Locala, April 2022, Ocala, FL by Lisa Anderson Media, LLC

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NAJAREE PHROMVIYO

Unity & Diversity: Opening Minds & Embracing Family

JOSH DICAPUA

Dishes to Riches: 22-Year-Old is Loving the Hard Work & The Coffee Culture

MADISON RAFACZ

Making It Look Easy: Freshman Takes Life by the Reins

Volume 01, Issue No. 11 • APRIL 2022

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Dear Ocala Ocala’s Youth

BREAKING SOCIAL NORMS

Affecting Change: Entering the Political Sphere as a Young Woman of Color

F R O M T H E PA D D O C K

Making It Look Easy: Freshman Takes Life by the Reins

FROM THE EXPERTS

Why Ask Why: Channeling Your Inner Toddler

Positive Leadership: Making the Choice to Be Optimistic

THE CHEWS LETTER

ON THE COVER

Dishes to Riches: 22-Year-Old Is Loving the Hard Work & the Coffee Culture

ARTIST CORNER

Depicting the Dancer: Artworks by Ernst Opplert

No Rules: Art Revolution in Ocala

REMEMBER THE 2020 LOCKDOWN

Business Games: Teen Plans, Strategizes, & Holds Himself Accountable

Unity & Diversity: Opening Minds & Embracing Family

Born to Be a Boss: Entrepreneurship Amidst the Uncertainty

F E AT U R E

From Present Parenting to Entrepreneur: Director of Kid City USA Has Found Joy in Her Leadership Role

GIVERTORIAL

McKenzie’s Moment: Impacting the Future for Local Mothers & Infants

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

LISA ANDERSON (AGE 21) DEAR OCALA,

Photo by Lisa Anderson

et’s start this conversation with honesty. I am a childless, 40-year-old millennial, who is often intimidated by teenagers and have been since I was one. I probably allow myself to be swayed by the popular opinion of Generation Z, aka Gen Z or iGen. I don’t really identify with younger millennials, either. So, agreeing to theme this issue “Ocala’s Youth” and commit to writing stories from the perspective of 16- to 20-something-year-olds and trying to bond with people who work with kids was a bit like swallowing a drink wrong. There’s a moment when you’re sure you are going to choke, and then, you manage to slowly inhale, allowing your breath to return to normal. Why am I admitting to this challenge? It’s simple: When I tell you I am impressed with these individuals, I don’t want you to think I am blowing smoke. The young men and women in this issue are astounding and driven and give me incredible hope for our future. I enjoyed every conversation, laughed out loud,

and even choked up a few times. The next generation is passionate, ambitious, and hardworking, despite the trials and uncertainties that come with youth. Parents, I tip my hat to you. It is not easy to navigate parenthood— to decide if you want to make screen time a regular part of the day, continue your education, juggle three or four jobs, homeschool or rely on public education, encourage college or a trade, and on and on. Your

decisions are endless. Your kids might not know how to untangle a phone cord, but they are coming out swinging with a passion I did not experience in my graduating class of 2000. I hope you are encouraged by the stories you read in this issue. I know I am. Most Sincerely,

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McKenzie’s Moment IMPACTING THE FUTURE FOR LOCAL MOTHERS & INFANTS

hen golfers and celebrities gather at Golden Ocala, this April, for the McKenzie’s Moment 4th Annual Celebrity Golf Invitational, they will honor one young life and help many more. Originally from Pennsylvania, Ryan Gray, his wife Kait, and their young daughter Palmer moved to Ocala, when he became Director of Golf at Golden Ocala in the fall of 2017. Their second daughter, McKenzie Ryan Kearney Gray, was born on May 22, 2018, at 28 weeks, due to a placenta abruption. Despite medical intervention and excellent care, McKenzie passed from this life just three days later. “We were new to Ocala, and the way people supported us was incredible,” says Ryan of those dark days. The Grays found healing in creating something that not only honors McKenzie, but also ensures that her brief life impacts many others. “Kait and I have always been around and enjoyed the game of golf, so we thought, what better way to commemorate her?” says Ryan. “Being in the golf business, it was like second nature to do this.” And so, the couple created their own 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to honor their daughter’s legacy. McKenzie’s Moment has raised over $500,000 in the past four years. Since the first charity golf tournament held in 2019, each subsequent year has seen an increase in funds raised and more celebrities coming out to support it. Among local charities McKenzie’s Moment has benefited is Project Hope of Marion County, which helps homeless women and their children. In February 2022, an additional $1.7 million donation from Michael and Kathleen Smith of Ocala made possible the McKenzie Kearney Gray Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) program at Advent Health Ocala. “This program will allow mothers and babies of high-risk pregnancies to get specialized pre- and post-natal care here without having to leave Marion County,” explains Ryan. “Ground for the building at Advent Health, which will be named after McKenzie, will be broken in the fall of 2022. The hospital thinks this will help 900 families a year.” Some three dozen celebrities are committed to the McKenzie’s Moment 4th Annual Celebrity Golf Invitational, including big names from the NFL, MLB, NHL, and of course, the world of professional golf. “Because of running McKenzie’s Moment, she’s never gone. People ask me about it when they see the logo and they say, ‘I’m sorry,’ but I thank them for asking. For me, this is a little bit of therapy,” says Ryan. “Our goal is for everyone to come out, have a fun time commemorating McKenzie, and help raise funds to help women and children in need.” MCKENZIE’S MOMENT 4TH ANNUAL CELEBRITY GOLF INVITATIONAL GOLDEN OCALA April 24-25, 2022 | mckenzies-moment.com

