Ocala Style | December 2023

DEC ‘23

Happy Holidays

Quiet Elegance

352.804.8989

Private, elegant living on 8+/- acres, perfect for quiet enjoyment. The tree-lined drive draws your eyes to this magnificent 2-story, 5-bedroom, 6.5-bath brick estate with lakefront views. The main floor owner’s suite has a luxurious bath.

Upstairs are three ensuite bedrooms and a large bonus room for a game or media area. Guests will enjoy private and spacious accommodations. Enjoy evenings in the screen-enclosed lanai with a pool, jacuzzi and summer kitchen while watching beautiful sunsets over the pond, with bass rolling over in the distance A tennis/pickle ball court, gazebo and beautiful grandaddy oaks add to the uniqueness of this estate. Just minutes to city conveniences. $2,290,000

Magnificent Estate Great opportunity to purchase a great family estate just minutes from many amenities, including hospitals, restaurants and schools. This 5.60 +/- acres of beautifully landscaped land is gated and perimeter fenced. Magnificent 5-bedroom, 6-full and 1-half bath estate encompasses more than 7,000 square feet of living area, with 4-car garage and pool. The home is designed for entertaining, with an open floor plan, billiards/game room and wet bar. Beautiful outdoor area with pool, patio, cabana and seating areas to entertain your guests while enjoying the views. Property is zoned A-1, so bring the horses! Four grassy paddocks are perfect for grazing cattle or horses. $1,950,000

Joan Pletcher, Realtor

Our results speak for themselves.

List with Joan today!

Hidden Gem

With sprawling living spaces, beautiful finishes and breathtaking surroundings, this property is a true gem waiting to be discovered. Nestled on 35+ acres, this extraordinary barnstyle, custom built home offers 3,500 square feet under roof and is loaded with rustic charm. Step inside and be captivated by the expansive great room designed for relaxing or entertainment.

There is a large metal building (26-feet by 50-feet) for storing large equipment.

A second residence is currently being leased. The generous acreage provides several enjoyable areas, including a cozy firepit area, gazebo, pasture, trails, boating, fishing and water frontage.

The property is located just outside of The Villages. $3,300,000

Legendary Trails This prestigious and impeccable 4-bedroom, 3-bath home encompassing 2,700 +/- square feet has stunning natural light. It’s balanced and grand, yet warm and inviting. The foyer invites you into an open great room, dining room and chef’s kitchen. The great room has sliding doors leading to an enclosed lanai, summer kitchen, pool with large deck and seating areas, making it perfect for entertaining. The master suite offers a luxurious bath with dual vanities, free-standing tub and large walk-in closet. There is a Generac generator, irrigation system, RO water system, water softener system and custom garage storage system. This gated community is near the Santos Trail Head. $949,000 Nestled on a private street on an oversized lot, this custom residence boasts luxurious finishes. It offers a balanced blend of convenient location, design and all the modern comforts you would desire. This 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers an open floor plan, 10-feet ceilings and formal dining room. The chef’s kitchen features a 36-inch LP Wolf Cooktop, custom cabinetry, quartz counters and center island with seating. The kitchen is open to the great room and breakfast nook, perfect for family and entertaining. Enjoy evenings on the oversized screen-enclosed lanai with a built-in stone patio and firepit area overlooking the landscaped yard with plenty of space for outdoor activities. $764,000

Stone Creek—Sante Fe

10 Acres 10.11Acres $57,500 PA $57,500 PA $575,000 $581,325

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10.06 Acres 19.90 Acres

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S

$42,000 PA $38,000 PA $835,800 $382,280

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Phase II - 155+/- Acres

17.49 Acres 70,000 PA $1,224,300

11.3 Acres

$38,000 PA $42,000 PA $567,000 $429,400

Phase III Pricing Lot 1 Lot 2

6.89 AC $361,725 $52,500 PA 7.07 AC $371,175 $52,500 PA Lot 4 3.90 AC $223,300 $57,000 PA Lot 5 3.89 AC $194,500 $50,000 PA Lot 6 4.41 AC $251,370 $57,000 PA Lot 7 4.35 AC $254,475 $58,500 PA Lot 8 3.47 AC $202,995 $58,500 PA Lot 9 4.24 AC $254,400 $60,000 PA Lot 10 3.30 AC $175,998 $53,333 PA Lot 11 3.02 AC $196,300 $65,000 PA Lot 14 3.84 AC $230,400 $60,000 PA Lot 18 30.63 AC $1,148,626 $37,500 PA Lot 21 22.83 AC $912,800 $40,000 PA

S

S

$49,155.91 PA $37,463 PA $375,000 $495,000

11.80 Acres 10.20 Acres

S

$49,000 PA $499,800

$45,000 PA $531,000

10.01 Acres

S

S S

S

S

S

S

14.50 Acres $42,000 PA $609,000

$38,500 per acre

10.07 Acres

Phase 1

13.50 Acres

S Pending

Phase III

S

S

S S

S 10.04 Acres

S S S

S

$97,000 PA $973,880

S

S

12 Acres

S $97,000 PA

$1,164,000

S

10.02 Acres

S S

* Access to Florida Greenways and Trails * Across from Florida Horse Park * Equine Friendly Neighborhood

15.06 Acres

S

S

S S

S

S 10 Acres

S

S

10.09 Acres

S $37,517 PA

S

S

S

S

$565,000

* Deed Restricted Neighborhood * 3,000 SF Minimum * Bridle Trails inside Via Paradisus

* Prices subject to change

Via Paradisus

Via Paradisus is a gated community graced with beautiful granddaddy oaks, paved streets, street lighting and access to the Florida Greenways and Trails. It is located close to the Florida Horse Park. This is a deed-restricted and equine-friendly community. There are plenty of paved streets for walking or bike riding. Bring your plans and build the dream home or farm of your choice. Florida’s Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway is one of the most treasured resources in the state. Offering hundreds of miles for horseback riding, mountain biking, or just plain relaxing, the Florida Greenway awaits your adventure.

What should you expect working with Joan Pletcher?

Expect an unparalleled combination of professionalism, integrity and relentless commitment to her client’s unique needs, interests, and desires.

Joan is a residential, equine property and land development REALTOR® since 1985 and a horsewoman herself so her clients have the benefit of experience and specialized expertise.

“The Ocala region is home to the most beautiful equestrian estates and horse farms in the United States and the natural beauty of the area, along with an amazing variety of equine-centered activities and venues, such as the phenomenal World Equestrian Center, makes this a place that more and more people want to call home,” says Joan.

Call or Text: 352.266.9100 | 352.804.8989 | joan@joanpletcher.com | joanpletcher.com

10/25/2023

Dear Readers,

t’s hard to believe we have come to the end of 2023!

Let’s make it great no matter what our plans are. And if you need some inspiration for making plans, this issue will hopefully help.

I’d like to thank Jill Paglia for inviting us all into her home for a third year to talk holiday decorating and entertaining with us. She definitely inspires us to up our holiday offerings!

With downtown Ocala so gaily decorated, be sure to stop by and check out the lights and snap a photo with one of the Holiday Pop Ups to share on social media.

We have a story about Ocala’s connection to Wakulla Springs that might inspire a day trip, and you can count on this issue to deliver a few heartwarming stories for good measure, such as Sassy the therapy horse and the history of the rare Spanish mission bell of the Ocklawaha. Our resident sage and funnyman, Dave Schlenker, even dishes up a Christmas story for the ages (sort of ).

Finally, thank you to our advertisers and readers for supporting this free community magazine. It is only with your support that we can continue to publish this valuable content. The entire team at Ocala Style closes this year grateful for your continued support.

We hope you enjoy the issue and give you our very best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a very happy new year!

Jennifer Hunt Murty Publisher

THE BEST IN LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Home of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and Community Music Conservatory

Publisher | Jennifer Hunt Murty

jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com

Magnolia Media Company, LLC (352) 732-0073

PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478

Art Editorial

SCAN FOR TICKETS AND MORE EVENTS!

DESIGN AND VISUAL DIRECTOR Nick Steele nick@magnoliamediaco.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Amy Harbert amy@magnoliamediaco.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Bruce Ackerman Komal Barad Catherine Coons Photography John Jernigan Lyn Larson of Mahal Imagery Scott Mitchum Katelyn Virginia Photography ILLUSTRATORS Jordan Shapot David Vallejo CLIENT SERVICES GURU Cheryl Specht cheryl@magnoliamediaco.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Greg Hamilton greg@magnoliamediaco.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rus Adams JoAnn Guidry Belea Keeney Scott Mitchell Dave Schlenker Beth Whitehead

Sales

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Evelyn Anderson evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com

Distribution Rick Shaw

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in this issue 26

SUPPORTING FARM WORKERS

Ocala Farm Ministry cares for those who care for horses.

28

THE QUANTIFIED HUMAN

Morley Stone will lecture at IHMC on December 5th.

29

CAN’ T LIVE WITHOUT

Rus Adams shares some favorite things.

31

36

VOWS

Meet the area’s newest brides and grooms.

36

PUBLISHER’S GIFT GUIDE

From luxurious to practical, great ideas for giving.

44

POP GOES THE SEASON

These cute photo ops are a seasonal hit.

