Ocala Style January '19

JAN ‘19

Florida Food In The Kitchen With Russell Baillie

Old Florida Living Cracker-Style Homes Made Modern

Ask The Experts 2019 Home Design Trends

N.W. Ocala Farms

Stunning location 42 +/- Acres. Hiking distance to HITS. Close to New World Equestrian Center — located across the street on 80th Golden Ocala’s New World Equestrian Center. 8 paddocks. The farm is Ave. sits this 3-Acre farm shaded by beautiful granddaddy oaks, 3-stall perfect for any discipline. $849,000 barns and 2 large paddocks. $439,000

Warm Wishes for a

Happy New Year!

Looking for the perfect property? Let Joan Pletcher and her team of experienced Realtors show you available properties in Ocala and the surrounding areas.

If you’re considering buying or selling, give us a call today!

Convenient to the World Equestrian Center, HITS, Longwood Private FFA Approved Airstrip on 52 acres of privacy. Charming main Equestrian and Polo - 2.53 acres pool home with two-car attached residence, delightful cottage and two 5,100-SF buildings. garage plus additional detached 2-car garage. $995,000 $430,000

Considering Ocala?

Just Reduced

Whisper Crest - 3.47 acre gorgeous pool home featuring 5 bedrooms, 4 Shady Road Ranches - 4.71 +/- acres - Charming 4-bedroom/4-bath baths. Bonus room over garage, 2-car attached garage plus detached 4-car home with soaring ceilings, 2-stall barn with tack room, 3 paddocks. garage with office and bath. $699,000 Property is perimeter fenced. $679,000

15+ Acres Horseman’s Delight - 5 lush green fenced paddocks, 10-stall Strategic 14 acres located just off Hwy 301. Located close to the barn, plus 3/2 home with open floor plan. $450,000 Villages and Oxford Downs.

Call For Pricing

List your property with Joan Pletcher... Our results speak for themselves.

For these and other properties, visit JoanPletcher.com for information, videos and more choices.

Call or Text: 352.266.9100 | 352.804.8989 | joan@joanpletcher.com | joanpletcher.com Due to the privacy and at the discretion of my clients, there are additional training centers, estates and land available that are not advertised.

My favorite taste testers. #yummy #feelingwhole

Eat clean. Nap hard. Love big. And start living your best life. Because we’re here to help heal what hurts, ease your mind, and lift your spirit with the latest medical innovations and whole-person care. It’s time to take control of your health. It’s time to feel whole.

Learn more at AdventHealth.com

“No more headaches with my new bite, and I love my new smile!”

Pat McLaughlin, Businessman

Dentistry by Dr. Tina Chandra Restorations by Williams Dental Lab Gilroy, CA

Wishing you a Happy New Year! *Ask about NightLase for Snoring Treatment FACIAL REJUVENATION LASER

a beautiful smile begins here BEFORE

TINA CHANDRA, D.D.S., LVIF, LIAPA AFTER

Cosmetic, Neuromuscular and Sleep Dentist ... a Physiologic Approach

cosmetic veneers smile makeovers aesthetic laser TMJ disorder

bite problems sleep apnea sedation dentistry botox + juvederm

(352) 861-1500 chandrasmiles.com

NISSAN HAS MORE SAFETY FEATURES...

2019 ALTIMA

Some of Nissan’s safety features include • Blind-Spot Warning System

• PRO-Pilot Assist

• Intelligent Trace Control

• Vehicle Dynamic Control

• Intelligent Lane Intervention

• Active Understeer Control

• Intelligent Around-View-Monitor

• Moving Object Detection

• Advanced Drive Assist Display

• Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrain Detection

• Nissan Door-To-Door Navigation

• Intelligent Auto Headlights

• Rear Emergency Braking

• Intelligent Forward Collision Warning

• Intelligent Driver’s Alertness

• Hill Start Assist

• Intelligent Cruise Control

NISSAN of OCALA “The New Leader in Customer Service”

• Electronic Parking Brake with Auto-Hold • Rear Door Alert • Nissan Advanced Airbags • Intelligent Rear View Mirror • Rear Cross Traffic Alert To Name a Few...

“You cannot have a better buying experience!”

—Ted Lindsay

Doing Business The Right Way, Every Day! Serving Our Community For Over 38 Years!

Sales Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 12pm-6pm | Service Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm, Sat 8am-5pm

2060 SW College Rd., Ocala, FL 34471 | 352-622-4111 or Toll Free 800-342-3008

www.pearsonnissanofocala.com

Furniture the whole family will love.

UP TO 24 MONTHS FINANCING AVAILABLE

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1924.

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOYALTY 352-732-4296 | 2402 SW COLLEGE RD. | OCALA, FL 34471

Publisher’s Note deally, the word home refers not only to the structure we live in but also feelings of safety, belonging, personal expression and comfort. Admittedly, one’s personal expression may not be on par with what the rest of the world considers trendy, so take these trends as you may. That being said, you may find a design trend that you decide to live with for the next 20 years, and that is always exciting to anticipate.

Personally, I like a little history to my surroundings and lean toward classic styles that are charming but fall short of being called cute. An example of such style can be found in this month’s article about Cracker homes. Even if you aren’t up for maintaining a historical Cracker house, incorporating some of these architectural elements during new construction can infuse a little soul and sense of history into your home and provide assurance that your design style will stand the test of time.

On the subject of Cracker, this month’s “In the Kitchen With” column on Russell Baillie brings me great joy as a foodie and lover of local history. As I write this letter, I can’t help but ponder how our society will be impacted when we are multiple generations removed from having the type of hands-on experience Russell has had cultivating and harvesting his own food. I hope this column triggers conversations with our grandparents about what they ate before they could drive 10 minutes to Publix to buy a rotisserie chicken (that someone else raised, another slaughtered and another cooked for dinner). Which brings me to Chef Randal’s green papaya soup recipe that I cannot wait to try! Like Russell, you can always count on Chef Randal to openly offer advice on how you too can dish up something fabulous using ingredients harvested in Florida.

At this point, I’d like to ask you to stop reading and turn directly to page 52, make one of these recipes, bring back your mug and pick up where you left off. You deserve it (wink wink).

Jennifer Hunt-Murty Owner-Publisher

January ‘19

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C O N T To wn

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THE SOCIAL SCENE

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BENCHMARKS

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People and events from around town.

Notes from Judge Steven Rogers.

Co u ntr y

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GUARD DONKEY ON DUTY

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FABULOUS FIGS

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HORSIN’ AROUND

THOUGHTS OF A MILLENNIAL

Donkeys are a popular guardian animal on the farm.

Delicious right off the tree, figs are nutritional powerhouses.

Social media makes me a perfectionist.

CLASS ACTS School news from Marion County Public Schools.

EDITORS’ PICKS A guide to our favorite happenings and can’t-miss events.

ON THE COVER: Photography by Ralph Demilio

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There’s always something happening in Horse Country.

OVER THE RAINBOW Small breeders are always looking for that pot of gold.

Tab le

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IN THE KITCHEN WITH…

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THE CHEF’S KITCHEN

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COZY COCKTAILS

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DINING GUIDE

Talking traditional Florida fare with Russell Baillie.

Food ideas for a fresh and healthy start.

It’s officially hot toddy season.

Your guide to some of our area’s best eateries.

E N T S Ro ad

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THE BEST OF KEY WEST

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JESSE’S REVIEWS

Key West is a paradise in our own backyard.

The family car with an edge.

Ar ts

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A FRESH EYE

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A DANCE OF FAIRIES , DUKES AND DONKEYS

There’s a new player on the local arts scene.

Style

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS

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OUT WITH THE OLD: 2019 HOME TRENDS

Dance Alive presents a A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

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ART FOR EVERYONE

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A SONG FROM THE SOUL

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WATCH & LEARN

Ocala has a treasure in the Appleton Museum of Art.

Markevia Williams is the newest Ocala’s Got Talent winner.

Cinema Sunday continues with series of independent films.

Your mailbox should match your personal style.

What’s “in” changes each year, and 2019 will be no different.

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LIVING HISTORY

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UPDATE IT

History meets practical in new homes with Old Florida style.

When it comes to freshening up your wardrobe, a few tweaks go a long way.

Fall in love with where you

Play Falling in love where you live can happen in an instant– Sunday mornings perfecting your swing. Seeing that first sunrise beyond the paddocks. Entertaining family and friends in the backyard. If you’re ready to play where you live, contact us today to see how our team can assist you in the sale or purchase of your home, farm, or land.

For more information on Eagle’s Rest, check MLS #536862

www.ShowcaseOcala.com • 352.351.4718 5780 SW 20th St, Ocala, FL 34474

Publisher Jennifer Murty

jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com

Magnolia Media Company, LLC 352-732-0073 1007 E Fort King Street, Ocala, FL 34471 Home of Ocala Style & Healthy Living Magazines

PRODUCTION MANAGER Cynthia Brown cynthia@ocalastyle.com

ART

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Maureen Fannon maureen@magnoliamediaco.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kristy Taylor kristy@ocalastyle.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN Destiny Villafane

THINKING OF SELLING?

PHOTOGRAPHERS Ralph Demilio Esther Diehl John Jernigan Dave Miller Isabelle Ramirez

VIDEOGRAPHER Carlos Ramos

Mr. & Mrs. Stiles Owners

HONEST PROFESSIONAL FRIENDLY

William Stiles

Thinking Of Selling?

Call Now! Sell Now!

Owner

•

Moving?

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Vacant house?

ocalastyle.com

Maggie Weakley

•

MARKETING

MARKETING MANAGER

2 Mortgage (352) 414-4210 payments?

352-329-0171 12

ILLUSTRATOR

Kylie Swope kylie@magnoliamediaco.com

SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Vianca Torres vianca@ocalastyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT Elizabeth Martinez elizabeth@magnoliamediaco.com

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITORS Karin Fabry-Cushenbery karin@ocalastyle.com Melissa Peterson melissa@ocalastyle.com

FOOD CONTRIBUTORS Randal White Shelby Goelz

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kevin Christian Jim Gibson JoAnn Guidry Jesse James Cynthia McFarland Katie McPherson Judge Steven Rogers Nick Steele Patricia Tomlinson

SALES

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Evelyn Anderson evelyn@ocalastyle.com Kyle Bernhard kyle@ocalastyle.com Skip Linderman skip@ocalastyle.com Peggy Sue Munday peggysue@healthlivingmagazines.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Ellie Rabon ellie@ocalastyle.com

DISTRIBUTION

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Sharon Morgan sharon@ocalastyle.com Dave Adams Rick Shaw Rick Willett

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ON INSTAGRAM @KOONTZ.COM

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ocalahealthsystem.com

“Is a little chest pain normal?”

ER

Emergency symptoms are good at hiding.

Not all signs of an emergency are obvious. Ongoing symptoms like indigestion, shortness of breath and chest pain could be an emergency in disguise. Thankfully, an Ocala Health ER is here to help.

With dedicated emergency experts and faster wait times, you can trust us for even better care. We’re here 24/7 to help you through any emergency — even the tricky ones.

Text ER to 32222* for average wait times at an Ocala Health ER near you. *Message and data rates may apply. For more information, go to texterhelp.com.

Photo by John Jernigan

PUBLISHER’S PICK

A Coffee Evolution

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his publisher’s pick is a PSA: Don’t wait as long as I did for expeditiously better coffee.

I started drinking coffee by happenstance as a young woman catching a quick breakfast on the go. When my hot tea orders kept coming up coffee, I decided to roll with it and order coffee every morning so I knew what to expect when I took a sip (admittedly, this strategy hasn’t worked as well in other scenarios in life). Years later, doing adulthood on full throttle, with a very stressful job, I made the choice to get out of bed earlier than absolutely necessary to sit in silence and savor my coffee before I hit the road.

Thoughtful of my morning habit, my tea-drinking

husband gifted me whole beans and a grinder, which definitely upped the taste factor—until I ground freshly roasted beans and then… oh my!

Freshly roasted beans by Ocala’s own Dignity Roasters delivers a wonderful-tasting product and contributes to the strength of our community—a winwin for everyone evolved. As for grinders, buy one.

Grind right before you brew, and taste the difference.

Dignity Roasters 12-oz. package, $12, dignityroasters.com; OXO Conical Burr Coffee Grinder with Integrated Scale. The Conical Burr features an automatic shutoff and creates uniform grounds for up to 38 settings—from fine for espresso to coarse for French press or cold brew. $199.99, oxo.com

January ‘19

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myvillageford.com

! r a e Y ew

N y p p a H

fordofocala.com

TOWN

The Social Scene Steve Metz’s orange Chevrolet Nova at the 37th annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off ’s Car Show.

Photo by Dave Miller

January ‘19

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TOWN THE SOCIAL SCENE

Frank Van Den Eyend, Brenda Jackson 1952 Chevorlet

Brett Ortagus

Bill Spurlock

Marion County Chili Cook-Off SOUTHEASTERN LIVESTOCK PAVILION Photos By DAVE MILLER

Dana Knauff, Danielle Miller, Jessica Phillips, Carrie Davis

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Cook-Off Judges P.A. Quint Klingbeil, Dr Derek Farr

ow in its 37th year, the Marion County Chili Cook-Off was held on November 3 and featured nearly 60 varieties of chili, a craft beer garden, a children’s area, live entertainment and its fourth annual car show. Hosted by and benefitting The Cornerstone School, awards were given for best-looking booth, most creative costumes and top chili in an array of categories.

Christi Hosford, Audrey McGuiness, Isabel Myint, Yarzar Pe, Danielle Cordes, Sarah Stoner

Haven Rae, Dale and Mallory Toney

Ashley and Rider Yates

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ocalastyle.com

Eric Brown 1972 Oldsmobile 442

Cook-Off Judge Mary Britt

Real People, Real S tories, Real O cala

Hailey Coats, Nijamon Rawls, Charlie Haut, Matthew Reese, Natashia Bell, Lily Weaver, Chef Saucerman

Hudson Hamm

Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn

Barry Corley, 1966 Pontiac Tempest

Tesia Bess, Peter Musella

Khloe and Matt O’Cull The Voodoo VIbe Band

Ricky Hubbard, Mark Posey

Joshua Moreno

Camille Wise, Dave Ashworth, Kayla Mcnair

January ‘19

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THE SOCIAL SCENE TOWN

Melissa Little, Vicki Hourigan

Caitlin Lloyd, Victoria Ferrer, Pamela Zeljak

Carmella, Francesca, Micaela and Gabriella Capobianco

Light Up Ocala Reception BRICK CITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS Photos By RALPH DEMILIO

Xochi Smith, Joy David

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he community welcomed the beginning of the holiday season with the annual Light Up Ocala event on November 17. Special guests were welcomed to a VIP reception and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with friends in the courtyard.

