Nov/Dec 2021 Ocala's Good Life Magazine

TM

Retirement Redefined

Cotillion Southern Café

INSIDE:

! s y a d i l o H y p p a H

Miz Kathi’s

Challenging Puzzles | Holiday Recipes | Cuisine Queen

OCALA’S

GOOD LIFE

NOV/DEC 2021

PLUS—

Glamping

Camping doesn’t have to mean “roughing it.”

Good Neighbors

John Renyhart is working to help those with Alzheimer’s.

Out & About Buddy Holly was “back” at the Reilly.

Protect the Rad years to come

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Ocala’s

GOOD LIFE

30

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Photo: John Jernigan

departments 6

The Editor’s Desk

8

Good Start

14

My Florida

16

Out & About

20

Just My Type

22

Daycation

26

Out & About

28

Good Health

The season is here. By Dean Blinkhorn Quick looks at our community. By JoAnn Guidry & Cynthia King The fantastic fox returns. By Melody Murphy Strike up the band. By Steve Floethe Tinsel. Argh! By Mary Ellen Glamping in Ocala. By Danielle Veenstra

22

Buddy Holly is back. By Steve Floethe Holiday happiness. By Cammy Dennis

Photo: Cassie Peech

34

Cuisine Queen

35

features

Dining Guide

18

In Nancy’s Name

BY JAMES BLEVINS

All the latest dining news. By Paula DiPaula Highlights of some of the area’s best restaurants.

John Renyhart honors the love of his life by working hard to help others with Alzheimer’s.

38

Recipes

42

Plan Ahead

Lots of reasons to get out of your easy chair.

What are you waiting for?

on the cover

48

Puzzle Page

Holiday hits. By Family Features

Spend a few minutes with the crossword or Sudoku.

30

Sweet As Magnolias On Main Street

BY MELODY MURPHY • PHOTO BY JOHN JERNIGAN

Head south in every possible way, then step back in time at this charming little café in the heart of Wildwood. Miz Kathi’s Cotillion Café is all about family and feels like home.

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

3

Creating Healthy Smiles

4

Ocala’s

GOOD LIFE

“Rio”

TM

MAGAZINE

ocalasgoodlife.com NOV/DEC 2021 Publisher/Art Director Trevor Byrne

trevor@ocalasgoodlife.com

Publisher/Editor Dean Blinkhorn

dean@ocalasgoodlife.com

Project Manager Cynthia Brown

cynthia@ocalasgoodlife.com

Writers

Richard Anguino, 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

Barbara DeLucia, DMD

A Master of the Academy of General Dentistry Private practice for over 25 years!

(352) 427-4006 sally@ocalasgoodlife.com

Distribution Heidi Justice

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Located right outside of Golf Cart Accessible! On Top of the World OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

Published bi-monthly by Good Life Publishing Inc. ocalasgoodlife.com • (877) 622-5210 ©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 editor’s desk

by dean blinkhorn [dean@ocalasgoodlife.com]

A Tale Of Two Holiday Seasons

T

Photo: Olana McDonald

he holidays are always a magical time. Need evidence?

Look at the Plan Ahead section in the pages to come of this very magazine and you’ll see more holiday events than you’ll have time to check out. (I should know. I’ve tried!) Yes, the holidays in Central Florida are still magical, even without the significant temperature change.

First of all, there are the traditions of decorating, both single-family homes that go all out with lights to large-scale events like the city’s signature Light Up Ocala with more than 100,000 bulbs to be plugged in.

Then there are the favorite holiday concerts and shows.

One of my favorite events is the free holiday show presented by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra on its outdoor stage, an evening that’s a musical gift to the people of Ocala.

And, of course, the holiday season has a full slate of movies, both classic and not so. My family has to see “Elf” and “It’s A Wonderful Life” every year, but yours might insist on “Home Alone” or “Die Hard,” yes, the violent action film— and its sequel—that takes For some, the place during the holidays. holidays are a Lastly, get-togethers with friends and family dot our real struggle. calendars and allow for some memorable catching up and exchanging of gifts. Some are mercifully short, and others allow us to see someone dear we haven’t been with often enough throughout the rest of the year. For me, that’s my nieces and nephews who seem to grow like weeds and who always have such fun stories from school.

And then—voila!—it’s a brand-new year and everyone’s on a diet!

BUT FOR SOME PEOPLE, the holidays are a real struggle.

Why put out an attic full of decorations and string Christmas lights on the perimeter of the house when no one will be around to see them?

Why go to concerts that are hard to get to or that are different from the ones you enjoyed growing up? Maybe they’re louder or more expensive than you remember.

Why go to movies that seem different from the ones you enjoyed as kids? Maybe you don’t recognize the popular actors anymore or maybe the plot and dialogue is coarser than your favorites.

Maybe get-togethers aren’t as much fun because they don’t have the same familiar faces or they remind you of loved ones lost along the way.

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

If any of these things sound familiar, maybe the holidays for you go by achingly slow and you don’t count down the hours to New Year’s Eve on Times Square as much as the second when everything goes back to normal.

Yes, enjoying the holidays can be a matter of perspective. If the beginning scenario rings true, then enjoy every second. If the latter part feels closer to home, then try to flip the switch a bit. Volunteer with a favorite charity that probably really needs your manpower right now (like Interfaith or Marion Senior Services), or reach out to a group that can help you (United Way of Marion County would probably be good on both counts).

So whichever scenario you find yourself in this year, which has been a challenging one for many, try to take care of yourself as we finish 2021. After all, the holidays should be merry for everyone, even you!

All the best,

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

What’s Dean Playing?

(Christmas Edition)

Kelly Clarkson, “When Christmas Comes Around”—Following a best-selling 2013 Christmas album, this new, 15-track set features a number of superstar duets and newly penned songs. Be sure to check out “Glow” with Chris Stapleton and “Christmas Isn’t Cancelled (Just You),” the lead single.

Steve Perry, “The Season”—The former Journey singer isn’t planning to rejoin his famous rock group anytime soon, but he did drop his first seasonal record. All eight songs are Christmas and New Year’s favorites, including a tender “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

Brett Eldredge, “Mr. Christmas”—The country singer’s first holiday record, “Glow,” was an unexpected departure into Frank Sinatra-style crooning, which suited him surprisingly well. This new set, especially the big band-esque title track, continues the tradition.

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

7

good start

Written & Compiled By JoAnn Guidry & Cynthia Brown

CLUB CORNER:

Like To Sing?

The Central Florida Master Choir (CFMC) has scheduled three upcoming concerts: December 12 at 3pm at the Countryside Presbyterian Church, December 16 at 7pm at the Reilly Arts Center, and December 19 at 3pm at the Dunnellon Presbyterian Church. All concerts are free to the public but any donations are appreciated.

“As with all choral groups, we are always looking for new singers. Singers of all ages and vocal ranges are welcome to audition,” says CFMC Conductor Hal McSwain. “Our auditions are short, CFMC Conductor Hal McSwain simple meet-and-greets so I can gauge a person’s singing abilities and experiences. One requirement is that you must be able to read music.”

CFMC rehearsals are held every Tuesday at 7pm at the Countryside Presbyterian Church.

Established in 1998, the CFMC is an auditioned volunteer choir comprised of singers from Marion, Citrus, Alachua, and Sumter counties. Its mission is to promote cultural awareness and enjoyment of music.

Need a little more incentive to audition? According to a recent Finnish study, singing in a choir leads to cognitive benefits. The study found better verbal fluency in senior singers compared to senior non-singers. Those results ring true because singing requires regulation of attention, versatile information processing, linguistic output, learning, and memorization.

8

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information, go to cfmasterchoir.com To schedule an audition, contact CFMC Conductor Hal McSwain at (352) 615-7677.

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

$71,000

That’s how much the inaugural AlignLife Hacking It For Hospice golf tournament raised on October 2 at the Country Club of Ocala.

Didn’t get to attend but still want to help? Call Hospice of Marion County at 873-7400.

L-R: Margaret Edelson, Damian Romano, Dr. Renny Edelson, Audrey Romano

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good start

GOOD MILESTONE:

Mission Accomplished!

S

tep by step, mile by mile, section by section over 13 summers, Ocala resident Joe Moseley hiked the 2,190mile Appalachian Trail. Moseley, the STEM Coordinator at The Cornerstone School for the past 21 years, began hiking the AT, as it is commonly known, during summer school breaks in 2009. He tackled the final 188 miles this past July, accompanied by Gary Hollers, his hiking buddy for the past six years.

“We began my adventure to finish the AT in Stratton, Maine,” says Moseley, 66. “Heavy rainfall in June led to us having to ford eight rivers/streams during the hike. The currents of the Kennebeck River in Caratunk, Maine, are so strong that you have to call the AT-designated canoe ferry to safely get across. Hikers have drowned trying to attempt crossing on their own.”

In addition to camping overnight in AT shelters/campsites, Moseley and Hollers stayed in hostels just off the trail.

“We stayed at Shaw’s Hiker Hostel in Maine, which is owned by past Ocala residents and AT hikers Jarred and Kimberly Hester. They were both teachers at West Port High School when they hiked the entire AT. And as it turns out, my son-in-law Chris Hanes taught with them there,” says Moseley. “There are a lot of connections among AT hikers.”

After three weeks of hiking 10-15 miles a day, Moseley and Hollers took on the final summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine’s Baxter State Park.

“It’s only a 10-mile round trip, but it is very challenging.

Most of it is above the tree line, so there is maximum exposure to the weather conditions. There is also lots of hand-over-

10

L-R: Joe Moseley, Gary Hollers

hand rock climbing,” says Moseley. “We began our hike at 7am with instructions from the park rangers to turn around and head back if we had not reached the summit by 2pm. The entire trail was wet from rain the previous evening, so that was another challenge.”

But the duo persisted and reached the summit in four hours.

“It was windy, cold, and wet at the summit, but we ate our lunch and took our photos. After about 20 minutes, we headed back down, most of it in torrential rain,” says Moseley.

