OCALA MAGAZINE: DIGITAL EDITION AUGUST 2018

Debbie drove the distance when her breast cancer kept her from teaching.

At UF Health, she found a problem-solver who made the trip worth it.

Dr. Lisa Spiguel and her multidisciplinary team create customized treatment plans for patients with breast cancer. For Debbie, that meant surgery and a round of radiation, avoiding the side effects of chemotherapy. That option made the 228-mile drive to see Dr. Spiguel well worth it.

Now Debbie’s back to teaching, while Dr. Spiguel continues her unending search for answers that move medicine forward.

Learn more at ProblemSolvingCare.org.

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KATYA

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CAITLAN DICKEY

Are Our Schools

SAFE?

In February, we were saddened by the tragic shooting at a South Florida school. We thought it could never happen here, but just two months later an Ocala student was shot. How are our schools and law enforcement making sure our kids are safe going back to school this year?

S

Written By LISA MCGINNES, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Photography By KEVIN BISCHOF, SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER Additional Photographs Provided By Marion County SheriFF’s Office and marion county public schools

even-year-old Grace is excited to go back to school.

She’ll be in third grade this year, and she can’t wait to see all her friends after summer break. For her, it’s been a fun three months of family vacations, beach days and hours spent playing outside with her dog. She probably hasn’t thought at all about April 20 – the day, just a month before the school year ended, that her Ocala elementary school was locked down because of the shooting a few miles away at Forest High School.

Her mother, Barbara, says that while Grace probably does remember the day she calls “quite an experience” for her daughter, she’s not scared to go back to school. As a parent, however, Barbara plans to have a gentle conversation before the first day of school, just to help Grace feel confident and make sure she still understands what the safety drills are for without being worried.

The Day it Was Us

Barbara will never forget the alarming feeling that came over her when she got the first call on that Friday morning saying there had been a shooting at Forest. Her first instinct was to drive to her daughter’s elementary school to pick her up, but by the time she arrived, all Marion County schools were on lockdown.

Hours later, when Grace got in the car, she said “Mommy, we were in code red today.”

“She completely understood the severity of that,” Barbara says. “She then proceeded to tell me that all the lights were turned off in the school and her class had to hide in a bathroom.

The heartwarming part is that she told a little boy next to her that she was scared, and he took her hand and said ‘It’s OK, Gracie, I get scared sometimes too.’”

Over at Forest High School, senior Caitlan Dickey knew on the morning of April 20 that the code red was not a drill.

“I remember thinking ‘I know someone is on our campus to hurt us right now.’ I watched everything happen – the cop cars,

the SWAT teams, everyone running in with their big guns.

That was obviously very scary.” Caitlan says just like those younger kids, everyone at Forest came together to support each other. “Our teachers were there for us and they made that so clear,” she remembers. “Our administration made us feel safe.”

Superintendent Dr. Heidi Maier was at Dunnellon High School when she got the call no school administrator ever wants to receive – that a student had been shot in a classroom – and she immediately headed for Forest. She calls what she witnessed throughout that day an “amazing” response from school staff, law enforcement and the community.

“One of the first response agencies on the scene was Fish and Wildlife,” she says incredulously. “These response agencies came from everywhere. Knowing that they would drop everything was huge.”

Sheriff Billy Woods believes the quick actions of the Forest School Resource Officer, Deputy Jimmy Long, and the locked classroom doors helped protect students in an incident that could have been much more severe than one student being injured in the ankle by a shot through the door.

Both Sheriff Woods and Dr. Maier believe the A.L.I.C.E. protocol, which had been put into place a month before, helped students and staff to stay safe.

A.L.I.C.E. stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate. Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) adopted this protocol in March, after 17 students were killed and another 17 injured in the tragic shooting at South Florida’s Parkland High School. MCPS Deputy Superintendent Dr. R. Craig Ham says this aggressive approach empowers students and teachers with more options to safely flee dangerous situations. Safe Schools Coordinator Dennis McFatten agrees. “Anything you can do before first responders arrive can save your life.”

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Never Again Caitlan agrees that the A.L.I.C.E. protocol prepared the Forest High School students to know what to do. “The situation at Forest could have been much, much worse if we didn’t have that,” she acknowledges. “If our goal is to make kids feel safe in schools that’s what we can do.”

However, she believes young adults need to work together to get to the root of the much larger issue of saving lives through policy change and common sense gun reform.

Just a week after the Parkland shooting in February, she and other Marion County students participated in a rally on Ocala’s Downtown Square themed “What if it Were Us?” Ironically, just one day before the shooting at Forest, she and a friend had made bracelets that said “What if it Were Us? Never Again Ocala” and had given them out to other students to wear the next day for the planned National School Walkout Day activities on Friday, April 20.

Just a few hours after they were evacuated from school that Friday, Caitlan and her friend were already planning an event they called the “Never Again Ocala Rally – Forest Strong,” inviting local residents to join in a student-led effort to end gun violence in schools. The

“I have got to protect these children. We try to put every measure in place that we can to ensure the safety of our kids. One SRO on the campus is not a guarantee but it’s one step closer.”

SHERIFF BIILLY WOODS MARION COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

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April 25 rally drew students from Parkland who joined Marion County students on the square to inspire them with messages of hope and to encourage more young people to get involved and effect changes in legislation.

Caitlan, now a University of Florida student, continues to speak out for policy change, and she believes students and young voters can lead the way to safety measures that will protect little kids like Grace from having to feel the fear she and her classmates felt knowing an active shooter was inside their school.

New School Safety Law The Florida Legislature worked quickly to pass Senate Bill 7026, named the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act after the school in Parkland, less than a month after the shooting there. The law requires that every school have a safety officer, and when it was passed in March, Sheriff Woods immediately worked with MCPS to add School Resource Officers (SROs) to every Marion County school. The law allows school districts to choose whether to employ local law enforcement officers as SROs, to hire their own security guards, to allow trained school personnel to become armed guardians, or to create their own combination of the three.

Over the summer, the Marion County School Board decided that they will keep an SRO, who is a certified law enforcement officer either from Marion County Sheriff ’s Office or Ocala Police Department, in every school throughout the 2018-2019 academic year.

That’s a decision that makes Barbara feel better about sending her only child back to school this month. “When the officers were put on campus after the incident last year, the children loved seeing the officers,” she says. “I think it helped them feel safer.”

Sheriff Woods, a parent himself, believes SROs are the best option. “I have got to protect these children,” he says. “We try to put every measure in place that we can to ensure the safety of our kids. One SRO on the campus is not a guarantee but it’s one step closer.”

Woods explains that SROs have been in place in some schools for years, and they were originally there to build a rapport of trust between law enforcement and

students. He says in the wake of school shootings the role of the SRO has shifted to a greater focus on protection and security.

Dr. Maier believes that a combination of SROs, safety officers and guardians may the best long-term solution, and the school board will study the options from both safety and budget angles over this school year to make a recommendation for meeting the new requirements in the future.