46

DRIVEABLE DESTINATIONS: WAKULLA SPRINGS

This state park and lodge have a tie to Ocala.

50

LITTLE HORSE, BIG SMILES

Therapy animal Sassy brightens everyone’s day.

53

BRING ON THE CHEER

44

Hosting a holiday party? Check out these tips.

53

60

RARE FIND

The lost Spanish mission bell of the Ocklawaha.

62

SCHLENKERISMS

Celebrating Christmas (sort of ).

63

FOR THE GARDEN AND GARDENER A guide for creative gift giving.

o n th e c o ve r

Cover image and at left,

by John Jernigan, Jim Jernigan’s Studio. Above: photo courtesy of Pamela Calero Wardell.

Happy Holidays from us to you

A Holiday Message:

A

s our SouthState team closes out the year, we do so with a spirit of gratitude for all the things money cannot buy.

One of the reasons I love to work with our team is their generosity of spirit to each other, the community at large and our customers. They treat each other like family. They generously volunteer to help others in the community by using a very valuable resource—their time.

The warmth and professionalism our employees extend to our customers is a big part of the bank’s success. They remember customer names, get back to them in a timely manner and work hard to meet their 1632 E. Silver Springs Blvd.really • Ocala, FLup • 352.368.6800 financial needs. And these seemingly small gestures add when it SouthStateBank.com • Member FDIC comes to building relationships.

To our customers, we thank you for placing your trust in us and for referring your friends and family members to us. We know there are many banks you could choose from—and we don’t take your patronage for granted.

On behalf of the SouthState team, we wish you all the best the holiday season has to offer, and we look forward to helping make 2024 a very successful year.

Rusty Branson

SVP, Regional President

Member FDIC

“

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In network with most insurance providers.

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INSIDER

Social Scene Maxima Avila, Alondra Gonzalez and Gloria Lopez enjoyed the Hispanic Heritage Festival held October 14th at Citizens’ Circle in downtown Ocala. The event was hosted by the College of Central Florida, in partnership with the Hispanic Business Council and the support of the city of Ocala.

Photo by Bruce Ackerman

INSIDER

Hispanic Heritage Festival CITIZENS’ CIRCLE Photos by Bruce Ackerman

T

he College of Central Florida, in partnership with the Hispanic Business Council and the support of the city of Ocala, celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a free festival on October 14th. Food trucks, kidfriendly activities, music, artists and vendors were part of the fun.

Joseph, Kennyel and Jacob Bonilla, and Sara Vazquez

Freddie Rodriguez and Lillie Rosario with Princess Ruby

Kaythia Gonzalez

10

ocalastyle.com

Rafael Medina and Yamilka Archilla

Gilberto Collozo, Justo Torres and Maria Torres

“Cancer couldn’t stop me.”

Courtney Bailey, Breast cancer survivor

A designation from the National Cancer Institute places the UF Health Cancer Center among the nation’s top cancer programs. This distinction means patients like Courtney have access to breakthrough research and leading-edge treatments.

“As an event planner, I love to make people smile. When I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, the physicians at UF Health treated me like I was special. They worked as a team to create a treatment plan just for me and held my hand through a difficult journey. Now, I’m back, and I’m the one smiling.”

Visit UFHealth.org/Cancer to learn more about our NCI designation.

INSIDER

Applaud the Arts APPLETON MUSEUM OF ART Photos by Bruce Ackerman

T

hings were all ooo la la and très chic during the Marion Cultural Alliance’s Soiree de Lumiere on October 14th, which included interactive experiences, music and cultural grant awards and arts awards, the latter going to Leslie Hammond, Tyrus Clutter and Margaret “Peggy” Watts.

Staci Bertrand, Tyrus Clutter and Brian Hershberger

12

ocalastyle.com

Dr. Steven Bucy

Leslie Hammond and Jaye Baillie

Staci Bertrand, Margaret “Peggy” Watts and Brian Hershberger

R

Ad Paid for by Levy County Visitors Bureau

N I G IN

at BLACK PRONG BAR & GRILL

NEW YEAR’S EVE

December 31, 2023

celebration

Join us for Chef’s special NYE menu and dance the night away with the Cliff Dorsey Band. Kick off the new year with a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight!

Scan QR code for tickets and more information! https://bit.ly/BlackProngNYE DON’T WANT TO DRIVE HOME? STAY THE NIGHT WITH US IN A TINY HOME, A RUSTIC COTTAGE OR YOUR RV! SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN ABOUT SPECIALS!

BRONSON, FL · WWW.BLACKPRONG.COM · (352) 486 - 1234

INSIDER

Herb Silverman and Phyllis Silverman with Minnie

Amy Kingsborough and Selena Heningburg with Streak and Boy Wonder

Bark in the Park OCALA DOWNTOWN MARKET Photos by Bruce Ackerman

A

doggone good time was had by all on October 15th for the Senior Resource Foundation of Ocala’s third annual doggy expo fundraiser, which resulted in donations of $3,000 each to the Marion County Animal Services Shelter and the Marion Senior Services Meals on Wheels program.

Ada Pagano, Kim Hughes and Monica Pagano with Frida

14

ocalastyle.com

Lacy Webb, Stacy Wofford and Garrett Spurlock with Buddy and Ali

Inger Hirschlein with Dexter

Burrata Stuffed Ravioli

Redfish & Lobster Risotto

352.840.0900 24 S.E. 1ST AVENUE OCALA, FL

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When you choose us, you’re not only selecting a pool but a commitment to excellence and reliability. We’re dedicated to providing you with a pool experience that surpasses your expectations and brings joy to your outdoor living space.

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INSIDER

Cops & Cars OCALA POLICE DEPARTMENT Photos by Bruce Ackerman

T

he October 21st fundraiser featured all kinds of classic, muscle and modern cars and trucks, along with tasty goodies from food trucks, live music, vendors and prizes for the fanciest rides. Proceeds went to benefit the Chief Greg Graham Legacy Foundation.

Eric, Barbara and Grace Hooper

Jameson Swift

Laikynn and Leah Mitchell

Mike, Dawn and Riley Balken

16

ocalastyle.com

CF Collegiate Academy to Open in 2024

College of Central Florida

COLLEGIATE ACADEMY

In partnership with Marion County Public Schools, the CF Collegiate Academy is a new dual enrollment opportunity that allows 11th and 12th grade students to take classes full time to earn a degree or certificate at the College of Central Florida before graduating high school — at no cost to the student!

Students interested in enrolling in Collegiate Academy should express interest by the end of their eighthgrade year. This new opportunity begins fall 2024.

352-873-5800 -an equal opportunity college-

Take the next step at

CF.edu/CollegiateAcademy

Through January 7

A Dickens Christmas The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition

Holiday Community Day Saturday, December 2 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Enjoy free admission all day, photos with Santa (until 2:30 p.m.), holiday crafts in the Artspace, food trucks and more!

Visit AppletonMuseum.org for details.

Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. | AppletonMuseum.org

INSIDER

Champagne Dreams COUNTRY CLUB OF OCALA Photos by Bruce Ackerman

T

he Transitions Life Center hosted its 11th annual fundraiser gala on October 21st with a red-carpet entrance and entertainment by Styles Haury. TLC co-founders Linda and Mike A. Paglia, with many other Paglia family members, welcomed guests to the elegant event.

Linda and Mike Paglia

Frank and Donna Fleming, Justin Pellheegrini and Jennifer Houser

John and Jill Paglia

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Sarah Gray, Addison Gray and Sydney Kreienbrink

Styles Haury, John Penn and Diane Carrizzo

Healthcare shouldn’t be difficult.

Receive the care you deserve when you need it.

Schedule an appointment at your neighborhood VIPcare clinic!

(352) 204-0099

Presented by

Fabulously festive favorites by our teen cast!

December 9-10 at OCT New Year’s Eve downtown Tickets at OCT: $20 for adults / $10 for 18 and younger Includes holiday treats, hot cocoa, and cider In collaboration with 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 236-2274 • ocalacivictheatre.com

INSIDER

Tom James, Tara and Carlos Tobon

Cindy Moody and Lanie Shirey

Hospice 40th Anniversary Gala HILTON OCALA Photos by Bruce Ackerman

H

ospice of Marion County has been providing a caring touch in the community for four decades, which was celebrated in style on November 4th, with an event that included dining, entertainment and acknowledgement of those who help make a difference.

Norman White, Terry Reth, Lila Ivey and Rick Bourne

Frank and Angela DeLuca

20

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GIVE THE

GIFT OF

Head to El Toreo for the best Mexican food this side of the border! Enjoy all of your favorite traditional Mexican dishes in a friendly and festive atmosphere.

Specials: Mondays and Wednesdays, Margaritas are $2 Saturdays, 2 for 1 Margaritas All Day

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

Dine-in or take out available

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For more information

call (352) 291-5138

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OCALA | 352-342-9538 3980 SW 26th Court Suite 103 handandstoneocala.com *IN-STORE ONLY. Offer valid 11/27/2023-12/31/2023. Free Promotional one-hour Massage or Facial gift card with purchase of guest-priced spa package valued at $200 or more. Limit 2 per customer. Not valid with purchase of cash denomination or waxing gift cards. Not valid towards introductory offers. Not valid online. Free Promotional gift card valid at issuing location only and expires one year from issue. Rates and services may vary by location. Offers may not be combined. Sessions include time for consultation and dressing. Independently Owned & Operated. ©2023 Hand & Stone Corp. Franchises Available. MM43676/CE10037252

INSIDER

Giddy Up Gala COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA VINTAGE FARM Photos by Bruce Ackerman

T

he Horse Protection Association of Florida’s biggest fundraiser of the year sold out well before the November 11th event.

