Ocala Style Nov'18

NOV’18

Ocala

T H E O C A L A C U L I N A RY F E S T I V A L : S A V O R I N G S U C C E S S

The Women of Eye Surgery Ocala Eye Moves Into the Future with Doctors Hina Ahmed, Sarah Kim and Jodie Armstrong

In The Chef's Kitchen Eat, Drink & Enjoy Florida Food Festivals

Just Listed

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List your property with Joan Pletcher... these results speak for themselves.

If you’re considering buying or selling, give us a call today!

For these and other properties, visit JoanPletcher.com for information, videos and more choices.

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CEREMONIES • RECEPTIONS • SHOWERS • REHEARSAL DINNERS • ANNIVERSARIES

Full-service catering at our location or yours KLEIN CONFERENCE CENTER | WEBBER CONFERENCE CENTER Audio/visual equipment on site. Variety of room setup styles.

3001 SW College Road, Ocala | 352-291-4441 Connect with us at facebook.com/CFConferenceServicesOcala College of Central Florida does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information or disability status in its programs, activities and employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact Equity Officer, Ocala Campus, Ewers Century Center, Room 201C, 3001 S.W. College Road, 352-854-2322, ext. 1437, or smithc@cf.edu.

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Make your holidays energy efficient!

Check out these useful tips to minimize energy costs when preparing meals for your family and loved ones this holiday season!

• • •

Use the microwave to cook faster and use less energy.

Be sure to match your pots with the right size lids and burners to reduce heat loss.

Use glass or ceramic pans for faster cooking on lower heat settings.

• • •

For more conservation tips, please visit

ocalaelectric.org

Try cooking side dishes with your turkey to reduce cooking times.

Try to avoid opening the oven door to check on your meal to reduce heat loss and save energy.

Load the dishwasher to full capacity before you run it.

OCALA FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER

CARLY CARRION OLMEDA, M.D. BOARD CERTIFIED ENDOCRINOLOGIST DIABETES SPECIALIST

After being in the Ocala community for a little over a year, Dr. Carrion has been awarded Ocala’s Best Endocrinologist! He is changing the lives of patients struggling with Diabetes, Thyroid imbalances, Metabolism issues and more. His scope of treatment and care include, but is not limited to:

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For more information or to make an appointment call 352-237-4133!

Additional Medical Specialties & Serrvices offered at Ocala Family Medical Center include: Family Practice - Internal Medicine - Cardiology - Dermatology - Physical Medicine Physical Therapy - Women’s Health - Aesthetics Full Service Lab - X-Ray - Ultrasound - 16 Slice CT - 1.5 Open Bore MRI - Stress Testing - Bone Density

www.ocalafmc.com *Ocala Family Medical Center, Inc. complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.*

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Contents

In Every Issue

NOVEMBER ’18

015

THE BUZZ

016 018 020 022

AROUND TOWN GOING PLACES BENCHMARKS BUSINESS BRIEFS

027

THE MANE

028 030 032 034

CHRONICLING AN INDUSTRY A MATTER OF BALANCE AN EVENT TO REMEMBER SERVING VETERANS

The real people, places and events that shape our community.

By Bonnie Kretchik, Katie McPherson, Melissa Peterson and Judge Stephen Rogers

Exploring Marion County’s equestrian community.

By JoAnn Guidry & Cynthia McFarland

049

THE DISH

Our best recipes, restaurant news and culinary quick bites.

By Lisset Lanza

052 056

SAVORY SIDES THE FOODIE GIFT GUIDE

NOV’18

Ocala

038 The Taste Of Success.

T H E O C A L A C U L I N A RY F E S T I V A L : S A V O R I N G S U C C E S S

How the Ocala Culinary Festival has elevated Marion County’s gastronomic reputation on the world’s stage. › By Nick Steele

In This Issue

042 Table Talk.

The Women of Eye Surgery Ocala Eye Moves Into the Future with Doctors Hina Ahmed, Sarah Kim and Jodie Armstrong

065

068 074

In The Chef's Kitchen Eat, Drink & Enjoy Florida Food Festivals

A ROUNDUP OF THE MONTH’S BEST BETS THE LOCAL SCENE THE SOCIAL SCENE

058 Snacking Through The Sunshine State. Food festivals and family fun all across Florida. › By Katie McPherson

THE SCENE

Your guide to what’s happening in and around Ocala.

By Ralph Demilio, Bonnie Kretchik, Laurel Gillum and Ronald Wetherington

066

Local chefs mix it up in their own kitchens. › By Cynthia McFarland

On the cover:

Photographer: John Jernigan Model: Hina Ahmed, MD, Sarah Kim, DO, and Jodie Armstrong, MD, of Ocala Eye NOV ’17 ›

011

Ocala Magazine OFFICE/PRODUCTION MANAGER

Cynthia Brown

cynthia@ocalastyle.com Editorial EXECUTIVE EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR

Karin Fabry-Cushenbery Melissa Peterson

karin@ocalastyle.com melissa@ocalastyle.com SOCIAL SCENE EDITOR

Nursing Opportunities!

Ronald W. Wetherington ronald@ocalastyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT

Vianca Torres Elizabeth Martinez

vianca@ocalastyle.com

FOOD & LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR

Robin Fannon

Centurion of FL has exciting nursing opportunities available at our correctional/prison locations in Ocala and throughout Florida. We offer competitive pay, outstanding benefits and flexible scheduling.

Apply online at www.mhmcareers.com or call Recruiter Tiffany Nuwer at 352-289-6074 for more info. EOE

The Peacock Cottage

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kevin Christian Jim Gibson Laurel Gillum JoAnn Guidry Bonnie Kretchik

Art CREATIVE DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jessi Miller Kristy Taylor

jessi@ocalastyle.com kristy@ocalastyle.com PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ralph Demilio John Jernigan Sheila Hartley jernigan@ocalastyle.com sheila@ocalastyle.com Crys Williams 123RF.com

Ocala’s New Plant Shop!

• Unique Houseplants • Fun Classes

Fairy • Garden Gifts Gardens • Supplies

Located in Chelsea Square 3243 East Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 352-624-0116 • thepeacockcottage@gmail.com Like us! facebook.com/thepeacockcottage

www.dandypot.com

Cynthia McFarland Katie McPherson Judge Steven Rogers Nick Steele Lisset Lanza

Sales SALES MANAGER

Sharon Morgan

sharon@ocalastyle.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Lori Tani

lori@ocalastyle.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Evelyn Anderson Peggy Sue Munday

evelyn@ocalastyle.com peggysue@healthylivingmagazines.com

Skip Linderman Cecilia Sarco

skip@ocalastyle.com cecilia@ocalastyle.com

Crystal Gale Tronnes Kyle K. Bernhard

crystalgale@ocalastyle.com kyle@ocalastyle.com

Holiday Gift Baskets

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, COLLECTIONS

Ellie Rabon

ellie@ocalastyle.com DISTRIBUTION

Dave Adams Rick Shaw

dave@ocalastyle.com

VISIT OUR TASTING ROOM

UNIQUE SELECTION OF HOLIDAY GIFTS

OCALA STYLE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2018 / VOL. 20, NO. 11

Published monthly by Ocala Publications, LLC. All contents © 2018 by Ocala Publications LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or advertising information, call (352) 732-0073. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials.

“Promotional” and “Promotional Feature” denote a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims and content of advertisements.

352-512-0177

16the S. Extraordinary MAGNOLIA AVENUE Learn of Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oils

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.com

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MOVING FORWARD MOVING FORWARD MOVING FORWARD MOVING FORWARD

MAIN FONT:

TRADE GOTHIC BOLD (Kerning 50pt) TAGLINE FONT:

TRADE LIGHT OBLIQUE (Kerning 50pt)

ocalahealthsystem.com

“Is a little chest pain normal?”

ER

Emergency symptoms are good at hiding.

Not all signs of an emergency are obvious. Ongoing symptoms like indigestion, shortness of breath and chest pain could be an emergency in disguise. Thankfully, an Ocala Health ER is here to help.

With dedicated emergency experts and faster wait times, you can trust us for even better care. We’re here 24/7 to help you through any emergency — even the tricky ones.

Text ER to 32222* for average wait times at an Ocala Health ER near you. *Message and data rates may apply. For more information, go to texterhelp.com.

La DiAspora: Keepers of Heritage

through January 20 Museum, ARTSpace and Appleton Store Hours Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday: noon–5 p.m.

4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. | AppletonMuseum.org | 352-291-4455 María Ramos, “Europe’s Caribbean Daughter” (La hija caribeña de Europa) (detail), 2017

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-an equal opportunity college-

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

NOV

10

Head Out To The Harvest With the scorching summer sun finally subdued and the fall weather cooling things down a bit, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy the great outdoors. To kick off this season of fine Florida weather, the annual Harvest Fest Music and Food Truck Festival boasts an evening of rock, country, bluegrass and folk music from top headliners, including Daughtry, Parmalee and Craig Campbell, plus several other national and regional artists performing live on two stages. The festival will be held at Tuscawilla Park from 1-10pm and features numerous food trucks from near and far as well as craft vendors, non-profit groups and band merchandise. General admission is $10 along with a non-perishable food donation for Project Hope. Special VIP tickets featuring up-close access to the stage during Daughtry’s performance, one free drink, access to a special VIP tent with light snacks and restrooms are also available for $40. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, and outside coolers will not be permitted. Adult beverages are available for purchase with ID. For more information or to see a complete lineup of performers, visit ocalafl.org or call (352) 629-8447.

Parmalee Courtesy of the City of Ocala

the

B U Z Z page

15

CHUGGING ALONG

016

A RELAXING RESPITE

018

WHO’S YOUR DADDY?

020

BUSINESS NEWS

022

THE

Buzz

AROUND TOWN

The Ocala Model Railroaders have been going strong for 22 years, preserving Marion County’s railroad history and traveling the country to display some of the nation’s finest models.

This year, they brought home the gold to prove it. › By Katie McPherson

Jim DeLawter is president of the Ocala Model Railroaders, which has 18 active members. He says most of them got involved because of their personal history with railroads—both real and modeled.

“Most of us had trains when we were kids.

Back then, everybody had a train running around the Christmas tree, and for some of the guys, it just expanded from there,” says DeLawter. “We also have a museum with memorabilia from Florida railroads and others. I myself worked for Union Pacific for 40 years, and our vice president worked for B&H, so he’s brought in some things as well.”

This summer the Ocala Model Railroaders traveled to Kansas City, Missouri, to

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display two model train layouts at the National Model Railroad Convention and Train Show. They earned first place overall for their modular HO-scale layout and second place overall for their N-scale layout. There were over 30 different layouts on display, filling 44,200 square feet of the convention hall.

“The HO is a modular layout, so we can add and subtract modules from it. At one time, it was in the neighborhood of 50 feet long. The layout itself is 15 years old, and every year we do something to improve it. It’s an ongoing project,” says DeLawter.

For model railroad newbies, HO-scale means that one foot on the model layout would equal 87 feet in real life. An N-scale is half the size of an HO-scale. Ocala Model Railroaders built some aspects of their models from scratch, and others are purchased as kits and then modified as needed.

The first-place, award-winning layout features a scale reproduction of the historic Ocala Union Station as well as a scale reproduction of Anthony, Florida, as it appeared in the 1920s.

Both the HO-scale layout and the N-scale layout will be on display at the Webber Center Gallery at the College of Central Florida during their annual Trains at the Holidays event from December 15 to 30. The models of area landmarks, including Six-Gun Territory, will include seasonal add-ons like a Christmas village

and the beloved Coca-Cola bears. As they do each year, the Ocala Model Railroaders will build and give away a 4x8-foot layout at the end of the show, complete with scenery and running trains.

LEARN MORE ›

Ocala Model Railroaders’ Historic Preservation Society ›

1247 NE 3rd St., Ocala › (352) 401-0747 › ocalamodelrailroaders.com

Photos courtesy of the Ocala Model Railroaders

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NOV ’17 ›

017

THE

Buzz

GOING PLACES

Something For Everyone At Streamsong Resort Welcome to a golfer’s paradise, a vacationer’s perfect getaway and a new Florida destination. › By Katie McPherson

B

owling Green, Florida, is home to the one-of-a-kind Streamsong Resort, named Best New Golf Resort Course in 2017 by Smart Meetings and ranked among the Top 100 Courses You Can Play 2016-2017 by Golf Magazine. A contemporary resort situated on 16,000 acres of reclaimed mining land, Streamsong boasts a landscape unique to Florida and naturally suited for golf.

“We sit about 55 miles to the east of Tampa and about 90 miles southwest of the Orlando airport,” says Richard Mogensen, general manager of Streamsong Resort. “Streamsong is home of the highestranked golf collection in Florida in any one place. It’s not the type of resort you’d expect in the middle of Florida. It’s quite a modern facility not commonly found on traditional golf courses.”

So, what does Streamsong have to offer you?

MODERN ACCOMMODATIONS Although most guests spend their time at Streamsong enjoying its rolling courses or the relaxing spa, guestrooms are designed to add comfort and luxury to their stay.

Award-winning designer Alberto Alfonso created custom paintings for every suite to reflect the resort’s natural Florida landscape. Most rooms boast water views extending all the way to the horizon through floor-to-ceiling windows. Every touch, down to the hardware on the windows, was carefully selected to meet guests’ needs.

WORLD-CLASS GOLFING At Streamsong, two of the world’s top golf architecture teams collaborated to create

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dream courses in the contours of the former mining site. All three courses here are ranked among the Top 50 courses in the United States.

Streamsong Red is the brainchild of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, architects of five designs in the Top 100 courses in the United States. Its 18 holes are surrounded by sand dunes, lakes and bunkers thanks to a history of mining on the land.

“The designers wanted to use the existing landscape that was here. A lot of the high mountainous features you see on the courses here are remnants of the mining process left over after reclamation. It is rather unique when you come here, because you don’t expect to see these

Streamsong is also a great place to drop a line for guided freshwater bass fishing.

depths and heights in Florida,” Mogensen explains.

Streamsong Blue, designed by renowned architect Tom Doak— who has four designs ranked among the top 100 in the world— is known for its elevation changes, huge bunkers and mountain-like sand dunes.

Streamsong Black was voted the Best New Course in 2018

by Golf, Inc. and is a par-73 championship layout. Although it’s only one year old, it has quickly become a nationally recognized course.

The Clubhouse sits atop the Blue and Red courses, offering sweeping views of the surrounding scenery. It’s the hub of all the action, including steak and seafood-laden Restaurant Fifty-Nine, a golf shop, pool and game tables for after-golf gatherings, plus an outdoor terrace overlooking the dramatic terrain.

“We don’t have any palm trees or flowers here,” says Mogensen.

Photos courtesy of Streamsong Resort Photos Courtesy of Streamsong Resort

waters or disturbances during a day on the water.

Shooting sporting clays at Streamsong is another exhilarating challenge for beginners and expert marksmen alike.

“Our golf design is akin to what you’d find in Scotland or Ireland and is links style. Walking during the season will help you enjoy the landscape and is representative of the tradition of golf.”

OUTDOOR RECREATION Streamsong offers numerous recreational activities to its guests, including archery, bass fishing and clay shooting.

The archery course is suited for both novices and experts, and a professional instructor fits guests with an advanced recurve bow before sharing techniques and practicing together.

Streamsong is also a great place to drop a line for guided freshwater bass fishing. Because the lakes and lakefront docks are part of Streamsong’s 16,000 acres, there will be no boat-crowded

REST & RELAXATION AcquaPietra at Streamsong is far from the average resort spa.

Rejuvenate in a European grottostyle spa atmosphere with six unique pools, hair and nail salons, and numerous treatments available.

Try one of the spa’s unique offerings, like a detoxifying espresso mud wrap for the body, sports and wellness massage, or a signature pure radiance facial.

Special spa offers are available for Florida residents, and staff are happy to make arrangements for birthdays, bridal parties or other special occasions.

AWARD-WINNING DINING Streamsong features numerous restaurants to cater to different

occasions and palates. Sotto Terra is the signature Italian restaurant of the resort with authentic meals prepared by an Italian chef.

