Retirement Redefined
The Ocala
DR I V E I N
Take a trip down memory lane at one of the country’s last surviving drive-in movie theaters.
PLUS—
Eggs Up Grill Good Neighbors Just My Type An awesome breakfast just off SR 200 awaits.
Amy Mangan’s new book is all about the accents.
Check out Mary Ellen’s “cheesy” new hobby.
Clear-bottom Kayaking | Cookout Cravings | Cuisine Queen
TM
INSIDE:
OCALA’S
GOOD LIFE
JUL/AUG 2021
Smooth Sailing is Rad
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Ocala’s
GOOD LIFE JUL/AUG 2021
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departments 6
The Editor’s Desk
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Good Team
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Good Start
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My Florida
16
Out & About
20
Just My Type
22
Daycation
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Good Health
34
Good Eats
A new breakfast spot. By Rick Allen
features
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Cuisine Queen
18
Good Neighbors
39
Dining Guide
BY JAMES BLEVINS
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Recipes
44
Plan Ahead
26
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Puzzle Page
The power of words. By Dean Blinkhorn The talented staff behind Ocala’s Good Life. Quick looks at our community. By JoAnn Guidry & Cynthia Brown
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Way more than shoes. By Melody Murphy Photo: John Jernigan
Market of Marion car show. By Steve Floethe A cheesy hobby. By Mary Ellen
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Clear-bottom kayaks! By Danielle Veenstra Meet the experts. By Cammy Dennis
All the latest dining news. By Paula DiPaula Highlights of some of the area’s best restaurants. Grilling secrets. By Family Features Lots of reasons to get out of your easy chair. What are you waiting for? Spend a few minutes with the crossword or Sudoku.
Photo: Danielle Veenstra
Amy Mangan’s latest book is another treasure trove of wwpersonal anecdotes.
on the cover
In The Driver’s Seat
During the pandemic, drive-in theaters became big business again. And the one in Ocala was among the group keeping the gigantic screens lit and the popcorn piping hot. BY RICHARD ANGUIANO • PHOTO BY JOHN JERNIGAN COVER MODELS: JOSE & KELLY JUAREZ
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
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FREE Lunch & Learn at
Ocala’s
GOOD LIFE
“Rio”
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MAGAZINE
ocalasgoodlife.com JUL/AUG 2021 Publisher/Art Director Trevor Byrne
trevor@ocalasgoodlife.com
Publisher/Editor Dean Blinkhorn
dean@ocalasgoodlife.com
Project Manager Cynthia Brown
A plain talking, informal get together, helping to answer all of your end of life questions and concerns. It costs you nothing and allows every attendee the opportunity to get all their questions out on the table (after lunch of course).
Braised Onion: July 9, 14 at 11:30am Carrabba’s: July 23, 28 at 11:30am
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First time attendees only. Very limited seating—RSVP is a must. Please call 352-537-8111
cynthia@ocalasgoodlife.com
Writers
Rick Allen, James Blevins, Cammy Dennis, Mary Ellen, JoAnn Guidry, Melody Murphy, Paula, Danielle Veenstra
Photographers Steve Floethe John Jernigan
Proofreaders Karen Bradley Sally Tinkham
Advertising Sales Carol DeWitt
(302) 377-9142 carol@ocalasgoodlife.com
Rick Junglas
(352) 445-1252 rick@ocalasgoodlife.com
Kaye Schultz
(352) 427-4005 kaye@ocalasgoodlife.com
Sally Tinkham
606 SW 2nd Ave • Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 427-4006 sally@ocalasgoodlife.com
(352) 537-8111
Distribution
SPECIAL OFFER For Attendees Only
PA R T N E R :
Must be present to receive special offer.
Published bi-monthly by Good Life Publishing Inc. ocalasgoodlife.com • (877) 622-5210
Sales career opportunities available. OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
Heidi Justice
©2021 Good Life Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. No part may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Unsolicited material will not be returned. Publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ claims or content of advertisements.
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The fact or state of being independent; not controlled by others.
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the editor’s desk
by dean blinkhorn [dean@ocalasgoodlife.com]
The Power Of Words
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Photo: Olana McDonald
he downtown boutique was packed. Not just the normal crowd of high-end shoppers either. No, this was a group of mostly long-time Ocalans, most of whom already knew each other, coming together to celebrate a special occasion for a very special person. Everyone mingled and drank large glasses of wine purchased to benefit the Marion Literacy Council. There were lots of hugs, lots of easy conversations, and lots of smiles. A roomful of smiles. Then the selected readings started. The first wasn’t a chapter from the book we were here to acknowledge. It was something better. A well-known local philanthropist with a great wit and a heart of gold started telling stories of the author. He got us laughing pretty hard and then he’d pivot and make us want to shed a tear only to pivot back again, an opening act so good that you’d want an encore. However, he wisely kept it brief and ceded the stage for the reason we were here— the marvelous words of Amy Mangan. The next speakers—a magazine editor, a newspaper columnist, and the director of an arts non-profit—read from chapters that resonated with their own personal stories. As a self-professed “word guy,” I loved that this whole event was centered around the glorification of writing, really good writing. As each celebrity reader recounted the words of their choosing, you could see moments when their eyes drifted away from the text on the page as the words they loved so much flowed directly from memory, those delicate pieces of prose having already found a home there. It was a pretty special group of moments in a room filled with normally super-busy people. There was a city councilman, a mayor, and others who lead some of the largest organizations in Ocala, all seemingly frozen by a collection of words written over many years and over many deadlines. These words held up because the quality of the original intent never waned. It was perfect.
We were here for the marvelous words of Amy Mangan.
AMY MANGAN, a long-time friend and colleague, is one of the bravest writers I’ve ever had the privilege of editing,
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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
especially when she puts the editorial lens on herself. She has a way of sharing all the details of life—the mundane, the harrowing, and the joyous—in such a delightful way that you want to schedule a time to hang out on her front porch for a while with no particular place to go. Most of her readers, though, obviously can’t do that, but the important thing is that Amy makes you feel like you can. It’s a gift that few people possess, but Amy has that character trait in such abundance that she can share it freely with the complete strangers that buy her books at the local Barnes & Noble or online at Amazon. Fortunately, I’ve had a front-row seat for more than a couple of decades. So check out the feature in the pages to come and decide for yourself. Better yet—buy her newest book and discover a new friend you never knew you had. All the best,
Everyone who knows me well is aware that I love music of all kinds, so...
What’s Dean Playing? Van Morrison, “Moondance”— An amazing record by the cantankerous Irish star. The first side is perfect: “And It Stoned Me,” the title cut, “Crazy Love,” “Caravan,” and “Into The Mystic” are easily career highlights, mystical singer/songwriter standards of the highest order. The Moody Blues, “The Best Of The Moody Blues”—This stuffed single disc covers all the obvious big hits, but check out “The Voice,” “Tuesday Afternoon,” and “Voices In The Sky” for their symphonic progtastic best. The Go-Go’s, “Beauty And The Beat”—Fresh off their HOF induction, revisit their classic debut from 1981. “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Our Town,” and “Can’t Stop The World” ring with the same New Wave urgency from 40 years ago.
a good team
staff & contributors 4
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When Paula DiPaula is not visiting new 1 restaurants in the area, she’s working off those calories kayaking, boating, camp-
ing and exploring trails in her Jeep. Born in 1958, she fits right in with Ocala’s Good Life magazine’s demographics, showing our readers that she’s more of a seen-ager than a senior. Paula believes that keeping active, positive and having an open mind leads to longevity.
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Dean Blinkhorn is a past Florida Magazine Association Editor of the Year who loves publishing. When he’s not working on Ocala’s Good Life or the annual CEP relocation guide, he’s probably catching up with his favorite subscriptions. Rolling Stone, Bicycling, Classic Rock, and Reader’s Digest are on his monthly must-read list because of the great storytelling. He’s recently picked up tennis again and hopes to soon be able to keep the ball in the court!
Steve Floethe has been Ocala’s Good 3 Life’s photographer/writer since it was first launched in 2010. In addition he is a
freelance videographer, covering breaking news and feature stories in Marion County for Orlando’s TV stations. Before semi-retiring to Ocala, Steve had a long and varied career in broadcast and print journalism — from newspaper, radio, and cable news to TV as a reporter/photographer, news producer, nightly news anchor and TV news director.
James Blevins is a recipient of the Louis 4 Chazal Journalism Award from the College of Central Florida. When he isn’t writing
freelance feature stories, James is writing poetry. For James, writing is life—a good life, you might say—and he’s happy to do it for as long as there’s hot coffee to drink.
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already stayed at two vacation condos and one beach hotel. Last month, she got to sit in a lifeguard chair at St. Augustine beach. Luckily, no one needed to be rescued because she has never swam. She will get the opportunity to swim in the pool this summer.
Carol DeWitt is living happily ever 6 after in On Top of the World with her husband Bruce, having relocated from Wilmington, Delaware. They have many community interests and are always out and about trying every new restaurant and learning all about Florida. Carol brings her long career experiences in many areas of marketing and media to Ocala’s Good Life.
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Rick Junglas has over 15 years of advertising experience in the Ocala area with yellow pages and magazines. When Rick is not out visiting advertisers he enjoys cruising, bowling, sporting events and going to the beach. Being from Ohio he always makes time to watch the Buckeyes, but he doesn’t miss the snow. As far as traveling, Rick and his wife Gina are looking forward to exploring everything that the sunshine state has to offer.
Kaye Schultz is enjoying semi-retire8 ment with her cat Sylia in her new home in Dunnellon. Of course it’s been a neverending process of remodeling and furniture shopping to get it just the way she wants it. But it sure is a lot easier upkeep than her previous home that sat on 1.7 acres!
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supply store. It was only a natural progression to photography. Today, John stays busy shooting for various magazines and commercial clients all over the country.
Sally Tinkham and her husband, Alan, 11 have lived in Dunnellon more than 36 years after living in Connecticut and Rhode
Island. She loves her 5 cat-kids and hiking with her grandchildren on the local trails. She is researching the history and families of Gaiter, an early southwest Marion County community, for a potential book. She’s also an avid fan of Cote, the Elvis tribute artist, as seen in this photo!
A resident of Ocala for 31 years, Mary 12 Ellen has seen tremendous growth in our formerly small town with more shopping, restaurants, entertainment and the World Equestrian Center, only minutes from where she and her husband live in Stone Creek. And after recently celebrating their 1st anniversary the happy couple is looking forward to enjoying everything Ocala has to offer.
Cynthia Brown and her husband 13 Larry stay quite busy running a family business and raising their two boys. They
recently purchased a boat and plan to spend a lot of time on the water this summer enjoying all the local waterways. She hasn’t yet earned her title of “gamer mom”, she’s been too busy keeping up with the family zoo: A 105lb dog, Gooch, two parakeets and their newest addition, “Noodle” the corn snake. More on that soon!
Native Floridian Melody Murphy has a 9 Bachelor’s in journalism from UF and is Rick Allen spent the final 16 years the marketing assistant at Ocala Civic The14 of a 45-year journalism career as an atre, where she also performs. She owns 13 award-winning feature writer while also covkinds of hot sauce.
This spring, Trevor Byrne and his wife As a child John Jernigan would often 5 Dawn adopted an adorable schnauzer 10 be found drawing and coloring with puppy, who they named Willow. Since travel- leftover prisma color pencils and supplies ling is so important to the Byrnes, Willow has
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from his father’s photography studio and art
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
ering the Marion County culinary landscape as dining editor for the Ocala Star-Banner. Currently he’s just mostly retired.
