Ocala Magazine June 2011

June 2011

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AZINECONTENAZINE June2 0 1 1

008 I editor’s note012 I q+a with Jaye

042 I SPECIAL SECTIONS042 I Building Better Companies058 | What to Do About Sinkholes

072 I SNAPSHOTS074 I A LA CARTE 074 I what’s news 086 I calendar088 I VOX

departments

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40 Under 40: The 2011 EditionWe turn the spotlight on 40 of Ocala’s young movers and shakers.

The Fate of the OystermenHere’s the story of how a family of oyster fi shermen were immortalized in a painting currently on display at the Appleton.

Summer Family Activity GuideLooking for some out-of-the-ordinary summer family adventures? There’s plenty to do right here in Marion County.

ON THE COVER:PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED LOPEZCREATIVE: KIP WILLIAMSMODEL: MATTHEW WARDELL

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Making a DifferenceThe great part about this month’s 40 Under 40 cover story is that it provides

some insight into what’s hot and what’s not around town. For this year’s selection process, our goal was not only to choose individuals who are making a difference in Ocala and Marion County, but also to spotlight a diverse group of individuals from all walks of life. As you’ll see in the pages that follow, our final list includes school teachers and stay-at-home moms, boxers and bankers, actresses and accountants, pilots and personal trainers, doctors and lawyers, firefighters and MMA fighters, and even entertainers and musical directors.

All of the 40 individuals on this year’s list share a number of traits. They’re all talented, motivated, goal-oriented, engaged, informed, opinionated and passionate about what they do. They know how to get things done and think outside the box. Many have started their own businesses, and others have reached the top of their chosen professions. They are the young movers and shakers in Ocala, and they’re making a difference here.

They’re also well-informed on the local scene, and have some intriguing ideas about how to improve our fair city. Dana Viviano of Ocala Health System, for instance, would like to see a mobile mammography van for women who live in rural areas. Jenifer Lowe of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office suggests a recreation center for handicapped and disabled persons, while staffing firm manager Margaret Renaud thinks a new fairgrounds facility is a good idea.

Many would like to see more local programs that empower small businesses, create jobs and promote local arts. Others see value in expanded air travel and train service locally. A few of our 40 Under 40 suggest new attractions and local entertainment geared toward our younger residents. And TJ Moon would just like us all to be more positive and less stressed-out—a goal we can all agree on.

As far as popular culture, our 40 Under 40 are definitely plugged in. British singer Adele has made an impact in Ocala, showing up on playlists all over town. “The Hangover” (and, we can assume, it’s record-breaking sequel, “The Hangover II”) is a favorite movie of the under-40 set, while “The Office” and “Modern Family” are among the group’s favorite TV shows.

Probably the most intriguing suggestions from our 40 Under 40, however, were in response to the question “What does Ocala need?” The responses ranged from retail stores (Pottery Barn, IKEA, Anthropologie) to restaurants (Cheesecake Factory, Sweet Tomatoes, Chopstix Cafe) to much bigger ideas, such as a theme park, a sports arena, a performing arts center, a baseball team, more live music and even a beach. Given the skills, experience and ideas voiced by our 40 Under 40, we’re confident they’ll make a difference locally, and perhaps one or two of them will even figure out how to open a theme park nearby, bring a baseball team to the region or even put a mammography van on the roads here in Marion County.

Rob Feeman I [email protected]

Linda Marks [email protected]

Gene McConnell vice [email protected]

OCALA MAGAZINE Volume 31, Issue 12

EDITORIAL/DESIGNRob Feeman [email protected]

Kip Williams creative [email protected]

Jim Canada senior [email protected]

Fred Lopez photo editor/[email protected]

John Sotomayor associate [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSKelli Hart trendsJoana Sosa intern

SALES & MARKETINGRon Kolb director of sales & [email protected]

Alex Martinez business [email protected]

Ken Keeton business [email protected]

Jayme Green business [email protected]

OPERATIONSNorm Herbert distributionBarbara Stanton accountant + [email protected]

-------------------------

EDITORIAL OR ADVERTISING INQUIRIESphone 352.622.2995 fax 352.622.9200www.ocalamagazine.com

OFFICES 743 S.E. Fort King St. Ocala, FL 34471 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 4649, Ocala, FL 34478 PHONE 352.622.2995 FAX 352.622.9200 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR by mail or email: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION $30-one year, $50-two years, $4.95-single issue. COPYRIGHT All contents copyrighted 2010 by Special Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or advertising content in any manner without written permission is strictly prohibited.

editor’snote

region or even put a mammography van on the roads here in Marion County.

Rob Feeman I [email protected]

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DANIELLE MARCIANO, one of the many talents working on the Koontz design/

decorating team, fi nds inspiration all around her. She loves adapting modern

functionality and style with the romance of traditional pieces. During the design

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A conversation with CHRIS ULRICH, 2011 CHAIRMAN, EMERGING LEADERS OCALA

q+a with

2011 Chairman of the Emerging Leaders Ocala discusses the vision and benefits of membership

CHRIS ULRICH

Q: Chris, you are the current chair of Emerging Leaders Ocala (ELO). Please explain this young professionals’ group.

A: ELO (Emerging Leaders Ocala) is the leading young professionals’ organization in Ocala. We provide an atmosphere and opportunity for young entrepreneurs and professionals to meet, network and socialize. ELO is open to young professionals ages 21 to 45.

Q: Why did you choose to get involved in ELO?

A: I thought ELO would be a great opportunity to network and meet other like-minded young professionals.

Through ELO I have met an individual who has become both my closest friend and my business partner. Our partnership has resulted in the formation of our company, USA Home Inspections. I am proof that ELO can change your life for the better in a positive and unexpected direction.

Q: What is your vision for ELO?A: My vision for ELO in 2011 is to

encourage and excite our members about what ELO can do for them and to give them the opportunity to get involved in ELO events and the community. We are also making sure that the events ELO holds support

members in all stages of life, including those who are single, married and those with a family. We want to ensure we can provide networking opportunities and events that bring our members together in a way that supports their lives, both personally and professionally.

Q: Describe the activities and initiatives of ELO.

A: This year we have formed a business forum called “Small Businesses Best Practices” that is open to all our members. It will be an opportunity for young professionals to come together and discuss and learn from each other.

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We will also have guest speakers for professional development. It will help us better understand the fast-paced changes of the business industry in Marion County. We also have a lot of fun and educational activities planned, including our annual luau, first annual mountain biking event at Santos Trails, second annual Glow Ball Golf Tournament, educational excursions, Lunch & Learns, softball team, golf league, community service, happy hours and social networking, as well as a few family outings to bring the kids along.

Q: What are the benefits of joining ELO?A: Some of the benefits include

an all-access pass to all ELO events, entrance into many of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of

Commerce events and activities, and exclusive networking and leadership opportunities.

Q: What was the impetus for the founding of ELO?

A: The mission of the ELO is to provide young professionals of Ocala/Marion County with a forum for influence to understand community issues, develop leadership skills, give back to the community and promote the growth of Ocala/Marion County. ELO was started to retain young professionals in Ocala and Marion County, and to help them get involved in the community and to meet other young professionals.

Q: How does one get involved in ELO?A: You can check out our website

www.emergingleadersocala.com or

our Facebook page, or you can call the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce to see what’s going on. Come to one of our events and find an ELO board member. We would be happy to introduce you to everyone! Come out and get involved today.

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up to Mexico Beach, which is the next town over from Apalachicola.”

Had the oil reached the oyster beds of St. George Sound, it would have destroyed them, as it had all along the Gulf Coast. In those frantic, uncertain days, Heather and Eric continued to head out on the water every morning with their sons, using scissored rakes to pull oysters from the bottom of the sound, where fresh water coming out of the mouth of the Carrabelle River mixes with the saltwater of the Gulf, creating a perfect environment for oysters, and resulting in extensive oyster beds six to 10 feet under the surface of the water.

Eric and Heather had no idea what the future would bring. But fate often intervenes in strange ways, and creates results no one could ever have anticipated.

TWO hundred miles away, at the Appleton Museum in Ocala, Dr. John Lofgren, the museum’s director, was planning an exhibition—or, rather, reimagining one. One of the museum’s missions, Dr. Lofgren explains, is to

For a while last summer, it was touch and go. The explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil-drilling platform, which occurred on April 20, 2010, was sending thousands of barrels of crude oil into the

waters of the Gulf of Mexico every day, with no end in sight. On May 11th, the leading edge of the oil slick reached the coastline, at Whiskey Island in Louisiana. The following day it hit Pascagoula in Mississippi. By early June, tar balls were washing up on the shores of Fort Morgan, Ala., and on June 4th the oil reached Pensacola.

No one knew how much oil was still flowing into the Gulf, or how far the oil slick would extend in its inexorable trek along the Florida coast. By mid-June, oil had hit Miramar Beach, east of Pensacola, and on June 19th it reached

St. Andrews State Park in Panama City. Many feared it would continue eastward, shutting down fishing grounds and oyster beds, and continuing to put thousands of people out of work.

Among those watching the progress of the oil slick were Eric and Heather Evans of Carrabelle, Fla., who make their living as oyster fishermen in the waters of St. George Sound, just east of Apalachicola. Eric is a third-generation oysterman, following in the footsteps of his parents and grandparents. For the Evanses, oystering is a family tradition and a family operation, involving both Eric and Heather as well as their sons. The approaching oil slick put their livelihood and their entire way of life at risk.

As it turned out, the oil slick never quite reached Apalachicola and Carrabelle, although it came too close for comfort. “When those last few hurricanes [Alex and Bonnie] came through last year, it [the oil slick] was literally just around the corner from us,” said Heather Evans recently. “It had closed all the way

the fate of theoystermen

STORY: ROB FEEMAN PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

Here’s the inside story of how a hardworking family of oyster fishermen from Florida’s Panhandle, threatened by last

summer’s BP oil spill, were immortalized in a contemporary painting currently on display at the Appleton Museum.

Left: Oyster fishermen Heather and Eric Evans in front of the painting “And My Father Before Me,” by artist Christopher Still, which depicts Eric, Heather and their two sons out on the Gulf waters.

ystermenoystermenoystermenoystermenoystermeno


needed, he headed back to his studio in Tarpon Springs and started to paint.

ThroughouT the summer and fall, as Still worked on his painting, Eric and heather Evans dealt with the disruption caused by the oil spill. Although it never reached Carabelle, it created havoc in the region, as fishermen from other areas of the gulf, displaced by the oil spill, descended on the Florida coast to take advantage of the open oyster beds.

At the same time, demand for gulf oysters dropped precipitously due to concerns among the buying public about the quality of the oysters—a concern that continues today. “People think because we’re still able to work and we’re selling oysters, we’re doing good, but we’re not,” heather says. “We can still sell them but the orders have dropped. People aren’t

asking for them like they used to.”Last May, BP started making restitution

payments to workers in the gulf region affected by the spill, but Eric and heather held out for awhile before submitting the required paperwork. “We held back because at the time because it wasn’t affecting us,” heather says. “What’s the money for? We were afraid it would come back and bite us in the back.”

Eventually convinced by others to “get this claim number so you’ll be in the system,” as heather explains it, the Evanses finally did file claims last July with BP for reimbursement of lost wages. Based on the previous years’ taxes, which were used to determine annual income levels, Eric received payments for six months of lost income, while heather was paid for only one month. “Their reason [for not paying me more] was I

“he called me and asked if we could focus the exhibition more on the gulf,” Dr. Lofgren says. The two quickly agreed on the new approach, and Dr. Lofgren and his chief curator, ruth grim, started assembling the exhibition, which they titled, “Visions of the gulf.”

Still’s concern was that the oil spill would irrevocably change the gulf and dramatically alter the lives of local fishermen. Feeling the need for a personal, up-close look at the impact of the oil spill, he rented a boat last summer and headed out onto the gulf. one morning, as he was navigating the waters of St. george Sound, he spotted a family of oyster fishermen out in their boat. It was the Evans family.

When he first saw the Evanses on their boat, it was like something “from a Caravaggio painting,” Still says, referring to Michelangelo Merisi

da Caravaggio, a 16th century Italian painter known for his unique use of light, shadow and dramatic, almost theatrical poses. Intrigued by what he saw that morning, Still circled the Evanses boat numerous times, snapping photos and studying every detail of the tableau, imprinting the images on his artist’s mind. After pulling up alongside the Evanses’ boat and talking with them about their lives as oystermen, Still knew he had found the perfect subject for his next painting.

over the next few days, Still continued to head out on the water every morning, snapping photos of the Evanses out on their boat, relentlessly circling them in his own boat and capturing every detail of the oystermen’s lives. When he had everything he

showcase Florida artists for the local community. “We had several artists we wanted to bring here to share with our community,” he says, “and Christopher Still was at the top of the list.”

Based in Tarpon Springs, Christopher Still has indeed made a name for himself with his paintings. A native Floridian, Still studied in Pennsylvania and Florence, Italy, before returning to the Tampa Bay area in the mid-1980s to set up his own studio, with the entire state of Florida as his artistic inspiration. his paintings and murals currently hang in the governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee, the ruth Eckerd hall in Clearwater and the Tampa International Airport, as well as at the Smithsonian Institution. In 2004, Still was commissioned to paint 10 murals depicting key events of the state’s history for the Florida house of representatives. he’s also created numerous paintings

of Florida’s landscapes and indigenous creatures, and in 2010 was inducted in the Florida Artists hall of Fame.

The original concept for an exhibition of Still’s work at the Appleton called for “an intimate exhibition of Christopher’s sketches, since he’s so well know for his large murals,” says Dr. Lofgren. “We wanted to show a side of Christopher Still that people had not seen before.”

Still visited the Appleton, was impressed with what he saw and agreed to put together an exhibition of his work. “But before we got to that point,” Dr. Lofgren says, “the oil spill happened.”

Seeing the devastation to the gulf region and the impact the spill was having on the daily lives of those who make their living off the gulf, Still felt compelled to capture in some way what was happening to his beloved state.

018 I ocalamagazIne.com I 2011 June

“These people are the salt of the earth,” Dr. Lofgren says, “or, rather, they’re the salt of the water.”

For more info on the BP oil spill and the lives of the oystermen, go to www.ocalamagazine.com.


from the side and there was no storm.” Early in the planning stage for the

exhibition, Dr. Lofgren knew he wanted to acquire Still’s painting—titled “And My Father Before Me,” a reference to Eric’s heritage as an oysterman—for the Appleton’s permanent collection. After a price was set, Dr. Lofgren put out the word that the museum was accepting donations to acquire the work. The response was overwhelming. “We had 85 people contribute to the fund,” says Dr. Lofgren. “It was wonderful grassroots support.”

Since the exhibition ended on March 20th, the painting has hit the road, making a stop at the Florida statehouse and appearing at the Apalachicola Museum of Art, where Eric and Heather, as well as local art lovers, were able to view the painting just a stone’s throw from St. George Sound.

For the foreseeable future, however, “And My Father Before Me” will continue to hang in the Appleton Museum, and will be a centerpiece of the museum’s latest exhibition, “Recent Acquisitions,” which debuts on June 18th.

“These people are the salt of the earth,” Dr. Lofgren says of Eric and Heather, and then corrects himself: “Or, rather, they’re the salt of the water. They’re fishermen, and they’re immortalized now.” O

in the painting. The intersection of rake handles form the shape of a cross near the center of the painting, for instance. Choppy waters and darkening clouds entering from the left side of the painting symbolize not only the common threat of a Florida thunderstorm, but also the uncertain future for the Gulf’s fishermen.

In the top right corner of the painting, two jets symbolize the military presence at the nearly Naval Air Station in Pensacola, and the irony that many young men from the area, unable to find work at home, join the military, only to be sent overseas to defend our oil interests. “It’s not meant to be negative about oil or positive about oil,” Still says of his painting, “but the BP oil spill has affected the entire state of Florida.”

Still also notes that the painting is not an image of a single scene he witnessed, but rather a composite of many things he saw during the days he circled the Evanses’ boat last summer. “There’s no [photo] that was taken of this,” he explains. “I did a series of drawings and took pictures for a week as I circled their boat, doing studies of individual poses. But on the day it was closest to looking like this, the water was flat calm, the boat was directly flat

didn’t have documentation,” Heather says, although she’s continually worked alongside her husband for years.

Heather and Eric continue to deal with BP on the issue of reimbursement for lost income. When the oil company offered to make a final payment to them, with no option for additional claims in the future, Heather ultimately refused. “With everything they’ve done, like with the [chemical] disbursements—all that did was push the oil to the bottom [of the Gulf]. So if we can have another hurricane next year, or the next year, it could pick some of that up off the bottom and push it our way. You can’t ever tell.” Heather has until 2013 to file any additional claims with BP over lost income due to the oil spill, and has decided to wait to see what the future brings before taking any additional money.

IN the midst of all this, Eric and Heather were excited by the prospect of being the subjects of Christopher Still’s painting, but they had no idea what to expect. Once the painting was complete, Still emailed images of it to them, but they didn’t see it in person until the painting’s official unveiling at a reception at the Appleton on January 21, 2011, kicking off the exhibition, “Visions of the Gulf: Paintings by Christopher Still and Photographs by Carlton Ward Jr.”

It was Heather’s first visit to a museum, and when she and Eric were treated to a private viewing of the painting prior to the reception, accompanied by Christopher Still and Dr. Lofgren, all the events and worries of the past nine months caught up with her.

