Locala, September 2021, Volume 1, Issue No. 4 by Lisa Anderson Media, LLC

MANAL FAKHOURY Purpose-Driven: Living a Life of Service

RHONDA & ANNETTE

Connection: Teachers Work Closely Together to Improve Their Students’ Lives

KATHY COHEN Tikkum Olam: Repairing the World

Volume 01, Issue No. 04 • SEPTEMBER 2021

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

Dear Ocala Let’s Celebrate & Support Our Teachers

BREAKING SOCIAL NORMS

Purpose-Driven: Living a Life of Service

FOLLOW ME

Living the Dream: The Conclusion of Becky Sinn’s Story

Pursuit of Passions: Volunteering Fills His Cup

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THE CHEWS LETTER

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Food & Wine: Sommelier Shares His Passions

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C E L E B R AT I N G O U R T E A C H E R S

Connection: Teachers Work Closely Together to Improve Their Students’ Lives

Deliciously Happy: Ag Teacher Enjoys the Garden Life

Wholeheartedly: Kinder Para Pours Her Heart & Soul in the Work

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

LISA ANDERSON

Photo by Bailey Hutchence

DEAR OCALA,

It’s that time of year: Children and teachers are returning to the classrooms or another structured learning environment. This has truly been an eye-opening experience for me. Not being a parent, I have not had the opportunity to see the school environment from the other side of the table. This table definitely has four sides—students, teachers, parents, and administration—but, in the center of it all, there is the community at large. The future of our city, state, and nation is the children we are educating. The passion each of the teachers featured in this issue has for providing an inspiring and wonderful learning environment was palpable in every interview, but the children’s tutelage should not rest solely on the shoulders of the parents or the education system. The community should take on the responsibility as a whole. We need to be there for the students who have the most opportunities, but especially for the ones who have far fewer prospects. If we want our city’s children to be held accountable and to be productive members of society when they are adults, then we need to hold ourselves accountable first. R.J. Jenkins is one member of the community who believes in giving back through education, and Manal Fakhoury believes in setting a positive example. Brian Morey also enjoys teaching, but he prefers to educate his adult patrons about the history of wine. Finally, if you are looking for a daycare, Ashley Rozicki, a home daycare

provider, offers tips on choosing and preparing for the transition to a new facility. This issue has definitely inspired me to get more involved with the amazing non-profits in Ocala and to seek out ways I can help inspire the younger generations. I hope it has the same effect on you. Most Sincerely,

BREAKING SOCIAL NORMS

Purpose-Driven

DR. MANAL FAKHOURY Story by LISA ANDERSON

Photo by Lisa Anderson

•

Photos submitted by Dr. Manal Fakhoury

LIVING A LIFE OF SERVICE

BREAKING SOCIAL NORMS

r. Manal Fakhoury may not have the stature of someone who is larger than life, but there is a quiet assurance, authority, grace, and drive when she enters the room. She has dedicated her life to service and knowledge. She has a 28-year career as the Clinical Coordinator for the pharmacy at West Marion Community Hospital (Ocala Health), and she has done everything from founding organizations, such as Ollin Women International, to becoming the first woman to serve on local boards. She even participated in the Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb for Hope. “My life has been service. My parents were also community-oriented. So, [I] learned by [their] modeling. It was easy for me to continue to have that generous heart. “I tell my friends and my kids you can rise to the top if you’re sincere,” she explains.

GROWING IN KNOWLEDGE AND LOVE

Manal’s brother in-law once told the college-aged woman, “Manal, the only thing about you is that you make up your mind before giving a person a chance.” While he may have been referencing her relationship with future husband, Riadh Fakhoury,

I’ll never forget that. It was a game-changer, because it opened up my mind. — Dr. Manal Fakhoury

it struck a deeper chord with Manal. “I’ll never forget that. It was a game-changer, because it opened up my mind.” Her hunger for knowledge, in those days, created quite the hurdle for Riadh. He had fallen in love with Manal the first time he saw her. They were both attending separate schools in California at the time, when they met at a local youth group.

Manal confesses she didn’t have the same instant connection as Riadh. “I [was] busy trying to do school. School was very important to me. I loved learning. I [wasn’t] interested in anyone. I was very involved in creating my career.” It took a lot of persistence and family persuasion before Manal would give Riadh the chance. Even so, it took three proposals before she agreed to marry him. The engagement didn’t stop her from obtaining a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Southern California, while Riadh worked on building his chiropractic practice in Ocala. The day after their honeymoon, Manal began her residency at UF Health Shands Pharmacy. She may have been resistant to their relationship at first, even

BREAKING SOCIAL NORMS teasing, “My mom loved Riadh before I loved Riadh.” But you can definitely hear the admiration, love, and respect in her voice, now, as she speaks of him and their five children.

