Ocala Style Dec'17

DEC’17

Ocala

TOWN & COUNTRY VACATION DESTINATIONS BIG AND SMALL

YOUR FITNESS FAMILY The Marcianos welcome you to Zone Health & Fitness

Plus

Local Lattes

A coffeehouse roundup

Motorsports Mania Plan a trip to The Firm

Out Of This World

Cape Canaveral is calling

Thank You!

In this, season of giving,

and reflection, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has shown me support and helped make this another successful year. I am grateful for the wonderful people I have met and been able to introduce to the beauty and uniqueness of Ocala. This has been a year full of success and achievements, but more importantly, a year of incredible relationships and bonds. I wish to thank all my friends and clients for a memorable year. To Bonnie and Francis, the two of you make up the best team of professionals in the business, and I am grateful for your friendship. To my husband, JJ, your love, support and guidance are constant, and I am truly blessed for that.

As we move into 2018, new equine opportunities are coming to Ocala. The opening of the World Equestrian Center is sure to bring new neighbors and friends, plus enjoyable times watching world-class equestrian events. As Ocala continues to expand, our great city still manages to retain a small town charm. Marion County is indeed an ideal place to live, raise a family and enjoy the equine lifestyle. From excellent schools and fine dining, to cultural events and amazing outdoor recreation, Ocala continues to draw an eclectic blend of people.

To my clients, my greatest joy is in helping you find your ideal home or farm so that you can share in all this town has to offer. So many of you have become my dear friends over the years and for that I am truly blessed.

Thank you for making this year so special for us. We hope to continue working with you in the coming years.

I wish you and yours a very joyous and peaceful holiday season!

Sold in 2017

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30

PROPERTIES SOLD

RANKED NUMBER 1

Ocala Marion County Association of Realtors Independent REALTOR in Marion County Broker/Owner Joan Pletcher, Realtor*

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

352.347.1777 | Cell: 352.266.9100 | 352.804.8989 | joanpletcher@aol.com Due to the privacy and at the discretion of my clients, there are additional training centers, estates, and land available that are not advertised. * 2017 Leading REALTOR in Marion County, Florida based on Market Share of 14 properties closed between Jan1 to Sept 30, 2017

“I love my new smile!”

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Get AMPed, Marion County We all want to be healthier. The fact is, it’s tough, especially if we’ve been a little too slow to self-motivate. Well, we’re about to flip the script to help get you motivated, and stay motivated, with Active Marion Project (AMP). It’s an innovative county program and smart phone app developed right here to help all Marion County residents live a healthier lifestyle. Just download the app and you’re off and running (maybe not literally though). A new, healthier you is just waiting to step out.

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N E P O Canterfield of Ocala

An Assisted and Independent Living Community

Offering a memory care program with memory care dining that is unlike any other in the area.

For residents with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and other memory challenges, we offer a comprehensive memory program.

Our program enhances the lifestyle of those with early memory loss by giving them an opportunity to live an active and fulfilling life while enjoying continuity through Canterfield’s neighborhood concept with the same staff members day in and day out.

Our goal is to focus on the dignity, safety and quality of life of each of our residents.

Just the right amount of support is offered and adjusted whenever necessary. Given proper nutrition, programming and surroundings, we believe residents naturally function at a higher level at Canterfield as individualized “memory activities” are developed to stimulate, recall and deter additional memory loss issues.

Call today for a tour of our memory care facility and enjoy a complimentary lunch!

• 21 Spacious Apartments in Memory Care • Independent Living Villas • Assisted Living • Memory Care • The Lifestyle YOU Earned!

Call to learn about our grand opening specials

Canterfield of Ocala

An Assisted and Independent Living Community

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9589 SW Hwy 200 | Ocala FL www.canterfieldofocala.com

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RADIOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF OCALA, P.A.

(352) 671-4300 www.RAOcala.com We are proudly contracted with a variety of insurances and file all claims with the exception of non-contracted HMO's. Please visit our website for a detailed list of who we are contracted with. Contracted insurances are subject to change.

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Contents

In Every Issue

DECEMBER ’17

015

THE BUZZ

016 018 020 022

M A K E R S S PAC E AROUND TOWN FROM CITY HALL HORSIN’ AROUND

027

THE HIVE

028 030 032

GOOD TIMES CLASS ACTS SNAPSHOTS

The real people, places and events that shape our community. By Brett Ballantini, JoAnn Guidry and Nick Steele

Dedicated to enriching the lives of local families.

By Kevin Christian & Laurel Gillum

Hey Style Insiders!

057

THE DISH

058 060 061 062

A CRAVING FOR COOKIES! SPICE IT (ALL) UP DINING GUIDE A GLASS OF GIVING

Here’s your link to December’s giveaway. http://woobox.com/yng4ku (Ends 12/15 at 12pm.)

Our best recipes, restaurant news and culinary quick bites. By Cealia Athanason, Robin Fannon, Laurel Gillum and Sean Trapani

067

070 074

024 A Heart To Serve. Zone Health & Fitness opens a second location for its growing fitness family.

THE SCENE

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

By Cealia Athanason, Ralph Demilio, Bonnie Kretchik, Laurel Gillum, Nick Steele and Ronald Wetherington

068

On The Cover

Ocala

TOWN & COUNTRY VACATION DESTINATIONS BIG AND SMALL

034 The Final Frontier.

Schedule a visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Merritt Island as part of your family’s vacation flight plan. › By Jim Gibson

backwoods barbecues, we explore six vacation destinations you and your family are sure to enjoy. › By Cynthia McFarland

048 In The Driver’s Seat. The FIRM bills itself as YOUR FITNESS FAMILY The Marcianos welcome you to Zone Health & Fitness

Plus

Local Lattes

A coffeehouse roundup

“Motorsports Heaven,” and it’s about as close to car-driving heaven as you’re going to get. › By Jim Gibson

Motorsports Mania Plan a trip to The Firm

Out Of This World

Cape Caneveral is calling

Photographer: John Jernigan On Location At: Zone Health & Fitness

In This Issue

038 Town & Country. From big-city lights to DEC’17

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

On the cover:

Photo courtesy of noc.com

052 A Good Cup Of Joe. Ah, coffee. It’s fuel for our busy days; often the elixir for our not-so-good days. › By JoAnn Guidry

DEC ’17 ›

011

W O N

N E P O

SERVICES WE OFFER: CRYOTHERAPY PDO THREADING BOTOX FILLERS HYDRAFACIALS Y LIFTS VAMPIRE FACIALS KYBELLA

LASER HAIR REMOVAL FACIALS CHEMICAL PEELS LASER SKIN RESURFACING MICRO NEEDLING SCULPSURE WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM MASSAGE THERAPY

AND MUCH MORE!

MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE Spa Party Reservations Available!

352.509.7076 INNOVA WELLNESS SPA

10230 SW 86th Circle GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAI LABLE

Suite #200 Ocala | 34481 innovawellnessspa.com

Ocala Magazine PUBLISHER

Kathy Johnson kathy@ocalastyle.com

OFFICE/PRODUCTION MANAGER

Cynthia Brown

cynthia@ocalastyle.com Editorial EXECUTIVE EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR

Karin Fabry-Cushenbery Melissa Peterson

karin@ocalastyle.com melissa@ocalastyle.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Vianca Torres

Cealia Athanason vianca@ocalastyle.com

cealia@ocalastyle.com

FOOD & LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR SOCIAL SCENE EDITOR

Robin Fannon Ronald W. Wetherington ronald@ocalastyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angelique Anacleto Brett Ballantini Kevin Christian Jim Gibson Laurel Gillum JoAnn Guidry

Bonnie Kretchik Cynthia McFarland Katie McPherson Judge Steven Rogers Nick Steele Sean Trapani

Art CREATIVE DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jessi Miller Kristy Taylor

jessi@ocalastyle.com kristy@ocalastyle.com

Amber Laudicina

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

Dean Johnson

deanjohnson@ocalastyle.com 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 COLLECTIONS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Omar Montanez Ellie Rabon

omar@ocalastyle.com ellie@ocalastyle.com DISTRIBUTION

Dave Adams

dave@ocalastyle.com

Debra McQueen Rick Shaw

OCALA PUBLICATIONS, LLC.

o: 352.732.0073 › f: 352.732.0226 › 1007 E. Fort King St., Ocala, FL 34471 ocalastyle.com OCALA STYLE MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2017 / VOL. 19, NO. 12

Published monthly by Ocala Publications, LLC. All contents © 2017 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.

