Locala Magazine, June 2023, Ocala, FL

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An Evening of Stories & Inspiration

Benefiting the Marion County Literacy Council

Hosted by Lisa Anderson Media, LLC

With R.J. Jenkins as Emcee

August 10th • 7:00PM

The Marion Theatre

50 South Magnolia Avenue, Ocala

Keynote Speaker: William F. Ross, III

Special Speaker: Lauren Debick

LISA ANDERSON, PUBLISHER

lisa@lisaandersonmedia.com

senior copy editor JODI ANDERSON

staff advisor CHAD TAYLOR

ART DEPARTMENT

media manager/photographer JOSHUA JACOBS

contributing photographer MARK ANDERSON

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EDITORIAL

contributing writers APPLETON MUSEUM TEAM MEMBERS

contributing writer MARK ANDERSON

contributing writer DR. MANAL FAKHOURY

contributing writer CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

contributing writer CIERRA ROSS

contributing writer TAYLOR STRICKLAND

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© Lisa Anderson Media, LLC and Locala™. All rights reserved. Online: ISSN 2771-1056, Print: ISSN 2771-1048, June 2023, Volume 03, Issue Number 01. Locala™ is a monthly publication, which is published by Lisa Anderson Media, LLC, 2320 NE 2nd Street, Unit 5, Ocala, FL 34470. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For reprint or reuse permission, email info@localamag.com. Cover price for sale distribution is $4.58. Proudly printed at First Impressions Printing, 1827 SW 27th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471

LISA ANDERSON

DEAR OCALA,

I feel as though it were just yesterday that I sat down to write and tell you about our first-year anniversary, and yet, here we are a year later already. It’s our second anniversary and officially the start of our third volume (refers to the number of years the publication has been circulated).

Locala’s first issue came out in June 2021, and it was a bumpy start. I had been publishing a bi-monthly food magazine, and as Locala was beginning, The Chews Letter was retiring. I went from writing recipes and fact-based articles to stripping away the mask of members of my community.

It took a few issues before I felt Locala found its voice. In 2022, I felt that the voice needed to be louder. You, the readers, needed to hear the stories from the mouths of people telling them. You needed to share in the tears and laughter. Fortunately, technology made it possible, and the Locala podcast was born in September.

Now, as we celebrate our second anniversary and begin this third volume, the voices of the past and the future can be heard. This issue is like no other issue, and I think you’ll have a lot of fun with it! As you flip through the pages, you won’t find many full-length stories. In fact, you’ll only find one full-length story in the Artist Corner (page 25). You will instead find short descriptions of the interviews.

That’s because we called back guests from past issues to join us in the podcast studio. We asked them to catch us up on what they’ve been up to since their article came out and what their future may hold. We asked some of them to recount parts of their original stories, so you could hear it directly from their mouths.

If you are a subscriber to our printed edition, all you’ll need to do is scan the QR code or type in the link to watch the episodes. Our digital edition will have the

videos embedded into the magazine, and you’ll only need to click play on the thumbnails to watch. Don’t worry if you prefer to listen to our stories via your favorite podcast app. We’ll be releasing episodes from this issue every week for the entire month.

I hope you enjoy this very special publication, as we touch base with some of those first-year interviewees. Thank you for all your support over the last two years! Here’s to many more anniversaries to come!

Best Regards,

Photo by Bailey Hutchence

SHE’S DOING THE WORK TO BE HER AUTHENTIC SELF

“This year has been allowing myself to have some time to do things for me and that I like to do and also showing myself a little bit more. My New Year’s resolution was to have greater self-expression because it’s like, yes, I was confident in my business and what I do, but when it came to, like, my outward presentation, I was really miserable.

e— Julie Harlow

Whether you are born to be a boss or not, figuring out who you are in life is inevitable, as Julianna (Julie) Harlow has discovered since her original article came out in April 2022.

Back then, Julie was focused on presentation and keeping her age to herself. She dressed the way she thought a young entrepreneur should dress, and intentionally rounded her maturity up to 30 instead of her true age of 21 years.

These days, Julie is letting her true self shine through, and it is fun to see the transformation. Being a young twenty-something and dressing the part doesn’t make her any less efficient at her job. One could argue setting herself on a path to discover and show her authentic self makes a better businesswoman. It certainly lends itself to more smiles—even in a tough year.

In our follow-up podcast interview with Julie, she talks about her growing company, gushes about her sister, and expands on being a self-aware 22-year-old.

