Charming four-bedroom, four-bath residence boasts abundant natural light thanks to ample windows and a delightful screen-enclosed wraparound porch. It includes a 16-stall barn, seven large paddocks, three covered equipment buildings and riding trails, all situated on fully fenced land adorned with beautiful mature oak trees. Enjoy the serene country lifestyle while bene ting from the conveniences of e Villages, just minutes away.
$2,789,000
16 +/- Acres – Near Florida Greenways and Trials is two-bedroom, two-bath log cabin o ers large windows with beautiful views. ere is a combined open kitchen, living and dining area. Wrap-around porches are perfect for relaxing or entertaining. e home has a new roof, appliances, HVAC and generator. Located near all conveniences.
$1,225,000
Our results speak for themselves. List with Joan today!
Luxury Living 10 +/- Acres
is lovely pool home o ers four bedrooms and 3 ½ baths, with cathedral ceilings, a stunning gas replace and a gourmet kitchen. Equestrian amenities include an all-weather arena and fenced paddocks. Enjoy direct access to the Florida Greenway trail system. Don’t miss this unique opportunity!
$2,200,000
Highway 27 Frontage – 50.19 +/- Acres 8 miles to the World Equestrian Center
is is an exquisite equestrian training and breeding facility perfectly situated on 50+/- acres for passionate equestrian enthusiasts. Specialized barns designed for training and foaling are equipped with all the necessities trainers and breeders could wish for. A total of 61 stalls are complemented by various size paddocks, two arenas, a 3/3.5 custom-built residence, guest home, apartment and RV hookups.
$7,800,000
Kingridge Equestrian Estate
Welcome to a stunning 125+/-acre equestrian estate located o the prestigious 225A Golden Corridor, just 12 miles from the World Equestrian Center. ere is a main residence and sta housing, three barns with 47 stalls, an o ce, apartment, a Eurosizer, a jump area and two RV hook- ups. is estate o ers the perfect blend of luxury and functionality for the equestrian enthusiast.
182.69 +/- Acres- Developmental land on Highway 27
$8,760,500
is 182.69 +/- acres is located on Highway 27 for proposed development, which includes an RV park with 213 RV cottages and 470 RV sites. is prime location is just six miles to HITS Post Time Farm and 17 miles to the World Equestrian Center. Additional improvements include a 10,000+ square foot warehouse with o ce, barn, arena and two mobile homes.
$7,650,000
Gentleman’s Farm – 5.79 +/- Acres
e residence sits in elevated bliss in a serene setting surrounded by magni cent oak trees. e three-bedroom, three-bath split home o ers an expansive living area. ere is an eight-stall center aisle barn, separate workshop/storage area and large parking pad for equipment.
$799,000
Horseshoe Bend – New Construction!
5 +/- Acres— e just completed three-bedroom, 2 ½-bath home is in the gated, equine friendly community of Horseshoe Bend. e property is perimeter fenced. e open oor plan o ers more than 2,100 +/- square feet of living area and a twocar garage. Located close to e Villages for shopping, restaurants and medical facilities.
$837,000
Expect an unparalleled combination of professionalism, integrity and relentless commitment to her client’s unique needs, interests, and desires. Joan is a residential, equine property and land development REALTOR® since 1985 and a horsewoman herself so her clients have the bene t of experience and specialized expertise. “ e Ocala region is home to the most beautiful equestrian estates and horse farms in the United States and the natural beauty of the area, along with an amazing variety of equine-centered activities and venues, such as the phenomenal World Equestrian Center, makes this a place that more and more people want to call home,” says Joan. What should you expect working with Joan Pletcher?
Call or Text: 352.804.8989 | joan@joanpletcher.com | joanpletcher.com
Dear readers,
his is a fun issue filled with articles that we hope will entertain and inspire you to create a home that meets your needs and makes you happy. Our cover story is about the Creely family and how they creatively adapted their 1891 home into a modern abode with vintage charm. From the classic wrought iron door hinges and wooden floors to the ultra-modern touches of paint, tile, fixtures and decor, this charming home near downtown Ocala exudes comfort and style while maintaining its original stateliness.
We take a fun look at how home décor often bows to evolving lifestyles, with a glimpse into the worlds of Japandi, paint colors, textured walls and ceilings, light fixtures and more Our handy thrifting guide shows you a number of area stores where you can learn how finding pre-owned treasures is a fun way to decorate your home.
The feature article on Lisa and Tommy Amodeo of the Art of Destruction gives a peek into how they are building a legacy in innovative recycling while going about their business of tearing things down.
We show you how 33 students from around the world came to Ocala for a special wood floor school that turned one Ocala’s man home into a showroom.
And, since it’s springtime and the heart of a home is oft en the kitchen, Jill Paglia whips up some springtime dishes for a relaxed luncheon party.
So, wherever you call home, find a comfy spot and settle in for a while as you pour through this issue.
Jennifer Hunt Murty Publisher
Publisher | Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com
PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478
Art
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Brooke Pace/Pebble Graphics LLC Design2Pro
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bruce Ackerman
Britney Browning Photography
Paige Elizabeth Photography
Eighteenth Hour Photography
John Jernigan Maudie Lucas Photography
CLIENT SERVICES GURU
Cheryl Specht cheryl@magnoliamediaco.com
Editorial
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Greg Hamilton greg@magnoliamediaco.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
JoAnn Guidry
Jose Juarez
Belea Keeney
Beth Landsverk
Scott Mitchell
Jill Paglia
Sales
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & SALES
Dani Eckridge Dani@magnoliamediaco.com
D istribution
Rick Shaw
Veronica Swift | April 5
An Evening with BoDeans | March 28
in this issue
This elegant home has been lovingly cared for by generations of Ocala families.
HOME IS WHERE THE DESIGN IS
décor often bows to evolving lifestyles.
BUILDING UP BY TEARING DOWN Lisa and Tommy Amodeo are creating a legacy.
PHOTO BY BRUCE ACKERMAN
Social Scene
by Bruce Ackerman
Photo
Jeremy Taylor dances with Marilyn Bray during the fourth annual “Never Give Up On Country” benefit concert for the Travis Mills Foundation on January 31st in Ocala.
“Never Give Up on Country” Concert
SHELTAIR AVIATION
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
The Travis Mills Foundation’s fourth “Never Give Up On Country” concert on January 31st had people clapping and toe tapping to performers Chris McNeil and Chris Janson. The foundation supports “recalibrated” veterans, including some from Marion County.
Travis Mills
Bryan Sinkler, Cheryl Sinkler, Jenna Sinkler and Riley Ming
Chris McNeil
Chris Janson Marilyn Bray and Jeremy Taylor
Mardi Gras Holiday Charity Ball
COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services, Inc., hosted the fundraiser on December 28th, 2024, with proceeds supporti ng several nonprofits. It was deemed a “celebration of community, culture and compassion.”
Yvette and Michael Lawson
Theresa Roberts, Barbara Brooks and Katrina Thomas
Kathy Martin and Carmen Cruz
Onnie Finch and Katrina Thomas Heather and Madelyn Batchelor
Storytelling Knights
BRICK CITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
Artify Ocala members were on hand for the opening celebration of the Storytelling Knights exhibit on January 10th, along with many art enthusiasts from the community. The exhibit featured fantasy-themed creations.
Jonia McGill and Micki Rios
Pam Mancuso and Kathy Hancock
Chris Hershberger, Dawn Selker, Jeffrey Selker and Joe Marrero
Darian Mosley and Greg Wesolowski
Robert Wood, Cody Lu and Alex Wood
Ginger Cruze, Trish Kilgore and Ashley Justiniano
Marion Rotary Duck Derby
TUSCAWILLA LAKE AND PARK
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
The January 18th event saw 5,000 rubber ducks float across the lake in a fundraiser for the Discovery Science Center and other programs supported by Marion County Rotary Clubs. The fi rst few ducks to cross the fi nish line earned cash prizes for their “adopters.”
Kay Kelly and Rick Bourne
Noah Wirthlin, 3
Elease Lake, Amaya Lake, 1 and Mary Driscoll Cody and Mandy Hicks with their daughter, Sadie
Mary Lou Coene and Stephanie Krug
Tim Dean, Bill Mess and Emma Coene
MLK Prayer Breakfast
MARY SUE RICH COMMUNITY CENTER AT REED PLACE
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
From January 6th through 20th, a number of events commemorated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The breakfast gathering took place January 18th and offered inspiring speakers and camaraderie.
Benae Williams, Henry Tyler and Darion Tyler
Regis Boatwright, Vee Julius, Phyllis McNeal and Bert Perkins
Judge Cochran
Daniel Franklin, 12, Loretta Jenkins, Ayden Johnson, 12, and Israel Leavitt, 10
Rory Carter, K.J. Kinsley, Eddie Rocker Sr., Jamie Gilmore Jr. and Myles McConico
Gay and Rev. Jerone Gamble
MLK Historic March and More
MLK RECREATION COMPLEX/ DOWNTOWN OCALA
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
The MLK Day showcase event on January 20th saw more than 70 groups in the march and hundreds of attendees staying for Day in the Park. The events were organized by the Martin Luther King Commemorative Committee and proceeds fund scholarships.
Gerald Jones and Beatriz Johnson
Carla Colon, Precious Green and Adellyn Green
Yhwh Mason-Bey, 6, Reginae Mason-Bey and Lauryn Brown
Saundra Bradshaw, Loren Boston, Diana Thomas, Cassandra Boston, Lillie Smith, LeAnn Mackey-Barnes, Theresa Boston-Ellis, Maria Jefferson and Carolyn Goodwine
Steve Gaskin, Judge Cochran, Kelvin Richardson, Thaddius Neasman, Howard Gunn and Eric Cummings
Audrietta Izlar, Debra Aiken, Harriet Daniels, Keyana Lyde, Nedra Huggins, Sierra Homes, Lana Fenn and Lillie Smith
OTrak Chalk Walk
OTRAK/TUSCAWILLA ART PARK
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
Part of the Tuscawilla Art Park series, the January 25th event put on by Ocala Cultural Arts celebrated public art and expression. The theme was Natural Wonders, Great and Small, with cash prizes for top artists.