“I was tired, but elated. I had accomplished my goal of hiking the Appalachian Trail.”

And Moseley isn’t finished with hiking adventures.

Retirement plans include the Portuguese Camino de Santiago (approximately 179 miles) and Hadrian’s Wall Path (84 miles) in northern England.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Respecting The Flag

Once a U.S. flag becomes worn or torn, it should be retired in a respectful manner. In fact, the United States Flag Code prescribes the following: “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” To that end, the Ocala Police Department has installed an American flag retirement box within the main entrance of its headquarters on Pine Avenue. Flags should be folded respectfully before being placed in the box. The Ocala Police Honor Guard will be responsible for the proper retirement of the worn flags.

“We want to make it easy for Ocala citizens to properly retire their old or faded American flag,” says OPD Chief of Police Mike Balken. “It means a great deal to us and to many others in the community.”

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

UPCOMING PROGRAMS Please note that all programs are subject to cancellation as deemed necessary.

REJUVENATE WITH THE ARTS | AGES 50+ Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center 830 NE Eighth Ave. Second and fourth Tuesdays of the month 10 a.m.-Noon Nov. 9 - Pinecone Flowers with Stem Nov. 23 - Thanksgiving Center Piece Dec. 14 - Wooden Christmas Tree Dec. 28 - DIY Oil Candles Get crafty with these fun DIY workshops to renew and discover your artistic abilities.

Create your own project to take home. A new design every session! $5/person/class.

FOREVER YOUNG SENIOR AEROBICS | AGES 50+ E.D. Croskey Recreation Center | 1510 NW Fourth St. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays | Nov. 1-May 30 10-11 a.m. | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

You’ll feel Forever Young with this fun workout!

All moves are performed in a chair for efficient and low impact movements. The class focuses on aerobics, conditioning, strengthening, and increasing flexibility while grooving to your favorite tunes.

SENIOR BINGO | AGES 50+ Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center 830 NE Eighth Ave. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays | Nov. 1-Aug. 31 1-2:30 p.m.

Enjoy your favorite game of BINGO with friends, food, and music. Please bring $2 in quarters, nickels, and dimes to play BINGO. AMAZING ARTHROPODS Discovery Center | 701 NE Sanchez Ave. Tuesdays-Saturdays | Now-Dec. 30 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

From butterflies and bees, to beetles, tarantulas and even crabs, you’ll be amazed at the world of Amazing Arthropods. Learn how scientists classify insects, go back in time to explore ancient fossilized bugs, meet some of our live arthropods, and even be your favorite bug for the day. $8/person.

FOOT LOOSE LINE DANCING Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center 830 NE Eighth Ave. Tuesdays | Nov. 2-Apr. 19 | 11 a.m. Noon Come join us for an hour of dancing fun.

This class is for anyone who loves to dance, whether you are experienced, or new to the dance floor. You will learn the basic steps of many soul and line dances while getting a workout at the same time. Free and NO AGE LIMIT! FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK Downtown Ocala First Friday of the month | Nov. 5-May 6 | 6-9 p.m.

Event festivities include over 30 artist displays, live entertainment, free family art activities provided by local arts organizations and extended shopping hours. The public is invited to enjoy an evening of art, live performances, and downtown shops and restaurants.

SENIOR HOLIDAY LUNCHEON | AGES 50+ Ocala Golf Club | 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd.

Thursday | Dec. 2 | 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Let’s celebrate the holiday season together!

Enjoy a delicious lunch and an afternoon filled with fun, prizes, and games. $10/person.

CARDS AND FRIENDS | AGES 50+ Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center 830 NE Eighth Ave. Saturday | Nov. 13 | 2-7 p.m.

If you play Bid Whist, Spades, Hand and Foot, or Pinochle, come on out for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and laughter. $3/person.

BUS TRIP: ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL PREMIUM OUTLETS Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center 830 NE Eighth Ave. Thursday | Nov. 18 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Join us for a fun day as we take a charter bus to the outlets where you will have 6 hours to shop, eat and explore the area on your own.

Local Covid-19 guidelines will be in place, which may require a mask on the bus and inside the area attractions or restaurants. The bus departs at 8 a.m. and returns around 6 p.m. $26 person.

WINDSOR OF OCALA HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERIES | AGES 50+ Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center 830 NE Eighth Ave. Third Thursday of the month | Nov. 18-Dec. 16 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Take control of your health! Sponsored by the Windsor of Ocala, this monthly, interactive wellness series will cover topics like aging, stroke prevention, diabetes and much more.

Lunch will be provided.

LIGHT UP OCALA Downtown Ocala Saturday | Nov. 20 | 4-9 p.m.

Kick off the holidays with Ocala’s premiere tree lighting ceremony! The long-standing tradition of Light Up Ocala will feature entertainment on four stages, plenty of food options, crafts and vendors.

SANTA ON THE SQUARE | ALL AGES Downtown Ocala Tuesdays and Thursdays | Dec. 2-21 | 6-8 p.m.

Santa’s made his list and checked it twice and he’s come to Ocala where all the children are nice. Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and a few good Elves for fun, laughter, and good times before he has to fly back to the North Pole. For a picture with Santa, parents are encouraged to bring their own phones or cameras.

FESTIVAL AT FORT KING Fort King National Historic Landmark 3925 E Fort King St. Saturday and Sunday | Dec. 4-5 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Step into the 1800s at the Festival at Fort King which will feature historic themed crafts, games, workshops, activities, living historians, vendors, food, drinks and much more. The pinnacle of the event is a re-enactment of the event that fueled the start of the Second Seminole War. $5/person.

SANTA PAWS Downtown Square | 1 SE Broadway St. Wednesday | Dec. 8 | 5-8:30 p.m.

Join us for pet portraits with Santa! Adoptable pets, vendors and hot cocoa will be available.

A $10 donation for pet photos with Santa benefits the Humane Society of Marion County.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS (2017) [PG] Tuscawilla Park under the holiday lights 800 NE Sanchez Ave. Friday | Dec. 10 | 7-8:45 p.m.

Watch the journey that led to Charles Dickens’ creation of “A Christmas Carol” at our showing of The Man Who Invented Christmas. Bring a chair or blanket and get comfortable. Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase.

This movie is rated PG and stars Dan Stevens, Christopher Plummer, and Miriam Margolyes.

For more information call 352-368-5517 • www.ocalafl.org/recpark

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

11

good start

REMEMBER WHEN?

November 1973 MOTOR TREND CAR OF THE YEAR:

1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo “Judged in the context of contemporary automotive philosophy, the Monte Carlo is one of the few American automobiles to attain levels of roadability and handling previously available only in machines designed and manufactured outside this country.

Moreover, the Monte Carlo marks the first solid domestic reaction to a foreign challenge that threatens to completely overshadow Detroit’s product design leadership.”

Source: motortrend.com

$

Price Check Gallon of Gas $0.40 Gallon of Milk $1.31 New House $35,500 New Car $3,100 First Class Stamp $0.08 Bread $0.27 Dozen Eggs $0.25 Average Income $12,900 Sources: thepeoplehistory.com, 1970sflashback.com

The Top 10 Hits 1 Top of the World–The Carpenters 2 Photograph–Ringo Starr 3 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road–Elton

The Box Office The Exorcist–$193,000,000 5The Sting–$159,616,327 Papillon–$53,267,000 Source: the-numbers.com

12

John 4 Space Race–Billy Preston 5 Keep on Truckin’–Eddie Kendricks 6 Just You ‘N’ Me–Chicago 7 Midnight Train to Georgia–Gladys Knight & the Pips 8 The Love I Lost–Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes 9 Heartbeat-It’s a Lovebeat–The DeFranco Family ft. Tony DeFranco 10 The Most Beautiful Girl–Charlie Rich Source: top40weekly.com

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

HDG Hotels Developing Marriott Hotel At OTOW

Construction is underway for the TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotel just outside the On Top of the World Communities on SR 200. Expected to open to guests in the fall of 2022, the 125-room hotel will offer many amenities, including extended stay. The facility will also feature a zero-entry saltwater pool, a fitness center, and stocked kitchenettes in each room.

“HDG is headquartered in Ocala and this will be our eighth Marion County hotel,” says Azim Saju, the chief executive officer and president of HDG Hotels, which operates 21 hotels in Florida. “The TownePlace Suites will pair well with the OTOW communities.”

CALENDAR NOTABLES: Nov. 19: World Toilet Day- Did you know that 2 billion people still don’t have access to facilities such as toilets?

Dec. 21: National Short Girl Appreciation Day- Don’t come up short on ways to celebrate the small ladies in your life!

Dec. 28: Card Playing Day- The Christmas hustle and bustle is over, there is still time off from work, and the excitement from opening presents has diminished. There’s nothing like a slow-paced game of cards to relax while having fun!

Source: nationaltoday.com

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

13

My Florida

By Melody Murphy [melody@ocalasgoodlife.com]

Falling For Foxes (Fox Fables, Vol. 2)

F

oxes and the holiday season—both can be magical. Here are the final fox fables I promised you last time.

Seven years ago on the night before Thanksgiving, I went outside to find the most gorgeous, brilliantly red fox I’ve ever seen. It was a cold evening, with a hard freeze predicted. The sky was on fire with a glorious orange-and-purple sunset. The setting sun lit up his coat like a scarlet autumn leaf the wind had blown out of the woods. A rose-gold glow illuminated the trees.

We took a leisurely walk together. He stayed a few paces ahead, looking back to make sure I was following.

He seemed pleased to have company. “Aren’t I beautiful?” his expression said. We circled the house three times.

And then, poised at the edge of the woods, he looked back at me, sprang into the shadows, and disappeared. It wouldn’t be the last time I would take a walk with a fox.

I sang gospel to a fox on a December night four years ago. I was driving home with the windows down on a chilly evening, the full moon an ethereal pale gold.