Original Article

bit.ly/julie-22

The Interview

youtu.be/qnDVbgSkeRo

Interviewed by LISA ANDERSON Photos by JOSHUA JACOBS

Monthly Theme

(Top Left) Josh Dinesen, Photo by Joshua Jacobs; (Top Right) Tamara Dillon,

Photo by Lisa Anderson;

(Bottom Left) Lisa Midgett,

Photo by Lisa Anderson; (Bottom Right) Annette Garcia,

Photo by Joshua Jacobs

LISA MIDGETT OPENS UP ABOUT HER SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT

Interviewed & Photo by LISA ANDERSON

Surely, you know Lisa Midgett. If not, you are most likely familiar with some of her past and present businesses and non-profits in the community. Have you visited the NOMA Gallery or its namesake, the NOMA Blackbox at the Reilly Arts Center? Have you heard of the new non-profit Arts in Health Ocala Metro?

honest podcast interview, where Lisa describes what life has been like for her this past year and what it means for the future.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

bit.ly/lisa-midgett

THE INTERVIEW

youtu.be/M7bMuihUpds

Whether your answer is yes or no, there is no denying Lisa’s passion for business and this community. In fact, both were evident when she sat down to interview for the January 2022 issue.

Shortly after the issue came out, however, Lisa seemingly disappeared from the public eye. What happened? In the spring of 2022, she had COVID-19. It did not land her in the hospital, but the effects have changed her life. Don’t miss this open and

I found out that parts of my brain were affected by COVID, and [it] affected the part of my brain that helps you recognize people.

— Lisa Midgett

A TEACHER’S NEW JOURNEY

In September 2021, Locala took a close look at some of the hard-working teachers in our community. Annette Garcia was featured in one of those articles with her co-worker Rhonda Williams.

Annette and Rhonda both worked at Forest High School, but since then, Annette’s path has diverged. She has found a way to help students in all subjects and meet them where they are academically.

her new career path and catch up a little bit on her home-life.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

bit.ly/annette-21

THE INTERVIEW

youtu.be/zGSqBGk7Veg

In her original interview, Annette admitted she never thought she had the patience to be a teacher, but to her surprise, she was wrong. Teaching is her passion, and her students and her own children are her pride and joy.

It was so much fun having Annette back to discuss all she has been doing since her first visit in 2021. In this podcast interview, you’ll hear Annette discuss

Interviewed by LISA ANDERSON Photo by JOSHUA JACOBS

I still find it terrible how kids don’t like to read. [It] is such a great escape from the craziness of the world.

— Annette Garcia

DILLON

THIS NURSE FOUND A WORK-LIFE BALANCE

In 2021, Tamara Dillon sat down for an interview with Locala magazine. Her makeup was done, and she was wearing a blue-patterned dress and a smile. It was clear, however, that she was exhausted.

She began her career as a nurse in the middle of the COVID pandemic. It was demanding and strenuous work, but Tamara saw the reward in it, too.

found that illusive worklife balance, but it wasn’t an easy road there.

Hear Tamara tell her story on our podcast!

ORIGINAL ARTICLE bit.ly/tamara-21

THE INTERVIEW youtu.be/9TEzXHqCLug

Now, nearly two years later, Tamara’s entire demeanor is that of someone who is as light as a feather. Her smile no longer hides the weariness in her eyes. She has

Interviewed & Photo by LISA ANDERSON

I have so many hard days. The great days are much more in numbers. But, you know, every now [and then] you have a bad day. And [my mom] just keeps encouraging me. She put me on the right path.

— Tamara Dillon

TAMARA

VETERAN SHARES HIS EXPERIENCES IN THE SANDBOX & PTSD

The infectious smile of Josh Dinesen graced the cover of the November 2021 issue. A newer resident and business owner in Ocala, we learned about his relationship with his father and his service in the military and as a police officer.

Now, he goes into more detail about his struggles with PTSD. Josh also expands on his relationship with his father and the growth of his business.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE bit.ly/josh-fip

THE INTERVIEW youtu.be/YAD6c2TF4eY

In that interview, Josh touched briefly on his experience with PTSD. It wasn’t until after the article came out that he really started to open up about his experiences before, during, and after deployment.

Interviewed by LISA ANDERSON Photo by JOSHUA JACOBS

JOSH DINESEN

My dad was one of a huge parts of my life and how I became the man I am today. And he taught me that you can overcome your situation no matter what it is.

— Josh Dinesen

August 10th • 7:00PM

An Evening of Stories and Inspiration Benefiting Marion County Literacy Council

Hosted by Lisa Anderson Media, LLC

Contributions by Creating Forward

Become a Sponsor

About the Event

“Reading Between the Lines: An Evening of Stories and Inspiration” is an event that celebrates the power of literacy and raises funds for the Marion County Literacy Council. This event will take place on Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and will feature a lineup of inspiring speakers who will share their stories on the subjects of Stories of Transformation, The Importance of Access to Education, The Role of Literacy in Building Strong Communities, and The Impact of Literacy on our Lives.