Written & Compiled By JoAnn Guidry & Cynthia Brown
GOOD NEWS:
Hunka, Hunka Burning Kudos!
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hristmas, and most certainly not a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas, came in March for Cote Deonath, the well-known Marion County-based Elvis tribute artist. After a years-long process, Deonath and his Elvis Tribute Artist Festivals were given the official endorsement by Elvis Presley Enterprises. Created by the Elvis Presley Trust, EPE produces Elvis-related live shows, operates Graceland and oversees the licensing and merchandising of Presley’s name and image. “Our goal has always been to get this endorsement,” says Deonath. “We had to prove to the EPE people that we were respecting the legacy of Elvis in every way with our festivals and in everything we do regarding The King. This endorsement is an affirmation of that and will help us grow exponentially.” Deonath notes that “this official endorsement means we can use Elvis’s image on all our marketing for our Elvis Tribute Festivals and this is a very big deal for us.” The Elvis Tribute Artist Festivals are also a big deal, featuring Deonath and other world champion Elvis tribute artists, parties, and Vegasstyled shows. “At the 2019 Inverness Summer Festival, we sold 1,500 tickets,” says Deonath. “Of course, then COVID-19 made everything come to a halt. But we put together a three-festival schedule for 2021, including another very successful Inverness show this past June.” Upcoming 2021 ETA Festivals include: Orlando Tribute To The King, September 23-25 at The Lakes Resort and The Elvis Artist Holiday Retreat, December 1-4 at The River Ranch Resort in River Ranch south of Kissimmee.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? 8
etafestivals.com OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
GOOD MESSAGE DEPARTMENT:
Marion Senior Services Creates Human Services Department
Marion Senior Services has added a Human Services department to address Marion County seniors’ quality of life, mental well-being, crisis intervention, and Jennifer Martinez case management. The new department will lead MSS in the most appropriate handling of issues as they arise with clients in all three of the MSS pillar areas: in-home support, nutrition, and transportation. “Having a dedicated department,” says Jennifer Martinez, MSS executive director, “will result in thousands of seniors in Marion County having an improved quality of life.” “All seniors have earned the right to lead comfortable, happy lives,” says Marion Senior Services Board Chair Bill Oppenheimer. “The new Human Services department at Marion Senior Services will literally change lives.”
WANT TO KNOW MORE? (352) 620-3501 marionseniorservices.org
GOOD QUOTE: “There’s only one thing more precious than our time and that’s what we spend it on.” —Leo Christopher, author and poet
Photo Courtesy Michelle Foster Photography
good start
UPCOMING PROGRAMS Please note that all programs are subject to cancellation as deemed necessary.
READING WITH THE RANGERS & FRIENDS | ALL AGES Fridays | 11 a.m.-Noon July 2 | Toms Park | 2245 N Magnolia Ave. July 9 | Heritage Nature Conservancy | 2005 NE Third St. July 16 | Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex | 595 SW Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. July 23 | Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St. July 30 | Tuscawilla | 800 NE Sanchez Ave. Parks are a great place to read, just ask an Ocala Park Ranger! Join us at 11 a.m. during June and July for Reading with the Rangers. In partnership with the Marion County Library System, Ocala Park Rangers, firefighters, police officers and city staff will read a book in a different park every Friday. Pack a snack, blanket or chair and get ready to enjoy a good book.
LEARN TO SWIM | AGES 3+ Hampton Aquatic FUN Center | 255 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Jervey Gantt Aquatic FUN Center | 2390 SE 36 Ave. Mondays-Wednesdays | Now-July 28 | 9-9:30 a.m. Jervey Gantt Only 5:30-6 p.m. Ocala Recreation and Parks swim lessons are taught by certified American Red Cross instructors. Students are placed in groups according to their swimming levels. Depending on swim abilities, students will learn staying safe around the water, floating, basic swimming skills, swimming strokes, how to be efficient swimmers and additional aquatic skills. $55/person. Register through July 19. ADULT LAP SWIM | AGES 18+ Jervey Gantt Aquatic FUN Center | 2390 SE 36 Ave. Mondays-Thursdays | Now-July 29 | 8:30-10 a.m. 5-6 p.m. A great way to build muscle, practice cardio respiratory fitness, tone muscles and burn calories-all without putting strain on your joints. The cost is $5/person/session and is paid on site. THERAPEUTIC PLEASE PASS THE PEAS COOKING CLASS | AGES 12+ Barbara G. Washington Adult Activity Center 210 NW 12 Ave. First Thursday of each month | July 1-April 7, 2022 4:15-5:30 p.m. Bon appétit. Please Pass the Peas cooking classes are a hands-on opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends while preparing a meal. Participants will learn about nutrition, meal planning, budgeting and safe food handling. Participants can join in-person or online via Zoom, (Zoom participants will be emailed the access codes and recipe after registration). Participants must register one week in advance of each class. $5/person.
READY SET GO EXHIBIT Discovery Center | 701 NE Sanchez Ave. Tuesdays-Saturdays | July 17-Sept. 25 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Ready, Set Go! Explore how people and goods move across the world and beyond. Ready Set GO features interactive stations about air, sea, land and space travel. $8/person.
A WALK IN OCALA’S PARKS SENIOR WALKING CLUB | AGES 50+ First Tuesday of each month | 8-9:15 a.m. July 6 | Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex| 2200 SE 36 Ave. Aug. 3 | Mom’s Park | 3320 SE 17 St. Sept. 7 | Fort King National Historic Landmark 3925 E Fort King St. Get your steps in while exploring the beauty of Ocala! Adults ages 50+ are invited to join us the first Tuesdays of each month at 8 a.m. at a different park for exercise and camaraderie. $10/ year program fee. Transportation not provided. REJUVENATE WITH THE ARTS | AGES 50+ Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center | 830 NE Eighth Ave. Second and fourth Tuesdays of the month | July 13Dec. 14 | 10 a.m.-Noon Get crafty with these fun DIY workshops to renew and discover your artistic abilities! Join us Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-Noon to create your own project to take home. A new design every session! Call 352.368.5517 for more information. $5/person/class.
Heritage Nature Conservancy Bat House
PROGRAMS IN THE PARKS Fridays Heritage Nature Conservancy | 2005 NE Third St. OWLS AND BATS | July 16, 7-9 p.m. Sept. 17, 6-8 p.m. Tuscawilla Park | 800 NE Sanchez Ave. BIRD PHOTO WALK | Sept. 3 | 10-11 a.m. Programs in the Park is a series of free programming designed to give children and families a more in-depth look at the natural resources around them. Each program will focus on a different topic and include an activity based on the subject matter. Participants should be dressed for the outdoors and the weather around them, bring water and sunscreen, but most importantly bring a desire to learn and have fun!
MARY SUE RICH SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT Ocala Golf Club | 3130 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Saturday | July 31 | 8 a.m. shotgun start Golfing for a cause! The Mary Sue Rich Scholarship Golf Tournament begins at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start. Tickets include range balls, golf and cart, BBQ lunch at the golf club, prizes and more! $100/individual. $400/team. Call 352.401.6917 to register. CLASSROOM IN THE GARDEN: MUSHROOM HIKE Fort King National Historic Landmark Heritage Teaching Garden | 3925 E Fort King St. Saturday | Sept. 4 | 9-11 a.m. Come enjoy one, or all our Fort King Heritage Teaching Garden programs! Whether you want to learn how to build a garden, protect our pollinators, or make some yummy pizza there is something for everyone! HERITAGE SKILLS DAY Fort King National Historic Landmark 3925 E Fort King St. Saturday | Sept. 4 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Experience early Florida life and the history of Fort King with a day of classes, workshops and live demonstrations teaching time-period skills and crafts. Topics include pine needle baskets, cast iron cooking, old time toys and more! There will also be free hands-on history activities, re-enactors and more! Register early to claim your seat in a class or register on-site the day of the event for spots still available. Classes and activities will be offered throughout the day.
For more information call 352-368-5517 • www.ocalafl .org/recpark OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
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good start GOOD ORGANIZATION:
The Senior Resource Foundation of Ocala
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his local nonprofit organization is “dedicated to improving, enhancing, and enriching the lives of older adults,” according to a recent release. To that end, they plan to share valuable information and pursue fundraising and grant opportunities for their
ongoing mission. But they also need your help. Their ongoing projects include a “Friendly Visitor” program, doing home repairs for needy seniors, a “businessto-senior” cooperative program, support for Meals on Wheels,
providing entertainment for assisted living facilities and nursing homes, as well as a “Tapestry of Life” video project. They also have some fundraising opportunities in the works, including a dog expo, a charity bridge tournament, and a “Better Tomorrow” Senior Expo.
Here’s where you come in. They’re only asking for one hour per week to visit and improve the life of a senior in your community and make a difference.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? (678) 709-2605 srfofocala.org
Dr. Sandra Rocquin Named First Principal Of Ina A. Colen Academy
T FRESH FACES:
Jessica Mongerio
The choral director at Forest High School for the past seven years is now the new artistic director for the Marion Civic Chorale. Mongerio completed her undergraduate and graduate music studies at the University of Central Florida and holds certification as an International Baccalaureate music instructor from Rice University. Mongerio was the music director at the Performing Arts Conservatory of Ocala for 10 years, an Educator of the Year award recipient from the Marion Cultural Alliance, and is the president and founder of the Marion All-County Choir.
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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
here has to be a first for everything and Dr. Sandra Rocquin (pictured, second from left) will be the first principal of Ocala’s Ina A. Colen Academy. Rocquin has 13 years of academic, instructional, and administration leadership experiences at the district and school levels. The new public charter school will open its doors to students in August 2022 in Calesa Township, an Ocala family community for all ages. Rocquin will guide the research and development of the school’s curriculum, policies, systems, and structures. She will be responsible for recruiting and hiring staff, as well as working with the Marion County School District staff to ensure all aspects of the charter contract are implemented. “Personally,” says Rocquin, “I feel I could never stop learning and modeling new and effective ways to impact student learning.”
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
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good start
REMEMBER WHEN?
July/August 1982 MOTOR TREND CAR OF THE YEAR:
1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
“First and foremost, the Camaro was conceived as a handling car. The project engineers started with targets for stability, steering response, cornering capability, and ride quality, then adhered to their goals religiously throughout the development process. Significantly, the Z28 package was developed first, and the lower-pressure Sport Coupe and Berlinetta evolved from it. A sturdy torque arm between the transmission and differential, two trailing arms, coil springs and an anti-roll bar add up to outstanding control of the axle.”
