Ocala Style Jan'17

JAN’17

Ocala

THE CITY SCENE: FROM PARKS TO PROJECTS—WHAT’S NEW IN OCALA p.36

WinterArtsPreview A roundup of must-see performances

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Contents

In Every Issue

JANUARY ’17

015

THE BUZZ

By Angelique Anacleto, Brett Ballantini, Kevin Christian, Bonnie Kretchik, Judge Steven Rogers and Melissa Peterson

016 018 020 022 024

AROUND TOWN GIVING BACK CLASS ACTS BENCHMARKS BUSINESS BRIEFS

029 T H E

By Laurel Gillum

HIVE

030 P A R E N T I N G P O I N T E R S 032 G O O D T I M E S 034 S N A P S H O T S

053

THE DISH

By Cealia Athanason & Laurel Gillum

054 056 057 058

WINTER WEATHER WARM-UP GO BANANAS DINING GUIDE PA RT Y W I T H A P U R P O S E

In This Issue

036 On The UpSwing. New

067

projects throughout Marion County signal growth as Ocala and Marion County turn the page on the recession. › By Cynthia McFarland

THE SCENE

By Laurel Gillum & Bonnie Kretchik

070 A Q U I C K Q & A 074 T H E S O C I A L S C E N E

044 It’s Show Time. Make your

JAN’17

Cover and contents main image photos

by Ralph Demilio

Ocala

THE CITY SCENE: FROM PARKS TO PROJECTS—WHAT’S NEW IN OCALA p.36

way through an entertaining tour of surefire shows that’ll warm your winter spirit. › By Angelique Anacleto.

WinterArtsPreview A roundup of must-see performances

JAN ’17 ›

011

ALL AMERICAN AIR & ELECTRIC

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Ocala Magazine

COME HOME TO

PUBLISHER

Kathy Johnson kathy@ocalastyle.com

YOUR LAKEFRONT APARTMENT COMMUNITY

OFFICE/PRODUCTION MANAGER

Cynthia Brown

cynthia@ocalastyle.com Editorial EXECUTIVE EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR

Karin Fabry-Cushenbery Melissa Peterson

karin@ocalastyle.com melissa@ocalastyle.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Katie McPherson

katie@ocalastyle.com Cealia Athanason cealia@ocalastyle.com SOCIAL SCENE EDITOR

Ronald W. Wetherington ronald@ocalastyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angelique Anacleto Brett Ballantini Kevin Christian Jim Gibson Laurel Gillum

JoAnn Guidry Bonnie Kretchik Cynthia McFarland Judge Steven Rogers

Art CREATIVE DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jessi Miller Castro Jason Fugate jessi@ocalastyle.com Christina Geiger Kristy Taylor

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PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ralph Demilio Sheila Hartley

sheila@ocalastyle.com

John Jernigan

jernigan@ocalastyle.com

Crys Williams fotolia.com Sales

DIRECTOR OF SALES

Dean Johnson

deanjohnson@ocalastyle.com SALES MANAGER

Sharon Morgan

sharon@ocalastyle.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Lori Tani

lori@ocalastyle.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Dawn Anderson

dawn@ocalastyle.com

Liza Fritz

liza@ocalastyle.com

Skip Linderman

skip@ocalastyle.com

Peggy Sue Munday

peggysue@healthylivingmagazines.com

Cecilia Sarco

cecilia@ocalastyle.com

Tammy Walters

tammy@healthylivingmagazines.com DISTRIBUTION

Dave Adams

dave@ocalastyle.com

Debra McQueen Rick Shaw

OCALA PUBLICATIONS, INC.

o: 352.732.0073 › f: 352.732.0226 1007 E. Fort King St., Ocala, FL 34731 ocalastyle.com OCALA STYLE MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2017 / VOL. 19, NO. 1

Published monthly by Ocala Publications, Inc. All contents © 2017 by Ocala Publications Inc. All rights reserved.

Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or advertising information, call (352) 732-0073. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Promotional” and “Promotional Feature” denote a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims and content of advertisements.

OCALA / MARION COUNTY

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MOVING FORWARD MOVING FORWARD MOVING FORWARD MOVING FORWARD

TRADE GOTHIC BOLD (Kerning 50pt) TAGLINE FONT:

Paver installation on pools | patios | driveways walkways | fire pits | retaining walls | Sealing of pavers

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royalpaversinc@yahoo.com JAN ’17 ›

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We can’t wait to see what Chris does next.

At the University of Florida Health Cancer Center, our comprehensive team of dedicated experts in clinical research, diagnosis, treatment and whole-life care are ready to celebrate milestones with you, like we have with Chris. After a life-saving bone marrow transplant, Chris crossed the graduation stage at UF and is now walking towards his future. At the UF Health Cancer Center, you’re not just our patient, you’re our partner.

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days since diagnosis nights in the hospital years in remission graduation day celebration

TH E R E AL PE O PLE , PL AC E S & E VE NTS THAT S HAPE OU R CO M M U N IT Y

the

B U Z Z page

15

JAN

Marching In Memory 14-16

Martin Luther King Jr. changed the course of history with his determined fight for civil rights. His iconic “I Have a Dream” speech is one people of all ages everywhere recognize today.

This month, celebrate his life and legacy with several events hosted by the City of Ocala. The events kick off with a wreath ceremony at 11am on January 14. Then it’s time to take to the streets. The 32nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration March will take place at 8am on January 16, beginning in downtown Ocala and ending at the Martin Luther King Jr. Complex on West Silver Springs Blvd. Following the march, the community is invited to a festival featuring singing, music, dancing and speeches—all in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

FIND OUT MORE › Martin Luther King Jr. Day festivities › ocalafl.org or call (352) 598-0205

A MUST-SEE MUSEUM

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A BABY BONANZA

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CLASS ACTS

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THE JURY IS OUT

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

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JAN ’17 ›

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THE

Buzz

AROUND TOWN

Brick City, Revealed

The Ocala Fire Museum opens, framing the story of how the city got its nickname. › By Brett Ballantini › Photos courtesy of Ocala Fire Rescue

I

t was a cool, clear and dry Thanksgiving Day, 1883. The holiday then wasn’t what it is today, but the city was buzzing, as the Ocala Banner newspaper (now the Ocala Star-Banner) had invited thousands of its subscribers to town for a free picnic at Lake Weir.

The city was beginning to boom, just years removed from bankruptcy.

Regrettably, in its haste for growth the founding fathers neglected to fund a fire department.

Passengers waiting to take the train out to Lake Weir that day were the first to notice smoke coming out of the second-story windows at the Benjamin & Company furniture store. The closest water main was too far from the fire to make it a fight, and before long, five city blocks were consumed in flames.

The town was rebuilt, not with wood but brick, granite and metal, giving it a modern look—and much safer downtown—leading to the moniker “The Brick City.”

And the town now had a fire department.

That department, now 130 years old, is commemorated by the Ocala Fire Museum, which was unveiled on November 28 with more than 100 guests in attendance, including retired firefighters and numerous city officials.

“With a rich history expanding upward of a century, Ocala Fire Rescue has served this community longer than most know,” public information

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officer Ashley Lopez says. “The Ocala Fire Museum allows us to showcase our humble beginnings, as well as the trials and victories that have shaped this department, while highlighting the significance of the fire service in the history of our town.”

The museum received a surprise donation on opening night: an original ax and pair of fire hose couplings from the Ocala Fire Rescue’s very first ladder truck. The benefactor was Andrew Castora, whose father purchased the original truck for $1,000 in the early 1980s at a Belleview auction house.

“To receive not only an antique piece of fire equipment but an original 1927 Ocala Fire Department piece is beyond our imagination,” Ocala Fire Chief Bradd Clark says.

In addition to scoping that new leisure. In the future, we aim to offer centerpiece, visitors to the museum guided facility tours for schools and will stroll through the fire service’s community groups.” history in Ocala along a visual timeline Every major city has had a tragic from the late 1800s to the present day. fire shape its future. The Brick City Exhibits include an 1869 Ocala fire Fire of 1883 spurred the foundation hydrant, the building cornerstone of the Ocala we see today, and the and a piece of one of the sliding Ocala Fire Museum makes certain poles from the department’s original the story of that foundation will never station in 1894, and a piece of twisted be forgotten. wreckage from the World Trade Center.

FIND OUT MORE › The Ocala Fire “At the moment, Museum is free to visitors and is located the museum is at Ocala Fire Rescue’s administration accommodating selfbuilding at 3001 NE 21st St. in Ocala. guided tours,” Lopez says. › Museum hours are 8am-5pm Monday through “Visitors are greeted, Friday, excluding holidays.

For more information, visit provided a facility ocalafire.org or the museum’s page on Facebook. map and encouraged to peruse at their

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JAN ’17 ›

017

THE

Buzz

GIVING BACK

It Takes a Village, And You Can Help!

Fun In The Oven

Together we raise our nation’s children, and Marion County calls upon our community for these much-needed items and appreciated efforts.

› By Angelique Anacleto

What’s needed:

›

›

›

›

›

I

f you have a baby on the way or a little bundle under 6 months old, Marion County’s first-ever World’s Greatest Baby Shower cooks up some educational fun on January 19 at the Howard Academy Community Center, located at 306 NW 7th Avenue in Ocala.

Sponsored by Quit Doc Tobacco Free Florida, this two-hour expo for expectant parents offers entertaining games, useful prizes and informative exhibits for an anticipated 300 families. Attendees can join one of two identical sessions: 3-5pm or 6-8pm, and there is no cost or registration required.

Shower Co-Chairs Blaire Peterson, community relations specialist for Central Healthy Start WellFlorida Council, and Jennifer McBride, specialist for Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resource System (FDLRS) Child Find, promise a fun-filled program featuring a special dad’s activity, scavenger hunt, educationbased drawings and door prizes. The lively scavenger hunt entails a list of infant care questions, which attendees

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try to answer by collecting information from various exhibits. Upon the last hour, those answering correctly earn a chance to win impressive products or services.

Exhibits by community partners and organizations explore a range of topics such as healthy lifestyles, infant safety, early literacy, positive parenting and much more. Participating exhibitors include Department of Children and Families, Episcopal Children’s Services Head Start, FDLRS Child Find, Healthy Families, Healthy Start, Heart of Florida Health Center, Kids Central, Loving Arms Birth Center, Marion County Library System, Marion County YMCA, Dr. Rasiklal Nagda, Ocala Birth Center, Ocala Police Department Child Protective Services, Quit Doc Tobacco Free Florida, Safe Kids, Staywell Health Plans and Success By 6 Early Learning Coalition.

According to McBride, the shower underscores parental support and promotes awareness of child-focused organizations like Central Healthy Start’s free screenings for all Florida

mothers, especially high-risk pregnancies, or FDLRS Child Find, which links young children who have or are at risk of developing disabilities with helpful programs. In addition, attendees learn about local health care, education options, businesses and products.

“This event is about educating new parents and assisting them in finding the community support that they may need,” says McBride.

For more information on Healthy Start, speak to a care coordinator at (352) 629-0137 or log onto HealthyStartNCF.org. To learn about FDLRS Child Find, check out fdlrs.org.

WANT TO GO? › Marion County’s World’s Greatest Baby Shower › Thursday, January 19, choose either Session 1: 3-5 pm or Session 2: 6-8 pm › Howard Academy Community Center, 306 NW 7th Avenue, Ocala › Admission is free, and no registration is required.

›

Door prize gifts: Cribs, car seats, strollers, playground equipment, diapers and other baby needs Father and grandparent gifts: Gift certificates to grocery stores, restaurants, movies, etc.

Monetary donations will go toward purchasing additional prizes. All donations are tax deductible, and 100 percent will go directly to Marion County families.

If you or your organization is interested in donating baby items or monetary gifts, please contact Blaire Peterson at (352) 228-9047 or bpeterson@wellflorida.org for a sponsorship package.

Drop off baby items or monetary gifts at: Marion County Early Learning Coalition, 2300 SW 17th Road, Ocala.

Valued volunteers to help with event

Sponsors (AT PRESS TIME):

QuitDoc Foundation Title Sponsor Staywell Health Plans Platinum Sponsor Walmart Store 697 Gold Sponsor

› › › › › › › › › › › › › ›

Children’s Home Society Healthy Families Early Learning Coalition Family Times Magazine FDLRS Greater Works Ministries Healthy Start of North Central Florida Heart of Florida Health Center Loving Arms Birth Center Mojo Grill Mustard Seed Collection Nagda Medical Group Nancy Young - Individual Ocala Birth Center Ocala Style Magazine

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THE

Buzz

CLASS ACTS

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS AND DISTRICT NEWS THAT SHAPE MARION COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. › By Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC

Newest Decision Makers

Newly elected School Board Member Beth McCall and Superintendent Dr. Heidi Maier both took their oath of office recently and are now making decisions for the district’s 43,000 students. McCall comes from the private sector and is a familiar face to public education.

Dr. Maier, a former Marion County teacher, comes from the College of Central Florida where she led the teacher training program.

75th Pearl Harbor Day

Belleview High students paid tribute to those individuals who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.

Marking the 75th anniversary of that day, students watched a 20-minute movie clip before assembling in the stadium where our nation’s colors were presented, music tributes were offered and a recording of President Roosevelt’s speech was delivered. The ceremony closed with a moment of silence for all those lost. All 1,500 students respected the flag, our nation and our veterans for their sacrifice.

School-Related Employee Of The Year

Thanks, Parents!

Greenway 4-H Helping the Community

Greenway Elementary’s entire campus collected over 1,000 non-perishable food items to give back to those who need it most within their own school community. Students learned lessons of compassion, caring and generosity, and giving during the biggest giving season of the year. School 4-H Lucky Learners counted the items and then put them into the school’s Greenmart Store for distribution.

Evergreen Giveaway

The Good Samaritan, an Ocala-based community group, gave out a truckfull of food to families at Evergreen Elementary just days before Winter Break. Thanks to dozens of volunteers who showed up early in the morning, families will enjoy fresh orange juice, okra, squash, bread and other food items handed out with a generous giving spirit. Hundreds of families took advantage of the special giveaway.

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As part of a writing assignment, Belleview-Santos Elementary students recently penned “thank you” letters to parents. Students read their letters to their own parents to show appreciation while enjoying breakfast together. More than 200 parents showed up to personally hear these encouraging words. The result? Tons of parent engagement, smiles and even some tears along the way!

Maplewood’s Art In Motion

Kelley Windham is the 2017 SchoolRelated Employee of the Year for Marion County Public Schools. The front office receptionist at Eighth Street Elementary for the past two years, Kelley also completes the volunteer process for families, makes copies, tracks transportation changes, contacts parents about school events, supports teachers and students and helps elsewhere as needed. Kelley is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in social work from Indiana Wesleyan University and now advances to the state-level competition to determine Florida’s School-Related Employee of the Year, which is announced in April.

VSA, or Very Special Arts, rules the Maplewood Elementary campus each fall. The event, culminating with a school-wide parade, celebrates art of every kind from students of all abilities. Staff members certainly play a big role, and it all comes down from administrators, who jump into the fun, too, by wearing costumes and artwork of every kind. This year’s special guest was Regas Woods, an Ocala native who overcame the adversity of his legs being amputated as a result of a toddler disease to become an Olympic athlete earlier this year.

CH_January 2017 2.pdf

12/19/16

N E W B O R N

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T H R U

A D O L E S C E N C E

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“We treat your children like our own.”

CY

CMY

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––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Chris N. Okonkwo MD FAAP

Susan Lakatos ARNP

Katie Falco ARNP

Visit us at: www.ChildrensHealthofOcala.com JAN ’17 ›

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BENCHMARKS

Deliberate Acts

By Judge Steven G. Rogers

T

he lawyers were talking to each other about other cases, clients, their favorite sports teams, etc. The bailiff, court clerk and I were predicting which of the jurors would be the foreperson. The only thing left for all of us to do was wait.

Suddenly, the dull murmur of casual conversations was interrupted by the sound of someone knocking on the jury room door. The bailiff opened the door and stepped partially inside the jury room to ask if the jury had reached a verdict. He then closed the door and turned to face the rest of us in the courtroom.

“They have a question,” he announced with a somber voice. Shoulders were dropped. A few audible moans were heard and the anticipation left the courtroom like an inflated balloon becoming untied.