Christmas lights illuminated my neighborhood and Christmas music filled my car. I was singing alto harmony to a bluegrass version of “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem.”

A creature crossed the street in front of me.

From its shape and movements, it was not a cat—but almost—yet it was not quite a dog. It was a fox.

He stopped in a yard to look at me, cocking his head with interest. I sang a little more. He sat down on his haunches and swished his tail with a satisfied expression, and I thought, “My word, I have found a red fox that likes bluegrass gospel. Truly this is my spirit animal.”

I sang another verse. He listened, then got up and

He stayed a few paces ahead, looking back to make sure I was following. He seemed pleased to have company.

14

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

headed north, still watching me. I drove alongside and sang the chorus to him. He seemed to enjoy the music.

We cruised the block, the fox trotting beside my car and gazing up at me for the rest of the song. And with the last “shine on,” he gave me a look of approval and faded into the shadows.

Last December while walking in the cemetery behind my house on a cold golden afternoon, I came upon a pretty little fox, reddish-grey with a sweet face.

Grey foxes are notoriously secretive and elusive, most often seen at dusk. Yet here was one standing under an oak tree in the bright light of day like he was waiting for me.

We observed each other for a long moment. He seemed young and curious. Then he trotted south, looking back every few steps to make sure I was behind him.

He even sat down under a tree to wait for me to catch up.

He looked back at me and leaped through a hedge. I followed and wandered quietly through the shadows and sunshine until I found him waiting. We regarded each other, then he sprang through another hedge. He seemed playful, not frightened. We repeated this pattern until I realized we were playing hide and seek.

The last time, I found him sitting in a grassy plot.

I sat down on a bench on one side of a low hedge and he sat down on the other. We looked at each other for a long time. Then he curled up like a dog, lay his little head on his paws, and took a nap. It was like he wanted me to keep vigil so he could rest easy. I obliged him.

When he woke up, he stretched, yawned, and gave me a nod. Then he bounded through the hedge, vanishing for good and leaving me dazed with the wonder of this fairytale fox encounter.

Have a magical holiday season!

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OUT & ABOUT

5 Kristen & Thomas Smith

5 Rita Lewison Singer and Larry Singer 5 Judy Banko and Gail Christ

enger

‘Strike Up the Band’ Concert The Kingdom of the Sun Con­ cert Band kicked off a new season of public band concerts in September.

The “Strike Up The Band” programs, under the direction of conductor Les Muncaster, were pre­ sented at the Marion Technical Insti­tute Auditorium on East Fort King Street in Ocala.

Photos By Steve Floethe

5 Gisela & Kevin Andarie

s

5 Robert & Jill Stetson and Gwen & Eliott Wilkins

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

5 Katherine Anshewitz and Bobbie Roberts

5 Soloist Marcia Muncaster and conductor Les

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17

GOOD NEIGHBORS: JOHN RENYHART

In Nancy’s Name John Renyhart honors the love of his life by working hard to help others with Alzheimer’s.

BY JAMES BLEVINS

18

Photo: Steve Floethe

J

ohn Renyhart met his wife, Nancy, at a Sadie Hawkins dance at the State University of New York at Fredonia in 1961. She wasn’t alone at the time and neither was he, but after the dance, someone told John that Nancy wanted to know more about him.

One thing led to another and they became an item.

“I was a sophomore at that point,” remembers John, now 78. “She was just mentoring as a freshman at college.

We completed our degrees and we got married in 1965.”

At the time, John worked for nonprofit organizations. Starting in 1964, he worked for the Boy Scouts of America while living with Nancy in the Bronx. They had a son, Charlie, and moved to Syracuse. Five years later, another son, Donald, was born.

The Renyhart family would move from New York to Pennsylvania, then to New Jersey—where John began working from the Boy Scouts of America’s national headquarters outside of Trenton—before settling down in Long Island for 25 years.

After over two decades in the Scouts, John decided to change careers

in 1985.

“At some point I knew I couldn’t advance in scouting,” says John. “So I said, ‘Well, let’s try something else.’”

JOHN SHIFTED CAREERS and became executive director of development at Dowling College and director of development at the New York Institute of Technology. He joined United Way as its SVP of marketing and communication in 1987. He was also director of development for the Long Island Museum from 1995 till retiring early in 2004 at the age of 62 after a 40-year career in non-profit management and professional fundraising.

“I was pretty much burnt out by that point,” says John with a laugh.

Like a lot of people eyeing retire-

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

ment, John and Nancy had their eyes on Florida, partly because John’s dad, who had Alzheimer’s, lived there, and John wanted to be closer to help care for him.

They moved to Ocala on Labor Day in 2006.

“We ended up in Ocala Palms Golf and Country Club,” says John.

“But that was only one of maybe half a dozen communities that we looked at.”

It wasn’t until 2009 that John realized there was something going on with Nancy. Suddenly, her memory wasn’t as sharp as it used to be.

“She would forget things,” says John. “She would forget what you had for breakfast. And then, if we were in the car going someplace, she’d say, ‘John, where are we going?’ I’d tell

her and she’d forget and ask again five minutes later. At one point, I’d have to write where we were going on a piece of paper.”

In 2011, she was formally diagnosed with a mild cognitive impairment. By 2013, it had progressed to become Alzheimer’s. There had been no previous history of dementia in Nancy’s side of the family prior to her diagnosis.

It seemingly came from nowhere.

John would care for Nancy on his own for two years but would enroll her into Blessed Trinity’s eldercare program in 2015.

“It’s a wonderful program,” says John. “It’s still going strong. She was there for about a year. Unfortunately, with Alzheimer’s, as I discovered, one of the things that happens and what happened with her was that she had trouble swallowing. They said, ‘We can’t really have her in our program, because we just don’t have the capacity to deal with that issue.’ From that point on, things really went downhill because that’s where we got hospice involved.”

At this point in Nancy’s decline, she was bedridden. She couldn’t do any of the normal activities of daily living.

She couldn’t walk. And she stopped communicating.

“One of the most difficult parts of caring for her, and in terms of interaction, was that she couldn’t communicate—I mean, other than facial expressions from time to time. And that was very hard.”

FOR FIVE YEARS, John didn’t have any kind of conversation with the girl who stole his attention and his heart at the Sadie Hawkins dance all those years ago.

According to John, any form of dementia, be it Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, contains a variety of dimensions.

Sometimes the behavior is different, but the progression is usually very similar.

“Nancy was never violent and she never used foul language,” explains John.

“So that wasn’t her type of dementia, but it was certainly challenging.”

As Nancy’s health continued to

decline, John discovered the role of caregiver. He enrolled in a five-week training program, learned about the various stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and how to properly react to the many behaviors that manifest themselves in Alzheimer’s patients.

He learned how to take better care of Nancy, and even of himself.

But by mid-June of 2015, Nancy was forgetting how to swallow. By July of that same year, her health was being managed by Hospice of Marion County.

Despite these setbacks, Nancy would fight on for a further five years—five precious years to John—but in April of 2020, Nancy Renyhart, John’s wife of 55 years, passed away.

Naturally, John was devastated at his and his family’s loss—two sons and four grandchildren were left without their mother and grandmother, respectively—but after seeking out grievance therapy, John came to understand what his path going forward needed to be.

“I was able to see how I could give back and help other people that are about to take the same journey that I did,” says John. “Looking in the mirror, I just wanted to be helpful to other people and not forget my wife in the process.”

John is now a volunteer at Hospice of Marion County and part of its philanthropic advisory board. The very hospice that helped him and his wife in their time of need.

“That’s why I do so much for hospice,” says John, “because they helped us.”

He also started hosting a caregiver’s support group.

“When we realized that more than half the people were coming from Ocala Palms to the support group,” says John, “I said, ‘Why don’t we do this back in our community?’”

AS A PART OF HIS EFFORTS to help others experiencing the same turmoil of caring for a loved one suffering from dementia—and to honor his wife’s memory—he started the Nancy Renyhart Endowment for Dementia

Education through the Hospice of Marion County.

Using his skills that he earned over a lifetime’s worth of helping raise money for nonprofits, John has helped the endowment raise over $100,000 to date.

“This is what motivates me,” he says. “The big thing that has become an obsession with me is that I pay it all back. It’s all about sensitizing and educating people.”

With money raised through the endowment, John hopes to hire a fulltime dementia educator at the Hospice of Marion County. That will take some time, John admits, but the key word in

“I just wanted to be helpful to other people and not forget my wife in the process.”

—John Renyhart dealing with anyone suffering with any form of dementia is patience.

And John has an abundance of that.

“A lot of people are not very patient as they go through life,” says John. “But when you’re working with someone that has dementia, it requires a lot of patience.”

Nancy would want him to be doing something productive with all the time he has left, says John. She’d want him to find purpose and meaning, and to help others.

All of that he accomplishes with the endowment in her name.

“After Nancy passed,” John sighs, “I told myself that I wasn’t going to allow myself to go into a depression. I had to have a purpose to move forward.

“And now I do,” assures John.

“Every day is an adventure I’m grateful to have.”

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

19

just my t y pe

by Mary Ellen [maryellen@ocalasgoodlife.com]

The Trouble With Tinsel

A

s a child, I was traumatized by tinsel. Yes, I said tinsel.

You may be wondering how an ordinary Christmas decoration could do anything to anyone, but up until I was about 10 years old, I hated putting tinsel on the tree as much as I hated doing my homework. What’s more, I was afraid Santa would find out and put me on his “naughty” list.

Invented in Germany in 1610, tinsel was originally made from extruded strands of shredded silver. But because silver tarnishes, other materials such as aluminum and lead foil were used in the early twentieth century because of their ability to keep it’s shiny characteristic.

Lead tinsel was phased out in the 1960s due to the poisoning risk for children, and in 1972, the FDA banned the product. Modern-day tinsel is typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film or Mylar coated with a metallic finish.

