilding, rope-making, woodcarving, and other traditional skills, while a replica Viking ship sails around Roskilde's harbor, giving visitors a taste of what it was like to ride in a vessel built by these fabled masters of the sea.
About an hour west of Roskilde, the industrial city of Odense is Denmark's third-largest metropolis. Tourists come here to celebrate its famous son, Hans Christian Andersen, whom the Danes call simply H.C. (“hoe see”).
Hans Christian Andersen House is a highlight of an Odense visit. As visitors move through the exhibit, the English-language audioguide educates and entertains. From travel souvenirs (including a length of rope he traveled with, just in case his hotel room caught fire and he needed to escape) to his charming paper cutout illustrations, the collection offers insight into Andersen’s personality – warts and all. Along with the artifacts are artistic installations inspired by 12 of Andersen’s best-known fairy tales. And Andersen's tiny birthplace, incorporated into a corner of the otherwise slick museum, is a reminder of how this poor shoemaker's son's talent raised him above the social class he was born to.
From daunting ships to regal castles, Denmark is a land of fairy tales. Each time I visit, it’s like reading another page of a book that I don’t want to end.
TEDxOcala organizer and founder, Manal Fakhoury, left, poses for a photo with her husband, Riadh, right, during TEDxOcala in the Dassance Fine Arts Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
TEDxOcala organizer and founder, Manal Fakhoury, left, poses for a photo with speaker coach, Cher Kretz, right, during TEDxOcala in the Dassance Fine Arts Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.
People listen to speakers during TEDxOcala in the Dassance Fine Arts Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.
Emily “Cali” Callahan speaks during TEDxOcala in the Dassance Fine Arts Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.
Zach West, left, and Laila Fakhoury introduce speakers during TEDxOcala in the Dassance Fine Arts Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.
Annie McCune speaks during TEDxOcala in the Dassance Fine Arts Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.
Tiffany Edith gestures as she speaks during TEDxOcala in the Dassance Fine Arts Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.
At the Hans Christian Andersen House museum, installations explore the writer’s most beloved fairy tales. CREDIT: (Carrie Shepherd, Rick Steves’ Europe).
Terriers celebrate 70th anniversary
The Reddick High School Class of 1954 recently gathered to recall fond memories and rename a scholarship fund in honor of one of their own.
By Janice Ray Special to the Gazette
Seventy years ago, Reddick High School was the heart of a small farming community in northwest Marion County. The red brick building that once stood on old Highway 441 was demolished three years ago, as the aging Terriers gathered on the front steps of the gym one last time to sing the alma mater and the school’s fight song. The high school had closed its doors when it was consolidated with Anthony and Fort McCoy high schools to form North Marion High School.
On Nov. 2, about 110 Terriers gathered again, three miles away, for the annual RHS Reunion in the North Marion High School auditorium where 18 members of the Class of 1954 were honored. Representing the 1954 Terriers were class president, D.A. Lewis Jr., homecoming king and queen Billy Heagy and Lois McRae Atkins, with Ann Dryden Preston, class secretary and cheerleader.
The NMHS auditorium stepped back in time, as it was festively decorated with RHS memorabilia. On display were old yearbooks, class photos and glory day display boards, alongside faded letterman and cheerleader sweaters, basketball uniforms and a majorette outfit that belonged to Pam Simpson Girard. Alumni had a chance to walk down memory lane once again. A special video and a written class history highlighted the Class of 1954 achievements through the years, followed by much laughter and some tears.
The oldest alumni, Nora Lou Heasler Gibson, from the Class of 1947, was crowned Queen for the Day, as she led the group with her still beautiful voice in singing the alma mater and the fight song.
Jim "Mr. Terrier" Stroup, former mayor of Reddick, NMHS football chain gang member and Reddick librarian shared stories about former teachers and students while keeping the crowd
alert with his wit, wisdom and humor. Doris Spears Farnbach, a home economics teacher at RHS, was recognized, along with George Keep, who was a RHS grad, coach and then principal at North Marion High School.