GIVERTOR I AL SPO N SO RE D BY O UR HE ARTS AL IG N

BREAKING SOCIAL NORMS

Affecting Change

CYNTHIA DELA ROSA Story by LISA ANDERSON

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Photo submitted by Cynthia Dela Rosa

ENTERING THE POLITICAL SPHERE AS A YOUNG WOMAN OF COLOR

BREAKING SOCIAL NORMS

“M

y name is Cynthia Dela Rosa and I am running for Florida State House of Representatives for District 23. While it’s incredible to believe that someone of my background can affect change with a generation of citizens much older, I stand on the shoulders of these leaders who helped me get where I am.” The above quote is from the closing paragraph on the Meet Cynthia page of cynthiaforhouse.com. In 2020, during a pandemic, Cynthia Dela Rosa decided to enter the world of politics for the first time. She was 23 years old. Born in Flint, Michigan, her parents moved to the Ocala area when Cynthia was just eight years old. She attended Blessed Trinity Catholic School and Trinity Catholic High School, before heading to the University of Florida, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a concentration in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience in 2018. She returned to Ocala to work as a registered behavioral technician with the Florida Autism Center. “While I was working there, I became more aware of the political climate. What really got me was the women’s health [issues],” Cynthia explains. “I decided we have to do something. That’s why I decided to run. I feel that was a very extreme reaction, but I felt that was most appropriate for me, because I wasn’t sure anything less than that was going to be heard by my peers.”

I am excited to see what our generation in general has to offer, not just in the political sphere. — Cynthia Dela Rosa

ENTERING THE POLITICAL SPHERE

Cynthia’s age was one of many challenges. “Not only because people would underestimate me. There was a lack of political experience and reputation.” She was an unknown, and her age hadn’t allowed her to build a strong reputation in the community. Her race and gender were some of the other hurdles she needed to jump over. “Being a woman of color has its own intrinsic difficulties.” However, her family, campaign team, and friends were there to help her meet and overcome whatever trials she faced. “My family was nothing but supportive. In hindsight, they were probably thinking I was crazy for wanting to do it, but they were behind me the whole time. They went to all of my events. They asked me questions when I was giving speeches. They held me when I was really frustrated.” Cynthia had stepped into the unfamiliar, but it wasn’t all roadblocks. She fondly remembers going door-to-door, participating in community events, such as food drives, and helping to raise funds. While she was “door knocking,” Cynthia was surprised to learn she was often the first political candidate to personally speak with someone. “It was very interesting and sad to hear that someone other than a 22/23-year-old girl wasn’t coming out to talk with the people of Ocala. I also really liked the community work that we did. There is a non-profit hospital in West Ocala [Estella Berg Whitman Wellness and Community Resource Center], and we raised more than $2,000 worth of supplies and finances to support this local hospital. I was very excited about that.” While Cynthia won the primary election, she did not win the general election. “We didn’t win, but it still felt like a big victory. We brought so many people together. It was one of the largest Democratic victories in Ocala. I thought we would have support down party lines, but there was a little bit of everyone, which was awesome,” she adds with a giggle.

TWENTY-FIVE AND MOVING FORWARD

“Since then, I’ve been focusing a lot on myself. I realized that the political sphere is definitely something I want to go into again, but there are other things I want to do first,” the now 25-yearold Cynthia states via a video meeting. She recently moved to the Tampa area to pursue her career and school. She has applied to med school, is studying for the MCAT® (Medical College Admission Test®), and now works for the Florida Medical Clinic in the dermatology department. “To be totally honest, and I don’t think I’m ashamed to say it, it took a really long time to process the election, so that I have the outlook of it as I have now.” Even though she has always felt her loss was a win, that doesn’t mean Cynthia didn’t feel the sting of self-perceived failure. “I had a lot of support to overcome that,” she muses. In the meantime, Cynthia is learning to truly listen to the people around her, what community members and influencers say about specific topics, and to always practice followthrough. As she stated earlier, she plans to return to politics. For now, she is focusing on how she can best serve without needing to run for office. “I am excited to see what our generation in general has to offer, not just in the political sphere.”

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O C A L A’ S Y O U T H

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O C A L A’ S Y O U T H

MANUEL DAVILA Story & Photo by LISA ANDERSON

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O C A L A’ S Y O U T H

anuel Davila, 17, is a first-generation Mexican-American, a chess player, and a boxer, but that’s putting his life into a simple package. He’s also a busy entrepreneur, an avid reader of nonfiction books about leadership, and a registered social media strategist, and he is willing to admit he’s made some mistakes along the way. Manuel started M.A.D. Mobile Detailing when he was 15 years old. “When I first started cleaning cars, I had a little 2016 Honda Accent, which is a little, small car. I started working out of the trunk. Now I have a nice truck. I have really been blessed. I really found a passion for business.”