Still wondering how the very sight of tinsel could make me want to hide under my bed and not come out until January? Well, my father was a Christmas tree perfectionist. Although I helped decorate our tree every year, it was under Dad’s supervision. Any result was subject to his scrutiny and had to meet his strict decorating standards.

I always wanted a live tree, but ours was artificial with branches that had to be pulled down and spread apart to shape it once out of the box. It wasn’t very tall, maybe 5 feet, so it had to rest on a table. Dad tackled the chore of stringing the lights, and I didn’t mind one bit. Then came the ornaments. He trusted me to hang them, though he checked the placement of those shiny orbs, and sometimes repositioned them, like Santa supervising his elves.

Last came the tinsel. I vividly remember Dad placing an entire box of it onto my outstretched hand, resting across my unwilling palm. Now, having the patience of a child, I was tempted to throw it all at the tree, hoping the long shiny strings would land perfectly in place. But no. Dad said the dreadful stuff had to be arranged on the

I vividly remember Dad placing an entire box of it onto my outstretched hand, resting across my unwilling palm.

20

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

branches one strand at a time.

At first, I followed his instructions, but that seemed to take forever. So, when I thought he wasn’t watching— although now I know he was always watching—I’d slip on an extra piece. Then I grew bolder and grabbed three or four strands. I wondered how much longer I could get away with that until I was discovered and sent to the North Pole as punishment. Which, by the way, would have been better than putting tinsel on the tree one strand at a time. Besides, that’s where Santa lived. It was the same every year, and every year, despite being excited about Christmas, I dreaded putting on tinsel as much as Frosty the Snowman dreaded the sun.

Eventually, the tree was complete, and my dad was happy. Which meant I was happy too. Looking back, I suppose I learned a valuable lesson about doing a job right. And although I don’t have any tinsel on my tree, I still want it to look as beautiful as the one in my childhood memory. And when it does, I smile to myself and think of Dad. I know he would be proud.

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21

Photo: Cassie Peech

DAYCATION: ENCHANTED OAKS FARM AND LAKEHOUSE

Glamping In The Great Outdoors

By Danielle Veenstra

Camping doesn’t have to mean “roughing it,” as this ideal spot not far from Ocala proves.

22

F

eatured on the billboards of Times Square for American Eagle, inside cozy cabin coffee table books, and on thousands of Pinterest boards, a gorgeous glamping site in Ocala has been making a huge impact.

At a time where confined spaces present more dangers than ever before, Enchanted Oaks Farm and Lakehouse gives people an opportunity to connect with nature and with each other without worries—or a tent. The property hosts three small triangular cabins, a treehouse, two mini cabins, two farmhouse apartments, and a floating cabin on the lake.

All spaces are air-conditioned except for

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

the cabin on the lake, making “camping” in Florida 100-degrees easier.

STEPPING INTO THE TINY CABIN, filtered outdoor light from its transparent siding reveals a tidy and cozy bedroom. A queen bed fills half the room with enough space left over for two people to stand side-by-side but not much else.

For extra room, the transparent siding can be lifted open to the outdoors, creating a perfect breakfast patio or an after-dinner dance floor.

However, if tiny living is too tiny, the

farmhouse apartments and loft are other affordable options that have full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and dining areas.

The wedding venue slash Instagramer’s paradise slash campgrounds is surrounded by the best of old Florida’s plant life and Cassie Peech’s dreams.

“I looked for the perfect spot for five years,” Peech, owner of Enchanted Oaks Farm, says. “When I saw this land, I knew it was special.”

A country road lined with fauna and fence will suddenly open to a lush landscape.

Dozens of 100-year-old oaks shelter an expanse of sloping green grasses. The centralized lake is dotted with clusters of lily pads as tall, stalky herons, and smaller egrets nibble on dinner. Super-sized Monstera, Taro, Palmettos, and Creeping Vines drip over branches and sprout through every available space that hasn’t been built upon.

An outdoor dining space with enough seating for 25 people sits beneath a covered pergola twined with soft fairy lights. It looks over the lake on one side and on the other are the triangular cabins and a converted event space filled with

Photo: Danielle Veenstra

gauzy fabrics and hand-built furniture.

In the acreage beyond, peacocks roam the back fields. In the front, horses, cows, goats—even a zebra and wallaby—all have their own pieces of land waiting for new visitors to slip them extra feed.

The space has smaller gathering spots including fire pits, rope swings, comfy outdoor couches, a makeshift café, and blankets to create your own space.

And to think, all of it started with a $600 loan.

A NATIVE TO KENTUCKY, Cassie Peech was a single mother working at a sawmill for $7.50 an hour. It wasn’t the life she wanted and so she made a change with a little fatherly guidance.

“I went and bought a business suit with my dad’s money,” Peech says, “and he bought me a little briefcase with a paper pad and we sat down to work out a business plan.”

Her father taught her how to create a business proposal, about structuring a business, and became her first investor for $600. She took that money to start her own photography studio which she soon outgrew and then moved to New York.

She worked 10 seasons for New York’s Fashion Week then moved again to Florida and became a Disney Fantasy Wedding photographer.

After 1,000 Disney weddings, Peech hung up her camera to start her own businesses. She now owns a wedding company in Orlando, rents on AirBnB, and manages Enchanted Oaks Farm and Lakehouse.

“I started it all with $600,” Peech says. “This is the next phase of my life.”

Her father built the tables that fill the event space, the frames are from antique shops from her hometown, and her mother helped her organize what is now a campground built by her family for families.

TAMY AND ALAN NACCARATTI SNUGGLED close in the center of one of the tiny cabins as clicks from a camera punctuated the silence. The lifted transparent wall on the tiny cabin provides

Photo: Cassie Peech

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

23

Cassie Peech Photo: Danielle Veenstra

a beautiful photo opportunity as soft light fills the room.

The couple celebrated their nine years of marriage with a photoshoot and a weekend stay at the farm. They kayaked the Silver River, ate in downtown Ocala, and relaxed in nature.

“I spent unforgettable moments here,” Tamy says. “I’m going back home with a recharged battery, ready to conquer more.”

The farm is far enough away from the city to be deeply quiet at night but close enough to reach back out to civilization. The welcome email guests receive before their stay includes local attractions and dining options. For those who are visiting, this roadmap gives guests a chance to explore the nearby small businesses and state parks, bringing a lot of commerce to the area.

And with over 3,000 guests so far, Peech’s farm has seen many national and international visitors.

“Some of the kids that come out

24

here it’s like they’ve never been out in the country,” Peech says. “It’s so much fun to see people try to start a fire for the first time. It’s a family experience.”

For guests that are new to camping, Enchanted Oaks Farm gives them a leg up. Not only are on-site “tents” air-conditioned cabins, but Peech and her workers will also help with starting campfires, feeding farm animals, using the charcoal grill, and more.

But for the most part, exploring and trying new things is the exciting bit. Peech encourages people to meet the animals on the farm. Zippy the zebra will walk up to the fence for a selfie.

And Pumpkin the wallaby will hop on over for a scritch.

The farm even has a scavenger hunt that includes activities like “go stargazing” or “picnic on a farm” or “make a friend.”

The plan for the farm started out as a wedding venue and morphed into a family-friendly “glamp” site. For Cassie

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

Peech it holds greater meaning as camping was the only thing her family could afford growing up. And her dad was obsessed with camping, nature, and all things cabin-related. Unfortunately, he passed last year before he saw the American Eagle campaign and the 10,000 followers on Instagram.

But before he did, he had a message for his daughter.

“I just wanted to tell you I’m really proud of you—that was the last thing he ever said to me,” Peech says. “I just wanted my dad and mom to be able to see that I did it. And I did.”

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Enchanted Oaks Farm & Lakehouse 889 SW 165th St., Ocala (808) 223-8660 enchantedcamping.com Tip: Don’t forget to bring: sunscreen, bug spray, drinking water, food, carrots (for the animals), camera, matches, and body wash!

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

25

OUT & ABOUT

5 Marion & Thomas Ortwein

les 5 Carol Noland and Danny Do

5 Ed & Diane Wanat

Rock-N-Roll Reignited with Not Fade Away Fans of such 1950s rock-n-roll leg­ ends as Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Ritchie Valens, and Jerry Lee Lewis got an amped-up rendition of their classic hits when the tribute band Not Fade Away performed at the Reilly Arts Center in October. The group more than lived up to its “rock-n-roll reignited” billing by providing a solid evening of get-up-and-dance rockabilly en­tertainment.

5 Jim & Mattie Gallagher

5 Edith Ferer and

Norma Hernandez

Photos By Steve Floethe

5 Barbara & Mark Myers

5 Doug & Anne Dahlen

5 Official Band Photo (courtesy Facebook)

erts

5 Christine Kolenda and Charles Rob

26

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

5 Frank & Deb

Williams

1 OUT OF EVERY 4 ADULTS doesn’t know they have diabetes

Diabetes is a disease where your blood sugar levels are above normal. You may be at risk for diabetes if you have symptoms such as: » EXTREME thirstiness » INCREASED appetite » EXCESSIVE dry skin » SLOW healing wounds

» » »

EXCESSIVE urination BLURRY vision TINGLING pain or numbness in hands and feet.

It’s important for people with diabetes to make healthy lifestyle changes to avoid serious diabetes-related health complications. If you think you may have diabetes, please follow up with your health care provider for more information.

Take action today!

The most common form of the disease (type 2) doesn’t have to be permanent–it can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes.

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County offers FREE diabetes self-management classes for individuals with diabetes and prediabetes.

Join a class today to learn how to manage, prevent, or control diabetes!

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Florida Department of Health in Marion County at 352-644-2624 for more information.

Good Health

By Cammy Dennis [cammy@ocalasgoodlife.com]

Holiday Health & Happiness

W

hen making out your gift-giving list, remember to put yourself on it. Give yourself the gift of health. Make sure your holiday to-do list includes activities that engage in wellness principles.