Gail Zole, Jackelyn Torres

Cameron Guinn, Brittney Deman, Mike Guinn

Tanya Walker, Denelle Pickering

Jasmine, Victoria and Lily Windham

Morgan Cole, Debrah and Holly Tucker, Lyn Cole

Hartley Green

January ‘19

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Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Developing clean energy for our community reduces our carbon footprint and has a positive impact on the world! Being more energy efficient means fewer fossil fuels are needed to produce the energy we use. Take control of your energy choices!

Make the invisible more visible. Sign up for myenergyplanner.com and see how much energy your home is using.

Make a resolution this year to apply the actions needed to reduce your energy cost. Ocala Electric Utility is developing clean energy for our community because we care. We are your public power provider; this is our hometown, too!

For more conservation tips, please visit

ocalaelectric.org

THE SOCIAL SCENE TOWN

Jamie Biggs, Jonathan Yonce, Caleb Greinke, Glenn Barfoot

Patricia and Jack Ethridge, Ashley Ethridge

Claude Van rder, Michael Bradenbaugh

Ocali Country Days SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK Photos By CRYS WILLIAMS Kelby, Kashlyn, Molly, and Codaline Money

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Patty and Will Baker-Palenik, Mysteri Barnhill

his annual event took place on November 10 and featured oldtime music, storytellers and historical re-enactors portraying North Central Florida during the 1800s. Visitors shopped with unique craft vendors and experienced demonstrations that included sugarcane syrup making, blacksmithing, quilting, spinning and woodworking.

Liz and Millie Hawley, Nancy and Al Wileden, Ray Hawley

Lena, Natalia, and Raelyn Osorio, Jody Harrison

Connie and Harry Mann

Rebecca Scott, Pat Chambers

Deidre Newville, Caoimhe Lai

January ‘19

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TOWN

BENCHMARKS

Rush To Judgment

By JUDGE STEVEN G. ROGERS

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ocalastyle.com

Photo by Ralph Demilio

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was the night before Thanksgiving, when all through the courthouse, not a creature was stirring.

Except in courtroom 2A where a jury was deliberating in a criminal case. The reason a jury trial was conducted the day before a major holiday was based upon something arguably as “American” as Thanksgiving itself… the defendant’s right to a speedy trial.

The right to a speedy and public trial is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This constitutional provision is contained in Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.191, which provides that every person charged with a crime is to be brought to trial within 90 days of their arrest if the crime charged is a misdemeanor or within 175 days if charged with a felony.

This does not mean all criminal cases are resolved within the time periods provided by the speedy trial rule. Like other constitutional rights, a defendant may voluntarily waive their right to a speedy trial and ask for their case to be continued beyond the speedy trial period. The primary reason for doing so may be summed up in one simple word: time.

Upon being appointed or retained to represent a defendant in a criminal case, defense attorneys need time to investigate the basis for the criminal charges, file pretrial motions, etc. In felony cases, both the prosecution and defense have the right to take the depositions of potential witnesses.

The ability to effectively prepare a case for

trial is often impractical—if not impossible—within the speedy trial period, and a defendant’s waiver of right to speedy trial is routinely filed in serious criminal cases.

But when a defendant does not wish to waive their right to speedy trial, the court is obligated to set the case for trial. This was the exact situation in my Thanksgiving Eve trial Like other where the defendant refused to agree constitutional rights, with his attorney’s request for the case to be continued. a defendant may Like most rules, Florida’s speedy voluntarily waive trial rule contains an exception that their right to a permits extension of the speedy trial period due to exceptional speedy trial and ask circumstances. In Wright v. State, 486 for their case to be So.2d 651 (Fla. 3rd DCA 1986), the continued beyond the appellate court upheld the trial judge’s decision to extend the speedy trial speedy trial period. period due to a victim’s inability to appear for trial during the speedy trial period because of the victim’s unexpected hospitalization and doctor-ordered bed rest.

Judges must constantly assure the protection of a criminal defendant’s constitutional rights. But when faced with the potential of being sentenced to prison, a defendant’s waiving the constitutional provision for a speedy trial may be the “right” thing to do.

“

”

Judge Steven G. Rogers currently serves as a circuit court judge. He lives in Ocala with his wife, three children and an extremely spoiled Australian Shepherd.

23 SW BROADWAY STREET

36 SE MAGNOLIA AVE

The Olive Oil Market 16 S MAGNOLIA AVE

DOWNTOWN

Ocala

18 SW BROADWAY

ART, SHOPPING, FINE DINING & ENTERTAINMENT Free valet with validation on the corner of Broadway and Magnolia

306 SW BROADWAY STREET

Mark’s Parkinson’s disease kept him from exploring.

At UF Health, he found a problem-solver who was able to guide the way.

Dr. Kelly Foote, Dr. Michael Okun and their colleagues are developing solutions for Parkinson’s patients. Their world-renowned team uses deep brain stimulation to restore mobility and muscle control. So Mark is back to hiking the trails around his home, while Dr. Foote continues to solve one of the toughest challenges in medicine. That’s the kind of problem-solving care that moves medicine forward.

Learn more at ProblemSolvingCare.org.

TOWN THOUGHTS OF A MILLENNIAL

Social Media Makes Me A Perfectionist Written By KATIE MCPHERSON Illustration by MAGGIE WEAKLEY

When I have a question I can’t Google the answer to, I feel crippled. There. I said it.

The internet and social media are how I access pretty much every tidbit of information I want— healthy recipes, at-home workouts, even how to fix my car when my street floods and the horn fills with water.

Did you know that was a thing? I still wouldn’t if I didn’t wield the power of the internet.

Social media influencers are the latest way myself and my peers (I am the Lorax, and I speak for the Millennials) gain insight about new trends, lifestyles and activities. The topic I’ve been diving into most lately is weight training workouts and healthy recipes, looking for motivation to get back in the gym and refocus on healthier eating.

That said, sometimes the accessibility of all this knowledge keeps me from doing, well, anything at all. Here’s how the downward spiral goes…

1. See health and fitness vlog online. Want to become more like toned, tan, permanently chipper vlogger. Set goal of working out more frequently.

2. Then comes the thought, “If I’m working out, I also need to eat healthier.”

Which, sure, good thinking, kid. But remember, this is a downward spiral.

3. This vlogger also eats a completely organic, vegan, plant-based diet. If I’m going to get the best out of my workouts and diet, I should eat that way, too.

(For reference, this vlogger looks like she hisses at the sight of a Dr. Pepper, and I get a caffeine withdrawal headache without two a day.)

4. Oh, and because she drinks eight gallons of water a day, her skin looks amazing. Maybe if I stand in the shower with my mouth open for a while, in a few months’ time I too can be a shining beacon of perfect health.

Each of these goals of improving the food I eat and working out more frequently are attainable over time, and having free, 24/7 access to experts makes it easier to achieve these lifestyle changes. But by using social media stars as my role models, I’m setting myself up to fail by getting overwhelmed before I can even start making positive changes in my life.

These people all specialize in doing these things for a living. It’s the full-time job of fitness Instagram models to work out and be upsettingly hot from every angle. They have all day to work out, eat well and wear cute athleisure sets. So while it’s healthy to aspire to being healthy and using them as guides, ultimately social media influencers shouldn’t paralyze us from getting started on our own goals.

So the next evening I crawl into bed—after my own full-time job, side hustle, attempts to make a decent dinner, keep a clean house and spend time with my husband and pets— feeling like I should’ve worked out twice in fake lashes and eaten three square plant-based, organic, unprocessed meals. Can someone please come snatch my phone out of my hands?

January ‘19

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South Marion Counseling and Hypnosis, Inc.

Life a little out of balance?

We are: Caring | Compassionate | Confidential • Adolescent & adult therapy for anxiety, depression, family counseling, grief counseling • Divorce mediation offered • Hypnosis for smoking cessation, overeating, and other personal issues

Carl L. Ross

Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH9975

352-897-0839 | 7014 SE HWY 25-A, Belleview

The Peacock Cottage

JANUARY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION SPECIALS!

Ocala’s New Plant Shop!

• Co-ed, 24-hour club access • Reciprocity at all Anytime Fitness clubs • Secure, clean environment • State-of-the-art equipment 8585 SW HWY 200 Ocala FL 34481 352-237-8335

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ocalastyle.com

3930 SW 42nd St Ocala FL 34474 352-237-1848

• Unique Houseplants • Fun Classes

Fairy • Garden Gifts Gardens • Supplies

Located in Chelsea Square 3243 East Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 352-624-0116 • thepeacockcottage@gmail.com Like us! facebook.com/thepeacockcottage anytimefitness.com

www.dandypot.com

TOWN

Class Acts

School news from Marion County Public Schools

By KEVIN CHRISTIAN, APR , CPRC

Striking A Note

Fessenden Celebrates 150 Years

Students at Hillcrest School and South Ocala Elementary spent time with two orchestra members as they shared—and played— many of the instruments featured in their concerts.

Part of the “Symphony In Our Schools” program, the visits gave students a better understanding of instrument families, how sounds are created and what it takes to play music in a large group.

When Fessenden Elementary started 150 years ago as Fessenden Academy, it served only AfricanAmerican students. Today, it educates 500 students of every race every day. The school celebrated its 150th anniversary with help from its alumni association. Current students learned the history of their school, and graduates reunited with countless memories of their school, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Leader 4 Life Hope

Forest High Senior Sade Teel is one of just 12 students statewide vying to be named a Take Stock in Children Leaders 4 Life Fellowship winner. She learned she’s a finalist when a barrage of Foundation folks, including her mom, surprised her during a student government meeting. If she wins, Sade will receive more than $40,000 for her college education.

McCall Makes History School Board Chair Beth McCall, pictured here with two grandsons, is the “2019 School Board Member of the Year” for the Florida Music Education Association. Long known for her support of the fine arts and public education overall, McCall learned of her award by surprise announcement during a school board meeting.

Kindness 180

Students at Eighth Street Elementary are learning about Kindness 180. To show their appreciation to first responders and as an act of kindness, students presented Ocala Fire Rescue members with baskets of sweet treats and popcorn.

Kindness 180’s goal is to teach kindness on an everyday basis, not just for special occasions.

Grants For Great Ideas When Judi Zanetti, executive director of the Public Education Foundation, shows up at your school with a big check, it’s for real—and for real money! This year, local teachers are sharing more than $110,000 in “Grants for Great Ideas” dollars from the Foundation. GFGI is just one program sponsored by the Foundation, now nationally ranked among the country’s strongest education foundations.

January ‘19

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TOWN

Editors’ Picks A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events.

By KARIN FABRY CUSHENBERY and MELISSA PETERSON

Photo courtesy of Disovery Center

Illustrations by MAGGIE WEAKLEY

First Date Ocala Civic Theatre January 10-20 This funny musical is all about finding love. When Aaron and Casey meet for dinner, their blind date takes a hilarious turn when imaginary appearances by exes, friends and family come into play.

We dare you not to laugh. Keep in mind, though, this performance is intended for an adult audience. ocalacivictheatre.com

HITS Ocala Post Time Farm January 15-March 24

Eco-Invaders Exhibit Discovery Center January 5-March 26 Bring your little ones to the Discovery Center and become “Eco Detectives” as they learn about native species and join the hunt for fugitive plants and animals. Guests will go fishing for reef-destroying lionfish, hunt for cane toads in the blacklight room and search for bugs and snails in the invasive plant crop maze. Check out an Argentine Tegu and Rainbow Boa Constrictor and get up close and personal with several creepy crawlies. Are you brave enough? mydiscoverycenter.org

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ocalastyle.com

The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit features USEF National and Premier-Rated Hungers, 5* and 6* Jumpers, two USHJA International Hunter Derbies and qualifiers for the HITS Championship. The Winter Circuit concludes in March with the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix. More than $4 million in prize money will be handed out over the 10-week event. hitsshows.com

Spamalot The Sharon, The Villages January 16-17

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Adapted from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this Tony Awardwinning musical tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they begin their hunt for the Holy Grail. In spite of killer rabbits, flying cows and mean Frenchmen, the men are determined. You’ll love the popular musical numbers that will have you dancing in your seat. thesharon.com

Day in the Park, Webb Field January 21 | 10am-3pm This celebration will include dance, music, poetry readings, speeches, plus plenty of food and other vendors. For additional information, please call (352) 857-4118 or (352) 208-0819.

The Manhattans

You likely remember some of the Manhattan’s top hits, including “I Wanna Be (Your Everything), “Searching For My Baby,” “Follow Your Heart” and “Shining Star.”

It was Edward “Sonny” Bivins, the late founding member of the group, who put together the current rendition of the group in order to maintain the integrity of the original sound. You won’t be disappointed with his choices. csculturalcenter.com

Wreath Ceremony 595 SW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

January 19 | 11am-12pm

34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March January 21 | 8am-10am The march begins on the downtown square, heads west along SR 40 and ends at Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex.

For details, call (352) 208-0819.

Phillips Center, Gainesville January 23 Explore the world of birds of paradise through world-class photography, film and discussion with acclaimed National Geographic photographers.

This is your chance to experience nature through the lenses, eyes and words of the researchers, storytellers and scientists who know it best—the very people who have made National Geographic into a global media icon.

Circle Square Cultural Center January 19

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. EVENTS

National Geographic Live: Birds of Paradise

Running with the Herd 5KBig Hammock Race Series The Villages January 26

Florida Manatee Festival Downtown Crystal River January 19 This annual event is all about honoring Florida’s gentle giants. The festival will feature tasty food, fine art, arts and crafts booths, a fun kids’ zone, beer and wine gardens, live entertainment on three separate stages, a car show and more.

Whew! This event has a lot going on! Don’t forget to check out the boat tours of the bay, too. You just may see a manatee. gomanateefest.com

Each of the races connected with the Big Hammock Race supports a local organization or fundraiser. The Running with the Herd 5K supports The Villages Charter School Buffalo Scholarship Foundation. The race will weave through the campus where onsite entertainment will be provided.

As always, participants will receive an awesome finisher’s medal and T-shirt.

The Big Hammock Race Series is an all-age, all skill-level race series.

Learn more about the Big Hammock Race Series and the Season of Hope Run at bighammockraceseries.com.

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Father-Daughter Dance Circle Square Cultural Center February 1-2 Dads, grab your favorite little ladies and get ready to make cherished memories. This semi-formal to church attire event, sponsored by Ambleside School of Ocala, includes refreshments, a take-home craft, photo opportunities and, of course, plenty of dancing. Three dances are offered this year, so order your tickets ahead of time before they sell out. father-daughterdance.com

Councilman Matt Wardell

The City Of Ocala Is On Board!

All You Need Is Love... and Art! Brick City Center for the Arts February 9, 7pm Channel your favorite ’60s star and dress to impress for this swinging 1960s-inspired costume party. The event will feature music of The Beatles and will also have a live DJ, plenty of dancing, food and drinks popular from the ’60s, auction items and more.