FAMILY BONDS

Manuel’s sister was the first family member to go to college, and he plans to continue that legacy. His current plans are to go to a state university—hopefully with a scholarship major in business management, minor in finance—and, eventually, start his own real estate business. “I definitely think I have a different perspective on life. I feel like I’ve matured at a faster rate. Not saying that I’m better than anyone, but I really see there’s a big difference in thinking between me and [my friends]. They’re worried about the next fun thing, and I’m worried about the future. “I’m very persistent. I also don’t have a lot of free time. I actually wake up at 4:00-4:30 in the morning, [go] to the gym then school, clean a car, go home, do my homework, [and] then sleep. It’s a tight schedule. The weekends I’m [cleaning] five or six cars. I work almost every day, but I’m young. I can still do that,” he says with a smile.

What actually started me on an entrepreneurial path was my father starting his own lawn service. I actually helped him for three or four years. — Manuel Davila

His parents, their emigration, and their support are driving forces behind his persistence and dedication. “My mother grew up extremely poor with four siblings. The reason [my parents] wanted to come up here to the United States was to give us a better life. There’s a lot of danger [in Mexico], and the school education isn’t as good as it is here. I was born and raised here. I’m the first generation American. There’s a lot of pressure. My parents told me there was a high standard, and I hold myself to a higher standard.” Manuel is very close to his parents and attributes much of his success to their good relationship. “My father is the fire-starter in everything in my life. I have to give him credit. He’s a great father.”

A BUSINESS LEADER IN THE MAKING

“When I was growing, it was the middle of the recession. It was a pretty dark time. I never went hungry, but I know my parents went through a lot of migraines trying to keep the house. I know those were tough times. My father lost his job. “What actually started me on an entrepreneurial path was my father starting his own lawn service. I actually helped him for three or four years. That’s where I picked

up a good work ethic and the value of money. Once I learned the value of money, I started to think, maybe, I want to pursue my own thing.” That was around the time his father found almost all of the equipment needed to start a car detailing business, when he was at a yard sale. He purchased it, brought it home, and suggested the business idea to Manuel. Like many new business owners, he made his share of mistakes. “I learned so much. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a single thing. Now, I have built up a good reputation around Ocala,” Manuel says with pride in his voice. “I often find myself in leadership positions. I like being a leader. I’m a big problem-solver. I love analyzing the world,” which may be the reason he loves chess and why he fills notebooks with plans. In fact, he still has the notebook with the step-by-step plans he implemented for his car detailing business. He might put a lot of pressure on himself to succeed, but there is no denying he enjoys it. “Business is a game. The way you win it is drawing the most people towards you.” That and the hard work, persistence, and learning from mistakes— all the things Manuel has in hand.

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O C A L A’ S Y O U T H

Unity & Diversity

OPENING MINDS & EMBRACING FAMILY

NAJAREE PHROMVIYO Story & Photo by LISA ANDERSON

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O C A L A’ S Y O U T H

ajaree Phromviyo’s sweet temperament and charming character can be easily felt within moments of meeting her. Her warm smile and bubbling laugh would put anyone at ease. She is one example of Ocala’s finest. She comes with a keen mind, ambition, and above all, a love for family. Born and raised in Ocala, Najaree spent most of her educational years at private school, until her mom began working at Forest High School as a custodian. She encouraged Najaree to attend and take advantage of the many programs and clubs offered by the school, and take advantage of them she did. Najaree, 17 and a senior, is active in numerous clubs, including the First Robotics Club (EMIT) where she is head of the documentary crew, and she sits as a board member for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). She even founded the Unity and Diversity club this year.

I’m all about school spirit, too. I love going to all the games. My fun is being at school and being active in the clubs. — Najaree Phromviyo

This bright star’s resume is long with AP and honors classes and participation in the engineering and medical programs, to name a few of her accomplishments. “I’m all about school spirit, too. I love going to all the games. My fun is being at school and being active in the clubs.” She has also been volunteering every Saturday at Advent Health for over a year. “That’s because I want to be in the medical field. Hopefully, [I’ll] become an orthopedic surgeon.” She applied to six universities and had already been accepted to a few at the time of the interview. She’s planning to major in computer science before attending medical school. Her list of accomplishments and pending accomplishments are impressive, but they are not what really stands out about her character.

FAMILY ABOVE ALL ELSE

“I like to spend time with my family, because that’s a huge thing in my life. I really do love my family. Other than wanting to be a surgeon, I just want to also care for my family. Since they have given back to me, I want to give back to them. It’s part of our Thai culture to care for them—even living in the same house after graduation and getting a job. It’s just what I’ve grown up with. So, I do hope that I have that same mentality and [will] always stick to my roots as a Thai person.” Most of Najaree’s extended relatives live in Thailand. Her dad’s side of the family has been her inspiration for becoming a surgeon, as many of them are doctors, nurses, and professors teaching in subjects related to the medical field. The pandemic limited Najaree and her parents’ visits. The last time they were there was the summer before her sophomore year, when she lost both of her grandparents within six months of each other. Watching her mother and aunt care for them deeply moved Najaree. “It helped me realize how important family was to me,” she says through choked words and teary eyes.

