Ocala Gazette | July 22 - July 28, 2022

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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 29

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022

“No-build” grows

The Cradle will rock again

By Rosemarie Dowell rosemarie@ocalagazette.com

T

he, “no-build,” option on the proposed Northern Extension of the Florida Turnpike has reaped even more momentum lately with the recent passing of a resolution from the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners.

The Board June 27 unanimously voted to send a resolution to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) rejecting all four potential corridors, saying it wanted to, “protect the County’s environmental resources, habitat for plants and wildlife, rural lands, fishing industry, and the quality of life and values of our citizens.”

Initially, during a May 23 public workshop, Citrus Commissioners had asked staff to draft a resolution rejecting only those potential routes that would transect Citrus County, but opted for the “no-build,” decree because other communities would also be negatively impacted by the routes.

The signed resolution also stated the board, “enthusiastically supports the continued study of improvement or expansion of existing roadways, including all feasible improvements to Interstate 75.”

The support for improvements or widening of I-75, which none of the proposed routes encompass, mimics that of other groups and organizations, including Florida Audubon, which gave its input on the proposed extension during the Citrus County meeting.

“There’s a lot of bang for the buck in building new turnpike toll lanes on I-75 but they need to be separated,” Charles Lee, director of Advocacy for Florida Audubon said Wednesday in an interview. “That’s what they did with the I-4 Ultimate project and it’s working fantastic.”

“We could replicate that plan for I-75 with four lanes overhead and separate local and through traffic to alleviate traffic clogs,” he said.

“The cost would be around three and a half billion dollars, but relative to tolls that is not a lot of money,” said Lee, adding Continued See Toll road, page A2

Left: The country store is shown at Crone’s Cradle Conserve in Citra on Monday, July 18, 2022.

Right: Kevin Guinn works on honeycombing their Gallberry honey from bee hives on their property.

Above: Organic vegetables are shown growing in raised planting beds.

Left: Kevin Guinn looks over eggplant ripening.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Crones’ Cradle Conserve events will return this fall after a long hiatus.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

C

rones’ Cradle Conserve can be found north of Ocala, where two-lane roads snake through mossy oak tunnels past horse farms and shadowy marshes.

The 756-acre organic farm east of Citra draws visitors daily to purchase a rotating crop of organic vegetables.

Its rustic store features handmade goods, decorative art and gardening books, while a coterie of cats lounge on a wraparound porch.

The lush and expansive farm

has become a favorite among North Central Florida organic food enthusiasts. Along with pesticide-free produce, the Conserve also has presented workshops, special events and retreats. All of the event programming and workshops have been on hold since the COVID-19 outbreak but will be making a comeback.

“When COVID started, we struggled to stay on top of stuff and meet our expenses, but now things have turned out to be a little bit different,” said owner Jeri Baldwin. “And, so, we are going to go back to some of our larger events.”

Baldwin recently announced via email that the Conserve will host the Natural Foods Gala once again, gathering food lovers, musicians and artisans on Oct. 22 to enjoy live music, vendors and tapas-style samplings of farm-to-table cuisine prepared by local chefs.

The Conserve’s biggest annual outreach will usher in a regular slate of educational events and workshops. The schedule for those will be announced at the gala.

COVID-19 and other setbacks may have threatened the Conserve over the years, but hard work and helping

hands have made the farm thrive, even after a devastating fire destroyed its conference center in 1993, Hurricane Irma hit in 2017 and the pandemic took its toll.

One loss that especially hit hard: The farm’s cofounder, Deborah Light, died around seven years ago from complications related to COPD. “She lived in New York and had made some wonderful land use programs happen up there,” Baldwin said of Light.

Now 83, Baldwin reminisces about the past four decades See Farm, page A2

Annual equity report shows need for better representation in schools

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

T

he Annual Educational Equity Update presented to the Marion County school board recently showed increased enrollment in advanced level courses but a need for more diverse staff and more female athletic participation in the school district to meet state standards.

A team of district staff led by Dawana Gary, director of equity and compliance, presented the findings to the board during a July 7 administrative work session. The update complies with both federal and state legislation and the Marion County Public Schools’ Strategic Plan’s goals to increase student equity, promote a safe and supportive learning environment and give all students access to diverse teachers and staff.

Employment Equity:

The Florida Department of Education, in accordance with the requirements of Title VI and the Florida Educational Equity Act, requires school districts to evaluate employment data to survey how students are represented based on race, ethnicity, gender, and national origin.

With the Black student population in Marion County being 19%, at least the same percentage should be represented

in the demographics of those employed

by MCPS. While the number of Black district-level administrators and guidance counselors exceeded the requirement at 22% each, the report showed that Black students were still underrepresented in the positions of principals, assistant principals and teachers.

“Since the last annual equity report, See Diversity, page A3

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Farm makes comeback

Continued from page A1 in the gently instructive tone of a schoolteacher with just a hint of a southern accent. The Marion County native talked about her upbringing, working on her parents’ farm, and said she taught in area schools.

“One of the things that I, of course, always had on my mind was what was happening to the land in Florida and in Marion County,” Baldwin said, adding that she belonged to a women’s group that saved swaths of forested land from development.

“Sometimes we were

successful and sometimes we got kicked out of the way,” Baldwin said of her woman’s group’s efforts to keep developers off forested Ocala land. “Once, a 1,000-house unit got approved.

And, so you know, what happens when people cut trees and cut everything down, it looks different. It acts different. It is different. It doesn’t produce as well. It doesn’t recover as well.

Not a lot of good happens when people just take bulldozers and run over land.”

Gathering with women, educating women and empowering them has always been a priority for Baldwin.

Those efforts have manifested at Crones’ Cradle Conserve. The website at cronescradleconserve. org explains the farm’s name thusly: Crone — to honor elder folk who are often ignored, neglected, and forgotten; Cradle — because of our commitment to nurture the earth, its wildlife, and people in physical, emotional, and spiritual need

and recovery; Conserve — because the land is conserved, as are foods and values.

The Conserve became a nonprofit and received recognition as a Florida Stewardship Forest from the Florida Department of Forestry in 2010. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers more than 50 vegetables, 25 herbs and nearly one dozen fruits for sale.

Many wild fruits grow on the farm and are used in food dishes, jams, jellies and wines.

Baldwin emphasizes that the farm uses a 100 percent organic, pesticide-free approach, “which isn’t the case with all U-pick and fresh produce operations.”

A list of available produce is usually posted on the Conserve’s Facebook page, which will also update followers on the latest details about the upcoming gala in October.

“Lots of people are already excited about the gala and events that we’re going to try and start again,” she said

“We have a pretty good turnout for our vendors,” Baldwin added. “People who come know that they will get handmade items with the vendor or the creator right there onsite.

So, they love to come and talk to the person who’s created the basket or the quilt or the soap they’re purchasing.”

The Crones’ Cradle Conserve welcomes visitors to walk around, visit the store and tour the gardens on non-event days, too.

“The most important gift for the future of agriculture and healthy living is to teach young ones to love and nurture it, so that it can continue to provide for future generations,” Baldwin said in a recent Facebook post.

“If you want to motivate young farmers, call us to schedule a day of touring, picking, planting, and fun, where they can experience everything from farming to conservation.”

To learn more, go to www.cronescradleconserve.org

Toll road opposition gains momentum

Signs are shown at the No Roads To Ruin booth during the 14th-annual Marion County Farmland Preservation Festival at Rock Star Arena in Shiloh on Saturday, April 9, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

from page A1 the Turnpike is a cash cow. “The traffic would be there and it would pay for itself the day they cut the yellow ribbon.”

Citrus County joins the Levy County Commission, the Dunnellon City Council, the Inglis Town Commission, the Inverness City Council, and the Yankeetown Council in embracing the no-build option.

Marion County Commissioners in December opted to send a letter to FDOT reminding the agency of the County’s adopted comprehensive plan that prohibits the development of expressways or toll roads within the Farmland Preservation Area (FPA).

Lee said Marion County brought up several interesting points.

“One question they asked FDOT was, ‘what is this going to do for I-75?’ and the answer is nothing,” said Lee. “The four routes are not going to have a material

benefit of reducing traffic congestion on 75.”

Meanwhile, opponents of the toll road project can also add Sumter County and the City of Wildwood to its list.

In a Feb. 14 joint letter to Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, an arm of FDOT, Sumter County and Wildwood said both jurisdictions voted to support, “a modified, “Alternative Corridor Central,” while rejecting the three other proposed routes.”

“Sumter County has essentially said all four routes are not acceptable,” said Lee. “Protecting the African American community of Royal is one reason, but The Villages does not like the four routes and neither does the business community.”

The Northern Turnpike Extension project is a proposed lengthening of Florida’s Turnpike from its terminus in Wildwood in Sumter County, resulting from Senate Bill 100, which repealed the 2019 M-CORES (Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance) toll road

mandate requiring FDOT to build three new turnpikes in 2023.

However, the bill still allowed the agency to evaluate a new northern extension of the turnpike and directed FDOT to commence a Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) Study with a report due to the governor, president of the Florida Senate, and Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives by Dec. 31.

The planning phase for the proposed project began in October when FDOT publicized the proposed routes and asked for community feedback. Roadway extension proponents, including Florida lawmakers, said it is needed to alleviate traffic congestion, address future growth concerns, and speed evacuations during hurricanes.

Two of the proposed routes cut north from Sumter County through portions of southwestern Marion County, while a third is just inside the county line south of Marion Oaks. The fourth route impacts portions of Citrus and Sumter counties. The longest proposed route, Alternative Corridor North A, travels roughly 80 miles from Wildwood north to Chiefland in Levy County.

Lee said a lot of opposition that’s credible has mounted against the four routes, including a strong and welldocumented argument against it from the Southwest Florida Water Management District or Swiftmud, its common name.

“The District firmly indicated that the four routes configured unacceptably invade district lands and they are opposing it for that reason,” said Lee. “Audubon would also oppose those routes for the same reason,” he said.

Feedback has been so intense on the subject, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise in late April issued a press release stating that “based on the high level of engagement and interest” in the project, the state “is increasing opportunities to work with local governments, stakeholders and residents in the project study area.”

The project area covers Citrus, Marion, Levy, and Sumter counties.

According to the release, the increased engagement will influence the project schedule and allow stakeholders to continue providing feedback that will help to shape the Department’s Alternative Corridor Evaluation (ACE) process and Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study.

The Department will be hosting Engagement Centers and small group meetings during the next several months on a rotating basis throughout the fourcounty study area, including Citrus, Levy, Marion, and Sumter counties, the release said, although the Gazette could find no information on any scheduled meetings on FDOT’s website.

“I don’t think it’s a given that any one of the four routes displayed by FDOT last year are going to happen,” said Lee. In its resolution, Citrus commissioners said it had received, “overwhelming citizen input expressing the desire for a “No Build” option for the Northern Turnpike Extension, due to the adverse impact the proposed alternative routes would have on the County, its environmental and recreational resources, fishing, hunting, and way of life.”

The decree also noted Swiftmud’s position and mentioned how the county valued the environmental resources of The Nature Coast, including the Withlacoochee River, Goethe State Forest, Ross Prairie State Forest, Withlacoochee State Forest, Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve, Potts Preserve, Potts Wildlife Management Area, and other preserves and parklands, which the routes threaten.

Eliminating all four proposed routes and opting instead for the I-75 widening or improvement option instead makes more sense than any of the proposed four routes, said Lee. “You’re not going through the countryside and condemning people’s houses and farms,” he said. “This is a much more people and environmentally friendly, and a much more needed transportation plan.”

School district receives ‘C’ grade but sees significant improvement

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

A

fter receiving a C grade for the district’s schools, the Marion County School Board believes that with some reevaluation, that grade can be brought up to a B. The grades are provided by the Florida Department of Education and evaluate each school individually, as well as averaging the grades overall to score the district as a whole. The district maintained its C grade from the past year, but saw a 19-point improvement and scored only 1 point shy of a B. That single-point discrepancy could, however, make all the difference. Out of the 49 schools in Marion County that received a grade, Forest High School

received an ‘incomplete’ rating because it did not reach the 95% of students tested as required by state standards.

“The district has 30 days to appeal this result and will immediately review and analyze student data for any discrepancies.

If necessary, the district will provide any additional information representing the academic progress of the school,” according to MCPS. Once the appeals process is complete and if the Commissioner of Education determines that Forest High School’s academic progress is satisfactory and receives an appropriate grade, the district’s overall grade could possibly be raised to a B. “If the Commissioner of Education determines, based on analyses, the performance data for the school is

representative of the school’s progress, the Commissioner will release the school grade at the end of the appeals period,” according to MCPS. Marion County schools improved in 7 out of the 11 categories in this year’s grading evaluation, which contributed to the points scored as per the grading system.

“In 2021-22, a school’s grade may include up to eleven components. There are four achievement components, four learning gains components, a middle school acceleration component, as well as components for graduation rate and college and career acceleration,” according to FLDOE. The achievement components brought into consideration for each school’s grade are English language arts,

mathematics, science and social studies.

The learning gains components gauge how well students perform in the areas listed above in statewide standardized assessments.

Eighth Street Elementary, Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, and Dr. N. H. Jones Elementary School received an A grade. Ten schools received a B grade, and 32 schools received a C grade. East Marion Elementary School and Lake Weir Middle School both received a D grade, while McIntosh Area School received a failing grade.

Twelve of these schools improved by at least one letter grade compared to the past year.

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

COMMENTARY

Here’s to you, Ocala Editor’s Note:

Sadie Fitzpatrick uses this space to explore the character and quirks that make Ocala uniquely wonderful and occasionally irksome.

By Sadie Fitzpatrick sadie@ocalagazette.com

“W

here are you from?”

It is a common question asked of visitors, a way to pinpoint their accents, to determine their intentions. It’s a question I’ve never been asked in Ocala until recently.

On a date night with my husband this past weekend, we were enjoying our cocktails at a local restaurant. As she inquired about our plans for the night, the bartender asked, “Where are you from?”

This question floored me. I thought, I’m from Ocala, we’re in Ocala, isn’t everyone here also

from Ocala? When I told her I was born and raised here, she remarked that I may be the first native Ocalan she has met.

It struck me that my sweet, once sleepy hometown is now a go-to destination for individuals from around the world. Thousands of people are moving here each year to work in any of the specific industries for which we are becoming known (equine, manufacturing, logistics, etc.) and to raise their families in the (often blistering) sunshine of central Florida. We are no longer just a brief bathroom break on someone’s drive along Interstate 75.

People now stop and stay awhile, or forever.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think Ocala would be the bustling

metropolis it is today.