PURPOSE-DRIVEN

Everything starts because someone asked a question. Manal points out Ocala has a YMCA because someone asked why the city didn’t have one. She is a firm believer that anything can be accomplished, if you are purpose-driven. It is one of the reasons she has put in a bid for mayor, which would make her the first female mayor in Ocala. Her resumé of volunteer positions is extensive. She has sat on the Executive Committee of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP). She has been on the boards of the United Way of Marion County, American Heart Association Heart Walk, and the Frank DeLuca YMCA, to name just a few. But it is her work at the prison she may be most passionate about. “It’s probably one of the most amazing programs in service that I’ve been able to do: working with people who made a mistake, who are paying the price and [are desiring] to have a better

Ocala has been great to my family. — Dr. Manal Fakhoury

life. They know they were wrong. When we say it’s the Florida Department of Corrections, we have to have corrections. Otherwise, call it the Florida Prison System,” she states emphatically. Manal was first asked to help start a Gavel Club through Toastmasters International. It was so well received, she used Fakhoury Leadership International to bring in a leadership conference and, eventually, a 12-week leadership program. She organized members of the community to teach the programs and held special guest speaker sessions. It was a lot of work, but she feels it has been tremendously successful. “It was a real labor of love,” she exclaims.

Manal is driven by a passion to build and maintain strong community relations. In a recent interview with the Ocala Gazette, she states, “If we create a culture of harmony and respect and inclusion, then that’s how our community feels.” She has certainly spent her life giving to Ocala, since arriving in 1987, and she plans to continue serving the community she loves so much. “Ocala has been great to my family,” she humbly asserts. For more information about Manal, visit ManalforMayor.com.

Photos submitted by Dr. Manal Fakhoury

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C E L E B R AT I N G O U R T E A C H E R S

Connection

TEACHERS WORK CLOSELY TOGETHER TO IMPROVE THEIR STUDENTS’ LIVES

C E L E B R AT I N G O U R T E A C H E R S

RHONDA WILLIAMS & ANNETTE GARCIA Story & Photos by LISA ANDERSON

C E L E B R AT I N G O U R T E A C H E R S

nnette Garcia and Rhonda Williams are two peas in a pod. Their harmony is evident in all of their interactions. It’s like watching chords on a guitar come together to form a beautiful song. “We play off our strengths and weaknesses together,” Rhonda explains. “The kids know. If you don’t want me, then do what you need to do with her.” She points to Annette, and they both laugh. They teach eleventh and twelfth graders at Forest High school. “We take an inactive reader and flip that switch to an active reader,” Rhonda clarifies.

LEAVING THE RAT RACE

Annette was born and raised in New York, but in 2005, she moved her two girls down to Ocala to get away from the rat race. She had been a paralegal, but when she got here, she decided to take a sub position at Fort King Middle School. She was immediately put into a classroom, where she fell in love with teaching. “It’s funny, because I never thought I had the patience. But when you get in the classroom and see someone struggling, you want to know [why].” She immediately got the required certifications and started teaching reading for sixth through eighth grade at Fort King, where she remained for eight years. She then transferred to Forest High School, where she now works closely with Rhonda. Annette’s passion for teaching is rooted in the desire to see her students succeed. She wants all of them to pass, but if she can help one child per year, she knows she’s helped to change at least one life. “They can drive us crazy. But I can go home, and, tomorrow, I’ll feel better about it. Bottom line is they’re kids. Most of the time when I have a hard interaction with someone, [it’s] not necessarily that they’re trying to be disrespectful to me. It’s just that they’re trying to shelter what’s wrong with them, what’s going on at home, or what’s personally going on. I’ve learned that,” Annette says.

Our kids make huge strides and never get recognized for it. — Annette Garcia

THIRD GENERATION TEACHER

“I love children, and I love being creative,” Rhonda proudly states. Born and raised in Ocala, she is a third-generation teacher. She began teaching at Forest High School 30 years ago, when her father was still there teaching. Now, her daughter, a graduate of Forest High, is starting her teaching career there, making her a fourthgeneration teacher. “[Annette and I] are in reading, and the state’s standards and the state assessments change all of the time. They change, and there’s no materials to come right then. They come two or three years after. So, you need the ability to be very, very creative. I love doing lesson plans. I love going out and finding those resources. I think that’s what pulled me into [teaching].”

MOVING PAST THE STIGMAS

Annette and Rhonda know there is a stigma about the students they teach, and it troubles the two teachers. They would like to see more empathy from everyone, because “some of our kids are holding full-time jobs and going to school,” Annette explains. “It’s easy to teach an AP kid. It’s not easy to teach our kids,” Annette continues. “Our kids make huge strides and never get recognized for it.”

They teach in separate classrooms, but Annette and Rhonda are dedicated to working together. “The ultimate goal is we want them to pass. We don’t care who does it, or how it gets done, but the kids know [we’re] a package deal,” Rhonda says, as she points back and forth to Annette and herself. Passionate teachers, like Annette and Rhonda, are exactly what our school systems need. Both take the time to really get to know their students, and by the end of the year, they have learned about their background and what they’re dealing with outside of school. Because of their relationships with the kids, Annette feels she and her counterpart have a more intuitive response to their needs. Their deep desire to serve their students and to engage the community is obvious in everything they say. They would love to see business support specifically for their reading class, because they are in need of so many materials. They also wish the business community would step up and talk with their students about all the possibilities in this world, whether or not they have a college degree. No matter what, Annette and Rhonda are here to make sure their students pass and have a life-changing experience in their classrooms.

