FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018  VOLUME 22 NUMBER 31  www.smcitizen.com S UTH MARION

CitizenServing S.R. 200 Communities & Businesses BRIEFS Move-over Livestock Pavilion on Coalition agenda The State Road 200 Co- law being alition will hold its monthly meeting on Mon- emphasized day, Jan. 8, at 1 p.m. at the Collins Center, Tim- January is “Move Over” berRidge Building 5000, month in Florida. AAA - The Suite 5001. Auto Club Group reminds mo- The guest will be torists to Slow Down, Move Kelsey Mears, Assistant Over. The law requires passing Director of Parks and motorists to give adequate Rec for Marion County. space to law enforcement, tow Her topic is Southeast- truck drivers, utility service ve- ern Livestock Pavilion. hicles and other first respond- what it does and just how ers that are stopped on the side it benefits Marion of the road. County. The Parks De- “This law is in place to pro- partment has just taken tect the ones who protect us,” it over its operation and said Montrae Waiters, spokes- she will be in charge. woman, AAA - The Auto Club The meeting is open to Group. “Not focusing on the the public. Pajama Party road puts your life and others at risk. If you are caught violating First Friday Art Walk In what they hope will be a tradition at Cherrywood, Bocce players held a pajama party on Christ- the “Move Over” law, you could canceled for tonight mas Eve. See column on Page A13. be issued a ticket which could Due to extreme result in a fine, as well as, 3 weather conditions, the points on your driver’s license.” First Friday Art Walk Electoral College system to be discussed According to the Florida De- scheduled for Friday, partment of Highway Safety and Jan. 5 has been canceled. The Friday Forum of Marion districting, cybersecurity and Friday of each month at the Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), there The next First Friday Art County which next meets Jan. the function of the electoral col- Golden Corral, 2111 SW State were 204 crashes and 68 inju- Walk will be held Friday, 12 at 11:30 a.m. welcomes all lege in the 21st century. The Road 200, Ocala. ries reported as a result of a Feb. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. in members of our community to panel will be announced soon. Please e-mail FridayForu- motorists failing to move over in downtown Ocala. join in examining the integrity The luncheon/discussion [email protected] 2016. Law enforcement officials For more information, of our electoral system within group is always open to the pub- or telephone Delphine Herbert issued more than 5,000 citations please contact the City of the context of voting rights, re- lic and meets on the second at 352/873-9970 for information. to drivers. Ocala Cultural Arts Divi- sion at 352-629-8447. Gas prices high On average in 2017, Human trafficking is modern slavery motorists saw the most expensive gas prices in three years. That upward Out of the shadows of the myths to the truth trend carried into the new year, as the month of First of three parts lation of the individual’s human ficking victims will self-identify. rights. Some would say that Unfortunately of the 50% who See GAS on Page A3 BY PATRICIA A. WOODBURY Human Trafficking is only sex did contact a health profes- Special to the Citizen trafficking but the truth is, ac- sional, none were identified as a cording to the National Health victim. These victims do not INDEX Twenty million people are en- and Human Services Hotline, often disclose their trafficking Bookmark...... A4 slaved throughout the world that of the 20 million victims situation in a clinical setting. If Cherrywood...... A13 with 2.5 million located here in globally 60% are forced labor, they are accompanied by an- the United States. Slavery was 10% state-imposed forced labor other person, they may not be al- Classifieds...... A26 supposed to end with the Eman- and 22% are sexually exploited. lowed to speak for themselves. Health Corner...... A9 cipation Proclamation in 1862 Sex trafficking has been found Gaining the trust of a victim, in a and the Thirteenth Amendment in a variety of businesses such safe non-judgmental environ- Movies...... A6 in 1865. However statistics show as, residential brothels, escort ment is important to assist the Oak Run...... A14 that slavery is still alive and services, fake massage busi- patient. flourishing through the entire nesses, strip clubs and street Some think that human traf- OTOW...... A9 world. prostitution. Labor trafficking ficking only happens to children Out to Pastor...... A3 Human trafficking is a form of has been found in diverse labor or women. In 2012 the national modern slavery. It involves ob- settings such as, domestic work, hotline reported that 62% of the Pun Alley...... A11 taining or maintaining labor or small businesses, large farms cases reported were adults and Puzzles...... A24 services from another by the use and factories. 18% were men. of force, fraud or coercion in vio- Some think that human traf- See SLAVERY on Page A3 A2 ~ Friday, January 5, 2018 www.smcitizen.com www.smcitizen.com Friday, January 5, 2018 ~ A3 As the old year fades, so does my memory Memory is a very tricky thing, at least for me it is. call thinking) my wife lives one life and I live some- Looking back over a year’s span of activity, my mem- thing altogether different from hers. The things she ory seems to pick and choose what it remembers. Out to Pastor remembers that took place during the year are be- After all, I do not have the brain capacity I once had. Rev. James Snyder yond my remembering. Often some old-timer will moan about how much I am beginning to believe she remembers things he misses the good old days. I am not sure if he is that never took place. Of course, and I say this with thinking of World War II or the Great Depression. I all sincerity, I would never contradict her memory. am positive that during the Great Depression, some For the life of me, I do not know where I was when wonderful memories were created, but I am not sure I made that much money, I must have made that all these things happened she says happened. Nor anyone wants to return to those thrilling days of yes- much money and owe that much in taxes. do I know where I was when I promised to do all terday. Speaking of the government, what I do not under- those things she said I promised. The bad was not as bad as we remember and the stand is how they know how much I owe, to the Even in my right mind, (of which I do not have good not as good as we boast. penny, along with millions of other Americans? much left) I would never concede to help remodel Some things are best forgotten, while some things Second, there is the year I remember. the family room. I would never accuse her, heaven should never be forgotten; my trouble has always This year is much shorter than the previous one, forbid, of taking advantage of me in this area. The been remembering which is which. for some odd reason. The year I remember had only thought is not a stranger in my head, although ratio- Several things about the old year bear serious con- two months; this month and last month. And believe nal thoughts are. sideration. The past year, in my opinion, was not just me, “last month” is a stretch for me. King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, one year, but several years flowing together. Some- Honestly, I remember paying the electric bill, con- framed his thoughts this way, “Remember now thy times I am not sure which year I lived. trary to what the electric company says. My problem Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days This past year, like all its brothers before it, actu- with the electric company is that during the space of come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt ally consisted of three years. a year they send me 12 bills and I can only remem- say, I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). First, there is the year that really was. “Just the ber two. Let’s just split the difference. Solomon’s idea was, “now” is more important than facts, ma’am.” They penalize me for screwing up, but they do not “then.” I am a little fuzzy about this one. For one thing, credit my account when they screw up — like being The Apostle Paul had the right idea with this mat- looking at my checkbook entries (at least the ones I without electricity for four days — twice this past See PASTOR on Page A26 remembered to enter) the past year was a com- year. Oh, that I remember, and remember well. In pletely different one than I recall. fact, if my memory serves me correctly, it was more I really do not recollect having all the fun sug- like 90 days. gested by my bank statement. Why is it no matter I remember deducting the monthly service how much money I put into my bank account, more charges from my bank each and every month. Well, money comes out? It is a Ponzi scheme in reverse. maybe not “each and every” month. Why those three Evidently, some phantom creature has access to checks bounced is beyond my comprehension. my checkbook. Should the bank charge a larger fee for a bounced President Ronald Reagan was accused of voodoo check than the face value of the check? I personally economics. Reviewing my bank statements, I could do not think so. Isn’t it the bank’s business to keep be accused of “Who-do” economics. If I ever find their records straight? Why do I have to spend so that “Who-Do” rascal, I will balance my checkbook much time each month on my checkbook account? on the top of his head. Last, but certainly not least, is the year the Gra- My income tax statement is another perplexity. I cious Mistress of the Parsonage remembers. can never figure it out either. If the government said At times, I am tempted to think (at least it’s what I GAS Continued from Page A1

January had the most expensive start in four years. “After a quick jump at the pump last week, prices Florida gas prices averaged $2.44 on January 1, av- are relatively stable right now across the southeast- eraging 3 cents more than the year before. Today, ern U.S., and should begin to take a downward turn Florida gas prices are some of the most expensive in soon,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The the Southeastern U.S. The state average of $2.45 is 8 Auto Club Group. “Gas prices normally decline cents more than this time last week, and 10 cents during January and February, as gasoline demand more than neighboring Georgia. hits the lowest levels of the year." • The most expensive gas price averages in Florida are in West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($2.57), Miami ($2.51), and Fort Lauderdale ($2.49) • The least expensive gas price averages in Florida are in Jacksonville ($2.40), The Villages ($2.41), and Orlando ($2.41)