Attendees enjoyed food, fun and a kissing booth with stars of the organization’s Miracle Miniature Horses.

Kat Miller and Tammy Boettcher with Fortitude and Peace

Kat Miller, John Donofrio and Berny Medina with Fortitude

Doug and Christine Massinger with Courage

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Angie Chesser and Sandra Arbour with Courage

Sarah Thomas, Brett Chinander, Jordan Bicasan and Lucas Brown

On the Scene A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events

CHRISTMAS LIGHT SPECTACULAR Florida Horse Park December 1 – December 30 Th dazzling drive-thru event sponsored by St. John Lutheran Church will include kids’ activities, a walk-through light labyrinth, music, ice skating, bounce houses, slides and inflatables, and a visit with Santa. Food trucks will be onsite for a snack or meal.

Tickets are $25-$40 per carload. (Closed December 24 and 25.) For more information, go to ocalachristmas.com A ROCKIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale December 1- December 22 (Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays)

with live music onstage and buskers on the streets. Enjoy the ambience of a small-town festival and support local businesses and artists. For more info, ocalafl.org SYMPHONY UNDER THE LIGHTS Tuscawilla Park December 1 The Ocala Symphony Orchestra will continue its annual tradition of a free holiday concert in the park, surrounded by grandfather oaks and fabulous sculptures.

Bring chairs, a picnic basket and hot chocolate for a fall evening under the stars.

The performance will include holiday favorites and the Ocala Youth Symphony.

See reillyartscenter.com for more information.

The house band will play Christmas favorites in a magical holiday show that also will feature classic country and Southern rock holiday tunes. Tickets are $24-$39 from obopry.com

Symphony Under the Lights, photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center

WINTER WONDERLAND World Equestrian Center December 1- December 23 (Thursdays-Sunday) The outdoor celebration offers more than 1 million lights, spectacular holiday décor, photo ops, carolers, balloon artists, face painting and live entertainment.

And, of course, a chance to meet Santa.

There is a fee for parking and some experiences require purchase. See wecwinterwonderland.com for details.

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK Downtown Ocala December 1 Enjoy the holiday lights and decorations as you stroll around the square. Artists, performers and craftspeople will offer wares,

HOLIDAY COMMUNITY DAY Appleton Museum of Art December 2 Sponsored by Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban, visitors can enjoy free admission all day to see A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition and other holiday displays, make festive crafts in the Artspace

and take photos with Santa. Enjoy face painting by Tonya and a performance of There’s No Business Like Snow Business by Community Stages. All activities are free.

Food trucks will be onsite, including The Donut Express and Sweet Baby Cheeses.

Learn more at appletonmuseum.org LEGENDS OF YULE Fort King National Historic Landmark December 2 Step back into history as you meet the legends of winter’s past. Enjoy a cozy lantern-lit experience as the Community Stages Teen Troupe shares stories of the early 19th century traditions brought to Fort King during the Seminole War. $10 per person. For details, visit communitystages.org

LIGHT UP LAKE LILLIAN Lake Lillian, Belleview December 3 The annual lighting ceremony will offer vendor booths, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, bounce houses, face painting and a visit with Santa. Food options will be available. Bring chairs and blankets to watch the lake light up in this annual holiday tradition. For more details, check out belleviewfl.org

GIVING GALA Licciardello Farms, Summerfield December 2

CANDLELIGHT CONCERT SERIES: VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS Ocala Civic Theatre December 8

The fourth annual gala will raise money for the Landon Yerk Foundation Memorial Scholarship. The casual indoor/ outdoor party will feature raffles, live auctions, tapas, drinks and more. RSVPs are encouraged. For more info, contact Madison Licciardello at (352) 653-7397 or liccfarmsflo@gmail.com

This multi-sensory concert experience will be set among hundreds of flameless candles, giving the venue an intriguing holiday glow. The Listeso String Quartet performs, with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons as the anchor piece and Libertango and Thais: Meditation are also on the program. Tickets are $42-$68 from feverup.com/m/137966

POPS! GOES THE HOLIDAYS Reilly Arts Center December 2 & 3

KIWANIS PANCAKE DAY Eighth Street Elementary School December 9

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concert is an Ocala tradition. Led by Maestro Matthew Wardell, the orchestra will branch out with inventive takes on holiday classic songs and symphonies.

The music and touching tributes make this a night to remember. Tickets are $15-$40. Visit reillyartscenter.com for more information.

If flapjacks are on your list of favorite foods, then check out this fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club and Camp Kiwanis. The meal includes pancakes, sausage and a drink for $6. There will be raffle prizes and organizers have invited a special guest from the North Pole. See bit.ly/kiwanispancakeday to purchase tickets.

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS CONCERT Marion Technical Institute Auditorium December 2 & 3 The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band will present free Christmas concerts, featuring holiday tunes along with Joyance and Dreidel Dance. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there for pictures. A Saturday preconcert will feature the Meadowbrook 24

Academy Elementary Worship Choir under the direction of Angie Quidley.

The Sunday preconcert will feature the band’s brass quintet. Learn more at kingdomofthesunband.org

ocalastyle.com

OCALA CHRISTMAS PARADE Silver Springs Boulevard to Tuscawilla Park December 9 This year’s theme is Christmas Around the World. The 66th annual event, which

is one of the largest lighted nighttime parades in the nation, will start at the McPherson Governmental Campus and turn west along Silver Springs Boulevard, then go north on Eighth Avenue to end at Tuscawilla Park. Limited bleacher seating is available to buy online. For details, visit ocalachristmasparade.org

Ocala Christmas Parade, photo by Bruce Ackerman

THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE SNOW BUSINESS Mary Sue Rich Community Center December 10

snacks. Chelsea Square Shops will be open late for holiday browsing. Reservations are recommended. For details, visit communitystages.org PHANTASMAGORIA: A MOST HAUNTED VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Reilly Arts Center December 17 This unique holiday performance will celebrate the ghostly side of Christmas with haunting tales and performances from storytellers, singers, dancers and more. Enjoy tales from Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Dickens, folklore and ghost stories for the holidays. Tickets are $25. See reillyartscenter.com for more info.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK MOVIE SERIES Tuscawilla Park December 29

Community Stages invites you and your family to join the Merry Misfits on this fun-filled 60-minute family-friendly holiday revue. Enjoy beloved wintertime songs and stories of the winter season. For more information, visit communitystages.org

The city of Ocala’s free movie night event will show Home Alone, the now-classic holiday movie about bumbling burglars and a clever kid who fends them off.

Popcorn, drinks and other refreshments will be available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/recpark

PARK AFTER DARK: DETROIT Sholom Park December 14

2023 JAMBOREE FINALE! Morgan’s Music Junction, Summerfield December 29

The All-American Music Tour will feature bassist Eddie Watkins Jr. and his fivepiece band. A food truck will offer lamb or chicken gyros, chips and baklava, or you’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drink, along with chairs and blankets. Tickets are $15 and $25 from sholompark.org/events/park-after-dark-detroit

The final jam of the year will include a celebration party with drinks, finger foods, hot dogs, popcorn and more. Enjoy local talent playing Southern and country music in an intimate setting. Advance tickets are $15; $20 at the door. See morgansmusicjunction.com for more info.

SWEET TUNES! Chelsea Art Center December 14 Community Stages invites you to their first community holiday sing-along to celebrate the season and make memories with songs you love to sing, musicians, a gift basket raffle, ugly sweater contest and

SWING IN THE NEW YEAR DANCE SOCIAL Reilly Arts Center December 30 End the old year with a swing dance lesson, then listen to Becky Baby and Swing Theory to ring in the new year. The evening will include specialty cocktails, photo ops and dance performances. Tickets are $20-$25.

See reillyartscenter.com for more info.

December ‘23

25

DOING GOOD

Chaplain Bob Miller and Dolores “Dee” Miller

Supporting Farm Workers The Ocala Farm Ministry’s motto is: “We are the people who take care of the people who take care of the horses.”

By Beth Whitehead | Photos by Bruce Ackerman

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he children call her Señora Lolita.

Everyone calls him Chaplain Bob. Dolores “Dee” and Bob Miller have been serving local horse farm hands and their families for 20 years through the Ocala Farm Ministry.

In Marion and Levy counties, many horse farm workers are Hispanic and do not speak English. The nonprofit’s website notes that many horse racing tracks have a labor population that is almost entirely composed of single males but, on Ocala farms, many in the workforce are people with families and children.

In 2004 , a group of local horse farm owners came together and founded the Ocala Farm Ministry, a chapter of the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America. Unlike other chapters, it is not affiliated with a public racetrack but is a farm-based chaplaincy and a 501(c)(3).

