Ocala Style | May 2023

Women’s THE ISSUE

Magnificent Estate and State-of-the-Art Training Center

136+/- Acre estate, incredible features, state-of-the-art equine facilities, located in Northwest Marion County. The professionally sculpted and architecturally designed main residence encompasses 4,000+ square feet of living area with 5 bedrooms and 4 baths and overlooks a stocked lake. The luxurious interiors captivate with immaculate and stylish clean lines, artistic flair, crown molding, high-end fixtures and vaulted ceilings. This home is also highly livable, practical and comfortable, with an exceptional floor plan and layout that makes it an oasis you don’t want to leave. There is a detached garage and 1-bedroom, 1-bath guest quarters. The Inn offers 4,925 +/- square feet and has been recently renovated with 8 en suite bedrooms. There are top of the line appliances, central meeting and dining areas, patios for meetings or a small convention center, and ample outdoor entertaining and conversation areas. The equestrian facility includes a 5-stall isolation barn with 1/1 apartment, 25-stall center aisle barn with a 4,900+/- SF covered area for a European free walker and hydrotherapy spa. The racetrack and covered equipment storage building are near the training barn. There is a 5/8 +/- mile synthetic cushion training track with 50-foot-wide banks and turns. Adding to the allure are paddocks and private areas with magnificent trees set off by up lighting, plus fiber optic cable for internet. This property is truly in a league of its own.

PRICE REDUCED TO: $7,950,000

Pending

PRICE REDUCED TO: $5,950,000

This unique property is on 82+/- beautiful acres. There is a private gate, and then a paved, lighted and tree-lined driveway leads you to this magnificent estate. The luxurious 4-bedroom, 4.5bath home’s interior captivates you with its delightful gourmet kitchen, formal dining room, elegant casual living room with dual fireplaces, spacious family room, travertine floors throughout, ample windows and entertaining areas that showcase this beautiful property. The distinct design offers both formal and casual living areas, with the highest quality finishes throughout. An expansive new courtyard overlooks an arched bridge over a pond and shadow lit oak trees. Patios offer luxurious outdoor living, perfect for year-round entertainment. There is a circular drive, porte cochere and detached 4-car garage with 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment/guest quarters. A grand show stable offers 18 stalls, an office and a 1/1 apartment. The pristine and gently rolling landscape is perfect for any discipline.

Palatial Chateau

Pending

Equestrian’s Dream

Located just minutes to the Florida Greenways Land Bridge Trailhead and Florida Horse Park. The home features open floor plan and many recent upgrades. Formal living room with a 3-sided brick fireplace, formal dining room has French doors showing magnificent views of the property. Chef’s kitchen features: custom wood cabinets, granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances It is open to the family room and breakfast nook, and sliding glass doors leading to screenenclosed lanai. Expansive office. Owner’s suite with en suite bath was updated in 2021. Split bedroom plan with 3 additional bedrooms and 2 baths. 3-Stall concrete block center aisle barn with an office/tack room, wash rack, fly spray system plus covered area for storage or seating. Four lush green paddocks are graced with granddaddy oaks. Detached 1-car concrete block garage with overhead storage.

Pecan Hill Farm

Expect an unparalleled combination of professionalism, integrity and relentless commitment to her client’s unique needs, interests, and desires.

Joan is a residential, equine property and land development REALTOR® since 1985 and a horsewoman herself so her clients have the benefit of experience and specialized expertise.

“The Ocala region is home to the most beautiful equestrian estates and horse farms in the United States and the natural beauty of the area, along with an amazing variety of equine-centered activities and venues, such as the phenomenal new World Equestrian Center, makes this a place that more and more people want to call home,” says Joan.

ur “Women’s Issue” is filled with examples of local women who are trailblazers, history keepers, industry leaders and role models.

Mahatma Gandhi wrote: “To call woman the weaker sex is a libel; it is man’s injustice to woman. If by strength is meant brute strength, then, indeed, is woman less brute than man. If by strength is meant moral power, then woman is immeasurably man’s superior. Has she not greater intuition, is she not more self-sacrificing, has she not greater powers of endurance, has she not greater courage?”

In this issue, we include stories of a few women who have entered male-dominated industries and persisted. Their stories fuel me because, in my other publishing role, as a newspaperwoman, I’ve encountered difficulty being accepted as both a community cheerleader—a role typically favored for women—but also, when necessary, a challenger of the status quo.

I’ve come to think the required “strength” starts with just being consistent and patient while everyone observes and becomes comfortable. You’ll find examples of that type of perseverance in this issue.

In these pages, we’ll introduce you to a few of Ocala’s brave businesswomen from a cross-section of industries: real estate, beauty and self-care, interior design, and health coaching.

You’ll get to know about the Ocala Women’s Network, a group of women who have held leadership roles in business and government and are dedicated to serving as models and mentors for other women.

Two women who blazed trails for others are Patti Lumpkin, who excelled in service with the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office, and Alice Faison, who made history as the first Black female OPD officer.

You’ll meet the head trainer at the prestigious Bridlewood Farms, Meda Murphy, who oversees more than 100 horses a season, bred and owned by the most prominent thoroughbred horsemen and horsewomen in the world.

Davida Randolph, with the help of strategic partnerships, has brought new life to a historic venue and worked to ensure that a treasure trove of historic artifacts remains a key part of the community.

Through her work as the leader of therapeutic and senior recreation programs for the city of Ocala, LaToya Artis says the best of her job is bringing smiles and joy to participants.

We offer all of the women in this issue our sincere thanks for sharing their wisdom. We hope you find as much inspiration in their stories as we did.

Jennifer Hunt Murty Publisher

Publisher | Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com

Magnolia Media Company, LLC (352) 732-0073

PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478

Art

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Amy Harbert amy@magnoliamediaco.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bruce Ackerman

Audrey Agee

Ashley Dobbs

Eighteenth Hour Photography

Meagan Gumpert

John Jernigan

KP Photo Co.

Scott Mitchell

ILLUSTRATORS

Jordan Shapot

David Vallejo

CLIENT SERVICES GURU

Cheryl Specht cheryl@magnoliamediaco.com

ocalastyle.com

ocalastyle

ocalastylemagazine

ocalastyle

Editorial EDITOR IN CHIEF

Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

CREATIVE CONSULTANT

Nick Steele nick@magnoliamediaco.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Greg Hamilton greg@magnoliamediaco.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Victoria Billig

Esmirna Caraballo

Julie Garisto

JoAnn Guidry

Belea Keeney

Caroline King

Dave Miller

Scott Mitchell

Dave Schlenker

Leah Taylor

Beth Whitehead

Sales

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Evelyn Anderson evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com

Ron Eddy ron@magnoliamediaco.com

D istribution

Rick Shaw

22 WOMEN HELPING WOMEN

Ocala Women’s Network members are dedicated mentors.

24 MEASURING HEALTH

Dan Pardi will lecture on May 18th at IHMC.

34 TO SERVE AND PROTECT

Recognizing Patti Lumpkin, a female trailblazer with the MCSO.

37 LEADING THE WAY

Alice Faison made history as the first Black female OPD officer.

40 THE RINGMASTER

Meda Murphy is the first woman to occupy the role of head trainer at Bridlewood Farms.

46 THE HISTORY KEEPERS

Meet Davida Randolph, manager of Ocala’s Black History Museum.

51 OCALA COCKTAILS

We “shake” up the Ocala Cooks pages with refreshing beverages.

55 SHOP TALK

Our guide to some great items on offer at one our favorite local retailers.

56 HER JOB IS JOY LaToya Artis leads therapeutic and senior recreation programs.

58 CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

Esmirna Caraballo shares some of her favorite things.

59 SCHLENKERISMS

A day right out of kiddie-lit, except worse.

61 THE ART OF PATCHWORK

Native American women make a unique style of clothing.

63 PREPPING FOR SUMMER

Assess your yard now, prior to summer stressors

ON THE COVER:

Tasha Osbourne wearing Ana & Ava earrings from Dillard’s Ocala, photographed by Audrey Agee

This page: Top and middle, by Bruce Ackerman Bottom, by Meagan Gumpert

INSIDER

Social Scene

Photo by Bruce Ackerman

Among the many guests at the April 8th Brick City Beer and Wine Festival, hosted by the Ocala Silver Springs and Ocala Sunset Rotary clubs to benefit Interfaith Emergency Services, the Marion County Literacy Council and Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, were Travis and Allison Magamoll, Andrew Hinkle and Lauren Debick.

Brick City Beer and Wine Festival

CITIZENS’ CIRCLE

On April 8th, downtown Ocala rocked out as guests sampled beer and wine, chowed down at food trucks and enjoyed live entertainment. The Ocala Silver Springs and Ocala Sunset Rotary clubs sponsored the event, which supported Interfaith Emergency Services, the Marion County Literacy Council and Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

Dr. Katherine O’Brien and other members of the Maricamp Animal Hospital team

Radio personalities Parker and Hunter

Shane and Karla Greenway, Ben Maricano, R.J. Jenkins, Angie Lewis, Lauren Deiorio and Karen Hatch

Joey and Emily Stathas, Frank DeLuca and Angela Grace

Live Oak International

Ocala’s own Chester Weber clinched his 20th USEF

Four-in-Hand Horse National Championship title during the March 16th-19th event, which featured 66 jumping athletes and 62 driving teams and drew more than 15,000 spectators to one of the area’s most beautiful horse farms.

LIVE OAK PLANTATION

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

Edy Zermeno with Bon Jovi and Rachel Wiens with For Gold

Donna and Larry Herweyer

Chloe Reid and Chester Weber with Phoenix

Mary and Charles Chazal Craig and Sabrina Heron with Maverick

Excellent Adventures Expo for Active Seniors

COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

The Senior Resource Foundation of Ocala, which is dedicated to improving, enhancing and enriching the lives of older adults, hosted the March 22nd event, with proceeds to benefit youth involved with the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County. The foundation later presented club officials a check for $11,000.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

Youth from the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County join Herb Silverman, April Savarese, Clinton Slier, Troy Weaver, Phyllis Silverman, Karan Gaekwad and Herman Brown for the check presentation.

Melita McGrath, Kinley Rogers and Patty Dubois

Phyllis Craggs, Joyce Beers and Pat Nevard

Blaise Bonaventure, Bobbie and Mark Ciraco

Located in the heart of downtown Ocala, Harry’s offers traditional Louisiana favorites like Shrimp and Scallop Orleans, Crawfish Etouffée, Jambalaya, Shrimp Creole, Blackened Red Fish, Louisiana Gumbo and Garden District Grouper. Other favorites, like French Baked Scallops and Bourbon Street Salmon, are complemented with grilled steaks, chicken, burgers, po’ boy sandwiches and salads. Their full bar features Harry’s Signature Cocktails, such as the Harry’s Hurricane, Bayou Bloody Mary or the Cool Goose Martini. They also feature wines by the glass and a wide selection of imported, domestic and craft beer.