Her friends may find some of the cultural differences a little odd, like kissing your mother on the lips, but Najaree is grateful for their understanding and acceptance. She did notice, however, not everyone at Forest High School was as openminded. “I felt that Forest was lacking with being open-minded, and I just wanted to expose the current world events going on around us.” Najaree had been toying with starting a club since they went into quarantine her sophomore year, but she didn’t decide on diversity, until this last summer. “My one regret is not starting it my junior year.” It has been difficult for the club to meet, due to the new class schedules and sports conflicts, but Najaree has been proud of what they have done so far. She also takes pride in leaving her mark as a senior. The club participates in school events, discusses world events, and partakes in diverse cuisine whenever possible. Najaree’s commitment to her family, her culture, her school, and her future are truly admirable. It is clear she will make a caring medical professional one day, and she will do it with the love and support of her family and friends.

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O C A L A’ S Y O U T H

Born to Be a Boss ENTREPRENEURSHIP AMIDST THE UNCERTAINTY

JULIANNA HARLOW Story & Photo by LISA ANDERSON

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O C A L A’ S Y O U T H

all, with black eyeliner, tattoos, and the confidence of a person twice her age, Julianna Harlow hopped into the business frying pan at 18 years old. Born in St. Augustine, Florida, but raised in Ocala since she was two, Julianna partook in the dual enrollment program offered by her high school. In fact, she graduated from college with an Associate in Arts degree in Human Services before receiving her high school diploma. In addition to school, she worked part-time at the UPS Store in the print division. She stepped away for a brief period after high school to work for the Discovery Center, where she consequently met her now fiancé, but when the store needed a full-time graphic designer, Julianna stepped up to the plate. “I was running the print division with my dad. That’s what started my professional career. I jumped right out of high school into, ‘Hi! I’m a businesswoman at 18 years old!’ I didn’t know what I was doing, but it was really a quick way to build your confidence.” The now 21-year-old is a professional networker, and in 2021, she became a co-owner of HD Print and Marketing, still working with her dad. While there are a lot of perks to being a young entrepreneur, there are some roadblocks.

I have a tendency to keep my age to myself, now. When I first started, it was really a big problem — Julianna Harlow

NAVIGATING LIFE AT 21

Connecting with friends who are in college while you are off building a business can be a little challenging at times. “It’s just because we went on two totally different paths. So, I struggle to connect with them a little bit. I’m also a little too young to fully connect with the people in the business community. I’m just at a weird age where I’m young enough to be their daughter or granddaughter. So, being friends with them can be awkward. Then, talking with my friends—it’s like I’m coming from a different universe—which is fine. They’re proud of me, and I’m proud of them. There’s that recognition of, yes, there will be separation, but it’s good to talk about the 20-year-old things. Some of the struggles are still the same,” Julianna explains. “I have a tendency to keep my age to myself, now. When I first started, it was really a big problem. I would go to these networking events, and men [in particular] would look at me like, ‘Okay, sweetie. I’ll talk with your dad.’ That was really frustrating.” Julianna saw this attitude towards her would carry over into the office. “I noticed that [look] doesn’t really go away with age when you’re a woman, but it’s really bad when you’re young, because they see you as a daughter. I avoid the age and just talk about what I do.”

GROWING IN CONFIDENCE

As Julianna attended more events and worked with clients, her confidence level grew. “I am not afraid of anything anymore. I was very nervous and anxious [at first]. I suffer from depression, anyway, so that was a big hurdle [to overcome]. Then, over time, [I realized] everybody feels nervous. I know what I’m doing, so why am I nervous? This is what I do every day. I’m an expert in my field. I needed to act like it.” Julianna is a self-taught graphic designer. Like many designers, she doesn’t consider herself an expert artist off the computer, but give her a program that is

math-based, like Adobe Illustrator, and she is a master. “It’s expanded my creativity outside of the workplace. I started painting at home. I’m thinking all the time about how we can connect our industry to the arts more, because the thing about being in print is that you have this really interesting bridge between the arts and the trades. That has been one of the best parts. What I do is art. It’s hard to think of it that way for some people, but it is art.”

ALLOWING FOR GROWTH

“Being a business owner has been awesome,” states Julianna, but being young has its pressures: for example, feeling the weight of making a career choice that must last you for the rest of your life. She says she needs to remind herself that she is not 35 and this isn’t the only thing she can do. “Right now, I love what I do. I love graphic design, [and] being a business owner has been awesome.” However, Julianna knows she can try new things, and this decision isn’t final. “If you’re a young person,” she advises her peers, “just know it’s okay to constantly feel like, ‘Oh my god, is this what I’m going to do forever?’ Nothing is permanent. You can do whatever you want.”

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F R O M T H E PA D D O C K

Making It Look Easy FRESHMAN TAKES LIFE BY THE REINS

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F R O M T H E PA D D O C K

MADISON RAFACZ Story by CYNTHIA MCFARL AND

Photos by JOSHUA JACOBS

n an era when most early teen girls are obsessed with social media, appearances, and boys, Madison Rafacz (14) is an anomaly—and a very accomplished one at that. Madison, hailing from Citra, Florida, has won multiple world championships in the highly competitive world of reining. Since the age of six, Madison has won eight times at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in various reining divisions. She was National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) world champion limited non-pro, in 2019, where she, at the age of 12, competed against adults. She was the number 19 overall non-pro rider in the world that same year. Madison has won world championships in the NRHA and American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and is a three-time world champion in the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) in ranch riding, ranch trail, and ranch rail.

Madison especially enjoys training her own horse and has learned this talent from her father Mark, who makes a living as a trainer and rider. “She builds relationships with these horses,” says Shannon, “and has incredible bonds with them.”