$
Source: motortrend.com
Price Check Gallon of Gas $ 1.30 Gallon of Milk $2.24 New House $82,200 New Car $7,983 First Class Stamp $0.20 Average Income $21,505 Sources: thepeoplehistory.com, inthe80s.com, 1980sflashback.com
The Top 10 Hits 2 Rosanna–Toto 3 Hurts So Good–John Cougar 4 Hold Me–Fleetwood Mac 5 Abracadabra–The Steve Miller
5E.T. the ExtraTerrestrial–$359,197,037 Raiders of the Lost Ark– $212,222,025 Rocky III–$124,146,897 Source: boxofficemojo.com
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hile five of our senses get all the attention, we actually have 11 senses that are processed in the brain. All are necessary to give us data from the outside world to keep us functioning at our best. And, sorry, our sixth sense isn’t what you think it is—no seeing dead people. 1. Ophthalmoception: sight 2. Olfacoception: smell 3. Gustaoception: taste 4. Tactioception: touch 5. Audioception: hearing 6. Proprioception: sense of where your body parts (i.e. legs and arms) are and what they’re doing 7. Equilibrioception: balance, our own GPS located in our inner ear 8. Nociception: pain 9. Thermoreception: temperature 10. Chronoception: passage of time 11: Interoception: internal needs, like hunger, thirst, needing to go to the bathroom Source: “Keep Sharp: Build A Better Brain At Any Age” by Sanjay Gupta, MD
1 Eye of the Tiger–Survivor
The Box Office
Making Sense Of Our Senses
Band 6 Hard to Say I’m Sorry–Chicago 7 Don’t You Want Me–The Human League 8 Even the Nights Are Better–Air Supply 9 Only the Lonely–The Motels 10 Keep the Fire Burnin’–REO Speedwagon Source: top40weekly.com
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
CALENDAR NOTABLES: July 19: National Daiquiri Day- Did you know the daiquiri was named after a mining town in Cuba? August 7: Purple Heart Day- A day for Americans to remember and honor the men and women who bravely represented their country and were wounded or killed. August 26: National Dog Day- Can you believe that our furry friends have been with us for at least 14,000 years? Thank goodness for that because what would we do without man’s best friend? Source: nationaltoday.com
Commit to your health, NOT a contract. Membership options to meet your needs.
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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
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My Florida Traveling Shoes
By Melody Murphy [melody@ocalasgoodlife.com]
L
ast year when I started walking every day in the cemetery behind my house, I quickly discovered that my old shoes had also reached the end of their life. I’d only had these shoes for three years. To me, that is not long. But if you Google, “How often should you replace walking shoes?” you get quite a different answer. Why had these come to the end of their road sooner than ever before? Then I realized. These had been my travelThe author and her traveling shoes at right, with friend ing shoes. and traveling companion Laura at left, in North Carolina. My traveling shoes had hiked mountain trails, marched up hills, and walked beside waterfalls. They clambered over boulders, rambled roots, searched for family, explored old cemeteries, revisby rivers, and ambled along charming streets. They strolled ited old haunts, and found new ghosts. They left my footthrough museums, botanical gardens, and orange groves prints all over North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, in bloom. They chased rainbows and sunsets, meandered and Florida from coast to coast, up to St. Augustine and through sunflowers and clover, and traipsed all over a down to Tampa. Christmas tree farm. They climbed trees, scaled an obserThe shoes were a little shabbier after each trip. The vation tower, and scrambled lining wore away. The memory foam forgot everything over fences. They tapped it ever knew. Stories stained my shoes, along with barbetheir toes to the blues and cue grease and whiskey, splashes of spilled hot sauce and trekked through dark pastures hot chocolate. After every trip I’d shake from my shoes a to gaze at shooting stars and seasonal confetti of creek pebbles, mountain-road gravel, full moons. They went to the dried clover, biscuit crumbs and autumn leaves, fir needles beach at freezing midnight to and glitter, pollen and petals, sand and salt. shiver beneath a lunar eclipse. The soles became scuffed and stained with red clay. They dashed through snow But was it from the dusty yard of the railroad cafe, the and jogged down dark streets farm full of Cherokee roses, a fern-flanked trail to a waterto make a little night mischief. fall, the muddy shore of an iris-ringed pond, or ancestral They trudged through mud and sprinted through rain, graveyard dirt from the family plot? Roots grow from the splashed in puddles and skidded on slick rocks. soil. So does remembrance. My traveling shoes came off to wade in a cold creek My traveling shoes led me on adventures in all on a hot day. They stepped into the red clay of a cotton seasons. Like the song says, they’d seen fire and rain and field to steal a boll or two, roamed roadsides to pick phlox, sunny days–but not a lot of lonely times. I’d been happy stood in the piney woods at night to marvel at fireflies. in those shoes. I’d traveled to places I loved with people I They braked for interesting sights and to reattach a car loved, making miles of memories along the way. bumper with duct tape, pressed down the gas pedal on a The old traveling shoes are retired now. They’ve pilgrimage to find pink dogwoods and fried green tomabecome yardwork shoes, but they went to some beautiful toes. They followed owls and foxes, bluebirds and butterplaces and had some wonderful times in their day. They’ve flies. They sauntered beside the best of friends and wanbeen succeeded by the new generation of traveling shoes, dered in wonder through beautiful places. And perhaps which are oh-so-ready to travel again and walk somewhere they did a little trespassing down some memory lanes. besides the graveyard within sight of my porch. My traveling shoes supported me as I discovered my And this time, I bought two pairs.
The memory foam forgot everything it ever knew.
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OUT & ABOUT
5 Keith Muller with his 1956 Nomad Sport Wagon
Chevy two-door
5 Jane and Robert Wolford
5 Alan Ardo and his 2006 Do
dge Dakota
Market of Marion Car Show
5 Don Beebe with his 1947 Ford Pickup
There is always good cross selection of classic and new vehicles on display at the Market of Marion’s car shows. This May was no exception as auto enthusiasts from around the area attended the 9 AM to 1 PM event. The Villages Classic Automobile Club hosts the event every month on the fourth Saturday, except in July, August, November and December.
5 Kathy and Joe Femia and their Por sche replica model 356 Speedster
Photos By Steve Floethe
5 Andge, Enoch & Jah-son Williams with their 2020 Widebody scat Pack Dodge Charger 392
5 Bill Norton with his 2007 Saturn Sky Convertible
16
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
5 Doug Thomas with his 1955 Bel-air Chevy Spor
t Coupe
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GOOD NEIGHBORS: AMY MANGAN
Pockets Of Joy Amy Mangan’s latest book is a smaller view of life in larger ways. BY JAMES BLEVINS
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Photo: John Jernigan
W
hen last seen on the highway of her writing life three years ago, Amy Mangan had just published her first book, a memoir entitled This Side Up: The Road to a Renovated Life, an intimate chronicle of how Amy and her family endured the economic crash of 2008 and the next 10 years of hardship and renewal that followed. Shortly after arriving at this significant publishing milestone, Amy admitted candidly that she wasn’t entirely sure where her writing life would take her next. She assured her readers that she needed to drive down her own private road a while longer to find just what her heart needed to say. “For me as a writer it’s more of an organic process,” confesses Amy. “I don’t think about it in terms of, ‘What’s my next book?’ I really just see where my path takes me. So when I completed the memoir, which any type of memoir is going to be really intensive, I just set out to enjoy a different form of writing.” But not long after returning to the Ocala Star-Banner, humming along the highway of her beloved column, she suddenly spotted a figure fast approaching over the unwritten horizon. It was, as it turned out, her sister Julie, thumbing with an idea
Amy and Mike Mangan
Amy couldn’t resist. “She kept saying that she thought I should publish a collection of my essays,” remembers Amy, 56, of her older sister’s suggestion. “And I thought, ‘Hmm, that’s interesting, because it would really be kind of an homage to my father.’” Amy’s late father, Sherman Yeary, wrote four non-fiction books in his lifetime, all self-published well after he had turned 60. These books—The Story Pole, A Time of Summer, Main and Magnolia, and The Courthouse Square—detailed his thoughts on his life and legacy, his time spent in Ocala, and the lives of his dear family and friends, as well as touching on many relatable topics familiar to anyone who grew up in a small town.
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
“My children love Papa’s books,” states Amy of her son, Griffin, 26, and her daughter, Gillian, 24. “So, I thought, ‘You know what? If the only readers are my children, and it gives them the same thing that my dad’s books gave to me, you should do it.’ And that is where the journey took me.” THE JOURNEY TOOK HER, finally, to her latest book, Accent Pieces: Collected Writing and Moments that Decorate Our Lives, published in mid-June by Black Rose Writing and described on her website as “a personal homage to creating the life you want right where you are…[a] collection of essays [that] makes sense of life, home, love, heartache, and friendships, all while sharing a decorating tip or two.”
“I knew from the beginning that I wanted this book to incorporate my love of home and what that meant,” says Amy. “And also my love of interior design and decorating and why that’s more than just a clock or some flowers.” According to Macmillan Dictionary, “accent pieces” are a form of interior design, a piece of furniture or a rug or work of art that complements the whole room. They’re never the main focus in a living room, for example. That honor usually belongs to the sofa or coffee table. In a bedroom, the bed, of course, often catches the eye. Accent pieces are often the end tables, night stands, candles, book nooks and various other assorted knickknacks sharing any given space. The stuff that builds up in a room’s peripheral vision. But it’s these accent pieces that give a room its character. Just as a life’s accent pieces—love, family, friends, and the many hard-fought lessons learned along the way—give character to the person living that life. To Amy, furniture and the stories that cling to them are always a part of these larger designs, and she wants people to see them for what they are. See the value inherent in physical totems that carry the stories of their lives with them just like we do. “I am very interested in the role that environment and design plays in our lives,” continues Amy. “Because it’s intrinsic in everything that we do, everything that we choose. In my view, furniture is never simply just a piece of furniture.” Likewise, “simple” is not quite how Amy might have described the emotional challenges involved with writing her first book, This Side Up, but she discovered, quite to her surprise, that collecting the individual pieces that would grow to become her sophomore effort was relatively easy by comparison, even fun. THANKS IN LARGE PART to Amy’s longtime collaborator and designer, Steve Codraro—who had been collecting her work from as far back
as Southern Living and Salon—and personal friend Bailey LeFever—a UF Journalism School graduate who would come on board to edit the book—Accent Pieces quickly began to take shape. “I leaned on Bailey [a lot],” admits Amy. “I asked her to crawl through [all of Steve’s collected material] and find what could work best for my idea of what the book should be. And she did a fantastic job.” Broken up into six parts, the book operates as a kind of map of Amy’s life: what lies in her heart, what makes her smile, her dear family and friendships, her past and hopes for the future, and her hometown of Ocala. Especially her hometown. Ocala figures largely in the book. And it may come as no surprise but early reviews from local celebrities, as well as big names in the interior decorating publishing sphere—such as Carolanne Griffith Roberts, former editor of Southern Living, and Jim Ross, editor of Loss, Home, and Places in Between, to name but two—have been exultant. “This wonderful community has truly overwhelmed me with their support of this book,” says Amy of her early praise. “I’m truly humbled by it. “And community is something I write a lot about,” she continues. “Community to me is Ocala.” Though Ocala is accented by her writing—each essay a work of art that complements the whole town—Amy doesn’t want it to be a barrier for readers who may not be as familiar with its landmarks. As far as she’s concerned, there is something for everybody between the pages of Accent Pieces, regardless of where you happen to live. “My hope is that wherever readers are, they can pick it up and they can find pockets of joy in the present in whichever chapter they choose,” says Amy. “I hope this book speaks to whatever that reader needs at that hour in time on that particular day.” Amy’s ultimate goal for her book is to embolden others to seek out their own accent pieces, to see them not only for what but who they are, and to
always look to complement one’s life with the sort of meaning and memories that encourages growth and the upkeep and spread of love. “Here’s the thing” explains Amy. “It’s beyond furniture. Accent pieces, for me, represent change and all that complements my life. Wherever I am.” Today, she’s sitting in her home office and looking across the room. She sees a little plant sitting on her bookshelf. In front of that plant is a sign that says “Mama Mangz.” And beside that sign are two more accent pieces that remind Amy of her daughter, her husband, Mike, and all of the rewarding experiences she couldn’t have
“This wonderful community has truly overwhelmed me with their support of this book.” —Amy Mangan imagined for her family 10 years ago. “Right now,” concludes the everhonest and hopeful author. “Looking across my desk and seeing those accent pieces is grounding to me. It’s seeing a smaller view of life in larger ways. And that’s something I hold to my heart.”