As a mother, Maier knows that parents need to feel confident trusting school personnel with their children.

As the kids head back to school, she wants to reassure Grace’s mom and all the other Marion County parents that their children are safe. “I can guarantee that every teacher commits to keeping their child safe,” she says. “If they’re not safe, nothing else matters. We’re going to take care of these kids.” OM

“I can guarantee that every teacher commits to keeping their child safe. If they’re not safe, nothing else matters.

We’re going to take care of these kids.”

SUPERINTENDENT HEIDI MAIER MARION COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Editorial Intern Prince Quamina contributed to this artcle.

“ Our teachers were there

for us and they made that so clear. Our administration made us feel safe.

- CA ITL A N D IC K EY AUGUST ‘18

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www.ocalafmc.com

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D

r. Amin, a noninvasive clinical cardiologist, is now seeing patients at Ocala Family Medical Center, joining the team of 33 providers who provide comprehensive, one-stop medical care.

Like all the OFMC staff, Dr. Amin focuses on treating patients like family and encouraging patients to take an active role in their own healthcare.

“I form a connection with my patients,” Dr. Amin says. “This is a partnership. I have to get patients to understand why it’s important for them to modify their risk factors and let them be part of the plan.”

Since heart disease is the leading cause of death, Dr. Amin chose cardiology as her specialty because she felt that was where she could have the biggest impact on patients, and she believes preventative care is the key. “I tell my patients to lower their risk factors – stop smoking, control blood sugar, cholesterol and weight, eat healthy, and exercise. These things allow patients to live longer and healthier. You can be rich and famous, but all the wealth cannot buy back your good health.”

With nearly 20 years of experience as a cardiologist, Dr. Amin says she is still amazed at how quickly the technology evolves and says cardiology is exciting for her because the field

continually grows and expands. After working in South Florida and the Tampa Bay area for many years, she has plenty of experience treating senior citizens with multiple health conditions, and many female patients seek her out because of her extensive experience treating women with heart disease.

“Heart disease presents differently in women,” she says. “Women are treated differently. Women naturally tend to take care of everyone else except ourselves. Women need to realize that their presentation is different than men but carries the same risk.”

Dr. Amin is excited to begin seeing patients at Ocala Family Medical Center, which has provided comprehensive, one-stop medical care in Ocala for more than 25 years. She says her philosophy of care is simple: “I practice evidence based medicine – based on data and clear guidelines, with good old-fashioned common sense mixed in.”

Ocala Family Medical Center 2230 SW 19th Avenue Rd, Ocala, FL 34471 352-237-4133 www.ocalafamilymedicalcenter.com

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Introducing some of Ocala's most influential people.

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Written By LISA MCGINNES, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Photography By KEVIN BISCHOF

ALIEN SWIRLING SAUCERS

Remember the Pizza Planet restaurant and its Claw game? Say hi to the 14-foot-tall Buzz Lightyear and take a seat in a rocket ship hitched to a flying saucer driven by an adorable little three-eyed green Alien. Designed as a playset Andy won at the restaurant, the large claw hangs above this ride that takes you spinning and swirling through a colorfully-lit galaxy to the energetic beat of electronic space music.

“This is a world created by a boy’s imagination,” said Dave Fisher, Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Story Editor. “Andy has brought out all his space toys – it’s a really fun and high-energy attraction.”

TOY STORY MANIA

Virtual carnival midway games give players tall or small the chance to try for the high score, hitting targets with balls and even cream pies in vivid, fast-paced scenarios filled with toys.

WOODY’S LUNCH BOX

After all that fun, kids of all ages who’ve worked up an appetite can sit down and enjoy what Disney calls “a classic menu with a creative twist” – including the s’more French toast breakfast sandwich, with melty chocolate and marshmallows and graham cracker crumbles; the grilled three-cheese sandwich, with gooey layers of cheese sandwiched in garlic butter-grilled French bread; and Totchos, a creation made with potato bites, corn chips, chili and cheese. Simple, healthy options for picky kids include a classic turkey sandwich and the banana split parfait with layers of fresh fruit.

“Everyone has a special food memory, so it can be tricky putting a modern spin on the favorites,” explained Lenny DeGeorge, Concept Development Culinary Director for Walt Disney World. “We honored these classic dishes by using the best ingredients to elevate the flavors.”

PL AY DISNEY PARKS APP

To coincide with the opening of Toy Story Land, Disney debuted its new Play Disney Parks mobile app. It includes games and music to get the kids excited about the park before your visit, but the best thing about this free mobile app for many parents will be the in-queue games. While you wait in line to ride Slinky Dog Dash or Alien Swirling Saucers, the kids can be entertained with interactive Toy Story games they can play on your smartphone.

“Play Disney Parks represents the next step in how we use innovative digital technology to enhance the guest experience in our parks,” said Vivek Sharma, Senior Vice President of Digital Guest Experience and eCommerce for Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “The app is designed to help guests immerse themselves in the Disney stories they know and love in a whole new way.” OM

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J

ohnny Miller, NBC’s lead golf analyst, speaks his mind when commentating on today’s professional golfers.

He is the lightning rod in the running battle between the men who play professional golf and the men who talk about it. It is rare for Miller not to get credit when he opens his mouth. Yet no one acknowledges Miller for providing the most apt description of Pebble Beach Golf Links: “It’s the greatest meeting of land and sea in the world.” Coastal cliffs, coves, snowwhite sand dunes and majestic pines weave their way through 7,500 lush yards. There are a total of seven stunning seaside holes including two of the most picturesque finishing holes in all of golf.

Along with its beauty, Pebble Beach has been a fixture on the PGA Tour hosting dramatic golf competition for more than 70 years.

The triumph of winning on the hallowed ground is sweeter than winning at most other Tour stops. Over the course of four days in February, Ted Potter, Jr. resurrected his professional golf career on Pebble’s sacred acreage. Potter won the AT&T Pebble Beach ProAm, his second career PGA win. How Potter got his game back to win is a story of perseverance. Who he battled toe-to-toe with and ultimately played better than during the final round at Pebble Beach is as stunning as the course’s views.

Ted Potter, Jr. was loading his travel bags in late July 2014 after he posted a second-round 73 at the RBC Canadian Open. His score wasn’t low enough to keep him around for the weekend at Royal Montreal Golf Club. As he was toting his bags to the car, he rolled his right ankle stepping off a curve.

His ankle was broken. Potter told the Ocala Star-Banner he thought he could be back playing on the Web.com tour the following January. What was thought to be a six-month hiatus in actuality became a 21-month removal from competitive golf. A second surgery was required a year after the first to remove plates and screws. Potter essentially had to re-launch his career. It started in late April of 2016 in Newburgh, Indiana at a tournament called the United Leasing and Finance Championship. A tied-for-14th finish was a very good start considering the length of his absence. He continued to grind through, playing in tournaments unknown to most, with few spectators, in some of the most remote locales of the Web.com tour: places like Ivanhoe, Illinois; Boise, Idaho; and Clymer, New York. He had to earn his PGA Tour card again and there was no other way to get it. Because he started the 2016 season four months later than the rest of the golfers on the tour, there was no way Potter could earn enough tour points to get his card for the 2017 PGA Tour season. 2017 would be devoted to getting his game back into form. The biggest splash Potter made was making the 2017 U.S. Open through qualifying.

