May/Jun 2019

Tribute To

ELVIS Local Cote Deonath turns his passion into a act that you just have to see to believe!

PLUS—

Ivy On The Square Escape To Little St. Simons Norman Rockwell’s Neighbor

MAY/JUN 2019

OCALA’S

Retirement Redefined

G On Top Of T he W Villages, Oa orld, The k Run, Ston e Creek, Spru ce Creek, an d all of Ocala’s Retirement Communitie s!

INSIDE: The Final Note Band | Marion County Celebrates 175 Years | Taste At The Farm

GOOD LIFE

TM

SERVIN

A

CARING LOOK

AT YOUR

INNER SELF LOW-DOSE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (LDCT) This patient’s LDCT chest scan isolated a tiny 3.5cm cancer mass in the left lung, which was treated successfully with no spread of disease.

We care about you, inside and out. If you are or were a heavy smoker, ask your doctor if LDCT lung cancer screening is right for you. This quick, painless scan can discover lung cancer earlier than other tests, and help protect your important and amazing life.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR LDCT?

For guidelines you can share with your doctor, visit www.raocala.com/services/low-dose-ct-screening It’s worth it.

www.RAOcala.com • (352) 671-4300 ACR Accredited Computed Tomography available at Medical Imaging Center and TimberRidge Imaging Center

We are proudly contracted with a variety of insurances and file all claims with the exception of non-contracted HMO's. Visit our website for a detailed list of contracted insurances. Contracted insurances are subject to change.

A FULL CIRCLE OF CARE CENTERED ON YOU.

You be You can’t can’t be prepared for aa prepared for

STR KE KE but are. but we are.

From the the moment moment aa stroke From stroke happens, happens,time timeisis critical. The The speed of critical. of emergency emergencycare carecan canmean mean the difference difference between between complete the completerecovery recoveryand and permanent disability. disability. permanent Ocala Regional Regional Ocala comprehensive comprehensive

Medical Medical Center Center isisaacertified certified stroke stroke center center equipped equipped with with

advancedminimally minimally invasive advanced invasiveneurointervention neurointervention technology. This This gives technology. gives our ourphysicians physiciansthe thepower power halt and and reverse reverse an toto halt an acute acute stroke strokeinina atimely timely fashion. fashion.

Ocala Regional Medical Center Ocala Regional Medical Center 1431 SW 1stst Avenue, Ocala 34471 1431 SW 1 Avenue, Ocala 34471 800.530.1188 | ocalahealthsystem.com 800.530.1188 | ocalahealthsystem.com

AtAtOcala Health we we believe a stroke doesn’t Ocala Health believe a stroke doesn’t have to to be be a life-changing event.

That’s why why we we have a life-changing event.

That’s continually explore newnew pathways to ensure the the continually explore pathways to ensure health of of ourour community. health community.

Surviving a stroke...

Well within reach.

Surviving a stroke...

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2019

Tickets on Sale Now! KANSAS may 17, 2019

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

TICKETS FROM $73 | KANSASBAND.COM

OPERA TAMPA

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Doors open at 2pm, Show starts at 3 pm

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DANCE PARTY JOHNNY WILD & THE DELIGHTS

jul

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may

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BigBeatProductions.com/BoardwalkBrothers

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THE BOARDWALK BROTHERS

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DANCE PARTY ROCKY & THE ROLLERS

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CANNED HEAT

oct

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DANCE PARTY THE BUZZCATZ

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FORTUNATE SON: CCR EXPERIENCE

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Resident: $28-30

Non-Resident: $30-32

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ONE STOP PONY

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DOOBIE OTHERS: sept

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THE DOOBIE BROTHERS EXPERIENCE

nov

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7BridgesBand.com Resident: $23-25 Non-Resident: $26-28 The Ultimate EAGLES Experience

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AMBROSIA

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TheDoobieOthersTributeBand.com Resident: $22-24 Non-Resident: $24-26

JAY AND THE AMERICANS

jul

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THE ULTIMATE EAGLES EXPERIENCE

Non-Resident: $32-34

nov QUEEN FLASH: THE ULTIMATE QUEEN EXPERIENCE 2019

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QueenFlash.ca Resident: $24-26 Non-Resident: $26-28

AmbrosiAlive.net/The-Band Non-Resident: $32-34 Resident: $30-32

THE HIT MEN:

nov

23

LEGENDARY ROCK SUPERGROUP

2019

TheHitmenLive.com Resident: $30-32 Non-Resident: $32-34

GLENN LEONARD’S TEMPTATIONS REVUE

dec

14

2019

CelebrityDirect.Biz/Glenn

Resident: $30-32

Non-Resident: $32-34

8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala, FL 34481 | (352) 854-3670 | CSCulturalCenter.com 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. **FREE TICKETS NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE. TICKETS MUST BE PICKED UP AT THE CIRCLE SQUARE CULTURAL CENTER TICKET OFFICE DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.

#12999 - 5/19

Ocala’s

GOOD LIFE

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MAY/JUN 2019

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Good Start

20

Running Down A Dream

BY JOANN GUIDRY

30

Escape To This Nearby-Yet-Remote Isle

BY DEBI LANDER

Quick looks at our community. By Claudia O’Brien & Steve Floethe

Out & About

Final Note’s musical party. By Steve Floethe

On Second Thought

Is there an app for that? By Claudia O’Brien

Just My Type

A girl’s night out. By Mary Ellen Barchi

Out & About

A VIP party at Live Oak. By Cody Clifton

Good Eats

Checking out Ivy on the Square. By Rick Allen

Cuisine Queen

All the latest restaurant news. By Paula DiPaula

36

Highlights of some of the area’s best restaurants.

Recipes

Easy entertaining. By Family Features

Out & About

A feast at CF’s Vintage Farm. By Steve Floethe

Plan Ahead

Lots of reasons to get out of your easy chair. What are you waiting for?

Spend a few minutes with the crossword or Sudoku.

Though less than 200 miles from Ocala, a trip to Little St. Simons Island feels far removed and exotic, like being dropped into a fairyland forest. Known for its privacy, The Lodge on Little St. Simons is the only lodging choice on this 11,000-acre preserve—rather like a posh summer camp with adult drinks and gourmet meals.

on the cover

Dining Guide

Puzzle Page

Palm Cay couple Jack and Theresa Slifer enjoy being runners for their health, the camaraderie, and the bling. Yes, they’re serious about their running, some might say obsessive. And they don’t take offense at either description.

Follow That Dream

How a restless 2-year-old got the biggest career advice of his life—from a dusty VHS copy of Elvis’ most famous movie. A lifelong passion for Elvis was born that afternoon, but this would prove to be only the first phase of how uniquely that passion would continue to manifest itself in Cote’s life.

BY JAMES BLEVINS

GOOD LIFE

SERV

TM

Retirement Red

efined

IN G

On Top Of The World Villages , The , Oa Creek, Sp k Run, Stone ruce Cree all of Oc ala’s Re k, and Commun tirement ities!

MAY/JUN 2019

Music and Mary. By Dean Blinkhorn

Tribute To

ELVIS Local Cote Deonath passion into a act turns his have to see to beliethat you just ve!

175 Years | Taste At The Farm

8

The Editor’s Desk

| Marion County Celebr ates

PLUS—

Ivy On The Square Escape To Little St. Simon’s Norman Rockwell’s Neighbor

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

INSIDE: The Final Note Band

6

features

OCALA’S

departments

CASSIE WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY. SHOTBYCASSIE.COM

3

“Rio”

Ocala’s

GOOD LIFE

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MAGAZINE

ocalasgoodlife.com M AY / J U N 2 0 1 9

our Make y

T CLdeOligShtfEul!

Publisher/Art Director Trevor Byrne

trevor@ocalasgoodlife.com

Organization Inspiration

Publisher/Editor Dean Blinkhorn

dean@ocalasgoodlife.com

Project Manager Cynthia Brown

cynthia@ocalasgoodlife.com

Writers

Rick Allen, Amanda Clark-Rudolph, Mary Ellen Barchi, James Blevins, Paula DiPaula, Debi Lander, Claudia O’Brien

Closets • Garages • Pantries • Laundry Room your Reclaim

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Graphic Designers Mitch Carnes Wayne Smith

Proofreaders Karen Bradley Sally Tinkham

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(302) 377-9142 carol@ocalasgoodlife.com

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(772) 224-1988 derek@ocalasgoodlife.com

(352) 427-4006 sally@ocalasgoodlife.com

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The illness of a loved one can be daunting.

Now you don’t have to handle it alone.

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hen my mother became critically ill, I saw what my father went through. Scared, confused, and overwhelmed with information, he didn’t know which direction to go. Being an RN, I was able to sit and hold his hand and explain—in “regular people talk”— what was happening. It helped him to understand mother’s condition and make the appropriate medical decisions best for her. This personal experience and seeing so many others struggle with the “maze” of illness and healthcare, inspired me to create Nurse Advocate Solutions.

With 30 years RN experience, Linda Barrett, RN, will intercede on your behalf with physicians, case managers, attorneys, insurance companies, and anyone involved in the care of your loved ones.

Here’s what her happy clients say: “Linda has truly been an angel

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the editor’s desk Remembering Elvis & Mary

by dean blinkhorn [dean@ocalasgoodlife.com]

T

his month’s cover story features a local singer who has channeled Elvis Presley since he was a young boy. Now all grown up, Cote Deonath has made a morethan-viable career out of reminding fans why they loved the rock-‘n’-roll singer in the first place.

My parents listened to Elvis quite a bit when I was a kid. He would often be in high rotation on the 8-track player in the family station wagon, along with favorites from Kenny Rogers, Anne Murray, and Charlie Rich. Occasionally, edgier fare like Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and secular Johnny Cash tapes would get popped in, too. The endless loops of recorded music formed the bedrock for a lot of the artists I listen to most now.

Those last three artists—and some of Elvis Presley’s earliest hits—resonated most with me. I didn’t know it at the time, but they all had a connection through shared recording space (the famous Sun I hope the article Records studio in Memphis), management, musicians, and in the pages to chart-topping hits. The energy of “Blue Suede Shoes,” “I Walk The come inspires Line,” and “That’s All Right” you to replay were the common denominator for my love of early rock music. those records, From there, Bill Haley, Ritchie CDs, or 8-tracks. Valens, and Jerry Lee Lewis weren’t far behind, many lovingly featured in some way or another on “Happy Days,” mustsee TV for the younger Blinkhorn clan in the mid-70s.

Today, that music lives on, even though we’ve lost most of the icons that put down those early sides. Tribute artists (don’t call them “impersonators”) like Cote are keeping the spirit of that essential time in rock history alive through their heartfelt performances of those well-loved classics. I hope the article in the pages to come inspires you to replay those records, CDs, or 8-tracks, or even better, to check out one of his shows. It’s the next-best thing to going back in time.

ON A SAD NOTE, Ocala lost one of its true visionaries recently. Mary Britt, the executive director of the Ocala Civic Theatre, was a dedicated champion of the arts in Ocala and an amazing and generous leader, always quick with a smile or a kind gesture. All the years of judging local contests together were a joy. And that laugh! I’ll never forget it. Mary will definitely be missed, but her legacy lives on with every performance.

6

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

Mary led the theater’s efforts to become a cultural force to be reckoned with, relocating it from the tight space that once held the Republican headquarters on SR 40 to the much-bigger space it occupies now next to the Appleton.

In three decades of leadership, she also held statewide posts to help spread the word about how to make the arts vibrant and sustainable.

The best way to honor her memory, though, is to attend a local arts performance, preferably one at her beloved Ocala Civic Theatre. They just released their 2019-2020 schedule and it looks like a doozy. “Brigadoon” and “Father of the Bride” headline a slate of surefire box office winners.

Much like Mary herself.

All the best,

Everyone who knows me well is aware that I love music of all kinds, so...

What’s Dean Playing?

Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper, “A Star Is Born”—We finally got around to seeing this award-winning movie recently and it’s really worth your time. The story and the performances are certainly Oscar-worthy, but the songs steal the show, particularly the poignant ballads “Shallow” and “I’ll Never Love Again.”

George Strait, “Honky Tonk Time Machine”—The legendary country singer’s latest is a master class in timeless artistry. The 13 cuts never pander to trends, but simply showcase the wellworn nuances of his voice and the relatively sparse instrumentation. “God And Country Music” is a great single and the title cut is a highlight in a career full of them.

Kansas, “Point of Know Return”—One of their best albums is in high rotation as I get ready for their highly anticipated May 17 concert at Circle Square Cultural Center. “Dust in the Wind” and the title cut are the sure-to-be highlights of their set, but bring on some new stuff, too!