WANT TO KNOW MORE? amymangan.com
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just my t y pe
by Mary Ellen [maryellen@ocalasgoodlife.com]
Mozzarella Madness
M
y husband and I are of Italian descent and take cooking very seriously. We’ve had lengthy discussions on the different types of tomato sauces and their respective ingredients and have debated the virtues and appropriate use of Japanesestyle panko breadcrumbs versus the popular seasoned Italian brands. Fact is that my wonderful husband will always lend a hand in the kitchen. He makes the best chicken cutlets, and I’ve dubbed him the “Chicken Cutlet King.” I also call him the “Garlic Bread Guru.” He makes it spicy and crunchy and it’s always popular with our guests. My favorite is his minestrone. For that he has earned the title of “Minestrone Master.” Though lately I’ve decided to experiment in the kitchen and make homemade mozzarella cheese. First, I Googled “how to make mozzarella cheese at home.” I got more recipes than I could ever make in a lifetime and narrowed it down to the ones with the highest rating, least amount of ingredients, and lowest preparation time. I settled on “30-minute mozzarella.” Sounds easy, right? Although cheese-making isn’t rocket science, it is sort of like a chemistry experiment when ordinary milk is transformed into our favorite melted pizza topping. What I didn’t know was that this task would have forced Little Miss Muffet to get off her tuffet, grab her bowl of curds, and run a whey—I mean away. Gathering the three ingredients for this recipe should have been as simple as boiling water. Milk is readily available, but citric acid, which raises the acidity level of the milk, and rennet, an enzyme which causes the milk to separate into curds and whey, were a challenge to find locally and I had to order those items online. I also needed rubber gloves, a food thermometer, cheesecloth, kosher salt, a large pot, and a slotted spoon. With the necessary tools and ingredients ready, I added citric acid to the milk and heated it to a tepid 90 degrees Fahrenheit. So far so good. Then I added 1/4
I also discovered that this recipe featured three glasses of wine. Who knew?
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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
of a dissolved rennet tablet, removed the pot from the heat, covered it, and waited five minutes for the curds to magically appear. But instead of firm curds floating apart from the whey, the two substances stubbornly refused to separate, so I tried again adding more rennet to the milk this time. And although I managed to make cheese, it wasn’t mozzarella. With my ego now bruised like a week-old banana, I was more determined than ever. I made two more attempts, each time adding more citric acid and rennet with the same dismal result. Then with a new recipe on the fourth batch, this Sicilian finally produced mozzarella that would have made my ancestors in the old country jump up and dance the tarantella. When I asked for help online after my first failure, a veteran cheesemaker told me that it takes practice. He was right. Although I originally thought it would require only 30 minutes, the recipe I finally had success with took two hours. Heating the milk slowly isn’t something you can rush. And with down time between steps and all the celebrating when finished, I also discovered that this recipe featured three glasses of wine. Who knew? Although I did have several frustrating setbacks, I was proud of myself for producing 14 ounces of mozzarella cheese from a gallon of milk. I was even able to make ricotta cheese from the leftover whey. So if you have some time on your hands and are not easily discouraged, you might give it a try. I know I’ll continue to make my own mozzarella, then open a bottle of wine, and dance the tarantella with my wonderful husband when I’m done.
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DAYCATION: CLEAR-BOTTOM KAYAKING
‘A Picture-Perfect View’ Text & Photos By Danielle Veenstra
You’ve never really gone paddling in Central Florida until you’ve navigated the spring-fed waters of the Silver River in an all-new, clear-bottom kayak. It’s like having your own personal glass-bottom boat—with manatees and gator sightings a delightful bonus!
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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
A
shouted “WHOA” shatters the silence of the Silver River as a man in a double kayak points past his feet. His oar lifted high out of the water and his body rigid with shock. The clear kayak he propels offers a bird’s eye view of the river’s bottom. An alligator. It had to be an alligator. Instead, the word “manatees” ripples across a pod of a dozen kayakers who are part of a Silver Springs Get Up and Go Kayaking tour.
Grazing along the riverbed, a pair of sea cows, as large as their nickname suggests, whisker their way through the vegetation they found. They float up like balloons for occasional sips of air before heading back to their feast. Never paying any mind to the frenzy they caused above the water. Nestor Batista, the very surprised kayaker, and friend Jason Rodri-
guez snap pictures through their shared clear kayak. The native New Yorkers have paddled in and around their home state before, but it was their first time on a river in Florida. “We’re at the end of manatee season,” says their tour guide Alex Tricoli, “so we’re lucky to see them.” While Tricoli spouts off facts about the gentle manatees, including their abilities to control floating through farting, his tour group circles the pair for a quick glimpse at their underwater life— and maybe a selfie or two. Tricoli, born and raised in Ocala, started as a tour guide in August 2020. His extensive world traveling, degree in adventure tourism, and the pandemic led to his eventual job application with the tour group. Even on his worst days, he says his
work doesn’t feel like work. “Ocala has the nickname ‘Slowcala’,” Tricoli says, “and people complain that there isn’t a lot to do, but when you go out in nature and you see all of these different animals—manatees, monkeys, fish life, bird life—it’s so much better than being cooped up in a city.” With a loud, booming voice, the friendly tour guide grabs the kayaker’s attention and steers them down river. Now he’s on the hunt to find his friend, George The Dinosaur Dog, otherwise known as a large, 10-foot alligator. The Silver Springs Get Up and Go Kayaking tour directs a group of six clear double kayaks in a 90-minute loop. As Florida’s natural beauty passes above and below in clear view, the tour guides answer questions and provide an ongoing dialogue about the history of the state park and the river.
FOR OVER 10,000 YEARS, people have been drawn to the springs, from the first Neolithic peoples to Spanish explorers and the Seminoles. And in more recent history, this included Hollywood movie directors for films like James Bond and Tarzan. Movie props and Native American and Spanish settler recreation villages dot the landscape of the river, providing a sense of timeless history. “[Silver Springs] really wraps up all kinds of different people,” says Mario Simauchi, president and co-owner Can you find the manatee? of Get Up and Go Kayaking, “from movie buffs to adventurers and history enthusiasts. It captures a wide audience.” Simauchi and his coowner Samantha Heimgartner knew it was a no-brainer to offer clear kayaks on the Silver
River. The glass-bottom boats that have been a staple of the Silver River since the 1900s gave a picture-perfect view of the river’s wildlife. The next logical step was personalized clearbottomed vessels. “I think the coolest thing with clear kayaks is being able to see the wildlife swimming right beneath you,” Heimgartner says. “It gives you that full immersion into your surroundings.” The ancient river attracts visitors with its consistent backdrop of animal calls, sparkling year-round 72-degree waters, and a snarling green forest. Around every bend is a sight to see.
A pair of sea cows, as large as their nickname suggests, whisker their way through the vegetation. Unfortunately for the kayakers, that does not include George The Dinosaur Dog. But Tricoli isn’t too concerned. If George isn’t home, then his other friends might be around. “I see the booty of Vladimir,” he calls to his trailing group. A passing kayaker comments on the alligator’s “thick lambchops” and suddenly the air thickens with tension as Vladimir grows closer with every sweep of the paddle. His front legs are wrapped around a young tree like a teddy bear as the 8- to 10-foot alligator rests in the sun. One eye tracks the kayakers carefully. Tricoli asks if anyone wants a picture, but no one takes him up on his offer. The affectionately named alligator seems content in his personal patch of sun. Vlad returns to his catnap when it becomes clear the group is leaving his part of the river behind. Because this river is being flooded with water from Florida’s largest first
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
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magnitude spring system, the steady, three-mile-per-hour flow gives kayakers a chance to rest their tired shoulders. Over 530,000 gallons of water gush into the river per day. An average city’s water tank holds about 1 million gallons of water. With this in mind, the Silver Springs System pumps out over 18 months’ worth of a city’s water supply in 24 hours. Tour guide Tricoli points to the swaying eel grass brushing the bottoms of the kayaks. It creates a living curtain that parts in their wake. He explains that the invasive plant species was transplanted to help combat the growth of bad algae caused by fertilizer and chemical run-off. The contamination has reduced wildlife populations along with the deterioration of the river’s groundwater, according to the Florida’s Springs Institute. Simauchi and Heimgartner have been avid supporters of the Florida’s Spring Institute and the Saving the Springs Foundation. In fact, every time someone books a tour with their company, part of their booking is donated to the foundation. “They’re trying to preserve something that has been around for centuries,” Simauchi says. “It’s so important because it’s the water that we drink, and it’s in our farmlands.” DESPITE THESE UNDERLYING threats, there is no question that the springs, its wildlife, and its five-and-a-half miles of river waters are breathtaking. Tricoli herds the group through the last leg of their adventure, paddling down the Fort King Paddle Trail. This branch of the river narrows to three kayaks across. Craggy limestone rocks climb up toward an unkept forest that hides historic wonders. Through the trees, replicas of old cracker villages and trading posts appear as if they had stood there for centuries. For a moment, ghosts of settlers past whisper through the forest. And standing tall among the oak trees is the trail’s namesake, Fort King. (Editor’s Note: Not to be confused with the recently built replica on Fort King Street east of 36th Avenue in town.) It was an important defensible position on the river for the Seminole Indians. Like a modern day’s sniper’s nest.
24
The more narrow, tree-lined Fort King Waterway offers a shady option for exploring Ocala’s history and natural beauty.
The tour guide’s recognizable storytelling voice winds through the group as he talks about wars long past. He explains how Chief Osceola of the Seminole Indians knifed the early settler’s peace treaty to a tree and ripped it in two. They wanted to trick his land away from him, but they didn’t realize he could read English. “So technically,” Tricoli says with a grin, “we’re still at war.” The paddle trail spits the group back out at its starting point. The launch ramp is a flurry of activity as the group drags their kayaks from the river.
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
Flush with vitamin D and new memories, they split ways with huge smiles on their faces.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
If you’re interested in booking a clear-kayaking tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking, visit getupandgokayaking.com/silver-springs. The price for one adult is $50 and for children under the age of 12 it’s $40. To rent a clear kayak from Silver Springs State Park, visit silversprings.com/paddling.
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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
In The Driver’s Seat During the pandemic, drive-in theaters became big business again. And the one in Ocala was among the group keeping the gigantic screens lit and the popcorn piping hot. BY RICHARD ANGUIANO • PHOTOS BY JOHN JERNIGAN
J
ohn Watzke has made it through 64 years—about 50 in the movie theater business— living by a simple rule. Think fast and adjust fast. It helped him survive the first of two catastrophes, when Hurricane Katrina destroyed his home, his community, and his livelihood on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast in
2005. He moved to Florida in 2007 to be with siblings in Cocoa Beach. Three years later, when surfing the Internet on a Wednesday, nostalgic for drive-ins, Watzke came across an abandoned theater in Ocala. By Monday, he signed a deal to take it over. In his tenth year at the helm of Ocala Drive-In, Watzke is navigat-
ing the unthinkable again: a deadly pandemic that brought much of life as we knew it to a standstill. In the past year, his perseverance has made Watzke an interview subject for reporters and movie bloggers worldwide; meanwhile Ocala Drive-In has vaulted into the upper reaches of cinemas in North America in terms of gross sales, albeit in a OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
27 27
Ocala Drive-In owner John Watzke
market truncated by COVID-19. “I remember after Katrina there was nothing,” Watzke says in the thick drawl of his native New Orleans. “It’s one thing if your house burns down. You’ve still got your community. But
this. If you found something that would bring you one hour of feeling normal, it’d make a world of difference. This [Ocala Drive-In] was that normal for people.”