OCALA / MARION COUNTY

FONTS

OCALA / MARION COUNTY

CHAMBER & ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

OCALA / MARION COUNTY

CHAMBER & ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP OCALA / MARION COUNTY

CHAMBER & ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

TAGLINE & ARROW

OcalaPublications

GREYSCALE LOGOS

CHAMBER & ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

MOVING FORWARD MOVING FORWARD MOVING FORWARD MOVING FORWARD

MAIN FONT:

TRADE GOTHIC BOLD (Kerning 50pt) TAGLINE FONT:

TRADE LIGHT OBLIQUE (Kerning 50pt)

DEC ’17 ›

013

ALL OF US JOIN IN WISHING YOU A

Happy Holiday Season

Schedule an appointment today!

507 SW 1st Ave., Ocala, FL 34471 properteasesalon@gmail.com

352.351.1771

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

A Winter Wonderland Let’s Skate Ocala is happening now! Grab your friends and head to Tuscawilla Park before December 31! Admission is $5 per person for a 30-minute session and includes skates.

For rental availability and additional information, please call (352) 629-8545.

HOURS OF OPERATION: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 5-9pm › Fridays: 5-10pm Saturdays: Noon to 10pm › Sundays: 1-6pm Closed Mondays and Wednesdays Theme nights are back! These special events will take place from 5-10pm FRIDAY, DEC. 8: Paradise on Ice (Hawaiian theme) FRIDAY, DEC. 15: Santa’s Workshop with a special screening of the movie Elf FRIDAY, DEC. 22: Superheroes Night FRIDAY, DEC. 29: Disco Night Photo by Ralph Demilio

the

B U Z Z page

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MAKER’S SPACE

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FROM CITY HALL

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HORSIN’ AROUND

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THE

Buzz

MAKERS SPACE

Crafting A Company

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› Ocala

.com

transformed her experiment into a business.

“They were like ‘Make me some candles.’ and ‘I want this scent,’” she recalls. “That allowed me to see what was the most popular and build from there.”

She wasn’t alone on her journey from hobbyist to professional.

“I started Little Oak with my husband, Cole. He’s a lawyer for a private firm, but he’s also my managing partner,” she shares. ”He’s helped in every aspect— from the logo design and naming the company, attending festivals with me and helping sell candles, to just being there to discuss ideas and concerns.”

Karla started whipping up her candles in her kitchen at her home in Ocala, but she recently upgraded to a fully equipped candle workshop when the family relocated to Gainesville. This allowed her to grow the operation and continue to home-school her 10-year-old son, C.R., who she strives to keep academically challenged. But the true bosses in the house, rescue-dog Donut

Photo courtesy of Little Oak Candle

Karla Barnett’s journey to becoming a maker began one evening during a dinner at her home.

“We had a friend over to see if I might be able to get a job selling insurance with her,” Karla explains. “I’m a stay-at-home mom, and I’ve been homeschooling my son since the first grade, so I was trying to find something to earn a little extra income.”

Although the dinner didn’t lead to the job she was after, it set her on an unexpected path that would ultimately deliver her to success as an entrepreneur.

“She mentioned she’d always wanted to learn to make soy candles,” Karla recalls. “I said, ‘That would be fun.’ To which she replied, ‘Well I’ve got the stuff, and I haven’t used it. If I give it to you, will you learn how to do it and teach me?’ I said, ‘Sure! I wouldn’t mind learning.’”

And learn she did.

“I watched YouTube videos and read everything I could find,” she shares. “Pretty soon, I was pouring my first candle and was like, ‘Oh my gosh. This is awesome. I love this!’”

After seeing what a hit the candles were with friends, she

Photo by Nick Steele

› By Nick Steele

and rescue-cat Rey, aren’t even on the payroll.

How did the Barnetts know how to create a brand?

“I don’t have a business degree,” Karla admits. “All I had were my own experiences to go by. When I bought candles at the store, I would wind up with that black film

around the top of the container.

When I started my research, I found out that many candles have paraffin in them. Paraffin is a petroleum product. I thought, ‘I don’t want to put that in my candles.’ Soy wax comes from soybeans, so they are eco-friendly and 100 percent renewable.”

Photos courtesy of Little Oak Candle

“Paraffin is a petroleum product.

I thought, ‘I don’t want to put that in my candles.’ Soy wax comes from soybeans, so they are eco-friendly and 100 percent renewable.”

-Karla Barnett But that wasn’t the only thing they decided to leave out of the mix.

“We are all used to a candle being a certain color and

associating that color with a particular scent,” she offers. “But that is just an added dye and has nothing to do with the scent. So we don’t use them. Our candles are paraffin-free [and] phthalatefree, and our wicks are lead- and zinc-free,” Karla explains. “Many commercial candles will put lead or zinc in the wick. Ours is 100 percent cotton with a wax coating.”

What was equally as important was where the materials for their candles come from.

“Everything we use is sourced and manufactured here in the United States,” says Karla.

Then it was time to put the candles to the test.

“I applied to the Ocala Downtown Market and got right in. It was fall, and people were looking for Christmas gifts, so I hit

at the right season.” she recalls.

“Everyone was very receptive and liked that there was this person in their town making candles.

That first day, I really wasn’t expecting to sell anything. But we sold 25 or 30 candles. The Ocala community was fantastic. Soon after, Laura from Florida Local Exchange found me and said, ‘Hey, I am opening this store. It’s only for local vendors.’ The fact that her store has hours every day, not just Saturday mornings, is fantastic.” she continues. “Then we got into Earth Fare. That was super exciting. It’s a fantastic store, and I am so happy our candles are available for their customers.”

But the candles have also simultaneously brought out something new in Karla and something nostalgic to her customers.

“I’m naturally an introvert, but interacting with customers feeds me,” she shares. “I love when someone smells a candle and says something like, ‘Gosh, this reminds me of my grandmother’s garden.’ It makes me genuinely happy to spark a memory in someone.”

She also made good on that bargain.

“I did teach my friend how to make candles, and now she has her own little candle company as well.” she explains. “I also now teach candle-making classes for all ages. It’s super fun because it makes people happy, and why wouldn’t you want to make someone happy?”

LEARN MORE › littleoakcandle.com

DEC ’17 ›

017

THE

Buzz

AROUND TOWN

Gig Eclectic

Have a favorite genre of music? You won’t have to wait long before hearing it played live somewhere in Ocala. › By Brett Ballantini Although sizable music venues and small clubs alike are scattered throughout Florida, you may not realize that some of the very best and intimate venues sit right here in town. Here, truly no genre is left unheard.

Check out some of the best bets to get your groove on.

Charlie Horse Restaurant & Lounge

2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala charliehorseocala.com (352) 622-4050 Charlie Horse features live music seven nights a week, whether indoors or out (on “the Big Deck”).

The Horse’s music offerings include a weekly blues jam hosted by the Adams brothers (Mondays), a classic rock jam with Pat Jarnagin (Tuesdays)—as well as a karaoke bar.

Cup O’ The Irish

Maricamp Square, 3233 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala thecupocala.com (352) 694-0245 The Cup is an intimate venue, but hosting bands didn’t come by happenstance. Geoff and Francis Oldberg bought the Cup O’ The Irish a couple years ago and immediately set out to bring in a diverse stable of artists to entertain. Now it offers one of the most eclectic rosters of artists in town, strumming every Tuesday through Friday night.

“They originally told me they could fit 40 people inside, and I said if that’s true, 12 will be in the kitchen,” says veteran country singer John Johnson with a laugh.

“It’s a really neat place, laid back, intimate. I love playing there. It’s like a living room concert—they even have a couch!”

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› Ocala

.com

Mojo Grill

4620 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala mojogrillandcatering.com (352) 291-6656 Mojo boasts three locations, but, in our opinion, the best is Mojo Grill East on East Silver Springs Blvd., which spotlights Mojo’s “headlining” acts. Mojo Grill Belleview (4496 SE 100th Place, (352) 307-6656), and Ocala West (2015 SW 17th Street, (352) 369-6656) feature several acoustic, open-mic nights per month, usually hosted by Greg Pando.

Pi on Broadway 110 SW Broadway St., Ocala pionbroadway.com (352) 369-5100 It’s a sturdy competition, and Pi on Broadway is one of downtown Ocala’s best music venues, with a rooftop bar and stage without peer.

Live music grooves every Thursday through Saturday, often featuring house favorite the Kimber Davis Band.

Tavern on the Square

11 E Silver Springs Blvd. tavernonthesquareocala.com (352) 390-8969 Staying true to a tavern’s original intent—a place not to brawl but to appreciate the finer things— Tavern on the Square is the tightest club in town. Take in the Tavern for all your jazz needs, be it Latin Night Fridays or jazz brunch on Sundays.

1,825 200 2 1

We can’t wait to see what Chris does next.

At the University of Florida Health Cancer Center, our comprehensive team of dedicated experts in clinical research, diagnosis, treatment and whole-life care are ready to celebrate milestones with you, like we have with Chris. After a life-saving bone marrow transplant, Chris crossed the graduation stage at UF and is now walking towards his future. At the UF Health Cancer Center, you’re not just our patient, you’re our partner.