Playing well enough at qualifying tournaments didn’t get him any closer to earning his card back – but it did show that his game was close to being back to PGA Tour form. Potter had six top-10 Web.com tour finishes, including three top-5s; those achievements earned him his 2018 PGA Tour card.

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It was Pebble Beach week on the PGA Tour. The AT&T Pebble Beach ProAm Tournament pairs celebrities and CEOs with professional golfers in a fun event while playing three beautiful courses in Northern California. This year’s field had five of the world’s top 10 players including world No. 1 Dustin Johnson. Many top golfers don’t play in the tournament because of the slow pace playing alongside an amateur. They think amateurs have no business playing their hometown’s public golf course, let along Pebble Beach. But not Ted Potter, Jr. You might see him at one of the public courses in Ocala like Silver Springs Shores or Stone Creek with his buddies. His buds don’t shoot sub-70 rounds either. They might be goofing around, joking and having fun.

“If people are standing in a certain spot or talking while I’m swinging, it doesn’t bother me,” Potter says. “Nothing really bothers me like that.” Perhaps playing alongside amateurs a lot and being “tolerant” works to Potter’s advantage when he plays amateur events like Pebble Beach.

“It’s definitely a fun week, it’s a relaxing week,” Potter said.

“You got amateur partners and just go out there and talk with them and just kind of enjoy the moment and the beautiful views.”

Sean Kell was Potter’s amateur partner during this year’s tournament. Kell, the CEO of A Place for Mom, knew the amateur’s primary job: not to get in the way of the pros. Yet as he got to know him, he learned that Potter was a different kind of guy.

“He is a really cool dude, very down to earth,” Kell says.

When told about Potter routinely playing with his back-home buddies, sometimes at public courses, Kell easily envisioned it. “I can totally see that,” Kell said. “He’s probably got his high school buds with him when he’s playing. They go out and play then grab a beer afterwards. He’s just a guy that’s on everyone else’s level who would be fun to hang out with.” Any nerves that Kell had were also quickly diminished when Potter turned the subject away from golf. “At times he seemed like he was interested more in talking about his (two-year old) than he concentrating on golf,” Kell said.

With rounds of 68 and 71, Potter made it to the weekend.

His Saturday started at 8:37 a.m. Pacific time, 11:37 a.m. in Ocala. He’d tee off first on the 10th hole of the Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Shore Course. What Potter did over the next 15 holes is considered an incredible exhibition of golf shotmaking at the highest level of competition on the planet; shotmaking reinforcing Potter’s nickname - the Wizard – on Holes No. 10 through 13 of Monterey run alongside the Pacific Ocean. Potter navigated them beautifully, birdieing them all; two of which were Par 5’s. The course turned inland at No.14, a Par 3. It would be the first of six pars Potter would make through the 15 holes. Incredibly, everything else Potter posted was a birdie or an eagle. He shot 30 on the first nine holes,

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putting him at 7-under par for the day. As Potter moved from 5-under par to 6-under par then 7-under par, word of what he was doing picked up. Potter made his sixth birdie of the round, holing a 20-footer from just off the green at the Par 4, 495-yard first hole. At about the same time, the live television coverage was about to begin.

As Potter walked the fairway on No. 2, he was now on an even bigger stage. America was watching. Golf Channel’s coverage of the tournament began with picturesque views of coastline and the warm, welcoming voice of Jim Nantz. After alerting the home audience of Potter’s magical shotmaking and being on pace to shoot a 59, Nantz delved into his back story. Everyone in Ocala knew it – but the rest of the nation didn’t. Nantz described Potter’s ankle injury and subsequent journey back to the PGA Tour. Then the 34-year old, dressed in a white fleece and gray pants, appeared on the TV screen with yet another birdie putt. As the ball caught the left side of the cup and fell in, Nantz declared “Look at that!” Potter was 9-under par through 11 holes. There was no hiccup on No. 3, a par save. On No. 4 Potter recovered from a drive in a fairway bunker with an approach shot to within 10 feet of the pin.

“Eyeing another birdie,” Nantz said as the TV camera zoomed in on Potter’s putt curling left to right. Again the ball

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found the bottom of the cup. Nantz very calm comment: “Smooth as can be.” Applause followed from the small gallery, the ones on the course that realized the extraordinary run Potter was making. He would par No. 5 and on the par-5 No. 6 Potter made up for missing the fairway with his third shot settling five feet from the hole. Nantz mentioned Potter’s 2012 victory at Greenbrier as he addressed the putt. It too found the bottom of the cup and Potter was now 11-under par through 15 holes.

“He has three holes to play: one birdie and two pars for a 59,” Nantz emphasized. After a par on No. 7, the wizardry came to an unfortunate end. Back-to-back bogies on the final two holes eclipsed any possibility of a sub-60 round. Potter had shot a career-low round of 62. It was one shot off the course record.

“That was a true round of golf,” Potter said. “Sometimes you get into a zone where the ball wants to go in the hole. It’s like you can’t do anything wrong…You get into that zone where you don’t think negative at all. Everything you hit is fairway, green and tries to make a putt. Thoughts like ‘I can’t run (this putt) by four feet because it’s so fast,’ all those thoughts go out of your head when you shoot scores like that.”

A common assumption by some might have been that the

“ How does this happen? This is

a fairytale kind of deal. He’s just playing fantastic. And no one gave him a chance.

Peter Kostis, On-Course Analyst

moment was too big for Potter, that his nerves set in, that he didn’t have the credentials to post a 59. Yet those that play Monterey regularly know that the elements make holes No. 7, 8 and 9 incredibly difficult. “The way the wind blows on those three holes…it’s very hard to go lower than par,” said Monterey’s head pro Grant Geersten. Potter knew what he was up against walking off the No. 6 green and so did his play partner Scott Piercy.

“Oh, those last three holes are brutal,” Piercy said. “I mean when – everybody knew that – we’re chipping hybrids and hitting 4-irons from 180 (yards), so the fact that he made a bogey or two coming down the stretch is, I mean he played awesome. Hats off to him, it was a pleasure to watch.”

Potter played Sunday’s final round on Pebble Beach. The final score he posted wasn’t close to his round at Monterey but that wasn’t the goal. He actually played just as good Sunday as he did on Saturday, maybe even better considering the circumstances. Pebble was a tougher course than Monterey.