C E L E B R AT I N G O U R T E A C H E R S

Deliciously Happy

CHRISTOPER ROY Story & Photo by LISA ANDERSON

Photo by Lisa Anderson

AG TEACHER ENJOYS THE GARDEN LIFE

C E L E B R AT I N G O U R T E A C H E R S

f you go to school for equestrian studies in Billings, Montana, have a successful horse farm, move to Oregon to get a degree in Agriculture, and spend some time working on tugboats out of Seattle and Alaska, you probably don’t expect to become a teacher. However, that’s exactly what happened to Chris Roy, a 21-year Marion County School District teacher. “I figured I’d give it five years, and then I never left,” he says with a little smile. Chris grew up in Palm Beach County, and when his mom became sick, he decided it was time to move back to Florida. That’s when he received an offer to teach agriculture (ag) at Lake Weir High School. Being an adventurous soul, he thought he would give it a try, and he’s glad he did.

DISCOVERING THE NUANCE

Everything felt natural to him at first: the bell, the schedule, the weekends off. But then, “I was introduced to more of the community and human side of things. I had a lot of kids with disabilities in my classroom, which I wasn’t aware of, going to school as a student. You don’t know all of the nuance teachers put up with. So, inclusion never occurred to me. “Kids with disabilities and abuse cases and things like [that] were always in the forefront. I kind of had a pull towards that.” In his third year, Chris was required to get his permanent teaching certifications. That’s when he did something unexpected. “I kind of threw a wrench in the gears,

I figured I’d give it five years, and then I never left. — Christopher Roy

because they were expecting me to put ag in, but, instead, I went with varying exceptionalities and started dealing with kids with disabilities and things.” As inclusion progressed, so did the requirements, and Chris fulfilled them by obtaining an English certification. Around the same time, Chris began co-teaching with Laura Martin, as an experiment for the county. “We were the only co-teachers to this day that were actually following the model. We were very, very successful at that. Many of our kids came in non-proficient and left with honors. I’d say 70 percent of the honors kids were ours,” he states with a hint of pride.

MOVING WITH THE CHANGES

The co-teachers taught English together for nine years. Around 2017, there was a change in administration, and the pair were split up. Chris decided the program had run its course, and he applied for and was hired to work at Marion Technical Institute (MTI), as the senior English teacher. He taught honor students and high school seniors. He wasn’t in his new position long when another change in administration at the top level meant changes for the program Chris had been hired to teach. “They came in on January 13th, which was Friday the 13th, and they told us they were dismantling the academics and getting rid of all the teachers. I didn’t understand, because I was the English department. I had about 75 kids. One hundred percent of them passed the state exam. Every kid I had passed the state exam. No other school program could say that. Every kid I taught walked out of there with a diploma.” Chris was confused about the reasons the administration would say the academics weren’t working, so when a former colleague told him of an ag position at Osceola Middle School, he jumped at the chance. At first, the district administration wasn’t going to let him transfer to the new position. They didn’t want to lose a valuable English teacher, but Chris argued he had been originally hired as an ag teacher in 2000. The district relented under the condition he get certified for the position within the next three days. Four years later, Chris is still happy with the move, which is

evident in his voice. He gets excited, as he talks about all of the garden projects he and his students do in class. “My favorite part of what I’m doing now isn’t just the kids. It’s not just working with the children. It’s seeing the light bulbs come on. You explain to them where their food comes from, and then you help them grow something from seed, and they get to eat it,” he animatedly explains.

HAPPY IN HIS WORK

The school’s program is now funded by the Fitness and Nutrition in Schools (FANS) program. They teach kids about nutrition and eating better. “It’s really making a difference. I try to grow food they normally wouldn’t try. We compost all our own soil. We dress our gardens with our soil. We probably save about $600 dollars a year creating our own compost.” The students learn about hydroponic systems, and the culinary program cooks some of the food for the kids in Chris’s class to try. What they don’t consume in school or take home, Chris weighs and distributes it to families and food shelves. Bad days aren’t common for Chris, but if they do occur, he takes full advantage of working in the garden after the students leave. He gives credit to the management of his school for much of his happiness. “The administration I have now is the best administration I’ve ever worked for. They’re caring and consistent.”

C E L E B R AT I N G O U R T E A C H E R S

Wholeheartedly KINDER PARA POURS HER HEART & SOUL INTO THE WORK

ANNE SEUFERT Story & Photos by LISA ANDERSON

C E L E B R AT I N G O U R T E A C H E R S

nne Seufert has always had an affinity towards children. “My goal was to get married and have kids. So, that’s what I did.” This mother of three—twins and a singleton—didn’t set out to be a schoolteacher, but the perfect path presented itself. “When my youngest went to kindergarten, I knew I needed to go back to work. I wanted to do a job where I didn’t have to get daycare. I wanted [my kids] with me. I blessedly got into the school where they [attended], so I had my weekends off. I had winter break, spring break, summer break, evenings—you know, everything they had. I’ve always loved education. I love school, especially elementary school, which is where I stayed. So, it was a no-brainer.”