“It was one of the most heartwarming situations I’ve ever been in,” Dr. Lofgren says of the moment Heather and Eric first saw the painting. “We stopped in front of it and she just stood there. Their family and traditions—their entire life was there before her. She just broke down. We all did.”

The painting depicts a typical day in the life of oyster fishermen on the water, but it was a different type of work for Still, due in part to the symbolism


Florida artist Christopher Still points out a detail on his masterpiece, “And My Father Before Me.”

For more on the BP oil spill and the lives of the oystermen, go to www.ocalamagazine.com.


2011summerfamily activity guide

Looking for some out-of-the-ordinary summer family adventures? There’s plenty to do right here in Marion County,

and the best place to start is right under your feet.

STORY: JOHN SOTOMAYORFrom left: Gina Peebles, John Sotomayor,

Rob Feeman and Bill Birdsall.

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June 2011 I ocalamagazIne.com I 021

feeling empowered by the experience and having bonded with each other over our shared accomplishment, which definitely challenged our comfort zones.

For more information on the Basic Wild Caving Experience, contact Marion County Parks & Recreation at 352-671-8560 or register for a number of unique recreational opportunities online by clicking the “Online Services” button at www.marioncountyfl.org/Parks/Pr_default.aspx.

Manatee IdolAdventure beneath the surface was

a common theme in our search for summer activities. Earlier that same day, Fred and I traveled nearly an hour

from Ocala to Crystal River, bright and early in the morning, for an adventure beneath the surface of the water – swimming with the manatees.

The best time of year to swim with manatees is January, because hundreds of them migrate to the area and visibility in the water is far better. Still, there’s no better way to beat the summer heat than snorkeling in water inhabited by friendly, adorable manatees.

For our adventure, we selected Cap’n Mike’s Swim with the Manatees tour of King’s Bay, which kicked off at 6:30 a.m., and was lead this day by Cap’n Bob. Twelve of us on board donned wet suits and snorkel masks, armed ourselves with underwater cameras and passively entered the calm waters, waiting for any signs of manatees.

For those who say there’s nothing to do in Ocala, I say you need to search a little deeper. Not farther or wider, but deeper. Many activities only scratch the surface, but some of the best local

adventures lie beneath . . . literally.On an exploration of things to do

in town, our Ocala Magazine team discovered there’s a whole other world that exists underground — right in the center of our fair city.

Looking for something new and unusual, I talked to Gina Peebles, director of the Marion County Parks & Recreation Department, who replied excitedly, “You have got to try caving!”

Caving? Surely she meant cave diving, which sounded a bit beyond

my adrenaline level. No, she meant dry caving — and the Basic Wild Caving Experience at Brick City Adventure Park in Ocala, right next door to St. John’s Lutheran School on Lake Weir Avenue, has “the only caving opportunity like this in the state,” says Peebles.

Convinced I had found the adventure I sought, I assembled a daredevil team to enter White Cliff Cave. Historically mapped and managed by the Florida Speleological Society, the cave is now managed by the Marion County Parks & Recreation Department. In addition to Peebles, we added Parks & Recreation cavers Bill Birdsall and Clay Parton, as well as Ocala Magazine editor Rob Feeman and photo-editor Fred Lopez.

To our surprise and bewilderment, the entrance to the cave was a small hole in the ground at the base of a limestone cliff, covered by a metal slab, seemingly fit only for a small child, not full-grown men. With our male egos on the line, we entered the dark, narrow entrance and pathway, negotiated a tricky passage over a bottomless pit (at least, that’s how it appeared to us) and crawled on our bellies until we reached a sizeable space, roughly the size of a small office. There, caver Bill Birdsall regaled us with the history and geology of the cave.

The limestone from which the cave was formed dates to the Eocene Age, approximately 32 to 45 million years ago, Birdsall told us. He pointed

out invertebrate fossils — shells and ancient sea urchins embedded in the exposed limestone of the Ocalan Formation. As we traveled through the cave, often in a “military crawl,” head first on our stomachs, we also were able to see natural formations of chert, a dark, sedimentary rock melded with the limestone, and known to be used for thousands of years by Native Americans to make arrowheads.

There are approximately 1,500 feet of mapped passages inside the cave, and on an underground journey you can view about 80 to 90 percent of it. At one point in the cave, the surface of the upper Floridian Aquifer is visible during the rainy season.

After a couple of hours of exploration, awe and a little claustrophobia, we exited the cave,

2011summerfamily activity guide

“With our male egos on the line, we entered the dark, narrow entrance and pathway, negotiated a tricky passage over a bottomless pit (at least, that’s how it appeared to us) and crawled on our bellies until we reached a sizeable space, roughly the size of a small office.”


It didn’t take long for these curious, affectionate sea-cows to swim up to the snorkelers. In their realm, manatees select who they wish to approach. To be selected, it’s best to stay calm and float. When a manatee approaches, they want to be rubbed. If they like it, they will turn over so you can rub their bellies.

The first to approach me was a baby. I could tell because it was small enough for me to hug it almost fully around its body. He looked me right in the eye, took a breath of air on the surface and gently swam off. Just like that, I had my first encounter with a wild manatee!

Others followed. Adults are massive yet gentle. They like to approach anchored boats and play with submerged ladders or ropes, offering ample opportunity for snorkelers to pet them. It’s wondrous how playful they are, and I was completely lost in the moment. Before I knew it, time is up.

After returning to the pier, Fred and I decided to explore Historic Crystal River, and dropped by the Back Porch Garden Wine & Tea Bar on North Citrus Avenue. I enjoyed the spinach pie served hot with hummus, and washed it down with a Yerba Mate organic herbal tea.

Other Summer Adventures

In addition to caving and swimming with the manatees, there’s a wide range of other activities available locally that can help you stay cool, expand your knowledge and keep boredom at bay. While these activities may produce less awe

022 I ocalamagazIne.com I 2010 April

Above Left: Swimmers laugh after frolicing with manatee at King’s Bay in Crystal River.Left: Cave explorer Clay Parton negotiating the narrow passages in White Cliff Cave at Brick City Adventure Park in Ocala.



canoeing, archery, games, arts and crafts, and much more.

When: Five one-week sessions from June 20 to July 22Where: At Camp Kiwanis on Mill Dam Lake in the Ocala National Forest.Cost: $200, which includes meals, instruction and accident insurance. Scholarships are available.Contact: Applications can be found online at www.campkiwanisocala.com. Mail applications and payment to: Camp Kiwanis Clerk, c/o Silver River Museum, 445 N.E. 58th Ave., Ocala, FL 34470

Discovery Center CampsThe Discovery Center, located in

Tuscawilla Park, has expanded its summer camp program for kids ages 8 to 12. Three week-long camps are now available, including the Summer Adventure Camp, the Summer Create Art Camp and the Summer Outdoor Camp, which includes weeks devoted to caving, archaeology, waterways and Old Florida.

Where: Discovery Center, Tuscawilla Park, 701 N.E. Sanchez Ave., OcalaWhen: June 13 to August 12Cost: $100 for members, $110 for non-members plus a one-time $22 registration feeContact: Register online at www.mydiscoverycenter.org

Makin’ Tracks Trail RidesKnown as the horse capital of the

world, Ocala has many opportunities for horseback riding, including these two-hour tours on horseback for groups of no more than six people. Makin’ Tracks Trail Rides also offers one-hour, all-day and overnight tours.

When: Tours generally start at 9 a.m. and 1, 6 and 9 p.m. Where: 15901 N.E. 137th Court, Fort McCoyCost: $40 for one hour, $70 for two hours and $160 for all day/overnight; group discounts are available.Contact: 352-236-3929

than caving and less “awww” than swimming with manatee, they’re equally fun and fascinating.

Kayak ToursReady for a twist to the traditional

guided kayak tours? Central Florida Nature Adventures offers fully personalized kayak tours, including a Photographer’s Tour designed around each individual, not a group.

When: Summer season through AugustWhere: Silver River, Wekiva River, Dora Canal, Rock Springs Run, St. Johns River, Blackwater LakeCost: Half day $100 or full day $200 Contact: For reservations, which should be made a week in advance, contact Jenny D. Boyd at 352-589-7899 or [email protected], or visit www.centralfloridakayaktours.com.

Appleton Museum’s Summer Art Camp

Have a little da Vinci in the family? Give your young artist the summer camp of a lifetime with the Appleton Museum’s Art Camps. Each one-week session is filled with different art activities, lessons on art techniques and lots of opportunities for your little ones to create their own masterpieces.

When: June 27-July 1 and August 1-5Where: Appleton Museum, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., OcalaCost: $85 per week for members, $95 per week for nonmembersContact: Forms are available at the museum admissions desk or contact Korene Wilbanks at 352-291-4455, ext. 1613.

Kiwanis Summer CampWant to give your child a break

from technology? Camp Kiwanis provides the traditional sleep-away camp experience for kids ages 7 to 13. Daily activities include swimming,

ATV ToursWant a mix of adrenaline with your

nature tour? Experience some of the most incredible scenery Central Florida has to offer on guided ATV tours through the Ocala National Forest. For riders and drivers 18 years and over.

Where: CR 316, 18775 Lake Kerr Rd., Fort McCoyCost: From $69 for a 2.5-hour tourWhen: Flexible scheduling, generally tours depart at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.Contact: 352-546-5514 or visit www.atvoffroadadventuretours.com

Additional reporting by Joana Rabassa

For a Lazy Summer Day

K.P. Hole and the Rainbow River. Cool off from the summer heat at the river. Park fee: $3.00; kayaks, boats and tubes available for rental. Location: 9435 SW 190th Avenue Rd., Dunnellon.

Wild Waters Waterpark. “Alligator Ambush” and “Silver Bullet” are just two of the thrilling rides that await you. Tickets: www.wildwaterspark.com. Location: 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd.,

Silver Springs. Captain Mike’s Lazy River Cruises. Cruise down the cool Withlacoochee River, which offers some of Florida’s best bird watching. Times vary daily. Reservations: Call 352-637-2726 or email [email protected] to schedule tour. Location: Hwy. 200 behind

Stumpknocker’s Restaurant. Hope Boat Ramp. For years, floating courtesy docks at the boat ramp have been requested. Great news: They’re finally here! Fee: Must have a Marion County Park Pass available through the Parks & Recreation Department. Location: S.E. 115th Ave. and Sunset Harbor Rd., Weirsdale.

A Cruising Down the River. Family fishing at the Ocklawaha River. Cost: $12 per person. Reservations: 352-546-5718. Location: Ocklawaha River, from the Marjorie Harris Carr Greenway Eureka West Boat ramp off Hwy. 316, 3.5 miles east of Fort McCoy.

Have a favorite summer event? Share it by posting at www.ocalamagazine.com. No charge for posting events.


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creating quality jobsfor our community

Justin Cretty, a UF student studying mechanical engineering, thought the sign was too good to be true. He often passed by the Coming Soon signage welcoming Scorpion Performance to Marion County on his trips home from the University. Justin has grown up with the Scorpion brand. His father builds performance engines and manages a speedway, and Justin has been involved in racing all his life.

“I’ve always wanted to be involved in the automotive industry,” says Justin. “But, the way the economy was going while I was in school, with top automotive manufacturers being bailed out, left me feeling very concerned. Many of my fellow graduates are still looking for jobs, have gone back to school, or moved out of state. I was very excited to see that Coming Soon sign. I took a shot and applied and was hired a month after I graduated.”

Justin was on board assisting with the set-up of the facility be-fore Scorpion had fully moved operations to Marion County. “It really is amazing to have the opportunity to be a part of a com-pany that takes a chunk of metal and uses incredible precision and technology to transform it into components that I would see delivered to my father’s shop.”

Scott Reynolds was hired as the VP of Marketing in South Florida with the knowledge the company would be relocating. He embraced the move as part of the appeal. “My wife and I were thrilled to have the opportunity to move to this special commu-nity. We were fortunate when our house sold quickly and made the move sooner than we anticipated. We bought a home, settled in and our children are happy. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Scorpion Performance has been manufacturing high perfor-mance engine valve train parts for street and racing applica-tions in South Florida since 1999. Robert Stopanio and his wife

Teresa started the company after 30 years experience in power-boat and automotive racing. The company’s commitment to in-novation, quality and its loyal customer base has led to exception-al growth. Scorpion was land-locked in its former location and needed a new site to grow. The Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation worked with Robert Stopanio and his team in the relocation process.

“We appreciate Pete Tesch and the EDC team for their assis-tance with our project,” stated Stopanio. “They walked us through the process here and provided the support we needed to make a smooth transition. We also thank the City of Ocala and the Marion County Commission for their role in bringing our project to fruition.”

Scorpion met the challenge of keeping production and custom-er supply in motion during the move. The next wave of growth will come with the expansion of their medical device product line. Scorpion has incorporated innovative high-tech robotics in their manufacturing process and been able to diversify into this arena. General Manager/COO Luke Whalen sees this as a key factor in the company’s future.

“While we have produced automotive components for some time, the technology used in that production was also well-suited for medical devices,” says Whalen. “It is always smart to diversify your business. We just needed more room to grow that portion of the company to its full potential. This move afforded us the opportunity to grow our physical plant and our team which has proved very rewarding. We also recognize Workforce Connection for their proactive role in assisting with our recruitment.”

Companies interested in expansion and/or job creation, should visit www.ocalaedc.org, or call 352-291-4410.

Revving Up Engines…Creating More JobsScorpion Performance Moves South Florida Operations to Marion County

By Ginger Broslat

Scorpion team members pictured above: (L-R): Mechanical Engineer, Justin Cretty, Vice President of Marketing, Scott Reynolds, and General Manager/COO, Luke Whalen.

EDC_0611_O.indd 25 6/3/11 12:03:12 PM

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I LLUSTRATION/PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT I NAME GOES HERE June 2011 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I 027

THE 2011 EDITIONWe turn the spotlight on 40 of Ocala’s young movers and shakers, who are sure to have a significant impact on the future of our region, thanks to their many talents, interests and passions.

Shane Wooten, 33

Entertainer

About me: I am a Nashville recording artist and produce/host the Florida Country Buzz and American Country Music Charts on WTRS 102.3. Noteworthy accomplishment: I recently had two hit singles in Florida, “Shovel’ n Sunshine” and “Running with a Redneck Crowd.” My Ocala connection: My family is seventh generation from the Ocala area. To improve Ocala, I would bring in distribution companies and tech companies to improve employment. On my playlist: Bellamy Brothers, Jimmy Buffett, Garth Brooks. Last book: “Who Moved My Cheese?” Favorite food: Fish tacos. Favorite TV show: “Burn Notice.” Favorite movie: “Red Dawn.” Favorite sport: Karate. Guilty pleasure: Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. My greatest extravagance is a Rolex. The person in Ocala I most admire is John Travolta. My motto is: Problems are only obstacles in the way of your goals! Ocala’s best kept secret is Lorito’s Pizza. Ocala needs a Tias Tex Mex Cantina.


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Jenifer Lowe, 26Public Information Offi cer, Marion County Sheriff’s Offi ce About me: I have a passion for volunteering in the community and raising awareness about important issues. Biggest accomplishment: This year I organized “Homeruns for the Homeless,” which raised more than $3,000. To improve Ocala, I would build a giant recreation center for handicapped and disabled persons. On my playlist: British artist Adele. Last book: “The Bread Bible” by Rose Levy Beranbaum. I’m obsessed with baking bread. Favorite food: Popcorn. Favorite TV show: “Modern Family.” Favorite movie: “Return to Me” with Minnie Driver and David Duchovny. Greatest extravagance: My shoe collection. My motto is: To obtain something you have never had, you must do something you have never done. Favorite fi ctional hero: Lassie. Guilty pleasure? Thrift store shopping. Historical fi gure I most identify with is Annie Oakley, because I’ve always been an outdoors girl. Ocala needs a bigger selection of clothing stores for young professional women.

Ryan James, 29Billing Administrator, Vice-President/Co-Founder of Insomniac Theatre

About me: I work a full-time job during the day and I’m a theatre warrior at night. Noteworthy accomplishment: Learning lighting design. To improve Ocala, I would promote art and culture. Event that changed my life: After acting in my fi rst play, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Last book: The script for “Of Mice and Men.” Favorite electronic device: My netbook. Favorite foods: Italian and barbeque. Favorite TV show: “Lie To Me.” Favorite movie: “Count of Monte Cristo.” Favorite drink: Monster M-80. If I could have a drink with any person, it would be Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls. Favorite car: 2002 BMW Z8. Guilty pleasures: Ice cream, caffeine, playing games on the Wii. My motto is: Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. Favorite fi ctional hero is Batman. Save the arts and culture in public schools. Ocala needs a theme park.

Jerry Furlong, 34Financial Advisor/Military Pilot

About me: I launched my own fi nancial advisory fi rm, Furlong Financial, and served for 17 years in the Florida National Guard. Noteworthy accomplishment: Graduating Warrant Offi cer Candidate School and U.S Army Flight School. To improve Ocala, I would extend the current public transportation system to outlying areas. Last book: “Decision Points” by George W. Bush. Favorite food: Anything home-cooked. Favorite drink: Fresh, hot-brewed coffee. Guilty pleasures: Fishing, hunting and fl ying. Historical fi gure I most identify with is Sir Isaac Newton. My greatest extravagance is my Breitling Headwind watch. The person in Ocala I most admire is Dr. Ryan Meeks of Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital. Save the local farm owners. One career goal I have yet to achieve is taking Furlong Financial global. I would rather be in Ocala than anyplace else! Ocala needs an upgraded runway at the airport, so we can compete for commercial air service providers.