Malcolm O’Mari Davis
Jordan Shapot and Justin Alsedek
Hannah Harper, 5, and her mother, Sky Sadler
Charlita Whitehead, Victoria Billig, Billye Mallory and Greg Davis
John Diamond and Caitlin Owen
Zen Deavors, Liz Steger and James Lasalle
Editor’s Picks
A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL
LIVE OAK STUD
March 13-16
Live Oak International is the largest international-level combined driving and show jumping tournament in the country. The event will welcome leading drivers, riders, trainers, coaches and owners from Europe and North America. Gate opens daily at 8am. The event includes a vendor village. General admission is $15 per person and children under 6 are admitted free. Tickets are available online and at the gate. Proceeds go to selected area charities and
nonprofits. For information about VIP opportunities, tailgating and more, go to liveoakinternational.com
SOUTHEASTERN PRO RODEO
SOUTHEASTERN LIVESTOCK PAVILION
March 14 and 15
Two performances will offer competitions in breakaway roping, saddle and bareback bronc riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Gates open at 5:30pm and performances begin at 7:30pm. Learn more at ocalarodeo.com
PHOTO BY BRUCE ACKERMAN
Chester Weber competes in the 2024 Live Oak International.
LEVITT AMP OCALA MUSIC SERIES
WEBB FIELD
March 14 – May 16
The Marion Cultural Alliance, in partnership with the city of Ocala, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission of Marion County and Juneteenth Celebration Commission, will host the 2025 Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series. The free, outdoor concert series will offer 10 weeks of live music. Concerts take place every Friday from 6 to 8 pm. Beginning March 14, the lineup includes Joslyn and the Sweet Compression, Okan, The Mexican Standoff , The Sweet Lillies, The Dollyrots, Larry McCray, BettySoo, Nattali Rize, Larry & Joe and the McCrary Sisters. Each event will feature food trucks, interactive activities and a spotlight on a local nonprofit. Find details at ocalafl.gov
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
OCALA CIVIC THEATRE
March 20 – April 6
In 1934, the famed Orient Express hurtles through wintry western Europe with iconic detective Hercule Poirot among the passengers. The train becomes stuck in a snowdrift and morning reveals an even more chilling discovery: an American tycoon found stabbed to death in his locked compartment. Over two terrifying days, Poirot investigates the eight suspects for this shocking crime, following the tracks of blackmail and revenge to the tragedy of a murdered child. All aboard for Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery. Get tickets at ocalacivictheatre.com
EVIL WOMEN – THE AMERICAN ELO
REILLY ARTS CENTER
March 30
This multi-media concert celebration of the music of ELO features 12 musicians and the fusion of pop and classical arrangements where cellos co-exist with guitars and classically tinged rock intersects with pop. Mr. Blue Sky, Roll Over Beethoven and Evil Woman are among a list of over 20 instantly recognizable chart-topping hit songs. See more at reillyartscenter.com
KING OF THE WING SOUTHEASTERN LIVESTOCK PAVILION
March 25
The Marion County Building Industry Association’s annual fundraiser brings together local businesses and organizations for a day of flavorful fun in support of The Arc of Marion. A $25 ticket includes wing samplings and two beverages. Learn more at fb.com/mcbia.kow
PARTY IN PURPLE FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
MARY SUE RICH COMMUNITY CENTER AT REED PLACE
March 28
This event is organized by the Marion County Health Department, Marion County Children’s Alliance Family Violence Prevention Workgroup and Fully In Tune Temple, LLC, to help break the silence against domestic violence in the community. It will feature local Zumba, MixxedFit and Dance Fitness licensed and certified instructors. Free domestic violence awareness t-shirt for registrants while sizes and supplies last. All proceeds raised from ticket sales, vendor and sponsor raffle prizes will be donated to Marion County Domestic Violence Victims and Survivors. Get tickets at eventbrite.com
ODE TO JOY: BEETHOVEN’S NINTH SYMPHONY
REILLY ARTS CENTER
March 30
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony continues to inspire and move audiences around the world. Under the baton of Maestro Matthew Wardell, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra with the College of Central Florida Patriot Singers and Ocala Symphony Chorus, led by the talented Joshua Mazur, will join forces with four world-class soloists to
Davina and the Vagabonds perform at the Levitt AMP Concert Series in 2022.
bring this epic work to life. The symphony culminates with the Ode to Joy, a universal anthem of hope and brotherhood. For details and tickets, go to reillyartscenter.com
FREE FIRST SATURDAY
APPLETON MUSEUM OF ART
April 5
Every first Saturday of the month offers free admission to the College of Central Florida Appleton Museum of Art. Many times, special guest lectures or other events are part of the day. Guests can explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions and enjoy familyfriendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. Free First Saturdays are supported in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Marion Cultural Alliance and National Endowment for the Arts. To learn more, go to appletonmuseum.org
STEELN’ PEACHES: A TRIBUTE TO THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND
REILLY ARTS CENTER
April
18
Celebrate 55 years of the Allman Brothers Band. This seven-piece ensemble brings the iconic sound into the 21st century. With exceptional talent, dynamic chemistry and a commitment to honoring the Allman Brothers Band’s expansive jams and virtuosic compositions, Steeln’ Peaches delivers an electrifying experience that resonates with audiences old and new. Find out more at reillyartscenter.com
EARTHFEST: CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY
TUSCAWILLA PARK
April 19
This city of Ocala event will include tree giveaways, a youth fishing derby, rock wall and tree climbing, a live butterfly encounter, eco-friendly vendors, yoga in the park, live music and food trucks. Learn more at ocalafl.gov
OCALA BIG BLOOM HOME & GARDEN SHOW
WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER
April 25-27
One place. One weekend. All your projects solved. The Ocala Big Bloom Home and Garden Show is here to help you turn your home improvement and outdoor projects from fantasy... to reality. Ocala’s largest garden centric show. Learn more at ocalabigbloom.com
PHOTO BY BRUCE ACKERMAN
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra performs in 2024.
PHOTO BY BRUCE ACKERMAN
Paisley Grafing, Eli Grafing and Konner Sweatt at Earth Day in 2022.
VOWS
You are cordially invited to…
Celebrate Ocala’s brides and grooms, get a glimpse into their most special of days and hear about the memories that will always hold a place in their hearts.
Pictured: Cheyenne and Ronald “Bubba” Cunningham / Photographed by Maudie Lucas Photography
October 12th, 2024
VENUE: Rodman Plantation
PHOTOGRAPHER: Maudie Lucas Photography
HAIR/ MAKEUP: Make Up by Mariah
Their favorite memory: “After being together for 10 years and having our little girl, it was a blessing to stand at the altar and look out to all our friends and family who supported us through our long journey. It was a beautiful day.”
CHEYENNE (MAKSYMIAK) & RONALD “BUBBA” CUNNINGHAM
PAYTON (ANDERSON) & SAM VAUGHN
April 20th, 2024
VENUE: Mayabb Show Horses
PHOTOGRAPHER: Eighteenth Hour
Photography
MAKEUP ARTIST: Deanna Willis, Glam X D
Her favorite memory: “Having our families there and having Sam’s dad marry us on the farm where our horses live. My horse Nigel, who I had for almost 20 years, was in our photos. He passed away during the summer and it is so special to have those memories and photos with him.”
RILEY (ROWE) & JUDD WILLIAMS
November 9th, 2024
VENUE: Country Oaks Angus Ranch
WEDDING PLANNER: Making It Matthews
PHOTOGRAPHER: Paige Elizabeth Photography
FLORIST: Martha’s Flower Shop
HAIR/MAKEUP: Beauty by Bree
Her favorite memory: “It was very special to get married on our family’s land, in front of my grandparents’ house on the farm where I grew up and where my parents live next door.”
His favorite memory: “Having all of our friends and family in one place to celebrate with us.”
TAYLOR (KRAUSE) & BILLY TERRY
October 12th, 2024
VENUE: Milla’s Event Space
PHOTOGRAPHER: Britney Browning
Photography
WEDDING PLANNER: Making It Matthews
FLORIST: Becky Brittnacher
HAIR/MAKEUP ARTIST: Ginny Brooks
Their favorite memories:
“Mine is hearing my husband’s heartfelt vows. His is seeing me walk down the aisle to him. We are so grateful to Making It Matthews for giving us the perfect wedding after our original venue was destroyed by Hurricane Milton. It was absolutely beautiful.”
ALLABOARD!
Agatha Christie’s
COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Tallen Builders
Hiers-Baxley 352 Preview Magazine WIND 95.5 FM March 20 – April 6, 2025
TICKETS $35 FOR ADULTS • $17 FOR AGES 18 AND YOUNGER
Head to El Toreo for the best Mexican food this side of the border! Enjoy all of your favorite traditional Mexican dishes in a friendly and festive atmosphere.
Specials:
Mondays and Wednesdays, Margaritas are $2 Saturdays, 2 for 1 Margaritas All Day
El Toreo
3790 E Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala (352) 694-1401 › 7 days 11a-10p
SR 200, Ocala (352) 291-2121 › 7 days 11a-11p
Located in the heart of downtown Ocala, Harry’s offers traditional Louisiana favorites like Shrimp and Scallop Orleans, Crawfish Etouffée, Jambalaya, Shrimp Creole, Blackened Red Fish and Louisiana Gumbo. Other favorites, like French Baked Scallops and Bourbon Street Salmon, are complemented with grilled steaks, chicken, burgers, po’ boy sandwiches and salads. Their full bar features Harry’s Signature Cocktails, such as the Harry’s Hurricane, Bayou Bloody Mary or the Cool Goose Martini. They also feature wines by the glass and a wide selection of imported, domestic and craft beer.