UFHealth.org/cancer

days since diagnosis nights in the hospital years in remission graduation day celebration

THE

Buzz

CITY OF OCALA

Did You Know?

More home fires occur in winter than during any other season.

With portable heaters, electric decorations and candles around the home December through February, it’s no wonder the risk for home fires is at a yearly high. However, high risk does not have to mean high occurrence. Here are some ways to ensure your loved ones are safe as you stay cozy and warm this holiday season.

› Have one working smoke detector in every bedroom and common area in the home. › Every second counts. It’s always best to know at least two ways out of every room. › Keep anything that burns at least 3 feet from heat sources.

For more tips, visit ocalafire.org or call (352) 629-8306.

IT’S SANTA!

SANTA ON THE SQUARE RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN OCALA TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS FROM 6-8PM DEC. 5 THROUGH 21.

Small Superheros

The Super Kids Save the World exhibit is on display now through Saturday, Jan. 20 at the Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave. This exhibit is open to the public Tuesdays through Fridays from 9am-5pm and Saturdays from 10am-3pm. This interactive exhibit, based on the book George Saves the World Before Lunchtime, teaches families how to reduce, reuse, repair and recycle.

For a full list of events, visit events.ocalafl.org.

FLASHBACK!

Thanks for Giving: Harvest Fest 2017

Feel Downtown LIVE and the City of Ocala would like to thank everyone who attended this year’s Harvest Fest Music and Food Truck Festival.

Because of your gracious contributions, we were able to donate more than four tons of food to Project Hope for families in need this holiday season. Thanks to our wonderful sponsors: Insight Credit Union, Tri Eagle Sales, All the Hits Q 92.9 FM, US 102.3 FM and Legacy Team Sales.

Fight At The Fort A Fight for Freedom: Attack on Fort King will take place Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3 from 10am-4pm at the Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St. Join us for the second annual re-enactment of Osceola’s attack on Fort King and the demise of Indian Agent Wiley Thompson, an event that led to the start of the Second Seminole War.

Energy-Saving Tips

It’s time to get your home ready for cooler weather! Apply these tips and tricks around your home to improve your comfort, health and safety this winter. These tips will also potentially reduce maintenance costs and help you save on energy costs. › Be sure to change your A/C and heating system filters every 30 days and vacuum the surrounding area. › Caulk all windows and exterior cracks to reduce heat loss and save energy. › Check and replace all damaged weather-stripping on doors and windows around your home.

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› Change the directions of your ceiling fans and leave it on a low speed. › Check the insulation levels in your attic. Contact Ocala Electric Utility for rebate information!

For more conservation tips, visit ocalaelectric.org.

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THE

Buzz

HORSIN AROUND

A True Cowgirl

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› Ocala

.com

Photo by Christine Kronz

When Keri Elizabeth Sheffield began competing in rodeos at age 6, her mother thought it was just a phase her daughter was going through. Well, 18 years and counting later, Sheffield is still riding, roping and barrel racing. And beyond that, Sheffield is a bona fide rodeo queen.

In fact, Sheffield, who has competed in goat-tying, pole bending, breakaway roping and barrel racing, is a three-time rodeo queen.

She was the 2005-2006 Southern Junior Rodeo Association and the 2010-2011 Florida High School Rodeo Association queens. Currently, she is the reigning Miss Rodeo Florida and will vie for the ultimate title of Miss Rodeo America in Las Vegas from December 3-10. The pageant coincides with the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s National Finals Rodeo (Dec. 7-16).

“I’m the only one in my immediate family who does rodeo,” says Sheffield, 24. “My mother thought I would outgrow the whole horses and rodeo thing. I think when I kept competing through high school, she realized it wasn’t just a phase. My mother and my whole family have always been my biggest supporters.”

And even while earning her bachelor of science in nursing at Rome, Georgia-based Berry College, Sheffield continued to rodeo.

It’s that commitment and devotion to the sport of her choice that makes Sheffield a perfect rodeo queen.

“To become a rodeo queen, you go through a strenuous competition of horsemanship, interviews and public speaking,” says Sheffield, who is an intensive care nurse at West Marion Community Hospital. “Rodeo queens are the ambassadors for the sport of rodeo, as well as promoting the Western lifestyle.”

Photo courtesy of Keri Sheffield

Summerfield native Keri Elizabeth Sheffield, the 2017 Miss Rodeo Florida, will compete in the Miss Rodeo America pageant December 3-10 in Las Vegas. › By JoAnn Guidry

As Miss Rodeo Florida, Sheffield travels extensively with the other state rodeo queens to PRCA events across the country. In addition to their rodeo duties, such as riding in the

Grand Entry to kick off the competition, rodeo queens participate in various community events.

“I love meeting people, especially kids, as a rodeo queen and PRCA ambassador,” says Sheffield, who owns Chickbo, a now 17-year-old Quarter horse mare she’s had since eighth grade. “My official Miss Rodeo Florida platform is ‘Life is best lived when serving others.’”

Looking beyond her rodeo queen days, Sheffield wants to become a nurse anesthetist and a medical missionary. But rodeo will always have a special place in her heart.

“Along with my family, my rodeo family helped shape me into the person I am today,” she says. “And rodeo will always be a part of my life.”

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PRO M OTI O N AL FE ATU R E

A Heart To Serve

Zone Health & Fitness opens a second location for its growing fitness family. › Photography by John Jernigan

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or Ben Marciano and the Zone Family, Zone Health & Fitness is about changing people’s lives. Ben has been in the fitness industry for 20 years, working as a consultant to boost gym memberships for 10 years before becoming the YMCA’s membership director in 2005. He worked his way up to vice president during his 10-year stint there.

“My dream was always to open my own gym,” he says.

From his many years of experience, he’s seen different exercise and diet regimens implemented at gyms to help members achieve results. He has also witnessed how building relationships with members has had a positive impact. He wanted to create a place where people feel like they’re part of a family.

When members walk into Zone Health & Fitness, they’re greeted by friendly staff right away. Zone staff connect and build relationships with members, creating a

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welcoming environment from the start. The passion to turn fitness into family at Zone comes from a desire to serve others.

“Our heart has to be about serving people,” Ben says. “We definitely designed the facility with everyone in mind.”

This is where the concept of zones comes in. Because gyms can seem intimidating and confusing to many people, Ben wanted to make sure there was something for everyone. Zone offers 16 zones to suit different goals and needs.

“Our mission is to shape lives and strengthen communities, because, when one is well, our world grows stronger,” Ben says.

A Growing Family

Ben’s approach to fitness has created a place that motivates, encourages and welcomes each member. As a result, the Zone family has continued to grow over the years, and once membership reached 5,000 members, expansion was necessary.

“We saw tremendous growth,” Ben says.

At an annual meeting, a visiting consultant asked the Zone staff what they wanted for the gym. They all wanted to franchise it, catching Ben by surprise. He gave his staff a goal to reach 5,000 members. When they reached that number, they would expand.

“It only took 6 months for my staff to achieve this goal,” Ben says. “I knew there was a number we needed to be at.”

The second location is located in Market Street at Heath Brook on Highway 200. It

“Our heart has to be about serving people. We definitely designed the facility with everyone in mind.”

wasn’t hard to pick the location, and Ben feels they have been welcomed and cared for there.

“We knew we wanted to be on that side of town,” Ben says. “That’s where the growth is.”

This second location offers most of the same zones with the addition of XGT—a program that incorporates weight training and natural body movements with a nutrition plan.

“XGT is about being a better you. More than you thought you could be. Functionally fit to take on whatever challenge is waiting for you when you walk out of the box,” according to Zone’s marketing department.

This new location will take a more boutique-style approach to fitness.

“It’s a smaller facility with a more personal touch. It has a classy, very welcoming feel, and it’s on the second floor overlooking beautiful scenery,” Ben says.

Just as Ben’s wife, Danielle, created his vision with the beautiful design of Zone East, she has also worked to design Zone West. Zone East showcases Star Trac equipment, and Zone West will showcase Nautilus equipment—Star Trac’s newest equipment on the market.

Members of Zone will enjoy membership at both locations, as well.

Ben is grateful to this community for welcoming Zone, and his team gives back each year to support different needs.

“This community has embraced Zone and embraced us. We’re so thankful for the support we’ve received. Ocala is like a big family,” Ben says. “The more success we have, the more we can help the community.”

— Ben Marciano

Next year, Zone plans to give its support to underprivileged children and the homeless within our community.

Changing Lives Through Fitness

In September 2014, Zone Health & Fitness opened its doors where Compass Health & Fitness had been previously. Ben and his wife worked on a business plan for one year, creating a vision and visiting gyms all over the country. Ben hadn’t been able to imagine leaving the YMCA, but one interaction had changed the course of his career.

Ben ran into Tom Ingram, senior vice president/community president of CenterState Bank, while at Eaton’s Beach one evening. Tom mentioned that if Ben ever opened his own gym, he would love to invest in it. Ben started thinking about it again.