December 2008 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I 0029I LLUSTRATION/PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT I NAME GOES HERE

Shannon Renee Gunter, 31Board Certifi ed Behavior Analyst

About me: In 2008 I started my own company, called Step-by-Step Success, which helps children with autism and other developmental disabilities. My Ocala connection: I was born at Monroe Regional Medical Center. To improve Ocala, I would increase awareness and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. Favorite TV shows: “Criminal Minds” and “Without a Trace.” Favorite sport: Basketball. Favorite drink: Sweet white wines. Guilty pleasure: Ice cream...with chocolate...oh, and whip cream! My perfect idea of happiness is a beach in Bali! Historical fi gure I most identify with is Amelia Earhart, because she went against the grain and blurred the lines between traditional gender roles. My greatest extravagance is traveling. Save the polar bears. My motto is: Live, dream, inspire. My favorite fi ctional hero is Superman. If I were queen for the day, I would have someone else clean the house. Ocala needs a Chopstix Cafe.

Micah Baxley, 34Psychiatrist

About me: I’m board certifi ed in general and geriatric psychiatry. My Ocala connection: I’m a fourth-generation Marion County resident who returned after school to raise my family here. Strengths: Listening, remembering, singing, deep thinking. Weaknesses: Worrying, athletically lacking. On my playlist: David Wilcox, Black Eyed Peas, Pharrell, Rascal Flatts, Ben Folds Five. Last book: “In the Sanctuary of Outcasts” by Neil White. Favorite TV show: “Top Gear” (U.K. version). Favorite movie: “Ronin.” Favorite drink: RaceTrac fountain Diet Coke, “chewy ice,” with a shot of regular Coke. Favorite car: Audi Avant RS6. Guilty pleasures: “Automobile,” “Car and Driver” and “Motor Trend” magazines. Greatest extravagance: Unlimited data plans. Fictional hero: Sherlock Holmes. Luxury is sleeping eight hours. I never leave home without my Motorola Droid. Ocala’s best-kept secret: Highland Memorial Park’s monthly Charity Cookouts. Ocala needs a Zoës Kitchen.

Karen Pozo Cook, 29Service Line Director, Orthopedic and Neuroscience Services Director, Wound Center and Hyperbaric Oxygen TherapyAbout me: I invested in the right small business at the right time, and I’m attempting to make difference in Ocala. My Ocala connection: I was raised in Ocala and returned to this community after being away for 10 years. To improve Ocala, I would support small businesses, recover property value and improve access to healthcare. Strengths: Determined and organized. Weakness: Stubborn, but sometimes that works to my advantage in business. On my playlist: Latin and Country music. Favorite electronic device: My iPhone. Favorite TV show: Novela. Favorite movie: “P.S. I Love You.” Favorite sport: Beach volleyball. Favorite drink: Skinny margarita. Perfect happiness is indefi nite travel. In 10 years, I will be relaxing on my beachfront property. My motto is: Embrace every opportunity. There’s always a choice. Ocala’s best kept secret: Its scenery and terrain. Ocala needs an Ann Taylor.



Roberto Benitez, 30Professional Boxer/Life Fitness Coach

About me: As a professional athlete, I believe it is my duty to be a role model to teach people that success comes in many dimensions. Noteworthy accomplishments: Making the U.S. Olympic Team and competing for the Goodwill Games on the TNT network on my 18th birthday. On my playlist: Santana, Usher, Bruno Mars, Fleetwood Mac, Michael Jackson. Last book: “Uncommon” by Tony Dungy. Favorite food: Baked/grilled chicken wings, rice and black beans with green beans. Favorite TV shows: “American Idol” and “Dancing with the Stars.” Favorite movie: “The Notebook.” Favorite drink: Seltzer water. Favorite electronic device: My MacBook. Favorite car: Lamborghini Diablo. If I could have a drink with one person, it would be Will Smith. Fictional hero: Wolverine. Guilty pleasure: Peanut butter fudge. I’d rather be in Hawaii. My motto is: Values should always supersede success. Ocala’s best-kept secret is its beautiful untouched lands. Ocala needs a sports arena.

Ted Schatt, 36Attorney

About me: I have established a successful satellite offi ce for an Orlando-based law fi rm, created my own successful fi rm and been part of a development group that just completed the renovation of a building in the Mid-Town area of Ocala. Noteworthy accomplishment: Being recognized as a Rising Star by Florida SuperLawyers in 2010 and 2011. To improve Ocala, I would create a park like the Downtown Square in Mid-Town (the area between the Downtown Square and the Magnolia Business District). Latest book: “Comeback” by Dick Francis. Favorite food: My wife’s homemade chocolate chip cookies. Favorite TV show: “Modern Family.” Favorite movie: “Caddyshack.” Favorite sport: Baseball. Fictional hero: Atticus Finch of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” If I could have a drink with one person, living or dead, it would be James Madison. I would rather be in St. Barths. I never leave home without my Blackberry. Ocala needs a minor league baseball team.

Betsy Schatt, 35Stay-at-Home Mom, Website Developer, Volunteer

About me: In addition to my role as mom to my two sons, I’m very active in trying to improve the community for my children, and I have started to develop websites, including www.purchaseforcharities.com. Favorite electronic device: my iPad. On my playlist: Maroon 5, Audrey Assad, Jack Johnson, Jimmy Buffett, Zac Brown Band. Favorite food: Lobster. Favorite TV show: “Modern Family.” Favorite movie: “Slumdog Millionaire.” Favorite car: Aston Martin Virage. Favorite sport: Water polo. Last book: “Empress Orchid.” Guilty pleasure: Brownies with melted butter on top. Fictional hero: Charlotte from “Charlotte’s Web.” Historical fi gure I most identify with is Pearl S. Buck. If I could have a drink with one person, it would be Betty White. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. My motto is: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15). Ocala’s best-kept secret: Downtown Farmer’s Market on the Square. Ocala needs a splash pad for kids.



Keri Holley, 33Owner of Country Bling

About me: Due to the economy, I made a career change and started my own business, Country Bling. Strengths: Multitasking, over organizing. Weaknesses: Focusing on the little things. Last book: The “Twilight “series. Favorite food: Anything cooked on a hibachi. Favorite TV show: “Vampire Diaries.” Favorite movie: “The Hangover.” Favorite sport: Football. Favorite drink: Bud Light. Guilty pleasures: Shopping and tanning. Greatest extravagance: My bright yellow Ford F150 with 38-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claws with Moto Metal Rims. Favorite car: 1969 Chevy Camaro SS. Fictional hero: Wonder Woman. Historical fi gure i most identify with is Annie Oakley. Perfect happiness is lying on a beach in the Caribbean with my family and friends, with no cellphones, computers or cars. My motto is: Everything happens for a reason. Ocala’s best-kept secret is all the miles of ranches you just can’t imagine without taking a drive one day and experiencing the beauty.

Robert Huff, 37Operating Partner, Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse

About me: At Ipanema, we give back to many charities every month. We’re also the fi rst restaurant in Marion County to get a Dog Permit for Doggie Dining. I was the driving force, along with Mayor Ewers, to get that passed. Noteworthy accomplishment: Creating Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine lists when I was with Ruth Chris Steakhouse. Strengths: Working under pressure, cooking and making Jello shots! Weakness: Lack of patience at times. On my playlist: Jack Johnson, Jimmy Buffett, Maroon Five, Jay-Z. Favorite electronic device: My iPhone 4. Favorite food: Osso Bucco Lamb Shank or Dusted Ribeye at Cuvee. Favorite TV show: “Tosh 2.0.” Favorite movie: “Caddyshack” or anything with Will Ferrell. Favorite sports: Golf, football. Favorite drinks: Ketel on the rocks, good Cabernet, Miller Lite. Last book: “Nature Girl” by Carl Hiaasen. Ocala’s best-kept secret: Cuvee Wine and Bistro. Ocala needs a Cheesecake Factory.

Traci Rivera, 38Zumba Instructor/Personal Trainer

About me: After more than 10 years of working in the fi tness industry, I now own Fitness Evolution (formally Ocala Zumba, a fi tness studio). Noteworthy accomplishment: Jumped out of a “perfectly good airplane” on Mother’s Day 2011. First Tandem Jump at SkyDive City! Strength: I want to help everyone live and enjoy a happy and healthy life. Weakness: I want to help EVERYONE live and enjoy a happy and healthy life! Guilty pleasure: My grandmother’s “thumbprint” cookies...yummy goodness! Favorite food: Sushi. Favorite TV show: “Criminal Minds.” Favorite movies: “Selena” and “The Hangover.” Favorite drink: Aquafi na and Cherry Coke Zero. Favorite car: 1965 Mustang convertible, Metallic Blue with bucket seats. If money were no object, I would have a larger group fi tness studio open FREE to the public. My motto is: Live, laugh, love. Ocala’s best-kept secret: Frances Marion Military Academy.



Nicole Vizzini, 30Hairstylist, Owner of Escape Salon & Spa

About me: I am a full-time mom, hairstylist and salon owner. Strengths: I am a leader and I’m confi dent in what I do. Weakness: Buying shoes...lots of shoes. Favorite food: Lorito’s pizza. Favorite TV show: “Dancing with the Stars.” Favorite movies: “Pretty Woman” and “My Cousin Vinny.” Favorite sport: Baseball. Favorite drink: Raspberry Martini. Last book: “Goodnight Thumper,” which I read to my boys. Favorite electronic device: My Sprint Epic 4G cell phone. Favorite car: Cadillac Escalade. Guilty pleasure: Betty Cakes. Greatest extravagance: Jimmy Choo shoes. The historical fi gure I most identify with is Jackie Kennedy. I would rather be in paradise. Fictional hero: Wonder Woman. Perfect happiness is spending time with my family. My motto is: Live life to the fullest, always take the high road and be the better person. If money were no object, I would travel the world. Ocala needs an Italian restaurant.

Josh Melin, 23USMC Infantry Scout Sniper Platoon

About me: I just returned from Afghanistan. My Ocala connection is: Born and raised here, and my whole family lives here. Strengths: Perseverance and determination. Weakness: I’m strong-minded. Favorite electronic device: My iTouch. Favorite food: Mexican. Guilty pleasure: M&Ms. Last book: “Into Thin Air.” Favorite TV show: “Deadliest Catch.” Favorite movie: “The Town.” Favorite sport: College football. Favorite drink: Sweet tea. Favorite car: Bentley Continental Coupe GT. If I could have a drink with one person, living or dead, it would be Hunter S. Thompson. A cause worth running a marathon for is the Wounded Warriors Project. Fictional hero: Edmond Dantes (“The Count of Monte Cristo”). Save the Gulf. I’d rather be in Costa Rica. If money were no object, I would live in a beach bungalow. My motto is: You only have one shot so make it a good one. Ocala needs a sports team.

Kimberly Leemans, 24Actress

About me: My goal is to work as a lead on a TV sitcom, work on projects with the actors I admire and be an advocate for the issues I believe in. Noteworthy accomplishment: I collected over 60 pairs of shoes to donate to the tsunami victims in Japan (soles4souls.com). My Ocala connection: I moved here with my family when I was fi ve years old and grew up here. To improve Ocala, I would keep our pastures sprawling! Events that changed my life: Being part of Ocala Magazine’s Next Top Model and America’s Next Top Model. Favorite TV shows: “Glee” and “Modern Family.” Last book: “The Alchemist.” Favorite drink: Water. Fictional heroes: Hermione Granger and Harry Potter. If I could have a drink with one person, it would be Lucille Ball. If I could be queen for a day, I would implement nap time and make sure everyone had hearty belly laughs on a regular basis.



TJ Moon, 24Owner/Web Designer and Social Media Marketing

About me: I do many things to help the community, including Relay for Life, Hands Are Not For Hurting, making people laugh and smile, and helping people enjoy life more. Proudest moment: Moving out on my own and meeting a beautiful lady who makes me happy. To improve Ocala, I would stop people from stressing out so much. Strength: Persistence. Weaknesses: Food, and being too persistent. On my playlist: Elton John, Bob Seger, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel. Favorite food: Seafood. Favorite TV show: “Sex and the City.” Favorite sport: Baseball. Historical fi gures I most identify with are Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. If I were king for the day, I would make it illegal to be unhappy. Fictional hero: Superman. My motto is: Live your life to the fullest. I never leave home without pumping myself up. Ocala’s best-kept secret: How people can enjoy life here more but don’t.

Mohammed ElMallah, 34Ophthalmologist

About me: I help people see better through cataract surgery, and I help patients with glau-coma maintain their vision. My Ocala con-nection: Ocala Eye introduced me to Ocala. I fell in love with the place and brought my family here. Now my parents have retired to the area and my sister and her family have moved to the region. Proudest moment: Graduating from Harvard. To improve Ocala, I would add a commercial airport or at least a train station. Strengths: Pleasant, easy-going. Weakness: I can be overly critical. Favorite movie: “Iron Man.” Favorite sport: Rac-quetball. Favorite drink: Instant coffee (Nes-cafe to be exact...seriously). Favorite elec-tronic device: My Droid phone. Last book: “Cutting for Stone” by Abraham Verghese. Guilty pleasure: Angry Birds. Historical fi gure I most identify with is Muhammad Ali. Ocala’s best-kept secret is Murphy’s Oyster Bar. Ocala needs a coffee shop with nice outdoor seating (not a sidewalk).

Endira Kumari Sharma, 26Development Specialist, City of Ocala’s Revitalization Strategies Department

About me: I love to meet new people, so if you see me out and about, come chat with me! My Ocala connection: I moved to Ocala with my family when I was nine, moved away to college and I’ve been living back in Ocala full-time for just over two years. To improve Ocala, I would create amenities to attract and retain young professionals. On my playlist: Soca, a style of music originating in the Caribbean. Last book: “Brick Lane” by Monica Ali. Favorite food: My mom’s home cooking. Favorite TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy.” Favorite movie: “Super Troopers.” If I could have a drink with anyone, living or dead, it would be all of my grandparents. Perfect happiness is being surrounded by my huge family. I would rather be in the tropics. My motto is: Live life to the fullest, no regrets! Ocala’s best-kept secret is Scott Springs Park. Ocala needs a slight makeover.


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Hema Rupnarain, 30Certifi ed Public Accountant

About me: I serve as the Treasurer of the ELO (Emerging Leaders of Ocala) board, I’m a Junior Achievement volunteer and I was one of six women to receive the fi rst-ever Woman to Watch Award from the Florida Institute of Certifi ed Public Accountants. To improve Ocala I would get involved and stay involved. Strengths: Patience, compassion and sense of humor. Weaknesses: Overachiever, inability to delegate. Favorite food: My mom’s chicken curry. Favorite TV show: “Sanford and Son.” Favorite drink: Mojito. Favorite sport: Football (Go Gators!). Favorite car: McLaren F1. Guilty pleasures: Travel, spa days, shoes, Chick-fi l-A, Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut chocolates. Last book: “A Walk to Remember” by Nicholas Sparks. I would rather be at a tropical beach. I never leave home without turning off the lights. Fictional hero: Charlotte, the arachnid from “Charlotte’s Web.” Ocala’s best-kept secret is Scrambles and Sholom Park. Ocala needs more entertainment.

Derek L. Ponder Jr., 31Owner of Child Care Center

About me: I’m the youth minister of the Holy Band Healing & Deliverance Center. I love working in the community and being an advocate for children. My Ocala connection: I was born and raised here. Strengths: Listening, ability to work with others, being humble. Weakness: Being too humble. On my playlist: Toby Mack, Marvin Winans, D.King, Paul S. Morton, The Joy FM. Favorite electronic device: My iPad. Favorite food: Macaroni and cheese. Favorite movies: “Remember the Titans” and “Facing the Giants.” Favorite sport: Football. Favorite drink: Sweet tea with real peaches. Last book: “A Leap of Faith” by Kenneth Brown. Guilty pleasures: Blueberry donuts, white chocolate Kit Kats. Fictional hero: The Incredible Hulk. My motto is: Seek ye fi rst the kingdom of God and all his righteousness, and everything else will be added. Ocala’s best-kept secret: Enough is Enough Community Task Force and musical talent galore. Ocala needs a unifi ed community.

Ryan Ginty, 24Mall Manager, Simon Property Group, Paddock Mall

About me: I’m running the Marine Corps marathon in Washington, D.C., this fall. If people will pledge, I’ll take your cause! My Ocala connection: I’m from Indiana. My company is headquartered in Indianapolis, so I applied there. They said the opening is in Florida, so I packed my car and hit the road. Strengths: Personable, practical, level-headed. Weakness: Self-refl ection. On my playlist: Dave Matthews Band, Lupe Fiasco, The Band. Favorite food: Chocolate shake. Favorite TV show: “The Offi ce.” Favorite movie: “Rudy.” Favorite sport: College football. Favorite drink: A good-quality craft beer. Favorite car: Ferrari. Last book: “Good to Great.” Guilty pleasure: Sleeping in until noon. If I could have a drink with one person, living or dead, it would be John F. Kennedy. Ocala’s best-kept secret: There’s a really great shopping center called Paddock Mall over on SR 200. Come shop! Ocala needs more live music.