I don’t think parents realize how much we invest in their children. They don’t realize how much love grows for them. I have loved thousands of children in my career. — Anne Seufert

BEGINNING THE JOURNEY

Anne started her career as a tutor. She would work in seven different classrooms, spending about 30 minutes with each class. When the program was cut back two years later, Anne became a classroom sub. Each day, she would go to the school, and they would direct her where to go. If all the teachers were present, she would simply do administrative work. Later that year, a dream position opened up when a colleague left to have a baby. Anne immediately stepped into the position of kindergarten paraprofessional (kinder para) and never left. She has spent 27 years in the Marion County school system. “I think people think we’re just the assistant. I do a whole lot of teaching, especially when I’m working with teachers who treat you as a team member. A big part of what you do is teaching [the kids] life skills, coping mechanisms, and social skills—all those things that make a well-rounded person.” She has also been teaching students writing skills since 2005. It’s one of her favorite things to do. By the end of the year, her students have put together a journal, and they often have a leg up on their peers when entering first grade. “My goal is to teach them to be independent,” Anne explains. She wants the students to know how to form full sentences and to start using punctuation, without depending on her to do it for them.

FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC

Anne has been immersed in music since childhood. “My mom learned to play the guitar as an adult, and she had a beautiful voice. “We used to have hootenannies at our house. People would come over, and they’d play all night long. They’d play until four o’clock in the morning. So that was really cool.” She started singing with her mom, who also taught Anne how to play the guitar. When they’d sing together, her mom would call it “blood harmony,” because voices

are so similar when singing with family. “There were times when we’d we sing together, the hair would stand up on the back of my neck, because it’s just like this electric energy. I miss that, because she’s not around anymore.” Anne added flute to the mix during junior high, and she has continued with it as an adult. She can also play “a mean tambourine.” In 2013, Anne decided to teach Kindermusik, which was a perfect way for her to use her musical skills. The curriculum originated in Germany and was founded in 1978. “It involves immersing [the children] through movement, music, and exposure. [The program is] all about the whole child. It starts at newborn and goes up to age seven. “Music, more than anything, gets the neurotransmitters connected and makes pathways that wouldn’t ordinarily be there,” Anne explains. She goes on to say this can give a child a leg-up when they enter school, especially if they pursue music. The parents play a large role in the experience, and many of them were there, primarily, as another way to connect with their child. Anne continued working as a kinder para during the day and then would teach five Kindermusik classes three evenings per

C E L E B R AT I N G O U R T E A C H E R S

week. The toddlers would play musical laps and place instruments in their mouths. When the pandemic came, she didn’t feel it was responsible to continue the classes. She also didn’t feel connected to the students teaching them online, so she shut down her program. At this time, she is uncertain of when or if she’ll open it back up, but the experience definitely holds a special place in heart.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Another favorite part of teaching for Anne is watching the students get excited about the things they are learning, “and hugs. Where else can you go to work and get unconditional love and hugged

a million times a day?” she asks. She plans to continue in her career until she is at least 65 years old. In 2020, Anne took part in the Adopt-aSenior program for the graduating class. One of the students she adopted had been a student of hers in kindergarten. She began crying when she talked about the letter

the senior wrote about the huge impact she had on his life. “You sit there and wonder, did I make a difference?” The answer is yes. “I don’t think parents realize how much we invest in their children. They don’t realize how much love grows for them. I have loved thousands of children in my career.”

FOLLOW ME

Living the Dream

THE CONCLUSION OF BECKY SINN’S STORY

FOLLOW ME

BECKY SINN Story & Photo by LISA ANDERSON

he Surgeon of Song moved to Gainesville in 2013, where she met some pretty amazing people in the art circuit. This included Jenny Castle, a fire performer, who would later go on to tell Becky her dream. Jenny proclaimed she would one day own a beautiful bar, and Becky would sing with a big band there. “She literally said that and made it happen,” Becky’s voice bubbles with laughter and awe.

People trust me to come in and be the soundtrack to their event or precious memory. — Becky Sinn

“The first rehearsal was in a church. Hearing that symphony all around me—I just couldn’t believe it.” Another friend, Chad Young, had helped connect Becky with a Gainesville big band, and Jenny Castle provided the stage. Becky pushed through her nerves

to perform three songs that would later be the inspiration to form Swing Theory. “I just channeled my inner Ella Fitzgerald and said, ‘Yes! You can do this!’” It was a dream come true for this Ocalaborn star. Three years in Gainesville produced some amazing things for Becky. Not only did she become the lead singer for Swing Theory, but she also fulfilled another dream with Jenny Castle: Becky, Jenny, and a few other fun and quirky players came together to create a sideshow. Dr. Sinn’s Freak Island Medicine Sideshow offered sexy clowns, original music, naughty jokes, and a whole lot of

amusing entertainment. They dazzled Gainesville for several years, but the shows slowed down when Becky moved back to Ocala in 2018. However, they are discussing a possible reunion in Ocala. In 2020, Becky finally took the leap, and stepped away from her full-time job. She now exclusively sings for her supper. “I’m doing more gigs than I have ever done. I now get to do private events, weddings, grand openings, and christenings. People trust me to come in and be the soundtrack to their event or precious memory. It’s an honor for me. I’m so thankful I have this gift. I’m so thankful that I’ve never wasted it.”