EARLY START

TEAMWORK

Madison wasn’t one of those little girls who dreamed about horses and begged to take riding lessons. As the daughter of Mark and Shannon Rafacz, she’s been surrounded by horses as long as she can remember. “Both my parents are reining trainers, so I’ve always been around horses and never really got into anything else,” says Madison, who was just five when she entered her first show. “The fact that Madison loves the sport and jumped into it the way she did was great for us,” says Madison’s mother Shannon, who also rides professionally. “She could have picked anything, but she loves the horses as much as we do.” Shannon adds that when it comes to competing, her daughter has no fear and takes pride in perfecting her skills.

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For a while, Madison toyed with the idea of riding English style and doing some jumping, but she’s found plenty of thrills in a Western saddle, thanks to reining and now ranch riding, which she’s been doing since 2019. Reining is

F R O M T H E PA D D O C K widely known for its dramatic sliding stops and fast spins. Madison loves competing at those high rates of speed and admits the adrenaline of those maneuvers is part of the sport’s appeal. In both reining and ranch riding, one horse and rider compete at a time, riding a pre-selected pattern. Judges add or deduct points depending on the quality of the horse’s maneuvers. Although different maneuvers are required depending on the pattern and skill level, Madison explains, “it’s all judged on your horse’s movement and how easy you make it look. The goal is to make it look as effortless as possible and that you and your horse are a team—which is really true with all disciplines.”

PETER AND JASMINE

Madison has already competed on 15 different horses, including the two she currently owns—Peter and Jasmine. Whizenboonsmal (barn name “Peter the Great”) is the horse Madison has won her reining world championships on thus far. “Peter has very much lived up to his nickname,” says Madison of the 10-year-old chestnut Quarter Horse gelding she’s owned for five years. “He is more of a personality on the ground than a show horse. He’s like a big dog; he’ll follow you around, and he can do tricks like bow and smile.” Got Twisted in Vegas (barn name “Jasmine”) is a five-year-old Quarter Horse mare Madison bought three years ago. Since then, Madison has done almost all the mare’s training. “Training Jasmine has definitely taught me to be more patient,” says Madison. Now that Peter is older, there are some reining classes Madison can’t show him in. She plans to compete more with Jasmine in reining and enter

ranch riding events with Peter.

SCHOOL AND SHOWING

Madison is currently a freshman at West Marion High School. “I went to private school for middle school, and they were really cooperative with my showing,’ says Madison. “I enjoy school, but we’re gone quite a bit for showing. Being out of school so much can be challenging, because you miss so much in-person learning. My public school, now, is mostly online, so that works well with my show routine.” Since adding ranch riding to her repertoire, Madison and her family are on the road about 20 weekends of the year, traveling to compete at shows across the Southeast and as far west as Oklahoma City and Las Vegas. Although training and showing take up most

of her non-school time, Madison is also involved in FFA and is on her school’s horse judging team. It’s not surprising that most of her friends are also into horses, but she does have a couple friends who don’t ride, although they’re active in FFA with livestock.

BEYOND WINNING

As talented as Madison and her horses are, they don’t always win. “You can definitely get knocked into your place. It helps you stay humble and loyal,” says Madison. Madison is refreshingly down-to-earth, despite her stellar achievements. “Winning can be fun, but it’s definitely not about that,” she says. “The most rewarding part of this is not necessarily to say you’ve won certain things; it’s the relationships you’ve built throughout it all—with your horses and the people you meet.”

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First, I’ll answer why it matters. No one knows exactly what happens in the mind when we ask questions, but it appears we are hard-wired for curiosity and wonder. Curiosity is a survival skill that makes us happier, boosts achievement, expands empathy, strengthens relationships, and improves healthcare outcomes. Open-ended, quality questions stimulate brain growth and the development of language and problemsolving skills that are useful at every age. Curiosity matters collectively, too. As the saying goes, “Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton asked why.” Newton’s observation and question about this commonplace occurrence is said to have ushered in the Age of Enlightenment that advanced human civilization. Author of The Discoverers Daniel J. Boorstin wrote, “The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance, but the illusion of knowledge.” Children ask lots of questions, because they don’t have any illusions of knowing anything. Of course, this changes as we grow and mature. It starts with parents and caregivers, who

The brain is a lot like a computer and will process whatever question it is asked. So, tap into your inner four-year-old and get back to asking questions that open your heart and mind to greater possibilities—for yourself and our world.

A LIFE LIVED WITHOUT WONDER IS NO LIFE

Almost 2,500 years ago, Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” The words may be harsh, but still ring true. A life lived without wonder or curiosity is a life ruled by stagnation, cynicism, depression, and anxiety. We’re meant for more, individually and collectively. Remember to ask “quality questions.”

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WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR CURIOUS MINDS AND WHY DOES IT MATTER

have lost their own sense of wonder and, therefore, can’t nurture it in another. Then, we attend schools and religious institutions that don’t welcome questions, evaluating us solely on our ability to produce the right answers. Eventually, we become teenagers who know everything. For many, the “adulteration” is complete upon entering the larger world and being told, “This is how we do things here.” Too often, the loud and clear message is “Don’t ask questions.”

