Ocala News
Pictured is Diane Leaf giving a presentation with pictures on the video screen a the Ocala Business Leaders breakfast. It was about the Champions for Champions and the many activity’s they have been doing this year. It is very interesting how far reaching the events and contestants come from. China, Canada, and many other including the local group. I believe because of the COVID Pandemic they have not been able to fund raise effectively. So consider them in your contributions. I thought it appropriate to to print their mission statement.
MISSION STATEMENT:
Champions for Champions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in Marion County, Florida to provide inclusion programs and services for those with special needs and their families.
Our Mission: Create ENDLESS PossABILITIES
We strive to enrich family lives and values by providing and facilitating programs for individuals with disabilities of all ages through life skills, educational, recreational and social activities.
Why Champions for Champions? Continue reading
Ocala, Florida (October 12, 2021) – Kevin T. Sheilley, CEO and President of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership received the “2021 Executive of the Year” award from the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP). In addition, the CEP was again awarded the Certified Plus Chamber status.
The Executive of the Year Award annually recognizes one Chamber leader for outstanding contributions to the profession and their chamber. It is one of the highest awards presented statewide in the industry.
“The recognition from FACP was a great surprise and an incredible honor,” said Sheilley. “To be recognized by my peers is humbling. While the award was presented to me, it really is a team award. The CEP team is second to none and makes not only me look good but our community.”
The Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP) recognized Florida’s top chambers of commerce for their outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. The awards were presented at the FACP Annual Conference, held September 22-24, 2021, at the Wyndham Grand Jupiter Harbourside in Jupiter, Florida. Continue reading
Pictured are Boys and Girls club and visitors at a open house hosted by Boys and Girls club / attended OBL club. Great spread of food and happy people . You can tell by their smiles. April Savarese was the co-ordanator of the event. Photos taken by Tammy Portrait Arst Inc.
Cast Iron antique eight horse team pulling a wagon. Wagon has wooden barrels in it with two people in the drive seat. I purchased it 35 year ago as you see the condition right now It is FOR SALE $250. Call Tom at 352-804-1223
Bill Bryan
Ernie Morris
First Baptist Church of Lady Lake
Goodwill
Insight Credit Union
Just Dandy Pet Parlour
Lake Port Senior Living
Mid-Florida Agencies Florida Blue
Outback Steakhouse (Sign on Bonus)
Paramount Urgent Care
Slezak Financial Security Agency
Thomas Insurance (Receptionist)
TrustCO Bank
Your Humane Society SPCA
Picture are some Ocala Business Leaders standing with a new inductee to the club. From left to right Parish Tanner, Patrick Dolder, Toykia Spellman, Karl Spellman, Christine Williams. Many members join the OBL referral club to get more exposure for their business. Photos taken by Tammy Portrait Artist Inc.
Ronald Angelo Maiellaro, 75, of Ocala, FL, passed away on August 26,2021.
Ron was born on August 6, 1946 in Auburn, NY to Angelo and Esther Maiellaro. He was in the Navy Reserves and was on active duty during the Vietnam War, serving as a Radarman Second Class Petty Officer. After earning a Masters degree in Education and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education Administration, he spent most of his career teaching General Science and Chemistry at Beaver River Central School in Beaver Falls, NY. He then was the developer of Computer Services through BOCES in Glenfield, NY, teaching teachers how to use computers and how to incorporate them into the classroom. In 1988, Ron moved to Ballston Lake, NY and was the Director of Information Services for the Shenendehowa Central School District before becoming the Assistant Principal at Coda Junior High. In 1995, Ron left education and moved to Ocala, FL and working with his wife, Elaine, they started their own business, Square Routes, Inc., an expedited trucking company. Continue reading
Ronald Angelo Maiellaro, 75, of Ocala, FL, passed away on August 26,2021.
Ron was born on August 6, 1946 in Auburn, NY to Angelo and Esther Maiellaro. He was in the Navy Reserves and was on active duty during the Vietnam War, serving as a Radarman Second Class Petty Officer. After earning a Masters degree in Education and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education Administration, he spent most of his career teaching General Science and Chemistry at Beaver River Central School in Beaver Falls, NY. He then was the developer of Computer Services through BOCES in Glenfield, NY, teaching teachers how to use computers and how to incorporate them into the classroom. In 1988, Ron moved to Ballston Lake, NY and was the Director of Information Services for the Shenendehowa Central School District before becoming the Assistant Principal at Coda Junior High. In 1995, Ron left education and moved to Ocala, FL and working with his wife, Elaine, they started their own business, Square Routes, Inc., an expedited trucking company.
Upon retirement in 2007, Ron, with Elaine, became very involved with the Fair Tax movement, becoming President of the Florida Fair Tax Education Association. He also enjoyed golf, traveling and cruising, and visiting family.
Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine DeRito Maiellaro of Marcellus, NY. He is also survived by daughter Deborah (Jim) Stine, son Mark (Mary) Maiellaro, son Derek (Stephanie) Maiellaro, and daughter Hiroko Land, as well as his brothers Robert (Geneva) Maiellaro and Edward (Rachel) Maiellaro and sister Sylvia Maiellaro, seven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother Ramon (Ruth) Maiellaro and his parents, Angelo and Esther Maiellaro.
Ron was not just a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, he was a patriot, “Captain Ron”, a friend, a teacher and a mentor to many. He had a great sense of humor, had a memorable laugh, fiercely loved his family and his country, and was always positive. He will be missed dearly by all.
Ronald Meiallaro final resting place is at the Florida National Cemetery.
Due to a scheduling conflict, the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion will not host drive-through testing on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. Drive-through testing will be available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:
Sept. 1
Sept. 6
Sept. 8
Sept. 13
Sept. 15
Sept. 22
Sept. 27
Sept. 29
We would appreciate it if you would make any needed corrections, and we apologize for the inconvenience.
Craig Ackerman
Operations Director
Florida Department of Health in Marion County
Ocala, Florida (August 3rd, 2021) –The Florida Association for Career and Technical Education awarded Dean Blinkhorn, Vice President of Operations and former Director of Talent Development at the Ocala Metro Chamber of Economic Partnership, the Walter Clausen Award. Blinkhorn accepted the award at the Association for Career and Technical Education Conference in Orlando on Tuesday morning.
“Dean’s work has been integral in connecting our local business and industry with CTE students,” states Kathy Otte, Career and Technical Education Program Specialist at Marion County Public Schools. “He started several initiatives to benefit our students, such as NEXTworking and Hire a Graduate that have helped our students determine a career path. His support has enabled a multitude of opportunities for our CTE students.”
“I humbly accept this award as a recognition of the extraordinary work the Ocala Metro CEP has been able to achieve in CTE education through the continued efforts of many hard-working classroom teachers, district CTE staff, and industry partners in the community,” Blinkhorn says. “I’m looking forward to being part of the local CTE conversation for many more years to come.” Continue reading