Harry’s Seafood

Bar & Grille

24 SE 1st Avenue, Ocala

(352) 840-0900 › hookedonharrys.com

Mon-Thu 11a-9p › Fri & Sat 11a-10p › Sun 11a-8p

Happy Hour Specials:

2-7p every day

$4 Draft Beer

$5 House Wine & Premium Cocktails

$6 Super Premium Cocktails

$7 Harry’s Signature Cocktails

Head to El Toreo for the best Mexican food this side of the border! Enjoy all of your favorite traditional Mexican dishes in a friendly and festive atmosphere.

Specials:

Mondays and Wednesdays, Margaritas are $2

Saturdays, 2 for 1 Margaritas All Day

El Toreo

3790 E Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala (352) 694-1401 › 7 days 11a-10p

SR 200, Ocala (352) 291-2121 › 7 days 11a-11p

Farmland Preservation Festival

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

Kicking off with its traditional tractor and horse parade, the April 8th festival celebrated farmland preservation and showcased rural activities. Attendees enjoyed live bands, a farmer’s market, farm animals, arts and crafts vendors, and educational exhibits.

MAJESTIC OAKS FARM

Scarlett, Thomas, Joslynn and Jess Routh, Angel Feaster, Ava and Ellie Routh with Aztec

Kayla Stewart and Jerome Feaster

Isaac Spencer, Ronan Orlov and Sophie Norviel Brent London, Carl DiPiazza and Christine DiPiazza with Dash

Justin Miller and Robert Graber

Jon and Cindy Johnson with a Nigerian dwarf goat

Whether you are listing a property or searching for your dream home, you are in the hands of an expert with Tasha Osbourne, who provides “white glove service” to her clients with integrity, determination, and passion.

“Ocala is my home and I’m excited to share the endless possibilities with you,” Osbourne o ers. “I relocated here 17 years ago and raised my children here. I’m passionate about our community and finding the extraordinary and unique. I am a part of Equine Initiatives and The Reilly Arts Center and I am excited about Ocala’s growth. And, as a business leader myself, I am dedicated to supporting our local business community.”

“My ‘why’ is being able to serve where I am best being utilized. To inspire and elevate all those around me, creating a voice to change the real estate industry to be collaborative, create unity and build one another up. I believe that confidence is faith within you, and I am dedicated to aligning my purpose through genuine, authentic, purpose-driven and collaborative relationships.”

ing her business knowledge in her home state of Massachusetts, where she graduated with a degree in business management, which she parlayed into professional roles in the mortgage, title and real estate industries. Since 2006, Osbourne has made real estate her focus and has been able to tailor-fit each customer’s experience to match their personal and financial needs. Her area of expertise now encompasses all facets of the real estate transaction.

A TRUE SPECIALIST

While her reach extends well beyond Ocala, Osbourne considers herself to be a touchstone for those who are looking to relocate to the Central Florida area.

Genuine, Authentic, Purpose-Driven & Collaborative

Osbourne is proud to report that she has consistently been ranked as one of the top agents in Ocala, producing over $150 million in combined real estate sales. She credits her success to a combination of her technology and marketing skills, and savvy negotiations, noting that her clients receive access to an award-winning package of tools to deliver an exceptional experience.

For the past decade, she has attained a stellar reputation throughout Central Florida. Osbourne prides herself on having built a “relationship business,” always going the extra mile, helping to match buyers with their dream home and sellers to exceed their real estate goals. She began build-

“I am heavy on being a relocation specialist and a trusted community mentor with proven, record-breaking sales results in luxury homes, farms, and residential properties. I go above and beyond to accommodate my clients in their relocation and create financial freedom for families. It can be so scary to make such a big move, but due to my community connections and public service, I am able to give my clients what they need, not just in a home, but to assist them with their all needs so they don’t feel lost when they get here.”

WHY OCALA?

Osbourne believes that Ocala is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets and a truly special place to live.

“We are equestrian, adventurous, have crystal-clear natural springs, rolling hills of horse country, an amazing arts community and a charming historic downtown,” she explains. “All that and so much more is what helps this Central Florida city

shine. Central Florida o ers an array of living styles, from horse farms to luxury estates, golf communities to historic homes, waterfront properties to adult living communities—and all of those options can be found in our area. Located between Gainesville and Orlando and blessed with gorgeous vistas at every turn, Ocala has been dubbed the ‘Horse Capital of the World’ because of its many active horse farms and significant participation in the horse industry. Ocala is a place of rolling green pasturelands and scenic views. And even though it’s not located on the coast doesn’t mean that beautiful water attractions are in short supply. Ocala is home to many magical natural springs that first put the town on the map as a tourist destination decades ago.”

Osbourne advises that even with the recession going on around the world, Ocala is still strong and listings are getting multiple o ers and selling at top prices.

“I am dedicated to serving a variety of clients and lifestyles, from a one-bedroom condo downtown to

one of the best realtors that you can find.

— JIMMY P., CLIENT

a 900-acre iconic horse farm, my goal is to provide extraordinary service for every lifestyle. To me, luxury is a level of service, not just a price point. As a Premier Sotheby’s International Realty broker associate, I enjoy helping people. Whatever journey you are on, my client’s satisfaction is my primary goal.”

“When it comes to real estate, experience matters. Let me inspire you to realize your dreams whether you are relocating within your neighborhood or across the globe, I will o er a seamless real estate transaction from beginning to end. Put your home in the hands of a true real estate expert.”

Michael, Natalya, Isayah and Tasha Osbourne

On the Scene

A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events

This series of free music concerts is sponsored by the city of Ocala and the Marion Cultural Alliance and spans all genres. Performers this month are: May 5, The Harlem Gospel Travelers; May 12, Shayna Steel (soul); and May 19, The Malpass Brothers (classic country). The events include artist displays, nonprofits and food vendors. For more info, check out facebook.com/levittampocala

FIRST

FRIDAY ART WALK

Downtown Ocala

May 5

ONGOING

AERIAL DREAM VIEWS OF LAND AND SEA

Ocala International Airport through June 20

Ocala artist Maggie Weakley has a solo show as part of the Art in City Spaces program hosted by the city of Ocala. Paintings in her Water Collection comprise multiple techniques, including use of acrylics, spray paint, glitter, mica powder, plaster and more.

“My intention is to remind us of how we feel when we stand by the ocean’s edge,” she shares. Free to the public. For more info, maggieweakley.com

LEVITT AMP OCALA MUSIC SERIES

Webb Field

May 5, 12 & 19

This event finishes up the monthly art walk season, which will resume in September. Each event includes artists, craftspeople and entertainment. Food is available from downtown eateries and vendors, and stores stay open late for shopping. For more info, ocalafl.org

KENTUCKY DERBY VIEWING PARTY & HAT PARTY

World Equestrian Center/Grand Arena

May 6

The viewing party is free and open to the

Photos courtesy of Maggie Weakley Wonderous

Maggie Weakley

public, with the “most exciting two minutes in sports” on the Jumbotron. The Hat Party offers chef-attended food stations and tickets start at $225 per person. For more info, worldequestriancenter.com

MAGNOLIA ART XCHANGE ART HEIST

Ocala Union Station

May 6

This fundraiser supports the MAX mission of creating a resource hub for artists, educators and art lovers. Guests can purchase tickets in a prize drawing and those with a winning ticket can select from original artwork by local artists. If someone else chooses the piece you had your eye on, it can be “stolen” for a price. Admission is free. Tickets for the heist game are $25 per person; $50 for three and $100 for seven. For more info, facebook.com/maxocala

8TH ANNUAL GARDEN SHOW AND SPRING FESTIVAL

Cedar Lake Woods and Gardens, Williston

May 6-7

The $10 admission fee includes a self-guided tour of the garden areas at this botanical paradise and you also can check out plant vendors, grab some eats from food trucks and enjoy live music by local musicians. For more info, cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com

SPRING FESTIVAL, PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND 5K RUN/WALK

World Equestrian Center

May 13

Burn up some calories doing the 5K run/walk, then wolf down some calories at the pancake breakfast. The all-day festival includes a farmer’s market, live music, games, a kids’ zone and more. The 5K and breakfast require tickets; the festival is free and open to the public. See worldequestriancenter.com/events

AN EVENING WITH MACEY

MAC

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

May 13

The Southern songstress brings

her mix of blues, rock and gospel talents to the stage. Often compared with Dolly Parton, Janis Joplin and even Elvis Presley, Mac has been performing since she was 11 years old. Tickets are $25-$50 from obopry.com

OCALA TAYTAY PARTY

Reilly Arts Center Black Box Theatre

May 13

If dancing the night away to Taylor Swift tunes is your style, check out this party with a DJ, raffles of merchandise and signed goodies. This is not a seated event and is recommended for ages 18 and up. Tickets are $20 in advance; $30 day of show. See reillyartscenter.com for info and tickets.

HISTORIC HOME & GARDEN TOUR

Ocala Historic District

May 13

In addition to its annual home and garden tour, the Historic Ocala Preservation Society this year will offer ticketed workshops on floral arranging, candle making and how to create a charcuterie board, all at the Bryant House, along with vendors offering floral arrangements, gift items and more. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at select locations. Tickets are $25 and are available from Your Heart’s Desire Gift Shop or bit.ly/3UlerzG

SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS

Ocala Golf Club

May 14

This Mother’s Day tradition continues with Fine Arts For Ocala’s annual concert in partnership with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Gates open at 3pm with a DJ playing tunes and Left on Broadway takes the stage at 5pm. The concert begins at 7pm and fireworks are planned for about 8:45pm. Bring your own food and drinks, or purchase from food trucks. Chairs, tables and blankets are okay, but no tents, grills or pets. Admission is $20 for adults; free for ages 17 and younger. VIP packages are $80 and include special parking, a cash bar, a catered meal in the dining room and a VIP viewing zone. To buy tickets, go to fafo.org

LEAF SERIES: HEALING VIBRATIONS

Sholom Park

May 19

Guest speakers Donna Davis, RN, and Norma Anderson, LMT, are reiki masters and will demonstrate how sound bathing can calm the nervous system. $5, with advance registration required at bit.ly/3KJosU8

CAR, TRUCK & MOTORCYLE FESTIVAL

War Horse Harley-Davidson

May 21

This is the third year for the festival and proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County. The event includes vendors and live music. For more info, facebook.com/warhorseharley

36TH ANNUAL SUNSHINE STATE MOPAR CAR SHOW

Florida Horse Park, Ocala

May 26-27

Friday welcome party begins at 5pm; tickets are $25 and include dinner and dancing. Car show registration on Saturday is 8-10am. Herb McCandless car clinic at 11am. Free admission; $10 parking fee. For details, go to floridamoparassociation.com

Coming Up: STREETLIFE SERENADER, TRIBUTE TO BILLY JOEL

Reilly Arts Center

June 3

Presented by WindFM, this tribute performance will offer Joel’s biggest hits. Tickets are $25-$40 from reillyartscenter.com

Opposite page: Historic Home & Garden Tour; This page: FAFO’s Symphony Under the Stars, photos by Bruce Ackerman

Women Helping Women

Ocala Women’s Network members are dedicated to serving as models and mentors for other women in business and leadership.