SLAVERY S UTH MARION Continued from Page A1 Some believe that nesses in our community. Citizen human trafficking is not For more information, The South Marion Citizen is a free community newspaper in our community. In all call 352-236-3926. covering news of communities in southwest Marion County, 50 states, the District of including Oak Run, Pine Run, Palm Cay, On Top of the World, Columbia and U.S. Terri- Kingsland Country Estates, Countryside Farms, Marion Landing, tories, there are over Majestic Oaks, Hidden Lake, Woods and Meadows Estates, 30,000 cases of potential Saddle Oak, Bahia Oaks, Cherrywood Estates, Hardwood Trails, human trafficking re- Candler Hills, Country Oaks among others. ported. Florida is ranked Postmaster: Entered as Third Class Matter at the post office in in the top three of the Ocala, Fla. 34477. states with New York and Problems getting the Citizen? If your community is listed California for trafficking above and the Citizen is not delivered to you or you are having victims. trouble getting the paper from boxes around the State Road It is time to create 200 area, call 854-3986. more public awareness CONTACT INFORMATION of this societal problem. Office (352) 854-3986 Fax 352) 489-6593 The American Associa- 20441 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon FL 34432 tion of University Women Editor - Jim Clark (352) 854-3986 (AAUW) Ocala Branch, Circulation - Barbara Jaggers (352) 854-3986 plans to help in this en- Inside Sales/Office Coord. - Michel Northsea (352) 854-3986 Advertising Sales - Steve Luhrman (352) 854-3986 deavor and hold a public forum on Human Traf- Manager - John Murphy (352) 563-6363 ficking Tuesday, Jan. 23, Deadline for news: at 6 p.m. at the Marion Friday the week before publication County Public Library, 2720 E. Silver Spring Member of the Community Papers of Florida Blvd., Ocala. January is Human I want to get news Deadline for Trafficking Awareness month so this forum fits in the Citizen Advertising in appropriately. Speak- E-mail Editor Jim Clark at ers will be there from the [email protected] Classified Reader Marion County Sheriff ’s ads Office, the Federal Bu- Community news and photos must be received by Friday the week before pub- 2 p.m. Tuesday reau of Investigation, De- lication. All contributions are subject to partment of Children editing for clarity, taste and style. Display Ads and Families with spon- 5 p.m. Monday sors from various busi- A4 ~ Friday, January 5, 2018 www.smcitizen.com Book review: THE WANTED By Robert Crais Single mother Devon Connor knows that her 17-year-old son Tyson is in trouble. He’s been flash- ing around designer shirts and a real Rolex watch Bookmark among other things they can’t afford. Pat Wellington In his room he’s hidden a large sum of money. She fears he’s into drugs and now he’s disappeared. That’s when she calls private investigator Elvis Cole to help. On the trail Cole discovers 18 break-ins of the su- So he calls hardboiled Joe Pike and Jon Stone in per-rich by a teenage threesome---two males and a as backups. female. The story unfolds with multiple points of view as Fortunately, all of the break-ins were cold en- Crais delivers a packed mystery that nails down tries—unoccupied homes—so as yet there are no in- Cole’s considerable detecting skills. juries reported. Even though the author makes the villains a bit But the influential victims have the police scram- too comic at times, it’s difficult not to appreciate bling. their serious argument about the use of music from The stolen Rolex provides one substantial lead the shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.” thanks to Cole’s former girlfriend who owns a watch This is the 21st book from Los Angeles writer Rob- shop. ert Crais who continues to extend his sharp enjoy- From this point on the story moves at a blazing able thrillers. speed alternating between Cole and two hired kill- ers named Harvey and Stems. For some reason the teens held on to the stolen laptops instead of fencing them with the other items Early deadline at a local flea market. Someone must get one of those laptops back be- cause his or her life depends on it—hence the hired for Jan. 19 issue guns. Then when one of the accomplices is murdered due to MLK holiday Cole realizes that he’s smack in the middle of some- thing much larger than he first thought. www.smcitizen.com Friday, January 5, 2018 ~ A5 Community calendar Friday, Jan. 5 Travel that entertains, informs and band performs on the third Sunday of provides some assistance to Marion Thursday, Jan. 18 each month. A $3 donation for Hospice Gospel Concerts ‘Trust in Him’ County organizations who support se- Genealogical Society meeting is appreciated. For info, call 352-237- nior citizens will be highlighted. Meet- 0234, [email protected]. The 2018 Gospel Concert Series at ing new friends and sharing super The Marion County Genealogical So- College Road Baptist Church, kicks off experiences are guaranteed to contrib- ciety will meet Thursday, Jan. 18, at 2 Monday, Jan. 22 the season on Friday, Jan. 5, with one ute to happy days ahead in 2018. p.m. at the Marion County Public Li- of the best groups in Bluegrass Gospel brary, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd. in Retired nurses to meet music, “Trust in Him.” This multi-tal- Friday, Jan. 12 Ocala. ented group uses a variety of instru- A brief business meeting will be fol- The RNR (Florida Society of Regis- ments and talents to bring Electoral system integrity lowed by the January program “Un- tered Nurses, Retired) of Citrus/Mar- inspirational, toe-tapping music that derstanding and Using Your ion Counties will meet at 11 a.m. everyone will enjoy. The Friday Forum of Marion County Autosomal DNA Test Results” by Drew Monday, Jan. 22nd, at West Marion Also on the stage that night is “River which next meets Jan. 12 at 11:30 a.m. Smith. Hospital Medical Building, 4600 SW Jordan,” bringing the smooth, dynamic welcomes all members of our commu- For further information, contact Joel 46th Court, Room 240, of Ocala. We in- harmony of a true gospel quartet. This nity to join in examining the integrity Swanson at (352)897-0840 or presi- vite all retired and semi retired RNs quartet has recently been added to the of our electoral system within the con- [email protected]. who have an interest to meet with Old Time Christian Radio play list and text of voting rights, redistricting, cy- counterparts and exchange ideas. Fol- is well-loved by many bersecurity and the function of the Sunday, Jan. 21 lowing the luncheon, speaker Doctor The hometown sound of the “Heav- electoral college in the 21st century. Norman Anderson, Radiation Oncolo- enbound Singers” adds another di- The panel will be announced soon. Jazz Society to perform gist of Robert Boissoneault Oncology mension to this wonderful night of The luncheon/discussion group is al- Institute in Ocala, will address the gospel sounds. ways open to the public and meets on The Ocala Jazz Society invites you to group. The concert begins at 7 p.m. with the second Friday of each month at the join them on Sunday, Jan. 21, from 2 to Reservations must be made by Jan. doors opening at 6:30. A $10 donation Golden Corral, 2111 SW State Road 5 p.m. for its monthly performance of 18th. will be accepted at the door. College 200, Ocala. Swing, Big Band, Dixieland, 50s and Please call Linda 786-877-3563 if you Road Baptist Church is at 5010 SW Please e-mail FridayForumofMari- all your favorites. live in Marion County. College Road in Ocala, 1.7 miles west [email protected] or telephone We look forward to seeing you at the Call Joan at 352-527-1570 if you live of I-75. Delphine herbert at 352/873-9970 for smoke-free VFW Post 4781, 9401 SW in Citrus County. more information. 110th St., across from Oak Run. The See CALENDAR on Page A10 Saturday, Jan. 6 Triumphant Quartet at College Road Chair Yoga at library The 2018 Gospel Concert Series at Chair yoga at the Freedom Public Li- College Road Baptist Church, contin- brary will take place on Saturday,m ues its Gospel Concert series with the Jan. 6 at 10:30 a.m. Triumphant Quartet on Friday, Jan. 12. For more information, call Ingrid at Since 2003, this group has toured and 854-7950. performed continuously through the US receiving national attention and Quarterly Memorial recognition.

The quarterly reading of the names Saturday, Jan.13 of veterans who have died in the previ- ous three months will take place Satur- Breakfast at Ocala West day, Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. has been moved to the McPherson Complex. Ocala West UMC’s community wide breakfast prepared by the men’s fel- Chess Club at library lowship will be held from 7:30-9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13 and is only $ 6 The Freedom Library Chess Club for all you care to eat. will meet from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sat- A varied selection awaits everyone urday, Jan. 6. The library is at 5870 SW ham, sausage, scrambled eggs, French 95th St., Ocala. All players are wel- toast, waffles, pancakes, corned beef come! Call 873-2276 for information. hash, biscuits and gravy, fruit cup, juice and coffee. Breakfast proceeds benefit the many charities supported Monday, Jan. 8 by the OWUMC men’s fellowship. Square dance lessons Ocala West United Methodist Church, 9330 SW 105th St., Ocala (352) The Ocala Twirlers Square & Round 854-9550. Dance Club will offer square dance lessons for new dancers beginning Sunday, Jan. 14 Monday, Jan. 8, from 12:45 - 2 p.m., at Ocala West United Methodist Church, Youth Symphony at Countryside 9330 SW 105th St., Ocala. The lessons will be taught by club caller Whit Ring in the New Year with an after- Brown prior to the regular club dance; noon of wonderful music! Sunday, Jan lessons will be open to new student 14 at 3 p.m., the Ocala Youth Symphony dancers for three consecutive Mon- will present a concert at Countryside days, Jan. 8, 15, and 22, and the first Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW State lesson is free! Refreshments will be Road 200, Ocala. served. Ocala Twirlers are proud to Musicians range in age from 10 to 18 offer these lessons in support of and play a variety of to please every- square dancing, America’s National one. Come and listen to their musical Folk Dance. Square dancing offers a offerings and see what is right with the fun activity that is healthy physically youth of Marion County. Selections in- and mentally in a wholesome, smoke- clude a classical work by Frescobaldi, free environment. For information contemporary music by DelBorgo and contact Norm 873-1734 or Tony 861- Mancini, and a selection from Pirates 9812. of the Caribbean. Bring a friend! Call 237-4633. Democrats to meet Tuesday, Jan. 16 Democratic Party Monthly Meeting will be Monday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Luncheon at Christ’s Church Seven Sisters Inn, 828 E. Fort King St., Ocala. John Moxley will be speaking on Would you like to know more about important directions Christ’s Church of Marion County? The for the party. Men’s Ministry will host a “Neighbor- hood luncheon” on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at noon. Thursday, Jan. 11 This event is designed for those who Travel Group plans meeting do not have a church home or are new to Christ’s Church of Marion County. A The Travel Bugs of Marion County luncheon will be provided. Reserva- will meet at Freedom Library on Jan. tions are requested by contacting Pas- 11 from 11 a.m. to noon. Membership is tor Ray Westman in the church office. free. Learn about Travel Bug Florida’s Christ’s Church of Marion County is 2018 travel plans. at 6768 SW 80th St. in Ocala. \ This is the group to join if you are For more information or directions looking for opportunities to join local contact the church office at 352-861- day trips, short overnight escapes, 6182 or visit our website at www. cruises and longer domestic and inter- ccomc.org national excursions. A6 ~ Friday, January 5, 2018 www.smcitizen.com Movie review: PITCH PERFECT 3 hen we last saw the a cappella group The Bellas in “Pitch Perfect 2,” most of them Wwere graduating college and the sky was the At the Movies limit for their futures. But, as we see in clips of a Bob Garver documentary being made by the franchise’s oddly Bella-obsessed commentary team (John Michael Higgins and Elizabeth Banks), things aren’t so sun- shiny out in the real world. For example, Beca (Anna Kendrick) can’t stand her job as a music producer Khaled only wants one person, and there’s a whirl- because the artists don’t like being told that they’re pool of tedious drama over whether or not they’ll not talented enough to produce their tracks them- take the offer. selves. Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) isn’t doing so hot as Because this movie is in desperate need of excite- an Amy Winehouse impersonator for all the reasons ment, Fat Amy reunites with her estranged criminal one would think that isn’t a stable vocation. And ev- father (John Lithgow, doing a pitiful Australian ac- eryone else’s life is similarly off-key. cent). This leads to The Bellas being taken hostage The members think they’re going to reunite for a on a yacht, and the movie turns into a little action one-night-only performance, but they’re really just thriller for a while. I suppose I should be grateful for being invited to a set by the current incarnation of the break in the lame competition storyline, but the The Bellas, led by the still-enrolled Emily (Hailee movie is out of its depth with the sudden genre shift. Steinfeld). The group laments that they’ll never per- To be fair, we do get sausage links used as nun- form again, until one of them suggests that they use chucks, and that’s always good for a few seconds of her convenient military connections to go on a USO amusement. tour. Almost all of them have too much time on their The musical performances are at least competent. hands, so it’s off they go on a crazy adventure among The movie opens on a desperate, daring take on European bases. Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and closes on an infectiously The Bellas need to be at their best, because the joyous version of George Michael’s “Freedom! ’90.” most impressive act on the tour gets a spot opening In between we get another of those bouncy riff-off for DJ Khaled, which apparently is a ticket to super- sequences where The Bellas supposedly get humili- stardom. Their main competition is another female ated by the other acts, but I think they hold their group called Evermoist. That name alone should own. There’s a nice long performance of “Cheap disqualify them from performing on so much as a Thrills,” which I mention because I’m a huge fan of street corner, but according to this movie, they’re a Sia so of course I felt swept up. And those are just force to be reckoned with. It turns out that DJ See MOVIE on Page A23 www.smcitizen.com Friday, January 5, 2018 ~ A7 A8 ~ Friday, January 5, 2018 www.smcitizen.com