The Edge Effect Presents ICONS: The Show Reilly Arts Center February 20, 7pm This highly interactive, Las Vegas-style show is a tribute to some of the greatest artists, songs and styles of the last century. The gentelman of The Edge Effect perform songs from legendary artists such as Frank Sinatra, Chicago, The Beatles, Micheal Jackson, Billy Joel, Elton John and more.

Over the Edge Ocala Springhill Suites March 30 Raise $1,000 and experience the thrill of rappelling down 105 feet from the top of SpringHill Suites, the newest (and one of the tallest) hotels in Ocala. Over the Edge, an urban rappelling company, will be there to help rappellers every step of the way. Money raised will support MCA and Ocala’s arts community.

O

n Wednesday, December 12, a large crowd of elected officials, CEP members, city employees, media, excited skaters and BMX bikers gathered to witness a moment they had all been waiting on—for years!

The weather could not have been more perfect for the Ocala Skate Park groundbreaking, where Councilman Matthew Wardell, Mayor Kent Guinn and the CEP’s Director of Business Retention Joe Reichel all took to the podium with enthusiasm and support of the new 10,000-square-foot street course.

For over 30 years, Team Pain has been building skate parks all over the world, and beginning January 2019, the awardwinning company will add Ocala, Florida, to its list. According to Mayor Guinn, the project will take roughly “four months to complete,” a quick turnaround considering the scope of work.

The $410,000 street course is just the first phase of the larger plan, which includes a snake run, larger bowl, lighting, pavilion and other necessary amenities.

Recreation and Parks Director Kathy Crile expects the community will continue their fundraising efforts to make completing all phases possible and timely. Individual and corporate level donations are critical in continuing these efforts and can be made through Flipcause at flipcause. com/secure/donate/Mzk4NTc=.

This link can also be found on the Ocala Skatepark Facebook page, which the City encourages you to follow for future announcements and updates.

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COUNTRY Beware: Guard Donkey On Duty

By JOANN GUIDRY Photos by RALPH DEMILIO

C

ount Joy Baldwin Papy as a big fan of guard donkeys.

She’s witnessed firsthand the difference they’ve made on her family’s Ocala-based, 600-acre Baldwin Angus Ranch.

“For years we had a big problem with coyotes attacking calves on the

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ranch,” says Papy, whose late father, Leroy Baldwin, established the operation in 1947.

“When a cow gives birth, coyotes smell the afterbirth and move in quickly to attack the defenseless calf. A mama cow will do her best to protect her baby, but it’s tough if there’s a pack of coyotes.”

But one donkey can take on a pack with no problem.

“Donkeys are very territorial and have a natural dislike of canines. In fact, we have to be careful and keep our cow dogs away from the donkeys,” says Papy. “They will kick out with their front and back feet, bare their teeth and give chase. And, of course, their bray is pretty loud and scary, too.

Coyotes are no match for a donkey.”

For the past 20 years, there have been guard donkeys on the Baldwin Angus Ranch.

And the operation no longer has a coyote predation problem.

“As it turns out, my mother-in-law, Virginia Papy, has raised donkeys as pets for a long time. So we get our donkeys from her,” says Papy. “Our first one was Buster, who was struck by lightning a little over a year ago. Then we got April, who lives with our 85-head mama cow herd. We also have 36

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Bonnie, who’s in with a herd of heifers, which are young cows that haven’t been bred yet.”

All of the ranch’s donkeys are Sicilian donkeys, often called “The Holy Cross Donkey” for their distinctive black stripe pattern down their backs and across their shoulders. Sicilian donkeys are on average 36 inches at the shoulder and can live to 35 years. April is 5 and Bonnie is 8, so barring misfortune the duo will be guarding for many years to come. According to Papy, jennies (females) and geldings (neutered males) work best as guard donkeys. Jacks (stallions) can become too aggressive and unruly.

“Donkeys adapt very quickly to cattle. When we got April, she had never been around cows. In two days, she was part of the herd,” says Papy. “The great thing about donkeys is that they are very hardy and very low maintenance. Our donkeys are not pets; they are working animals. And as long as we raise cattle, we’ll have a guard donkey.”

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Fabulous Figs

By JOANN GUIDRY

S

ure, oranges get all the love, but maybe it’s time to have a fling with figs. Introduced to Florida

by Spanish explorers in 1575, figs have been growing happily ever after in the Sunshine State ever since. And you can grow your own.

“We try to steer dooryard growers toward varieties that don’t attract a lot of pests to have better success rates. And we recommend the brown turkey fig tree for that reason,” says David Holmes, director of the UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Service. “Its main issue is fig rust, which attacks the leaves and causes them to fall off. The best thing to do is just let it run its course. Generally, the tree will recover the next season.”

Although fig trees can grow to 50 feet, that isn’t likely in Florida.

“Because our climate and cold snaps affect the growth, you generally see multiple-branched shrubs of 4 to 5 feet,” says Holmes, who has two fig trees at home.

“You’ll get fruit from the second year on, late July to mid-August, and fig trees can live 1,520 years.”

Brown Turkey Fig Tree Facts Buying: “Go to a good nursery, and check out 3-gallon plants. You want a good, healthy, well-balanced plant,” says Holmes.

“You want the leaf color to be a bright dark green. Look on top of the leaves for

disease spots and under the leaves for insect bites. Expect to pay $20-$30.”

Planting: “Plant your fig tree in late February or early March. Pick a sandy, well-drained spot in your yard that gets at least six to eight hours of full sun a day,” says Holmes. “Potting soil is not necessary. Dig a hole that is slightly more shallow than the pot. Separate the roots out before putting it in the ground.”

Irrigation: Holmes says, “Make a soil berm 2 feet out from the trunk, 8-12 inches tall, around the plant. Use your garden hose to fill the berm before 9am every day for two weeks.

Then, at the start of the third week, fill it every other day for three weeks before watering just two times a week, four days apart. Of course, adjust according to rainfall.”

“

You’ll get fruit from the second year on, late July to midAugust, and fig trees can live 1,520 years.

”

–David Holmes Fertilization: “Use a 6-2-6 garden fertilizer in the first part of September; just lightly sprinkle around the root nest,” says Holmes. “In the second year, fertilize in the spring, March 15 to April 1, and then again in the fall. By the third year, just fertilize once in the spring.”

Nutrition: Figs are high in fiber and a good source of magnesium, manganese, calcium, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorous and phenol antioxidants. A quick Google search will yield plenty of tasty recipes!

Learn more › Contact Master Gardeners › (352) 671-8400 January ‘19

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COUNTRY

Horsin’ Around

Check out these upcoming equestrian events for the month of January.

Compiled by JOANN GUIDRY

HITS Post Time Farm

13710 US Hwy 27, Ocala › hitsshows.com Wednesdays-Sundays, 8am-4pm Grand Prix events take place at approximately 2pm every Sunday, as well as select Fridays. Parking is free.

No admission charge for performances on WednesdaySaturday. Children 12 and under are free throughout the event. For Weeks I-IV and VI-IX, Sunday general admission tickets are $5 per adult. For Weeks V and X, Sunday general admission tickets are $10 per adult for the $100,000 Ocala Electric Utility Grand Prix on Sunday, February 17 and for the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix on Sunday, March 24.

2019 Horse Shows In The Sun (HITS) Schedule For January January 15-20: Ocala January Classic I $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix (Friday) $50,000 HITS Grand Prix (Sunday) January 22-27: Ocala January Festival II $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix (Friday) $50,000 HITS Grand Prix (Sunday) January 29-February 3: Ocala Premiere III $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix (Friday) $50,000 HITS Grand Prix (Sunday)

Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company

1701 SW 60th Avenue, Ocala › (352) 237-2154 › obssales.com January 29-30: OBS Winter Mixed Sale

The Grand Oaks Resort

3000 Marion County Road, Weirsdale › (352) 750-5500 › thegrandoaks.com January 4-6: Grand Oaks Combined Driving Event January 12-13: Orlando Dressage January 18-20: Grand Oaks Horse Trials Extreme Jumping Event January 26-27: Hunt Country Horse Show

Karen Rohlf Dressage Naturally

For more info: inbound.dressagenaturally.net/tyb-2019 or karen@dressagenaturally.net February 1-2: For The Love Of The Horse, Transform Your Business Seminar

Millwood Polo Club

2780 NW 165th Street, Citra › (352) 591-3162 › millwoodpoloclub.com Social arena polo every Saturday

Gypsy Gold Farm America’s Gypsy Vanner Foundation Farm

Florida Horse Park

11008 South Hwy 475, Ocala › (352) 307-6699 › flhorsepark.com January 5-6: POP Cross Country Schooling and 3-Phase January 12-13: Southern Obstacle Challenge and SFRHA Reining Show January 19-20: Ocala Western Dressage Series I January 26: Southeast Baroque Working Equitation January 27: STRIDE #1 February 1-3: FHA 3-Day 100-Mile Competitive Trail Ride 40

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12501 SW 8th Avenue, Ocala › (352) 307-3777 › gypsygold.com Two-hour farm tour on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays by appointment

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Over The Rainbow

By JOANN GUIDRY Photography by RALPH DEMILIO

T

horoughbred breeders are optimistic gamblers. Year after year, they bet on the big horse coming along.

That has most certainly been the case for Bill and Lyn Rainbow, who have owned and operated The Acorn since 1978.

“We’ve been very fortunate over the years to breed and sell some outstanding Florida-breds, including several champions,” says Lyn Rainbow, who grew up on White Oak Farm, a Leesburg, Virginia, operation owned by her late parents, Samuel and Carolyn Rogers Jr. “We also raised two Florida-bred millionaires that my parents bred.

When you’re a small breeder, those kind of horses keep you going.”

Bill Rainbow came into the thoroughbred business via marriage.

Lyn and her family took a family 42

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safari vacation to Kenya with the tour Mixed Sale (January 29-30), the Rainbows company Bill owned. Lyn ended up going will be selling Changing Fortunes, a back to Kenya to work for Bill for two 4-year-old unraced filly (female horse years, and the duo fell in love. After the under age 5) bred by Lyn’s late parents. couple married, they moved to Virginia and She will sell in foal to Ocala-based stallion worked at White Oak Farm for four years He’s Had Enough. before relocating to Ocala and establishing “When we decided to sell Changing The Acorn.

Fortunes, I knew she would sell for more “We wanted a place for a breeding in foal,” says Lyn. “When I plan what operation where there was good year-round stallion to breed a mare to, it’s basically weather,” says Lyn. “Ocala was just perfect.” trying to find the best bloodlines match Today, The Acorn’s first. Then I look at 119 acres are home to the physical elements We’ve been very 25 horses, including of the mare and the the Rainbows’ and fortunate over the years stallion to eliminate those owned by a few any faults. When it to breed and sell some select clients. The comes to stud fee, outstanding FloridaRainbows currently I’ve never paid more own two broodmares breds, including several than $5,000.” (female horses that Even after champions. produce foals), four decades in including 14-year-old the business, the - Lyn Rainbow Happy Honeymoon.

Rainbows are still She is the dam hands-on. (mother) of Florida-bred stakes winners “We have two full-time employees, Starship Bonita and Surprise Wedding. but we’re the first ones and last ones at Sold for $25,000 by the Rainbows, Starship the barn, seven days a week,” says Lyn. Bonita has to date earned $492,775. The “Like most breeders, we’re very dedicated Rainbows race Surprise Wedding, who has and passionate about what we do. And banked $306,625 to date. we’re very proud to be part of the Florida At the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s thoroughbred industry.”

“

”

THINKING OF SELLING? William Stiles Owner

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TA B L E In the Kitchen With

Russell Baillie

By NICK STEELE Photography by RALPH DEMILIO

O

utside of the South, the term Cracker is often associated with negative connotations, but the name reportedly harkens back to a time when Florida was the leading state for cattle production in America. The men who loaded the cattle onto ships, bound for Northern states, were often called “cracker cowboys” as they used whips rather than lassos to herd their cattle. But over the years, the term grew to encompass the wider lifestyle of the pioneering families who occupied the state for many generations. Theirs is a proud heritage of hard working, plain-spoken, down-home folks,

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many whom continue to grow, fish and hunt for their food to this day. And although Cracker cooking often favors a simplicity of ingredients, born out of the native flora and fauna, the cuisine has been influenced by many cultures. It is essentially an evolving American fusion cuisine of those who live off the land and have passed down recipes and techniques from generation to generation.

It is both a birthright and passion for Russell Baillie, whose ancestor Peter Carr Baillie arrived in the States in the early 1800s from Scotland.

“I’m fifth generation,” he declares. “I was born right here in Ocala and raised in the Ocala countryside. The whole family was in the woods for most of my life. We had 52 acres growing up. We grew all kinda crops. We always had horses, cows and goats. We did a lot of Cracker cooking. We cooked whatever we could get from the land, corn, okra, tomatoes, wild hogs and deer.

One of the things I like to cook is Swamp Cabbage,” he continues. “The real name is Sabal palmetto or cabbage palm. It’s the state tree. You don’t go out and kill them.

But when somebody gets a permit to clear

some property, I’ll go there, cut the tops off of them and take the swamp cabbage out of them. It’s commonly called hearts of palm.

You’ll see it in cans at the grocery store.

Most of that comes from South America, but these are native to Florida. They don’t yield a whole lot. The top will weigh something

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like 40 to 50 pounds, and you may get 4 to 5 pounds of edible stuff out of that.”

Although it sounds like a lot of work to you or me, Baillie says that it is well worth the effort.

“A lot of people just eat them as they are,” he says. “I usually stew it with a little bit of fat-back like salt pork, bacon drippings, onion and diced carrots. That’s pretty much how you make Swamp Cabbage Stew,” he offers.

“Most people have never tasted it, even if they’ve lived in Florida for a long time.”

Baillie learned to cook and the tradition of community service at his father’s side.

“I’ve been cooking since I could get around,” he says with a chuckle. “My father

was the county agent for the agricultural extension system here in Marion County and was also appointed Sheriff, so he was very well known,” Baillie recalls. “He would do fundraisers for charities, big barbecues where we cooked for as many as 5,000 people. We used to build barbecue pits and cook all kinds of meats. We’d also boil the corn, make coleslaw and baked beans,” he continues. “It was not something we did for profit. We raised a lot of money for various charities, created some good will and enjoyed doing it.”

They even got a chance to rub elbows with some of baseball’s all-time greats.

“Back in the bad old days of the late ‘50s

Book, which was published in 1942 in, of all early ‘60s, the Boston Red Sox had a spring places, New York City. “It was a wedding training facility here called Webb Stadium present given to my mother. It has a whole and Gerig Field,” he recalls. “Once a year, bunch of great old Cracker recipes in it.” the Yankees would come for an exhibition Although the irony is not lost on him, game with the likes of Mickey Mantle, Yogi this is not his only culinary guide.