John Watzke estimates he has invested $500,000 in renovating but has kept admission constant: $6 for adults for a double-feature.
lifer. The movies became the family business in 1913, when his grandfather worked at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans. Watzke learned the business at the elbow of his father, who made the rounds of some 300 GulfState Theaters as an engineer. The younger Watzke began his career at 13, walking both fields of the two-screen Do Drive-In in New Orleans with a wheelbarrow, checking boxy car speakers and repairing the duds. At best, Watzke says, the audio quality “was never better than a transistor radio.” “They were constantly breaking,” he recalls. “People were stealing them. There were so many downfalls from
when you lose everything from schools to shopping to your infrastructure—everything—it’s a strange feeling. So after Katrina, I thought about that during
28
WATZKE IS A PICTURE SHOW
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
them old speakers.” Mid-20th century audio technology also brought Watzke into close contact with the insect world. Ants used it as a conveyance, marching up poles, over wires and down receivers into Pontiac Bonnevilles, Oldsmobile Cutlasses, and AMC Javelins. And then there were the wasps. “I can’t count,” Watzke recalls about getting stung opening the poles to change the speakers, “how many times a whole damn nest of wasps was in there.” Watzke followed his grandfather and father and became a projectionist, a job that technology would put into the dustbin with “elevator operator” and “filling station attendant.” He learned early the importance of anticipating market shifts. “A lot of drive-ins didn’t change with the times,” he says. “A lot of drive-ins did major change and didn’t have the feel of the old drive-ins. What
I tried to do in renovating this place—and it’s a constant renovation—was to preserve as much of the original feel as I could, yet merge in the new technology.” The Illinois-based owner of Ocala Drive-In, which sat vacant for seven years, was reluctant to sell in 2010, according to Watzke, because of a “bad experience” with the previous management. Watzke says he negotiated a lease with an option, and he and his brother jumped in and spent a year refurbishing the drive-in, which premiered in 1948, before reopening in July 2011. “I operated with the original Brenkert projector that was in here when the place was built,” Watzke recalls. “It was a 1948 projector in here. My brother actually took it apart and went through the whole thing.” The Brenkert gave way to a $92,000 Christie 2230 digital— high-definition, 4K compatible, with a 6,000-watt light bulb. Pa-
trons now get sound through FM car audio. In 2016, Watzke added a second Christie for a second screen, 23-by-50 feet, facing the original screen, which is 42-by-90 feet. “The major movies, Disney and Warner Bros. and all, they wanted you to keep a movie for four weeks, Watzke explains. “Well, if you have only one screen and you keep a movie for four weeks, you’re limiting your return.” Watzke estimates he has invested half a million dollars in renovating. Meanwhile he has kept admission constant: $6 for adults and $3 for children 6 to 12 for a double-feature.
HE THOUGHT HE’D SEEN just about everything in cinemas—not to mention life—when the world got to know the novel coronavirus in early 2020. Watzke says he never gave a thought to closing.
New Orleans-style muffuletta sandwich and a sampler platter which includes mozzarella cheese sticks, onion rings, fried mushrooms, chicken nuggets and fries with dipping sauces.
Kelly & Jose Juarez recently enjoyed an evening at the drive-in in their 1971 Pontiac GTO Convertible, which Jose has owned since it was new. In fact, they went on their first date in 1983 in this classic muscle car.
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Photo: Trevor Byrne
Above: Not just popcorn and hot dogs—you’ll find unexpected offerings like fried catfish at the Ocala Drive-In. Top: The drive-in played a crucial role in allowing our community to gather during the peak of the pandemic. The Ocala CEP held it’s first socially distanced large gathering there in May 2020.
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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
“You’re in your house with your family and you want to go to Wal-Mart or Home Depot with your family, why couldn’t you come here?” he says. “A drive-in theater is an extension of your living room. “All the walk-in theaters had closed,” Watzke continues. “The drive-ins in the North had not opened yet, and the ones in the South that were open panicked and closed. I told them if they closed, they would not reopen until somebody gave them permission. It happened exactly that way.” Watzke closed every other of the drive-in’s 440 bays, but reopened all later. He still requests mask-wearing in the snack bar and insists on 6-feet spaces in line. His perseverance attracted international attention in April 2020, when someone on the Internet posted that all of the $1,710 in sales from the top-grossing movie of the week—the independent horror movie, “Swallow,” starring Haley Bennett—came from Ocala Drive-In. Journalists from all over began pestering Watzke.
He sat for an interview with Michel Martin of NPR’s “All Things Considered” in April 2020 with the air of a bemused box office champ by default. “Never in the day thought that I would be the top in the box office,” Watzke told Martin. “But I ended up the only one in the box office, so it’s not hard to be the top if you’re the only one.” Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst with Comscore, a global media tracker based in Los Angeles, says Ocala DriveIn actually was not the only theater in the market during the early COVID shutdown. However he says Comscore’s data paint a remarkable portrait of Ocala Drive-In. Between the weeks of March 13 and March 20 of last year, the number of theaters showing movies decreased from 5,313 to 514. From March 20 to April 16 of last year, Ocala Drive-In ranked No. 12 among North American theaters in gross sales, according to Dergarabedian. For the corresponding period in 2019,
the Ocala location ranked No. 184 among North American drive-ins and No. 3,500 among all theaters, he says.
WATZKE SAYS HIS DECISION to
remain open inspired him to innovate in ways he’d dreamed for years. He claims he added a walk-up window by cutting it into a concession stand door three hours after an immune-comprised patron phoned to say he wanted to see a show but was afraid to walk into the snack bar. Watzke added to the menu a signature sandwich of New Orleans, the muffuletta. It’s ham, salami, mortadella, Swiss and provolone cheeses, topped with olive dressing on a 9 1/2inch round Italian bread from Gambino’s Bakery in New Orleans. A whole sells for $16.95 and feeds about four. “When completely done, and done the right way,” Watzke says, “it weighs right at 3 pounds and is the size of a birthday cake.” His work on Ocala Drive-In gets good reviews from patrons. The vehicle of Neal and Alexis Ogg of Inverness was among dozens in a recent Wednesday night crowd. The Oggs faced Screen 2 to watch “Nobody” and “The Unholy.” Neal, 46, grew up going to drive-ins in Waterloo, Iowa, and recently brought wife, Alexis, 30, to her first elsewhere in Florida.
“I like the way they have the screens set up,” Neal Ogg says of Ocala Drive-In. “I don’t like the ones that are like four screens. It’s distracting, because you can see another screen on the periphery. The snacks are good. The prices are good. I think this is great.” Watzke has also used the COVID year to connect to the community. He rented Ocala Drive-In to the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership for two socially-distanced breakfast meetings last summer, the first on May 20. “That was the first event where people, in some way, shape, or form, were able to gather together,” recalls Kevin Sheilley, president/CEO of the CEP. Watzke has hired the facility for church services and concerts. He donated its use to Marion Technical College’s licensed practical nursing program for a graduation “pinning” ceremony, inspired by his daughter, Alexis Jacobson, 21, who was unable to have a ceremony after completing her nursing studies at the University of Southern Mississippi. Lynn Weber, director of the MTC program, notes that not only did Watzke not charge for use of the drivein and its staff, he was unable to show movies that night. “We pulled it off and it was awe-
some,” Weber says. “People were honking their horns, driving on [U.S. 441], seeing the nurses on the big screen. I’ll never forget it.” Watzke says he hopes the community will remember Ocala Drive-In as life edges back to something approaching normal. “COVID has been a bad experi-
John Watzke’s decision to remain open inspired him to innovate in ways he’d dreamed for years. ence for the entire world,” he says. “If anything good has come out of it, it’s the fact that it’s brought back awareness of the drive-ins.” Suddenly, Watzke remembers—in the manner of someone recalling a forgotten grocery list item—that he’ll mark his tenth anniversary with Ocala Drive-In on July 29. “I gotta start thinking about what I want to do,” he says. What’s one more bout of fast thinking to John Watzke?
‘The Unsung Heroes Of The Box Office’
I
n the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, drive-ins were “the unsung heroes of the box office” and could be poised for something of a renaissance, according to a global media analyst. “The summer movie season in 2020 essentially didn’t exist but for the drive-ins,” says Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst with Comscore. Comscore’s data show North American drive-ins accounted for 1.5 percent of total box office in March 2020. In April, the next month, drive-ins generated 93.5 percent. That share topped at least 80 percent through July. “I want to give a lot of credit
to every drive-in, including Ocala,” Dergarabedian says. “They were the ones showing movies when nobody else was out there or nobody else was able to.” The 18-week summer season of 2020 in North America showed gross sales of $178 million, Dergarabedian says, adding that in all of 2019, drive-ins alone showed a gross of $181.6 million. “I think many people, in a sense, forgot about the drive-ins or they may not have one near their homes,” he adds. “The pandemic reinvigorated the love and nostalgia for drive-ins and that may continue going forward.”
NOW SHOWING Ocala’s Good Life
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
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Good Health
By Cammy Dennis [cammy@ocalasgoodlife.com]
Champions Of Active Aging
C
Photo Courtesy Cammy Dennis
hampions of active aging” is not a term I can take credit for, but the concept is one that has galvanized my mission to help change societal views of aging after I adopted the idea from the International Council on Active Aging. I have learned a great deal from this organization, whose philosophy is “the conviction that people can significantly improve the quality of their later years L-R: Kitti Surette, Barbara Day, Sue Lassiter, Sandra Sierra, by staying active and fully engaged in life.” John Paquet, Denise Paquet, Maureen McCabe Colin Milner, CEO of ICAA, ascertains that we need to “get over the idea that older adults are bro“I don’t see age in my students, I see capabilities,” she ken versions of younger adults.” Experts agree the says. “The reward from helping others improve their lives is key to living a productive, engaged life is to remain active. astounding.” The science is simple—a body in motion stays stronger. Sandra Sierra and Kitti Surrette are seasoned instructors, I know many older adults who teach and live by this with many years of experience in their respective disciplines. philosophy. These “active aging champions” (all between Sandra took up yoga when her boys were little as means of 60-78) are certified managing stress and she has maintained this practice for over fitness instructors and 20 years. Kitti entered the fitness world after working as a personal trainers who professional dancer. teach Zumba, dance “I encourage having fun because that is what keeps aerobics, strength people coming back,” says Kitti. “The social connections that training, spinning, form in fitness classes are just as important as the physical TRX, aqua aerobics, activity. and/or yoga at several “There is no better feeling than getting people movfitness facilities here in the Ocala community. ing and smiling,” she adds. “Everyone leaves feeling great, “I feel like the En- including me!” John and Denise Paquet both found their way into fitergizer Bunny—I just keep going and going,” ness for personal health reasons. Denise wanted to quit smoknotes Barbara Day, 78, ing and John was overweight and consumed with stress from his job. They both found a passion for fitness in the process. an aqua aerobics in“Fitness is my ‘happy hour,’” Denise describes. “It prostructor. “I got hooked vides many health benefits for me and my students.” on water fitness 42 Although deconditioned at the start of his journey, John years ago and have notes “my first day at the gym I was overwhelmed,” John never stopped.” remembers, “but I jumped into a fitness class and loved it I firmly believe that the ability to thrive in later years is from day one. It can be hard to take the first steps, but once dependent on some very important factors, including the strength in your body, the health of your brain, and the hap- you do you will look back and wonder, ‘Why didn’t I do this earlier?’ Oh, and the instructor of that first fitness class... I piness in your heart. married her!” Sue Lassiter started her “encore career” as a Certified Fitness Instructor at 66. She was newly retired when she Cammy Dennis is the fitness director for On Top of the World comdecided to get her fitness certification so she could share her munities and The Ranch Fitness Center & Spa. She lives the lifestyle passion for staying healthy with others. She loves teaching she promotes and has trained for triathlons throughout the state, aqua aerobics and thinks the water is a wonderful environaerobics while living in Tokyo, and various weightlifting events. ment for exercise.