“The one-pound, three-meat meatball is something groups share all the time here. The ossobuco, which is veal shank, is probably our No. 1 seller there alongside a great Italian wine,” Mogensen says.

For daytime eats, a more casual dining restaurant is P2O5, which serves all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bone Valley Tavern does the same and provides views of the resort’s most beautiful golf vistas.

For fine dining, lodge guests can enjoy Fragmentary Blue, a stargazing lounge serving cocktails, tapas and lighter fare.

Restaurant 59 offers a variety of all-prime steaks and seafood items for a truly unforgettable meal.

LEARN MORE › Streamsong Resort › 1000 Streamsong Dr., Bowling Green, FL 33834 › (888) 294-6322 › streamsongresort.com NOV ’17 ›

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BENCHMARKS

Maybe Baby › By Judge Steven G. Rogers

O

ur youngest son started playing baseball around the same time he learned to walk. In his final few years of high school baseball, my wife created a new tradition when attending his games. Every time he had a big hit or made a great play, she would yell (loud enough for everyone to hear), “Who’s your Momma?!?”

In family law cases involving paternity issues, the question often becomes “Who’s your Daddy?”

Paternity of a child is established by various means in accordance with Florida law. The traditional method of establishing paternity holds that if the mother is married at the time of the child’s birth, the name of her husband shall be entered on the birth certificate as the father of the child, unless a court order provides otherwise.

This presumption of paternity often presents problems with children born while a married couple is separated but not yet divorced.

Several years ago, I was presiding over what appeared to be a relatively uncomplicated dissolution of marriage case.

There were four minor children born while the parties were married, but the wife testified that her soon-to-be-ex-husband was the father of only the first, second and fourth child. When I asked about the third

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child, she candidly admitted, “Well he (her husband) went to prison for a few years, and I got lonely.” Suddenly, their issues were no longer uncomplicated.

If the mother is not married at the time of the child’s birth, paternity may still be established and the father’s name listed on the child’s birth certificate if both the mother and the father execute an affidavit attesting to the father’s paternity of the child. Barring such an agreement, either parent may file a petition to determine paternity and have the court determine the legal When I asked about the third child, parents of the child. she candidly admitted, “Well he (her The motivation for a father to file husband) went to prison for a few such a petition is because without years, and I got lonely.” Suddenly, an agreement or judicial finding of their issues were no longer paternity, the father’s access to the uncomplicated. child and his input on important issues such as child care, medical decisions and education are solely at the discretion of the mother. Likewise, a mother may file a petition to not only address these issues but also to establish child support for the child.

Just as the law provides a legal avenue for the establishment of paternity, there is a less common proceeding by which a father may disestablish paternity by alleging that newly discovered evidence has come to the father’s knowledge since the initial establishment of paternity.

Paternity proceedings can be quite complicated. Those dealing with such issues should seek the advice of a local family law attorney. Doing so may not only help bring about a resolution to the problem but may also produce paternal rewards.

Judge Steven G. Rogers currently serves as a circuit court judge. He lives in Ocala with his wife, three children and an extremely spoiled Australian Shepherd.

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THE

Buzz

BUSINESS BRIEFS

NEW TO THE TEAM

On Patrol

The City of Ocala recently announced the Downtown Ranger Program, a new initiative intended to enhance the customer experience in downtown Ocala. A special meet and greet event with the downtown rangers, Cindy Paddock and Kelly Mimms, was held in September. The rangers will have a visible presence throughout downtown Ocala, from the S-Curve north to the Ocala Union Station, seven days a week. The rangers will patrol this area in conjunction with Ocala Police Department officers and City of Ocala Parking Enforcement staff.

“The goal of this program is to provide assistance to business owners, residents and visitors in downtown Ocala,” said Kathy Crile, director of Ocala Recreation and Parks.

“This program will also further the City’s efforts to collaborate with Ocala Main Street and the Downtown Business Alliance to enhance the overall customer experience.

APPRECIATING THE LAND

Students from Professor Steve Mackenzie and Professor Richard Kirk’s classes volunteered at Silver Springs State Park as part of National Public Lands Day. CF students and staff along with other community groups performed a variety of duties, from pulling invasive exotic weeds, painting picnic tables and completing projects in the ornamental gardens to planting native grasses, herbs, shrubs and palms.

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Ocala Fire Rescue recently welcomed two firefighters to the department during a pinning ceremony held at City Hall. Undergoing a demanding hiring process and a two-week training period, Firefighters Rasheed Steward and Isabel Truman successfully completed the City of Ocala fire department’s candidate testing process. In celebration, a pinning ceremony was held. The ceremony was preceded by a presentation of two Heart Saver awards. The awards were presented on behalf of the American Heart Association to Ocala Police Department Officers Shelby O’Grady and Josh Warner for their life-saving actions during an emergency on Interstate 75. Captain Brandi DuCoeur was also recognized for her recent promotion from Fire Equipment Operator to Captain/Inspector. Pictured from left to right are Assistant Fire Chiefs Anthony Ortiz and Michael Alsup, Fire Chief Shane Alexander, and Firefighters Rasheed Steward and Isabel Truman.

Art In Ocala Phase I results of Ocala’s Community Cultural Arts Plan are available for the public to view at ocalafl.org/culturalarts. In 2017, Americans for the Arts conducted an Arts and Economic Prosperity Study on the City of Ocala. They found that for every dollar spent on arts-related activities, $3 was spent elsewhere in the community.

These findings were a foundation for the City of Ocala to hire planning consultant firm, Martinez + Johnson Architecture, Inc. to develop a Community Cultural Arts Master Plan. This plan is designed to create a strategic, comprehensive 10-year cultural arts roadmap for Ocala. The goal of Phase I was to assess Ocala’s cultural arts landscape as it exists today, according to staff. Martinez + Johnson Architecture, Inc. is currently working on Phase II (vision) and will begin work on Phase III (implementation) upon completion of Phase II of the Community Cultural Arts Plan.

The expertise of UF Health is now right down the road.

University of Florida Health provides care in Ocala in a convenient location close to home. Our boardcertified physicians are proud to bring the care and expertise you expect from UF Health to Marion County.

We are currently accepting new patients. Call today for an appointment.

Family Medicine 352.355.1282

Cardiology 352.854.0681

Women’s Health Obstetric Ultrasound 352.355.1281

Thoracic Surgery 352.265.0535

Infertility 352.265.2229

Please visit UFHealth.org/Ocala to learn more.

O C A L A H E AT H B R O O K

PRO M OTI O NAL FE ATU R E

Ocala Eye Moves Into The Future

With their combined experience, this ophthalmology practice is bringing some of the most sought-after eye diagnostics and procedures to the Ocala community.

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or more than 45 years, Ocala Eye has been the largest multispecialty eye care practice in North Central Florida. That’s why they recently opened a brand-new, state-of-theart office in Market Street at Heath Brook. Here, patients will find leading medical technology and amenities and even a pager system so they can shop and eat while waiting for their appointment. This location also makes access easy for patients from all over the Marion County area.

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Ocala Eye offers medical and surgical eye care services, including comprehensive eye exams, aesthetics, eyeglasses, cataract and refractive surgery, and even hearing services.

The Heath Brook office features a dedicated aesthetics center where trained aestheticians provide advanced skincare treatments like facials, microdermabrasion, microneedling and more.

But the most important part of any medical practice is, of course, the providers. It’s said that a great surgeon has the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the hands of a lady— Ocala Eye has three such surgeons practicing at their new location.

Jodie Armstrong, MD, FACS, and Hina Ahmed, MD, specialize in cataract surgery, laser eye procedures and diseases of the anterior segment of the eye. Dr. Armstrong

is an Ocala native, and Dr. Ahmed has called this community home for more than a decade.

Together they have more than 25 years of experience.

“Ocala Eye is different from the rest because it is the only comprehensive eye practice in the Marion County area,” says Dr. Armstrong. “We can perform almost any eye service, from contact lens fittings and regular comprehensive exams to diabetic screenings and eye reconstruction. Ocala Eye only staffs board-certified surgeons.

Many are subspecialty trained and fellows of the American College of Surgeons. We have certified scrub technicians assisting in our spacious, eye-only surgery center. We offer the most state-of-the-art testing and surgical equipment.”

One of the Ocala Eye’s guiding principles is education—of staff, patients and the community. Ocala Eye offers extensive technical training programs for their staff and encourages them to earn industry

certifications. Providers here also host educational symposia for other eye care professionals in the region. Most importantly, Ocala Eye takes time with each and every patient to teach them about their eye condition and treatment options.

If one of those treatment options includes surgery, patients of Ocala Eye are in good hands.

“Our state-of-the-art surgery center is the only one like it in Marion County,” Dr. Ahmed explains. “Our surgical team is dedicated to eye surgery only. This creates a unique environment that gives our surgeons a laser focus on the procedures we perform. I have worked at other surgery centers, and I can tell you that this difference is palpable. With the addition of Dr. Kim, this adds to breadth of services we offer.”

Sarah Kim, DO, recently joined Ocala Eye as an oculoplastic surgeon. Oculoplastics includes a wide variety of surgical procedures that deal with the eyelids, tear ducts, orbit (eye socket) and surrounding tissues. It also includes the reconstruction of the eyelids and associated structures.

“Ocala Eye has a diverse group of physicians, and the fact that there are three female surgeons is really rare. When deciding

to join Ocala Eye, I was excited that there were two women on the board, and this was a big draw for me,” Dr. Kim says. “Also, I was interested in a warm, neighborly community.

When I came for my interview, I was really drawn to the friendliness in the community everywhere I went and that Ocala Eye was very involved with the local community beyond only business.”

As the only doctor of her kind in the Ocala area, Dr. Kim provides medical and surgical management of issues like correcting agerelated changes to the eyelids, alleviating blocked tear ducts, removing tumors and cancers around the eyes and reconstructing eyelids after trauma, Mohs surgeries or thyroid eye disease. She also offers cosmetic eyelid surgeries and minimally invasive facial rejuvenation, including dermal fillers.

“I was drawn to the field of oculoplastics early on in my ophthalmology residency.

I trained at a very busy trauma center in California where I saw numerous patients with complex eyelid lacerations and facial traumas, including dog bites and gunshot wounds to the orbits and face. While repairing a patient’s eyelids in the middle of the night, I realized that I really enjoyed this type of work. I find it extremely rewarding to be able to improve an individual’s visual function and physical confidence. It is a true blessing and privilege to have a career where I can make a meaningful difference for someone by doing what I love.”

OCALA EYE (352) 622-5183 › 4414 SW College Road, Suite #1462 › Ocala, FL 34474 OCALA EYE HAS FOUR OTHER LOCATIONS FOR CONVENIENT CARE NEAR YOU. VISIT ocalaeye.com TO LEARN MORE. NOV ’17 ›

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Perseverance. A powerful element in fighting cancer.

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Edith Picallo has persevered through tough challenges in her 70 years – immigrating from Cuba, losing her husband to cancer, raising three kids alone and beating cancer twice. A new stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis

PERSEVERANCE

had her wondering if she had what it took to beat it again. But when she found Florida Cancer Specialists, her doctor conducted genomic testing to personalize her therapy. Now, three years after her diagnosis, Edith’s story shows that when hope and science join forces, great outcomes can happen.

“Florida Cancer Specialists did a genetic test to determine the right medicine for me and my lung cancer, and it is working.”

-Edith Picallo, Cancer Survivor Where Hope is Powered by Science™ FindHopeHere.com

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Stephen LaBelle Owner/President

Vipul Patel, MD Craig Reynolds, MD

Horsin’ Around There’s always something happening in Horse Country. Check out these upcoming events for the month of November.

Florida Horse Park

11008 S HWY 475, OCALA › (352) 307-6699 ›

the

Sparr United Methodist Church Horse Show

flhorsepark.com Nov. 10-11: POP Cross Country Schooling and Schooling Show

13100 NE JACKSONVILLE ROAD, SPARR › (352) 216-8892 › facbook.com/sparrhorseshow Second Saturday of the month through November

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion

Canterbury Showplace

2232 NE JACKSONVILLE ROAD, OCALA › (352) 671-8400 › marioncountyfl.org Nov 9-10: PAC West Barrel Racing Nov. 11: 4-H Specialty Horse Show Nov. 15-18: Southern Regional Paso Fino Horse Association Show Nov. 23-25: Rice’s Annual Thanksgiving Roping

The Grand Oaks Resort

3000 MARION COUNTY ROAD, WEIRSDALE › (352) 750-5500 › thegrandoaks.com Nov. 10-11: WDFLA Western Dressage Nov. 23-25: Grands Oaks Horse Trials Nov. 30-Dec. 2: Grand Oaks Combined Test & Derby

Cedar Lock Farm

14659 NW 464B, MORRISTON › (774) 328-1760 › runfortheribbons.org Nov. 4: Run For The Ribbons Hunter/Jumper Show Series #2

Millwood Polo Club

2780 NW 165TH STREET, CITRA › (352) 591-3162 › millwoodpoloclub.com Social arena polo every Saturday

C E LE B R ATI N G 6 0 YE ARS

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EXPLORING MARION COUNTY’S EQUESTRIAN COMMUNITY

231000 W NEWBERRY ROAD, NEWBERRY › (352) 472-6758 › canterburyshowplace.com Nov. 3-4: Holiday Kick Off Dressage Show

Ocala Jockey Club

8720 W HWY 318, REDDICK › (352) 591-1212 › ojc3de.com Nov. 15-18: Ocala Jockey Club International 3-Day Eventing

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Gypsy Gold Farm

AMERICA’S GYPSY VANNER FOUNDATION FARM › 12501 SW 8th Avenue, Ocala › (352) 307-3777 › gypsygold.com 2-hour farm tour Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays by appointment

Guided Trail Rides

cactusjackstrailrides.com › (352) 266-9326 ocalahappyacres.com › (352) 489-8550 ocalatrailrides.com › (352) 342-8891 zipthecanyons.com › (352) 351-9477

A LT E R N AT I V E O P T I O N S

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LET THE GAMES BEGIN

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HO RS E S THAT H E AL

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Chronicling An Industry

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here is a unique connection between Needles, the first Florida-bred Kentucky Derby (1956) winner, and The Florida Horse magazine. As fate would have it, the magazine’s initial office was in the barn that Needles was born in.

Needles was bred by and foaled at Dickey Stables, which in 1956 was bought and renamed Ocala Stud. It was in the latter’s barn office that the inaugural June 1958 issue of The Florida Horse came into being.

It was published by the Florida Breeders’ Sales Association; its purpose was to disseminate information to and about Florida thoroughbred breeders.

The late Karl Koontz served as the magazine’s editor, writer, advertising salesman, graphic designer and production manager for the first three years of its existence. Without today’s modern technology, Koontz gathered data by phone, visited farms for news and carefully gleaned any information he could from the Daily Racing Form. And in that barn office, he wrote on a manual typewriter.

The first issue, all 16 pages of it with no advertising, featured Florida-bred Hubcap winning the 1958 Swift Stakes on the cover.

A map of “Marion County Race Horse Farms” listed 28 farms in 1958. Included in that number were Ocala Stud, Shady Lane Farm, Rosemere Farm and Bonnie Heath Farm, which could boast of more than 200 horses among them. Other thoroughbred farms in 1958 included Meadowbrook Farm, J.C. Dudley Farm, Roseland Farm, Sunshine Stud, P.A.B. Widener III Farm, Pine Crest Farm, Wake Robin Farm and Quail Roost Farm.

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By the end of 1958, the magazine would report that Florida-breds had won $1,102,619 in purse money. The Florida thoroughbred industry recorded in The Florida Horse’s first year was one laying the foundation for today’s multi-billiondollar industry.

In 1978, American Equine Publishers Inc. bought the magazine. In late 1996, The Florida Horse was purchased by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Since then, it has been published by Florida Equine Communications Inc., a subsidiary of the FTBOA and is the latter’s official publication.

“The Florida Horse is proud to have reported on the Florida thoroughbred industry for the last 60 years,” says Brock Sheridan, the magazine’s editor-in-chief since 2012. “The $2.7 billion economic impact of the Florida thoroughbred industry allows the magazine to be a standard bearer of quality writing, photography and graphic design.