Literacy Council

Creating Forward

The Marion County Literacy Council enriches quality of life for adults in Ocala and Marion County by helping them build and improve their literacy skills. Our programs and services enhance people’s personal and professional circumstances—and create opportunity for them—one word at a time.

The mission of Creating Forward is to create a source of funds to support and promote creativity in the fields of the performing and vision arts, the written word, business and entrepreneurship, and the care of animals.

Your sponsorship of “Reading Between the Lines” will have a significant impact on the success of the event and the lives of those in our community. The sponsorship funds will be used to help make the event more professional, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Additionally, your sponsorship will directly contribute to the fundraising e orts for the Marion County Literacy Council.

Sponsorship Levels

Platinum • $2,500

MAIN EVENT SPONSOR. Media Ads, Event Flyers, 6 Posts, 3 Event Mentions, 2 Items in Swag Bags, 6 Tickets, 1 Email Mention. Limit 1 sponsor for this event.

Gold • $1,500

1 SOLD. 1 AVAILABLE.

Silver • $750

ACCESS SPONSOR (ASL/CART interpretation). Media Ads, Event Flyers, 4 Posts, 2 Event Mentions, Item in Swag Bags, 4 Tickets. Limit 2 sponsors for this event.

Bronze • $500

MEDIA/MARKETING OR VENUE SPONSOR. Event Flyers, 3 Posts, 1 Event Mention, Item in Swag Bags, 3 Tickets. Limit 5 sponsors for this event.

Micro • $250

2 Posts, Item in Swag Bags, 2 Tickets. Limit 8 sponsors for this event.

Supporter • $100

2 Posts, 2 Tickets. Limit 10 sponsors for this event.

Cheerleader • $50

1 Posts, 1 Tickets. Limit 20 sponsors for this event.

1 Posts.

Unlimited number of sponsors for this event.

Make Your Donation no later than july 14th

Paying by check? Make checks payable to: Creating Forward Mail to: Lisa Anderson Media, LLC, 2320 NE 2nd Street, Unit 5, Ocala, FL 34470

Head to our donation page at the link below or scan the QR code: bit.ly/RBTL-sponsor

FASTING LIFESTYLE

SHE FOUND THE COURAGE TO LIVE HER BEST LIFE

Interviewed by LISA ANDERSON Photos by JOSHUA JACOBS

Vicki Sheerin is no stranger to Locala. In August 2021, she was a featured artist from Couch Sessions (which eventually became a regular section in the magazine called Artist Corner). Then, in February 2022, she was on the front cover for the Healthy Heart issue.

Amidst grief over the sudden loss of her husband, Vicki still managed to lose over 200 pounds. She did it through intermittent fasting, which allowed her to be in her emotions, instead of using food as a coping mechanism.

Over a year later, Vicki is still telling her story to anyone who will listen, because her ultimate desire is to help others find their health. In this podcast interview, you’ll hear Vicki talk about what she has been doing with her art, how her podcast is going, and how a trip to Greece transformed her life.

Original Articles

bit.ly/vickis-art bit.ly/vicki-22

The Interview

youtu.be/kGch9lb0UME

“Since very early on in my journey, probably around the time that I realized that other people needed my help and support as well. I just I made it an enjoyable part of my life that just complemented everything I already did.”

— VICKI SHEERIN

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR EVENT AND SELF-PROMOTION

Workshop

Date: Saturday, 06/24/2023

Time: 10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to develop and execute effective marketing strategies for events and self-promotion. They will gain practical skills in marketing events to publications, sending items to printers, writing press releases, and using other marketing strategies to promote their brand.

INSTRUCTORS

Lisa Anderson

Publisher & CEO

Locala Magazine / Lisa Anderson Media

James Martin

Creative Director

Weber Shandwick

√Self-Promotion

√Working with Printers

Chews Letter

Photos by Joshua Jacobs

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR STRIVES TO ALWAYS ENJOY THE PROCESS

In August 2021, a new section of stories was added to the magazine. Ariana Caraballo was among the first stories in the Chews Letter department. Now, she’s the first person from that department to be interviewed for the podcast!

In the original article, Ariana talked about starting her bakery business during the 2020 shutdown. It has been a fruitful couple of years for this young baker. Ariana tells us in this latest interview about the growth of her bakery, future plans for expansion, a new side hustle, and her passion for food artistry.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE bit.ly/ariana-21

THE INTERVIEW youtu.be/iQzVU6mJNcI

Interviewed by LISA ANDERSON Photos by JOSHUA JACOBS

I want to still love it every time I hit the kitchen and I turn the oven on and I start my prep work.