The ability to thrive in later years is dependent on the strength in your body, the health of your brain, and the happiness in your heart.
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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
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Located in Market Street at Heath Brook
GOOD EATS: EGGS UP GRILL
‘Good Food & Reasonable Prices’ By Rick Allen • Photos By John Jernigan
Eggs Up Grill may be a chain, but its convenient location on SR 200 in the center of everything means you’ll probably be swinging by before you know it.
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I
t seems that Brad Harper has a knack for finding emerging food concepts. First it was Zaxby’s. He brought the first Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings to Ocala to the lot on Southwest 27th Avenue across from Goodwill near the Paddock Mall. That was nearly 20 years ago. As I recall, he told me back then that he encountered a Zaxby’s in—Georgia, I think—and immediately bought into the concept. Now there are at least half-a-dozen Zaxby’s eateries scattered around Ocala and Marion County today. It’s almost déjà vu—or “eggsa vu,” if you will. He encountered an Eggs Up Grill, considered by FSR (Full-Service
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
Restaurants) magazine to be one of the top emerging chains, in Georgia (where else?) and again bought into the concept. “I loved the warm, welcome, and attentive service the restaurant had provided,” Harper said in a 2019 report on 1851franchise.com. “It encompassed all the feel-good words, and the food was terrific as well.” As 2019 was closing, Harper’s Eggs Up Grill was opening. This is the first Eggs Up in Florida. A second Florida link opened not long ago in Riverview. According to the Eggs Up website, there are 41 units throughout the Southeast and another 12-15 are in various stages of hatching this year. The 1851franchise.com report indicates that
two more units may be coming to the area. According to a history of the chain on its website, Eggs Up began in 1997 in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Founded by Chris Skodras, “The restaurant quickly became known as the home of great-tasting food, casual conversation, and long-lasting memories. “It was the start of Eggs Up Grill being the gathering place for family and friends in each community we call home,” the history continues. It’s already made bunches of friends here, even through the struggles of a pandemic-plagued 2020, if reviews on Facebook are any indication. “Amazing food,” writes Jonathan Lopez. “Steak was cooked to perfection. Relocating to Florida in a few weeks and this may be my go-to for breakfast.” “Good food and reasonable prices,” notes Kelli Frazier. “Lots of variety and some items not found elsewhere. We will be back.” “Best breakfast I have had in a very long time,” adds Diane Long. “Place got real busy and we know why,” writes Douglas Henning. “This is a secret gem of a restaurant.”
WHERE: The Eggs Up Grill is in Market Street at Heath Brook at 4144 SW College Road. Hint: Don’t rely on GPS or another map app on your phone because while it will probably get you to the outdoor “mall,” you may find yourself driving around wondering where in blazes the eatery is— like I did. WHY GO: There’s a certain apprehension in trying a brand-new place. We all know what to expect when we walk into a well-established place, be it a chain unit or indiSunny side up eggs with bacon, sausage vidually owned. And despite and biscuit with sausage gravy. being well armed in advance with reviews, you still never know about a place that’s never been ble.” It’s the best four slices of pork here before. On the other hand, there’s belly I can recall eating in this area in a history here with Harper. I trust long while. This even beats the bacon I him and he provides good food. So cook, hands down any day of the week. give it a shot, if only for the adventure of experiencing something new. YOU MUST TRY: The grilled blueberry muffin. Most commercial BEST TIME TO GO: Any time muffins, I find, tend to be doughy between 6am to 2pm Sunday through Saturday. Those are its open hours. On when you eat them. How I can’t figure, one of my visits, I walked right in at mid-morning and was seated immediately. On a visit with my family, we did have to wait a few minutes, but that was due to a lack of staff and them saying, “We’re trying to catch up.”
Bananas Foster
YOU’LL BE IMPRESSED BY: The bacon. Personally, I think the “everything is better with bacon on/in it” craze of not long ago was way overdone, then and even now. Bacon’s fine, but on everything? Really? Yet the bacon here is perfectly done, crispy enough, and right between “still a bit floppy” and “ready to crumFrench Toast
You must try the grilled blueberry muffin. but the grilling manages to eliminate this trait. My grilled muffin had a grill veneer with a hint of crunch, yes, but it was mostly moist and tender, the berries slightly tangy. It perfectly complemented my sunny side up eggs and was a great medium for sopping up the yolk. Don’t like blueberries? They also will grill up a banana nut muffin. I’d seen mentions of the grilled blueberry muffin while browsing the Facebook reviews and knew I had to try it. This alone is worth a return trip. But wait, there’s more! The day before, I tried the shrimp and grits omelet. The omelet was fluffy
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
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yet stuffed with shrimp, pieces of andouille sausage, green peppers, and Swiss cheese and shared the plate with a double dollop of fire-roasted and spinach grits with a hint of savory heat. In this dish, Eggs Up’s southernness shines through. My wife ordered the Little Waffle In The Hen House, a half Belgian waffle (heartier appetites can get a whole one), bacon, and a side of scrambled eggs. “The waffle was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside,” she says. The eggs weren’t pre-seasoned in the kitchen, but she was good with that, that way she could season them to her liking.
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FRIENDLY STAFF: I think overall the staff here is topnotch but is hampered by the current state of staffing woes affecting nearly every employer as our economy begins to revive. It won’t always be like this. Their service mantra is “Let Me Make You Smile.” It’s emblazoned in massive letters on the wall above the kitchen, and they certainly do their best to live up to the slogan. NOT ON THE MENU: In fact, it’s not even food. But you might enjoy the gallery of drawings on the walls leading to the restrooms depicting some “States of Eggsistence” like“eggcited,” “eggsistential,” “eggcellent,” “eggcentric,” as well as “deviled,” “boiled,” “fried,” and, of course, “scrambled.” My favorite is the “eggstraterrestrial.” It’s out of this world. INSIDER: On another back wall is posted a number. I asked what it meant and was told, “That’s the number of eggs we’ve served since opening.” The count was up to 204,581 when we were there. It should be much higher by now. FINAL WORD: Breakfast, we’re told, is the most important meal of the day—or at least one of the three most important meals of the day. To satisfy that, here there are such options as the Egg Bomb BLT, Bananas Foster French Toast, Little Waffle In The Hen House and Founder’s Hash Benedict to make this meal interesting and, above all, tasty. Not into breakfast? Did I mention Eggs Up also offers brunch and lunch options? Lots to choose from. As my son says, “I’d be willing to go back and try them.” And so am I.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? 4414 SW College Road, Suite 620 (in Market Street at Heath Brook) (352) 421-9596 eggsupgrill.com
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cuisine queen
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by Paula [paula@ocalasgoodlife.com]
New Restaurants Are Booming
R
estaurants are still struggling to maintain competent service to patrons despite the decline in finding permanent staffing, yet the sector is booming with new eateries. Starting with Downtown Ocala, Symmetry Coffee and Crepes, 525-0495, is going to partner with Soleil Confections, (850) 585-5794, in a new location right off of Southeast 1st Avenue near Ivy on the Square. The owners of both also sell baked goods at the growing Ocala Downtown Market. The new location is now a retail store and renovations for food service will hopefully be completed in September. Beer and wine is in its future and more about that as the date approaches. Mellow Mushroom, mellowmushroom.com, a popular national pizza franchise, is making steady progress where Brother’s Keeper used to be. Bryce Peek, of Boyd Real Estate, is leading the project for Ocala Development. During a telephone interview, he shared there will be other restaurant concepts in the building with a staircase and elevator leading to a rooftop bar. Mutiny hopes to open its doors soon with a pirate theme, next to Tipsy Skipper, 282-0377, a hidden gem with tropical ambiance. The wall between the two will be removed since they are owned by the same group. District Bar & Kitchen, hoping to replace Pi on Broadway, will be an elevated sports bar. The drawings found online are highly impressive. It will truly be
Restaurants are still struggling with staffing, but the sector is booming with new eateries.
one of the most beautiful attractions for dining on the square. According to the drawing, it will not feature a wide-open rooftop bar, but instead an open second floor with the feel of a rooftop but with cover for inclement weather. Another huge project that is going to change Downtown Ocala forever is Cantina Tex-Mex and Tequila Bar. Across from Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill sits a now-closed, two-story bank. Cantina will renovate the building, keeping the two floors and offer private parking, entertainment, and more. Follow their video and comments on their Facebook page. Big City Grill, 421-5198, opened on Southwest19th Avenue Road (a.k.a. Easy Street). This seems like the type of restaurant that would satisfy some Northerners looking for authentic assembly of a Philly and stacked burger. Their menu is impressive. Enjoy a 100% Black Angus burger, fries, and a drink for $8.99. Google their YouTube video and if that doesn’t convince you to stop in, nothing else will! See pictures and their menu on bigcitygrillocala.com and Facebook. Good-bye Ruby Tuesdays, hello Storming Crab, stormingcrabs.com. Having locations in Tennessee, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, and Ohio, Ocala was the first choice for their Florida debut. Crab legs and claws, shrimp, oysters, and other seafood is on the menu with Cajun-style options. Follow their website and Facebook page for opening dates. Brester’s Coney Island, 421-5693, is located in the Pine Plaza near the Ocala Police Department. They are open 8am-3pm, serving breakfast and lunch and a little later on Saturdays, closed Sundays. Enjoy breakfasts that start at only $3.69 for egg, meat, and toast. Almost every sandwich or sub imaginable is offered at lunch. Patrons rave about the generous servings. Check out their website at brestersconeyisland.com. Just a note, please understand that if you are told it’ll be a longer wait for a table, but you see several tables available, it’s because the restaurant has limited the seating because of limited staff.
Got A Hot Tip For The Cuisine Queen? E-mail me at paula@ocalasgoodlife.com
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
Enjoy fresh air dining at Red’s
New Outdoor Patio!
Bring your appetite! Great American food in a warm, friendly atmosphere! For breakfast, you can’t beat Red’s–fluffy pancakes, perfect
Red’s
eggs, hot coffee. And there’s a reason why folks will wait for a table during lunch! Homemade hamburgers so big you can barely get your mouth around ‘em, delicious soups and salads. Don’t be fooled by the address–Red’s is just past Stumpknockers on SR 200. Come see what so many have already discovered about Red’s!