COMMENTARY Opinion I’ll take UCF in battle over No. 1

S U T H M A R I O N he college football world from the five big conferences is locked in a fierce de- would be in the field. Here’s Citizen Tbate concerning its play- the radical part; If you’re not P U B L I S H E R : G E R R Y M U L L I G A N off choices, especially good enough-to win your con- considering that two SEC Jim Clark M A N A G E R : J O H N M U R P H Y ference, you’re not good teams reached the finals. Editor enough to play for a national E D I T O R : J I M C L A R K Many of the upset voices are championship. You can call it “In a free society a community newspaper must be a forum for community opinion.” coming from Orlando, site of the anti-Alabama rule. the University of Central Flor- 3. The other three teams ida. either. would be top independents or OUR VIEW The UCF Knights finished Second, UCF defeated Au- smaller conference champi- the season 13-0, but were only burn. ons. Again, if you can’t win ranked 10th in the final stand- Third, UCF is the only unde- your conference you can’t be a ings, which determine the feated team. national champion. Health habits four semifinalists, which were UCF students are wearing 4. Teams would be seeded Clemson, Georgia, Oklahoma shirts that proclaim them na- according to their record, and and Alabama. tional champions. I’m sure the 8 would play 1, 7 vs. 2, etc. Georgia and Alabama won NCAA isn’t thrilled with that, All games would be played need to change their way into the finals. but, hey: free speech and all two days before Christmas. My opinion, not that anyone that. The semifinals would be his is a time of year to catch up with people you don’t cares, is that the national And you know what? I agree played, basically, two days be- see frequently. Especially if it has been a bumpy year, champion is UCF, no matter with them. In my book, they’re fore New Year’s, and, like this Tthey might say something like, “Well, I’m still healthy, what the playoff outcome. the best team. And 13-0 does year, the final would be Mon- and that’s what counts.” Here’s my argument. the speaking for them. Sud- day night football. Unfortunately, lots of Floridians can’t say that, according UCF is the only undefeated denly, I’m a Knights fan (just All games would be played to a recently released national report. The nonprofit United Division I team. I don’t care if behind Notre Dame). And I’ll in warm weather sites of Health Foundation publishes an annual report called “Amer- they play in a conference that be trying to find one of those major bowls: Pasadena, ica’s Health Rankings” that rates how states compare on isn’t among the “Power 5.” It’s shirts, if they make them in Miami, Dallas, New Orleans, health status. Like other respected health assessments, this not easy to go unbeaten at any 2XL. Atlanta San Antonio and report uses the World Health Organization approach of see- level. Of course, you don’t criticize Phoenix. ing health as physical, mental and social well-being, and not In its bowl game, UCF beat the system without proposing There it is, folks. We’ve merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Auburn from the SEC. a solution. Nobody asked me, solved all the problems. Play Although Florida, the nation’s third-largest state, has im- Auburn defeated both Ala- but: ball! proved slightly in the rankings, it’s still a discouraging 32nd bama and Georgia during the 1. Expand to an eight-team Jim Clark is the editor of the among the 50 states. Although Florida is 30th in the rankings season, at one point knocking playoff. Many schools want West Marion Messenger and for senior health, other major factors place it much lower. off the two finalists. Note: Au- this and the fans want it. South Marion Citizen. For example, our state is in the worst fifth for adult physical burn didn’t reach the playoffs, 2. The conference champ activity, number of insured individuals, public health fund- ing, child immunizations, overall health of women and chil- dren, and availability of clinical care. Taking stock as we begin a new year That’s for the state of Florida. How does it look in Marion County? BY LEE H. HAMILTON strengths. And as I suggested, of public debate — all are The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), in partner- Special to the Citizen we have our work cut out for cause for great concern. ship with the University of Wisconsin Population Health In- us. I hope 2018 sees a turn to- stitute, produces annual “County Health Rankings” — health his may seem odd, but as For one thing, we’ve always ward addressing the defects in status reports for every county in the nation, including I look ahead to a year we been an open country, welcom- our political institutions and county rankings within states. Like the United Health Foun- Tall know will be momen- ing a great diversity of people political culture — a shift in dation, RWJF takes a broad view. It looks at “vital health fac- tous, you want to know what I and remaining open to their political life toward seeking tors, including high school graduation rates, obesity, feel most strongly? Gratitude. aspirations and ideas. But the common good and focusing smoking, unemployment, access to healthy foods, the quality I’ll tell you in a moment how we’ve been losing this. Immi- on the national interest. of air and water, income inequality, and teen births” to re- much work we have ahead of gration has been cut back This would allow us to re-fo- veal a snapshot of “how health is influenced by where we us to strengthen our country. sharply. A large and vocal cus on one of the defining fea- live, learn, work and play.” But I’m mindful of just how group of Americans want to tures of our country’s history: Among Florida’s 67 counties, Marion ranks a dismal 49th strong we already are. A resil- “take back America” to some that what we’re about as a na- for health outcomes. ient economy has been per- more homogenous ideal that tion is providing opportunity That’s the bad news. The good news is that things can be forming well for several years never actually existed. for all. That everyone has a changed. now, avoiding both rampant At the same time, too many role to play in contributing How? First, take personal responsibility for your own inflation and recession. De- Americans also feel excluded positively to a better neighbor- health. While improving health and lifestyle behaviors won’t spite its flaws, we have a re- and alienated from economic hood, a better community, a solve every issue, it will make a significant difference. Eat markable education system opportunity and what should better state and nation, a bet- right, exercise more, stop smoking (or don’t start), monitor that has allowed more people be shared institutions. There ter world. That as Americans, your blood pressure and cholesterol — we all know what we to enroll in college, make dra- are fewer places where differ- we devote ourselves to some- should be doing, and there are plenty of resources if help is matic gains in lifelong learn- ent classes of people can mix thing larger than ourselves. needed. Use them. ing and — especially in the and where our institutions can This sense of beckoning op- Second, tell your local and state government representa- case of racial minorities — get become more heterogeneous. portunity has been waning. tives to adequately fund public health and health coverage, an education that a generation We tend to associate with our We’re not investing in our fu- and education. The repercussions of short-changing health ago would have been much own, which is natural and not ture as we used to, in basic in- and education to save on taxes are enduring and costly in harder to secure. to be criticized, but it carries frastructure like roads and both human and fiscal terms. We have a more diverse, ed- costs in reinforcing our own bridges, in social infrastruc- Third, support the efforts of groups mobilizing to attract ucated workforce than ever biases. ture like schools, health clin- medical talent to this county. Encourage development of bet- before, and we’re making And as economic inequality ics and libraries, or in the ter mental health resources, as well. progress on issues from cli- rises, smaller and smaller research and development Make yourself a promise for 2018 to improve your health mate change to social equality. groups of people corner an that are crucial to a next-gen- and that of the community We remain wealthy, powerful, ever larger share of wealth, eration economy. Our opti- and blessed with perhaps the political power, and communal mism as a country — so Read the reports strongest governing institu- influence. characteristic of our past — United Health Foundation’s “America’s Health Rankings tions of any country in the All of this has been straining seems hard to locate these 2017” — www.americashealthrankings.org. world — despite the chal- our politics. We are more po- days. Americans are troubled, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s “County Health lenges of the moment. larized and politically divided uneasy, and alarmed by every- Rankings” — www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/flor- We possess an immense, than I’ve seen in my lifetime. thing from the quality of presi- ida/2016/overview. deep pool of talented people, Excessive partisanship, the dential leadership to Russian Florida Department of Health’s Community Health As- who have made us a leading permanent political campaign meddling to the rise of income sessment Resource Tool Set (CHARTS) — www.flhealth example of unity out of diver- that marks policy-making at inequality to the decline of tra- charts.com/charts. sity, or as our motto has it, “out the federal level, the strength ditional families. of many, one.” of narrow interest groups, the Yet here’s the thing. While I However, we have to work to outsized role of money in poli- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR retain and buttress our tics, the decline in the quality See HAMILTON, Page A21 Corporate America appointments to these posi- READER OPINIONS INVITED The corporations have taken tions. over the United States of This same leader has l The opinions expressed in South Marion Citizen l All letters must be signed and include a phone number, America with the approval of claimed that the economy is editorials are the opinions of the editorial board of the community name if applicable, and address. Addresses 35% of the voting public. It is better than ever because of the newspaper. and phone numbers will not be published. hard to believe that the leader rising value of the stock mar- l Viewpoints depicted in political cartoons, columns or l We reserve the right to edit letters for length, libel, ket reaching new highs setting of the free world has become letters do not necessarily represent the opinion of the fairness and good taste. Not all contributions are printed. the dictator of the free world records on a daily basis. These editorial board. l Letters are limited to one in each one-month period. because of the support he re- Americans are celebrating ceives from the corporate their new riches for their fam- l Groups or individuals are invited to express their opin- l The deadline is one week prior to Friday publication. owned members of the House ilies especially the majority of ions in letters to the editor and guest columns. l E-mail letters to [email protected]. Letters should of Representatives, United families in the $50,000 to l Persons wishing to contact the editor should call 854- be Word attachments or printed in the body of the e-mail States Senate and the Su- $60,000 bracket who never 3986 and leave a message, or e-mail (preferred) as text. Do not use any other word processing program thought themselves to be preme Court. All of these peo- [email protected]. and do not send as a PDF. ple seem to have life time See LETTERS on Page A21 www.smcitizen.com Friday, January 5, 2018 ~ A9 Making a few small changes at a time

ith the onset of the New Year vacations. If your set waking time vides visual stimulation, particularly come the inevitable well-in- leaves you harried, getting up just 10 when you are exercising in pleasant Wtentioned resolutions. Re- Health Corner minutes earlier can buy you a few pre- surroundings, such as a park or the search has shown that about a quarter Patricia A. Woodbury cious moments of peace and solitude countryside. You also get the benefit of people who make New Year’s reso- before your day begins. of fresh air and sunshine, which al- lutions cannot even keep them for a RN MSN 3. Eat a peach: Or any other fruit ways makes one feel more cheerful week. Maybe that is because they tend such as an apple, orange, kiwi, canta- and energetic. to make grand plans that are difficult loupe, berry or banana. Including pro- Just spending time in nature has to achieve. Dr. Andrew Weil has put duce with your breakfast gives you a measurable health benefits, including together a list of small changes that or behind the wheel, the key to this head start on your daily quota of anti- lower blood pressure, pulse rate and can pay off for your health in a big way. technique is not the amount of time oxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and decreased levels of the stress hormone 1. Take a breather: Breathing exer- spent, but the regularity of performing phytochemicals, without a lot of calo- cortisol, as well as increased immu- cises can reduce stress, improve mood it. ries. nity. and help you feel energized. Practice 2. Sleep on it: Keep a consistent 4. Get outside: If you live in a cold Take a daily walk in the great out- slow deep abdominal breathing for a sleep schedule. That means going to climate, you may not feel inspired to doors and see what it does for you. least a minute a day, as well as when- bed at the same time every night and exercise outdoors during the winter ever you want to feel instantly more waking up at the same time every months. However the benefits of out- Source: Dr. Andrew Weil’s Self Heal- relaxed. Whether you are at your desk morning, even on weekends or during door activity are numerous. It pro- ing, January 2016. OTOW news Theatre Group BY STEVE MCDONALD