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

7

good start

By Claudia O’Brien & Steve Floethe

The Danger of Stroke

Ocala Regional Medical Center’s new Biplane imaging system

GOOD TO KNOW:

ORMC Adds ‘CuttingEdge Technology’

O

cala Regional Medical Center’s Center’s Bipane imaging system is new, exclusive to ORMC, and a key part of the hospital’s overall comprehensive approach to preventing, detecting, treating, and rehabilitating stroke and other neurological disorders. Simply put, it’s a high-tech imaging device that allows doctors, like interventional neurologist Iraj Nikfarjam, to follow the path of blood flow through the blood vessels leading to the brain.

“This is cutting-edge technology for the treatment of stroke,” stresses the doctor.

However, it’s only part of the center’s overall attack plan for treating stroke victims. The very first and most important contact with the patient, Dr. NikfarDr. Iraj Nikfarjam jam insists, will be with EMS personnel because 85 percent of all strokes are caused by blood clots. When that occurs, blood flow to the brain stops and brain cells begin to die within minutes, so getting treatment fast is critical.

Dr. Nikfarjam stresses that above all—do not attempt to drive yourself or someone suffering from stroke symptoms to the hospital. Always call 911.

8

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

When actor Luke Perry, 52, died from a stroke in early March, people were especially shocked by his death because he seemed so young.

We generally think of strokes happening to older people, not those in middle age.

But here are some sobering facts about strokes.

Based on 2016 statistics from the American Heart Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Someone in the US has a stroke every 40 seconds, on average. Stroke accounts for about one in every 19 deaths, and 50 percent of people who suffer a hemorrhagic stroke die in a matter of days. Stroke kills approximately 142,000 people each year. And, if you’ve already had a stroke, there is a one-in-four chance you’ll have another stroke within your lifetime.

And finally, although the vast majority of strokes occur in people over 65, there are exceptions. Like Luke Perry.

Illustration: Wayne Smith

Know The Stroke Warning Signs

B Balance (loss of balance or coordination) E Eyes (sudden change in vision or trouble seeing) F Face drooping (side of face drooping) A Arm weakness (arm weak or numb) S Speech difficulty (slurred speech) T Time to call 911 (Call immediately. Do not attempt to drive yourself or patient to hospital.)

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

9

good start

From left to right, Becky Love, Joyce Mills (Committee Chair), Maryanne Ellner, Carole Clarke.

ABOVE: Luci Rich hands over one of the woven mats she’s made from recycled plastic bags. BELOW: Line forming for food donations provided by Islamic Center of Ocala

GOOD NEIGHBORS:

Helping Hands

M

embers of the Social Justice Committee at the Tri-County UnitarianUniversalist Church in Summerfield collect toiletries and personal hygiene items for homeless individuals in Marion County. One Sunday afternoon each month, they take the items to distribute in a parking area behind the Marion County Courthouse. Committee members also make comfortable mats for the recipients, which are woven from plastic bags. They’re always a big hit with the recipients!

FLORIDA HISTORY:

Cattle Brands When Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821, no fences separated cattle farms and only through the use of earmarks and brands could cowboys tell their cattle apart. While the cattle baron’s initials were first used for brands, their designs became more complex to make it harder for them to be altered or confused. Above is a re-creation of William Murphy’s “mullet” brand documented in Escambia County’s 1879 state records.

10

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

LIFE HACKS:

Rubber Bands

These are the magic ingredient in lots of practical life hacks. Strong ones can stretch around practically any bottle or jar and help make it a bit easier to open.

They also can provide a “handle” for slippery glasses and containers.

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

11

good start BOOK NOOK:

New Book Shares Personal Stories From Depression & WWII

Marian Rizzo with her debut fiction novel, “Angela’s Treasures.”

O

cala writer Marian Rizzo says her debut fiction novel, Angela’s Treasures, (WordCrafts Press) is based partly on her own family history and the turbulent times her parents lived through, stories she heard while growing up with her two sisters in Rochester, New York.

12

“When I first thought of writing the book,” Marian says, “I realized I already had insight into what it was like for young families during those times.”

She explains she wanted to do more precise historical research as well, so her characters could live authentically through the actual happenings of the time. Marian also created a comprehensive timeline of historical events from 1929 through 1945 and interviewed scores of people.

Angela, the title character, is partially based on Marian’s own mother, Josie. Both women always stretched everything they could to its limit, like cooking one chicken to provide five family meals prepared different ways using rice or pasta and vegetables.

Clothes were always mended, not discarded when they became worn.

Those who heard their own family’s stories from the Depression and the war will identify strongly with the book. Marian hopes that younger readers will gain insight into their grandparents’ generation and better understand

GOOD HOLIDAYS:

Fly The Flag

Celebrate Flag Day on June 14th every year by displaying Old Glory outside your home.

Flag Day is always on the same day every year—the day when Congress adopted the stars and stripes as the national flag in 1777.

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

their actions and opinions.

Although this is Marian’s first published novel, she’s far from a new writer. For 27 years she has written for the Ocala Star Banner, both as a staff reporter and a correspondent. She has also written for a number of other publications through the years and received many accolades and awards for her non-fiction writing.

In March, Angela’s Treasures was honored by the Florida Christian Writers Conference, receiving the first place award in the Women’s Contemporary Fiction category, and has been listed as an Amazon Bestseller and included five times on the website’s Hot New Releases charts.

Marian’s next book, the romantic adventure In Search of the Beloved, was also recently released and is available now.

MORE MARIAN! Angela’s Treasures is available on the shelf at Barnes & Noble at Market Street as well as at Gabriel’s Christian Book & Supply. It can be ordered in eBook, paperback, and hardback versions from Amazon.com, BN.com, and Walmart.com.

The public is invited to attend programs where Marian will discuss her book. On Saturday, August 3, she will be speaking at the Forest Library at 10:30am. On Friday, August 9, she will be speaking at the Reddick Library, during its Brown Bag Luncheon from noon to 2pm.

SERVICES INCLUDE:

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good start GOOD DIVERSIONS:

Read These Instructions

When we’re having a hard day and need a giggle, we visit the website boredpanda.com to look for new additions to their funny product labels section. If you need a little laugh here’s a few to check out.

GOOD MEMORIES:

Don’t Forget to Print More than an estimated 1.2 trillion photos were taken in each of the last two years—and most of them only exist on our phones! Print and display your favorite photos regularly to keep them from getting lost in the cloud.

A GOOD TIME:

Local Band Has Lots of Fans

O

n a recent Friday night in March, the crowd at Dunnellon’s Blue Gator Tiki Bar was having a great time. The classic rock band Final Note was on stage and their many fans were singing and dancing along with songs they knew well.

The band, together for 16-or-so years, includes popular songs from different eras in its setlist, so they play something for everyone.

“I grew up loving music,” says Kelly Michel, the band’s leader. “My dad, Roy ‘Red’ Michel, was a strong influence on me.”

The family connection with music continues. Kelly’s wife Amy and two of their sons, Taylor, who plays drums, and Justin, who plays guitar, are also band members. Two non-family members, guitarists Judd Holley and Steve

14

Lacey, round out the group.

All of the group’s members have day jobs. Kelly has owned Kelly’s Auto Repair and Service in Dunnellon for 24 years and Amy and Justin work with him there. Taylor owns his own computer programming firm, but lends his expertise at the shop to help with special projects.

Many of their long-time auto repair customers are fans of the band.

Kelly says with all their other time obligations, Final Note plays just 10 to 12 dates a year.

“It is fun, but it’s a lot of work,” he explains. “Because we’re a large band, we have a lot of equipment.” He says it take about two hours for them to set up and just over an hour to take everything down. Added to the two to

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

four hours of playing, even a local gig is a big time commitment for the busy band members, but Blue Gator is one of their favorite places to perform.

“It’s a more intimate setting than most of our other dates, but there’s always a great crowd.”

CHECK ‘EM OUT! Final Note has two upcoming dates at Blue Gator: June 7 and June 29. For more information, check out facebook.com/finalnoteband.

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OUT & ABOUT

5 Victor Stanley, Beck

y Lunger

ley, Taylor Michel, 5 Final Note: Amy Michel, Judd Hol ey e Kelly Michel, Justin Michel, Stev Lac

Final Note Concert

5 Wendy & Dave Harris 4 Chris Allen, Teresa Spurlock

The popular Final Note band provided several hours of lively entertainment at the Blue Gator in Dunnellon recently. The enthusiastic crowd sang along with their favorites and many danced along as well during the fun evening! To learn more about the band, check them out in the Good Start section on page 14.

By Steve Floethe

6 Bill & Beverly Graff, Doris Burdette

16

5 Charlene Keller, Lynn Hall, Lorna Keech

4 Roger & Mary Eggers

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

5 Jennifer Martin, Jimmy Renshler

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

17

on second thought

by claudia o’brien [claudia@ocalasgoodlife.com]

There’s Probably An App For That

I

’m having a hard time keeping track of things these days.

Lately, the most common question I’m asking my digital assistant is, “Hey, Google, what day is it today?”

I guess people our age have always been a little forgetful and have had to find practical

ways to keep things straight.

Recently I saw a photograph online of a Victorian woman wearing one of those contraptions that is clasped at the waist of her skirt and has a number of long chains hanging from it, which Steve says it looks like a hanging tool belt. So I asked Google to investigate and found that the apparatus, called a chatelaine, was traditionally worn in days of yore by the lady of the house (resident or housekeeper) to ensure that she could quickly find her keys, lorgnette, small scissors, pocket watch, coin purse, and anything else she might need during her day of keeping house. Someone online called it the mobile device of the day.

A chatelaine or “equipage” could be made of practically any kind of metal. Base metals worked fine for functionality, but wealthy woman might choose to have theirs made of silver or gold and studded with precious stones. As the custom evolved, women also began wearing the contrivances outside their homes, jazzing them up a little to make fashion statements.

I checked Etsy.com to see if anyone is selling them these days. Indeed they are! You can even have your own chatelaine custom-made with its

A chatelaine was traditionally worn in days of yore by the lady of house.

18

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

own attachments. Many create ones to go along with their favorite hobby. For example, a sewing-themed chatelaine could include small scissors, vials of needles and thread, thread wax, and even a tiny pincushion.

The assemblage might hang on chain(s) around her neck, instead of at her waist, sort of like a necklace charm bracelet.

One can also be designed with shorter chains attached to a sturdy brooch.

Maybe that’s what I need! Of course, with the kinds of situations I deal with on most days, my chatelaine would need a major product upgrade.

Instead of dainty scissors, I’d need a pair of those workshop shears to cut through all that thick plastic packaging that’s on everything these days. And instead of the lorgnette, I’d opt for good reading glasses along with a strong magnifying glass for the really fine print. And a jar opener I can use when Steve isn’t around to open tight caps.

My fantasy chatelaine is beginning to feel kind of heavy.

Thankfully, I realized that all I really need to do most everyday things is my iPhone. In addition to the tools supplied by all smart phones, I have apps installed to take care of other chores. I just learned there’s now an app that opens locks without keys! I have faith it won’t be long before there are apps to magically cut through thick plastic and open jars, too.

I’m still keeping Steve, though.

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GOOD NEIGHBORS: JACK & THERESA SLIFER

Running Down A Dream Palm Cay couple Jack and Theresa Slifer enjoy being runners for their health, the camaraderie, and the bling.

BY JOANN GUIDRY • PHOTOS BY JOHN JERNIGAN

I

f you’re looking for Jack and Theresa Slifer on a weekend, check the area’s road racing schedule. Odds are very good that you’ll find them lining up at the starting line, collecting medals at the after-race awards presentation. The Slifers are serious about their running, some might say obsessive. They don’t take offense at either description.

On a recent past weekend, the couple ran in the St. Paddy’s Day 5K in Ocala on Saturday and then in the Excalibur 10-Miler on Sunday in Cocoa. They came home with medals from each, with Theresa finishing in the top three in her age group in both events.

“We generally run in races just about every weekend. And it’s not unusual for us to run two races over a

weekend,” says Theresa, 71, a retired home health aide who began running in 2004. “We plan out our race schedule three to four months ahead of time. We run about 40 races a year.”

IT WAS AT THERESA’S URGING that Jack, 72, a retired senior designer with Mack Trucks, began running in 2005.

He ran his first race, the Turkey Trot in Clearwater, on his 59th birthday that year. And surprisingly, he was a smoker at the time.

“After that first race, I realized I really liked running and smoking didn’t go well with it,” he says. “I thought I either have to stop running or stop smoking. So I stopped smoking.”

Flash forward to 2019 and the Slifers, who have been married for 22 years, have logged 500 races and

counting. And, oh, that’s not 500-plus races combined—that’s 500 and counting each. They know this because Jack has kept a detailed log of their running and racing since they began.