FOLLOW ME

Pursuit of Passions

Photo by Lisa Anderson

VOLUNTEERING FILLS HIS CUP

R.J. JENKINS Story by LISA ANDERSON

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book!” – Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

aised in Sarasota, Florida, R.J. Jenkins has spent the last five years in Ocala, volunteering and becoming a champion of the city. “In full disclosure, I had come from some of the most liberal places on the planet. So, I was not convinced when I came to Ocala that I was going to be able to find people. What has been very cool is that I have found my people, but they are of all political persuasions. So, that’s been very eye-opening for me. I’m forced to rethink some of my preconceived notions about what a place is like or what a group of people might be like,” he admits. “I really, really like it here. I have met so many wonderful people.”

I really, really like it here. I have met so many wonderful people. — R.J. Jenkins

THE ORDER OF THINGS

R.J. is currently the Executive Committee President for the Marion Literacy Council, the Board of Directors President at the Reilly Arts Center, a founder of the Reilly’s Associate Board, and a strong supporter and volunteer for many other Ocala-based non-profit organizations, but before his love for this city began, R.J. threw himself into his academics. “My home life wasn’t whimsical. I had a very broken childhood in some ways. Lots and lots of good memories peppered through what was actually a pretty difficult childhood.” There were harder issues happening in his home—from substance abuse to divorce—but school was a place he could take refuge. Rules and praise for following the rules became very therapeutic, and they set in motion a passion for reading and teaching. “I’ve always been verbal. I was always a sucker for authority. My brother chafed against authority, and I was cuddled up to [it]. I always wanted to please. I always admired my teachers. Books about an ordered universe were [also] very therapeutic.”

His love of learning is evident through his academic credentials: A bachelor’s degree in English and Evolutionary Biology at Columbia University (New York City, New York) and a master’s degree in English from the University of Cambridge (Cambridge, England). He went on to do doctoral work in 19th-century British Literature at Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts), but it was a research trip to Kenya and a scary bout of malaria between his sophomore and junior years at Columbia that caused R.J. to really focus on his passion for English.

FOLLOW R.J.’S STORY This story continues through our Social Media Channels on Instagram and Facebook every Wednesday in September. Be sure to follow us @localamag to find out about R.J.’s transformative trip to Cambridge, England. #localafollowme

Photos submitted by R.J. Jenkins (2nd photo is of his Cambridge graduation)

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FROM THE EXPERTS

Top 5 Tips FOR CHOOSING A DAYCARE

Photo by HighwayStarz/DepositPhotos.com

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Photo by Lisa Anderson

Story by LISA ANDERSON

FROM THE EXPERTS

shley Rozicki has a superpower. “I have always been able to effectively care for children, even when I was a child myself. My very first job was at a local daycare after school. I was 15.” Ashley is the owner and operator of Acorns to Oaks Child Care Center, and she adores her profession. “I get paid to play with children all day! My favorite thing is inspiring a love for learning. I live for the ‘aha’ moments. My day really is filled with magic and the ingredients to make dreams come true.” Her business is a home-based operation, but Ashley is looking towards opening a facility in the near future. She plans for it to be a place to inspire preschoolers and home-schooled students to learn. Offering a safe learning environment and physical therapy options for disabled children is also a part of the plan for the new facility. “We have an amazing foundation of people in our community—teachers, lawyers, and doctors—that want to see this [project] through. We’re blessed and excited for the future.”

very easy to get. Anyone of quality will not mind providing one for you.” 4. Understand that Transition Can Be Hard “It’s bound to happen at some point. You’re at dropoff, and the little one has a meltdown. I really believe the answer for this is communication with your child’s teacher.” Ashley goes on to state that there is an abundance of remedies for this situation, but whatever you and the teacher decide, make sure it becomes a routine your child can depend on.

5. Use Your Instincts “You are your child’s best teacher, and you should be their best advocate. Where does your child thrive? Are they happy with their teacher, clean at pickup, or are they super hungry at pick-up? Use your instincts.” Your child will usually let you know when they aren’t comfortable, but trusting your instincts is key. When you are working with a good facility or home daycare, they will help to meet your child’s needs.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DAYCARE

Ashley knows choosing the right daycare for your family can be a difficult choice, but she has five tips to help you on your journey. 1. Cleanliness “Cleanliness is one of the easiest things to accomplish. Because of the different needs we each have, cleanliness is a universal language of quality,” Ashley explains. Keep your eyes open on tours for things such as smells, clutter build-up, and organization. 2. Private or Facility Ashley recommends taking a good look at what your family’s needs are with regards to accommodations before you make any decisions. “Facilities offer longer hours, lower rates, and scholarships. Home daycares offer smaller class sizes and a more personalized care plan.” There is no right or wrong choice when deciding between a facility and private care. Instead, Ashley advocates for choosing based on your family needs and how comfortable you are with the teachers. “Even though this is their profession, it’s not always easy. The way we treat our educators affects the way they get through their day.” 3. Do Your Research “Anyone can talk a good game, so make sure they can back it up. Ask for their DCF number, licensing holder, and insurance.” She also recommends checking SunBiz.org. Most of all, Ashley is adamant about doing a background check. “Do not, do not, leave your children with someone that [hasn’t had] a background check. Some sort of local or federal background [check] is essential, even for a private home nanny. They are

ABOUT ASHLEY ROZICKI

Ashley is the owner and operator of Acorns to Oaks Child Care Center, LLC, located in Ocala. She is the mother of five children, has been married for eight years, and has 23 years of experience teaching children in preschool to sixth grade. Find her at facebook.com/Acorns-to-OaksLearning-Center-1974956716135957 or contact her at acorns2oakslearningcenter@gmail.com.