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Jason Schappert, 22Flight Instructor/Aviation Author

About me: I’m willing to put myself out there. It’s those who take risks and go against what most others do that sets the top apart from the rest. Noteworthy accomplishment: Being recognized as the Top Flight Instructor in the nation in 2008. To improve Ocala, I would empower small business. Strengths: Leadership, thinking outside the box, marketing. Weaknesses: I’m a terrible employee! Last book: “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss. On my playlist: TobyMac. Favorite electronic device: Barnes & Noble Nook. Favorite food: Beef-A-Roni. Favorite TV show: “The Celebrity Apprentice.” Favorite sport: Football. Greatest extravagance: My new airplane. Guilty pleasure: Publix Birthday Ice Cream Cake. Fictional hero: Popeye. My motto is: A good pilot is always learning. Ocala’s best-kept secret: Bagelicious. Ocala needs a Sweet Tomatoes.

John Wayne “Duke” Rountree, 39Real Estate Broker, Owner of Rountree Realty Corp.

About me: I’m a member of the Ocala Marion County Association of Realtors, I coach youth athletics in the Fort McCoy area and I mentor a student through the Take Stock in Children program. Noteworthy accomplishment: Surviving the current real estate market and economic times. Event that changed my life: Being asked to join the Board of Realtors in a leadership capacity, which led me to the Community Awareness committee and my work with the community and youth. Strengths: Honesty, integrity, hard worker. Weaknesses: Listening, forgiving. On my playlist: B.B. King, Tom Petty, Cee Lo Green. Favorite electronic devices: My Macbook Pro and Droid X. Favorite food: Seafood. Favorite TV show: “Seinfeld.” Favorite sports: Football and basketball. Favorite drink: Sweet tea. Guilty pleasure: Reese’s peanut butter cups. Last book: “Crush It” by Gary Vaynerchuk. My motto is: Pay it forward. I would rather be in a boat...on the water, of course.

Dana Viviano, 39Oncology Service Line Director, Ocala Health System

About me: I’m a nurse with 12+ years of oncology nursing and advocacy experience. Noteworthy accomplishment: In 2008 I helped design and open a new satellite cancer center on the campus of Barnes Jewish West County Hospital system in St. Louis, Mo. To improve Ocala, I would offer mobile mammography vans for women who live rurally to get mammogram screening. On my playlist: Black Eyed Peas, Human League, Dépêche Mode, Bee Gees, Cure. Last book: “The Host.” Guilty pleasure: My daily Starbucks coffee. Ocala’s best-kept secret: Tallulah clothing store. Favorite food: Bruchetta. Favorite TV show: “Fringe.” Favorite movie: “Out of Africa.” Favorite sport: Lacrosse and soccer. Favorite drink: Shock Top or Blue Moon. My motto is: We improve life through the art of science. We need to take exceptional care and value each human life. I would rather be in my pool. My favorite fi ctional hero is Jack Bauer. Ocala needs a Pottery Barn store.



Matthew Wardell, 28Music Director, Ocala Symphony Orchestra

About me: I believe the arts are the most important factor in the health of our community. To improve Ocala, I would ban ALL protesting on the Historic Downtown Square. On my playlist: Silence. Strengths: Ability to visualize a goal and motivate people. Weaknesses: I take criticism of things I’m passionate about too personally. Favorite electronic device: My MacBook. Favorite food: Mexican. Favorite TV show: “COPS.” Favorite movie: “The Wrestler.” Favorite drink: Bourbon Highball. Favorite sport: NFL, Jacksonville Jaguars. Guilty pleasures: Michael Jackson and Oreo Blasts from Sonic. Last book: “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.” If I could have a drink with one person, living or dead, it would be a beer with Beethoven (my future book title). Historical fi gure I most identify with is John Adams. Ocala’s best-kept secret: Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Ocala needs a multi-purpose performing arts center.

Anthony Ortiz, 31Firefi ghter/Fire Equipment Operator and Small Business Owner

About me: I enjoy what I do and getting paid for it. My Ocala connection is: I was kind of born into it. Strengths: I have a good sense of humor, which helps me to take diffi cult situations in stride. Weakness: My wife’s cooking. To improve Ocala, I would have more community events. On my playlist: Kings of Leon, Eightpenny and the occasional Sesame Street Elmo remix (for my kids). Favorite food: Pancakes (I think in a former life I was a lumberjack). Favorite TV show: “The Offi ce.” Favorite movie: “Old School.” Favorite sport: Tampa Bay Ray’s baseball. Last book: “Who Moved My Cheese.” Favorite drink: Guinness. Favorite car: Anything in Batman’s garage. Fictional hero: Smokey the Bear. Historical fi gure I most identify with is Benjamin Franklin. Luxury is ramen noodles and baby wipes on a camping trip. My motto is: Laughter is the best medicine. Ocala needs a beach.

Margaret Renaud, Age: 32Staffi ng Firm Manager

About me: I think I represent an old-school work ethic and commitment to community and family. My Ocala connection: I’m a native! Ocala has the perfect combination of geography, proximity to the ocean and large city adventures for me, but it’s still “country” enough to know your neighbors. To improve Ocala, I would love to see an offi cial fairgrounds facility again. Strengths: Ability to excel under pressure and work fast as lighting. Weakness: Diplomacy. On my playlist: Bon Jovi. Favorite elec-tronic device: The DVR. Favorite food: Gravy. Favorite TV show: “Criminal Minds.” Favorite movie: “Listen To Me.” Favorite drink: Sweet tea. Favorite car: 2012 BMW Z4 roadster. Fictional hero: Lucy from “I Love Lucy.” Last book: “Givers Gain” by Ivan Misner. Guilty pleasure: I’m a Jersey Shore fan. My motto is: Work smarter, not harder. I would rather be ocean fi shing. Save the educational system. Ocala’s best-kept secret is the fried pork sandwich at Hungry Bear.



Chad Taylor, 30Client Media Specialist; President, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Insomniac Theatre Company

About me: Years ago I set up a home “movie theater” with a projector and everything. We called it the Chad-O-Plex, and I loved having people over for a Movie-Palooza. To improve Ocala, I would provide more culture, please. Event that changed my life: When I was di-agnosed with Meneire’s Disease and discovered I’m going deaf. On my playlist: Assorted slam (performance) poets, mostly J.W. Baz, Rives and Taylor Mali. Last book: “A Light in the Attic” by Shel Silverstein. Favorite movie: “Joe vs. the Volcano.” Favorite drink: Anything that Ben, the bartender at Lillian’s Music Store, makes. Perfect happiness is knowing that something you’ve created has made people feel something. My motto is: Play now, sleep later! I never leave home without pants. Ocala’s best-kept secret: Lillian’s Music Store. I’m still amazed whenever I walk in there after a rehearsal and there are only a few people enjoying the one “drama free” nightspot I’ve found.

Christina Filio Manolis, 22CEO, Look Again Advertising & Designs

About me: I moved to Ocala less than two years ago and within that time I’ve become an Ambassador at the Ocala Marion Chamber of Commerce, a member of ELO and I’m on the board for MTI Technical Institute. Noteworthy accomplishment: Starting my own business with my husband at 18 years old. To improve Ocala, I would help businesses and individuals prosper with faith and a positive attitude. Strengths: Positive attitude, ambition, faith. On my playlist: Country, R&B and of course Greek music. Favorite electronic device: my iPhone 4. Favorite food: Greek. Favorite TV show: “Undercover Boss.” Favorite movie: “Miss Congeniality.” Favorite drink: Cherry Coke. Favorite sport: Soccer and volleyball. Last book: “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus.” Favorite car: Mercedes SLR. If I could have a drink with one person, it would be Zig Ziglar. My motto is: Attitude is everything! Ocala’s best-kept secret: Ocala’s Chocolate & Confections.

Dr. Sheila Noroozi, 38Podiatrist, Foot and Ankle Surgeon

About me: I’m blessed with a loving family, church friends and honest, fun employees who make all this possible. Noteworthy accomplishment: Becoming board certifi ed in Foot and Ankle Surgery. To improve Ocala, I would build an express route to get across Ocala without getting on SR 200. Strengths: Perseverance, assertiveness, knowledge, sense of humor, honesty. Weakness: Taking on too many commitments. On my playlist: Ben Folds. Favorite food: Deep dish Chicago pizza. Favorite TV shows: “Criminal Minds” and “House.” Favorite sports: NFL, the Indianapolis Colts. Favorite drink: An Americano. Last book: “The Shack.” I would rather be in Costa Rica. I never leave home without sensible shoes. My motto is: Don’t take myself so seriously! And fi nd something to laugh about every day. Ocala’s best-kept secret is Betty Cakes. Ocala needs an Ikea.



Najia Kurdi, 32Sign Language Interpreter, Homeschool Teacher, Mom

About me: As a child I was terribly shy, but one day in college I was called upon to speak about my religion of Islam and help clarify one of the most misunderstood religions in the world. I overcame my fear of public speaking that day. Noteworthy accomplishment: Becoming an interpreter and interpreting coordinator for the deaf at several national conferences. My Ocala connection: I was born and raised in Florida but lived in Ohio for four years during my husband’s residency. When an opportunity opened up for us in 2006 to start my husband’s practice here in Ocala, we jumped at it. Favorite food: Steak and sushi. Favorite movie: “A Walk to Remember.” Favorite sports: Horseback riding and swimming. Favorite drink: Iced tea. Last book: “Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew,” by Sherrie Eldridge. My motto is: If it won’t matter in fi ve years, let it go, and if you see a problem, don’t whine, fi x it!

Lane Hendry, 37Thoroughbred Trainer, Hendry Training Stables

About me: I’m happy to be doing what I love and not punching a clock in a stuffy offi ce somewhere. My Ocala connection: The horse industry. My father and mother are trainers and my father was a jockey. To improve Ocala, I would bring back mom and pop stores. Strength: I think I’ve become better at being patient. Weakness: Stressing over situations I have absolutely no control over. On my playlist: Zac Brown, Blind Pilot, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Skynyrd, Weezer. Favorite food: Seafood, anything Cajun. Favorite TV shows: “The Offi ce,” “SportsCenter.” Favorite movie: “Forest Gump.” Favorite sport: Baseball. Favorite drink: Vitamin Water (Dragonfruit). Last book: Acts, and my truck manual. I would rather be in a boat. I never leave home without a kiss from my wife. If I could have a drink with one person, living or dead, it would be Ronald Reagan. Ocala needs a minor league baseball team, and a Crawfi sh Festival.

Dan Opitz, 40Owner of Precision Equipment

About me: I’ve built the fastest-growing national ophthalmic equipment company from scratch. My Ocala connection: I moved to Ocala with my family when I was seven. To improve Ocala, I would add a major airline terminal. Strengths: Mechanically inclined, problem solver, easy-going, innovative. Weakness: Public speaking. Favorite electronic device: Roomba. Favorite TV show: “How I Met Your Mother.” Favorite movie: “The Shawshank Redemption.” Favorite food: Pizza with pepperoni and garlic. Favorite drink: Bud Light. Favorite sport: Golf. Guilty pleasures: Poker among friends, blackjack. Favorite car: Bentley GT. Luxury is being my own boss. I never leave home without my iPhone. If I could have a drink with one person, living or dead, it would be my grandfather. I would rather be on the 17th green of TPC Sawgrass putting for birdie. Save the reefs. If money were no object, I would buy a submarine. Ocala needs a Cheesecake Factory.



Katy Counts Owen, 246th Grade Science Teacher, Osceola Middle School

About me: I try my best to serve my school and my community every day by submerging myself in a number of activities, including the School Advisory Council and Technology Committee, as well as the Hands of Mercy maternity home for teenage girls and their babies. Noteworthy accomplishment: Serving as Osceola’s Rookie Teacher of the Year for 2010-2011, and fi nishing in the top fi ve for Golden Apple Rookie of the Year. My Ocala connection: Fourth-generation Ocala native. On my playlist: Coldplay, the Avett Brothers, Modest Mouse, James Taylor, Vampire Weekend, Tom Petty and a little Kanye. Favorite electronic device: The DVR. Favorite food: Salads. Favorite TV show: “The Offi ce.” Favorite movie: “Elf.” Favorite sport: Florida football. Last book: “The Shack.” Guilty pleasures: Chocolate, Margaritas, gossip magazines, young adult literature. Save the Marion Theater. I would rather be in Ireland. Ocala’s best kept secret: The Nest on Lake Weir. Ocala needs an Anthropologie.

Thomas James Cook, 28Professional MMA Fighter

About me: I’m a multiple title holder, including the Florida State Title, and a God-fearing Christian who has changed his attitude about almost everything, except choking someone out in the cage. Noteworthy accomplishment: Making it further than anyone said I could and doing it on national TV. My Ocala connection: I was born here. Strengths: Never give up, always looking for the next move. Weaknesses: None. On my playlist: Jason Aldean, Jamie Johnson. Favorite electronic device: My iPhone. Favorite food: Steak. Favorite TV show: “Criminal Minds.” Favorite movie: “The Hangover.” Favorite sport: Baseball. Favorite drink: Bud Light. Last book: The Bible. Guilty pleasure: Double cheeseburgers. Fictional hero: The Hulk. My motto is: Fight hard, train harder. Ocala’s best-kept secret: The amount of talent here. Ocala needs a minor league baseball team.

Jennifer Harmon, 31Development Project Specialist, Hospice of Marion County

About me: I give 110-percent to anything I do, and I have a passion for my family and com-munity. Noteworthy accomplishment: 2010 Business Advocate of the Year. To improve Ocala, I would build a performing arts center. On my playlist: Adele, “21.” Last book: “The Power of Small: Why Little Things Make All the Difference.” Favorite TV show: Anthony Bour-dain’s “No Reservations.” Favorite movies: “Sabrina” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” Favorite sport: Golf. Favorite drink: 7 and 7 with a lime. Guilty pleasure: Ocala Chocolate and Confections and chocolate-covered Oreos. My motto is: Anyone can make a difference. Save the whales! If I could have a drink with one person, it would be: Johnny Walker Blue Label with my Grandpa Harmon. Histori-cal fi gure I most identify with is Princess Diana. I never leave home without saying “I love you!” Ocala’s best-kept secret is my dad’s honey mustard ribs. Ocala needs a Trader Joe’s.



Kristin Elizabeth Vanmeter, 28Director, Interim HealthCare Staffi ng

About me: I’m actively engaged in putting our community back to work. Noteworthy accomplishment: Graduating from UF with High Honors. My Ocala connection: Born and raised here, on the “old” 31st Street. To improve Ocala, I would revitalize downtown, continue bringing in more big companies and buy local! Strengths: I’m organized, obsessively clean and super detail-oriented. Weakness: I have high expectations. On my playlist: Sounds of Nature, 50 Cent, Garth Brooks, Beyonce Favorite electronic device: My iPhone. Favorite food: Anything organic. Favorite TV shows: “Desperate Housewives” and NASA TV. Favorite sports: Football and basketball. Guilty pleasures: Good wine, Louis Vuitton and coming home to a freshly mowed lawn. Fictional hero: Thor. I never leave home without my lip-gloss. My motto is: Say what you mean, mean what you say. Ocala’s best kept secret is historic downtown and my backyard! Ocala needs more entertainment.

Phil Schuck, 32Banking

About me: My biggest business accomplishment was being appointed Marion County President of M&S Bank. My Ocala connection: My family moved here when I was six years old and I’ve been here ever since. On my playlist: Mostly country music, probably Zac Brown Band right now. Favorite food: A really good steak. Favorite TV shows: A tie between “The Offi ce” and “Modern Family.” Favorite sports: Football and golf. Favorite drink: Any cold beer would do just fi ne. Favorite vehicle: My Toyota Tundra. Last book: “The Big Short” by Michael Lewis. Guilty pleasure: Golf. I would rather be in California playing Pebble Beach Golf Links. I never leave home without my cell phone. Luxury is doing what you want without consideration of how much it costs. If money were no object, I would travel and play the best golf courses around the world. Ocala needs a ton of new jobs.

Kayla Williams, 16Entrepreneur

About me: The arts have always been my favorite thing to do. My musical talents come from my great grandmother, who always encouraged me to sing. Now I sing, dance, act and manage fashion shows. Noteworthy accomplishments: Being the youngest Chamber member of all time. My Ocala connection: My mom moved here from England and I was born here. To improve Ocala, I would build more attractions or fun spots for people to visit, especially places for my age group. On my playlist: Lupe Fiasco. Favorite electronic device: My HTC Evo. Favorite food: Ice cream. Favorite TV show: “Body of Proof.” Favorite sport: Volleyball. Favorite drink: Sprite. Favorite car: Renault DeZir. Last book: “Choker.” Guilty pleasures: Listening to music really loud and eating ice cream. Greatest extravagance: SHOES!!! Save the best for last. My motto is: You’re only as small as you think you are. Ocala needs another Winter Fest to showcase our local teen and young adult talent.

To read more or send your 40 under 40 nominee for 2012, go to www.ocalamagazine.com.


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companies, and other manufactur-ers throughout Ocala and Marion County, are taking a number of steps to improve their bottom lines.

1. Sharing Best Practices“Our charter,” Ankoviak says of

MRMA, “is to view best practices and bring services and training to local manu-facturers.” By being members of MRMA, local manufacturers have an opportunity to share best practices, so they can deter-mine where and how other companies are excelling, and identify the best ways to incorporate specific practices into their own businesses.