We are proud to call Ocala home and send the Horse Capital of the World story out to an international readership.”

Photos courtesy of FTBOA/The Florida Horse

The Florida Horse magazine celebrates 60 years of giving a narrative to the Florida Thoroughbred industry. › By JoAnn Guidry

Photos & Design: Stunning Steeds

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A Matter Of Balance

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n ancient practice, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine is about restoring balance.

“TCVM is an adaptation of traditional Chinese medicine.

In Chinese medicine, disease is understood as an imbalance in the body,” says Dr. Lisa Trevisanello, teaching and academic advisor at Reddick-based Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. “Ancient practitioners believed that the body is an interconnected system of forces and functions. Disease is disharmony between those forces and functions. The goal is to bring balance back to the body through various modalities.”

The TCVM modalities include acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy and Tui-na.

“People tend to think of Chinese medicine as just acupuncture,” says Trevisanello.

“But all four modalities are equally important. And depending on the horse’s particular issues, treatment if often a combination of modalities.”

Trevisanello notes that while TCVM is often thought of as complementary therapy, she sees a more integrative approach with Western veterinary medicine.

“Our modalities such as acupuncture and herbal medicine are a holistic approach to treating an animal. Western veterinary medicine is better suited to

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diagnose disease and address acute situations,” she says.

“We feel that it’s best to integrate the two systems for the best possible results. Here at the Chi Institute, we work closely with Western veterinary medicine doctors.”

Here’s a look at the four branches of TCVM.

Photos courtesy of Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine takes a holistic approach to treating horses. › By JoAnn Guidry

“The treatment utilizes specialized needles to stimulate certain points along the body’s meridian channels along which Qi, life force, flows.”

Acupuncture: “This modality is used for many equine issues, including chronic pain and musculoskeletal [issues],” says Trevisanello. “The treatment utilizes specialized needles to stimulate certain points along the body’s meridian channels along which Qi, life force, flows. It is a very popular and effective treatment.”

Herbal medicine: “One of the oldest forms of Chinese medicine, herbal medicine uses a combination of certain herbs. The formulas can include anywhere from two to 10 different herbs ground together,” says Trevisanello. “The powdered formula can then be easily added to a horse’s feed. Herbal medicine

—Dr. Lisa Trevisanello

is used to treat many chronic issues, including digestive, skin and respiratory conditions.”

Food therapy: “In Chinese medicine, warming up or cooling down a body can bring it back to balance. This is the basis of food therapy as a TCVM modality,” says Trevisanello. “A specialized diet of certain grains or hays can be prescribed, as well as snacks like apples and watermelon rinds.”

Tui-na: “Pronounced Tee-na, this is a form of Chinese medical massage

that incorporates acupressure and chiropractic techniques. It is used for musculoskeletal issues,” says Trevisanello. “Some horses are very sensitive and don’t tolerate acupuncture well, so Tui-na is another option. It can also be taught to a horse’s owner, and they can then treat their horse at home.”

LEARN MORE › Chi Institute

of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

› 9650 W Hwy 318, Reddick › (352) 591-5385 › tcvm.com

tcvm.com

A TRULY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE For over 20 years The Villages Polo Club has provided an unforgettable polo experience.

Our fall season began October 5 and continues through November 25. With two levels of viewing in our first class facility, every seat offers a great view of the action. Come see us!

Tournament Schedule Fall 2018 6 GOAL

NOW OFFERING Polo Lessons (Individual & Group) Riding Lessons | Hitting Cage Lessons Schedule a lesson today!

Mike.Harris@TheVillages.com | 561-212-2128

October 5 & 7 October 12 & 14 October 19 & 21 October 26 & 28

To purchase polo match tickets: TheVillagesPoloClub.com 352-750-5411 General Admission - $15 Upper Stadium - $20 Reserved Tent Seating - $20

WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT November 2 & 4

8 GOAL

November 9 & 11 November 16 & 18

Tailgating FREE with General Admission

FAMILY FEUD

November 23 & 25 703 N. Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages, FL 32162 #TheVillagesPoloClub TheVillagesPoloClub.com | 352-750-7656 |

Only 30 minutes south of Ocala! © 2018 Holding Company of The Villages, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

Carolyn ROBERTS

BROKER ASSOCIATE/REALTOR ®

BROKER/REALTOR ®

2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

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

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

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marybethelliott1@gmail.com

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Lovely Historic Home

Historic District

Woodfields Pool Home

Bellechase

Generous sun-filled formal & informal spaces. 4 bdrms, 3 baths, 2 half baths. Gourmet kitchen.

Well-manicured property faces 3 streets w/ front and back gates. Beautiful pool + pergola surrounded by high vine-covered walls. $770,000. ML#517676

3/2.5 main residence offers split plan w/ formal living, large master suite, open kitchen & beautiful wood floors. Backyard decking w/ large covered sitting area. Additional +/-576 sqft detached 1 bed/1 bath guest cottage. $599,900. ML#539353

Well maintained 3 bed/3 bath w/bonus rm, formal living & dining & eat-in kitchen on beautiful 1 acre lot. Master suite has updated bath. Spacious guest bdrms. Sliders open to pool & covered lanai. $449,000. ML#544037

Beautiful 4/3 + study & game rm, formal living & dining, custom kitchen, breakfast area, family rm, & covered lanai. Luxurious master suite. 12 ft. ceilings, 3 car gar, triple split plan & more. $665,000. ML#536997

Country Club of Ocala

Waterfront Living

Country Club of Ocala

Country Club of Ocala

4 bed/4 bath pool home overlooking 5th fairway. Split bdrm plan has spacious living areas all open to the pool & lanai. Custom kitchen, large master suite & 3 car garage.

Don’t miss this one! $499,900. ML#542009

Amazing value for riverfront property. 1.73 private acres w/boat dock on Withlacoochee River. Spacious 4 bed, 3.5 bath offers large screened back porch & 3 car garage. Call Mary Lou 352-804-1856 $575,000. ML#540700

4 BR 4.5 bath w/study & pool offers golf course views. Formal LR & DR, kitchen w/ granite & FR w/fireplace. Master suite w/ double sided fpl. $574,900. ML#537830

3/3 pool home w/beautiful views overlooking 5th hole. Formal living & dining, study, custom kitchen w/breakfast area, family room w/fireplace & built-ins. $499,000. ML#540447

NOV ’17 ›

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An Event To Remember

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op horses and riders will make their way to Marion County for the third annual Ocala Jockey Club International 3-Day Event to be held November 15 through 18.

The sport of eventing is like an equine triathlon combining three different disciplines—dressage, cross country and show jumping—in one competition. Because a single horse and rider team must compete in all three, it’s a vigorous test of physical ability, requiring not only talent but endurance and soundness.

“Last year’s event attracted entries from nine countries across four continents. It was a qualifier for the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018 (“WEG”) that just concluded in Tryon, South Carolina, so it has a lot of implications. This event becomes even more important this year because an extra division was added,” notes Pavla Nygaard, president of the Ocala Jockey Club.

For 2018, the OJC Event features an added prestigious CCI3* division, only one of five in the United States and the only one to be held in the Southeast. This translates to more jumps and a more challenging course, which will be designed by Olympic Individual Silver medalist Clayton Fredericks, assisted by Mike Etherington-Smith, who designed the courses

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for the Sydney and Beijing Olympic Games.

“It’s a big deal having the CCI3* designation in Ocala,” explains Nygaard.

“This means there’s a greater need for the top-level athletes to come here because it’s one of the limited places where they can qualify for events like the Olympics or WEG. There will be about 200 riders competing, mainly from the United States but also some from other countries.”

The Ocala Jockey Club’s idyllic setting, complete with huge majestic oaks and rolling hills, makes it one of the highest elevations in the county. Riders love the terrain and footing because it’s safe and forgiving for their horses.

Shelley Page, the OJC Event organizer, notes that another unique aspect of the OJC event is the extra prize fund for retired thoroughbred racehorses competing, as many of them make excellent eventing mounts after their racing careers.

Spectators can get in on the action starting on Thursday, when dressage competition begins. The dressage event concludes on Friday. Cross country takes place on Saturday,

and Sunday features show jumping and the last of the cross country.

Tailgating is a popular way to enjoy the cross country, and remember to claim your spot for the day along the jump course for an up-close-and-personal view as the horses come galloping by.

Food trucks, equestrian-themed vendors, a beer garden, demonstrations and a Kids’ Zone with pony rides and other fun family activities will be on the grounds. Saturday’s theme is the “Hip, Handsome and Hokey Hat Day,” with prizes to be won by spectators wearing the most unique hats.

LEARN MORE › Visit ojc3de.com for more

information on the Ocala Jockey Club International 3-Day Event. › Admission:

Thursday, free; Friday, $5; Saturday, $10; Sunday, $10; $25 for all four days (including parking and event program); youth 16 and under, seniors, military and first responders are free › Parking: $5/day › Tailgating: $150/weekend, $95 Saturday only, $65 Sunday only

Photos courtesy of Shannon Brinkman Photo Team

Ocala Jockey Club 3-Day Event brings cream-of-the-crop competitors to town. › By Cynthia McFarland

The Canyons Zip Line & Canopy Tours HORSEBACK RIDING, ZIP LINING AND KAYAKING TOURS

Drew Fabian

352.816.5914 352-351-ZIPS

Ocala, FL

ZIPTHECANYONS.COM

Florida Farm Bureau Insurance Companies Auto Home Life Drew.Fabian@FFBIC.com

Office: 352.694.9800

245 NE 36th Ave Ocala, FL 34470

Tax and Business Consulting Services Accounting Auditing

Tax laws are changing this year. Call us to find out how these changes might affect you.

“We value the relationships established with our clients and believe that our success results from their success. Our top priority is to provide each client with professional, confidential and timely service, aimed at providing unparalleled personal attention.”

334 NW Third Avenue, Ocala

t: 352-732-0171 f: 352-867-1370 www.djcocpa.com NOV ’17 ›

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Serving Veterans

A look at local equine-assisted therapy for military veterans.

Photos courtesy of Marion Therapuetic Riding Association

› By JoAnn Guidry

in a riding program once a week for six weeks. After three weeks, participants showed a 67 percent decrease in PTSD scores.

After six weeks, there was an 87 percent drop. The study was published in the journal Military Medical Research.

Ocala-based Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center and Marion Therapeutic Riding Association offer therapeutic horseback riding for military veterans. Both facilities are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.

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ost traumatic stress disorder is a prevalent condition among military veterans. The U.S. Department of Veteran affairs estimates that PTSD affects 31 percent of Vietnam War veterans, 10 percent of Gulf War veterans, 11 percent of Afghanistan War veterans and 20 percent of Iraqi War veterans.

A recent University of Missouri study on the effectiveness of therapeutic horseback riding on PTSD showed positive results. The study involved 29 military veterans with PTSD or PTSD with traumatic brain injury.

They were monitored as they participated

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Stirrups ‘n Stripes: Founded by Betty Gray in 2007, Stirrups ‘n Strides began offering the veterans program in July 2017. Stirrups ‘n Stripes has provided equine therapy services to Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans and The Vines Hospital’s in-patient and residential military program.

“We have two sessions a day once a week for a five-week program,” says Gray. “Each session is generally two hours, with women veterans in the morning session and men veterans in the afternoon session. Once a veteran is matched up with a horse, they not only ride

that horse but groom and take care of it as well. Each veteran is also assigned a volunteer buddy to go through the program.”

Gray notes that “the program has great psychological and physical benefits; we see miracles every day.”

Freedom Reins: Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, established in 1983, began its Freedom Reins program six years ago.

“Our program is open to all military veterans,” says Pam Morrison, MTRA executive director. “Some of our recent participants include retired veterans from The Villages and referrals from the VA hospital in Gainesville.”

The eight-week Freedom Reins program includes a one-hour session once a week.

Morrison says that “we tailor each session to the needs of the individual veteran and that evolves through the program, from ground work to riding.” Each veteran also keeps a journal to chart their progress.

“We work on trust bonding, confidence, self-esteem, learning to deal with PTSD and other issues,” says Morrison. “The vets tell us they feel a great sense of peace here.”

LEARN MORE › Stirrups ‘n Stripes › stirrupsnstrides.com › (352) 427-3569 › grayhitime@windstream.net › Freedom Reins › mtraocala.org › (352) 732-7300 › pam.morrison@mtraocala.org

PRO M OTI O NAL FE ATU R E

Dog Training Done Right Off Leash K9 brings revolutionary dog training to Ocala.

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magine your dog obeying your commands and responding to you immediately... while not being on a leash. It would make your partnership much more exciting and enjoyable, not to mention safer and happier for the dog.

That was exactly what Nick White, U.S. Marine veteran and former U.S. Secret Service had in mind when he started OffLeash K9 Training, LLC, in 2008. White is globally recognized as one of the world’s best dog trainers and his business is one of the country’s highest-rated dog training businesses with 135 locations world-wide.

Chihuahuas to German Shepherds, puppies to “seniors,” Off Leash K9 Training’s team of professionals works with any size, breed and age of dog. Fortunately, Off Leash K9 Training (OLK9) has come to Ocala.

“The techniques are proven and now you don’t have to travel to Jacksonville or Tampa for this training because it’s in your backyard,” says Xena Lamp, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Ocala OLK9 head trainer.

The program uses marker training along with an e-collar, which the handler controls by a remote. It gets the dog’s attention with stimulation comparable to a TENS unit used for physical therapy, however it is not a shock collar. It doesn’t hurt the dog in any way—it’s simply a means of communication the dog learns to respond to and then graduates to working without a leash.

The results are nothing less than amazing.

“We guarantee a 100 percent obedient, 100 percent off-leash, and 100 percent distractionproof dog at the end of our program. Your dog will be trained to have the same level of obedience as most police/military working

dogs,” says Lamp.

“Your dog clearly understands what is expected of him and this allows him to become an active member of the family. You can take him with you and have the security blanket of knowing you’re able to control him when you need to. You can enjoy a strong bond with your dog without the restriction of a leash.”

Although it’s a training program, it’s really peace of mind.

OLK9 specializes in private lessons, dog behavior consultations and their most popular option, the board-and-train program. This is where your dog spends two weeks with the trainer in their home rather than in a kennel which is often what occurs with other training programs.

“Many people opt for board-and-train after they realize they don’t have the time and patience to teach their dog the appropriate way,” says Lamp. “Through that program

we can guarantee a lifetime of obedience.

And keep in mind that puppies can begin training as soon as they are done with all their vaccinations, usually around the fourth or fifth month of life.”

The Off Leash K9 Training program is a proven system that changes both owners’ and dogs’ lives for the better. To learn more about the training and packages offered, visit ocaladogtrainers.com or call (757) 746-6464.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TRAINING AND PACKAGES OFFERED, VISIT ocaladogtrainers.com OR CALL (757) 746-6464.

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PRO M OTI O NAL FE ATU R E

On Stage

Renovation brings even more amenities to Circle Square Cultural Center—just in time for the 2018-2019 season.

G

et ready to reap the rewards, as one of our area’s most popular venues has undergone an impressive five-month renovation. Circle Square Cultural Center celebrated its grand re-opening on October 8, right on time for a busy season of concerts and events.

Adjacent to the On Top of the World communities, Circle Square Cultural Center is part of Circle Square Commons, which is also home to The Town Square, The Ranch Fitness Center & Spa and Master the Possibilities.

The multi-functional venue opened 12 years ago, with the first concert occurring in January 2007. Since then, hundreds of events—concerts, fundraisers, banquets, weddings, expos, conferences, craft and health shows and more—have been hosted there.

“The unique thing about Circle Square Commons is that it’s an amenity for residents of On Top of the World, but it’s outside the gates and open to the public,” notes Jo Salyers, general manager of Circle Square Commons.

“Residents get a discount on tickets, but the general public is warmly invited, and their participation allows us to bring in the level of entertainment we do.”

The Cultural Center’s extensive renovation project included significant expansion. There’s a new 2,000-square-foot lobby with a family restroom and two built-in bars, which enhance the full-bar beverage service during shows.