Berra and Whitey Ford. After the game, my “I have 72 cookbooks in my walk-in pantry father would do a big cookout at the Ocala and probably a couple dozen more around Golf Course. I was 8 or 10 years old and the house,” he admits. “I’ve even got Martha there helping my dad out.”

Washington’s cookbook. This is another of Baillie also followed in his father’s my favorite cookbooks,” he continues, passing footsteps when it came to his profession. a copy of Cross Creek Cookery to me. “I’m a “He and I were both bail bondsmen. big fan of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Every He started in 1961, and I joined him in recipe has a story with it.

1981,” he recalls. “That’s the main thing “Another big that the Baillies cookout we had was are known for for our wedding,” around here.”

I was born right here he explains of his Although both nuptials to Jaye father and son in Ocala and raised in Baillie, who is the may be equally the Ocala countryside. executive director of well known The whole family was the Marion Cultural for their good Alliance located at cooking and good in the woods for most of Brick City Center for works, Baillie has my life. We had 52 acres the Arts. “We were carried on his growing up. We grew all married in 1977, and father’s tradition instead of having of serving the kinda crops. a rehearsal dinner community. and reception, we “I’ve done a lot of big cookouts out at Silver Springs for several thousand people,” he explains. “Recently, I started doing the lowcountry boils, where you have the crawfish, shrimp, crabs, onions, corn and potatoes.

You cook it all together in a seafood base.

I’ve done several private events, weddings, birthday and anniversary parties. I did Paula King’s birthday party. It was a big bash. I cooked the barbecue, but I also made a New Orleans bread pudding. It’s different from most bread puddings and served with a whiskey sauce. It comes from Paul Prudhomme’s cookbook. You make it out of French bread that you buy four or five days ahead of time. You let it get stale and then cut it up into chunks. I always put raisins in mine. I soak them for a night or two in some rum in the refrigerator. For the whiskey sauce, I use Old Grand-Dad 100 proof, because it has some good flavor to it.

“This is one of my favorite cookbooks,” he offers, handing me an unassuming and wellworn book entitled The New American Cook

“

”

had the Jaye-Russ BBQ the day before the wedding. We had 400 guests, and my father cooked, so I got to take the day off. After the wedding we took off to Key West for our honeymoon. That’s when I got into cooking a lot of seafood.”

Baillie also grows a variety of fresh herbs, from fennel, basil and oregano to tarragon and mint.

“We always have a big Derby party and make Mint Juleps. You actually cook them,” he offers.” You take the bourbon with some water and warm it up. Then you stir in confectioners sugar, and let it steep for a while. Then you pour it over the shaved iced and the mint. And that makes a perfect Mint Julep. A lot of people just pour some bourbon and mint extract in a glass and call that a Mint Julep, but you actually have to cook the bourbon to make it come out right.”

And although Russell often finds himself on the golf course, it may not be for the reason you’d think.

“Cooking is a diversion for me. Some people like to play golf, I’d rather cook,” he explains of the many cookouts he’s hosted at the Ocala Golf Course. “Course, I’ve never played golf.”

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THE CHEF’S KITCHEN

Food Ideas For A Fresh & Healthy Start

By CHEF RANDAL WHITE Photography by JOHN JERNIGAN

T

he new year has arrived, and you are searching for that perfect dish—healthy enough to make you forget about those holiday indulgences yet satisfying enough to fill the comfort-food gap left by sweet potato casseroles and Christmas cookies. You want food that makes you feel good about yourself and your way of living, but facing a bowl of greens for supper is not going to cut it. You want more. What if you didn’t have to skimp on flavor in lieu of healthy eating? What if you could grab your ingredients from your local farmers market, support your local community by doing so and have a filling meal that’s easy to prepare and nutritious, too? Try these simple recipes for feel-good food to satisfy your hunger without the guilt.

Green Papaya Soup: A Hearty Winter’s Stew Shorter days and cooler weather make you crave heavier comfort food, and this Green Papaya Soup is hearty enough to be considered a stew and can be served as a main entrée. The beauty of this versatile, gluten-free dish is you can change it up to suit your tastes. You can substitute the papaya for any other hard squash, like acorn squash, butternut squash or chaoite. For a vegetarian option, leave out the chicken and trade the chicken stock for vegetable stock.

Green papaya is just unripe papaya, and you can find it at your supermarket or the farmers market. Choose the hard ones.

They are good for making slaws as well. Wash your hands well after dealing with the papaya skin, as the oils on this fruit’s skin can cause redness and itchiness in some people. Use a knife to cut the skin from the papaya. To de-seed papaya, cut long-wise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.

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Green Papaya Soup I was introduced to the Filipino dish, Chicken Tinola, by Chef Robert Shum when we worked together at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.

This is a variation to the classic Asian dish.

3 6 1 ½ ½ ½ 1 ½ 1 4 6

cups large diced green papaya chunks oz chicken, cooked, diced large tbsp vegetable oil cup onion, diced cup red pepper, diced cup celery, diced clove garlic, crushed tsp minced ginger tbsp red curry paste (Asian store) cups chicken stock or broth spring onions, shaved thin garnish of Chinese parsley (cilantro)

Clean papaya, peel and de-seed. › Dice into mediumsize chunks, and then set off to side. › Heat oil in a large saucepan, add diced chicken and cook for a couple minutes; then add onion, peppers, celery, garlic, ginger and curry paste, and stir over a medium heat for a minute. › Add stock, bring to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes or until onions are translucent. › Add papaya, and continue to simmer on low for 15 minutes or until papaya is tender. › Place into bowls, garnish with the spring onion and cilantro, and serve. › This stew also goes well accompanied with a warm loaf of fresh multigrain artisan bread.

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Roasted Beet, Citrus, and Kale: A Flavor-Packed Winter Salad Take advantage of the season’s bounty for this winter salad. A marriage of color and flavors, this dish was created to ignite your palate. The beets provide rich, earthy tones against the peppery taste of kale and sweet tang of in-season citrus. You can find all of these ingredients fresh this time of year at your local farm stand or farmers market.

Purchase beets with the greens if you can. Beet greens are tender and sweet.

Braise them with a little olive oil, garlic, kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. They make a great accompaniment to any meal.

Treat them as you would sautéed spinach.

Florida citrus is in season this time of year, with each cold snap sweetening its flavors. Using the juice from the orange will help prevent the apple slices from going brown. And although kale can be purchased in stores year-round, this winter green is best fresh from the garden. If you buy your kale from a farmers market, make sure to wash it well to remove any dirt.

Roasted Beet, Citrus, and Kale Salad 2 1 1 ¼ ¼ 2 1 ½ ¼ 3

medium beets tbsp vegetable oil package baby kale, washed and cut cup candied walnuts cup dried fruit Florida oranges, peeled and sliced apple, diced cup olive oil cup white balsamic vinegar sea salt and fresh ground pepper tablespoons crumbled goat cheese garnish of fresh mint

Wash beets, and place on baking pan. › Drizzle beets with oil, and roast at 350°F for 30 minutes. › Remove from oven, and place beets into a plastic zip baggie, and let them rest for 20 minutes. › Then, using a cloth, peel beets by rubbing them. › Discard peels, and slice beets. › In a bowl combine the kale, walnuts and dried fruit, and set to one side. › In a separate bowl, combine the oranges and apple together, and let macerate for a couple minutes. › Drain off the juice onto the kale, walnuts and dried fruit. › Add oil and vinegar, and toss. › Place kale mix onto a platter, and decorate the top with the oranges, apples, sliced beets and goat cheese. › Garnish with mint, and serve.

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January ‘19

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TA B L E

Cozy Cocktails

By SHELBY GOEL Z

T

(specifically Blended Scotch Whiskey) will be more he weather is finally dipping below 70 subtle and can be a fun, unexpected twist. Do steer clear degrees, and the holidays are in our rearview of those peaty, Islay-style scotches. Although incredibly mirrors, which means that it is officially tasty, they are better suited for other uses.* Feeling “hot toddy season.” frisky? Other spirits, such as rum, aged tequila or What is a toddy you may ask? Well, there is no better Applejack can be used as a fun alternative spirit way to describe a toddy base for your toddy as well. than as a beautiful, Feeling frisky? Other Sweetener substitutes can also help warm variation of the customize a toddy. In Florida, we are lucky to Old Fashioned cocktail: spirits, such as rum, have a wide variety of local f lora and apiaries whiskey, sweetener aged tequila or that provide a variety of honey. Wildflower, and spice, with a touch Applejack can be used clover, orange blossom and mangrove honey of citrus to round it all have their own distinct floral bouquets and out. Although the as a fun alternative add subtle aromas and f lavors. In warmer, deliciousness of this spirit base for your northern states, you may find maple as the entire genre of cocktail toddy as well. main sweetening ingredient. Out west? Look for is not up for debate, the some really neat agave nectars to sweeten up origins sure are. those cold desert nights.

Some sources have the toddy originating in and around Whatever your choice of spirit and sweetener, our Scotland, where they added a dash of hot water and spices traditional recipe is a great starting point to begin to their daily ration of whiskey to help fight those blustery, concocting your own special hot toddy. cold North Atlantic days. Other sources trace it back to India, where they began adding those beautiful spices, *Unless you are using Lapsang Souchong, in which case we want your recipe. known from the early trading routes between England and India, to their ‘Tārī.’ This was a popular hot beverage made from tree sap. The medicinal properties were highly touted in their community.

The spirited debate (pun intended) arises when one realizes that these spices, and quite logically this drink, were brought to the Western world through the spice trade routes, but the other key ingredient, whiskey, was already well established in the West.

We may never have a definite answer of where it originated, but the hot toddy itself can always be relied on to be warming and restorative, thanks to these two main ingredients.

Part of the charm of this spirit-forward cocktail lies in the fact that there isn’t a specific origin recipe to refer back , making the drink highly customizable. Based on preference of spices and sweetness levels, anyone can easily make a ‘house-inspired’ toddy of their own. And it should not be overlooked as an easy, pre-batched cocktail for a party.

How does one customize a toddy? Regional inf luences are a great place to start. Kentucky Bourbon and American Whiskey, in general, will give you honey, toasty and vanilla notes. Irish whiskey will typically be more prominent, with a nice warm bite. Scotch

“

Photo by Ralph Demilio

”

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Traditional Hot Toddy

Applejack Chai Toddy

1½ ½ ½ 4

1½ ½ ¼ 4

oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey oz honey oz lemon juice oz hot water

Combine all ingredients, in the order listed, in a preheated 8-ounce mug, giving it a good stir both before and after adding the hot water. › Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a dash of nutmeg, and enjoy!

Looking for some fun variations? In addition to a great spirit base, herbs and spices really are the key to elevating your toddy game, and what better way to utilize them than with tea. Teas offer complex blends of flavors and varying amounts of sweet versus spice. The best part about using tea?

You can concentrate it to your own personal preference. (I personally enjoy 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 8 ounces of hot water).

For the following recipes, combine all ingredients, in the order listed, in a preheated 8-ounce mug, giving it a good stir both before and after adding the hot tea.

oz Laird’s Applejack oz honey oz lemon juice oz chai tea

Garnish with a dash of apple pie spice and a cinnamon stick.

East Meets West Toddy 1½ ½ ½ 4

oz Toki Japanese Whiskey oz vanilla simple syrup oz lemon juice oz Earl Grey tea*

Garnish with a vanilla bean and orange twist (to bring out the bergamot flavors of the Earl Grey tea). *If you can find an Earl Grey Crème tea, this is even doable as a chilled cocktail.

Make It Your Own After you have perfected your own toddy, consider a DIY cocktail kit for special occasions. A bottle of whiskey, container of loose-leaf tea and jar of your choice of paired sweetener makes a beautifully thoughtful gift for your cocktail-conscious friends. Happy sipping!

January ‘19

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DINING GUIDE

Braised Onion

754 NE 25th Ave., Ocala

(352) 620-9255 › braisedonion.com Tue-Thu 11:30a-9p › Fri-Sat 11:30a-10p › Sun 11:30a-8p Braised Onion Restaurant, where you’ll experience “Comfort Food with Attitude” in a fun, warm and colorful but casual atmosphere, is open for lunch and dinner. Our team of experts will be dishing out perfectly seasoned prime rib with creamy horseradish sauce on Friday and Saturday evenings. And don’t forget the dessert menu, which includes the prize-winning bread pudding and coconut cream pie.

Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar 10 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala

(352)512-9458 › Sun-Wed 11a-10p › Thurs 11a-11p › Fri-Sat 11a-12a Located in downtown Ocala’s historic town square, Brick City Southern Kitchen’s aroma is recognized for several blocks around.

Once inside, you are met with a wall of over 400 whiskeys from around the world and a collection of custom folk art from Nicklos Richards. To the rear of the restaurant is their scratch kitchen where all the sides, barbecue sauces, dressings and seasonings are prepared. But the heart of this kitchen is the custom-built smoker, where the low, slow heat of burning hickory smokes beef brisket, ribs, pork shoulders, whole chickens and turkey breast.

Craft Cuisine

2237 SW 19th Avenue Rd., # 102, Ocala

(352) 237-7300 › info@craftcuisineocala.com Lunch Mon-Sat 11a-4p Dinner: Mon-Thur 4-9p › Fri & Sat 4-10p Craft Cuisine World Inspired Culinary Creations is now taking reservations for Valentine’s Day! Book your in-house gatherings, private parties, weddings or off-premise catering today!

Mouthwatering Monday: Build your own four-course menu selections from $13.99-$19.99. Tipsy Tuesday: $3 margaritas & 2-41 martinis. Wine Down Wednesday: From 4-7p order a charcuterie board paired with a housewine for $10. Burgers and Bourbon Thursdays. Prime rib Fridays. Sangria Saturdays: $5 all-day brunch specials from 11a-3p endless mimosas $10, bloody marys $4.

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@braisedonionrestaurant

$3 BEERS 7P-CLOSE & LIVE MUSIC AT 8PM EVERY THURSDAY HAPPY HOUR 4-7P EVERY DAY! FULL-SERVICE CATERING FOR SPECIAL EVENTS, REHEARSAL DINNERS & WEDDINGS.

Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7p $5 select tapas & drink specials Craft Cuisine has been awarded the Golden Spoon Award by Florida Trend Magazine for the Best NEW Fine Dining Restaurant.

DINING GUIDE

Book your party at Tony’s today.