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“The Ocala Farm Ministry set out to serve an area larger than Rhode Island,” says Bob Miller, “containing close to 1,000 farms, from 5-acre farms to 5,000-acre farms.”

In the beginning, the ministry was a traveling circuit for Chaplain Bob. The board gave him a pickup truck and he would map out the area he would travel to each day. He would call ahead to ask for permission to walk among the barns and tell farm hands about the ministry. He often visited five to six farms a day.

Before long, the group purchased seven acres across from the Ocala Estates community in northwest Marion County, where many of the farm families live.

A soccer field was created with donations from Florida Farm Managers and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

DOING GOOD

The nonprofit purchased a modular building to house a community center, with two classrooms and an area for church services, Boy Scout meetings, consulate services, health clinics and other programs. A donation in 2018 allowed the ministry to construct a concrete building that now houses the after-school program.

Ocala Farm Ministry outreaches include soccer for 4- to 14-year-olds and after the youngsters finish playing, the adults are welcome to play on the lighted fields.

There is an after-school program for kindergarten to high school students three afternoons a week, a scholarship program for students wanting to go to college, assistance connecting to medical care and language translation help with school, work or immigration documents.

Sunday mornings offer a church service in English, with a service in Spanish in the evening. A couple of weekday evenings, there are Bible studies in Spanish and English.

Bob and Dolores are bilingual. He spent his childhood largely between Cuba, where he says his father was a missionary until Fidel Castro expelled all Americans, as well as Ecuador and Miami.

She grew up in Cuba and says her family fled the Castro regime and she came to the United States when she was 7 years old.

Dolores, who was a teacher at Redeemer Christian School for 13 years, started running the school program at Ocala Farm Ministry six years ago. The children call the schoolhouse La Escuelita, “the little school,” and fondly refer to her as Señora Lolita. The thrice-weekly sessions begin at 3pm, with about 20 students.

“They take off their shoes and unload their backpacks,” she says. “They begin their homework, if they have any, and we are there to help them.”

The youngsters are given a snack or meal and learn and play games like chess until the last half hour of each session, when “we all settle down on the carpet and have Bible time,” Dolores notes.

“The ‘Escuelita’ is fundamentally an English language remedial program,” Bob offers. “Most of the children who attend were born here but are struggling in public school. None have dropped out, and some have successfully graduated from high school.”

Dolores and Bob are two of four paid staffers.

The 12-person board of directors meets monthly to address needs and oversee programs as well as the

ministry’s main fundraiser, the annual Call to the Post auction.

The auction in April at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company included items such as National Rodeo tickets, Jack Russell terrier puppies and a diamond necklace. The nonprofit relies on the fundraiser and private donations throughout the year.

The ministry’s campus includes a large playground, a fitness course and an open pavilion weight room. The website notes that the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office has credited the community center and playing fields with reducing juvenile crime in the area by more than 20% and that the school program has “an incredible success rate and our kids have gone from failing in school to 90% on the A/B honor roll.”

It also states that the campus has become a great gathering place for local farmworkers and their families and that the ministry “has helped to grow a true sense of community.”

To learn more, go to www.ocalafarmministry.org or find them on Facebook.

Melissa Silva, Rachel McCarty and Keylor Silva

Scarlett Kiser, Jazlyn Juardo, Dolores “Dee” Miller and Marelyn Hernandez

INSIDER

The Quantified Human IHMC’s Chief Strategic Partnership Officer Morley Stone will lecture Dec. 5 on future opportunities and implications for healthspan, resilience and performance.

M

orley Stone was always a good student, especially when it came to science. Growing up in Pennsylvania, the youngest of four wrestling brothers also played football and baseball. Their father was a veteran of the Korean War and funeral home director; mom was a teacher and artist.

“Dad was pragmatic, and mom was creative,” says Stone. “Wrestling imparts life skills, like discipline and accountability, like hard work and no excuses. I later approached every job with that mentality, especially in leadership roles.”

Stone earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Carnegie Mellon University. He was senior vice president for research at Ohio State University, chief technology officer for the Air Force Research Laboratory and chief scientist of its 711th Human Performance Wing, and a program manager with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. He now is the chief strategic partnership officer and a senior research scientist at the Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) and CEO of Mined XAI LLC. His research spans areas such as the interface of materials science, biotechnology, human performance and autonomous systems.

He says the joy of discovery in research is “magical and addictive.”

Stone lives in Pensacola, the headquarters of IHMC, with his wife, Kelly, where they enjoy

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spoiling their dog and hiking. They have two adult children.

Stone said of his affiliation with IHMC that he is a “big fan of their core competencies” and relishes the opportunity to “share our research and solve national problems.”

Stone is a prolific writer and authored The Quantified Warrior in 2012. He says that more than a decade later, “an even more transformative future exists for redefining healthspan, resilience and performance with the rapid pace of technological improvement surrounding wearables, their associated data and our ever-increasing understanding of the data with respect to human physiology and overall performance.”

When he lectures in Ocala, he will talk about “a feedback loop we refer to as sense-assessaugment (SAA), a concept that underpins our view of the quantified human.”

“While this work has its roots in militaryspecific examples I will cover,” he explains, “the application of this concept goes well beyond the military, with future examples in rehabilitation, neuromuscular disease, healthspan and, more broadly, a future of human-machine teaming that will be ubiquitous in our everyday lives.”

The lecture, at 15 SE Osceola Ave., begins with a reception at 5:30pm. To learn more and RSVP, go to ihmc.us/life/evening_lectures/ocala-lecture-series

Photo courtesy of IHMC

By Susan Smiley-Height

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Dillard’s Market Street at Heath Brook This is my onestop-shopping place for the jeans I wear on the job, a Tommy Bahama shirt for a casual Saturday or Sunday brunch and a sport coat to dress up a bit for dinner downtown.

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Arts and Tourism I’ve been involved with the Tourist Development Council since its inception and a former board member of the Marion Cultural Alliance (since the early 2000’s), both of which helped make Ocala Marion County a true arts and tourist destination.

Horse Fever image by Tammy Griffin, courtesy of MCA

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The News I believe in staying informed about local and national activities.

My favorites are Ocala Style’s sister publication, the Ocala Gazette; the Ocala Star-Banner; and NBC News.

Rus Adams SHARES THE THINGS HE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT Rus is a customer liaison with Colen Built Development, LLC the developer of On Top of the World and Calesa Township, a new multi-generational residential community in southwest Ocala. His family includes sons June and Gabe, and Rus can’t say enough about how these young men have enriched his life and thanks Kids Central for all they did for June and even more so, for June’s adoption.

3 Downtown Eateries My go-to places are Stella’s Modern Pantry, La Cuisine and Mark’s Prime Steakhouse.

Live Shows I enjoy the variety of performances offered through the Ocala Civic Theatre and the Reilly Arts Center.

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By partnering with the Community Foundation, you’ll make a lasting impact on your community, leave a legacy, and support the causes you’re passionate about. Let us guide you in creating a brighter future.

Contact us at (352) 622-5020 to establish your donor advised fund today. Together, we can change lives and build a better tomorrow.

VOWS

Celebrate...

Ocala’s brides and grooms, get a glimpse into their most special of days and hear firsthand about the memories that will always hold a place in their hearts.

Pictured: Molly & Cody Jenkins | Photographed by Lyn Larson of Mahal Imagery

VOWS

MOLLY & CODY JENKINS July 29th, 2023 Venue: Protea Weddings and Events Photographer: Lyn Larson of Mahal Imagery Florist: Heritage Flowers Hair: Maria Agresti Makeup: Raul Pennington Their favorite memory: “Reading our vows to each other during the first touch. We enjoyed an intimate moment together, sharing our promises and commitments for our marriage.

It was the perfect start before celebrating the evening with our favorite people.”

VOWS

COLBY (BECK) & CONNOR CRILE April 8th, 2023 Venue: Golden Ocala Photographer: Catherine Coons Wedding Planner: Penny Baird at Blessed Magnolia Florist: The Graceful Gardener Hair: Katie Gilligan at Studio Chic Salon Makeup: Utopia Makeup by Anna Wilemon Their favorite memory: “We loved having a moment after the ceremony to ourselves. While everyone else was at cocktail hour, we had drinks and hors d’oeuvres and just enjoyed becoming husband and wife. We wanted a big party and our friends and family delivered just that. We spent the entire night on the dance floor and never wanted it to end.”

December ‘23

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VOWS

SHELBY (HEITMULLER) & JOSEPH WATFORD April 22nd, 2023 Venue: Silver Springs State Park Photographer: Katelyn Virginia Photography Wedding Planner: Blessed Magnolia Florals: Floral Architecture Beauty: Pretty N Pinned Her favorite memory: “Walking through Silver Springs after the ceremony with my husband. It felt like a dream being surrounded by the natural beauty of the park and really felt like it was just the two of us in the whole place.”

His favorite memory: “One of our closest friends, Chris Schulz, was our wedding officiant. It was a great feeling having somebody so close to us conduct the ceremony and be a part of our special day.”

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VOWS

JODI (ENGEL) & VINCENT CONNY August 3rd, 2023 Photographer: Komal Barad Venue: We were married at the Ocala Courthouse, then boarded the Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas the next day and celebrated our marriage on the ship August 5th. We celebrated in Ocala on October 21st with family and friends at Marcelina’s Italian Restaurant.