The venue now features a 3,500-square-foot

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front veranda and a 1,200-square-foot porte-cochere. This covered driveway at the entrance will make drop-offs more convenient during inclement weather.

As the largest multi-use indoor public venue in Ocala, Circle Square Cultural Center accommodates up to 930 guests in theatrestyle seating and up to 600 banquet guests.

The spacious and glamorous setting makes it ideal for concerts, galas and fundraisers for local organizations, and large weddings. The recent expansion and increased amenities have added even more options to the classy atmosphere.

If you’ve never experienced a concert here, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the big names that have performed, including the legendary Willie Nelson, Kevin Costner and Modern

› › › › ›

West, Frankie Avalon, the Smothers Brothers and Herman’s Hermits featuring Peter Noone, to mention a few.

The 2018-2019 concert season features 18 shows. All are open to the public, and audiences include a wide range of ages.

Concerts routinely sell out, so don’t delay in purchasing tickets. Regular attendees say the quality of entertainment gets better every season.

For a taste of what’s in store, check out the upcoming events and visit the website for the full calendar. Tickets are sold online or at the ticket office on-site.

November 9-10 Country Road Quilters show and expo November 17 Motown in Motion concert November 30 Voicexperience Holiday Voices show (free with ticket) December 1 Golf Cart Parade and Bands Festival on the Town Square December 8 Atlantic City Boys

LEARN MORE › Circle Square Cultural Center › 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala › (352) 387-7515 › csculturalcenter.com

2018 & 2019

Tickets now on Sale!

Resident $25-50

THE BRONX WANDERERS Jan. 3, 2019

Non-Resident $30-60

PABLO CRUISE Mar. 16, 2019

Resident $32-34

BronxWanderers.com BOWIE LIVE – THE ULTIMATE BOWIE EXPERIENCE

OCT

27

2018

MOTOWN IN MOTION

Nov

24

2018

Non-Resident $34-36

PabloCruise.com

VOICEXPERIENCE HOLIDAY VOICES

Nov

30

2018

ATLANTIC CITY BOYS

DEC

8

2018

DAVE & TED, DEUCES WILD!

jan

11

2019

THE MANHATTANS

jan

19

2019

NEW SHOW ADDED!

Resident: $22-24

Non-Resident: $24-26

THE MUSIC OF ABBA: ARRIVAL FROM SWEDEN

feb

9

2019

Resident: $24-26

Non-Resident: $26-28

ONE NIGHT IN MEMPHIS

feb

15

2019

VOICExperienceFoundation.org Free with Ticket

(Limit two general admission tickets per household)

THE BATTLE OF THE BROADWAY COMEDIANS

mar

2

2019

AtlanticCityBoys.com Resident: $24-26 Non-Resident: $26-28

KENNY CETERA’S CHICAGO

mar

9

2019

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

ABSOLUTE JOURNEY

Resident: $32-34

mar

23

2019

Non-Resident: $34-36

TUSK:

THE WORLD’S #1 TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC

mar

29

2019

SOLD OUT

TheMusicofAbba.com Non-Resident: $34-36 Resident: $32-34

PresleyPerkinsLewisCash.net Resident: $30-32 Non-Resident: $32-34

HOT BLOODED – THE FOREIGNER EXPERIENCE

apr

5

2019

HotBloodedForeignerTributeBand.com

Resident: $23-25

Non-Resident: $25-27

Resident: $26-28

Non-Resident: $28-30

SIMPLY THE BEST! TINA TURNER BY KAREN DURRANT

apr

13

2019

KMProd.com/Karen-Durrant Resident: $22-24 Non-Resident: $24-26

Resident: $30-32

Non-Resident: $32-34

THE DIAMONDS

apr

26

2019

TheDiamondsMusicGroup.com Resident: $24-26 Non-Resident: $26-28

AbsoluteJourneyTribute.com Resident: $26-28 Non-Resident: $28-30

7 BRIDGES

FleetwoodMacTribute.com Resident: $26-28 Non-Resident: $28-30

Jul

THE ULTIMATE EAGLES EXPERIENCE

5

2019

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

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

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

Schedule and prices subject to change without notice. Reduced ticket prices are for residents of On Top of the World Communities and Stone Creek. (Resident ID required when purchasing at ticket office.)

Ticket prices do not include sales tax. Refreshments available for purchase at events. To arrange for handicap seats, call or visit the ticket office. *Online tickets subject to a convenience fee. ALL TICKET SALES FINAL. **FREE TICKETS NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE. TICKETS MUST BE PICKED UP AT THE CIRCLE SQUARE CULTURAL CENTER TICKET OFFICE DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.

#12457 - 10/18

Tasteof

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Success

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How the Ocala Culinary Festival has elevated Marion County’s gastronomic reputation on the world’s stage.

BY NICK STEELE

Morgan Willett, Rondo Fernandez, Jose Juarez, Krystal Pleasant, Heather McCleaf, Sarah Belyeu, Randal White, Jennifer Murty, Jeannie Pierola, Paula King

Photo by John Jernigan NOV ’17 ›

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T

hree years ago, a group of passionate, community-minded tastemakers and visionaries embarked on a journey to establish Ocala as a culinary destination, engage food influencers, highlight the region and offer artfully curated, one-of-a-kind experiences. They knew, that if successful, the event would become a platform for extraordinary talent, enrich the local culinary scene and raise the profile of Marion County’s multicultural mix of restaurants and cafés.

Local foodies know that our region is home to award-winning restaurants and nationally recognized chefs, including Rashad Jones, owner of Big Lee’s Barbecue and the 2018 winner of Guy Fieri’s Food Network TV show Guy’s Big Project; Jose Juarez, aka The BarbaCuban, who was awarded the title of America’s Next Grill Star by LIVE with Kelly and Ryan; and Randal White, the awardwinning and highly acclaimed executive chef at Mark’s Prime Steakhouse.

But as any good chef will tell you, you can’t achieve true culinary greatness without the right recipe and mix of ingredients. That is something the organizers of the festival understood, and they envisioned a format where local chefs would participate with celebrated chefs and mixologists from Central Florida, throughout the United States and from across the globe. And they had something else in mind, which was the potential of the festival to stimulate tourism and, in turn, have a tremendous impact on the local economy.

Understanding that food and wine events tap into the growing interest in culinary tourism, the team set their sights on attracting visitors hungry for new and unique experiences. These travelers want more than just sightseeing—they want to sample outstanding regional cuisine, attend food and wine tastings, participate in cooking demonstrations and get an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes. This kind of authenticity with regard to gastronomic experiences extends beyond simply what we eat.

“People want to know the stories of where things come from, how it got to them, the history of a dish,” offers Sarah Belyeu, board member and wine director and partner at edison:food+drink lab in Tampa. “They are engaging on a level that they haven’t before, and the festival answers that desire for stories, information and engagement. At a time when there are so many challenges that people have in their lives and with all that is going on in

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“We are passionate about community, good food and family, and we are committed to producing a top-notch event that will inspire, excite and educate.” — Jennifer Murty, Festival Director

the world, the festival is able to bring people together in a very unifying way.”

The large number of sold-out events each year is testament to that.

“We have had unbelievable community support, and we have a very strong advisory board, all of whom are experts in their respective fields,” Festival Director Jennifer Murty explains. “This group provides the leadership to ensure the event is driven by the best. We are passionate about community,

good food and family, and we are committed to producing a top-notch event that will inspire, excite and educate.”

Indeed, there is no shortage of talent or enthusiasm on the board and visible evidence that the group is setting the bar higher for themselves each year.

“It’s really evolving,” offers board member and grilling-world star Jose Juarez. “We’re at the start of an explosion in terms of the

Photos on this spread by Ralph Demilio

culinary scene in Ocala. It’s going to continue to grow and get bigger and bigger.”

“In addition to our local chefs, we also bring in some really great chefs from other areas,” adds fellow board member Chef Randal White. “We’re trying to expand our culinary culture. When these chefs come here to work with us on the festival, they give us a whole different perspective on certain flavors and textures that we may be able to share here in our community.”

That is something that Dimitri Pomakis, chef at Feta Mediterranean Cuisine, can personally attest to.

“The reason the culinary festival is so important to Ocala is that it gives an opportunity to local chefs, like myself, to not only get some exposure, but it is also a learning experience for us as well. Just to interact with other James Beard-nominated

chefs, you inevitably learn a lot.

That’s actually my favorite part of the festival.”

It is a sentiment echoed by Festival Mixologist and Beverage Innovation Manager at Monin Clearwater Shelby Goelz.

“We all have a great opportunity to learn from each other. I was doing things with cocktails that the chefs hadn’t seen before, and they were inspired to incorporate into their dishes... and vice versa.”

For Paula King, owner of Agapanthus and designer of the tablescapes and decor for the festival, it has been a somewhat life-changing experience.

“The level of passion that I see from people who are involved with the festival is so impressive that it has changed my point of view. I’ve always enjoyed good, fresh, well-prepared food, though I would never have described myself as a foodie. But now I can!”

LEARN MORE › The third annual

Ocala Culinary Festival takes place April 3-7, 2019. For tickets and information, visit ocalaculinaryfestival.com or email info@ocalaculinaryfestival.com.

NOV ’17 ›

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TablE TALK Local chefs mix it up in their own kitchens.

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When someone loves cooking enough to make it a career, that passion doesn’t end when they come home.

We talked to four local chefs to find out how their careers began, what staples they always have on hand and their favorite kitchen tools. We even got them to share a recipe they enjoy cooking for their own families. Pull up a chair and enjoy.

BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN JERNIGAN

NOV ’17 ›

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She encourages people to shop the outer aisles at the grocery store and to avoid falling back on canned and dry/processed foods.

“We aren’t health nuts at our home, but I try to have fruit, veggies and proteins that are ready to eat,” says Patti, a mother of two teen daughters.

Patti’s all-time favorite dish? A good grilled cheese (no mayo!).

“It is hard to find people to cook for me,” she says, “but if they knew that all I ever wanted was a grilled cheese, maybe they would give it a try.”

Peach Ice Cream Topped With A Teriyaki Crumble ICE CREAM 6 3 1⁄2 10 4 2 2 3⁄4

eggs cups sugar fresh peaches, pitted and diced cups heavy cream cups half and half teaspoons salt teaspoon salt

Blend together ingredients with a hand mixer. › Place ice cream mixture into an ice cream maker, and churn for 30 minutes. › Freeze in containers for about an hour or until almost solid.

Patti Moring

Coordinator of Food Services at College of Central Florida; runs the college’s catering business Rosemary & Thyme; owner of Butter & Broth soup company, perfectsoups.com “I first realized I loved to cook while doing so for friends in college,” Patti Moring reflects.

“I was far from home, and it wasn’t always possible to go home for every holiday. My father, who worked for General Foods for 45 years, inspired me to go into the food business.”

This self-taught chef has her Bachelor of Arts in English and communications but has been in the food business since she was 15 years old, starting behind the counter of a small Italian bakery in New Jersey.

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TERIYAKI GLAZE TOPPING (can also buy store brand teriyaki)

“Throughout the past 30 years I have been on all sides of this business (serving, management and eight years in the corporate world as an assistant to the president of a large food group), and I have found that my favorite place to be is at my ‘cooking’ table in the hot kitchen with my staff,” says Patti.

Open her fridge and you’ll always find eggs, butter, cheeses, onions, garlic, a pitcher of water, milk, wine and herbs that have gone bad. In the pantry, there are always sprinkles for ice cream sundaes.

“We can always use sprinkles in our lives,” she laughs.

Patti’s go-to kitchen tools: Cuisinart chopper, KitchenAid mixer, immersion blender, soup pots and an inexpensive griddle she bought at Ikea that makes great grill marks on sandwiches and meat.

1⁄4 1 1⁄2 1⁄4 5 2

cup soy sauce cup water teaspoon ground ginger teaspoon garlic powder tablespoons packed brown sugar tablespoons honey

Place all ingredients in a sauce pan, and simmer until bubbling and thick.

CRUNCH TO GO OVER TOPPING 2

cups of chopped walnuts tossed in butter and sprinkled with brown sugar

Bake for 8 minutes at 350°F. › Dish out ice cream, pour the sauce over the ice cream and top with sugared walnuts.

Chef Randal White

Executive chef Mark’s Prime Steakhouse, author of Chef Randal White’s Southern Family Recipes, Kindle book available on Amazon.com

Smoked Mullet Dip 2 2 2 1 2 3⁄4 3⁄4 1 2

pounds smoked mullet teaspoons minced onion teaspoons finely chopped celery clove garlic, minced tablespoons sweet pickle relish cup mayonnaise cup warmed cream cheese tablespoon dry mustard Dash of Worcestershire sauce Dash of hot sauce tablespoons chopped parsley

Remove skin and bones from mullet. › Flake the fish well. › Mix all ingredients together, and chill at least one hour. › This makes approximately 1 quart of mullet spread. › Serve with saltines.

Born in Tampa, Chef Randal White is a third-generation Floridian who developed a love and fascination with food in childhood.

“My mom was a great inspiration. Her Crab Chilau (pronounced “sha-lau”) is the dish that made me fall in love with cooking. My dad was a union iron worker who would build outdoor grills and roast whole hogs,” recalls Randal. “I was about 8 years old when I started making spaghetti and barbecue.”

Randal vividly remembers attending a fancy dinner party with his family at Disney World when he was in elementary school. He was blown away by the dramatic ice sculptures and the impressive buffet. That inspired him to take his first restaurant job while in high school. After four years in the Marines, he went into the culinary field full time and has remained there ever since.

Randal’s fridge always contains fresh eggs (The family has freerange chickens at home.), different cheeses and real butter. In the pantry, you’ll find stone-ground corn meal, various pastas and rice.

He swears by a set of sharp knives and frequently uses a mandolin for thin slicing of veggies.

If Randal could change one thing about how Americans eat, he’d eliminate all the high fructose corn syrup and GMOs. He often makes the following dish for his wife, Sally, and their teenagers, Logan and Sydney.

NOV ’17 ›

045

Dimitri Pomakis

Chef/owner Feta Mediterranean Cuisine While attending college in England, this native of Greece began cooking for his roommates because, let’s face it, eating out all the time can be pricey. He’d watched his mother and grandmother cook, but it wasn’t until college that he found his own love of food.

After finishing his college degree, Dimitri Pomakis fulfilled his country’s mandatory two-year military service. When he was discharged in 2005, Greece’s dismal economy inspired him to come to the United States and begin working in a relative’s Greek restaurant.

(He’d actually come to Texas as a high school exchange student years earlier.)

“I made my hobby into my career,” says Chef Dimitri. Sure enough, in 2012, the Pomakis family opened Feta Mediterranean Cuisine in downtown Ocala, and it’s become an area favorite.

Chef Dimitri’s wife, Kathryn, also hails from a cooking family. Of Chinese descent, she grew up in Southern California where her family had a restaurant.

Open Dimitri’s refrigerator at home and you’ll always find Feta cheese, tzatziki sauce, Greek wine and beer. The pantry is stocked with Asian ingredients because of how Kathryn enjoys cooking.

Dimitri’s favorite kitchen tools include a sharp Zwilling chef’s knife, a blender and a grill; he prefers cooking outdoors when cooking at home.

He wishes Americans would stop eating so much processed fast food. They surely would if they could enjoy the family recipe he’s shared here.

Stuffed Peppers with Rice & Beef 10 10 16 2 1⁄2

1⁄4 1 1⁄2

046

sweet peppers (red, yellow and green) tomatoes oz. uncooked white rice lbs ground beef (or half ground pork and half ground beef) Salt and pepper (to taste) Ground oregano (to taste) whole bunch parsley, chopped fine cup sugar onion, puréed in blender cup virgin olive oil Feta cheese (1 oz per each pepper) › Ocala

.com

Preheat oven to 500°F. › Cut tops off peppers and 7 of the tomatoes. › Remove seeds and hollow out, reserving the tomato “insides.” › Grate those insides, and set aside. › Season meat with salt, pepper and oregano. › Place rice in bowl with meats, seasoning, parsley, sugar, onion and grated tomato. › Mix well with your hands. › Stuff hollowed peppers and tomatoes with meat mixture. › Place in large baking dish (glass or metal), and add a small amount of water, just enough to cover the bottoms of the tomatoes and peppers. › Grate the final three tomatoes, and spread grated tomatoes over top of stuffed peppers/tomatoes. › Drizzle all with olive oil. › Sprinkle with salt and pepper. › Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. › After 1 hour, uncover and sprinkle with Feta cheese. › Continue baking about 15 minutes until cheese has melted. › Serve with tzatziki sauce and additional Feta.