In fact, I once swore I’d never come back.

As a college-bound 18 year old, I was determined to shake loose the constraints of my small-town upbringing. Ocala was too small, too “Podunk,” too claustrophobic. I yearned for bright lights, big cities and anonymity.

I thought success meant leaving behind what you’d known and creating a new life for yourself far away from where you began. I explored big cities, met new, fascinating people. My wanderlust began to fade,

however, and the siren song of Ocala, of home, soon called.

Ocala welcomed me back with open arms. There was no “Where have you been?” Or “Why did you leave?” That’s the beauty of calling somewhere home—there are no questions asked, they’re just glad you made your way back.

The aspect of Ocala I once despised, the lack of anonymity, is now one of my favorite things.

It means you have forged relationships with people and those relationships have stood the test of time.

For example, I love that our veterinarian is the same vet who treated my childhood animals. I love that I walked into a group fitness class for the first time last year and knew three of the seven women in the room. One of them babysat my brothers and me as children and another is the wife of my favorite high school math teacher.

There’s always a connection to someone, somewhere, somehow.

That’s Ocala.

Our growth is not without pain, however. This rapid development we have experienced has put Ocala on the map but should not come at the expense of our sacred farmland.

These should, in fact, remain horse farms, forever.

Our political and social growth lags behind our economic gains, but I have high hopes that we will one day have the political and social diversity of other large cities.

I once thought that achieving success required you to leave behind the place you called home to forge a new path. Returning home to Ocala has shown me that success does not have to mean abandoning the place where you began. It can be found in returning home, a place where you are comfortable enough to try on a new version (or versions) of yourself until you find the one that best suits you.

Where am I from?

I’m from Ocala.

Diversity: a necessity in the school district Continued from page A1 the district has gained four Black districtlevel administrators, two Black principals and one Black assistant principal,” Gary said. “Although there have been some additions in this area, there is still much work to be done to reach that goal of our student population, which is 19%.”

The district also lacks male employees to appropriately represent the 51% of the student population that is male. Data from the past few years has shown very little change in this statistic and that no increase in male employees has been seen in the school district to close this gap.

“Male district administrators and assistant principals showed a gap of 15%, while male principals showed a gap of 22% compared to the male student population,” Gary said. “The two lowest representation of male students was found with male guidance counselors at 4% with a 47% gap, and male teachers at 22% with a 29% gap.”

The area with the largest representation discrepancy is for races classified as “other.” This covers any race or ethnicity other than Black, Hispanic or white, and makes up 7% of the student population of Marion County.

“Seven percent of our students identify as a race or ethnicity other than Black, white or Hispanic. Students identified as ‘other race’ show underrepresentation in all positions,” Gary said. “While principals only held a 1% gap, all other positions held a gap of four to 6% for this demographic.”

The report showed an increase in the representation for Hispanic students among staff in comparison to last year, with two additional Hispanic districtlevel administrators and three additional Hispanic assistant principals. Even with this slight improvement, there is still a drastic discrepancy between the Hispanic student population and the employees representing it, Gary said.

“Hispanic students were underrepresented in each position as compared to the student population, which consisted of 25% Hispanic students,” Gary said. “The lowest representation is the 1% Hispanic district-level administration. The highest percent of Hispanic employees were found in the positions of guidance counselors at 14% and teachers at 11%.”

To bridge the gap in all applicable demographic areas, Supervisor of Employment Services Paige Zadnik proposed several strategies to the school board for the recruitment of diverse employees.

“This includes reaching out to

historically Black colleges and universities and attending their career fairs,” Zadnik said. “[And] a continued partnership with TPG cultural exchange services program through which Marion County Public Schools can hire international teachers on a J-1 (educational and cultural exchange) Visa from India, Jamaica, the Philippines, countries throughout Africa and several countries in Latin America.”

The Aspiring Leadership Academy of MCPS also provides an opportunity for any teachers in the district who are interested in taking on administrative roles. The application will be sent out to all MCPS teachers, and all applicants to the academy will be accepted and trained for administration. For existing administrators, assistant principals can take part in the Leadership Expert Series to learn Florida leadership standards and receive preparation to become principals. With efforts to recruit diverse employees and administrators, there also must be strategic plans to retain those hired through these methods, said Chief Academic Officer Margarete Talbert-Irving.

“Our African American Administrator Council mentorship is provided to support growth and development of assistant principals and personnel interested in going into administration,” Talbert-Irving said. “Minorities in leadership positions make up that council.”

Additionally, a multicultural committee was established in 2021 to advise the school board and district staff on issues and concerns related to equity and possible initiatives to combat them. The committee is made up of parents, staff and community leaders, she said.

Advanced Courses:

The report additionally assessed student participation and performance in Level 3 advanced courses, which include Advanced Placement (AP), International

Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), Dual Enrollment (DE), and Honors classes.

The enrollment rates for Level 3 courses across every demographic increased in comparison to the previous year. Participation was 60% amongst Black students, 56% amongst Black males, 64% amongst Hispanic students, 61% amongst Hispanic males and 39% amongst ELL students.

Ben Whitehouse, director of student pathways and assessment, said good attendance is crucial to improving student performance in advanced courses, and those who are present for lessons still gain valuable knowledge and experience even if they do not pass the final exams.

“When we look at how students perform based on their attendance, with the students who did not pass AP English language, 41% of them missed 10% or more of the school year,” Whitehouse said.

Poor attendance is not the only factor affecting poor test performance, however, and it does not always equate to low tests scores, Whitehouse said. For all the students who passed the same AP English language exam, for example, 34% of them were not in attendance for 10% or more of the school year, according to the report.

“It’s not necessarily a negating factor that means if you miss school, you’re never going to be successful. But we certainly want to make sure we’re taking steps to provide opportunities for students who miss,” Whitehouse said.

In addition to providing tutoring options for students who miss school or are struggling, Whitehouse said the district wants to encourage greater participation in advanced courses among minority students and assist students to meet prerequisites so they can challenge themselves in more rigorous courses.

Preparation for this may start as early as middle school.

“It’s not necessarily a negating factor that means if you miss school, you’re never going to be successful. But we certainly want to make sure we’re taking steps to provide opportunities for students who miss.”

Ben Whitehouse

Director of student pathways and assessment

“We now have three middle schools that offer pre-AP courses, which is a great opportunity to start to build those skills for students they will need down the road for AP success,” he said. “We’re working to make sure that we’re providing college and career readiness support for all of our students.”

Athletics:

The Title IX statute for gender equity in athletics requires equal opportunities for male and female sports. Throughout all high schools in the district, the report showed a disparity in participation in female sports in comparison to the female student population. The gap exists predominantly in female junior varsity (JV) athletics.

“Sports and levels of competition should effectively accommodate the interests and abilities of members of both sexes,” Gary said. “Compliance in this area is contingent on the percentage of female participation being equal or greater than the percentage of female enrollment at that particular school.”

Across all seven high schools in Marion County, the participation rates for JV athletes who are female are all less than 41%, with the lowest amount being 29% at North Marion High School. Districtwide, the percentage of female participation in varsity sports is 49%, with the percentage of female participation in JV sports falling short at 35%.

Proposed corrective action plans for Title IX include monitoring all data throughout the year, offering sports based on current interest levels, promoting all sports beginning in middle school, and visiting schools and encouraging participation in JV sports at each school, said Athletics Coordinator Donald Tucker.

“We have athletic directors at the middle schools who will pull their student athletes and see what kind of things they’re interested in that we might be able to offer,” Tucker said. “We do that at the high school level, and we do it at the middle school level.”

This process allows for sports to be added annually if the student population demonstrates a need for them. In the 2021-22 school year, girls wrestling was added at Belleview, Dunnellon, Forest, Lake Weir and West Port high schools.

The Annual Educational Equity Update was produced in compliance with Federal Mandate Title IX, Florida Statute 1000.05, Rule 6A-19.010(1)(c), Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) and Title VI, and Marion County School Board policies.

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Elections Q & A with the candidates Editor’s Note: Leading up to the 2022 primary and general elections, we’ll be asking candidates to weigh in regularly on a question related to the office they seek. The

candidates are given almost a week to respond to the questions in writing. We ask that the candidates keep their answers under 250 words, and we do not edit them at all.

County court judicial candidates When it comes to evaluating a judicial candidate’s qualifications what do you think the public should factor in their decision?

File photo: The Marion County Judicial Center on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Seat 1

LeAnn Barnes The qualifications the public should consider are the candidate’s experience, temperament and community involvement.

I began my career teaching special education. I left teaching to pursue my dream of becoming an attorney, receiving a Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida in 2002. I have been practicing law for two decades.

I have handled felony, misdemeanor and juvenile criminal cases, from driving under the influence to juvenile murder, as well as contempt proceedings (truancy, injunctions dependency), Baker Acts, Marchman Acts, and a civil small claims case.

I am the Chief Attorney managing the second-largest law office in Marion County, earning a reputation of being calm and even-keeled. Over the past eighteen years, I trained and supervised hundreds of attorneys in the practice of law. I have had the opportunity to practice in front of almost every judge in Marion County and helped to established Marion County’s Veterans Treatment Court and Mental Health Court.

I have a passion for the law and my community and have been serving Marion County since I was a young Girl Scout.

I am a former volunteer judge for Teen Court, a board member for Pace Center for Girls, a member of Kiwanis Club of Ocala, Chairman for the FHSAA Appeals Committee and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I am also a recipient of the Richard Custureri Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award.

I believe my experience, my temperament and my service to this community make me the perfect choice for this position.

Danielle Ruse The public should consider the candidates experience in a courtroom as well as their personal knowledge of the law and rules needed to handle all types of cases in front of the Court.

Renee Thompson All judges must possess the right blend of experience and integrity, to properly and fairly apply the law while upholding our constitutional rights. Consequently, any judicial candidate should be closely scrutinized as to education, experience and reputation.

However, the public should not only consider the candidate, but the position; the seat I seek will be assigned to a civil docket for the next three years. Civil practice in county and circuit courts can be quite different, with more people appearing before the county court, often without an attorney. Without counsel, parties can become frustrated with legal process and a county court judge must be patient and possess the right temperament to effectively communicate and explain the law; when people understand the basics of the law and legal procedure, they are better equipped to seek justice and be satisfied with the results. I am proud of my extensive background in teaching the law, not only to law students, but to lawyers and judges.

Additionally, efficiency is critical to

the smooth operation of the county court.

In criminal court, the right to a speedy trial keeps cases moving quickly, and civil dockets will see more cases than ever before due to recent statutory changes, so a judge must keep cases moving fairly but expeditiously. A thorough understanding of technology and case management systems will be necessary to process the coming flood of cases while providing fairness and justice, and my background in legal technology would serve me well.

Seat 2

Lori Cotton A good judge follows the law, is hardworking, fair, compassionate and knowledgeable.

1. My experience tells you I will follow the law.

I was a prosecutor for 20 years, so I have a history of enforcing the law and following rules.

The Governor appointed me because he believes I will follow the law.

2. My experience tells you I am hardworking.

At the State Attorney’s Office, I tried 140 jury trials. I advanced through the organization and was entrusted with complex and sensitive legal matters, supervision, training and hiring.

As a judge, I make decisions expeditiously and implement them. My docket has been reduced by 30% in a year through hard work.

3. My experience tells you I am fair.

I do not favor one party over another.

I am mindful of the Constitution and individual rights. I listen to both sides before making a decision. My demeanor on the bench balances firmness with compassion.

4. My experience tells you I am compassionate.

I am a Christian, mother of three, wife, homeless advocate, and the mom of an alcoholic child. My life experiences guide my decisions on the bench.

5. My experience tells you I am knowledgeable.

I have handled complex legal matters.

I know the law and the rules of evidence and procedure, so I am able to make good decisions and run efficient dockets.

I am already serving as a Judge, so you can come see for yourself why experience matters in Courtroom 2E William Harris I believe a number of factors should weigh heavily in the public’s evaluation of a judicial candidate.

Many prospective voters have become justifiably jaded and suspicious of the electoral process in general due to being told what they want to hear by candidates and not being presented with an authentic version of the candidate. I have and will continue to present the most accurate measure of myself. Accountability for one’s actions is probably the greatest expectation the public has of any judicial candidate. I have always believed in being responsible for my actions to my community. My private sector experience representing clients permitted me to hold people accountable when they inflicted catastrophic injury to another.

As a prosecutor, I ensured that criminal offenders were held accountable when their conduct harmed the community.

The judicial candidate’s reputation, work history, and track record of civic engagement is far more revealing of someone’s true character than a couple of months of pictures on social media or words said to an assembly.

County commission candidates What boards or committees have you served on and what lessons did you take away from those experiences—either good or bad?

District 4

Brian Donnelly I was elected 3 times to the Manchester Massachusetts Planning Board. I served for 9 years – 6 as Chairman – and I did it for free. Before I was elected the town was in debt, had no impact fees, residents were unhappy with developers coming in and getting whatever they wanted by a board that was in the pocket of developers, construction companies and real estate firms. Sound familiar?

I convinced my Board members that we needed to do a Master Plan – a plan that was an expression of the will of all residents. Over a 3-year period we meet with all town agencies and all residents.

We listened and we heard what people wanted, what they didn’t want and how they wished to see their community built and managed in the future.

We revamped all zoning and subdivision rules and regulations. We developed and passed well over 80 resolutions during a town meeting that lasted 2 nights. All motions were passed unanimously except on the last vote when 1 person said no. I asked them why and they said – Brian – we never could have done this without you but I just had to say no on the last one because it was just all too perfect.

Keith Poole I have sat on several boards for private entities and for Marion County. The two boards for Marion County were the “License Review Board” known as the LRB and the “Affordable Housing Committee known as “AHAC”. Each of these opportunities allowed me to see how county government works from behind the

scenes.

As a LRB member you get to hear cases that are brought against contractors by citizens and by county staff. It allows for a checks and balance system for all parties involved to present their case and receive a fair and impartial review to determine an outcome. Many times, the cases are intricate and require knowledgeable members to derive the best solutions.

As a AHAC member the committee is charged with determining the need for affordable housing and deriving a plan to implement the recommendations to help obtain affordable housing. This committee spends many hours gathering data and formulating a plan to achieve this goal.

As member of this committee, we saw the short comings in the community and the need to work together with public/ private partnerships to meet this need.

Unfortunately, this committee was met with resistance from previous county commissioners and the recommendations were not implemented. We are hopeful that will change in the future. The county has a renewed interest in this issue, whether it be because of an election year or they see the true need for affordable

housing, we are happy to have this discussion and look forward to providing this opportunity to the citizens of Marion County.