The RHS Reunion Committee initiated a scholarship fund five years ago to keep the Terrier spirit alive by awarding outstanding NMHS Seniors with $1,000 toward their college education. A special tribute this year was renaming the scholarship in honor of D.A. Lewis Jr., a 1954 RHS graduate. Henceforth, the scholarship will be known as The D.A. Lewis Jr. RHS Scholarship.
This year, the Dukes family, Wanda Dukes Godwin and Wayne Dukes, RHS graduates, donated a full scholarship in memory of their brother, Donald Lamar Duke. Donald graduated with the RHS Class of 1955 and enrolled at the University of Florida, where he joined the Gator band and worked with
the band director in developing some interesting programs for the Gator marching band. In 1959, he lacked one semester of completing his doctorate degree in pharmacy when he received his U.S. Army military orders to report for active duty, where he spent the next 20-plus years.
In the 1970's, Donald was living in Washington, D.C., where he was program manager of the first wireless extension of the internet. He went on to become
program manager of what is now known as the world wide web computer system. He died Feb. 20, 2019, from Agent Orange illness. Many thanks to the Dukes family and other alumni who so generously contributed to the RHS scholarship fund this year. Another big thanks goes out to North Marion High School
Principal Matt Johnson for the time and effort he put into helping make the reunion a day to remember for all the Reddick High School Terrier alumni. Until we meet again in 2025!
Staff report
“Transformational Gifts: Recent Acquisitions (2019-2024)” is on view through early February at the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida.
More than 99% of the Appleton’s collection consists of gifts, including 6,000 works donated in the last five years. The gifts of art come from a variety of sources, beginning with Arthur I. Appleton and continuing through contributions from institutions, collectors and community members. The museum collection now exceeds 24,000 world-class works.
“Transformational Gifts” features approximately 200 recent additions. The works span 5,000 years, with notable names such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Charles Ephraim Burchfield, Ansel Adams, Jim Dine, Louise Nevelson, Käthe Kollwitz, Joan Miró, James Rosenquist, Genryusai Seiya and many others.
“Gifts make up the very fiber of the Appleton Museum of Art,” said Jason Steuber, Appleton director, in the news release. “The museum was established in 1982 with Arthur I. Appleton’s foundational collection of about 5,000 works, and the
Photos courtesy Appleton Museum of Art College of Central Florida
“Richard Wagner,” ca. 1900, Pierre-Auguste Renoir (French, 1841-1919), lithograph printed in black ink on Arches paper, gift of Phil and Linda Cohen, Florida Institute of Technology 2021 transfer.
“Frozen Lakes and Cliffs, The Sierra Nevada,” 1932, printed 1970, Ansel Adams (American, 1902-1984), gelatin silver print, gift of KNB Trust.
Photos by Annabelle Leitner
Terrier memories.
Jim Stroup and Nora Lou Gibson lead the group in song. She graduated from Reddick High School in 1947 and at the age of 95 is the oldest surviving alumnus. He was the longtime mayor of Reddick.
Members of the Reddick High School Class of 1954, from left, William "Billy" Heagy, D. A. Lewis, Ann Dryden Preston and Lois McRay Atkins.
George and Marian Keep. He was in the first class that graduated from North Marion High School at Reddick in 1958. The name was changed from Reddick High School to NMHS at the beginning of the 1957-58 school year. NMHS at Sparr opened in the fall of 1964. He began his teaching career at NMHS, where he also was a coach and principal.
D.A. Lewis receives a plaque from Lisa Yearwood, the daughter of longtime Reddick High School coach Jack Yearwood. The Reddick High School Scholarship Fund was renamed in his honor on Nov. 2.
Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the same row, column or square.
Sudoku By The Mepham Group
government
NOVEMBER 18, 25
Marion County Development Review
O ce of County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala
9am
The committee meets each Monday to review and vote on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans and subdivision plans. See marion.fl.legistar.com/ calendar.aspx for agenda and minutes.