Our annual holiday dinner with 27 members and 7 of their guests was held Dec. 11 at Logan’s Road- house. We had a wonderful and very enjoyable and fun-filled evening. We hope everyone in our commu- nity enjoyed a very joyous and happy and safe Christmas and holiday season and the healthiest New Year 2018 ever is wished for all. We are extremely pleased to announce that we have selected our cast for our March 24 and 25 Path to Talent Showcase II programs, “Remembering through the Decades”, to be presented at the Recre- ation Center Ballroom and Stage. We are beginning our rehearsals on Monday, Jan. 8, at the Recreation Center. Our Director, Harry Boyajian, and Assistant Director, Leslie Miller, have been untiringly organiz- Lions projects ing, scripting, and preparing for our programs. We thank them for their efforts and we know our pro- These photos show a couple of the OTOW Lions gram will be successful as a result of their total com- Club projects. The club helped 1, Munroe Region- mitment. In addition to our wonderful and talented al Children’s Emergence we Delivered Stuffed cast members, we have numerous members contrib- Animals, Books and almost 500 pair of socks; uting with all the necessary activities required to Domestic Violence Christmas Gifts for 17 children put on a show and we thank them for their efforts, 18 ladies, along with clothes and 20-pound turkey also. and all the fixings for Christmas dinner., Toys for We will begin selling tickets at $5 each, General Tots, and Arnett House. Seating (no reservations), from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8 in the Lobby of the Recreation Cen- See OTOW on Page A12 A10 ~ Friday, January 5, 2018 www.smcitizen.com Jewish Learning Institute presents 'The Journey of the Soul' Some questions are universal to the ney of the Soul, we clear up these mis- educational and personal experience.” peal to people at all levels of Jewish human experience. Is there life after conceptions and introduce an Similar sentiments were expressed by knowledge, including those without death? What happens to the soul after authentically Jewish approach which other experts in the field, including any prior experience or background in we die? What is it like for those who is both surprising and refreshing.” Professor Jeff Greenberg of University Jewish learning. All JLI courses are have traveled over to the Great Be- Journey of the Soul provides spiri- of Arizona; Dr. Casey Skvorc from the open to the public, and attendees need yond? These are but a few of the ques- tual insight into the soul’s journey National Institutes of Health; Pamela not be affiliated with a particular syn- tions addressed in the newest course through life, death, and beyond, as Blair, co-author of I Wasn’t Ready to agogue, temple, or other house of wor- from the Rohr Jewish Learning Insti- well as ancient Jewish wisdom that Say Goodbye; and Bianca Nogrady, au- ship. tute (JLI). sheds light on the philosophical, emo- thor of The End: The Human Experi- Interested students may call 352-330- Back by popular demand beginning tional, and practical aspects of coping ence of Death and others. 4466 , visit www.myJLI.com or email Sunday, Jan. 7th The Rabbi Yossi will with death and mourning. Like all previous JLI programs, [email protected] for registra- present The Journey of the Soul. “Science knows the very little about Journey of the Soul is designed to ap- tion and other information. Rabbi Yossi Hecht Director of the the soul and what happens to it post Chabad House of Ocala & The Villages mortem,” said Rabbi Yossi Hecht. “It’s will conduct the six course sessions about what is truly valuable and mean- Sundays, 11 a.m. to-12:15 p.m., starting ingful in life which is relevant to ev- West Marion Moose Lodge Jan. 7. Jan. 14, Jan. 28, Feb. 4, Feb. 18 eryone, and many in our community Sunday - Open darts and other in- 4th Saturday of the Month – Dinner Feb. 25. (One does not need to attend have expressed their curiosity to learn door games and football on televisions from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. for $??, see fliers at all classes.) about the topic, so we’re expecting a from noon to 7 p.m. our lodge. “There’s a significant amount of con- good turnout.” Tuesday - Light meals from 4 p.m.-6 West Marion Moose Lodge, 10411 SW fusion in the Jewish community about Professor Sheldon Solomon of Skid- p.m. for $5 and $6 (menu varies) 110th St. Phone 352-854-2200. Open to what happens to us when we die,” ex- more College who co-authored the Wednesday - Bar Bingo at 6 p.m. members and guests only. plains Rabbi Naftali Silberberg, the book The Worm at the Core: On the role Thursday - Shuffleboard at 6:30 p.m. lead editor for the course from JLI’s of Death in Life commented about the Friday – Fish (fried or baked), fried headquarters in New York. “Many JLI course: “This course strikes me as shrimp or baked chicken with baked ideas that originate in other religions a very fine juxtaposition of ancient potato or French fries and salad or Read the and belief systems have been popular- theological wisdom with contemporary Cole slaw from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. for $8 and ized in the media and are taken for empirical science. My sense is that this entertainment from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. granted by unassuming Jews. In Jour- will be an interesting and rewarding 2nd Saturday of the Month - Taco Classifieds Buffet from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. for $6. CALENDAR Continued from Page A5

Sanctuary will visit with his friend Tuesday, Jan. 23 “Hobbie” a great horned owl, who be- Human trafficking forum cause of a broken wing cannot be re- leased to the wild. Belisie and his The American Association of Univer- assistant, Kenneth Lane, both of whom sity Women (AAUW) Ocala Branch is have over two decades of experience sponsoring a Human Trafficking working with birds of prey, will tell us Forum on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m. at about their work in animal and bird the Ocala Police Department Commu- rescue. nity Room, 402 South Pine Avenue, They will give us a photo tour on the Ocala. big screens of the intriguing Wildlife The speakers will include Deputy Sanctuary and the rescued wildlife. Zack Hughes of the Marion County The lecture is free with a free-will of- Sheriff ’s Office, Human Trafficking fering. Task Force and the F.B.I., and Jan Ed- For further information, call the wards from Paving the Way, a social church office at 237-4633. service organization in Orlando. All are invited to attend this free Tuesday, Jan. 30 event to hear from the experts regard- ing this current serious social problem Breast Cancer Support Group in our state and locally in our neigh- The SOS (Sisterhood of Survivors) borhood. For more information about Breast Cancer Support Group meets this upcoming forum contact 352-236- the last Tuesday of each month at 1 3926. p.m. at Ocala West UMC, 9330 SW 105th St. Rm 235 the Chapel. Our meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 30 will Sunday, Jan. 28 be a presentation/discussion by Amy Great horned owl at Countryside Roberts, a licensed counselor at Rob- ert Boissonault Oncology Institute. She Countryside’s Free University Lec- will discuss with us Post Traumatic ture Series at Countryside Presbyte- Anxiety, Depression, and Survivor rian Church, 7768 SW Highway 200, Guilt. If you have any questions, please Ocala, continues on Sunday, Jan. 28 at call Gail Tirpak 352-291-6904. Happy 3 p.m. New Year to all of you and look for- Keith Belisie of the Ocala Wildlife ward to seeing you on Jan. 30. www.smcitizen.com Friday, January 5, 2018 ~ A11 She felt this was no accident, so she prayed, “Lord, it’s up to you, if you It's Diet Resolution Week Pun Alley want me to have any of those delicious age-butter roasted turkey, corn- “The material we put into our stom- Dick Frank goodies, create a parking place for me bread dressing, citrus-cranberry achs is enough to have killed most of directly in front of the bakery.” Ssauce, caramelized onions, green us sitting here, years ago. And sure enough, on the eighth time beans, honey glazed ham, roasted Red meat is awful. Soft drinks erode around the block, there it was! God is sweet potatoes and carrots, buttermilk your stomach lining. Chinese food is good! biscuits, pumpkin pie, apple pie, fruit- loaded with MSG. Vegetables can be waistline. cake and pecan pie. Starting with disastrous and none of us realize the When someone says he diets reli- Dieting made to order Thanksgiving and continuing through long-term harm caused by the germs in giously, he probably means he doesn’t “I believe you are thinner than the Christmas it was an era of eating. our drinking water. But there is one eat anything while in church. last time I saw you, Mrs. Kane. Are you It was eat, drink, and be merry, for thing that is the most dangerous of all A successful diet is the triumph of taking treatments or dieting to lose tomorrow we diet. “Tomorrow” just ar- and most of us have eaten it. Can any- mind over platter. weight?” rived. This week is Diet Resolution one here tell me what food it is that Seconds count, especially when diet- “Oh, no, I’m losing weight because of Week, a good time for you to think causes the most grief and suffering for ing. all the trouble I’m having with my new about controlling your figure. To start years after eating it?” Some people are no good at counting maid.” “Why don’t you fire her?” you on your way we look at a number A man in the front row stood up and calories and have the figures to prove “I’m going to, just as soon as she wor- of think or slim stories. said, “Wedding cake.” it. ries me down another ten pounds.” When you start on a diet, the first Emotional help By the book thing you lose is your patience. Gesund sein! My friend Glen announced that he After Sylvia took a job at a small Police arrested a man after finding a The Japanese eat very little fat and had started a diet to lose some pounds publisher, the first books she was as- bag of marijuana hidden underneath a suffer fewer heart attacks than the he had put on recently. “Good!” I ex- signed to edit were all on the topic of roll of fat in his stomach. It was a real British or Americans. The French eat claimed. “I’m ready to start a diet too. dieting. “Isn’t the market flooded with a pot belly. a lot of fat and also suffer fewer heart We can be dieting buddies and help these types of books?” she asked an- I’m on a garlic diet. I’ve lost 14 attacks than the British or Americans. each other out. When I feel the urge to other editor. “How do we expect to pounds and 25 friends. The Japanese drink very little red drive out and get a burger and fries, I’ll turn a profit?” “Don’t worry,” he as- wine and suffer fewer heart attacks call you first.” sured her. “These books appeal to a Around and around she goes than the British or Americans. The “Great!” he replied. “I’ll ride with wider audience.” After starting a new diet, Sally al- Italians drink excessive amounts of you.” tered her drive to work to avoid pass- red wine and also suffer fewer heart Shorts ing her favorite bakery. She attacks than the British or Americans. Diet foods The disheartening thing about the accidentally drove by the bakery one Conclusion: Eat and drink what you At a meeting in one of our retire- average diet regime is it does so much morning and as she approached, there like. Speaking English is apparently ment communities a dietitian said, for the will power and so little for the in the window were a host of goodies. what kills you. A12 ~ Friday, January 5, 2018 www.smcitizen.com