By Beth Whitehead

You won’t find the Ocala Women’s Network (OWN) on Facebook or on a webpage, but you will see their widespread effect in the Ocala community.

OWN has been cultivating relationships and equipping women to be leaders in business since 1982. It all began with 21 members, who started the organization with a shared goal of advancing women in the local community.

“They wanted people who had broken that glass ceiling to be able to help pull other women up to that glass ceiling,” says Karla Greenway, OWN President and CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, “or to use their influence to pave the way for other women to have more opportunities.”

Attorney Judy Johnson was a board

member of the Florida Credit Union when she joined OWN 30 years ago. At the time, there had only been one female county commissioner before her in Marion County’s history.

“I was the second one, and we’ve now had five,” says Johnson, who was on the Marion County Board of County Commissioners from 1992-2000. “The School Board has changed its membership dramatically, from all male to mostly female right now. I think there are four females on the board now. City council has changed from a male venue to one representing women. And when you have women on public policy boards, it makes a difference in perspective.”

OWN, which has 35 members, is composed of highly successful women who are devoted

Back row: Diana Williams, Kristina Donohue, Diane Gullett, Dawn Westgate, Judi Zanetti, Traci Mason, Jeanne Henningsen, Lauren Deiorio, and Jennifer Martinez

Front row: Judy Johnson, Karla Greenway and Barbara Fitos

Photo by Bruce Ackerman

to growing their businesses and supporting the community.

“You have to have a sphere of influence in the community,” Greenway offers. “And you have to have some kind of experience working with a charitable organization. Most of our women have had been on boards of charities here in the community at some point in time. Some still are.”

The group meets monthly. Each member pays an annual fee of $250, which covers the cost of the monthly luncheon and educational speakers. OWN hosts speakers on topics such as legislative issues and women’s health; anything that will benefit local businesswomen and further their ability to influence and serve the community. Any monies that are left over each year go to the Ocala Women’s Network Endowed Scholarship through the College of Central Florida, which was established in 2000.

“They’ve had a scholarship with us for a very long time,” notes Traci Mason, with the College of Central Florida Foundation. “The criteria is a female student from Marion County and they’re wanting to help somebody who is going back to school. So, the minimum age on that is 22.”

The scholarship award for 2023 is $1,200.

“Sometimes they do split that to more than one student, so it could be two students get $600,” Mason adds.

The group’s most direct means of service is the scholarship, but OWN’s goal is to give back to the community through equipping its local businesswomen with a network of support as they are individually mentoring and modeling to younger or less experienced women in the workforce.

“I know for me, it’s about the camaraderie and the learning opportunity that I still have with women who have the same pressure that I do, have the

same challenges that I do, who have the same demands on our schedule and time,” Greenway says. “And I find a lot of benefit in talking with women who understand my stress, being a CEO and having so much responsibility and competing in the business world.”

Greenway says the network is also a forum for sharing about their personal lives and especially the intersection of their families and businesses.

“We usually do a roundtable and it’s not uncommon for someone to share, ‘Oh, my daughter just had a baby,’ or ‘My daughter just graduated college,’ or ‘My son and his wife are moving across the country,’” she explains. “We really do share our information about our families and successes and highlights in our families as well.”

OWN’s current and longtime members take great pride in the strides the group has taken in helping women achieve leadership roles in private industry and public policy, Johnson says.

“As we look at what’s happened in leadership roles when we have women who are willing to talk to each other and support each other and help each other along the way,” Johnson shares, “it’s amazing what you can influence simply by behaving in an ethical and respectful professional manner toward each other.”

To learn more about the Ocala Women’s Network, email Greenway at karla@ iesmarion.org.

Mary Cay Landt, Allison Campbell and Rebecca Rogers

Photo courtesy of Ocala Women’s Network

Measuring Health

By Julie Garisto

Dan Pardi played left midfield on his middle school’s soccer team. When he tripped and injured his ankle, he couldn’t play for weeks, so he studied anatomy to understand how he got hurt and how to prevent another injury.

“My teammates would always ask me what sports drink to drink before the game,” Pardi reminisces. “It was very junior varsity-level information, but the interest started there.”

Years later, Pardi’s father died of cancer before turning 60. The loss instilled in Pardi a desire to help people live longer and approach health in terms of what we need to do, not just what illnesses we have or don’t have.

As part of this mission, Pardi will discuss “How to Measure Health” as the next speaker in the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition’s (IHMC) evening lecture series.

The neuroscientist and sports physiology expert says he explores how our culture frames the way we define and talk about health, along with trends in life expectancy, the “sick care system” and what we can do to create positive outcomes.

His ideas are borne of research in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University and in the departments of neurology and endocrinology at Leiden University in The Netherlands, where he received his Ph.D. and investigated the influence of lifestyle factors on

sleep, decision-making, cognitive performance and metabolism.

He claims that habit-building involves training, which is missing from the medical establishment, schools and our everyday lives.

“If you just told someone, ‘Remember to fly your helicopter,’ without any training, the way doctors give you advice on the way out of their office, that could be disastrous,” he offers.

Pardi has collaborated with Adobe, Workday, Pandora and many other companies and consults with several branches of the U.S. military, including the Special Forces and Naval Special Warfare. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and three sons, where he runs the digital health training app, humanOS.me. His team collaborated with more than 100 health-science professors to create the app.

“It’s broken up into little lessons,” he says, “and the idea is that you get a really good framework and understanding of a concept, so you don’t get lost in the details.”

In short, Pardi suggests we approach health the way we take on playing the guitar or a sport: “Practice!”

The lecture, which will take place at 15 SE Osceola Ave., will begin with a reception at 5:30pm. To register to attend, go to ihmc.us/ life/evening_lectures/ocala-lecture-series

Neuroscientist and sports physiology expert Dan Pardi will lecture at IHMC Ocala on May 18th.

Photo courtesy of IHMC

She Means Business

Meet some dynamic local women who are making moves and leading the way.

KAY RAINS

Head of Design Studio

koontzfurnitureanddesign.com

3111 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34471

(352) 622-3241

Ocala native Kay Rains, the head of Koontz Design Studio, is a skilled designer with degrees in architecture and interior design. A true creative force, Rains has an eye for balancing aesthetics and function with a refined vision. She believes every client has their own story to share and each design should be created with thoughtful precision, showcasing a space uniquely reflective of the client’s life, needs and aspirations. Her consistent dedication and innate flair means that every project is executed to the highest standard and with joyful enthusiasm.

What is your design philosophy?

You should have fun with the process. Expressing yourself through the design of your environment should ultimately evolve into a space that makes you happy.

How did your background prepare you for your work?

My previous work experience was a great fortifier for the creativity I express now through interiors. Working in an architectural firm pushed the envelope of my creative expression from sitework (work done at a site in preparation for a construction project, such as excavation, sheeting, shoring and grading) to the last structural beam being carefully coordinated and intertwined with mechanical, exterior cladding, finishes, etc. This holistic approach gives me a great appreciation for space or spaces in its entirety. I take into account the design of the home from the moment I cross the property line.

How do you approach your work with clients?

What is the most satisfying aspect of your work?

I love people, so the most satisfying part of my job is watching the people I design for respond to the vision, an idea, the color selections, wallpaper samples, fabric swatches, drapery sketches or presentation boards as they come to life for their living space.

What separates the team at Koontz from other interior design companies?

Koontz has a friendly team that is ready to make your home beautiful from start to finish. For over 100 years the store has carefully crafted a quality atmosphere and lasting product selections, while continuing to stay timeless and fresh.

What’s your favorite aspect of the design process?

I am like a kid in a candy store with all the creativity at my fingertips. The new fabrics, furniture silhouettes, wallpaper patterns or paint colors, for example, just makes me happy. I am a creator at heart and it all just makes me bubble over.

Can you share a favorite recent project?

— Kay Rains

Getting to know a client is the first step to a successful design collaboration. How they interact with each other as a family or with guests is intricate to the design foundation. What is their personal style or taste? A hobby, collection or favorite color can manifest a design direction. Once a substructure has been established I springboard to a special layout, textile choices and overall presentation of a design.

What types of projects are clients seeking help with?

Clients have come to appreciate services that range from consultation on small accessory placement to rolling out floor plans, getting inspiration and design services for a new home or business.

I worked with a client who wanted to surprise her husband with a new office in their home while he was away for a few days. I love surprises. This was a real pressure cooker. One of the most important ingredients when I am designing is to have fun and my hope is that the client will also enjoy the process. The client came in on a Friday for a consultation. We developed a plan and then it was time to execute. Did I mention he was gone for only a few days? Within days, we removed furniture, painted, delivered furniture, arranged and accessorized the space for the grand reveal. He absolutely loved it! Although it was a race to the finish, in true Koontz fashion it was done with ease and excellence. Months have passed and the client is still talking about it.

What makes our area so special?

Florida has a real jewel in the city of Ocala. We are so blessed by being centrally located in the state. The area is rich in lush land blanketed with rolling pastures and grand oaks. It has diverse cultures, deep local history, an array of entertainment options whether it be for family or a simple date night, bustling commerce and the great fortune of appealing to those near and far to visit and to live. Yet, Ocala has retained a small-town warmth that makes it a great place to call home.

You should have fun with the process. Expressing yourself through the design of your environment should ultimately evolve into a space that makes you happy.

Kay Rains wears an A Loves A twill blazer, blouse by Vince Camuto and a Kurt Geiger London cocktail ring from Dillard’s Ocala. Furnishings by KOONTZ.

Board-Certified Holistic Health Coach SHARON REDMAN

As a health coach, Sharon Redman focuses exclusively on women because she herself has faced the very same challenges many women do regarding their health and caring for family members facing the impact of aging or a serious health crisis.

“I understand the challenges and experiences unique to women’s bodies and hormonal systems,” she says. “A woman’s health needs can vary significantly during different stages of life. As we age and adapt to more sedentary lifestyles or are faced with illness, we struggle with weight gain and low energy, which can leave us lacking confidence. Women also often face societal pressures and expectations regarding appearance and body image that can contribute to unhealthy habits, such as excessive dieting and over-reliance on sugar and processed foods.”

But Redman says it’s never too late to change your relationship with food, reset your metabolism, boost energy, restore balance and start a journey to restore your body to better health.

“I create a supportive space where we explore effective ways to overcome these challenges,” she says. “I offer effective and sustainable weight loss solutions that don’t rely on extreme measures to create a healthier lifestyle and a positive mindset with food. And I address hormonal imbalances, stress, and the role inadequate sleep plays in the process.”

