COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS
Ocalans compete in senior olympics, tournament raises funds for scholarships, Ocala author releases new book.
Members of the Bridgewater Park Assisted Living team. [Submitted photo]
Ocalans compete in senior olympics
Seniors from across Central Florida proved that age is only a number as eight skilled nursing and assisted living communities came together for TLC Management’s 2026 Florida Golden Senior Olympics on May 19 at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center.
Among the participants was the Bridgewater Park Assisted Living contingent from Ocala, with Rose Zellman, Jackie McCallum, Carmela “Mille” Valente, Swecoomarie “Sandy” Tetor, Sherrye Troy, Charlotte “Lee” Malschick, Brenda Soehl, Edward Lyburtus and Melvia “Joyce” Johnson.
The event brought together residents, families, staff members, volunteers and community supporters for a day filled with laughter, competition, teamwork and celebration. Athletes proudly competed for medals and bragging rights while showcasing determination, resilience and joy throughout the games, the news release noted.
Bringing home medals for Bridgewater Park were Tetor, McCallum, Lyburtus, Troy, Soehl, Johnson and Zellman.
Tournament raises funds for scholarships
The Mid Florida Regional Manufacturers Association has announced that its annual CDL Scholarship Bowling Tournament raised more than $11,000 to support commercial driver’s license training scholarships for students throughout the region.
The event brought together manufacturers, industry partners, local businesses and community supporters for an evening of friendly competition and meaningful impact. Proceeds from the tournament will directly fund scholarships that help individuals obtain the training and credentials needed to enter the transportation workforce, the news release stated.
The association launched its CDL Scholarship Program in 2023 to help address the growing shortage of qualified commercial drivers while creating pathways to stable, rewarding careers. Prior to this year’s event, the association had awarded $21,700 in scholarships to 20 students. With the addition of this year’s proceeds, MRMA’s total scholarship investment now exceeds $32,700, with additional scholarships planned for future recipients.
Ocala author releases new book
Leah A. Taylor has released “Beating the Isolation Trap: An Authentic Caregiver’s Guide to Reconnecting, Recharging and Thriving.”
The book was written to help family caregivers recognize the hidden toll of isolation and find a healthier, more connected way forward. Rooted in faith and shaped by lived caregiving experience, the book offers practical encouragement for caregivers who feel overwhelmed, unseen or alone, according to the news release.
[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
“Drawing from years of caregiving experience and helping to build a caregiver community in Marion County, Taylor presents a compassionate, community-centered approach to caregiver well-being. The book speaks to the reality many caregivers face: burnout often grows in silence, and loneliness can become part of daily life before it is even recognized. The book offers a clear, step‑by‑step framework for starting or strengthening a caregiver peer group and practical tools such as sample calendars, invitations, conversation starters and logistics to help caregivers support one another, without adding to their load. As a special bonus, readers will find two short fiction stories,” the release stated.
To learn more, go to reallyleah.com and find the book on Amazon.
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