He talked it over with his wife, and he even dreamed about it that night.

Then, it was just a matter of time and prayer before everything seemed to fall into place. He knew the owner of Brick City Fitness, which came after Compass. The owner happened to be looking for someone to take over the space, DEC ’17 ›

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“XGT is about being a better you.

More than you thought you could be.

Functionally fit to take on whatever challenge is waiting for you when you walk out of the box.” and Ben felt it was exactly what he was supposed to do. Things started lining up, but there were still many challenges ahead.

“It’s been the hardest gym to run but the most rewarding,” he says. “When you are responsible for everyone else, there’s pressure.”

Eight months in, Ben felt he was scraping the bottom of his savings. He didn’t know if they could make the necessary culture shift at Zone. He wanted it to have the welcoming, family atmosphere that it clearly has now, but it took a lot of work.

Now, Zone’s many different zones serve more than 5,400 members, depending on their preferences and goals. The Express Zone allows members to work out in a separate section with a trainer coaching them through each machine.

Additionally, Zone has personal trainers, a spin room, a full schedule of group exercise classes, childcare for children from 8 weeks old to 12 years old, free weights, state-of-the-art Star Trac equipment and Ignite—a workout that uses heart rate monitors to train at your target

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heart rate. Zone's popular boxing classes are also heart-rate based. At the front of Zone East, a Fit 3-D Scanner enables members to get a full body scan, complete with measurements, which they can use to see progress when compared to future scans. It also happens to be the only one in town.

The Zone team stays up on what’s new in the fitness world, incorporating new group classes, workouts and café offerings. Even the Blast Zone, the childcare area, takes things up a notch by providing crafts and learning opportunities to a wide range of ages.

All of the hard work continues to pay off.

Ben loves getting feedback from members, and

he most commonly hears that members feel like they’re part of a family. His secret?

“I think it’s the staff and the hearts they have, along with the vision we have,” Ben says.

Member Janulee Shirvis couldn’t agree more and has this to say about her experience: “The secret will be out now! There is no way you can walk into this special fitness center, Zone, without feeling accepted for who you are—no matter your size, shape, color, gender or age.

The ‘welcome’ committee here is awesome, you feel like family. Sometimes you may even get a big hug (I like that part)! The staff at Zone has the most caring, loving people I have ever seen in a professional environment. The positive encouragement given by all leaves you feeling so, so much better than when you walked in!”

Learn more about Zone Health & Fitness by visiting zonehealthandfitness.com or contacting either location below.

Zone Health & Fitness (West) › 4414 SW College Road, Suite 1012 › (352) 414-4433 Zone Health & Fitness (East) › 524 S Pine Avenue › (352) 509-3133

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D E D I C ATE D TO E N R I C H I N G TH E LIVE S O F LO C AL FAM I LI E S

Back It Up

Source: cnn.com

The clear direction for parents since 1994 has been to put babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). A study published recently in the medical journal Pediatrics, however, revealed that only 77.3 percent of surveyed mothers reported they abide by (but not always) this recommendation. The latest guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics advise that parents sleep in the same room—not in the same bed—as infants until the child reaches at least 6 months of age. Babies should be placed on their backs on a firm sleeping surface with a tight-fitted sheet and no pillows or blankets. These practical safety measures, when followed, will greatly reduce the risk of suffocation, overheating and, ultimately, SIDS.

TOP TOYS

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American Girl Nanea Doll & Book $115, americangirl.com

The 18-inch Nanea (pronounced nah-NAY-ah) Mitchell doll by American Girl has a huggable cloth body and is dressed to the nines in an authentic 1940s-style Pacific Islander outfit. WHY WE LOVE IT: The doll comes with the book Growing Up with Aloha, the first novel-length volume of the Nanea’s classic series.

Got Toys?

The editors of Ocala Style have once again selected their favorite toys of the season. Some you may have heard of, some maybe not! But we promise, they’re all cool and all worth checking out! › By Laurel GIllum KD INTERACTIVE AURA DRONE WITH GLOVE CONTROLLER $99.99, kdplanet.com The fear of crashing your drone has been put to rest. Suit up with the GestureBotics glove controller to fully control your Aura Drone using hand commands. Fly forward, backward, left or right—all with a simple wave of the hand.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Glove control eliminates the frustrations of traditional joysticks.

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LEGO FRIENDS SNOW RESORT ICE RINK & LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE GREEN NINJA MECH DRAGON $29.99-$49.99, shop.lego.com Skate up a storm in the Snow Resort Ice Rink, featuring an outdoor rink with opening doors, hockey goals and a seating area, or outsmart the Green Ninja’s evil father with the Green Ninja Mech Dragon. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will have fun building these sets—and a blast playing with them!

EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS GEOSAFARI JR. TALKING MICROSCOPE $44.99, educationalinsights.com Look, listen and discover as wildlife expert Bindi Irwin shares her kid-friendly facts about nature, complete with over 20 slides and 100 facts and questions.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s packed with photo-quality images and audio clips.

YVOLUTION Y GLIDER DELUXE KIDS SCOOTER EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS SMASH PONG! $21.99, educationalinsights.com Choose a challenge card, and aim for the target! This game discreetly teaches velocity, precision and spatial reasoning.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The storage bucket is included.

JAKKS PACIFIC DISNEY PIXAR CARS 3 MAX TOW MATER $59.99, jakks.com This goofy tow truck can push and pull up to 200 pounds using max power. WHY WE LOVE IT: Switch to turbo mode, and watch him zoom around at max speed.

$59.99, yvolution.com Perfect for first-time riders, the Y Glider Deluxe is designed to teach kids to steer correctly and comes in many fun colors. WHY WE LOVE IT: The wide deck makes for a safe, comfortable ride.

VTECH KIDIZOOM SMARTWATCH DX2 $59.99, vtechkids.com This smartwatch lets kids take pictures and videos, play games, tell time and more and features a stylish design. WHY WE LOVE IT: Includes 55 digital and analog customizable watch faces.

ZURU X-SHOT TURBO ADVANCE DART BLASTER SET $29.99, zuru.com The Zuru X-Shot Turbo Advance Dart Blaster Set is a 40-dart blaster gun, with an easy-to-prime mechanism to make it rain darts and hit your target up to 80-feet away. WHY WE LOVE IT: The Zuru X-Shot Turbo Advance Dart Blaster Set holds two rounds for a total of 96 darts.

WOWWEE FINGERLINGS $14.99, wowwee.com Fun at your fingertips!

Fingerlings respond to sound, motion and touch.

WHY WE LOVE IT: They are all super cute and make adorable monkey sounds.

JAKKS PACIFIC REAL WORKIN’ BUDDIES – MR. DUSTY $39.99, jakks.com This garbage truck helps kids clean up their toys.

He can eat it up, sweep it up and dump it out. WHY WE LOVE IT: Dusty has over 50 phrases, lights, and sounds.

$19.99, thebridgedirect.com The Atari Classic Games Joystick plugs directly into your TV and offers 10 classic games, including Asteroid, Breakout, Centipede and Missile Command.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Every youngster needs a little blast from the past.

ALEX BRANDS BRAINY BUCKS TIME TO SAVE ATM $63.99, alexbrands.com Keep up to date with your savings with this convenient PIN-enabled ATM bank. WHY WE LOVE IT: You can deposit and withdraw money as needed, and an alarm sounds if the wrong PIN is entered.

MGA ENTERTAINMENT L.O.L. SURPRISE! BIG SURPRISE DOLL

HASBRO BEYBLADE BURST AVATAR ATTACK BATTLE SET $49.99, hasbro.com Be careful—your Beyblade just might burst into pieces if hit just right! WHY WE LOVE IT: Scan the included code to play in a virtual world.

JAKKS PACIFIC XPV RC SKATEBOARD $59.99, jakks.com The XPV Xtreme Performance RC Skateboard is an innovative, new RC vehicle designed for high levels of speed and real skateboard stunts. WHY WE LOVE IT: The 8.4-volt NiMH rechargeable battery and USB charging cable are included.

THE BRIDGE DIRECT ATARI PLUG AND PLAY JOYSTICK

LEARNING RESOURCES SMART MARKET $29.99, learningresources.com Grocery boxes and cans, play money, coupons, grocery list and shopping basket make learning about math, writing and counting fun. WHY WE LOVE IT: You can use this set with your Learning Resources cash register!

FISHER-PRICE THINK & LEARN TEACH ‘N TAG MOVI

JUST PLAY PJ MASKS RIVAL RACERS TRACK PLAYSET $39.99, justplayproducts.com Zoom through the race track to save the museum from the Night Ninja. WHY WE LOVE IT: Megalaunchers, curves and a huge loop make this set fun.