Their favorite memory: “We wore our wedding attire for formal night on the cruise. When walking around the ship, we received so many congratulations from the other passengers and truly received the ‘royal’ treatment. The captain treated us to champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. We were known on the ship as the honeymoon couple. It was a beautiful day and a fantastic trip.”

Publisher’s

Gift Guide From luxurious to practical to high-tech, these pages are filled with ideas to help with everyone on your list (and maybe even a gift for yourself ).

BY JENNIFER HUNT-MURTY

fabulous finery Top, from left: Pinstripe Locket, two-tone sterling silver and 18K gold, $995; Happiness Pendant, mother of pearl and sapphire, $525; Sun, Moon and Stars Locket, sterling silver gate locket, $660 all

by Monica Rich Kosann; Twisted Rope Ring, 14K white and yellow gold with diamond links, $1,875; Fashion Circle Ring, 14K yellow and white gold and diamonds, $1,250, both from the Gabriel & Co. Bujukan Collection, all items available at Gause & Son Jewelers. gauseandsonjewelers.com; Aleutian Earrings, These sustainably sourced peacock and rooster feather statement earrings from Brackish will dress up any ensemble. $185 at Her Kloset. herklosetocala.com

bring it Clockwise, from left: What better way to serve your cocktails than on an Ocala-themed Caspari napkin. $12 per set; These oversized Santa with Ginger Jar Stationery sheets from WH Hostess Social Stationery are perfect for expressing your creativity in notes to friends and loved ones. $48; both at Agapanthus. shopagapanthus.com; Shaped and cut to reveal a mesmerizing play of light, this faceted Crystal Candle Holder is an enchanting object for your dining table, mantle or coffee table. $79 from the MOMA Design Store. store.moma.org 38

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Clockwise, from top right: This great book is a collection of Sunshine State stories, curated from the archives of FORUM, the magazine of the Florida Humanities. It features 50 stories by acclaimed writers and scholars, along with 150 images. $45. floridahumanities.org/anthology50; High-tech goes to the birds with this Bird Buddy smart feeder, which has a built-in camera and can identify the fliers that visit. There are several add-ons, including a solar roof. $169-$290 at mybirdbuddy.com; The Hippopotamus Luxury Hippo Matches are made by the Archivist Gallery in England. $14; Lafco Fragranced Candle, The cilantro orange kitchen candle offers mandarin blends with buttery avocado, giving background to a mix of fresh lime, spearmint and ginger. $76, both at Shannon Roth Collection. FB.com/srcandoliviacokids

home December ‘23

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. . . r i e h t men and

Yukon Bow Tie, There are many sustainably sourced and handmade bow ties available from Brackish at Greiner’s Clothing, $230, FB.com/greinersclothing; Christmas Dad Jokes, Who doesn’t love Dad jokes? These fun gift box sets offer 100 of “the most cringey” jokes and Christmas trivia questions, $6.95, from Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop. grandpajoes.com; Caswell-Massey’s Heritage All-in-One Body Wash is perfect for the face, hair and body. $45 at Agapanthus. shopagapanthus.com; Woodbury Bourbon Glass, This Simon Pearce chill-textured glass is ideal for raising a glass of the good stuff. $75 at Agapanthus. shopagapanthus.com; Buffalo Trace is a smooth straight bourbon whiskey that is perfect for any occasion, especially served in a Woodbury glass. Around $30-$35, often found at Publix Liquors.

best friends Add a dash of panache to your dog’s look with this Ware of the Dog cotton Bandana.

It’s blue check on one side and red plaid on the other, $18 from the MOMA Design Store. store.moma.org; If your dog loves the water, check out Over and Under’s waterproof and polyurethanecoated Water Dog Collar with brass hardware, $38 at Greiner’s Clothing.

FB.com/greinersclothing

luxe and lovely Giant Willow Cardigan,

by One Hundred Stars, $100; This 50mm Belgian Hainaut Double Horse Coin Pendant is by Ocala artist Kathleen Sirois, $105, both at Gallery on Magnolia.

Find them on Facebook.

bring the fun

Happy Day Sassy Sak, This golden retriever pup, nestled in her sassy sak, is all ready to accompany adventurous youngsters, $21.95 at Your Hearts Desire. yourheartsdesiregifts.com; Stream audio wirelessly from your devices with AirPods by Apple, about $250 from various retailers; Whimsical Hats, These fun toppers by Kooringal of Australia will be a hit with any youngster, $24.99 at Your Hearts Desire. yourheartsdesiregifts.com; The Perfect Man Milk Chocolate Ornament, I Loooove Chocolate and Treat Street bring us this rather unique twist for spicing up your tree. $5.95, from Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop. grandpajoes.com; Mini Fridge, Kids love these for storing drinks, beauty products and snacks.

About $49 to $79 at many area retailers.

December ‘23

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POP GOES THE SEASON

THE CITY OF OCALA’S POP UP HOLIDAY DISPLAYS ARE A SEASONAL FAVORITE.

Clockwise from above: Corbin and Layla Landino; Wes Harrison; Maddie Stewart.

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ight Up Ocala is the official kickoff to the holiday season and the November 18th event drew a huge crowd, as usual. But the fun didn’t stop there.

Throughout December and even into early January, visitors to downtown Ocala can stroll among the millions of twinkling lights and take advantage of the highly popular Holiday Pop Ups that can be found all around the square, and which provide great photo ops.

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“The holiday photo ops have become part of the holiday season within the city. Visitors to the downtown area look forward to snapping pictures for their greeting cards or to share with loved ones on social media,” offers Ashley Dobbs, the city’s marketing and communications manager. “Having the Holiday Pop Ups throughout the downtown area allows for a festive touch as guests walk through the streets viewing the lights, visiting shops and enjoying restaurants. Not only are they a part of

Clockwise from top: Photo courtesy of Alex Crenshaw; courtesy of Samantha Harrison; courtesy of Charles Stewart; provided: city of Ocala

BY SUSAN SMILEY-HEIGHT

Clockwise from top: photo courtesy of Pamela Calero Wardell; courtesy of Steven Billington; Center and bottom: provided by city of Ocala

Above: Buckley Calero Wardell. Right: Haylee & Allyson Billington.

Light Up Ocala, they become part of the December First Friday Art Walk and decorate downtown throughout the holiday season.”

Visitors can find the Toy Soldier Pop Ups in the courtyard area outside Sayulita Taqueria, the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and Max at the Marion Theatre, the giant Christmas tree on the square, the Snowmen Family and Tropical Holiday at Citizens’ Circle and Santa’s Workshop with several mischevious elves and Holiday Treats at the Customer Service Office across from the Downtown Market.

“Each photo op has a different look and feel to it, so it’s hard to pick a favorite,” notes Dobbs. “During the holiday season, however, it doesn’t get more iconic than the giant holiday tree next to the gazebo.”

The city would love for those who upload photos to share them to @ocalarecpark and use the hashtag #spiritofdowntown.

The city’s recreation and parks department offers other seasonal activities as well, such as Santa On The Square, a Senior Holiday Luncheon, a Holiday Movie Showing and Breakfast With Santa.

To learn more, go to ocalaf l.gov/ government/city-departmentsi-z/recreation-parks/recreation/ holidays December ‘23

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Driveable Destinations: Wakulla Springs Just south of Tallahassee, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park and The Lodge at Wakulla Springs offer a retro guest experience in a pristine and glorious natural setting—and a tie to Ocala.

By Susan Smiley-Height

O

h, if only those walls could talk—those at the historic and elegant The Lodge at Wakulla Springs.

I think they would echo the words—and antics— of movie stars like Johnny Weissmuller, of the Tarzan franchise fame; underwater stuntman Ricou Browning, noted for his role as the Creature from the Black Lagoon; Ocala’s own Newt Perry, who once

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managed Wakulla Springs and is known for putting Silver Springs and Weeki Wachee Springs on the map; and Edward Ball, the wealthy businessman who built the lodge and saved the surrounding area for the preservation of wildlife and habitat.

Just a three-hour drive from Ocala, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park and The Lodge at Wakulla Springs offer an immersion into an ages-

This spread: Courtesy of the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

old natural world that showcases one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs and 6,000 acres of pristine Old Florida acreage while taking you back in time in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco inspired guest structure that opened in 1937.

Some folks might visit for a day, to jump from the high dive into the depths of the cold, clear spring below and then loll in the warm sun on one of the floating platforms, hike trails into the deep woods or take an educational river boat tour. Others might settle in for a few days, finding contentment in one of the 27 guest rooms appointed with period furnishings (no televisions), a fine dining restaurant, a soda fountain that boasts the “world’s longest continuous marble countertop” and the quiet solace of the park.

The river tours offer an intimate look at the headwaters of the Wakulla River. When Ball bought the property, according to a boat captain, he erected a fence 3 miles downriver to keep out boats but allow wildlife free access. The result is an unspoiled waterway that is home to an amazing variety of wildlife. An early morning tour with a very knowledgeable captain in late October offered close-up looks at several manatee, numerous alligators, turtles, fish and birds such as anhingas, egrets, herons and moorhens, commonly known as “swamp chickens.”