Rashad Jones

Owner/chef Big Lee’s BBQ Food Truck, winner of Food Network’s Guy’s Big Project, and host of his own show, Eat, Sleep, BBQ Raised in a family that enjoyed cooking made an early impression on Rashad Jones. No Hamburger Helper for this crew.

“I grew up with scratch-made food and loved it,” says Rashad, adding that his mother’s chicken cacciatore and stuffed pasta shells were favorites. He was cooking his own scrambled eggs by age 7.

Rashad pinpoints November 24, 2011 as the date he fell in love—with barbecue, that is, specifically, the phenomenal barbecue cooked by his wife’s uncle, Leon Archie, aka “Big Lee.” (And yes, he named the business after him.)

“That was the day the barbecue bug bit me,” he remembers. “’Serious about BBQ’ isn’t just a tag line; my passion for barbeque is deepseated in my heart.”

This self-taught “barbecue nerd” is a firm believer that there are no shortcuts when it comes to hard work and discipline, traits that have allowed his food truck business to thrive. He also credits wife, Patrice, a college professor, whose palate is, as he puts it, 20/20.

“She can taste something and immediately knows if it needs more heat, more spice or more savory,” he says. “If she says something is spot on, it is!”

Because Rashad and Patrice have four sons ages 1 to 7, their pantry holds many boxes of cereal, graham crackers, applesauce, nuts and dried fruit. The fridge always has milk, fresh veggies and fruit, and cheese.

Rashad’s Ninja blender is used regularly for making fruit smoothies and meat marinades.

He also swears by his TruHone knife sharpener.

He wishes more Americans would take time to get in the kitchen and cook with their family.

“Home shouldn’t just be a ‘docking station’ to power up your devices and sleep,” he says.

“Cooking is an opportunity to create with those you love, not to mention, it’s more nutritious than processed, prepared food.

When my wife and I go into the kitchen, our boys want to cook with us. We’re never getting these years back, so it’s important to slow down and create time to cook and eat a meal together.”

Jones Family Kalbi-Style Beef Rib Marinade 1 2 I 1 1⁄4 1⁄2 1⁄8 1 1⁄2

cup of low-sodium soy sauce tablespoons hoisin sauce teaspoon ginger teaspoon lemon juice cup turbinado or light brown sugar teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes cup Worcestershire sauce tablespoon garlic teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Put all ingredients into a blender, and mix for one minute. › Place 1 to 2lbs of sliced Korean-style short ribs into a durable and sealable bag. › Pour the blended marinade into the bag with the beef ribs. › Squeeze all air out, and mix meat and marinade combination thoroughly. › Place the sealed bag and contents in a bowl, and refrigerate for 24 hours. › Set your grill to 400°F, and sear each side of the beef rib slice until you reach your desired level of doneness. (“I’m a medium rare guy,” says Rashad). › Plate with your favorite sides, and enjoy!

NOV ’17 ›

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49

What’s For Dinner?

Restaurant

GUIDE

2018-19

This all-too-familiar question plagues many of us day after day. Well, we say put down that spatula and take off that apron—you deserve a night out! Ocala, Marion County and the surrounding communities are home to hundreds of amazing restaurants, and we’ve compiled a comprehensive resource guide with our readers’ appetites in mind and filled it with some of the region’s best and most talked about restaurants and eateries.

You just may find your favorite new hotspot.

The Ocala Style Restaurant Guide, created to help our readers locate incredible cuisine throughout the region, is digest size, so it fits perfectly in your glove box or center console for those “I don’t know, what do you want to eat” moments. With convenient maps broken up into regions, it’s easy to choose a restaurant to suit your needs, wherever you may be. Want a guide of your own or know someone who does? Pick up a copy at any participating restaurant or at the Ocala Style office. Bon Appétit!

S E N SATIONAL S I DE DIS H ES G OT TA- H AV E G A D G E T S

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

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PROMOTIONAL

› DINING GUIDE

Caribbean Food, With A Twist

If you’re craving the traditional flavors of Caribbean food but with the added fusion of Puerto Rican flavors, Creole 21 should be on your list of restaurants to visit.

“W

e offer a new option for your palate,” says manager Jose Burgos. “This fusion of Latin and Caribbean food is guaranteed to excite your taste buds and introduce you to different cultures, flavors and dishes.”

Creole 21 opened its doors on August 5. Surrounded by nature and the great outdoors, owner Juan Gonzales wanted to create a restaurant where his patrons would feel welcome and comfortable, a place to savor and appreciate home-made food— and he succeeded.

Creole 21 has become a fan favorite among the locals, and Juan invites everyone to come and try the unique blend of flavors Chef Jean Carlo Morales creates in the kitchen.

The menu was carefully crafted to include many tastes, including a great variety of appetizers, salads and soups.

The main draw, though, may be the mofongo.

This signature Puerto Rican dish is made with a mashed mound of plantains. Diners can then add their favorite seafood, meat, vegetable and sauce options to create the dish of their choice.

In addition, Creole 21 offers a createyour-own pasta option with plenty of meat and topping choices. In the mood for steak?

They have that, too. Try the Certified Angus Prime meat. If the kids are in tow, you will appreciate the kid’s menu. What kid doesn’t love chicken tenders and pizza?

If you’re out and about for lunch, you’ll want to opt into Creole 21’s text service.

From Monday to Saturday, the deli is open for lunch with daily menus for $6.99. To stay on top of the ever-changing menu, you can choose to receive a text message informing you about the daily specials and offerings.

To make it even easier, delivery service is available in the Summerfield area. Plus, for your next event, big or small, consider Creole 21 for your catering needs.

Creole 21 › 16580 S. Hwy 475 › Summerfield, FL 34491 › (352) 307-9300 › Restaurant: Mon-Sun 11a-9p › Deli: Mon-Sat 11a-2p

Ivy on the Square 53 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala › (352) 622-5550 Closed Mon › Tue 11a-2p › Wed 11a-9p › Thu 11a-10p › Fri & Sat 11a-11p › Sun 10:30a-2p 106 NW Main St, Williston › (352) 528-5410 Sun-Wed 11a-2p › Thu-Sat 11a-8p › ivyhousefl.com

“Come on home, it’s suppertime!” is our motto. We want you to feel you have come to our home to eat. The family-owned Ivy House Restaurant now has two locations, Williston and Ocala. The downtown Ocala location has added several specialty items, and the restaurant has been named by Florida Trend as one of the “Top 500 Best Places to Eat in the State” for several years. Specials include Southern Fried Lobster, delicious hand-cut steaks and our famous Baked Krispy Chicken. Trying our delicious homemade desserts like the Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Midnight Cake is a must when dining here.

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Great food is our Thanksgiving blessing to your family from ours! We are taking reservations now for Thanksgiving Day. We can prepare your Thanksgiving Day feast for you to take home and enjoy. Gift certificates available. Stop by our new speakeasy bar and enjoy our specialty drinks!

› DINING GUIDE

Book your party at Tony’s today.

Gift cards available.

Tony’s Sushi & Steakhouse 3405 SW College Road, Ocala › (352) 237-3151 › tonysushi.com Mon-Thu 11a-10p › Fri & Sat 11a-11p › Sun Noon-10p With abundant menu choices and over 100 off-menu rolls, you certainly won’t run out of options at Tony’s Sushi. If you can’t decide, the waitstaff is excellent at suggesting items you’re sure to enjoy. Every roll and sushi dish is made to order from the freshest ingredients. In the steakhouse area, highly trained chefs prepare a memorable meal as they cook on the tableside grills, preparing chicken, steak or seafood just the way you like it. Entrées include soup or salad and rice. Tony’s Sushi has a family-friendly, casual atmosphere, along with a full bar, including imported Japanese sake and beer selections.

Happy Hour Tue-Fri 5-7p Featuring $3 House Wines $5 Single Liquor Drinks BOGO Free Beer 50% off Select Appetizers Ladies Night Thursdays Enjoy 1 house wine or 1 well drink on the house at our bar. $5 Tapas 5p-8p

Happy Hour Specials: 2-7p every day, $3 Draft Beer $4 House Wine & Premium Cocktails, $5 Super Premium & $6 Harry’s Signature Cocktails $7 off bottles of wine Every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday at Harry’s. Happy Hour all day long!

Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse 2023 S Pine Avenue, Ocala › (352) 622-1741 › ipanemaocala.com Lunch Friday 11a-2:30p › Brunch Sunday 11a-3p › Dinner Tue-Thu 5p-9p › Fri-Sat 5p-10p › Sun 4p-9p A Churrascaria (portuguese for barbecue) where roaming gauchos slice and serve fire-roasted meats from skewers in continual fashion. Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse boasts 12 of the finest cuts of meat complemented by an opulent 50 item salad-vegetable bar, decadent desserts, wines, beer and cocktails. Now taking reservations for our Thanksgiving dinner. Book your holiday party and catering today! Our Sunday Brunch from 11a to 3p includes the 50 item salad bar plus crepe, waffle and Omelet station. For $32.95 you’ll receive all of the above plus a free Mimosa or Bloody Mary and 5 different cuts of meat and our grilled pineapple.

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille 24 SE 1st Avenue, Ocala › (352) 840-0900 › hookedonharrys.com Mon-Thu 11a-10p › Fri & Sat 11a-11p › Sun 11a-9p Located in the heart of downtown Ocala, Harry’s offers traditional Louisiana favorites like Shrimp and Scallop Orleans, Crawfish Etouffée, Jambalaya, Shrimp Creole, Blackened Red Fish and Louisiana Gumbo. Other favorites, like French Baked Scallops and Bourbon Street Salmon, are complemented with grilled steaks, chicken, burgers, po’ boy sandwiches and salads. Their full bar features Harry’s Signature Cocktails, such as the Harry’s Hurricane, Bayou Bloody Mary or the Cool Goose Martini. They also feature wines by the glass and a wide selection of imported, domestic and craft beer.

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Mushroom Carpaccio and Creamed Spinach Au Gratin

Savory Sides

Prep time: 15 minutes

Mushroom Carpaccio: 2 1⁄4 cups cremini mushrooms Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil salt, to taste

As the weather begins to cool, add a bit of the unexpected to your dinner table.

Creamed spinach: 2 1⁄4 cups spinach 1⁄2 cup heavy cream Parmesan cheese salt & pepper To make mushroom Carpaccio: Heat oven to 400°F. › Clean mushrooms, and cut into thin slivers. › Season with olive oil and salt. Set aside. › To make creamed spinach: Boil spinach 2 minutes, strain and place it into saucepan, over cream. › Cook 5 minutes. › In blender, purée mixture, and pour over mushroom Carpaccio. › Grate Parmesan cheese over entire dish; bake 5 minutes.

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he season is typically marked by gatherings of friends and family. Whether you’re hosting overnight guests, drop-in visitors or an important seasonal meal, taking a fresh approach to the menu can make the get-together more special.

Check out these sides and appetizers that will leave them asking for more.

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Grapes and Balsamic Glaze Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

1 2 1 2

pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil cup red California grapes tablespoons ready-to-use balsamic glaze pinch of salt freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Heat oven to 450°F. › On baking sheet, toss sprouts with olive oil and salt and pepper, to taste, until sprouts are well-coated. › Roast until deep golden brown, about 17-20 minutes, turning sprouts halfway through roasting. › Stir in grapes, and roast 3-5 minutes. › Transfer to bowl, drizzle with glaze or drizzle platter with glaze and pile sprouts on top.

Find more recipes at grapesfromcalifornia.com.

› DINING GUIDE

Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7p $5 select tapas & drink specials Check out our calendar for live music nights

Every Wednesday, enjoy 99¢ House Margaritas All Day Trivia Night every Thursday, 7-9pm (Silver Springs Blvd. location) Mariachi band every Thursday at the 200 location, 6-9pm

THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD

Reservations highly recommended for Thanksgiving buffet. Served from 11:30-5p.

@braisedonionrestaurant

Craft Cuisine 2237 SW 19th Avenue Rd., # 102, Ocala › Right Off Easy Street › (352) 237-7300 › info@craftcuisineocala.com › Lunch: Mon-Sat 11a-4p › Dinner: Mon-Thur 4-9p › Fri & Sat 4-10p

Craft Cuisine World Inspired Culinary Creations is now taking reservations for our Thanksgiving Brunch! Book your in-house gatherings, holiday parties, weddings or off-premise catering today!

Mouthwatering Monday: Build your own four-course menu selections from $13.99-$19.99 Tipsy Tuesday: $3 margaritas & 2-4-1 martinis Wine Down Wednesday: From 4-7p order a charcuterie board paired with a house wine for $10 Lobster Thursdays Prime rib Fridays Sangria Saturdays: $5 all-day brunch specials from 11a-3p endless mimosas $10, bloody marys $4

El Toreo 3790 E Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala › (352) 694-1401 › 7 Days 11a-10p SR 200, Ocala › (352) 291-2121 › 7 Days 11a-11p New lunch specials include Taco Salad on Mondays, $5.45; Speedy Gonzalez on Tuesdays, $5.45; Quesadillas on Wednesdays, $7.95; Chimichangas on Thursdays, $6.95; and Burrito Supreme on Fridays, $5.95. New dinner options include Fajita Mondays, $10.95; Chimichanga Tuesdays, $8.95; Alambre Wednesdays, $9.95; and Tacos de Bistec Thursdays, $9.95. Plus $1.95 margaritas on Mondays. On Sunday, kids 12 and under can enjoy $1.95 children’s meals (take-out not included). Wednesday is Special Margarita Day, 99¢ all day. Saturday is 2-for-1 margaritas all day. Happy Hour daily, 3-7pm. Everything is 2-4-1 (exceptions may apply).

Braised Onion 754 NE 25th Ave, Ocala › (352) 620-9255 Tue-Thu 11:30a-9p › Fri-Sat 11:30a-10p › Sun 11:30a-8p braisedonion.com

OPEN THANKSGIVING DAY! Join us with your family and friends for our annual Thanksgiving buffet. We’ll be serving all your holiday favorites, including: Oven Roasted Turkey with Pan Gravy, Traditional Baked Ham with Bourbon Mustard Glaze, USDA Choice Aged Black Angus Prime Rib with Au Jus, Eggplant Parmigiana, Chicken Fraiçaise, Panko Crusted Baked Cod, Sweet Potato Casserole, Fresh Green Beans and more! Call ahead for reservations. Adults $38.95, Children 10 and under $15.50. Come to our beautifully decorated banquet room, plan your holiday event with us so that you can relax and enjoy the party! Visit our website at braisedonion.com.

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Carrots & Fresh Herbs With Champagne-Dijon Vinaigrette Prep time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Champagne-Dijon vinaigrette: 2 1 1 1⁄2 1⁄2 1⁄2 1⁄4 1 1 1 2 2 1⁄3

tablespoons Champagne vinegar teaspoon Dijon mustard tablespoon clover honey cup Carapelli Organic Olive Oil teaspoon garlic, minced teaspoon sea salt teaspoon freshly ground black pepper teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped teaspoon basil, finely chopped pound carrots, peeled and finely shredded tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped tablespoons chives, thinly sliced, plus more cut into 3/4-inch pieces, for garnish cup Champagne vinaigrette fine sea salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste chive sticks, for garnish

In medium mixing bowl, combine Champagne vinegar, Dijon and honey. › Whisk constantly until well combined. › While whisking, slowly drizzle in olive oil to emulsify. › Add garlic, salt, pepper, parsley and basil, and whisk to combine. In mixing bowl, toss carrots, parsley and chives; add dressing. › Season, to taste, with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. › Garnish with chive sticks. › Notes: Vinaigrette can be stored in refrigerator up to five days. For zestier salad, add additional 2 tablespoons vinaigrette to carrots; serve with crusty bread.