$49.99, fisher-price.mattel.com Think & Learn Teach ‘n Tag Movi encourages preschoolers to follow directions and get silly on the dance floor. WHY WE LOVE IT: Movi’s facial expressions change during play.

$69.99, lolsurprise.mgae.com The ultimate unboxing experience for your favorite girl. Check out more than 50 special prizes as the ball is unwrapped. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s like 50 gifts in one!

FISHER-PRICE SHIMMER AND SHINE MAGICAL GENIE DREAM PALACE SET $129.99, fisher-price.mattel.com This palace comes to life with three levels of play, more than 100 phrases, music and a fun light show. WHY WE LOVE IT: Dolls and lots of furniture are already included.

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VEHICLES GALORE

School Walking Safety

Several dozen students at Sunrise Elementary braved cold temperatures to experience the annual “Walk Your Child to School” safety event. The walk includes several danger scenarios so parents can discuss safety issues with their kids.

Multiple first-responding agencies, the Community Traffic Safety Team and the district coordinate the event each year at a different school.

Talk about dreaming big! Harbour View Elementary students experienced life-sized motorized units up close and personal for their Vehicle Day recently. The experience let students talk with adults in various careers—law enforcement, helicopter pilots, milk truck drivers, military members and others—to learn how giant vehicles impact our daily lives.

Paying Tribute

Thousands of students gathered to celebrate local heroes for this year’s official Marion County Veterans Day Program. The school district has presented the student-led ceremony for 11 years now and includes special essays and music just for veterans. Public schools in Marion County do not close for Veterans Day because local veterans groups have requested they remain open so students can learn about service and sacrifice. This is certainly done with flair thanks to thousands participating in this year’s special program.

HAPPY HAIR DAYS

Some crazy things happen at school, including these hilarious hairdos at Harbour View Elementary.

Students and some staff members contributed to this year’s “Crazy Hair Day” in some very interesting and creative ways— everything from coffee and donuts to sodas, spiders and more!

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Safe & Sound

It may be December, but this past Halloween provided the first-ever Superintendents’ Safe Halloween Scene event for families. Over 800 students, along with parents, siblings and other family members, enjoyed free food, fun and candy at the District East complex on the MTI campus. Feedback was so strong, the district has made this an annual event.

5 In 4 Years

West Port Senior Jasmine Weathers is the fifth Marion County student in four years named a semifinalist in the Leaders for Life college scholarship program. Worth $40,000, Jasmine is one of just 12 high school seniors statewide being considered for the prestigious scholarship. An entourage representing the Take Stock in Children program and the Public Education Foundation of Marion County surprised Jasmine in class with the great news. Jasmine learns later this month if she wins the final honor!

PINK FOR A PURPOSE

Dozens of MCPS employees and their family members wore pink and walked for those dealing with breast cancer. Supporting the American Cancer Society’s Walk for a Cure, the district ended up as the No. 1 team when it came to dollar donations this year.

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Ocala Style Rocks Photos by Crys Williams @ Scott Springs Park

The Ocala Style team painted hundreds of rocks for the community to find at the recent Ocala Style Rocks event. Families hunted for rocks, painted their own at the painting station and hid them for others to find. A few participants even won prizes!

Aubree, 3, Brittany and Liam, 9 months

DJ Reed, Kimberly Cape and Mark Kelsey

Nhyya Gorgon

Kyle, Killian, 4, and Jamie

Maxx Williams

Zoey Gibbins

Krystal and Nicholas Persad

Reece Dennis, Cody Hatfield and Tarter Millwood

Regina Huffman, Blake and Tiffany Bishop

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Melissa and Riley Gibbins

Vanessa and Cynthia Perez

Raymond Hufault

Erica, Ava and Kyle Whitley

Angi and Riley Rosario, Isabella and Charlee Messina

Braylan and Laurie Tandy Isabella Barrow, 4 1/2

Matt Brown

Charlie Williams

Jillian, Jackson and Izabella Saxe

Stephanie Studivant, Jay Johnson, Tiianna Studivant, Arianna Johnson and Zyanna Johnson

Lela and Michelle Wyckoff

Derrick and Alexis Wyckoff

Riley Rosario, 5, and Isabella Messina

Layla Campbell, Phillip Shaw, Miranda Campbell and Heylei Sanchez DEC ’17 ›

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The Fina l

By Jim Gibson PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN JERNIGAN

Frontier SPACE: THE FINAL FRONTIER. DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE STRANGE NEW WORLDS, SEEK OUT NEW LIFE AND NEW CIVILIZATIONS AND BOLDLY GO WHERE MILLIONS HAVE GONE BEFORE? IF SO, THEN A VISIT TO THE KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX ON MERRITT ISLAND DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE A PART OF YOUR VACATION FLIGHT PLAN. 034

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rom John Glenn’s Mercury mission to today’s privately owned commercial launches that resupply the International Space Station and deliver payloads into space, the Kennedy Space Center holds special memories for adults of all ages and children alike. Every generation has its own memories, and they can all be rekindled at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

“This is the place to experience NASA’s space story,” says Rebecca Shireman, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex public relations and communications manager. “Here, you can experience the past, present and future of space flight in America. We have space-flown vehicles on display, like space shuttle Atlantis and Orion EFT-1. You can see a massive Saturn V rocket. There are astronauts here daily who meet with the public, answer questions and tell stories of their space adventures. We have bus tours that travel into the restricted areas of the Space Center itself, visiting the huge Vehicle Assembly Building, the launch pads and the facilities for SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and NASA. If it has to do with space exploration, we have it here at the Visitor Complex.”

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has five Mission Zones:

HEROES AND LEGENDS The centerpiece of this deeply moving exhibit is the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®. Visitors are asked to reflect on the characteristics they believe define a hero.

Then, through utilization of a 360-degree visual presentation and interactive displays that include holograms and space program

memorabilia, they become aware of the tremendous courage it took for the early Mercury and Gemini astronauts to truly go where no man had gone before—into the unknown reaches of space.

Heroes and Legends also includes the Rocket Garden and Astronaut Encounter.

The Rocket Garden displays Mercury, Gemini and Apollo rockets along with an informative guided tour. Astronaut Encounter affords guests a visit to the Astronaut Encounter Theater where they personally meet an astronaut who has flown in space. Get a picture taken with a real-life hero and have him or her answer any question you might have concerning the rigors of space travel.

“Heroes and Legends is our most recent exhibit that opened in November 2016. It is such an exciting exhibit,” says Shireman.

“If you want to learn about the early space program and the pioneering astronauts who led the way, then you’ll love this exhibit.”

BEHIND THE GATES This Mission Zone takes you behind the scenes on an air-conditioned bus tour to places you may have heard about but never thought you’d see. The massive Vehicle Assembly Building, Launch Complex 39 and KSC Headquarters. The tour is included with an admission ticket to the visitor’s center, but for an additional price, you can take a Special Interest Tour that has scheduled stops along the way.

Special Interest Tours include the Kennedy Space Center Explore Tour, Launch Control Center Tour, Cape Canaveral Early Space Tour, Launch Director Tour and Fly with an Astronaut.

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Visitors are cautioned to plan for only one bus tour per day due to the length of the tours.

RACE TO THE MOON The moon has fascinated mankind for thousands of years, and anyone who is old enough remembers the exact moment Neil Armstrong took man’s first step onto its surface. This exhibit showcases Project Apollo and its six moon landings. Experience the lunar landing all over again and gain insight into the technology that made a moon landing possible.

One of the highlights of this exhibit is the Saturn V rocket on display—all 363 feet of it!

Also available on this Mission are the Apollo 8 Firing Room, Exploring the Moon, the Lunar Theater, Apollo Treasures Gallery, the Astrovan, the Launch Umbilical Tower and the Moon Rover.

SHUTTLE: A SHIP LIKE NO OTHER Relive the triumphs and tragedies of the Space Shuttle Program that flew from 1981 to 2011. Learn the history of the program, from conception to retirement, and see space shuttle Atlantis, the last shuttle to fly in space.

Interactive displays let you dock and land the shuttle, and the Shuttle Launch Experience is one you will never forget.

This exhibit includes the Hubble Space Telescope Theater, Astronaut Training Simulators, Forever Remembered, ISS Triumph of Technology, Constellation Sphere, Join us on Orbit, Fiery Ride Home and People Made the Difference.

NASA NOW AND NEXT Kennedy Space Center was the birthplace of America’s space program, now it is known as America’s Spaceport. Private companies such as SpaceX and United Launch Alliance (ULA) call KSC home. SpaceX launches its Dragon spacecraft into space from KSC using Falcon rockets, and a Dragon spacecraft is on display.

ULA launches Delta and Atlas rockets from KSC and hopes to soon begin launching its new Vulcan rocket.

Companies such as SpaceX have become the future of American spaceflight. SpaceX has redefined space travel through the creation of the reusable Falcon 9 rocket. Reusable rocket stages have significantly lowered the cost of launches, thereby providing funds used to research and develop even more advanced reusable rockets.