NOVEMBER 19
Marion County Board of County Commissioners
McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala
9am
The commission meets in the morning of the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
Ocala City Council
Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala
4pm
The council meets each first and third Tuesday of the month. Ocala government agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
Belleview City Commission
Belleview City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm
Meets the first and third Tuesday of the month; agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/agendas-minutes
NOVEMBER 20
Dunnellon City Council
Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 S River Road, Dunnellon
5:30 to 7:30pm
Meets the third Wednesday of the month; Agendas, minutes and video are available at dunnellon.org/government/agendas-minutes
community
MONTH OF NOVEMBER
Grand Opening of Great Life Church College of Central Florida Building #40, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 10am to 12pm Great Life Church is celebrating the opening of their new Ocala campus during the month of November. You can join Pastors Steve and Ellen Bilsborough for worship Sunday mornings at the College of Central Florida campus at 10 am. For more information, visit greatlifechurch. com/ocala
NOVEMBER 23
Light Up Ocala
Downtown Ocala
3 to 8pm
The city of Ocala will host the 40th Light Up Ocala celebration on the downtown square and surrounding blocks. This year’s theme is “Home for the Holidays.” The Junior Sunshine Parade will kick off the celebration at 3 p.m., at the corner of South Magnolia Avenue and East Fort King Street. The lighting ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. The celebration includes entertainment, 100 vendors and activities for all ages. Free shuttles will run from 2 to 9 p.m. from the Marion Technical Institute at 1614 SE Fort King St., the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center at 1510 NW Fourth St., the Ocala Skate Park at 517 NE Ninth St. and the Discovery Center at 701 NE Sanchez Ave. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/lightup or call (352) 368-5517.
DECEMBER 9-10
The Waiting Dark: An Advent Journey Grace Episcopal Church, 503 SE Broadway St., Ocala; Dec. 9, 6pm Joy Lutheran Church, 7045 SW 83rd Place, Ocala, Dec. 10, 6pm Organist Joshua L. Mazur, assistant conductor and organist for the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, leads a rendition of Christmas classics to get you into the holiday spirit. The event is free to attend. Two different shows at separate locations. Learn more at fb.com/joshuamazur
NOVEMBER 7-24
“The Glass Menagerie” Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Showtimes vary. The famous play by Tennessee Williams comes to the Ocala Civic Theatre for a series of shows throughout November. Tom Wingfield guides the audience through his faded memory of 1930s St. Louis, recalling his mother Amanda and his sister Laura, in a family struggle for love and acceptance. Opening night features special presentation of Drinks with the Director. Tickets can be purchased at the OCT Box Office, online at ocalacivictheatre.org or by calling 352-236-2274.
NOVEMBER 15, 22
Starlight Studio: “The Glass Menagerie” Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 5:30 to 7pm
Starlight Studio events are special Friday night parties on the front porch in the lobby of OCT, with live music, drinks and on-site food trucks to get the audience into the spirit for the show. This edition features 1930s jazz played by Sean-T to put you in the time and place of “The Glass Menagerie.” Learn more at ocalacivictheatre.org
NOVEMBER 15-17
“The Impresario” Grace Episcopal Church, 503 SE Broadway St., Ocala Showtimes vary. OCT presents an original one-act comedy written by Greg Thompson and featuring music by Mozart. The play tells the story of the manager of The Marion Opera House, set in Ocala, dealing with a meddlesome assistant moonlighting as an opera singer, two jealous prima donnas and a star struck financier with an eye for the ladies. Tickets can be purchased at the OCT Box Office, online at ocalacivictheatre.org, or by calling 352-236-2274.