Photo by Lisa Anderson

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Artwork by blue67/DepositPhotos.com

Tikkun Olam

REPAIRING THE WORLD Story by LISA ANDERSON

about it. My husband has been retired for a number of years. He really wanted me to be retired, but I was so nervous about doing it. I’m surprised at how well I’ve adjusted to it.”

Photos submitted by Kathy Cohen (Top L to R: Teach niece to make Challah / Pottery / Husband Mike & Daughter Stephanie / Hospital drive organized by Kathy)

he earned a psychology degree, co-owned a restaurant with her husband, is a mother and a potter, volunteers, loves the outdoors, and was an emergency room nurse for more than 20 years. Kathy Cohen and her husband decided to retire early and found themselves falling in love with the On Top of the World community. They arrived in the Ocala area just three days before the national shutdown in March 2020. “I didn’t think I could do it,” Kathy admits, while speaking of her retirement. “I am a person who can’t stay still. I like doing things all of the time. I was very nervous

THE ROAD TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM

In the late 1980s, Kathy and her husband owned a quaint little restaurant in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Kathy gave birth to her daughter, but she was premature at 26 weeks. The Cohens knew it would be too difficult to care for the restaurant and their daughter at the same time. They made the decision to sell the restaurant and devote their time to her. When their daughter was about one-and-a-half

In fact, giving back to the community is one of the tenants of Judaism Kathy practices faithfully. “Tikkun olum means 'repairing the world.' I’m still looking for other ways to get involved and give back.”

the day I stepped into the "From emergency room, I just fell in love. It’s " crazy. It’s hectic. It’s hard as heck, and I just loved every minute of it.

Photo submitted by Kathy Cohen (with mentee)

– KATHY COHEN

years old, Kathy’s husband wanted a turn to stay home with her. So, Kathy headed back to work and picked up three jobs: a registrar in the emergency room at a community hospital, a secretary in the pediatric unit, and a daycare employee. “While I was working in the pediatric unit, the nurses kept saying that I should be a nurse. One day, they were working with a new student, and they kept asking her questions. I was muttering the answers under my breath. The charge nurse said, ‘This is stupid. Why are you here? You need to be one of the nurses.’” Soon after, Kathy’s husband got a new job in the restaurant and hotel industry. This meant moving to the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area, but it also meant they would be moving every few years. “I wanted something that would transfer. So, I decided maybe I’d give nursing a shot. I really [hadn’t] had that in the forefront of my brain before.” Kathy attended a program at the University of Maryland and spent five years trying to find a position that she enjoyed. “I was hating it. Not hating it. I just wasn’t engaged enough. I said to my husband, ‘I think I made a terrible mistake. I’m not loving this.’” When she held a position as clinical coordinator, Kathy had gotten to know the nurses in the emergency room. She was close to leaving her job, when the nurses invited her to join them. “From the day I stepped into the emergency room, I just fell in love. It’s crazy. It’s hectic. It’s hard as heck, and I just loved every minute of it.”

Before her retirement, Kathy found many ways to volunteer and help her community. One of her favorite experiences was working with Future Link. “I was a mentor for several young ladies that came from varied backgrounds. [They] needed guidance to make it through college and start their careers.

It was a big part of my giving back experience, a very humble and worthwhile experience.” Despite her reservations about moving to Florida, Kathy has been very happy with her and her husband's choice. She says it feels like they have been in their neighborhood for 10 years already. “We’ve made incredible friends.” She hopes to continue to volunteer, but Kathy is also excited to set up her pottery studio in their garage and go hiking and kayaking. She spends a lot of time making all sorts of bread, as well, including sourdough, challah, pitas, and more. She’s even joined the Jewish club in On Top of the World. Kathy is sure to brighten any community with her sunny disposition and the way she puts people at ease. It is no surprise that she has already made friends, with many more to come. Welcome to Ocala!

REPAIRING THE WORLD

“In addition to doing my nursing shifts, I took Pilates a couple days per week. I love to bake and cook. I’m a potter. I like to volunteer. I like to give back to the community.”

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THE CHEWS LETTER

Food & Wine

SOMMELIER SHARES HIS PASSIONS

rian Morey stumbled into the wine industry as a college student in Michigan. He was an accounting student by day and a bartender at night. He “accidentally got a job at a wine bar,” after helping out at a wedding. The owner of a high-end wine bar had been a guest at the wedding, and she had enjoyed his bartending style so much, she told him to apply for a job. The bar was only two houses down from Brian’s home, and that job is what started his wine career. Brian would rotate his accounting homework with learning about and trying wines. “Slowly but surely, I had an interest in wine. As long as people have been

around, we’ve been fermenting something. Wine has been a part of so many cultures.”