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SpaceX is presently developing the Big Falcon Rocket, which will be capable of powering flights to the moon and Mars.

SpaceX creator, Elon Musk, says the company’s primary goal is interplanetary travel, hoping to set up human outposts on Mars within the next 20 years.

The BFR will replace the Falcon 9, whose primary job is powering satellites into orbit and resupplying the International Space Station (ISS), which has been in orbit for almost 20 years. The ISS is a floating research laboratory that presently houses six astronauts from around the world. Research includes almost every scientific field, including genetics, how lack of gravity might affect long-distance space travelers, how well plants grow in space, manufacturing in space… and the list is almost endless. Many experiments performed on the ISS are designed to help plan the soon-coming missions to Mars and beyond.

Also available on the NASA Now and Next Mission are Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted, the Mars Rover Concept Vehicle, Eyes on the Universe: NASA’s Space Telescopes 3D, the IMAX Theater, Mission Status Briefing and Science on a Sphere.

CAMP KSC In addition to the amazing exhibits on display, the Visitor Complex also offers field trips, private educational programs, overnight adventures and Camp KSC for young people interested in space exploration.

“Camp KSC was created to inspire the next generation of space explorers… the kids who aspire to be astronauts or engineers,” says Shireman. “We really give them a hands-on experience. There are age-specific activities [and] individual and team challenges, and the kids have a chance to explore the Visitor’s Complex itself. They get to meet the astronauts and witness the technology that made space exploration possible. Camp KSC is an all-encompassing program that is meant to educate and inspire tomorrow’s leaders in the space program.”

Make sure your flight plan includes a visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Learn the history of man’s adventures in space, and get a glimpse of what the future holds. Plan to spend the day and plan to be totally amazed!

LEARN MORE › kennedyspacecenter.com

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From big-city lights to backwoods barbecues, we explore

six vacation destinations you and your family are sure to enjoy— whether you’re craving city skyscrapers or cozy campfires.

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or every “bright lights, big city” person, there’s another individual who’s happiest far from the crowds. The more remote, the better.

These same preferences play a role when it comes to vacations.

Do you want to rough it a bit and discover your inner mountain man? Or does your idea of escape include a city skyline and room service? We’ve got you covered either way with six unique vacation options, as well as a challenge to rethink your approach to typical hotel accommodations.

Read on to find your next best vacation spot. Can’t decide between town or country? You can always flip a coin.

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in 1783 by visiting the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, which includes one of the world’s finest collections of hot air balloons.

Famed Route 66 winds through the city and features many popular restaurants, boutiques and museums. Download the map, and take a self-guided tour. Don’t miss Old Town, the heart of Albuquerque, which is brimming with history, shops, art galleries and eateries. Plan to spend a day walking, browsing and eating!

Make reservations at Church Street Cafe, one of the oldest structures in New Mexico.

Enjoy authentic New Mexican cuisine, fabulous margaritas, and be sure to buy some of their award-winning salsa. Feast on the lunch buffet or Sunday brunch at El Pinto where eggs come straight from happy, organically fed chickens at the “hen hotel” on-site. The city also features dozens of craft breweries and wineries for great tasting experiences and nightlife.

Photo by Ron Behrmann

Photo by MarbleStreetStudio.com

Photo by KipMalone.com

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Photo by MarbleStreetStudio.com

For a vacation unlike any you’ll find in the Sunshine State, head west. As in all the way to New Mexico and the city of Albuquerque.

There’s a reason they call this state The Land of Enchantment. Albuquerque’s stunning geography—from the Rio Grande River to the picturesque Sandia Mountains—contributes to the sense of magic and natural beauty.

Centuries of history come together in this diverse metropolis of more than 800,000.

From the early Native Americans and the Spanish explorers to the present, Albuquerque has been shaped by multiple cultures, and roots run deep.

Expect a huge difference in elevation compared to Florida. (Pack lots of sunscreen!)

Enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding vistas when you ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, which climbs the 10,000-foot-plus peak of the mountains forming Albuquerque’s eastern border.

You may want to time your vacation to coincide with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is held each year in early October. As the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, this amazing celebration includes hundreds of balloons and is one of the most photographed events in the world.

Albuquerque is perfect for hot air ballooning year-round, and many companies provide rides on a daily basis. You can also learn more about this intriguing sport and how human aviation began with ballooning

Photo by Jay Blackwood

Albuquerque, NEW MEXICO

Albuquerque has an abundance of unique museums and cultural centers, so pick your favorites to explore. Walk the short trail at Coronado State Monument, and discover the partially reconstructed ruins of the ancient Pueblo people, including a reconstructed kiva (ceremonial chamber) excavated at the site in the 1930s.

For Southwestern resort luxury overlooking the Sandia Mountains, stay at the Sandia Resort & Casino near the airport. If you prefer B&B accommodations in the classic adobe style, try the Chocolate Turtle Bed & Breakfast in nearby Corrales in the Rio Grande River valley. It’s close to art studios, restaurants, wineries and historic sites.

LEARN MORE sandiapeak.com balloonfiesta.com cabq.gov/culturalservices/balloonmuseum churchstreetcafe.com elpinto.com visitalbuquerque.org nmhistoricsites.org/coronado sandiacasino.com/hotel chocolateturtlebb.com

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Back in 1768 when the town was chartered, the Colonies were still under British rule; Charlotte was named for the wife of King George III, hence its nickname as the “Queen City.”

The first piece of gold ever discovered in North America, a glittering 17-pound rock, was found in a creek here in 1799. A railroad crossroads, Charlotte was a crucial manufacturing and shipping spot during the Civil War. Once the site of major textile factories, Charlotte became the home of numerous national brand stores—from Belk’s to Lowe’s—as well as a banking empire. Today, this bustling city of over 731,000 is a cultural melting pot and a travel destination to please all ages.

When it comes to accommodations, if a historic B&B is your style, opt for The Duke Mansion, where Southern charm meets modern luxury. The lush 4 1/2-acre grounds will make you forget you’re barely two miles from the city center. If you’re thinking familyfun destination, Great Wolf Lodge Concord features one of the country’s largest indoor water parks. The kids won’t want to leave.

North Carolina is where the Wright Brothers flew for the first time, and you can see their original aircraft at the Carolinas Aviation Museum, along with many other exhibits, including the “Miracle on the Hudson” airliner that Captain “Sully” Sullenberger successfully glided to a water landing in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009.

Charlotte has plenty of outdoor adventure, too. Take the plunge with a whitewater adrenaline rush at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, where you can raft or kayak man-made rapids. Land-based activities include ropes courses, zip lines, mountain biking trails and one of the South’s largest outdoor climbing walls.

Photos courtesy of Charlottesgotalot.com

Charlotte, NORTH CAROLINA

Discover thousands of sea creatures—from seahorses to sharks—at SEA LIFE CharlotteConcord Aquarium.

Get behind the wheel and discover a taste of NASCAR racing—passing is allowed—with the Richard Petty Driving Experience or the NASCAR Racing Experience, both at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Sports fans are at home in Charlotte, thanks to major league teams like the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets, so depending on the time of year, you might want to buy tickets to a game.

For a day of family fun and wild rides, hit Carowinds where you’ll find Fury 325, North America’s longest steel coaster, with a peak height of 325 feet and speeds up to 95 mph.

All this activity is bound to make you hungry, and restaurant options are almost limitless. You can’t visit Charlotte without eating barbecue, and one of the best spots is Midwood Smokehouse with five area locations.

For down-home Southern, low-country and Gullah-inspired dishes, check out Mert’s Heart and Soul, which has been featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

For fine dining, don’t miss Bentley’s on 27, where panoramic views of the city skyline are

rivaled only by the stellar service and menu selection featuring classic French tableside presentation. Or enjoy the intimate bistrostyle setting and upscale American cuisine at Barrington’s courtesy of Chef Moffett, who was nominated for Best Chef Southeast by the James Beard Foundation in 2009.

For a vast variety of nightlife excitement all in one spot, head to EpiCentre, the site of numerous themed bars, nightclubs, restaurants, even movies and bowling. There are three floors of venues, so whether you’re in the mood for live music, dancing, a champagne lounge or an upscale dessert bar, you’ll find it here.

LEARN MORE dukemansion.com greatwolf.com/concord usnwc.org visitsealife.com/charlotte-concord drivepetty.com nascarracingexperience.com carowinds.com midwoodsmokehouse.com mertscharlotte.com bentleyson27.com epicentrenc.com charlottesgotalot.com

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Today we know it as Pensacola, but this panhandle city was originally named for the Panzacola tribe living in the area when Spanish explorers first visited in the 16th century. Through the centuries, the flags of the Spanish, French, British, United States and Confederate States of America have flown over the settlement, hence its nickname, The City of Five Flags.