Find more tips and recipes at carapelliusa.com.

Tomato Soup with Homemade Olive Oil Croutons Prep time: 10 minutes

4 3 1 1⁄2 3 1 10 4

tomatoes grilled red bell peppers in oil shallot cup Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus additional for brushing on bread tablespoons sherry vinegar clove garlic basil leaves salt, to taste pepper, to taste slices crusty bread

Cut small cross in bottom of tomatoes, and submerge in boiling water 30 seconds. › Let tomatoes cool in ice water 30 seconds; then remove skins. › In blender, blend tomatoes, red bell peppers, shallot, extra-virgin olive oil, vinegar, garlic, basil, salt and pepper, to taste, until mixture is smooth. › Add mixture to large pot, and heat, stirring frequently. Cut bread slices, brush with olive oil and grill 2 minutes per side over medium-high heat until visible grill marks have formed.

Find more recipes at bertolli.com.

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› DINING GUIDE

Make sure to visit both locations! Stumpknockers on the square in historic downtown Inverness and in Ocala on the Withlacoochee River.

Closed Thanksgiving Day.

Stumpknockers Restaurants

Live music Friday through Sunday.

Like us on Facebook for updates on events.

Planning a wedding? Contact us about hosting your big day at Whispering Oaks Winery.

VIP ROOM & PATIO AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE EVENTS. Happy Hour Mon-Thur 3-7pm.

Kids Eat Free Monday.

Ask us about our off-site catering services.

Stumpknockers Stumpknockers on the River › 13821 SW Hwy. 200, Dunnellon › (352)-854-2288 › Tue-Fri 2p-10p › Sat & Sun 12p-10p Stumpknockers on Historic Downtown Square › 110 W Main St, Inverness › (352) 726-2212 › Tue-Sun 11a-10p Looking for a casual, quaint restaurant with beautiful water views?

Look no further. Stumpknockers on the Withlacoochee River is calling your name. For more than 30 years, Stumpknockers has been serving up fresh, prepared-to-order meals. Guests can choose from such favorites as catfish, frog legs, sea scallops, steak and, of course, Florida gator. So what exactly is a stumpknocker? The small, bream-like fish is often seen near submerged cypress stumps in local waterways.

Stumpknockers Restaurants are similar to their namesake—small and tucked away, but certainly worth the trouble to find.

Whispering Oaks Winery 10934 N Country Road 475, Oxford › (352) 748-0449 › winesofflorida.com › Tue-Thr 11a-5p › Fri-Sat 11a-9p › Sun 11a-7p › Closed Monday According to a University of Florida study, Florida-produced blueberry wine has more antioxidants than all white wines, 80 percent of red wines and equal to the remaining 20 percent of red wines reported in the study. If you’re looking for health benefits in a glass of wine, blueberry wine should be your go-to-choice—and Whispering Oaks has some of the best blueberry wine in the state.

Every Friday and Saturday night, enjoy an award-winning steak or salmon dinner, served outdoors on the patio next to the open wood grill and koi pond.

Latinos Y Mas 2030 S Pine Avenue, Ocala › (352) 622-4777 › latinosymas.com Mon-Thu 11a-9p › Fri-Sat 11a-10p › Closed Sun Latinos Y Mas is the perfect gathering place for family and friends to enjoy the food they love the most. Come feel at home, and try the exquisite fusion of Latin food, such as one of their delicious new entrées, including Latinos Passion Chicken, Latinos Pargo Rojo, Roasted Beet Salad, Spinach Salad or Mexican Shrimp Ceviche, which you can enjoy there or order from the takeaway menu. Our friendly staff is more than happy to help plan an extraordinary dining experience.

CURBSIDE PICKUP COMING SOON!

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The Foodie Gift Guide Life is what you bake it. › By Lisset Lanza

Do you have a foodie in your life? These gadgets are cutting-edge, must-have tools for chefs and foodlovers. Stock your kitchen with these handy additions or mix it up and consider gifting them.

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Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Airtight Food Storage Containers

KRUPS 10-Speed Hand Mixer

BakerStone Stove Top or Grill Top Pizza Oven

This powerful KRUPS mixer comes with additional accessories such as beaters, dough hooks and a whisk. With quiet operation and up to 10 speeds, a count-up timer will keep track of the duration of your mixing while a swivel cord prevents tangles. › krupsusa.com

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A sleek and sophisticated design makes this oven a stylish addition to any home. Choose between a modern silver stove top or black grill top oven to achieve classic, wood oven style-pizza with an authentic Italian taste.

The product comes with a pizza peel and a spatula that match the design, and the oven can accommodate many types of food. › bakerstonebox.com

These airtight, dishwasher-safe storage containers are designed with organization in mind.

Clear lids and bases mean the containers are easy to identify.

The airtight, leak-proof storage options work to provide versatile decor in any kitchen while also keeping food fresh and accessible. › rubbermaid.com

Oster Countertop Oven with Air Fryer

This all-in-one countertop appliance can toast, bake, convection bake, broil and air fry, combining the functions of a toaster oven and air fryer. The oven can fit up to four slices of bread and includes a 60-minute timer and a mesh air frying tray.

Simply dump the removal crumb tray for easy cleanup. › oster.com

its three cooking racks. The temperature probe will take the guesswork out of cooking, with the food’s internal temperature shown alongside the oven’s set temperature on a digital display. › hamiltonbeach.com

Calphalon Premier Space Saving Cookware

This cookware is uniquely created with non-stick interiors and flat glass covers for efficient storage.

Stack or nest the pots, pans and lids in any order due to their specialized shapes and save up to 30 percent more space in your kitchen cabinets. › calphalon.com

Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express Multi-Cooker

The new Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker combines a pressure cooker with a slow cooker, so you can put a delicious meal on the table without the hassle. This allin-one appliance is ideal for those who prep in order to cook all day, or those who need an instant meal in an hour or less. › crock-pot.com

Hamilton Beach Professional Digital Countertop Oven

This toaster oven boasts a spacious capacity and can fit up to six slices of bread on

Hamilton Beach Professional 14-Cup Dicing Food Processor

With touchpad controls, five different attachments and nofuss setup to get the appliance started, this processor promises satisfaction. Whole foods can be fed into the processor without needing to be cut beforehand thanks to the large feed tube. › hamiltonbeach.com

interior and is an essential part of any kitchen. After cooking is finished, the pot automatically switches to the warming setting.

This is a versatile and trusted slow cooker. › westbend.com

Zeroll Ice Cream Scoops Known as the original ice cream scoopers, the aluminum tools are famous for heat-conductive fluid in the handle. The scoops are designed to reduce and eliminate compression, so ice cream scoops will look bigger and you’ll get up to 20 percent more scoops per gallon. › zeroll.com

Roomba i7+

When the cooking is finished and it’s time to clean up the mess, iRobot’s newest Roomba model brings a new level of hands-free technology to your home. The Roomba i7+ introduces Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, a feature that means it will empty its own dust bin into the Clean Base, which holds up to 30 bins of dirt. Imprint Smart Mapping results in the Roomba’s ability to learn, map and adapt to a home’s floor plan, allowing you to forget about vacuuming for weeks at a time. › store.irobot.com

Hamilton Beach Professional Quiet Shield Blender T-fal Cookware 12 Piece Nonstick Pots and Pans Set

Made of heavy, densely constructed aluminum, this set will heat quickly and evenly thanks to a Thermo-Spot indicator, which ensures properly preheated pots and pans. › t-falusa.com

West Bend Electronic Deluxe Versatility 6-QT Slow Cooker

Frozen ingredients are no match for a powerful blender.

A removable quiet shield will stifle noise as hard ingredients like ice are blended in seconds with stainless steel blades.

The shatterproof jar is cleaned easily and dishwasher safe. › $149.99, hamiltonbeach.com

West Bend’s slow cooker has a removable pot and non-stick

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Snacking

Through The Sunshine State Food festivals and family fun all across Florida

By Katie McPherson

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oosen up those belts and don some stretchy pants because, from fall through spring, Florida weekends are jam-packed with festivals dedicated to every food imaginable. From craft beer and gourmet tapas to cultural cuisine and plant-based morsels, everyone can find a festival fit for them. Which one will you take a bite out of?

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Epcot Food and Wine Festival Traveling from Australia to Germany and then on to Japan in a day is only possible at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Stroll the globe, visit your favorite international locations and also enjoy new location stations dedicated to specialty items—think spicy food, California wines and even a stop all about kombucha.

Fan favorite events such as Party for the Senses and the Eat to the Beat Concert Series are both returning this year to delight guests.

One new event this year is Sunday Brunch with celebrity chefs. Each Sunday, enjoy a delicious brunch buffet followed by a conversation with a renowned television personality, including Buddy Valastro, Carla Hall and Alex Guarnaschelli.

Visit disneyworld.com to purchase tickets and learn more about special events and schedules.

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Photos courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

NOW THROUGH MONDAY, NOV. 12 ORLANDO

Just in time for International Beer Day, SeaWorld Orlando is hosting its first-ever festival celebrating all things beer and brew.

The SeaWorld Craft Beer Festival will have more than 100 beers available on draft from breweries all over the state of Florida, plus a few well-loved domestic and international craft favorites. The festival will also feature a menu of unique foods to pair with any beer they choose.

The best deal for guests to experience the all-new Craft Beer Festival—and all of SeaWorld’s special events throughout the year—is with an annual pass. Guests looking to taste their way around the Florida craft beer scene can purchase sampling packages or buy `a la carte as they go.

For more information on pricing options, visit seaworld.com.

St. Petersburg Rib Fest

FRIDAY, NOV. 9 THROUGH SUNDAY, NOV. 11 ST. PETERSBURG

If sampling the barbecue stylings of award-winning “ribbers”—rib cookin’ experts—sounds like your kind of weekend, the St. Petersburg Rib Fest is the fest for you.

Northeast Exchange Club’s Ribfest, presented

by Sonny’s Bar B Q, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with ribs, music and family fun as a fundraiser for local youth.

This three-day event features some of the best ribbers in the world and many other

30A Wine Festival

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20 AND SUNDAY, FEB. 24 ALYS BEACH

Dade City Kumquat Festival SATURDAY, JAN. 26, 9AM-5PM DOWNTOWN DADE CITY

It’s not just a cute name! The annual Kumquat Festival brings travelers from all over the state to Dade City for the weekend—as many as 35,000 visitors and 400 vendors for the day. Kumquats are, of course, the pride of the festival with kumquat pie, cookies, smoothies, ice cream, marmalade, salsa and more available for sale. The neighboring town of St. Joseph is actually known as the Kumquat Capital of the World.

Like any good seasonal festival, there will be live music by local entertainers and arts and crafts booths as well. Fun activities at the festival include a car and truck show, health and wellness area, Kumquat Kids Corral and the annual Quilt Challenge. Admission to the festival is free, as is transportation from two satellite parking areas and parking downtown.

If events like oyster and Champagne pairings are right up your alley, the 30A Wine Festival is made for you. This five-day, can’t-miss event is about learning all there is to know about wine and spirits from the mixology experts who create them.

The Bourbon, Beer & Butts event features barbecue tastings paired with bourbon from distilleries from across the country and beer from local and national breweries.

And who would want to miss a boozy, breezy brunch event dedicated to rosé and croquet?

For more information, visit 30awinefestival.com.

STICKING AROUND?

Alys Beach is a luxury community nestled on the coast of Florida’s panhandle between Destin and Panama City, right along those signature white sandy beaches of the Gulf. It’s also minutes away from multiple state parks and the Point Washington State Forest. Stay in one of many Airbnbs or resort rooms available if you’re looking for an indulgent weekend getaway. If you relax best outdoors, camping is available in the state forest along with hiking and biking trails from 3.5 to 10 miles.

Visit dadecitychamber.org for more information.

Photo courtesy of The Garlic Festival

SeaWorld Craft Beer Festival WEEKEND DAYS NOV. 3 THROUGH 11 ORLANDO

(Thursday and Friday prior to the festival) with grove and packing house tours (visit kumquatgrowers.com for times and more information)—all part of the festivities that round out our Kumquat Festival month.

Photo by Richard Riley

Photo courtesy of Seaworld Orlando

beloved fair food options. National touring artists and local talent will come together to perform Southern rock and country hits, including acts like Runaway June, Josh Turner and Barenaked Ladies.

The event is held in Vinoy Park on the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg.

Tickets are $5 for Friday’s event and $20 each for Saturday and Sunday. Check out the full concert lineup and purchase tickets at ribfest.org

STICKING AROUND?

If you decide to drive to Dade City and spend a weekend, you wouldn’t be remiss. To kick off the month of the festival, the first Friday evening of January is First Friday in downtown—shops and restaurants open and host special entertainment. The next day, the historic downtown area hosts the Dade City Cruise-In, featuring hundreds of classic and cool cars and owners showing them off.

During the week of the festival, Kumquat Growers host an open house

South Florida Garlic Fest

SATURDAY, FEB. 9 AND SUNDAY, FEB. 10 LAKE WORTH

How could you miss “the best stinkin’ party in South Florida?” This year, the South Florida Garlic Fest celebrates its 20th anniversary with a festival featuring local musicians, artists and especially chefs.

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Each year more than 40,000 visitors attend to enjoy the delicious garlicky food and the accompanying entertainment.

The event is all about showcasing the numerous health benefits and culinary possibilities of the humble garlic. Countless recipes and unique dishes have been created by professional chefs in the Garlic Chef cooking competition and by concessions vendors—think garlic ice cream, garlic barbecue and garlic crab cakes. The Garlic Fest has been featured on the Food Network and in countless national newspapers and magazines.

The Garlic Fest also hosts an eclectic lineup of musical talent each year. In past years, guests have enjoyed Dispatch, Collective Soul, Sister Hazel and more. The 2019 lineup will be announced soon!

Tickets are $10 for entry before 6pm or $20 to enter after.

Visit garlicfestfl.com for more information on parking and purchasing tickets.

Guy Fieri and Snoop Dog

The Garlic Fest is held in John Prince Park, a beautiful, 726-acre green space with easy access from I-95 and 48 acres of campground with amenities. Lake Worth is also just 40 minutes away from Ft. Lauderdale and an hour from Miami, so enjoy those cities while you’re in the area.

Rev Run Ruckus performing

Guests at David Grutman experience

South Beach Wine and Food Festival

Photo courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20 THROUGH SUNDAY, FEB. 24 • MIAMI

Florida Strawberry Festival THURSDAY, FEB. 28 THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 10 PLANT CITY

The annual Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City is one of our fair state’s most beloved events and marks the very beginning of spring

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The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival is a national, star-studded, five-day destination event that Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka hosts some of the world’s most renowned, beloved chefs and culinary personalities.

However, its purpose is surprisingly local. The festival is hosted by Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, and to date, the event has donated more than $28 million back to the school.

With more than 85 events to choose from over the course of the festival, there is plenty to do, see and taste! Event details are not quite ready yet, so keep an eye on sobewff.org to learn which celeb chefs will be in attendance.

each year. It’s a festival with something for everyone—live music by national talent, eating contests, youth livestock shows, a battle of the bands, stunt shows, racing pigs and plenty of carnival rides, too.

Of course, be sure to stop by the various vendors and tents showcasing delicious strawberry dishes to get a taste of what the

strawberry festival is celebrating. Pies, tarts, jams, jellies and more will be available for purchase, and you should probably plan to buy two of everything. It’s all won-a-blue-ribbonat-the-county-fair good.

Concert lineups and ticket sales will be announced in midNovember on flstrawberryfestival.com.

Photos courtesy of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival

STICKING AROUND?

St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival

Photo courtesy of Madi Mack:St Augustine Lions Seafood Festival Food Line. Photo by Madi Mack

FRIDAY, MARCH 22 THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 24 ST. AUGUSTINE

The St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival invites all Floridians to visit America’s oldest city for a taste of its newest culinary innovations. Now in its 38th year, this festival draws out some of historic St. Augustine’s best

vegan foods. It’s organized by local nonprofit APlantBasedDiet.org, which has hosted popular Veg Fests in other areas of the state in years past.