She says it all begins with a phone call to discuss health goals and concerns. As a coach, she has many strategies she has developed, including some transformational programs. “My 30-Day Metabolism Jumpstart focuses on restoring metabolism balance to lose weight efficiently, naturally, and easily,” she advises. “My 90-Day Mindset Reboot helps you unlock the power of positive thinking, develop healthy habits to lose weight, and build a better relationship with food and your body.”

The biggest hurdle keeping people from coaching, she says, is the fear of vulnerability and stigma around seeking help for personal growth.

“Many people feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit they need help,” she shares. “Others believe they should be able to handle their problems independently or feel coaching will not work for them. But meaningful change is possible for individuals willing to commit. It takes a strong desire to change and the motivation to follow through with the necessary actions. But it also involves planning and setting clear and achievable goals, as well as the kind of support and resources a coach can offer. Through dedication and persistence, individuals can overcome obstacles and achieve lasting, positive transformations in their lives.”

She says it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

“Your journey is unique, and being a part of your growth brings me immense satisfaction and joy. I approach everyone with genuine empathy, understanding, and a non-judgmental mindset. I’m deeply invested in your success and will be there to celebrate your victories and help you through any setbacks. Together, we will work towards creating a healthier, happier, and more balanced life. My motto is Begin Today.”

LUPITA MONTOYA & DAWN TANNEY

LuDawn Spa & Salon

4620 E Silver Springs Blvd., Suite 502 Ocala, Florida, 34470 (352) 236-5353 | ludawnspasalon.com

From the moment you enter the LuDawn Spa & Salon, there is a soothing air of serenity, the pleasant aroma of essential oils and a warm and welcoming greeting. The atmosphere, created by co-owners Lupita Montoya and Dawn Tanney, is a haven where clients can indulge in self-care therapies such as massage, skin care, body waxing, hair and natural nail services. Luxurious white silk ceiling drapes and the sound of water running in therapy rooms make one feel enveloped by clouds and nestled in the nurturing lap of Mother Nature. Every element is designed to shut out the outside world so clients can rejuvenate and recover.

“We make sure you’re a new person from the inside out,” says Tanney. “When you feel good about yourself, able to take a breath, you are able to love more, serve more and be better.”

“I love taking care of my clients, making their day better with my touch, my words,” adds Montoya. “I want to change their life one service at a time.”

Tanney has 23 years of experience and Montoya has 16. They opened LuDawn Spa & Salon six years ago. Among the many specialty services offered is LED light therapy and nano facials, which are designed to re-hydrate the skin and increase collagen and elastin, which helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. “It kicks out all the toxins so good nutrition can get into the cells,” Tanney explains.

Pedicure rooms are equipped with massage chairs for ultimate comfort and an expansive hair salon offers a full array of options.

Tanney, who was born in New Jersey but has been in Florida since 1970 and in Ocala since 2001, and Montoya, from Mexico City, have fascinating backgrounds and are quick to share that they have overcome numerous obstacles in creating their special oasis and that their faith sustains them.

“We are working owners and hire like-minded team members who have a passion to serve other people and we could not be more proud of our team and their outstanding work and accomplishments,” Tanney offers. “This is a hidden gem in Ocala. This is a place of love, where we nurture people.”

“We love our clients,” Montoya adds with a bright smile. “It’s important to do what comes from your heart and we created this space for every person out there.”

NIKKI SERRANO

Stellar Real Estate Agency

Broker/Owner

(352) 585-1562

Serrano.Nikki@gmail.com

StellarRealEstateAgency@gmail.com

Nikki Serrano was raised in a family of multigenerational private business owners and, after working for a corporate brokerage, realized that she wanted her own business model to be done differently—from the ground up.

“It is hard work building a brokerage from the ground up, but personal experience and the desire to build something better were the driving forces behind my decision to do so,” she shares.

She designed her brokerage on the foundation that real estate is a service industry and needs to be handled in a personalized concierge way that is specific to each client and serves their best interests.

“In handling real estate transactions, there are many aspects that need to be seen to with great and careful attention to detail. There is an art to hearing a client’s needs and producing something tangible for someone based on their needs and wants,” she notes.

“Each client and customer is different and each one may need many different aspects of real estate for their personal or business needs,” she adds. “We can handle them all under one agency, representing buyers and sellers with listings and selling both leisure and working farms, luxury properties, vacant land and singlefamily homes. We are professionals with new builds and pre-existing properties, commercial projects, investments and 1031 exchanges. Stellar Real Estate handles them all.”

Serrano’s success has been built on her knowledge of the market, knowing the specifics of economics globally and locally, and continuing to grow while staying true to the foundation of Stellar Real Estate.

Paired with her education and personal experience as an investor in real estate, the depth and expertise of Stellar Real Estate means it is capable of the reach and scope of a global agency.

“It is not a corporation that is self-focused, but one that is focused on our clients which, in turn, is not only good for business, it is the business. At our foundation, we offer concierge services from a boutique full-service agency,” she states.

From the beginning, she found pathways forward that continually helped her grow and learn. That is how she created a strong and vibrant foundation for building a new kind of real estate brokerage—for building something Stellar.

FELICIA (FORMANEK) & CODY CONSTANTINO

November 12th, 2022

Venue: Protea Weddings and Events

Photographer: Eighteenth Hour Photography

Florist: The Graceful Gardener

Hair: Maria Agresti

Make-up: Vanessa Shealy

Their favorite memory: “Our favorite memory of our special day was finally seeing all the hard work put into reality. A hurricane that came through two days before brought a beautiful day of weather for our wedding. We were so happy to have our loved ones in one place to see us devote our love to one another.”

STARLEY (ARD) & DAVID CETINA

October 14th, 2022

Venue: Pass-a-Grille Beach, with reception on the StarLite Sapphire

Photographer: KP Photo Co.

Wedding Planner: ANC Coordinations

Hair/makeup: Lo Style Hair and Makeup

Bride’s favorite memory: “The intimate moment we shared during our first look. The butterflies and excitement built as I anxiously approached. When David turned around, his eyes lit up and, without speaking a word, I could feel and reciprocate all his emotions, the greatest of them all: Love. We joined hands, bowing our heads to pray, thanking God for joining us together and trusting him that our wedding would go as planned…and it truly was the best day ever!”

Groom’s favorite memory: “The nervous tingling sensation in my stomach before I turned around was the same feeling I had when I met Starley in 2013. I was star-struck and in love from the get-go. My love has grown over time, with jubilation and tribulation along the way, never giving up but giving in to God’s plan for us.”

MEGAN (GRUBB) & MELVIN T MORGAN III

December 22nd, 2022

Venue: Licciardello Farms

Photographer: Eighteenth Hour Photography

Wedding Assistance: Making It Matthews

Hair/makeup: Pretty N Pinned

Bride’s favorite memory: “We gave our guests bubble machines to share while we did our last dance. We were surrounded by family members and bubbles, and the photos are amazing and make me happy when I look back.”

Groom’s favorite memory: “That was when I did the first look reveal with my wife. Turning around and seeing her for the first time, while our photographer captured the moment, continues to be the highlight of the day.”

To Serve & Protect

As a female trailblazer with the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office and as a community volunteer, Patti Lumpkin has served Ocala for more than 45 years and counting.

By JoAnn Guidry | Portrait by Bruce Ackerman

Patti Lumpkin’s 35-year career of firsts with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) began with a newspaper article.

“The sheriff’s office was looking for women interested in becoming part of a women’s volunteer auxiliary group,” recalls Lumpkin, who grew up just north of Ocala in Anthony. “I thought that sounded interesting, so I went to the meeting. It was 1974 and there weren’t any women with the sheriff’s office. What they needed were women to help with the female inmates.”

Lumpkin did indeed become part of that women’s volunteer auxiliary group and instantly liked the law enforcement work, so much so that within a year she was a fulltime secretary in the MCSO Criminal Investigation Division. By the end of 1975, she had graduated from the Officer Recruit Academy at Central Florida Community College (now the College of Central Florida) and became the MCSO’s first female patrol deputy.

Of her years as a patrol deputy, Lumpkin says, “I defi nitely had to prove that I could do the job and take care of myself with my fellow deputies. Actually, they came around quicker than the public did when it came to accepting a woman in a job people thought should just be for men.”

While the public was adjusting, Lumpkin just kept racking up a string of firsts, including first female detective with the MCSO Criminal Investigation Division (1980); first female deputy hostage/crisis negotiator (1984); first female sergeant and she supervised the Drug Task Force (1987); first female lieutenant serving as head of the Major Crimes Unit (1993); first female captain while becoming the supervisor of the Detective Bureau (1996); first female major (1998); first MCSO female deputy to be invited to the FBI Command School for Officers (1999); and first female

bureau chief/MCSO Youth & Community Service Bureau (2000).

With the latter, Lumpkin supervised 30 full-time employees, 22 deputies and 1,500 volunteers. Important programs implemented under her watch include Crisis Intervention Services, Internet Crimes Against Children, Victims Services, Seniors At Risk Assistance, and D.A.R.E., a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teach children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and to live productive drug- and violence-free lives.

Lumpkin’s stint with the MCSO Criminal Investigation Division involved undercover drug work. Standing at 5-foot-3 and with blue eyes and strawberry blond hair, Lumpkin was not exactly Hollywood casting material for an undercover drug detective. But she was very good at playing the part and had a significant role in numerous drug operations.

“The drug business is just that, a business,” explains Lumpkin. “The number one thing with the drug dealers is their greed, and that blinds them. That’s what I used to my advantage.”

Lumpkin’s undercover work was also her most dangerous, once getting her caught in a shootout between rival drug dealers. She escaped unscathed, without ever firing her weapon. In fact, Lumpkin got through her entire law enforcement career without ever having to fire her gun.

“When you’re working undercover, you learn to talk yourself into situations and then talk yourself out of them,” Lumpkin notes with a chuckle. “I was always good at that. My mother says I started talking at 10 months and never shut up after that.”

But all good things must come to an end and Lumpkin retired from the MCSO in 2010.

“I worked all through my last shift on my last day. I loved my job,” she shares,

I definitely had to prove that I could do the job and take care of myself with my fellow deputies. Actually, they came around quicker than the public did.

— Patti Lumpkin

“and I hope that I made a difference.”

When asked how she adjusted to being retired from MCSO, she admits, “I missed it a lot. It took a while for me to get used to not being around all that action and my pager not going off. But life changes and goes on, and so do we.”

Even before her retirement, she was already involved in various community organizations, including Project Hope of Marion County.

“I was still with the sheriff’s office when I became a founding board member of Project Hope in 2007,” says Lumpkin. “The other founding members were Don Alvarez, Father Pat Sheedy and Van Akin. I was president of the board for 15 years.”