Rachel Sams From adolescence on I’ve held some sort of leadership role within the committee and/or boards I’ve been involved in.

Early on, at ages 1116, I held roles of Secretary, Treasurer, V.P. and President in Future Farmers of America (FFA). I acquired the skills of Roberts Rules of Order for Parliamentary Procedure, both important present-day.

Into adulthood, I’m active on boards with Our Hearts Align, Inc. (board), BNI/Business Networking International (Vice-President and Visitor Host), Ocala Youth Opportunity (Advisory), OMCHC (Fundraising), Marion County Board

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

of Adjustments and Variances (chair alternate), and Ocala’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s (committee).

Each of these organizations have very different missions and visions, but the lessons and experiences reveal critical fact: everyone on a team has a specific duty and must be carried out to make the process work effectively, one person can’t carry the burden of an entire organization, as a leader you can’t be afraid to delegate.

As a realist and a human, I’ve never participated in a committee that ran flawlessly on the first shot, however I try to see the positive in each situation, so some of the experiences may have been “bad”, but I’ve used those as learning lessons to make the next opportunity to be better.

When looking at all of my experiences, I’ve found that they have made me a better team player, insight to others’ opinions (whether I agreed or disagreed), learned to be fair and objective, and ultimately, see that our community have people who want to be involved.

Carl Zalak My first board experience begins in the Church. Through a desire to create a space where my USF teammates would be comfortable learning about God, I ended up on Crossover Church’s board of elders in my early twenties. I stayed on that board for nearly a decade. My dream

became a reality, and Crossover still uses the leadership classes, DJ booth, and baptismal that I contributed.

My takeaway from serving at Crossover was that what we do for a community lasts longer and matters more than what we do for ourselves. The experience changed my life.

I have learned that being on a board is not the same as running your own company. As a small business owner, I know that an executive can call the shots in a hurry, but big board room projects take time. It took years to go from the potholes of the past and into the $100,000,000 roads infrastructure that is now on its way.

Today, our families and freedoms are being attacked, so I have joined more boards to help protect them. I am fighting for you as the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, representing Marion County’s way of life on the Florida Association of County’s Board of Directors, and protecting Americans on NACO’s Cyber Security committee. I also serve

on the Children’s Alliance and Marion County’s Senior Services. If you vote to keep Carl Zalak on the board August 23rd, Marion County will keep the things we must not lose.

Seth Posner who is also running for District 4 did not answer the question.

District 2

Gina Capone I have not served on any boards or committees in service to other organizations.

As a private business owner in publishing and informational services, I create a space for others to work, directly with me or as an independent contractor with my company.

As a government writer, I have reported on boards and committees.

As I observe these boards and committees in my work, I can see the benefits when the people involved are transparent, have a gift of service, create a balanced space for debate and decision making, and the work is embraced

by the community or members of the organization.

I believe people are innately good.

Organizations have a tendency; however, of becoming morphed into obsolete entities that begin well but cave in, when individual power, overrides the good of the group.

When someone becomes too big for their britches, begins taking advantage of their post, tries to bully or move against the desire of the group, complications arise.

For the good of any organization, whether it is the government, BOCC, private entity or a non-profit, the success of an organization is going to rely solely on the individuals that encompass it.

When serving on a board or committee, an individual must be complete with the knowledge of who they are. An individual must know what they are taking on and what steadiness they can bring. A democracy of any kind, envelopes all sides, all voices, all inspirations and embraces the heart of the organization. It is important that each person does their inner spiritual work, so that each day, the optimum goals are achievable, and the organization can thrive for the members of the group - the community.

Kathy Bryant who is also running for District 2 declined to participate in interview questions until after the primary election.

School board candidates What boards or committees have you sat on and what lessons did you take away from those experiences—either good or bad?

File photo: School crossing guard William Vernon on the last day of school at Eighth Street Elementary School in Ocala on Thursday, May 26, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

District 2

Lori Conrad With 25+ years of service in our Marion County Public schools most of my committee participation has been directly related to public education.

All of these committees have had a positive impact on our local public schools.

School Safety - Review and identify corrective measures for improving the safety of the school campus.

“A” School Committee - Allocate and approve school funding according to the state guidelines.

Magnet and STEAM Committees Identify and create curriculum needs and enrichment opportunities that are hands on for students in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Grade Chair - Identify upcoming grade level needs and goals.

PTO Vice President - Parent teacher organization - school fundraising SAC committee - Student Advisory Council PBIS committee - Positive Behavior Systems Developing literacy through the media center and accelerated reader program to promote grade level reading goals and celebrations.

Curriculum Mapping - Outline the pace, sequence and structure of grade level curriculum standards.

Text Book Adoption Committee Review of upcoming curriculum adoptions.

Sunshine Committee- Support and enhance staff relationships within the school environment.

Golden Apple Committee - To inspire, develop and support teacher and school leader excellence especially in schools of need.

Marion Education Foundation & Tools 4 Teaching - Enhance education in

Marion County Public schools, from Pre-K through adult and vocational education.

Marion County School Board Regularly attending school board meetings and work sessions.

Joseph Suranni I have frequently been involved in the Marion County Code of Student Conduct revision and review committee.

This committee is assembled by Student Services to review the code and make revision recommendations regarding the code to the School Board of Marion County. This group is composed of Student service managers, assistant principals of discipline, parents, students and other stakeholders. Any revisions to the code must be congruent with existing board policy and any existing Florida Statutes.

Serving on this committee has given me the experience I need to be a leader on the school board. I have experience working with all levels of stakeholders in the district form top level leadership to parents and students. I can discuss the issues and work with those involved to come to a decision quickly and efficiently.

I have also worked on two School Advisory Committees. These are more local school committees that work closely with the principal to make decisions affecting the local school. These are smaller committees that are composed of teachers, parents and school personnel.

Serving on these committees has given me leadership skills. They have helped me see the perspective of all involved in these discussions. I have been exposed to the policy making process as well as board policy making and the Florida Statutes. I have learned that it is not always easy for a committee of stakeholders form varying backgrounds to agree on all aspects of a

decision. I have learned that a respectful negotiation process and understanding each member of a committee’s position can help in the negotiation process. I have an understanding of each of these guiding principles that is necessary to be a successful member of our school board.

District 3

Steven Sweet I have been involved on many operational planning and operational review committees as a manager in the Postal Service. I was on a select committee in 1991 -1992 that was tasked with helping develop operational plans for the new optical character reader (barcodes) that is now commonplace and operational. On a local level I was a member of our Rainbow Springs Property Owner Association for two years. I have served on various church committees over the years.

My experiences on all of these committees is the need for teamwork and cooperation.

My experience on all these various committees was rewarding and each committee has a different dynamic, and a different approach is needed to be effective. Teamwork is the common denominator that is vital to any committee or board. Communication and trust of fellow members is necessary in any collective endeavor. Commitment coupled with personal effort is foundational to any board/committee sucess.

I believe I can be a positive influence and am motivated to help the Marion County School District improve and give our best to the students and community.

Staying focused on the core mission of the school board and being proactive is necessary. Knowledge, teamwork, and hard work combined with the will to

achieve our goals will lead Marion County School Board to success.

Eric Cummings, who is also running for district 3 did not answer this question.

District 5

Dr. Sarah James In college, I was a member of leadership in my sorority.

I helped with fundraising for their annual philanthropy that benefited St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. During this time, I learned to work collaboratively with my sisters to raise funds for a charitable cause and grew to truly understand the importance of servanthood.

As a business woman, I have been a member of Business Networking International and the local Chamber of Commerce and Economic Partnership.

Both of these organizations have allowed me to learn and grow as a business leader and master the craft of public speaking. Through participation in these organizations, I have also been offered many opportunities to speak on leadership techniques and strategies to help other business men and women master the art of leadership.

Lastly, I own and operate a private preschool in Ocala that has a business partnership with Madison Street Academy. Through this business partnership, I am able to facilitate volunteer opportunities for the staff and students. In addition, I have the honor of supporting a variety of community endeavors including Feed the Need, the Rock program, Down for Donuts, and other philanthropic events.

Taylor Smith, who is also running for district 5 did not answer this question.

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

JULY 25 IS THE VOTER REGISTRATION AND PARTY CHANGE DEADLINE

By Ocala Gazette Staff

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onday, July 25, is the deadline to register to vote and/ or change political party affiliation for the 2022 Primary Election, according to Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox.

Previously registered voters do not need to re-register but are encouraged to verify their voter registration is accurate and up-to-date by visiting www.VoteMarion.gov. Citizens can register or update their voter information online at www.

RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov or in person at the Elections Office or any public library or tax collector office.

Applications must be postmarked or deliver to the Supervisor of Elections Office by July 25. The Marion County Election Center, 981 N.E. 16th St., Ocala, will remain open until 5 p.m. on Monday, July 25, to allow additional time for new registration and updates.

Florida is a closed primary state. In primary elections, a voter may only vote for the candidates of the party in which he or she is registered, unless a Universal Primary Contest (UPC) occurs. A UPC occurs if all candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition in the general election.

There are two UPC contests on the Marion County Primary Election ballot: State Representative Districts 20 and 23 (REP).

All qualified voters who reside within the voting district may vote in the primary election for that office, regardless of party affiliation.

Voters can lookup their registration status, sample ballot and voting location by visiting www.VoteMarion.gov/myvoterinfo.

For additional information, visit www.VoteMarion.gov or contact the Marion County Election Center at (352) 620-3290 or Elections@VoteMarion.gov.

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- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com Bruce Ackerman, Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com James Blevins, Reporter james@ocalagazette.com Caroline Brauchler, Reporter caroline@ocalagazette.com Rosemarie Donell, Reporter rosemarie@ocalagazette.com

MCBOCC presents salary survey adjustments for county employees grade changes, job title changes and salary adjustments for its county employees on May 3.

In 2021, according to county documents, the county contracted with Evergreen Solutions, LLC, to conduct a study—the purpose of which was to analyze the county’s classification and compensation system and make recommendations to improve its competitive position in the labor market.

The study involved analyzing the internal and external equity File photo: Carl Zalak III, the chair of the Marion County Commission on March 21, 2022. of the county’s [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022. compensation system and making recommendations in response to those

By James Blevins findings. james@ocalagazette.com A workshop was held on April 29.

Evergreen consultants and county senior he Marion County Board staff presented the findings of the study of County Commissioners and made recommendations to the (MCBOCC) presented a series board. of salary survey adjustments Recommendations included new during its regular meeting on July 6. pay grades, job title changes and salary The adjustments included salaries adjustments to current employees based corrected after the county conducted a on methodology using range penetration Classification and Compensation Study capped at the midpoint with lower end Workshop on April 29. Nearly all of the adjustments as well as adjusting for the changes were to correct either current or minimum wage requirements. proposed pay grades.

The recommended changes would Previously, the MCBOCC had voted have a loaded cost of $5.9 million across unanimously to approve a series of pay

“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”

all funds and a loaded cost of $3.11 million to the General Fund, according to county documents. Since its approval, the salary adjustments to the county’s systems will be made effective on or before July 31, 2022. County employees have already seen the adjustments in their paychecks since the agenda item was approved two months ago.

Evergreen will continue to work on a salary study for the rank-and-file unit of Marion County Fire Rescue, according to county officials, and those results will be presented to the board at a later date.

According to Stacie Causey, senior public relations specialist for Marion County, on May 11, the county currently has more than 50 positions in need of filling. Of those more than 50 positions, Causey identified 10 “hard-to-fill” positions that the county is currently struggling to find employees: • Animal center veterinarian (Animal Services) • Utilities field technicians • Utilities lift station technicians • Inspector plans examiners (Building Safety) • Paramedics • Librarians • Maintenance technician operators, Rainbow Lakes Estates • Litter crew leader • Purchasing inventory assistant (Fleet Management) • Recreation leader, seasonal (Parks and Recreation) For more specific information on the pay grade changes, job title changes and salary survey adjustments, visit www.

Marionfl.org.

Sadie Fitzpatrick, Columnist sadie@ocalagazette.com Greg Hamilton, Editor greg@magnoliamediaco.com Amy Harbert, Graphic Designer amy@magnoliamediaco.com Susan Smiley-Height, Editor susan@magnoliamediaco.com

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INPATIENTS WITH COVID-19 NEAR 4,500

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ith subvariants of the coronavirus spreading, the number of Florida hospital inpatients with COVID-19 continues to increase. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released data Wednesday showing that 4,481 Florida inpatients had COVID-19, up from 4,322 a week earlier.

The data also showed that 460 Florida patients with COVID-19 were in intensive-care units, up from 437 a week earlier.

Health officials across the country have pointed to subvariants known as BA.4 and

BA.5 for increasing the number of people infected with the coronavirus.

The Florida Department of Health released numbers Friday that showed the state had a reported 78,245 new cases of COVID-19 from July 8 through July 14.

Florida had topped 60,000 new cases in nine straight weeks and had topped 70,000 cases in six of the weeks, according to the Department of Health numbers.

In Marion County, local doctor David Kuhn, M.D. reported via Facebook that there were 80 COVID-19 hospitalizations, with 11 being in the intensive care unit at

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

local hospitals. n a Facebook post on July 16, “What’s particularly unusual is the length of this surge. Delta peaked at the 7-week mark, Omicron peaked within 4 weeks. This BA.4/BA.5 has been surging more slowly, but for much longer at 12 weeks, and has not yet peaked. This is new epidemiological behavior that needs further study. This surge is also unique because it is occurring nationwide, rather than regional surges occurring at different times.”

Kuhn also pointed out that although hospitalizations are rising, they are doing so more slowly than previously experienced.

By Fred Conley

W

hile Mr. Zalak does not represent my district, it is interesting to note that he blames the current National administration for the county’s largest challenge—inflation. While I guess I’m glad he is attacking this issue, I note that the only issue I’ve seen on his roadside campaign signs is that he is strongly anti-abortion. He ends his comments in the Gazette by stating, “You can count on Carl Zalak to be proactive with our staff in tracking down the supplies we need...” This is right after the Gazette points out that county staff has been used to promote his current campaign for re-election.

I believe we would be better served by a candidate who is focused on our more local issues like homelessness/affordable housing, maintaining our outlying farmlands, and growth/urban sprawl/infrastructure, than supreme court issues and inflation.

CORRECTION Three local students in the HOSA Future Health Professionals organization recently earned top honors in an international competition. The name of the organization was incorrect in an article in last week’s edition.