Bird program is Jan. 13 Marion Audubon Soci- ety is offering a bird walk and Program on Saturday, Jan. 13, for Marion Audubon Society members and the public at the Discovery Center, 829 NE Sanchez Ave. in Ocala. This event is free to the public. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. with a bird walk around Tus- cawilla Park. Following the bird walk a program is scheduled at 10 a.m. Refreshments will be available before the 10:00 program: Wetland groundwater recharge park program, Presented by Rachel Slocomb. Why it matters: “The Wetland Groundwater Recharge Park allows the City of Ocala to effi- ciently use its water re- sources. The program: Wetland groundwater recharge Park is an opportunity for the public to learn about the proposed park for our community. Marion Audubon Soci- ety is dedicated to pro- vide bird watching opportunities for county residents. Join us at our website www.marioncountyaudu- bon.com, like us on Face- book and register for our bird walks on our Meetup website. OTOW Continued from Page A9 ter entrance. We will be there each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, same time, through March 16. You may even see us at some of the other events held at the Recreation Center. The participation and atten- dance of our friends and fellow residents con- tinue to allow our group to annually contribute, after expenses, towards a scholarship fund for a deserving Arts student at our local College of Cen- tral Florida. We are anxiously awaiting completion and posting of our announce- ment posters at various venues throughout our community, and, hope- fully, they will be avail- able for pickup and sharing with our resi- dents very soon. Our an- nouncement will also be on our local community TV channel 732. We en- courage all our fellow residents to share our posters with their other group, club, or email contacts. We promise a very exciting and enter- taining trip down mem- ory lane. Reminder: Show times are Saturday, March 24 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 25 at 3 p.m. at the OTOW Recreation Cen- ter Ballroom and Stage. Please mark your calen- dars and start buying your tickets. It is our de- sire to please you with our performances. If you have any ques- tions, please call our Di- rector Harry Boyajian at 239-336-4804 or our As- sistant Director Leslie Miller at 443-521-5038. www.smcitizen.com Friday, January 5, 2018 ~ A13 New tradition starts at Cherrywood t took until the end of the year to do Haugel for the open house and for al- This informative presentation is it, but we finally came up with a lowing so many of us to bring guests free to all of our residents and will in- Inew tradition here at Cherrywood. Cherrywood through their beautifully decorated clude refreshments and of course an As most of you know, there is a group John Everlove home this Christmas. There display extensive question and answer period that meets on Saturday evenings at the was nothing less than amazing and to be sure you get answers to all your Clubhouse to play Bocce Ball, enjoy a their warmth in sharing was greatly questions. glass of beer or three, sip a little vino appreciated. If you missed it this year, Reservations are required so and just enjoy the heck out of each oth- be sure to catch it next year. please let Jennifer in the office know if er’s company. If you haven’t tried join- whatever they sleep in and head to the Lastly, there’s going to be a Super you are planning to attend. Sign up ing them, you’re really missing pool side to relax and enjoy socializ- Bowl Party. I know it because there’s with your friends and neighbors and something special. ing. I see this as becoming quite suc- been one every year for the past 8 make an evening of it as you will all At any rate, Christmas was coming cessful as long as those who sleep in years I lived here. Now no one has told prosper from the information pro- as it does every year at the same time, the altogether put on a robe and those me about it, so I can’t give you any de- vided. and these stalwart Bocce Ball enthusi- with a trap door in their Doctor Den- tails, but I do know this; there will be 2 asts and socialites had been busy at tons sleepers keep them closed. teams playing, one of them won’t be Trivia Night the malls, shops and on line making Congratulations to our Bocce the Detroit Lions; it will be cold up Don’t miss Trivia Night on sure everything would be just perfect. Group on a new tradition and another north but much warmer here and Wednesday, Jan. 17 beginning at 7 p.m. The problem was, they were ex- way of having fun here at Cherrywood. lastly, the winners will be world cham- Tom Shelnutt will be making his debut hausted. pions. Stay tuned for more enlighten- as our EMCEE posing the questions on Not willing to give up their Satur- From the community ing information. the big screen in the Clubhouse. Tom day night delight, the group said fine, Sometimes there is so much going has been playing Trivia for a long time, we’ll just come in our jammies and sit on in the community it’s hard to keep Save money starting now so it will be interesting to see what and relax together. There will be no up and even more difficult to organize One of the largest household ex- type of questions he comes up with. We exertion or spending of energy, just in a column. For example, Elaine penses daily is utility costs. Our power know he has a sense of humor, so they quiet relaxation and then we’ll go Rozak could use a card or a note as company, SECO is hosting a seminar at should be pretty good. home and plop into bed. she’s facing a difficult time. This is ac- our Clubhouse on Jan. 22 where they Arrive a little early and pay your The idea went over so well, that cording to her daughter Sherrie. Her will show you how to save on electric- $1 registration fee. Then you’ll either from now on, every Saturday night be- address is 10081 SW 62 Terr Rd. ity and how to help prevent frying your be assigned a team or play on the team fore Christmas, the group will don On the other end of the scale, we appliances during severe thunder their pajamas, robes, slippers and would like to thank Maryann and Lou storms. See CHERRYWOOD on Page A16 A14 ~ Friday, January 5, 2018 www.smcitizen.com 2018 promises to be fun filled with balls, new clubs in Oak Run