ABOUT CINDY GRIMES Cindy Grimes is Spiritual Director of Center for Spiritual Living Ocala and co-director of Circle Up Center for Practical Peacebuilding. Visit: cslocala.org

Photo by konradbak/DepositPhotos.com

nyone who has spent time with a fouryear-old probably doesn’t need to research statistics to verify the fact that kids ask a lot of questions. Every time our three preschool-aged grandchildren visit, we answer dozens of questions ranging from, “Why can’t I have soda for breakfast?” to “Why don’t penguins fly?” While the little ones ask their questions, their pre-teen brother tunes out our conversations, headset in place, video games launched. Warren Berger, author of A More Beautiful Question, says that between the ages of two and five, children ask an average of 40,000 questions! By the time these curious little beings get to middle and high school, they’re asking one substantive question per month.

FROM THE EXPERTS

Positive Leadership MAKING THE CHOICE TO BE OPTIMISTIC Story by DR. MANAL FAKHOURY

Some of the skills I have learned about resetting my choice points are as follows: • Lean into the energy. One of the core leadership lessons I have learned is to lean into the energy that flows over the energy that feels forced. When you do this, things just seem to flow. It is as if you own the belief that Tony Robbins says, “Life is working for you.” • Maintain a good balance of awareness in your life. When I am in flow energy, I am usually taking good care of myself, asking for what I need, and communicating clearly. My first question to myself when things are not working is, “How is my self-care?” It is a true reflection of keeping my own life in balance. • Always seek growth. The leaders that maintain this natural positivity are invested in personal growth work. That might look like webinars, seminars, events, books, and coaching. When you are growing, you have certain ownership in life. The next time you see that happy leader, ask them their secret of positivity and optimism. Tell them you want to learn to be more like that in your own life. They will be flattered and happy to help you own this, too. You may help them realize the power they hold. They may do it so regularly that they forget to see the benefit of a good choice every day. The ripple effect of this awareness is going to bless everyone that knows this leader.

ABOUT DR. MANAL FAKHOURY For the past 35 years, Manal has been making a difference in Ocala with hard work, generosity, and outstanding leadership. Visit: myfli.com or vestechpartners.com

Photo by vadimphoto1@gmail.com/DepositPhotos.com

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Photo submitted by Dr. Manal Fakhoury

ou have seen that leader in your life that is always “on.” They seem to be naturally happy, positive, and optimistic. I have heard people say you cannot be negative and positive at the same time. In a white paper entitled “Can People Feel Happy and Sad at the Same Time?” J T Larson, et. al say that happiness and sadness are mutually exclusive feelings, but their findings have shown that we can have mixed emotions at the same time, for brief periods. So, when it comes to that happy leader, how do they remain optimistic? In my opinion, they choose this. Anyone can shift their perspective at any time.

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FROM

PRESENT PARENTING TO

ENTREPRENEUR Director of Kid City USA has Found Joy in Her Leadership Role Story by LISA ANDERSON

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Photos by JOSHUA JACOBS

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arah James, director of Kid City USA, located on SE 1st Terrace in Ocala, has focused her career on childhood education, but amid the pandemic, she began to have a moral disagreement with the policies set in place for the Marion County Public School system. In January 2021, she stepped down from her administrative role, and in April of the same year, she opened her own school. “I left, to be honest, because my job was making me sick. Ultimately, I left public education [because], yes, this opportunity [Kid City USA] became available to me, but also, I needed to not feel so morally compromised. This is the best thing I ever did.”

STUDENT TO BUSINESS OWNER

Sarah grew up near Orlando in Apopka, Florida. She attended University of Florida as an undergrad; then, she continued with her education, while working in Orange County, and obtained her master’s in leadership at University of Central Florida, completing her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in December 2021 from National Louis University. “Two years ago, they were starting the second ed. leadership cohort [through Marion County]. It was one Saturday a month for three years. So, it just made a lot of sense for the structure of my life.”

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She is the mother of two girls, now five and three. Her youngest was a little over a year old when Sarah went for her Ed.D. She felt they were young enough not to remember the days she spent doing homework. She completed her degree several months early, even though she was a new business owner. “Now, I don’t have to do anymore school, really. I feel like you get to the point where you’re a professional student. I am really good at going to school. My mom has her doctorate, and my dad has his masters. School is what we were good at. It’s kind of weird, now, because I’ve just gotten to

this place where I feel like I have a lot of time. I don’t have schoolwork to do. I’m almost to that place of, ‘What am I going to do with my free time, now?’ I should just enjoy it. I have a baby coming [in May].” As previously mentioned, Sarah opened a school, accepting six-week-old babies up to 12-year-olds, on April 19, 2021. It wasn’t an easy decision to go from a steady paycheck to the unsteady waters of an entrepreneur. “My husband is an entrepreneur. He’s owned his own business, since he graduated from college. I’ve always struggled with the idea of entrepreneurship. So,

in our home structure, I was always the one that had the steady paycheck, and I had the benefits for our family. It took me to the point of almost breaking to be able to make that shift.” Sarah didn’t stop at one new business, though. When Kid City USA corporate approached her about purchasing two existing schools and flipping them, she jumped at the chance. It had only been one month since she had opened her first location. She learned some valuable lessons during the process. The first being that she will always start a school from scratch, rather than go through a leadership change, again. The second, and probably the biggest lesson, was she understands now that she is only one person. There were many other unforeseen challenges, such as the hiring shortage created by the pandemic, but Sarah completed the changeovers. Then, she sold those two locations—keeping her original location on SE 1st Terrace. Now, she’s focused on finding a way to expand her current location to allow for more students.