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

FIRST-EVER COMMUNITY GIVEBACK OFFERS THOUSANDS OF FREE BACKPACKS

By Ocala Gazette Staff

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dventHealth Ocala, the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County and Marion County Public Schools have joined to help supply thousands of local students with free backpacks filled with school supplies, according to a June 14 press release.

The first-ever Community Giveback event, supported by Thaddeus Bullard, a.k.a. WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil, and his Bullard Family Foundation, will take place Saturday, July 30. The event is set to distribute over 6,000 backpacks filled with school supplies at seven locations throughout Marion County.

The main location will be at the AdventHealth Ocala Auxiliary Center,

1542 S.W. 1st Ave., Ocala. Event hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Satellite locations are open 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and include: • Belleview High School (10400 S.E. 36th Ave., Belleview, 34420) • Dunnellon Middle School (21005 Chestnut St., Dunnellon, 34431) • Fort McCoy School (16160 N.E. CR 315, Fort McCoy, 32134) • Lake Weir High School (10351 S.E. Maricamp Road, Ocala, 34472) • Liberty Middle School (4773 S.W. 95th St., Ocala, 34476) • North Marion High School (151 W. County Road 329, Citra, 32113) Parents and guardians can register their students at https://bit.ly/3yLCL3f. In order to serve the most children possible, students can only be registered for one

location, according to event organizers.

Event sponsors include Skanska, Bullard Family Foundation, Heart of Florida Health Center, SouthState, The Boyd Group, SellState, Ocala Electric Utility, Florida Health-Marion County, FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA, Chick-fil-A Paddock Mall, New Day Christian Fellowship, Marion County Sheriff ’s Office, Marion County Emergency Management, Marion County Fire Rescue, Stentiford Construction Services, DeLuca Toyota, Regions Bank, Army National Guard and the College of Central Florida.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the event can register through Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) at https:// bit.ly/3RLBzoX or contact Lauren Debick, executive director of Communications and Community Engagement, by email

(Lauren.Debick@marion.k12.fl.us).

The Marion County Community Giveback effort is part of a larger event sponsored in the Tampa area by the Bullard Family Foundation. To donate to a school supply drive list benefitting this first-ever event, community members, businesses and others can purchase supplies from https://amzn.to/3Pm3z0S. All items will be shipped to and distributed by the Community Foundation. Donation boxes will be available throughout Ocala/Marion County and at sponsor locations.

For more information, contact the MCPS Public Relations Office or Ashley Gerds, director of Strategic Engagement at the Community Foundation for Ocala/ Marion County, at (352) 622-5020, ext. 105, or by email at ashley@ocalafoundation.org.

HEALTHCARE AND HUMAN SERVICES NEW START AND STOP TIMES APPROVED PROFESSIONALS NEEDED NOW FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR

JOB FAIR FEATURES WIDE ARRAY OF OPPORTUNITIES IN MEDICAL AND NONPROFIT FIELDS

By Ocala Gazette Staff

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he 2022 Healthcare and Human Services Job Fair will take place on Tuesday, July 26, from 4-6 p.m. at One Health Center, 1714 S.W. 17th St. in Ocala, according to a July 18 press release.

Sponsored by CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion (CLM) and VIPcare, the free event features businesses recruiting to fill in-demand positions at area hospitals, doctors’ offices, nonprofit organizations and nursing homes.

“Healthcare is one of those industries in our region that continues to be in very high demand,” said Melissa Saco, CareerSource CLM business development manager. “To help meet that need, this job fair features an abundance of immediate opportunities from entry level to registered and licensed nurses.”

Positions include certified nursing assistants (CNAs), child protective investigator, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), patient care technicians, medical assistants and medical lab technicians, as well as medical office and records, drivers, food service, housekeeping and more.

To date, the following businesses

are scheduled to take part: Absolute Health Internal Medicine and Pediatrics; Bridgewater Park Health and Rehabilitation; Brookdale Chambrel Pinecastle; Chatham Glen Healthcare & Rehabilitation; Empath Home Health; Evergreen Private Care; Florida Department of Children and Families; HCA Florida Ocala Health; Heart of Florida Health Care; Highpoint at Stonecrest; Hospice of Marion County; Maxim Healthcare Services; Quad Nurse, LLC; SMA Healthcare; Staff America and Team Select Home Care.

Additionally, education partners Taylor College and the College of Central Florida will be on hand.

Candidates are asked to register prior to the event. Those planning to attend should bring printed copies of their resume, dress professionally and be prepared for an on-the-spot job interview.

While masks are not required, participants should feel comfortable in wearing appropriate face covering if they wish.

For updates on participating businesses and the registration link, check the calendar at www.careersourceclm.com or call 1-(800) 434-5627 for more information.

MCSO, COUNTY ENTER AGREEMENT WITH GOLDEN OCALA TO PROVIDE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT OVER ITS PRIVATE ROADS

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

this recommendation.”

The altered bell times for applicable schools are as follows: Howard Middle School will now start at 9:25 a.m. and end 3:40 p.m.

Lake Weir Middle School will now start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.

Liberty Middle School will now start at 7:50 a.m. and end at 2:10 p.m.

North Marion Middle School will now start at 9:20 a.m. and end at 3:50 p.m.

Osceola Middle School will now 7:50 a.m. and end at 2:05 p.m.

Marion Technical Institute will now start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 2:05 p.m.

The duration of instructional days at all other public schools in Marion County will remain the same in the upcoming 2022-23 school year as they were previously.

This ruling was made in accordance with Board Policy 3.22 and Florida Statute 1001.43, Section 1001.41 and 1001.42.

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he school board approved the new bell times for the upcoming school year at a meeting on Tuesday, officially releasing the start and stop times for each public school in Marion County.

The durations of the school day at each school are evaluated annually and adjusted if necessary to establish more uniform instructional day lengths. The school bell times for this year were approved unanimously and each school was notified of the changes via email.

“Proposed school bell times 2022-2023 Fiscal Year will establish more uniform instructional day lengths and provide compliance with extended learning school mandates,” according to MCPS. “Area superintendents, principals, district staff and members of the transportation department have reviewed and approved

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File photo: A marked unit with it’s emergency lights turned on in Ocala on Oct. 11, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

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he Marion County Board of County Commissioners (MCBOCC) approved last week a traffic enforcement agreement between itself, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods and the Golden Ocala Community Association.

The sheriff agreed to provide traffic enforcement over private roads within the gated Golden Ocala community, located at 4090 N.W. 84th Court. The terms of the agreement are for one year and shall automatically renew for another year, unless terminated by either party with a 30-days written notice.

According to Paul Bloom, director of the Public Information Office at the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office (MCSO), agreements like this are not atypical. Many other private, gated communities enter into similar agreements with local law enforcement from time to time, though they are not required to, as described in Florida State Statute 316.006.

Statute 316.006 (3)(b) states: “A county may exercise jurisdiction over any private road or roads, or over any limited access road or roads owned or controlled by a special district, located in the

unincorporated area within its boundaries if the county and party or parties owning or controlling such road or roads provide, by written agreement approved by the governing body of the county, for county traffic control jurisdiction over the road or roads encompassed by such agreement.”

Agreements such as the one approved on July 6 come about most often when a certain number of residents within a gated community feel that speed limits or other traffic laws are not being properly observed, said Tim McCourt, general counsel for the MCSO. There is no charge to Golden Ocala for the services. According to McCourt, “We see it simply as another part of what we do to serve our communities.”

Per the agreement, the sheriff will provide to Golden Ocala “all law enforcement services normally provided…within the unincorporated areas of Marion County.”

The assignment and schedule of any deputy sheriff to Golden Ocala is determined solely by Sheriff Woods, according to the agreement. Additionally, the agreement does not provide the community itself with any authority over the MCSO as far as how the agency enforces the traffic laws.

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Generations gather to remember Rosewood

Brandy Grant, Rossi Patterson and Brooklyn Patterson attend a Rosewood Family Reunion [Supplied]

By Nick Steele nick@magnoliamediaco.com

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bout 60 miles west of Ocala, down a lonely stretch of State Road 24, leading to Cedar Key, you will find a “blink and you’ll miss it” historical marker for the settlement of Rosewood. The area is desolate, bordered by a cypress swamp, slash pine, palms and tangled marshes.

There are few dozen small houses set back from the road. Among the few commercial buildings in the area is a small white church bearing the name of Rosewood.

From the looks of it, you might assume that this is one of those places where nothing very interesting ever happened.

You’d be wrong.

That roadside marker, which was placed there in 2004 when Rosewood was designated as a Florida Heritage Landmark, tells the tragic tale of what was once a beautiful, thriving, predominantly Black community that was decimated in a scorched-earth raid by a bloodthirsty mob.

While most markers of this kind repeat the same information on both sides, in this case it took both sides to capture what happened here. The tale laid out on the

Rosewood, Florida historical marker

Rosewood Massacre Survivor Mahulda Gussie Brown Carrier [Provided by Lizzie Jenkins]

marker only scratches the surface of the story that is still evolving today—the next chapter of which will be written in Ocala this weekend.

The community of Rosewood was originally settled in 1845 by Blacks and whites, who had co-existed peacefully even amid the Black Codes and Jim Crow laws that fostered segregation in much of the South. The unincorporated town was reportedly named for the red cedar trees that were abundant in the area and the rose-like scent the wood had when freshly cut. Initially, the demand for the wood created a prosperous period for the residents. The cedar was cut in Rosewood and sent to pencil factories via a railroad station and small depot that was established in the town. Around 1890, however, the cedar tree population was decimated. Most of the white families moved away, some settling just a few miles away in the nearby town of Sumner, where the Cummer and Sons cypress sawmill was located.

By the 1920s, Rosewood’s population of between 200 and 300 was entirely made up of Black citizens who owned their own homes, established businesses, grew their own food on their farms and nurtured a familial community. The central white family that remained, the Wrights, operated a general store and continued to make their home there. Rosewood had several stores, a school, three churches, a Masonic Lodge, a sugarcane mill, a turpentine plant, a smokehouse and its own baseball team. Some of the residents of Rosewood also worked as laborers or domestic help at the homes of residents in Sumner.

The fate of Rosewood was forever changed on New Year’s Day of 1923, when a 22-year-old white woman, Fannie Taylor, alleged that a strange Black man had entered her home and beaten her.

A recently escaped Black convict was assumed to be the man in question. The woman’s husband gathered an angry mob of white citizens and used dogs to track the culprit. This led them to Rosewood, where several men were accused of aiding and concealing the attacker.

Sam Carter was lynched by the men

when he could not produce the runaway convict and Aaron Carrier was beaten and tied to the back of a car that dragged him along a gravel road back to Sumner in an attempt to get him to confess what he knew. Neither had any knowledge of the escaped prisoner. The sheriff then intervened and put Carrier in his car and drove him to Gainesville, where he was placed in protective custody and was treated by doctors for his injuries. Carrier’s aunt, Sarah Carrier, the beloved matriarch of Rosewood’s most prominent family, who worked as a laundress for the Taylors, then came forward to say that she had seen Mrs. Taylor’s assailant while at their home that day and that he was a white man who she had observed there before.

The theory that Mrs. Taylor was having an affair and used the claim of being attacked by a Black man has long been the prevailing notion and was widely reported.

There is no record, however, that she ever recanted her story.

Sarah Carrier’s son, Sylvester Carrier, urged his extended family members to take shelter at her home, where he could protect them.

On the evening of Jan. 4, the mob had grown to around 30 men, who demanded that Sylvester give up the fugitive and surrender himself. Sarah tried to reason with the men from inside her home but was shot dead when the men blanketed the house in gunfire. The men advanced on the house, where 25 family members, mostly women and children were hiding. When the men kicked in the front door and attempted to enter, Sylvester successfully fended them off by killing two of the men and wounding four others. Once the mob had retreated, he was able to send the women and children out the back door to hide in the swamp.

Newspapers reported on the standoff, exaggerating the number dead and falsely reporting that groups of armed Black citizens had gone on a rampage. Even more white men poured into the area believing that a race war had broken out, including about 500 Ku Klux Klan members who were in Gainesville for a rally. Newspaper reports from the time say that the mob engaged in a “race riot”

Ruins of a burned Black home - Rosewood, Fl. January 4, 1923, State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

Tampa Daily Times Rosewood clip

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

with lynchings, shootings, mutilations, burnings and mass graves, though in reality it was more of an extermination, with whites hunting Blacks mercilessly.

The carnage lasted for seven days.

“Armed resistance by blacks was just unthinkable at that time,” R. Thomas Dye, a historian at Florida State University who studied Rosewood commented to the “Washington Post.” “That is why Rosewood was burned to the ground.”

Many of the women and children stayed hidden in the swamps and woods for days, while others had been concealed in the home of the white general store owner John Wright. Wright was able to convince John and William Bryce, two wealthy white brothers who owned a train, to pick up terrified women and children and take them to safety. Any adult men who made it out did so on foot.

On Jan. 7, the mob returned to finish off the town and burned everything that remained to the ground, except for the home of John Wright. All evidence of this once thriving Black community was wiped off the map. The surviving citizens did not even attempt to return for fear that the horrific bloodshed would recur.

The survivors lived in fear that they would be hunted down and killed because they were witnesses to the horrific events that took place and most never spoke about it, even within their own families.

According to the State of Florida, the official death toll was eight: six Blacks and two whites. However, the survivors believe the numbers on both sides to be higher, believing that at least 150 Blacks were killed. This was supported by interviews with some of the whites who witnessed the events.

The governor convened a grand jury and appointed a special prosecutor to investigate. Though the jury heard the testimonies of nearly 30 witnesses, who were mostly white, it was claimed they could not find enough evidence to pursue prosecution.

of Rosewood while on an assignment to write about Cedar Key. His “investigative expose” revived interest in the story and brought national attention through a series of articles in which he spoke to survivors, who had not been heard of since the events in 1923. That led to a “60 Minutes” special and stories by many other news outlets.

Seventy years after the massacre, in 1993, the Florida House of Representatives heard the testimony of the living survivors of the massacre, who demanded restitution from the state.

Children at the time of the events, they were now in their 80s and 90s and were represented by a powerful law firm. One white witness joined them to testify on behalf of the victims.

The Florida Legislature went on to pass the Rosewood Claim Bill 591. It allocated $150,000 dollars of state funds to each to the nine living survivors who had come forward, approximately $2,000 each to their descendants of the families of Rosewood residents who lost their property and set up a program to allow descendants of Rosewood to attend college in Florida tuition-free. According to the “Washington Post,” between 1994 and 2020, 297 students have been granted Rosewood scholarships. The case is considered groundbreaking as the only time in history that a government, federal or state, has compensated victims of mass racial violence.