Ankoviak says it’s not uncommon for local manufacturers to share best practices. “We’ve gone to a number of facilities where they’ve shared their best practices with us,” he says.

It should come as no surprise that, given the current economic times, business for manufactur-ers in Marion County has been up and down. As a result, local manufacturing companies are focusing on a variety of ways,

both internal and external, to improve their bottom lines, and are putting into place new processes and best practices, designed not only to help them survive, but also to grow market share.

Overall, Marion County boasts a diverse base of manufacturing firms, many of which belong to the Marion Regional Manufacturer’s Association, or MRMA. “There are many different types of manufacturing taking place here,” says Jim Ankoviak, who has been with the organization for seven years and currently serves as its president.

Approximately 30 companies in Marion County are members of MRMA, and manufacture everything from freezers, closet storage systems, firefighting equipment and packag-ing materials to water tanks, pop-corn, potato chips, water purifica-tion systems and flow devices for dryers and air conditioners. Among the largest manufacturers locally, in terms of employees, are Closet Maid Corp., Custom Windows and Doors, Signature Brands, Winco Manufac-turing, Quality Banner Co., Pratt In-dustries and ProPoly of America.

Through the MRMA, local man-ufacturers are getting together to share best practices and discuss ways to help make their companies run more efficiently and become more profitable. More and more, these

building better companiesLocal manufacturers are finding innovative ways to survive a

sluggish economy and grow their businesses.

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solution, he says, is for the companies that provide energy services to “get lean. If they don’t figure out how to reduce their costs and manage them and bring them down, it makes it tougher for us in this community” to remain competitive.

Some manufacturers are cutting en-ergy costs by controlling them inter-nally, often through simple solutions. By switching from halogen to fluores-cent lighting, for instance, Ankoviak says he was able to cut costs in his own company. Not only do fluorescent lights use less energy, but they also run cooler than halogen lighting, which saves on air conditioning costs.

Health care costs are also increas-ingly difficult for companies to manage. “We’re trying to be as creative as we possibly can to keep that cost minimal

to our employees, but it is a significant cost to our company,” he notes.

5. expanding product linesGiven the difficult economic environ-

ment, many manufacturers are expand-ing their product lines as a way to drive growth. And when it comes to creating new products, Ankoviak says his com-pany, like many others, is listening to its customers. “Instead of creating designs here and bringing them out to market, we’re doing a better job of listening to the customers, and we’re building what they want.”

In the end, Ankoviak says the goal for his company is the same for other man-ufacturers throughout Marion County: “Our goal here is to grow market share, to be able to hire more people and to provide some sense of job security.” O

2. Improving efficiency and Reducing WasteAn important area of best practices

for manufacturers is improving an op-eration’s overall efficiency and reducing or eliminating waste. “Within the four walls, there are a lot of dollars still to be saved,” Ankoviak says of his own com-pany, Wilco, which manufactures patient aid products such as dialysis chairs.

One solution, which is being adopted by more and more manufacturers, is to incorporate ‘lean’ manufacturing. “In es-sence, this involves removing waste from the operation,” Ankoviak explains.

Lean manufacturing, developed in part by Toyota, emphasizes optimal flow in the manufacturing process, and helps businesses identify “seven wastes” that can be reduced, including wasted trans-

portation, inventory, motion, waiting, over-processing, over-production and defects, that can take a bite out of profits. “It isn’t a new concept,” Ankoviak says, “but there are a lot of tools that are being developed,” which can help manufactur-ers pinpoint areas of waste.

Another concept Ankoviak advocates is one-piece part flow, as opposed to a batch flow. Again, it’s a process perfected by Toyota, and involves moving indi-vidual parts through the manufacturer process, rather than batches of parts, to remove bottlenecks and ensure all work-ers are operating at peak efficiency.

3. Training and empowering employeesTraining is another way manufac-

turers can improve efficiency and re-duce waste. “We’ve been doing a lot of training, and we’ve brought some

new talent into the organization, and that’s helping,” Ankoviak says of his own company. “As we improve the skill sets of our employees, that will allow us to go back and help offset those in-creased costs that we have to make us more competitive.”

For training, Ankoviak combines the concept of ‘lean’ manufacturing with the Six Sigma management strategy. Developed by Motorola, Six Sigma provides tools, methods and statistical analysis programs manufacturers can use to not only improve efficiency and reduce waste, but also to ensure mini-mal defects in products.

In the past, Ankoviak notes, train-ing at his company was basic, but now training is more specific, focusing on everything from the manufacturing side

to customer service. “We’re covering all spectrums,” he notes.

His company also rewards the best suggestions from employees, using a point system that employees can convert to dollars. Again, this approach helps the company identify areas for improvement.

4. controlling energy and Health care costsExternal factors, such as the cost of

energy and health care, have a big impact on the growth and profitability of local manufacturers. Energy costs are particu-larly problematic.

“Like everybody else, we’re getting im-pacted by the cost of fuel,” Ankoviak says. “It has an impact not only in shipping our products, but also on commodity costs, which are going up. That has a di-rect correlation to the bottom line.” One

One innovative solution, which is being adopted by more and more manufacturers, is to incorporate ‘lean’ manufacturing, which helps to

improve efficiency and remove waste from the operation.building better companies

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i llustration/photography credit i name goes here044 I ocalamagazIne.com I June 2011

engraved on a heavy marble obelisk are the words “Manufactured Housing Industry National Awards

2011 Supplier Person of the Year – Dave Carter & Associates, Inc.” The prestigious award is perched alongside other similar awards on a mantle windowsill adjacent to a majestic oak conference table. The setting exudes the dominance Dave Carter & Associates has had in the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries for more than 30 years.

“It was like winning a Heisman,” says Dave Carter Jr. about the national award, which he received before a gathering of industry peers in Las Vegas earlier this year. Every industry has its top award and for us, this is definitely the highest honor someone in our business can receive.

It was a well-deserved honor for a company that has been led with unflinching offensive and defensive moves by Dave Carter Sr., executed by an exemplary business team. “The company’s general managers,” says Dave Sr., “are second to none.” He believes it is important in any business to handpick every employee with the future in mind. Dave Carter & Associates believe strongly in promoting from within and it is not uncommon to find someone working on a loading dock who has a four-year degree from a major university. It is their

way of building a strong foundation that has made the difference in their fight for survival in a tough economy.

The company is in the process of handing off the reins of leadership to Dave Jr., who recently proved his own command of the industry with a bold move to purchase extra copper during a month in which manufacturers typically buy short. The smart move netted the company millions of dollars. Despite even these types of successes, Dave Jr. knows he has big shoes to fill. His father has been a trendsetter for decades and he feels extremely lucky to have had such a seasoned mentor.

Dave Sr. went into the supply business in 1978 with the Falcon Corporation, the parent corporation of all his other businesses. A series of mergers, acquisitions and buy/sell agreements have left the Carter team on top of their industry.

With competition currently down to typically one competitor per product line, they anticipate their 2012 sales to match their 1998 sales, which was their best year so far. In Alabama, the company has 98 percent of the market share.

In 2008, the RV industry all but completely shut down. Production dropped 95 percent. “I had people in buildings and trucks but no orders,” says Dave Sr. “We made a commitment to our employees and our customers that we would find a way to weather

this storm and come through it a leaner, more efficient company that could withstand just about anything the economy or our competitors could throw at us and we did it.”

One key move they made was to purchase a single piece of software that cost the company over one million dollars. This amazing software gives them the ability to see their entire business in real time. At any given moment, they can look at any single transaction as it is happening and how it is going to affect their bottom line. “I don’t need to wait for monthly reports on costs and overhead. I can pull the numbers at the push of a button and if I see a problem in Indiana, I’m on top of it today and it didn’t take my managers long to figure out that they had better be looking at the same calculations I was,” says Dave Sr. “It was a great way to get everyone focused on every sale and how important it is to always keep the bottom line in clear view.”

The company reacted quickly, making some other tough choices. By cutting overhead 40 percent over a six-month period it was able to survive. Many of the company’s competitors, however, were gone. Dave Carter & Associates has never looked back and is poised to remain the dominant figure in the business for years to come.

Dave Sr. credits the company’s survival to experience. “I’ve lived through five

story: John sotomayor + Ken r. Keeton photos: Fred Lopez

Despite the economy, which forced many of the nation’s mobile home and RV supply companies to throw in the towel, industry leader Dave Carter & Associates made tough decisions and remains on top, with Dave

Carter Jr. positioned as the quarterback for a winning team.

on top of their game

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promotional feature

of these downturns, and I knew what to do,” he says. “My people did what I asked them to do, and we’re still here.”

Today, the company faces a different challenge. With 75 to 100 percent of the market share in an industry that’s not growing, how does the company expand? Dave Sr. has an answer: new product lines. They recently re-developed a product that had not been revised for over 50 years and immediately took over as the industry leader in sales for that specific product. The industry continues to look at us for product development. Dave Sr. has a favorite saying about his employees concerning this frame of mind. “If you’re not thinking on the edge, I don’t want you working here.”

Dave Sr. acts as coach to Dave Jr., who is now the company’s star quarterback. Carter Jr. is used to winning. He played football for Forest High School here in Ocala and was part of the team that won back-to-back state championships. The lessons he learned then has certainly transferred well to his career in business. After spending time with the Carters, you can feel that winning is something they expect from themselves and everyone around them. To them, success is not an event, but a state of mind.

This is a tight-knit team, and by no means a one-man operation. Most of the company’s senior managers have never worked for anyone else. Bottom line: the Carters hire men and women with character — people you can trust.

As a result, Dave Carter & Associates deliver to their customers the highest-quality service and the best product values possible, and create products they can depend on. This commitment to excellence creates a winning reputation, one the Carters are proud of, and one their team continues to uphold and build upon.

for information:Dave Carter & Associates

3530 SW 7th StreetOcala, FL 33474352.732.2992

Dave Carter, Senior andDave Carter, Junior

on top of their game

ADV_Dave Carter & Assoc.indd 45 6/3/11 8:14:22 PM

046 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I 2010 April

MTInot your parent’s school

Ocala’s Marion Technical Institute (MTI) offers a unique opportunity for Marion County students to complete their high school education

while preparing for tomorrow’s careers.STORY: KEN R. KEETON, JD

ADV_MTI_0611 alt.indd 46 6/3/11 4:51:54 PM

promotional feature

ILLUSTRATION/PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT I NAME GOES HERE

Far too many students are leaving high school early or graduating without the skills needed to

thrive in today’s fast paced economy. Ideally, a student’s high school years should be time spent preparing for the many challenges ahead. Studies have shown that when students are part of a program that is made up of other students with similar interests, there is improved buy-in, higher promotion rates and substantially better post secondary success than in traditional school settings.

Ocala’s MTI has developed a unique environment that allows the student to complete their high school education while also developing skills and gaining experience that can be used immediately upon graduation. MTI offers many programs that are just as varied as they are unique. A student can learn the skills needed to work in a law firm, a manufacturing facility or the construction industry. They can work in all aspects of the restaurant business or in the on-campus, full service “Bistro” or learn to be an entrepreneur in the Business and Finance Academy. From fixing cars to fixing computers – MTI has it all!

The experience at MTI doesn’t end with simply learning about these different industries, but offers internships with many of Marion County’s top businesses and governmental agencies. Very often these internships turn into job offers at the firms they have worked with while at MTI. Business leaders from all over the area actively seek out MTI graduates when looking to fill vacancies. The school has gained a well deserved reputation for being a great resource for local businesses to cultivate talent. It is very refreshing to hear time after time how impressed local business leaders are with their many experiences with MTI students and graduates.

11th and 12th Grade students and

parents who want to participate in this program follow an application and acceptance process for the limited seats available. The students must maintain a high degree of scholastic achievement throughout their time at MTI to remain in the program. Walking through the campus takes on a different feel with everyone there having a common goal. Many visitors to MTI often comment on how the students and the faculty seem to have a sense of pride and enthusiasm that make this school exceptional

This program is important in another very valuable way. Whenever any company considers moving their business or creating a business in the Marion County area, they always look to see how well-trained the workforce is and how easy or difficult it will be to fill their jobs with quality applicants. MTI plays a vital role in this equation. Marion County is proud to have this type of facility available to its high school students.

It’s very important to mention that MTI would not exist without the tireless efforts of many individuals and business partners in the area. While the list is too many to mention in its entirety, it should be noted that organizations like the Economic Development Counsel (EDC), CLM Workforce Board and the Marion County School Board have been extremely instrumental in making this program a reality. They, along with the many others, should be commended for their tireless efforts and generosity to assure the continued success of these programs and school.MTI has been mistaken for many things in the past from a detention center to an adult vocational facility.

MTI is simply this: a BLESSING. The opportunity to provide quality technical programs with Nationally Recognized Certifications, endless b u s i n e s s c o n n e c t i o n s w i t h

professionals willing to share their time, treasure and talent, and rigorous academics in a “small school” setting that promotes positive relationships is simply priceless.

for information:Marion Technical Institute

1614 SE FT. King StreetOcala, FL 34471352.671.4765

MTI programs offer:

Flexible learning opportunities• Real world learning experiences• Community/business learning• Business and school/classroom • connectionsOpportunity for dual enrollment • in career area to extend learning and educational processIntegration of technology into • various career fields

MTInot your parent’s school

tireless efforts of many individuals and business partners in the area. While the list is too many to mention in its entirety, it should be noted that organizations like the Economic Development Counsel (EDC), CLM Workforce Board and the Marion County School Board have been extremely instrumental in making this program a reality. They, along with the many others, should be commended for their tireless efforts and generosity to assure the continued success of these programs and school.MTI has been mistaken for many things in the past from a detention center to an adult vocational facility.

MTI is simply this: a BLESSING. The opportunity to provide quality technical programs with Nationally Recognized Certifications, endless b u s i n e s s c o n n e c t i o n s w i t h

Ocala’s Marion Technical Institute (MTI) offers a unique opportunity for Marion County students to complete their high school education

while preparing for tomorrow’s careers.

ADV_MTI_0611 alt.indd 47 6/3/11 4:51:28 PM

The next time you look at a The next time you look at a Tcardboard box, think of it as a soldier in the global sustainability

movement. That’s because chances are that box was made by Pratt Industries, the national leader in the manufacture of 100 percent recycled corrugated (“cardboard”) boxes and corrugated (“cardboard”) displays. The company has more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States, including one in Ocala.

Founded 20 years ago, Pratt Industries is now America’s sixth-largest paper and packaging company, operating three of the most modern, cost-effective and 100-percent recycled paper mills in the nation, making it a leader in sustainability.

“Our three paper mills throughout the United States help to reduce landfills, water usage, electricity and carbon emissions,” says Keith Davis, general manager of the Ocala facility.

The Pratt principle is committed to environmental management by “harvesting the urban forest.” In other words, every year the company recycles

1 million tons of waste paper and old corrugated containers -- the equivalent of saving 17 million trees a year -- through its innovative closed-loop recycling and cradle-to-cradle product design.

This makes Pratt good for business. Representing the leading manufacturers, Pratt can recommend and install the right equipment for any job with a genuine appreciation of your business objectives to develop solutions tailored to your operations.

Pratt is not only a manufacturer but also a consultant. The company’s Customer Technical Center is one example of how Pratt Industries is dedicated to both the corrugated industry and your business.

“In Ocala, we have a local structural design and graphics design departments to service our clients’ needs,” says Davis.

Pratt is also good for the community. Internationally, Pratt’s philanthropy has generously contributed to organizations such as New Orleans Hurricane Relief, National Children’s Cancer Society and Elton John’s AIDS Foundation. Locally, Pratt Industries of Ocala contributes time and money to organizations such as ARC Marion, Junior Achievement, the Marion Regional Manufacturer’s Association and more.

Pratt is proud to say the company’s employees have backed its philanthropic endeavors. Davis served as an executive board member for ARC Marion and served as the president of the Marion Regional Manufacturer’s Association for two years. Pratt Industries is committed to the communities in which they live and work.

for information:Pratt Industries

227 S.W. 57th Ave.Ocala, FL 34474

352-237-4122 or 800-373-7881Fax: 352-237-8470

Pratt Industries of Ocala uses sustainable practices in the manufacture of its products, which is good for our environment,

our community and your business.

Pratt sees value in recycling

Pratt_0611_O.indd 48 6/3/11 8:16:36 PM

The Fontaine Financial Group, LLC, is not a registered investment advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice. Fontaine Financial Group, LLC Associates offer securities through AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY, 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC. Jane B. Fontaine, Grant McMahon, and Jeff Zysek offer investment Advisor services through AXA Advisors, LLC. Annuities and Insurance products offered through AXA Network, LLC and its subsidiaries. The Fontaine Financial Group, LLC is not a Registered Investment Advisor, and is not owned or operated by AXA Advisors or AXA Network. PPG57392(8/10)

Retirement Planning // Investment Services // Estate & Tax Planning // Life InsuranceFinancial Planning Insurance for Business Needs

1721 SE 16th Avenue, Suite 103Ocala, FL 34471-4641Phone 352.622.9090Email: jane.fontaine@axa-advisors.comwww.jane.fontaine.myaxa-advisors.comwww.fontainefi nancialgroup.com

FISCAL FITNESS through professional planning

We provide fi nancial coaching for retirees, professionals and small busi-ness owners to assist in enhancing and protecting wealth through life-style management.