Here’s the Slifers’ race tally at this writing: Theresa has logged 294 5Ks (3.1 miles), 80 half-marathons (13.1 miles), 13 marathons (26.2 miles), and one ultra-marathon (29 miles); Jack has recorded 327 5Ks, 33 halfmarathons, seven marathons, and one ultra-marathon. The duo has also done numerous 10-milers and obstacle mud races. They have participated annually in the Big Hammock Race Series and the Savage Seven, the latter a marathon a day from December 26 to January 1.

“By my estimates to date, I’ve run 5,000-plus miles and Theresa has run

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

21

6,000-plus miles,” says Jack. “I’ve cut back on the longer races; I’m doing mostly 5Ks and 10Ks (6.2 miles) now.

But Theresa still loves the marathons.”

Then being the good husband that he is, Jack adds wryly, “And the other thing is that I’ve slowed down a little time-wise too, but Theresa has just gotten faster. It’s not something I like, but I have to live with it.”

THE SLIFERS’ RUNNING LIFE hasn’t been without peril, but they persist.

Jack has had four heart stents put in and been twice treated for prostate cancer. He kept on running. In fact, during treatment for his first bout of prostate cancer in 2011, he completed the 10-mile Xterra Claw, an extreme trail race in Alafia River State Park.

In maybe a bit of understatement, Jack says, “Toughest race that I’ve ever run.”

Theresa dislocated her right shoulder climbing a wall during an obstacle race, but soon after ran a race with her arm in a sling. While out clearing trails in the Cross Florida Greenway after Hurricane Irma, she slipped and fell from a downed tree, tearing her right knee’s meniscus. After healing from arthroscopic knee surgery, she was back to running like she’d never stopped.

22

Indeed, the Slifers live a nonstop fitness life.

“I generally run 4-5 miles three times a week. Jack will do a training run of four miles and a 10-mile bike ride once a week,” says Theresa.

“We also bike, kayak, line dance, Zumba, and work out with weights. But going to races is our favorite activity.”

The Slifers’ race bounty over the years includes hundreds of race medals, trophies, and other awards.

Many tastefully decorate their home, while others are displayed and/or stored in the garage. And every race comes with a T-shirt, which makes Theresa announce, “I’ll never have to buy another T-shirt in my life.” The couple actually keeps only their favorite T-shirts, donating the others to charity thrift stores. They also donate their worn running shoes, replaced every 300 miles, to Sneakers4Funds.

When asked her favorite race, Theresa quickly answers, “Oh, I love all the Disney World races. I just love the atmosphere of running through the parks. It truly is the happiest place and we always look forward to racing at Disney World every year.”

A sampling of the Disney World races that Theresa has completed includes the Dopey (a 5K, a 10K, a half-marathon, and a marathon over four consecutive days) and the Goofy (a half-marathon and a marathon on two consecutive days).

“I’ll admit it,” says Theresa, “I’m a Disney princess.”

And Jack can lay claim to being a Disney prince. He has run in a plethora of Disney races as well, including joining Theresa in the 25th Walt Disney World Marathon this past January.

But he earned his crown by completing the Disney Coast-To-Coast in 2016.

“To earn the Coast-To-Coast medal, you have to run a half-marathon at Disney World in Orlando and a half-marathon at Disneyland in

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

Anaheim in a calendar year,” says Jack.

“That was something I really wanted to accomplish.”

The couple’s consensus favorite race is the annual Never Quit 5K in Jacksonville, which celebrates the philosophy of never giving up and patriotism.

“It’s a very meaningful race for us,” says Jack, a Vietnam veteran. “We like to run in races for good causes and there’s no better cause than supporting those who serve us. And we like the motto of never quit. That’s how we run and how we live our lives.”

Indeed, the Slifers have no plans to stop running anytime soon.

“We love running and the running community,” says Theresa. “Runners are happy people enjoying their lives.”

One race at a time.

Wanna Run? Jack Slifer’s running advice for seniors.

WALK: It is true that you need to walk before you can run, especially if you’re new to running or haven’t run in awhile.

“Start slowly with walking and build up your endurance with walking first,” says Jack. “Once you’re easily doing three miles at a brisk pace, go ahead and start running. You can do the stop sign-tostop sign method in your neighborhood and slowly progress from there.”

RUN-WALK-RUN: With this method, you use the Huff and Puff rule—when you hear huffing and puffing, you take a walking break, recover, run again, and repeat. The strategic walking breaks lessen fatigue and stress, leading to better running and fewer injuries.

SHOES: “Get good running shoes that fit your feet,” says Jack. “Go to a sports store where someone is a runner and will properly fit your feet. And get new running shoes every 250-300 miles or you’ll risk injury.”

Editor’s Note: Always check with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program.

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23

just my t y pe

by Mary Ellen Barchi [maryellen@ocalasgoodlife.com]

Girl’s Night Out “Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other is gold.”

—from “Make New Friends” by Sue Lynch

M

any years ago, the opening lines to the above song, made famous for its use in the Girl Scouts over the decades, was inscribed in my high school autograph book. I won’t say how many years ago that was, but suffice it to say it was obviously a time before Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram made such things obsolete.

Of course, my 17- or 18-year-old classmate who wrote the verse in my autograph book couldn’t have understood the wisdom or meaning of that simple rhyme. But as one gets older and experiences more of life’s ups and downs, you learn to appreciate your family and your special friends who are always there for you more and more with each passing year.

I am very fortunate to have family in Ocala, but I also have a close group of friends and one way we keep in touch is by meeting for a weekly girl’s-night-out dinner. What makes our gatherings so special is that we all have different personalities, preferences, and live different lives. But when we get together and order our first round of drinks, none of that matters as we catch up on the past week’s events, offer wellmeaning advice, or just listen with a sympathetic ear.

We’ve been meeting and supporting each other through many life events good and bad: losing a loved one, the birth of a first grandchild, failed relationships, and new beginnings, to name just a few. There are many good restaurants in Ocala (see the dining guide or Paula’s “Cuisine Queen” column in the pages to come for proof ), so we pick a different one each week. But the food isn’t as important as the love, encouragement, and friendship we share. We like to say that what happens on girl’s night out, stays on girl’s night out, although all we really do is laugh

You’re better off “binge talking” with pals than binge watching on the couch.

24

Cindy Bethune, Suzanne Mackey, Laura Williams, Mary Ellen Barchi, Annette Gross

too loud, and maybe get a little silly after a couple of margaritas. But who’s counting? It’s cheaper than therapy—and way more fun!

One thing I’d like to emphasize is that the importance of keeping a social network, no matter what your age or circumstances, should not be taken lightly.

Studies have shown that an active social life offers many health benefits. Social connections combat loneliness, depression, and keep your mind and body active.

Social interaction actually trains our brains and helps to improve memory formation and recall, decrease the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, and protects the brain from neurodegenerative diseases. More research—led by the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Northwestern University— discovered that “super agers,” people aged 80 and older who have the mental capacity of much younger people, have one thing in common: close friends.

So the next time you get an invitation to go out for dinner or ask someone to join you for a night out, remember, you’re better off “binge talking” with your gal pals or best buds over dinner and drinks than binge watching on the couch. Step out of your comfort zone if you must to rekindle old friendships or make new connections. Silver or gold, they’re precious and valuable commodities you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Follow Mary Ellen Barchi on her blog, fromawriterspov.blogspot.com, and on Twitter: @writer_mebarchi.

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

OUT & ABOUT

5 Cyndie & Mike

McQuaig,

ief Dunnellon Police Ch

5 Mike Brown, Joe Reich

el, Darla Brown

Celebrating 175 Years Of Marion County

5 Harry Ayala, Judith Robards

Thousands of visitors of all ages were on hand March 30 to celebrate the county’s anniversary at the McPherson Governmental Complex. Segments of three counties— Alachua, Mosquito (now Orange), and Hillsborough—were pulled together to create Marion County in March 1884. The recent celebration included historical exhibits and videos, characters in costume, and live stage entertainment.

5 Casey & Dave Edkins

By Steve Floethe

4 Ray Morton, with 1911 Pierce Arrow motorcycle

5 Pat Pratt, Kathy Berning, Bill Pratt

5 Marcia J. Sobers, Dr. Jillian Ramsammy

5 At Rotary Club of Ocala booth: Kimberly Porcelli, Tom James, Al Formella and Toni James

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

25

Many of us are certainly familiar with Norman Rockwell as the famous painter, but for Ocala’s Ardis Clark, she knew him simply as “Norman.”

BY AMANDA CLARK-RUDOLPH

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

Stamp Photo: spatuletail / Shutterstock.com

26

Knowing Norman

A

rdis Clark sits in a cozy chair surrounded by Norman Rockwell photos and trinkets, but Ardis is not your average fan of the Saturday Evening Post and Boys’ Life cover illustrator. If you look closer at her “Norman Wall,” as she calls it, you’ll see photos of her as a young girl modeling for Rockwell’s works intermixed with copies of famous paintings. Ardis, 84, still has a fiery streak and speaks with accompanying hand gestures. Her energy resonates.

It was common for Rockwell to go through many models before settling on one. He would take a picture and paint from the photograph because his everyday subjects didn’t have the time to pose for many hours. Ardis has some of these original pictures on her Norman Wall. You see, to Rockwell, Ardis was more than just a model for his paintings.

She was also his neighbor.

ARDIS CLARK GREW UP AS Ardis Edgerton in West Arlington, Vermont.

“Peaceful Valley as my father called it,” she says as I admire the Rockwell themed books, trinkets, and photos displayed around her house. Ardis radiates, and you can tell she enjoys passing down her stories.

When Ardis was 10, the Rockwells moved across the road from her family’s colonial farmhouse. They were in search of a fresh start after Norman’s nearby studio burned to the ground, destroying 28 years of paintings with it. After the heartbreaking disaster, the Rockwells wanted seclusion and found it in the house next door to Ardis and her family. There the Rockwells and Edgertons lived side by side from 1943 to 1953.

However, these families were not typical neighbors. They were heavily involved in one another’s lives. Ardis’ parents, James and Clara, would become best friends with Norman and his wife, Mary. Ardis also went to school with all of the Rockwell children. She even babysat for Norman’s son, Peter, and she graduated with Tommy, who was named the class

As a child, Ardis Clark was a model for (and neighbor of) Norman Rockwell.

valedictorian. (Ardis was salutatorian.) having the vibrant redhead around.

I laugh as she tells me that she also She also employed Ardis as a housedated another son, Jerry, a few times. keeper so that she could make some Norman found inspiration in the extra money. hardworking family that made maple “Mary had a notebook that she’d syrup and raised cows. Although the leave open, and I’d write my hours Edgertons didn’t have a lot of money, down in it. When I needed money, I’d Rockwell was always respectful and ask for the check, and she’d pay me.” viewed his neighbors who resided 60 Rockwell also paid Ardis $5 to feet down the lane as his equals. Ardis model for his paintings, and Ardis recalls a story that illustrates this muhappily obliged on several occasions. tual respect.

“For a long time,” she says, “Norman wouldn’t paint his house “both of our houses until my parents could afford to needed to be painted badly, but paint theirs.”

Norman wouldn’t —Ardis Clark paint his house until my parents could afford to paint theirs.”

But it wasn’t just Ardis who modThe families were so close that eled for Rockwell—you can see her they would even spend holidays mother, father, sisters, grandmother, together. and brother all in Rockwell’s works.

“We went over there every Christ- Her brother, Buddy, was the featured mas,” she says, “and they always had a model in many of Rockwell’s iconic gift for us.” scouting paintings because of his good Furthermore, Rockwell’s wife, looks and boyish charm.

Mary, “was like a second mom to me,” Ardis says gratefully. Mary ARDIS TELLS HER STORIES with would give her clothes and enjoyed ease and you can see that she’s having

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

27

Norman & Mary Rockwell with Ardis’ parents, James & Clara Edgerton

Inspiring Norman Rockwell

Ardis and her family posed often for the iconic American painter and were featured in many of his best-known works. Due to copyright restrictions, we couldn’t publish them in this story, but search these specific titles to see the images online.

HOMECOMING G.I.—Ardis is the fiery redheaded girl in blue.

THE LONG SHADOW OF LINCOLN—Features Ardis and her brother Buddy, sister Joy, and great-grandmother Elva.

says while laying many old photographs out on her dining room table.

Ardis then skips ahead to her wedding with her now-late husband, Ray Clark. The Rockwells helped tremendously with the momentous occasion.

Mary came over and vacuumed their house where the wedding reception was to take place, and they gave the newlyweds china for a wedding present— which Ardis still has—and paid for the flowers and photographer.

“We didn’t have the money for any of that back then,” Ardis explains. You can still sense her immense appreciation.

After talking with Ardis, you quickly find that the ties with the Edgerton family ran incredibly deep.

So deep that when Norman and Mary later moved to Stockbridge, Massachusetts, it came up in one of his letters.

“The thing I most regretted,” he wrote, “was leaving Jim and Clara.”