Being well requires mindful attention to things that support health and happiness. Wellness is a proactive state of mind whereby you take deliberate actions to advocate for yourself. These actions can be physical, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, and vocational. Although this season affords us the opportunity to dive into the dimensions of wellness, there are often temptations that pull us off the path.

The stretch from Thanksgiving to the New Year typically means more time socializing and visiting friends and family. This increase in social and emotional wellness is one of the things that makes this time of year so special.

Many studies demonstrate the relationship between social connectedness and longevity.

However, we should be aware that not everyone has friends and family nearby, or perhaps has lost a loved one.

This can result in heightening feelings of loss and sadness. If you have this concern for yourself or someone you know, take steps to help build a network of social support.

“The old saying, ‘There is no place like home for the holidays’ is true but not always practical,” shares On Top of the World resident Ann Gensler. “Zoom calls, FaceTime during a meal or while opening presents, and even old-fashioned holiday cards are great ways to connect at any time or place.”

Also, physical wellness typically drops down on the priority list during the holidays. Seductive treats and more time at parties can make it very difficult to eat right and exercise. Nutrition becomes a challenge and shopping, socializing, and travels interrupt our regular exercise routines.

There are often temptations that pull us off the path.

28

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

You may be surprised to know that the average weight gain over the holidays (Thanksgiving through New Year’s) is only 1.06 pounds.

WebMD calls attention to this in “Holiday Weight Gain, the Big Fat Lie.” In this examination of seasonal weight gain, Dr. Jack A. Yanovski, MD, head of Growth and Obesity at the National Institutes of Health, explains that this is a “good news, bad news story.”

Although a one-pound weight gain does not seem like much, the trouble comes in when that pound is not lost after the holidays. These small, cumulative weight gains can result in big health problems. Staying active during the holidays is one of the best ways to help combat extra calories and allows you some wiggle room to indulge occasionally. Additionally, exercise affords you the benefit of coping with holiday stressors and improving the quality of your sleep.

Most of us have high expectations for happiness during the holidays. Happiness is the culmination of engaging in a variety of wellness dimensions that nurture body, mind, and spirit. In my studies of health sciences, I have learned that happiness needs to be cultivated. Realizing we hold the power to make decisions and take personal actions for our happiness can be very empowering.

One of the pitfalls of holiday happiness is that it perpetuates something called hedonic adaptation. Simply put, hedonic adaptation is when we desire to attain something that will make us happy (a new car, a new dress) but once we get that “thing” our happiness dissipates.

This leaves us wanting the next thing and we keep acquiring more stuff.

Interestingly, experiences rather than things that boost happiness do not dissipate the same way. Because the experiences we have are novel and fleeting, they have a lasting impact on our happiness. Perhaps we should consider that this time of year would yield greater feelings of happiness if we root them in experiences not things.

Writer’s Note: Wishing Ocala’s Good Life readers a rich and rewarding holiday season. May you spend time with loved ones and fill your heart with moments that last a lifetime!

Cammy Dennis is the fitness director for On Top of the World communities and The Ranch Fitness Center & Spa. She lives the lifestyle she promotes and has trained for triathlons throughout the state, aerobics while living in Tokyo, and various weightlifting events.

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

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Photo: John Jernigan

GOOD EATS: MIZ KATHI’S COTILLION SOUTHERN CAFÉ

Sweet As Magnolias On Main Street

By Melody Murphy • Photos By John Jernigan & Trevor Byrne

Head south in every possible way, then step back in time at this charming little café in the heart of Wildwood. Miz Kathi’s is all about family and feels like home.

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Y

ou know it’s going to be seriously Southern as soon as you see the sign with “Miz Kathi’s” and a magnolia. You know from the “Come on in, y’all!” in cheerful chalk.

Then you step through the front door—and back in time. And if you’re like me and my friend Laura who accompanied me, Miz Kathi’s takes you back to the South you remember from long ago.

Wood floors creak beneath you as you make your way through the cozy dining room. The atmosphere is sweet

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

and quaint, full of antique furniture and floral chintz. It feels like you’re being warmly welcomed to your grandmother’s house. (Interesting bit of trivia: The café is located in what was once the Bank of Wildwood a century ago, but it’s lost the vault vibe.)

Small, doily-dotted tables are set with mismatched vintage china and milk-glass hobnail lamps. On our table was a saucer in a pattern from my grandmother’s kitchen. The “Southern Belle” portrait that once adorned the parlors of my other

Turns out, not all is antebellum here: This Southern belle is surprisingly modern, a mandarin orange herbal tea sweetened with Stevia.

I bowed to tradition and ordered sweet tea. It came in a sizable mason jar, and after one sip I thought my great-grandmother had been resurrected to brew it. Dark and strong and sweet as the last peach of summer, it is not for diabetics or the faint of heart. It is the iced tea of my childhood, brewed by women who had picked cotton and hitched mules to plows. Steeped to the color of river water and sweetened genMiz Kathi erously, it will revive the weak, sustain the soul, and keep you awake into the night if the tent can, I sprinkled on some of the Dixie revival runs long. If you cannot comDust house seasoning. I enjoy spice, mit, order half sweet and half unsweet, salt, and savory flavors, so I was a fan. with extra lemon.

(Pro tip: If you order the meatloaf and smashed potatoes, which I do recomWE BEGAN WITH CORNBREAD, mend, add a few dashes of Dixie Dust. big, dense yellow squares, sweet and Lily gilded. You’re welcome.) robust, served with pale brown butter.

I was pleased that the smashed At first we thought it was honey butter, potatoes were homemade from my but upon sampling favorite red potatoes. My friend was it wasn’t nearly as equally pleased with the side of collard sweet. We finally greens. “They’re torn, not chopped, asked for the secret: It’s their signature cane butter, blended with cane syrup.

The house salads were wonderful, mixed lettuces tossed in a red-wine vinaigrette, with finely shredded cheese, candied pecans, scallions, and perfectly sweet, fresh strawberries. which is correct,” she said adamantly.

Our first entrée She has strong opinions about greens. was the Southern-Style These were well-seasoned and cooked Meatloaf. As a tasty until tender. twist on the traditional Delightfully, our server brought ketchup glaze, it was us proper pepper sauce for the coldrizzled with a sweet lards, the kind my grandfather made. and smoky barbecue He’d pick tiny peppers from his yard, sauce. Because I like to pack a glass bottle with them, fill it to gild the lily whenever I

Miz Kathi is a proud ninth-generation Floridian and her heritage is everywhere you look.

Meatloaf, smashed po

tatoes and collard gre

ens Photo: John Jernigan

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

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Photo: John Jernigan

grandmother, my greatgrandmother, and at least three great-aunts hangs on the wall.

Miz Kathi—Kathi Hall Vincent, to use her full name—is a proud ninth-generation Floridian and her heritage is everywhere you look.

The mint-green beadboard walls are crowded with old family pictures, photos from Wildwood’s history, signs from Florida’s long-ago roadside attractions, and framed sheet music from a hundred years ago. Her family staffs the café. And the menu is full of family recipes passed down through generations.

I knew without asking that the “Yankee tea” was unsweet. But I had to ask about the “Southern belle tea,” which was separate from “sweet tea.”

Crispy Baked Chicken with Macaroni & Cheese and Green Beans Photo: Trevor Byrne

the brim with vinegar and a pinch of salt, and seal it with a flip-top lid. The

If you’re hungry when you get there, you won’t be when you leave, well-fed in both body and soul. longer the pepper sauce lurked in the fridge, the better it was.

Miz Kathi’s makes you think of your family, which is part of its nostalgic charm. Sitting there for lunch, you remember the way your grandfather made pepper sauce. The way your

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

mother and grandmother taught you to fix collards. The way your father loved cane syrup. The way your greatgrandmother brewed iced tea. Heritage hangs heavy in the air, as sharp and sweet as woodsmoke.

AND THEN THERE WAS THE TRAINWRECK. Listed on the menu as Miz Kathi’s favorite, it is cheese grits with baked beans and pulled pork, generously topped with cheese and a sweet barbecue sauce. An intriguing discovery: It contains seven kinds of beans, including black-eyed peas, kidney beans, and lima beans. The Trainwreck comes in a dish the size of a child’s bicycle tire and could easily feed four.

I had to ask about the unusual combination of cheese grits and baked beans. Turns out, this was an old family

recipe of Miz Kathi’s.

The sweet and savory notes complemented each other nicely. The cheese grits were creamy and did not require salt (a rare feat), and the barbecue pork was tender.

For dessert, my friend ordered coconut cake, while I tried the salted caramel. With its intense tropical taste and impressive height, the coconut cake was not here to play. Both cakes were very sweet and rich. (And there are plenty more where these came from: Miz Kathi’s Southern Sweetery is right down the street.)

We went on a quiet Friday afternoon, between the lunch and dinner rush, so it wasn’t crowded. But ordinarily, reservations are a must for such a popular place in an intimate space.

(Side note: We loved the music in the

café, a wonderfully eclectic bluesy playlist of Ray Charles, Dolly Parton, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin, Elvis, and more.)

WE PLAN TO RETURN and try specialties like the Whistle Stop (a Southern BLT—the “T” is fried green tomatoes—on a croissant), the Tarnation Tomato (fried green tomatoes on cheese grits with pimento cheese, bacon, and sweet tomato jam), the Voodoo Mac & Cheese (with pulled pork, fried onions, and barbecue sauce), and the Mayberry Salad (all I needed to read was “blackberry-basil vinaigrette”).

There are plenty of other Southern dishes, from Twelve Oaks Pulled Pork and Alabama Fried Catfish to Crispy Baked Chicken. Hot and cold sandwiches, shrimp, fried chicken—there’s something for all appetites. And there’s more to drink than tea—they also offer beer and wine.

Cake and pie flavors vary daily, but the bread pudding and banana pudding are eternal.

If you’re hungry when you get there, you won’t be when you leave. “Full as a tick” is a Southern way of describing the feeling, and it’s accurate if not elegant. You will leave well-fed in both body and soul.