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
Dine-in or take out available
24 SE 1st Avenue, Ocala (352) 840-0900 › hookedonharrys.com Mon-Thu 11a-9p › Fri & Sat 11a-10p › Sun 11a-8p
Crab Crusted Redfish Royale
Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig
Buƴing & Selling Your Trusted Guide
For over 30 years, Ashley Yates has called Ocala home—and for the past 12+ years, she has been helping buyers and sellers navigate the real estate market with skill, strategy, and a personal touch. Licensed since 2012, she has consistently stood out as a multi-million dollar producer, closing just under $17 million in 2024 alone as a single agent.
Ashley specializes in working with first-time home buyers, move-up home buyers, residential sellers, vacation home sellers or investment properties, and buyers and sellers looking for farms or acreage. Whether you’re purchasing your very first home, upgrading to your dream property, or selling a farm with acres of possibilities, Ashley brings expert market knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and a hands-on approach to ensure a smooth and successful experience. She holds a Broker’s license, a distinction achieved by only 22% of agents, as well as the prestigious Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI) and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) designations. These credentials, combined with her deep local expertise, allow her to provide top-tier service tailored to each client’s unique needs. In 2024, Ashley successfully closed 63 units across Marion and Citrus Counties, proving her ability to get results in a competitive market. Whether prepping a home for sale, marketing a property to the right buyers, or guiding first-time homeowners through the process, her focus is always on delivering the best possible outcome. Southern Hospitality Meets Real Estate Expertise in Ocala & Beyond.
When she’s not working hard for her clients, Ashley enjoys life on her 15-acre farm, where she raises horses, cattle, and plenty of happy hens. Known for her genuine approach and strong community ties, she’s even the go-to neighbor for farm-fresh eggs—always happy to share a little piece of her world. If you’re looking to buy or sell in Ocala or beyond, Ashley Yates Realty is the key to a successful and stress-free real estate journey.
A Very Stately Lady
By Susan Smiley-Height
by John Jernigan
This elegant and historic home has been lovingly cared for by generations of Ocala families.
The phrase “they don’t make ‘em like they used to” could very aptly be applied to the gorgeous and historic home of the Creely family near downtown Ocala.
From the golden-hued heart pine flooring to the elegantly engraved metal door hinges and sculptured wooden fireplace mantels, to the ever-so-tall wall and window heights, this 1890s beauty is a testament to an age when quality craftsmanship was highly valued.
The home now serves as a multigenerational dwelling for Tim and Lydia Creely and their daughter Madison. Lydia says she spent hours and hours researching the property through extensive Marion County records maintained on microfilm.
“We had to go through hundreds and hundreds of films to find the original deed and it was called the Caldwell Addition. A builder bought the property in what looks to have been 1891 and built on it and then Annie Rebecca Wartmann bought it in 1895,” Lydia shares. “This was Margaret Byrd Wartmann’s mother. She bought it in 1895 but then she passed away a year later. My understanding is that Margaret lived here until she passed away in her 80s.”
According to findagrave.com, Margaret Byrd Wartmann was born in 1864 in Virginia. She died in 1950 and is buried in the Citra Cemetery.
Photography
Lydia’s research yielded information that the Wartmann family was connected to the Crosby family, which formed the Crosby-Wartmann Packing Company that offered Pineapple Oranges for sale. Some historical documents note that Citra was the “home of the Pineapple Orange,” a name coined in 1883 as the fruit had an aroma reminiscent of the smell of pineapple.
David Cook, a longtime editor with the Ocala StarBanner and a writer of historical columns for the paper, wrote that, in 1900, the congregation of Ocala’s Methodist Church raised $1,500 to buy and install a pipe organ and that Miss Margaret Wartmann became the organist.
“Through the years, Wartmann became as much of an icon of the first half of 20th-century Ocala as the downtown church building itself,” he notes.
“At some point, we want to name the house after her, in her honor,” Lydia shares, adding that she spoke with one family member who says they called Margaret “Aunt Birdie.”
“I’ve also looked up some newspaper articles on her,” Lydia offers, “and it seems she was a very social woman because she was named in a lot of social affairs.”
As for the Creelys, Tim was born in Tallahassee and Lydia was born in New York. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard then earned a degree in hospitality from Florida State University. He worked for more than 20 years in The Villages, first starting restaurants and then serving as one of three directors of the golf division. He retired in 2019 and then opened an air conditioning company there. Lydia, who has worked as a traveling nurse, currently is a cardiac catheterization lab nurse with UF Health Spanish Plaines Hospital in The Villages. Madison recently started her own pet sitting business.
They all say that moving from a larger residence into this property has been a bit of a challenge, but a welcome one.
“We wanted to downsize and find something like this we could grow into and so we can travel,” Tim shares. “Ocala is a beautiful town, with a lot of historic neatness about it. We have several friends who have moved here as well, and we have been going to Church @ the Springs here for 20 years.”
When they started to renovate the home, which they purchased three years ago, Tim affirms that they wanted to maintain some of the historic aspects, such as the four fireplaces, which actually are coal-burning rather than geared for wood, as well as some of the beautifully toned woodwork. The process often involved stripping away multiple layers of paint to reveal the true beauty underneath. Even things like the door hinges had to be patiently divested of layers of paint. Some of the floorboards had to be replaced due to termite damage.
In one area, they moved a wall to open a space between the living area, which formerly was a bedroom, and the roomy and inviting kitchen. They turned another
bedroom into a spacious bathroom. That component, Lydia shares with a laugh, is her favorite memory of the renovation.
“Everyone told me no, no, no, you can’t make this into a bathroom. I just kept asking until someone said yes,” she recalls. “I did have to have a designer help me because we had to leave the windows for the historic value. The designer also helped with other things, and she really brought it all to the next level.”
“All of the rooms are all a little quirky,” Tim notes with obvious glee.
The gallery kitchen in one apartment features an adorable Unique Appliances “Classic” retro refrigerator and a downsized range and dishwasher to fit the compact 592-square-foot space. Another unit, which offers 1,003 square feet of space for family guests and short-term rental clients, offers a pleasing retreat with two bedrooms, a spacious kitchen and laundry facilities.
The cabinets throughout the home are painted in Farrow and Ball’s shade of
Lydia, Madison and Tim Creely, with Luna
Inchyra Blue, and ShermanWilliams’ hues of Billiard Green and Rain. The tones are perfect companions for the surrounding elements of décor.
One of the more intriguing aspects of the home is the dramatic winding staircase one must ascend to reach the upper level, which Tim and Lydia say was part of the original design.
The wrap-around front porch invites people to linger there while surveying the surrounding blocks. Lydia says the landscaping is being done in stages and Tim adds that they did take care to incorporate compelling components even there, such as the brick pathways that feel like they are straight out of the 1900s.
“We absolutely love living downtown. We enjoy walking around the neighborhood and seeing all the different houses and going to the market on Saturday,” Lydia offers. “We like to socialize and there are all the great restaurants and shops. And, when family and friends come to town, we have lots of things to do.”
In glancing around her lovely and truly stately home, Lydia adds, “One of the reasons we wanted to shrink our lives is so we would be able to unplug very easily. We love to travel, so we want to be able to just go. And now we have that, and a very special place for our family.”
Global HR Leader to Speak in Ocala
Workplace engagement and innovation will take center stage during conference.
Johnny Taylor Jr. is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world’s largest HR professional society. On April 1, he will headline the Heart of HR: Driving Engagement and Innovation conference in Ocala. Taylor was named one of the 2024 Most Influential Executives in Corporate America by Savoy Magazine. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional. His career spans more than 20 years as a lawyer and executive, serving the IAC, Paramount Pictures, Blockbuster Entertainment and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, among other organizations.
He is a member of the United Way Worldwide Board of Trustees, serves on a number of corporate boards, previously served on the White House American Workforce Policy Advisory Board and chaired the President’s Advisory Board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He writes a weekly column in USA Today and is the author of Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.
“When it comes to all things HR, not to mention a professional lifetime in corporate and nonprofit spaces, Johnny C. Taylor is the undisputed leader,” offers Tisha Webber, HR director for Nash Plumbing and Mechanical, who represents OHRMA as conference co-chair. “To say that it’s a ‘great get’ to welcome Mr. Taylor to the Heart of HR is truly an understatement.”
Other speakers will include Kate Beeders, a breakthrough-based results coach and founder of the Success Acceleration System, talking about Navigating Difficult Conversations; Kenneth A. Knox, a partner with Fisher Phillips, the Platinum Sponsor for this year’s event, discussing Top Workplace Law Trends; Chris Laney, VP of social impact at Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics, speaking about The Rising Storm: Building a Future-Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage; and Jenni Stone, HR director at InfoMC., Inc., and founder of QRS Learning, talking about ChatGPT and Ethics: Navigating AI in HR Practices.
The conference is presented by CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion and the Ocala Human Resources Management Association It will be emceed by internationally acclaimed workplace motivational humorist , best-selling author and world-class magician Jon Petz. It will take place at the Circle Square Cultural Center on April 1, 2025. There will be an HR After Dark reception the evening of March 31, also at Circle Square Cultural Center.
Tickets are $175 for all-day access, including refreshments and lunch, or $200 for conference and reception The walk-in rate is $200 Advance tickets are available at bit.ly/HEARTofHR2025 For group discounts or sponsorship opportunities , email twebber@nashpm.com
Presented by:
Home
Home décor is never stagnant, often bowing to our ever-evolving lifestyles.
By JoAnn Guidry
Interior design of japandi living room
Here’s a look at some of the emerging trends in 2025 to help you create the home of your dreams.
HYGGE & WABI-SABI = JAPANDI
Combine Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian hygge, toss in some wabi-sabi and you end up with Japandi. Sleek, functional and elegant, Japanese design apparently pairs well with Scandinavian hygge, the practice of finding comfort and coziness in friendship and in the simplest things.