NOVEMBER 24
“Messiah” Community Sing Along Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 5 to 7pm Guests and performers will come together to sing along to pieces from the opera “Messiah” by George Frederic Handel, orchestrated by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Most notable is the song “Hallelujah,” whose iconic refrain has been sung out for centuries. For tickets and more information, visit reillyartscenter.com
things to do arts
NOVEMBER 16
Party in the Park
Tuscawilla Park, 213 NE 5th St., Ocala 12 to 5pm
Enjoy a free community concert with food trucks and vendors. Featuring the likes of Steeln’ Peaches, Ocala’s own Kimber Davis Band, Emery Robbins and others performing live at the Jenkins Outdoor Stage, this is a great opportunity to enjoy some of the cooler fall temperatures and spend time outdoors. Entry to the event is free for all. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
DECEMBER 7-8
Kingdom of the Concert Band: “A Family Christmas”
Marion Technical Institute, 1614 E Fort King St., Ocala Sat at 2pm; Sun at 3pm
The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band, under the musical direction of J. Craig Lilly, will present “A Family Christmas” for a series of weekend Christmas concerts. Doors will open one hour prior for music from the KOS Brass Quintet. Families will have the chance to take pictures with Santa. For more information, call (352) 390-0491 or visit kingdomofthesunband.org
Hannah Brannon as Laura Wingfield rehearses a scene from “The Glass Menagerie” at the Ocala Civic Theatre in Ocala, Fla. on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. The Tennessee Williams play will be performed live on stage from Nov. 7-24 at the Ocala Civic Theatre. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.
ocalagazette
Sudoku By The Mepham Group
Gasoline Alley
Broom Hilda
Middletons
MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH TOMATOES
This is your sign to add tomatoes to your mac and cheese
Tomato started showing up in mac and cheese on menus around the turn of the 20th century and continued to appear regularly in cookbooks throughout the 1950s. Recently the combination has fallen off the radar, but we hoped to revive this once-popular recipe.
To pack in bright tomato flavor, we tried every type of tomato product we could think of — even ketchup and jarred tomato sauce — as we struggled to find the perfect balance of rich red color and bright tomato flavor. In the end, testers preferred canned petite diced tomatoes. But no matter how much tomato we piled into our macaroni, the tomato flavor just wasn’t strong enough.
After numerous tests, we discovered that undercooking the pasta and adding the tomatoes with their juices to the drained macaroni allowed the macaroni to soak up more of the tomato flavor.
Returning the pasta to the heat afterward allowed the noodles to absorb some of the tomato juice. Unfortunately, all that tomato flavor came at a steep price — curdled sauce. To combat the acid in the tomatoes, we added fat in the form of half-and-half (cut with some chicken broth) and a mix of sharp and mild cheddar cheese.
Macaroni and Cheese with Tomatoes
Serves 8 to 10
Salt and pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 (28-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cups half-and-half
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
4 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1. COOK MACARONI: Adjust oven to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon salt and the macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain pasta and return to pot. Pour diced tomatoes with their juices over pasta and stir to coat. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
2. MAKE SAUCE: Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until foaming. Stir in flour and cayenne and cook until golden, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in half-and-half and broth until smooth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Off heat, whisk in cheeses, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper until cheeses melt. Pour sauce over macaroni and stir to combine.
3. Scrape mixture into 13-by-9-inch baking dish set in rimmed baking sheet and bake until top begins to brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
MAKE AHEAD: Macaroni and cheese can be made in advance through Step 2. Scrape mixture into a 13-by9-inch baking dish, let cool, lay plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pasta, and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to bake, remove plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until the top is golden brown, about 15 minutes. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
WHAT IS HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY?
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’ve heard from some of my relatives that heart disease runs in our family, so I’ve been reading a lot about different conditions. I can barely pronounce it, but what is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
ANSWER: It is a mouthful. Let’s break it down a little. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition where the heart (cardio) muscle (myopathy) becomes thickened (hypertrophied). HCM is the most common type of genetic cardiomyopathy. Patients are born with a gene that makes the heart muscle thicker than it should be.
HCM can be a silent disease, and some people live their whole lives not knowing they have it. We sometimes find it by chance during imaging or an autopsy for a separate reason. However, some patients, at some point in their life, can start experiencing increased heart rhythm issues, which puts these patients at risk of sudden death. In 20% of cases, the first sign of HCM can be sudden cardiac death. Making the right diagnosis at the right time is critical in this condition.
HCM also can create stiffness in the heart muscles and block the outflow of blood from the heart. These patients come to us with a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting or dizziness. It is important to seek medical attention when you have any of these symptoms. If a young athlete passes out during exercise, for example, it’s important that they get checked by getting an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and an echocardiogram.