Tony’s Sushi & Steakhouse 3405 SW College Road, Ocala

(352) 237-3151 › tonysushi.com Mon-Thu 11a-10p › Fri & Sat 11a-11p › Sun Noon-10p With abundant menu choices and over 100 off-menu rolls, you certainly won’t run out of options at Tony’s Sushi. If you can’t decide, the waitstaff is excellent at suggesting items you’re sure to enjoy. Every roll and sushi dish is made to order from the freshest ingredients. In the steakhouse area, highly trained chefs prepare a memorable meal as they cook on the tableside grills, preparing chicken, steak or seafood just the way you like it. Entrées include soup or salad and rice. Tony’s Sushi has a family-friendly, casual atmosphere, along with a full bar, including imported Japanese sake and beer selections.

Make sure to try the deli next to the restaurant, where they have daily menu choices for $6.99 and desserts such as dulce de papaya with cheese.

HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY Medalla beer (6 cans) $10 Medalla beer (6 bottles) $12

Wednesday: 99¢ House Margaritas All Day Thursday: Trivia Night, 7-9pm (Blvd. location) Thursday: Mariachi band at the 200 location, 6-9pm

THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD

Creole 21

16580 S Highway 475, Summerfield

(352) 307-9300 Restaurant: Mon-Sun 12p-9:30p Deli: Mon-Sat 11a-2p Creole 21 opened its doors to the public in early July—and diners can’t get enough of their authentic Latin fusion cuisine. Enjoy a mix of Latin food specialties, such as the popular mofongo, a Puerto Rican dish that uses fried plantains as its main ingredient. The restaurant was named after the Creole cuisine because of its unique mix of all the best flavors and tastes of Latin America. The menu offers a wide variety of seafood options, pasta dishes, appetizers, salads, soups, cheese flan and tres leches, and they work only with Certified Angus Beef Prime meat. Creole 21 also has a children’s menu for the little ones, offering chicken tenders, pizza and more.

El Toreo

3790 E Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala

(352) 694-1401 › 7 days 11a-10p SR 200, Ocala › (352) 291-2121 › 7 days 11a-11p New lunch specials include Taco Salad on Mondays, $5.45; Speedy Gonzalez on Tuesdays, $5.45; Quesadillas on Wednesdays, $7.95; Chimichangas on Thursdays, $6.95; and Burrito Supreme on Fridays, $5.95. New dinner options include Fajita Mondays, $10.95; Chimichanga Tuesdays, $8.95; Alambre Wednesdays, $9.95; and Tacos de Bistec Thursdays, $9.95. Plus $1.95 margaritas on Mondays. On Sunday, kids 12 and under can enjoy $1.95 children’s meals (take-out not included). Wednesday is Special Margarita Day, 99¢ all day. Saturday is 2-for-1 margaritas all day. Happy Hour daily, 3-7pm. Everything is 2-4-1 (exceptions may apply).

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DINING GUIDE

Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse 2023 S Pine Avenue, Ocala

(352) 622-1741 › ipanemaocala.com Lunch Friday 11a-2:30p › Brunch Sunday 11a-3p Dinner Tue-Thu 5p-9p › Fri-Sat 5p-10p › Sun 4p-9p A Churrascaria (Portuguese for barbecue) where roaming gauchos slice and serve fire-roasted meats from skewers in continual fashion.

Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse boasts 12 of the finest cuts of meat complemented by an opulent 50 item salad-vegetable bar, decadent desserts, wines, beer and cocktails. Book your holiday party and catering today! Our Sunday Brunch from 11a to 3p includes the 50 item salad bar plus crepe, waffle and omelet station. For $32.95 you’ll receive all of the above plus a free mimosa or Bloody Mary and five different cuts of meat and our grilled pineapple.

Pasta Faire Italian Ristorante 10401 US Hwy 441, Belleview (352) 347-3100 › pastafaire.com Mon-Sat 11a-10p › Sun 11a-9p

Nothing says ‘I love you’ like great food and fine wine. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.

Make your reservations NOW! Gift Cards available online for every occasion.

Ladies Night Thursdays Enjoy one house wine or one well drink on the house at our bar. $5 Tapas 5p-8p

Look for our NEW menu items coming February 2019. Call for catering (352) 260-5807.

Taste of Ocala Winner 2018

Win everyone over with dinner this week from Pasta Faire! Locally owned and operated, Pasta Faire has been serving up the very best Italian cuisine in Marion County. We’re the proud winner of Taste of Ocala’s “Best Presentation” award two years running and do everything we can to make your experience unforgettable. Come in and enjoy our delectable homemade lasagna, Seafood Lovers Delight, Pesce Fresco, Blackened Chicken Pasta or a specialty pizza or calzone, or build your own pasta bowl—there’s something for everyone! Eat in or carry out, Pasta Faire is the place in Belleview for an unbeatable meal. It’s so good, you’ll think you’ve left the Florida peninsula for the Italian one! Come see for yourself.

Latinos Y Mas 2030 S Pine Ave., Ocala

(352) 622-4777 › latinoymas.com Mon-Thu 11a-9p › Fri-Sat: 11a-10p › Closed Sunday Latinos Y Mas is the perfect gathering place for family and friends to enjoy the food they love the most. Come feel at home, and try the exquisite fusion of Latin food, such as one of our entrees, including Pargo Rojo, Paella, Ceviches, home-made Tres Leches and our amazing passion fruit Mojitos. Enjoy in house or order from the takeaway menu. Our friendly staff is more than happy to help plan an extraordinary dining experience.

VIP room, patio available for private events & catering for all occasions.

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Happy Hour Mon-Thur 3-7p.

Kids Eat Free Mondays NEW CURBSIDE PICK UP! Nothing says ‘I love you’ like great food and fine wine. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.

Make your reservations NOW!

DINING GUIDE

SPECIAL Tuesday & Wednesday 16”-inch 1 topping pizza $9.99 Dine In, Take Out and Delivery available.

Locations: 3351 W Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala; (352) 789-6001 › 3400 N Pine Ave., Ocala; (352) 877-7900 › 2900 SW 27th Ave., Ocala; (352) 861-9234 › 6033 SW Hwy 200, Ocala; (352) 351-1541 › 13451 SW 17th Ct., Ocala; (352) 347-5775 › 868 E SR 44, Wildwood; (352) 748-0221

Stop by our new speakeasy bar and enjoy our speciality drinks!

For information on catering contact Waica or Evelyn at WMHIvyHouse@yahoo.com

Louie’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant

422 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, FL

(352) 304-5199 Mon-Sat 11a-9p This family-owned and-operated restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients and everything on the menu is made to order. To get your meal going, try the mozzarella caprese, garlic knots or fried calamari. The antipasto and Greek salads are two more favorites!

Entrées include a huge variety of chicken, seafood, pasta and veal options. If you crave it, chances are they make it. The pizza, though.

You have to try the hand-tossed pizza. Pile it high with your favorite toppings, or try the Sicilian with its one-of-a-kind meat sauce. No matter what you order, you’ll be satisfied and ready to call Louie’s a new family favorite.

Zaxby’s

Six locations in Ocala and Wildwood zaxbys.com

Try the absolutely craveable chicken, Zalads and Zappetizers, or enjoy any one of many Party Platterz catered for your next game, party or event. Always fresh and made to order, Zaxby’s offers family-friendly, fast service featuring daringly zesty chicken fingers, wings and more. Open seven days a week with six locations to serve you throughout Ocala and Wildwood, you can drive thru on the go or dine in with family and friends. ZAXBY’s: Always so Zatisfying!

Ivy on the Square 53 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala

(352) 622-5550 › ivyhousefl.com Closed Mon › Tue 11a-2p › Wed 11a-9p › Thu 11a-10p › Fri & Sat 11a-11p › Sun 10:30a-2p

106 NW Main St, Williston

(352) 528-5410 › Sun-Wed 11a-2p › Thu-Sat 11a-8p “Come on home, it’s suppertime!” is our motto. We want you to feel you have come to our home to eat. The family-owned Ivy House Restaurant now has two locations, Williston and Ocala.

The downtown Ocala location has added several specialty items, and the restaurant has been named by Florida Trend as one of the “Top 500 Best Places to Eat in the State” for several years.

Specials include Southern Fried Lobster, delicious hand-cut steaks and our famous Baked Krispy Chicken. Trying our delicious homemade desserts like the Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Midnight Cake is a must when dining here.

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57

OCALA FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER

YOUR HEALTH. OUR CARE. ONE STOP. OCALA FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER 2230 SW 19th Ave Rd Ocala, FL 34471

Carlos Rodriguez, MD Internal Medicine

Robert Panzer, DO Family Practice

Mark Monical, DO James London, MD, FACC Robert Williams, MD Family Practice Cardiology Family Practice

Mimi Balch, MD Family Practice

Collette Mercier, MD Family Practice

Salesia Alvarado, MD Internal Medicine

Adam Alpers, DO Family Practice

Brian Pecoraro, DO Family Practice

Allen Winston, DO Yasmin Amin, MD, FACC Todd Panzer, APRN-C Linda Bellows, APRN-C Stacey Graham, APRN-C Laurel Bryant, APRN-C Family Practice Family Practice Family Practice Family Practice Family Practice Cardiology

Karen Larsen, APRN-C Brittani Lucin, APRN-C Family Practice Family Practice

Tyler Lindsey, PA-C Family Practice

Corey West, APRN-C Melissa Formella, APRN-C Alexis Nibe, PA-C Family Practice Family Practice Family Practice

Samantha Weston, PA-C Family Practice

Family Practice Internal Medicine Cardiology Preventive Medicine Geriatrics Auto Accidents Full Service Lab Digital X-Ray Ultrasound 64 Slice CT 1.5 Open Bore MRI Stress Testing

OFMC WELLNESS CENTER 2131 SW 20th Place Ocala, FL 34471

352-237-4133

Eduardo Cruz, MD Physical Medicine

OFMC DERMATOLOGY, AESTHETICS & WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER

Nick Machupa, PT, OCS Deborah Main, DPT Physical Therapy Physical Therapy

Matt Ota, PA-C Physical Medicine

Joseph Javier, DPT Claudia Guevara, PTA Physical Therapy Physical Therapy

2121 SW 22nd Place Ocala, FL 34471

www.ocalafmc.com Ben Treen, MD Dermatology Mohs’ Surgery

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Dermatology, Aesthetics, & Women’s Health Center

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*Ocala Family Medical Center, Inc. complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.*

ROAD The Best Of Key West

By KATIE MCPHERSON

K

ey West is a paradise in our own backyard, complete with sparkling waters for snorkeling and plenty of sun to soak up.

But it’s also home to a burgeoning foodie and mixology scene, award-winning art galleries and much, much more.

Photo courtesy of Visit Florida

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Photo courtesy of Half Shell Raw Bar

R OA D

using only natural ingredients (think real Key lime juice and homemade graham crackers crushed into crust) and has won national awards.

To taste Key West, it’s all about Key lime pie, Cuban cuisine and aaaaall the fresh seafood.

For top-notch Cuban food, El Siboney is the place to go. It’s located in a residential area just off Duval Street and specializes in the old-fashioned classics: black beans, yellow rice, roast pork and flan.

Try other dishes like albondigas (Cuban meatballs), dorado a la plancha (grilled Mahi) and the mango guava cheesecake.

Looking for oysters? Don’t miss Half Shell Raw Bar, one of the oldest joints in town with a waterfront view. Shuckers pop open fresh oysters ‘round the clock right in front of diners who can dive in as they please.

Key West Key Lime Pie Company often has a line out the door for their little slices of heaven but for good reason.

Their Key lime pie is made fresh daily

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Photo courtesy of Johnny White

Eat

Drink

Rum runners for everyone! If you came to Key West to let loose, you can’t skip Sloppy Joe’s or Captain Tony’s, two notorious bars that are always a rowdy good time.

Once you’ve had your fill of the must-see party bars, rest assured Key West has some

mixologist-approved bars as well.

At First Legal Rum Distillery, the rum is crafted from Florida sugarcane and aged inside crusty, seawater-cured barrels. This creates a low-proof rum with pear and butterscotch flavors thanks to the cane and vanilla from the charred oak.

During prohibition, Key West was a hot spot for speakeasies. Carrying on that tradition but with a 2018 spin, Other Side is a speakeasy inside a historic mansion on Caroline Street. It’s decorated with marble and tufted leather furniture just like a speakeasy of old, and the cocktails are creative takes on the classics. Aside from rum-based drinks, they serve a variety of gins and whiskeys.

Stay

The Gates (3824 N Roosevelt Blvd., gateshotelkeywest.com) is the perfect crash pad for travelers on a budget who still want a hotel with personality. This refurbished Florida motel’s location in modern New Town puts visitors right at the entrance to Key West. The hotel is known for its poolside food truck, rum bar and cigar lounge. Current rates begin at $143.

If you’ve ever been to Key West, you’ve

Photo by Lawrence Noah

Photo by Rob O’Neal

Sources: foodandwine.com, miami.com, travelandleisure.com, thrillist.com

Southernmost Point buoy. What was once a Victorian mansion is now an 18-bed bed and breakfast with a cutting-edge, zero-entry swimming pool with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. Current rates begin at $249.

Photo courtesy of Visit Florida

noticed La Concha Hotel & Spa (430 Duval St., laconchakeywest.com)—at six stories high, it’s the tallest building in town and is a staple of the skyline. La Concha is situated in the center of Duval Street, right in the middle of all the action. But when you need to catch your breath, amenities here include a wine bar, pool and rooftop spa. Current rates begin at $229.

One of Key West’s most iconic, beloved buildings is the Southernmost House (1400 Duval St., southernmosthouse.com), which sits just one block away from the

Play

You can’t stay out of the water when visiting Key West. Whether swimming, snorkeling, fishing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, you name it, on the water is where it’s at. Businesses like Sunset Water Sports (sunsetwatersportskeywest.com) and Fury Water Adventures (furycat.com) offer all the parasailing, sunset-cruising, dolphin socializing adventures you and the family could hope to have, led by professionals who have been teaching tourists how to enjoy water sports for many years.

Want to visit an icon? The Key West lighthouse is a must-see landmark, and the surrounding area of Old Town is just as interesting. Its streets are lined with 19th century wooden houses, and visitors say when night falls the ghosts of their former residents awaken. Take one of Key West’s ghost tours and learn about local legends, including the infamous possessed doll, Robert.

Key West is also a hub for museums and art galleries. Gallery on Greene is Key West’s premier gallery, home to works by Pulitzer Prize winners Jeff MacNelly and Annie Dillard among many others. Alan Maltz’s Gallery of fine art photography portrays the natural beauty of the Florida Keys—did you know he’s the official photographer of the state of Florida? Pick up a glass print or light catcher of his work for a souvenir.

The Dry Tortugas are often called the eighth wonder of the world, so grab a ride on the ferry from Key West. Once you arrive, you can tour a Civil War-era fort, snorkel and enjoy tropical scenery unlike anywhere else in the United States.