The sugary white quartz sand beaches of the Gulf Coast have won acclaim as some of the world’s finest. A sunset stroll along the beach is a must, and the kids will appreciate hitting the water on a dolphin tour boat for a closer look at these playful, intelligent mammals.

Pensacola is known as The Cradle of Naval Aviation and was home to the first Naval Air Station commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1914.

Among the many thousands of naval aviators who were trained here are John Glenn and Neil Armstrong. With that in mind, it’s only fitting to spend a day at The National Naval Aviation Museum, home of the Blue Angels.

At this, the world’s largest museum of its kind and one of the most visited museums in all of Florida, you’ll see over 150 Navy, Marine Corp and Coast Guard aircraft, all meticulously restored. Prepare for take-off in a flight simulator to get an idea of what it’s like to fly aerial maneuvers with the Blue Angels in the exciting Blue Angels 4-D Experience.

For a trip back into history, visit Fort Pickens, one of four military forts built in the 1800s to protect the town. The park is also a great place to fish, walk the trails, kayak and bike.

Downtown Pensacola is loaded with history—over 450 years worth! Wander the streets of Pensacola Historic Village and see

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living history interpreters in period costume.

You can take self-guided tours of historic homes and visit multiple museums, including the Pensacola Children’s Museum, where kids 10 and younger will love the handson experience.

Take a river tour via kayak, canoe, paddleboard or tube with Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center, where zip lining is also on the list.

For a B&B experience with elegantly decorated rooms each with a private bath, stay at the Pensacola Victorian, and enjoy a full home-cooked breakfast in a cozy setting that is within walking distance of many downtown attractions, including boutiques and antique shops, galleries, nightlife and restaurants.

Or rent a condo or vacation beach house on Pensacola Beach with plenty of room for the whole family. You’ll find numerous options at ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals.

Fresh seafood is the star when it comes to dining in Pensacola. Savor an upscale dining experience at The Grand Marlin on Pensacola Beach overlooking Santa Rosa Sound. Their surf and turf special is always a winning choice, and you can’t go wrong starting any meal with their amazing Oysters Rockefeller.

For a kid-friendly (and dog-friendly!) eatery, try the Sunset Grille, which is dockside at Holiday Harbor Marina in Perdido Key. Kids can burn off energy in the enclosed playground complete with life-sized boats and jet skis, while the grownups down their fill of peel-and-eat shrimp.

A trip to the area isn’t complete without a “Bushwacker,” the drink of Pensacola, which can be found at nearly every restaurant and bar on the beach. Rum, Crème de

Photos courtesy of visitpensacola.com

Pensacola, FLORIDA

Cocoa, Cream of Coconut and vanilla ice cream make this killer adult “milkshake” a memorable indulgence.

LEARN MORE › chase-n-fins.com › navalaviationmuseum.org › visitpensacola.com/listing/ › › › › › ›

fort-pickens-gulf-islands-national-seashore historicpensacola.org adventuresunlimited.com pensacolavictorian.com wyndhamvacationrentals.com/florida thegrandmarlin.com facebook.com/sunsetgrilleperdido

Photos courtesy of Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

Westgate River Ranch RESORT & RODEO

A dude ranch in the Sunshine State?

You betcha!

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is your chance to experience a taste of “old Florida” back in the days when wild cattle roamed the state and cracker cowboys rode through untamed woods and marshes. Located an hour south of Orlando on 1,700 acres overlooking the Kissimmee River, this is the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi.

The perfect vacation for adventure-seeking families, ranch activities will keep you busy all day. Swing into the saddle, and take a horseback ride along miles of unspoiled trails.

Even young kids can get in on the action with a pony ride.

The Saturday night rodeo is the longestrunning in the country and features trick riding, bull riding, calf roping and barrel racing. Be sure to wear your dancing boots for the street party that takes place afterward.

Kids and adults will want to hop on the mechanical bull and see if they have what it takes to ride for eight seconds.

From hayrides and cookouts to airboat and swamp buggy rides, there’s almost no end to the outdoor fun you can experience at the ranch. Test your skills on the trap and skeet shooting range, and then try your hand at the archery range. Get an adrenaline rush on the zip line or strap into the bungee jump. Play a round of golf (you may just tee off next to a herd of buffalo!), or challenge your partner to a tennis match. The rock-climbing wall tests climbers of all ability levels, and the staff will help you tackle it safely.

At the full-service marina, you can rent a pontoon boat by the hour and explore the Kissimmee River to fish or just look for wildlife and relax on the water.

As for accommodations, this is where it can really get creative. Sure, you can stay in one of the beautifully appointed lodge guest rooms, but you also have the option of booking one of their luxury teepees or tents. You’ll have an authentic “glamping” experience complete with resort-style amenities. Cabins and cottages are also available.

LEARN MORE › westgateresorts.com/hotels/florida/

river-ranch/westgate-river-ranch-resort

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When it comes to whitewater rafting, it doesn’t get any better than the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). Recognized as the world’s largest whitewater rafting outfitter, NOC takes more than 150,000 guests on guided outdoor excursions every year. Thanks to their highly experienced guides and instructors and settings second to none, NOC is a major tourist destination in the Southeast. (FYI, Payson Kennedy, founder of NOC, was a stunt double in the movie Deliverance, which was filmed on the nearby Chattooga River.)

Book a stay at their Nantahala River Campus just 12 miles from Bryson City, North Carolina, and located on the south side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park of North Carolina. Here, you’ll discover everything you need for a memorable family adventure. The location is open from late March through the end of October, with the busiest period being Memorial Day through Labor Day.

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Photos courtesy of noc.com

Nantahala Outdoor Center, NORTH CAROLINA

On-site accommodation choices include cabins and hostel-style lodging in the bunkhouses. Enjoy meals at the two NOC restaurants, including American-style cuisine at River’s End (every seat has a river view!) and oldfashioned barbecue at Big Wesser BBQ & Brew.

River rafting should be at the top of your list, and NOC offers rafting adventures on eight different rivers, with the Nantahala River being ideal for families and first-timers.

They’ll help you pick the right outing,

whether you’re aiming for easy going or exhilaratingly intense.

NOC offers great rafting and zip line packages to get the best of both experiences.

You can also hike part of the famed Appalachian Trail, which crosses through the NOC Nantahala River Campus, or rent a mountain bike and hit NOC’s trails.

LEARN MORE › noc.com

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Photos courtesy of Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber & Visitors Bureau

Dahlonega, GEORGIA A getaway to the north Georgia mountains can bring as much relaxation or adventure as you like. For a perfect combination of both, head for Dahlonega, which is cradled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just an hour north of Atlanta.

Derived from the Cherokee Indian word “ta-lo-ne-ga,” (“yellow”), the town is the site of the country’s first major gold rush. As a matter of fact, you can visit the Consolidated Gold Mine for a fun and informative tour that will lead you almost 1,000 feet below ground. Plan a day to visit the city of Dahlonega, which is brimming with shopping and dining options, but plan your trip to make the most of all the mountains have to offer.

Stay in a rustic yurt or a charming indoor guest room at the Cedar House Inn, an eco-friendly “green” bed and breakfast and local landmark. Or rent a private cabin at the Cavender Creek Cabins complex where you can enjoy luxurious accommodations in secluded mountain surroundings.

If you’re not cooking in your cabin, venture into Dahlonega for lunch or dinner at Bourbon Street Grille on the square. After your meal, treat yourself to something decadent and sweet at Paul Thomas Chocolates.

Take a canoe or kayak trip on the scenic Chestatee River with Appalachian Outfitters River Outpost. If you bring your own watercraft, there are 27 different canoe and kayak trips within 37 miles of Dahlonega.

With some 36 miles of recreational trails in the area, you can hike or mountain bike. Download trail maps at dahlonega. org. Take on the challenge of geocaching in Georgia State Parks, and visit several of

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the 120-plus waterfalls in North Georgia.

Some of the most popular are right around Dahlonega. Download this handy app on your iPhone to easily find falls: itunes. apple.com/us/app/north-georgia-waterfalls/ id1029130030?mt=8

LEARN MORE georgiamountaininn.com cavendercreek.com thebourbonstreetgrille.com paulthomaschocolates.com canoegeorgia.com gastateparks.org/geocaching dahlonega.org

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Rethink Your Accommodations

When you’re aiming for a memorymaking vacation, chain hotels can be too predictable. Make this the year you add some flair to your getaway and try “glamping.” (Yes, it’s a real word; the Oxford English Dictionary added it in 2016.)

Add “glamour” to “camping” and you’ve got glamping: the adventures of camping combined with the amenities of a resort.

Although the earliest forms of glamping tended to be luxury wall tents, today’s glamping trend includes all manner of unusual accommodations, including tree houses, yurts, teepees, cabins, cottages, shepherd huts, covered wagons, vintage camper trailers and Airstreams, converted barns, domes, pods/cubes and, yes, tents.