Project Hope of Marion County is a nonprofit organization that provides solutions for homeless women and their dependent children. Mothers and their children are offered safe housing in the agency’s apartment complex. Services such as parenting and job skills, budgeting and education are available, as is a food pantry and clothes closet.

“The most important thing is that children need to know they have a safe place to live and a good school to go to,” notes Lumpkin, who while still on the Project Hope board is not as hands-on as in the early years. “We have a great group of people running the organization now. I’m still available as needed and still enjoy dropping by to visit.”

Lumpkin, who has many cats and two dogs, is a longtime active board member with the Humane Society of Marion County and Community With a Heart. She also volunteers as needed with the Marion County Children’s Alliance.

“I’ve never had hobbies. While I do enjoy spending time outside in my big backyard, I’m not into gardening since I just end up with dead plants,” says Lumpkin, 79, with a laugh. “But I’ve always believed in being part of my community and helping out as much as possible. We’re all in this together and we should help each other out. You just never know how much of a difference you can make in someone’s life.”

Clockwise from above: Two images of Lumpkin during her time with the sheriff ’s office, courtesy of the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office; Lumpkin with Emily Andersen at a Humane Society of Marion County event in 2016.

LEADING THE WAY

Alice Faison made history when she became the first Black woman hired at the Ocala Police Department during a turbulent time in American history and she has continued to be an inspirational trailblazer for the community.

By Nick Steele | Photos courtesy of the Ocala Police Department

In 1969, Alice Faison was hired by Ocala Police Department (OPD) Chief Kenneth C. Alvarez and began working in the records department. As the first Black female employee, she performed

various tasks including record filing and fingerprint classification. But it didn’t take long before Alvarez recognized her potential and approached her with the opportunity to become a police officer.

Alice Faison and Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken

“Chief Alvarez told me that I was too valuable to be on the inside,” she recalled. “I needed to be out on the outside.”

Faison accepted and she became an officer, which was another first for OPD. When she joined the force, segregation had only just “officially” ended, but she explained that its shadow and discrimination both still “unofficially” existed in Ocala.

“One day I was late for work, going up the stairs, and this officer told me, ‘You better tell your Black sisters and brothers if they throw a rock at my car…’ and what he was gonna do,” she shared, stopping short of sharing the threat. “I heard that some of the women said that I better not ride with their husbands,” she added. “I didn’t pay them any attention. It was just a whole lot of comments like that. But you know what? It didn’t bother me at all. I laughed at it.”

But there were also racial slurs hurled at her, and even death threats. She recalls having to type up a letter and give it to the police chief detailing the incidents. She praises Chief Alvarez, explaining that he was very protective of her.

“He did not tolerate it,” she said.

As an officer, some of her duties included patrolling the streets, working car crashes and going undercover. She served until 1985, when she retired after being hit by a drunk driver while she was off-duty and sustained serious injuries from the accident. In the last years of being with the department, Faison served as a Community Crime Prevention Coordinator. Over the course of her career with OPD, she earned multiple commendations for her exemplary work, including a commendation for the work she did with the force on improving relations between the community and the police.

Her greatest accomplishment, however,

was in breaking down barriers for future generations. She blazed a path at a time of discrimination and divide in this country. Yet, she handled the racism with grace, opened doors for other Black officers and to this day continues to serve the community of Ocala. Her impact, she believes, was creating “better communication” between Blacks and whites that led to further inclusion within the department.

“She and I share a unique story because she’s the first in line to wear the uniform and I was the first in line to make all of the different ranks of the police department. So, for me personally, she paved the way,” explains OPD Community Liaison Coordinator Tara Woods. “I was doing the same job she did, and I found her story really inspirational. I always wanted to bring her back to say thank you to her.”

And the department she called home for many years did, in fact, welcome Faison home on February 1st of this year. She returned to OPD headquarters and was recognized in a special ceremony held to commemorate her achievements and pioneering spirit during Black History Month. At the ceremony, Chief Mike Balken and Woods presented her with a plaque and a hat made with her old badge number.

“I wore this hat with respect,” she offered after placing it on her head. “And let me tell you, it was hard some days and some days it wasn’t.”

Faison spoke from the heart to a group of colleagues and her family members about her time with OPD.

“One thing I would like to say, and I thank God for that, I was born color-blind. I do not see color. Never. And I tried to treat everyone with respect,” she offered. “I just wanted to be a police officer because I love people and I wanted to fight crime.

I was born color-blind. I do not see color. Never. And I tried to treat everyone with respect. I just wanted to be a police officer because I love people and I wanted to fight crime.

— Alice Faison

I saw it as a chance to talk with people, help people and get them back on the right track. Then there were times when people just didn’t obey and they had to go to jail,” she continued, eliciting a burst of laughter from the crowd and a chuckle from Faison herself.

The 76-year-old, who was also a chaplain with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years after she retired from the police department, now serves as a pastor at the Sisterhood & Brotherhood Outreach ministry where she provides resources to those in need.

In fact, she has earned the nickname “Momma Faison” among community members, who regularly seek her out and confide in her.

She says they have been able to “tell me things like a ‘mom would,’ to inform me about issues within the housing projects,” Faison said. “There was a young man who was arrested by (us) for selling drugs. Years later, he came into my congregation, walked up and thanked me.”

Faison shares that the man is now on a new path and has a career working as a physical therapist. She explained that it has been very rewarding to have served and protected the community and is now using her voice to inspire others to love more and do good for others.

“That’s my heart,” she offered. “That is my passion.”

At the ceremony, Chief Balken announced, “That day in 1969 was historic for both Ms. Faison and the city of Ocala. When you think about the first Black, female police officer that we ever hired, to have her back here in 2023, I think sends a message when our young, new officers see that.”

And then he issued a heartfelt invitation, “To officer Faison and her entire family…we are hiring.”

It’s nice to see that 54 years after paving way as Ocala’s first Black woman officer, to serve in the days following the end of racial segregation in the South, Faison is still opening doors for new recruits.

Clockwise from center right: Faison being sworn in at OPD and in two of her official department portraits.

The Ringmaster

AS THE HEAD TRAINER AT THE PRESTIGIOUS BRIDLEWOOD FARMS, MEDA MURPHY

OVERSEES MORE THAN 100 HORSES A SEASON, WHICH ARE BRED AND OWNED BY THE MOST PROMINENT THOROUGHBRED HORSEMEN AND HORSEWOMEN IN THE WORLD.

By JoAnn Guidry | Photos by Bruce Ackerman

The first light of dawn is sneaking in as the young thoroughbreds emerge from the three white barns with maroon trim. These are unraced 2-year-olds, still in equine kindergarten. The skilled exercise riders on their backs guide them toward the training track, where they first trot then gallop into their morning workouts. Soon, as many as 21 horses at a time are on the track, each navigating traffic as they learn to become racehorses. Each horse has a morning training regiment specifically designed for it, depending on their mental and physical maturity. Here is where their racing talents begin to show; who’s going to be precocious and who’s going to need more time. In the racehorse business, this early foundation is what racing careers are built on.

Back at the barns, grooms are saddling their next charges to go to the training track. Riders come back and switch horses while the previous mount heads to the washrack for a bath and then a cool-down walk. This steady procession of horses to and from the barns continues for three hours until all the horses scheduled for exercise that day have been out. And come tomorrow morning, it will commence again, six days a week.

The ringmaster overseeing this thoroughbred version of a three-ring circus is Meda Murphy. Walkie-talkie in hand, she communicates with her assistant trainer and four barn foremen while striding barn to barn. She might stop to check a horse’s leg wraps or tack; or chat with an exercise rider coming off the track. Moving on to the trackside viewing stand, she’ll meet up with visiting clients and perhaps George Isaacs, the longtime Bridlewood Farm general manager.

“I love the challenges of working with horses. They are brain teasers who make you work to figure them out,” says Murphy, 39, whose take-charge personality perfectly suits her job. “There is a lot of satisfaction in watching a young horse develop here on the farm and then go on to become a good racehorse. Of course, I’m very spoiled by the quality of the horses that I get to deal with here. But they are no less challenging.”

Much like Murphy evaluates her equine charges, Isaacs as general manager does the same with his personnel.

“I’ve worked with Meda for 10 years. She was our chief exercise rider, then assistant trainer before becoming the farm trainer in 2020. I can easily say she is one of the most talented people with horses that I know,” says Isaacs. “Meda takes the job of training racehorses very seriously and has quickly garnered success. She has also earned not only my respect, but that of her crew, our clients, racetrack trainers and all of the other racing industry professionals she deals with on a daily basis.”

High praise indeed for the once little girl who walked home many times because her pony dumped her.

PONY LESSONS

Joan Armida Murphy’s middle name was also her great-grandmother and grandmother’s first names. She grew up known as Meda to avoid confusion when all three generations were together. Meda also grew up a horse-crazy kid in a non-horse family in Warrensburg, New York.

She is one of the most talented people with horses that I know. Meda takes the job of training racehorses very seriously and has quickly garnered success.

— George Isaacs

“I don’t remember a time I wasn’t obsessed with horses,” says Murphy, smiling. “My grandfather, who had been a farmer and had working horses, bought me a pony when I was 6. But he didn’t buy me a bridle and a saddle. Instead, he told me that I had to learn to ride bareback with a halter and rope. And, if I did that, then he would buy me a bridle and a saddle.”

The pony, a mare named Rusty, lived up to her kind’s contrary personality and made young Meda earn that bridle and saddle.

“Rusty loved to run, and she was very fast. I fell a lot and Rusty would go home without me,” shares Murphy, laughing. “I became a professional faller and had lots of walking-home lessons. I began to wonder if I’d ever learned to ride.”

When Murphy expressed her frustrations to her grandfather, she clearly recalls his response.

“My grandfather asked me, ‘Do you want to play tea or ride horses?’ So that clarified my choice, and I climbed right back on Rusty,” says Murphy. “And, finally, I did stay on her and earned that bridle and saddle.”

By the time she was 10, Murphy and Rusty were competing in area weekend shows, pole bending and barrel racing.

“By then I liked to go fast too, which suited Rusty just fine,” notes Murphy. “People would comment that I would ride Rusty around that arena so fast that I must’ve thought I was in a NASCAR race.”

A woman watching the young Meda and her pony race around the arena offered riding lessons in exchange for work; a common arrangement that all horse-crazy kids don’t pass up.

“I groomed, mucked stalls and did anything else

it took for those riding lessons,” recalls Murphy. “Eventually that led to me showing the woman’s Arabian mare, Frannie, who became my best friend.”

Once she graduated from high school, Murphy continued riding but also became a welder.

“I specialized in custom welding and really enjoyed the creativity of that. But when the company I worked for switched to construction welding, I got bored,” says Murphy. “I quit welding and opened up a public training stable for riding horses. Then one of my clients told me about a thoroughbred training farm nearby that was hiring. I started there as a groom, worked my up to running a barn and started exercising thoroughbreds. I was 23 and I’ve been around thoroughbreds ever since.”