Jury questions during deliberations are a very common occurrence.

Even after hearing opening statements, testimony, closing arguments and jury instructions, those charged with reaching a unanimous verdict in a criminal or civil case often request additional information to help with their decision. Unfortunately, these requests are rarely granted.

In most personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents, jurors will inevitably ask for a copy of the accident report. This seems like a logical request as the accident report provides vital information from a neutral party (ie: a law enforcement

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Suddenly, the dull murmur of casual conversation was interrupted by the sound of someone knocking on the jury room door. officer). However, these requests must be denied as Florida’s accident report privilege law specifically holds that such reports shall not be used as evidence in any civil or criminal trial.

Jurors also may ask for important information that the lawyers failed to provide during a trial. Such a request came during the jury’s deliberations of a criminal trial where the defendant was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

The defendant testified he ate dinner at a local Mexican restaurant and drank one margarita with his meal. During their deliberations, the jurors handed the bailiff a note with the simple question, “Can we find out how big the margaritas are at that restaurant?” My first thought was to tell them, “Give us a verdict and let’s go find out.” However, I gave the more appropriate response of telling them all the evidence had been presented and no new or additional evidence could be considered at this time.

Juror requests during deliberations can also give an indication of what is happening behind the jury room door. This was evident in a case I handled several years ago.

After a lengthy trial, the jury was finally given the case to begin their deliberations. Several hours later, a request came from the jury to re-watch a video that had been entered in evidence during the trial.

When the six jurors returned to the courtroom, it became apparent which of them wanted to re-watch the video. One juror sat alone on the front row of the jury box and where she closely watched the video while taking notes on her notepad.

The remaining five jurors sat on the back row of the jury box with their arms folded and agitated looks on their faces.

The constitutional right to a jury trial is a vital part of our justice system.

Questions or requests from a jury may give an indication of what is happening behind the jury room door. However, the discussions and reasons for a jury’s verdict are ultimately left for deliberation.

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.

UKNEEQUE

Just like fingerprints, no two knees are the same.

You deserve a knee procedure customized just for you.

Mako™ partial knee replacement is the only truly patient-specific procedure, planned from a 3-D model of your knee and performed with proven, highly accurate Mako™ robotic-arm assisted surgery.

Compared with manual Oxford® procedures, Mako™ partial knee replacement offers: • Less post-op pain from Day 1 up to 8 weeks 1 • Increased knee functionality at 3 months post-op1 • 9 times lower failure rate at 2 years2 Mako™ partial knee replacement is available at Ocala Regional Medical Center.

Contact Dr. Derek Farr today.

Dr. Derek Farr

2640 SW 32nd Place, Ocala, FL 352-369-1099 | twinpalmortho.com

For more information on Mako™ robotic-arm assisted surgery or to reserve a seat at an upcoming educational seminar, please call 800-530-1188.

1. Blyth MJ, Smith J, Jones B, MacLean AD III, Anthony I, Rowe P. Does robotic surgical assistance improve the accuracy of implant placement in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty? AAOS 2013 Annual Meeting, March 19-23, 2013, Chicago, IL. 2. Roche MW, Coon T, Pearle AD, Dounchis J. Two year survivorship of robotically guided medial MCK onlay. 25th Annual Congress of ISTA, October 3-6, 2012, Sydney, Australia.

Oxford ® is a registered trademark of Biomet, Inc. Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any knee surgical procedure, including Mako™ partial knee replacement. Your doctor can explain these risks and help determine if Mako™ partial knee replacement is right for you.

© 2013 MAKO Surgical Corp. 208820 r00 05/13

THE

Buzz

BUSINESS BRIEFS

New & Improved Habitat for Humanity of Marion County’s ReStore Ocala location hosted a CEPsponsored ribbon cutting for its grand re-opening event on November 4 and a customer appreciation day on November 5, which featured 10 percent off everything in the ReStore.

Over the past few months, many volunteers have put in countless hours of hard work to make sure the ReStore looks its best. The ReStore location is celebrating 25 years of serving customers in Ocala.

Building Better Communities The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) recently honored the community service efforts of Ocala Electric Utility (OEU) by recognizing the municipal electric utility with the 2016 Building

Hello & Good-Bye

Residents in Marion County commission districts 3 and 5 have new representation. During the Nov. 15 Board of County Commissioners meeting, Jeff Gold (district 3) and Michelle Stone (district 5) were sworn in, officially beginning their four-year terms as county commissioners. A fond farewell was given to Commissioner Earl Arnett and Commissioner Stan McClain, who officially ended their terms on the Marion County Commission.

Commissioner Arnett served from 2012 to 2016, serving as a liaison to Senior Services, Juvenile Justice, CLM Workforce, North-Central Florida Regional Planning council, Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority, Well Florida Council and the Health Department. Commissioner Stan McClain is leaving the Marion County Commission after 12 years but will still be representing Marion County—now in the Florida House of Representatives.

Giving Back

Last month, Dr. Rosemary Oraedu and nine high school students, under the umbrella of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas Florida Chapter, hosted the A Toy To Bring Joy event, in which they collected money and toys that were then donated to the Florida Hospital for Children in Orlando. Drop boxes were located at Vanguard High, Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary and other locations around town.

“This toy drive meant so much to us because we truly wanted to make a difference in our community,” said Kaira Oraedu, one of the students organizing the event. “These kids at the hospital are going through things we couldn’t even imagine. They deserve quality toys to play with and so much more.

If one toy can make a bad day into a good one for these children, then we believe we are doing our part to improve our community.”

Movin’ On Up

Strong Communities Award. Honored during the Building Strong Communities luncheon at FMEA’s annual Energy Connections Conference and Trade Show in Orlando, OEU received the award for its commitment to enhancing its customers’ quality of life through various community improvement programs.

“Being a part of the community is about more than making sure the lights are on,” said FMEA Executive Director Barry Moline. “The recipients of the 2016 FMEA Building Strong Communities Awards excel in not only taking an interest in seeing their communities succeed but also actively working toward making them better places to live and building strong communities.”

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Ocala/Marion County recently announced that Michael Daniels, AICP, has taken on the role of director of the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO). Daniels comes to this positon with 19 years of professional planning experience, 16 of which have been with the City of Ocala. He most recently served as the chief planning official for the City of Ocala Growth Management Department, in addition to his previous roles as planning manager and planner II and III. The TPO director is responsible for directing and supervising all aspects of the transportation planning process as required by federal regulations and State Statutes. Additionally, the TPO director oversees the management firm responsible for the operation of SunTran, the local fixed-route transit system, and develops, in coordination with citizens, local municipalities and other agencies, the multimodal transportation needs for the TPO planning area.

Is

ghter’s Diam u a D r o nd You

LARGER

Nancy Porter

Graduate Gemologist, G.I.A Diamond Setter, Designer

Than Your Wife’s?

We Can Fix That

HAL

YOUR OFFICIAL HALO JEWELER Rings • Pendants • Earrings 315 E Silver Springs Blvd. • 352

629 5703 • ladyjeweler.com

Carolyn ROBERTS BROKER/REALTOR ®

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ckr@robertsflorida.com www.robertsflorida.com | mail@robertsflorida.com

Magnificent Estate Home and Development Opportunity On 6.68+/- acres, which offers incredible development possibilities in downtown Ocala. Home offers grand formal rooms & entertaining spaces, palatial master suite w/ sprawling 2nd story porch, gourmet kitchen w/ butler’s pantry, library w/ built in cabinets, solarium, elevator, and unfinished basement.

2-bedroom guest home.

Exquisite outdoor living!

$3,250,000. ML#502575

2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU 115 NE 8th Ave 16910 S. Hwy 441, Ste. 204 Ocala, FL 352-351-0011 Summerfield, FL 352-245-3388

mbelliott1@aol.com

Outdoor Living at its best!

Country Club of Ocala

Polo Lane

This 6-bed, 5 full/3 half bath pool home in Turning Hawk Ranch features stunning entryway, large DR, warm LR w/ fpl, premium kitchen & breakfast area. Master suite like no other! Outdoor space offers amazing pool with slide, outdoor shower, full covered outdoor kitchen, and sliding glass doors to additional room with full bath and closet. Sand volleyball, basketball and more on 4 +/- beautiful acres!

This extraordinary 4/4 home is the perfect blend of luxury & sophistication w/formal living & dining, spacious kitchen island & custom cabinets, 2 downstairs guest rooms & a 2nd level w/club room w/ media area & wet bar along w/guest suite w/private bath. Master wing includes study w/extensive built-ins, bedroom w/custom moldings & exquisite bath. Exceptional outdoor living w/pool, outdoor kitchen, & cabana w/fireplace.

4/3 home on 4.5 peaceful acres in gated community. Home features an open floor plan w/ upgraded kitchen, spacious family room, large study which flows into main floor master suite and 3 upstairs bedrooms with 2 baths. Large screened lanai gives additional living & entertaining space with gorgeous views of property, waterfall and koi pond.

$899,000. ML#435939

$825,000. ML#507927

$1,600,000. ML#510085

JAN ’17 ›

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PRO M OTI O N AL FE ATU R E

A Place To Call Home

Marion Oaks Assisted Living welcomes residents to their family with the utmost in care and accommodation.

W

hen residents come to live at Marion Oaks Assisted Living, they feel they’re at home. Walking in the front door, the atmosphere has the cozy feel of a big house. The hallways are decorated—some areas covered with beautiful murals—and residents mingle with each other in the spacious living room. There is an elegant dining room downstairs with a commercial kitchen attached. Tables are topped with crystal chandeliers, and the feel of the room is matched by the fine dining options offered.

Residents feel free to request certain menu items because their choice matters and Marion Oaks does its best to accommodate them. The residents of Marion Oaks Assisted Living are like family to the caregivers and administrator, as well as family to each other. Everyone knows everyone because of the small, family-like environment of this community.

The two-story building is home to assisted living residents on the first floor, and memory care residents on the secured second floor. There are 12 private rooms downstairs and 15 upstairs. One room on each floor is designated specifically to respite care––shortterm care for those who need it while family members are out of town, for example. The room downstairs resembles cozy accommodations like you would find in a Southern luxury home, and the one upstairs has a calm, safe feel and a soft blue hue.

Upstairs in the memory care unit, the walls are covered with fun sensory projects and decor, all of which residents can touch and work with. The dining area is painted to look like a park scene, cheerful and bright, and there’s a gorgeous private dining room for family gatherings, too. Several life-skills stations are set up throughout the open living area.

These stations are always accessible to memory care residents to exercise their abilities and skills. Most of the time, caregivers spend one-on-one time with residents at these stations to help them or just spend time with them.

The residents and caregivers are like a close-knit family. One of the best things about Marion Oaks Assisted Living is that there is no time frame for residents’ health care needs. Caregivers devote special one-on-one attention and care to those residents who need it. Along with the excellent medical management, residents have all their needs met all of the time. Amenities and services include laundry, housekeeping, delicious meals, satellite

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The residents of Marion Oaks Assisted Living are like family to the caregivers and administrator, as well as family to each other. Everyone knows everyone because of the small, family-like environment of this community.

TV, Wi-Fi, a beauty salon and exciting activities, including live entertainment.

There is always an open-door policy for families, and residents’ rooms are filled with their own furniture to make them feel truly at home. The philosophy of Marion Oaks Assisted Living is the welcoming and loving place that it is. And that philosophy is always treating residents like their very own family.

Marion Oaks Assisted Living › 3590 SW 137th Loop, Ocala › (352) 307-9400 › marionoaksassistedliving.com

Central Florida’s Largest Wholesale Hearing Aid Center is Here!

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: SPECIAL TEST MARKET The firm of Cohen, Ashton & Miller will be holding a product test market event in your area. In order to introduce the latest technology in the field of digital hearing devices, during this event only, all hearing devices will be offered at tremendous discounts—making them affordable to the people who need them most.

In addition, to further demonstrate the incredible performance of these devices, we will be conducting a 3-day demonstration performed by trained representatives specializing in the latest in hearing technology.

Receive a FREE Fiber Optic Otoscope Exam—a completely painless procedure that reveals and evaluates common hearing problems such as excessive wax buildup and damage to the ear drum, as well as a variety of other common hearing deficiencies. An audiometric hearing screening will also be performed, which is helpful to identify any other hearing difficulties and enables our technicians to determine if the newest personalized digital hearing devices will effectively correct such conditions.

During this 3-day demonstration and test market event, these representatives have been authorized to offer up to 50% off the manufacturers’ retail price during this event—serving to both increase product awareness in the marketplace and provide affordable devices to people with hearing difficulties.

It is the desire of NuTech Hearing to introduce these digital hearing devices to as many people as possible.

We feel that this test market and introduction event is the perfect way to introduce these devices to people who otherwise may not know of the incredible technological advances being made today in the area of hearing correction. People could greatly improve their quality of life by having a special screening—free of charge—to experience for themselves what these devices can do for them.

As our way of saying “thanks” for stopping by and allowing us to introduce these new devices to you, you will receive a $10 GIFT CARD! If you currently wear hearing aids or have difficulty hearing, you owe it to yourself to see what these products can do for you. Upgrades or trade-ins of your current device will be accepted, making this one of the best opportunities to affordably get the device that you need.

JANUARY 15-30, ALL LOCATIONS AVOID WAITING - CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

(Please bring spouse, family member or a friend with you for the “familiar voice” part of the evaluation.)

Bad Credit, No Credit, No Problem! 0% Interest (With a minimum down payment)

Ocala

352-671-2999

3405 SW College Rd, Ste 207 Colours Plaza, next to Red Lobster

Beverly Hills

352-527-0779

4065 N. Lecanto Hwy, Ste 400

Inverness

352-419-7911

3161-C E. Gulf to Lake HWY 1/2 mile east of Walmart

Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm Sat & Sun Appt. Needed Call for more NuTech locations

nutechhearing.com

Invest In A Programmable Thermostat and Start Saving Today Are you feeling a chill? Don’t be tempted to crank up the heat.

Instead, invest in a programmable thermostat and create new habits when it comes to thermostat settings. By using a programmable thermostat with preset temperatures, you will avoid the temptation to raise the temperature and begin saving money.

With a programmable thermostat based on your normal schedule, you are able to set it and forget it. Program your thermostat at the beginning of each season to follow a schedule that works for you.

Check out this winter example:

• • • •

Wake-up-time temperature setting is programmed at 68 degrees.

Morning-leave setting drops to 55 degrees.

Evening-return setting adjusts back to 68 degrees.

Bedtime-hours setting is set to 60 degrees bundled in warm pajamas and snuggled in blankets.

Never once do you have to adjust the thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, the changes happen automatically—and so do the savings.

“Ocala Electric Utility provides electrical services to nearly 50,000 homes and businesses in the City of Ocala and surrounding areas. As a locally owned and operated utility, we are dedicated to providing safe, reliable and affordable power to you and your families. We are delighted to be your hometown public power utility and look forward to serving you!”

–Mike Poucher, Director, Ocala Electric Utility

P.

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D E D I C ATE D TO E N R I C H I N G TH E LIVE S O F LO C AL FAM I LI E S

Picky Possibilities According to new research out of the University College London, genetics play a huge role in the diets of toddlers who refuse new foods.

Source: cnn.com

Researchers considered the eating habits of over 1,900 pairs of 16-month-old twins and studied their selective patterns from texture to smell. They then combined those observations with questionnaires completed by their parents.

What they found was a significant genetic influence on food the children were willing to eat and foods they refused to eat. The use of identical twins (who share 100 percent of their gene pool) and non-identical twins (who only share 50 percent), helped establish the confirmation of this theory: Genetics were to blame for 46 percent of instances of food fussiness and 58 percent of refusals to try new food. Also coming into play were the parents’ behavior and home environment. Researchers also urged parents not to force food on their children.

Upon weaning your child, make sure he or she is exposed to a series of foods with varied flavors. After all, the goal is a curious eater—not a fussy one.

STORAGE SOLUTIONS

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QUALITY KID TIME

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SNAPSHOTS

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Hive

› PARENTING POINTERS

Toy Roundup

Welcome to January—a time when many families with young kids have an overabundance of toys thanks to a little too much gift getting in December. When books are in the dollhouse and dolls are on the bookshelf, you know your playroom is in need of some serious reoganization.