There was also the pressure of entering the final round tied for the tournament lead. Additionally, he had to fend off three of the best golfers in the world – Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Jason Day – who had seven major titles and 334 Top 10 finishes between them. Potter had a total of zero majors and just three Top 10 finishes. On that Sunday,

none of that mattered. Potter was paired with Johnson. Most of Johnson’s tee shots were upwards of 50 yards longer than Potter’s. On that Sunday, that didn’t matter either.

The running dialogue between Nantz, commentator Sir Nick Faldo and on-course analysts Gary Koch and Peter Kostis during the final nine holes centered around speculation about when the pressure would get to Potter.

Nantz asked Faldo what upcoming shots would put pressure on him. Koch mentioned there would be a lot of pressure on the (final) holes coming in. Faldo chimed in that it’s hard for anyone at Pebble Beach to keep making par-after-parafter-par as Potter was doing. “You miss just one shot and it can send you in the wrong direction so quickly,” Faldo said. “Boy, the pressure is going to turn on him. It’ll be a real pressure cooker.”

Potter kept posting pars and as he got closer and closer to finishing his round, the TV commentators were starting to believe.

“He doesn’t have the game to get into contention very often, but when he does he can seal the deal,” Kostis said. As Potter posted par on No. 15, followed by another on No.16, Faldo was in awe.

“How does this happen? This is a fairytale kind of deal. He’s just playing fantastic. And no one gave him a chance.” OM

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WEEKEND GETAWAY:

Don CeSar

Enjoy the beach like a royal at the legendary Pink Palace Written By LISA MCGINNES, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Photos Provided By THE DON CESAR

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love Florida’s Gulf coast, with its sugar sand beaches, clear blue water and stunning sunsets.

This summer I had the chance to enjoy a two-night getaway at the crown jewel of St. Pete Beach – the iconic Don CeSar resort hotel. It is impossible not to feel like royalty in the Pink Palace,

surrounded by exquisitely-appointed old Florida splendor while being attended to by their impeccable service staff. They have achieved a uniquely perfect blend of modern four-star luxury steeped in Jazz Age nostalgia. Luckily for us, this luxury escape is only a 2 ½ hour drive from Ocala.

When you’re ready to experience this kind of royal treatment, book your stay at www.doncesar.com and be sure to take advantage of the Florida resident discount. Or, if you don’t have time for an overnight stay, you can purchase a day pass to enjoy the beach in style and feel like king or queen for a day.

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STATE o f t h e CITY

CULTURAL ARTS Images & Content Provided By THE CITY OF OCALA

Do you ever ask yourself “What is there to do in Ocala?” The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department, Cultural Arts and Sciences Division has plenty to offer!

T

he Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series kicked off Friday, June 15 at Webb Field at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Complex. For the second year in a row, Ocala was awarded a Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Award. This $25,000 grant allowed the Marion Cultural Alliance, in partnership with the City of Ocala, to present this free, 10-week concert series. In an effort to inspire and engage communities across the country around the power of creative placemaking, the Levitt Foundation invited the public to choose 25 finalists through online voting, with the foundation selecting 15 winners, or grant recipients.

The energetic and eclectic sounds of the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series have filled the air, bringing live music, art and food to inject a boost of life to an underused space in our community. The series features a diverse lineup of high-caliber talent, spanning musical genres such as blues, jazz, funk, soul, gypsy swing, Latin, Americana and R&B. Webb Field, a three-acre recreational green space in Ocala, has served as the backdrop of the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series the last two years. It is the intent of the grant to build awareness of the neighborhood’s rich history and ongoing revitalization efforts while providing a dynamic space for people to come

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together. The series further demonstrates the value of this underused space by bringing the community together to feel the power of shared cultural experiences and see the vast potential for community engagement in this central open space setting.

Following the excitement of the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series, the First Friday Art Walk season is right around the corner! This beloved local event is back for a new year with new and returning visual artists, along with all of the events and activities you have come to love.

First Friday Art Walk

The first First Friday Art Walk of the 2018-2019 season kicks off Friday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. throughout downtown Ocala.

The First Friday Art Walk takes place the first Friday of each month, September through May, from 6 to 9 p.m. This is a free, walkable event woven among the blocks of Ocala’s historic downtown. Event festivities include a wide variety of artists displaying and selling a diverse array of artistic works, live entertainment on the square, free family art activities provided by local arts organizations and extended shopping hours. The public is invited to enjoy the shops and restaurants during their Art Walk experience. Event attendees can pick up a map at the

Recycle your e-waste at the following recycling centers: Baseline, 5601 SE 66th St., Ocala Dunnellon, 4323 S. U.S. Highway 41, Dunnellon Forest Corner, 950 S. Highway 314A, Ocklawaha Fort McCoy, 12195 E. Highway 316, Fort McCoy Martel, 296 SW 67th Ave., Ocala Newton, 1750 NW 100th St., Ocala Weirsdale, 13535 SE 164th St., Weirsdale

contractors, and the cycle repeats.

In the last year, the Marion County Solid Waste department has successfully processed more than 696 tons of e-waste. The most common tech collected are computers, speakers and television sets. Other recycled tech items include wires and cables; fax machines and printers; and telephones and receivers. A lot of the electronics we don’t use anymore harbor precious metals and other nonrenewable resources, like gold and copper, which can be reused.

As the old saying goes: “Everything that glitters, ain’t gold.”

Elements and compounds found in your e-waste aren’t always environmentally friendly. Many old-school monitors are known to contain lead. Lead can pose significant environmental and health risks, which is another reason to properly dispose of your e-waste.

“We want to keep harmful agents like lead out of the environment,” said Sims. “Even small amounts can be harmful to humans and animals.”

Depending on the material, recycling isn’t always a sustainable solution. Fortunately, e-waste should remain a recyclable commodity for the foreseeable future.

Aside from e-waste, the county supports other recycling and trash disposal initiatives. At this time, Solid Waste has an area dedicated to collecting used tires. They also accept old appliances.

The department even has specially trained employees tasked with handling certain hazardous and toxic waste.

“We appreciate people participating in our recycling and disposal programs,” said Sims. “Recycling and proper disposal keep the environment clean and maximizes our landfill’s life.” OM For more information, call 352-671-8465 or visit www.marioncountyfl.org/SolidWaste.

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MEDICAL J o u r n a l

BOTOX FOR MIGRAINES

Botox is the most widely used anti-aging treatment in North America. But far beyond wrinkles, Botox may be the key to migraine relief for those who haven’t been successful with more traditional migraine prevention treatments.

I

By WHITNEY WILLETT, MEDICAL EDITOR

f you’ve never experienced a migraine, consider yourself lucky. As of 2015, the American Migraine Foundation reported that 36 million Americans, or about 12 percent of the population, suffer from migraine headaches – more than asthma and diabetes combined.

In fact, migraines are the third most common and seventh most debilitating medical condition in the world. Migraine headaches are not just really severe headaches, but rather a neurological condition that many believe to be inherited. Along with excruciating headache pain, a person having a migraine may experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and many other neurological reactions.