BECOMING A SOMMELIER

Brian moved to Palm Beach County in the early

•

Story by LISA ANDERSON

Photo by Brett Goldin

BRIAN MOREY

Photo submitted by Brian Morey

THE CHEWS LETTER

1990s and got a job as an accountant. The lifestyle was not his cup of tea. “Sitting in a cubicle doing spreadsheets just wasn’t my thing.” He had paid his way through college working in the restaurant industry, and after leaving his accounting job, he returned to it. At one point, he co-owned a café with a friend, but the two eventually parted ways and sold the business. “By this time, I was really into wine,” Brian explains. He applied for a position he saw in the newspaper, and Brian was hired to sell wine for a gentleman who had a true appreciation of it. His employer wanted the wines in the best restaurants, and Brian quickly realized he didn’t know as much about it as he had thought. The customers he was approaching enjoyed drinking French and Italian wines, but Brian’s knowledge was domestically-rooted. Over the next few years, he increased his knowledge and completed his level one sommelier certification in 2004. Brian attributes a lot of his education to traveling and spending time with wine makers in Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and the West Coast.

The wine trade is one of the most noble trades in the world and one of the oldest trades in the world. — Brian Morey

THE BEGINNING OF MOREVINO WINE

Brian started his own wine distribution company, in 2003, with the intent of one day owning a restaurant. “The wine business just kind of took off. Before I knew it, I was going from Key West to Charleston and calling on everything from the finest restaurants to Disney to the Four Seasons Hotel—anyone who sold wine. I worked for importers all over the world. It was a great opportunity. The more I did it, the more I liked it. I was smart enough when I started my company to just be quiet, listen, and ask questions.” Brian, his wife, and their two small children moved out of their Palm Beach County home and onto a family farm in Dunnellon, about 10 years ago. They were caretakers of the farm for several years, before the property sold. Brian continued his wine business, during their stay, and he even looked at opening his restaurant in The Villages about eight years ago. While the business concept felt like a great fit for the area, he wasn’t sold on the leasing options for the community. Then, two years ago, Brian turned 50. “That’s when I really decided if I was going to do it, I needed to do it now.”

Morevino Wine opened on Silver Springs Boulevard just 37 days before the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. Brian faced a walk-in cooler full of food and a nightmare situation for a new business. However, with some ingenuity, he turned his menu into family-style meals. “In about a month, we were doing a tremendous amount of to-go business. I turned to Facebook and we went from 40 or 50 followers to almost 2,000 now. It’s really grown our business. It’s fantastic.”

PASSIONS MAGNIFIED

Beyond his passion for wine, Brian is also a lover of food and a self-taught chef. “Everywhere I went, if I liked it, I came home and made it. I’d put my spin on it and turn it into something of my own. [While] I was in the wine business, I was hoarding all those recipes away. So, that’s where my menu comes from. It’s a little Pacific Rim, a lot of Italian, and there’s also the meat and potatoes,

because I’m a Midwest boy from Michigan.” The restaurant’s wine dinners are one of his monthly favorites, and they have become so popular they have a waiting list. Brian loves the dinners, because it gives him the opportunity to educate the diners about new wines, share some foods not on the menu, and celebrate the kitchen staff. “I get to talk endlessly about wine. My family is sick of hearing about it, but these people want to hear about it,” he laughs. Brian is definitely in his element when talking about food and wine. His menu is rich with locally sourced food, and the wine list is enhanced by personal stories. Sitting down at his table is all about education, experience, and passion.

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ARTIST Q&A

Vicki Sheerin COUCH SESSIONS, EPISODE IV: AGNEW’S CROWN What type of an artist are you/What is your medium? For this event, I will be doing body painting, but I do everything from teaching art, to hosting painting parties, to face painting, commissioned paintings, and more.

make and share my art is so that it is accessible and approachable for any and everyone.

What is your background, and how has it informed your art? I've always been that "artsy-fartsy" girl. I had an amazing art teacher in high school, who was like a guidepost in helping me to discover what I wanted to do after graduation. I pursued an Art Teacher's degree at Plymouth State University. I moved in with my grandparents and down to Ocala in June 2007. In 2016, I became an artist, then a manager and now business owner of an artistry business. I was also an Art Teacher at Marion Charter, and I loved seeing my students enjoy the creative process and how they grew in confidence and skill during my time there. I’ve always felt that art is something that should be shared and be available for everyone to do, talk about, share, and participate in without fear or judgment.

What are you besides an artist? How do you define your role in life? Besides an artist, I am a widowed mom of two and recent health and wellness nerd. I have shed 203.8lbs in two years. From this massive life transformation, I was inspired to want to help others who felt stuck and needed help losing weight and getting their life back for good. I am back in college online with Arizona State University to get a degree to become a board-certified wellness coach and registered dietitian.

What types of art and culture do you like to consume? I have been musically obsessed since childhood and like to consider myself a karaoke junkie of the 1970s and ‘80s. I was very lucky that my going to Plymouth was a very artsy, musical, and performance-filled collegiate experience for me. Is there a connection between your message and the way you make your art? Yes. I once read a quote that has since stuck with me, The Earth without Art, is EH. And it’s true! The way I

How do you define success as an artist or person? What do you hope to accomplish? Seeing the enjoyment in others from me sharing

FIND VICKI AT:

SheerinArtistry.com IG: @SheerinArtistry FB: @SheerinArtistry

my artsy heart with others is what fills me up and makes me feel successful. I continue to experience joy any time I can connect with others about art.