January ‘19

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WHERE TO FIND

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Photo by Dave Miller, Instagram: @dmiller1023

JESSE’S REVIEWS

The Family Car With An Edge

By JESSE JAMES

F

ord has a long, storied history in the world of automobiles, and being the original American automaker, Ford holds a special place in the hearts of auto enthusiasts.

Since June 16, 1903, Ford has been rolling quality automobiles from their assembly lines, enabling drivers to explore the world around them like never before.

Things have changed since then, and modern Fords have evolved nicely to fit in with our modern life and times. I recently had the chance to get behind the wheel of a 2018 Ford Edge Titanium Edition—a sleek, functional and comfortable ride that provides plenty of space, protection and a seamless driving experience.

The Ford Edge is one of the brand’s most popular SUVs, first arriving in the Ford fleet back in 2007. Since then, the Edge has undergone quite a few changes, offering some quality details and modern tech features as well. First and foremost, let’s talk style: The 2018 Ford Edge Titanium features a modern and sleek approach inside and out, which is also bigger than previous designs. The exterior includes a handful of updates, including

an eye-catching three-bar chrome grille and exceptional attention to detail. The Edge’s look is both stylish and streamlined, offering a contemporary vibe along the way.

The interior is loaded with outstanding features that take the driving experience to a new level. The voice-activated touch screen with navigation makes using the infotainment system a breeze. The Edge also boasts a remote start system, a blind spot information system, heated and cooled front seats, and even heated rear seats, which could come in handy during those three weeks of winter here in Florida. Other features include rain-sensing wipers, a lanekeeping system, enhanced active park assist and adaptive cruise control.

Now, let’s talk power: The 2018 Ford Edge features a wide range of engine options. This particular Ford Edge Titanium is powered

by Ford’s rock solid 3.5L TI-VCT V6 engine, which delivers sufficient ability to get where you need to go while also providing fairly good gas mileage for its size. That V6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that is smooth and flawless, providing a comfortable and easy driving experience.

The 2018 Ford Edge Titanium boasts a fuel

economy of 26mpg on the highway, while city driving drops it down to around 17mpg, which equates to an average of around 20mpg. Sure, it’s not the best in terms of fuel economy, but it is a big SUV with plenty of room and space for all of that needed cargo.

The Edge is also big on safety, coming with a barrage of safety components that aim to keep all of the passengers safe and sound.

This includes airbags, passenger seat sensing systems, a perimeter alarm, child safety systems and post-crash alert systems. Ford also has a bevy of options for the Edge as well, letting you customize the ride to your liking.

These include interior details and options, exterior add-ons and accessories, and even cold weather packages and floor-liners.

The 2018 Ford Edge Titanium is stylish, functional and easy on the eyes. It’s built with family in mind, providing ample room to do everything from getting groceries to taking the youngins to soccer practice. Ford also offers plenty of options that let you tailor the ride to your liking. Maybe you want better fuel economy, or perhaps you are like me and do not care for leather seats with our heat and humidity. Whatever you desire, Ford has the Edge for you.

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ARTS

A Fresh Eye

By NICK STEELE Photography By DAVE MILLER

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here’s a new player on the local arts scene with a resume so varied that it encompasses graffiti art, fashion design, photography and graphic design. Claudio Valdez, who creates under the name Quadrillion Miles, is a dynamic artist and muralist who has been a part of several high-profile urban art projects in both Ocala and Gainesville.

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ARTS

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aldez’s initial introduction to art was as a part of the street art scene in New York City, but his curiosity led him to pursue more formal training and several other disciplines.

“There were always a lot of urban street and graffiti influences in my work,” he explains. “That was until I was able to get some formal training in things like fashion, photography and graphic design.

I translated what I saw and experienced in contemporary culture and combined it with my personal interests. Then I was able to encode all of that symbolism into my work, using pop culture as the main vehicle to create. A lot of high fashion is inspired by what is happening down on the streets. They look to absorb that fresh culture, because it is raw and untainted.

It’s a feedback loop. It goes back and forth. I use a lot of logos in my work, but I fuse that with some ancient iconography.

I want my work to be not only accessible to the younger generation but to have depth and meaning so someone who is older can connect with it as well.”

His unique outlook has allowed him to view the world with a distinct perspective.

“I’ve been grounded by creating art as a conscious vehicle for mental exploration,” he offers. “And my focus is always on the connection between the emerging and ancient worlds.”

Tragedy and a desire to find a new normal brought him to Florida.

“I left New York City right after 9/11,” he recalls. “That prompted my journey down here. I needed a change of scenery and to explore my own boundaries a bit.

So I decided to take a breather from the city. I was in Gainesville for awhile, but now I live in Micanopy. There’s a certain appreciation for artists and a certain magnetic quality here,” Valdez enthuses.

“So it’s exciting. People here are so willing to exchange ideas and share their skill set. They are open to collaborating. That’s important for the culture and allows it to keep thriving.”

One of his recent projects is a prime example. The Urban Revitalization Project for the Southwest Downtown Garage in Gainesville is an ongoing

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initiative to transform the garage’s gray He enjoys it so much that he also lent concrete walls to five f loors of vibrant his talents to the forthcoming Ocala murals by local artists.

Skatepark, which is currently projected “I lunged at the opportunity,” he recalls. to open sometime this summer and will “It was a chance to change the perspective feature an installation of works by Valdez about something that and a host of other is utilitarian in nature artists.

I’ve been grounded and not a traditional “I painted two art space, to touch all panels that depict these by creating art classes of our society. supreme beings, from as a conscious There were doctors and tribal culture, called vehicle for mental lawyers who parked Naguals,” he explains. there and they’d say, “There’s a lot of Mayan exploration, and ‘This is fantastic.’ But and Inca influence in my focus is always we also met a lot of the my work, so I chose to on the connection homeless people, who depict these two very would come and thank bold beings that can between the us. They’d say ‘I pass be seen from a great emerging and through here every distance. These two ancient worlds. day. The street is my beings are in love and home, and this is really presenting gifts to the beautiful.’ I like that community. It was a idea that it crosses all live painting project, - Claudio Valdez those barriers. I think done within a span of it’s important for art to be available on a a few hours, as part of last year’s Levitt wide spectrum, not just in galleries and AMP Music Series. We painted as the museums where only a select audience bands played, and the community had the is exposed to it. And it was great for me opportunity to interact with us. It was because I enjoy working with communities, a bit of a challenge, but sometimes that as much as I enjoy doing gallery work and kind of situation can produce some really street art.” great art.”

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ARTS

A Dance of Fairies, Dukes and Donkeys

By KATIE MCPHERSON

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Photo courtesy of Dance Alive

F

or decades, Dance Alive has brought world-class dancers to Central Florida and introduced audiences to shows classic and modern. This winter, they’ll bring to life Shakespeare’s own A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Kim Tuttle, executive artistic director of the Dance Alive National Ballet, grew up around ballet—Dance Alive was started by her mother, and both Kim and her sister are still in the dance industry today. In their 53 years, the company has put on more than 2,000 productions.

“We’ve been the touring company top dancer of 200 at the Kiev National Ballet in Ukraine, and he won for the state of Florida for 40 years the Artist of The Year award for the whole country.” consecutively. We’ve toured Russia, Brazil While A Midsummer Night’s Dream may and Costa Rica and are going seem like a production best suited for ballet to Cuba this year,” Tuttle says. veterans, Tuttle and the Dance Alive company With such full schedules, In this play, characters encourage everyone—from ardent fans to where do the dancers even find time to rehearse? Tuttle have this magic potion first-timers—to watch as this story unfolds onstage. says a professional ballet put in their eyes when “It’s Shakespeare: a world of fairies, dukes company only needs about six they sleep. When they and donkeys. In this play, characters have weeks to prepare for a new show. She believes the Dance wake up, whoever they this magic potion put in their eyes when they sleep. When they wake up, whoever Alive cast are some of the see first they fall in they see first they fall in love with. It’s a best in the business, and the bright and beautiful ballet, and it proves that love with. audience is likely to agree. falling in love is a gift. I think for people who “We have a lot of really - Kim Tuttle have never seen ballet, a story is a common wonderful artists. Because denominator. You may not like classical ballet we’re a small company, we’ve and Mozart music, but you will find when you have a story that it is been very careful to select dancers who captivating and timeless,” says Tuttle. have something to say and something to give the audience,” says Tuttle. “We have Learn more › A Midsummer Night’s Dream › Friday, February 8 at dancers who have been in huge companies 7:30pm › Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St. Ocala › To purchase tickets, and come to a smaller one to make a home visit reillyartscenter.com. › Visit dancealive.org for more information where they don’t have to fight for roles all about the Dance Alive National Ballet. the time. Our most recent addition was the

ARTS

CURATOR’S CORNER

Art For Everyone

By PATRICIA TOMLINSON

Photo by Ralph Demilio

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useums and art galleries are both important for seeing and appreciating art but are also quite different when examined more closely. Our community is fortunate to have both and has a treasure in the Appleton Museum of Art. One of the primary missions of a museum is to collect, preserve and protect the best art it can to the best of its ability, forever. The American Alliance of Museums has established standards for storage, care and display of artwork to become AAM accredited. This is an important designation that the Appleton shares with such renowned museums as the Smithsonian, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and other prestigious institutions. Because the Appleton team complies with stringent regulations on humidity, lighting and temperature levels, other museums allow us to borrow extraordinary works of art knowing they can trust us to properly care for their pieces.

Another distinction is that museums do not sell the art on exhibit; it goes against a museum’s mission of collecting, protecting and preserving the world’s treasures for future generations.

Museums also differ in that artworks and artists are painstakingly researched by art historians in order to present the most accurate, fact-based information to the public. This supports a museum’s mission of education.

Commercial art galleries are businesses and are not required to follow the same rules as museums.

Because the aim of a commercial gallery is to display and sell art, not to permanently collect and house it, museum standards—such as maintaining humidity levels, temperatures, etc.—are unnecessary. The constant ebb and flow of art in a gallery due to

sales allows for quicker turnaround between shows.

Although some commercial galleries like to educate, there are no mandates that they do so and it is not required that their staff be art historians. One of the truly special things about commercial galleries is that they provide important and meaningful works of art that the public can purchase and admire in their own homes or businesses.

Museums and galleries both fill important rolls in the art world and exhibit art for everyone to enjoy.

I encourage you to stop by the Appleton to view our treasures and then visit one of our local galleries to buy artwork you can enjoy at home.

Learn more › Appleton Museum of Art › 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala › appletonmuseum.org › (352) 291-4455 A former professional archaeologist, Patricia Tomlinson joined the Appleton Museum of Art as Curator of Exhibitions in 2016 after having served as curatorial staff in the New World Department at the Denver Art Museum for eight years where she published on Spanish Colonial and pre-Columbian art and curated exhibitions which drew from the Denver Art Museum’s extensive collection.

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ARTS

A Song From The Soul

By KATIE MCPHERSON Photography by ISABELLE RAMIREZ

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er voice is captivating and her vocal range is beyond impressive. You might even say she was born to sing. But her award-winning voice isn’t just music to others’ ears—it’s her form of self-care.

Markevia Williams had never competed in a talent competition before, but on Saturday, November 10, she took home the win at Ocala’s Got Talent. The event was held at the Les Bowen Auditorium at Heart of Florida Youth Ranch in Citra, where Williams brought down the house with her finale performance of “I Can’t Give Up Now.” “This was my first time ever,” she says.

“I went to The X Factor back in 2010 in Miami, and I sang gospel, and they told me I wasn’t what they were looking for.

I didn’t stop—I kept singing. I heard about Ocala’s Got Talent through my HR colleague, Jessica Troyer, and she called me and was like, ‘Get in here and sign up!’”

Williams was born and raised in Sparr, Florida, and still lives there today with her two children. Truly a homegrown musician, Williams began singing around age 4 but has never had singing lessons or vocal coaching. She grew up in a family of musicians who could sing and play instruments, so it’s no surprise she is a vocalist who can play both the drums and the piano. Her love of gospel was a gift from her family, too.

“My father is a bishop, and he’s been pastoring for 26 years. I’m the only daughter of four children, but all of my father’s kids hold titles in the church. Just growing up and being around Christian people, teaching us how to love one another and treat people right regardless of how they treat you, it inspired me to

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do what I love to do, which is singing. And my mom, she would sing with me, and as I got older, my daughter now sings as well,” Williams explains.

When she got her email about the Ocala’s Got Talent auditions, she walked through that open door while others around her were closing.

“I was going through so much at that time—ending a 15-year relationship—and that’s what motivated me to push harder to pursue my dreams,” she says. “I may have lost a husband, but I still have my passion for singing. Singing has brought me out of so many situations because I minister to myself through words of encouragement in the songs that I sing.”

The emotion in her final performance was real. For Williams, winning felt “like a sigh of relief.”

“I was still hurting, but when I sing, that’s my way of releasing.

No matter what you’re facing you have an outlet.”

Williams is beginning 2019 with a new job as administrative assistant for Youth Opportunity Investments. She looks forward to serving children in the juvenile justice system in her new role and plans to compete in more talent and singing competitions in the future.

ARTS

Watch & Learn

By CYNTHIA MCFARL AND

February 10 Don’t Get Trouble In Your Mind: The Carolina Chocolate Drops’ Story A documentary portrait of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, an African-American string band from Raleigh, North Carolina, and their mentor, fiddler Joe Thompson (1919-2012). The film captures how three musicians from the hip-hop generation embraced a 19th century genre and took it to new heights, winning a Grammy in 2010.

John Whitehead (director/producer, editor) makes documentaries for public television and videos for non-profit organizations.

March 3 Bathtubs Over Broadway The film follows Steve Young, comedy writer for the Late Show with David Letterman, after he discovers a treasure trove of forgotten archives, cast recordings and Broadway-style musical shows, including writers and performers who would become legends, such as Chita Rivera, Kander & Ebb, Florence Henderson and Bob Fosse. Los Angeles-based filmmaker Dava Whisenant (director/ producer, co-writer, editor) makes her directorial debut.

April 7 This Is Home An intimate portrait of four Syrian refugee families arriving in America and struggling to find their footing as they are given eight months of assistance from the International Rescue Committee to become selfsufficient. Filmmaker Lindsey Megrue (producer) is a creative producer and director with over a dozen years of experience creating documentary films for theatrical release and television broadcast.

Photos courtesy of Ocala Film Foundation

M

odern technology allows us to watch independent films on a mobile device or through streaming services on television. That solitary experience, however, doesn’t begin to compare with viewing the same film with an appreciative audience and then discussing it with the filmmaker in person in a social setting.

This opportunity is what Cinema Sunday at the Marion Theatre is all about.

The Cinema Sunday series is a monthly program launched by the Ocala Film Foundation that began in September 2018 and continues through April 2019.