“Visitors from around the world come to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park for its natural beauty,” says park manager Lance Kelly.

“Park guests of all ages enjoy swimming in the spring, seeing the wildlife on a boat tour and hiking the trails. Whether staying overnight, enjoying a meal in the dining room or playing a game of checkers in the lobby, the lodge offers visitors a glimpse into Florida’s past.”

Jesse Askew, general manager at The Lodge, says, “the lodge is beautiful architecturally and the park provides a wonderful place to slow down.”

“Year after year, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park’s and The Lodge’s success is driven by its generational heartbeat,” she adds. “Families come from all over the world to experience the park and create lasting memories. Not one day goes by that I don’t hear a guest talk about their memories of time spent at the park.”

Delee Perry, the daughter of Newt Perry and owner of Perry Swim School in Ocala, fondly recalls her visits to the park and lodge and loves to talk about her father’s role there, including some humorous reminiscences he shared about Weissmuller and the other men.

“Ed Ball hired my dad when his wealthy

Top images: Courtesy of Florida Memory; Bottom: Universal International Pictures archival

friends would come down and there was nothing to do. They were used to nightlife and activities.

There were none in Wakulla, so they quit coming,” she offers. “Ed was not the kind to invest in something and lose money. He offered my dad, I don’t know how much money, but it had to have been ample, and free lodging and all the amenities. Dad came there in about 1941.”

She says it was her father who convinced Ball to open the swimming area at the springs.

“He told Ed, ‘We’ve got to get the locals here daily,’ so my dad got him to bring in beach sand and they made an area for swimming,” she offers.

“There was a military camp nearby and my dad wanted to get the servicemen there on the weekends, so he got the synchronized swimming team from Florida State University, the Swans, to put on shows, and they would have cookouts.”

Newt Perry also told Ball he thought they needed to open a restaurant, after which his mother, Kate Perry, a noted cook—who had kept movie star W.C. Fields well-fed while he was on location in Ocala—moved to Wakulla.

“She said if there was going to be a restaurant in the lodge, it would have to be number one,” Delee recalls. “She had the waiters in coat and tails, with white gloves, and a white napkin draped over their arm. It was fancy. This was the early 1950s. My grandmother did the cooking, and the food was incredible. Then she hired a local chef, Tommy, who was there for 30 years or so.”

It was during Newt Perry’s time managing Wakulla that he was contacted by Gen. Omar Bradley to help start the secret group then known as the frogmen, now the Navy SEALS. “The war department got my dad to create a movie, Amphibious Fighters, showing some of the basic training skills they were doing. It won an Oscar,” Delee notes with pride.

Also during his time there, Newt promoted Wakulla Springs to movie producers, whom he knew from when he was involved with some of the Tarzan films made at Silver Springs, and talked with his friend Browning about doing the underwater scenes in Creature from the Black Lagoon, which ultimately were shot at Wakulla.

Now, when one enters the lobby of The Lodge, a large screen video monitor continuously loops the Creature movies. Framed black and white photos throughout the lodge document the moviemaking as well as scenes such as dance bands entertaining uniformed military men and elegantly gowned ladies. Rumor has it that Browning’s family brought the cremains of the

actor, producer and screenwriter to Wakulla for “one last boat ride” after he died in February.

“Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is a hidden gem. Whether a couple is looking for a good hideaway or a family is wanting to take a child outdoors, a vacation at this park provides activities for everyone,” says Askew. “From history buffs to movie fans and nature enthusiasts, the park has such a unique past that all ages can find something interesting. Travelers from Ocala or anywhere in Florida will appreciate the vintage vibe. Whether staying for a day or for a couple of nights, they will be mesmerized with the beauty of the springs and the lodge.”

Top two images: Courtesy of VISIT FLORIDA; Bottom: Susan Smiley-Height

Getting There

From Ocala, take the slow road north on U.S. 27/19. Having lunch at Deal’s Famous Oyster House just outside Perry is highly recommended before you ease west on U.S. 98. Another tasty dining option is the Ouzts Too Oyster Bar and Grill in Newport, just before you reach Wakulla.

Nearby Attractions

The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge sprawls over 83,000 acres in three counties. My journey to the lighthouse there in late October included seeing thousands of Monarch butterflies on their annual migration. Visit fws.gov/refuge/st-marks The San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park interprets thousands of years of Florida history.

There is a museum and a nature trail that reveals the remains of numerous former occupations at the site. Visit floridastateparks.org/parks-andtrails/san-marcos-de-apalache-historic-state-park

Little Horse, Big Smiles Sassy, a Pet Partners registered therapy animal, brightens everyone’s day wherever she goes.

By JoAnn Guidry Photos by Bruce Ackerman

T

he Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway’s 16-mile multi-use paved trail is enjoyed by bikers, walkers, runners, skateboarders, people walking their dogs and Sassy the mini-horse. Sassy, a 34-inch paint miniature horse, can frequently be seen strolling along the Greenway paved trail with owners Cathy and Alan Roberts.

“When we first started walking Sassy on the paved trail, people flocked to her,” says Cathy Roberts. “People just couldn’t get enough of petting her and just being around her. And I noticed everyone was smiling the whole time.

And Sassy enjoyed all the attention too. That’s when I first started thinking of getting her certified as a therapy animal.”

The Roberts, who are originally from Pennsylvania, retired to the Ocala area in 2017 and own a 10-acre farm in Morriston. In addition to 15-year-old Sassy, they also have Fancy, a trotting-bred pony; standardbreds Powdered Donut and Brown Sugar; Jack, a Morgan/Tennessee walking horse cross and Sandpiper, a Rocky Mountain horse. The couple 50

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enjoys riding their horses and Cathy will go out in sulkies with Sassy and Fancy.

“I had thought over the years of making one of our golden retrievers into a therapy animal.

But that never worked out,” she explains. “Then, when Max, our last golden retriever, died in January 2020, Alan and I weren’t sure we wanted to get another dog. Alan suggested maybe adding a mini-horse to our home. We saw an ad for a mini-horse for sale in Lake Panasoffkee, went to look at her and bought Sassy right away. That was in April 2020. Then, of course, COVID hit and everything slowed down.”

The more time Cathy Roberts spent with Sassy, she began to think she might be the therapy animal she had been looking for; not that there wasn’t a learning curve.

“We had to teach Sassy to trust us while doing simple things like picking up her feet to clean them,” Roberts notes. “She just hadn’t been taught much, but she did learn to trust us. And her calm personality started to come out more and more. So off to the Greenway paved trail we went, where it became more and more obvious

that Sassy could be a therapy horse.”

She shared one experience where Sassy was mobbed by a group of young girls, who petted and hugged her for close to an hour.

“By the time those little girls were done loving on Sassy, they had braided her long mane,” she says, laughing. “It was just precious. And I knew then that I wanted to move forward with the therapy animal project.”

A Good Match

Through her research on therapy animal organizations, Roberts found Pet Partners.

Established in 1977 as the Delta Society, the Bellevue, Washington-based 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization became known as Pet Partners in 2012. The group boasts of being the first to establish comprehensive standardized training for therapy animal handlers and their pets. Pet Partners registers nine species of animals for therapy service, including dogs, cats, equines, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, birds, miniature pigs, llamas and alpacas. Pet Partners is represented by registered therapy animal teams in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

“Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of people through animals. We pride ourselves on the strength and high standards of our program for handlers and their pets,” says Allison Younger, the senior national director of communications for Pet Partners. “First, the handler has to go through a strenuous testing program before they and their animal are then evaluated together as a team.”

If the handler and their animal pass the evaluation, they become Pet Partners registered.

“We use the term registered rather than certified,” Younger pointed out. “Once an animal therapy team is registered, they are allowed to only do two hours of therapy visits per day. And a team must be re-evaluated every two years.

Everything we do is to keep everyone and the animals involved safe and happy.”

Roberts decided to go with Pet Partners and began the online handler course this past summer. Prospective handlers can progress at their own pace with the online course.

“It is a very thorough handler program. You watch videos on different aspects of handling your pet during visits and then take a test after each.

You have to pass one lesson before you can move on to the next,” explains Roberts, who finished the course in two months. “There is also a final test that covers everything that you have to pass before moving on to the in-person team evaluation.”

Diane Paradiso and Dalie with Cathy Roberts and Sassy

Sassy greets Theresa Slifer with Alan and Cathy Roberts

From left: Jack and Theresa Slifer, Sassy and Cathy and Carol Demme with Navi and Karma

Once Roberts passed the online handler course, she had to put she and Sassy on a list for the team evaluation and wait to be assigned a Pet Partners volunteer evaluator. On Saturday, September 30th, she and Sassy drove to Jacksonville for their evaluation with Laura Kusumoto. It should be noted that Sassy rides in style in the Roberts’ van, not in a horse trailer. The couple took out the back seat in their van and put down rubber mats. Sassy rides standing up, with her head in the space between the two front seats, enjoying the air conditioning blowing on her. There is a portable ramp for Sassy to get in and out.

Pet Partners uses rooms at The ARC facility in Jacksonville on weekends for the evaluation testing.