RACETRACK TO FARM

Having found a new profession as an exercise rider and with the fabled Saratoga Race Course in nearby Saratoga Springs, New York, it was likely inevitable that Murphy would end up there.

“I was an exercise rider for leading trainer Linda Rice at Saratoga from 2008 to 2012. I just fell in love with the racetrack life and was very happy,” Murphy recalls. “But when I became pregnant, I thought I needed a different environment to raise a child.

I still wanted to be involved in the thoroughbred industry, but just in a different way.”

Following the birth of her son, Evan Mason, who is now 10 and is into soccer more than horses, Murphy moved to Ocala and became the chief exercise rider at John and Leslie Malone’s Bridlewood Farm in November 2013. In addition to her riding duties, Murphy was also in charge of the early training foundation leading up to and including every horse first going under saddle. Isaacs quickly realized Murphy’s talent in the saddle.

“During my 30-year career as general manager of two major training operations, I have witnessed all kinds of exercise riders,” notes Isaacs. “Once in a blue moon, a rare rider comes along that has a special gift of being able to communicate with a horse on a much higher plane. It’s a beautiful symbiotic relationship to witness. Meda has that gift.”

There is an old adage among horseback riders that, to paraphrase, it isn’t if you’re going to get hurt, it’s when. For Murphy, her when came in November of 2015. On a very bad day, she had a riding accident during morning training hours and suffered a tibial plateau open fracture of her left leg.

The tibia is the larger lower leg bone below the knee and in a tibial plateau fracture, the bone

Murphy consults with Dr. Charles Cantrell and his team from Ocala Equine Hospital

I knew Rambo would take care of me and he did. He will always have a home with me..

— Meda Murphy

breaks into the knee joint itself. This type of fracture usually involves not only the bone, but damage to the meniscus, ligaments, muscles, tendons and skin around the knee. In the case of an open fracture, the tibia bone or parts of bone break through the skin.

What followed was a horror story for a rider and a testament to Murphy’s character.

“After the initial surgery, infection set in, so all the pins and screws had to come out and the wound had to stay open. I had to stay on intravenous antibiotics for months,” Murphy explains. “I’ve had eight surgeries to this point. A rod the length of my leg was put in and will be there for the rest of my life. Knee replacement surgery is in my future.”

During 18 months of rehabilitation, Murphy had to learn to walk again before she could even hope to get back in the saddle.

“I had to be lifted up into the saddle on my horse Rambo,” shares Murphy. “Like me, Rambo, a racetrack lead pony horse, had been through rehab too at Bridlewood. When his owner decided to retire him, he gave him to me. I knew Rambo would take care of me and he did. He will always have a home with me.”

But Murphy eventually had to face a hard truth.

“I knew I couldn’t get back to the level of riding that I was used to, so I made one of the toughest decisions that I’ve ever had to make,” she admits. “My career as an exercise rider was over. You have to play the cards that you’re dealt.”

But there were still plenty of winning cards in Murphy’s deck and Isaacs knew it.

“It was a no-brainer that once Meda made her decision, she would be promoted to assistant trainer. And then no surprise at all that she became the farm trainer,” says Isaacs. “Meda is very detail oriented with each and every horse. She designs a training program that is suited to best developing that individual horse. She has thrived and excelled as the head trainer. And we have a great relationship built on mutual trust and respect.”

Despite the cruel twist of fate, Murphy has adapted to her new position with a pragmatic perspective from the ground up.

“I am very content with where my life is right now. Working with thoroughbreds is a 24/7, neverboring career,” she offers. “Considering everything, I’ve made my choices and my life is good.”

Murphy with George Isaacs; Opposite page: Murphy and Rambo

The History Keepers Davida Randolph

Meet the new program manager for the Howard Academy Community Center and the Black History Museum of Marion County.

By Leah A. Taylor | Portraits by Meagan Gumpert

Davida Randolph glows while describing the offerings at Howard Academy Community Center (HACC). As she should, because her efforts, along with the help of strategic partnerships, have brought new life to a historic building and Black history. She is on a mission to meet the mandate of this critical role.

The center, located at 306 NW 7th Ave., a few

blocks north of State Road 40, was built in 1888 after a fire destroyed the original school, Howard Academy, which was the first of its kind in Florida to educate African-American children. In 1927, it became a high school and one of only two schools in the state to award high school diplomas to Black students.

In 1955, the high school moved to what

is now Howard Middle School and Howard Academy officially closed. Today, it is a community center and the home of Marion County Public School (MCPS) District’s Title I offices. According to Kevin Christian, MCPS Director of Public Relations, HACC “was closed for an extended period of time in the last couple of years to allow for bathroom remodeling. Our crews discovered issues with the floor joists and other concerns that forced the closure.”

When the remodeling and repairs were complete, leadership was needed. Randolph recalls seeing the job description and thinking, “What a great opportunity.” In her youth, she had been a part of Ajahu, a dance group that practiced and performed in the center.

“If given the opportunity to bring things like that to the community,” she promised she would. But not until she received input from community members.

“The most important thing is what’s best for our community,” says Randolph, who is always thinking on a collective level. When offered the position, she kept her word. Together, she and the committee prioritized the need for the Black History Museum of Marion County.

“So, our community could know our history,” she says.

In 2004, Hubert Dupree spearheaded the opening of The Black Archives of Marion County. The archives could be viewed in a small room outside his office at that time. The collection has since expanded into a museum, with a larger area for viewing and seating during presentations. The museum contains relics of Ocala and Marion County’s past, including photographs and books chronicling prominent Blacks and their struggle and progress from the 1800s to the present.

Three months after the museum reopened in 2021, Olympian Erin Jackson, a native of Ocala, became the first Black female to win a gold medal in speed skating. The recently hired Randolph had three weeks to assemble a community celebration for the hometown heroine, along with her fellow Olympian medalists and area natives Brittany Bowe and Joey Mantia.

“The kids there were so amazed to see an Olympic gold medal,” she recalls.

The celebratory event held in the HACC cafetorium accommodated 300 people. Jackson later donated her practice skates to the museum and in

Clockwise from above: Visitors tour the exhibits during the museum’s reopening; Randolph with Olympians Erin Jackson, Joey Mantia, Brittany Bowe and others in 2021; Items and historic photographs relating to local history on display at the museum.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

March of 2022 was inducted into the Archives.

Jackson joins the 144 members on the Archives’ plaque that hangs on the interior wall outside the museum. In the past, inductees would participate in an intimate gathering when receiving recognition. Randolph had bigger plans for a larger purpose. This year, she revamped the criteria for the Archives and organized a Black History Gala on February 24th to acknowledge the largest number of inductees yet.

“We got a chance to not only honor 13 people that have poured so much into our community to help others, but it also gave the community an opportunity to see this is what Howard Academy is all about,” she shares. “We have this little museum back here that holds so much history.”

For the first time in the museum’s history, it also celebrated the Divine 9 (the National Panhellenic group of historically African American fraternities and sororities).

“Nobody realizes the contributions our sororities and fraternities put into our community” through their scholarships, workshops and service, explains Randolph.

The museum also hosted Lizzie Jenkins’ Rosewood Foundation and an exhibit about the Groveland Four. The chair that Thurgood Marshall (before he was the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice) sat in during the trials in the Ocala courthouse is now on display in the museum—a donation from the Marion County Clerk’s Office. The museum saw the most attendance during Black History Month. Randolph gives her faithful volunteers, Brenda Vereen and Cynthia Wilson Graham, much credit for pulling her vision together. Randolph would like more exhibits, and so would Wilson Graham, but space is limited. For now, the idea is to rotate displays monthly based on a theme.

“My goal is to expand that museum,” states Randolph. “I want our kids to come and see. This is history.”

As far as donations, the museum has instituted a vetting system. Once the process is complete, eligible items will be displayed for a specific time.

Besides the museum, she believes the area

surrounding HACC is ripe with development opportunities supported by various programs.

“Bringing programs that will help the people in our community, like financial literacy, getting them on track, budgeting, preparing yourself for homeownership,” are some of the topics that are most important to Randolph.

Each month the center offers either financial literacy or homeownership courses. The programs are made possible through partnerships with Realtors, banks and other community stakeholders.

The Marion County Hospital District provides courses centered on health, fitness and nutrition, including diabetes classes and registration for the dental bus, to name a few. They also offer ancillary services for employment and GED courses.

Randolph likes to bring all the agencies and programs together for Community Days. The first event was last summer and included a job fair.

“This is your community center, and this is what we have going on,” she explains. The next Community Day is scheduled for the fall.

HACC also provides tutoring for elementary school students in collaboration with R.A.M.A.L. Educational Services, Inc.

“That was the very first thing that I initiated,” Randolph says with pride.

Additionally, the Community Homes Project, located onsite, partners with the male mentoring organization Kut Different.

She beams when she talks about her first year, with no plans for stopping. One highlight is the Dare 2 B Great mentoring program. Since December 2022, 15 middle school girls have gathered to learn life skills, including how to interact with the police and etiquette. In February, the mentees used their etiquette training to serve as hosts for February’s gala.

The participants in Dare 2 B Great volunteer and learn how to cook the food from their onsite garden. They participate in beautification projects to enhance the HACC grounds. On August 26th, the girls will have a graduation cotillion at the College of Central Florida. Then another group will begin in September.

This summer, will mark the revitalization

We got a chance to not only honor 13 people that have poured so much into our community to help others, but it also gave the community an opportunity to see this is what Howard Academy is all about.

— Davida Randolph

of one of Jade Hagans’ traditions—a summer enrichment program. Many people will remember Principal Hagans, who died suddenly in 2003, for her gracious ability to implement dynamic educational programs at HACC. Randolph is reviving the practice. When summer school hours end at noon, the county’s school buses will transport elementary school students enrolled in the enrichment program to HACC, where Randolph has collaborated with entities like Arts in Health and the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County to offer art, music, movies and fitness, along with teacher-led tutoring, from 1 to 5:30pm.

“I’m so excited,” she asserts. “They will get to enjoy being kids while learning new things.”

Randolph recognizes that her propensity to serve the community is a large part of her agency and career choices. She notes that she is a product

of good parenting and the Poinciana Heights neighborhood, where she was reared amongst many trailblazers in Ocala.

“These people made me who I am today. I am standing on strong shoulders,” she remarks. “I still reach out to my community mentors for guidance.”

With the community’s support, Randolph envisions more mentoring services, tutoring for secondary students and adult vocational training. She also promises to keep the doors open for organizations to meet and provide services to the community. And she is starting a computer-101 class for senior citizens.

“Something for everyone,” Randolph offers. “Because all are welcome.”

For more information, find the Howard Academy Community Center on Facebook.