ear readers, the year 2018 is getting off to a great start in Oak Run. Clubs are announcing Dtheir new officers for the year. Our community Oak Run will again have “real” music at our events. Ambassa- Laura Smith dors have a 13-piece band coming on the 20th for a Black and White Ball. Yes, we are being asked to dress up for this fancy affair and I know guys, you don’t like to do so but we women like to occasionally. So, humor us! A little bird gave me a bit of news, our for 2018 I wish you faith, hope and love. Peace, own Sue Tobias, (Baytree Greens) has again been a Laura medal winner in table tennis. She is an award win- ning National Champion and holds medals from Important reminder wins around the United States. Sue, you make us all ORHA Board elections on Saturday, Jan. 13 from proud, thank you! 8-noon. Christmas Eve we were enjoying our children All homeowners (1 vote to a home) encouraged to being with us, when the doorbell rang. Lo and be- vote for director, neighborhood representatives. hold, we open the door and are greeted with Christ- mas Carolers and a line of decorated golf carts led Join Us for a Bible Study on Prayer by Jeff and Carol Kines. And I recognized Tony, God has given us a Bible full of answers to the Kerrs and Maggie through my tears. We were all whys of life. Have you ever wondered if prayer is thrilled and it reminded us of past years, where that necessary? If so, why? Is God’s will automatically a was a tradition. I give thanks that Oak Run is in good guarantee or is it linked to the prayers and choices hands with our newcomers. It was fun to see that of human beings? Just how does one pray effec- one of the neighborhood (Hillside East) signs was tively? Join us as we learn what the Bible has to say decorated “Happy New Year.” Ed got over there and on this subject as we trace how God allows humans took a picture. Maybe next year we could have a col- to make decisions that can influence history. We will lage of all the decorated neighborhoods entries. I meet in the Card Room (Orchid Club) on Wednesday know Ed and Ron love getting out there with their evenings from 6:30-8:30 beginning Wednesday, Jan cameras. 24. Call Lorrie @ 352-237- 2083 or Bob and Evelyn @ will be refreshments served as well as door prizes. This year I encourage all to be careful of scams. 352- 854-8015 for more information. All Oak Run residents are invited to attend. You might want to attend the meeting on Wed. 17 sponsored by the Sports Club, regarding crime, Quilt Club Travel safety, etc. If you are new residents, please check out As a second reminder and due to a cancellation, 2 the events and perhaps find a fit for you to be in- The Quilt Club will host an open house on Thurs- day, Jan. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. held at the Island Club. tickets became available for the musical Pippin. volved. If at any time you do not feel welcomed at Call the hosts Joan Berring & Ed Schlosser for these any club, or activity, please don’t just say “forget it” On display will be hand- and machine-quilted items showing various quilting techniques. Missed the tickets. but talk to another resident. If you are by yourself This is great entertainment with music, acrobatics here, why not check out Renaissance Women. There Craft Show? That’s OK, some quilted items on dis- play will be available for purchase. Whether you are and wondrous magical feats. Pippin, the prince, are a great group of women who do a lot of fun finds happiness in the less than extraordinary mo- things. There is the Singles Club and they welcome interested in becoming a member or just enjoy see- all singles. A new year has begun, 2017 is over and ing beautiful quilts, come join us on Jan. 18. There www.smcitizen.com Friday, January 5, 2018 ~ A15 OAK RUN Continued from Page A14 ments of everyday life after he Kreideweis at 291-1456 for availability searches for it on the battlefield, in on days and times of play. politics and through pleasures of the flesh. The cost at The Show Palace Library Dinner Theater is $74 pp which in- The library monthly book sale will cludes transportation & driver tip, buf- be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, from fet and show. 8-9:30 a.m.at the Orchid Club. Hard- back books and DVD’s are priced at $1 Royal Oaks Women’s 18 Hole Golf each and Paperbacks are 10 cents League each. Stop by the Donut Drop-In while Our game on Dec.26 was Crystal there and enjoy coffee and a donut. Ball. We got to pick 3 holes in advance that we could eliminate from our total Oak Run Garden Club News score. Group I had a tie for first be- Garden Club field trip Jan. 17 to tween Elaine Bush and Judy Klein. Owls Sanctuary in Ocala. Meet in the Group II first place went to Bette overflow lot at 9:15 a.m. to car pool. Johnson. Sylvia Zappia and Lynn Leave at 9:30 a.m. Meetings are the Houghton tied for second. In Group III first Wednesday of the month 9 a.m, in Jan Tennant took first place and Chris the Orchid Club. Each month there is a Lefabvre and Ginger Drake tied for different speaker sharing their knowl- second. Elaine Bush was closest to the edge and information on gardening in Pin. ROWGO welcomes all Oak Run our area of Florida, native plants, con- Women interests in joining our trolling pests, and much more. Several League. Contact the Pro Shop at 352- field trips are planned for this year. 861-1818. February will be Bob Wines Camelia Gardens in Ocala, and April Harry P. Bocce Leu gardens in Orlando. Hope everyone enjoyed their holi- In March the Garden Club will be days’. Now we can get to playing holding a plant sale. Donations of Bocce. Even though the season has plants, pots, any garden items are wel- half ended, we are still allowing play- come. Congratulations to our new A visit from the carolers. ers to play on a bocce team. If inter- ested, please call Art or Pat See OAK RUN on Page A16 A16 ~ Friday, January 5, 2018 www.smcitizen.com CHERRYWOOD Continued from Page A13 of your choice. Each everyone. See or call my readers concerns. ered within their own li- than nothing and their repair, two or three of group of 3 or 4 people Jennifer today. This person lives in ability. work is worth every you go together. If the re- share an answer sheet Cherrywood and unfor- Likewise, if they penny of it. pair people know they’re and they, as a team, try to Victory Cruise tunately is a widow. don’t complete the work I told the writer of dealing with two or three answer the questions. Don’t forget our up- Being unable to do the or don’t perform their the letter that I would knowledgeable consum- At the end of the coming Victory Cruise work herself, she hired services correctly, we put an article in the ers as opposed to one, night, score sheets are Line Casino trip on Jan. some people after hurri- have legal recourse we paper about this disturb- uninformed and maybe graded, and the winners 23. This is a great time cane Irma to make re- can take. Thus, in an ing situation where she even timid individual, announced. The top that gives you the oppor- pairs on her property. To ideal world, everyone got ripped off in hopes I’m sure the results will teams get a small cash tunity of sharing fun and say she wasn’t pleased would be happy with the that others would not be better. reward, but they also get games with your friends would be an understate- contracted work they find themselves in the I hope our ladies the all-important brag- and neighbors. ment. hired out. same situation. I made will toss this idea around ging rights for an entire You’ll leave the Club- In our minds we all Let’s face it, some- one other suggestion to and prevent any further month. house at 7:30 a.m. sharp know that when we hire times we don’t always her which I’m going to experiences of being Proceeds from and the bus will take you someone for any job we make the right decisions. share with all of you, but taken advantage of. You Trivia this year are going right to the ship. You’ll should hire professionals We have that family especially our widowed guys who are reading to the Support our Sol- board, and immediately who are licensed and in- member who says they ladies. this, don’t be afraid to diers project. Last year, start enjoying yourself. sured. This is primarily can build a house from Form a support help. Volunteer to pro- we donated over $300 to Enjoy the free buffet, the for our own protection scratch; we know a group. You ladies can be vide information if Hospice of Marion free entertainment, and not the contractors. If friend who has a friend on line with each other asked. We have an obli- County. Come out and prepare to take part in they get hurt on the job, who can get it for us and share good experi- gation to take care of challenge your mind, the games as they open. we don’t want them suing wholesale; and there’s ences as well as bad. each other so let’s start tickle your funny bone, Bingo, Roulette, our homeowner’s policy, always that neighbor When you go someplace with our widows. share good times and Slots, Poker, and every- we want them to be cov- who can do it for less for a service like an auto If you have suggestions support a great cause all thing in between is avail- or ideas for this column, in the same evening. See able along with free please contact me at ss- you at Trivia Night. drinks while you’re gam- [email protected]. I al- ing and $20 in qualified OAK RUN ways enjoy hearing from It’s not too early slot tokens too. With a lit- Continued from Page A15 you. Our Sweetheart tle bit of luck, you’ll President Merry Carole best known night out and it is free. Craft Show is coming up come home rich. as MC and Treasurer Jacqueline. quickly. If you are a Holly Bragdon is in Thanks to outgoing President Ellen Cherrywood resident charge of this excursion Renaissance Women and Treasurer Floretta for the great and a vendor, you’ll want so contact her to pay Lunch at ROGC: 5 p.m., Wednesday, job you have both done. Come and join to contact Jennifer right your $45 fee and make Jan. 10. Call Gerry Deane 585-737-8711 us for fun, friendship, helpful informa- away to get your free your reservations. You to reserve. tion and treats. space for this terrific ex- can reach her at 873- Ethnic Lunch: Royal Orchid (Thai), All Oak Run residents are welcome hibition. If you aren’t a 8223. You’ll have a good Thursday, Jan 11, 12:30 p.m. Reserva- to attend. FYI contact MC 352-209- resident, get in line now time; you can bet on it. tions: Martha 237-9333 or 239-321-4077. 6889 or check Oak Run Channel 12. for tables to show your Movies: Call Peg 274-9640 for details. wares. From the reporter Membership: Call Patricia 445-7428; leave message. Don’t be left out in This being the first Showcase of Stars Songs for everyone on Sat. Jan. 13 at Meeting: Sunday, Jan. 28, 2p.m, Is- the cold because these of the year, I’m starting the Palm Grove - 7 p.m. craft shows are a hit with out in answer to one of 50/50 & Door Prizes. It is a Saturday See OAK RUN on Page A17 www.smcitizen.com Friday, January 5, 2018 ~ A17 band doesn’t come along very often. meeting is Monday, Jan. 8 @ 7 p.m. ceive a Help Program card and a OAK RUN Don’t miss your chance to hear South- Please bring a check...it’s time for the Health Emergency Life Profile at the Continued from Page A16 ern Express Orchestra live on the yearly dues. end of the presentation. Palm Grove stage. Areas that will be covered include: land Club. Never any dues! We are The Ambassadors are the part of Oak Run Women’s Golf Association *Safekeeping and appropriate shar- open to all ladies of Oak Run! ORHA that puts on dances and events Women residents of Oak Run who ing of medical information Happy New Year for the entertainment and amusement are interested in joining our 9-Hole *Current Crime Statistics of all Oak Run. We are all volunteers group are invited to contact Marlena *Fraud, Scams, and Identity Theft Ambassadors from within the community. If you Yaich for information (her phone num- Prevention In case you haven’t heard the excit- would like to participate, there is no ber is listed in the OR directory). Our *Non-lethal defense weapons ing news, live music is coming back to club to join and no dues to pay. Our group plays on Thursday mornings at No signups are required and for fur- Oak Run. On Jan.20 the Black & White workshops are on the second Thursday the Royal Oaks Golf Course. A re- ther information, contact Barry McCo- Ball, the Ambassador’s formal event of of every month in the Card Room of minder for current members of nnell at 630-217- 2002. the year, will feature the Southern Ex- the Orchid Club and we’re always ORWGA: our January meeting will be press Orchestra, a thirteen -piece en- open to new and interesting ideas for held on Monday, the 15th at 9 a.m. in New York Club semble performing live for your projects we haven’t tried yet. the Card Room at the Orchid Club. Come join the New York Club for the dancing pleasure. This will not be a “Proud to be an American” dinner and prerecorded event, but rather, real mu- Performing Arts Company (PACOR) Oak Run Shooting Sports Club dance on Jan. 24 from 5:30-10 p.m. at sicians playing genuine musical in- Happy New Year! And starting our Free Presentation - Crime, Safety the Orchid Club. Enjoy music by hot struments. It has been years since Oak new year off, we welcome a fantastic and Identity Theft Awareness. new entertainer Hal Dodd! Catering Run has had the benefit of seeing a new board and a hilarious new show. The Club is sponsoring a 45-60- min- will be provided by Mojos and include: real musical performance within the “Last Round-Up of the Guacamole ute presentation concerning your per- pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, community. Queens!” Show dates are March 22-25 sonal safety, identity theft, fraud, baked beans, coleslaw, fresh corn- For this, the most elegant occasion with a kick your behind southern BBQ scams, crime prevention. bread and homemade brownies! on the Ambassador’s 2018 calendar, we on opening night! The ticket sale dates It will be Wednesday, Jan. 17 at The BYOB, coffee will be provided. There request that attendees dress in a man- are Saturday, Jan. 13 during the Donut Orchid Club from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. will also be great door prizes and ner befitting such an historic and so- Drop In from 8-10 a.m. in the Orchid Metro Crime Prevention of FL is a 50/50. Ticket sales are Jan. 8 from 10- phisticated event. Tickets are $10 per Club auditorium, Monday, Jan. 15 from non-profit organization founded by re- noon in the card room at the Orchid person and will be available for pur- 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Palm Grove tired law enforcement personnel that, Club. Cost is $18 for members and $20 chase Monday, Jan. 8 in the Card Room and Saturday, Jan.27 during the Pan- for 25 years, has been reaching out to for guests. Interested persons contact from 8 to 10 a.m, & Saturday Jan. 13 at cake Breakfast from 8-10 a.m. at the citizens in our community to empower Carrie Ball at (352) 843-1774. the Donut Drop-In, Monday Jan. 15 in Orchid Club. Call Patty Waddell (din- them with resources and information Well another week, enjoy the week the Orchid Club Lobby from 9 to 11 ner theater tickets) @352-237-7145 or that will reduce their risk of becoming coming. Peace, Laura Smith csjtpq2@ a.m. The opportunity to dance to a big Billie Steven @352-615-6297. Our next a victim of crime. Each person will re- gmail.com A18 ~ Friday, January 5, 2018 www.smcitizen.com Religion

Christ’s Church of Marion County You do not need to be a member to attend any of Start the new year in worship with us at Christ’s our Bible studies or services. Visitors are always Church of Marion County on Sunday, Jan. 7. We will welcome here at Southwest. begin the morning with Sunday School classes all Southwest Christian Church exists to equip Chris- ages at 9:30 a.m. followed by our Worship Service at tians with a mind that knows the word of God, a 10:30 a.m. During the 10:30 service, our Worship heart that seeks the character of God, hands that do Choir will present special music and Pastor David the work of God and feet that share the grace of God. Bellows will share our morning message. Southwest Christian Church, 9045 SW 60th Ave. Christ’s Church of Marion County is at 6768 SW (south off SR 200) 352-861-9080. 80th St. in Ocala. For more information or directions contact the church office at 352-861-6182 or visit our Crossroads Church website at www.ccomc.org. We have some very new and exciting ministries starting up for the winter. Southwest Christian Men’s Breakfast will be held this Saturday, Jan. 6th Come on in and see what God has to offer you at 8 a.m. All are welcome. through Southwest Christian Church. Women’s ministry will be held Saturday, Jan. 6th at Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday school classes for chil- noon. dren and adults. 10:30 a.m. morning worship service. Single Point ministry, for all singles, will be held 6 p.m. evening worship service. on Friday, Jan. 12th at 6 p.m. We have a staffed nursery available during the Our Common Ground fellowship will be meeting worship service. at Pavarotti’s on Saturday, Jan. 27th at 4 p.m. Come We offer the following studies throughout the join us. week: Josh McVey will be giving a free Gospel Concert on Monday-Women’s Bible study at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 28th at 6 p.m. All are welcome to at- Thursday-Girl Scouts 6 p.m. Tuesday AA from 5 to tend. A love offering will be received. 7 p.m. LOVE OCALA – This is a brand new ministry that Every-3rd Tuesday of the month (Sept.-June) is directed especially for our local community. On Christian Women’s Fellowship at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 starting at 8 a.m., Crossroads Wednesday-7 p.m. we offer 3 different adult Bible Church will be holding a ministry day for our local studies. See RELIGION on Page A19 www.smcitizen.com Friday, January 5, 2018 ~ A19 Fastest-growing jobs in Marion are in health care