Our mission is to assist clients with their strategic planning by identifying and prioritizing personal and business fi nancial goals and wealth manage-ment. We provide you the information necessary to shift focus from asset accumulation and protection to income management.

Our fi rm’s collective capabilities and experience – together with our team ap-proach – allows us to assess and offer you a wide range of fi nancial products and services.

FONTAINEFONTAINEFONTAINEFINANCIAL GROUP

and services.

Jane B. FontaineM.S., CFP ®, ChFC, CLU, AEP™, CASL

Left to right:Grant McMahon,

Financial ProfessionalSteven L. Smiley, CLU, CHFC

Jeff Zysek, MBA, Financial Professional

Fontaine_Financial_0611.indd 49 6/2/11 9:36:56 AM

i llustration/photography credit i name goes here058 I ocalamagazIne.com I 2011 June

Concern over sinkholes can lead to anxiety and even depression, but there’s no need to worry. Here’s what you need to know

about Florida’s quirky natural occurrences.story: john sotomayor

Feature_Sinkholes_0611.indd 58 6/2/11 4:28:22 PM


Y ou’ve seen the images — massive craters that seem to open up without warning, sometimes the size of Buicks or larger, occupying spaces where homes once stood. Search the Florida Geological

Survey archives, for instance, and you’ll find a photo of a massive sinkhole in Winter Park, Fla. The employees of a Porsche dealership noticed a little sinkhole in the parking lot one evening. By the next morning, it had swallowed an entire city block.

The good news is that sinkholes of that size don’t occur very often in Marion County. However, property damage from sinkholes remains a concern across the state of Florida. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to prevent one. But having a basic understanding of sinkholes will be helpful should you encounter one and need to know how to handle it.

What are Sinkholes?Simply put, a sinkhole is a depression

of the earth. It occurs when the soil beneath it gives way, causing the surface to drop. It’s a phenomenon found worldwide, but in Florida sinkholes are fairly common, since our soil is composed primarily of limestone, which is naturally porous. This allows an extensive aquifer system to exist beneath the surface of the ground. Sinkholes act as natural inlets, replenishing aquifer water.

Jonny Heath, president of Geo-Tech, an engineering firm based in Ocala, adds that sinkholes are a growing concern in Marion County because of the expansion of building in the area. “The more acreage you cover, the higher probability for a sinkhole,” he says. “Naturally, Marion County has been on a growth spurt for several years, and we are building in areas that were somewhat undeveloped in the county, so naturally we started to escalate the occurrence or frequency of sinkholes, because we developed more areas.”

Heath’s company has been operating in Ocala for over 12 years, and he has

worked on sinkholes and geo-technical exploration for more than 25 years. Marion County is a high recharge area for the aquifer, as evidenced by the numerous springs in the region. As the aquifer recharges, its elevation changes, rising and falling through periods of heavy rains and drought. That often softens the limestone, cause ground settlement and collapses.

“The sinkholes we have here are deeper-occurring sinkholes, but they’re not the catastrophic-type sinkholes that swallow up city blocks, as you see down in the Winter Park and Orlando areas,” assures Heath.

Here in Marion County, our limestone is fairly shallow, evidenced by all the limestone quarries in our area. “So the depth of that limestone limits how big the sinkholes can be,” Heath says.

While sinkholes in Florida sometimes occur in sets, most are isolated incidents. The most common sinkhole damage seen in Marion County includes corner areas of houses, interior of houses and areas that require remediation.

Although the underlying limestone is honeycombed with cavities of various sizes, most will never collapse, especially during our lifetimes. As a result, most Floridians are not concerned about sinkholes until they hear about one, especially if they hear of one nearby, such as in a neighbor’s yard.

If a sinkhole does occur in your neighborhood, it’s always prudent to inspect you own property for any sinking or soft areas. However, unless the neighbor’s sinkhole is very large and extends into your property, there’s no need to worry.

If a Sinkhole OccursStill, homeowners should be aware of

the dangers associated with an open hole near your property, says George C. Sinn, Jr., principal engineer of Central Florida Testing Laboratories in Clearwater. The hole that initially forms at the surface may be small, but the underlying soils are usually weak, and grasses or roots may be supporting vegetation that covers up a much larger void. He warns that anyone

experiencing a hole on their property should not walk up to its edge, but should probe the ground around it to make sure it’s solid before getting too close to it.

If the hole is large enough to endanger the house, then the homeowner should vacate the building until qualified personnel have investigated it. Often the local fire department, building department or police will either inspect the hole or inform the owner of whom to contact. “Next,” says Sinn, “I would contact the homeowner’s insurance company about the sinkhole and let them handle it from there.”

With regard to property damage, Sinn advises the best approach is keeping track of maintenance and wear-and-tear of your property. Perform routine maintenance around your home, such as caulking, painting and tree pruning, and keep an eye out for any damage that seems to be getting progressively worse. “If damage suddenly occurs or pre-existing small cracks in the house start lengthening or widening, then contact your insurance company,” he warns.

The damage may or may not be due to sinkhole activity. However, conditions that are or were present since the house was built rarely wait long periods of time before all of the sudden starting to cause damage.

The most common concern when homeowners are buying a home in Florida is that the property has pre-existing sinkhole damage. Safety is often the primary concern here.

When it comes to repairing damage to a property caused by a sinkhole, there are many different techniques used by numerous engineering companies, from simple grout injection to more advanced systems of engineered reinforced plugs, pins and concrete.

Generally, if a repair has been certified by a licensed engineer and completed to the satisfaction of the homeowner’s insurance company, then it is probably safe. Keep in mind, however, that since you are dealing with Mother Nature, there are no guarantees that a repaired sinkhole will not cause future problem. Oph

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Feature_Sinkholes_0611.indd 59 6/2/11 4:28:43 PM

060 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I 2011 March

The I.C.E. Newsletterby Asad Qumar, M.D.

The Cath Lab: A Week in Review

Michael McElroy, RCIS

My patient is a 68-yr old with past history of smoking. She presented with left leg pain. The blockage in the left leg artery was treated with a stent after atherectomy.

Dana Hostetler, RCIS

My 57-yr old male patient presented with a severe blockage in the left leg artery. He is now enjoying fi shing with his grandson.

Sara Dunman, CVT

My 72-yr old retired executive male patient presented with right leg fatigue on jogging. He just ran a half marathon without any problems.

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I LLUSTRATION/PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT I NAME GOES HERE

promotional feature

March 2011 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I 061

Continued on following page

Lisa Wills, RN

My 46-yr old diabetic female patient had also smoked for several years. She was sent to us by her podiatrist for left leg cramping upon walking. After treatment she has lost 15 pounds by regular walking.

Sonya Baker, RCIS

My 80-yr old German female patient presented with a blood clot and a blockage in the right leg. I recently saw her at Publix - she has been doing great.

Jayson Wisdom - Santa Fe Student

Mr. X is an 85-yr old active male patient with classic left leg claudication. He recently won a golfi ng event at The Villages.

Caitlin Desonsa - Santa Fe Student

My patient is a retired general surgeon from Armenia. He presented with an occlusion of the right superfi cial femoral artery. He was kind enough to thank us by bringing a ton of goodies to the offi ce.

ADV_Qamar_0611.indd 61 6/3/11 9:41:32 PM

0062 I ocalamagazIne.com I December 2008 illustration/photography credit i name goes here

Ashley Boutwell, RN

My 69-yr old retired federal employee presented with a non-healing foot ulcer due to a blockage in the left superficial femoral artery. His left foot ulcer is rapidly healing.

Cathy Duncan, RN

My 80-yr old retired architect from New York presented with diffuse calcified disease in the left leg artery. He recently celebrated his 56th wedding anniversary.

Debbie Howell, RCIS

My 55-yr old manager from Publix presented with right leg numbness upon walking. At present he is on vacation with his wife.

We took care of all these patients While in recovery, and are very

excited about their speedy recovery.

from left to right, mary Johnson, kim tighe,

danny valentin and le baron

Continued from previous page

ADV_Qamar_0611.indd 62 6/3/11 9:42:09 PM

WELLNESS WITH WEINBAUM

Linda Weinbaum is a breath of fresh air in Ocala, and she’s ready to make a differ-ence in a town that loves horses as much as she does.

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Certifi ed Diplomate, Weinbaum arrived in Ocala just two years ago with more than 30 years of experience in the private practice setting. Having recently opened a practice in downtown Ocala, she’s ready to share her experiences and services with physicians and patients alike.

A dressage rider, Weinbaum knew Ocala was home the moment she set foot here. The serenity of Ocala was ideal for her profession and for her family. Her husband is a psychiatrist recruited for the Centers.

Weinbaum’s areas of specialty include adult treatment of depression, anxiety, stress management, co-dependency, problematic relationship patterns, marital and family therapy, ADHD and PTSD. She has worked extensively with sexual and physical abuse victims, and she’s treated returning soldiers who are dealing with adjustments after deployment.

Weinbaum helps clients maximize their benefi ts in therapy using a full range of treatment options and educational tools, such as mental health and communica-tion skills, stress management techniques and teaching them how to organize and prioritize their lives.

“For some clients, it will also be impor-tant to coordinate care with their doctor and I can help them be a knowlegable consumer,” says Weinbaum. The needs of the client always come fi rst.

Weinbaum welcomes referrals from doctors and would like to get to know you and your practice.

for information:Linda Weinbaum,

ACSW, BCD, LCSWWeinbaum Clinical Services

108 N. Magnolia Ave.Ocala, FL 34475352-620-2016

Fax: 352-620-2015

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Pro_Weinbaum_0611.indd 55 6/3/11 2:47:19 PM

064 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I 2011 June064 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I 064 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I 064 2011 June

The fourth annual Dancing with the Doctors event,

which takes place in July, combines the fun and benefits of dancing

with a greater purpose—giving back to the community

ADV_Dancing for a Cause_0611.indd 64 6/3/11 7:06:01 PM


t’s going to be an evening of elegance,” Dr. Justin Ferns, M.D., says of the Fourth Annual Dancing with the

Doctors event, scheduled for Saturday, July 16, at the Jumbolair Ballroom at Jumbolair Aviation

Estates. In addition to dancing and dancing exhibitions, the evening’s festivities will include a sit-down dinner featuring gourmet cuisine

and a silent auction.The goal of Dancing with the

Doctors, which was founded four years ago by Dr. Ferns, is to combine the enjoyment and health benefits of dancing with a way to give back to the youth of our community. This year’s event will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County and the Ocala Police Department Youth Programs. Beneficiaries in previous years have included the Monroe Foundation, the YMCA, and the Drayton Florence Foundation.

“Dancing with the Doctors started as a fun idea, and a way for doctors to get together for a greater cause,” Dr. Ferns says. He created the event as a collaboration between the local medical community and local dance studios. This year, says Nicole Larson, event coordinator, Dancing with the Doctors is unique, “due to the hands-on approach by the doctors and the dance studios to maximize donations.” Along with local medical professionals who will be dancing, the event will feature world champion ballroom dancers and

choreographers performing exhibitions.Approximately 380 to 400 people,

including 15 to 18 dancing doctors, are expected to attend the optional black-tie event. During the evening, guests will have the opportunity to view more than a dozen demonstrations of different types of ballroom dancing, performed by members of the local medical community, as well as some of the area’s leading dance instructors.

Joe Mounts of Beacon Ballroom,

for instance, will perform a tango with his partner, Mary Lou Nast. Mounts choreographed the dance himself, drawing on his training as a choreographer for 25 years. “People have a sense of accomplishment when they dance,” he says, “and it fits everyone’s different needs. For some people, it can help them overcome shyness, while for others it’s a way to lose weight. Others who are more confident enjoy the competitive nature of dancing.”

John Whipple of Dancin’ Around Studios is assisting Dr. Ferns with the event to organize music, coordinate dancers and train several of them for their exhibitions. However, he says, “My proudest contribution will be dancing an exhibition with Rayna Chandra, the daughter of Dr. Ravi and Dr. Tina Chandra. Rayna’s a wonderful dancer,” he continues. “She’s won many ProAm dance competitions and won third place in the world in 2010, dancing in the junior teen division.”

Whipple and Chandra will dance a West Coast swing dance to a Justin

Bieber tune. “There are many young dancers, and they love the capability to dance to their music styles.”

The West Coast Swing, Whipple explains, is a partner dance derived from the Lindy hop. “It’s characterized by a distinctive elastic look that results from its basic extension-compression technique of partner connection, and is danced primarily in a slotted area on the dance floor. The dance allows for both partners to improvise steps while

dancing together, putting the West Coast Swing on a short list of dances that put a premium on improvisation.”

Other exhibition dances guests can expect to see at the event include the NightClub, performed by Dr. David and Diana Lammermeier to the song “Before the Night Ends” by Yanni; a Quickstep, danced by Dr. Richard and Celia Truesdale; and the Rumba, performed by Dr. and Mrs. Koka. In addition, Dr. David and Ryan Martin will perform the West Coast Swing to the song “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green, and Tom Rolfes, a physician’s assistant who works with Dr. Lammermeier at Ocala Heart Institute, will perform the West Coast Swing with his wife, Kathy, in a performance choreographed by Stephen White, a West Coast Swing champion.

Ballroom dancing students from the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County will open the show, performing a routine created by Trish Sands, a local dance instructor who dedicates her time to the Boys & Girls Club by teaching various forms of ballroom dance. She

promotional feature

The goal of Dancing with the Doctors… is to combine the enjoyment and health benefits of dancing with a way to give back to the youth of our community.



also sits on the Dancing With the Doctors board. The performance by the Boys & Girls Club students is another new addition to this year’s event.

Although there will be numerous dancing exhibitions during the evening, guests will also have plenty of time to get out on the dance floor themselves during open dancing periods. Even the dance floor itself is special. “It’s a large dance floor coming from Tampa,” Dr. Ferns says, noting that the floor was donated for the event by Dance America Productions, which is involved in professional dancing at the national level.

“They donated it because they know what we do here,” Dr. Ferns adds. “Our event is now an entity that is known outside of Ocala, throughout Central Florida. But for now, this event is unique to Ocala.”

As an indication of its success, the event has reached out far beyond the medical community, with a number

of local businesses sponsoring it. “Sponsors and affiliates of Dancing with the Doctors understand that community enrichment is the key to community development,” says Nicole Larson.

This year’s event is already the most successful in its four-year history, despite the recovering economy. This is due in part to a different approach this year, since the “dancing doctors” developed a “medical action committee” to draw in funds, while event coordinators maximized event exposure.

The event’s organizers are still looking for items for the silent auction, and welcome contributions. “We’re looking for silent auction donations of any value,” says Nicole. “We will, of course, acknowledge you for your contribution to a good cause.” Silent auction items will include free dance instructions from local professionals.

Tickets for the event are almost sold out, although there are a few

still available at a special price. For ticket information, or if you have an item you’d like to donate to the silent auction, contact Nicole Larson at 352-620-5172.

In addition, Dancing with the Doctors will collaborate with Bobby Tillander to host a “Boys & Girls Club Supplies Drive” at the Ocala Entertainment Complex on Saturday, June 25th. The event welcomes donations of general school supplies, board games and after-school snacks. Attendees who bring an item will receive $5 off the general admission.

for information:Dancing with the Doctors

July 16, 20116:00 to 10:30 p.m.

Cocktails and Silent Auction Hours:6:00 to 7:00 p.m.352-620-5172

www.dancingwiththedoctors.com

Dancing With the Doctors: The BeneficiariesThe Boys & Girls Club of Marion County and the Ocala Police Department Youth Programs will be the beneficiaries of this year’s Dancing with the

Doctors event. Here are a few quick facts about these worthy organizations.

The Boys & Girls Club of Marion CountyDirector: Jerry Lanewww.bgcofmarion.com• Safe place to learn and grow• Ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals• Life enhancing programs and character development experiences• Hope and Opportunity• Club reaches out to kids who cannot afford or may lack access to other

community programs. Dues are low, averaging $25 annually.

OPD Youth ProgramsSgt. Angie Scroblewww.OcalaPD.com• Leadership and Development Camps• Provides youth with the tools to resist drugs and violence• One on One positive role modeling with police officers• D.A.R.E. program• Provides summer programs to educate youth on bullying,

bike safety and peer pressure• Provides tutoring• Offers economically feasible youth summer programs



Sleep Apnea affects 1 in 5 adults. If left untreated, it can be a contributing risk factor to High Blood Pressure, Stroke, Type II Diabetes and Depression.

Accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Do you suffer from:Snoring?Fatigue or Daytime Sleepiness?Problems with memory and / or concentration? Depression or Mood changes? Restless Sleep?Insomnia?

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Contact us to learn more about sleep disorders and/or to set-up an appointment with one of our Board Certifi ed Sleep Specialists.

Helping people who are Tired of Being Tired

Ricardo F. Izurieta, M.D., FCCP, DABSM • Dennis P. Sorresso, M.D., FCCP, DABSM • Jose Delgado-Elvir, M.D., FCCP

9401 SW State Rd 200, Bldg 2000, Suite 2003, Ocala, FL 34481 (p) 352-873-7500 (f) 352-861-7501

Calvin L. Cook President Robert Covo CEO


068 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I June 2011

Lucy’s heart broke as she realized that the anxiety her once-happy daughter Dulce was experiencing was caused by her own hand. Being disciplined by hand was all Lucy knew as a child. Growing up,

she was made to feel subservient by her parents, and was left with few choices. Now in the parental role, she had destroyed her own daughter’s natural curiosity and depleted her self-esteem.