Several books were written about Rosewood, including one by Moore. A 1997 John Singleton film, simply entitled “Rosewood,” gave the events wider attention. Singleton, however, introduced several salacious fictional elements to the story that drew the ire of some of the survivors, not the least of which was a Black Rambo-esque character played by Ving Rhames. He also corrupted the character of white store owner John Wright, whom the survivors’ credit as an honorable man and a hero.

“If I made this film straight, docu-style, nobody would go see it,” Singleton said of the criticism.

Resurrection and Restitution

The true history keepers are not the filmmakers or journalists, but the descendants. They are the only ones who can tell the stories of what followed the events at Rosewood. They are the stewards of oral histories. They know how

Following the initial news coverage, the story was virtually forgotten and rarely spoken about. In 1982, Gary Moore a reporter for the “St. Petersburg Times” began to investigate the history

The History Keepers

their ancestors reinvented themselves and created new lives. But they also are writing the new chapters through their own stories.

And they are doing it together.

Since 1985, generations of Rosewood descendants have gathered together each year to not only keep a once-forgotten piece of history alive but to reconnect to the family and community ties that were once broken by violence and hatred. And they do it with a joyful spirit and excitement.

“We love to all be together,” said this year’s reunion host Bonnie C. Jones. “It’s a fun, positive time.”

The reunion will be held from the 22nd through the 24th right here in Ocala.

The three days include a welcoming reception, banquet, brunch, worship service, a business meeting and family excursions.

The reunions are organized by the Rosewood Family Reunion, Inc. They maintain a private Facebook Group in order to stay in touch and also welcome any new family members who haven’t yet become a part of the group.

Jones says they are always hoping to discover new family members they may not know about.

They have held reunions across the country, as the descendants now live in various states. But this year Jones chose Ocala as the site for the reunion because it is her hometown and she said other descendants have settled here as well.

Some of the other members are busy with other aspects of preserving Rosewood’s story. Efforts to establish a Rosewood historic area and memorial heritage park are being pursued by The Rosewood Heritage Foundation, Inc. The Real Rosewood Foundation (rosewoodflorida.com) is currently raising funds to have the Wright House, which was donated to the foundation for historic preservation, moved to a new site in Archer, in nearby Alachua County, where it will become a museum to honor the memory of the Rosewood survivors and descendants.

“We will protect and shelter the house, the same way the house sheltered the Rosewood survivors in 1923,” said Rosewood descendant Lizzie Robinson Jenkins.

Next year on New Year’s Eve Day will mark 100 years since the massacre at Rosewood and the families are already planning some big things for the centennial.

Deliberate burning of a Black home - Rosewood, Florida. January 4, 1923.

Rosewood schoolteacher Mahulda Carrier [Image courtesy of Lizzie Jenkins]

Sarah Carrier, left, Sylvester, standing and Willie Carrier, right.

Film still from the 1997 movie Rosewood portraying the white sheriff and townsfolk of the nearby town of Bronson square off against the rampaging mobs.

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Latest appeal in fire fee case called bid to “extract money’’ from citizens attorney The appeal also freezes public access to records related to the long-running court fight.

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

A

n attorney who represented Ocala utility customers in a class-action suit over $80 million in illegally collected fire service fees has asked a judge to toss out an appeal filed by another attorney representing himself as a class member who is challenging how legal fees in the long-running conflict were calculated.

In his motion to dismiss, Derek Schroth calls the claims by attorney George Franjola “frivolous” and filed “for the purpose of improperly extracting money” from Schroth’s law firm. He also said Franjola’s appeal violates Florida Bar Rules on conflicts of interest.

Franjola is in a unique situation in the complicated case that stems from the city improperly collecting fire service fees for years from utility customers, fees that the courts have deemed an illegal tax and ordered refunded to the residents and businesses. Not only was he a member of the law firm that defended the city in the case, as an Ocala resident, he is also one of the customers due a refund and thus a member the class that Schroth represents.

Franjola told the Gazette that he never opted out as a claimant in the suit while simultaneously working as an attorney for the city’s law firm, Gilligan, Gooding, Batsel, Anderson and Phelan P.A. He left the law firm in May 2020 and says he did not discuss with his former colleagues the appeal he has filed as an individual.

In support of his motion to dismiss Franjola’s appeal, Schroth attached an email from Franjola that Schroth characterized as an attempt to extract money.

In the email, Franjola explains that if he is successful in his appeal, it would reduce the fees Schroth is due to receive by $5.2 million, whereas if Schroth successfully defends the appeal, Franjola would only be

out time and several thousand dollars.

“Since your risk substantially greater than mine, I would hope that you would consider submitting the matter to mediation at the earliest opportunity to see if a third-party neutral can help get this resolved quickly,” the email reads.

Franjola told the Gazette last week that his mediation request was not an attempt to profit personally. Instead, it was his effort to reduce attorney’s fees for the class, money that will come from the $80 million judgment.

Schroth also claims Franjola’s appeal violates Florida Bar Rules on conflicts of interest because Franjola provided legal services to the city in the same case that he now seeks to intervene personally.

The appellate court has ordered that the city of Ocala be included in Franjola’s appeal. However, Franjola said the city has no interest in how much money the class members must pay in legal fees, so he is not adversarial with the city and his appeal does not pose a professional conflict of interest between him and his former client.

Murky communications

The legal wrangling is also raising questions about the nature of communications between the city attorney’s office and Franjola.

Like Franjola, Batsel denies his office has communicated with Franjola on his individual claim. However, in an email to Marion County Circuit Judge Robert W. Hodges’ office dated June 9--following a hearing held on Franjola’s motion to intervene, in which he failed to show --Franjola states city attorney Robert Batsel, Jr. came to his office following the hearing.

At some point, there was communication between the two that has resulted in misunderstanding between Batsel and Franjola. The disagreement about what was said has now spilled into the appellate filings.

Franjola said Batsel told him “the city struck an agreement with class counsel (Schroth) not to oppose class counsel’s attorneys’ fee request in exchange for class counsel agreeing that unclaimed refunds would eventually revert to the city.”

Batsel said no such agreement was made and that he did not tell Franjola that one was made. Schroth also said no such agreement was made.

Details of a May 10 hearing to finalize the judgment in the case and give class action members the opportunity to address the court before it’s ruling also reflect no such agreement.

Franjola attended that hearing as a class action member and objected to the amount of the attorney’s fees.

The city did not object to attorney’s fees sought by Schroth because they were not paying them; class members were paying them from proceeds received from the $80 million judgment.

At the hearing, Schroth argued against unclaimed refunds reverting back to the city. Instead, he advocated for the unclaimed money to be sent to the state’s unclaimed property program so that there would be more time to connect with those who were owed refunds.

Ultimately the judge sided with the city.

Under the court’s final order, it’s likely that everyone the city can locate who is owed a refund will receive between 92% to 100% refund between the first and second disbursements, and that is factoring in paying Schroth’s attorneys fees.

As of July 20, Franjola maintained what he heard from Batsel. Franjola wrote in an email to Batsel, copying the Gazette, “I stand by my recollection of what you told me was discussed by you, Jason and Derek Schroth at counsel’s table before the start of the hearing on the motion to disburse.

That discussion was followed by a bench conference with Judge Hodges. If either of those discussions were transcribed by the

court reporter, the transcript will reveal the contents of the discussions.”

Almost a month after that final hearing, Hodges entered an order denying Franjola’s Motion to Intervene, ruling that “intervention after Final Judgment on the merits is prohibited.”

Franjola responded to Hodges order denying his motion to intervene by filing the case’s fourth appeal.

How the fourth appeal impacts the public and attorneys

According to Batsel, Franjola’s appeal has not impacted the city’s efforts to disburse attorney’s fees or to start the claims process to get refunds out to residents and businesses.

Franjola’s appeal, however, has allowed the city to withhold from the Gazette eight years of city records related to the fire fee case that are exempt for public disclosure until the conclusion of litigation. The Gazette has continued to press for those records despite Franjola’s appeal.

The Gazette is interested in reviewing the records in part because of questionable actions by the city’s attorney’s office in a different but related case that came to light after the newspaper recently reviewed documents in that lawsuit.

The Gazette reported last week that in a 2011 suit between the city and Marion County school district over the fire fees city attorney Patrick Gilligan made a unilateral decision to sue the district without getting permission first from the Ocala City Council. That action allowed for confidential communications outside the public purview.

After more than eight years of litigation, three appeals, and an especially stern appellate order many questions remain about decisions made during the fire fee litigation.

Open House Wednesday, July 27

11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Ocala Campus Ewers Century Center 3001 S.W. College Road Fill out the CF admissions application ($30 fee waived) Apply for financial aid Meet with an academic advisor All applicants will be entered for a chance to win a free 3-credit-hour class at CF’s standard tuition rate! Guided tours also will be available.

Can’t make it? Drop in our online Zoom meeting between 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Aug. 3!

Ŋ

CF.edu/OpenHouse

Æ

352-873-5800 –an equal opportunity college–

MARION • CITRUS • LEVY • ONLINE

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things Ocala Public Library and Charlotte Ponder Memorial Fund join efforts during read-a-thon

Charlotte Ponder [Supplied]

By Eadie Sickler Correspondent

T

he Headquarters-Ocala Public Library, at 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., is anticipating a very busy day on Aug. 6. That’s when the Friends of the Ocala Public Library organization will host its Read-A-Thon 2022 as well as the popular quarterly book sale. Commensurate with these activities, a fundraiser is being held to benefit the library’s audiobook program in memory of the late Charlotte Ponder.

The Friends of the Ocala Public Library Read-A-Thon will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with readers signed up to read for 20 minutes each in the library’s lobby from the classic book, “A Land Remembered” by Patrick Smith. The well-known book features Florida history from 1850 through the 1960s. To participate, a reader must be able to raise at least $200 through sponsors for their reading time.

The goal for the Read-A-Thon

is $15,000 and about $10,000 has been donated so far through the online funding platform, according to Joe Kays, a Friends of the Ocala Public Library board member. Individuals as well as businesses can contribute online.

The family of Charlotte Ponder approached the Friends group with the idea of a possible memorial fundraiser in her honor to purchase audiobooks.

Her husband, Carswell Ponder, said that when his wife had failing eyesight and other health issues and could no longer read, which she loved to do, audiobooks became a great joy in her life. He said he would get three to five audio books a week from the library for her.

When she could not leave the house and was unable to do the things she enjoyed, such as reading, knitting and seeing her grandchildren, he explained, “It was the light of her life.”

Charlotte passed away on March 22 of this year.

It seemed a fitting combination for the Charlotte

Ponder Memorial Fund to be a part of the read-a-thon.

Charlotte, an active and well-known woman in the community, graduated from the University of Florida. She taught business subjects in high school in Marion County.

“She loved the kids, and they loved her. She had a good rapport with them,” Carswell said.

She later worked as a real estate agent, mostly with Ellison Realty in Ocala. Carswell also graduated from UF and worked in the banking industry for 45 years.

Charlotte and Carswell met at a friend’s wedding. They wed on Feb. 28, 1960, and were married for 62 years. They have three sons, William (Bill), who lives in Winter Haven; Art, who lives in Ocala; and Mel, in Destin. They have eight grandchildren.

Kays said this is the third annual Friends of the Ocala Public Library Read-a-Thon but is the first one to be held physically. The first two were held online due to the pandemic.

People obtained sponsors for those events as well and recorded themselves reading from a favorite book. The videos were posted on Facebook. The 2022 Read-a-Thon was planned for February, “but the omicron spike happened and it was postponed to Aug. 6,” he explained.

The Charlotte Ponder Memorial Fund, as part of the overall library fundraiser, has set a goal of $3,000 for the audiobooks program at the library.

“With the growing population in our county, there is a greater need for audio and e-books,” Kays added.

There are eight libraries in Marion County, he said. Many residents enjoy audiobooks… not only those who are sight impaired. People enjoy using audiobooks in their cars while on commutes or on trips, for example. The response to this portion of the Read-a-Thon has been very good so far, Kays said.

The Friends of the Ocala

Public Library organization contributes to several arms of the library, including continuing education for librarians as well as educating the community about library services. The board sponsors varied programs for children and adults, and advocates for library funding and work in the community with local and state legislators, Kays explained. “WORDS,” a quarterly magazine of the Marion County Public Library System, is published by the board, which also sponsors visiting author talks. The group also runs the Book Market inside the library.

“We all owe a great debt of gratitude to the members of the Friends of the Ocala Public Library,” said Julie Sieg, Library Director for the Marion County Public Library System.

“They work tirelessly to raise funds, plan programs and act as ambassadors for the library with elected officials and within the community.”

While the Read-a-Thon is going on Aug. 6, visitors can check out the popular quarterly book sale. Many books are

donated to the library for this event and it is usually successful, Kays noted.

“We expect the library will be crowded,” he said.

Anyone who would like to read for the general read-a-thon, or for the Charlotte Ponder Memorial Fund for audiobooks, may email Kays for more information and to sign up for a time slot at kays. joe@gmail.com. Donations will be accepted for this combined effort. To learn more, go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/ ocalalibraryreadathon2022 The Charlotte Ponder Memorial Fund for Audiobooks website is www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Carswell-Ponder.

Money raised on this page will be earmarked for the memorial fund and be used to enhance the audiobook collection. Those who prefer to do so may send a check, made payable to the Friends of the Ocala Public Library and addressed to Charlotte Ponder Memorial Fund—Read-A-Thon, c/o Friends of the Ocala Public Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470.

Two-year-old Oliver Hancock reads a book he picked out with his mother in the children’s section at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

Multidisciplinary artist intertwines genres

Sean Thomas [Supplied]

Percussionist Sean Thomas has Ocala drumming and dancing to a new beat.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

I

f you have visited downtown Ocala and happened upon drum circles with people dancing out in the open, there’s a good chance that Sean Thomas drummed up all the fun.

The professional percussionist and multidisciplinary artist has a knack for intertwining genres and is on a mission to get people to drum, dance and create their way out of their comfort zones.

Thomas, who does business as SeanTMusic Global, relocated to Ocala in 2018 from Brooklyn, New York, where he lived alternately between extended stays in

his hometown of Curepe in Trinidad and Tobago. He settled in here while bucket drumming with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Marion County.

While Thomas won’t reveal his age— “Do we have to go there?” he asks cheekily—we can gauge that he grew up in the 1970s and ‘80s. His father made steel drums and he grew up performing with his dad and dancing with a troupe in Trinidad and Tobago.

“The steel band always had a problem with drummers, you know,” Thomas said.