Eight of the 10 fastest-growing occupations practitioner, with a growth rate of 39 percent and seventh on the Top 10 list at 31 percent projected through 2025 for the CareerSource Citrus Levy Mar- median hourly wage of $45.16. growth rate; marriage and family therapists, ranked ion region are in the healthcare industry. Adrienne Johnston, chief of DEO’s Bureau of eighth at 27.27 percent; and physical therapists, All but one of the Top 10 requires formal postsec- Labor Statistics, said that “estimating employment ranked ninth at 27.25 percent. ondary education or training, ranging from non-de- projections over the next eight years is necessary for Fence erectors, which tied with forensic science gree awards to master’s, doctoral or professional our state to provide the training and resources technicians for the 10th fastest-growing occupation degrees. needed to ensure Florida’s workforce is prepared to in the region, is the only occupation on the list that According to the Florida Department of Economic fulfill our occupational demands.” does not require a formal educational credential. Opportunities’ annual release of occupation projec- Nurse practitioners require a master’s, doctoral or Hourly wages for the fastest-growing occupations tions, the region’s fastest-growing position is nurse professional degree along with psychiatrists, ranked range from $12.80 an hour for physical therapist aides – the fourth fastest-growing occupation at 34 percent – to $98.14 an hour for psychiatrists. The av- erage median wage is $34.37 an hour. RELIGION In addition to the fastest-growing occupations, Continued from Page A18 DEO’s projections included the occupations gaining the most new jobs, led by Retail salespersons, add- ing 788 positions region wide, followed by fast food community. This will include Food, Clothes and Den- the door and no reserved seating. College Road workers (food preparation and serving) with 745 new tistry (Freedom Clinic USA) on our campus. All of Baptist Church is located at 5010 SW College Road jobs, Registered Nurses adding 557, customer ser- this will be presented free of charge. Please come in Ocala, 1.7 miles west of I-75. All are welcome! vice representatives with 479, and nursing assistants and be blessed as Christ has blessed us. with 424. We have Craft Classes (knitting & crocheting) Maranatha Baptist Church Rounding out the top 10 are secretaries other than every Monday, from 2 – 4 p.m. Maranatha Baptist Church extends a special invi- legal, medical and executive (+406); construction Mondays – Monday Night Bible Study at 6:30. tation to everyone who would like to experience a workers (+387); receptionists and information clerks Topic – “The Trinity” church family. Come and visit and find a home this (+353); landscaping and grounds keeping (+351); Tuesdays – Intercessory Prayer Meeting at 9 a.m. New Year. We are a multi-cultural church, where all and general office clerks (+316). Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays – we have are welcomed. We are a family and want everyone to Three positions do not require a credential, three Nursing Home ministry at multiple agencies. experience that love. Maranatha Baptist Church require a high school diploma, three require a post- Wednesdays – Family Training Hour at 7 p.m. This doctrine is totally Bible-based. All ages are welcome. secondary non-degree award and one requires an includes Crossroads Kids, Crossroads Nursery & Sunday 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday School classes Associate’s degree. The median hourly wages range Crossroads Youth Ministries. for all ages. 10:45 a.m. Adult morning worship ser- from $9.38 an hour for fast food workers to $29.12 an Thursdays – Our Spanish “Estudio Biblico” at 7 vice and Junior Church for our children. 6 p.m. Eve- hour for RNs. The average median wage is $13.66. p.m. ning services. Rusty Skinner, CareerSource CLM’s chief execu- Sunday Services – Sunday School, 8:30 a.m; Wor- Wednesday 6:45 p.m. prayer time and Bible study. tive officer, said that one takeaway from the latest ship Services at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and our Spanish Ser- A nursery is provided for infants to 3 years old at projections is that for both the fastest-growing occu- vice at 1 p.m. Nursery Ministry provided for all all services. pations and those gaining the most new jobs, com- services. Our Mission Conference is scheduled during the pensation is commensurate with training or Crossroads Church, 8070 SW 60th Ave. (south off of week of Jan. 14 (Sunday, Jan. 14 both services, See JOBS on Page A20 SR 200) 352-291-2080. Wednesday, Jan. 11 evening service and Sunday, Jan. See our new website at www.ourcrossroads.church 21 both services). All are welcome to attend and hear for up to date calendar events. our missionaries speak about their lives on the mis- sion field and how they spread the Gospel. College Road Baptist Maranatha Baptist Church is at 525 Marion Oaks Dates set for Winter Gospel Concert Series Trail. Please call 352-347-5683 for further informa- Save these dates now for the 2018 Winter Gospel tion and/or directions to the church. Concert Series at College Road Baptist Church in Ocala. You won’t want to miss these top artists in Countryside Presbyterian Church concert beginning with “Trust in Him”, “River Jor- Countryside Presbyterian Church at 7768 SW Hwy. dan” and “The Heavenbound Singers” on Friday, 200 invites you to the 8:30 a.m. contemporary or the Jan. 5. The “Triumphant Quartet” will be there on 10:30 a.m. traditional service on Sunday, Jan. 7 when Friday, Jan. 12. On Friday, Jan. 26, will be “The Inspi- the Rev. Gary Marshall will celebrate the Epiphany. rations” and then “The McKameys” on Thursday, All are welcome. For further information, please Feb. 22. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. with the doors call the church at 237-4633. opening at 6:30. There is a $10 donation accepted at A20 ~ Friday, January 5, 2018 www.smcitizen.com JOBS Surplus auction Continued from Page A19 is Tuesday lucation. the College of Central Florida hone also required 10 years of data to pro- “It’s a drum we’ve been beating for in on the workforce needs of in-de- duce estimates. The City of Ocala will host a silent sur- years; it’s clear you don’t need a four- mand industries by assisting busi- “It was indirect at best … and slow plus auction Tuesday, Jan. 9 from 9 a.m. to year, liberal arts degree to succeed, nesses recruit and hire candidates in responding to changes,” she said, noon at the City of Ocala complex located but it’s also clear that greater career and train and retain staff. At the adding that the new method used for at 2100 NE 30th Ave., near building 300. opportunity and better wages go same time, training assistance is the 2017-2025 outlook is regres- Items available at this auction may in- hand-in-hand with the right kind of available for candidates interested in sion-based and “statistically more ro- clude cell phones, chairs, computers, of- postsecondary training needed for targeted occupations. bust because it incorporates fice furniture, TVs, VCRs, DVD players or the position,” he said. “Right now, the economic drivers demographic variables and other em- other items the City no longer has a use Here’s how the average median for our communities are healthcare, ployment projections data.” for. wages stack up at each education transportation and logistics, IT, man- The Top 10 fastest-growing occupa- To view a complete list of available level among the Top 10 fastest-grow- ufacturing and construction,” he said. tions overall currently employ 1,609 items, please visit www.ocalasurplus.com. ing occupations and those gaining the “We have myriad programs that help positions and are projected to add Those in attendance will be able to bid most new jobs: businesses meet their needs, includ- 1,486 job openings by 2025. However, on all available items throughout the • No formal education: $11.76 ing On-the-Job Training grants, paid due to the churn of the labor market event until the auction closes at noon. among the fastest-growing and $10.32 adult internships, work experience and other variables captured by the The highest bidders, or winners, will have among the top 10 gaining the most trainee programs, and custom busi- new methodology, DEO projects 2,118 until 3 p.m. the day of the auction to pay new jobs ness training opportunities.” employed in the fastest-growing occu- for the item(s) and remove it from City • High school: $14.63 and The new projections were calcu- pations in eight years. That results in property. The only accepted methods of $12.78 respectively lated using the “separation method” a 32-percent average growth rate for payment will be cash or certified checks. • Postsecondary non-degree which differentiates between those the Top 10 fastest-growing occupa- This auction is free and open to the awards: $19.75 and $14.18 leaving the labor force entirely and tions. public. The City will host these auctions • Associate’s degree: $23.58 those who are permanently leaving The Top 10 occupations gaining the regularly on the second Tuesday of each and $28.25 an occupation to enter a new field. most new jobs is projected to add month from 9 a.m. to noon at the City of • Bachelor’s degree $34.16 and DEO’s Johnston said that the old more than 7,000 positions for a total Ocala complex, 2100 NE 30th Ave., near $28.99 method of projecting openings un- of 41,346 job openings in eight years. building 300. • Master’s, doctoral or profes- dercounted the total jobs in an occu- Again, due to variables of the labor For more information, please contact sional degree: $36.74 and $47.30 pation because it was based market, employment is projected at John Long, City of Ocala Vendor Rela- Skinner said that DEO’s occupation exclusively on those exiting the labor 39,144 positions by 2025, up from tions Manager, at [email protected] or projections also help CareerSource force. 34,338 (+14 percent average growth 352-629-8205. CLM and its affiliate Talent Center at Johnston noted that the old method rate). www.smcitizen.com Friday, January 5, 2018 ~ A21 COMMENTARY Listening to Nancy Pelosi’s tax apocalypse