ARDIS COULD TALK TO YOU for days about her relationships with the Rockwells and how much these families meant to each other. Yes, Ardis knew Rockwell, the painter, but even more so, she knew Rockwell, the man, and her down-to-earth stories about the time when both families lived side by side on the lane will be passed down to

FREEDOM OF SPEECH—This was inspired by her father being the only one to stand up for a cause at a school meeting, although he’s not the actual model. a difficult time deciding which one to tell next. Her mind remains filled with memories from her days living on the lane.

As she speaks, I look to the wall and see a sweet photograph of Ardis with her arm around Norman. They’re both sticking out their tongues. It’s one of the original pictures that she asked for all those years ago.

I listen as Ardis begins to tell another easily recollected story about her father, James Edgerton, whom Rockwell admired for being the only person who stood up at a town meeting to object to rebuilding a school that had just burned down. Her father thought the town

28

couldn’t afford it, but “he was unanimously turned down,” Ardis recalls.

However, the story doesn’t end there.

Ardis explains that the motion passed, so the town started to build the high school. Around the same time, James’ cows got sick and “the government came in,” Ardis says,” and carried all the diseased cows away—except one.” Obviously James needed a job to feed his family, so in an ironic twist of fate, he ended up building the school that he didn’t vote for. After three days, he became a crew boss and then scrawled “James Edgerton” on a prominent beam. “It came full circle,” Ardis

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

The Rockwell and Clark homes

future generations.

However, there’s much more to Ardis than her Rockwell memories and modeling days. She went on to create her own story and has lived in Ocala for 35 years.

After the Rockwells moved away, Ardis and her husband, Ray, bought and managed a string of independent grocery chains in Vermont. The last store, Clark’s IGA (now Clark’s Quality Foods), still resides in Londonderry. Her three children own and operate it to this day.

When asked why Ardis moved to Ocala from Vermont, her first response was “to get Ray away from the store or we would have never retired.” Like Ardis’ father, Ray was a hardworking man, and he put everything he had into running the family business.

Ardis and Ray also settled on Ocala because of a Readers Digest real estate promotion.

“They flew you down and wined and dined you. They even paid for golf,” Ardis says. “Back then, there were only six model homes here. We put money down on a lot in 1974, paid it off in 1979, and built the house in

1981.” However, the couple didn’t move down permanently until they retired from Clark’s IGA a few years later. The Clark family has now been in the grocery business for six decades.

RAY AND ARDIS ENJOYED a relaxing Ocala life together. They were avid golfers and charter members of their local church. But in 1999, Ray was unexpectedly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away that same year. Like Norman, Ardis found a way to spread hope, even through darker times, and she was on a mission to give back in Ray’s name.

It was by chance that Ardis met a woman at a fair on Lake Lillian in Belleview who told Ardis about The Ocala Royal Dames, a social charity where 100 percent of funds raised go to cancer research.

She joined without hesitation and has been a contributing member for 17 years.

Ardis also continued Ray’s legacy at the Veterans Memorial in Ocala by having his name engraved on a commemorative stone. Ray was a veteran of the Korean War, and you can view his name along with others at the park.

AS FOR ARDIS’ UNIQUE experience with the Rockwells, she continues to share her memories with family and at special events.

She spoke along with more than two dozen other surviving models this past summer at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Arlington. She also participated in a program at the Belleview Library a few years ago, a game show-like presentation where her unexpected secret was a showstopper.

Additionally, Ardis plays a prominent role in her brother Buddy’s book, The Unknown Rockwell, that tells the full version of the Edgerton and Rockwell relationship through Buddy’s eyes. There has even been talk of this book becom-

How Well Do You Know Norman?

• He got his first paid art gig at 16, a set of Christmas cards commissioned by his neighbor.

• His biggest inspiration was artist Howard Pyle.

• He produced 323 covers for The Saturday Evening Post.

• The artist’s Four Freedoms series was also an incredibly effective fundraising tool for the American military, netting nearly $133 million in war bonds while on a government-sponsored touring exhibition.

• His three wives were all schoolteachers.

• His painting, Saying Grace, netted $46 million from an anonymous buyer at a 2013 art auction.

Source: mentalfloss.com

ing a movie. Ardis also recently opened up her home to New York author Steve Hagerty, who’s also writing a book about the models from Arlington. She’s also given a few talks at a nearby church, presented in the Villages, and spoken recently at the Appleton Museum.

While interviewing Ardis for this article, you could see the spark in her eyes. To the Edgertons, the Rockwells were like an extended family and Ardis continues to tell her story to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. These down-to-earth memories live on in all of them.

Norman died in 1978 from Alzheimer’s, an unfinished painting still on his easel. However, Ardis’ unique link to the Rockwell family cannot be broken. Even though Norman Rockwell would go down as one of the most recognized illustrators of our time, to Ardis, he was known by only one name.

Norman.

Editor’s Note: Ardis Clark is Amanda Clark-Rudolph’s grandmother. Amanda is a local freelance writer who enjoys penning feature-length articles for several publications and websites.

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

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ESCAPE—LITTLE ST. SIMONS ISLAND

‘Escape To This Nearby-Yet-Remote Isle’

By Debi Lander

Though less than 200 miles from Ocala, a trip to Little St. Simons Island feels far removed and exotic, like being dropped into a fairyland forest.

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T

o get to the least-visited of Georgia’s Golden Isles, drive north on I-95. Cross over the stunning, cable-suspended Sidney Lanier Bridge to the larger St. Simons Island and continue to the gateway at the northern end, the Hampton River Marina. Then, hop on the private ferry where the boat scurries across the Marshes of Glynn to Little St. Simons Island, a mere 10- to 15-minute ride, depending on tides.

Staff members warmly greet you as

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

you step up the embankment covered in oyster shells and native grasses. Most likely, a noticeable breeze will be blowing through dozens of giant live oaks draped with Spanish moss. You can’t help but feel the caress of Mother Nature as you enter this secluded world.

Known for its privacy, The Lodge on Little St. Simons is

Photos: Cassie Wright Photography. shotbycassie.com

the only lodging choice on this 11,000-acre preserve. For that matter, the few standing structures are the only buildings on the island. The pristine retreat hosts those interested in nature and conservation, rather like a posh summer camp with adult drinks and gourmet meals. The rustic-looking Hunting Lodge dates back to 1917 and works as the heart and soul of the resort.

The renovated building includes a gathering and game room, two dining rooms, a little museum, a small gift shop, and the office. Familystyle meals are embraced and, weather permitting, al fresco dining is enjoyed in the picnic area beneath the tree canopy.

Hunting Lodge

Each evening before dinner, attend a delightful-but-casual social hour with wine, beer, and hors-d’oeuvres. Or mix your own cocktail using the honor system. Tradition calls for Friday evening oyster roasts (when local oysters are available). Here, guests mingle and recount the day’s adventures.

With a maximum of 32 overnight guests, staff members are quick to remember your name and needs. Your luggage will appear in one of 16 guest rooms within cottages of varying size.

The Tom House, a one-bedroom cabin, is popular with couples and honeymooners.

The Michael Cottage includes two bedrooms (one with queen bed, one with twin beds), two bathrooms, and a rear porch with an outdoor shower.

The Helen House, a 1928 structure with tabby or oyster-shell masonry, contains period furnishings and three bedrooms.

The common areas include a living room with fireplace, kitchen, screen porch, and courtyard, a perfect retreat for couples with children or family groups.

The more modern River Lodge and Cedar House sit at the river’s edge, just a short stroll from the main compound. Both offer four spacious bedrooms, each with a private bath-

I couldn’t help but notice the bright twinkling of stars, thanks to a lack of light pollution.

It was a fitting goodnight kiss. room and sliding doors that open onto wrap-around decks with marsh and river views. At the center are shared great rooms with a tabby fireplace, wet bar and fridge. The large screen porch comes with a daybed and rocking chairs. Never fear, there’s plenty of reading material and games should the weather turn. One of my favorite things about staying in the River Lodge was basking in the vibrant Kodachrome-colored sunsets off the patio.

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Helen House living room

Nature’s treat.

You’ll also discover a large saltwater swimming pool, a well-tended garden

With a maximum of 32 overnight guests, staff members are quick to remember your name and needs. where fruits and vegetables are grown for the kitchen, and the old barn now

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used as a general meeting room for presentations. But the main attraction remains the property’s lush, untamed wilderness starring vibrant maritime forests, flourishing coastal marshlands, and seven miles of sandy beach.

Naturally, stays are all-inclusive, including three gourmet meals each day, naturalist-led outings such as bird watching (over 330 species of birds have been spotted), beachcombing, and boat excursions, plus all the bug spray and sunscreen you need. Some guests choose to go off on their own for kayaking, fishing (chef will cook your catch), and bicycling on 20 miles of trails. The island’s wide-open sandy beach stays practically empty. In fact,

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

you may have it all to yourself. Little wonder guests return year after year.

A Little History The barrier island has remained mostly untouched by humans since the first owners, brothers James and John Graham, registered a royal grant for the land in 1773. Luckily for us, it remains so.

In1912, Philip Berolzheimer, owner of the Eagle Pencil Company, bought the island. He intended to cut the timber, but the twisted red cedar trees were too bent by ocean winds and storms to make into pencils. He kept the island as a retreat and his family owned it until 2003.

Three chef-prepared meals are included for guests

After visiting over many years, passionate conservationists Hank and Wendy Paulson purchased the island in 2003. The Paulsons wanted it to stay au naturel so, in 2015, they donated a conservation easement to The Nature Conservancy. Now the entire island is protected from future development.

So what’s it like to spend a few days?

The answer is simply heavenly. Sunrise proved glorious. I stood in awe watching the glowing ball of light rise over the lonely beach. However, those who prefer to sleep in will be comfortable knowing breakfast is served until 10am. The boun-

Photo: Debi Lander

A Typical Day

Clam appetizers before dinner

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

33

tiful meal will keep you going through your morning excursions.

I climbed up to the benches on the back of an open-air pickup truck and explored the maritime forest with the naturalist. The vehicle bounced along the unpaved road, stopping at many interesting spots, while the naturalist explained the flora and fauna and tales about the critters.

Each evening before dinner, attend a delightful-butcasual social hour with wine, beer, and hors-d’oeuvres.

Talk about 50 shades of green! The forest presented itself like a magician revealing hidden objects only to an ever-observant eye. We also visited bird blinds for viewing waterfowl and higher platforms to overlook the scenic marshy landscape. Naturally, a few gators make this paradise home.

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After lunch, I combed the sandy, shell-strewn shores. On another day, I observed eagles, herons, egrets, wood storks, pelicans, and hawks soaring along the shoreline. Dolphins frolicked in the water and we passed a few fishermen. Loggerhead turtles nest here, but my visit didn’t coincide with the seasonal event.

I squandered my late afternoon with a short nap before happy hour and a Low Country-themed dinner. The naturalists offer evening programs, or you can just continue dinner conversations over a nightcap.

While walking back to my bedroom, I couldn’t help but notice the bright twinkling of stars, thanks to a lack of light pollution. A fitting goodnight kiss.

An escape to this nearby-yetremote, nature-centric isle will undoubtedly make you more ecoaware. It will also bestow relaxing and rewarding memories without the hassle of a plane trip. Little St. Simons is indeed a special place.

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

littlestsimonsisland.com

Tips To Enjoy Your Stay • If overnight accommodations don’t fit your budget, you can still visit Little St. Simons on a day trip. The boat ride, morning and afternoon activities with a naturalist, and a family-style lunch are included. Assist on one of three beach/marine clean-up weekends and get one night free.

• Wi-Fi is spotty but available.

• Children over the age of six are welcome year-round. Younger children accepted from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but recommend they be at least 3 years of age.

• No pets.

• I suggest booking any season except summer to avoid the mosquitoes.

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

FOLLOW

THAT

How a restless 2-year-old got the biggest career advice of his life—from a dusty VHS copy of Elvis’ most famous movie.

B y Ja mes B levins

Photos courtesy of 49th PL Productions

C

ote Deonath was two years old and spending time with his grandmother, Joellyn, when he was first exposed to the “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Aaron Presley.

At that young age in 1999, Cote confesses, he couldn’t sit still for anyone.

A naturally rambunctious child, Cote needed something, anything, to distract him from his more Tasmanian Devil-like

impulses. The trouble was there didn’t seem be anything distracting enough to distract him—at least nothing his family had stumbled upon yet.

“I was a little demon child,” admits Cote, 21, with a laugh. “I was very hyper. I still am to a certain extent.

But on that particular day, my grandmother was at her wit’s end with me. She had tried everything to calm me down.

“Then,” says Cote, “she

tried something new on a whim.”

The whim she went on was Elvis.

Joellyn put a VHS copy of Elvis’ 1962 film Follow That Dream into the tape deck. The video’s effect on two-year-old Cote was almost immediate.