Other people and pets are brought in to stage the scenarios. Roberts and Sassy had to go through a series of exercises and different scenarios to test their readiness to be a therapy animal team. The duo was graded on such exercises as: Accepting a friendly stranger, walking through a crowd, reaction to distractions, angry yelling, reaction to a neutral dog, being approached by a staggering man, staying in place, exuberant and clumsy petting and gently accepting treats.

“Cathy is a warm and friendly person. As a handler, she is very supportive of Sassy. And in the 52

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five years that I’ve been an evaluator, I’ve never seen an equine, regular or mini, like Sassy,” offers Kusumoto. “She was so curious and aced every interaction she was put in. After Sassy finished her evaluation, she noticed other teams being evaluated in another room and wanted to go in there to see what was going on. Cathy and Sassy make a great Pet Partners team and I know they will spread joy wherever they go.”

For Roberts, the successful Pet Partners evaluation was the culmination of a goal she set for Sassy and herself.

“Sassy did great; we passed the evaluation and received our Pet Partners Volunteer Registration Card,” she says. “I was very proud of her and happy we accomplished what I hoped to do.”

At this writing, she was planning to move forward with Sassy as a Pet Partner therapy team.

“This whole process has really opened my eyes about how much Sassy has helped me and how much she can help other people just by her presence,” Roberts adds. “At the top of my list are visits to veterans’ hospitals and reading programs with kids. But no matter where I take Sassy, I know she will bring happiness and smiles.”

To learn more, go to petpartners.org

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Bring On The Cheer Jill Paglia sets a festive tone with lavish holiday decorations and a menu of decadent, yet easy to prepare, hors d’oeuvres.

By Susan Smiley-Height | Photography by John Jernigan

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ill is a big advocate for preparing ahead of time when entertaining. And that’s her secret to making it all look so effortless when it comes to decorating and cooking during this hectic holiday season.

“I start earlier now that my children are grown, but there was a time when I couldn’t wait to leave the Thanksgiving Eve dinner at my sister-in-law’s and rush home and start decorating my fireplace.”

Among her most treasured decorations are small, framed family photos of her children growing up, and now her grandchildren, that go on the main tree that towers over the family room.

A fresh addition this year are tree collars, which help keep pets and youngsters from getting too close to the gaily decorated trees.

Helping to set the mood, classical holiday music greets arriving guests, with “soft, jazzy Christmas tunes without vocals during dinner.”

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Jingle Juice 4 cups cranberry-apple juice 2 (750-ml.) bottles red Moscato 1 (750-ml.) bottle Prosecco 1/2 cup vodka 2 cups frozen cranberries 1/3 cup mint leaves 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for rimming glasses 2 limes, sliced into rounds Use a wedge of line to wet the rim of each glass. > Dip the rim in sugar to coat. > Combine the liquid ingredients in a large container and then transfer to a crystal pitcher as needed. > When ready to serve, top the Jingle Juice with frozen cranberries and add mint. > Place some ice in each glass and pour in the juice, then top with a sprig of mint.

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Seasoned crackers (your favorite brand) 24 jumbo peeled and deveined shrimp 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish 1⁄ 2 cup cream cheese, at room temperature 1⁄ 4 cup red pepper jelly, at room temperature Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil Stir the shrimp, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated. > Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. > Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook until they turn pink, about 2 minutes on each side. > Transfer the shrimp to a large bowl and let cool for about 5 minutes. > Add the parsley, lemon juice, chives and dill 56

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and stir until each shrimp is coated. > Arrange the crackers on a serving plate and spread 1 teaspoon of cream cheese on each one. > Top each cracker with 1 shrimp and spoon 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper jelly on top of each shrimp. > Garnish with remaining herbs and serve immediately.

Antipasto Skewers 24 4-inch skewers or cocktail picks 24 slices salami (or prosciutto, pepperoni or a combination of cured meats) 24 grape tomatoes 8 ounces mini mozzarella balls (or other cheese) 15 ounces quartered artichoke hearts 24 pitted olives 24 leaves of fresh basil 1/4 cup Italian dressing or balsamic glaze Additional basil or rosemary sprigs for garnish Assemble the ingredients onto each skewer as you choose. > Arrange on serving platter or plate. > Drizzle the skewers with dressing or glaze. > Garnish as desired. (These may be assembled up to a day in advance.)

Pigs in a Blanket 1 tube crescent roll dough 24 mini hot dogs 1/4 cup Dijon mustard Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons of milk) 2 teaspoons poppy seeds Salt Rosemary sprigs for decoration Ketchup Preheat the oven to 375° degrees. > Line a large baking pan with parchment paper. > Place the

crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface and cut each section into thirds, to get 24 triangles. > Brush a piece of dough with Dijon mustard, place a mini hot dog on the thick end and roll it up. > Arrange side by side in a circle on the baking sheet, with each one touching in order to create a “wreath” with a hole in the center. > Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with salt and poppy seeds. > Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden. > Let cool for about 20 minutes. > Place rosemary sprigs around the outside of the wreath and place a small bowl of ketchup in the center. > Serve immediately.

Preheat the oven to 350°. > Slice the dates lengthwise on one side to create an opening. > Remove the pit. > Using a spoon, stuff a small amount of goat cheese into the cavity of each date and press the sides together to close. > Cut the bacon slices in half lengthwise and then into thirds. > Wrap each date with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. > Arrange evenly on a baking sheet with raised edges and bake for 10 minutes. > Turn each date over and bake another 5-8 minutes until browned. > Remove from the oven and place on a paper towel lined plate. > Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Cranberry Brie Bites 1 tube of crescent roll dough 1 8-ounce wheel of brie 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce 1/4 cup chopped pecans 6 sprigs of rosemary, cut into 1-inch pieces Cooking spray Flour

Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese 8 slices bacon (I find that thin bacon works better) 16 dates 4 ounces goat cheese toothpicks 58

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Preheat the oven to 375° and grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. > Lightly flour a surface and roll out the crescent dough. > Pinch the seams together, then cut into 24 squares. > Place one square in each muffin tin slot. > Cut the brie into 24 pieces and place one inside each nest of crescent dough. > Top the cheese with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, some chopped pecans and a sprig of rosemary. > Bake until the crescent pastry is golden, about 15 minutes. > Serve warm, with added rosemary for garnish.

To create your own picture-perfect holiday events, Jill offers some easy tips to help you prepare and make them shine like a brightly accented ornament.

Set a tasty, but simple, menu: Offering appetizers and drinks is festive and easier than serving a full meal. Mix it up with hot and cold items, and sweet and savory. Jill’s Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese, Cranberry Brie Bites, Pigs in a Blanket, Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Antipasto Skewers offer all of that and more.

Be creative with plating: For her Antipasto Skewers, Jill selected a Christmas tree-shaped ceramic platter that really showed off the red of the tomatoes and the green of the olives. A twotier serving dish was the perfect way to offer the Bacon Wrapped Dates and Brie Bites. Be sure the appetizers are easy for your guest to pick up and place on their plate, and to consume without feeling self-conscious. And bring out the nice serving pieces, such as a cheese slicer or cake server.

Serve punch: Mix up a sparkling beverage like Jill’s Jingle Juice to help keep you from tending bar all night. Adding fresh cranberries and mint makes

the color pop and serving in sugar-rimmed Old Fashioned crystal glasses adds a note of elegance.

Use caddies: If your guests will be using utensils, consider placing them in decorative caddies that offer easy access. You can also choose this method for offering a variety of condiments, sauces, fresh vegetables or breadsticks.

Calm your nerves: Jill says the best way to greet your guests is to be calm and relaxed, and maybe even have a sip of wine ahead of their arrival.

“Be lighthearted and don’t stress over everything,” she urges. “No one will know if things aren’t perfect.

People are there to have fun. Christmas brings a lot of excitement, especially when you have kids and grandkids, so you want it to be a happy and fun gathering for everyone, including the hostess.”

And speaking of that, when you are the guest at someone else’s soiree, be sure to bring a hostess gift.

“You can’t go wrong with a beautiful set of Christmas themed hand towels or a special candle,” Jill offers.

“I always think about something special for a hostess rather than a bottle of wine for the crowd.”

December ‘23

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The Lost Spanish Mission Bell of the Ocklawaha

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he Ocklawaha River runs like a curvy dark ribbon through Marion County and eventually flows into the St. Johns River near Palatka. The river has provided food, fresh water and transportation to people for thousands of years. Its waters occasionally give up objects that serve as clues about past cultures and some of these unique finds are on display at the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center in northeast Ocala. Among these is an old

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bronze bell.

The bell was recovered from the river bottom in the 1960s by Ben Waller, a local diver, self-taught archaeologist and paleontologist. Waller was prolific in his research and contributed much to our knowledge of ancient Florida. Waller even has a fossil species of bird named after him. The very first fossils for the ancient carnivorous land bird titanis walleri were found by Waller and Robert Allen in the Santa Fe River.

Photo by Scott Mitchum, courtesy of Silver River Museum

By Scott Mitchell

Photo by Bruce Ackerman

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Another local diver, Billy Franklin, was with Waller the day he found the bell. The two men were diving when Waller surfaced with what he thought was an old ship’s bell. When they returned to Waller’s house and inspected it more closely, they found a cross prominently embossed on it and knew it was a special find. The bell was clearly very old and religious in nature.