Aside from the physical pain migraines cause, they really put a hurting on finances as well. American businesses are estimated to lose more than $29 billion dollars annually in lost time and productivity due to migraines. And that doesn’t account for the healthcare dollars spent on doctor and hospital visits, diagnostic tests and medications. Migraines have no known cure, but can be managed so that sufferers are able to live their lives with less pain and interruption.

Botox has long been hailed as the best non-invasive antiaging solution, and is the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in North America. Even though the cosmetic market is vast and always evolving, Botox still reigns supreme.

Botox is a botulinum toxin, which is a neurotoxic protein

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produced by the bacteria that causes botulism. Botulinum toxins cause muscles and nerves to work at a diminished capacity, and have been used for many years to treat certain medical conditions before their cosmetic properties were discovered.

In 1987, a young Canadian ophthalmologist shared an office with her husband, who was a dermatologist. She was treating a middle-aged woman for a condition called blepharospasm, which caused the patient to blink uncontrollably. When the woman came back for a subsequent treatment, she mentioned how much she enjoyed that the injections were making her wrinkles go away. The ophthalmologist had been injecting the muscles around the woman’s eyes with botulinum toxins to slow down the constant blinking. After discussing the patient’s comment with her husband, the pair used their receptionist as a test subject and found that the toxins did in fact reduce her wrinkles. The husband and wife duo began to try and recruit patients for their own clinical trials, but many folks were hesitant. The couple presented their findings to the American Society of Dermatological Surgeons at their annual conference in Orlando in 1991. Their idea didn’t catch on, but the couple was persistent and by 1993, Botox was Hollywood’s best-kept secret. Though it did not gain FDA approval to treat wrinkles until 2002, Botox had gone from best-kept secret to must-have beauty treatment.

Because of its cosmetic popularity, Botox renewed interest

“

WHY BOTOX FOR MIGRAINES?

Some studies show that chronic use of narcotics for migraines could lead to hyperalgesia and intractable headaches...

- Mark Sacher, D.O.

in using botulinum toxins for medical purposes. In 2010, the FDA approved Botox as a preventative treatment for chronic migraines. A chronic migraine sufferer is someone who has fifteen or more headache/migraine days per month. Mark Sacher, DO is an Ocala physician with more than 20 years’ experience. By trade an anesthesiologist, Dr. Sacher left the operating room to practice pain management, medical weight loss, and cosmetics at his clinic, Total Patient Care of Ocala. Dr. Sacher has been using Botox to treat his migraine patients for the past four years. “It’s a great option,” he says.

Botox is effective on migraine headaches because it depresses the function of muscles and nerves associated with headache pain. Once injected, Botox enters the nerve fibers in the area where it is injected and blocks the release of the chemicals involved in pain transmission. Botox also affects the muscle tissues, depressing their ability to have the strong, long-lasting, painful contractions that account for the upper body tension and pain that migraine sufferers experience. Dr. Sacher explains: “One major contributor to migraines is muscle spasms and injecting that muscle with Botox relaxes it and relieves the headaches.” A Botox session for migraine prevention involves a series of 31 injects into seven key muscle areas of the head and neck. The effects last approximately 12 weeks. The good news is that studies show that Botox tends to be more effective at preventing migraines with each treatment. Current statistics show that after the second Botox session, some patients report a reduction of headache days of up to 50%. This means less pharmaceuticals, increased productivity and better life quality.

Dr. Sacher advises that there is a rare chance of serious side effects. “One of the rare side effects is that it can migrate to areas other than where it is being injected and can paralyze the vocal chords or intercostals muscles, both of which can stop a person from breathing. So that’s a risk to keep in mind.

But the toxin is very diluted and that is a very rare chance.”

Perhaps the most surprising fact about Botox treatment

for migraine prevention is that there is a good chance it will be covered by health insurance. The American Migraine Foundation says that most insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid plans, will cover Botox treatments for migraine sufferers who meet their criteria. The patient must first classify as a chronic migraine sufferer (15 or more headache days a month) and the patient must have failed to respond to two other types of preventative treatments.

Those treatments usually include trying medications in the triptan class, anti-seizure medications, antidepressant medications or blood pressure medications that are typically used for migraine prevention. While Dr. Sacher agrees that there are many medications that could potentially help with migraine prevention, he says the reason he most prefers Botox is because it means the patient can usually reduce the number of narcotic medications they need to treat their migraines. “Some studies show that chronic use of narcotics for migraines could lead to hyperalgesia and intractable headaches,” he says, explaining that is basically an exacerbation of an already bad situation! Hyperalgesia is a response of the brain’s chemistry to opioids that makes a person more sensitive to pain. Additionally, an intractable headache is a headache that does not respond to any treatment.

One final piece of good news about the benefits of Botox for migraines: it will also make you look younger! “They actually first realized Botox was beneficial for patients with migraines when they were using it for facial aesthetics,” Dr. Sacher explains. “Injecting the muscles and ‘paralyzing’ them to get rid of the wrinkles was getting rid of these terrible headaches for three months at a time and they made the connection that a lot of the same muscles that spasm on the face and neck to contribute to wrinkles also contribute to migraines.” It’s long been said that when you look better you feel better. In the case of using Botox for migraines, this couldn’t be more true. om

Whitney Willett, a native Ocalan, is a medical professional with experience in dermatology, chiropractic, cosmetic surgery and primary care.

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T

he humble lotus flower not only survives but thrives beautifully in an environment of typically shallow and murky water. For some, and usually depending on the color of the blossom, this water lily can represent ideals such as mental purity, knowledge, and love. Dating back to our oldest known societies, the lotus has been a source of inspiration, spiritual awakening and compassion to cultures all over the world. Aaron and Michelle Dunton relocated to Marion County from California and opened the Lotus Asian Natural Food Market in June 2015. Their spectacular passion for healthy food and excellent customer service is evident within a few seconds of speaking to either of them, so it’s easy to understand why they chose the name “Lotus” for their establishment.

Lotus Asian and Natural Food Market offers an ever-growing Asian grocery selection as well as freshly prepared eats and delicious beverages. Stop in and check out their handmade soy candles sourced from the Little Oak Candle Company in Gainesville, high-grade organic CBD, salt scrubs, organic Shea butter, essential oils and handcrafted, cut-your-own soaps.

They source local honey and locally grown, 100% grass-fed beef. You’ll find lots of varieties of rice, exotic spices and sauces along with a large selection of canned Asian foods.

They also stock both savory and sweet frozen goods; one of my favorites is Japanese mochi, which are lovely little glutenfree bites of high-quality ice cream wrapped in a delicate coating made with sweet rice flour called Mochiko. I discovered these little gems on a visit to Hawaii about 10 years ago. On that same trip, I also tried Boba (or Bubble) Tea and Shave Ice for the first time. The Duntons were the first to bring Boba and Shave Ice to Ocala.

