Dear Friends,
The 2024 Legislative Session has officially commenced as we held opening day on January 9th, 2024. Leading up to this momentous day, our Committees have been working diligently throughout December to ensure that we hit the ground running.
The Senate Committee on Health Policy passed the Live Healthy Legislative Package. Aimed at addressing healthcare workforce shortages and advancing innovation in healthcare, this legislation is critical to ensure that every Floridian has access to vital healthcare services. Access to healthcare is critically important at every phase of life, and due to Florida’s shortage of healthcare professionals, insurance does not guarantee access. Live Healthy provides robust policy enhancements and strategic investments to generate growth amongst our workforce and stimulate innovation across all sectors of healthcare, expanding access to services and enhancing the quality of care. Continue reading
What do a bouncy 14-month-old and a drunken sailor have in common? Sooner or later, they are going to fall… and so are you! It is inevitable; unless you curl up on the couch for the rest of your life, you are going to lose your balance and fall. Even if you possess the grace of a stork on one leg or the agility of a Wallenda walking the line, unforeseen hazards like slick floors, stealthy patches of ice, mischievous bumps in the sidewalk, or Fluffy’s chew can still pose a threat.
Given that the prospect of taking a fall is practically unavoidable, the question becomes: What can we do to improve our chances of remaining upright? Surprisingly, the answer lies in practicing falling. Now, before you lock me in a padded room, hear me out.
Our younger generation, God help them, loses their balance exponentially more than active seniors. However, they do not fall nearly as much, and when they do fall, the repercussions are significantly less damaging. What gives? Of course, we can always point the finger at too many revolutions around the sun, but what specifically? Continue reading
It was a great scene to have a Lady Lake Christmas Parade with Santa with a sleigh full of gifts. Texas RoadHouse had a enter, the Iron Dragons were there, the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club of Lady Lake, Mr. Handyman and the Lady Lake Chamber of Commerce. Pretty good turnout Lady Lake has been having a parade every year. Lady Lake people come every time so don’t miss next year. Watch for picture next year.
Photos by CKJ-13 Kay Johnson
Step into the 1800s at the Festival at Fort King! This is a FREE two day event featuring historic themed reenactments, crafts, food, drinks, activities, living historians, vendors.
Photos by CKJ-13 Kay Johnson
Our elderly and disabled clients hope to remain in their homes as long as possible. To help maintain their independent living status, MSS Marion Senior Services provides for their physical and emotional well-being by offering the following support services:
Adult Day Care, Caregiver Support, Case
Management, Congregate Dining, Emergency Alert Response, Homemaker Assistance, Meals on Wheels, Personal Care, Respite Care and Transportation. Some of these services require a fee, based on income levels.
Marion Senior Services, Inc.
Photos by CKJ-13 Kay Johnson
Ocala, FL—December 4, 2023
The Ocala Camellia Society will present its annual camellia show on Saturday, January 27 through Sunday, January 28, 2024 at the Ocala Municipal Golf Course (3130 E. Silver Springs Blvd.). Members of the public are invited to both attend the show and enter their own blooms; show admission and entry for flowers are free. For new exhibitors, experienced club members will be available to help sort, name and place flowers for judging.
Dozens of exhibitors are slated to show off hundreds of camellia flowers. Shows typically receive nearly 1500 flowers. Judging takes place on Saturday, January 27 at 10 AM, and the show will open to the public for viewing from 1-5 PM, and again on Sunday, January 28 from 10 AM until 4 PM. In addition, the club will offer camellia plants for sale that be available on both days, which includes dozens of varieties especially suited to growing for this region.
Our first Family Engagement District Advisory Council gathered in a call-to-action for parents and caregivers to partner with schools and the community. These parents are the core qualities of involvement and inspiration. They joined the Family FOCUS team in our commitment to effective family engagement by taking a stance to support their children’s success.
We look forward to growing our Family Engagement District Advisory Council. Our next meeting is on January 31st at 5 PM.
Join the Family FOCUS team in making a difference. For more information, email
EngageMCPS@marion.k12.fl.us.
Sincerely,
Alecia Randolph
Hammett L. Bowen, Jr. Elementary School PTO President
The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake students decorating the Lady Lake Town Hall lobby Christmas tree today for the 18th year. For the first time, the students were surprised with a visit from Santa Claus! The tree is adorned with handmade ornaments the students have worked on throughout the school year and make the Town Hall Christmas tree truly special.
This time-honored tradition highlights the strong relationship the town has with school and embodies the spirit of giving, community, and togetherness. The students were sent home with gifts from Town Hall staff, the Lady Lake Library and the Lady Lake Police Department to thank them for their efforts.
The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake Choir will also be performing holiday favorites at Light Up Lady Lake at the Log Cabin on Dec. 8 at 6:15 p.m. and at the Lady Lake Library at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 11.
It is with sadness that the Town of Lady Lake announces the passing of a dedicated public servant, former Lady Lake Commissioner Dan Vincent. As Ward 3 Commissioner, Vincent, of Water Oak, served our community with unwavering commitment for a decade.
Throughout his tenure, former Commissioner Vincent demonstrated a passion for public service, striving to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Lady Lake. His efforts earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and constituents alike.
Beyond his role as a commissioner, Commissioner Vincent dedicated an additional year of service on the Planning & Zoning Board, contributing his insights to the thoughtful development and growth of our town.
Vincent was a native of Kansas and an Army Veteran. He retired from a career with AT&T.
During this time, our thoughts are with former Commissioner Vincent’s family and friends. We extend our deepest condolences as we remember the impact he made on our community.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $5 million through the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grow Your Own Teacher Grant to expand opportunities for teacher apprenticeships in Florida. This program strengthens the state’s teacher pipeline by creating a no-cost apprenticeship pathway to the teaching profession, and will help more than 200 teachers per year become credentialed.
“Florida is proud to offer a hands-on teacher apprenticeship program that prioritizes classroom experience over university-based learning,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “As the national leader in education, we will continue to support our teachers and make sure we have high-quality educators at every school in the state.”
“Governor DeSantis continues to prioritize Florida’s education system through innovative initiatives like the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grow Your Own Teacher Grant,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “This funding will allow more aspiring educators to enter into a teaching career while alleviating teacher shortages.” Continue reading