The six films in the Southern Circuit: Tour of Independent Filmmakers series are presented by the Ocala Film Foundation in association with South Arts, an Atlanta-based non-profit regional arts organization that covers a nine-state region and the National Endowment for the Arts.

This is the kind of event that usually happens only at a film festival.

Filmmakers attend their film’s screening and are part of a “Closeup and Conversation” event where audience members enjoy a Q&A session with the filmmakers before and after the screening.

There’s also a chance to talk directly with filmmakers during the post-screening cocktail party.

“We were selected as one of only two cities in Florida—Ocala and Tampa—to show this series,” says Laurie Zink, volunteer executive director for the Ocala Film Foundation. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this educational opportunity to our community.”

Check out the remaining schedule for this season’s Cinema Sundays.

Learn more › Screenings are held at the historic Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala, beginning at 3:30pm. For the full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit ocalafilmfoundation.org and click on the Cinema Sunday tab.

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STYLE

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OUT WITH THE

OLD 2019 Home Trends

By KATIE MCPHERSON

…and in with the on-trend. What’s “in” changes each year, and home trends in 2019 will be no different. Here, local experts discuss what trends will be everywhere in Ocala, on social media and around the country—and how you can implement them in your own space.

Where do home design and décor trends come from?

According to the pros, what’s stylish on the runway one year usually has an effect on what’s stylish to decorate with the next.

“If you look at what’s on the fashion runway in 2018, it’ll show up in home fashion in 2019,” says Suzanne Rice, a licensed interior designer and owner of Suzanne Rice Design Consultants, LLC. “Whatever the colors seem to be for clothing, those colors translate into home décor the next year or two. Pink was in fashion in 2017 so last year we saw pink sofas, pink leathers, pink everything.”

Home Building

Ronaldo Sosa owns Architecture Studios, Inc. based in Ocala and is a registered architect and licensed interior designer.

He says the biggest home building trend of 2018 was the open concept floor plan, which should stick around into 2019 and beyond.

“Open concept is still going strong—I think we can safely say multiple living spaces are something of the past,” January ‘19

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The overall price for smart home items has dropped to the point that they can be added to any new or existing home without major expense. The interconnection of all home appliance products is making everyday life easier.”

For example, Mark says a Google Home or Alexa base is enough to begin building out a smart home that works for you, no hardwiring or supercomputer necessary.

“Google and Amazon base stations allow appliances, communication devices, entertainment and security to all work on simplified platforms,” Mark explains. “For instance, starting with an Alexa base, it’s possible to control the temperature, call a relative, play your favorite songs and record TV shows, and just asking questions of Alexa starts changing how we interact with a smart home. This is the future now.

These base units are built to grow and change as the technology evolves. This further reduces the cost to add new and perhaps currently unimagined pieces of equipment in the future.”

And although it may not debut in 2019, Mark believes robotic tech, like the iRobot Roomba vacuum, may become a more common smart home addition.

“In the near future, the robotic world Many of Rice’s Ocala clientele are looking should be entering into everyday life. for one thing: a simplified home with The marriage of robotics and artificial lower maintenance. intelligence is moving faster than anyone “I think the trend is easier living, especially imagined. Combined with the home base in Florida, where people come to live even stations, the mobile part time. They want to robotics will perform entertain, have fun and I think the trend is simple tasks to start not be a slave to their more complicated home,” she explains. “I easier living, especially and tasks in the near see technology as what future. Google and drives it. You can look in Florida, where Amazon are both through magazines all people come to live buying and developing day long, but when you robots that will have do it yourself, you want even part time. They a direct connection less maintenance and want to entertain, have to the Google home for things to be simpler.” center base and the Phillip Mark, owner fun and not be a slave Amazon Alexa.” of Abio Construction, is to their home.

One of the best ways well-versed in building to take advantage of homes that will carry - Suzanne Rice smart technology is to their residents into replace those higher the future. maintenance aspects of a house.

“There are several new trends in home “Smart lighting and smart homes are automation: controlling appliances, very appealing to people in Florida—and controlling the environment of the home, especially in Ocala. If you’re a part-time communications and entertainment, resident, you want to know everything security and robotics,” he says. “The is working and running whether you’re concept of the smart home has evolved down here or in your other home,” Rice dramatically over the last several years. he says. “As prices increase, people are trying to squeeze out more value from their home-building projects. An open concept means having a space that checks a lot of boxes. With many families now, everyone has a lot less time, so the kitchen now is an important aspect of the overall living pace of the home.”

Materials for home exteriors are changing, though. Hardier versions of classic looks are becoming available on the market.

“You can get the wood siding look with cementitious siding so it’s maintenance free for years to come,” Sosa says. “There are a lot of plastic companies out there making their products more realistic with patterns and textures on siding to look like wood. That’s generally something we’d install up high where your eye can see it but you can’t hit it with the weed eater, for example. It used to be if you wanted river rock or that craggy look, those were your choices. Now I’m seeing stone products that are more linear and contemporary looking. If an owner wants to spruce up the outside, that’s available.”

Smart Homes

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says. “Now using your phone or computer, you can lock and unlock your doors and affect your AC, your safety, etc. With online shopping, a lot more deliveries are coming to your door now, so people are looking for techniques and ways to secure their packages once they’re delivered.”

Flooring

Rice says advances in flooring are creating alternatives to real wood floors, ensuring a low-maintenance but tidy home.

“Everybody loves the look of wood, but with the digital scanning and photography today there are wonderful materials— especially in Ocala for people with farms and horses—like tile that can have the look and feel of wood to your hand,” Rice explains. “Luxury vinyl plank is not only environmentally responsible, but the texture, plank size and replication of wood graining has brought it from commercial use to residential. Its resistance to pet nails, dirt, scratching, low maintenance and realistic duplication of real wood make it very appealing to all age groups.”

“Luxury vinyl tile has a 15- to 25-year guarantee on wear and quality. It looks great and wears very well. Just make sure the products are tested and meet the quality standards required by the U.S. government,” Mark adds.

Other flooring materials of the future include porcelain tile planks with ceramicides added during the firing process to increase their durability, according to Rice. Sustainable cork flooring is also seeing an increase in popularity thanks to its soft texture and is great for use in front of sinks or work areas to allow softness underfoot without a raised rug or mat.

Furnishings

Michael Koontz is the owner of Koontz Co. and is a licensed interior designer. Like many home trends, furnishings are heavily influenced by fashion—but just as much so by technology.

“In the high end, it’s usually related to haute couture clothing. Colors start at the top and dribble down to the mass market, like the IKEAs of the world,” he says. “For the last decade, technological innovation has been a driving force of change with all the computers, phones and televisions that are interactive. Furniture is going to go

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Kitchen & Bath

Anyone who has spent hours scrubbing grout with a toothbrush on their hands and knees can now rejoice, because there is no penny tile in sight for 2019.

“In bathrooms, grout has always been a problem for people. New on the market is a larger format of tile, so essentially in the shower we can have three or four slabs and you don’t have the same level of maintenance. These are rectified and have minimal grout, and in smaller showers, a 5-by-10-foot slab will appear as seamless, true marble,” says Rice. “Many baby boomers want to age in place, so being able to walk into their showers and having the linear drains is great. I’ve used cork floors in showers because they’re soft on your feet.

I think design is connected to construction and technology in that way.”

As for kitchens, the same low-

maintenance tendencies are taking priority. says most homeowners know what they “People are moving more toward quartz don’t like. so they can get the look of marble without “If I ask them what colors they like, the care of marble. People seem to be doing they’re not really sure. Generally, the best bigger islands, and with quartz you can question, surprisingly enough, is if I ask get much larger slabs and waterfall them what color they don’t like—they do know down. That gives a clean look, and you can that answer,” she laughs. “The trend for still get the farmhouse 2019 appears to be look without having a muted tones. Not to Designers will always product that can give compare the colors you some challenges in to food, but many tell you, and it’s the caring for it,” Rice says. of us know these advice I’ve taken, Chrome kitchen well—dry mustard, finishes are still all the curry, ginger, cocoa, to get good basic rage, but mixing metals cilantro green, red can help update the plum and pink icing. furniture but change look of a kitchen or These are all great your accessories as bathroom. for accessorizing. The “Brass and chrome they wear out. It’s a lot background palette continue to shine. In trend stays neutral easier to replace pillows with grey tones and a kitchen try a brass/ chrome combination off-whites.” than a sofa. for hardware on For neutral paint cabinets, chrome colors, Rice notes that - Paula King for the faucet with one of her favorites stainless appliances and brass pendant is Benjamin Moore’s HC-171, “Wickham lights,” explains Rice. “Added to the mix is Gray,” but says the brand’s AF-690, called black nickel and matte black on fixtures “Metropolitan,” is the new “Wickham” or hardware. These can be mixed together for 2019. Keeping walls and key furniture where black nickel is the star of the show like sofas lighter in color means that as and matte black takes the background. For color trends change each year, it’s not so example, faucets are available in matte expensive to adopt trends you like. black now and you can add a composite “If they do their homes in lighter black sink on a white quartz countertop palettes, then they can use accent colors with black veining. Use black nickel in their accessories. That gives them hardware and black stainless appliances the opportunity if they’re young to grow with white or grey cabinets. With this through their home without painting over combination you can be contemporary or and over again. If they’re entertaining casual depending on style of hardware.” family, they can entertain with pumpkin colors, and if they have a party a month later, they can go to mustard,” Rice explains.

“Pops of color will be strong coming into this year, but that’s easy to accomplish Remember 2017, otherwise known as the with accessories like rugs and pillows,” says year of the chevron? 2019 may shape up to Paula King, owner of Agapanthus home, be the year we move past patterns and into gift and accessory boutiques. “And those textures to add visual interest to a room. things wear out, so you will need to change “Patterns have been kind of replaced them out. Designers will always tell you, with textures, which I guess is the move and it’s the advice I’ve taken, to get good from shabby chic to rough textures, fuzzy basic furniture but change your accessories textures and even those glitter fabrics you as they wear out. It’s a lot easier to replace see,” says Rice. pillows than a sofa.”

Some examples? Think woven throws, “With color, the easy way to incorporate macramé wall hangings and wooden accents. it is with throw pillows or accent rugs.

Rugs as large as 5-by-7 feet are relatively affordable these days because of computer design and printing,” says Koontz. “A lot Not everyone is confident in their color of times you’ll see throws across a sofa or choice when designing their home, but Rice

“

“

along with that.”

For 2019, furniture trends seem to be about distilling the way people use a room by including furniture that makes their lifestyle easier.

“Furniture is being made to accommodate computers, too, with docking stations built in,” Koontz says. Motion in furniture pieces has become huge, like recliners or sofas that can be run with a battery or an electric cord.

At market, they’ve introduced middle seats that can recline. And of course, we have to go along with what people actually do in rooms and help them provide function, like not have to rearrange things when people come over to watch TV. Sectionals for a while were out, and now, they seem to be holding their own as part of that trend.”

Neutral furniture—the beige, gray, greige and off-white staples—have dominated the last few years. That will likely continue into 2019.

“Currently, neutral is huge everywhere, in all categories. Gray seems to be turning warmer; it has been a cool gray used with lots of white, and now it seems to be moving more into the off-whites and warmer grays.

It’s still regional. In Miami Beach, it’s white and black. In this part of Florida, it’s not like Miami, so it’s maybe a little toned down,” Koontz explains. “Sometimes it’s just the accent colors that change. Some of the easier colors people love to deal with are blues. In the high-end market now, you see that changing to introductions of green.”

Pattern Play

Cue New Colors

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at the end of the bed to bring in a color or texture, like a heavy cable knit throw.”

“If the home palette is neutral, you can maintain the trends with pillows, placemats, runners, towels, flowers and things we change anyway,” Rice adds. “You will be surprised how many colors show up in your existing art with accent changes.”

And in a surprising comeback, wallpaper is making its return.

“There is a trend toward wallpaper with patterns and textures,” says Koontz.

“It depends on the room, but a lot of tone on tone and realistic natural prints, like leaves, or even geometric forms in rooms like dining rooms or bedrooms. In powder rooms is where people usually go gutsy with all the wallpaper or colors they love. Small spaces like that are a great place to stick in some accents you’d like to try.”

Plants: Yes or No?

If you’ve been on Pinterest this year, you know succulents were a thing. In 2019, will indoor plants continue their reign? Rice says she hasn’t seen many of her Ocala clients looking to add indoor plant care to their to-do list.

“I’ve noticed people are doing more gardening outside and herb gardens, especially people on horse farms—they don’t live in their houses, they live in their barns. Retired people—and these seem to be our two major groups of people—they 82

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don’t want to maintain anything, and if they do keep plants they want to be outdoors in great gardens and things,” she explains.

“If anything, I see people are looking for quality silk plants because the greenery is nice, but even then, they’ll need to clean it.”

Keep Up, or Keep It The Same?

Trends offer inspiration to update your home, but ultimately, homeowners should assess what they need from their home and design accordingly.

“If you can honestly address your desires and the way you want to live, then your house will be furnished correctly,” says Koontz. “As far as taste goes, there are huge regional differences, all of them valid and fashionable at the same time. Regardless of what I might tell someone to do, or what their mother-in-law might tell them to do, they need to stick to pieces they love. I know of one person who had a room that was perfect, just perfect, and it was too beautiful to sit in. But for her it was her escape hatch.

She said the rest of her house was a mess, but, in this room, everything was organized.

And that was a function that made that room worthwhile, and for her that was perfect.”

“The best piece of design advice I have gotten is, ‘Make coming home an event,’” says Rice. “Your home should be your signature.

We are all unique for a reason. Let it show.”

Design Miami: Collaboration Art

By MAUREEN FANNON

Photo courtesy of Tapis Rouge

Much like the first week in May when everyone in the thoroughbred world is in Louisville, during the first week in December, everyone in the contemporary art and design world is in Miami for the muchanticipated Design Miami. This year’s Design Miami, the international design fair that accompanies Art Basil/Miami Beach, had some very interesting collaborations.

Calico Wallpaper, the sensitive and sensational husband-and-wife design team of Nick and Rachel Cope, joined artistic forces with London-based interior designer Philippe Malouin to create a three-dimensional “transient composition” that challenges the conventional use of wallpaper as a backdrop by placing it front and center, making the room feel more like an art immersion.

The whimsical and quirky collaboration between New York graffiti artist Brian Donnelly, a.k.a.

KAWS, and the Brazilian design company Estudio Campana makes for amusing, sensible and comfortable design with a variation on the Campana Brothers “Banquete” chair made of soft pink stuffed toy animals on steel frames.

Tapis Rouge Fine Rugs Atelier and Gallery from Moscow collaborated on a limited series collection called “Frozen” with interior designer Olga Malyeva.

More than 2,000 labor-intensive hours went into the design, development, weaving, cutting, washing, drying and hand-knotting of the specially selected New Zealand wool and Chinese silk that makes up the blush pile and various hues of blue for this collection. Tapis

Rouge’s historical respect of ancient cultures and its exalted approach to the contemporary makes this partnership a true investment in art.