They say you can’t go home again. But you just might feel like you did after a visit to Miz Kathi’s Cotillion Southern Café.

WANT TO GO? Miz Kathi’s Cotillion Southern Cafe 101 N Main St Wildwood, FL 34785 (352) 748-1223

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“The Trainwreck

Photo: John Jernigan

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

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cuisine queen

by Paula [paula@ocalasgoodlife.com]

Hot News For The Busy Season

J

ust in time for the busiest time of the year, there are many openings to share with you, so let’s get started and hope for many more.

Just like the long-awaited opening of Cheddar’s, many were happy when the doors of Culver’s, 304-6141, recently opened. I’ve yet to try the ButterBurger, which may sound like a burger drenched in butter, but it’s not. Instead, the top bun is lightly buttered “for an extra touch of goodness,” reads their website. Their beef is never frozen and instead cooked fresh. Order a single, double, or triple!

For those that like sweet endings, Culver’s also prepares frozen delicacies including shakes, malts, sundaes, and my favorite, frozen custard!

See their mouth-watering pictures and menu at culvers.com.

Another restaurant that is highly anticipated but taking a little longer than usual is The Mellow Mushroom in Downtown Ocala.

It will be a multi-story building that will also contain another, yet-unnamed restaurant and a rooftop bar. Mellow Mushroom is known for their unique toppings but also offers burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and more. Once complete, this will be an eclectic addition to the Downtown area, for sure.

Mutiny, 282-0377, a pirate-themed bar, opened adjacent to its sister business, The Tipsy Skipper, a tiki bar with a 1950s ambiance. Mutiny serves hoagie-type sandwiches and more, whereas Tipsy Skipper has more of a laid-back atmosphere of handcrafted cocktails to enjoy in a relaxed, beach-type setting. Both are located near the Marion Theater. For hours and more, visit their

There are many openings to share with you, so let’s get started and hope for many more.

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Facebook pages.

Cantina Tex Mex & Tequila must be close to completion because they are now hiring. Check out their Facebook page and soak in the transition of beauty from a bank to a magnificent cantina!

Have you visited Celebrity’s Soul Food, 421-3223, on Southwest 19th Avenue Road? “Celebrity” because everyone is treated like a star when they enter to dine.

Just looking at their website makes you want to drop what you’re doing and head over for a beautiful representation of fine dining in a casual atmosphere. Check out their website at celebrityssoulfood.com and reserve a table.

Flying Boat Tap Room, 545-2337, opened in Belleview. Pilots Bill Bow and Tim Kirby have a passion for Flying Boats (not the same as sea planes) and beer.

Tucker Bengoa, born in Spain, complements the beer with his tapas, charcuterie boards, and light dishes using fresh ingredients. Visiting their website is a must at flyingboattaproom.com.

Rice and Noodles Thai Cuisine, 433-5564, opened close to the intersection of SR 200 and CR 484, near Chili’s and IHOP. The website is more about ordering online from the menu. You can place your order the night before and schedule for delivery or pick up the next day at riceandnoodlesocala.com.

“Where can I find a good pizza?” I read that a lot.

I’ve hardly had a pizza I didn’t like. Let’s face it, some are better than others, but I’m not picky when it comes to the pie. I love pizza! The Original San’s Pizzeria, 6907267, is on Old Blitchton Road in the Quail Commons Shopping Center. Check them out at sanspizzeriaocala. com. The menu is quite extensive, offering what you’d expect from a full-service Italian restaurant.

The Front Porch, 489-4708, known for their selection of fifteen homemade pies daily in Dunnellon, has added “The Back Porch.” Owners Melissa and Michael Gray added 30 more seats outside under a canopy of oak trees. For now, this area is only open on the weekends when they’re busiest. Melissa is entertaining the idea of displaying local artists’ work and other fun things in this new area in the future.

Until next time.

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!

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.

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

Open Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Live music every Friday.

Catering • Holiday Parties Special Events

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Taking Thanksgiving Reservations

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

DINING GUIDE

8810 SW Hwy 200, Ocala (across from Pine Run) (352) 509-7721 • marcelinasocala.com

M Authentic Italian in a warm, intimate setting.

Mozzarella made fresh on-site every day by Chef Antonio.

After dinner, walk over to The Depot next door for live music and hand crafted drinks in a cozy speakeasy atmosphere.

22050 N. US 441, Micanopy, FL 352-591-4141 • antonios.co

arcelina serves 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. Closed Tues.-Sat. 2pm-9pm Sun. 2pm-8pm

For reservations, please call.

Hours:

Your Holiday Dessert Headquarters

Mon.-Thurs.

11am-8pm

Order ahead for real New York pastries.

Closed Sun.

Fresh Gelato Every Day

Fri.-Sat. 11am-9pm

(352) 857-8080 • 6146 SW SR 200, Ocala Jasmine Square (A few doors down from Tax Collector/DMV) OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

Shrimp DeJonghe Bites

Dress Up Your Party For The

FAMILY FEATURES

D

elicious food, fine wine, friends and family. These are a few of everyone’s favorite things during the holiday season.

Luckily, there are a few ways to help you host the ultimate party with family and friends this season without breaking the bank. Shoppers who switch to ALDI can save as much as 50 percent on products such as wine, cooking and baking necessities.* A menu consisting of mulled wine and beautifully presented appetizers can make your holiday gatherings truly special. Consider these tips from food stylist and loyal ALDI shopper Janice Stahl: n Choose

a Theme: Introduce a conversa­ tion-starter and create excitement amongst guests by choosing a party theme. Host a “Winter White” party that asks guests to wear only white and offer white and sparkling wines and light-colored foods like shrimp, cheeses and shortbread cookies for dessert. n Set the Mood: Decorate to create an ambiance that goes with your theme. Bring a winter wonderland indoors with artificial snow sprinkled on tabletops and evergreen branches painted gold and silver placed throughout to create an experience for guests that goes beyond a typical dinner party. n Dress Up Your Cheese Tray: Put together a simple but spectacular cheese platter by providing a selection of 3–5 cheeses that have different textures and tastes. Soft cheese, like goat, pairs well with crackers and semi-hard cheese, like manchego, can stand up to the flavors of tangy jams or jellies. Serve smoked cheeses with nuts, such as walnuts, and aged cheeses, like Parmesan, with fresh, crisp vegetables

such as celery or cucumber to highlight the flavors that develop during the aging process. n Infuse European Charm: Create your own unique version of European mulled wine, a classic combination of red wine and spices that warm together to make a festive drink. Add a bit of French flair by serving savory crepes as an appetizer or sweet crepes for dessert. n DIY Dessert: Create a candy buffet in lieu of serving dessert. Use clear glass containers to hold a variety of chocolates, sweets and hard candies, mixing and matching different shapes and sizes for an eye-catching display. Provide small bags and twist ties so guests can customize their dessert and even take some home for later.

These simple tips and affordable, easy-tomake recipes will help you get ready for the holidays. Visit www.aldi.us for more entertaining ideas. *Based upon a price comparison of comparable products sold at leading national retail grocery stores.

CREPE CREATIONS

For an appetizer, dessert or even a midnight delight, offer your guests a crepe creations station, allowing them to try their hand at creating new, interesting and fun flavors on a classic European dish. n Offer different types of crepes by adding flavors to the crepe batter such as chocolate, toffee, lemon or even beer. n Get creative with unique fillings like almond butter, fruit preserves or roasted pumpkin. n Provide toppings like hazelnut spread, whipped ricotta or applesauce for the adventurous guests, but make sure to have more common toppings like powdered sugar, chocolate sauce or whipped cream available as well.

SHRIMP DEJONGHE BITES

$2.92 per serving at ALDI Recipe Courtesy of Chef Alyssa, ALDI Test Kitchen Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Servings: 8 1 1/2 cups San Zenone Bianco wine

1 cup Countryside Creamery Unsalted Butter, divided

1 head garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Stonemill Essentials Iodized Salt

1 teaspoon Stonemill Essentials Ground Black Pepper 12 ounces Sea Queen Jumbo Easy Peel Raw Shrimp, thawed and peeled

2 cups Chef’s Cupboard Italian Breadcrumbs 750 milliliter Herres Brut Sparkling bottle

1 package (5.3 ounces) Specially Selected Rosemary Flatbread Crackers Preheat oven to 350°F. In small saucepan, combine wine, 1/2 cup butter, garlic, salt and pepper; simmer 5 minutes.

In 9-by-13-inch pan, lay shrimp in single layer. Pour wine sauce over top.

Melt remaining butter and mix together with breadcrumbs. Press over shrimp and bake for 15 minutes or until shrimp is pink and breadcrumbs are lightly browned.

Pour glasses of Brut Sparkling.

Carefully place shrimp atop bite-size cracker and balance on top of champagne flute. Serve.

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

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FRESCO CHEESE CROSTINI WITH PUMPKIN MOJO

Fresco Cheese Crostini with Pumpkin Mojo

APPLE AND BERRY TARTLETS

$0.12 per serving at ALDI Recipe Courtesy of Chef Jonathan, ALDI Test Kitchen Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes to chill) Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes (plus 30 minutes to chill) Servings: 24 tartlets Crust: 2/3 cup Millville Old Fashioned Oats

1 cup Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour, plus extra for rolling 1/4 teaspoon Baker’s Corner Baking Soda 1/4 teaspoon Stonemill Essentials Iodized Salt 1/2 cup Countryside Creamery Unsalted Butter, chilled and cut into cubes

1 teaspoon Tuscan Garden White Vinegar

3 tablespoons ice water Filling:

1 orange, zested 1/2 teaspoon Stonemill Essentials Pumpkin Pie Spice

3 tablespoons Baker’s Corner Brown Sugar

3 tablespoons Baker’s Corner Corn Starch

2 tablespoons Berryhill Raspberry Preserves

3 cups peeled and diced gala apples, (about 3 small apples)

1 cup cranberries, frozen Preheat oven to 375°F. In food processor, process oats, flour, baking soda and salt. Add chilled butter; pulse until butter resembles the size of peas. Add vinegar and water slowly. Mix to form firm dough.