PRESENT PARENTING

“Behavior isn’t arbitrary. Very rarely are [kids] being intentionally ornery. We do run into kids who are intentionally ornery. It happens, but, generally speaking, kids’ behavior doesn’t just come from some random place. Something in their environment is

creating this reaction. As adults, we’ve learned how to manage our emotions. Some adults manage better than others, but we’ve come up with lots of ways to manage our emotions. Then, we somehow expect these little humans, who don’t have that toolkit, to manage their emotions better than we do.” Sarah sees a lot of reactions from children who come from many different backgrounds. It’s why she allows her own children to have meltdowns, “Just go to your room, because I really don’t want to listen to it, and when you’re ready to rejoin us, you can come back. I’m not going to tell you you can’t have a meltdown. I have meltdowns. We all have meltdowns. We just do it differently as an adult.” You can see her thoughts on present parenting work through her school, where she purposely staffs extra teachers to help handle these situations. Her rule at home and at school is a meltdown is okay, but you will need to complete the task before moving on to the next one. “What I love about kids, for the most part, [is] children can change their behavior based on the expectations in different settings.” In her own home, Sarah does her best to practice traditional parenting, or, as she likes to refer to it, “90s parenting.” “We have seen a societal change where technology has taken over everything we do. If you go to dinner and look

around the restaurant, I would say 99 percent of the parents have a device in front of their kids, and I’m not that type of parent. I pack a Mary Poppins backpack full of tricks. We color, we do matching games, and we do all kinds of stuff. My kids don’t have tablets.” Sarah isn’t against screen time, but she likes to keep it structured. The family sits at the table for meals, and no one is allowed to have phones or other devices while there. “There has been such a shift in society. People aren’t having conversations with children anymore. On top of what we have done as a society for two years and used masks, we really make it hard for kids to acquire language. So, in my home, I’m very much an old-school parent.” Sarah knows being present and allowing kids to feel and express their emotions is time— consuming. “It’s hard to be a present parent,” she admits, but it’s definitely something she is passionate and excels in educating people about. “My hope for us as a society with little children is that we get back to the basics and create environments where kids get to go outside and play and get dirty and ride bikes.” The school has been a dream come true for Sarah, who now feels good about her role in administrative leadership. She is excited for her one-year-anniversary ribbon cutting this month, and it will be exciting to see what the next year will bring.

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THE CHEWS LETTER

Dishes to Riches 22-YEAR-OLD IS LOVING THE HARD WORK & THE COFFEE CULTURE

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THE CHEWS LETTER

JOSH DICAPUA Story by LISA ANDERSON

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Photos by JOSHUA JACOBS

THE CHEWS LETTER

f you have been to Symmetry Coffee Company on North Magnolia Avenue, there is a good chance you have been served by 22-year-old manager Josh Dicapua. Originally from Miami, he moved to the Ocala area with his family in 2014. He was 16 when Ted Linn opened the coffee shop, then known as Symmetry Coffee and Crêpes. Josh started as a part-time dishwasher, and he admits to not having a whole lot of direction in his life at the time. “I didn’t even like coffee when I started,” he chuckles. After graduation, Josh stepped away to pursue a full-time job, but in 2020 a managerial position became available at Symmetry. It was then that Ted sold the business to Michael Mills. “When I came back, it was on me as a manager to learn [about coffee], but it didn’t excite me. Then, when Mike took over, he made it clear that the quality was the most important thing of what we do. As much as it is an experience for people, as much as it is fun, it’s the quality that brings people to us. From that point on, I started studying and absorbing information,” states Josh, as he sips from his iced coffee.

I think being young definitely lends itself to different challenges, but I think it also excites people. — Josh Dicapua

GROWING IN THE CULTURE

“Mike allows me to have my say and respects my input. I have the knowledge of coffee [now], and I’m getting a business degree. He’s allowed me to be excited and enjoy it. [Coffee] is a really cool culture. It brings people together. There’s a reason it’s been one of the biggest imports and exports for many countries for thousands of years. “I thrive off being able to speak to and understand people. As much as Ocala is a small town, we’re growing by the truckload, it feels like, and with the horse community, we get a lot of Australian and British people.” Unlike his days as a dishwasher, Josh now looks forward to coffee deliveries and speaking with people all over the world about types of coffee. And like a sommelier knows wine, he knows what notes of flavor to expect from different cups. Yet, as much as he enjoys a good cup of coffee, he also respects what really brings people to the table: the conversation. “Life has been humbling. [I’m] becoming an adult. I’m finishing college and creating connections with people in Ocala that I never thought I would. Ocala business in general has opened up my brain to so

much more than thinking that CEO of Google® is the only position in business. I’m learning there’s this whole other world where people are making a lot of money, really enjoying themselves, and being excited. I didn’t realize there was that type of excitement in the mundane stuff. “Having people like Mike in my life and having the types of mentors I’ve put in my life have made me understand quickly that it’s not just money that is motivating my decisions. I’ve been offered more money [from other companies],

but I haven’t been offered more opportunity and enjoyment. I’m passionate about coffee, [and] we are expanding quickly. There’s a lot of opportunity, and [it’s] more than just managing a coffee shop.” “I think being young definitely lends itself to different challenges, but I think it also excites people,” Josh thoughtfully states. “As long as you feel called to something, it’s going to work out. I’ve been blessed with everything I’ve earned, but it’s also been luck, chance, and hard work. You just have to put in the effort. You reap what you sow.”