Wabi-sabi — not wasabi, the sushi horseradish condiment — originated in China and is similar to hygge and translates to “rustic simplicity.”
Japandi style incorporates neutral colors such as browns, grays and blacks with natural, tactile materials like wood and linen. Furniture is multifunctional and low to the ground with simple, sleek lines sitting on wooden floors. As much natural light as possible is preferred. Paper lanterns and rice paper lamps with soft-hued bulbs for diffused lighting also are part of Japandi.
COLOR YOUR WORLD
The Pantone 2025 Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse, described as an evocative soft brown, suggesting the qualities of chocolate and coffee. Yummy also works. The Pantone Color Institute has been naming a color of the year since 1999 to engage the design community and other color enthusiasts in conversation. The PCI’s global team of experts look for new color influences from entertainment, art, fashion, home design, travel destinations, lifestyles, textiles, social media platforms and sporting events in naming a color of the year.
Other trending color picks for 2025 include HGTVHome’s Quietude, a soft sage with a hint of blue; Dutch Boy Paint’s Mapped Blue, a medium blue with subtle undertones of yellow; Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate, a heathered blue and velvety brown mix; and BEHR’s Rumors, an engaging ruby red. If astrology is your thing, this year’s lucky colors are emerald green and carmine red.
TEXTURED WALLS & CEILINGS
Wood paneling, decorative plaster finishes and wallpapered ceilings add depth to any room. Paired with flat granite or marble surfaces and dynamic, stylized furniture, you can turn a simple room into a stunning one.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Beyond being functional, sculptural lamps and over-sized pendants can double as home art. Antique lights in earthy shades pair well with metallic hardware such as aged brass, bronze and copper. It’s good to use lighting fixtures that have dim settings to adjust the mood of a room, depending on the time of day.
Wellness-focused smart lighting features adjustable brightness aligned with our natural 24-hour circadian rhythms and can lead to better sleep. Melatonin, our sleep hormone, is gradually released as daylight and indoor light wanes, setting us up for a good night’s sleep.
THE GOLDEN ARCHES
Arches can be used in doorways and windows to soften harsh angles, creating a sense of fluidity. Beyond that, think arches for mirrors, cabinets, millwork and walkways. Look around your home
and you’re sure to find an angle or an edge that could possibly be given some character by an arch.
BEYOND DINING
Dining rooms are not just used for meals anymore and a multi-use table is a must. The preference is for large dining tables that can be separated into smaller tables. The latter can be used for playing games or for smaller dining groups. The sections can then be joined back together for larger gatherings, such as the holidays or birthday celebrations. Wood tables in many shapes, sizes and designs are available as multi-use tables, but tables in metal designs also suit this purpose.
KITCHEN REMODEL
After being dominated by white cabinets, stainless steel and black appliances, color is coming back to kitchens. Colorful cabinets, think forest green or ruby red, are being paired with appliances just as colorful. Another trend for cabinets is woven or mesh fronts. Or complement a marble island with oak cabinets. Try some open shelves to show off hand-painted dishes mixed with a few favorite art pieces and cookbooks.
Cabinet and drawer handles/knobs can be brass or artistic painted hardware. Range or refrigerator alcoves, sometimes arched, soften the edges of the appliances. Brick backsplashes take center stage in this year’s kitchen designs.
STATEMENT HEADBOARDS
Headboards are more than just something at one end of the bed. They can be individualized to reflect your personality, whether it be modern, art deco, Victorian or whimsical. You can go
with handcrafted wood or wood paneling. Add some arches and scallops. Cover your headboard in vibrant colors, patterned fabrics, wallpaper, corduroy or tufted velvet.
Rattan headboards go nicely with Japandi décor. Create a monochromatic look by painting your headboard the same color as your bedroom walls. You also can use various sized paintings to create an artistic headboard.
With imagination, you can design a headboard fit for a queen or a king and elevate your bed to a place for sweet dreams.
SMART NIGHTSTAND & DESK NOOK
New bedroom design and décor incorporates functional nightstands and desk nooks. Charging nightstands get rid of the tangle of cords for your smart devices. With more people working from home, having a designated workspace nook in the bedroom is a good option. It takes you away from your home’s busier living spaces and allows for a quieter work environment. You can personalize your space with a nice desk, comfy chair and artwork, and set it up near a window or patio door for natural light.
CURVED FURNITURE
Cozy is the buzzword when it comes to curved furniture in home décor. A curved sofa made of soft organic material like linen can be paired with a similar armchair and rounded cushions to provide welcoming comfort. If your space is on the small side, incorporate one or two key curved pieces, maybe a rounded chair or an oval coffee table. Accents can include a round or oval rug, pendant lighting and an arched mirror. A wood or stone
rounded or rectangular coffee table is also a nice way to balance out the room while keeping comfort the most important element.
A WELLNESS SPACE
Designating a room or just the corner of a room as a wellness space can go a long way to improving your daily life. While a home gym is good, think beyond that to include anything that makes you feel physically and mentally well. Your wellness space could be used for listening to music, crafting, knitting, gratitude journaling or reading. Turn your bathroom into a mini spa with a steam shower. Unroll your yoga mat in a corner of your bedroom, then close and lock the door so you aren’t interrupted.
You can keep your wellness space as basic as you want, or you can add elements that bring you calm. Choose soothing colors such as blues, greens and maybe even Pantone’s Mocha Mousse. Have a playlist of your favorite music playing quietly in the background while you sit in a cozy curved armchair. Light scented candles or add an aromatherapy diffuser. The key is to have a space that can help you relax and de-stress your way to wellness.
INTEGRATED OUTDOOR LIVING
Outdoor areas such as patios are no longer just slabs of concrete with a few lawn chairs. These
living areas have increasingly become an extension of a home with equal comfort and style.
Retractable glass walls nearly erase the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Cozy sitting areas with furniture that could be inside as well as outside encourage casual gatherings around a smart-tech fire pit.
Outdoor kitchens have grown from a traditional grill to include brick pizza ovens, smokers and Argentinian-style gaucho grills. And outdoor bars can be designed to match your favorite corner bar or English pub.
Eco-friendly materials like raw stone and reclaimed wood can be used throughout an outdoor design. When it comes to greenery, there has been a shift from the overgrown jungle look to droughtresistant native plant gardens.
SOURCES: decorillac.com, moderndesignhomes. com, pantone.com, architecturaldigest.com, bhg.com, marthastewart.com and hgtvhome.com
Building Up By Tearing Down
Buildings that have stood the tests of time don’t stand a chance when Tommy Amodeo gets into the seat of his excavator and begins to take “bites” out of them. In doing that, however, he is not just tearing down an edifice, he is building up a legacy.
Tommy and his wife Lisa are the owners of A & A Trucking and Excavating, better known as The Art of Destruction. The high school sweethearts started their business in 1994, with one truck. They now manage a thriving operation that includes nearly a dozen employees, numerous pieces of heavy equipment and other machinery, and a massive “yard” in which an amazing amount of recycling takes place.
The firm provides services ranging from complete building demolition to selective demolition as well as excavation services and tank removals. The end result is the recycling of materials such as concrete, steel, copper wire, asphalt and more. Those byproducts then can be used to create new roads, parking lots, gravel bases for garden pavers and many other uses.
The couple and their sons, Wyatt, 20, and Garrett, 18, are avid baseball fans and the young men have long been involved with local teams. The family has traveled extensively for events such as youth baseball camps and taking in major league games in locales such as Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Garrett plans to attend Kentucky Christian University, where he will play baseball while he studies for a degree in business sports management. His ultimate goal is to play for the LA Dodgers. Wyatt is currently attending the University of Northwestern Ohio to earn a degree in medium- and heavy-duty diesel technology, where he also plays baseball. After he graduates, he plans to return to Ocala to work in the family business.
“Wyatt loves everything we do, from fixing a bolt on a machine to tear down the biggest building,” Lisa offers. “He took a home down in kindergarten by himself. The homeowner signed a waiver and said, ‘If you guys believe he can do it, I’m gonna believe he can do it.’ She sat in her car on the outside of the property and watched him tear it down.”
“They are both hard-working about their passions,” she adds. “Garrett gives baseball 950% and Wyatt gives this business 950%.”
As the Amodeo’s celebrate 30 years of being in business and look to continue growing with Wyatt coming on board, we’d say that qualifies as a home run.
By Susan Smiley-Height
A & A Trucking and Excavating, also known as the Art of Destruction, has become well known for its creative recycling of materials, which turn into something new.
Photography by John Jernigan
Tommy and Lisa Amodeo
THE BEGINNING
Tommy and Lisa are graduates of the Class of 1990 at Vanguard High School, where they began dating in late 1989.
“Tommy was an operator and CDL truck driver for his older brother’s excavating business back then,” Lisa shares. “In my senior year of high school, I was employed by the local John Deere Ag dealer, Marion Tractor. Under the leadership of Ernie Mayne, I grew to understand the mechanical side of the parts industry. He taught me the functions of machinery one part at a time.”
Tommy also had “some incredible mentors, and we give credit where credit is due,” Lisa notes. “Chuck Large was a fantastic teacher at Vanguard who took Tommy under his wing and then he had Jerry Sauls, who taught Tommy a lot about blueprints and drawings.”
As Tommy’s experience grew, he became an operator for Hayward Baker, “a Keller company, which is accredited as the largest geotechnical specialist contractor in the world,” she says.
“His years of employment led Tommy to multiple commercial projects, such as the Savanna River Nuclear site, Denver Colorado Airport and KUA Cane Island Power Plant,” she recalls. “He worked for and was mentored by an incredible project manager, Ron Short, who allowed him to grow in the heavy industrial industry.”
Tommy and Lisa purchased their first truck, a 1974 tandem Mack, and opened their business together on June 26th, 1994, with a bit of a rocky start.