Chill pastry dough in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

In medium bowl, combine all filling ingredients.

Place oatmeal dough on lightly floured surface and roll to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out 24 three-inch rounds. If dough becomes too warm to work with, roll into ball and refrigerate until chilled. Place dough rounds into muffin cups.

Prick each dough round with fork and bake for 10 minutes; allow to cool.

Place 2 tablespoons of filling in each tartlet and bake for 15 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.

Serve with vanilla ice cream.

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$0.52 per serving at ALDI Recipe Courtesy of Chef Michelle, ALDI Test Kitchen Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Servings: 25 crostini 1/2 Specially Selected French Baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch slices

1 cup Carlini Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided

1 teaspoon Stonemill Essentials Chili Powder

2 teaspoons Stonemill Essentials Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 tablespoon Baker’s Corner Brown Sugar 1/2 teaspoon Stonemill Essentials Iodized Salt 1/2 teaspoon Stonemill Essentials Ground Black Pepper 3/4 cup Baker’s Corner 100% Pure Canned Pumpkin

1 orange, zested 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)

1 lime, zested 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)

5 ounces Benita Fresco Cheese, sliced into 10 rectangles 2 1/2 cups SimplyNature Organic Baby Arugula Preheat oven to 400°F. In large bowl, combine baguette slices and 1/4 cup oil, toss until coated. Place in single layer on baking sheet. Bake for 6 minutes. Reserve.

In medium bowl, combine chili powder, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, salt, pepper, pumpkin, orange zest, orange juice, lime zest and lime juice. Gradually whisk in remaining oil. Reserve.

Heat non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear fresco cheese on each side until golden brown.

Remove from pan and cool. Slice each rectangle on diagonal.

Arrange baguette slices on serving platter. Top each with few pieces of arugula followed by slice of fresco cheese. Drizzle with pumpkin mojo.

Apple and Berry Tartlets OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

e h T

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

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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.

REJUVENATE WITH THE ARTS—Second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from Sept. 14-Dec. 14.

Get crafty with these fun DIY workshops to renew and discover your artistic abilities! A new design every session! $5. 10am-12pm.

Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center, 830 NE Eighth Ave. ocalafl.org/recpark or 3685517.

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 Winery. lakeridgewinery.com or 800768-9463.

VETERANS LIGHT THE STARS November 7 Music, fireworks, and American spirit to remember the brave men and women who have served—and continue to serve—our nation. Bring a lawn chair and blanket or make use of the bleacher seating. 6:30pm.

Ocala/Marion County Veterans’ Memorial Park. kingdomofthesunband.org or 390-0491.

Through May

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK— Located in Downtown Ocala, the art walks takes place the first Friday of every month and is free to the public.

Festivities include over 30 art displays, live entertainment and performances, downtown shopping, and restaurants. ocalafl.org.

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVALS

Through Nov. 20

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL— An autumn special event that transforms Epcot into a foodand wine-lover’s paradise. wdwnews.com.

Through November 20

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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

Through Jan. 2, 2022 Photo: Walt Disney World

Sip, savor and stroll your way around the park during this flavorful festival. Global marketplaces.

Culinary demonstrations. Live music. Beginning Oct 1, even more food booths will be added, along with “Harmonious,” one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park. Food purchases are not included with daily admission price.

TasteEPCOT.com

ALISON SAAR—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.

Nov. 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.

Nov 6, Dec 4

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.

November 5-6

QUILT SHOW—Over 200 quilts on display. Circle Square Cultural Center. $8. 9am-4pm.

Visit our website at crqocala. org for more information.

November 6

CHILI COOK-OFF—Get a taste for chili and more at this annual charity event to benefit Cornerstone School.

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. $5. 10am-5pm. marioncountychilicookoff.org or 351-8840.

GILBERT GOTTFRIED— Entertainment Weekly says that “out of the 101 comedians who appear on screen, no one is funnier— or more disgusting—than Gilbert Gottfried. $15-45 7:30pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 3511606.

MCINTOSH 1890’S FESTIVAL—Fall Festival featuring arts and crafts, holiday gifts, food trucks, live music, and much more.

This will be the perfect venue and place to get your holiday shopping started and maybe even finished. 8am-4pm. 5835 Avenue G, McIntosh.

November 7

VETERANS LIGHT THE STARS—Come for a special evening of music, fireworks, and American spirit to remember the brave men and women who have served—and continue to serve—our nation.

Bring a lawn chair and blanket or make use of the bleacher seating. 6:30pm. Ocala/Marion County Veterans’ Memorial Park. kingdomofthesunband. org or 390-0491.

November 9

OCALA PRESERVE VETERANS ORGANIZATION GOLF BENEFIT—The Ocala Preserve Veterans Organization TOPVETS is holding its Third Annual Tee it up for the Troops at Ocala Preserve Golf Course to honor

U.S. military service and those injured in the defense of liberty.

Event registration and breakfast starts at 8am. 4021 NW 53rd Ave. Contact Terry Williamson terrywl@comcast.net or 610637-0980.

A LIVE RADIO PLAY ADAPTED BY JOE LANDRY

DAYME AROCENA—With her captivating charisma, she effortlessly blends traditional Santerían chant, jazz stylings, contemporary R&B influences, and Afro-Cuban rhythmic complexity for audiences worldwide. The 7pm seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; 9pm seating includes desserts and cash bar. $35-50. The Phillips Center, Gainesville. performingarts.ufl. edu or 800-905-2787.

THE BELOVED CHRISTMAS CLASSIC!

NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 19

“Every time a bell rings...”

November 11

APPLETON MUSEUM OF ART TO OFFER FREE ADMISSION ON VETERANS DAY—In honor of United States military veterans, visit from 10am-5pm with no admission fee. Appleton Museum. appletonmuseum.org or 291-4455.

AC/DC’S BACK IN BLACK—Experience Classic Albums LIVE as they perform the music of AC/DC’s “Back in Black,” note for note, cut for cut. $20-55 7:30pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 351-1606.

SPONSORED BY Blanchard, Merriam, Adel, Kirkland, & Green, P.A. · Duke Energy · Hiers-Baxley

TICKETS ON SALE OCTOBER 25

$30 for adults $15 for 18 & younger

www.ocalacivictheatre.com (352) 236-2274

RAMUNNO

November 12

LAW FIRM P.A.

TERMS OF ENDEARMENT—Join Hospice of Marion County at the Marion Theatre in Downtown Ocala at 5:30pm to see this classic film. Go to reillyartscenter.com to get free tickets.

AIR—The Gainesville Orchestra presents “Air”. A soaring evening with Dvorak’s classic favorite full of great melodies along with new voices, including Dr. Chad “Sir Wick” Hughes’ premiere of “Visions of a Renaissance”, and audience favorite Tan Dun’s “Secret of Wind and Birds” for cell phones and orchestra. $39-49. 7:30pm.

The Phillips Center, Gainesville. performingarts.ufl.edu or 800905-2787.

4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470

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November 12-14

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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.

November 13

ANNUAL FALL BAZAAR—A variety of hand-crafted items, holiday decorations, jewelry, and homemade food items.

Proceeds from the event will benefit women and children’s organizations in Ocala. 9am2pm. Parish Hall, Grace Episcopal Church. 510 SE Broadway Street. mcdayres@ gmail.com.

November 13-14

OCALI COUNTRY DAYS FESTIVAL—Meet crafters demonstrating old-time skills, explore pioneer cabins, watch sugar cane syrup being made, take a tram ride though the state park, tour the Silver River Museum, and much more. $8.

Silver River Museum. 9am4pm. silverrivermuseum.com or 236-5401.

November 14

Photo: Ralph Demilio

musical revue of favorite songs from some of the most popular musicals. Outdoor Stage. $25. Ocala Civic Theatre. ocalacivictheatre.com or 2362274.

VETERAN’S DAY CONCERT—The Marion Civic Chorale community chorus will sing traditional patriotic favorites as well as present inspirational pieces to honor veterans. Free. 3pm.

Countryside Presbyterian Church. marionchorale.org.

Nov. 16-Jan. 6

A DICKENS CHRISTMAS: THE URBAN FAMILY HOLIDAY EXHIBITION— Along with the popular Dickens Village, see several of the Urban family’s beloved themed trees throughout the museum. Appleton Museum. appletonmuseum.org or 2914455.

LIGHT UP OCALA

November 18

BOOK DISCUSSION—Join Hospice of Marion County for a discussion on C.S. Lewis’ book, “A Grief Observed at On Top of the World.”

9:30am. Register online at masterthepossibilities.org.

November 20 Kick off the holiday season at this annual downtown tradition. The streets come alive with food vendors, crafts, and entertainment for the whole family including the lighting of the tree. Downtown Ocala.

4-9pm. 629-2489.

November 19

VETS HELPING VETS GALA—Located at the Hilton Ocala. Call Jinky Diaz at 2869491 for this ticketed event of $70 per person or to be a sponsor.

COMPLETELY UNCHAINED: THE ULTIMATE VAN HALEN TRIBUTE November 19 Completely Unchained includes four talented and creative musicians who recreate the ultimate Van Halen production—the attitude, sounds, excitement, energy, and fun. Tickets from $15. 7pm Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World. csculturalcenter.com or 854-3670.

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COMPLETELY UNCHAINED: THE ULTIMATE VAN HALEN TRIBUTE—Completely Unchained includes four talented and creative musicians who recreate the ultimate Van Halen production—the attitude, sounds, excitement, energy, and fun. Tickets from $15.

7pm Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World. csculturalcenter.com or 8543670.

November 19-21

RENNIGER’S ANTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA—Nearly 800 vendors from all over the country come in to set up and sell out in the show field, in the antique center, and under the pavilions. Rain or shine. 8am. $4-10. 20651 US Highway 441, Mount Dora.