“I was mesmerized,” remembers Cote. “I didn’t move from that spot. And I guess when the movie was over, my grandmother told me

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

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“Elvis has given me an outlet to make people happy, a platform to spread a message of joy and harmony everywhere I go.”

Cote Deonath

that I had started immediately moving and jumping around and causing more havoc, so she rewound the tape, pushed play, and I was still again.”

Something about the gyrating rock icon captivated young Cote. Whenever Elvis was on the screen, Cote was paying strict attention and relishing everything he saw, replaying Elvis’ many motions and mannerisms back and forth in his mind. The film made an irreversible impression.

“I think Elvis has that effect on a lot of people,” offers Cote. “He certainly has had that effect on me. After that, I was constantly watching his movies and video clips. I started thinking, ‘Who is this guy?’’”

A lifelong passion for Elvis had been born that afternoon at his Grandma Joellyn’s house, but this would prove to be only the first phase of how uniquely that passion would continue to manifest itself in Cote’s life.

AS FAR AS FOUR-YEAR-OLD COTE was concerned, anything could be used as a microphone in a pinch. But he much preferred using a real one to share his passion for Elvis Presley with others.

Cote first performed as Elvis for his Dunnellon Christian Academy at the tender age of four. He sang along and performed to two of Elvis’ hit songs, “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog.” OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

By the time he was eight, Cote had started making a name for himself outside of Florida, performing at Elvis festivals across the country.

When he finished his two-song set, his family had to come out and literally pull him off the stage.

“I remember having such a good time,” says Cote. “I didn’t want to leave.

I wanted to do the whole CD.” A year later, Cote was performing as “Little Elvis” all over Florida, making appearances at his hometown of Dunnellon’s Boomtown Days, Plant City’s Strawberry Festival, and the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale.

By the time he was eight, Cote had started making a name for himself outside of Florida, performing at Elvis festivals across the country. In 2007, he even performed in Tupelo, Mississippi—Elvis’ hometown—for the first of three visits as a kid to Tupelo University’s annual Elvis Festival (more on this later).

In Tupelo in 2009, Cote reenacted the famous moment when an 11-year-old Elvis chose the guitar over the bicycle for his birthday present in a hardware store in 1946. An 11-year-old Cote played Elvis in the actual famous hardware store, with the actual famous guitar.

“I couldn’t touch it,” recalls Cote, “but it was on display. I got to hold a replica for the actual reenactment. It was

a huge honor to reenact the moment that shaped that young man’s life, and shaped the music industry as well.

“I mean, just think about it,” continues Cote. “What if he’d picked the bicycle? The world would be a very different place. I don’t know! That’s some Back to the Future, alternate-timeline stuff right there!”

This new phase of Cote’s passion for Elvis was quickly becoming something he was taking very seriously. He started taking vocal lessons. He learned how to play the guitar right-handed like Elvis, because, like Elvis, Cote was naturally left-handed.

“I sang every day,” remembers Cote. “I talked non-stop about Elvis. I would even slick my hair back in school pictures. Kids from my school were going home and asking their parents who Elvis was. And their parents would be like, ‘Yeah, I know who he is, but where did you hear about him?’ I just wanted to be him so bad as a kid, and I wanted everyone to know who he was.”

In 2016, when he had turned 18 and was a senior at Dunnellon High School, Cote decided to go pro as an Elvis tribute artist.

NOW, FOR STARTERS, what exactly is the difference between an Elvis tribute artist and an Elvis impersonator?

“People use the term ‘tribute artist’ with Elvis,” explains Cote, “because it’s a

higher standard than ‘impersonator.’”

Impersonators, according to Cote, really think that they are Elvis. Tribute artists do not. Impersonators portray Elvis 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using his mannerisms and style of speech for effect—sometimes comical effect.

Tribute artists do not.

Impersonating Elvis can easily go the way of caricature, claims Cote, and become an oversimplification of a very talented and complex man. Whereas for tribute artists, mimicking Elvis is not the game. For them, it is exclusively about honoring and respecting his life and rich musical legacy.

“I do it because I want to educate and bring Elvis’ music to the next generation of fans,” says Cote of performing. “And as long as that’s everyone’s goal as a tribute artist, I think that’s the difference.”

Now, when it comes to competing as an Elvis tribute artist, there are only 18 competitions that are recognized

by Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) and Graceland, which represents the Elvis Presley Estate. One of the biggest is the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, which takes place annually at Graceland itself.

After winning his first professional Elvis tribute artist contest at the Tampa Bay Elvis Festival earlier in the year, Cote placed in the Top 10 at EPE’s Ultimate Elvis in 2016, his first year as an eligible contestant. This was no small feat, as only 18 competitors across the world are even chosen to participate.

“It was unbelievable,” says Cote of his first Ultimate Elvis experience. “I was very fortunate to be up against a lot of veteran guys that I could look up to and

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

39

learn from. It was kind of a whirlwind for me.”

In 2018, Cote wowed the Ultimate Elvis crowd, finishing in the coveted Top 3 and winning the top-American title outright. He would follow that title a few weeks later by becoming World Champion at the Images of the King Elvis Festival in Memphis.

Since going pro, Cote has won eight grand championships out of the 18 officially recognized. He even won Tupelo’s Elvis Festival in 2017, the same festival he went to as an 11-yearold kid when reenacting Elvis’ birthday trip to the hardware store.

Through Elvis, Cote has since seen so many of his dreams come true and his mission in life become ever clearer. A mission he might have even

Since going pro, Cote Deonath has won eight grand championships out of the 18 officially recognized. caught glimpses of right from the start, watching a grainy VHS copy of an old Technicolor film in his grandmother’s living room.

“Elvis has given me an outlet to make people happy,” states Cote, “a platform to spread a message of joy and harmony everywhere I go. I have friends all over the world now because of Elvis. I intend on sharing his music and what he stood for as long as I can.”

IN 2012, Cote’s grandmother, Joellyn— his first and greatest fan, according to Cote, and the first person to expose him to the majesty and grace of Elvis Presley—passed away.

Her being gone had a profound effect on Cote. He even contemplated stepping away from the stage for good.

“I almost gave it all up,” remembers Cote. “I didn’t do much of

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

Beyond Jailhouse Rock Cote’s five favorite, non-hit Elvis songs.

1. “It’s Easy for You” from Moody Blue, 1977.

“He was going through a really mellow phase at this time in his career. And if you really listen to Elvis and understand his music as it reflects things that were going on and happening to him in his life, then this is a good song to listen to for that.”

2. “It’s Still Here” from Elvis (Fool), 1973. “This is one I just discovered recently. It’s Elvis playing piano and there’s a bass line, and that’s it. It’s raw and just unbelievable.”

3. “It’s Your Baby, You Rock It” from Elvis Country (I’m 10,000 Years Old), 1971. “This song is really calm and kind of country. The melody just flows.”

4. “Unchained Melody” from Moody Blue, 1977. “Another song off Moody Blue, the last album he put out in his lifetime. Words can’t describe how beautiful his version of this song is, the emotion he conjures up when he sings this song at the piano [at his last televised concert in Rapid City, South Dakota, two months before his death] is beyond words. It was a statement from him at his lowest that he still had it. That he never lost it. That it was always there inside of him, despite everything else.”

5. “I’ve Got a Thing About You Baby” from Good Times, 1974. “Oh, man, that’s it. I just love this song. I have to say, I’m so happy that you asked me these questions. This is probably my favorite interview. So many people ask me what my favorite Elvis song is and I always end up saying ‘Jailhouse Rock’ or something similar. It’s nice to bring up some other Elvis songs that are just as worthy of attention.”

anything for a while. I didn’t listen to Elvis. It’s almost like I excommunicated him from my life because it was too much. My grandmother was my rock.”

But after grieving for the better part of a year, Cote realized he had to continue on, for Joellyn’s sake. It was the best way for him to honor her, he concluded, to honor the gift she had given him when he was two years old and hellbent on making some noise.

He saw it almost as a choice.

A choice between living a life that was ordinary, and living a life that was extraordinary, a choice maybe not too dissimilar to the famous choice Elvis once had to make between a bicycle and a guitar.

“I think a lot of people face that choice,” suggests Cote. “No matter if you’re a tribute artist, an actor, or a musician. If you want to pursue something that you really love, you have to choose to take that path every step of the way.

“Follow your dreams 100 percent of the time,” recommends Cote. “Nothing else is going to satisfy you more than following that dream.”

The King himself couldn’t have said it better.

WANT TO SEE COTE? Cote has an active performing schedule and also hosts a summer festival in Inverness in July. Visit his site and the one for the festival on July 18-20 for more information: elvisthesummerfestival.com

coteastheking.com

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

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OUT & ABOUT 3 Pat Parelli, Dana Armstrong, Leslie Jean Wengler, George Isaacs

All That Glitters Is Gold

5 Jim & Carrie Brinkman

This annual VIP party at Live Oak International celebrated the competitors, sponsors, and friends involved with the event. The “gold” theme was in honor of the gold medal winners at the World Equestrian Games this past year. There were some incredible acrobats with painted bodies, all in gold, a great band, and a wonderful banquet of delicious food.

By Cody Clifton

5Chester Weber

4Sue Ann Lehman, David E. Helmuth

5 Raymond & Susan DiMaria

5 Katie Iston, Carrie Ostrowski, Stac

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ey Year, Barbara Sims

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

5 Claudia Bella

ndi, Louisa Bar

ton

Are you an Active Ager?

Answer these five questions to see if you have what it takes to live a long, strong and independent life. Regular physical activity is one of the most significant influences on aging optimally!

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FITNESS DIRECTOR, ACE, AFAA, AEA, NAFC

1

Do you have the stamina to walk around Disney World all day?

Conquering Disney will require muscular endurance.

This reflects your muscles’ ability to work at a lower level of exertion for an extended duration. Muscular endurance is improved through regular physical activity such as walking, cycling and swimming.

2 Can you pick up a 28-pound toddler?

Picking up a sturdy two-year old is no easy feat. This is a measure of muscular strength, the ability of muscles to work at a high level of exertion for a short duration. Muscular strength is improved with strength training. It is never too late for anyone to improve his or her strength.

3

Are you able to bend over and tie your shoes?

Bending down to tie shoes requires the movement of many joints and is related to flexibility. Daily stretching can improve flexibility. Engaging in activities like yoga and Tai Chi are excellent for helping increase a pain-free range of movement. Flexibility is closely tied to functional capacity and our ability to navigate through activities of daily living.

you walk briskly for a mile while 4 Could having a conversation with a friend?

To walk quickly and carry on a conversation is a reflection of cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular health is improved by engaging in activities that elevate the heart and breathing rate for a sustained period. Walking, dancing and jogging are all good examples of cardiovascular exercise.

Interestingly, a person’s ability to walk quickly is a very good indicator of overall health.

you get down on the floor to look for the remote under the couch?

5 Can

This “active aging” quiz is based on the five components of fitness: muscular endurance, muscular strength, cardiovascular health, flexibility and body composition.

If you were not able to answer “yes” to all of these questions, we can help! I welcome you to call or stop into The Ranch Fitness Center & Spa. We have certified personal trainers that specialize in older adult wellness, corrective exercise and optimal aging.

Take a tour of The Ranch Fitness Center & Spa today.

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A successful mission of retrieving the remote from under the couch will take a combination of strength and flexibility. Additionally, this task is influenced by the body’s composition of lean mass to fat mass. Getting down on the floor is often times avoided because of the effort it takes and the lack of confidence to be able to get back up. Maintaining strength, flexibility and a healthy bodyweight are critical to both functional ability and overall health.

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RENEW HOME SHOWCASE: Lauri Majoros

BEFORE 5Beam me up Scotty! The original kitchen had a weird spaceship design which enclosed the area.

AFTER

3Bye bye spaceship!

The new open design left room for a spacious island.

‘We Wanted That Wow Factor’

ReNew in Ocala is the place to go to fix outdated floors, bathrooms, and kitchens on a budget.

Satisfied clients Lauri Majoros and her husband love their beautifully updated northwest Ocala home.

L

auri Majoros and her husband love their quiet Golden Hills home of nearly nine months.

It’s a well-established neighborhood with giant oak trees that offer lots of reprieve from a typical Florida summer with unhurried roads that are in stark contrast to the busier ones in South Florida from where they moved.

Now they literLauri Majoros ally live across

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the street from her son and daughterin-law and their precious grand-daughter Savannah.

Lauri is retired, but her husband still works and commutes from South Florida. They both love the outdoors and are looking forward to exploring Ocala’s numerous rivers and lakes from the scenic vantage point of a kayak or canoe. Lauri was immediately drawn to the area, which she describes as “green and nice.” The couple is looking forward to spending many days with their family, cooking on the grill or playing with Savannah in the backyard.