W

ith these fun and innovative storage ideas, your kids will beg to clean their rooms. OK, maybe not, but it will be much easier! Stepping on Legos is a thing of the past.

IT’S A ZOO IN THERE. Stuffed friends tossed

in a corner are not very tidy. With a few 2x4s and some quality bungee cords, you can create your own stuffed animal zoo. It’s cute and practical. A quick internet search will show you how to do it.

SHOE ORGANIZER. Instead of stilettos and flip

flops, use the pouches to store dolls and actions figures. Hang the rack on the wall or behind the door and you’re good to go.

TUBE CUBBIES. After the initial toilet paper

fee, this super easy storage hack is absolutely free. Simply save empty tubes and hot glue them together to create a little garage for Matchbox cars or storage for tiny dolls. A pyramid-shaped design will be sturdiest. You can even spray paint them to match the playroom décor.

DRESS IT UP. Free up some space in the toy box by putting dress up clothes and costumes out on display. Not only will the outfits be easier to find, but the room will look fun and unique. Put some decorative hooks on the wall and hang up the princess couture and costumes.

SIDEWAYS BOOKSHELF. For a bookshelf that doubles as a bench, lay the shelf on its side and line the top with cushions. You can either line the cubbies with books or insert pop-up storage cubes to hide odds and ends.

CLEAR BINS. Having toys in clear storage bins

makes it easy for the kiddos to put everything back where it belongs once playtime is over.

VINTAGE CRATE CARTS. Classy meets shabby chic. Add casters to wooden milk crates (available at most large stores) for easy, portable storage.

Paint them in fun colors, too.

PENCIL POUCH. Never misplace the last piece of a puzzle again. Instead, keep puzzles safe by storing the pieces in pencil pouches once the boxes become tattered and torn.

HANG A HAMMOCK. Instead of using it as a lounge, hang a hammock in the corner of a room as a great way to rid excess clutter. Toss stuffed animals into the net for a creative jungle vibe.

CARS ON A STRIP. USE A MAGNETIC KNIFE STRIP TO DISPLAY MATCHBOX CARS ON THE WALL.

Sources: babble.com, parenting.com, diyncrafts.com

THE

Events

CITY OF OCALA

Special MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATIONS WREATH CEREMONY

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MEMORIAL 500 SW MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. AVENUE SATURDAY | JAN. 14 | NOON

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MARCH

MARCH FROM DOWNTOWN OCALA TO MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. RECREATION COMPLEX FOR A DAY IN THE PARK. MONDAY | JAN. 16 | 7:30 A.M.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK (MOVIES) FRIDAYS | 7:45-9:45 P.M. E.D CROSKEY RECREATION CENTER FEB. 3, 17, 24 TUSCAWILLA PARK MARCH 3, 10 JERVEY GANTT RECREATION COMPLEX MARCH 17 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR RECREATION COMPLEX MARCH 24

ENGINEERING DAY DISCOVERY CENTER SATURDAY | MARCH 4 10 A.M-2 P.M.

ROTARY DISCOVERY FEST CRACKER CATTLE DRIVE & COWBOY ROUND UP

DOWNTOWN OCALA TO TUSCAWILLA PARK SATURDAY | FEB. 11 | 10 A.M.- 4 P.M.

PARADE OF SENIOR SERVICES

KLINE CONFERENCE CENTER AT THE COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA FRIDAY | MARCH 17 |10 A.M-3 P.M.

EARTHFEST AT ARBOR DAY IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS YOUTH FISHING DERBY SIDEWALK CHALK ART MAYOR’S SPRING CLEAN UP TUSCAWILLA PARK SATURDAY | APRIL 22 | 10 A.M.-4 P.M.

2017 First Friday Artwalk

SPRING SENIOR FISHING DERBY TUSCAWILLA PARK MONDAY | APRIL 24 9 A.M.-NOON

DOWNTOWN OCALA SEPT. 1-MAY 4 | 6-9 P.M.

MOTOWN DOWNTOWN

CITIZEN’S CIRCLE FRIDAY | MAY 5 | 5-9 P.M.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK FRIDAYS | 8:30-10:30 P.M. JERVEY GANTT RECREATION COMPLEX JUNE 16 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. RECREATION COMPLEX JULY 7

OCALA CULTURAL FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN OCALA OCTOBER 7 | 10 A.M.-4 P.M.

SPORTSABILITY

DATES AND LOCATIONS TO BE DETERMINED

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH

VARIOUS ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF JULY

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

E.D. CROSKEY RECREATION CENTER AUG. 19 | 10 A.M.-2 P.M.

END OF SUMMER BASH TUSCAWILLA PARK SEPT. 16 | 10 A.M.-2 P.M.

FRIDAYS | 7:30-9:30 P.M. TUSCAWILLA PARK OCT. 14 | 7:30-9:30 P.M. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. RECREATION COMPLEX OCT. 13 | 7:30-9:30 P.M.

FORT KING’S HAUNTED TRAIL AND HALLOWEEN MOVIE FORT KING NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK SATURDAY | OCT. 28 | 6-10:30 P.M.

ONE OCALA ONE AMERICA VARIETY SHOW

OCALA ART FESTIVAL

KIDS INVOLVED IN DIVERSITY SOCIAL

FALL SENIOR FISHING DERBY

LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED THURSDAY | OCT. 5 | 7-9 P.M.

E.D. CROSKEY RECREATION CENTER FRIDAY | OCT. 6 | 6-8 P.M.

DOWNTOWN OCALA SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | OCT. 28-29 10 A.M.-5 P.M.

TUSCAWILLA PARK MONDAY | NOV. 7 | 9 A.M-NOON

LIGHT UP OCALA

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK

DOWNTOWN OCALA SATURDAY | NOV. 18 | 4-9 P.M.

CITIZEN’S CIRCLE FRIDAY | OCT. 6 | 7:30-9:30 P.M.

LET’S SKATE OCALA!

DOWNTOWN OCALA NOV. 18 - JAN. 7 | HOURS VARY

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

DOWNTOWN OCALA MOST NIGHTS IN DEC. | TIMES VARY

A FIGHT FOR FREEDOM: THE ATTACK ON FORT KING FORT KING NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | DEC. 2-3 9 A.M.-4 P.M.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK TUSCAWILLA PARK SATURDAY | OCT. 15 5:30 P.M.

Santa

ON THE SQUARE

DOWNTOWN SQUARE DEC. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21 6-8 P.M.

SANTA’S CALLING

OCALA RECREATION AND PARKS DEC. 6, 7, 8 | 6-8:30 P.M.

OCALA/MARION COUNTY CHRISTMAS PARADE SILVER SPRINGS BOULEVARD SATURDAY | DEC. 10 | 5:30 P.M.

THE

Hive

› GOOD TIMES

Create a fort.

Boxes, pillows, blankets, anything will do really. A living room makeover is always exciting.

Stock the fort full of soft pillows, yummy snacks, flashlights and books, and you’re good to go.

“The best things in life are free” is an axiom preached to both young and old.

U

sually it’s the free things that make for the best memories, too. Set aside some time and challenge yourself to complete these fun and free activities with your children.

Write your own story. Have your child

create their own characters and storylines. This will be as fun for you to read as it is for them to write. Give them some prompt suggestions, find a comfy spot on the porch

or outside and let the creativity flow.

Don’t forget to dance.

Play loud music and dance the day away. With the littlest as DJ, have them choose some of their favorite songs, and boogie.

Want to make it really memorable? Turn out the lights and bust out a disco ball.

Get clothing creative.

Have a budding designer on your hands? Decorate a pair of jeans or a T-shirt.

Paint them, patch them, rhinestone them. The possibilities are endless.

Make a puzzle. That’s

right—we said make. Each person will draw a picture on cardstock or cardboard.

Then, depending on how challenging you want the next step to be, cut the picture into various pieces. Next, race your partner and put the puzzles back together.

Eat outdoors. Have a

sunset picnic at a park or beach. Pack your child’s favorite snacks and head out the door. There’s nothing like some good ol’ vitamin D. A peaceful park to spread out the blanket and enjoy a meal, Sholom Park, located at 7110 SW 80th Ave., is one of the most serene places in Ocala. You won’t find any playground equipment here, so take advantage of the various walking trails to have a nature-based scavenger

hunt. Also check out the lake and feed the fish. Talk about a lasting memory!

Splatter paint.

Jackson Pollock is an artist known for drip and splatter painting and is the inspiration for this creative activity. Grab a canvas and let the kids splatter it with paint—outside, of course.

Play charades. Make flashcards labeled with animals, objects or people. The impressions are priceless.

Make it a movie night.

Popcorn? Check. Blankets?

Check. Movie? Check. Let you child pick his or her favorite, or go for a classic you know they’re sure to love.

Roast marshmallows. Have a bonfire and lie beneath the stars. Point out the different constellations. No doubt they’ll want s’more nights like this one.

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Sources: kiplinger.com, thesimpledollar.com

Fun For Free

Read, read, read. Have a reading marathon. Take a trip to the local library and count how many books you can read in a day’s time.

The Marion County Public Library hosts numerous reading sessions for children of all ages.

Hear your favorite stories read aloud and watch them come to life. See the calendar of events at marioncountyfl.org or call (352) 671-8551.

Montessori P R E PA R ATO R Y S C H O O L O F O C A L A

INFANT • TODDLER • PRESCHOOL • KINDERGARTEN • ELEMENTARY

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: SPANISH, MUSIC, PIANO, ART, SOCCER 2967 NE SI LVER SPRINGS BLVD OCAL A, FL 34470

352-351-3140

STEP UP SCHOLARSHIP FOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 5TH GRADE

A cce pti n g R e g ist rati f o r 2 017- 2 0 18

JAN ’17 ›

on

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THE

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› SNAPSHOTS

Gavin, 5, and his dad at The Pickin' Patch

THESE LOCAL KIDS KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN! CHECK OUT THEIR PHOTO-WORTHY MOMENTS.

Klarisa, 16, at the Rainbow River

John, 3, reading Ocala Style Magazine

Arabella, 1, enjoying a day at the park

Maddilyn, 5, riding her scooter

Aubry, 5 months, enjoying the pool

Kaylee, 8, on her birthday

Madison, 1, and Caleb, 2, enjoying a fun day

Averie, 8, at The Pickin' Patch

Samantha, 4, making her own pizza

Kendan, 3, on his birthday

WANT TO SEE YOUR KIDS ON THE PAGES OF OCALA STYLE? Send your photos from around town and local events to melissa@ocalastyle.com. Yours might just get picked!

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.com

Adelyn, 3, at Tuscawilla Park

IMPROVING MY FRANK DELUCA YMCA

HEALTH, AND MY LIFE

Over the course of my 36 years of life and rollercoaster way of dieting and exercising, I've had many things contribute to the weight gain—whether it was emotional eating, depression or failed fertility treatments. Though my BMI has regularly fluctuated between average and overweight, in 2013, I suffered a miscarriage and subsequently began gaining weight progressively. By April 2016, I drudged my feet into a thrift store to buy size 18s, because I couldn't possibly spend full price to fit a shape I never intended to permanently be...

Over the summer, I joined the Y and began taking classes, including Zumba, BODYCOMBAT to BODYPUMP, Cycling and more. I finally realized that I didn’t have to work out for two hours every day— that one 45-minute class could be enough. The instructors and these classes are the reason why I “Y.” I have workout DVDs, and they are good resources, but it's not quite the same as a group of multi-generational friends who all desire the same thing as you do: a fun and sweat-filled work out. Plus, the Child Development center gives my five-year-old daughter the opportunity to be active in innovative classes, like Born to Move.

After six months, I was wearing a size six and had lost more than 50 pounds. My body is gradually being sculpted with muscle and definition that I didn’t even see when I was a teen-aged dancer. I'm becoming the woman of God I want to be. I feel amazing. The greatest surprise is how a healthier, physical me has transformed the other roles I have in my life. I'm a healthier mother, wife, daughter, teacher, singer and writer. The journey isn't over yet. The process to maintaining fitness isn't misery though, because the Y is my teammate and my cheerleader. The Y is my community, my family, and my home. The Y is a part of my life change.

—Amanda Espiet, YMCA Member

GET REAL RESULTS—FAST BODYPUMP 100 LAUNCH SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

8:00 A.M. / 9:30 A.M. / 10:30 A.M. More than one million people are set to take part in the global launch of BODYPUMP 100, and we want you to be a part of our local launch party at the YMCA. We will join together to celebrate the 100th release of our favorite barbell workout, which focuses on light weight and lots of repetition. Research shows that BODYPUMP™ has strong calorie and fat-burning effects, and it improves aerobic fitness, muscular strength and muscular endurance. Bring a friend to the world’s largest workout—but don’t forget to reserve your spot. For more information, contact Tiffany Wheeler, Wellness Director, at twheeler@cfymca.org, or at 352.368.9622.

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BEFORE

AFTER

On The

Upswing If you can tell what a person is made of by their response to tough times, the same could also be said of a city. New projects throughout Marion County signal growth as Ocala and Marion County turn the page on the recession.

BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RALPH DEMILIO

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hen the American economy was body-slammed by a world-wide recession that began in 2008 and eventually wiped out 8 million jobs, Florida was one of the states hardest hit. Things were hardly bright in the Sunshine State, which ranked among the top five states in the nation for bankruptcies and foreclosures.

Things weren’t much better close to home, as Marion County’s unemployment rate was at 14.2 percent during the height of the recession.

What a difference a few years can make.

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Making Strides

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, as of September 2016, unemployment in Ocala was down to 5.9 percent. Forbes Magazine ranks Ocala among the Top 10 Cities for Future Job Growth for the fourth year in a row. Forbes also ranks the cost of living in Ocala at 6.9 percent below the national average.

“It really is a credit to the community how well it’s bounded back from such a devastating low point just a few years ago,” notes Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership.

“If you look at retail, jobs and housing, there’s a lot of positive activity county-wide. Looking at the private, non-farm payroll numbers, we’ve added over 10,000 jobs in our local economy over the past three years,” he explains.

“We have expansion from existing businesses and new companies coming to the area. Downtown is doing well.

The industrial center and State Road

200 are all doing well; those key areas are really very strong,” says Sheilley.

“When you look at retail space, you find there’s not much vacant space available in our community. Paddock Mall is 100 percent leased, which in this environment is incredible. Out in Heath Brook there are over a half dozen projects that were announced by the end of 2016,” he adds.

“Trying to buy a house in Ocala has become more difficult,” Sheilley notes.

“The average house price is up about 40 percent in just the last 18 months.

Inventory is down to about five months of homes on the market, so we’re at a seller’s market now, and we’re also starting to see lots of new home construction. In Ocala, we have several multi-family home projects already in the works.

“Before, we thought 2016 was going to be the ‘big year,’ and now we’re looking at what we’re seeing coming down the pike and think 2017 will be

Forbes Magazine ranks Ocala among the Top 10 Cities for Future Job Growth for the fourth year in a row.

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even bigger. The momentum continues to build toward more growth, more services and more opportunities.”

A Plethora Of Projects

Growth and recovery mean a variety of projects for our area, a number of which have already been completed.

Among those is the Ocala Downtown Market, which had its grand opening this past October 29. With the market’s former site on the downtown square slated for development, it was time to move to bigger and better digs. The market relocated to the corner of SE 3rd Street and SE 3rd Avenue, across from City Hall and Citizens’ Circle.

“When we were on the square, the market was set up in a vacant lot where vendors had tents,” says Lorna Forest CEP, director of the Ocala Downtown Market. “Our new facility is an open-air pavilion with permanent roof cover that has lighting and overhead fans.”

Market patrons also appreciate restrooms, water fountains and a nearby ATM. The Ocala Downtown Market takes place from 9am to 2pm every Saturday, rain or shine.

“Response to the new location has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Forest. “The vendors absolutely love it, and the customers love coming here to shop. There are also places to sit, so you can eat after you shop.”

The market features a diverse assortment of farmers, artisans, craftspeople and food trucks. If you’re wondering if your favorite vendors will be selling on a particular Saturday, just check the website ocaladowntownmarket.com.