The time-honored Italian design house of Fendi and Dutch-born designer Sabine Marcelis collaboration is a perfect 10. With Fendi’s dedication to preserving the iconic fountains of Italy in mind, Marcelis designed 10 fountains honoring the 10 years of Fendi’s presence at Design Miami and the 10-year anniversary of the crowdpleasing debut of its peekaboo bag. All the fountains share the same travertine stone and polished resin materials, but it is the image of the classic bag in its a-typical positioning that attracts the eye with it pastoral elegance.

Learn more › designmiami.com

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Living History History meets practical in new homes with Old Florida style.

By Cynthia McFarland Photography By John Jernigan

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L

ive in Florida long enough and you’ll hear the term “Cracker.”

Depending on who says it, calling someone a “Cracker” can be either derogatory or a respectful acknowledgment of heritage. If someone refers to himself or herself as a Cracker, they’re letting you know in one simple word that their claim on Florida is generations old—and they’re darn proud of it.

Although there are a few theories about the origins of the word, many old-time Floridians believe it traces directly back to the state’s earliest years. Spanish explorers brought the first cattle to our shores in 1521, and they turned into massive wild herds over the centuries. Native Seminole people ran large herds of cattle numbering in the thousands.

As more and more white pioneers found their way to the territory that would become known as Florida, some of them took advantage of those cattle and rounded them up to sell. They helped supply the Confederate Army with beef during the Civil War and also shipped cattle to Cuba.

No matter how talented a man was with a rope, when those wild cattle headed into thick scrub, swamps and heavily wooded areas, roping them was impossible. So these scrappy “cow hunters,” mounted on equally tough little horses, drove the cattle out using dogs and long, braided whips. The distinctive cracking sound of those whips led to the term “Cracker,” and it stuck. (For the record, some modern Florida cowboys are fine hands with a whip and still use them when moving cattle.)

PRACTICAL HOUSING

As these cattlemen and other pioneers settled Florida’s wild and challenging country, they turned to the land to supply what they needed to build homes as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Massive stands of timber provided logs for walls; heart pine and cypress were durable and—especially important—

Classic Cracker

Certain construction and design elements are common in classic Cracker-style homes: Pier and pile foundation with crawl space underneath entire house; wide; covered porches (both complete wrap-around and partial); steep-pitched metal roof cedar siding or log walls; shallow building depth; central hallway to increase airflow through house; numerous large windows; high ceilings; fireplace/chimney of brick or local stone; wood floors.

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resistant to insect damage. Homes were raised off the damp ground on piers of stacked flat stones or bricks made of coquina oyster shell and limestone. Piers were sometimes made of heart pine or cypress, as well.

Early settlers built their homes specifically for Florida’s demanding climate.

In an era long before air conditioning, maximizing ventilation and shade dictated design. Deep, covered porches provided useful additional outdoor space and kept sun off the walls to lower the temperature inside.

Large windows could be opened throughout the house, while a cupola and/ or clerestory was sometimes included, not for looks, but to provide an escape for rising warm air and to help cool the interior.

For safety’s sake and to spare the living area from the heat of cooking, the kitchen was typically built as a smaller separate structure behind the main house.

EXPANSION Cracker homesteads evolved over time as homeowners expanded on the original structure, which was typically a “singlepen” house consisting of one square room with a fireplace and a chimney, all surrounded by wide, covered porches. As the family grew—and funds allowed—the home was added onto. There were different ways of doing this.

Adding another room to the existing wall opposite the chimney resulted in what was called a “double-pen.” Building another room directly to the existing wall including the chimney was known as a “saddlebag.”

Adding another room next to the existing single-pen and leaving a space in between was called a “dog-trot.”

The “dog-trot” was the easiest of the three, as it required no alterations to the existing structure, so it was commonly used, and many people consider this style typical of early Florida Cracker-style homes.

WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN Florida’s pioneers were all about practicality when building their homes.

Today, that Cracker style is popular for energy efficiency, comfort and aesthetics.

Contractors are building both log and frame Cracker-style homes in an array of sizes.

Not all are built with the classic elevated 86

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foundation. Some homeowners choose to have their house built on a concrete slab, but either way, there are several design features that proudly proclaim “Cracker.”

“A total wrap-around porch is one the big elements of Cracker style,” says builder Jeff Gutapfel, owner of Good Apple Development Corporation in Ocala. “One

of the benefits of having it around all four sides is that it keeps the sun off the walls of the house, and that helps from an energy performance standpoint. Another benefit is that it also keeps the weather off the walls; these homes will last hundreds of years so long as the roofs are maintained.”

Metal roofs—a classic Cracker-style

Florida Heritage For a taste of early Florida history in all its rough-and-tumble glory, read Patrick D. Smith’s A Land Remembered (Pineapple Press).

It’s a well-researched and detailed account of three generations of a Florida pioneer family, who rose from poor Crackers to become real estate tycoons. Recognized as the “Most Outstanding Florida Historical Novel” by the Florida Historical Society, this book will give you a deeper appreciation of Sunshine State heritage. feature—come in a variety of colors, and Jeff points out that the color you choose influences what builders call “solar heat gain,” referring to the increase in thermal energy as the structure absorbs heat from the sun.

“Darker colors absorb the heat, which transfers into the attic of the house,” says Jeff. “A white metal roof is significantly cooler because it has the highest reflectivity and the lowest solar heat gain.

That’s why white is the best way to go for energy efficiency.”

Those early Florida pioneers didn’t have spray-in insulation, but Jeff has found this is a definite benefit when used under the roof, as it makes the home much easier to cool and heat.

The original settlers went with a peaked roof and high ceilings because as heat rises, the floor area would stay cooler, but today’s homeowners appreciate this feature for its dramatic look as much as for its practicality.

Jeff finds many people requesting Cracker-style elements like raised foundations, but of course, new homes aren’t built on stacked stone piers.

Good Apple builds a wood floor atop a solid stem wall of concrete block.

“We overbuild the floor system so it’s very solid and put the logs (walls) on top of that. We insulate with R19 under the floor and can also use spray-in insulation after the plumbing goes in, so the pipes are insulated, too,” notes Jeff.

In pioneer days, that elevated construction increased ventilation and also made for a cool spot for dogs and chickens to hang out. Modern homeowners appreciate the fact that it

provides easy access to plumbing and other mechanical systems.

One early concept that today’s homeowners prefer to skip is leaving cracks in the wood floor to help with “house cleaning.”

CLASSIC LOG CRACKER After living in Dunnellon for nearly 30 years, Klaus and Marilyn Gruber had the opportunity to sell their house and fulfill Klaus’ dream of living in a Crackerstyle log cabin. They found the exact look they wanted after visiting Cracker Style Log Homes and Sawmill in Williston, Florida, a locally owned and operated business that sells log home packages, plans, lumber and flooring.

The Grubers bought a 5-acre parcel of land in the Morriston area and hired Good Apple Development to build their dream house in 2015.

The 1,728-square-foot home was built on a concrete slab instead of elevated.

“We’re already on a hill and didn’t feel the need for extra elevation, and it was more practical financially,” notes Klaus. “We always seem to have a breeze, even during the summer, so it’s very energy efficient.”

A galvanized metal roof reflects the sun and helps keep the home cool. True to early Cracker design, the home has a complete wrap-around porch, which doubles the living space. The spacious, breezy porch is the perfect place to sit in a comfy chair and enjoy the serenity of surrounding pastures

and hay fields.

“Our sunrises and sunsets are magnificent with the views we have,” says Marilyn. “We practically live on the porch; we can be out there no matter what the weather.”

Inside the living room with its soaring peaked roof, a native stone fireplace commands attention. Klaus handpicked each of the rocks, many of which contain fossils.

The three-bedroom, two-bath home doesn’t have an inch of drywall. Just like an original Cracker-style pioneer home, every wall is made of logs, and the heart pine f loors have plenty of knots and color variations.

Adding definite Fixer Upper style is a sliding barn door separating the living room from the bedroom wing.

“I can’t think of one thing we would do differently; we’ve got everything here we wanted,” says Klaus. “We’ve lived in nice homes on Blue Cove and Rush Lake; this is the best place we’ve ever lived.”

CRACKER TRADITION A fourth generation Florida native who proudly calls himself a “Cracker,” Don Sparkman grew up on a hog farm in Dunnellon where he was raised in an old Cracker home.

“It was easy to heat and cool because it was built to catch the breezes, and the morning sun would heat it,” recalls Don. “The windows were tall and wide, about January ‘19

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Wander Back In Time

Get a close-up look at a late 1800’s pioneer Cracker village when you visit the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center, which is a program of Marion County Public Schools. Located within Silver Springs State Park, it’s open weekends and most holidays from 10am to 4pm. There’s a $2 additional fee for the museum. › (352) 236-5401 or silverrivermuseum.com.

6 feet, so with all of them open, it would pull a draft of air in to cool the house. Most Cracker houses had a back porch; the (farm) workers could come in that way and clean up in the kitchen at the back of the house, while the front porch was for entertaining.”

In 1996, Don built his own Cracker-style house in Ocala.

“I took the memories of growing up in a Florida Cracker home and added modern conveniences to it,” says Don. Don and his wife, Debbie, went with frame construction and the classic peaked metal roof and opted for more of a “plantation look,” complete with big

columns in the front of the house. Instead of a wrap-around porch, they built a large front porch. Including the spacious porch, the house is 6,000 square feet. A large attic fan increases ventilation and aids in cooling.

Because the Sparkmans’ home was built with a stem wall on the slope of a hill, Don was able to give the structure something rare in Florida construction: a basement.

Complete with 12-foot ceilings, two fireplaces outfitted with Florida yellow pine mantles and hardwood floors throughout, the Sparkmans’ home is definitely larger and fancier than Don’s childhood home, but it incorporates all the practical elements

he’s long respected. It’s rich in heritage and history, underscoring the very best of Florida Cracker style.

LEARN MORE Classic Cracker (Pineapple Press), written

by Ronald W. Haase, is a detailed account of the author’s research on these early pioneer homes. Haase, who moved from New Hampshire in the 1980s to take a job as a professor of architecture at the University of Florida, has been influential in spreading the word and helping preserve the state’s early Cracker homes. › crackerstyleloghomes.com

Lodging with Cracker-Style Flair Silver Springs State Park in Ocala has 10 Cracker-style cabins available for rent in their campground area. Although the cabins were built in 2000 and 2001, they have a rustic appearance, right down to the metal roofs, knotty pine walls and screened-in wraparound porches. All but two are elevated; Cabin 5 has a ramp, and Cabin 6 is wheelchair accessible.

All cabins are two-bedroom, one-bath and sleep a maximum of

six guests. There’s no television, but you’ll have a fully outfitted kitchen complete with dishwasher and microwave.

The cabins are quite popular, so you’ll want to book well in advance if you’re hoping to stay on a weekend or holiday. Make reservations online at reserveamerica.com/camping/florida and click on Silver Springs State Park. Call Silver Springs State Park (352) 236-7148 with questions.

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may 17, 2019 TICKETS $65-120

Throughout the spring and summer of 2019, KANSAS will be performing a set of KANSAS Radio Classics. Fans will hear songs they have heard on the radio, Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert, and Classic MTV since 1974. With more Top 100 hits in the set than ever before, KANSAS Fans will also hear some classic B-Sides, fan favorites, and material off the band’s latest studio album, The Prelude Implicit.

KansasBand.com

8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala, FL 34481 | (352) 854-3670 | CSCulturalCenter.com SHOW AT 7 PM - DOORS OPEN AT 6 PM Schedule and prices subject to change without notice. Reduced ticket prices are for residents of On Top of the World Communities and Stone Creek. (Resident ID required when purchasing at ticket office.)

Ticket prices do not include sales tax. Refreshments available for purchase at events. To arrange for handicap seats, call or visit the ticket office. *Online tickets subject to a convenience fee. ALL TICKET SALES FINAL. **FREE TICKETS NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE. TICKETS MUST BE PICKED UP AT THE CIRCLE SQUARE CULTURAL CENTER TICKET OFFICE DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.

#12736 - 3/19

Fashion Editor: Maureen Fannon Photographer: Ralph Demilio Hair: Heather LeBoeuf Sumner from Breeze Day Spa at Agapanthus Make-up: Elizabeth Newsom from Breeze Day Spa at Agapanthus Models: Karla Ochoa and Micah Dunseath Thanks to: Stella’s, Agapanthus and Jeff Taylor’s European Car Clinic

When it comes to freshening up your wardrobe for the new year, you’ll find just a few tweaks go a long way. Here’s our five-point checklist for updating your look in 2019.

Ditch the wire frames and update it with Gwen Stefani navy eyewear for L.A.M.B. Available at Ocala Eye, $209.99. Black cotton T-shirt by Chase, $59.99. Available at Pink Hanger Collection.

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Mixing patterns is still going strong in 2019.

Karla pairs her Vintage Havana striped pants, $59.99, and grey T-shirt from Pink Hanger Collection with Ashley By 26 International camouage jacket, $39.99, from Ivy House Boutique. Add a pair of Limited Edition Adidas Bankshot 2.0, $110, from adidas.com.

Micah updates his look with a Robert Graham paisley cotton shirt, $188, from Greiner’s. He matches it with a USA-made Shinola Detroit watch, $750, from Gause and Son Jewelers. Karla wears Coco-Carmen’s camel/cream reversible poncho, $52.99, from Ivy House Boutique.

Karla wears black eece leggings, $15, with Chaser cotton T-shirt, $59.99, and By Together striped cardigan duster, $79.99. All available at Pink Hanger Collection. Vintage Valentino’s very current mini handbag from a private collection.

Kangol Bermuda red bucket hat, $65, from kangol.com. Custom Red Reebok Leather Classic shoes, $75, from reebok.com.

Micah’s 100 percent wool Italian check sports jacket is by Super 120’s, $395. His Flag & Anthem grey cotton shirt, $49.50, he wears untucked with Citizens of Humanity blue jeans $195. All available at Greiner’s. Slip On Puma Suede sneakers, $110, from puma.com.

ARCHIVES

A Great Florida Freeze

I

n January 1977, Florida experienced several days of hard freezes, resulting in the loss of acres upon acres of Florida citrus trees. Farmers did whatever they could to protect their crops leading up to the freeze. Local photographer John Jernigan remembers he and his brother helping to place these smudge pots in the family’s groves in an attempt to keep the air temperature surrounding the fruit from hitting the freezing mark. This unique image was captured by John’s dad, Jim Jernigan. The 1977 freeze was comparable to the 1962 freeze, which was classified as an “impact” freeze for the state, meaning it caused catastrophic damage to trees and fruit in our state.

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