“We would have drummers come and sit in with us and they would be a part of the orchestra for a little bit and then they would leave. Eventually, I sat in on

the drums and started playing, and then that led me to a two-year scholarship at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. I was among the first seven students selected to start the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.”

While touring and learning with the institute, jazz heavyweights such as Herbie Hancock, Branford Marsalis and Wayne Shorter lent their expertise and influence to Thomas and the other youth in the ensemble.

“It was a really intense program,” Thomas said. “I studied with the great Max Roach and the great Alan Dawson, two of the best jazz drummers of all time.”

His experience with the ensemble enhanced the creativity he got from his dad and his father’s mother, Rufina Thomas.

“She is still with us,” Thomas said of his grandmother. “She was one of the first ladies who played the steel drums, which was notable because the steel drum was known to be an instrument for people who were illiterate. A lot of people didn’t want their daughters or sons, or what have you, to be involved in that movement.”

But Thomas, like his grandmother, has broken barriers and defied stereotypes, uniting street-playing and sophisticated jazz forms.

From 1998 to 2017, he spent most of his time back home in Trinidad and Tobago, a period that included the loss of his father and the birth of his son.

It took Arturo O’Farrill, a multiGrammy-winning jazz pianist, composer and bandleader, to entice him back to the States.

“When O’Farrill performed in Trinidad, he and I talked about my getting involved with his organization, the Afro Jazz Alliance, in New York, to introduce steel drums,” Thomas said. “So, I was able

to bring that to reality in New York with him. I did that for a little bit, then I came over to Ocala.”

Ocala, with its laid-back lifestyle and verdant backdrops, reminded Thomas of home and he has settled in happily, making connections across the cultural community.

Since coming here four years ago, he has made himself a prominent fixture at local events, adding beats to the poetry of Spoken Word Ocala, free weekly courtyard jams at the Marion Cultural Alliance’s Brick City Center for the Arts and spearheading a percussion-oriented event series at the Reilly Arts Center, among other happenings.

So, what does Thomas want us to take away from his open jams, such as the upcoming Techno Meets House event with Becky Sinn and DJ Idlemind at the Reilly’s NOMA Black Box Theater on July 23?

“Just to try and be holistic in your viewpoint,” he said. “There’s a whole lot of information out there. So, if you connect yourself to one type of information, you might end up being limited and rob yourself of the ability to grow.”

For information about Sean Thomas’ upcoming events, visit facebook.com/seanTMusicglobal

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

IHMC concludes summer robotics camp

By Shannon Nickinson Correspondent

F

lorida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition If Luiz Agustin-Sanchez grows up to be an engineer, IHMC might be able to claim a little credit.

Luiz is a rising sophomore at North Marion High School and has had an interest in robots since he was a kid.

Thanks to the week he spent at Robotics Camp at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition’s Ocala campus, he has an idea of what he might want to be.

“I liked building and testing the robot,” he said. “This camp is also much more hands-on than most other camps.”

That chance for hands-on learning is a key part of IHMC’s 2022 summer camp experience. Robotics Camp is one of IHMC’s

signature community outreach efforts for students, which also includes Science Saturdays, a school-year science enrichment program, and school-year field trips.

Robotics Camp is one of the best times of year at IHMC. It is when the doors open wide — and the next generation of scientists walk through. IHMC staff led some 40 students in grades 8-10 through the basics of robotics, coding, and problem-solving.

Dr. Ursula Schwuttke is the director of educational outreach for both IHMC’s Pensacola and Ocala campuses. She organizes Robotics Camp and the Science Saturday series, which both are meant to spur a love of science in students so that the best and brightest minds are inspired to look for what’s next.

“Fun science gives kids the ability to discover their interest and ability in

Ryn, grade 8

science, and to develop self-confidence,” says Schwuttke. “Opportunity is vitally important for kids. Without the opportunity to discover their interest, they can’t know that it’s something they should pursue.”

While assembling and programming the robots is of course the fun part, a highlight of camp is the chance to meet and mingle with researchers on the IHMC team. This year, Research Scientists Archna Bhatia, Ian Perera, and Arash Mahyari made presentations to campers about their research at IHMC and afterwards, sat for “lunch with a scientist.” Ben Thompson and Rachael Martin from Lockheed Martin also made a presentation about engineering careers and did “lunch with an engineer.”

“I enjoy helping and talking to all the students about engineering career

Amarius, grade 8

advice,” Thompson said. “I hope, even in a small way, to inspire them to work in STEM careers.”

Anthony Gentry, a rising eighthgrader at Howard Middle School, enjoyed learning to code in the Python programming language; he also liked learning more about how to work in teams.

“With all the robot challenges, there was always something to do,” he said.

Robotics Camp is sponsored in Ocala

by Cox, Lockheed Martin, Renasant Bank, CareerSource Florida, Ocala Electric Utility and Mid-Florida Regional Manufacturers Association. Their support made camp possible and helped create a pipeline for IHMC to share what we love about science with students in every corner of the community.

We can’t wait to see everyone next summer.

Luis, grade 10

Ocala Recreation and Parks Department hosts Rex the Squirrel’s Birthday Bash

By Ocala Gazette Staff

T

[Supplied]

he City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department hosted their newborn mascot’s birthday on Wednesday, July 20, at Tuscawilla Park, 800 N.E. Sanchez Ave. Rex the Squirrel is the department’s newest employee and community ambassador. The family-friendly event featured outdoor activities, face painting, free cupcakes and ice cream provided by the Ocala Police Department Polar Patrol.

“July is National Parks and Recreation Month, and we can’t think of a better way to highlight this month-long celebration than with a party featuring our newest team member, Rex the Squirrel,” said Preston Pooser, director of Ocala Recreation and Parks.

For more information, visit www.ocalafl.org/recpark or call the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department directly at (352) 368-5517.

[Supplied]

Current Adoption Specials: Ocala Gazette regularly brings you two furry friends that are available for adoption from local animal rescue organizations.

Tucker

Spice

Tucker is a volunteer favorite. He is a nine-year-old Beagle mix. The volunteers tell us he is so sweet that he will give you a cavity!

For more information on adoptions please visit MarionFL.org/Animal

Spice is a blind cat who needs a quiet, calm, predictable home. At only a yearand-a-half old, she has so much life to look forward to- she just needs to be in a safe home with people she can count on.

Five months in a shelter is too long for this deserving girl!

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Hello, Ocala!

Barry and Lisa Trudeau with their dog, Beanie, 6, a Pug, at their home in the Ocala Preserve in Ocala on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Meet your neighbors - Barry and Lisa Trudeau

By Eadie Sickler Correspondent

H

ailing from the upper northeastern part of our country, Barry and Lisa Trudeau had dreamed of moving to Ocala for years. After vacationing in Florida, it became their goal to retire here. Circumstances took them on a winding road to get to Marion County, but it ended up being sooner than they thought.

The couple worked at the same company several times over the years, as they do today, but that path also was a bit complicated.

Barry is from Massachusetts, bordering New Hampshire. Lisa

was born in New Hampshire.

Barry was in construction work and decided to move to Florida to follow that trade. He lived on Florida’s east coast, near Vero Beach, for about 10 years, but found it unprofitable and returned to New Hampshire.

Lisa was employed at a company that manufactured circuit boards and Barry found work there, too, which is where they met. After they married, built a house and had a daughter, the circuit board company moved its interests overseas and the pair found themselves jobless.

Barry decided to try to get into the bio-tech industry, which manufactures medicines. He had applied to a firm and then the

Center for Dentistry

company had a hiring freeze.

“We struggled for a couple of years. It was a scary time for us,” Barry said. “We had a new home, a newborn baby, who was born during a difficult birth experience for Lisa, and both lost our jobs.”

They went from job to job, trying to make ends meet.

There were new hopes and starts, followed by disappointments, as new jobs were thwarted by layoffs and hiring freezes.

Lisa decided to go to school to become a licensed nursing assistant. With that credential, she secured a job with a home health care agency.

“I loved that job, and loved helping the patients,” she said.

Barry started classes at a community college and, after the first semester, was hired by the company that became Pfizer.

Of necessity, however, he had to stop his classes. He worked for Pfizer for seven years, then again faced a layoff, as did Lisa three or four months later, after having been employed there for about six years.

Barry was then hired at Genzyme, now known as Resilience. During his two-year stint, he was able to help Lisa become employed there as well.

Barry left Genzyme to work at Lonza, another bio-tech firm, which was a closer commute. He worked there about eight years.

Lisa continued at Resilience and has worked there for eight years.

One day, Barry was looking at a LinkedIn post on his computer and saw that an acquaintance had just started in a new administrative position in Alachua, Florida, at Resilience, the same parent company that employs Lisa. Barry “made the connection” and found the company was hiring. He had the required experience, so he applied, interviewed and was hired. He is now a manufacturing specialist for Resilience.

Lisa was able to transfer to Florida from her work with Resilience in New Hampshire, so her job continued when they moved here.

“Everything just came together,” Lisa said.

“It had to be a God thing!”

Barry added. “There is no doubt about it.”

They put their house in New Hampshire on the market and

it sold in one day. They found a house in Ocala and put an offer on it. One-half hour before the sale became final, they were outbid for the house and lost it.

The one they live in now, in the Ocala Preserve area, became available and they bought it online, from New Hampshire, sight unseen. They are both pleased with the home.

They said it turned out to be perfect for them and their 6-year-old pug, Beanie.

Even though they have lived in Ocala only since May, they are very content here.

“We love the area. We wanted Ocala. From this area, you can get to anywhere you want. Lots of tourist places are close by,” Barry said.

Lisa added, “We will retire here. We never want to leave!”

“There is such a pleasantness here,” Barry continued. “There are lots of springs and a lot of history, too.”

The “amazing amenities here” attract the couple, both within their community and in the city, they said. Barry enjoys working out and sports in general.

Lisa said she likes nature, the beautiful outdoors and the pool in their development.

They are happy here, they agreed, then added that there will be no “going back.”

They laughingly said they “are making a hobby” of visiting all the restaurants in the area.

The couple’s daughter, Marrysa, 23, lives in Portland, Maine, and is a quality control microanalyst.

“If we get hot, we can always go north to visit,” Barry said.

DR. JOHN BORCHERS, DDS. PA DR. MICHAEL T. MCKEE, DDS MS.PA. DR. WALTER VANNESS, DDS

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E

very Friday, James Blevins, this newspaper’s in-house reporter and poet—who has seen his work previously published in “Salt Hill Journal,” “Pretty Owl Poetry,” “Stoneboat Journal,” “Mud Season Review” and

“AZURE,” as well as numerous other outlets both online and in print—chooses one poem for publication.

Additionally, Blevins will share a poem of his own, just for good measure, at the end of each calendar month.

Sonnet

By Alice Moore Dunbar-Nelson

I had not thought of violets late, The wild, shy kind that spring beneath your feet In wistful April days, when lovers mate And wander through the fields in raptures sweet.

Join the FULL-TIME POSITIONS

Faculty – Cardiovascular Technology, Program Manager Faculty – Sonography, Program Manager Faculty – Health Sciences – Associate Degree Nursing Student Services Specialist - Citrus Staff Assistant III – Business & Technology Staff Assistant III – Communication & Sciences Human Resources Coordinator Trades Specialist – HVAC Accountant III - Foundation PC/AV Technician

Team PART-TIME POSITIONS

Adjunct – Visual and Performing Arts Adjunct – Equine Studies Staff Assistant II – Printing & Postal Adjunct – Communication – Levy Staff Assistant III – Foundation Accountant III – Student Accounts Assessment Specialist Admissions Technician Public Safety Officer Plant Operations Mail Courier

The thought of violets meant florists’ shops, And bows and pins, and perfumed papers fine; And garish lights, and mincing little fops And cabarets and soaps, and deadening wines.

So far from sweet real things my thoughts had strayed, I had forgot wide fields; and clear brown streams; The perfect loveliness that God has made, — Wild violets shy and Heaven-mounting dreams.

And now—unwittingly, you’ve made me dream Of violets, and my soul’s forgotten gleam.

HOW TO APPLY

Go to www.cf.edu/jobs Select one of the following online portals Administrative/Faculty/ Adjunct Career Opportunities or Professional/Career/Part-time Career Opportunities.

Submit an electronic application, a copy of unofficial transcripts and resume online.

A copy of transcripts from an accredited institution must be submitted with the application.

3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474 CF is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Alice Moore Dunbar-Nelson, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1875 to mixed-race parents, was a poet, essayist, diarist and activist. Her Black, Anglo, Native American and Creole heritage contributed to her complex understandings of gender, race and ethnicity, all subjects at the heart of her poetry. Comfortable

in many genres but best known for her prose, Dunbar-Nelson published her work in numerous Black newspapers during her lifetime, such as “Crisis,” “Ebony and Topaz” and “Opportunity.” She married the poet Paul Laurence Dunbar in 1898 but they separated in 1902. She died in Philadelphia in 1935.

B4

JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

A CURIOUS, QUAINT, QUIRKY

Florida

Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the same row, column or square.

FACTOIDS

(AND MISCELLANEOUS) JULY QUIZ One of the really fun things about putting Florida Factoids together every other week is keeping it current with updated and intriguing questions. To do that, I save and stash potential questions all month long and then present them to you in one totally random and “miscellaneous” quiz. I’ve done just that for today’s themeless Florida Factoids, dealing with subjects as varied as a marsupial, an old grape and a new dessert.

1.

In 2008, our legislature designated the song “Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky” as Florida’s official: A. Anthem B. Cheer C. Shout D. Hymn

2.

What 1929 movie chronicled the wacky misadventures of the Marx Brothers during the infamous south Florida land boom?

A. Duck Soup B. A Night at the Opera C Cocoanuts D. Animal Crackers

3.

Depending on who’s counting, Florida has a dozen descriptively named “coasts.” Which coast is closest to Ocala?

A. Emerald Coast B. Forgotten Coast C. Nature Coast D. First Coast

4.

Considered Florida’s first people, their indigenous language and lore have survived in the Silver Springs area for nearly eight centuries. They are the: A. Seminoles B. Timucuan C. Cherokee D. Miccosukee

5.

In one of its final acts of this spring’s session, our illustrious legislature has proclaimed an official dessert for sweet-toothed Floridians. it is: A. Strawberry shortcake B. Key lime pie C. Tropical ice cream D. Orange bombe

6.

When it opened near Ocala in September 2000, this unique structure was the first of its kind in the eastern U.S. It is the: A. Automated toll booth B. Greenway land bridge C. I-75 flying cloverleaf D. Digital traffic school

7.

What legendary Florida A & M football coach notably trained his defensive linemen to be “agile, mobile and hostile?”