Board members and fest organizers Mike Young and Denise Landa say this fun, all-day event is for everyone, not just those who eat vegan.

“We know there’s an active vegan community, but we’d love to introduce the lifestyle to others or maybe those who have

“We want to educate people so they know they can have control over their own health,” says Young.

Ocala Veg Fest is free to attend, but bring some money to enjoy the food and vendor offerings.

RSVP to their Facebook event for updates leading up to Ocala Veg Fest. Visit veganocala.org to learn more.

Ocala Culinary Festival

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 7 • OCALA

Photos by Ralph Demilio

restaurateurs and local diners, so visitors can sample everything from fried candy bars to conch ceviche. Of course, seafood will be in the spotlight, so be sure to taste fresh-caught grilled mahi, award-winning white chowder or stuffed lobster tail. Admission is $5, but kids 16 and under and military members with ID get in for free. More info is available on lionsfestival.com.

STICKING AROUND?

The festival takes place near downtown St. Augustine, so if you don’t want to make the drive there and back in a day, this is a great locale to turn into a weekend trip. Local bed and breakfasts—both haunted and not, your choice—line the nation’s oldest streets, as do plenty of top-rated Airbnbs.

Ocala Veg Fest

SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 10AM-4PM OCALA DOWNTOWN MARKET

The inaugural Ocala Veg Fest calls itself the first event in town to offer 100 percent

some uncertainty. We’d love to show them it’s all positive and that you can live a lifestyle like that and still enjoy life,” says Young.

“Most of this food you can’t even tell is vegan,” says Landa, citing some of her favorite cookies that will be available at the festival as an example. “And there’s always a coffee vendor there, too for our coffee lovers out there.”

There will also be plenty of opportunities for Veg Fest visitors to learn something new.

“We’ll have speakers all day long doing presentations, and we hope to have some music, too. It’s not only about food but related causes,” says Young. “We’ll have some speakers focused on the environment and sustainability in our daily practices, like being zero-waste.

Many people don’t realize what small changes they can make that will have a larger impact.”

APlantBasedDiet.org also promotes using healthy eating and food choices as a way to prevent most illnesses, like heart disease and diabetes, so Young and Landa say to expect some speakers on this topic as well.

High-end food tasting events were once reserved for Florida’s major metropolitan areas, but the Ocala Culinary Festival changed that perception after its inaugural event just a few short years ago.

Chefs from around the United States and beloved chefs of Ocala join together in a dayslong celebration of unique food and cocktails.

Last year, many of the chefs involved were James Beard Award nominees. Keep your eye on the website ocalaculinaryfestival.com to purchase tickets and learn more about the scheduled events as information becomes available.

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Live On Stage!

November 15-18, 2018

SPONSORED BY: DUKE ENERGY • LINCOLN OF OCALA VETERANS HELPING VETERANS • WUFT ON TOP OF THE WORLD COMMUNITIES PLEASE BE AWARE: THIS SHOW CONTAINS STRONG PROFANITY AND INTENSE CONTENT. Tickets $35 adults • $33 OCT subscribers $18 full-time students (school ID required for college students)

Special Meet-and-Greet Event Friday, November 16 Pre-show 7:00-7:45 p.m.

Meet Stephen Lang at a post-show reception Hors d’oeuvres, wine, champagne

Limited tickets available

Tickets $40 (in addition to show ticket for November 16)

352.236.2274 • OcalaCivicTheatre.com 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470 In The Appleton Cultural Center

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Save Your Seat

Circle Square Cultural Center recently celebrated its grand reopening, just in time for a season chock-full of concerts and events. The venue now features a 2,000-square-foot lobby, two built-in bars, a 3,500-square-foot front veranda and a 1,200-square-foot porte-cochere.

Photo by John Jernigan

M O N T H LY T O - D O ’ S

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Scene A Roundup Of The Month’s Best Bets › By Bonnie Kretchik Select Cinema November 11

The Ocala Film Foundation’s Cinema Sunday allows attendees the rare opportunity to screen impactful independent films at the historic Marion Theatre while engaging in discussion and dialogue with the filmmaker. Each independent film, aired monthly, features an educational program followed by a Q&A session with the filmmaker. The Ocala Film Foundation was selected as one of only five screening partners in the state to take part in the Tour of Independent Film Makers. This month’s selection, Farmsteaders, tells the story of Nick and Celeste Nolan, farmers fighting to resurrect their grandfather’s dairy farm. All screenings will take place at 3:30pm at the Marion Theatre.

For a complete listing of upcoming films, visit ocalafilmfoundation.org.

Country Living November 10-11

Take a step back in time and get a feel for what our ancestors’ lives must have been like at the annual Ocali Country Days.

Held at the Silver River Museum, the twoday event includes living history exhibits, demonstrations, unique craft vendors, meetings with Seminole tribal members and so much more. Two new hand-hewn log cabin buildings dating back to the 1800s have been added to this year’s event as well as an animated hologram exhibit of an Ice Age mammoth. The festival runs 9am-4pm both days with proceeds benefiting the museum’s educational programs. silverrivermuseum.com or (352) 236-5401.

Let’s Skate!

November 17-December 30

Who said you can’t ice skate in Florida? Let’s Skate Ocala will open the rink later this month in conjunction with downtown’s Light Up Ocala. The annual tree-lighting event features live entertainment on four stages, two kid zones, great food and so much more.

Attendees will get their first glimpse of this year’s ice rink, which will feature special themed nights throughout December.

For more information or to rent the rink for private parties, visit ocalafl.org or call (352) 368-5517.

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› Ocala

.com

First Time’s The Charm!

November 10

If you’re looking to earn the coveted Lucky Charm Challenge medal in this year’s Big Hammock Race Series, then get those sneakers laced up! The Sangria 5K Dash, held at the Island Grove Wine Company, will reward thirsty runners with a glass of sangria as they cross the finish line. The race coincides with the Jazz in the Grove Festival, featuring vendors, music, activities, wine tastings and more. The race begins at 8am with the start and finish held at the historic 1897 cracker house on the property. For more information or to register, visit the Big Hammock Race Series Facebook page or bighammockraceseries.com.

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Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club FRIDAY | DECEMBER 7

6PM-10PM

please contact Steve Rothenburg at (352) 620-9100

First Responders Culinary Combat!

Dinner, Dancing, Photo Booth, & Santa

Tickets Required

500 Northeast 8th Avenue Ocala, FL 34470

352-629-6229 Cocktail Attire Required | $55 per person, Cash Bar A portion of the proceeds will go to the Harrison Foundation.

We will also be collecting personal items for the Arnette House.

NOV ’17 ›

067

Concerts

The Local

Ben Rector

House of Blues, Orlando

Nov. 2

Twenty One Pilots

Amalie Arena, Tampa

Nov. 3

Vince Gill

St. Augustine Amphitheatre

Nov. 11

Lonestar

The Sharon, The Villages

Nov. 15

Kenny Rogers

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale Nov. 16

John Tesh

The Sharon, The Villages

Nov. 16

Mayday Parade

House of Blues, Orlando

Nov. 23

Elton John

Amway Center, Orlando

Nov. 27

KC and the Sunshine Band The Sharon, The Villages

Nov. 29

Barry Manilow in A Very Barry Christmas

Amway Center, Orlando

Dec. 8

Kansas

Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach

Dec. 14

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Amway Center, Orlando

Dec. 15

Performing Arts

Scene

Downtown To Dos November 2 › First Friday Art Walk, downtown Ocala, 6pm November 2-3 › Ocala Fitness Festival, Citizens’ Circle 4pm November 9 › Red Kettle Kick-off, downtown Ocala, 12pm November 17 › Light Up Ocala, downtown Ocala, 4pm

Upcoming Events In The Villages November 3 › Decades Rewind › Savannah Center November 3-4 › Arts & Crafts Show › Spanish Springs Town Square November 5 › Stephen Lang in Beyond Glory › Savanah Center November 9 › Ain’t Misbehavin’ › Savannah Center November 9 › Parady’s Tribute to Veterans › Brownwood

Born Yesterday

Ocala Civic Theatre

Through Nov. 11

Paddock Square

“Best of the Season” Presented by Visual Artists’ Society

College of Central Florida, Ocala

Nov. 1-Nov. 30

Sumter Landing Market Square

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

The Sharon, The Villages

Nov. 6

So You Think You Can Dance Live!

Hard Rock Live, Orlando

Nov. 9

Dance Alive’s Wonderment

Reilly Arts Center, Ocala

Nov. 9

The Spinners

The Sharon, The Villages

Nov. 10

The Theory of Relativity

College of Central Florida, Ocala

Nov. 9-11

Beyond Glory

Ocala Civic Theatre

Nov. 15-18

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins”

Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse, Mount Dora

Nov. 16Dec. 16

Handel’s Messiah

Reilly Arts Center, Ocala

Nov. 17

Paddock Square

Motown in Motion

Circle Square Cultural Center, Ocala

Nov. 24

Hello, Dolly!

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando

Nov. 27-Dec. 2

The Studio Theatre - Stop Kiss

The Sharon, The Villages

Nov. 27Dec. 30

December 7 › Celtic Angels Christmas › Savannah Center December 9 › Bowzer’s Holiday Party › Savannah Center December 10 › The Drifters › Savannah Center December 11 › The Guess Who › Savannah Center

VoicExperience Holiday Voices

Circle Square Cultural Center, Ocala

Nov. 30

Town Square

Symphony Under the Lights

Reilly Arts Center, Ocala

Nov. 30

December 17 › Christmas With The New York Tenors With Special

OSO Pops! Goes the Holidays

Reilly Arts Center, Ocala

Dec. 1-2

Marion Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

Ocala Civic Theatre

Dec. 7-16

Atlantic City Boys

Circle Square Cultural Center, Ocala

Dec. 8

Dance Alive’s The Nutcracker

Reilly Arts Center, Ocala

Dec. 11

The Sharon, The Villages

Dec. 17-18

A Christmas Carol 068

› Ocala

.com

November 10 › The Villages Daily Sun Wheels Car Show › Lake November 17 › Cruise-In Car Show › Spanish Springs Town Square November 18 › The Grass Roots › Savannah Center November 24 › The Villages Amateur Radio Club Show › Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

November 28 › The Villages Tree Lighting Festival › Spanish Springs

Town Square

November 28 › The Fab Four › Savannah Center November 30 › The Villages Tree Lighting Festival › Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

November 30 › The Kingston Trio › Savannah Center December 4 › The Villages Tree Lighting Festival › Brownwood

December 15 › Christmas Cruise-In Car Show › Spanish Springs Guest Dawn DiNome › Savannah Center

December 19 › Too Marvelous For Words - A Celebration Of Nat King Cole › Savannah Center

Arts, Crafts and Culture Appleton Museum Of Art Exhibits › Myth, Mother, Muse: The

Paintings of Matthew Bennett explores his relationships with women

Continued on p.70

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069

The Local

Scene Continued from p.68

as an artist, friend and husband. The exhibit runs through November 25.

Flourish: The Ceramic Artistry of Beth Garcia features flower-like sea anemone forms that create fantastical imagery. The exhibit runs through January 13. La Dispora: Keepers of Heritage includes paintings, prints, sculptures and mixed media by members of the Puerta Rican Dispora Orlando and runs through January 20. A Dicken’s Christmas: The Urban Family Holiday Collection will open November 10 and features the popular Dickens Village and themed trees throughout the museum. The exhibit will run through December 30. appletonmuseum.org or (352) 291-4455.

Internship Opportunity (Ongoing) › The Marion Civic Chorale will offer an internship oppportunity to high school singers. Students will be paid an hourly rate to rehearse and perform with the chorale at their annual Veterans Day and Christmas concert performances.

Application materials are available from area high school choral directors. marionchorale.org or (352) 537-8833.

Craft Show (November 3) › St. John Lutheran Church will host a craft show featuring handmade arts and crafts, bake sale, lunch and door prizes. The event will run 8am-2pm, and proceeds benefit the church, school and missions. (352) 629-1794.

International Film Series (November 6) › The Appleton Museum will present the international film El Jeremias this month. The film will begin at 2pm and is free for Appleton members and included with museum admission for non-members. appletonmuseum.org or (352) 873-5808.

Prado on the Patio Party (November 9) › The Appleton Museum will

host an outdoor event with a Puerto Rican theme. The event will feature live music, salsa dancing, Puerto Rican food and more. Tickets are $20 for Appleton members and $25 for non-members and must be purchased in advance. appletonmuseum.org or (352) 291-4455.

Holiday Bazaar (November 10) › Trilogy at Ocala Preserve is hosting a

holiday bazaar in the grand living room at the clubhouse from 10am-3pm.

The event will feature numerous hand-made crafts, jewelry, clothing, food and more. Admission and parking are free. (352) 240-7435.

Artist Lecture (November 14) › The Ocala Art Group is hosting an artist lecture at the Appleton Museum’s Library from 11am-1pm. The speaker, Curtis Arnett, is one of the youngest members of The Highwaymen, a group of traveling artists. Space is limited, and reservations are recommended. theocalaartgroup.org or (352) 598-9069.

Rainbow Springs Art Festival (November 17) › The Rainbow Springs Art Festival will take place in Dunnellon from 10am-4pm. The event will include numerous arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, food vendors and more. Artist booths are available. For more information, visit the Rainbow Springs Art Festival Facebook page or call (352) 445-8547.

Inspired Speakers Series (November 18) › The Appleton Museum will host Brooke King, an army veteran, poet and author. The presentation will discuss the role of women in the history of war. The event will run 2-4pm, and admission is free for Appleton members and CF students and $10 for non-members. appletonmuseum.org or (352) 291-4455.

Trains at Christmas (November 24-25) › The Meadowbrook Church Model Railroaders will host its ninth annual Trains at Christmas display in the Meadowbrook gym from 8am-3pm. The event will feature a spectacular layout of model train designs and is free and open to the public. mbcocala.com or (352) 873-3767.

Symphony Under the Lights (November 30) › The Ocala Symphony

Orchestra will perform seasonal pieces in the Jenkins Open Air Theatre next to the Reilly Arts Center in Tuscawilla Park. The concert will run 7:309pm. ocalafl.org or (352) 351-1606.

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

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

Basic Wild Caving Experience (Ongoing) › Brick City Adventure Park will host a beginner caving experience for ages 8 to adult the first Saturday of the month at 9am. The event requires strenuous physical activity, and participants require long pants, gloves and sturdy footwear. Caving gear will be provided. Registration is $35 per person. marionparksrec.org or (352) 671-8560.

Kayak and Paddleboarding (Ongoing) › The Marion County Parks Quilt Show (November 9-10) › The Country Road Quilters of Ocala’s quilt

show will take place at the Circle Square Cultural Center from 9am-4pm and will include vendors, door prizes, demos and more. Admission is $8. crqocala.com.

Spruce Creek Preserve Arts and Crafts Fair (November 10) › Spruce Creek Preserve will host a free arts and crafts fair from 9am-1pm.

The event will feature a bake sale, raffles, a free craft drawing every 20 minutes and more. (352) 861-0159.

and Recreation Department will host numerous kayak and paddleboard outings each month, including morning, evening and beginner sessions. marionparksrec.org or (352) 671-8560.

Marion County Senior Softball Fall League (Ongoing)

› Marion County Parks and Recreation will host a fall softball league

for men over age 55 and women over age 50. Games will take place Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Ralph Russell Park. Registration is $25. marionparksrec.org or (352) 671-8560.

Continued on p.72

070

› Ocala

.com

WHERE TO FIND

Everything You Need

FALL in Love with Parks

PADDOCKMALL.COM 3100 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL

November welcomes seasonal change, but that’s not all Ocala will see changing this fall.

T

he City of Ocala is excited to announce the Downtown Ranger Program, a new initiative intended to enhance the customer experience in downtown Ocala. This experienced twosome will monitor and serve Ocala’s downtown, from the S-curve north to Ocala Union Station, seven days a week. The goal of this program is to provide assistance to business owners, residents and visitors in downtown Ocala. These rangers will also provide enhanced safety and security for the downtown area.