8:00PM – 10:00PM LOFT @ The Lodge 36 S Magnolia Avenue #B Ocala, FL 34471

WWW.COUCHSESSIONSOCALA.COM

Photos submitted by artist

FRIDAY, SEPT. 3, 2021

ARTIST Q&A

Jordan Foley COUCH SESSIONS, EPISODE IV: AGNEW’S CROWN What type of an artist are you/What is your medium? I'm a singer-songwriter; I play guitar and sing. What is your background, and how has it informed your art? I've been playing guitar since I was seven; I took lessons until I was 16 years old. I've also been writing songs since middle school. As an English major at Stetson University, I explored creative writing avenues, which helped me develop my lyrical skills. As a musician, I started playing at charity events and open mics all around campus. I then became a middle school English teacher and started playing shows around town. What types of art & culture do you like to consume? I consume all kinds of art, but mainly music, movies, TV shows, and comedy improv. I listen to so much music on a daily basis. I also took comedy improv classes a few years ago and really enjoyed them! Is there a connection between your message & the way you make your art? I believe there is. When you write music that is true or has a genuine aspect to it, people can relate to it in their own ways. That doesn't mean the writing within the songs needs to be totally accurate, but as a performer, it's my role to believe in what I'm presenting and express the truth behind the stories. What are you besides an artist? How do you define your role in life? I'm a writer and manage the content on a local university's website. I'm also originally from Pittsburgh, PA, absolutely love Star Wars, and spend a

lot of time with my dog Nessie. My role in life is to make people smile, laugh, and overall feel good after meeting or seeing me. How do you define success as an artist or person? What do you hope to accomplish? I define success as having made music that I enjoy, and that then translates into others enjoying it. Would I like to make it my full-time career? Yes, of course. But that doesn't define success. When I write a song, I want to make sure I like it and will listen to it afterwards. I think this will be something I'm constantly working on, as I don't really believe there will come a time where I've "made it" as a singer-songwriter. Keep working. Keeping pushing yourself. That's what I'm working towards, and I'm loving every minute of the journey.

FIND JORDAN AT: linktr.ee/jfoleymusic

JORDAN FOLEY & THE WHEELHOUSE

Jordan Foley, rhythm guitar/vocals Tyler Hood, lead guitar Cris Faustmann, bass Mikey Guzman, keys Matt Wassum, drums

Photos submitted by artist

FRIDAY, SEPT. 3, 2021 8:00PM – 10:00PM LOFT @ The Lodge 36 S Magnolia Avenue #B Ocala, FL 34471

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CONVERT OUNCES TO GALLONS? Story by JODI ANDERSON

Photo by monkeybusiness/DepositPhotos.com

elieve it or not, your first step is to determine if you’re standing in the United Kingdom or the United States, because the answer will be different. Let’s assume you are a fan of Lee Greenwood and are proud to be measuring as an American. Your sexy personal trainer Trevor says you need to start drinking a gallon of water a day. Thank goodness, coffee counts! So, you start with your favorite “World’s Best Mom” coffee mug, which is eight ounces. Four cups later, you’re at 32 ounces, which is a quart. You probably have to pee pretty badly by now. Make sure you take care of that before you do burpees, or you’ll have an accident. (Birthing all those kids can make things a little dicey down there.) Unless you’re Lorelai Gilmore, you’re probably tweaking about now. It’s time to lay off the caffeine. You grab a large (sugar-free) neon green sports drink— another 32 ounces—because you need your electrolytes. This brings you to half a gallon (or eight World’s Best Mom cups), and you are totally over your personal trainer. He’s stupid. Your kidneys agree.

It’s been a long day of peeing every 30 minutes, and you’ve finally made it to happy hour. It’s time to crack open a cold one. Eager to support a local business and exercise your refined taste, you locate an empty growler (half gallon), amid the jumble of sports equipment and cheesy crackers in the trunk, and head to your favorite brew pub. You could have a pint (16 ounces, or two cups) while you’re there, but it will ruin your math. Anyway, the kids are at a sleepover, so you need to get home to

let the dog out. You’re a responsible drinker, which means you are sober as you drive home to imbibe your 64 ounces of locallybrewed IPA. You then wobble off to bed, proud of yourself for drinking your fluids. After all, beer contains water. Next time, save yourself the effort— and liver damage—and Google “ounces to gallons” or vice versa. Enter the amount in the calculator that pops up. It will show 128 ounces = 1 gallon. Also, fire Trevor. No one needs to do that much math. Or burpees.

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Volume 01, Issue

No. 02 • JULY 2021

BECKY SINN

Surgeon of Song Her Voice Fills Ocala with Joy

ESMIRNA CARA

BALLO Business Leader Opens Doors for the Ocala Hispanic Community

KRYSTAL DALE

Empowered Finding Balance Through Motherh

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Volume 01, Issue

No. 03 • AUGUST

2021

Locala, September 2021, Volume 1, Issue No. 4

Articles inside

TEACHERS WORK CLOSELY TOGETHER TO IMPROVE THEIR STUDENTS’ LIVES

Letter from the Publisher