A. Jake Gaither B. Tony Dungy C. Woody Hayes D. Deion Sanders

8.

Florida’s only member of this ancient group of marsupials is honored with a monument in the panhandle town of Wausau. It is the: A. Opossum B. Garden shrew C. Gray fox D. Raccoon

9.

Florida’s great strides in the art of winemaking is due to this first native grape species in North America, which is the: A. Pinot B. Cabernet C. Muscadine D. Concord

10.

A voracious non-native fist-size mollusk that may carry meningitis has just been discovered in nearby Pasco County. It is the: A. Giant African land snail B. Gulf scallop C. Mini African land snail D. Lionfish

Answers are on page B7

COMING AUGUST 5: Back to School Already?

Contact Bob Hauck: bobhauck39@gmail.com

Across 1 5 10 14

means a facility that feels like home, close to home.

No blaring televisions, no plastic chairs, no glass partition between you and the staff. Just a fireplace, a comfortable place to rest, and virtually no wait.

15 16 17 19 20 22 24 25 26 27 31 33 35 37 40 43 44 45 47 49 51 52 55 57 59 64 65 68 69

Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home

70 71 72 73

“A Higher Standard”

The Villages 352.259.2200 Ocala 352.732.0277 Timber Ridge 352.861.2400 Inverness 352.726.3400 Lecanto 352.527.0106 RBOI.com

John follower Whack, biblically Behold, to Cicero Young Adult novel by Carl Hiaasen about an owl habitat Wore Devise, with “up” Blue-green Garage occupant Meeting of powerful nations One looking at a lot of tickets Berliner’s “Blimey!”

School contest “It’s __ good” 2016 US Open champ Wawrinka Possessive pronoun Landlocked Asian country Native Nebraskan Carpenter’s tool Campbell’s concoction Spotted Breeze (through) Vegas rollers Ping-Pong table need Messy one Goat’s cry Braying beast Trig. function “I can take __!”

Team at a drug bust Green on a weather map Largest portion Miranda __ of “Homeland” “Solutions and Other Problems” writer Brosh Wheelhouse Retreat Blind parts Old autocrat

Down

1 “Got it!”

2 __ au vin 3 Compassionate but strict approach 4 Put on 5 Carpet type 6 “All Rise” actress Helgenberger 7 “Got it” 8 Island kingdom whose capital is Nuku’alofa 9 “Romanian Rhapsodies” composer 10 Answer to the riddle “What cheese is made backward?”

11 Roomba pickup 12 Term of affection 13 Gush on stage 18 Diamond VIPs 21 Freedom, in Swahili 22 Chi.-based flier 23 Some Balkans 28 “Mazel __!”

29 Quads on roads 30 Breakout stars?

32 Surprise attack 34 Cinematographer Nykvist 36 Sermon subject 38 Curved sabers 39 Butter __ 41 Jersey type 42 “On the Floor” singer 46 Put away 48 Stein’s partner 50 Makes illegal 52 LeBron’s hometown 53 Do lutzes, say 54 Vaudeville fare 56 Ability 58 Percussion pair 60 One in a sailor’s repertoire 61 Beverage nut 62 Make mittens, say 63 Exploits 66 Irish actor Stephen 67 Mr. Potato Head piece

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B7

B5

JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

community JULY 22-23

American Ranch Horse Association World Championship Show

World Equestrian Center, Arena 5, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 8am-5pm This show features classes and competitions in herd work, cowhorse, reining and ranch riding, along with amateur and novice classes.

Free to spectators. WEC has restaurants onsite and shopping options. For more info, worldequestriancenter.com

JULY 22-24 (ALSO 27-31)

Ocala Summer Series Weeks 7 and 8- Hunter/Jumper Show

World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 8am-4pm These shows are sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation and run through August.

Many take place in the indoor arenas, with Grand Prix events on Saturday nights in the Grand Arena.

More than $3 million in prizes will be awarded.

Spectators welcome. WEC has restaurants onsite and shopping options. For more info, worldequestriancenter.com

JULY 22 & 29

Marion County Friday Market

McPherson Government Campus Field, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am-2pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, jerky, freeze-dried treats, olive oils, seafood and more; recurs every Friday.

JULY 23

Evergreen Cemetery Clean-up

Evergreen Cemetery, 300 NW Eighth St., Ocala 8am-12pm Volunteers can help by raking leaves and cleaning headstones at this historic cemetery near downtown Ocala. For more info, contact Tom Casey with the City of Ocala Public Works Department at (352) 351-6723.

JULY 23

Olde-Fashioned Day Picnic, Cruisein and Car Show

Joy Lutheran Church, 7045 SW 83rd Place, Ocala 9:30am-2pm Hosted by multiple churches, including Joy Lutheran and The Way, this family-friendly event will feature a cruise-in and car show; free burgers, hot dogs and ice cream; and entertainment.

Games, face painting and kids’ activities. Free parking; golf carts will transport people to the main event area. For more info, joylcocala.org

JULY 23 & 30

Yoga in the Park

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala 9am Snake into your cobra pose and get your downward dog going. Stretch out by the Sholom Park stage; recurs every Saturday morning. Visit sholompark.org for details.

JULY 23 & 30

Ocala Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 9am-2pm A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, jewelry, baked goodies, and arts and crafts. Check out some local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

JULY 23 & 30

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala 9am-2pm A true farmers swap meet where chickens, goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes even ponies are available along with horse tack, home-grown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. Booth types vary with occasional meat vendors, food trucks and other goods. Saturdays, weather permitting.

JULY 23 & 30

Summer Sunset Polo

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 6pm Once the sun goes down, the breeze kicks in. Free to the public. Tailgate right next to the polo field and enjoy a unique evening out. Saturday evenings through September. For more info, ocalapolo.com

JULY 24

Community Backpack Giveaway

Howard Academy, 306 NW 7th Ave., Ocala 4pm-6pm Hosted by R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services, this forum provides education, empowerment and resources for women, along with giveaways of school supplies and backpacks.

Speakers include Dr. Barbara J. Brooks, Teshayana McMillan, Dr. Stella Nemuseso, Lisa Alexander and Whit the Poet. Free to the public; see ramalservices.org for more info.

Various sites, check registration website 10am-2pm (4pm at Advent Health location) With dozens of sponsors and 6,000 backpacks to give away, this joint effort will donate school supplies to Marion County students in several locations including AdventHealth Ocala Auxiliary Center, Lake Weir High School, Fort McCoy Middle School, Liberty Middle School, Dunnellon Middle School, North Marion High School and Belleview High School. Register for one location only at https://bit.ly/3yLCL3f

JULY 27

JULY 30

College of Central Florida Open House

College of Central Florida, Ewers Century Center, 3001 SW College Road Ocala 11am-5:30pm The college invites anyone interested in enrolling to stop by and learn more about dozens of academic courses and job-training programs.

Help with the admission process, information about financial aid and registration for fall classes is planned. Registration is encouraged at www. cfedu/events

JULY 28

Farmers Market

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 9am-1pm Large selection of fresh seasonal produce from local growers as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more; recurs every Thursday.

Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more info.

government JULY 25

Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 5:30pm First hearings, held on last Monday of the month.

JULY 25

Dueling Pianos

Reilly Arts Center, NOMA Black Box Theatre, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 6pm & 8:30pm Enjoy this unique show with dual keyboard artists, along with cocktails in this intimate setting. Tables seat four and tickets are $27. See reillyartscenter. com/events for more info.

JULY 26-27

Ocala Summer Movie Express

Regal 16 Theaters, 2801 SW 27th Ave., Ocala Times vary, check website The movie fest continues with family and kidfriendly movies. Tickets are $2 for these Tuesday and Wednesday showings. This week’s movies are “The Boss Baby: Family Business” and “The Croods: A New Age.” For more info, www.ocalamarion.com/ events/regal-16-ocala-summer-movie-express/

JULY 27-28

Friends Recycling Center, 2350 NW 27th Ave., Ocala 10am-1pm Free backpacks and school supplies will be offered in a drive-thru event. Free and registration is not required, but the child must be in the vehicle. Free meals while supplies last. For more information, call the Marion County Children’s Alliance at (352) 438-5990.

JULY 31

Family Field Day and Backpack Giveaway

Frank DeLuca YMCA Family Center, 3200 SE 17th St., Ocala 12:30pm-3:30pm In addition to school supply backpacks to give away, this field day is hosting kids’ activities like fitness challenges, face painting, balloon art, music, food, photo booths, door prizes and more. Join the YMCA staff for this family-friendly event. For more info, see https://bit.ly/3RHQZe3

JULY 27

City of Belleview Site Plan Committee Meeting

JULY 26

JULY 28

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala 9am Meets weekly on Mondays.

5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 5:30pm-6:30pm

JULY 22

Back to School Bash

Marion County Development Review Committee

City of Belleview Code Enforcement Board

arts

JULY 30

2022 Ocala Women’s Empowerment Forum

THROUGH JULY 28

Summer Spotlight XXV: Town and Country

College of Central Florida Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala Mon-Fri 10am-4pm This special collection, by the Visual Artists Society, is part of the series that displays local artists’ works in a variety of mediums. Experience the creativity and see artwork done in photographs, digital media, paintings, 3-D objects and more. For more info, cf.edu/student-life/arts-and-culture/webber-gallery

THROUGH JULY 31

A Strange and Picturesque Country: Etchings by Earl H. Reed Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm Prints from the permanent collection by Earl

5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 9am-10am

City of Ocala Airport Advisory Board Meeting 1770 SW 60th Ave., Airport Terminal Aviation Bldg., Ocala 1:30pm

Howell Reed. Although a largely self-taught artist, Reed’s work can be viewed in the collections of the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago. Visit appletonmuseum.org for details.

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13

Journey to My Soul: Landscape of My Mind by Kelley Batson-Howard

City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Administration Building, 828 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm This free art exhibits showcases the work of artist Batson-Howard who creates abstract works to bring beauty to the world. Her work is variable, often colorful and full of whimsy. Open to the public. For more info, Kbatsonart.com

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30

Julijana Prest Art Exhibit

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm This Florida-based visual artist’s exhibit “Transitional Moments in Nature’s Landscape” is hosted by the City of Ocala as part of its Art in City Spaces program.

For more info, www.ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

THROUGH NOVEMBER 6

Invented Observations: Photographs by Steven Benson

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm The works of professor, educator and artist Benson represent the humans search for meaning. For more info, appletonmuseum.org for details.

THROUGH DECEMBER 9

Summer Kid’s Film Series

A Floral Retrospective by Gregory Dirr

Marion Theater, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala Times vary, check website The series continues through Aug. 5. Kids can enjoy movies for $3 (includes summer snack pack); $5 for adults. Upcoming family favorites include “Sing 2,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” “PAW Patrol,” “Where the Wild Things Are,” “The Lorax” and “Gnomeo and Juliet.” Visit www.reillyartscenter.com/ mariontickets for more info.

Ocala City Hall, Clerk’s Office, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Boca Raton artist Gregory Dirr emphasizes environmental conservation in his interdisciplinary artworks. Using paint, multi-media resources, fabric and glass, Dirr’s works is a response to the world around us. For more info, visit ocalafl.org/ artincityspaces

JULY 30

THROUGH JANUARY 2023

Bucket Drumming Day Camp

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 9am-12pm This drumming workshop lets kids in grades 3-8 have a fun introduction to percussion and rhythm. Buckets and Boomwhackers is a fun way to learn about music and rhythm and enjoy the camaraderie of sharing their musical creativity.

Snacks included; tickets are $25. Register in advance at https://bit.ly/3coacB7

Colorful Pleasures by Christine Dozier

Ocala International Airport, 5770 SW 60th Ave., Ocala Hours vary per airport operations Ocala resident Dozier exhibits a variety of work including landscapes, abstracts, still life and animal portraits. She works in oils and acrylics and studied at the Memphis College of Art. This is part of the City of Ocala Art in City Spaces program. For more info, visit ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

B6

JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

&

music nig ghtlife nightlife

JULY 22

Peaches & Karim

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com

JULY 22

Second Slice

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

JULY 22

Caribe Groove

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 7-10pm Free and open to the public. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for details.

JULY 23

Fire Creek

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

JULY 23

Big Bad Duo

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com

JULY 27

Shelby Sakalo

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com

JULY 28

Zach Maruniak

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com

JULY 29

Charity Cox

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com

JULY 29

George Durham and Company

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 7-10pm Visit circlesquarecommons.com for details.

JULY 30

Shadow Ridge Band

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 7-10pm Visit circlesquarecommons.com for details.

JULY 30

The Mudds

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com

Supplements for bone health

By Taryn Smith, M.D. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

D

EAR MAYO CLINIC: My mother had osteoporosis and suffered a devastating fall in her early 60s that she never recovered from. I am 42, and I want to be proactive about my bone health. What screening do I need, and what if any supplements are necessary to optimize my bone health? What factors can help me maintain strong bones as I age?

ANSWER: Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to thin and lose their strength. When bones become weaker, sudden fractures can occur, even with minimal trauma. A calcium-rich diet is important to maintain optimal bone health and prevent osteoporosis. So, too, is vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium to be deposited into bones. The amount of calcium and vitamin D needed to optimize bone health increases with aging.

Circulating estrogen also is nurturing to bones. Consider the analogy that calcium and vitamin D are the bricks of the bone and estrogen is like the mortar that holds it all together. While both men and women are at risk for developing osteoporosis as they age, women have a greater risk because they start to lose bone mass after menopause due to decreasing estrogen levels. Women can rapidly lose bone mass for up to 10 years after menopause begins.

Many factors contribute to bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis, including: Family history of osteoporosis or fractures related to osteoporosis.

Nutrition, specifically inadequate calcium and vitamin D consumption.

Smoking.

Body weight. A smaller, lighter body weight can increase the risk of decreasing bone mass.

Exercise. A sedentary lifestyle will increase the risk of osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, tai chi and weightlifting, can increase bone strength.

Medication use. Certain medications can lead to thinning of bones with prolonged use.

Racial differences. People of Asian and Caucasian descent are at higher risk, but African Americans tend to have more severe bone breaks.

Osteoporosis is typically detected using a bone mineral density test, which is quick and painless.

This test is also known as a dual X-ray absorptiometry, or DXA, scan. This test accurately measures the amount of calcium in bone and determines the density of bones, usually in the hip, spine, wrist or heel.

Screening is usually guided by age, family history and other factors, such as a past fracture or cancer treatment. Your health care team can help determine when you would be eligible to start bone mineral density screening and how often screening should occur.