Waller worked closely with Guy Marwick, who established the Silver River Museum in 1991. The bell was among several notable objects in Waller’s collection that were loaned to the museum for display in 1992. Months later, Waller passed away and several of the loaned items (the bell included) were purchased from his estate so they could remain on exhibit indefinitely.

Historic research later revealed the bell came from a lost Spanish mission situated along the Ocklawaha River during the 1600s. It was indeed a rare find.

The Spanish explorers and priests who settled in Florida kept meticulous records. The original documents are now housed in archives in Seville, Spain and Cuba, and describe the missions in great detail.

Records describe dozens of Spanish missions across what is now north Florida. Three Franciscan missions were found at prominent Timucuan Indian villages in what is now Marion County between 1609 and 1656. These missions were established with the goals of converting locals to Catholicism and generating support for the Spanish colonial presence in the form of food (mainly corn) and people pressed into labor.

A typical Spanish mission included a village, church, priest’s house, Native American council house and sometimes a small contingent of Spanish soldiers for protection. Bronze church bells would have called parishioners to daily Mass and marked special events. The bells were special religious objects that would have been coveted by the friars.

By the end of the 1600s, people living in and near mission complexes fell under increasing pressure from disease epidemics and attacks from other Native Americans allied with the British to the north. By 1706, the mission towns in north Florida had been mostly abandoned and the system was in collapse.

The location where the bell was recovered is a match for the site of mission San Luis de Eloquale, which operated from about 1620 to 1656. The mission was closed after a violent Timucuan uprising in 1656, when Spanish officials demanded high ranking Timucuan leaders come to St. Augustine to work as laborers.

This was the final straw that caused an armed rebellion during which numerous people were killed. The uprising was crushed by Spanish soldiers and several missions, including San Luis de Eloquale, were closed as a result.

How the bell ended up in the river is a mystery.

The fact the mission was abandoned during violent times means it could have been thrown into the water intentionally, perhaps by angry parishioners, or maybe by a priest trying to protect it from desecration.

Mission bells were rarely, if ever, left behind and ours is one of the special objects in the museum collections and is on permanent exhibit.

There are no other complete Spanish mission bells from this time period in museum collections that we know of. The bell is indeed a unique find and one can only imagine the stories it could tell.

Scott Mitchell is a field archaeologist, scientific illustrator and director of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center at 1445 NE 58th Avenue, inside the Silver River State Park.

Museum hours are 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the state park is $2 per person; free for ages 6 and younger. To learn more, go to silverrivermuseum.com

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Celebrating Christmas (sort of)

By Dave Schlenker | Illustration by David Vallejo

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en minutes before I sat down to write this column—in mid-October—I walked into the laundry room, found my wife and proclaimed: “It has finally happened. You have my permission to divorce me.”

“Why?” she said, not looking up, as if I present these dilemmas to her all the time and this one had better be good to disrupt a laundry rhythm sparked by my quest to stain every shirt I own with every lunch I eat, even when I do not have lunch.

“Why?” “I have finally lost my mind. I was looking for my cell phone and …”

“And it was in the refrigerator,” she said.

“Please tell me you didn’t leave your phone in the refrigerator.”

“Next to the cheese,” I answered, ashamed and strangely impressed. I mean, this was a whole new level of “men of a certain age.”

We had just returned from the Ocala Downtown Market with our horse-sized Golden Doodle Rigby Floyd. There, Rigby muscled his way to the vendors with dog treats, one of which also sells fresh smoked Gouda, made with, I’m guessing here, dairy, curds and meth. It is rob-a-bank good.

No matter.

On this trip, we made a few stops on the way.

The cheese was starting to get a little warm, so I rushed to the refrigerator once home.

Done. Now it was time to sit down and write a Christmas column for this issue. I was wearing cargo shorts and sitting near a dancing

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Halloween skeleton, so getting into the Christmas spirit was tough.

A Christmas column. Yes. Maybe I can write about the Great Christmas Fish Massacre of 1978, when my soon-to-be-stepfather—in a worthy attempt to buy my love—bought me a fish tank filled with lovely angel fish and one murderous carnivore whose rampage left ample carnage on Christmas morning.

There were screams, tears and fish flushing.

And there was anger after my soon-to-bestepfather noted that while, yes, the flushed fish was a cannibal, he was the most expensive.

For some reason, that is my default Christmas story. I am a deliriously happy dad/husband whose Christmases are/were filled with magic, first bikes, girl giggles and cats eating/vomiting wrapping paper. Yet ask me to cough up an unforgettable Christmas story and I go to fish slaughter.

I’m not sure why. But then I am not sure why I put a cell phone in the refrigerator and then asked my wife where it was, as if she knew but was not telling me because of a sinister master plan.

There are no epiphanies in these words this month. This is just a funny story about silly things people “of a certain age” do. Plus, I snuck an awful Christmas story in there, prompting my holidaythirsty editors to note “at least he snuck an awful Christmas story in there.”

So, happy holidays dear readers! May this season overflow with stories more charming than fish guts and cold cell phones.

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Gifts for Gardeners and Gardens There are lots of fun and useful items, and experiences, for the gardener in your life.

By Belea T. Keeney Illustration by Jordan Shapot

‘T

is the season—and many folks have gift shopping on their to-do lists. If you have a gardener on your gift list, here are some ideas for useful and fun things they (and their plants) might enjoy.

Gifts for the plants can help your leafy friends weather the winter, improve the soil and get things ready to bloom and produce healthy new growth in the spring.

Neptune’s Harvest products are all fish- and seaweed-based organic fertilizers that offer all kinds of trace minerals and what I call “oogy” goodness. They’re made from fish guts, bones and shells from their seafood processing facilities.

I’ve used this product myself and fair warning—it is stinky! The first time I mixed it up I found out that fish guts and bones are not something you want to get on your clothes or shoes! When I brought my shoes inside the

house, my cats went nuts over them.

The company offers a sample pack of four items for $16 that includes their bestselling hydrolyzed fish fertilizer made from liquidized fish stuff. Neptune’s Harvest also offers a tomato and vegetable blend, one for roses and flowering plants and a fish/seaweed blend for pretty much everything. They also offer crab and lobster shells and kelp meal, which can be worked in the soil before planting, or top dressed. Many of the products are concentrated and should be mixed with water. Several local stores stock the hydrolyzed fish product. Check out the website at neptunesharvest.com Happy Frog products include potting and starter soils, plus fertilizers of all types. The soils are composed of coconut noir, earthworm castings, guano, peat moss, perlite and aged forest products. The soil offers a nutrient-rich growing

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environment that eliminates the need for immediate fertilizing and, when it is time to fertilize, Happy Frog also has those. Its Fox Farm brand offers general plant foods, vegetable fertilizers and some designed for flowering plants.

This is another company focused on organic growing, so the product lines are perfect for folks interested in more natural, less chemical gardens.

Big-box stores carry some of their products, as do some feed stores. The website is foxfarm.com Gifts for the gardeners might include new pruners, a canvas tote to carry the pruners, hand claws and trowels, or a kneeling stool that folds up for small-space storage. Of course, a gift card to a local garden shop will let the gardener in your life pick and choose from new plants, pots, trellises, tools and other garden goodies.

And you can’t go wrong with plants. There are several local nurseries and shops that carry regional-appropriate plants and house plants.

Check out the Peacock Cottage on Silver Springs Boulevard for houseplants; the Garden Stop on South Pine Avenue for landscaping needs; and Bob Wines Camellia Gardens on Southeast 38th Street for all kinds of indoor and outdoor plants and décor, along with, of course, a large selection of camellias.

A classic gift this time of year is a Christmas cactus, which isn’t really a cactus or succulent. These plants are native to rainforests, so they like a lot of humidity and diffused, indirect light. They do need more water than a traditional succulent, so you can let the soil dry almost completely, then drench it and let dry out again. A Christmas cactus will enjoy being misted daily if grown indoors and can be moved outside once the nighttime temperatures are consistently 55 degrees or warmer. They come in red, pink and white, and newer versions even have salmon and peach flowers.

Gardeners also love touring 64

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gardens for inspiration. Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston is a unique botanical garden developed from a former quarry. It offers more than 50 garden displays, scenic koi ponds, waterfalls and a you-may-get-pleasantly-lost vibe.

Annual membership is $45 for a single or two adults for $65. It includes unlimited garden access seven days a week, free or discounted admission to some special events and a newsletter. Learn more at cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com/membership Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, in Gainesville, also offers an annual membership that includes unlimited entry, reduced rates on special events and several half-price reciprocal visit agreements, including for Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales and McKee Botanical Gardens in Vero Beach.

Check out kanapaha.org/membership

A native Floridian and lifelong gardener, Belea spends her time off fostering cats and collecting caladiums. You can send gardening questions or column suggestions to her at belea@magnoliamediaco.com

Christmas cactus

Wishing you a bright and cheerful holiday season filled with sparkle, joy and laughter.

2709 SW 27th Ave. Ste 103 Ocala, FL 34471 | 352-789-6746 | www.ocalarealtyworld.com

Photo by John Jernigan