Speaking of downtown, the new downtown parking garage makes working and shopping in the heart of Ocala easier than ever.

With covered spaces for 402 vehicles, the four-level garage, which is owned by the City of Ocala, was completed in late September.

Covering approximately half a city block, the garage runs from the corner of Broadway and Osceola Avenue to the corner of Fort King Street and Osceola Avenue.

“Past studies showed that parking was an issue downtown, and with the new hotel project coming, we knew

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we needed a garage. This was seen as a catalyst for downtown development,” says Sean Lanier, city engineer and director of water resources.

Built by Finfrock Construction, Inc., the parking garage was designed to look like a building skyline, with its classy appearance and color block scheme.

“We’ll be putting in more meters for convenience parking in front of downtown stores, but the parking garage will remain free,” notes Lanier.

And parking hasn’t just improved downtown. At the Ocala International Airport, phase one of the terminal parking lot improvements was

completed this past summer, with 150 spaces now available.

The airport may not be huge, but it’s definitely busy. In fact, it’s close to being one of the top 100 busiest contract tower airports in the country.

(Contract tower means the facility is

owned by the airport and air traffic control services are provided by a private company that is contracted by the FAA.) Air traffic in and out of the Ocala International Airport is “general aviation,” which encompasses

“The city is doing a lot for the urban center, and getting people to live downtown is a key component.” — Nathan Garcia recreational, corporate, charter and military flights, basically everything but scheduled airline service.

“We’re seeing positive economic growth and strong recovery. Our fuel sales are increasing and the airport continues to be self-sufficient,” notes Matt Grow, director of Ocala International Airport.

Tax payers will be glad to know that the airport doesn’t require any of the City of Ocala’s general fund revenue. Airport users contribute to 100 percent of the facility’s financial stability.

“The airport opened in its current location in 1962. Before that, it was located off 200 near

Target’s current site. Army Air Cadet training was done there in World War II,” says Grow. “The community was building up around the area in the 1950s, which is why the airport ended up getting relocated. One of the hangars was actually moved, so we have a hangar here built with 1930s-era steel.”

The last big airport project—the control tower—was commissioned in 2009 and became operational in 2010. Next on the agenda is a new terminal building.

“We’re actually in the pre-design process and have $2 million in grant funds now,” says Grow. “We have a $4 million budget for it currently but believe we need a $6 million budget, so we’re trying to come up with additional funding. We’re hoping for construction to begin around fall 2017.”

The new terminal will be approximately 18,000 square feet, which would more than triple the size of the current facility. This would ensure that all airport services—fixed base operations, rental car companies, administration offices, restaurant and meeting rooms—are conveniently housed in one building.

“It will truly be the front door to our community for aviators flying into Ocala,” says Grow. “We want to establish a good first impression of our area.”

As first impressions go, it doesn’t get much better than 302 Broadway.

This eye-catching retrofit project is repurposing at its best since it took the old Sprint building, formerly owned by the city, and turned it into 18 stylish loft condominiums.

A residential project unlike anything else in the city, this unique offering features high-end contemporary living spaces with an industrial, upscale vibe you’d expect to find in a major metropolitan city.

From the seamless polished concrete floors to the soaring ceilings, rustic vintage cypress accent walls and spacious balconies, the condos range in size from 828 square feet to 1,549 square feet. There are six different floor plans. Unit owners can also take advantage of the rooftop veranda with outdoor kitchen.

The building consists of three floors, and there are six condominiums on each floor. By the end of October 2016, eight of the units were sold and some were already occupied.

“The city is doing a lot for the urban center, and getting people to live downtown is a key component,” remarks Nathan Garcia, broker associate with McBride Land & Development Co., which owns the property and handled every phase of the project.

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Whether you live downtown or just come to enjoy all there is to see, you don’t want to miss the Tuscawilla Art Park and the Osceola Trail.

The Tuscawilla Art Park saw its grand opening on October 15 in conjunction with the Tuscawilla Centennial Celebration. This almost three-acre parcel of land connects with the west side of Tuscawilla Park and is located east of Ocala Union Station with road frontage on NE 5th Street.

The public gardens, walkways, multiple plazas and canopied stage comprise a designed urban landscape that city officials believe will entice visitors and artists alike.

“It’s a wonderful place to reflect and a great place for picnics, celebrations and parties. It’s a space for the general public to host private and public events,” says Melissa Townsend, community cultural arts manager for the City of Ocala. “We’re hoping local artists will utilize the park for both the creation and display of visual and performance art.”

Park visitors may have already noticed the sculpture created by local artist Aspen Olmstead. Titled The Web We Weave, this repurposed/recycled art piece was created using plastic trash pieces collected at Tuscawilla Park over the years.

A wall and arch created by area artists is built from local fieldstone and features unique artistic components. Under a massive live oak,

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“A hotel is usually part of revitalization and will bring new life to downtown.

Success breeds success.

— Bill Kauffman

there’s a “Story Stone” designated for storytelling.

“In the future, we’ll be expanding the public garden beds and hope to have a community partner come forward to help us with a water feature.

We have electric and water conduit in place to add this,” notes Townsend.

“The Ocala Rotary Club has selected the park for construction in 2019 of a beautiful arbor with seating in order to celebrate their centennial anniversary,” she adds.

You’ll soon be able to access the park via the Osceola Trail, a bicycle and pedestrian walkway just over a half-mile long.

“This concrete and brick ‘multimodal’ trail will allow people to walk or bike across downtown all the way from the Ocala Downtown Market to the Tuscawilla Art Park,” says Lanier. “It’s already designed and is a Florida Department of Transportation

grant project. Construction will begin summer 2017, and we expect it to be ready for use within 90 days, so it should be done before Light Up Ocala.”

The trail will be built on the west side of Osceola Avenue and run from SE 3rd Street all the way to NE 5th Street.

“The Osceola Trail will be a way to facilitate connection,” says Lanier. “In the future, we look for it to include art work, scenic plantings and treescapes as the city obtains easements to enhance the trail,” Lanier notes.

No doubt visitor traffic to the heart of Ocala will increase once the downtown mixed-use hotel/retail/ residential project is complete.

Destined for the corner of Silver Springs Boulevard and Osceola Avenue, right across from the downtown square, the former chamber lot will become the site of a 100-room hotel, retail shops and apartments.

“A hotel is usually part of revitalization and will bring new

life to downtown. Success breeds success. Investors and developers are interested in coming downtown now,” says Bill Kauffman, assistant city manager. “We would like people to work, live and shop downtown; we want to make it a destination.”

Kauffman notes that the $16 million project, which is slated to begin construction in late 2017, will feature two separate buildings. The hotel, which will be built first, will likely be six floors and about 90,000 square feet, with about 10,000 square feet designated for restaurants and meeting rooms on the first floor.

The next phase of the project will include a second building, which will face Osceola Avenue and contain about 8,000 square feet of town homes/ apartments and also feature a small retail area of approximately 1,800 square feet.

Business Expansion

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Marion County

By The Numbers 1,652 square miles (fourth largest county in Florida)

344,100: county population 56,315: Ocala population and facelift of the old Alarion Bank building, now known as The One Center, which began leasing retail and office space in summer 2016.

But there’s much more happening in our city, some of which has been in the works for nearly a decade.

“We’ve been following through on plans that have been developed over the past 10 years,” notes Melanie Gaboardi, director of revitalization strategies for the City of Ocala.

Gaboardi explains that the city works in partnership with the Ocala/ Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership.

“They are our designated economic development office, and their role is to recruit and retain businesses and also function as the local chamber of commerce,” she says.

“We did a lot of ground work when we were in the recession and spent that time preparing for this kind of activity. Now that effort is coming to fruition because we did the work and have the properties for these kinds of projects to occur.”

A good deal of that activity is taking place in the Ocala Marion County

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Commerce Park, an almost 500-acre site located just east of I-75 and north of U.S. Highway 27. The new industrial site on NW 35th Avenue Road was a joint collaboration between the county, city and developer; the property is owned by Ocala 489, LLC. Both the city and the county played major roles in building the roads around and into the area, providing the necessary infrastructure to attract shipping giant FedEx Ground, which came into the commerce park to build its new regional distribution hub on 150 acres and recently expanded to include an additional 30 acres.

“FedEx is up and running,” notes Gaboardi. “When we contracted with them, they committed to spend $122.9 million and provide 165 jobs. We know they have spent well in excess of that amount and increased to 500 jobs.

When they requested applicants for those 500 available job openings, they received over 2,000 applications.”

The positions offered by FedEx put the company among the ranks of Marion County’s biggest private employers.

“Across the street from FedEx, AutoZone is building a 400,000-square-foot distribution center with an investment of at least $45 million, including the facility and equipment,” says Gaboardi. “They are in the process of acquiring land and, based on our contract, are committing to 192 jobs with an average annual salary of $38,003.”

Not all the new business activity is located downtown or in the industrial area, though.

Another newcomer to Ocala’s business scene will be Rural King, known as “America’s farm and home store,” which is planning to build on a vacant parcel at the corner of NW 27th Avenue and U.S. Highway 27.

The corner of West State Road 40 and SW 24th Avenue in West Ocala will soon become Paradise Park Plaza, a shopping center with Sav-A-Lot grocery as the anchor, along with a pharmacy, credit union and possibly one or more restaurant businesses.

The police substation currently at this location will be relocated to another site on the same property.

4,492: Belleview population 1,733: Dunnellon population 506: Reddick population 452: McIntosh population $41,783: median household income $122,700: median home price Sources: 2012 U.S. Census Bureau, Forbes Magazine

“The city owns the property, which is 2.56 acres, and we have contracted with a local developer,” says Gaboardi. “This project is now viable and will include services the community hasn’t had easy access to. We anticipate the plaza being open by the end of 2017.”

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‘ Make your way through an entertaining tour of surefire shows that’ll warm your winter spirit.

COCKTAIL HOUR: THE SHOW 044

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Photo by Nico Malvaldi

 By Angelique Anacleto

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hile the rest of the country burrows under the covers this season, Central Florida�s arts entertainment keeps struttin� along.

From toe-tapping fare to avant-garde flair, we�ve streamlined a tight list of unique, guaranteed-towow events.

Photo by Nico Malvaldi

CIRCLE SQUARE CULTURAL CENTER 8395 SW 80TH STREET, OCALA 352 8543670  CSCULTURALCENTER.COM

ou may not know Michael Cavanaugh’s name yet, but you will. He performs throughout the world for company and charity events, not to mention PGA Tour events and the Indianapolis 500. He was hand-picked

by Billy Joel to play the lead role in Broadway’s Movin Out, performing in more than 1,300 performances over three years, and now he’s coming to Ocala. This young, charismatic performer has been called brilliant by Variety Magazine and amazing by the New York Times. Gary Pierre, Circle Square’s production manager, says “Although he is considered jazz and travels with a 12-piece orchestra, he performs piano rock and rock music.”

Pierre adds that Cavanaugh is one of his favorite performers.

Y

MICHAEL CAVANAUGH JANUARY 28, 7PM $45-$49

he Eagles, in their heyday, released one hit song after another, earning professional acclaim and dedicated fans throughout the world. The tribute band 7 Bridges recreates the experience of an Eagles concert from the band’s most popular time. With one hit after another, this accurate portrayal of an Eagles concert experience will have some fans doing a double take. The best part? “Some mighty Don Henley and Joe Walsh surprises sprinkled into the mix,” according to the show’s description.

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SHARON L. MORSE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER SPANISH SPRINGS TOWN SQUARE, 1051 MAIN STREET, THE VILLAGES 352 7505411  THESHARON.COM

COCKTAIL HOUR: THE SHOW JANUARY 22, 7PM Tickets: $20-$42

here’s more to cocktails than just a tiny bamboo umbrella. Cocktail Hour: The Show’s dance vignettes serve up an intoxicating visual tasting of drinks from around the globe. In Ballets with a Twist’s latest performance, 13 artfully crafted cocktails come to life as delicious ballet interpretations, such as exotic Polynesian Mai Tai; a slick, James Bond-themed Martini with requisite bombshell and skulking ninja-style assassins; the bittersweet contemplation of love lost in Gimlet; spunkiness of Shirley Temple and teasing chase of Roy Rogers kiddie “mocktails.” Others to watch for include: Sputnik’s rockabilly musical tone, the seafaring salute of Singapore Sling, the socialite poise of Manhattan, the rhythmic marching band music in Brandy Alexander; and otherworldly Zombie creatures.

Over the years, Artistic Director Marilyn Klaus and company have enjoyed playing bartender, mixing up and tinkering with each performance and growing a full repertoire of 23 scenes.

“The first time I put Cocktail Hour together was in 2009,” says Klaus.

“Before that, I had been showing the pieces individually, but then all of a sudden, I said, ‘Wait a minute. I’ve got a whole concept here.’ Now, every year, I make two or three new ones. It’s been building up. I think the first time we did the show, it was nine cultural cocktail vignettes. So the mix of adding a little thing here, a little thing there, it becomes a creative mixture.”

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THE SHOW’S PROMISE:

The mission is to bring back the excitement and glamour of an old Hollywood nightclub through “charismatic choreography, intoxicating music and exquisite costume design.” In essence, “high style fun for all ages to enjoy.”

7 BRIDGES, THE ULTIMATE EAGLES EXPERIENCE FEBRUARY 24, 7PM

Cocktail Hour unveils its latest concoction, a striking new finale titled Rum Runner, which entails a suite of three popular rum- and lime-infused Latin drinks: Mojito, Cuba Libre and Brazil’s famous Caipirinha.

Adds Klaus, “Cuba Libre is a duet. It has Spanish elements, which is really nice because classical ballet loves Spanish motifs. We are able to use the elements like Cuban hip motions found in the Rhumba and Mambo. The male-female dance is very energetic.”

MORE TO LOVE:

Ballets With a Twist offers show T-shirts, briefs, posters and postcards on balletswithatwist.com/t-shirts.

WELL-STRUNG

PUMP BOYS & DINETTES

Tickets: $15-$40

Tickets: $20-$45

JANUARY 23, 7PM

THE SHOW’S PROMISE: According to violinist Bagnell, “I don’t think anyone will have seen a group like us before. We mash up classical music with pop music in the same song, and we sing at the same time. We love both kinds of music, and we love presenting them in one concert.”

ark Twain would surely be gabbing a blue streak about this one.

As a rollicking, lighthearted romp, Pump Boys & Dinettes is one down-home musical that busts out songs of friendship, vacations, hard work, fishing and good ol’ color TV. The humorous trip down imaginary lane transports audiences to a humming gas station and nearby Double Cupp Diner located “on Highway 57, somewhere between Frog Level

It’s also the thrill of performing live that proves surprisingly powerful for the band and concertgoers.

Says Bagnell, “Every show is different, and each audience brings their own energy to the evening. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite moment, but I always love when there’s a moment of musical recognition.

So maybe we’re playing something from Bach, and then we morph into Taylor Swift. And I love when that switch gets a reaction from the audience.”

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Photo by VilliageTheatre.org

And it’s this eyebrow raising skill of mixing old with new that has garnered quite a bit of international attention as seen from coverage in countless magazines and morning news shows, appearances alongside actors Kristin Chenoweth and Neil Patrick Harris, not to mention command performances at the Vatican and White House.

MORE TO LOVE: Check out WellStrung’s new CD or download, POPssical, at cdbaby.com or itunes.apple.com.

and Smyrna, NC.” At center stage, four gas station attendants and two waitresses rev things up by singing, dancing, stomping, strumming and thumping on a guitar, piano, accordion, bass, cello, ukulele, banjo and even kitchen utensils.

During its inception, friends Jim Wann and Mark Hardwick tested their catchy material while appearing five nights a week at The Cattlemen restaurant, a New York steakhouse. And since its debut in 1981, Pump Boys & Dinettes has traveled from Off-Broadway to Broadway, to London’s West End, to long stints in Chicago and Minneapolis and an award-winning stretch in Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Along the way, the musical favorite has become widely loved by critics and nominated for a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award. Musically, CBS Records released the original cast album in the United States, and the song “The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine” reached number 67 on the Hot Country Songs chart.

THE SHOW’S PROMISE:

Photo by Santino Felipe

hat could be better than four hunks on a stage?

How about if they’re a singing quartet?