“Tommy headed out with a load of fill dirt for our first customer and their check bounced,” she explains. “We share that small setback with everyone who asks about the pros and cons of being self-employed. You must have a love for what you do and the desire to persevere when you face adversity.”
The two were married in October of 1994, surrounded by “precious family, friends, coworkers and customers at the family home.”
She explains that Tommy took the lead in the field, maintaining the job sites and employees, while she covered the office duties and worked with customers. Along the way, she became a licensed general contractor and became adept at working with the logistics of challenges such as asbestos mitigation at job sites.
“Together, we grew our fleet of Mack trucks and Cat machinery to transform from a trucking and excavating company into a specialized demolition contractor,” Lisa notes. “Tommy’s expertise with a Caterpillar excavator allowed him to dismantle commercial and industrial structures while continuing to provide professional service to the local homeowners with residential projects.”
She says their first commercial demolition
project came after there was a major industrial fire at Florida Seed & Feed in 1995.
“Jerry Cullison gave us the opportunity to haul off and finish the cleanup of the 75,000 square foot facility that burned for well over three days. This project placed our firm in a position to showcase Tommy’s natural talent for precise and accurate removal of delicate structures,” she recalls. “His love for dismantling structures continued with many other iconic projects throughout Marion County and surrounding areas within the State of Florida.”
On all jobs, safety is paramount, and all of their employees are highly trained. Among the more challenging projects were removing a 160-foot-tall water tower and a giant brick smokestack, which was crumbling. The latter site was near two major roadways.
“It was pretty intense,” Tommy says.
He offers that being accurate in such extremes is a mixture of mathematical deductions, basic knowledge of engineering and a lot of common sense.
“Well, you need to know how a building goes together in order to take it apart,” he says with a grin.
NOTABLE ENDEAVORS
Some of the more significant A & A projects have included the removal of structures such as White’s
Wyatt and Garrett Amodeo.
Photo by Bruce Ackerman.
If money was an endless resource, we would probably never tear anything down.
– Lisa Amodeo
Meat Packing Plant, the Wild Waters Water Park, the College of Central Florida swimming pool, the Goldman Peek building in downtown Ocala, former car dealerships including Bo Williams Buick Cadillac and Lincoln-Mercury, a city of Ocala sewer plant, the former Royal Oak Charcoal facility, the historic Camp House, the old Reddick School and Mt. Moriah AME Church, also in downtown Ocala, where a new city of Ocala parking garage will be erected.
Some of those projects elicited opposition, such as with the Wild Waters attraction and the Reddick School, both of which were deemed unsafe, but also elation, such as when the controversial charcoal plant removal further cemented the resolve of the west Ocala coalition that had long lobbied for an end to pollution and health-adverse living conditions.
Tommy says when he secures a job to remove iconic buildings, it is not just a business engagement, such as with the old Camp house, for example, and Lisa concurs.
“It was kind of sad. It had potential, but nobody really had the money. It wasn’t viable to remodel it,” Lisa shares. “Tommy and I go to a lot of these properties alone and we’ll have conversations like, ‘Can you imagine what this dining room looked like?’ and sometimes we see the amount of intricate work that was done to make a room incredible. And we just have to stand there. If money was an endless resource, we would probably never tear anything down.”
Gerald Ergle is a local businessman, civic leader and former mayor of Ocala. He came to know Tommy and Lisa when they did some work for him.
“I had them demolish a building or two a long time ago,” he shares, adding that he recently was visiting Ocala Tire near downtown Ocala and saw the A & A team working on the former Lincoln-Mercury property across the street and was intrigued by a sign that noted they were recycling the materials.
“They are really recycling a lot of stuff out
Tommy Amodeo.
of all of the buildings now,” he says. “I remember when you’d see a building being demolished and they’d just load up the material and take it to the dump.”
Ergle also notes that he was standing across the street talking with the owner of the historic Goldman Peek building, which is where the Mellow Mushroom restaurant is now, when the A & A crew found that just touching some of the blocks during their work there caused them to crumble into dust.
“Sometimes, buildings we consider to be historic are to the point that you can’t save them,” Ergle explains. “They had plans to use the building that was there, but it was falling down. They had to build a new building.”
SCOPE OF WORK
At the old Lincoln-Mercury property, A & A recycled the asphalt parking lot along with the concrete from the venue. They brought all of the detritus to their “yard,” where the process began, for example, to remove bits of metal and wire before the huge chunks of concrete was fed into the maw of a giant and powerful crushing machine.
“We screen it out and make rocks of different sizes,” Tommy explains about the concrete. Easily sifting a handful of pebble-size concrete pellets between his gnarled fingers, he says, “These are fines that can be used in patios underneath brick pavers.”
Pointing to a large pile of black asphalt granules, he offers that “it’s completely reusable and some of it goes into road work. Before, it was all chunky, nasty asphalt, and now it’s a reusable parking lot.”
Among the recycled materials are many kinds of metal, such as rebar.
“We will recycle semi loads of rebar. It gets processed and becomes new rebar,” he outlines. “The process on our end is time-consuming, but everything has its place, plus we’re not putting it in the ground, which is good, because it would never break down once it’s buried.”
At Mt. Moriah Church, the team took great care in saving the steeple, a stained-glass window and the cornerstone, some of which will be used by the city in a monument to the history of the church. When A &A found a number of Bibles inside the building they were set to tear down, they even “recycled” those to an outreach ministry.
The A & A team travels outside of Florida to do some jobs, such as the removal of numerous McDonald’s eateries. The bulk of their work, however, is close to home and much of it is generated through word of mouth. Some work is
secured through a bidding process, such as with the city of Ocala to remove the historic church downtown to make way for the new parking garage. They always try to maintain a strict schedule for completion, but sometimes things crop up that cause delays, such as surprises with underground infrastructure.
“With the Lincoln-Mercury job, we had to reconfigure and reroute some water,” Tommy reveals. “It took a little bit longer, but it was done right. We didn’t try to cover something up and leave, because that’s not our reputation.”
As for A &A’s 30 years in business, Ergle says he feels them achieving that milestone “attests to the type of businesspeople they are and the service they give their customers.”
As for how they came up with the name The Art of Destruction, Lisa smiles when she says: “People don’t realize that this really is an art. It’s not just tearing something down. What we’ve tried to do is make a difference and build something up. The business and our marriage has continued to grow through many hours of dedication to making each new day successful together.”
Jose’ Cordero, Cris Silva and Anthony Grizzle
LIVING
Thoughtful and Tasty
This menu of springtime dishes will complement a relaxed luncheon party in a warm setting.
By
Jill Paglia | Photography by John Jernigan
Ithink there is an art to hosting a relaxing luncheon party, which includes keeping guests at ease by providing a casual vibe where the laughter flows as freely as the conversation and refreshing beverages.
I believe a well-curated menu, and an ambiance that encourages guests to linger, is important.
You can achieve a thoughtful blend of atmosphere, decor and hospitality by choosing a soothing color scheme, such as soft pastels or earthy tones, for your tablecloths, napkins and decorations.
For this presentation, I partnered with Agapanthus, one of Ocala’s favorite downtown emporiums, to help set a lovely table with a number of springtime inspired items. The floral runner and napkins, for example, are by Juliska, as are the woven placements. I love to mix and match in this way as I think it offers a more interesting setting.
To enhance the sensory experience, I opted for natural light accented with scented candles and fresh flowers.
All of these delicious recipes can be prepared in advance so you can greet guests and help them feel at ease. With some smooth jazz playing softly in the background, I like to make brief introductions, then invite people to get something to drink and mingle a bit before I say grace and open the buffet.
At long last, spring has arrived, so let’s celebrate and have some fun!
Chickpea Salad with Sweet Pepper and Feta
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added chickpeas, rinsed
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper (or orange or yellow)
1/4 cup chopped pitted Kalamata olives
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
Whisk the oil, vinegar and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl. > Add the chickpeas, parsley, bell pepper and olives. > Toss to coat. > Sprinkle with feta before serving.
Cheesy Artichoke Dip with Spring Crudités
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons shallot, minced
1 teaspoon garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup grated low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided 2 (14-ounce) cans artichoke hearts packed in water, drained, patted dry and chopped Radishes, snap peas, zucchini and baby carrots, and crackers, to serve
Preheat the oven to 450°F. > Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. > Put the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, shallots, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup of mozzarella in a food processor. > Process for about 20 seconds. > Add the chopped artichoke hearts and quickly pulse. > Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. > Top with the other 1/2 cup mozzarella. > Bake until the top is nicely browned, for about 15 minutes. > Serve with the assortment of veggies and crackers.
Pasta Salad with Spring Vegetables and Lemon Dressing
Salad:
1 pound short-cut pasta, such as mini shells
1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup fresh sugar snap peas
1 cup radishes, halved and thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt, more as needed
Black pepper, to taste
Put the ricotta, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest and salt in a small bowl or jar and whisk until well combined. > Wash the asparagus, trim the ends and slice into 1-inch pieces.
> Wash the radishes, cut them in half and thinly slice. > Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until al dente. > Prepare a large bowl of ice water. > Bring a small pot of water to a boil, add the asparagus and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until tender and bright green. > Add the peas and cook for 1 more minute.
> Strain the asparagus and peas and put into the ice water. Once cooled, drain and pat dry. > After the pasta is cooked, put it into a colander, drain, then run under cold water and drain again. > In a large bowl, put the pasta, asparagus, peas, radishes, teaspoons of ricotta, parsley and dill. Cover with the lemon ricotta dressing and toss until combined. > Taste and adjust with olive oil, salt and pepper as needed.