Breakfast & Lunch
Menu Items Include: Eggs, Pancakes, French Toast, Bacon,
8411 North Carl G Rose Hwy, Hernando Directions: Take SR 200 west. Located 1/4 mile past the Withlacoochee river
Homemade Burgers & Fries, Country Fried Steak, Meatloaf, Soup, Salads, Wraps, Sandwiches
(352) 344-4322
DINING GUIDE Enjoy our outdoor seating!
48 SW 1st Avenue, Ocala (352) 433-2570 • lacuisineocala.com 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. Owners operated since 2009, La Cuisine in Ocala has all the old-world charm of any romantic hideaway in Paris. Patrice and Elodie are here to welcome you!
Live music
In line with the French traditional way of cooking, every dish is made from carefully selected high quality fresh products and ingredients, prepared in-house and cooked to perfection with a modern twist.
on weekends
Whether it is a business dinner, family brunch or a romantic evening for two, La Cuisine is definitely worth a closer look! Specialties: Escargots, Frog Legs, Organic Half Roast Chicken, Beef
Bourguignon, Ratatouille, Creme Brulee, Parmesan Truffle French Fries
Dinner Hours: Tues.-Sun. starting at 5pm.
Brunch: Sunday
11am-2pm
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: Combine the picturesque view of the beautiful
St. Johns River with a lavish salad bar and tasty, fresh seafood (or USDA Choice beef) for a true culinary experience. Save room for one of the elegant desserts! Fun, food & spirits will greet you as you enjoy the balmy breezes and panoramic view of William’s Landing atop Blackwater Inn. Whether it’s for dinner or for a lighter fare, you can be assured of a pleasurable occasion.
Specialties: Unique Casual Dining, Unlimited Salad
Bar, Petite Dinners For The Light Appetite, Fingerling Catfish, Frog Legs, Alligator Tail, Grilled Quail, USDA Choice Beef & Fresh Seafood.
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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
Blackwater Inn Hours:
Tues.-Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon.
4:30pm-9pm 4:30pm-10pm 11:30am-10pm 11:30am-9pm CLOSED
DINING GUIDE Ocala’s first artisan gelato shop! Homemade pastries, European style coffee, Fresh New York bagels & more.
F
8810 SW Hwy 200, Ocala (across from Pine Run) (352) 509-7721
ormerly Carmine’s, Marcelina continues the tradition, serving your favorite Italian dishes in a friendly, comfortable environment. Little details make the difference, like fresh hand-grated cheese over your salad and warm, crusty bread to dip in the dish of olive oil loaded with fresh garlic. See for yourself why Marcelina’s earns a 4.5 star rating on Yelp. Serving beer and wine. Check out our Facebook page for specials.
Hours:
Mon.-Thurs. 11am-8pm
For reservations, please call.
Summer time is Gelato time!
Hours: Closed Mon. Tues.-Sat. 2pm-9pm Sun. 2pm-8pm
Fri.-Sat. 11am-9pm
Closed Sun.
(352) 857-8080 • 6146 SW SR 200, Ocala Jasmine Square (A few doors down from Tax Collector/DMV)
22050 N. US 441, Micanopy, FL (just north of McIntosh in the Harvest Village) 352-591-4141 • antonios.co Info: Antonio’s in nearby Micanopy is like sampling the best of
Italy without the cost of airfare. Cozy and intimate, the focus is on the food. Everything—the presentation, the ingredients, the specials—are a result of Antonio’s meticulous planning and preparation. He makes the mozzarella fresh on-site every day. You simply must try Antonio’s Signature Cheese Burrata, an appetizer of ricotta and parmesan cheeses rolled into a ball and wrapped with a gooey layer of mozzarella. You’ve never had a steak as tender as the dry aged Delmonico at Antonio’s. It’s so good, even vegetarians have been known to try it!
Specialties: Delmonico Steak, Whole Red Snapper, Capellini
Toscana, Eggplant Parmigiana, Genovese Gnocci, Veal Marsala, Salmon with Gorgonzola Cheese Sauce
Hours:
Wed. -Thurs.: 4pm-9pm Fri. & Sat.: 12pm-10pm Sunday: 12pm-7pm
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
T
FAMILY FEATURES
he first thought that comes to mind when picturing grilling in the summer sun might be a perfectly cooked steak or a juicy burger, but no backyard barbecue is complete without the all-important sides and beverages that complete the meal. Whether you’re pairing a main protein with separate side dishes or going all-in-one by combining tender chicken with veggies on skewers, the opportunities are endless for a crave-worthy cookout. Find more summer grilling recipes at Culinary.net.
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5 Steps for Sizzling Steak
A sizzling steak is a surefire sound of summer, and the flavors achieved from one that’s perfectly grilled are hard to match. Before you fire up your grill, consider these five basics for cooking a chef-worthy steak:
PREPARE YOUR CUT
Taste preferences (and prices) may differ among sirloins, ribeyes, T-bones and more, but the way you prepare steaks likely won’t change much from cut to cut. You’ll want to trim the thickness down to 1/2-1 inch for proper cooking, and setting the meat out ahead of time allows it to warm to room temperature before hitting the grill.
ADD SOME SALT
Feel free to add any spices you prefer, but remember a good steak typically doesn’t require fancy seasoning – a pinch of salt works just fine. Add your salt anywhere between 30 minutes to a few hours before grilling time to help retain moisture and improve flavor.
AIM FOR HIGH HEAT
A two-zone fire is usually the way to go—one side of the grill should be hot (using direct heat) with the other side not quite as warm (indirect OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
heat). This allows you to create a sear over direct heat before finishing cooking through—without burning—over indirect heat.
SEAR AND SLIDE
Cooking your steak over direct heat 1-2 minutes on each side is normally about right for creating a proper sear. At this point, depending on the thickness of your steak, you’ll want to check for doneness. If it’s not quite to the temperature you’re looking to achieve, simply slide it over to the indirect heat for a finishing touch. Keep in mind these general guidelines for doneness: 120-125 F is rare, 130-135 F is medium-rare, 140-145 F is medium, 150-155 F is mediumwell and 160-175 F is well done.
LET REST
Finally, as hungry as you may be at this point, resting steaks is an important last step before diving in. Giving your steaks 5-10 minutes (foil or no foil) allows flavors to redistribute and moisture to be retained in the meat.
GRILLED GREEK KEBABS
Dressing/Marinade: 3/4 cup olive oil 2 lemons, zest and juice only 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 1 teaspoon sugar salt, to taste pepper, to taste 3 teaspoons mayonnaise Skewers: 2 cups The Little Potato Company Dynamic Duo bagged Creamer Potatoes, cut in half 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes 8 wooden skewers dipped in water pita bread (optional) Salad: 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 4 sliced Lebanese cucumbers 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced 1 cup feta cheese 1 cup pitted kalamata olives To make dressing/marinade: In measuring cup, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, Dijon mustard, garlic and sugar. Season generously with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour 1/3 cup marinade into large bowl. Refrigerate remaining. To prepare skewers: Add potatoes and chicken pieces to bowl with marinade. Mix well to coat and marinate 30 minutes, or as long as overnight in refrigerator. Preheat grill to medium heat. Skewer potatoes and chicken cubes alternately on wooden skewers. Grill 6-8 minutes on both sides. Grill pita bread, if desired. Finish dressing by adding mayonnaise. To make salad: In large serving dish, mix tom atoes, cucumber, onions, feta cheese and olives. Place kebabs on top and drizzle with dressing. Serve with grilled pita bread, if desired.
Grilled Greek Kebabs from The Little Potato Company
STUFFED CHERRY TOMATOES Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net 24-48 cherry tomatoes 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced 3 green onion stalks, diced 2 teaspoons minced dill fresh dill, for garnish
Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Cut thin slice off top of each tomato. Scoop out pulp. Invert tomatoes on paper towel to drain. In medium bowl, combine cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in cucumber, green onion and dill. Spoon mixture into tomatoes. Top with fresh dill. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
STRAWBERRY SPRITZER Recipe adapted from Taste of Home 1 package (10 ounces) frozen sliced strawberries, sweetened and thawed 2 liters lemon-lime soda, chilled 1 can (12 ounces) frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
In blender, process strawberries until blended thoroughly. Pour strawberries into large pitcher; stir in soda and pink lemonade.
Strawberry Spritzer
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PLAN AHEAD NOTE: Due to Covid 19, events are subject to cancellation or rescheduling. Please check with the venue’s website for updates. WRITTEN & COMPILED BY CYNTHIA BROWN
Do you have an event that you’d like to include in our calendar? Email your submissions to cynthia@ocalasgoodlife.com
Ongoing
FARMERS MARKET—A wonderful selection of fresh seasonal produce from local growers as well as baked goods, plants, hand-made soaps, and much more! Every Thursday from 9am– 1pm. The Town Square at Circle Square Commons. OCALA DOWNTOWN MARKET—Every Saturday rain or shine from 9am to 2pm to shop from a variety of vendors including produce from local farmers, goat and dairy products, meats, honey, seafood, soaps and so much
more. Downtown Ocala. SE 3rd St. and SE 3rd Ave.
Winery. lakeridgewinery.com or 800-768-9463.
REJUVENATE WITH THE ARTS—Second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from July 13-Dec. 14. Get crafty with these fun DIY workshops to renew and discover your artistic abilities! A new design every session! $5. 10am12pm. Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center, 830 NE Eighth Ave. ocalafl.org/recpark or 3685517.
Through July 29
ADULT LAP SWIM—Take a lap at the pool! Lap Swim workouts are a great way to build muscle, practice cardiorespiratory fitness, tone muscles and burn calories, all without putting strain on your joints. Lap Swim is for adults 18+ only. The cost is $5 person session and is paid on site. Mondays-Thursdays 8:3010am and 5-6pm. Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center, 2390 SE 36 Ave. ocalafl.org/recpark or 368-5517.
WEEKENDS AT THE WINERY—Come out and enjoy the expansive vineyard green, including delicious food from some of the area’s best live entertainment, food trucks, and of course your favorite Lakeridge wines by the glass at the outdoor bar. Every Saturday and Sunday. 12-4pm. Lakeridge
Through Aug. 8
WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER SUMMER SERIES—With multiple large, climate-controlled, indoor arenas, the World Equestrian Center is changing the game and hosting equestrian events year-round, rain or shine. Make the most of your visit to a horse show by dining at a local restaurant, shopping, renting a golf cart to explore the property, and getting a treat at the candy shop! worldequestriancenter.com or 414-7900.
Through Sep. 25
WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER SUMMER SERIES
OCALA POLO CLUB’S SUMMER SUNSET POLO— Come out and enjoy a polo match at the Florida Horse Park, the perfect place to enjoy a tailgate with your friends and family. Tailgates can be reserved by email ocalapolo@ gmail.com. $10-20. Saturdays. 6pm. Florida Horse Park, 11008 Hwy. 475. ocalapolo.com
Maven Photo + Film
Through Oct. 23
As the World Equestrian Center approaches completion, it’s time to claim your prize. Secure your place now. Custom estate homes for sale, stables for lease and the most exclusive lifestyle you could ever imagine all at Golden Ocala.
With multiple large, climate-controlled, indoor arenas, the World Equestrian Center is changing the game and hosting equestrian events year-round, rain or shine. Make the most of your visit to a horse show by dining at a localGoldenOcala.com restaurant, shopping, renting a golf cart to | 352-369-6969 (Sales center) explore the property, and getting a treat at the candy G O L F | T E N N I S | E Q U E ST R I A N | F I T N E S S | P O O L | S PA | D I N I N G | E V E N T S shop! worldequestriancenter.com or 414-7900.