When they decided to move in, the outdated kitchen was definitely an area

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

they knew they’d need to address.

“The kitchen had a spaceship design, a real, ‘beam me up, Scotty’ look” Lauri recalls, laughing. “And we wanted to get rid of that wall so we could see the beautiful view. We wanted that wow factor.”

After getting a few recommendations from local people she trusted, Lauri decided to call Jim LaValle with ReNew. She knew right away it was going to work.

“I met with Jim and we got along very well,” she remembers. “He’s very accommodating and during the process he was always available to me. It’s never easy to do any renovation, but Jim would get right back to me with any

BEFORE

3 Two toned cabinets, a white backsplash and quartz countertops create a light, bright area that the couple loves.

AFTER

“was my fault for changing stuff.”

And they loved the crew that did the work, particularly the electrician and the plumber who did some tricky work to bring everything up to date.

“All the people that came in and out were very good,” she says. “Everybody was really nice.”

For Jim LaValle, it’s another job well done, something that never gets old for him or his crew. They take pride in every single assignment, and he’s more than happy to guide his clients every step of the way.

“You have to have that vision of what the final product is going to look like,” Jim explains, “and the product knowledge to get the job done.”

The Majoros family would definitely recommend ReNew for anyone looking to remodel their kitchen or bathrooms. The company’s work was superb and Jim kept everything well within budget.

“I would definitely recommend them,” Lauri says. “In fact, I’m planning to use them again to remodel my master bath!”

questions or concerns I had. He always Now the new countertop is answered me right back.” smooth and spacious, with the clean The couple also appreciated Jim’s backsplash adding some needed eye for color and his easy way of protexture that doesn’t compete with the viding choices, especially when it came new, sleek quartz surfaces. In all, the to the cabinet colors. project took about two months from “He wanted us to do a two-tone start to finish, with only a few minor right away, but I thought that was a issues along the way, but Lauri admits little trendy and my husband loved that much of those few extra weeks the dark cabinets,” she offers.

“We were going to do the dark 6From This… throughout but then I called Jim one morning and said, ‘You didn’t order the cabinets, did you?’ I’m glad I went with the light cabinets because the dark would have been too heavy and everything else is light and bright.”

Jim also recommended a light backsplash and using OD LIFE SPEC To This6 S GO IAL ’ quartz for the countertops.

A AL “I never had quartz before,” she says. “Jim recomJob mended it and said it would Your ReNew Additional customers only. go really nicely with the neu10% off for new t customers! Mention this ea rep we’ve 5% Off for e of pricing (after tral tones. I used his samples discount at the timour best price). given you for about a month to match up paint colors.”

The couple loves the finished product. They were 2501 SW 57th Ave, #805, Ocala impressed with Jim’s color sugCall to schedule your free consultation gestions and how much more open the kitchen is now with Jim (352) 857-9604 FINANCING AVAILABLE Call RenewKandB.com the wall removed and with a spacious island to anchor the Professionally managed projects from design to completion now-generous space. It’s clean, Cabinets • Countertops • Flooring • Showers refined, and easy to work and Jim LaValle —“The Design Guy” hang out in.

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Filet mignon with sautéed mushrooms

GOOD EATS: IVY ON THE SQUARE

‘Harkens Back To A Gentler Day’

By Rick Allen • Photos By Marci Sandler

For the last quartercentury, the Ivy House—first just in Williston and later Ocala as well—has been the go-to destination for genuine genteel Southern dining.

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A

s the story goes, Mimi Hale, at the urging of friends, in 1993 opened a restaurant in the stately 1912 Williston home that once had been the residence of a town founder. Folks from Ocala, Gainesville, and points beyond readily made the drive to Williston for an unparalleled dining experience.

The Ivy House came to Ocala in 2012, taking up residence in the Victorian-era Teague manse on east Silver Springs Boulevard that once housed the 1890 House and, later, Loring and Marge Felix’s beloved Felix’s The Place to Dine.

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

But as the year 2017 neared its end, the House no longer felt like home, explains Waica Micheletti, one of Mimi’s daughters who owns and operates the Ocala Ivy with her sister, Evelyn Nussel.

“We were looking to grow in a different direction,” Waica says, “with a different vibe, different atmosphere.”

About the same time, the spot at the corner of Magnolia and Fort King across from the Marion Theatre came open. It was one of the brick buildings built in the wake of the 1883 Thanksgiving Fire that through the decades had been an appliance store and

Nick & Cristina Bruno

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(and half the community) would show up for Sunday-after-church dinner. I’d also add the fried green tomatoes—ironically, my nativeFloridian wife had never eaten them before and wondered how she’d missed them all these years—and the coffee mocha crème brulee, a new addition to the dessert lineup.

FRIENDLY STAFF: Our server, Katie, was superb—there when we needed her, unobtrusive when we didn’t. Most of the Ivy staff has been with the restaurant long term, says Waica, adding that one kitchen staffer has been with Ivy House since the beginning in Williston.

“This is family,” she says. “We treat our customers like family.”

Pecan encrusted salmon

optical store; the past 20 years or so it’s mainly been a bar.

But it was just what Waica was seeking.

They closed the house on Silver Springs that Christmas Eve. And a few weeks later, the help Ivy on the Square with of a developis often ranked ment grant

by Florida Trend from the city, opened the among its “500 renovated Best Restaurants “1920s Speakin Florida.” easy”—some say “vintage industrial”—Ivy on the Square. “I did the decorating myself,” Waica offers.

Why the name change? “Well, she replies, “it’s not really a house.”

What the name modification does, though, is tie the restaurant into the identity and ambiance of the Downtown Square. But never fear—it might have a different look and feel, but this is The Ivy House.

WHERE: As mentioned above, Ivy on the Square is at 53 South Magnolia at the corner of Fort King Street.

Just look for the outdoor dining just outside the front door.

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WHY GO: Ivy on the Square is one of few eateries specializing in a cuisine, lightly fried and always tasty, that harkens back to a gentler day in the Sunshine State. It’s often ranked by Florida Trend among its “500 Best Restaurants in Florida.” There’s really no other place hereabouts I know of that’s comparable.

BEST TIME TO GO: To get right in, go when Ivy first opens the doors at 11am or later in mid-afternoon.

My wife and I went on a Saturday just before 5pm and were seated immediately. As we dined we watched the eatery grow progressively more crowded.

YOU’LL BE IMPRESSED BY: Besides the baked crispy chicken or fried shrimp, probably the French onion soup. Most places it’s far too salty; this broth is savory, mild and, most importantly, seasoned just right.

YOU MUST TRY: No question, the house specialties: the crispy baked chicken and the Southern fried shrimp.

These are family recipes going back to before Mama Mimi opened the original Ivy House, when the whole family

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

INSIDER: Ivy on the Square does not take reservations, except for large parties, but it does offer call-ahead seating.

“Just call about an hour before,” Waica says. Your number is entered into their system. Then come downtown, park, and maybe wander the Ivy on the Square Boutique across the street.

When your table is nearly ready, you’ll be notified by phone.

Also new here is a gluten-free menu, full spirits, and a coffee bar.

“The Bee’s Knees mojito [with coconut rum, lime, blueberries, mint, and a splash of ginger ale],” Waica reveals, “is one of our most popular drinks.”

THE FINAL WORD: Probably the biggest complaint Waica and her sister receive is about parking because this site does not have its own lot. There are hundreds of street spots (meters enforced daytime Monday-Friday), but there’s also downtown valet parking at the square a block away and the free city parking garage only two blocks away.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? 53 S. Magnolia Avenue (352) 622-5550 ivyhousefl.com

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No problem! You can find all eight years of back issues of Ocala’s Good Life on our Facebook page

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99.7 FM Ocala/The Villages OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

49

cuisine queen

by Paula DiPaula [paula@ocalasgoodlife.com]

Why Stop With Just One?

R

emember the Lay’s potato chips commercial, “Betcha can’t eat just one?” Seems a few local restaurateurs feel the same way about owning more than one restaurant. Tim Thomas of Brooklyn’s Backyard, 304-6292, Kirk Boone and Sandy McBride of Gator Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill, 288-3100, and Mike and Christina Batte of Turnpike Mike’s Bistro Pub, 237-8460, are all in the process of taking their expertise to new levels and locations.

Tim Thomas has partnered up with Jason DeLaney and is opening Big Hammock Brewery & Bites (no number yet, but look for their Facebook page) on the corner of Fort King and 1st Avenue where The Lunch Box used to be in its first location.

Thomas was seeking a second place in the downtown area and was called to look at this location. Thomas knows the food industry and DeLaney, the brewing, so they put their ideas together. The restaurant was gutted and restored with a Florida theme and the help of the Silver River Museum, with the microbrewery in full sight on the lower level.

For now, Thomas says the hours will be Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. The menu will consist of sandwiches and salads and also ramen noodle bowls. “My wife and I love ramen noodles,” he says, “and search them out when we travel.”

The noodles will be cooked in a traditional broth with spices and offered with three different protein choices. Beers will vary from IPAs to stouts, ales, and ciders. Wine will also be available.

Downtown Ocala has become a melting pot of many cultural tastes, from French and Latin to New Orleans-infused flavors, with vibrant wine bars and microbreweries that are redefining the area. If

The restaurant was gutted and restored with a microbrewery in full sight on the lower level.

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it’s been a while, take a downtown tour with Ocala Food Walks, 895-9302. You can also book online at ocalafoodwalks.com. More in a future issue!

Kirk Boone and Sandy McBride have owned Gator Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill for about 20 years and are working on Bankstreet Bar & Grill where Bank of America used to be near the parking garage and city hall. The drive-through has been gutted and will be an enclosed area with air-conditioning, but the main focus will be three remodeled storage containers that will serve food and drink. The area will be heavily landscaped and is more focused on outdoor dining and fun. “We’re not looking into this being a bar and keeping late hours after midnight,” Boone cautions. Opening is expected to be late summer or early fall.

Mike and Christine Batte of Turnpike Mike’s Bistro Pub Rainbow Springs, 465-0460, started out in a food truck. After opening a restaurant on SR200, they were invited to open another in the Rainbow Springs community center (formerly Rainbow Springs Golf & Country Club) in Dunnellon. The club has been closed since 2015 and local developer Jim Gissy has renovated it. “Jim and his wife are great people,” Christine says, “and have done this area a great service.” For now, the Battes are operating the bottom floor with an informal bar and grill and are working on opening the upstairs dining room three nights a week to feature fine dining. Their grand opening was more than they hoped, with over 400 guests. They’re looking forward to hiring entertainment on the weekends and bringing a new dining atmosphere to Dunnellon.

Speaking of Dunnellon, Gyro King, 547-6774, has opened on Pennsylvania Avenue next to the fire station. It features a deli on one side and a dining room on the other. Much to say about this restaurant in the next issue, but for now enjoy beef, lamb, shrimp, calamari gyros (pronounced “year-oh” not “guy-ro”), baklava, the best Tzatziki dip, Dolmades, Spanakopita, and much more. Full entrees to come in the future such as Moussaka, Souvlaki, and Pastitsio.

Father-and-son owners Fernando and Alex Fernandes are also the founders of the Gyro King franchise and say bring your own beverage of choice. Mom’s maiden name was Poulakis. Now that’s Greek!

Got A Hot Tip For The Cuisine Queen?

E-mail me at paula@ocalasgoodlife.com

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

DINING GUIDE Pan-fried frog legs with lemon, garlic and parsley

48 SW 1st Avenue, Ocala (352) 433-2570 • lacuisineocala.com Owner-operated since 2009, La Cuisine in Ocala has all the Old World charm of any romantic hideaway in Paris. Ideal for a quick bite at lunch time or a leisurely meal, the menu is filled with classics such as French onion soup, escargots and Boeuf Bourguignon. Located in the heart of Ocala’s beautiful and vibrant historic downtown, come indulge yourself with our award-winning menu and dedicated service in a unique French bistro atmosphere. Patrice and Elodie are here to welcome you! Don’t miss our blissful live music every Friday.

Specialties: Escargots, Frog Legs, Organic Half Roast

Chicken, Beef Bourguignon, Ratatouille, Creme Brulee, Parmesan Truffle French Fries

Dinner Hours: Tues.-Sun. starting at 5:30pm.

Lunch Hours: Tues.-Fri. 11:30am-2pm Brunch: Sunday

11am-2pm

NEW OUTDOOR SEATING!

CLOSED MONDAYS

4414 SW College Rd, Ocala (Heath Brook) • (352) 861-0666 Info: The sushi creations at Edo are practically an art form.

Straight from New York, sushi chef Tim is a master of the craft with creations that can be whimsical (wasabi-flavored Pringles to scoop the greens) or dramatic (a tower of sushi rolls crowned by tempura shrimp with their tails pointed skyward). The Ninja Roll features shrimp tempura and crabmeat in a dense setting of flavors. The King Lobster Roll is definitely worth requesting, as it’s an off-menu-only option. Freshness is key to quality sushi and you won’t find fish in Ocala that’s fresher than Edo’s. Is grilled food more your style? The hibachi tables are front-row seats to an entertaining dining experience. Also serving classic Chinese favorites such as sesame chicken and beef & brocolli.