16 ounces orzo pasta
1 bunch fresh asparagus tips
1 package fresh peas
10 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 medium red onion, diced
1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers
2 small jalapenos, seeded and diced
10-12 basil leaves, shredded
1 cup finely shredded Romano cheese
Dressing:
3/4 cup olive oil or lemon-flavored olive oil
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 lemon rind grated zest
3 teaspoons white wine vinegar
Cook the orzo pasta to al dente. > Put in a colander and rinse under cold water. > Cook the fresh peas for a few minutes, cut the tomatoes and dice the onion and peppers. > Put the veggies in a serving bowl and add the fresh basil and pasta. > To make the dressing, put the olive oil, herbs, white wine vinegar and salt in a small bowl or jar and whisk to combine. > Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables and toss. > You can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish if desired. > Sprinkle with Romano cheese before serving.
Whisk the vinegar, shallots and honey in a bowl or jar. > Gradually whisk in the oil. > Toss the arugula, walnuts and cranberries in a large bowl and top with vinaigrette to coat.
> Season to taste. > Mound the salad on four serving dishes. > Arrange the beets around the top, add the avocado and goat cheese, and serve.
Lettuce, either green leaf, bibb, romaine or iceberg
2 1/4-inch-thick beefsteak tomato slices
Small amount grated garlic
Salt
Pepper
Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels. > Stir together the mayonnaise and grated garlic to taste and a pinch of pepper. > Spread the mixture evenly on the bread slices. > Layer one slice of bread with some lettuce and the tomato slices. > Sprinkle the tomatoes with salt and pepper. > Top with the bacon and add the remaining bread slice. > Slice the sandwich in half before serving.
history:
books, movies and music:
food:
A Little Bit About ...
Three of the things Jose Juarez is best known for are his love of family, including his wife Kelly, cooking and cars. He also is a businessman, volunteer and active member of his church, as well as a television star, having won America’s New Grill Star, hosted by the Live with Kelly and Michael Show. His winning creation, The BarbaCuban Sandwich, was made with his 455 Sauce, born from his love of Caribbean flavors and named after the engine in his GTO.
Where were you born and raised? I was born In Havana, Cuba, and immigrated with my family at the age of 5 to Portland, Oregon. Kelly has been in Ocala since 1971. I followed her here in 1985.
What are your favorite books?
A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith, The Garner Files by James Garner, Profit First by Mike Michalowicz and Atomic Habits by James Clear.
What kinds of music, movies and TV shows do you like? I love all kinds of music. My play list includes Steely Dan, Santana, the Eagles, the Carpenter’s and even one or two from Kid Rock. My favorite movie is Christmas Vacation and TV shows are The Rockford Files and Blue Bloods
What are your favorite meals and places to dine? I love a Wagyu bacon cheeseburger on sourdough bread with my 455 Sauce and Ram Air Red Zesty Ketchup. My favorite place to dine is in my backyard outdoor kitchen that my kids named Sunset Grill. You will find Kelly and me there on most weekends, grilling a steak.
work:
influence:
What is the hardest thing you have ever done? I started my first business, Victory Solutions, from an idea and I had to develop software and a team of 15 people.
What is the coolest thing you have ever done? That would be entering the national grilling competition on Live with Kelly and Michael. I was on the show five times over four years. This led to Kelly and I starting Barbacuban, LLC.
Who has influenced you the most? J.D. Dority, my father-inlaw. He was a successful businessman who drove Cadillac Eldorados. He would tell me to take risks. He would always say, “They can’t eat you.”
pet peeves:
volunteer activities:
travel:
Who do you hope to influence? Young entrepreneurs with a dream of starting their own business.
What is your biggest one? People camping out in the left lane of the highway. That lane is for passing!
With what groups are you involved? I consider cooking to be my ministry. I have cooked for more organizations that I can list,
Do you have any trips planned? Kelly and I are taking a camping trip out west to visit Montana, Wyoming, Colorado
most recently the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Marion County Fire Rescue. I enjoy cooking for events at my church.
and Utah. I love American cars from 1961 to 1979 and soon will be going on my third Hot Rod Power tour, covering 3,000 miles in five days.
Photo by Bruce Ackerman
By Susan Smiley-Height
A unique five-day “school” in Ocala drew 33 students and 14 instructors who created an amazing variety of artistic wood floors.
Photography by Bruce Ackerman
ave Marzalek freely admits he was far more interested in being creative as a child than in being a good student.
“In second grade, when I got in trouble, I was always drawing football players and copying magazines and stuff like that,” says the 63-year-old native Californian. “My dad was an architect, and he showed me how to draw a human and I was always doing artwork. I got bored in high school and left in 12th grade to work for a hardwood flooring company. I started doing regular floors, just sand and finish, and then I started doing mosaic borders.”
He recalls working in Mammoth Lakes and that a client, who collected American Indian art, had a copy of a Smithsonian magazine lying on a table.
“I was having lunch and reading it and I found this Navajo war bonnet,” he shares. “I said I’ll buy the wood if you will allow me to put this in your floor and the rest is history.”
Marzalek won his first two Wood Floor of the Year honors from the National Wood Flooring Association in 1996. He has earned a total of 19 awards and now is one of the preeminent wood floor artists in the world.
Last October, Marzalek put on one of the “schools” that he is noted for and drew 33 students and 14 instructors to Ocala for five days of crafting amazing wood floors. The action took place at the home of Bradley Kidder, the owner of Precision Wood Floors LLC and himself a master wood
flooring artisan.
Over the five days of the DM Hardwood Designs School, nearly every floor in Kidder’s home was transformed into a work of art. Marzalek drew all of the designs.
The students came from around the nation, and Canada and Australia. Marzalek brought in cooks to prepare meals for the “campers,” many of whom would work from dawn to well past midnight on their creations. Several workstations were set up around the home, outfitted with all of the tools needed to get the jobs done.
Helping with the work was another Ocala wood flooring expert, Matt Marwick, owner of Precision Floorcrafters Inc.
“Everyone was bouncing around and helping everybody,” Marwick offers. “It was a nice way to meet people in our industry and to see the camaraderie and how they do things.”
And, he adds, with a grin, “Dave’s philosophy is no rules, be creative, and he kind of paddles against the flow, so it was fun.”
Many of the materials used during the school were donated by sponsors. One, for example, donated $16,000 worth of walnut wood, a lot of which was used by Marwick to craft beautiful steps from the lower to upper floor.
One of the more dramatic designs to come out of the school depicts two alligators circling each other. The outer rim features distinctive dark wooden inlays.
Dave Marzalek
“I found this wood from one of my suppliers that I get exotic wood from. It came from Brazil,” Marzalek says, holding up a thin slice of the wood that forms the outer circle. “It grew that way. We had the tree sliced. This is my version of coral in the water.”
That floor has LED lights embedded into the design, making for a striking presentation when illuminated.
An October 2024 article on woodfloorbusiness. com quotes Kidder as saying about the school: “There was so much going on; we got so much installed in five days. The talent was just crazy with so many people … there were probably a few people that were intermediate but probably 75 percent of the students were already advanced installers.”
Because of that, the article notes, Marzelek and Kidder didn’t have to give much direction to the students working on the floor in Kidder’s game room.
“It’s a Bordeaux pattern with a twist: Instead of multiple tiles of Bordeaux parquet, the entire floor is one huge Bordeaux pattern. Students Benny Powell, Christian Mocanu and Andrew Burk were the main installers for the floor, with Jessica Colpron assisting on the border. The main wood is Goodwin Heart Pine’s Antique Long Leaf Blue Sap pine, and the triangular border is comprised of American cherry and walnut, with pine in a soldier pattern on the perimeter. Once the flooring was installed, students practiced hand-scraping—a signature technique of Marzalek’s.”
Marzalek says he did his first school in 2000 in Pennsylvania for one of his sponsors.
“We did a showroom, and I found out that I had a love for teaching. I’m also a big God guy and God gave me the talent to give to others,” he recalls. “My school traveled around. I’m the flooring gypsy. I followed my son. He was in the Army, and we had a school at his house in Texas. Bradley was a student, so that’s how we met.”
Before the school took place in Ocala, Marzalek and others produced some custom woodwork in the kitchen and game room, and one floor in an upstairs bedroom.
“This floor actually got like 30,000 likes on Facebook,” Marzalek says, sweeping his hand around the bedroom. “This floor took me two months. This wood was all hand cut.”
“I took 44 years to get here and I’m still learning. I learn from them, you know, the different ways they do things,” Marzalek says of people like Marwick and Kidder, as he points out one element in a large rectangular floor. “Like when Bradley put that eagle in the way he did it
Left to right: Matt Marwick, Dave Marzalek and Bradley Kidder
with the router, that was an interesting way of doing that.”
Kidder, who is originally from Titusville but has been in Marion County since he was 15, says he started doing wood floors in 2006, “pretty much commercial work doing jam stages, dance floors.” He has become known for his gymnasiums and works in several southeastern states, including Georgia and South Carolina.
Marwick grew up in Ocala and attended Osceola and Vanguard schools before getting a college degree in art. He did some flooring work as a summer job and soon realized that would be more profitable than trying to make a living as an artist. His clients now are all over the country and in the Bahamas and include “a lot of sports people, celebrities and hedge fund guys.” He is a five-time winner of the Wood Floor of the Year award.
“Dave has won more awards with the National Wood Flooring Association than any other person, so in his time in the industry, he has had a really good run,” Kidder notes. Sweeping his glance around the incredible flooring artworks in his home he adds, “I feel like I won the Dave Marzalek lottery.”
“I’m a very decent name in the industry worldwide,” Marzalek says with sincerity. “I’m still doing it because I love what I do.”
Matt Marwick
Thrifting is the New Black in Shopping
Finding treasures among pre-owned goods is a fun and frugal way to score some threads and decorate your home.
By Belea T. Keeney / Photography by Bruce Ackerman
If your spring plans include some home décor updates, then consider checking out the great variety of thrift and consignment stores we’re lucky to have here in Marion County. Looking for a funky piece of artwork in just the right colors for your sunroom? Maybe that coffee pot that matches your mother’s china pattern? You may have good luck finding them in a store full of pre-owned goods.