— Ariana Lee Caraballo

ARIANA LEE CARABALLO

In Memoriam A SPECIAL DEDICATION

It is with heavy hearts that we remember two individuals who were featured in our magazine and have since passed away. Their stories inspired us, and their contributions to their respective fields will not be forgotten. We extend our deepest sympathies

to their friends and family. While they may no longer be with us, their legacies will live on and will continue to impact the lives of those they touched. May they rest in peace, and may their loved ones find comfort in the memories they shared together.

RICHARD LEGGETT – August 1942–December 2022

Featured as part of the story of his wife Mimi Leggett. Read their story at bit.ly/mimi-2022

TIM SMITH – August 1963–March 2023

Read his story at bit.ly/tim-23 .

Photo (left) by LISA ANDERSON

Photo (right) by JOSHUA JACOBS

Photo Credit: Dave Miller

Artist Corner

Tub of Tricks

ECLECTIC ARTIST MAKES THE WORLD BETTER

DIANE CAHAL

Story by CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

Photo by JOSHUA JACOBS

She may be Texas born and bred, but Diane Cahal has been a Florida artist for well over two decades and is proud to represent her adopted state. After earning her degree in photography from Sam Houston State University, Diane and her husband, Bobby, moved to Central Florida for his career with the Florida Forest Service. They settled on the western edge of Marion County with their daughter Zoe.

“Bobby was at Goethe State Forest over 20 years,” says Diane, “and now he’s the Citrus County senior forester.”

Diane, 52, describes herself as an “all-over-the-place artist, painter, photographer, maker.” She works in acrylics, watercolors, air-dry clay, resin, gauche, and more.

For a time, she thought working in so many mediums was a hindrance, but over the years, she’s found it’s made her a more well-rounded artist and teacher.

Sharing her talents in ways that benefit others is a priority. “I’m not an art therapist, but I go into health-related places where visual and performing arts are needed to facilitate well-being. I go in with my ‘tub of tricks’ and make art with clients who feel like making art. It’s like a very specialized art workshop. Eventually, I will probably be doing arts and health bedside with clients,” she notes.

“I’m the type of artist who likes to be in service and make the world better,” she says.

NOMA AND MORE

In 2001, Diane participated in the citywide art project Horse Fever with “Sunburst,” and took part again in 2011 with “Ocala Luna.”

"Ocala Luna" was purchased by Lisa and David Midgett. Many years later, their paths would cross again when Diane became a codirector of the NOMA Gallery, an opportunity she savored.

“NOMA gave artists from all over the world a place to present their art. We wanted high quality art ,and we’ve been able to do that successfully,” she notes.

Diane is excited to be doing four sessions this summer at the Mary Sue Rich Center, which opened in January of this year.

All of this is part of her goal to use her art to make the world a better place.

LATEST PROJECTS

There was a time when Diane participated in a lot of outdoor shows with her fine art photography, but she’s currently working on some new theories and rebranding herself as a mixed media artist.

Her current series, “What If They Really Are Vulvas,” is still in development, but she’ll be presenting the pieces to museums and galleries as a collection.

The series features handmade watercolor papers, paint, and foam core and will likely include photography at some point.

“I’m taking the color scheme of my favorite Georgia O’Keefe paintings, making my own papers and creating with them,” Diane explains. “I also like to write on my mixed media pieces—like an interesting phrase or word—so I feel like that element will be used throughout the series.”

The colorful three-dimensional pieces are framed behind glass like dioramas.

“It’s a piece of art that people don’t always realize what it is. It’s a nice piece of ‘wink art’ on your wall,” says Diane.

“I want the art world to know it can’t sleep on female artists. Some of my male contemporaries in the art scene think I’m just banking on the feminist movement, but I really don’t have that deep of a thought behind it,” she says.

On any given day, Diane can be found creating in some form or fashion. But lately, she’s also been taking stock of all her supplies.

“When you’re a creator, all the stuff you have has value. Some might say I’m a hoarder,” she laughs. “Where I’m at right now is taking much-required time to clean everything out of my studio and organize. I have these ideas, and I have the stuff to make it a reality.”

Last October, Diane faced some health concerns and stepped down from her position with NOMA. She’s still part of NOMA, but is currently taking time to focus on herself and her art.

“My soul needs to be able to make art every day. I have more energy this year, and I’m really excited about the things coming down the pike— the pieces I’m working on now and will be in the future,” she says.

“I’m really proud to be an artist from Ocala. I’ve been able to help build the art scene that’s here now and am really participating in it in a way I couldn’t have imagined,” says Diane. “I love Ocala for how it’s embracing the arts and have a huge gratitude for being here at this time in my life.”

I’m the type of artist who likes to be in service and make the world better.

— Diane Cahal

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