Let’s talk about the sensation that is spreading all around Marion County and beyond: Their gigantic Sushi Burritos and delicious Hawaiian Poke (pronounced POH-keh) Bowls. The Sushi Burritos are massive rolls consisting of sushi ingredients wrapped in a layer of perfectly cooked rice encased in a large sheet of nori. They’ll stuff it with your choice of eight different proteins like smoked salmon, Ahi tuna, shrimp, or tofu. Pick from 19 toppings and six sauces on a small order sheet to customize your healthy creation; they make your order right in front of you.

The first sushi burrito we tried had spicy krab, cream cheese, fresh avocado, green onion, crunchy cucumber, spring mix lettuce, sweet soy and wasabi mayo for a little kick. It was phenomenal. Our second burrito was chock-full of smoked salmon, poke tuna, fresh jalapeno and Panko bread crumbs with spicy mayo as the sauce.

A Poke Bowl is an Asian/Hawaiian fusion dish first created centuries ago from fresh ingredients locally available. The word “poke” means “to cut cross-wise,” as the raw fish, usually Ahi tuna, is cubed to form bite-sized pieces, easy to pick up with chopsticks.

Michelle crafted two Poke Bowls for us: We tried the “Ocala Bowl,” (see recipe at the end of this article) which consisted of raw marinated spicy poke tuna, crisp sliced cucumber, edamame, seaweed salad, julienned carrots, kimchi, crunchy

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fried onions and candied walnuts topped with a dressing of spicy mayo and sweet soy sauce. This amazing dish was packed with protein, flavor (sweet, savory, spicy), and bright vegetables on a bed of perfectly cooked sushi rice. The textures and layers of varied ingredients made this a true masterpiece in a bowl. We also loved Michelle’s vegan bowl, which contained rice, a spring mix of gourmet lettuce, tofu, pickled ginger slices, edamame, julienned carrot, candied walnuts, chunks of pineapple, freshsliced jalapeno, cucumber and pickled daikon radish. (At this point, my photographer and I asked if we could take up permanent residence in the stockroom.)

With over 20 flavors of Boba, it could be difficult to choose

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a favorite. I tried the lovely and not-too-sweet Thai Tea with tapioca pearls, the Mango Boba with pomegranate “bubbles,” and the Strawberry Boba with mango bubbles. The best description of these sparkly, edible jewels? They have the texture of quite large caviar, with a thin shell and fruit juice center that bursts when you chew them. They’re a perfect addition to this frozen drink and a must-try if you’ve never had one.

You can find Lotus Asian Natural Food Market and their soon-to-be-open Dragonfly Café, a vegetarian eatery located next door in the same plaza, at 3751 SE 36th Ave. Call them at 352-624-8611 to order ahead or ask if they have your favorite Asian ingredients in stock. om

LOTUS ASIAN AND NATURAL FOOD MARKET 3751 SE 36TH AVE

352-624-8611

THE OCALA BOWL SERVES 2 TO 4 PEOPLE

DIRECTIONS: Cook 2 cups of sushi-grade rice and use it warm or cold. Put this in the bottom of your bowls.

While rice is cooking, make the Poke.

POKE INGREDIENTS: • Ahi tuna, about 1 lb., cubed into bite-sized pieces • 1 shallot, sliced • ½ cup chopped green onion • 3 tablespoons soy sauce • 1 teaspoon sesame oil • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce Mix all ingredients together to marinate. You can serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

TOPPING INGREDIENTS: (DIVIDED BETWEEN DINERS)

• Shelled edamame, about ½ cup • Seaweed salad, about ½ cup • 1 Fresh carrot, julienned • 1 Fresh cucumber, halved then sliced • Kimchi, about ½ cup • Crunchy fried onions, about ½ cup • Candied walnuts, about ½ cup Top your bowl off with the Poke, then apply dressing(s): Spicy mayo (mayo mixed with a bit of Sriracha, to taste), or Sweet soy sauce (to taste)... Enjoy!

R. Jill Fink is a professional writer and an Art and Science teacher in Ocala. She holds MFA degrees in Creative Writing and Media Design and has experience in restaurant management.

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THIS MONTH IN

ART

KNIT BOMB PROJECT AT LEVITT AMP OCALA MUSIC SERIES

AUGUST 3 AT 10 AM TO 1 PM

Marion Cultural Alliance, 23 SW Broadway St. Knit or Yarn bombing is a crafty trend taking cities by storm, and now it’s in Ocala! Local artists Tyrus Clutter, David D’Alessandris, Maggie Weakley and Jessi Miller are installing their work on the chain link fences at Webb Field, adding an element of public visual art to the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series! For more information, visit www.mcaocala.com.

ART DISCUSSION: OCALA ART GROUP

AUGUST 8 AT 12 PM

Marion County Public Library Headquarters-Ocala, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd.

This month, Marian Savage will lead the discussion about the famous Renaissance painter and sculptor, Michelangelo. A few of his most famous works include the statue of David and the ceiling painting of Italy’s Sistine Chapel. Everyone is encouraged to join as we expand our artistic knowledge by delving into the biography and life of Michelangelo. For more information, visit www.theocalaartgroup.org.

ART 101: FOAM SCULPTURE

AUGUST 14 AT 10 AM TO 12:30PM AND AUGUST 16 AT 6 PM TO 8:30PM

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

Art 101 are a series of one-day workshops hosted by the Appleton Museum that allow participants to express their creative sides and have fun. In these workshops, all the supplies are included. This workshop will be a lesson in foam sculpting. 21+ participants may bring wine to the evening sessions. Registration is available at www.appletonmuseum.org or by contacting Hollis Mutch at: mutchh@cf.edu or phone: 352-291-4455, ext: 1613.

PAST2PRESENT: VISUAL ARTS AND DIGITAL MEDIA ALUMNI EXHIBITION

OPENING RECEPTION: AUGUST 23; EXHIBIT OPEN THROUGH OCT 5

College of Central Florida Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Rd. PAST2PRESENT is the first alumni art exhibition in more than 10 years, and will showcase a variety of work. “As artists, there is a responsibility to let students that have a passion for art know that… with… dedication to your craft, and a support system, they can make it as an artist in the professional world,” said Katelyn Jean, gallery coordinator at the Webber Gallery. “The idea behind the alumni show is to demonstrate the tenacity of artists and how they made art their career.” The public is invited to the opening reception from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free. For more information, call 352-873-5809.

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CULTURE

THIS MONTH IN

“THIS SIDE UP” BOOK LAUNCH PARTY AUGUST 9 AT 5:30PM TO 7:30PM

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. Amy Mangan is inviting you to celebrate the release of her new book, “This Side Up: The Road to a Renovated Life!” The launch party will be held at the Brick City Center for the Arts and catered by The BarbaCuban Jose Juarez with adult beverages! Mangan will also be signing books at the event. For tickets go to www.eventbrite.com.

24TH ANNUAL HARVEST GRAPE STOMP AUGUST 10, 11 AND 12

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 U.S. 27 North, Clermont Finally, harvest season has arrived and it’s time for grape stomping competitions! This event is perfect for a family outing. Listen to continuous live music the entire weekend by superb local musicians. Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks and a variety of food is available for purchase, along with complimentary Winery tours and tasting. For tickets and more information, visit www.lakeridgewinery.com.