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Photo Credit: Dave Miller

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ARTIST CORNER

Depicting the Dancer ARTWORKS BY ERNST OPPLER Story by VANESSA SCOTT

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hen thinking of ballet dancers being immortalized in art, one often envisions the beloved artworks of the French painter Edgar Degas, who created approximately 1,500 paintings, monotypes, and drawings of women in flowing tutus. Few are aware that in the early 1900s, the German artist Ernst Oppler would be similarly captivated by this dance form, becoming one of the most renowned artistic chroniclers of the history of German ballet. Oppler’s power of observation made him one of the most celebrated portrait artists in Berlin. He deployed this talent to depict the legendary Ballet Russes dancers, who captivated European audiences through their groundbreaking performances. At the beginning of the 20th century—while ballet was declining in Western Europe—in Russia, it was undergoing an artistic revolution brought on by a new generation of dancers and choreographers. Russian ballet impresario Serge Diaghilev took a group of these young artists and founded the Ballet Russes in 1909. That same year, the company opened its first ballet season at the Palais Garnier in Paris. The season was extremely successful, and the leading dancers, such as Vaslav Nijinsky and Anna Pavlova, immediately became world stars. During the 20 years of the company’s history, Ballet Russes would tour throughout Europe and then North America. Both Nijinsky and Pavlova are subjects of Oppler’s artwork, currently on view, until July 24, at the Appleton Museum of Art.

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During his numerous theatre visits, Oppler would make drawings of the dancers and then transfer these snapshots to etchings and paintings. It is no surprise to see that many of the etchings on view celebrate Pavlova, who is immortalized in various poses from her signature work, "The Dying Swan." Lasting only four minutes, the short solo ballet was choreographed for Pavlova, in 1905, by Mikhail Fokine to music by Camille Saint-Saens. The piece became an iconic part of Pavlova's career; she performed it over 4,000 times. Pavlova even performed in Florida! On March 11, 1915, the ballerina performed to a sold-out Sunshine State crowd at Henry Plant's Tampa Bay Hotel.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Vanessa Scott is Museum Specialist at the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida. Growing up in South Africa, Italy, and England, Scott has international art and theatre backgrounds. She holds degrees in Theatre and Performance, as well as Photography. Joining the Appleton in 2018, she is the developer, designer, and content creator of the Appleton’s free mobile app, which won the Gold Medal Award at the 2020 Southeastern Museums Conference.

Artwork by Ernst Oppler (German, 1867 – 1929) • Image 1: Pavlova: The Dying Swan, c. 1920; Drypoint etching on paper; Gift of Susan Oppler Wood Image 2: Untitled, c. 1920; Oil on board; Gift of Susan Oppler Wood • Photo submitted by Appleton Museum (by Ralph Demilio)

ARTIST CORNER

No Rules ART ARMY REVOLUTION IN OCALA Story by LISA ANDERSON

Photos by JOSHUA JACOBS

o you paint? No? Good. “I love when people tell me they’re not an artist or they can’t do that,” says Art Army Ocala Outpost founder Darian Mosley. “One of my favorite tricks to play on naysayers is to say, ‘Here’s a paint brush. Go to the canvas and make one line.’ [Soon,] I turn around and they’re painting little puppy dogs and sunsets and beautiful creative things.” In 2018, inspired by an Art Army in Tampa, Darian took on the challenge of starting an outpost in Ocala. The Art Army manifesto begins, “We the people of the planet earth, in order to form a more perfect union, establish the freedom of expression, provide the opportunity for creativity and imagination, and promote the realization of our hopes and dreams, for spirit liberation of ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Spiritual Renaissance Manifesto for all.” Article two states, “Everyone is creative. Everyone is an artist.” And there it is— the heart of Art Army and the magic Darian loves so much. “It opens up people’s eyes to not only can they create but thinking outside the box. There are things they might not have considered as being a part of a creative process before.

A FOCUS ON YOUTH

“Last year, at Levitt AMP, I made a giant rotating canvas, and I, dangerously, put into the hands of children Super Soaker spray guns full of paint. It was the biggest, craziest spin art experience ever.” When she first began, Darian thought she would be working with more adults, but surprisingly, “it’s been very kid-centric, very youth-focused, because that’s when people make those self-discoveries. It’s been a fun journey so far.” Anyone can become a member and join in the many events. You might spy Darian and army at Levitt AMP, First Friday Art Walk, the Discovery Center day camp programs, and Tuscawilla Park art events. “We do a lot of events with the City of Ocala,” she emphasizes.

It’s easy to see the joy for all aspects of what she does with Art Army, but Darian’s favorite part of it is the wonder and creativity from the kids, as well as the sense of community it creates.

SUPPORT AND LEARN MORE ABOUT ART ARMY OCALA

Facebook and Instagram: @artarmyocala Website: artarmy.org Email: artarmyocala@gmail.com

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forgiveness IS THE hardest thing

Locala, April 2022, Ocala, FL

Articles inside

The Chews Letter

Breaking Social Norms

Letter from the Publisher