LIVE on the Square kicked off in September and will act as an evening soundtrack for patrons visiting downtown Ocala. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 6 to 8 p.m., you can expect to hear new or familiar voices filling up the streets with live music.

If you are interested in performing, please email a soundbite or video to jinglehart@ocalafl.org, along with your name and contact information. As the holidays roll in, so does the entertainment.

Have our new digital signs caught your eye? Recently, the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department installed three large, full color digital signs to help share information across our community.

These signs are located at the Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex, NE Eighth Avenue, and the corner of State Road 40 and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. These signs are constantly being updated with information you won’t want to miss!

The City of Ocala’s Cultural Arts & Sciences Division has a new home downtown. What is commonly known as the Lilsa Building is now home to our Cultural Arts and Sciences staff. Having called Ocala Union Station “home” for quite some time, our team is excited about the move and being in the heart of downtown Ocala. The office is located at 223 SW Broadway St. To contact this division, please call (352) 629-8447.

LEARN MORE › For more information about all things Recreation and Parks, please call (352) 368-5517 or visit www.ocalafl.org.

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CarltonArmsofOcala.com NOV ’17 ›

071

The Local

Scene Continued from p.70

Archery Classes (Ongoing) › Marion County Parks and Recreation will host a series of archery classes for adults and children. Beginner and intermediate courses will be offered. marionparksrec.org or (352) 8871-8560.

Complex Monday through Friday at 9am for ages 17 and older. The prorgram is free. ocalafl.org or (352) 401-3920.

Critter Trail 5K (November 17) › The fifth annual Critter Trail 5K will

Audubon Bird Hike (November 2) › The Marion Audubon Society will

be held at Silver Springs State Park. The off-road course is limited to 300 runners and begins at 9:30am. Proceeds benefit the state park. runsignup.com or friendsofsilversprings.org.

Walk For Life (November 3) › The Women’s Pregnancy Center will

Turkey Trot 5K/10K (November 22) › The 23rd annual Turkey Trot 5K/10K will be held at the Frank DeLuca YMCA from 7-10am. The event also features an outdoor cycling class, an outdoor youth dodgeball tournament, family activities and more. ocalaturkeytrot.com or (352) 368-9622.

host a monthly hike from the Fort King National Historic Landmark. The hike will run 8-10am and is free and open to the public. ocalafl.org or (352) 622-2850. host a fundraising walk at Tuscawilla Park. The walk will begin at 8am. ocalafl.org or (352) 351-1294.

Other Fun Stuff!

Public Library Programs (Ongoing) › The Marion County Public Library System hosts a number of programs for children, teens and adults. marioncounty.org or (352) 368-4508.

ESL Classes (Ongoing) › Free English as a second language classes will be held at First Baptist Church of Ocala on Wednesdays at 6pm.

Three levels of courses are available, and child care is offered.

(352) 629-5683.

Adult Education Courses (Ongoing) › Master the Possibilities will

host a number of courses and seminars this month, including the future of NASA, remembering 9/11, an American bald eagle seminar as well as others. masterthepossibilities.org or (352) 861-9751.

Interpretive Nature Walks (November 6, 20) › Walkers will

meet at Brick City Adventure Park at 8:30am to travel to walk location.

November’s walks will be held at Pruitt to Ross Prairie on November 6 and the Marshall Swamp on November 20. Resgistration is $2. marionparksrec.org or (352) 671-8560.

Wild Side 5K Run (November 10) › The Forest Animal Rescue

Sanctuary will host a 5K run in downtown Ocala. The run will begin at Citizens’ Circle at 9am. Participants are encouraged to wear animal or safari print. ocalafl.org or (352) 625-7737.

Adult Basketball League (Through November 15) › An age 18 and

over adult basketball league will be held at the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center. The league will host play Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9pm.

Registration is $15. ocalafl.org or (352) 401-3920.

Ocala Jokey Club 3-Day Event (November 15-18) › The Ocala

Jockey Club will host an international three-day event competiton at its 590-acre facility. This year’s competition will be one of only five CCI3* events held in the Southeast. ojc3de.com or (352) 266-3970.

Ocala Cup Paso Fino Horse Show (November 16-18) › The

Southern Regional Paso Fino Horse Show Association will host a threeday show at the Southeastern Livestock Pavillion. Competition begins at 9am daily and runs to completion. Main events and entertainment begin at 7pm. Admission is free. srpfha.club or (352) 615-4424.

Shining Sneaker (Through November 30) › A low-impact cardio walking/running program will be held at the E.D. Croskey Recreation 072

› Ocala

.com

Ocala Health Events › A diabetes support group will be held

November 7 as well as a VA benefits seminar followed by a veteran reception and recognition event. A healthy living seminar will be held November 16 and a back pain workshop will take place November 14.

All programs will be held at the Senior Wellness Community Center in Ocala. Advanced registration is required. ocalahealthsystem.com or (800) 530-1188.

Corn Maze Festival (Through November 4) › Timberline Farm in

Belleview will host its annual Corn Maze Festival Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through November 4. The festival features music, pony rides, face painting, vendors and more. timberlinefarms.net or (352) 454-4113.

Life Skills Program (Through November 30) › A life skills program will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays for kids ages 10-18 at the Lillian F. Bryant Community Center. The program will focus on topics such as budgeting, interview skills, hygiene and more. ocalafl.org or (352) 629-8389.

Mad Lab Exhibit (Through December 29) › The Discovery Center

is currently hosting an interactive exhibit educating guests on the science that inspired Mary Shelley to write the classic, Frankenstein.

The exhibit is open Tuesdays through Fridays, 9am-5pm and Saturdays, 10am-3pm. Admission is $6 per person or $20 for a family of four. mydiscoverycenter.org or (352) 401-3900.

FUNTASTIC After-School Program (Through May 24) › The E.D.

Croskey Recreation Center will host an after-school program from 2-6pm for children ages 5-12. The program will include healthy snacks, arts,

crafts, sports, homework help and more. Registration is $60 per month. ocalafl.org or (352) 368-5539.

TEDxOcala (November 3) › TEDxTalks bring together people from

around the world and around the corner. This year’s event will be held at the Reilly Arts Center from 10:30am-4:30pm. The theme, “It’s Time,” will feature a number of speakers presenting short, powerful talks revolving around education, customer service, the arts, mental illness and much more. tedxocala.com.

Love

It’s all about

Marion County Chili Cook-Off (November 3) › Now in its 37th

year, chili afficianados will make their way to the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion hoping to compete for the top prize. Attendees can sample and vote for their favorite concoctions, and the annual dessert contest will feature numerous creative confections. The event willl be held from 10am until 5pm, with proceeds benefitting The Cornerstone School. marioncountychilicookoff.com or call (352) 351-8840.

Ocala Eye Grand Opening (November 8) › Ocala Eye will host a grand opening celebration event at Heath Brook. The event will begin at 4:30pm with a partners’ reception followed by the ribbon cutting at 5pm. The celebration will continue through 7:30pm and include drinks and appetizers, giveaways, complimentary bright eye treatments and hearing evaluations, up to 50 percent off eye glass purchases and more. ocalaeye.com or (352) 622-5183.

Fort King Lecture Series (November 9) › A different monthly lecture focusing on the environmental, social and historical issues of Fort King and the Seminole Wars will take place at the Fort King Historic Landmark. fortkingocala.com or (352) 368-5533.

Church Bazaar (November 10) › The Grace Episcopal Church Women

will host their annual bazaar from 8am-4pm at the church parish hall. The event will include a variety of handmade crafts, jewelry and homemade food items. (352) 347-2549.

Home and Family Living Expo (November 10) › The Marion Oaks

315 E Silver Springs Blvd. | (352) 401-0044 | LadyJeweler .com

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Community Center will host a home and family living expo from 11am3pm. The event will feature numerous vendors, pet adoptions, a blood drive, food and games. Admission is free. (352) 453-0957.

YPO C-Suit at Ocala Eye (November 13) › Young Professionals

Ocala will host a panel of discussions from the executives at Ocala Eye from 5:30-7pm, focusing on the lessons learned over the span of a career, recommendations for young professionals in the industry and the challenges and benefits of leading a multi-group practice. RSVP required.

Complimentary drinks and appetizers will be provided. For more information, visit the YPO facebook page.

Nancy Porter

Graduate Gemologist, Diamond Setter, Designer

HoliCON (December 1) › Meeple Movers Board Games and More will host a day of gaming beginning at 10am at the Hilton Ocala. The event will feature new and classic games, contests, special events and more.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. meeplemovers.com or (352) 572-5637.

Attack on Fort King (December 1-2) › The Fort King Historic Landmark will host two days of historical and educational experiences. The event will run 10am-4pm both days. Admission is $5 and free for veterans and children under 5. ocalafl.org or (352) 368-5517.

315 E Silver Springs Blvd. | (352) 401-0044

L adyJeweler .com Like us on

Facebook and

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NOV ’17 ›

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› SOCIAL SCENE

Kids Central Helps Children In Need › Written And Photographed By Ronald W. Wetherington

G

uests were agents of change for children in need at Kids Central’s Casino Royale evening. With a vintage Vegas theme, the Hilton Ocala was the setting for this fourth annual fundraiser. This year, the event included a 1980s throwback theme featuring the greatest hits of Madonna.

Guests first relaxed with a complimentary cocktail hour as well as sampling an impressive hors d’oeuvres buffet. The action-packed games were

by Casino Party Planners. Guests played the games all in the name of the great cause of abused and neglected children. Casino Royale would not have been such a success without its presenting event sponsor Shay Coach who was in partnership with event sponsor LifeStream. The list of local sponsoring businesses is lengthy.

It was an evening jam-packed with fun. Upon arrival, attendees received a voucher for gaming tokens.

They then took their vouchers to any gaming station and a casino representative changed the vouchers into gaming tokens.

Guests spent lively hours with their tokens and could always buy more. At the end of the evening, tokens were changed into raffle tickets and wonderful prizes were drawn.

Jessica Gilbert, director of community affairs for Kids Central said, “Casino Royale is an exciting

evening. However, it is important to remember that we do this for the kids, and without our sponsors, it would not be possible. Our dedicated supporters allow us to give children and families what they need, which isn’t covered by any other funding.” Over $20,000 was raised in just this one evening.

Kids Central provides brighter futures for children not only in Marion County but also Citrus, Hernando, Lake and Sumter Counties. The agency develops and manages a comprehensive community-based system of care for abused, neglected and abandoned children and their families. Kids Central is committed to promoting the welfare of expectant mothers, babies, children, families and young adults through prevention services, in-home care, foster care and adoption.

Kids Central is changing the community for the better, one life at a time.

With unrestricted funds like those raised from Casino Royale, Kids Central can provide families like Tasha Anderson’s services to get back on their feet again. Kids Central has helped Tasha begin the steps to reunification with her four children through one of its local child abuse prevention programs, such as the Ocala Family Resource Center, which helps families who are struggling.

Through the assistance of Kids Central’s Ocala Family Resource Center, Tasha has fully furnished her new home with appropriate beds for her children and a donated washer and dryer from a Kids Central staff member.

Tasha is employed, but with the help of Kids Central community facilitator Melissa Casto, Tasha has made provisions to return to school so she will find a better job and enhance her self-sufficiency.

Kids Central is more than a child welfare agency. It is a beacon of hope.

Kids Central turns vision into action.

To be an agent of change and make a difference in the lives of children, visit kidscentralinc.org.

Ronald W. Wetherington SOCIAL SCENE EDITOR

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.com

Steve and Cynthia Tieche

John and Felicia Judge

Brianne Sieg, Charlotte Walker, Joe Graff, Kristan Ashton

Nicole Mason, Joseph DeSimone, Kayla McIntosh

Denice Nieves, Kathy Lyons, George Durham, Mytza Rivera

Kristin Nast, Kathy Bryant, Felicia Judge

Danna Edwards, Jennifer Barnes, Frank and Brenda Woods

Steve Condit, Nate Breitbach, Jay Sanchez

Daniel Foster, Emily Noto, Kath and Chris English

Paul and Michelle Damien

Jessica Gilbert, John Cooper, Debra Velez

Katie Caltucci, Gretta Barber, Shay Jenkins, Jennifer Bradshaw

Joshua Smith, Kelly and Scott Caldwell

Roy Koscielniak, Pam and Andy Westervelt

David Kortright, Anette Francia NOV ’17 ›

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11th Annual Applaud The Arts Photographed by Destiny Barth @ Reilly Arts Center

The 11th Annual Applaud The Arts event, hosted by the Marion Cultural Alliance and the City of Ocala’s Discovery Center, took place on September 20. Guests were served tapas and libations from our area’s top chefs at the Discovery Center before moving to the Reilly Arts Center for live performances, MCA Arts Awards and the presentation of the 2018-2019 MCA Cultural Awards.

LA Craven, Alex Castrillo, Melanie Ross

Malcolm Harris, Stephanie Ellis, Jennifer Normoyle, Korey and Patricia Hanchar, Ashley Justiniano

Kim Burt, Terra Newcombe

Taylor Davenport, Trisha Filley

Naaz Saju, Jasmine Fore

John and Danna Zobler

Heather and Ryan Sumner

Athena Atsides, Alejandro Barros

Lenore Nichols, Mary Poe

076

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.com

Josh and Becca McCullough

Stephanie Giera, Steve and Jennifer Murty

Caleb and Lisa Lombardo

Travis and Allie Magamoll, Molly and John Roberts

THE

Scene

› SOCIAL SCENE

VIEW MORE SOCIAL SCENE PHOTOS AND PURCHASE PRINTS OF YOUR FAVORITES AT OCALASTYLE.COM

Marion County 4-H Foundation’s Casino Night

Photographed by Ralph Demilio @ Adena Springs South

Amber Starling, Valerie Dailey, Christine Damron

The Marion County 4-H Foundation’s Casino Night took place on October 13 and featured Vegas-style games and slot machines, dinner and drinks, a silent auction and door prizes. All proceeds benefited the foundation’s mission to create supportive environments for youth to reach their fullest potential.

Savannah Dominey, Madaline Evans, Jeremy Dominey

Shelley Sharp

Chris Dickenson, Jared Richell

Robbie Ergle, Tracy Moody, Shelley Sharp

Dr. Gene and Gretchen Hill, Larry Mack

Sarah Supermoses

Paul Noel, Dori Morgan

Greg Ergle

Samantha Dailey, Savannah James

Paul Patella NOV ’17 ›

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DeLuca Toyota 40th Anniversary Celebration

Photographed by Ronald W. Wetherington @ DeLuca Toyota

In October, Frank DeLuca and DeLuca Toyota celebrated 40 years in business. What started with 18 employees on a few acres has grown to a company of nearly 200 on more than 25 acres. As Ocala’s first State Road 200 dealership, DeLuca Toyota is still going strong. More than 100 guests joined Frank for the gala event, including local elected officials and Toyota representatives.

Fabian Hernandez, Vera Sandiford, Richard Trotta, Julio Velez

Alan and Toni Chatman, Sean Kaplan

Sandy Ingraham, Ed and Mike Killory

Hank Grooms, Frank DeLuca, Ed Sheehy

Jan Marquez, Nate Miles, Jim Renslow, Karl Staude

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Toni Chatman, Michelle DeLuca, Janet Chitty

Michael Facey, Patrick Sands, Neil Quarles

Dick Chitty, Frank DeLuca, Alan Chatman

Freddie and Mary Ellen McKezie

Mitzh Cook, Leslie Dupont, James Faro

Christopher Dehn, Jessica Muse, Sam Strom

Bill Browder, Herb Eng, Bobby Kennedy Frank and Michelle DeLuca

Brandon Mackall, Jason Ardire, Robert Williams

David Ellspermann, Charlie and Michelle Stone, Hank Grooms

Ed Sheehy, Tom James, Joey Stathas III NOV ’17 ›

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TOYOTA MAKES THE CAR...

DELUCA MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!

-FRANK DELUCA PRESIDENT/OWNER

“TREATING CUSTOMERS WITH HONESTY AND INTEGRITY FOR 40 YEARS!”

352.732.0770