INSPIRED SPEAKERS: JIM ABERNATHY

AUGUST 12 AT 2 PM TO 4 PM

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd.

The Inspired Speakers Series is meant to provoke the question: “What inspires you?”, by featuring individuals that have done notable work in their respective fields. This talk features Jim Abernathy, an award-winning author, photographer, cinematographer and conservationist who pioneered shark encounters without a cage. From his youth, scuba diving served as an inspiration for his life’s mission as a conservationist. For more information, contact Griselle Gonzalez-Vazquez at gonzaleg@cf.edu.

POEMS TALK

AUGUST 20 AT 6 PM TO 7 PM

Marion County Public Library Headquarters-Ocala, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd.

Poems Talk is a series at the Ocala branch of Marion County’s Public Library where locals can bring in poems they’ve either written or enjoy reading, read them and discuss them. For more information, contact the Ocala branch at: 352-671-8551.

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THIS MONTH IN

ON STAGE

BE MORE CHILL

AUGUST 4 AT 8PM AND AUGUST 5 AT 2PM

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd.

“Be More Chill” is a coming of age, sci-fi-inflected musical following high school junior Jeremy Heere. Jeremy strives to be popular and get a date with his crush, Christine, thus he swallows a pill to implant a tiny supercomputer called “The Squip” in his brain, which tells him how to act cool. His desires soon come to fruition, but he begins to question whether it is worth surrendering his personal authenticity. Directed by Kirstin Kennedy. For more information, call 352-236-2274 or visit www.ocalacivictheatre.com.

MIKE PALMA

AUGUST 11 AT 8 PM

Bonkerz Comedy Club at Ocala Breeders’ Sales, 1781 SW 60th Ave. Mike Palma is a ventriloquist and magician that has been performing for over two decades. He is known for his appearances at the “Orange Blossom Opry” and his comedy club performances, and now he’s here in Ocala to give us a treat. A dinner menu and full bar are available at this 18+ event.

The doors open at 6:30pm and attendees must arrive 45 mins in advance for seating. Tickets are available at www.ticketfly.com/event/1731732 or at the door. For more information, visit www.bonkerzcomedyproductions.com.

POOLSIDE WITH CHARLIE DE

AUGUST 17 AT 5 PM TO 8PM

On Top of The World, 9030 SW 99th St Rd. Charlie De will be hosting a show of live entertainment on the Veranda in On Top of The World. Enjoy some food and beverages, provided by the local Pub, and socializing. For more information, call 352-236-OTOW.

JOHN J MURRAY

AUGUST 18 AT 8 PM

Bonkerz Comedy Club at Ocala Breeders’ Sales, 1781 SW 60th Ave. John J Murray is a laid-back Marine veteran, whose calm demeanor disarms audiences, preparing them for his absolutely left-of-center (but hilarious) musings on marriage, reality TV, and stories from his past. He has opened for many comedians and has done sets in some comedy festivals including the Tampa Bay Comedy Festival. Get ready to laugh as he and Jake Barsness crack some jokes. A dinner menu and full bar are available at this 18+ event! The doors open at 6:30pm and attendees must arrive 45 mins in advance for seating. Tickets are available at www.ticketfly.com/ event/1731734 or at the door. For more information, visit www.bonkerzcomedyproductions.com.

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DOWNTOWN

AC/DC & QUEEN TRIBUTE AUGUST 11 AT 7:30 PM

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St. Join WIND-FM for a night of British Rock featuring a Queen tribute by Absolute Queen and an AC/DC Tribute by Highway to Hell. Highway to Hell plays songs spanning the entire 40-year career of AC/DC, and you will be amazed by the attention to detail in their show—the music, instruments, and overall look. Absolute Queen is sure to thrill you with their note for note matching on guitars, incredible vocal harmonies, and all of the great hits and Queen classics that will make you sing along. For more information, visit www.reillyartscenter.com or call 352-351-1606.

DISPLACE

AUGUST 11 AT 8 PM

Pi on Broadway, 110 SW Broadway St. Displace is a saxophone-driven funk fusion ensemble based in Tampa, Florida known for their energetic performances, improvisation prowess, and wildly diverse sonic palette. The Floridian four-piece effectively utilizes their extensive training in a variety of musical backgrounds to produce a truly eclectic blend of infectious pop melodies, complex jazz progressions, and danceable funk grooves. For more information, contact Pi at 352-369-5100.

SOUTH AMERICAN FOOD & WINE

AUGUST 15 AT 6 PM TO 8 PM

Katya Vineyards, 101 E Silver Springs Blvd. #102 Katya Vineyards wants to take you on a journey to South America with taste. David Sokol, the Winemaker of Katya Vineyards, along with awardwinning Chef Tony Deras will work together to prepare a four course gourmet food pairing and wines from each respective country’s cuisine to match. The final menu will be announced a few days before the event. Seating will be family style. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com, for more information, call 352-529-2675.

DELTA ROSE BAND

AUGUST 31 AT 7 PM

Dignity Roasters, 469 N Magnolia Ave. Unit B The Delta Rose Band plays exciting, interesting, and pleasing music, alluding to their tastes in soul, blues, jazz, and rock ’n’ roll spanning from the 50s to the 70s. Their music is sure to get you dancing that night at Dignity Roasters! For more information call 352-727-0239.

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THIS MONTH IN

INVOLVED

FUNDRAISER BENEFIT TO END ALZHEIMER’S

AUGUST 17 AT 6:30PM TO 9:30PM

Hammer & Stain, 6158 SW SR 200 Hammer and Stain is hosting a Fundraiser to End Alzheimer’s. The registration will allow for one adult to make a project, with a portion to be contributed to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Single wood rounds measure 18”. Customize your project in studio with your choice of stain and paint colors. You may bring your own wine or beer to sip and enjoy during the workshop. Decorations not included. Tickets are available at: www.hammerandstainnorthcfl.com.

REAL MEN WEAR PINK PUB CRAWL

AUGUST 24 AT 6:30 PM

Infinite Ale Works, 304 SE Magnolia Ext. Crawl towards a Cure as we introduce our 2018 Real Men Wear Pink of Ocala participants! $25 donation includes a t-shirt, appetizers, drink specials, and pizza. Tickets can be purchased from any of our 2018 Real Men Wear Pink participants, or by contacting Jodi Sanders at (352)240-5063, jodi.sanders@cancer.org. Stops include: Infinite Ale Works, The Courtyard on Broadway, Molly Maguires, O’Malley’s Alley, and Pi on Broadway. The event will begin at Infinite with appetizers/ drink specials and a celebration of our 2018 Real Men. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

5TH ANNUAL GLO WITH THE FLO AUGUST 25 AT 8 PM TO 11 PM

Citizen’s Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave. Glo with the Flo is Ocala’s fun night run hosted by the Marion County Children’s Alliance. Dry fit t-shirts & swag bags are guaranteed to the first 300 registrations. Snacks and refreshments will be available, but bring cash to support food trucks and for additional swag. Register online at https://glowiththeflo5k.itsyourrace.com/register.

