10/20/2011 Letters to the Editor

Mayor wrong in calling county a ‘municipality’
At the Dunnellon City Council meeting on Sept. 26, Mayor Fred Ward called Marion County a “municipality” and said, as such, it was exempt from the Dunnellon Tree Ordinance.
This was in reference to the proposed county plan to remove a large number of trees within the city to construct a stormwater retention pond. He repeated this remark at the joint County Commission/City Council meeting Oct. 10.
Wrong. A county is not a “municipality” and the Dunnellon Tree Ordinance makes no exemption for the county to remove a large number of trees within the city.
To the contrary, the ordinance is very specific in requiring the issuance of a tree removal permit based on a tree survey and a removal and replacement plan being submitted to the city for approval.
Burt Eno, PhD
Dunnellon

Horizon of Hope Luncheon a great success
The fifth annual Horizon of Hope Luncheon was Oct. 8 at the Rainbow Springs Golf and Country Club. Our benefits were above and beyond our greatest expectations. Once again, our community came together and supported the Michelle-O-Gram and the American Cancer Society in a most magnificent way. For that, we say thank you.
Several months ago, we put out a request for “designer purses” to use in the Chinese auction, live auction and as table centerpieces. We received more purses than one could imagine! Local businesses came forward with donations of gift certificates for a huge variety of services.
Each purse was stuffed with a lottery ticket, at least $20 in gift certificates and a lot of other donated goodies. The auctioneer, Deana Sullivan, of Newberry, did what it took to average $200 for each of the 26 live auction purses.
Geri Gibbs, Turner House Florist, created gorgeous centerpieces for each and every table using purses and her creative designs to make one-of-a-kind decorations.
The Rainbow Springs Golf and Country Club was most accommodating.
Repeat Boutique’s Dana Brown presented a fashion show to rivaled by any department store. The fashions, and the models, were presented in the finest style and looked like professionals.
Ms. Julie Mancini from Dunnellon High School arranged for many of her students to model. All the models are to be commended on their willingness and desire to serve their community.
Brittany Lakhani, Miss Gainesville Teen USA, modeled and made us all proud of her, too. Vernon Martin Salon provided the finishing touch with gorgeous hair styles and make-up for the models.
Local businesses contributing to the luncheon were Bently’s Restaurant, where our first luncheon was held five years ago; Electric Beach Salon; Craig’s Place, an on-line trading company provided a Coach handbag; Moonscapes Web Solutions;
Ellen Ettinger and Edible Arrangements; Canvas on Demand provided a certificate for a 9-by-12 canvas print; River Run Wellness; Sharon Baiardi, a local basket weaver, created a one of a kind basket with two inserts for the live auction;
Dian Heil, Hair Care Professional; Local Legends; the Blue Gator; The Bakery; A to Z Discount Beverages; Dori Morgan of Farm Credit of Florida; Abigail’s Café; Scally’s Lube and Go; Pavarotti’s Pizza; Illusions of U; Progress Energy; Rieck Chiropractic Center; Penn Station Deli and Grill; Creations by Clovis; Wells Fargo; Arlene Smith (Pampered Chef); Krazy Kone Ice Cream Shop; Nancy Porter; Ocala’s Lady Jeweler; Missy Peterson; Gemini Hair and Spa; Ye Olde Sub and Pizza Pub; Rainbow Jewelers; the Riverland News; the Ocala Star Banner; and the Ocala Coffee News.
The Horizon of Hope Luncheon generated more than $6,000, which will benefit the Michelle-O-Gram Fund, providing mammograms for local women, as well as the American Cancer Society to continue research in finding a cure for cancer.
We say thank you to our community for such strong support.
Sherry Roberts and the
Michelle-O-Gram Foundation

Thank you for supporting Relay for Life, Special Olympics
I would like to thank everyone who stopped by our booths during Jazz Up Dunnellon Festival on Saturday, Oct. 15, and supported the Special Olympics and the Piggy Bankers/City of Dunnellon Relay for Life Team
We had so many visitors that came to our booth and thanked us for supporting both organizations. We had the opportunity to provide information and awareness to the citizens regarding our involvement in each event. We were met with so many warm comments regarding the efforts put forth by officers and volunteers.
We will continue to raise funds for these organizations throughout the year, and need help from our community. The events and fundraisers we hold are specific to each organization.
The Relay for Life team “Team Piggy Bankers/City of Dunnellon” will be in honor of Lori Shettleroe, our dear friend and co-worker. Of all the years we have participated in the past, this one holds a special place in our hearts. We ask the community to come together and aid in raising cancer awareness.
For the Special Olympics, our agency holds several fundraisers, which assist our local athletes attend and participate in the Summer Special Olympics in Orlando. For the athletes who participate in the Summer Games, there is no cost to them. Please check the Riverland News or Dunnellon Police Department Facebook page for our upcoming fundraiser efforts and locations.
Thank you again for all your support,
Chief Joanne M. Black
Officers and Staff
Dunnellon Police Department