Whether you call them thrift stores, consignment shops or junque stores, thrifting is a fun and cost-conscious way to find furniture, artwork, home décor items, clothing and more. We’re especially blessed in this part of Florida because, with so many people relocating here and retirees in the area, the turnover in stock in many stores is frequent and offers opportunities for some real bargains.
Not all such stores are the same, so there are variations to consider when shopping. Some offer pickup and delivery, some have a charity or
Rachael Clay poses at Gifted Hands Consignment and Thrift.
Clay’s shop offers furniture and other items.
nonprofit element, and some are privately owned and may offer more discerning reviews of the items they accept.
CONSIGNMENT STORES
These stores accept items from multiple sellers and split a percentage of the sales price between the shop and the consignor (typically about 50 percent). They generate revenue through sales and owners tend to evaluate items carefully, know what their customers want and may have a niche market they serve. They have the option to reject items that are ragged, are of poor quality or are out of season. (Think beach towels in December or winter coats in July.)
If you’re looking for a full furniture set, name brands and a variety of décor items, consignment stores are often a first-choice option. The biggest names in this area are Carriage Trade near downtown and the Renaissance Room on the southwest side.
Rachael Clay holds some of the dolls she sells.
You can find interesting glassware at Gifted Hands.
Ornate dishes are shown at Gifted Hands Consignment and Thrift.
THRIFT SHOPS
These shops accept donations of many items and the stock for sale is dependent on what has come in from donors. This can result in a mix of lowand high-quality items that may or may not be in great shape. Some thrift stores have standards for donations and make an effort to offer clean, solid items. The Hospice Thrift Stores of Marion
NORTHWEST:
Sheltering Hands Thrift Shoppe
10397 US Highway 27, Ocala (352) 840-0063
This small shop tends to have a lot of pet supplies and the proceeds support local cat rescues, spaying and neutering for pets, foster care and trap/neuter/ release programs.
Gifted Hands
636 NW 27th Ave., Ocala (352) 509-6510
One of the new shops in the original Finicky Flamingo building, this one brims with a fun variety of home décor and furnishings, along with clothing, artwork, china, glassware and jewelry.
These are clean, bright stores with furniture, home décor, some media and a contractor’s/building supply section with lighting, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, paint and more.
Cricket’s Closet
1013 NE 14th St., Ocala (352) 512-0655
This is a recently opened store chock full of kids, women’s and men’s clothing, jewelry, home décor, art, housewares, kid’s stuff and more.
County, for example, are notably clean, with wellkept items that still have a lot of life left in them. In other stores, you may end up digging through some genuine junk to find that goodie you’ve been searching for.
Some thrift stores are part of a charity or nonprofit model and might be part of a national organization, like Goodwill, Habitat for
Interfaith Thrift Store
718 N Pine Ave., Ocala (352) 351-3541
This store is clean and well-organized with household items, clothing, furniture and more. Proceeds support the Interfaith Center for Life, which includes food assistance, housing help and more. It offers pick-up of donated items.
Humane Society of Marion County Thrift Store
110 NW 10th St., Ocala (352) 732-8424
This store helps support the society’s mission to help homeless pets, supports spay/neuter programs, operate its shelter and run TNR programs. The store is full of household items, home décor, media, electronics, clothing and some furniture.
The Salvation Army Family Thrift Store
120 NW 10th St., Ocala (352) 732-7058
Part of the “thrift shop row” threesome on NW 10th St., this is a charity-based shop with a mix of all kinds of household items, furniture, clothing, electronics and jewelry.
Brother’s Keeper Thrift Store
320 NW 10th St., Ocala (352) 732-7988
This faith-based store supports social services for the poor and homeless,
including emergency housing and a soup kitchen that serves lunch daily. Some donated items go directly to clients, such as clothing, housewares and furniture. This is a good-sized space with lots of clothing and ample parking.
CENTRAL/DOWNTOWN:
The Carriage Trade
2005 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala (352) 369-9298
This consignment store has been in Ocala for decades and has an upscale vibe with terrific home furnishings, décor items and artwork. Housed in a former department store, what were once dressing rooms are now special little nooks where you can hunt for goodies. Delivery is available.
The White Elephant
120 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala (352) 732-5580
This is a two-for-one deal with the main store on the west side of the street, overflowing with a vibrant and eclectic mix of home décor and vintage items. On the east side and a little to the south, bigger items like furniture and architectural pieces are located a few steps away.
Tumbleweed
122 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala (352) 433-2084
Next door to the White Elephant,
Rhonda Crickenberger sells dolls at Cricket’s Closet.
Cricket’s Closet Thrift Store is in Ocala.
Humanity and the Salvation Army. Others have a more local focus. The Humane Society of Marion County Thrift Store, for example, helps local animals in need.
These stores often have clothing, media, electronics and much more than home furnishings. Some even offer a section of new items.
Thrift stores may be independently owned and operated, and this is where the owner’s tastes or preferences might come into play. These stores often have a fun mix of clothing, jewelry, home décor items, media and other goodies, and many are merchandised in a bright, eye-catching way.
Flip N’ Fabulous Finds in Belleview is one of these, as is Cricket’s Closet in Ocala.
Alas, some of the cool shops we last visited in 2020 didn’t survive the pandemic, but there are several new shops to check out. We can’t list every shop in the county, but here are a few we recently visited and found worth noting. Happy hunting!
this is a small yet delightful shop with antiques, home décor, artwork, jewelry and more. It’s worth the effort to comb through the shelves and racks.
The Monkey Cage
514 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala (352) 433-2833
This is a unique thrift and consignment store featuring maternity, baby and children’s goodies, toys, clothes, books, furniture and women’s clothes and jewelry.
SOUTHEAST:
The Garden Thrift and Boutique 12740 SE County Road 484, Belleview
This store is next to The Garden Worship Center in a charming adobe style building. It features a good selection of clothing and jewelry, houseware, glassware and china.
Operation Shoebox Furniture Store
5940 SE Hames Road, Belleview (352) 307-6723
This organization supports veterans and sends care packages to U.S. soldiers stationed overseas. It offers furniture, home décor items, floral arrangements and artwork at great prices. There also is a thrift store with lots of housewares at 8360 E Highway 25.
Flip N’ Fabulous Finds
5931 SE Hames Road, Belleview (352) 693-4500
New owner Sherri Beatty took over this store in September and its vibe is charming. It’s bright and light, filled with clothing, jewelry, housewares and a kids’ room with toys and clothes.
Wings of Faith Thrift Store
3330 SE 58th Ave., Ocala (352) 694-1158
This full-to-the brim charity shop offers furniture, clothes, housewares and some new items. It even has a shopper loyalty card. Note: They no longer accept or sell kids toys.
SOUTHWEST:
Renaissance Room
7380 SW 60th Ave., Ocala (352) 854-7022
Another of the big names and longtime stores in the area, the location near Oak Run and On Top of the World means the stock has consistent turnover. It carries lots of bedroom suites, dining room sets and furniture, along with artwork, jewelry and a plus-sized women’s clothing section.
Sheriffs’ Ranches Thrift Store
8585 SW State Road 200, Ocala (352)857-8060
This is a large store with a great selection of furniture, housewares,
clothing, media, jewelry and home décor.
Helping Hands Thrift Store
8820 SW State Road 200, Ocala (352) 237-1761
This fun jumble of a store brims with furniture, home décor, artwork, clothing, jewelry and housewares.
Hospice of Marion County Thrift Stores
All three locations are clean, wellorganized, well-lit and offer a variety of items.
6116 SW State Road 200, in Jasmine Square
3101 SW 34th Ave., in the Shoppes at Paddock Park
4901 E Silver Springs Blvd., in Six Gun Plaza.
Cricket’s Closet offers a variety of goods.
An ornament on an Easter tree is shown at Cricket’s Closet.
The Beauty of Patchwork
This unique Florida art form changed with the introduction of sewing machines.
OBy Scott Mitchell
f all the clothes I own, the colorful patchwork jacket is the most unique. It is handmade, lightweight and in no way subtle. It stands out among my wardrobe with its colors and bold geometric patterns. There are red, yellow and orange bands on a green background. This is a jacket for special occasions. When worn, it attracts compliments, questions and usually a stare or two. Most folks who did not grow up in South Florida are not familiar with patchwork, but it is an art form unique to Florida and very much part of our state’s history.
My jacket was created by Lois Doctor, who is a modest but highly talented seamstress. Lois is Seminole and has lived in the Everglades all of her life. She grew up sewing patchwork, the traditional clothing style of both Seminole and Miccosukee people. Patchwork has a rich history and remains an important part of Native American culture here in Florida. It is unique to our state and, in my opinion, a treasure.
Patchwork, however, is a relatively recent artform. We know from historic accounts, sketches
and photographs that Native Americans in Florida during the 1700s and 1800s did not make it. Garments consisted of a combination of traditional leather shirts and leggings, and clothes made from cotton and wool material obtained through trade. During this time, large shirts, jackets and dresses were made from broad bands of cloth that were decorated with strips of colored material and occasionally applied geometric patterns (typically diamond shapes).
This all changed when the hand-cranked sewing machine was introduced to native communities in South Florida during the very early 1900s. The new technology coincided with a time when many families were working in tourist camps to earn income. Native people were encouraged to sew, carve, cook and wrangle alligators as part of the attraction. Crafts such as dolls, small carvings and clothing were made and offered for sale. Visitors from all over the country came to Florida each winter to buy souvenirs and meet a “real Indian.”
Sometime around 1915, patchwork clothes
Photo by Bruce Ackerman
Scott Mitchell wears his Seminole patchwork jacket as he shows a patchwork skirt and doll by a display of Seminole Indian items at the Silver River Museum on February 7th, 2025.
begin to appear in photographs. In these images, the clothing shows a bold new style consisting of many small pieces of cloth that form geometric patterns. This style of sewing quickly caught on and by the 1920s it was the predominant wardrobe among Seminole and Miccosukee people in the Everglades. By the 1930s it had spread to the related communities located to the north around Lake Okeechobee and was a central part of the culture.