Pregnant a second time, Lucy wanted to break the cycle, but she didn’t know how. Then she heard of the Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS), one of the oldest statewide organizations in Florida, which has been serving the needs of children and families for nearly a century.

Founded in 1902 as an adoption agency, CHS has successfully placed more than 37,000 children in loving, adoptive homes. More recently, the organization has expanded its services to include a steadfast campaign called Healthy Families Florida, designed to end child abuse and neglect.

“I wanted to be a good mom, but I felt I was making too many mistakes with my first daughter,” Lucy explained recently. “I didn’t have the maturity to know enough to parent her because of my own childhood. I wanted what was best for my daughters and thought maybe Healthy Families could help.”

CHS provides a number of services in the Marion County area, including the Healthy Families Florida prevention program, says Jennifer Anchors, CHS Mid-Florida Division executive director. The voluntary home visiting program staff works with parents before any child abuse occurs, often before the child is even born.

The Healthy Families Florida program, offered by the

Children’s Home Society of Florida, is designed to help parents

break the cycle of abuse, so they can raise healthy,

happy children.

breaking the

cycle

068 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I June June June 2011

Lucy’s heart broke as she realized that the anxiety her once-happy daughter Dulce was experiencing was caused by her own hand. Being disciplined by hand was all Lucy knew as a child. Growing up,

she was made to feel subservient by her parents, and was left with few choices. Now in the parental role, she had destroyed her own daughter’s natural curiosity and depleted her self-esteem.

Pregnant a second time, Lucy wanted to break the cycle, but she didn’t know how. Then she heard of the Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS), one of the oldest statewide organizations in Florida, which has been serving the needs of children and families for nearly a century.

Founded in 1902 as an adoption agency, CHS has successfully placed more than 37,000 children in loving, adoptive homes. More recently, the organization has expanded its services to include a steadfast campaign called Healthy Families Florida, designed to end child abuse and neglect.

“I wanted to be a good mom, but I felt I was making too many mistakes with my first daughter,” Lucy explained recently. “I didn’t have the maturity to know enough to parent her because of my own childhood. I wanted what was best for my daughters and thought maybe Healthy Families could help.”

CHS provides a number of services in the Marion County area, including the Healthy Families Florida prevention program, says Jennifer Anchors, CHS Mid-Florida Division executive director. The voluntary home visiting program staff works with parents before any child abuse occurs, often before the child is even born.

The Healthy Families Florida program, offered by the

Children’s Home Society of Florida, is designed to help parents

break the cycle of abuse, so they can raise healthy,

happy children.

breaking the

cyclebreaking the

cyclebreaking the

ADV_Children's Home_0611.indd 68 6/3/11 6:06:00 PM

promotional feature

Healthy Families Florida begins working with new mothers when they are pregnant and continues to provide services until the child is five years old. The program recognizes that many children are living in at-risk situations, in homes where domestic violence is a threat, due to young mothers or mothers without a good support system.

“Babies do not come with instruction manuals,” says Anchors, so the program itself offers skill teaching, with an emphasis on the developmental stages of children.

“One of the common myths people have is that all parents should know better,” says Anchors. “The truth of the matter is that unless we see something different, we will parent the way we were parented, because we don’t know better—we haven’t seen anything different.” In Lucy’s case, she really did assume all families functioned the way hers did.

CHS works toward providing the parents and other caregivers living in the home with the knowledge and skills they need to create a stable home, free from child abuse and neglect, so children can grow up healthy, nurtured and ready to succeed in school and in life.

Healthy Families Florida has a proven track record. Ninety-eight percent of the families served by the program have not had any instances of child abuse and neglect within one year of program completion. Anchors places emphasis on the voluntary nature of the program, and notes that anyone can refer themselves or someone they know and love.

After beginning the program, Lucy noticed changes almost immediately. Although she suffered from post-partum depression after the birth of Dulce, she felt nothing but the joy of motherhood after bringing home her second daughter, Alexa. Having met regularly with her CHS Family Support Worker, Lucy learned how to practice patience, to discipline without hitting and to allow Alexa to safely satisfy her curiosity. “I know now that children need to learn from their mistakes, and I respect that,” Lucy says. “As children, they need to be respected too.”

Healthy Families has not only changed Lucy’s parenting approach with Alexa but also helped mend her relationship with Dulce. Lucy is now committed to increasing her daughters’ self-confidence, and has watched Dulce’s scholastic performance improve and her happiness shine with glee.

“I am very grateful for what CHS has done for my family,” says Lucy, “It has brought us together and helped us become who we are meant to be.”

for information:Samantha Knuth, MSW

Children’s Home Society of Floridawww.chsfl .org/locations/mid-fl orida

352.732.1412


Home Visitor’s ServicesOffer encouragement and support• Conduct parent-child interactive activities• Provide information on the child’s growth and development• Screen for postpartum depression• Conduct child development screens• Help parents learn healthy ways to deal with everyday stress• Connect families to community services• Teach positive parenting skills ands age-appropriate discipline options• Conduct home safety checks and educate parents on child safety• Help parents obtain their child’s timely well-child checks and immunizations• Empower parents to set and achieve personal and family goals•

promotional feature

Healthy Families Florida begins working with new mothers when they are pregnant and continues to provide services until the child is five years old. The program recognizes that many children are living in at-risk situations, in homes where domestic violence is a threat, due to young mothers or mothers without a good support system.

“Babies do not come with instruction manuals,” says Anchors, so the program itself offers skill teaching, with an emphasis on the developmental stages of children.

“One of the common myths people have is that all parents should know better,” says Anchors. “The truth of the matter is that unless we see something different, we will parent the way we were parented, because we don’t know better—we haven’t seen anything different.” In Lucy’s case, she really did assume all families functioned the way hers did.

CHS works toward providing the parents and other caregivers living in the home with the knowledge and skills they need to create a stable home, free from child abuse and neglect, so children can grow up healthy, nurtured and ready to succeed in school and in life.

Healthy Families Florida has a proven track record. Ninety-eight percent of the families served by the program have not had any instances of child abuse and neglect within one year of program completion. Anchors places emphasis on the voluntary nature of the program, and notes that anyone can refer themselves or someone they know and love.

After beginning the program, Lucy noticed changes almost immediately. Although she suffered from post-partum depression after the birth of Dulce, she felt nothing but the joy of motherhood after bringing home her second daughter, Alexa. Having met regularly with her CHS Family Support Worker, Lucy learned how to practice patience, to discipline without hitting and to allow Alexa to safely satisfy her curiosity. “I know now that children need to learn from their mistakes, and I respect that,” Lucy says. “As children, they need to be respected too.”

Healthy Families has not only changed Lucy’s parenting approach with Alexa but also helped mend her relationship with Dulce. Lucy is now committed to increasing her daughters’ self-confidence, and has watched Dulce’s scholastic performance improve and her happiness shine with glee.

“I am very grateful for what CHS has done for my family,” says Lucy, “It has brought us together and helped us become who we are meant to be.”

for information:Samantha Knuth, MSW

Children’s Home Society of Floridawww.chsfl .org/locations/mid-fl orida

352.732.1412

June June June 2011 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I 069

Home Visitor’s ServicesOffer encouragement and support• Conduct parent-child interactive activities• Provide information on the child’s growth and development• Screen for postpartum depression• Conduct child development screens• Help parents learn healthy ways to deal with everyday stress• Connect families to community services• Teach positive parenting skills ands age-appropriate discipline options• Conduct home safety checks and educate parents on child safety• Help parents obtain their child’s timely well-child checks and immunizations• Empower parents to set and achieve personal and family goals•

ADV_Children's Home_0611.indd 69 6/3/11 6:43:11 PM


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SNAPSHOTSsee + be scene


Frank Polack RidePresented by Ocala Eye, the Frank Polack Ride

featured 229 cyclists, who honored the memory of Dr. Frank Polack, a pioneer in the

fi eld of ophthalmology who passed away on Hospice service in the summer of 2007.Cyclists enjoyed the region’s rolling hills and

scenery during 30-, 62- and 80-mile bike rides through horse country. The event cleared

more than $15,000, which benefi tsHospice of Marion County patient care.

Frank Polack’s son, Dr. Peter Polack of Ocala Eye,and the family would like to thank Hospice

of Marion County. Several Ocala Eye doctors are avid cyclists and conceived the

annual bike ride as a way to raise funds.

PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

Dr. Michael Morris, Alyssa Morris, Lucas Tolb

and Cheryl Polack

Dr. Michael Morris

Steve Mace Alyssa Morris

Connor EnglandKim Schentt and Jessica Mullins Dawn Falisi and Lisa Quercioli

For more SnapShots www.ocalamagazine.com.

Editorial Snapshots_0611_O.indd 72 6/3/11 8:49:25 PM

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what’snews

It’s one of Marion County’s best-kept secrets. In amongst the horse farms, natural springs and live oaks, more than a dozen local blueberry farms are bursting with fresh fruit. And now is the best time to pick, before the crop winds down at the end of the month.

Blueberries have been classified as a superfood, packed with antioxidants, potassium and vitamin C. Because of that, they’ve been touted for their numerous health benefits—everything from lowering blood pressure to helping to improve memory and motor skills to reducing inflammation and the risk of heart attacks. And the good news is, fresh blueberries will be plentiful in Marion County over the next few weeks.

Many of the local blueberry farms are u-pick operations, where you can stop by, spend a little time walking the fields with a bucket and drive home with a few pounds of freshly picked berries. At B&G Blueberries in Fort McCoy, for instant, blueberry farmer Bill Hall grows both southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries, although the highbush are currently out of season. Rabbiteye blueberries, however, will hit their peak later this month.

“In mid-season to the last half of the season, the blueberries are just unbelievable in flavor,” says Hall. When asked about the best time to pick, he says, “Around the 15th to the 20th of June. The flavor will be peaking at that time.”

Commercial blueberry operations tend to grow southern highbush blueberries, which are the first blueberries to ripen in North America. Because of their early-season bloom, they command higher prices on the market, until blueberries at farms in Georgia and North Carolina mature, lowering the cost. Rabbiteye blueberries, which bloom later, don’t have the same commercial value, but they’re a favorite with both growers and u-pickers.

Hall says he currently grows 17 varieties of blueberries at his farm, and each has a subtly different flavor and sweetness. Favorite varieties include Woodard, Bonita, Climax, Delight, Aliceblue and Homebell. Unless you know what you’re looking for, however, it’s hard to tell the difference between the bushes.

“What I tell people is, go out there and find a bush. If you like the taste of the berries, then pick them. If you don’t like

that one, move to another,” Hall says.He keeps the various varieties close together for purposes

of pollination, he explains. “I have a lot of different varieties in one area for good cross-pollination, so you get more fruit with the rabbiteyes.”

And the fruit this year is bountiful. “We’ve have a good season,” Hall says. “This might be the best season ever for the rabbiteye.” A number of factors, including a chilly winter and the absence of a late frost, contributed to this year’s bumper crop.

U-pick blueberries make up about 95 percent of Hall’s operation, he says, and he’s been doing it for about 30 years, resulting in generations of repeat customers. “We have people who brought their children here, and now their children bring their children.”

For picking, Hall supplies a harness, to which you attach a bucket. When full, each bucket holds about five to six pounds of blueberries, generally at a cost of a few dollars a pound, depending on the time in the season. The difficult part, though, is actually filling a bucket, since many of the berries tend to wind up in the mouth of the picker. It’s a problem Hall enjoys. “If you leave here hungry,” he says, “shame on you.”

B&G Blueberries is located at 10203 N.E. 100th St. in Fort McCoy. For details on u-pick hours and dates, or to join the farm’s email list, call 352-236-4410.

Harvest Time on Blueberry Hill

A Bountiful HarvestBlueberries aren’t the only fresh produce available

this season. Peaches are particularly juicy this year, and thornless blackberries are available for u-pick at a number of area farms, including Deep Creek Berry Farm, located at 100 Deep Creek Road in Interlachen. For information, call 386-972-1770. Little’s Farm at 6740 S.E. 41st Court in Ocala offers u-pick watermelons and cantaloupes, as well as other locally grown vegetables. Other local blueberry farms include Yancey’s Blueberry Farm in Silver Springs, The Wagon Farm in Ocala, Sugar Hill Blueberries in Belleview, Berry Bay Farm in Earleton and Alachua County Organic Farms in Micanopy.


Got a favorite blueberry recipe? Tell us and we’ll print the best ones in our next issue. Go to www.ocalamagazine.com.

Agenda_Whatsnews_0611_O.indd 74 6/3/11 8:23:00 PM



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TABLESTOPHoney Baked Ham Cafe

Honey Baked Ham is a homey little hideaway right on high-traffic SW27, ideally located between the Hollywood Regal 16 and Best Buy, across from Toys-R-Us. Stop in and order a custom-made sandwich or create your own. Famous for ham sandwiches, HBH also offers turkey

and roast beef and is renowned locally for THE BEST chicken salad sandwiches in town! For the busy businessperson, HBH offers boxed lunches, catering and business lunches, from 10 boxes to 100! Salads too! Can call in to pick up.

TopTables_0611.indd 69 6/2/11 10:17:58 AM

BFE (Booze, Food and Entertainment)Brand new menu featuring homemade soups, salads, and wraps. All made fresh daily, including mouth-watering burgers and wings. Live entertain-ment on the weekends and trivia night every Tue. Great for private parties, or have your next big event catered. Open everyday for lunch and dinner 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Closed Sun. 18 SW Broadway St., Ocala 352.351.BFE1(2331).

Cuvée Wine & Bistro Experience fine dining in one of Ocala’s most inspiring set-tings. Sample over 100 new and rare wines using their innovative self-serving wine systems. Daily chef specials utilizing the finest ingredients. Mon-Thu4-10 p.m., Fri-Sat4-11 p.m. for dinner. 2237 SW 19th Ave/Rd., Ocala 352.351.1816. Reservations preferred. All major credit cards accepted.

Honey Baked Ham A forty-year family tradi-tion of hand-selected, 24-hour smoked ham and turkey, sliced to perfection, in a cozy sandwich cafe. Come in for a boxed lunch, shop while you wait, or pick up a dinner and sides to go. Don’t forget about our delicious desserts. Mon-Fri 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. 2709 SW 27 Avenue, Ocala 352.861.0011.

Horse & Hounds West Where traditional favorites meet English Pub. Dine at a long time local favorite that offers an extensive menu and a horse chic décor that will make for a unique dining experience. Call-ahead seating available but not necessary. Daily food and bar specials available. Sun 11a.m.-9p.m.;Mon-Sat 11a.m.-9:30p.m. 6998 N. US Hwy 27, Ocala 352.620.2500.

Laki’s Greek Restaurant Best of the Best 2010, famous for their gyros! Twenty-five years devoted service in town. Laki’s is big on fla-vor, friendliness and fast service. Plus reasonable prices. Don’t fret over hot stoves—let Laki’s do the work! Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 12-9 p.m., 3405 S.W. State Road 200 #107, Ocala 352.237.3090.

Las Palmas When you’re in the mood for good times and great cuisine, Las Palmas Restaurant is sure to please with superb cuisine featuring a wide array of great selections from Latin America. Everything is made from only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, with something sure to please every member of your group. Family owned and operated, specializing in typical meals prepared in Colombia and Cuba.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sun 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. 506 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, FL 34471 352.732.2100. The Mojo Grill and Catering With the sweet sounds of the Blues in the air, and décor straight from a Mississippi delta eatery, Mojo’s Grill brings soul into downtown Ocala. Satisfy just about any craving you have, particularly if you’re hankering for food with a Cuban slant. Mojo’s is also a full service catering company that can han-dle all of your event needs. Check out their open acoustic jam Tue 7-10 p.m., enjoy live music Fri & Sat eves, and enjoy Sunday dinner and a movie at the Marion Theatre for only $15. Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sun 12-7

p.m. 103 SE 1st Avenue, Ocala 352.369.6656. Also located at 5710 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 352.307.6656.

Moreno’s Grill Moderate Pricing Meets Expensive Taste at Moreno’s Grill, a full-service restaurant, located in the SummerGlen Golf Club. Moreno’s offers a delicious varied menu, includ-ing nutritious breakfasts, light snacks, great lunch specials or a multi-course gourmet dinner meal. Full bar service is also available. Open to the public. Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a breakfast buffet on Sundays. Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., Sun 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. 15480 SW 13th Circle, Ocala 352.307.8788.

An oasis in central Ocala, once you enter, you escape. Traditional Colombian and Cuban food and ambiance at its best. Where authentic Latinos go to dine. Try the eye-catching Bandera Marinera—shrimp, mussels and scallops marinated in traditional Spanish flavor--Adobo, cumin, cilantro and more! Papa gizada (potato bursting with butter flavor) and candied plantains on the side! Yum! Start with the Sancocho, a cup of salty chicken soup in seasoned broth, and pair it with the Postobon apple-flavored soda—like a liquid Jolly Rancher! Or the Colombian-style Pony Malta, a sweet malt. A must try entry is the traditional Bandeja Paisa—chicaron (fried pork), sausage, egg, arepa (corn patty) and avocado served over steak and rice, with red beans on the side. And THE BEST flan for dessert. Available in original, espresso, chocolate, cream cheese and coconut. Like none other!