Who prodigiously play wind instruments?

Who also cunningly synthesize pop music with classical? The talented young gents of the group Well-Strung include Edmund Bagnell (first violin), Christopher Marchant (second violin), Daniel Shevlin (cello) and Trevor Wadleigh (viola).

For them, thinking outside the box calls for harmoniously spinning whole “new” songs using recognizable classical pieces and the upbeat pop hits from artists like Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Madonna, Adele, Britney Spears and Kelly Clarkson.

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FEBRUARY 1-2, 7PM

“The music is a quirky, highly imaginative blend of country, rockabilly, swing, rock and roll, and jazz.” Take it from Co-creator Jim Wann: “Pump Boys And Dinettes is a celebration of friendship among folks who work hard, sing about their dreams, joke about their irritations and support each other on various musical instruments. It was the first Tony-nominated Best Musical Broadway show in which the cast is also the orchestra. It’s a character-driven ‘day in the life’ with an original score.”

To whoop up yet more country flavor, the show has also been known to hold raffles during intermission, plaster the lobby with snapshots of friends and raffle winners, drink beer, cook and even make the occasional auto repair.

MORE TO LOVE: Look for the original Broadway cast recording on CD, MP3 and even vinyl at amazon.com.

JAN ’17 ›

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APPLETON MUSEUM OF ART 4333 E SILVER SPRINGS BLVD., OCALA

SHARON L. MORSE CONT.

352 2914455  APPLETONMUSEUM.ORG

TAJ EXPRESS, THE BOLLYWOOD MUSICAL

SOULBASE BAND

MARCH 2, 7PM

Tickets: $25-$85

FEBRUARY 2, 5-8PM

Tickets: Free for Appleton members, $10 for non-members

heavyweights like Oscarwinning composer AR Rahman, SalimSulaiman Merchant and Monty Sharma to lend their impressive talents.

ant to get all dressed up and have somewhere to go? Try taking in the performance of SoulBase Band at the Appleton Museum of Art’s After Hours Concert Series. For a sophisticated midweek escape that’s close to home, the smooth improvisations of this Orlando-based musical group generate enough mellow groove to downshift from your day. Its members call upon their musical roots from major cities, including Chicago, New York, New Orleans, Miami and Orlando. From there, the band borrows from rhythm and blues, funk, jazz, blues, rock, reggae, hip hop and even gospel. And when that last amplifier is plugged in, these varied elements commingle for a fun, unexpected and upbeat show.

SoulBase Band first came together in February 2015, when Cofounder and Keyboardist Robert Bradley needed a band at an open mic event. Since then, the group has been performing and cultivating their characteristic sound.

Says Co-founder and Vocalist Tyla Harrington, “Every song we cover, we make sure to make it our own. You will barely hear the same song twice. We like to remix music a lot to make it sound fresh and new.”

A particular favorite is the finale, an old-school medley of classic covers such as “Ain’t Nobody” by Chaka Khan, “Who’s That Lady” by the Isley Brothers, “Portuguese Love” by Teena Marie, “Benny and the Jets” by Elton John, plus tunes by Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Toto and more.

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ften a show is described as offering “something for everyone.” In the case of Taj Express, the Bollywood Musical, the production makes a grand Bollywood spectacle of itself to appeal to every member of its audience. Given that Indian Bollywood films have entertained billions for generations, legendary Bollywood Producers/Directors/ Choreographers Vaibhavi and Shruti Merchant have undertaken the task of bringing this highly elaborate and widely entertaining storytelling style to the stage.

A far cry from demure or understated, the entire show ratchets each scene to the next level by ensuring every inch of its presentation bursts with film footage; bright, intricate costumes; high-energy dance numbers and infectious song.

Taj Express’ storyline is tagged as a “cinematic journey through Indian culture.” To do so, the Merchants capture this collision of beautiful, classical traditions with the brash attitude of modern Indian pop. And when it comes to engineering the show’s catchy score, Taj Express calls upon musical

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Words like “dazzling,” “vibrant” and “enchanting” are used to describe the musical.

Or more precisely, expect “120 minutes of swirling colors, sparkle, shimmer and electrifying energy.”

Then factor in the budding romance, which inevitably culminates into a full-blown, joyful wedding extravaganza.

Taj Express is recognized as “the first original Indian musical to have successfully completed five years of international touring.”

And Director Shruti Merchant proudly expands on that distinction, saying, “Taj Express is the first ever Bollywood musical produced, directed and choreographed by an Indian company and is not an interpretation of India through a foreigner’s eye.”

When pressed to quietly reveal her favorite part of the show, she recommends sticking around for the whopping, crowdpleasing finale.

Says Shruti: “As an audience member watching the show, what I enjoy the most is the energy of the entire cast enabling the audience to join them in the end.”

THE SHOW’S PROMISE:

Photo by Allison GIles

Taj photos courtesy of Columbia Artists Management Inc.

THE SHOW’S PROMISE:

With SoulBase Band, you won’t hear run-of-themill radio songs but an engaging performance for diverse musical tastes. Harrington also points out the crowd’s interaction with the group.

“We like to do an improv part in the show where we let guests choose a topic, and we make up a song on the spot,” she says.

Adding to the evening’s ambiance, the Appleton Museum presents special Ocala Art Group displays, tasty Mojo Grill food samples and a cash bar. Doors open at 5pm, and the music begins at 5:30pm.

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Two starry-eyed young lovers are separated by a wall built by their feuding fathers. The forbidden lovers meet in secret… until dreams end and a new adventure begins. This classic musical is just as enchanting as ever!

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OcalaCivicTheatre.com 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470 In The Appleton Cultural Center JAN ’17 ›

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Photo courtesy of ShenYun.com

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA PHILLIPS CENTER, 3201 HULL ROAD, GAINESVILLE 800 9052787  PERFORMINGARTS.UFL.EDU

SHEN YUN

JANUARY 24-25, 7:30PM Tickets: $74-$154

T

he term folktale might evoke a dusty, forgotten old story. Yet Shen Yun completely flips that by

resurrecting 5,000-yearold Chinese legends for the stage. The breathtaking and magical world of immortals, mischief and miracles come alive through

Shen Yun Performing Arts, a leading Chinese entertainment company comprised of four touring troupes who perform more than 400 shows on five continents.

The show depicts timeless tales of courage, honor and valor through compelling hero characters such as a quirky monk, fearless general and mischievous monkey, who fly across heavens, mountains and underwater palaces.

Large-scale production fills each scene with classical dancers executing body-bending kicks and gravity-defying leaps; a full Western orchestra augmented with expressive eastern

instruments like an Erhu violin or Pipa lute; powerful drums; fluid soprano and tenor singers; vivid, detailed costumes; ornate hairpieces; dramatic headdresses and swords; and flurries of colorful scarves swirling in unison.

THE SHOW’S PROMISE:

Shen Yun changes its performance each year and aims to mentally immerse audiences in ancient Chinese culture for a thoroughly entertaining and thrilling experience. Michelle Brazeau, regional director of Florida Falun Dafa Association, a nonprofit organization that presents

the show throughout the state, attests to its overwhelming effect.

“From the moment the curtain rises, I immediately feel like I’m in another realm,” says Brazeau. “Even if you couldn’t see the graceful and athletic dancers, beautiful costumes and interactive backdrops, the music alone is worth going to Shen Yun because it’s so unusual and so wonderful.”

MORE TO LOVE: Choose from DVDs, CDs, posters, prints, albums, books, printed scarves, ties, umbrellas and desk accessories at shop.shenyun.com.

ADA/AVA BY MANUAL CINEMA MARCH 22, 7:30PM

Tickets: $20 general admission, $10 UF students hat began as a 10-minute Halloween puppet show from Manual Cinema Director Drew Dir’s first floor apartment window has matured into a thoughtful, inventive and award-winning program. Ada/Ava takes audiences on the dreamy journey of an elderly grieving twin sister who stumbles through a magical mirror, allowing her to explore the possibilities that lie beyond. The stylized gothic feel and enigmatic subject matter delves into emotions behind life, death and the supernatural, leading to a pure and profound self-examination.

Manual Cinema invites audiences into this enchanting, mystical sphere by weaving handmade shadow puppetry with layered cinematic techniques. And successfully pulling this off requires performers’ well-timed coordination of vintage overhead projectors, multiple screens, puppets, actors, live feed cameras, surround sound and a live music ensemble.

Taj photos courtesy of Manual Cinema

W

THE SHOW’S PROMISE: Dir explains how Manual Cinema’s offbeat brand of storytelling straddles both the qualities of film and live performance. Says Dir, “Most people have described it as unlike anything they’ve ever seen. It’s a lot like going to the cinema where even the music and sound are delivered to you in quadraphonic quality, so it sounds closer to a movie than a play. But at the same time, the show delivers all the real-time spontaneity of theater.”

Dir also points out that renowned Director Alfred Hitchcock’s mastery of intrigue had significant impact.

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“Most obviously,” he says, “the story and production design are largely influenced by the films of Alfred Hitchcock, especially Vertigo. Like that film, Ada/Ava is a kind of psychological ghost story.”

MORE TO LOVE: Check out downloads of Manual Cinema soundtracks, free soundscapes and T-shirts at manualcinema.bandcamp.com.

MUST SEE at Least Once in Your Lifetime

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Feb 24, 25 & 26, 2017

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ST. MARK GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF OCALA

For information, please call (352) 245-0499 9926 SE 36th Ave/CR 467 • Belleview

“There is a higher order; there is a higher calling, and I think Shen Yun has illustrated that very, Very nicely. I like that part very much. I identify that’s one of the best things about humanity, that we realize that there’s more than just us.

Tears came to my eyes; it was just so incredible.”

— Russell Yost, Professor, University of Hawaii at Manoa

BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY

· All-new 2017 program · 100+ world-class performers · 400 sets of exquisite hand-crafted costumes · Stunning animated digital projection · Mesmerizing music by Shen Yun live orchestra · 5-continent, 30-country world tour

Jan 24–25, 2017 Phillips Center, Gainesville ShenYun.com/FL or call 888.974.3698 JAN ’17 ›

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352-861-8200 | 381 SW 60th Ave Ocala (Across from Ocala International Airport)

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Orange You Thirsty?

OU R B E ST R E C I PE S , R E STAU R ANT N E WS AN D CU LI NARY QU I C K B ITE S

Widely commercialized as the breakfast drink of champions, orange juice has recently taken a plunge in popular ranking.

Did you know a 12-ounce glass of OJ contains 153 calories, 34 grams of carbohydrates, 27 grams of sugar and 2.4 grams of protein? That’s the equivalent of almost a whole bag of M&M’s.

As more Americans are becoming mindful of healthy food, the consumption of this beloved drink continues to plummet. Over the past four years, orange juice sales are down 15 percent.

Florida, former home to over four dozen processing plants, now has just seven. One question remains: If oranges are out, what’s in? Don’t fret, an array of healthy juices are still available to pair with your bacon and eggs.

Source: aol.com

COLD WE ATH E R CONCOCTION S GOING BANANAS DINING GUIDE TAST E O F O CA L A TA L K JAN ’17 ›

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Winter Weather Warm-Up

Sweaters and scarves aren’t the only ways to brace yourself against cold weather. There’s no time like winter to putter in the kitchen, where the cozy heat from the stove and the aromas of savory dishes can warm you from the inside out.

Whole and Hearty A hearty meat-and-potatoes meal is a sure way to warm up on a cold winter night. This hearthealthy, one-dish meal is made with lean top round beef, lots of vegetables and a spicy herb mixture. Find more healthy main dish ideas at health.gov.

Black Skillet Beef with Greens and Red Potatoes Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Recipe courtesy of the USDA

Fruit Juice and Fish Fillets The temperatures may be falling, but you can still fire up the grill and fill up your plate with a tasty recipe like this Grilled Citrus Rosemary Catfish, which combines sweet juices for a citrus sauce that coats grilled catfish. Find more main dish recipes, including catfish at uscatfish.com.

Grilled Citrus Rosemary Catfish Recipe courtesy of The Catfish Institute › Servings: 4

Citrus Sauce: 1 lime, juice and zest only 1 lemon, zest only 1 orange, zest only 6 ounces pineapple juice 1⁄2 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped 1⁄4 teaspoon salt

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Catfish: 4 catfish fillets, U.S. farmraised 2 lemons salt, to taste black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

Heat grill. › To make citrus sauce: In small saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients.

Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. › To make catfish: Place catfish in shallow dish, and squeeze half a fresh lemon over each fillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let rest 5 minutes. › Grill catfish fillets, skin side up, 3-4 minutes. Flip over and grill 2-3 more minutes.

Transfer catfish to serving plates and spoon warmed citrus sauce over fillets.

1 1 1 1⁄2 1⁄2 1⁄4 1⁄4 1⁄8 1⁄8 8 3 2 2 2 2

pound top round beef tablespoon paprika teaspoons oregano teaspoon chili powder teaspoon garlic powder teaspoon black pepper teaspoon red pepper teaspoon dry mustard nonstick spray red potatoes, halved cups onion, finely chopped cups beef broth large garlic cloves, minced large carrots, peeled and cut into 2 1/2-inch strips bunches (1/2 pound each) mustard, kale or turnip greens, stems removed, coarsely torn

Partially freeze beef. › Thinly slice across grain into strips 1/8-inch thick and 3 inches wide. › Trim away visible fat. › Combine paprika, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper and dry mustard. › Coat strips of meat with spice mixture. › Spray large, heavy skillet with nonstick spray, and heat pan over high heat. › Add meat; cook, stirring constantly, 5 minutes. › Add potatoes, onion, broth and garlic. › Cook over medium heat, covered, 20 minutes. › Stir in carrots; lay greens over top and cook, covered, until carrots are tender, about 15 minutes. › Serve in large serving bowl with crusty bread for dipping.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Rich, hearty stews and creamy casseroles are perfect for winter dinners, but when you’re craving something other than traditional comfort food, there are plenty of other options that will chase away the chill, such as a glass of Pinot Noir.

These three dishes feature common proteins—chicken, beef and fish—in preparations that make it easy to reimagine your winter weather menu. Find more recipes and ideas for warming up this winter at culinary.net.

A Cold-Weather Solution Although it can be a challenge, there are several ways to pair food and wine appropriately during winter. A warm, comforting dish, like Roasted Chicken with Salsa Verde from James Beard award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman, combines well with rosé during the cold season. One reasonably priced wine that matches chicken well is Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir. The crisp flavors of light red fruits combine with the herbs accompanying the chicken. It’ll also complement the many other flavors of winter, when an array of dishes hit the table and challenge hosts to find the right wine to serve. For more wines that work well in wintertime, visit angelinewinery.com.

Chicken and Salsa Verde Recipe courtesy of chef Jonathan Waxman

Chicken: 1 organic chicken (4 pounds), fresh free range sea salt, to taste black pepper, freshly ground, to taste 1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 lemon Salsa Verde: 1⁄4 cup capers in salt 4 anchovy filets 3 cloves garlic 1⁄2 cup chopped fresh parsley 1⁄2 cup chopped arugula 1⁄2 cup chopped fresh basil 1⁄2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1⁄4 cup chopped tarragon 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh chives 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh sage 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1⁄4 teaspoon sea salt

To make chicken: Heat oven to 450°F. › Wash chicken in hot water and dry with paper towels. › Using kitchen shears, cut out backbone of chicken and remove any fat (this can be added to chicken stock). › Using heavy chef’s knife, cut out breastbone. › Season halves with sea salt and black pepper. › Place chicken halves, skin side up, on two sizzle platters and dab with olive oil. › Cut lemon in half and place 1 half, cut side down, next to chicken on each platter. › Roast chicken 35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. › When done, relocate chicken to platter and pour off excess fat. › Cut each breast in half and cut the thigh from the leg. › Serve with salsa verde (recipe below), and garnish with roasted lemon.

To make salsa verde: Soak capers in cold water 1 hour then drain. › Soak anchovies in cold water 15 minutes; then pat dry and remove bones. › Using mortar and pestle, smash capers, anchovies and garlic until smooth, and then transfer to large bowl. › Add all herbs and olive oil. › Season with sea salt. › Pair each serving with Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir.

