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In the Spotlight
The Business and Community Spotlights highlight a small business, person, place or event in our community.
Tell us what’s happening around town so we can share the good news with others.
Email submissions to Towntalkmagazine@yahoo.com.
Business Spotlight
Business Name: Curbside Cream, Wings and Things
No. of Employees: 2
Business Owner: Willard Thomas
Business Address: (Mobile Business Only)
15870 N.W. 44th Ave. Rd., Reddick, FL 32686
Business Phone: (352) 427-5545
What Year Did You Start Your Business? 2020
Hours of Operation: Hours vary, but the ice cream
truck has a regular route during summer months
and is available for birthday parties, church socials, company picnics, family reunions, etc.
Products or Services: Ice cream, wings, fries and
shrimp
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Email: genboythomas70@gmail.com
Website: NA
Are you on Social Media? No, but we can be
reached by texting or calling (352) 427-5545
​
What or Who Inspired you to start your business?
I saw a need in the community and in addition to
selling ice cream, it provides me an opportunity to
mentor youth and encourage men in our community.
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What Makes Your Business Unique or What's Your Specialty? I make a special homemade sauce for my wings and shrimp that you can’t get anywhere else.
I also provide opportunities for youth, such as my
son and grandson, to work with me and learn
customer service skills and how to interact with
customers.
​
​​What Advice Would You Give Someone Starting a Business? Always follow your heart. Trust God and
Never give up!
​
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The Small Business Profile is FREE and open to small businesses located in Marion County with less than 25 employees or solo entrepreneurs.
To have your business featured, request a form by emailing us at:
Towntalkmagazine@yahoo.com.
Completed forms can be returned via email or mailed to P.O. Box 6212, Ocala, FL 34478.
Community Spotlight
COMMUNITY WITH A HEART PROGRAM OPENS SOON
We’re starting this year’s campaign with heavy hearts because we had to
say goodbye to two of our board members that sadly passed away this
year. Tamara Upshaw and Patti Lumpkin. They will forever be in our hearts
and remembered for their tireless efforts in assisting families in our
community.
Need help catching up on your rent or mortgage payments? Your car broke
down and you don’t have the money to repair it? Something unexpected
happened and you just need a little help getting back on your feet? Community With A Heart (CWAH) might be an option, if you qualify.
Applicants seeking help from the program must provide all the required documentation, agree to a home visit and be able to pay the difference if the amount of the request is more than $1,200. Some requests, such as car repairs, will require two estimates.
For the past 38 years, the CWAH program, totally supported by donations from the community, has been a lifeline for many, and in some cases, the only option available to help families get back on their feet after experiencing a major unexpected life event.
“I have represented Community Legal Services on the Board of CWAH for over 20 years,” said Lena Hopkins, Senior Manager of Pro Bono Services for Community Legal Services. “CWAH has been a lifeline for many of our clients, whose legal issues are due to loss of income or some other life changing event.program has provided rental and mortgage assistance, helping our clients to avoid evictions and foreclosure.”
The Star-Banner initially organized the annual campaign in 1986 to bring together social service and charitable agencies to assist those in need. In 2012, control of the program was passed to the agencies that served on the board.
The CWAH board meets weekly beginning the second week in November to discuss requests for assistance and allocate funds. The holiday program runs through mid-January. Assistance is capped at $1,200 per request, and individuals do not receive any money directly. All payments are made on their behalf, and if approved, applicants can not apply again for three years.
“It’s a hand up, not a hand out,” Hopkins said.
The CWAH program does not accept phone calls or have a direct phone number. For questions or information, call one of the agencies listed below or go to https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075921828652 to send a message. Please allow 24 - 48 hours to receive a response.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Now in its 38th season, CWAH has collected more than $1.8 million, of which $30,04.61
was raised during the 2023 - 2024 campaign to help those in need in Marion County.
HOW TO HELP:
To donate, send checks to Community With a Heart, P.O. Box 1777, Ocala, FL 34473. To donate online, go to https://www.ocalafoundation.org/community-foundation-funds/community-with-a-heart/ or you can scan the QR code below.
Donations are tax-deductible. There are no overhead costs and every cent donated goes to help residents of Marion County.
LIST OF ONGOING NEEDS:
Marion County Children's Alliance: Funds for emergency shelter in motel/hotel for victims and survivors of domestic violence; gas cards, new, unwrapped toys or gift cards for teenagers 12 – 18 years old. Call (352) 438-5990.
Brother’s Keeper: Gas cards, bus passes, unwrapped toys for children ages 1-12. Call (352) 622-3846.
Interfaith Emergency Services: Towels, coats for all ages, socks and underwear for adults, bus passes and non-perishable food items. Call (352) 629-8868.
How to apply for assistance from CWAH:
To seek help from CWAH, individuals should contact one of the following agencies for a referral to see if they qualify for assistance from the program: Marion County Children's Alliance, Interfaith Emergency Services, Marion County School Social Services, Brother’s Keeper, Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Ocala Housing Authority, Isaiah Foundation, Central Florida Community Action Agency,
Marion County Community Services, Habitat for Humanity and Cleve Butler and James Jackson, Community -at-Large Members.