Las Palmas

078 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I 2011 June Voted 2010 Best of the Best

TOP TABLES


November 2009 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I 079

Kotobuki Japanese Restaurant

Kotobuki in Ocala has served its patrons the finest in Japanese cuisine since 1986. Kotobuki offers hibachi-style cooking at your table, freshly made sushi

from the sushi bar and authentic Japanese cuisine from the Washoku room. MENU ITEMS INCLUDE Steak, scallops, lobster tail, filet mignon and sushi.

HOURS Sun. & Mon.: 4:30 – 9 p.m.; Lunch: Tuesday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Dinner 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.;

Fri.: 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Dinner 4:30 – 10:30 p.m.; Sat. 4:30 – 10:30 p.m.

2463 S.W. 27th Ave., Ocala, FL Shady Oaks Plaza next to Best Buy

352.237.3900


Tilted Kilt–

WELCOME TO THE TILTED KILT! Your home for ice cold beer, mouthwatering pub fare, a festive atmosphere, friendly staff, and

televised sports year round. Our menu features an array of satisfying options sure to please everyone, from sliders, wings and wraps to

shepherd’s pie, pasta and more! Visit tiltedkilt.com to view our menu or better yet, just stop in. You’ll be glad you did!

HOURS: Mon - Sat 11 a.m. - 12 a.m., Sun 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

3155 E. Silver Springs Blvd.Ocala, FL

352.351.5458

Tony’s Sushi & Japanese Steak House–

Visit www.tonysushi.com for 40% off on gift card!Tony is a creative artist when it comes to his extensive menu, welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. He brings scrumptious sushi favorites from New York and Miami.

Tony’s now offers specialty rolls in half orders, so you can enjoy all of your favorites in one sitting. EXPERIENCE OUR HIBACHI GRILL where the chef prepares fresh

entrees and entertains right before your eyes! Don’t hesitate to try our exciting daily specials. WE OFFER PRIVATE PARTIES AND A FANTASTIC CATERING

SERVICE. HOURS Mon. – Thur. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.

HAPPY HOUR 2:30-6:00, 2 for 1, Draft Beer and Well LiquorBUY HALF SUSHI ROLL FOR HALF PRICE

3405 S.W. College Road, #103, Ocala, FL 34474352.237.3151


080 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I November 2009080 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I 2011 June

Sky Asian Fusion–

Features delectable Asian Fusion menu with a beautiful view of Ocala for a casual but elegant dining experience. Sky menu is a passport to Asia with items across cultural boundaries. Dishes that inspire from China, Japan, Thailand and Korea. Even American-inspired items like beef and salmon. Full bar. INCREDIBLE SUNDAY BRUNCH. Ocala’s most sensational dining experience! Enjoy all your traditional Sunday favorites and the best of SKY! HOURS: Lunch Mon.-Fri.11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner Mon.-Thurs. 5-10 p.m. Dinner Fri.-Sat. 5-11 p.m. Brunch (Sunday only) 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Credit cards accepted. Reservations suggested for parties of 8 or more. 291.0000.

3600 SW 38th Ave.Ocala, FL 34474Located on the 6th floor of the Holiday Inn & Suiteswww.ocalasky.com

TOP TABLES

El Azteca

EN FUEGO! Quality, traditional authentic Mexican cuisine. Homemade chile relleno. Come join us for the best fajitas in town. Daily Lunch, Dinner and Bar specials. Mariachi band on Thu 6 - 9 p.m. Karaoke on Fridays 8 - 12 a.m. Join us for gameday fun. Outdoor seating now available. Happy Hour Mon-Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday 11 a.m. - 12 a.m. Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday all day 2-4-1 Margaritas. All major credit cards accepted. Full bar available. Family atmosphere. 32-oz draft all day Saturdays/Sundays for only $2.00!

4011 East Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 352.854.5500

Ipanema Brazilian Steak House

A CHURRASCARIA (Portuguese for barbecue) is a dining experience where roaming Gauchos slice and serve fire-roasted meats from skewers in a continual fashion. Ipanema Brazilian Steak House boasts 11 of the finest cuts of meat complemented by an opulent salad and vegetable bar, delectable desserts, and delicious wines, beers and cocktails. Brazilian native and Executive Chef Alonso Esgaib invites you to embrace the flavors of his homeland and experience the magnetism of Ipanema for yourself. Become a friend on facebook at www.facebook.com/ipanemaocala for great online specials. We now offer an extensive appetizer menu and full dinner service outdoors. Happy Hour Tues-Fri from 5pm-7pm. 2-4-1 drinks, wines, and 40% off of all apps! HOURS: Tuesday-Friday 11am-2pm / Tuesday-Thursday 5pm-9pmFriday & Saturday 5pm- 10pm / Sunday 4pm-9pm, Closed Mondays.

2023 South Pine Avenue, Ocala352.622.1741www.ipanemaocala.com

TopTables_0611.indd 80 6/3/11 6:40:49 PM

Edema (swelling) can be one of the most misunderstood symp-toms for medical care providers because it is so common and there are so many causes. Edema can be a benign swelling re-lated to gravity or be a marker for a more serious vascular or ma-

lignant disease, and sometimes patients have more than one reason for swelling. As our understanding of the complexity of swelling disorders has advanced, the treatments have become more complex -- from inter-ventional vascular procedures to medicines/ointments for infl ammation, to a myriad of stockings, pneumatic devices and decongestive therapy. As people live longer with chronic illnesses, even true Lymphedema can be complicated by other medical conditions that cause or exacerbate swelling. Standard Lymphedema treatment, known as Complete Decon-gestive Therapy (CDT), was developed for Lymphedema but is effective for many types of swelling. It is important for Lymphedema therapists to know the actual cause of a pa-tient’s swelling and not to label them all as Lymphedema. Patients with many causes of swelling are sent to Lymphedema therapists, and these patients may think they have Lymphedema when they do not. Another problem is patients with swelling that may benefi t from decongestive therapy are not sent to Lymphedema therapists because providers do not recognize the benefi ts of Lymphedema therapy for other forms of swelling. Swelling is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Diagnosis is essential to treatment.

Vascular Malformations and Venous Disorders: The most common form of venous swelling is venous insuffi ciency, or valvular incompetence in the veins of the legs. Severe venous insuffi ciency leads to venous hyper-tension, wounds, infections and pain. Longstanding venous insuffi ciency can lead to secondary Lymphedema, known as phlebolymphedema. Un-less phlebolymphedema has developed, most early venous edemas are best treated with moderate to high compression bandages/stockings and calf exercises. Since high level compression stockings are very diffi cult for many patients to manage, compression bandages are helpful in this stage.

In Subclinical Stage Zero, the healthy lymphatic system activates its safety factor to protect against swelling. It responds to an increase in water. The therapeutic approach in this stage is compression therapy/

bandaging, elevation, and exercise. In Stage One, the lymphatic system is still healthy but fails to drain the

increased water load. Swelling develops during the course of the day and tends to decrease or completely recede during rest at night, but returns the following day. The therapeutic approach in this stage is also compres-sion/bandaging therapy, elevation and exercise.

In Stage Two, blood capillaries and lymph collectors with elevated pressure values that remain without treatment for extended periods of time will eventually suffer damage. The combination of this damage and possible infl ammatory process causes the lymphatic system to develop a mechanical insuffi ciency, which, with the elevated load of water and protein presents as a combined insuffi ciency. Lymphedema will develop as a result of the Venus pathology and its systems are exacerbated by the symptoms associated with the vericosis pigmentation and pain. It is also

referred to as phlebolymphostatic in-suffi ciency. The Lymphedema in the early stage appears initially smooth and is pitting. Without treatment it will progress into a more fi brotic stage. The therapeutic approach is complete decongestive therapy which includes manual lymph drainage, using Vodder techniques and compression bandag-ing, followed by a compression gar-ment for maintenance.

Regardless of how it originates, Lymphedema is always a progressive condition. So in Stage Three, severe changes in the skin are associated with the phlebolymphostatic swelling. The interstitial fi brin cuff that forms as a result of plasma protein leakage in combination with an increased diffusion distance associated with the swelling decreases oxygen and nu-trients delivered to the tissues, this results in local hypoxia and necrosis. Also typical for this stage is lypodermatosclerosis. These characteristic skin changes in the lower extremities include: capillary proliferation, fat necrosis, and fi brosis of skin and subputanious tissue. Pain, especially after moving about, is present. Therapeutic approach in this stage is complete decongestive therapy and wound care. Lymphedema result-ing from prolonged CVI, may show signs and symptoms of Elephantiasis (thickening of the skin and underlying tissues).

A complete history, including all other medical conditions, greatly help the Lymphedema therapist in making an effective plan of care for their patients.

Meenu Jethwani

PHYSICAL THERAPY & LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT CENTER“Our Goal Is to Get Our Patients Back to Their Normal Life”

OCALA EAST • 352-732-4006 OCALA WEST • 352-237-0073 THE VILLAGES • 352-391-9500For More Information send email to: [email protected] • ( Call to Schedule Your FREE Screening)

Edema Versus Lymphedema in Chronic Venous Insuffi ciency (CVI)

Standard Lymphedema treatment, known as Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT),

was developed for Lymphedema but is effective for many edemas.

Therapy_0611.indd 81 6/3/11 7:12:58 PM

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June 2 Summer Spotlight XIV, an exhibition of the Visual Artists’ Society, at the Webber Center, College of Central Florida; reception on June 2, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; the exhibit continues through July 30; 3001 S.W. College Road; 352.629.5038 or www.cf.edu.

June 2 “Of Mice and Men,” a play based on the John Steinbeck novel, at 8 p.m., with additional performances June 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. and June 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 3 p.m., at the Insomniac Theatre, 1 East Silver Springs Blvd.; tickets $5 at door, $3 for students and seniors; 352.897.0477 or www.insomniactheatre.com.com.

June 3 First Friday Art Walk, Ocala Historic Downtown Square; 6 to 8 p.m.; 352.671.7469

or www.artwalkocala.com.

June 4 The Ocala Farmer’s Market, every Saturday in Downtown Ocala Square from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring farm and seafood products, organic and gourmet foods, flowers, botanicals, art and antiques; sponsored by the Downtown Business Alliance and the City of Ocala; 352.426.8244 for

information or details on how to become a vendor.

June 4 Swim-A-Thon Fundraiser, to benefit the Central Florida Marlins Swim Club, at the Newton A. Perry Aquatic Center, College of Central Florida, 3001 S.W. College Road; for information on how to be a sponsor, contact Coach Bill Vargo at 352.873.5811 or [email protected].

June 7 “Deciphering the Numbers,” a workshop explaining how to assess census data for business planning and trend analysis, co-sponsored by the Hispanic Business Council and UNF’s Small Business Development Center in Marion County, in collaboration with the U.S. Census Bureau; 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Webber Center on the College of Central Florida campus; $15 registration fee; 352-622-87634 or www.sbdc.unf.edu.

June 9 Third Quarterly Luncheon, sponsored by the Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corp., featuring guest speaker Dr. Dale Brill, president of the Florida Chamber Foundation; at the Hilton Ocala, 3600 S.W. 36th Ave.; 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 352.291.4410 or www.ocalaedc.org.

June 11 Fun, Fun, Fun: A Tribute to the Beach Boys and The Beatles; 7 p.m. at the Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 S.W. 80th Street; 352.854.3670 or www.csculturalcenter.com.

June 11 Stop, Drop & Run 5K & Cook-off and Cancer Benefit, featuring a 5K run/walk and a 1K fun run for kids, sponsored by the Marion County Firefighter Benevolence Fund, the YMCA and the Ocala Runners’ Club, plus the Michelle Standridge Memorial Cook-off, with local restaurants and fire stations competing for the best dish; at the YMCA of Marion County, 3200 S.E. 17th St., starting at 8:30 a.m., with registration beginning at 7 a.m.; 352-368-9622.

June 12 Final performance for “The King and I” at the Ocala Civic Theatre, 2 and 8 p.m.; tickets $20 for adults, $10 for students; 352.236.2274 or www.ocalacivictheatre.com.

June 16 Business After Hours Series, presented by the Ocala/Marion Chamber of Commerce, at Foundation Services of Central Florida, 4265 N.W. 44th Ave., 5 to 7 p.m.; free to members, $30 for future members; 352.629.8051 or www.ocalacc.com.

June 17 Annual Harvest Festival, featuring three-legged

races, a pie-eating contest, sack races and other family fun; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tuscawilla Park, 899 N.E. Sanchez Ave.

June 18 & 19 Second Annual Big Boy Toys, featuring classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, RVs and more; 12 to 6 p.m. at the Paddock Mall; 3100 S.W. College Road, 352.237.1223.

calendarjune


Your guide to what’s happening in Ocala this month

more; 12 to 6 p.m. at the Paddock Mall; 3100 S.W. College Road,

Have a favorite summer event? Share it by posting at www.ocalamagazine.com. No charge for posting events.

Agenda_Calendar_0611_O.indd 86 6/3/11 8:50:43 PM

June 25 Barbershop Quartet Extravaganza, featuring performances by four of Florida’s top barbershop quartets; 7 p.m. at the Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 S.W. 80th Street; 352.854.3670 or www.csculturalcenter.com.

June 26 Second Annual Casino Night, benefiting the Helping Hand Fund and featuring a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, prizes and $200 in gaming chips for all who attend; at Honda of Ocala, 1800 S.W. College Rd.; must be 18 years and older to attend, 352.372.2329 ext.414 or [email protected].

Have a calendar submission? Email [email protected] June 2011 I OCALAMAGAZINE.COM I 087

June @ the Appleton Appletonmuseum.org

June 4 “Write Like an Egyptian” First Saturdays program for children ages 4 to 12.

Through June 12 “Out West: The Art of Theodore Waddell” featuring 40 paintings and original illustrations, and “Silent Frontier: Icons of Montana’s Early Settlements,” showcasing 55 black-and-white photographs by Dr. Richard Buswell.

June 18 “Recent Acquisitions” exhibition opens, presenting more

than 20 works of art that have been added to the Appleton’s collections in the past year.

June 27 - July 1 The Appleton’s Summer Art Camp for children ages 7 to 14 (see story in this issue.)

Educational Art Films (2 p.m.)• June 3 The Republic of Virtue• June 12 The Promised Land• June 19 The Wilderness and

The West• June 26 The Gilded AgePH

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Agenda_Calendar_0611_O.indd 87 6/2/11 10:25:23 AM

VOX


voice of the people

“I am absolutely overwhelmed. It has been a real blessing for my husband Bob and I to live in Ocala, Marion County, for these past five years.

You all mean so much to me in so many different ways. For those of you I worked with, thank you so very much. I will miss you terribly. I will have fond memories of my time here.” — ann Sternal, Director of ocala/marion county

Visitors and convention Bureau, at her well-attended retirement party at the Hilton ocala

“Osama Bin Laden is dead

. . . Justice has Been dOne.”

— President Barack obama’s historic announcement on Sunday, may 1st

“there are nO wOrds tO match this mOment. this Last hOur is aBOut me saying ‘thank yOu.’ it is my LOVe Letter tO yOu. i want tO LeaVe yOu with aLL the LessOns that haVe Been the anchOr fOr my Life and the Ones that i hOLd mOst preciOus.” — oprah Winfrey’s remarks during the airing of the final episode of her syndicated daytime talk show after a 25-year run.

“If you know it’s something you really want to do,

then be prepared to work really hard for it.”

— Kimberly leemans, of “america’s next Top model” fame, addressing her former

West Port High School’s drama class about acting and Hollywood.

“The entire state of Florida is hollow.” — Bill Birdsall, marion county Parks and Recreation

caving tour guide, explaining the structure of Florida’s underground porous limestone and spring canals.

“It’s like Swiss cheese.”— clay Parton, assistant caving tour guide,

adding to Bill Birdsall’s comment on the geological structure of Florida and marion county.

“repeat after me: i prOmise tO attend the mariOn theatre at Least Once a

mOnth, Or as Often as pOssiBLe. arrr!”

— Buddy martin, asking a crowd of thousands to make a pledge to help save the marion Theatre, at the sold-out premier

of “Pirates of the caribbean: on Stranger Tides.”

Editorial VOX_0611_O.indd 88 6/2/11 5:26:09 PM

Fact: More than 90 percent of the books in the United States are self-published.Authors such as Mark Twain (Huckleberry Finn), John Grisham (A Time to Kill), Beatrix Potter (Peter Rabbit) and Edgar Allen Poe (The Raven) all were self-published.

Your story deserves to be told. Our award-winning staff of editors and designers will provide you with everything you need to get your words in print, on bookshelves and in readers’ hands.

What to expect: The process is simple: You write. We provide you with editing, design, distribution and marketing options that fit into your budget.

Contact: Alex Martinez at 352.622.2995 ext.301 or email [email protected] Publications743 S.E. Fort King StreetOcala, Florida 34471

SPECIAL PUBLICATIONSGuiding Authors on the Self-Publishing Journey Since 1984

Quotes are free.

Authors Wanted 0511.indd 77 6/13/11 9:01:58 AM

Cox_0511_O.indd 3 6/13/11 9:03:54 AM

Documents

Ocala Magazine June 2011