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Go Bananas

The Olive Oil Market › A new

specialty store has made its debut in the center of downtown Ocala. The Olive Oil Market carries over 50 fine varieties of exported extra virgin oil and Modena balsamic vinegars; over 85 fresh-milled spices, herbs, chilies, rubs and blended seasonings; and over 25 flavored salts and peppers. A culinary experience like this is hard to come by—and even harder to pass up. Offering local honeys, peppers, jams, salsas, imported olive oil lotions and soaps, this one-stop shop is just the thing to bring your favorite recipe up a grade. Gift baskets are available upon request. Open Sunday-Tuesday 11am-5pm, Wednesday 11am-7pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-8pm and Saturday 11am-8pm. › 16 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala › (352) 512-0177 › theoliveoilmarket.store

The future of the world’s most popular fruit looks bleak. According to a report in New Scientist, Cavendish bananas, which make up about 99 percent of the bananas we consume, will soon be no more.

D

on’t lose your marbles just yet, however. There are several hundred different varieties of the fruit, with the prior report applying to only one species—the Cavendish. Due to the outbreak of black Sigatoka, a leaf fungus, and Panama disease, a soil fungus that attacks the roots of the plant, Cavendish bananas have taken a direct hit and are becoming scarce.

Farmers are actively trying to slow down the elimination process and trying to prevent it from entering new regions by using clean planting materials and limiting the transfer of potentially infected soil between farms. These precautions, however, are proving futile.

There is good news, though: Although Cavendish bananas are the main variety sold across the Western world, over a thousand additional species of bananas exist. The Manzano, Burro, Plantain and Red are just a few yummy alternatives. Check out a few details on each.

MANZANO: Native to Central and South America, the texture of a Manzano is firmer than the Cavendish, marked by a strong tart-apple aroma.

The taste is tart—but then gives way to sweetness.

BURRO: This chunky variety has had its taste likened to a mix of lemon meringue and banana cream pie.

The Burro is originally from Mexico.

PLANTAIN: Dating back further than the Cavendish, these sweet treats are often cooked and added into different Latin American cuisines.

RED: The red banana has a sweet taste and a creamy texture. When ripe, they take on a deep magenta shade.

Lighthouse Point Bar & Grille › There’s nothing more relaxing than a

sunset and a Melon Mojito. Also try the Bacon Wrapped Scallops, sea scallops wrapped in bacon and topped with a bourbon maple glaze. They will leave your taste buds begging for more. Another delicious entrée option is the Mussel Pasta, mussels sautéed in a garlic white wine sauce of Chorizo sausage, peppers, onions and Parmesan cheese, served over linguine. Of course, don’t leave without trying dessert. We recommend the Bananas Foster Cheesecake!

Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-12pm. › 925 Lake Shore Dr., The Villages › (352) 753-7800 › lighthousepointbarandgrille.com

Bonkers For Bananas WITH OVER 100 MILLION METRIC TONS PRODUCED ANNUALLY, IT’S SAFE TO SAY THAT BANANAS ARE A CROWD FAVORITE. HERE’S JUST A FEW REASONS WHY: › Bananas may help individuals overcome

depression because of their high levels of tryptophan. (Yes, that’s the same chemical found in turkey.) Your body converts excess tryptophan into serotonin. › Eating more bananas can help your body

› Bananas strengthen your blood and may help

relieve anemia by improving iron levels. › High in potassium and low in salt,

bananas are officially recognized by the FDA as being able to lower blood pressure and protect against heart attack and stroke.

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Sources: foodmatters.com, cnn.com, saveur.com

counteract calcium loss during urination and build strong bones.

The Marion Café & Event Room › The Marion Café and Event Room just

opened in the historic Hotel Marion Building in downtown Ocala, which originally opened in 1927. And fortunately for us, they are serving the best gourmet sandwiches. The Secret Society Club sandwich has all the goods—ham, turkey and bacon, with your choice of lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, mustard and mayo.

But, of course, what’s a sandwich without Continued on p.58

PROMOTIONAL

For The Love Of Food

The Olive Oil Market brings fresh extra-virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars and much more to the downtown square.

H

eart-healthy olive oils and vinegars fused and infused with delicious natural flavors have found a home in The Olive Oil Market. There are between 55 and 60 different oils and vinegars stretching along one entire side of the store, and guests can pour a taste of each from dispensing containers, called fustis, that rest on a shelf above the bottles.

“It’s like a candy store for adults,” says owner Tony Procida.

Tony and his wife, Maggie, are from Long Island, New York, and they came to Florida for the laid-back, relaxed atmosphere and the naturally friendly people of the area. After visiting similar oil and vinegar shops, they were intrigued by the concept. They both love to cook and consider quality oils and vinegars an important part of the process. So, after years of research, they opened their own shop on November 11.

It’s a shop Tony and Maggie consider perfect for food-minded adults. Their selection of the highest quality oils and vinegars is not only based on the blind tastings they did but as importantly on the purity of the product. Because they’re a privately owned business, they can resource both local and world-class products, including domestic and imported extra-virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars that are imported from Modena, Italy.

“Our concept is based on the word fresh” is the underlying drive that the couple focuses on daily.

All spices, herbs, rubs and chili peppers come fresh from domestic mills with many of these products being organic. The nine types and flavors of honey in the shop come from a small

› DINING GUIDE

batch beekeeper in Groveland, Florida. Tony and Maggie also carry body care products made with olive oil that are imported from Italy, along with an extensive line of jams, jellies, salsas and simmering sauces made by the specialty condiments company Stonewall Kitchen.

“Come in with an open mind and a clean palate,” Tony and Maggie recommend.

They are here to provide guidance and suggest different pairings of these heartfriendly olive oils and balsamic vinegars. But if you still can’t decide, you can simply taste your way through the shop. Tony and Maggie have many plans for the future, including expanding the product selections of this unique approach to a delicious, healthy and fresh experience.

The Olive Oil Market › 16 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala › (352) 512-0177 › theoliveoilmarket.store

Join us for live jazz each week, Friday evenings from 6-9p. Open New Year’s Eve for lunch 11a-4p and dinner 4p-10p.

Closed New Year’s Day.

Braised Onion Restaurant

754 NE 25th Ave, Ocala › (352) 620-9255 Tue-Thu 11a-9p › Fri & Sat 11a-10p › Sun 11a-8p › Closed Mon 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. Winner of Culinary Combat and Taste of Ocala for three years. From country-fried tenderloin and Kentucky hot brown melt to the eggplant parmigiana or the frenched pork chop, the menu options are plentiful and guaranteed to make your taste buds explode with happiness. And don’t forget the dessert menu, which includes the prize-winning bread pudding and coconut pie. YUM! Visit our website at braisedonion.com.

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your choice of craft beer? Come in to pick your favorite. Call or text your order for free downtown delivery or to pick up during your lunch hour. Open Monday-Friday 11am-3pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday. › 108 N Magnolia Ave., #104, Ocala › (352) 362-5300 › themarionocala.com

Ocala Fresh Produce and Deli

Party With A Purpose

Taste of Ocala brings the community a good time for a good cause. › By Cealia Athanason

A

s the College of Central Florida reaches its 60-year milestone, the CF Foundation’s Taste of Ocala arrives at its 29th year. This year’s Taste of Ocala happens on the first Saturday in March, and guests can look forward to a party-like atmosphere featuring some of the area’s tastiest foods.

“It’s a fantastic and fun event, like a big cocktail party with a purpose,” says Chris Knife, the CF Foundation’s executive director. “You get to taste all of Ocala.”

Since 1989, raising money for student scholarships has been the focus of Taste of Ocala, with more than $1.4 million in scholarship money to its credit. At the very beginning, the event was held in the Paddock Mall, but it grew so large that it was moved to the back of the CF campus. It was a big outdoor festival until five years ago when the Foundation board decided to tweak the event structure a bit. Instead of a festival-type event, the board changed Taste of Ocala into a blacktie optional event. Now, the event is held inside the Klein Center. Each year, there are close to 300 people in attendance, and the event begins with a social hour in the courtyard.

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The Foundation’s focus is to enable future students to attend CF through the It’s a fantastic and fun scholarship money raised from Taste event, like a big cocktail of Ocala. The goal of each Taste of Ocala party with a purpose. event is to raise close to $60,000 to offset › Chris Knife event costs and raise enough for three endowed scholarships of $12,500 each.

Last year, the event raised $63,000.

“It’s always been about scholarships,” says Knife. “This year, there’s a huge need for nurses and allied health care workers.”

To address the need, the Foundation is focusing on scholarships for nursing and health care degree fields and programs, including both the radiology technician program and the surgical technician program. CF strives to accommodate all students, offering the 20th most affordable bachelor’s degree in the country, and Taste of Ocala has enabled CF to extend opportunities to future students, as well.

“We are essentially a community college, and a community college focuses on affordability and accessibility,” says Knife.

This year’s theme is “Diamond Jubilee” in honor of CF’s 60th year, and one thing hasn’t changed: the competitive component of Taste of Ocala. Each of the 12 or 13 restaurants prepare samplings of delicious eats, and a panel of judges walks through to get the first taste while guests enjoy social hour. Restaurants compete for Best of Taste, Best Dessert and People’s Choice awards.

“We’re very excited and very appreciative to all of our sponsors and restaurants for participating to support education,” says Knife. “We couldn’t pull this off without their support.”

Beyond plenty of food, guests can look forward to live music by Southern Express, a silent auction table and a craft beer tasting. Tickets are $100 per person or $150 per couple.

WANT TO GO? › Taste of Ocala › Saturday, March 4 › CF Klein Center › 6-9pm › (352) 873-5808 or tasteofocala.org › Ocala

.com

› The Fresh Produce way? “Nothing’s

sweeter than a fresh red apple or crisp cabbage from your own backyard,” their slogan reads. Their way of proving it? An abundance of fresh salads and sandwiches topped with perfectly fresh, homegrown veggies and fruit. Plus, the salads, sandwiches and wraps are 100 percent non-GMO and gluten-free. In a hurry for lunch? Call ahead to place an order and avoid the wait. Fresh Produce also features an open-air market filled with fresh produce, jellies and jams, snacks, plants and herbs you can take home.

Open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. Closed Sunday. › 1010 SW 1st Ave., Ocala › (352) 789-6354 or (352) 620-4711 › ocalafreshproduce.com

Florida Grub Hub › Grocery shopping with a twist. The Florida Grub Hub is here to urge locals to check out what farmers in our area have to offer. The shelves are lined with locally grown and produced salsas, salad dressings and rice—all from right here in our very own region. Items vary depending on what’s in season and what the local farmers are growing. In addition to produce, you’ll also find locally made olive oils and soaps. Florida Grub Hub is your direct connection to Florida Farmers! Check them out on Facebook by searching Florida Grub Hub. Open Tuesday-Friday 11am7pm. › Located inside Infinite Ale Works at 304 South Magnolia Avenue, Ocala › (352) 812-3111 › grubhub.com

› DINING GUIDE

Taking reservations for Valentine’s Day. For more information on catering, contact Waica Huggins or Evelyn Nussel at wmhivyhouse@yahoo.com Stop by our new bar and enjoy our specialty drinks!

Trivia Night every Thursday, 7-9pm (Silver Springs Blvd. location) Mariachi band every Thursday at the 200 location, 6-9pm

The Ivy House Restaurant

917 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala › (352) 622-5550 Sun & Tue 11a-2p › Wed & Thu 11a-8p › Fri & Sat 11a-8:30p › Closed Mon 106 NW Main St, Williston › (352) 528-5410 Sun-Wed 11a-2p › Thu-Sat 11a-8p › ivyhousefl.com “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.

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, $4.45; Speedy Gonzalez on Tuesdays, $4.95; Quesadillas on Wednesdays, $6.45; Chimichangas on Thursdays, $5.95; and Burrito Supreme on Fridays, $4.95. New dinner options include Fajita Mondays, $8.95; Chimichanga Tuesdays, $7.95; Alambre Wednesdays, $7.95 and Tacos de Bistec Thursdays, $7.95. Plus $1.95 margaritas on Mondays. On Sunday, kids 12 and under can enjoy 99¢ children’s meals (takeout 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).

THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD

Come enjoy our brand-new tapas menu available exclusively at the bar. Monday through Saturday, 3-7pm for $7.

Full-service catering also available.

Additional parking in rear.

Mesa de Notte

2436 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala › (352) 732-4737 › mesaocala.com Mon-Thu 11a-9p › Fri & Sat 11a-10p › Closed Sun Closed New Year’s Day Open New Year’s Eve Mesa de Notte uses only the freshest ingredients to prepare their unique, gourmet, Italian dishes. The menu features both lunch and dinner options and offers patrons an expanded, private dining room capable of accommodating up to 50 guests. It’s perfect for your next party or company meeting. The talented professionals at Mesa de Notte can also handle all of your catering needs—big or small. Don’t forget to make your reservations today for Valentine’s Day and experience their special menu on February 14 between 12pm and 10pm.

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Chefs of Napoli Ristorante Italiano 5400 SW College Rd, Ocala › thechefsofnapoli.com Mon-Thu 11a-9p › Fri 11a-10p › Sat 12-10p › Sun 12-9pm

Opening this month!

Visit the website for information on our other locations.

Chefs of Napoli is now expanding to include a new location in Ocala and will be bringing authentic Neopolitan cuisine to the area. There’s no need to travel 9,000 miles to Italy to experience authentic Neopolitan dining, now there is a piece of Italy right here in Ocala. Patrons can dine in or take out, and catering is always available. Don’t forget to try a delectable dessert. The tiramisu, cannoli, cheese cake and limoncello cake are to die for. Don’t miss out! Try the homemade Neopolitan bread.

Mi Tierra Latina

3131 SW College Rd. Suite 303, Ocala › (352) 237-4042 2105 SW Hwy 484, Ocala › (352) 307-0888 Sun-Thu 11:30a-9:30p › Fri & Sat 11:30a-10p › mi-tierra-latina.com Peruvian food is a cuisine with a heritage as unique as its flavors, and Ocala residents don’t have to travel far to try it for themselves.

Mi Tierra Latina aims to delight the palate and provide balanced nutrition with their traditional Peruvian and Mexican dishes.

Seafood lovers will enjoy the ceviche of corvina fish and the choros a la chalaca (mussels topped with corn, tomatoes, lime and cilantro). Choose a delicious Peruvian dish like Lomo saltado or a Mexican favorite such as fajitas, pollo con mole and many more.

Jersey Mike’s Subs 8075 SW SR 200 Suite 121 Ocala (352) 236-6809 › jerseymikes.com Sun-Sat 10a-9p

At Jersey Mike’s Subs, our goal is to give back to the community, make the freshest sub—hot or cold—cut each time in front of you and provide a clean and friendly atmosphere in which to relax. Jersey Mike’s Subs in Ocala has partnered with several organizations and charities in Marion County, including Michelle-O-Gram, the College of Central Florida’s men’s basketball team and the CF swim club, to name just a few. Join us as we welcome our new location at On Top of the World, 8075 SW State Road 200, #121, in the Publix plaza. Be a sub above.

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Stop in for happy hour every day between 2pm and 7pm at either Mi Tierra Latina location! Try a $9.99 dinner combination, or enjoy a lunch special from 11:30am3pm Monday through Friday. Ask about our catering! Karaoke every Saturday at SR 200 location, from 7pm-closing.

ALL DAY LONG Bucket Special – domestic beers $12. Imports $15.

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Book your party at Tony’s today.

Gift cards available.

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. Family-friendly, casual atmosphere, along with a full bar, including imported Japanese sake and beer selections.

At our Sunday brunch enjoy our chef’s specialty dinner selections, including an impressive assortment of fresh salads, peel and eat shrimp, and the chefattended carving station... not to mention the best part... dessert!

Find us on Facebook for up-to-date info on special events.

Be sure to visit us at the Canopy Oaks Center.

Pavarotti’s also caters.

Mon: All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti and Meatballs $6.99 Tue: 16” Cheese Pizza $7.99 Wed: 10 Chicken Wings $5.