Specialties: Fresh Sushi and Sashimi; Hibachi Grilled Steak, Chicken

and Seafood; Asian Noodle Soups; Chinese Cuisine

Hours: Mon.–Thurs 11am-10pm Fri. & Sat. 11am-11pm Sun. 12pm-10pm

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LUNCH SPECIALS—Served with soup or salad starting at $8.95. Mon.-Sat. 11am-3pm.

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

DINING GUIDE

A Culinary Tour of Downtown Ocala EAT K !

IN DR IALIZE SOC

This lip-smackin’ three-hour adventure of historic downtown Ocala gives you a taste of four top restaurants in one swoop!

ocalafoodwalks.com • (352) 462-5737

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Three Restaurants Worth The Drive!

DINING GUIDE

Take a step back in time and enjoy the best burgers and fries around!

BURGER STATION 2700 N Hwy 41, Hernando (352) 726-0040 Tues.-Sat. 11am-8pm

Riverside dining—freshest seafood!

13821 Southwest SR200, Dunnellon • (352) 854-2288 110 West Main Street, Inverness • (352) 726-2212 stumpknockers.net Dunnellon Hours:

Inverness Hours:

Tues.-Fri. 2pm-close Tues.-Sun. 11am-close Sat. & Sun 12pm-close Closed Monday Closed Monday OPEN ALL HOLIDAYS EXCEPT THANKSGIVING

Red’s

Breakfast & Lunch 8411 North Carl G Rose Hwy, Hernando (352) 344-4322 Hours:

Great American food in a warm, friendly atmosphere!

Tues.-Sun. 7am-2pm Closed Mon.

! e id r e h t y o j n e d n a e it t e p p a r u o y g in Br

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DINING GUIDE Make a full day of it! Start out with a river boat tour and end with a delicious dinner—all from one scenic location!

ST. JOHNS RIVER TOURS Departs from Blackwater Inn (866) 349-0674 www.stjohnsrivertours.com Before dining at Blackwater

Inn, take a leisurely boat tour to the many tributaries of the St. Johns River.

Discover exotic plant and wildlife steeped in history dating back to ancient Indian and Spanish civilizations. Call 866-349-0674 to book your boat tour with Capt. Bob. Accomodating groups of up to 21 people.

It’s the perfect daycation!

55716 Front St, Astor, FL 32102 • (352) 759-2802 www.blackwaterinn.com Info: Fun, food & spirits will greet you at William’s

Landing atop Blackwater Inn. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner or just some drinks and appetizers, you can be assured of a great time. Find a seat inside to cool off from the heat, or sit on the shady outdoor deck to enjoy the balmy breezes and panoramic view of the St. Johns River, watching the constant parade of boaters and wildlife cruise up and down the river.

Specialties: Catfish Nuggets; Chicken Wings;

1/3rd Pound Gourmet Burgers; Peel ‘n’ Eat Shrimp; Alligator Bites; Beer, Wine and Full Bar.

Blackwater Inn Hours:

Tues.-Thurs.

Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon.

4:30pm-9pm 4:30pm-10pm 11:30am-10pm 11:30am-9pm CLOSED

Have BBQ. Will Travel.

catering@infiregroup.com · 877-766-6971

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Simple Yet Stunning

O

Set the menu for easy entertaining

ne of the best-kept chef secrets to hosting the most memorable at-home parties is keeping the food simple and adding small details to make it special. After all, a host who isn’t hard at work in the kitchen is a host who can spend more time with guests.

One way to make every minute in the kitchen count and provide crowd-pleasing food is by using wholesome, quality core ingredients like olive oil, fresh bread, cheese and artisan chocolate to create flavorful dishes that are easy to prepare, and leave

you with more time to enjoy what matters most: moments with the ones you love.

When it comes to cooking, focus on the essentials and the highlights of each dish.

Building recipes around quality ingredients, such as Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, makes it easy to create show-stopping dishes time and time again. Planning ahead is key to entertaining, but when it comes to cooking, make things quick and easy with a little help from powerhouse ingredients that lend themselves well to a variety of flavors and preparations.

In keeping things simple, use olive oil

to add a little extra zest and create dishes that pop off the plate, like this recipe for Beet Hummus. Or if you’re looking for something comforting and wholesome, indulge in this creamy Tomato Soup with Olive Oil Croutons. For a larger event, try Mushroom Carpaccio and Creamed Spinach Au Gratin, which can leave a lasting impression on your guests. To top it all off, go for this Bitter Chocolate and Pistachio Cream Dessert for a perfect way to end a meal.

Make every moment count and find more simple recipes at Bertolli.com.

TOMATO SOUP WITH HOMEMADE OLIVE OIL CROUTONS Prep time: 10 minutes

4 tomatoes

3 grilled red bell peppers in oil

1 shallot 1/2 cup Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus additional for brushing on bread

3 tablespoons sherry vinegar

1 clove garlic 10 basil leaves salt, to taste pepper, to taste

4 slices crusty bread Cut small cross in bottom of tomatoes and submerge in boiling water 30 seconds. Let tomatoes cool in ice water 30 seconds then remove skins.

In blender, blend tomatoes, red bell peppers, shallot, extravirgin olive oil, vinegar, garlic, basil, salt and pepper to taste, until mixture is smooth. Add mixture to large pot and heat, stirring frequently.

Cut bread slices, brush with olive oil and grill 2 minutes per side over medium-high heat until visible grill marks have formed.

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Tomato Soup with Homemade Olive Oil Croutons OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

MUSHROOM CARPACCIO AND CREAMED SPINACH AU GRATIN Prep time: 15 minutes Mushroom Carpaccio: 2 1/4 cups cremini mushrooms Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil salt, to taste Creamed Spinach: 2 1/4 cups spinach 1/2 cup heavy cream salt pepper Parmesan cheese To make Mushroom Carpaccio: Heat oven to 400 F. Clean mushrooms and cut into thin slivers.

Season with olive oil and salt. Set aside.

To make Creamed Spinach: Boil spinach 2 minutes, strain and place it into saucepan, over cream. Cook 5 minutes.

In blender, puree mixture and pour over Mushroom Carpaccio.

Grate Parmesan cheese over entire dish; bake 5 min.

Mushroom Carpaccio and Creamed Spinach Au Gratin

BITTER CHOCOLATE AND PISTACHIO CREAM DESSERT Prep time: 15 minutes 1/2 cup, plus 1 tablespoon, sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus additional for pistachio cream

4 ounces dark chocolate 1 1/4 cups shelled pistachios In saucepan, combine condensed milk and sugar; cook over low heat, stirring until mixture takes on toasted color.

Add olive oil and dark chocolate; continue to stir until fully combined.

Line 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spread mixture into pan. Refrigerate until fully set.

To make pistachio cream: Blend pistachios and olive oil until smooth paste forms.

Remove dessert from pan and cut into slices. Serve with pistachio cream on top.

Healthy Beet Hummus

HEALTHY BEET HUMMUS Prep time: 15 minutes

3 beets salt, to taste Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 cups canned chickpeas

2 tablespoons sesame seed paste or tahini

Heat oven to 375 F. Peel beets and boil until soft; season with salt and olive oil.

Puree beets with chickpeas and sesame seed paste until a uniform paste forms. Transfer to oven-safe serving dish.

Bake 10 minutes and serve.

Bitter Chocolate and Pistachio Cream Dessert OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

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OUT & ABOUT

5 The McCall family: Christi, Crystal, and Bill

5 Brent & Cheri Mruz

Taste At The Farm

5 Crystal Hassell, Joyce Gainor

It was a sellout gathering at the College of Central Florida Vintage Farm campus for the annual “taste” event featuring fare from some of Ocala’s best restaurants. The table and room decorations were beautiful and quite creative. Instead of flowers and greenery, they featured fresh produce from the Vintage Farm. The evening was hosted by the College of Central Florida Foundation to provide scholarships in CF’s workforce bachelor’s programs.

5 Patricia Blair, Dr. Hank Harrell

By Steve Floethe

5 Steve & Rita Hollosi

5 Beth & Chris Knife

5 Amy & Mike Mangan

5 Patty & Michael Cooper

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4 Vicki & Bruce Listebarger

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

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PLAN AHEAD Do you have an event that you’d like to include in our calendar?

Email your submissions to dean@ocalasgoodlife.com

its ecosystems in magnificent detail. Appleton Museum. appletonmuseum.org or (352) 291-4455.

Through May 12

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL—A spring special

SEX WITH STRANGERS—

This show is a smart and sexy exploration of the conflict between the life you live online and the life you try to live in the real world. Various prices and times. The Hippodrome Theatre, Gainesville. thehipp.org or (352) 375-HIPP.

Through May 26

THROUGH THE LENS OF CLYDE BUTCHER—These

powerful black-and-white images are portraits of the eternal bond between man and nature that is the soul of the Everglades. From the deepest cypress strands of the sawgrass prairies to pinpoint still-lives of rare species, Butcher reveals

Through June 3

event filled with Disney character topiaries, a colorful array of flowers, gardens, live music, and special presentations.

Disneyworld.com.

May 3

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK—

Come support Downtown Ocala merchants and watch local artists work on their craft.

6-9pm. Downtown Ocala. ocalafl.org or 629-4727.

May 4

BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL—

The Cross Creek Volunteer Fire Department’s annual harvest.

Delicious food, blueberry bake sale, arts and crafts vendors,

kid activities, live entertainment, a turkey shoot, and a garage sale. 8am-3pm. Island Grove. crosscreekfestival.com or (352) 466-3353.

SPRING FESTIVAL—

Featuring the renowned high-wire acts of the Flying Wallendas, as well as several vendors, food-related games, giveaways, entertainment, and more. 10am-3pm. 7070 Holyoke Court. rollinggreensocala.com or 300-1207.

May 4, Jun. 1 & Jul. 6

YOGA IN SHOLOM PARK—

Enjoy yoga every first Saturday of the month outside at the park.

9:00am. Sholom Park. 854-7950.

May 4-5

SPRING CONCERTS—Join

the Nature Coast Community Band as they play their rigorous spring repertoire, “On with the Pops.” 2:30pm. Citrus Springs Community Center on Saturday and Cornerstone Baptist Church on Sunday. naturecoastcommunityband.com or (352) 601-7394.

May 5

OPERA TAMPA—The

Opera Tampa Singers will be performing a selection of arias from favorite operas and popular Broadway tunes. 3pm. Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World. csculturalcenter. com or 854-3670.

RIDE FOR THE ARTS GRAN FONDO—This event will

May 16-June 9 Wednesday Addams is all grown up and in love with an ordinary young man from Ohio. Meeting the parents has never been so terrifying, especially when the spirits of the Addams ancestors in the graveyard rise to the occasion. This 2010 Broadway hit is delightfully dark, frightfully funny, and a gleefully Gothic time. $27. Matinees at 2pm, evening at 8pm. Ocala Civic Theatre. ocalacivictheatre.com or 236-2274.

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feature three routes: 15, 38 and 68 miles, all starting and ending at the Brick City Center for the Arts. 7:30am-4:30pm. rideforthearts.com or 352-369-1500.

SPRING CONCERT—

Featuring Cherubini’s “Requiem in C Minor.” Free admission. 3pm. Ocala West United Methodist Church. marionchorale.org or 537-8833.

May 8

SUMMER KICK-OFF EVENT—Meet Master the

Possibilities faculty members and learn about new and exciting opportunities. Light refreshments will be available. 1-3pm.

Circle Square Cultural Center. masterthepossibilities.org or 861-9751.

May 8-Jun. 12

INTRODUCTORY WATER COLORS—Learn basic

watercolor skills and produce finished paintings of still life subjects. $30. Wednesdays from 10am-12pm. Presented

by Senior Learners, Inc. at the University Center, Building 20 at the College of Central Florida.

Register at seniorlearners.org or call 239-8780.

LATIN AMERICAN HISTORY—Professor Richard

Kirk will present from the age of exploration to the modern world.

Wednesdays from 1:30-3:30pm.

Presented by Senior Learners, Inc. at the University Center, Building 20 at the College of Central Florida. Register at seniorlearners.org or call 239-8780.

May 9

DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND—Celebrating over 40

years since their founding in 1977, New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band has taken the traditional foundation of brass band music and incorporated it into a blend of genres including bebop jazz, funk, and R&B. This unique sound is described by the band as a “musical gumbo.” $15-50. 7:00pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 351-1606.

