From The Editor
A Voice Goes Silent
It is with great sadness I announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Marina Blomberg, Senior Times writer, 'neophyte' gardener and longtime Gainesville journalist.
Marina worked for the Gainesville Sun for 35 years as a reporter, editor and columnist. Last year, after leaving the Sun, she began writing for Senior Times, both as a columnist (Unearthing Your Green Thumb) and as a feature writer. Marina brought a refreshing, personal voice to all of her stories, and I will miss her writing and her energy.
Earlier this year, Marina won awards for a feature she wrote last October about World War II veteran Chuck Carlson: "A Lifetime of Risk-Taking":http://www.seniortimesmagazine.com/features/546/a-lifetime-of-risk-taking. Marina took third place honors awarded by the Association of Free Community Papers (a national award) and first place by the Community Papers of Florida.Music Men
Recently, the Ocala Symphonic Orchestra welcomed a new conductor into the fold: Matthew Wardell. Senior Times writer Betty Kossick attended a June reception held in Ocala in his honor. Betty had the opportunity to visit with the new maestro, as well as some of the musicians in the Ocala Symphonic Orchestra. This month she shares the experience with all of us.
Gainesville, however, is saying goodbye to a longtime educator and band director. Professor Emeritus Gary Langford has recently retired after 38 years of service with the University of Florida. However, he has by no means stopped performing or teaching.
When I was a student at the University of Florida, I had the good fortune of playing under Gary Langford's leadership, in both the Pride of the Sunshine Fightin' Marching Band and the UF Jazz Band. Band directors are in a league all their own and I can't say enough good things about these leaders and role models who have instructed, guided and advised me in the course of my life.
I'm no longer in band, but for the past several years I've attended a variety of events led by this music man, including a couple of retirement performances, a Swing into Spring music benefit, a tribute celebration held in his honor, gigs at Leonardo's 706 and even a History of Jazz class he taught to the PrimeTime Institute. When he sees me he will often ask, "Where's your horn?"
Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Gary Langford during lunch at a local restaurant. I hope you will enjoy my visit with the Jazz Man as much as I did. §