PAVAROTTI’S

West 82º Bar & Grill

9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River › (352) 795-4211 ext. 311 plantationoncrystalriver.com/restaurant-and-bars.htm Breakfast: daily 6-10:30a › Lunch: Mon-Sat 11:30a-2p Dinner: daily 5-9p › Sunday Brunch: 11:30a-2pm Experience authentic Florida cuisine at the Plantation on Crystal River. Just off our lobby is the West 82º Bar & Grill, where you’ll find top-notch recipes in a relaxing setting along Kings Bay. Holding true to our reputation of genuine Southern hospitality and attention to detail, all our entrées are prepared with the finest natural—and, whenever possible, local—ingredients. Join us Sundays for our delicious brunch, featuring traditional breakfast favorites. Overlooking Kings Bay and Crystal River, the West 82º Bar & Grill provides a special place to enjoy dining with your friends and family.

Pavarotti’s Pizza & Restaurant

8075 SW HWY 200, Canopy Oaks Center, Ocala › (352) 291-9424 Mon-Thu 11a-9p › Fri-Sat 11a-10p › Sun 11a-8p

Pavarotti’s Pizza and Restaurant in Ocala is known for its famous, old-fashioned pizzas, hand-tossed and baked on a stone deck oven. Try the array of classic Italian entrées, fresh salads and subs, and hearty pasta dinners. Veal or chicken is served Parmigiana, Marsala or picatta style, and the seafood dishes are served fresh over linguini. Pizza lovers can’t get enough of the homemade pies, and don’t forget about the subs, stromboli and calzones!

Pizza & Restaurant

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Lighthouse Point Bar & Grille 925 Lake Shore Dr., The Villages, FL (352) 753-7800 › lighthousepointbarandgrille.com Sun-Thu 11a-9p › Fri-Sat 11a-Midnight

Lunch overlooking the water or dinner with a breath-taking sunset—whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to love it. We have a new menu that will take you on a tasty new adventure. All-you-caneat crab legs (call or stop in for dates and details) and live Maine lobster are some of the specialties. And look no further because we have the best clam chowder in town. We offer seafood, chicken, burgers, soups and salads. A menu sure to please all cravings and taste buds, especially with our wonderful creative recipes. We offer a gluten-free menu as well. Whether you want to enjoy a great meal or relax with a drink from our full bar, we’re sure you will have a great time and enjoy our fabulous, friendly staff.

Kotobuki Japanese Restaurant

2463 SW 27th Avenue, Ocala › (352) 237-3900 › kotobukiocala.com Lunch: Tue-Fri 11:30a-2p Dinner: Tue-Thu 4:30-9:30p › Fri & Sat 4:30-10:30p › Mon & Sun 4:30-9:30p For an authentic Japanese meal in an award-winning restaurant that has been serving Ocala since 1986, try Kotobuki. Enjoy traditional Japanese favorites like tempura, teriyaki and broiled seafood and vegetables. For a memorable experience, gather around the hot grill and watch as your chef prepares steak, chicken and seafood favorites right before your eyes.

Happy Hour 3-6p every day Check our website for a full menu and daily specials.

We also offer outside dining.

Early Bird daily 4:30-7pm Check out our sushi bar.

Serving Ocala since 1986!

Ask about our lunch specials!

Get the VIP treatment. Check out our specials!

Brooklyn’s Backyard

2019 E Silver Springs Boulevard, Suite #102, Ocala › (352) 304-6292 brooklynsbackyard.com Sun 11a-8p › Mon-Wed 11a-9p › Thu-Sat 11a-whenever Head down to the “Yard” for fresh food and fun in a relaxed, backyard atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for finger foods or something exotic, they’ve got it, and it’s delicious! Try one of their unique burger creations. In the mood for wings? Get the best from the 2014 & 2015 King of Wings. Want pizza? They got it, NY style, plus a full range of fresh salads, sandwiches and entrées sure to suit everyone! There’s beer, wine and a full liquor bar in the “Yard,” too—over 40 craft beers, craft cocktails and a great selection of wines, all sure to perfectly complement your meal!

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Looking to make your next event extra special? Brooklyn’s caters—holidays, weddings, parties, office lunches—we got you covered! Live music on Fridays!

Family owned & operated.

Brooklyn’s Backyard—Good beer, better food!

› DINING GUIDE

Need a boost? The coffee, tea, cold drinks and eats at Chelsea Coffee Company will do the trick.

Chelsea Coffee Company 3217 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala (352) 351-5282 › chelseacoffeecompany.com Mon-Fri 6a-7p › Sat 7a-7p › Sun 8a-6p

Start your new year off right with the high energy, super greens and whey protein smoothies at Chelsea Coffee Company. Brewed coffee, espressos, lattes and cappuccinos are on the menu for coffee lovers, and this company promises to pour only the finest coffee into your cup. Their signature morning blend of coffee is a fairly traded one from Sweetwater Organic Coffee Roasters. Loose leaf and bagged teas are also on the list of must-haves. There are six different types of bagged teas and eight loose leaf teas to choose from. Enjoy the cozy and friendly atmosphere, and grab a bite to eat from their breakfast, lunch or bakery offerings. Cold beverages—including iced coffees, French and Italian sodas, iced teas and chillers—are served, as well.

Looking for the perfect location for your company party? Our private dining rooms seat up to 50 people. Visit us online to check out our group dining packages to find the one that best suits your needs.

Eat pizza your way: dine in, delivery or buffet!

Ipanema Brazilian Steak House

2023 South Pine Avenue, Ocala › (352) 622-1741 › ipanemaocala.com Dinner: Tue-Thu 5-9p, Fri & Sat 5-10p, Sun 4-9p › Lunch: Fri 11a-2:30p Brunch: Sun 12-3p › Happy Hour Tue-Fri 5-7p › Closed Monday A Churrascaria (Portuguese for barbecue) is a dining experience where roaming Gauchos slice and serve fire-roasted meats from skewers in a continual fashion. Ipanema Brazilian Steak House boasts 12 of the finest cuts of meat complemented by an opulent salad and vegetable bar, delectable desserts and delicious wines, beers and cocktails. Brazilian native and Executive Chef Ortencia DeAlmeida invites you to embrace the flavors of her homeland and experience the magnetism of Ipanema for yourself. Become a fan of Ipanema on Facebook at facebook.com/ipanemasteakhouse.

Five Star Pizza

4414 SW College Rd., Bldg. 1740, Ocala › (352) 861-5555 › fivestarpizza.com › Sun-Thu 11a-1a › Fri & Sat 11a-2a Feed that pizza craving with specials offered at Five Star Pizza’s new College Road location. Enjoy two large, one-topping pizzas for $22.99; one large, one-topping pizza and 10 wings for $18.99; one 24-inch, one-topping piezilla for $19.99; and one large, two-topping pizza, garlic rolls and a two-liter soda for $19.99. It’s the first dinein Five Star restaurant ever, and it’s open late for you night owls. Go with the barbecue chicken (one of the owners’ favorites), or choose from nine other specialty pizzas. And don’t forget to feed your sweet tooth—CinnaSticks or brownie bites will do the trick.

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Fish Hawk Spirits

21 SW 2nd St., Gainesville › (352) 792-6699 › fishhawkspirits.com › Mon & Tues Private Tastings › Wed-Fri 4p-10p › Sat 1p-10p › Sun 4p-10p

We make the Spirits of Florida!

Craft spirits—what does that mean? At Fish Hawk Spirits, the philosophy is about doing business with their neighbors while pursuing quality in their finished spirits. Their spirits are made from locally sourced, all-natural raw materials. They consider themselves makers of fine, handcrafted spirits. They distill every drop, capturing the essence of Florida from the ingredients grown here. They source materials first from Marion County and then from Florida and, if necessary, from other U.S. producers. Every drop of their tangerine brandy, Marion Black 106, began as a blossom on a tangerine tree in a Florida grove—just like their blueberry products are made from the blueberries grown at Island Grove Winery and their whiskey from corn and oats grown in Florida.

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille

24 SE 1st Avenue, Ocala › (352) 840-0900 › hookedonharrys.com Mon-Thu 11a-10p › Fri & Sat 11a-11p › Sun 11a-9p Located in the heart of downtown Ocala, Harry’s offers traditional Louisiana favorites like Shrimp and Scallop Orleans, Crawfish Etouffée, Jambalaya, Shrimp Creole and Blackened Red Fish. Other favorites, like Harry’s Signature Crab Cakes and Bourbon Street Salmon, are complemented with grilled steaks, chicken, burgers, po’ boy sandwiches and salads. Their full bar features Harry’s Signature Cocktails such as the Harry’s Hurricane, Bayou Bloody Mary or the new Southern Mule. They also feature wines by the glass and a wide selection of imported, domestic and craft beer. Harry’s menu is sure to have something for everyone!

Crossroads Country Kitchen 7947 W Highway 40, Ocala › (352) 237-1250 Mon-Thur 6a-8:30p › Fri-Sat 6a-9p › Sun 7a-3p

Located west on Highway 40 in Ocala, the Crossroads Country Kitchen is a must for anyone craving down-home, country cooking.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, menu items range from a wide variety of homemade soups and chili to prime rib, fresh salads, seafood, prime steaks and burgers. If you’re in the mood for a real treat, try the Prime Rib Dinner For Two for $26.95. Make sure to leave room for one of the tasty home-baked desserts! In the mood for a fresh fish fry? Tuesdays and Fridays are all-you-careto-eat catfish or whitefish. Enjoy an Italian special on Wednesdays.

Big screen televisions will allow you to enjoy your meal without missing one second of the big game or race.

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Happy Hour Specials: 2-7p every day, $3 Draft Beer $4 House Wine & Premium Cocktails $5 Super Premium & Signature Cocktails Every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday at Harry’s.

Happy Hour all day long!

Located at the Crossroads of NW 80th Ave. and Hwy 40 West. No matter what you have a taste for, Crossroads Country Kitchen is sure to become a new favorite.

Former owners of “The Spiced Apple” restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale. We accept all major credit cards.

OCALA FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER For over 25 years, Ocala’s ORIGINAL one-stop for your medical needs!

2230 SW 19th Ave Rd Ocala, FL 34471

Carlos Rodriguez, MD

Robert Panzer, DO

Douglas Rogers, DO

Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Mark Monical, DO

Brian Pecoraro, DO

James London, MD

Mimi Balch, MD

Robert Williams, MD

Todd Panzer, ARNP-C

Salesia Alvarado, MD

Anne Moyer, PA-C

Linda Bellows, ARNP-C Laurel Bryant, ARNP-C Karen Larsen, ARNP-C Brittani Losapio, ARNP-C Tyler Lindsey, PA-C

Adam Alpers, DO

Stacey Graham, ARNP-C

Corey West, ARNP-C

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

352-237-4133 www.ocalafmc.com

WE ACCEPT MOST MAJOR INSURANCES

OFMC Wellness Center 2131 SW 20th Place Ocala, FL 34471

352-237-4133

• Physical Medicine • Interventional Spine • Sports Medicine Eduardo Cruz, MD

(outside referrals accepted)

• Physical Therapy • Balance & Gait Training • Vertigo & Incontinence Nick Machupa, PT, OCS Deborah Main, DPT

Joseph Javier, DPT

(outside referrals accepted)

OFMC Dermatology, Aesthetics & Women’s Health Center 2121 SW 22nd Place Ocala, FL 34471

352-237-4133

• Dermatology

(outside referrals accepted)

• Mohs’ Skin Cancer Surgery

• Aesthetics & Laser • Facials, IPL Laser, Botox & Fillers • Pharmaceutical Grade Products FREE CONSULTATIONS

Kenneth A. Wallace, MD

Deb Scott, LPN, LE

• Women’s Health • Well Woman Exams & Pap Smears • IUD Insertion & Removal Barbara Ellis, ARNP

JANUARY SPECIAL: 15% OFF Skin Care Products *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.*

TICKETS ON SALE! JAN

JUST IMAGINE:

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MICHAEL CAVANAUGH

THE JOHN LENNON EXPERIENCE STARRING TIM PIPER JustImagineTheShow.com

MichaelCavanaugh.com

Resident: $29-31 | Non-Resident: $31-33

Resident: $45-47 | Non-Resident: $47-49

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BEGINNINGS

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The Ultimate EAGLES Experience THE ULTIMATE

THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO CHICAGO

EAGLES EXPERIENCE

SUPER DIAMOND

THE NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE

TheBronxWanderers.com

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SuperDiamond.com

Resident: $21-23 | Non-Resident: $23-25

Resident: $21-23 | Non-Resident: $23-25

Resident: $21-23 | Non-Resident: $23-25

Resident: $28-30 | Non-Resident: $30-32

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RICHARD NADER’S DOO WOP & ROCK N’ ROLL LEGENDS

FEATURING . . . THE CHARLIE THOMAS DRIFTERS, TOMMY MARA AND THE CRESTS AND TERRY SYLVESTER, FORMER LEAD SINGER OF THE HOLLIES

Resident: $29-31 | Non-Resident: $31-33

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DITCHFIELD FAMILY PATRIOTIC SHOW

TheCompanyMen.com

TheDitchfieldFamilySingers.com

Resident: $24-26 | Non-Resident: $26-28

Resident: $10-12 | Non-Resident: $12-14

8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala, FL 34481 | (352) 854-3670 | CSCulturalCenter.com TICKET OFFICE HOURS: Mon-Sat: 11 am - 2 pm | Day of Show: 11 am - Showtime

ALL SHOWS BEGIN AT 7 PM & DOORS OPEN AT 6 PM (except as noted) Gift Certificates Available

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.

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Parents Night Off

After months of planning special get-togethers and carting kids around to practices, recitals and sporting events, it’s time for Mom and Dad to enjoy a night off.

Brick City Adventure Park will host a “Parents Night Out” so parents can hit the town or simply stay in for a quiet evening. The program is for kids ages 6-13 and will include indoor and outdoor games, activities and arts and crafts. Snacks and drinks will be provided, and the evening will run 5-9pm, just enough time for moms and dads to catch a show, go out to dinner or maybe even take a nap! Can’t make this month’s event? Start making plans now because another “Parent’s Night Out” will be held February 17. Registration is $15, and pre-registration is required.

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FIND OUT MORE › marioncountyfl.org or (352) 671-8560

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Downtown To Dos JAN 7: New Year, New You, Resolve for Better Health, downtown Ocala, 3-7pm JAN 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration March, downtown Ocala, 8-9am.

A Mid-Week Market (Wednesdays)

Love going to the Ocala Downtown Market on Saturdays but having a hard time squeezing it in? If your weekends are just too packed to fit in another event, you’ll be happy to know the Ocala Downtown Market will now host a second opportunity for residents to shop small at the Wednesday Evening Markets. Held in the same location on the corner of SE 3rd avenue and SE 3rd street, the vendors will be open from 3-7pm with the freshest produce, baked-goods, handmade crafts and much more. ocaladowntownmarket.com or (352) 629-8051.

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Fresh And Clean In 2017 Kick off 2017 free of mental and physical clutter. The United Way of Marion County’s Women’s Leadership Council, “Women of Worth,” will host its fourth and final Design, Decorate and Discover series event, “Start Clean in 2017,” on January 12 from 11:30am1:00pm at College of Central Florida Ewers Center. The session will focus on keeping life simple by focusing on the mind, body and spirit while simultaneously learning to declutter both your mind and your home.

Registration is $25 and includes a lunch and giveaways. Deadline to register is January 6. All proceeds will benefit the ReadingPals program, which provides reading mentors for at-risk students. uwmc.org or (352) 732-9696.

Hold Your Horses!

It’s hard to believe, but those painted ponies Ocala has become known for have been trotting around town for 15 years now. The Marion Cultural Alliance first introduced us to these artsy equines with the Horse Fever project in 2002. The Horse Fever in Motion and the 10th Anniversary Horse Fever projects continued the tradition of creating these life-sized works of art that celebrate our equine heritage. This year, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Horse Fever, the Marion Cultural Alliance will host an exhibit at Brick City Center for the Arts celebrating the artists who brought us our painted horses. Horse Fever Artists—Where Are They Now? is designed to honor the artists and showcase their current work. Artists who participated in any or all of the Horse Fever public art projects will have the opportunity to present. The exhibit runs in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk on January 6 from 6-9pm. mcaocala.com or (352) 369-1500

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Tackle 26.2

The pinnacle event for many runners is the daunting distance of the marathon. Ocala’s very own 26.2 course is known as being one of the most scenic around. Runners wind their way through the picturesque horse country and are often joined by a few equine friends along the way. For those not up for the full 26.2, a half marathon and 5K option are also available. This year’s race is the 20th anniversary and is also event number five in the Big Hammock Race Series Season 2—Presented by Prime Mortgage

Group. Considered a “Super Race” in the BHRS, the Ocala Marathon is a perfect opportunity to rack up some points and snag some serious bling! The race begins at the Paddock Mall with the marathoners heading out at 7am sharp followed by the half marathoners at 7:15am and the 5K kicking off at 7:30am. For more information or to register, visit bighammockraceseries.com or call (352) 637-2475.