May 10

ANNUAL POPS CONCERT—The annual pops

concert is the grand finale of the Gainesville Orchestra season.

This beloved event includes spectacular music, a walk through the orchestra, and a grand time had by all. $30-40.

7:30pm. The Phillips Center, Gainesville. performingarts.ufl. edu or 800-905-2787.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: BASQUIAT—Michel

Basquiat (Jeffrey Wright) strives to rise up through the heady New York art scene of the 1970s and 1980s, becoming one of the most successful painters of his time and even developing a friendship with Andy Warhol (David Bowie). But Basquiat’s tumultuous life, specifically his addiction to heroin, overshadows his rise to fame, threatening all. Light refreshments will be served for a nominal fee.

Remember to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. 8:3010:30pm. Tuscawilla Art Park. ocalafl.org or 368-5517.

May 11

THE BOARDWALK BROTHERS—Led by a cast

whose credits span Broadway national and international tours, cruise ships, and casino headliners, this company of entertainers and musicians brings the joy, intensity, and talent that made these hits skyrocket up the charts. $2226. 7pm. Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World. csculturalcenter.com or 854-3670.

FOOD DRIVE—The country’s

largest single-day food drive provides residents with an easy way to donate food to those in need. Marion County residents simply leave their donation of non-perishable goods next to their mailbox before the delivery of the mail on May 11, and the letter carriers will collect all donations. stampouthungerfooddrive.us.

STYX & BOSTON TRIBUTE—These two tribute

groups recreate the soaring powerful lead vocals, rockin’

melodic guitars, and more in this performance entitled, “Destiny of Rock.” $15-30. 7:30pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 351-1606.

Bucket List Made Possible

May 12

DANCE ALIVE NATIONAL BALLET—Enjoy this Mother’s

Day spectacle. $15. 4pm. The Phillips Center, Gainesville. performingarts.ufl.edu or 800-905-2787.

May 13

SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS—Features the music of

the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, a beautiful setting for your picnic, and fireworks. Gates open at 5:30pm. $25. Ocala Golf Club. 867-0355.

May 16-Jun. 9

Turn that extra unused car into cash for an unforgettable summer!

We’ll buy your car, regardless of age and miles—and we’ll pay top dollar for it!

–Chris Spears, Owner

THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL—Wednesday

Addams is all grown up and in love with an ordinary young man from Ohio. Meeting the parents has never been so terrifying, especially when the spirits of the Addams ancestors in the graveyard rise to the occasion. This 2010 Broadway hit is delightfully dark, frightfully funny, and a gleefully Gothic time. $27. Matinees at 2pm, evening at 8pm. Ocala Civic Theatre. ocalacivictheatre.com or 236-2274.

“Where Friends Send Friends”

2261 SW College Rd. • (352) 694-1234

Prestige4U.com

Changing People’s Lives For Over 30 Years

May 17

KANSAS—Composing a

catalogue that includes 15 studio albums, the band is currently comprised of keyboardist Tom Brislin, original drummer Phil Ehart, bassist/vocalist Billy Greer, vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, violinist/guitarist David Ragsdale, guitarist Zak Rizvi, and original guitarist Richard Williams. $60120. 7pm. Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World. csculturalcenter.com or 854-3670.

May 19

FUN AT THE PARK—Original

works of art will be displayed complementing live chamber-

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style music, so bring a lawn chair! Picnic-style food will be available for purchase. Artists are encouraged to submit pieces as well, if interested. 1-4pm.

Sholom Park. sholompark.org or 873-0848.

KRISTIN CHENOWETH—

Best known as Glinda in Broadway’s “Wicked,” this night is all Kristin as she sings songs and recalls her experiences from the stage and screen. $45-75.

7:30pm. The Phillips Center, Gainesville. performingarts.ufl. edu or 800-905-2787.

May 22-Jul. 19

SUMMER SPOTLIGHT XXII—The spotlight is on

talent in this annual judged and juried exhibit from the members of the Visual Artists’ Society.

Webber Center Gallery. 10am4pm. Free admission. 873-5809.

May 24-25

JOHN AND JEN—Jen and

her younger brother, John, are growing up in the ever-changing world of mid-century America.

As the country becomes divided over the war in Vietnam, so does the family, and battle lines are drawn between the once-close siblings in this musical about connections, commitments and the healing of the human heart. $15-30. 7:30pm Friday and 3pm Saturday. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 351-1606.

From May 31

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET—Johnny Cash, Jerry

Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley have one of the greatest jam sessions of all time in this Tony Award-winning musical.

Various prices and times. The Hippodrome Theatre, Gainesville. thehipp.org or 375-HIPP.

June 3-24

THE SKEPTICS GUIDE TO HEALTH, MEDICINE, AND THE MEDIA—This course

will cover controversial topics like hormone replacement, concussions, opioid addiction, and many others. $20. Mondays

from 10am-12pm. Presented

by Senior Learners, Inc. at the University Center, Building 20 at the College of Central Florida.

Register at seniorlearners.org or call 239-8780.

June 7

BUZZCATZ—Versatility is the

trademark of this powerhouse group of musicians and vocalists who pack the dance floor all night long with a great mix of classic and current songs. $1315. 7pm. Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World. csculturalcenter.com or 854-3670.

THE MALE INTELLECT: AN OXYMORON?—Robert Dubac

seamlessly transforms himself into five hysterical boneheads who each offer sidesplitting advice on how to straddle the gender gap, all while drinking a beer. $20-30. 7:30pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 351-1606.

Jun. 8-Oct. 20

DO NOT BLEACH: STEPHANIE BROWN—

Through a series of mixed media installations, “Do Not Bleach” expresses and encourages melanin love, whether one is dark-skinned, light-skinned, or somewhere in-between. Shirts will be available for purchase in the Appleton store and are part of Brown’s public art campaign that allows people to advocate for their melanin. Appleton Museum. appletonmuseum.org or (352) 291-4455.

URBAN CHATTER: SHARON KERRY-HARLAN—Using

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL Through June 3 A spring special event filled with Disney character topiaries, a colorful array of flowers, gardens, live music, and special presentations. disneyworld.com

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thread and sun-baked cloth, “the density of contemporary city living,” provides the inspiration for Kerry-Harlan’s Urban Chatter series. The figures and faces seem to meld contemporary cartooning, abstraction, African sculptures and ritual masks among mid-century urban music references. Appleton Museum. appletonmuseum.org or (352) 291-4455.

June 17-22

AGELESS ADVENTURES—

This special week-long program blends generations and enables grandparents and parents to participate with a youthful partner. Courses include everything from making dinosaur bones to learning magic tricks, participating in a bug camp to hula hoop dancing together.

Plenty of fun, games, and movies will be in-between. Master the Possibilities Lifelong Learning Center. masterthepossibilities. org or 861-9751.

June 21

BOB LEVY & ARTIE FLETCHER—Featuring NYC’s

Original Bad Boys of Comedy : “The Reverend” Bob Levy & Artie Fletcher with opening act Steve Arik. $22. 7:30pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 351-1606.

June 22

IN THE LIGHT OF LED ZEPPELIN—A genre-

bending, chance-taking project, featuring music performed with attention to detail and authentic instrumentation. This tribute ensemble digs deeper into the Middle Eastern and classical influences that permeated “Kashmir,” providing a unique musical experience from the hard-rocking Zeppelin classics to the acoustic masterpieces. $15-30. 7:30pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 351-1606.

ONE STOP PONY—Brian

LaBlanc is a singer, songwriter, and musician from the New York area. OSP Band captures the authenticity of many famous artists such as Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Billy Joel, Jimmy Buffett, Paul Simon, Neil Diamond.

Doors open at 6pm. $22-26.

7pm. Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World. csculturalcenter.com or 854-3670.

June 22-23

TRIBUTE—They performed at

OCALA COMIC CON—Large

the Reilly last year, and now this eight-piece band with keys, horns and more is back. The U.S. Stones play just like the real thing, aiming for authenticity. $1530. 7:30pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 351-1606.

Jun. 22-23 & Sep. 7-8

July 20-21

cues, and an appreciation for the ultimate benefits derived from a true partnership between horse and rider all led to a revolution in Western Horsemanship. Thus, Western Dressage was born.

Various times. Florida Horse Park. flhorsepark.com or 307-6699.

by conductor/director Leslie Muncaster, Jr. as they play their summer concerts, “Let’s Go to the Movies.” 2pm Saturday, 3pm Sunday. Marion Technical Institute. kingdomofthesunband. org or 624-9291.

July 4

FLORIDA IMPRESSIONS: LESLIE PEEBLES—An ardent

comics convention with cosplay, vendors, demonstrations, games, and speakers. Drake Bell will be the after-party entertainment. $12-15. 10am-6pm. Ocala Hilton. ocalacomiccon.com.

WESTERN DRESSAGE SERIES—Light hands, subtle

RED, WHITE & OSO BLUE—

Join the Ocala Symphony Orchestra in a celebration of our country and those who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for our freedom.

3pm. $17-23. Reilly Arts Center, Downtown. reillyartscenter.com or (352) 351-1606.

July 5

EAGLES TRIBUTE—The

Ultimate Eagles Experience is a stunningly accurate tribute to the music of the Eagles. Using no backing tracks or harmonizers, 7 Bridges faithfully recreates the experience of an Eagles concert from the band’s most prolific period. Doors open at 6pm. $2328. 7pm. Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World. csculturalcenter.com or 854-3670.

July 13

JOHNNY WILD & THE DELIGHTS—This Orlando

tribute band will play the hits of Buddy, Hank, Roy, Elvis, and more. Doors open at 6pm. $1315. 7pm. Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World. csculturalcenter.com or 854-3670.

July 20

ROLLING STONES

KINGDOM OF THE SUN BAND—Join the band led

Jul. 21-Jan. 12

environmentalist and naturalist who connects her audience to the flora and fauna of Florida.

Our state’s vanishing wilderness, from the Everglades to Okefenokee Swamp, has become a big source of inspiration for Leslie’s work. Appleton Museum. appletonmuseum.org or (352) 291-4455.

July 26

AMY WINEHOUSE TRIBUTE—A dazzling 10-piece

tribute to the style, beauty, and music of Amy Winehouse. VIP tickets are $40 and include a meet-and-greet with the band. $28-40. 7:30pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 351-1606.

Turn Your Old Records & CDs Into Cash!

July 28

THE BACON BROTHERS—

Long before Kevin Bacon launched his screen career, and before Michael Bacon became a top composer for TV and film, they were just two brothers who liked to play music. They steer away from any hint of glitz and glamour in favor of a grittier rock sound with an unforgettable musical sound all their own. $3565. 7:30pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 351-1606.

We’re looking for: Classic Rock • Jazz • Mobile Fidelity Half-Speed Masters • 24K Gold CDs

Call: (352) 208-4242

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

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Solution to ENIGMA: “If all men knew what each said of the other, there would not be four friends in the world.”—Blaise Pascal

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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New name Same commitment HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Ocala has been committed to a higher level of rehabilitative care for our patients and their families. Under our new name, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Ocala, we continue to provide the same inpatient rehabilitative care you have come to expect, connecting patients to superior outcomes and a better way of life.

The Joint Commission DiseaseSpecific Care Certification in Stroke Rehabilitation

2275 S.W. 22nd Lane Ocala, FL 34471 352.282.4000 encompasshealth.com/ocalarehab Š2018:Encompass Health Corporation:1371893

FREE HEALTH SEMINARS

All workshops will be held @ 12:15. A light lunch/ refreshments will be provided. Space is limited, so please call to reserve your seat.

Meet The Spine & Injury Pros

May 14th: Weight Loss—Get 15 Pounds Healthier in 15 Weeks Jun 18th: Upper Extremity—F.A.S. “Falling Apart Syndrome” (Part 1)

Dr. Jessica Perhealth, Dr. Philip Roger, Margaret Edelson, Dr. Renny Edelson, Dr. Gary Brodeur, Dr. Hector Andino and Dr. Dania Mercado

“Corrective care is the key factor in returning to Good Health.

Getting adjusted in rhythm is the pathway to a Good Life.”

—Dr. Renny Edelson As soon as you step into a Chiropractic USA office, you are greeted by caring professionals who will give you a tour of the facility. State of the art diagnostic tools allow accurate documentation of functional loss. There’s no guessing—you’ll see your progress in detailed before and after results. The doctors at Chiropractic USA are here to help you achieve optimum health through Natural Corrective Care.

SPINE AND INJURY CENTER

We Are A Medicare Provider.

All Insurance Participation Accepted.

Jasmine South (Ocala) 7668 SW 60th Ave.,#500 (Airport Road)

(352)

351-2872

The Villages

3614 Wedgewood Ln (Next to Bonefish Grill)

(352)

259-2225

New Location Coming Soon!

Ocala East

942 SE 17th Street Ocala Fl 34471