November 20

LIGHT UP OCALA—The OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

annual kick-off of the holiday season and lighting of the tree. Includes food, crafts, and entertainment for the whole family. Downtown Ocala.

4-9pm. 629-2489.

RIDE, RUN, ROLL RELAY— Starting from the Florida Horse Park and using the Cross Florida Greenway Trails, teams consist of one equestrian, one runner and one mountain biker.

All the money raised will go towards the maintenance of the trails. 8am-1pm. 307-6699 or 236-7143.

November 20-21

VARIATIONS ON OPENING NIGHT—The full orchestra returns to the stage in epic fashion to unveil the Reilly’s historic expansion and welcome a new season of great music.

Pianist Jasmin Arakawa joins the OSO for Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” and the variation theme continues with music from Ives and Elgar’s “Enigma Variations.” $15-40 7:30pm on Saturday, 3:00pm on Sunday. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 3511606.

UPCOMING EVENTS Ocala's home for live entertainment!

National Artists, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and more!

Variations on Opening Night

Take 6

Nov. 20 | 7:30 PM & Nov. 21 | 3 PM

Classic Albums LIVE The Who - Who's Next Jan. 14 | 7:30 PM

Dec. 7 | 7:30 PM

Lee Ann Womack Jan. 21 | 7:30 PM

The Nutcracker Dec. 14 | 7:30 PM

Classic Albums LIVE Rolling Stones’ Let It Bleed Dec. 23 | 7:30 PM

An Evening with Leo Kottke Jan. 26 | 7:30 PM

The Four Temperaments

Jan. 29 | 7:30 PM & Jan. 30 | 3 PM

UPCOMING AT THE MARION THEATRE

Concerts, classic films, special events and more!

The Marion Theatre has something for everyone with a great lineup of movies and live concerts.

Additionally, this unique space is perfect for private film events! Host your next birthday party, company outing, or gather friends to watch your favorite film by renting the theatre.

Scan the QR code with your phone to visit our website with our complete listing of Reilly, Ocala Symphony and Marion Theatre events!

ReillyArtsCenter.com | 352-351-1606 | 500 NE 9th Street

MarionTheatre.org | 352-820-3049 | 50 S Magnolia Ave

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

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TAKE 6 December 7 The quintessential a cappella group, six virtuosic voices united in crystal clear harmony against a backdrop of syncopated rhythms, innovative arrangements, and funky grooves that bubble into an intoxicating brew of gospel, jazz, R&B, and pop. $25-65. 7:30pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 351-1606.

Nov. 26- Dec. 19

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE— The beloved Christmas classic is retold as a 1940s radio play!

It’s the heartwarming holiday story you know and love, told “on the air” by a small cast of actors bringing dozens of characters to life through the magic of their versatile voices, special sound effects, and your imagination. Various times. Ocala Civic Theatre. ocalacivictheatre.com or 2362274.

Nov. 26- Dec. 23

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET—A last-minute replacement Santa for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade claims to be the real Kris Kringle and the belief of a little girl brings love, happiness, and the heart of the holiday spirit to all. Various dates and times. $15-32. The Hippodrome Theatre, Gainesville. thehipp. org or (352) 375-HIPP.

Nov. 26- Dec. 31

THE OCALA CHRISTMAS LIGHT SPECTACULAR— North Central Florida‘s largest drive-through Christmas light display is at the Florida Horse Park. Come and see over 1 million Christmas lights on display and end the night in Santaland. $20-$100. 6pm. The Florida Horse Park. 11008 S.W. Highway 475. ocalachristmas. com.

November 29

JANE LYNCH: A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS—Ring

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in the holidays with Jane Lynch (“Glee”), Kate Flannery (“The Office”), and Tim Davis (“Glee”). $30-50. 7:30pm. The Phillips Center, Gainesville. performingarts.ufl.edu or 800905-2787.

Nov. 29- Dec. 22

A CHRISTMAS CAROL— Join a troupe of veritable Victorian actors as they weave the web of this cherished holiday tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a selfish businessman who is taught a lesson by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to become a better man and friend. $1547. Various dates and times.

The Hippodrome Theatre, Gainesville. thehipp.org or (352) 375-HIPP.

December 2

LIGHTS OF LOVE—Join Hospice of Marion County for its Annual Lights of Love Community Tree Lighting Ceremony being held at Citizen’s Circle. For a donation of $25, the name of your loved one will be inscribed on a sign in front of a 14-foot tree with an illuminated blue butterfly tree topper. 10 SE Watula Ave. 6pm.

RSVP by Nov. 22 to purchase a memorial. 291-5143 or visit hospiceofmarion.com.

THE WOOD BROTHERS— Their most recent studio release, 2018’s “One Drop Of Truth,” hit #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and garnered the band their first Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album. $21-51. 7:30pm. Reilly

OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined

Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 351-1606.

SENIOR HOLIDAY LUNCHEON—Celebrate the season of giving by joining Ocala Recreation and Parks Adult Activity Center for a delicious catered lunch prepared by the City of Ocala Golf Course, as well as fun, prizes, and games. $10. 11am.

Ocala Golf Club. 3130 East Silver Springs Blvd. ocalafl.org/ recpark or 368-5517.

December 3

SYMPHONY UNDER THE LIGHTS—Come to Tuscawilla Park at the Reilly’s outdoor stage, the Jenkins Open Air Theatre, for a free and open holiday concert event. Bring chairs, a blanket, some hot chocolate, and enjoy the sounds of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, joined by the Ocala Youth Symphony, for a holiday favorite. 7pm. 800 NE Sanchez Avenue.

December 4

CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE—Hosted by the Lake Weir Yacht Club, this popular holiday event starts at Carney Island and heads along the north shore, wrapping up at Eaton’s Beach for a party and awards ceremony. There are multiple locations to view the parade, including Gator Joe’s Beach Bar & Grille and Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill. 5:30pm. lakeweiryachtclub.org.

TOYS FOR KIDS CRUISE IN—Special vehicles on display: Ghostbusters Car,

Hot Wheels Corvette, Marion County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter and Sheriff’s vehicle and Mobile Jail. Proceeds to benefit Interfaith Charities. Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing.

13700 SW 16th Avenue. twilightcruisersflorida.com.

December 4-5

POPS! GOES THE HOLIDAYS—Back by popular demand, the OSO will bring Howard Blake’s score to the animated short film, “The Snowman,” to life, live along with the film itself. $15-40.

7:30pm on Saturday, 3:00pm on Sunday. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 3511606.

KINGDOM OF THE SUN BAND—Under the direction of Les Muncaster, come hear the band perform a wide variety of Christmas music. 2pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.

Marion Technical Institute. kingdomofthesunband.org or 390-0491.

THERAPEUTIC HOLIDAY PARTY—Individuals of all abilities are invited to celebrate the holiday season with a DJ, a live music performance, and dancing and snacks. $5.

1-3pm. Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center. 830 NE Eighth Ave. ocalafl.org/recpark or 3685517.

December 5

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON—300 UF School of Music performers present a collage of seasonal celebratory and contemplative music

for chorus and orchestra, representing the multifaceted creative contributions of many cultures. 7pm. The Phillips Center, Gainesville. performingarts.ufl.edu or 800905-2787.

December 7

TAKE 6—The quintessential a cappella group, six virtuosic voices united in crystal clear harmony against a backdrop of syncopated rhythms, innovative arrangements, and funky grooves that bubble into an intoxicating brew of gospel, jazz, R&B, and pop. $25-65.

7:30pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 3511606.

December 8

SANTA PAWS—Join us at the Downtown Square for a wagging good time taking pet pictures with Santa.

Adoptable pets, vendors, and hot cocoa will be available. A $15 donation for pet photos with Santa benefits the Human Society of Marion County.

5-8pm. Downtown Ocala.

December 9-18

PUFFS—For seven years,

a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This story is about some other students— the Puffs—who just happened to be enrolled in that school, too. This inventive play takes a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of a group of well-meaning, loyal, lovable outsiders with a thing for badgers. $25-45. 7:30pm.

Multiple dates. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 351-1606.

December 10

HOLIDAY MOVIE SHOWING—Watch the journey that led to Charles Dickens’ creation of “A Christmas Carol” at this showing of “The Man Who Invented Christmas.” Bring a chair or blanket and get comfortable. Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase. 7-9pm. Tuscawilla Park. 800 NE Sanchez Avenue. ocalafl.org/recpark or 3685517.

December 11

OCALA CHRISTMAS PARADE—In its 65th year,

the parade attracts over 60,000 spectators who line up along more than two miles of East Silver Springs Blvd. 5:30pm. ocalachristmasparade.org.

PURE HEART—This Heart tribute band grabs the audience’s attention with powerhouse vocals, rocking electric guitars, layered keyboards, intricate bass lines, and steady drums. Tickets from $15. 7pm Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World. csculturalcenter.com or 8543670.

December 14

THE NUTCRACKER—The all-time family favorite is filled with joyous dancing from the professionals at the Dance Alive National Ballet.

A holiday tradition! $15-35.

7:30pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 3511606.

December 18-19

DANCE ALIVE NATIONAL BALLET PRESENTS CLASS WITH CLARA—Join the heroine for a princess-style ballet class onstage in the Kingdom of the Sweets. $25.

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

DANCE ALIVE NATIONAL BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER—The all-time family favorite with beautiful dancing, sets and costumes is here again. Everyone needs a hero, and in this case she’s a girl! $25-$45. 2:00pm & 7:30pm. The Phillips Center, Gainesville. performingarts.ufl. edu or 800-905-2787.

December 20

CHRIS THILE & AOIFE O’DONOVAN—Both known for their genre defying music, these singer-songwriters have a phenomenal show planned. $40-95. 7:30pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 351-1606.

December 23

ROLLING STONES LET IT BLEED—Experience Classic Albums LIVE as they perform the music of The Rolling Stones, note for note, cut for cut! $20-55 7:30pm. Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com or 351-1606.

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