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GRAND OPENING 2021
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
Photo: Maven Photo + Film
Through Aug 8
YOGA IN THE PARK— Reduce stress, enjoy the outdoors, and relax your body at beautiful Sholom Park. Bring your own yoga mat. Saturdays. Free. 9-10am. Sholom Park. 7110 SW 80th St. sholompark. org or 873-0848.
Through Jan. 2, 2022
ALISON SAAR—This exhibition of printed works from the permanent collection by
internationally acclaimed artist Alison Saar incorporates both spiritual and political themes. Not one to shy away from difficult subjects, Saar commonly explores topics such as race, historical biases and gender, challenging viewers in exciting ways, describing her work as “refined savagery.” Appleton Museum. appletonmuseum.org or 291-4455.
July 3
FREE FIRST SATURDAY— Practice the art of staycation by visiting the Appleton on Free First Saturday, which means no admission fee to see our permanent collection and special exhibitions. You can also kick back and enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces with large-scale sculpture perfect for selfies. Appleton Museum. appletonmuseum.org or 2914455.
July 6, 13
DRAWING IN THE GALLERIES—A selfguided session with optional instruction. You can bring your own materials or borrow pencils and paper from the Visitor Services desk. No registration is necessary and you can drop in at any time during the two-hour session. Free. 1-3pm. Appleton Museum. appletonmuseum.org or 291-4455.
Jul 1- Apr 7, 2022
THERAPEUTIC PLEASE PASS THE PEAS COOKING CLASS—A hands-on opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends while preparing a meal. Participants will learn about nutrition, meal planning, budgeting and safe food handling. Classes are held the first Thursday of each month and participants must register one week in advance of each class. $5 per person. 4:15-5:30pm. Barbara G. Washington Adult Activity Center, 210 NW 12 Ave. ocalafl. org/recpark or 368-5517.
Jul. 6, Aug. 3, Sep. 7
A WALK IN OCALA’S PARKS SENIOR WALKING
NOTE: Due to Covid 19, events are subject to cancellation or rescheduling. Please check with the venue’s website for updates. CLUB—Get your steps in while exploring the beauty of Ocala! Adults ages 50+ are invited to join the group the first Tuesdays of each month at 8am at a different park for exercise and camaraderie. $10 year program fee. Transportation not provided. 8:00-9:15am. July 6- Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex, 2200 SE 36 Ave. Aug. 3- Mom’s Park, 3320 SE 17 St. Sept. 7- Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St. ocalafl.org/ recpark or 368-5517.
Jul. 9- Aug. 27
WORLD WAR II: OUR FIRST TWO YEARS—This course is the third course in a planned series of 4 courses. It starts with the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and ends on December 31, 1943. 10:30am-12pm. $30. Register at seniorlearners.org or call 239-8780.
July 12-16
AGELESS ADVENTURES— This special program blends generations and enables grandparents or parents to participate with a young partner. 15 different classes available. Register online at masterthepossibilities.org or call 861-9751.
July 13, 20, 27
SHAKESPEARE: HOW TO READ AND UNDERSTAND 3—Although the world honors and encourages us to read Shakespeare, his plays are difficult, demanding, and even strange. This course seeks to make Shakespeare understandable to the general reader. 10:30am-12pm. $11.25. Register at seniorlearners.org or call 239-8780.
July 13-31
PIPELINE—The unfortunate social phenomenon of the school-to-prison pipeline that affects young black men. Gwendolyn Brooks’ prophetic poem, “We Real Cool” is the backdrop of this passionate play about educators who see the humanity in their students and a family struggling to outrun social prophecy. $35. The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center. thesharon.com or 753-3229.
July 16-24
ART IN THE ATTIC 2021 ANNUAL Y-ART SALE—
Marion Cultural Alliance’s y-ART Sale is a fundraising event that features previously enjoyed art at yard sale prices. Hundreds of works will be for sale, including paintings, prints, drawings, and photographs. Tues- Fri 10am to 5pm, Sat 11am to 4pm. 3691500.
July 17-18
MUSIC IN THE AIR—Kingdom of The Sun Concert Band under the direction of Les Muncaster presents “Music in the Air.” All performances are free and open to the public. Donations are accepted. Saturday 2pm, Sunday 3pm. Marion Technical Institute, 1614 SE Fort King Street. kingdomofthesunband.org or 390-0491.
July 18
“THE POLICY” STAGE PLAY—In the insurance industry, Mile Crenshaw is the master. His technique impeccable and his success legendary, but when his “sneaky, janky” ways prick the heart of his new bride and threaten the livelihood of his insurance agents, he meets his match! $23. 6pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or (352) 351-1606
July 24
KISS AMERICA: THE ULTIMATE KISS TRIBUTE—A concert-level experience with amazing costumes, props, and look-alike performers with years of experience. Be ready to rock all night with the full show spectacle and big hits you can scream along with. $15-30. 7pm. Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World. csculturalcenter.com or 854-3670. KEN MELLONS—Epic Recording Artist Ken Mellons hits include “Juke Box Junkie,” “Rub-A-Dubbin,” and “Stranger in Your Eyes.” In 2004, Ken recorded and co-wrote “Paint Me a Birmingham” and co-wrote hits like “Honk If You Honky Tonk” for George Strait and “I Bought The Shoes” for Dierks Bentley. $2026. 7pm. Orange Blossom Opry. obopry.com or 821-1201.
DIRTY ROTTEN RELS COUND
S
July 31
MARY SUE RICH SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT—Begins at 8am with a shotgun start. Tickets include range balls, golf and cart, BBQ lunch at the golf club, prizes
4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, Florida 34470 (352) 236-2274 • www.ocalacivictheatre.com
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NOTE: Due to Covid 19, events are subject to cancellation or rescheduling. Please check with the venue’s website for updates. and more! $100 per individual, $400 per team. Ocala Golf Club, 3130 East Silver Springs Blvd. Call 401-6917 to register. DARRYL WORLEY—Darryl Worley is a singer and songwriter and Dreamworks recording artist with hits like “I Miss My Friend”, “Sounds like Life To Me,” and his powerful 9/11 tribute ballad “Have You Forgotten.” $20-26. 7pm. Orange Blossom Opry. obopry. com or 821-1201.
August 3-24
SHAKESPEARE: HOW TO READ AND UNDERSTAND 4—Although the world honors and encourages us to read Shakespeare, his plays are difficult, demanding, and even strange. This course seeks to make Shakespeare understandable to the general reader. 10:30am-12pm. $15. Register at seniorlearners. org or call 239-8780.
821-1201.
August 14
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA OUTDOOR EXPO— Calling all outdoorsy, adventure-seeking, gun-slinging, nature lovers! Wind-FM and K-Country are proud to present the place to be for everything outdoors. 9am3pm. Admission by donation to designated charity 10CAN, Inc. worldequestriancenter. com or 414-7900.
TOP OF THE WORLD: A CARPENTERS TRIBUTE
JEFF BATES— Nashville recording August 14 artist and songwriter Fronted by singer Debbie Taylor, she’s backed by a seven-piece Jeff Bates has been a fan favorite with his band consisting of top-notch, professional industry musicians soulful voice since who have had amazing careers in their own right. $25-30. 2002 with his hits “ 7pm. Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World. Leave the Light On,” csculturalcenter.com or 854-3670. “I Wanna Make You Cry,” and “Long Slow August 7 Kisses.” Jeff has often been compared JAMIE O’NEAL—The points of view, including the swindle a certain heiress out of with the singing styles of the platinum-selling country singer alligators’ own. Both humor and her fortune wins, and the other legendary Conway Twitty. $20and songwriter with #1 Hits seriousness are underpinned by must leave town. Tickets go on 26. 7pm. Orange Blossom Opry. environmental awareness and a sale July 26. $30. Ocala Civic “There Is No Arizona,” “When I obopry.com or 821-1201. Think About Angels,” “Shiver,” deep appreciation for the spirit Theatre. ocalacivictheatre.com. “Trying To Find Atlantis,” and of nature. A book signing will or 236-2274. August 18 “Somebody’s Hero”. She also follow this presentation. $3-8. SHE SWIMS WITH wrote many songs for Reba, August 28 1-2pm. Live Oak Hall, 8413 ALLIGATORS—Learn how Martina McBride, and Leann SW 80th St. Register online at TITANS OF ROCK: to be safe around Florida Rimes. $20-26. 7pm. Orange JOURNEY & BON JOVI masterthepossibilities.org or waters while enjoying many Blossom Opry. obopry.com or TRIBUTE—One ticket, two call 861-9751. shows, the tour you wish you August 19-21, 24-28 could have seen! The Titans of Rock concert experience ELEGIES—This 5-person brings you back to the days of show is inspired by the packed arenas in the ‘80s of September 11, 2001, terrorist Steve Perry and “big hair” Bon attacks on the World Trade Jovi in their prime! $15-30. Center. $25. The Sharon L. 7pm. Circle Square Cultural Morse Performing Arts Center. Center at On Top of the World. thesharon.com or 753-3229. csculturalcenter.com or August 21 854-3670. A NIGHT WITH ELVIS—Join September 3-4 Cote Deonath as Elvis and The 39TH ANNUAL OCALA Double Trouble Show Band SHRINE RODEO—Get as they take you back to the ready for two jam-packed Elvis era. “A Night With Elvis: performances filled with Walk in his Shoes” will be a exciting competition in saddle performance you won’t want and bareback bronc riding, tie to miss. $29-40. 7pm. Orange down roping, steer wrestling, Blossom Opry. obopry.com or Aug. 26-Sep. 19 team roping, barrel racing, 821-1201. and the most dangerous eight Charming con artists Lawrence and Freddy lead lavish Aug. 26-Sep. 19 seconds in any sport, bull lives by sweet-talking wealthy women out of their riding. $25. Gates open at DIRTY ROTTEN money. But the south of France isn’t big enough for 5:30pm, performances begin SCOUNDRELS—Charming both crooks, so they make a deal: The first to swindle con artists Lawrence and Freddy at 7:30pm. Southeastern lead lavish lives by sweet-talking Livestock Pavilion. a certain heiress out of her fortune wins, and the other ocalashrinerodeo.com. wealthy women out of their must leave town. Tickets go on sale July 26. $30. Ocala money. But the south of France Civic Theatre. ocalacivictheatre.com. or 236-2274. isn’t big enough for both crooks, so they make a deal: The first to
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DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
ANS
Solution to ENIGMA: “An inch of time cannot be bought with an inch of gold.” —Chinese proverb
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puzzle page
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July 28: INFLAMMATION Don’t burn out: the truth about inflammation Aug. 25: NECK PAIN Stop neck pain forever
SPINE AND INJURY CENTER
Is becoming
Ocala East
Ocala West
Buffalo Ridge
(Next to railroad tracks) 942 SE 17th Street Ocala FL 34471
(Jasmine South) 7668 SW 60th Ave.,#500 Ocala, FL 34476
(in The Villages) 3614 Wedgewood Ln The Villages, FL 32162
(352)
421-9292
(352)
351-2872
(352)
259-2225
Chiro-Pros.com Dr. Renny Edelson and his entire team welcome you to come by take a tour. While here, we can make an appointment for you to get checked and see if we can help you get back to the GOOD LIFE!