HCM is not as rare as people think. Data suggests that 1 in 200 to 500 people worldwide have HCM. The problem is that it often goes undiagnosed or missed. Right now, in the U.S., we believe we’ve only diagnosed 1 out of 7 of the people who have HCM. We are trying to increase awareness in the community about this disease and make sure that healthcare teams are well educated so they don’t miss the diagnosis when they look at the imaging of these patients.
It’s important to remember that just because you carry the gene doesn’t mean you will develop HCM. Some people show signs of HCM at a younger age, in their teens or 20s, while others can show signs of the disease later in life, into their 50s. Knowing your family history and paying close attention to whether anybody in the family was told they have a thick heart muscle or if a family member suddenly died at a young age are the kinds of questions that can lead to clues if you have a genetic factor for HCM.
At Mayo Clinic, we offer a genetic test for those suspected of having HCM and to family members of affected patients. We mail a kit to the patient’s home, and they do a swab from inside the mouth and send it back. Within two weeks, we get the results back and can either confirm the diagnosis or find out if they have other diseases that may look like HCM. Genetic testing can be helpful in ruling out these other conditions.
My hope is for people to think about it when they see patients with abnormal heart sounds or have symptoms that might suggest this condition. When treating patients, we should always ask, “Can this be hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?” The eyes won’t see what the mind doesn’t know, so it’s always good to have it at the back of your mind. You really can save people’s lives by diagnosing it early and referring them in a timely fashion. We have a lot of new treatments that can help these patients surgically or medically, so making the right diagnosis will improve patient survival and their quality of life.
—
Said Alsidawi, M.D., Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic
A Dickens Christmas
On view through January
Holiday Community Day Saturday, December 7 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Of all the ingredients that get added to macaroni and cheese, few have as successful a track record as tomato. (America's Test Kitchen/TCA)
be assigned by such order are: Name Address JOHN JOSEPH BOZORGMEHR 3298 Hawthorne Blvd., Alton, IL 62002 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The personal representative has no duty
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ORINE HARDEN WHITE, Deceased. CASE NO: 24CP001677AX NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and attorney are indicated below.
If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent's estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT'S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: November 16, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is November 15, 2024.
Attorney for Personal Representative: Jadinah N. Gustave The Sejour-Gustave Firm, PLLC Florida Bar No. 86813 20801 Biscayne Boulevard Aventura, FL 33180 (305) 857-5711 admin@thesgfirm.com
Personal Representative: ARTHUR WHITE 522 Valley Drive Durell, NC 27704
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF CAROL J. O'CULL, Deceased. File No. 2024-CP-2692 Division Probate NOTICE TO CREDITORS
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF KENNETH R. NELSON, Deceased.
CASE NO: 2024-CP-2689
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH.
The date of death of the decedent is: September 16, 2024. The date of first publication of this Notice is November 15, 2024. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent, or the decedent’s surviving spouse, is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act, as described in sections 732.216 – 732.228 F.S., applies, or may apply unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, F.S.
Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com
IN THE COUNTY COURT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA GREENFIELDS PROPERTY OWNERS'ASSOCIATION, INC., A Florida Non-Profit Corporation, Plaintiff, VS. DOLPHIN INTREPID REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT GROUP, LLLP, an Arizona Limited Liability Partnership UNKNOWN TENANT #1 and UNKNOWN TENANT #2, Defendants. Case No.: 2024-CC-0951 NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Final Summary Judgment of Foreclosure, entered in Civil Case No. 2024-CC-0951 of the Circuit Court of the 5th Judicial Circuit in and for Marion County, Florida, wherein GREENFIELDS PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIATION, INC. is the Plaintiff, and DOLPHIN INTREPID REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT GROUP, LLLP, UNKNOWN TENANT #1, and UNKNOWN TENANT #2 are the Defendants, I, Clerk of Court, Gregory C. Harrell, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash AT WWW.MARION.REALFORECLOSE.COM, AT 11:00
The administration of the estate of Mona Jean Lahar, deceased, whose date of death was March 1, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is, 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475. The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
Fax: (904) 791-9563
E-Mail: eservice@dmjaxlaw.com
The administration of the estate of Carol J. O'Cull, deceased, whose date of death was July 12, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is November 8, 2024. Attorney for Personal Representative: COLLEEN M. DURIS, B.C.S. Florida Bar Number: 975140 500 NE 8th Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 Telephone: (352) 732-7020 Fax: (352) 867-5111
E-Mail: service@ocalaelderlaw.com
E-Mail: angie@ocalaelderlaw.com
Personal Representative: Douglas C. O'Cull 5612 SW 89 Place Ocala, Florida 34476
Personal Representative: SHARON C. NELSON 37 Almond Drive Ocala, FL 34472
A.M. on December 5, 2024, the following described property as set forth in said Final Summary Judgment of Foreclosure, to-wit: Lot 4, Block A, GREENFIELDS UNIT 1, a subdivision according to the Plat thereof recorded at Plat Book W, Pages 29 and 30, in the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Parcel ID: 29698-001-04 Physical Address: 5425 SE 28th Lane, Ocala, FL 34480 ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTERST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM BEFORE THE CLERK REPORTS THE SURPLUS AS UNCLAIMED. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator; 110 Northwest 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475; (352) 4016710 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Dated this 1st day of November, 2024. *Pursuant_to_Fla.R.Jud.Admin.2.516(b) (1)(A), Plaintiff's counsel hereby designated its primary email address for the purposes of email service as: CS@flagocala. com* /s/ Caleb V. Smith, Esquire Attorney for Plaintiff Florida Bar No.: 1008368 445 NE 8th Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 732-8030 (t) (888) 399-3129 (f) cs@flagocala.com IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF DAVID WAHL, Deceased. Case No. 24CP002327AX NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of DAVID WAHL, deceased, whose date of death was February 27, 2024 is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34475. The name arid addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR 5 TH JUDICIALCIRCUIT
IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION
Public Notice
IN RE: ESTATE OF FILE NO.: 24CP002180AX
SAMUEL WILLIAM DAVIS
Deceased. / NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of SAMUEL WILLIAM DAVIS , deceased, whose date of death was December 20, 2023, and whose last four digits of his Social Security number are 5389, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida the address of which is 110 NW 1 st Ave. Ocala, FL 34775. The names and addresses of the petitioners and the Petitioners’ attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claim with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is November 15, 2024.
__ /s/Charles D. Straub ____ /s/Christopher Davis
CHARLES D. STRAUB Christopher Davis
Attorney for Petitioners Petitioner
CHARLES D. STRAUB, P.A. FBN: 020323 6801 Lake Worth Road, Ste. 106 3846 Heather Drive East G Greenacres, FL 33463 Lake Worth, Florida 33467 Cyndee Rodriguez
Phone: (561) 308-3003
All other creditors of decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The first date of publication of this notice is Attorney for Personal Representative Caleb V. Smith, Esquire Attorney for Personal Representative
The Florida Legal Advocacy Group, P.A. 445 NE 8th Ave. Ocala, Florida 34470 Florida Bar No.: 1008368 352-732-8030 Telephone 888-399-3129 Facsimile cs@FlagOcala. com Personal Representative Barbara Parson 20660 Peacock Drive Dunnellon, FL 34431
NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Vishal Patel JAYMAN 9293 LLC will engage in business under the fictitious name ORANGE LAKE CITGO with a physical address 18024 N US HWY 441
REDDICK, FL 32686with a mailing address 18024 N US HWY 441
REDDICK, FL 32686and already registered the name mentioned above with the Florida Department of
OF
FILED WITHIN
SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is November 15, 2024. JOHN WAHL, Personal Representative P.O. Address: 5 N Water Street Selinsgrove, PA 17870 Russell Kerr, P.A. 1025 W Indiantown Road Suite 102 Jupiter, FL 33458 Telephone (561) 571-0358 Facsimile (561) 658-0677 Gregory Sussman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 1010883 gregory.sussman@russellkerrlaw.com