WOMEN UNITED SUNDAY BRUNCH

AUGUST 26 AT 12 PM TO 2 PM

La Cuisine, 48 SW 1st Ave. Join Women United for a Sunday brunch at one of Ocala’s finest restaurants. Space is limited. Non-Member guests are welcome if accompanied by a current Women United (formerly known as United Way’s Women of Worth) member. Tickets are available at www.uwmc.org.

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this month in the

LIMELIGHT ART IN THE ATTIC VIP PREVIEW

Written By LISA MCGINNES, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Photography By KEVIN BISCHOF, SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER

On July 19 around 60 people sipped champagne and shopped the VIP Preview of the Marion Cultural Alliance’s 5th annual Art in the Attic fundraiser at the Brick City Center for the Arts. More than 400 pieces of art ranging from paintings and drawings to pottery, photography and vintage posters were donated to the sale by local artists and MCA members.

“I think that when you see a piece of art it’s kind of like dating,” said MCA Executive Director Jaye Baillie. “You love it right off the bat or you don’t, so it’s fun to watch people look and find treasures that find a new home.” om

Jackie & Michael Whatley

Barbara Fitos, Lauren DeIorio

Sarah Ritterhoff Williams, Judy Johnson, Leslie Hammond

Jim Ross, Mary Britt

Bob & Laurie DeChello

Vanitha Gopalan, Leslie Hammes

Crystal Fernung, Jaye Baillie

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40 UNDER 40 CELEBRATION Written By LISA MCGINNES, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Photography By KEVIN BISCHOF, SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Next Step Fitness hosted this year’s Ocala Magazine 40 Under 40 Celebration on July 26. Around 150 attendees enjoyed meeting these 40 impressive men and women and celebrating together with music by DJ Matt Gray, small bites by Hooters and Café Crisp, local wines from Katya Vineyards, and sponsors Career Source Talent Center, Color Sugar, Lauren Gibson State Farm, Painting With a Twist, Party Time Rentals, Phil Stokes, Pushti and The Monkey Cage. Special thanks to 40 under 40 honoree Steven Preston and his Next Step Fitness staff for their hospitality! om

Wesley & Amelia Jewett

Cynthia & Steve Tieche Brandon Kalloo, Lauren Fischer, Kelly McAtee, Katie Hunnicutt

Michelle Pendarvis, Jordyn Pendarvis

Angel Robinson, Stephanie Hill

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Adam, Ashley, & Owen Long

Jessica & Ryan Baroni

Patricia & David Sokol

Stacey, Tom, & Khloe Files

Yina & Christian Orejuela

Nicole & Mike Bloom

The Next Step Fitness Crew

Renee Williams, Mike Novak

Cyndi Goff

Mike Stetzer, Steven Preston

Mikhalea Hack, Walter Demshock

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george rossidis, md, facs Board Certified

General and Bariatric Surgeon

4600 SW 46th Court, Ste 220 Ocala, FL 34474



(352) 291-0239

 (352) 291-0254 Minimally Invasive Surgeons of Ocala (MISO) www.MISOcala.org

Medical Marijuana Cards

1713 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

Ste#4, Ocala, FL 34470 3 5 2

414-4545

A REVOLUTIONARY SOLUTION TO REFLUX DISEASE It’s time to win the battle against reflux.

Reflux (also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD) is caused by a weak muscle in your esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)that allows acid and bile to flow back from the stomach into the esophagus, causing damage to the lining of the esophagus, throat and lungs.

1 in 5 patients in the United States suffer from GERD and 20 million Americans are taking acid blocking medications. Around 40% of the patients on medications continue to have symptoms and 15% of those patients will develop Barrett’s esophagus, a premalignant condition that can lead to esophageal cancer. The annual costs associated with GERD are 6 billion dollars per year.

Symptoms associated with GERD include heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, dental erosions, asthma, chest pain, shortness of breath.

Patient’s with reflux disease often suffer poor quality of sleep, reduced work productivity dietary, compromises to avoid symptoms and lifelong dependence on medications.

Although lifestyle modifications and acid blocking medications are able to control the symptoms at times, studies show that 40% of those patients will continue to have symptoms. There is now growing concern regarding the association of acid blocking medications with osteoporosis, dementia, chronic kidney disease and myocardial infarctions.

There is now a revolutionary approach to GERD. The LINX device is a small, flexible ring of magnets that is placed laparoscopically around the lower esophagus and opens to allow food and liquid down, then closes to prevent stomach contents from moving up. The procedure is completed within an hour and patients go home on the same day, and resume a normal diet as soon as tolerated.

Patients after LINX implantation report 85% freedom from medications and heartburn, 99% freedom from regurgitation and significant improvement in their quality of life.

Get your life back and solve reflux for good!

Minimally Invasive Surgeons of Ocala is the only practice in town accredited to perform this procedure.

Contact us at 352-291-0239 for further information.

We are located at 4600 SW 46th Court, Suite 340, Ocala, 34474 For further information on the LINX procedure visit www.toraxmedical.com/linx

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99 mo*

for 3 months with a 3-year agreement

SWITCH TODAY. Call 877-404-2503 or visit coxbusiness.com *Offer ends 8/31/18. Available to new Cox Business data subscribers in Cox service areas. $69.99/mo. includes Cox Business InternetSM 50. for months 1-3 then $84.99 for months 4-36. Price based on 3 year agreement. Early term. fees may apply. Standard rates apply thereafter. Prices exclude equipment, installation, construction, inside wiring, taxes, surcharges and other fees, unless indicated. Offer is nontransferable to a new service address. Uninterrupted or error-free Internet service, or the speed of your service, is not guaranteed. Actual speeds vary. Rates and bandwidth options vary and are subject to change. DOCSIS 3.0 or higher modem may be required, unless indicated. See www.cox.com/internetdisclosures for complete Cox Internet Disclosures. Services are not available in all areas. Discounts can’t be combined or added with other promotions nor applied to any other Cox account. †Visa® Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 5/1/18 and 9/1/18 with min. 3 yr. contract. Must mention “reward promo” when placing order. Account must remain active, be in good standing, and retain all services for a min. of 30 days after install. Online redemption req’d by 9/30/18 and must follow instructions rec’d after service activation. Limit one Prepaid Card per customer, total not to exceed $100. Allow 6-8 weeks after redemption for delivery. Cards issued by MetaBank®, member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc and are subject to issuing bank’s terms and conditions of the card. Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the U.S. only. Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card. Valid in U.S., U.S. territories and Puerto Rico. Offer subject to change at any time without notice. Other restrictions apply. © 2018 Cox Communications Inc. All rights reserved.

FPA105473-0014