With each passing decade, an evolution in the design of the patterns can be seen in old photographs. The components of the patchwork patterns generally get smaller and more complex with time. Early styles show bold blocky patterns while later, more “modern,” designs tend to be smaller. Unsurprisingly, the images also show how clothing styles changed through time, much like any fashion.
In broad terms, patchwork refers to both the style of clothing and the individual bands of patterns that are then combined with cloth to make the garment. A “band” of patchwork is made by sewing many small pieces of colorful cloth together to form a pattern that repeats itself across the length of the work. These patterns sometimes have names that somewhat resemble the design such as fire, telephone pole, man on a horse and zig zag.
The jacket Lois Doctor made for me is in the old style that would have been made for a family member, rather than for sale to a tourist. The patterns she used come from the 1940s. Strips of colored cloth are sewn onto the jacket to form bands that complement the geometric patterns. There is no collar or zipper. Buttons are used to close the front. Lois explained to me that collars and zippers were for tourist jackets because that is what they wanted. Ricrack was also used by some seamstresses on sales garments instead of cloth strips to save sewing time.
Although worn infrequently, the jacket is one of my prized possessions. It is both a connection to a simpler time and a wonderful example of a unique Florida artform. To see examples of historic
Seminole patchwork, visit the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center on any Saturday or Sunday from 10am to 4pm. To learn more about Native American arts in Florida, the book Art of the Florida Seminole and Miccosukee Indians by Dorothy Downs (University Press of Florida 1995) is an excellent resource.
Scott Mitchell is a field archaeologist, scientific illustrator and director of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center at 1445 NE 58th Avenue, inside the Silver River State Park. To learn more, go to silverrivermuseum.com
Mary Jene Koenes and Mary Billie Waggerby sew together. Photo courtesy Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center
Seminole dolls wearing patchwork. Photo courtesy Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center
From left, Charlie Cypress, Betty Cypress, Lee Cypress, Mary Billie and her daughter, Mary Jene Billie. Photo courtesy Florida State Archives
Mary Billie Waggerby and Mary Jene Koenes in camp. Photo courtesy Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center
A Home for At-Risk Youth
The Arnette House provides life-changing services for abandoned, truant and homeless youth in the community.
By Beth Landsverk / Photography by Bruce Ackerman
The Arnette House saved my life, one client, who we’ll call Sarah, said last summer.
Sarah met another girl at the youth shelter who became her best friend. The two are continuing to support each other as they did while they were there. Today, Sarah has completed school and a vocational training program, enjoys a great job and is raising her son.
The Arnette House has been providing housing and recovery services for at-risk youth for nearly 45 years, since the Arnette family founded the charity in 1982.
“The Arnette family experienced a tragic loss when their son, Gary, died of a drug overdose,” says Chief Executive Officer Cheri Pettitt. “His death was especially devastating because they thought they were beginning to see the light after he had been drug-free for a significant period of time.”
Gary had struggled with substance abuse for
many years, despite his family’s many attempts to help him. In response to his death, his parents, Sara and Vernon Arnette, decided to offer a safe place where youth in the community could receive help. With assistance from the Marion County Mental Health Association, the Arnette House nonprofit was founded.
In the beginning, volunteers would take turns spending nights with the first few clients. Now, the charity boasts 53 employees. The Arnette House has grown into a three-building complex that sits on 4.8 acres in Northeast Ocala and provides programs and services to Marion, Citrus, Lake, Hernando and Sumter counties. The 501(c)(3) that started with just two bedrooms now includes an emergency shelter, a counseling facility, an educational center and two foster care group homes.
“Our purpose is still to provide a safe place for at-risk youth in our community,” says Petitt,
Morgan Nebel, Mark Shearon, Dr. Kelly Scott, Cheri Pettitt, Pamela Washington and Lorin Bryan.
who went to school with members of the Arnette family. “What that means is, if a child is a runaway or homeless, we will provide a safe place, nutritional food, clothing, hygiene products, etc., while we work to bring their family back together.”
The emergency temporary shelter program of the Arnette House can accommodate up to 20 children who are between the ages of 10 and 17 and are runaways, abandoned, homeless, truant, have been locked out of their home or are experiencing parent/child conflict.
The residential group homes are for youth ages 13 to 17 who are in foster care and are in need of long-term placement or who are about to age out of the foster care system.
The agency offers community counseling services for those ages 6 to 17.
The Stop Now And Plan (SNAP) program gives strategies to increase pro-social skills for children ages 6 to 11 who are engaging in aggressive, anti-social behavior and/or have come into contact with authority figures in school or in the community.
The Arnette House also offers behavioral counseling, family reunification services and case management and substance abuse prevention services.
“Arnette House steps in where others may not, creating hope and opportunity where it’s needed most,” offers Dr. Kelly Scott, president of Arnette House and a board member since 2015.
Through the Resident Services program alone, Arnette House serves approximately 360 children each year.
“Ninety-six percent of our shelter clients were discharged to their homes and 96 percent were living at home at a 60-day follow-up,” Pettitt notes of the success rates. “Ninety-six percent were regularly attending school 60 days following discharge. Following community counseling, 81
percent of our clients increased their academic performance, 81 percent decreased their disciplinary referrals and 96 percent increased their attendance.”
“The critical services provided, from counseling and education to life skills training, are vital in breaking the cycle of hardship, empowering youth to envision and achieve a brighter future while strengthening families and, by extension, the entire community,” Scott adds.
Arnette House receives funding from state contracts with the Department of Children and Families, which funds the emergency shelter and long-term group homes, and the Department of Juvenile Justice, which provides funds for youth who are runaways, truant, or ungovernable, Pettitt says. United Way of Marion County provides another key component of Arnette House’s funding, as do private and community donors.
Some upcoming fundraisers for the Arnette House include a Greater Ocala Women’s Club charity golf tournament on March 7th at the Ocala Golf Club and the Ocala Business Leaders mac and cheese cookout called The Big Cheese on March 8th.
The community has also traditionally supported Arnette House by sending volunteer groups who have organized workout classes, art classes and pizza and ice cream parties.
“If you cannot donate your time,” Pettitt says, “we always need donations such as hygiene items, gently used clothing suitable for teenagers and recreational goods… [and] by spreading the word in the community.”
To learn more, go to arnettehouse.org or call (352) 622-6135.
CEO Cheri Pettitt poses with Duff y, the Arnette House mascot
Mark Franquiz
Spring Cleaning, Planting and Playing
This is the perfect time of year to enjoy the warmer weather while sprucing up your garden.
By Belea T. Keeney
We’ve gotten through a few frosty nights and even had a couple of hard freezes this year. By now, though, our yards, lawns and plants should begin to recover. The drab browns and grays we lived with in January and February hopefully have given way to that ohso-specific pale green of new leaves on trees and shrubs. Our yards are coming back to life!
Once the risk of hard freezes has passed — usually by March 20 or so — it’s safe to get out in the yard and do some pruning to remove deadwood and for shaping. Although a freeze in late March is unlikely, if you really want to be cautious, go ahead and prune, but only plants you know you can move or protect/cover if we get another freakishly cold night. I have one small camellia and a gift canna lily that I’d cover if needed but everything else outside will have to get by on its own. That being said, as advised in previous columns: RUP — Resist the Urge to Prune.
The UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Services suggests, “…freeze damage should not be pruned back until you see new growth emerging later in the spring. If it is possible to postpone clipping the plant back, try to hold off until at least March.”
Of course, there are other tasks/chores/fun stuff to do out there. I reward myself after doing a yucky chore with a fun one. Rake up dead branches and debris balanced by making a new container garden, for example. Pull weeds and Bermuda grass balanced by repotting a couple of houseplants and cooing to them (thereby exuding carbon dioxide, which plants love.) Clean out and organize the potting table balanced by buying new bird seed and changing out the bird baths. Make a landfill run balanced by a stop by a nursery to — wait for it — buy new plants.
You can also turn and refresh your mulch, and help make healthier soil by adding compost,
coffee grounds, leaves, vegetable cuttings, eggshells and other compostables. If you’ve been a good gardening doobie all winter and used a compost bin, give it a turnover and use some of that lovely black gold in your new beds.
One benefit to living in this central north Florida area is that springtime creates lots of leaf drop as the trees push out old leaves and start growing beautiful new ones. I have a fairly treeless property, but several of my neighbors willingly spend their time raking up leaves, bagging them and putting them at the curb for the garbage service to pick up. I’m not shy about knocking on their doors and asking if I can dispose of those leaf bags for them. One close-by neighbor annually rolls over with a few garbage bins full of leaves that he kindly deposits in my backyard. Win-win!
This is also a good time to think about what you want to take out of your landscape. Do you want to focus on the front yard and curb appeal aspect, or do more in the backyard where you might spend more of your time? What would bring you the most joy? For me, I do what’s needed in my front yard to keep it looking decent, but, honestly, there’s not much out there that I, ya know, actually care about.
I spend most of my outside time in the backyard, so that’s where I spend my time and money. I spend more dollars on plants and shrubs around my bird feeder and bird bath area than I do for the front lamp-post bed that I only see when I’m using my driveway. I’ve created a little vignette with my solarpowered fountain that entertains me, the squirrels, the cats and the birds. You may have other priorities, and taking the time to think it out will let you get more bang for your gardening buck.
If you decide to get new plants, March and April is the perfect time for transplanting. The plants are ready to grow new roots and leaves, and the soil is still cool enough it won’t cause an issue. They can settle in and get established before the hard heat of summer comes around in June.
Enjoy these next spring months and appreciate the colors, scents and beauty that nature offers this time of year.
A native Floridian and lifelong gardener, Belea spends her time off fostering cats and collecting caladiums. You can send gardening questions or column suggestions to her at belea@magnoliamediaco.com
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