Elisha Lopez

Elisha Lopez, a licensed Florida real estate broker, Florida real estate school owner and instructor, has established herself as an influential fi gure in the industry. Her innovative coaching methods and dedication to her agents’ and students’ success have earned her numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious title of 2021 worldwide ambassador for Realty World International and most recently as an honoree at the 6th annual local International Women’s Day event as an Influential Woman in Business in Marion County.

With hundreds of agents and students having learned and honed their real estate skills at Ocala Realty World (ORW) from Elisha and her husband and business partner Luis, her impact on the industry is unmistakable. Elisha’s expertise reaches a global audience through her educational videos for Realty World members and Youtube followers.

Elisha’s students often find that completing her classes provides them with the freedom and flexibility they need

to pursue their personal and professional goals, including increased earning potential and financial security. As a testament to her success and commitment, ORW consistently ranks among the top 10 brokerages in Marion County and 100 nationwide, offering a full range of services for properties at every level of the market.

Elisha’s ultimate goal is to help others, both in business and in life. This commitment to giving back extends to her brokerage’s outreach program, ORW Cares, which organizes annual events to support the local community and assist those in need.

Backed by almost 24 years of experience and extensive market knowledge, the ORW team promises success for every buyer, seller, investor and ORW School of Real Estate student. With Elisha Lopez at the helm, the future of real estate in Florida, and beyond, looks bright.

LIVING Ocala Cocktails

We decided to “shake up” our Ocala Cooks presentation by asking three Ocalans to share a favorite beverage recipe for this issue.

Photo courtesy of Dave Miller

Dave Miller is a professional photographer/ videographer and co-owner of MAVEN Photo + Film. He is a devoted husband and father, self-proclaimed foodie and adventure seeker. He says this cocktail is, “One of my favorite poolside drinks when the weather is perfect, and the company is just as good.”

Elderflower Aperol Spritz

3 ounces chilled Prosecco (dry white sparkling) or Champagne

1 3/4 ounces Aperol

1/2 ounce St. Germain Elderflower liqueur (there are other brands, but this is my preferred one)

1/2 ounce club soda or seltzer (adds the fizziness and cuts the bitterness of the Aperol)

Fill a large wine glass with ice.

Pour all of the ingredients into the glass and stir.

Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or, if you want to be extra fancy, use elderflowers when they are in bloom, which in Florida is nearly year-round but with peaks in spring through fall.

Take tons of photos for social media posts!

Enjoy!!

Ocala Cooks is a place for our community to share their favorite recipes and discuss all things food. Join the conversation on Facebook and your recipe may be featured in a future issue. To learn more, visit fb.com/groups/ocalacooks

Caroline King is a mental health counselor at Silver River Counseling. She is a young mom who enjoys “the simple things,” like cooking and spending time with family and friends. “The margarita is my go-to summertime cocktail,” she says. “This is a fun way to switch it up a bit. The cream of coconut balances the tartness just enough, while still very much tasting like the margarita you’re craving. This is a refreshing crowd-pleaser on a hot summer day!”

Creamy Coconut Margarita

Sweetened shredded coconut for the rim

2 ounces tequila blanco

½ ounce triple sec (or Cointreau)

½ ounce fresh lime juice

1 ounce cream of coconut (not coconut cream)

Ice, for serving (try clear ice)

Toast the coconut.

Remove it from the heat and place it in a single layer on a plate.

Add some of the extra cream of coconut (or lime juice) to a separate plate and dip the edge of the rim of the glass into it, then dip

the rim into the plate of toasted coconut.

Place the tequila, triple sec, lime juice and cream of coconut in a cocktail shaker and add one handful ice.

Shake until cold. Strain the margarita into the glass with the coconut rim.

Fill the glass with ice and serve.

For a pitcher: add 2 cups tequila, ½ cup triple sec, ½ cup lime juice and 1 cup cream of coconut to a pitcher.

Add 3 handfuls of ice and stir.

Ocala Cooks is a place for our community to share their favorite recipes and discuss all things food. Join the conversation on Facebook and your recipe may be featured in a future issue. To learn more, visit fb.com/groups/ocalacooks

Victoria Billig is the assistant director of the Appleton Museum of Art and is known for loving fine art, fine dining and a fine cocktail. She and her partner have travelled near and far to enjoy a unique libation, but sometimes only a well-executed classic cocktail will do the trick. With a full schedule, her favorites at home are quick and simple classics made with high-quality ingredients—perfect for sipping on the porch and unwinding with friends.

The Vesper Martini

3 ounces top-shelf gin

1 ounce top-shelf vodka

¼ ounce Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano

1 large lemon curl

Chilled coupe glass

In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine gin, vodka and Lillet Blanc.

For a bolder flavor, substitute Cocchi Americano for Lillet Blanc.

Apologies, James Bond— stir, not shake—until the ingredients are combined and chilled.

Gently rub the lemon curl around the rim of your chilled coupe glass to release the oils; then drop it into the glass.

Strain the martini into the prepared coupe glass and enjoy!

Ocala Cooks is a place for our community to share their favorite recipes and discuss all things food. Join the conversation on Facebook and your recipe may be featured in a future issue. To learn more, visit fb.com/groups/ocalacooks

shoptalk

When we’re on the lookout for fashionable options to dress the men and women who grace our pages, we turn to our friends at Dillard’s Ocala. They go out of their way to hook us up with the most stylish finds and keep their offerings fresh with fun new brand collaborations. Two of their most recent women’s lifestyle launches, Gianni Bini x Venita Aspen and Nat Note x Antonio Melani, include shoes, accessories and swimwear, available exclusively at Dillard’s. For this issue, we chose a few of our favorite items currently in store to share with you.

Another fun collaboration we’re crushing on is the Nellie Howard Ossi x Southern Living collection of stylish home and entertaining essentials (above). We’ve also got our eye on some super chic pieces, like the “Miranda” leather ankle bow sandals from Deltan and Patricia Nash’s “Lyon” crossbody bag with floral printed leather. And why not splash out with Thomas Kosmala’s dreamy No. 5 Frenesie Eau de Parfum.

Kendra Scott “Lee” 14k and iridescent drusy drop earrings

Vintage vibes from the Nat Note x Antonio Melani collection

Gianni Bini x Venita Aspen “Tinsley” chiffon jacquard, halter, maxi dress

HER Job IS

As the Therapeutic and Senior Recreation Program supervisor for the city of Ocala, LaToya Artis develops and implements a variety of programs each year for senior and therapeutic populations in Ocala.

By Nick Steele | Portrait by Ashley Dobbs

LatToya Artis advises that “Therapeutic Recreation” (TR) enables persons with physical, cognitive, emotional and/or social limitations to acquire and/or maintain the skills, knowledge and behaviors that will allow them to enjoy their leisure, function independently with the least amount of assistance and participate as fully as possible in society. This can apply to individuals who are classified with a physical or mental disability and those with social limitations, which includes seniors. The programs she oversees include, but are not limited to, sporting events and leagues, dance classes, art classes, wellness seminars, cooking classes, bus trips and holiday programming. But what she also brings the

communities she serves is a daily dose of good cheer.

“I enjoy being able to bring a smile to someone’s face every day,” Artis shares. “When I go to dance class and I see 30 people socializing and ready to dance, I smile. As we check participants in for one of our many day trips and everyone is smiling and socializing, I smile. When the wood carvers social group comes into the center each week, ready to laugh and joke with each other, I smile. That is the joy of recreation and why recreation is the heartbeat of a community, because our job is to put a smile on everyone’s face.”

Her smile and the smiles of those participating in her programs are one of the first things you notice, but her commitment is also on display. The larger

purpose of her work is meaningful and lasting engagement.

“The main goal when developing programs for senior and therapeutic recreation is to get them out of the house and socialize,” she explains. “Creating a routine that they can look forward to each week and giving them a variety of programs they can choose from while keeping them active and engaged, that is the main goal.”

Artis also develops several yearly, citywide special events, including the Parade of Senior Services held at the College of Central Florida, The Hispanic Senior Wellness Fair, the Halloween Family Fun Run and Santa on the Square.

Originally from Linden, New Jersey, Artis moved to Ocala in 2019 from Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she had moved to attend college. It was there that she spent 23 years raising her three children and began her career, which included working for the city of Fayetteville/Cumberland Parks and Recreation and the Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center.

“After my second daughter graduated from high school, I felt I needed a change in life. While applying for a variety of positions, my current job became available and I decided to make Ocala my new home,” she shares. ”Along with being a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional, I am a Certified Xtreme Hip Hop Step Aerobics instructor, line dance instructor and choreographer. I didn’t know I had these talents until I moved to Florida. During the pandemic, dance saved me after a bad car accident. Dealing with the isolation of the pandemic, I started going to an outdoor dance class every week and never looked back.”

Another life-changing event for Artis involved her introduction to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Champions for Champions (CFC).

“When I arrived in Ocala, Champions for Champions was the first group that was committed to helping me revamp Ocala Recreation and Parks Therapeutic Program,” she recalls. “Maria [Conny Roman] and I have partnered on many programs, including cooking classes, art classes, virtual programs and our flagship program Tag Team Sports, which is a buddy sports program that includes a variety of sporting programs throughout the year. My relationship with Champions for Champions started off by partnering on work-related programs but evolved into a personal relationship.”

“Latoya goes beyond her job as Therapeutic Program Director. She, together with her son Ryan, also volunteer on their off days with Champions for Champions activities,” reveals CFC Founder and CEO Maria Conny Roman. “We built a community together, advocating for the people with different abilities. Latoya and her son are like a family to us.”

Artis reveals that her family has always been at the core of her drive to create the reality she wanted to come true, to never give up on her dreams and know her worth.

“The people that have always inspired me are the women in my family,” she shares. “My grandmother’s determination to leave her home country of Jamaica at about 33 years old to give the next ‘generation’ opportunities never offered to her. In her 40’s, she earned her GED and BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and ultimately became assistant director of nursing for one of the biggest state hospitals in New Jersey. She inspired me, my aunts, my mother and my daughters to never settle and know your current situation does not have to define you.”

To learn more about the city of Ocala’s Therapeutic and Senior Recreation Program, visit ocalafl.org/government/city-departments-i-z/recreationparks/recreation/therapeutic-recreation

At Rex Birthday Bash

Teaching a dance class

Halloween Family Fun Run

Coffee

I can’t be without coffee. Since I was a kid, our culture gave us children coffee and it’s something I have to have! I’ll get coffee from Starbucks, Latin American Café or Café Havana

2

Esmirna Caraballo

SHARES THE THINGS SHE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

Esmirna is the owner of ENATS, an accounting firm, and is co-founder of the Hispanic Business Council of Ocala, which focuses on helping the small businesses community, minority community and community at large. She says she can’t live without her family: husband, Obed; daughter Ariana, owner of ALC Artistic Bakery; and son Obed, who is in elementary school. “They are my lifeline,” she shares, “and it’s always an interesting day with them.”