BY RICH LOWRY survive the Republican tax bill. comments. Per Pelosi, the bill is an af- case for extending the bill than for Special to the Citizen House Minority Leader Nancy Pe- front to the Founding Fathers, veter- blocking it. Indeed, it’s almost certain losi calls the bill “monumental, brazen ans, children and all that’s good and the middle-class provisions would To listen to the Democrats, the theft from the American middle class,” true in America. eventually be preserved. American middle class will be lucky to and that’s one of her more restrained She constantly charges that the bill What is, by the way, this looming “raises taxes on 86 million mid- middle-class wasteland in 2027? Pelosi dle-class households,” and “hands a relies on the liberal Tax Policy Center breathtaking 83 percent of its benefits for her figures. As that outfit puts it, LETTERS to the wealthiest 1 percent of Ameri- “on average, in 2027 taxes would Continued from Page A1 cans.” change little for lower- and middle-in- This is a rhetorically potent line of come groups.” Oh. attack that the polling suggests has There’s a reason Pelosi doesn’t want made considerable headway. It just to focus on the numbers when the tax wealthy. Wait a minute, those families keep feeding in my bank account. isn’t remotely honest. The Republican bill she so vociferously opposes is fully don’t earn enough to invest in the stock 1. My medigap bill just arrived. It is bill is, every factual analysis agrees, an in effect. In 2018, 80.4 percent of tax market when they have to spend every several hundred dollars heavier this across-the-board tax cut. units get a tax cut, averaging $2,140. A dollar they earn to provide food and year. Pelosi’s seemingly damning factoids grand total of 4.8 percent will see a tax housing for their families. Maybe the 2.Same story with my SS statement. come from the year 2027, an odd date increase. The small percentage of peo- leader of the free world doesn’t realize Last year the medical premium deduc- to focus on, since it’s not when the bill ple with higher taxes is disproportion- that the only people making money in tion took all the increase plus $11 goes into effect, but when part of it ately tilted toward the top of the the stock market are the rich and cor- more.The check lost weight in the lapses. In about 10 years, many of the income scale. porations who put him in office. amount of the increase plus another tax cuts on the individual side expire, It’s true that upper-income people This leader and his 35% supporters $11. which Pelosi portrays as a Republican get a bigger tax cut in terms of absolute also believe that our future energy 3. 2018 seniors are to get a 2% in- plot to loot the middle class. dollars than anyone else, for the sim- supplies lie in the coal industry where crease. The increase about $26 plus $8 It’s a very strange argument against ple reason that the wealthy tend to pay there is a growing number of miners . My check gets lighter and lighter, $34 passing a bill to say horrible things will more in taxes than anyone else, as who are enjoying the wonderful lives this year. Total for 2 years $45. For happen once the legislation no longer that this industry affords them. An- most of my friends this would be a fully applies. This is more logically a other group of supporters who supply hardship. See LOWRY on Page A22 energy to our great country are the How many years will this continue? wonderful oil workers who are making Until SS reaches zero, and I must start Alaska and the once beautiful Gulf of to pay out of pocket to the government Mexico our next supplier of energy. for my SS. Never mind solar, wind and the tides 4. This is the best of the lot, the pre- coming almost free to our shores be- scription surprise. For 15 years I have cause they only help our country and gotten 2 tubes of cream. The co-pays very little profit to our leaders sup- were $40 each. These are not new porters. drugs. Since a new layer of bureau- I am not going to name the people cracy has been inserted into the sys- who this letter is about but maybe you tem to gate keep what drugs you and I can guess who they are by their ac- may have. My share of their cost is: tions. $116.42 for one .625 mg tube {note the Jerry Segovis .42}, Ocala and $108 for a 50 gram tube. That was this month. What can I expect for Feeding my bank account a refill? Thank you Obama for the gift that Who controls their pay raises? keeps on taking. The tentacles just 5. Where does it end? Who autho- HAMILTON Continued from Page A8 understand our problems, I utterly re- Not decline, or division, or insur- ject the idea that we can give into mountable obstacles. Let’s remember them. From its start, this nation has that in 2018. been about resolving problems. We did Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for so by embracing our simple, core vir- the Indiana University Center on Repre- tues: humility, hard work, a welcoming sentative Government; a Distinguished attitude, inclusivity, neighborliness, Scholar, IU School of Global and Inter- consensus-building, and above all, a national Studies; and a Professor of recognition that freedom has been Practice, IU School of Public and Envi- given to us and we have an obligation ronmental Affairs. He was a member of to lead constructive lives. the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 That’s what we’re about as a country. years. A22 ~ Friday, January 5, 2018 www.smcitizen.com How the Supreme Court could embolden police to silence free speech BY JACOB J. HUTT placed him under arrest for failure to Yet the court not only ruled against fectively immunize governmental offi- ACLU comply with an order to disperse. He the journalist, but told him he was cials from liability even when they was soon released, and sued the barred from bringing the lawsuit in the engage in clear-cut retaliation. Earlier this year, a photojournalist NYPD for arresting him in retaliation first place. Even though the dispersal There are several reasons why this headed to a Black Lives Matter protest for exercising his First Amendment order may have been faulty, the officer rule is both unconstitutional and bad in Times Square against the New York rights. He pointed out the NYPD su- could have had probable cause to ar- policy. First, it allows law enforcement Police Department, and took out his pervisor’s explicit order to make an ar- rest him for a separate pedestrian traf- to use an “arrest now, justify later” camera to film it. As he approached a bitrary arrest, and proved that police fic violation, which automatically strategy in which an arresting officer crowd of protesters, he heard a police barricades were positioned to block rendered irrelevant any evidence of can use a probable cause theory that supervisor instruct his officers to “just people from dispersing, making com- retaliation. was not even on the officer’s mind or take somebody and put them in hand- pliance with the dispersal order physi- The court was relying on what’s communicated to the plaintiff at the cuffs.” cally impossible. In all, the evidence of called the “no probable cause” rule, time of arrest. An officer stopped the journalist and retaliation was strong. which has the force of law in New This rule would bar retaliatory ar- York. The rule states that in order for rest lawsuits even when there is over- an individual to sue for retaliatory ar- whelming evidence of a retaliatory rest, she must prove at the outset that motive. The enormity of the criminal LOWRY the officer had no probable cause to code, and the ease of mistakenly vio- Continued from Page A8 arrest her for any crime — even one lating it, practically guarantees this re- Brian Riedl of the Manhattan Institute individual tax cuts) that squeeze a the officer hadn’t thought of at the sult. Are you carrying a sign attached points out. much bigger tax cut into a $1.5 trillion, time of the arrest. The Supreme Court to a stick thicker than 3/4 inch during a The tax bill is hardly invulnerable to 10-year window. All things being equal, will soon decide whether to make that protest? You may have committed a criticism. Even if Republicans don’t al- economic growth will diminish some rule the law nationwide. crime, which the police could use ways like to admit it, corporate tax cuts of the revenue loss. But the bill The Supreme Court will specifically against you in defending against a law- are at the heart of the bill. They aren’t could’ve been smaller and added less consider the case of a Florida man, suit for retaliatory arrest. That’s true popular, but they are pro-growth. to the deficit. Fane Lozman, who alleges that his ar- even if, say, a police officer told a There used to be a bipartisan consen- It’s impossible to say how the tax bill rest for disorderly conduct at a Riviera group of racial justice protesters that sus -- encompassing Presidents Barack will play in the midterms. What’s cer- Beach city council meeting was made the real reason for their arrest was his Obama and Bill Clinton -- that we tain is that, contra Pelosi, the middle in retaliation for his vocal opposition disdain for Black Lives Matter. If the needed corporate tax reform. class will emerge intact, and with a to a municipal redevelopment plan rule stands, this evidence would be Then there’s the deficit. Republi- lower tax bill. and for his accusations of corruption useless in a lawsuit against the officer cans can fairly be taken to task for bud- Rich Lowry is editor of the National on the council. If the court endorses if he had probable cause to arrest the get gimmicks (like the expiration of the Review. the “no probable cause” rule, it will ef- protesters for any crime. www.smcitizen.com Friday, January 5, 2018 ~ A23 great for pop music, but it never gets dumb antics that I suspect are mostly larly watchable. Come for the perfor- too bothersome. Arranging a cappella there to stretch the running time out to mances, stay for the performances, try MOVIE performances like these seems like an the 90-minute mark. The movie goes not to get too bored with the rest of the Continued from Page A6 impossible task, so even when it’s a for enough gags that some of them are movie. the standouts. The playlist does rely a song I don’t like, I at least respect the bound to land (Hana Mae Lee as the Grade: C- little too much on hits from the past effort. group’s quietest member is the movie’s “Pitch Perfect 3” is rated PG-13 for couple of years, which haven’t been “Pitch Perfect 3” is about 20% profi- secret weapon as always), but it’s not crude and sexual content, language and cient performances and about 80% at a ratio that makes the film particu- some action. Running time, 93 minutes. A24 ~ Friday, January 5, 2018 www.smcitizen.com

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You might be hurt by a colleague’s harsh criticism. But don’t let it shake your confi- dence in what you’re try- ing to do. A more positive aspect starts to appear by week’s end. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You’re torn be- tween your sensible self and the part of you that enjoys acquiring lovely things. Best advice: Wait for an end-of-month sale, and then buy something wonderful. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your artistic side has practical applications this week, such as redec- orating your home or re- designing your personal stationery. Whatever you do, someone special will like it. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You could be drawn into a problem ‘twixt friends or family members. Best bet: Ask the questions that go to the heart of the matter, then get them all to- gether for a group hug. LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) As much as you love being the center of atten- tion, your big Lion’s heart impels you to share the spotlight with a col- league who helped you with that well-praised project. VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) Your eagerness to act on a challenge is wisely tempered early in the week by a lack of neces- sary information. Things begin to clear up during the weekend. LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) A relationship you’d hoped would keep going seems to be going no- where. Close it out and move on to a brighter ro- mantic aspect just begin- ning to manifest itself. SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) Things don’t go completely as planned this week. But enjoy the surprises, even if you have to adjust your schedule. Some of them could be quite delightful. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) Making choices is usually easy for straight-shooting Ar- chers. But a new devel- opment could deflect your aim. Try to put off decisions until you know more. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) While part of you might prefer taking a more familiar path, let your more daring and -- admit it -- super-curious self see what the unex- plored has to offer. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) Those nasty types have slithered back under the rocks and present no more prob- lems. Now’s the time to move ahead on that promising relationship. PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) A new offer could clear up that lin- gering money problem. Also, a more confident attitude on your part might well help get that personal situation back on track. www.smcitizen.com Friday, January 5, 2018 ~ A25 A26 ~ Friday, January 5, 2018 www.smcitizen.com PASTTOR Continued from Page A3 Events at VFW Post 4781 Non-smoking post. 10 a.m. and is open to the public. ter of remembering. “Brethren, as long as I do not forget to set Bingo is played on Mondays with games Hall rental and catering is available, call I count not myself to have ap- Christ before me in all I do in beginning at 11:30 a.m. 352-873-4781 for further information. prehended: but this one thing I the coming year. Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunch is The VFW Post 4781 Honor Guard is avail- do, forgetting those things Dr. James L. Snyder is pastor served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. able to provide military honors to a fallen which are behind, and reaching of the Family of God Fellowship, Wednesday and Friday dinners are open to veteran. For further information contact the forth unto those things which 1471 Pine Road, Ocala, FL the public and served from 4 to 6 p.m. Prices Post at 352-873-4781. are before, I press toward the 34472. He lives with his wife in and menu varies. Wednesday dinners are Angela S. Santos VFW Post 4781, 9401 SW mark for the prize of the high Silver Springs Shores. Call him pre-sale only. Tickets are available in the 110th St. Telephone 352-873-4781. You can calling of God in Christ Jesus” at 352-687-4240 or e-mail james- canteen. Second & fourth Fridays are fried also follow us on Facebook - Angela Santos (Philippians 3:13-14). [email protected]. The church fish or chicken. No dinners first, third and VFW Post 4781. It is not important how much web site is www.whatafellow- fifth Fridays. Members of VFW Post 4781 hope everyone I can remember about the past, ship.com. Saturday breakfast is served from 8 a.m. to had a happy and safe New Year. www.smcitizen.com Friday, January 5, 2018 ~ A27 A28 ~ Friday, January 5, 2018 www.smcitizen.com