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JOIN US FOR THE RANCH OPEN HOUSE

JANUARY 16-22, 2017.

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OPEN TO ALL!

New Member Benefits!

• FREE $50 Ranch Gift Card • Gift Certificate for 6 FIT Sessions • Ranch Orientation with a Personal Trainer AND a FREE Ranch T-Shirt

8385 SW 80th St. • Ocala, Florida 34481 352.861.8180 • TheRanchFitnessSpa.com www.Facebook.com/TheRanchFitnessSpa #10731-1/17

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Ongoing Events Free ESL Classes › Wednesdays at First Baptist Church of Ocala at

6pm, (352) 629-5683

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Free ESL Classes › Wednesdays at College Road Baptist Church at 6pm, (352) 629-5683 Chair Yoga › Wednesdays at Blissful Live Corporation at 10:30am,

With Stacey Atsides

(352) 694-YOGA

Interview by Bonnie Kretchik

Yoga for Trauma Survivors › Sunday at Blissful Live Corporation at 9am, (352) 694-YOGA

Survivors Support Group › Last Tuesday of the month at

Culinary Couture

The upcoming horse show season isn’t the only event expected to draw a crowd this winter. Inspired by top-notch culinary festivals around the Southeast, both Jennifer Murty and Elodie Perron knew Ocala had everything necessary to stage a similar grand event.

After months of thoughtful preparation and planning, the Ocala Culinary Festival was born.

The grand affair will be like nothing Ocala has seen before, with a number of special events taking place featuring some of the best chefs in the business. Board member Stacey Atsides took a few minutes to tell us a little about the festival taking place this March.

The event was inspired by culinary festivals in much larger cities. Why decide to stage something similar here in Ocala?

Both Jennifer and Elodie knew Ocala had the talent, space and involvement of the community to put on an event like this. The goal of the festival is to draw in people outside of Ocala and introduce them to our town and what we have to offer.

How much planning has gone into the festival?

This was an enormous undertaking, but there was a vision. This will be a top-notch event with everything about it being professional, organized and thorough, including the website and event pages as well as each event detail.

What type of events are planned?

This festival is a showcase of food and wine, and we will have educational events, such as demonstrations and clinics, as well as social events, like our Gospel Brunch and Grand Tasting.

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Do you have to buy tickets?

Yes, each event is ticketed. Some will only offer 10 or so tickets, while others can host up to 100 people.

Why the large range?

Many of these are educational events where we have brought in experts in the field to showcase their specialties. These events can only cater to a certain number of individuals, while others may feature two or three chefs and can, therefore, accommodate a larger crowd.

Should people purchase tickets early?

Absolutely. Each event description is listed on the website, and we’ve already had incredible support and feedback from the community, so we are expecting the event to be highly successful.

WANT TO GO? › Ocala Culinary Festival › March 1-5 › Multiple locations › ocalaculinaryfestival.com or facebook.com/ocalaculinaryfestival

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1pm in the chapel at Ocala West United Methodist Church (room 235), (352) 291-6904

Arts, Crafts and Culture Upcoming Exhibits At The Appleton › John James

Audubon: Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America will feature 36 original large-format Audubon prints from the private collection of Mr. & Mrs. William H. Told, Jr. of New York. The exhibit runs through January 22. Power and Piety: Spanish Colonial Art will feature 56 paintings, sculpture, silver pieces, furniture and other decorative devotional objects dating from the late 17th century through the 1820s.

The exhibit runs through February 26. Diversity in Cultures Through African Insights features textile pattern designs and themes of West African folk tales and myths. The exhibit runs January 10-April 2.

Hallowed Absurditites: Work By Theodore Waddell raises the issue of the use of guns in our society. The exhibit runs January 17-May 7.

Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray provides an intimate look at Frida Kahlo, Mexico’s most prolific and well-known female artist. The exhibit runs January 28-April 2. appletonmuseum.org or (352) 291-4455.

Young Artists Honors Recital (January 8) › Six finalists from

the 26th Annual Young Artist Competition will compete in front of a live audience. After the judges deliberate, winners will be selected and those chosen will join the Ocala Symphony Orchestra for an upcoming performance. reillyartscenter.com or (352) 351-1606.

CF International Film Series (January 17, 31) › The CF

International Film Series will present My Life as a Dog on January 17 and Mustang on January 31 at the Appleton Museum at 2pm. Films are free for Appleton and film series members and are included in the price of admission for nonmembers. appletonmuseum.com or (352) 291-4455).

Trips ’N’ Tours (January 26-28) › The program will take guests

to Naples, Florida, to the Baker Museum and the Naples Botanical Gardens to experience Origami in the Garden. The trip will include dinner and shopping at the Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar at Venetian Village on the Bay, breakfast daily, lunch and shopping on 5th Avenue, and more. appletonmuseum.org or (352) 291-4455.

Outdoor & Athletic Endeavors Group Bike Rides (Ongoing) › Brick City Bicycles offers

several group bike rides throughout the week and weekend. brickcitybicycles.com or (352) 369-9400.

Kayak Outings (Ongoing) › The Marion County Parks and

Recreation Department will host several kayak outings for children and adults. marioncountyfl.org or call (352) 671-8560.

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“Doc Hall’s Signature Series” -Florida’s Largest Sports Nutrition Store•Sports Nutrition Supplements •Deep Tissue & Sports Massage Staff •Personal Training Why are my prices so low? Because you have been paying too much!

Give the gift of health this holiday with a Doc’s gift certificate!

500 SW 10 ST (SR 200) OCALA 622-DOCS dochallfitness@aol.com JAN ’17 ›

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Ford and Mustang Round up (January 7) › The 23rd annual Ford and Mustang Round up presented by National Parts Depot will take place at Silver Springs State Park. The event will feature hundreds of Ford cars as well as vendors and children’s activities. silversprings.com or (352) 261-5840.

Paintball Event (January 21) › Wayne’s World of Paintball will

Concerts

sponsor a paintball and community awareness event for Breaking Out, an anti-human trafficking organization. The event will take place at Wayne’s World of Paintball from 9am-5pm and includes a family festival with vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, paintball and educational sessions about human trafficking. breakoutoftrafficking.org or (866) 224-2888.

Ticketmaster › (800) 745-3000 › ticketmaster.com All dates are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead to confirm venue listings.

Lukas Graham Riff Raff Brothers Osborne Pink Martini Kenny Rogers Ethan Bortnick Nelly Billy Joel Florida Georgia Line Styx Aaron Lewis Jack Jones Jackie Evancho

House of Blues, Orlando Backbooth, Orlando House of Blues, Orlando Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, The Villages Paul P. Williams Auditorium, Leesburg Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center, Fort Lauderdale Amway Center, Orlando Amway Center, Orlando The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, The Villages House of Blues, Orlando Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota

Jan. 9 Jan. 13 Jan. 14

Jan. 20 Jan. 21

Feb. 14 28

Brain Fitness Class (January 9) › An eight-week brain fitness class will be held at Waterman Village in Mt. Dora. Weekly classes are held either Monday/Wednesday 10am-12pm or Tuesday/Thursday 2-4pm.

Tuition is $100. (352) 383-0051, ext. 313. interactive senior fair from 9am-2pm featuring demonstrations, programs and speakers. brookdale.com or (352) 368-7710.

Father Daughter Dance (February 3, 4) › The 11th annual Father

Daughter Dance will be held at the Circle Square Cultural Center.

Three dances are available: February 3 at 6pm and February 4 at 4pm or 7pm. Early bird couples’ tickets are $35 with additional daughter tickets $15 each. After January 16, tickets are $45 for a couple and $15 for additional daughter tickets.

Orlando Magic Atlanta Jan. 4 Houston Jan. 6 Milwaukee Jan. 20 Golden State Jan. 22 Chicago Jan. 24

7:00p 7:00p 7:00p 12:00p 7:00p

Miami Heat Detroit Houston Dallas Milwaukee Golden State Detroit Brooklyn

6:00p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p

.com

JAN

will take place at Courtyard on Broadway from 12-4pm. The event will feature crab legs, shrimp, mussels, crawfish, sausage, potatoes and corn. (352) 354-2029.

Senior Fair (January 18) › Brookdale Pinecastle will host an

University of Florida Ole Miss Jan. 3 Tennessee Jan. 7 Georgia Jan. 14 Vanderbilt Jan. 21

› Ocala

AYCE Seafood Boil (January 8) › An all-you-can-eat seafood boil

Feb. 9

NBA

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group will take place at the Waterman Village in Mt. Dora at 10am.

The meeting will feature guest speaker John Maiorino, who will speak about microcirculation. (352) 735-2077.

Feb. 3

NCAA Basketball

University of Central Florida East Carolina Jan. 3 7:15p Houston Jan. 14 4:00p South Florida Jan. 17 7:00p SMU Jan. 25 6:00p

Recreation Department will host a family campout at Horse Shoe Lake.

The group will meet at 2pm on Saturday and return at 11am on Sunday.

Registration is $70 for a family of 4 and $15 for extra members.

Children must be 8 years of age or older. marioncountyfl.org or (352) 671-8560.

Neuropathy Support Group (January 7) › A neuropathy support

Jan. 27 Jan. 28

Feb. 27

Family Campout (January 28) › The Marion County Parks and

Other Fun Stuff!

Jan. 26

Don’t miss a single dunk. Here are the home schedules:

Florida State University Virginia Tech Jan. 7 2:00p #5 Duke Jan. 10 8:00p Notre Dame Jan. 18 7:00p #14 Louisville Jan. 21 2:00p

20

Jan. 18

Sports 7:00p 5:15p 12:00p 12:00p

JAN

Jan. 1 Jan. 17 Jan. 19 Jan. 21 Jan. 23 Jan. 28 Jan. 30

Greek Festival (February 24-26) › The St. Mark Green Orthodox Church in Belleview will hold its 17th annual Greek festival. The festival will celebrate the Greek culture through food, music and more. greekfestivalocala.com or (352) 245-3324.

To have an event considered for Ocala Style Magazine’s The Scene, send a short description (and a color photo, if possible) 60 days in advance to calendar@ocalastyle.com, fax us at (352) 732-0226 or by mail: Ocala Style Magazine, The Scene, 1007 E. Fort King St., Ocala, FL 34471

Performing Arts Blue Man Group Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba Ron White Daytona Beach Society Presents: Prague Philharmonia FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando presents: Wicked George Lopez Kathleen Madigan Disenchanted The Fantasticks Dance Alive National Ballet Presents: Robin Hood Daytona Beach Society Presents: Bamberg Symphony

Blue Man Group Theatre at Universal CityWalk, Orlando

Hard Rock Live, Orlando

Jan. 1Apr. 30 Jan. 3Mar. 11 Jan. 7

The Peabody, Daytona Beach

Jan. 11

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando

Jan. 11-29

Amalie Arena, Tampa The Plaza Live, Orlando Reilly Arts Center, Ocala Ocala Civic Theatre

Jan. 20 Jan. 21 Jan. 27 Feb. 2-26

Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Gainesville

Feb. 4-5

The Peabody, Daytona Beach

Feb. 10

Disney Springs, Orlando

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota Don Quixote Russian The Sharon L. Morse Performing National Ballet Theatre Arts Center, The Villages Cinderella Russian The Sharon L. Morse Performing National Ballet Theatre Arts Center, The Villages Hard Rock Live At The Jerry Seinfeld Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood The Hippodrome State Becky’s New Car Theatre, Gainesville Ocala Symphony Orchestra Presents: A Reilly Arts Center, Ocala Night At The Oscars Steve Martin

Feb. 10 Feb. 21-23

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Folk At Its Finest (January 26) › Multi-

instrumentalist Keller Williams and flat-picking guitarist Leo Kottke will team up for an evening of folk music at its finest. The duo intends to take the “Shut the Folk Up and Listen” show on the road after breezing into the Reilly Arts Center this month. Be prepared for solo performances and spontaneous collaborations between the two artists. reillyartscenter.com or (352) 351-1606.

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OMCAR Raises Funds For Boys & Girls Clubs › Written And Photographed By Ronald W. Wetherington

T

his year’s 8th annual Chair-ity fundraiser by the Ocala Marion County Association of Realtors, led by their young professionals and strategic business partners, was a smashing success. In the past seven years, OMCAR has raised thousands of dollars for their charities, and this year was no different, with more than $30,000 raised.

In a departure from the traditional formal dinner, OMCAR had over 125 people sampling the fare at food trucks in addition to bidding on items in silent and live auctions. The beneficiary this year was the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County.

Sponsors of the OMCAR Chair-ity fundraiser included Trilogy at Ocala Preserve, FBT Mortgage and CBC National Bank. From a “Gator Fever” chair painted orange with big blue dots to handmade barstools made out of wood pallets by Terry Thompson and a handmade tailgate table and chairs made by Duke Rountree, the selection of donated items was certainly creative.

Chair-ity, with its whimsical chairs, is a unique concept. Much of the credit for the concept goes to R. Susan Smith.

“The event idea started over

seven years ago from a committee meeting of realtors and affiliates that I was chairing,” she says. “I wanted to come up with something different that would generate money for charities and show the community how our Realtors and affiliates gave back. My idea was embraced by the committee, and so began the Chair-ity event.”

OMCAR committee members made the 2016 event a success largely due to the hard work of their committee chaired by Steve Rudniayn. Other committee members included Amy Lord, Christi McCall, George Arvanitis, David Drozdowski, Bryce Peek, Carolyn Hammack, Larissa Ortiz and Samuel Hollon.

That the thousands raised by OMCAR at this year’s Chair-ity event will make a difference in the individual lives of our youth is indisputable. Consider a testimonial by Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County member Terryanah Robinson, who is 12 years old and a Fort King Middle School student.

Terryanah says, “The monetary donations can improve the gym and help to do many other upgrades to our clubhouse. It allows us to have more staff to motivate us to become better people. One of the things I love about the staff is that they are always speaking to us and motivating us to volunteer and serve others. With donations, the club can serve more kids and become well known in the community and all of Ocala.”

Terryanah goes on to say that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County have made a valuable difference in the quality of her life.

“The club has made life better for me and my mom,” she says.

“We come after school and during the summer. The staff is fun, loving and is helping me be a leader. The club needs more support to help kids like me. I see more space for new friends to come join me. Thank you to the Ocala Marion County Association of Realtors for making my life better and making sure that the club is here for me.”

In addition to after-school homework help and tutoring, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County teach good citizenship skills to its members. To sponsor our youth at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County, call (352) 690-7519 or visit bgcofmarion.com.

Ashley and Jennifer Jones

John Celebre, Todd Jones, April and Duke Rountree

Ronald W. Wetherington SOCIAL SCENE EDITOR

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Aaron Taylor, R. Susan Smith, Tanner Tippett and Cody Phillips

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Gateway Bank’s 2016 Reindeer Run

Photos by Sheila Hartley @ Gateway Bank

Hundreds of runners piled onto Silver Springs Boulevard for the 39th Annual Reindeer Run. As one of the oldest runs in Ocala, this race drew spectators to both sides of the street to witness the tradition. All proceeds supported Young Life of Marion County.

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Gateway Bank’s 2016 Reindeer Run

Photos by Sheila Hartley @ Gateway Bank

Hundreds of runners piled onto Silver Springs Boulevard for the 39th Annual Reindeer Run. As one of the oldest runs in Ocala, this race drew spectators to both sides of the street to witness the tradition. All proceeds supported Young Life of Marion County.

Nicole Gramenti and Lacy Rome

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Geoff Harrison and Chris Parks Volunteer group

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