4

Good Food

Having a good meal is a must! And it doesn’t matter if it’s lunch or dinner, at home or out. A good steak is the key to my happiness—especially when shared with good company. I like La Cuisine, Edo Sushi & Steakhouse, LongHorn Steakhouse and Sayulita

Taqueria 5

Plants and Crystals

My plants and crystals are so earthy and so refreshing, which allows me to relax and feel safe. I buy my plants from Lowe’s or from The Peacock Cottage, where I also get my crystals.

3

Jewelry

I love my jewelry! I adore Pandora and handmade jewelry. It just gives that extra style to my daily wardrobe as I go to my office. I love to shop at Agapanthus in downtown Ocala.

A Good Book

I love to read. A good book helps with what I may be feeling on any day. It allows me to wind down as well. I enjoy romance, fiction, documentaries and more, mostly purchased on my Kindle.

Portrait by Bruce Ackerman

A day right out of kiddie lit, except worse

By Dave Schlenker | Illustration by David Vallejo

The following text is real:

Me: Hello. Are the parking spaces in the back the only ones? We just pulled into a two-hour space on the side of the road. Not sure if I am missing anything.

Condo owner: (No response.)

Me: Also, I know check-in is at 4 p.m. Would we be able to get in earlier? We have an event at 5.

Me: Hello?

Me: We are going to stay someplace else. There is absolutely no parking and there is a guy peeing on the building.

I would like to say the man urinating on our rental condo was the worst part of this story. Nope! He was just Chapter 1 of “The Schlenkers’ Terrible, Horrible, Very Bad Aft ernoon.”

We’ve all had these days.

It starts with promise, and high expectations for family fun on the other side of a road trip. Then something goes south, followed by another southernly turn, followed by bad words, followed by property damage, followed by a lack of wine, followed by another turn toward Hell’s gate.

In our case, it was a wedding in St. Pete, a two-day celebration with sweet relatives, wine, food, laughter and a gorgeous wedding.

The first event started at 5 p.m., which was worrisome because check-in to our rented condo was 4 p.m. A digital lock on the door would not release until 4 p.m.

OK. No problem. The condo had plenty of room. When that door unlatches, we would move fast.

That is, if we could fi nd a parking space. The condo owner told me there was plenty of parking. Turns out, no, there was not. We parked in a two-hour spot on the side of the road and texted the owner. Then I decided to walk around the complex and seek out those mystery parking spaces.

That’s where I met the man peeing on the building. I grabbed my phone and searched for nearby hotels. Per the internet, there were three rooms left in my favorite place in St. Pete. Finally, a break.

We jumped in the car and raced to the hotel.

“I’m sorry, sir. We are sold out.”

“But … But … The internet said you have

three rooms,” I responded.

“I’m sorry.”

The hotel clerk graciously helped us find a Hilton down the street with a room left.

“TO THE HILTON!!” I bellowed to confused family members.

The Hilton was a mere four blocks away, but there was an issue: The Firestone Grand Prix was set for St. Pete the following weekend, so the streets were already lined and altered with fencing—the kind you see in NASCAR races with the barbed wire at the top to protect tall people from exploding car parts.

We kept circling the Hilton, looking for an entrance among the maze of detour signs. A Hilton employee on the phone tried to guide us to the hotel as if he were telling us how to land a plane aft er the pilot collapsed from bad sushi.

We fi nally made it. Buried in our luggage, we slogged to the elevator and waited, not quite ready to laugh but no longer waiting for our heads to explode.

Then came the crash.

A camera lens—$1,600 when I bought it—fell out of my bag and hit the fl oor. My heart sank at the sound of shattered glass and lens guts. It was now a maraca.

I reviewed the day: No parking. Impossible check-in time. Full bladders— except for the guy peeing on our condo. Lying internet. No access. Lens. Smash. Maraca. No wine on the elevator.

However, there was plenty of wine and laughter at the 5 p.m. reception we attended at 6-ish.

Wedding day was fl awless. We have a new family member, and she looked radiant walking down the aisle. We danced and hugged; and took pictures with my surviving camera lens.

Perspective.

To the bride and groom: Van Morrison is right, there will be days like this. Yet there also will be days with blue skies, no barbed fences, ample parking, no public urination, good food and plenty of red wine aft er that condo lock fi nally unlatches for nobody.

The Art of Patchwork

Native American women in Florida have a long history of producing a unique style of clothing that is an important part of their culture.

By Scott Mitchell

There are many things that make Florida wonderful and interesting. Among the most unique cultural aspects of the Sunshine State are the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes. The members of these two federally recognized tribes live on reservations in South Florida (as do members of the Traditional Seminole tribe, who have chosen not to be recognized by the federal government).

As part of my role as director of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center, I have had the honor of meeting numerous tribal members who have ventured to Ocala to conduct educational programs. One of the most fascinating things I have learned about is a clothing style called patchwork.

For years, these families lived in isolation deep in the South Florida wilds. They would visit trading posts to obtain necessities, then return to

family camps in the Everglades to avoid contact with non-native people. As time went on and the Everglades were drained, the trading posts began to close. A new industry arose in the creation of tourist camps. Tribal family members would spend time at the camps, or even live there, in order to make a living. One such camp was at Silver Springs from the late 1920s up until the 1960s. This was one of the farthest camps to the north and was associated with the Ross Allen Reptile Institute.

About the same time the camps were being established during the early 1900s, sewing machines became available and many Native women began to make a unique style of clothing called patchwork. The craft of creating patchwork had two benefits, a woman would make clothing for her family members and also make additional items to sell to tourists to

Photos courtesy of Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center.

generate income. Patchwork exploded as an art form during this time.

Patchwork refers to the style of clothing in which many small pieces of cloth are sewn together in bands to make intricate geometric patterns. The bands are then sewn into garments such as jackets, shirts and skirts. Patchwork is unique to Seminole and Miccosukee cultures and is considered an extremely important craft that shows pride and identity within these communities. The skill of creating patchwork has been passed down from grandmother to granddaughter for decades. The styles of the clothing and the designs of the patchwork have changed over time, much like any other fashion trend, but this art form remains an important part of Native American culture in Florida.

Patchwork is central to cultural identity among the women who create it and the people who wear it. Earlier Native American historic clothing styles in the Southeast focused on appliqué work, where bands of cloth were sewn onto the garment. Patchwork differs in the sense

that the design is sewn in as part of the garment. The Southeastern native people typically organize themselves around the woman’s side of the family, with camps and family compounds centered on a grandmother and her daughters’ families. Patchwork remains a symbol of this traditional lifestyle.

For non-natives who are interested in patchwork, I believe the garments should be worn respectfully and with a full appreciation of its cultural importance and history and should only be purchased from Seminole or Miccosukee artists. That way, the buyer is sure they are getting an authentic product and the Native American artists retain control of the craft and benefit from their work.

Scott Mitchell is a field archaeologist, scientific illustrator and director of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center, located at 1445 NE 58th Ave., Ocala, inside the Silver River State Park. Museum hours are 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the park is $2 per person; free ages 6 and younger. To learn more, go to silverrivermuseum.com.

Prepping for Summer

This is the time of year to assess your yard and its needs prior to summer stressors, then make changes to help plants cope as you perk up your landscape.

By Belea T. Keeney Illustration by Jordan Shapot

May is the perfect time to do some of the fun stuff in your yard and, maybe, some not so fun stuff. It’s a good time to check your landscape, take out plants that aren’t doing well, divide and move plants as needed, and incorporate soil amendments to provide nutrients during the rest of the growing season. Plus, of course, plant new shrubs, flowers and trees.

Getting new plantings off to a good start, however, is crucial to their later success.

“Root establishment is key,” says Ryan Mims, owner and operator of Tower Hill Nursery, about installing new plants. “Roots are like a human heart. If it’s not healthy, the plant won’t be healthy.”

Start your summer prep by improving soil and being mindful of watering needs, which are directly affected by soil composition. Many, many, many homes in Marion County are constructed on builder’s sand, which, as you might surmise by the term is not soil, and is just not healthy for plants.

Mims recommends incorporating soil amendments—such as compost, manure mixes and fresh garden soil—before settling a plant in a new hole. First, dig a hole at least twice as large as the plant’s root ball, then loosen the soil and mix in the elements. Then place the new plant, fill in the amended soil (carefully retaining the root ball but gently stretching out the roots) and water in well. Most landscape plants do well with deep

watering that encourages roots to reach down and out, especially for the first month.

This is also a good time to try new varieties of plants. Mims especially likes the trend of using “texture and color, different combinations of plants that accent a yard.”

“Things like dwarf loropetalums, the Cerise charms,” he offers. “I like the Blue My Mind, which is a perennial ground cover, and Super Blue liriope and Victoria blue salvias.”

Mims especially likes educating customers about plants that “work in our area, that have a better success rate. Like pentas, that endure the cold weather and come back.”

Pentas are known for being especially heat tolerant in our area and have the added benefit of attracting butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. There are new dwarf varieties, or you can let them grow up and sprawl in a butterfly garden area. They come in pinks, reds, lilacs and whites.

Pentas

“There’s a proper place for everything,” Mims advises. “Microclimates are really important. Your concrete block house, the positioning of the plant, are all factors,” that affect a plant’s life.

And don’t shy away from an exotic tropical, Mims advises.

“If you really love that plant and want it in your life, get a decorative pot and position it so you can see it and enjoy it,” he explains. “You don’t have to necessarily rule out a plant in this area, but you do need to accommodate it.”

Even the protection of a screen pool enclosure, for example, will help add humidity and warmth to an outdoor environment.

Many newcomers to Florida will buy a common hibiscus, which will typically die back in winter but return in the spring. Instead of planting them in the ground, Mims suggests putting more tender, tropical-style plants in a pot

that can be moved, either manually or mounted on casters to roll into a garage or enclosed patio.

Some of the best landscape shrubs to consider for Marion County, according to Mims, are “burfordii holly, sunshine ligustrum, loropetalum; Indian hawthorn is a good one, too. Illex is a good, a hardy evergreen. And I like wintergreen boxwood, which is a little different from the classic Japanese boxwood. They’re evergreen and cold hardy.”

A visit to Tower Hill Nursery might include a greeting from Kitty Kitty, a gray cat who was adopted by the staff at the landscape center. She marches right up to customers and enjoys being petted. You can also check out the newly painted bull statue that once stood at the corner of Northwest 80th Avenue and US Highway 27 at the Horse & Hounds restaurant. It now sports a flowery necklace and stands among trees, a pond, vines and sunflowers, and is charmingly decorated in the blues and greens and landscapes that say Ocala and Marion County.

So get out in your yard before the scorching summer temps and high humidity take away your will to garden and get new plants established so you can enjoy them during the seasons to come.

A native Floridian and lifelong gardener, Belea spends her time off fostering cats and collecting caladiums. You can send gardening questions or column suggestions to her at belea@magnoliamediaco.com

Loropetalum

Indian hawthorn