Menopausal hormone therapy also may be recommended for some women to defend their bones against rapid thinning. Also, several medications may be considered to stop ongoing loss or rebuild lost bone mass.

Regardless of whether you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, it is important to remember that a healthy lifestyle, exercise, a well-balanced diet, and optimal calcium and vitamin D levels can help prevent ongoing bone loss.

These are the daily recommended guidelines for calcium and vitamin D: Calcium. Those 50 and younger should strive for 1,000 milligrams daily. Those over 50 should aim for 1,200 milligrams daily.

Vitamin D. Those 50 and younger should strive for 400-800 international units daily. Those over 50 should aim for 800-1,000 international units daily Daily intake goals for calcium include the total amount of calcium from food or supplements combined. Certain people may need more units daily if vitamin D deficiency is detected.

As far as what to eat or drink to meet daily intake goals, consider these recommendations: Traditional dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese. For example, one 8-ounce serving of skim, low-fat or whole milk contains about 300 milligrams of calcium.

Plant-based milk, such as almond, cashew or oat.

Certain vegetables, including broccoli, kale and spinach.

Whole salmon.

Certain cereals, juices and breads with added calcium. Check the Nutrition Facts labels for specifics.

It can be difficult to consume the daily requirement of calcium through diet alone. In this case, it is best to take a supplement that makes up for what you don’t get in the diet. Be careful not to exceed the daily allotment, as this may result in unwanted side effects.

When shopping for supplements be sure to look for the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) seal or “purified” on the label. Most calcium supplements will need to be taken with food for better absorption. The label will tell you if this is necessary.

Your gut can only absorb a limited amount of calcium at one time -- 500-600 milligrams or less. So it is important to spread your calcium consumption throughout the day.

When exposed to sunlight, your skin can make vitamin D, but amounts vary based on climate, skin pigmentation (darker pigmentation limits vitamin D absorption), age, season and more. Few foods contain vitamin D, but common sources include wild-caught fish, such as salmon, mackerel and tuna, as well as dairy products, juices and fortified cereals.

It is difficult to meet vitamin D requirements with food and sunlight alone. Most people will need to take a vitamin D supplement. These supplements can be taken with or without food, and the entire daily allotment can be taken at once.

With the right lifestyle modifications, you should be able to maintain strong and healthy bones as you age. -- Taryn Smith, M.D., Women’s Health, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida (Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.)

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ Review: THESE MINI KEY LIME PIES ARE CUTE, CUSTARDY, CITRUSY DELIGHTS The Bestselling Novel Turned Into a Compelling Wild-Child Tale

Everyone gets their own little cup! [Ashley Moore]

By America’s Test Kitchen

K

ey limes are NOT the same as the limes you see in the supermarket. Key limes are smaller and have more seeds, a thinner skin, and a tarter taste. They get their name from the Florida Keys, where they were first grown.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to hunt down key limes. Even though these are called “Key Lime Cups,” we developed this recipe with regular Persian limes.

Key Lime Cups Serves 4

1 1/2 graham crackers, broken into pieces 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1/4 cup (2 ounces) cream cheese 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon grated lime zest plus 1/3 cup juice, zested and squeezed from 3 limes 2 tablespoons water 1 large egg yolk Pinch salt Whipped cream, optional 1. HEAT: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 300 degrees.

2. SMASH: Add graham cracker pieces to a large zipper-lock plastic bag. Seal bag, making sure to press out all air. Use a rolling pin to gently pound bag to break crackers into crumbs.

3. MIX: Add graham cracker crumbs and butter to a small bowl. Heat in microwave until toasted, about 1 minute. Stir with rubber spatula to combine.

4. SOFTEN: In a large bowl, microwave cream cheese for 10 to 15 seconds. Whisk softened cream cheese until very smooth.

5. WHISK: Add condensed milk, lime zest and juice, water, egg yolk, and salt to bowl with cream cheese. Whisk until well combined and smooth.

6. FILL: Divide filling evenly among ramekins. Place ramekins on a baking sheet.

7. BAKE AND COOL: Bake until filling is set and no longer jiggles when the baking sheet is gently shaken, about 6 minutes. Let key lime cups cool on a cooling rack for 45 minutes.

8. CHILL: Cover ramekins with plastic wrap and refrigerate until filling is chilled and firm, at least 1 hour or up to 2 days. To serve, dollop with whipped cream, if using, and sprinkle with graham cracker topping.

(For 25 years, home cooks have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. The family of brands -- which includes Cook’s Illustrated, Cook’s Country, and America’s Test Kitchen Kids -- offers reliable recipes for cooks of all ages and skill levels. See more online at www.americastestkitchen.com/TCA.)

Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF HOLLY ANN REESER File No 20CP000810AX Division Probate Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Holly Ann Reeser, deceased, whose date of death was February 24, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave #1, Ocala, FL 34475. The File Number is 20CP000810AX. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is July 22, 2022.

Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/Barbara J. Hartbrodt Barbara J. Hartbrodt, Esq. FL Bar No. 0121536 The Probate Pro, a division of Darren Findling Law Firm, PLC 580 Rinehart Road, Suite 100 Lake Mary, Florida 32746 Phone: 407-559-5480 Primary Email: BarbaraHartbrodt@TheProbatePro.com Secondary Email: Floridaservice@TheProbatePro.com Personal Representative: /s/Daniel de Paz Daniel de Paz 322 E Central Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32801

Kya (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Chase Andrews (Harris Dickinson) in Columbia Pictures’ “Where The Crawdads Sing.” [Michele K. Short/Sony Pictures/TNS]

By Owen Gleiberman Variety

S

ometimes a movie will turn softer than you thought it would -- more sunny and upbeat and romantic, with a happier ending.

Then there’s the kind of movie that turns darker than you expect, with an ominous undertow and an ending that kicks you in the shins. “Where the Crawdads Sing” is the rare movie that conforms to both those dynamics at once.

Adapted from Delia Owens’ debut novel, which has sold 12 million copies since it was published in 2018, the movie is about a young woman whose identity is mired in physical and spiritual harshness. Kya Clark (Daisy EdgarJones) has grown up all by herself in a shack on a marshy bayou outside Barkley Cove, N.C. When we meet her, it’s 1969 and she’s being put on trial for murder.

A young man who Kya was involved with has fallen to his death from a six-story fire tower. Was foul play involved? If so, was Kya the culprit? The local law enforcers don’t seem too interested in evidence. They’ve targeted Kya, who is known by the locals as Marsh Girl. For most of her life, she has been a scary local legend -- the scandalous wild child, the wolf girl, the uncivilized outsider. Now, perhaps, she’s become a scapegoat.

The film then flashes back to 1953, when Kya is about 10 (and played by the feisty Jojo Regina), and her life unfolds as the redneck version of a Dickensian nightmare, with a father (Garret Dillahunt) who’s a violent abuser, a mother (Ahna O’Reilly) who abandons her, and a brother who soon follows. Kya is left with Pa, who retains his cruel ways (when a letter arrives from her mother, he burns it right in front of her), though he eases up on the beatings. Barefoot and undernourished, she tries to go to school and lasts one day; the taunting of the other kids sends her packing. Pa himself soon ditches Kya, leaving the girl to raise herself in that marshland shack.

All very dark. Yet with these stark currents in place, “Where the Crawdads Sing” segues into episodes with Kya as a teenager and young woman, and for a while the film seems to turn into a kind of badlands YA reverie. Kya may have a past filled with torment, but on her own she’s free -- to do what she likes, to find innovative ways to survive (she digs up mussels at dawn and sells them to the Black proprietors of a local general store, played by Michael Hyatt and Sterling Macer Jr., who become her caretakers in town), and to chart her own destiny.

You’d expect someone known as Marsh Girl to have a few rough edges.

Remember Jodie Foster’s feral backwoods ragamuffin in “Nell”? (She, too, was from North Carolina.) Yet Kya, for a wild child, is pretty refined, with thick flowy hair parted in the middle, a wardrobe of billowy rustic dresses, and a way of speaking that makes her sound like she grew up as the daughter of a couple of English teachers. (Unlike just about everyone else in the movie, she lacks even

a hint of a drawl.) She does watercolor drawings of the seashells in the marshland, and her gift for making art is singular. She’s like Huck Finn meets Pippi Longstocking by way of Alanis Morissette.

The English actor Daisy Edgar-Jones, who has mostly worked on television (“Normal People,” “War of the Worlds”), has a doleful, earnest-eyed sensuality reminiscent of the quality that Alana Haim brought to “Licorice Pizza.” She gives Kya a quiet surface but makes her wily and vibrantly poised -- which isn’t necessarily wrong, but it cuts against (and maybe reveals) our own prejudices, putting the audience in the position of thinking that someone known as Marsh Girl might not come off as quite this selfpossessed. Kya meets a local boy, Tate Walker (Taylor John Smith), who has the look of a preppie dreamboat and teaches her, out of the goodness of his heart, to read and write. It looks like the two are falling in love, at least until it’s time for him to go off to college in Raleigh. Despite his protestations of devotion, Kya knows that he’s not coming back.

You could say that “Where the Crawdads Sing” starts out stormy and threatening, then turns romantic and effusive, then turns foreboding again. Yet that wouldn’t express the way the film’s light and dark tones work together. The movie, written by Lucy Alibar (“Beasts of the Southern Wild”) and directed by Olivia Newman with a confidence and visual vivacity that carry you along (the lusciously crisp cinematography is by Polly Morgan), turns out to be a myth of resilience. It’s Kya’s story, and in her furtive way she keeps undermining the audience’s perceptions about her.

The scenes of Kya’s murder trial are fascinating, because they’re not staged with the usual courtroommovie cleverness. Kya is defended by Tim Milton (David Strathairn), who knew her as a girl and has come out of retirement to see justice done. In his linen suits, with his Southern-gentleman logic, he demolishes one witness after another, but mostly because there isn’t much of a case against Kya. The fellow she’s accused of killing, Chase Andrews (Harris Dickinson), is the one she took up with after Tate abandoned her, and he’s a sketchier shade of preppie player, with a brusque manner that is less than trustworthy. He keeps her separate from his classy friends in town (at one point we learn why), and his scoundrel tendencies just mount from there. Did she have a motive for foul play?

“Where the Crawdads Sing” is at once a mystery, a romance, a back-tonature reverie full of gnarled trees and hanging moss, and a parable of women’s power and independence in a world crushed under by masculine will. The movie has a lot of elements that will remind you of other films, like “The Man in the Moon,” the 1991 drama starring Reese Witherspoon (who is one of the producers here). But they combine in an original way. The ending is a genuine jawdropper, and while I wouldn’t go near revealing it, I’ll just say that.

B9

JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Strolling Istanbul

Hagia Sophia, in Istanbul—for centuries the grandest place of worship in all of Europe. [Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli/Rick Steves’ Europe]

By Rick Steves

O

f the great cities of Europe, four are worth a week of sightseeing: London, Paris, Rome, and Istanbul. And of those, Istanbul offers the most thrills for the best price.

With every visit, I simply get out and stroll.

The historic and touristic center of Istanbul between the Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Blue Mosque is virtually traffic-free, with blossoming trees, refreshing fountains, and a mix of strolling visitors from all over Europe and the Middle East as well as locals. I take a minute to sit on a bench and marvel at the almost Parisian elegance of the scene.

As the sun sets and evening prayer time approaches, I hike through teeming streets to the iconic Blue Mosque.

The outer courtyard is crowded with

families--worshipful parents and kids looking for entertainment.

Wandering under stiletto minarets, I listen as a hardworking loudspeaker-lashed to the minaret as if to a religious crow’s nest--belts out a call to prayer.

Noticing the twinkling lights strung up in honor of the holy month of Ramadan, I think, “Charming--they’ve draped Christmas lights between the minarets.”

(A Turk might come to my house and say, “Charming--he’s draped Ramadan lights on his Christmas tree.”)

The Blue Mosque offers a warm welcome. Stepping out of my shoes, I enter the vast space--more turquoise than blue--hoping for deja vu that never comes. Something’s missing. Gone is the smell of countless sweaty socks, knees, palms, and foreheads that had soaked into the ancient carpet from worshippers’

energetic, physical prayer workouts. Sure enough, the Blue Mosque has a fresh new carpet--with a subtle design that keeps worshippers organized in the same way that lined notepaper tames written letters.

As the prayer service lets out, I’m caught up in a sea of Turks that surges toward the door. This is the kind of connecting with humanity moment that I seek out. It’s the closest I’ll ever come to experiencing the exhilaration of bodysurfing above a mosh pit. As I surf the flow of worshippers through the gate and out into the street, the only way to get any personal space is to look up into the sky. Doing that, I enjoy another prized memory--another Istanbul deja vu: Hard pumping seagulls flap their wings through the humid air in the dark sky before surging into the light, crossing and then circling the floodlit minarets.

The Hippodrome--a long, oblong plaza shaped like a chariot racecourse, as was its purpose 18 centuries ago--is invigorated by the multigenerational conviviality of the Ramadan crowds emptying out of the mosque. While the crowd seems to be gaining energy, I’m running out of steam. But before heading back to my hotel, I look for a tea house to follow my end of day ritual.

I established this ritual in visits to Turkey as a backpacking student and I return to it now. I cap my day with a bowl of sutlac: rice pudding with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s still served in a square steel bowl with a small matching spoon.

Another part of the ritual: I don’t let a Turkish day go by without enjoying a tea house game of backgammon with a stranger. Looking at the board tonight, I notice that it’s cheap and mass

produced, almost disposable. Today’s dice--plastic and factory perfect--make me miss the tiny handmade “bones” of the 20th century, with their disobedient dots. But some things never change. To test a fun cultural quirk, I toss my dice and pause. As I knew would happen, a bystander moves for me. When it comes to backgammon, there’s one right way... and everybody knows it. And in Turkey, perhaps as a result of its ruthless history, when starting a new game, the winner of the last game goes first.

With each backgammon game, I think of one of my most precious possessions back home: an old time, hand- hewn, inlaid backgammon board, with rusty little hinges held in place by hasty tacks, and soft, white wood worn deeper than the harder, dark wood. Twenty years after taking that backgammon board home, I open it and still smell the tobacco, tea, and soul of a traditional Turkish tea house.

There’s almost nothing in my world that is worn or has been enjoyed long enough to absorb the smells of my life and community. It’s a reminder to me of the cost of modernity. At home, the feel and smell of my old backgammon board takes me back to Turkey. And when it does, I’m reminded how, in the face of all that modernity, the endangered though resilient charm of traditional cultures--anywhere in our world--is something to value.

(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. This article was adapted from his new book, For the Love of Europe.

You can email Rick at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)

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JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

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