The options are almost endless, as is the price range. You can find glamping accommodations for singles, couples, large families and everything in-between.

Although amenities vary widely, most include the basics, such as linens, towels, etc. Various extras may be included, ranging from the use of mountain bikes down to the s’mores fixings. You’ll want to verify the specifics when you make reservations.

Want to stay in a tree house in the mountains of North Carolina? Perhaps a safari tent in Central Florida or a waterfront log cabin in Georgia? Narrow it down to the state/region, choose from the different types of options and book online.

These helpful websites make it easy to find and book glamping spots around the world: › glamping.com › glampinghub.com

Drew Fabian

352.816.5914 Florida Farm Bureau Insurance Companies Auto Home Life Drew.Fabian@FFBIC.com

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Photos courtesy of The FIRM

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The FIRM bills itself as “Motorsports Heaven,” and it’s about as close to cardriving heaven as you’re going to get.

Whether your favorite car movie is as tame as The Love Bug, as nail-biting as Duel or as adrenaline-pumping as The Fast and the Furious, if you love motor-driven vehicles, you’re going to really love The FIRM.

’

By Jim Gibson

T

he FIRM, also known as the Florida International Rally and Motorsport Park, is a multi-faceted sports facility located on Airport Road about eight miles south of Starke near the city of Keystone Heights.

The site was a former European rally school developed by European rally driver Ivor Wigham until a high-performance track was built in 2008 and it became The FIRM. It is owned and operated by The Strategic Group in Gainesville.

The FIRM covers 430 acres and includes more than 20 miles of paved, gravel and offroad tracks, six European-style rally stages, a supermoto track, a half-mile paved kart track, safari and obstacle courses, and six gun ranges (pistol and rifle ranges).

If that isn’t enough, what really makes The FIRM unique is that the kart track can be rented for birthday parties while a group of Navy SEALs train on ATVs just across the way. The FIRM offers a RallyPro Performance Driving School, an International Security Academy and Special Events Track Rentals.

So, if you want to spend the day with the kids leisurely racing go-karts or learn to drive off-road or Rally race, it’s all right here in one distinctive setting.

“If it has to do with motorsports, we do it here,” says William Bevan, marketing

executive for The FIRM. “We do training, events, rally-race instruction, road course, off-road, ATV/UTV, driver education—we really just about do it all. On just about every Saturday and two or three Sundays every year, we have Open Track day, which means the track is opened up for anyone who wants to come out. You can bring your Corvette, Lamborghini, Porsche or the family car and drive our 1.6-mile road course. We even have instructors on-site that will teach you how to handle a car in different situations. On every Open Track day, we also have Open Trail day.

Anyone can bring out their 4x4 or off-road vehicle and drive the trails all day long for one low price. We have beautifully contoured trails, and there are miles and miles of challenging terrain.”

Bevan says that The FIRM strives to provide everyone with the best experience possible and will customize their program to fit the client’s wishes.

“Someone may come out and just want to drive one of our exotic cars like the Lamborghini, or they may want to just race the karts or they may want to go so far as to skydive, shoot and race—we will do our best to give them exactly what they want,” he says.

For the real thrill seekers, The FIRM offers “The Ultimate Adventure Experience,” a two-day

outing that provides the chance to drive a rally race car, shoot a machine gun and various other guns on the firing range, drive a Lamborghini on the racetrack, skydive and go-karting.

The FIRM caters to individuals and groups.

They provide event-planning services for corporate groups, media, associations and private groups. This includes training and team-building programs, driving experiences and media events. The facility is also used for vehicle test sessions and has track rental programs for enthusiast groups. The facility also provides expert drivers to teach novice and budding professional drivers alike to rally or road race.

Bevan says The FIRM also has an International Security Academy that trains military and international security drivers to handle dangerous driving situations they might encounter in real-world situations.

“We have certified government and military instructors,” says Bevan. “We train groups of military personnel and security contractors with rally, ATV, SUV and off-road training.

Some of the training includes high center-ofgravity, unimproved surface scenarios. It can include high-speed pursuit and/or moderatespeed vehicle control situations. Some military vehicles have a high center of gravity and can be hard to handle in emergency situations.

DEC ’17 ›

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Photo courtesy of The FIRM

This isn’t the training they get in their standard military training, so we supplement anything they have received.”

The FIRM is located within the Keystone Heights Airport security perimeter and is touted to be “one of the most private and secure motorsports and military training facilities in North America.” The airport is used regularly for military training exercises and is adjacent to the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, which is used as a training base for the Florida National Guard.

The FIRM utilizes the airport for military and security contractor skydiving training.

“Our primary use of the airport and our gun ranges are for military and security contractor personnel,” says Bevan. “Due to the high cost of bringing in instructors for a training course, skydiving and gun-range training aren’t something we generally provide for the general public.”

He says that anyone wishing to visit The FIRM can fly into the airport and company personnel will provide transportation to the nearby tracks.

The FIRM hosts several events each year.

In November, they hosted the Florida OffRoad Invasion. The three-day event included beginner and advanced trails, mud holes, hills, an obstacle course, a night trail ride, bounce house, pony rides, on-site camping, vendors and a charity raffle.

“This was a very fun, family-friendly event,” says Bevan. “It was a festival atmosphere.

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Each time we hold it, we have more people participating. We offer the same things we offer during the rest of the year but at a fraction of the cost. These events are a great way to learn all about what The FIRM has to offer. The cost was only $79 per vehicle on the trails, and that covered the driver and any seatbelted passengers.”

Bevan says The FIRM is always looking for ways to offer the driving community just a little bit more.

“We are starting a drift school,” he says.

“This is a fairly new sport that involves a controlled slide when you oversteer through the corners. It’s a lot of fun, and we know drivers are going to love it. We’re also doing VIP Arrive and Drives. This is a track day that is brand-specific for certain vehicles. For instance, we may invite just Corvettes, just Mustangs or just Porsches out to drive the tracks. This includes a full day of driving, food and instruction. You get to meet people who love the same cars you love and have a full day of driving fun.”

The fee for VIP Arrive and Drive is $200 per day.

Bevan says that if you wish to rent a track, please call ahead and book an appointment in case an event is scheduled for the track you want to drive. Also, you can visit their website, atgorally.com, to view scheduled events and contact numbers.

The FIRM

Price Sheet Road Course Driving School Half-day Road Racing Course: $1,495 Full-day Road Racing Course: $2,595

Off-road Training Course Two-day off-road course: $2,895 Three-day off-road course: $4,195 Four-day off-road course: $5,295 Five-day off-road course: $6,495

ATV/UTV Training Course (per rider) One-day ATV/UTV course: $695 Two-day ATV/UTV course: $1,295 Three-day ATV/UTV course: $1,995 Four-day ATV/UTV course: $2,595 Five-day ATV/UTV course: $3,295 Photo/Video Package: $99

Open Track Open Track: One driver $200 per day (second driver discounted), $100 for first-time visitors Open Track Driver Instruction: $75 per person (20-minute session) Open Trail: $35 per day

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W

ay before the canned chemical concoctions of energy drinks, there was coffee—more something to be sipped and savored than swigged and gulped. Josephus Daniels would be proud.

When Daniels was appointed secretary of the U.S. Navy in 1913, he banned alcohol from military ships. The disgruntled sailors then began calling coffee, the strongest drink they were allowed, a “cup of joe.”

Here’s a look at some of the places in the Ocala area where you’re sure to find a good cup of joe.

7 & 7 Coffee and Wine House Minutes into your visit at 7 & 7 Coffee and Wine House, after only a few sips of a smooth espresso, you feel as though you’re enjoying a lovely afternoon in a close friend’s home. And that’s exactly how Noel and DonaMarie Nosse want you to feel.

“We wanted to create a coffee house environment that felt welcoming and relaxing,” says Noel, an occupational therapist; DonaMarie is a real estate agent. “We want to invite people to come and stay awhile.”

In the small beige stone house, built in 1961 and located on the southernmost end of SW 1st Avenue, the Nosses have indeed created just that atmosphere. The house’s front half is set up as a large dining room with an eclectic mix of tables and comfy chairs, seating anywhere from two to eight per table. The open floor plan flows back to the barista bar and an open kitchen area with six barstools. Wine racks line the walls. Tucked away in a nook is an upright piano and Noel’s snare drum for live music on most nights.

“We actually bought the house because it had a drive-through window from a previous business. Our first idea was to open a little drive-through convenience store,” says Noel.

“But DonaMarie is a great barista, and it was her idea to turn it into a coffee house. Then we added food to have with the coffee. Then wine and craft beer. And we evolved into this little niche cafe.”

BEST SELLER: “Our Raspberry Mocha is described by our customers as fantastically delicious and beautiful,” says Noel.

BARISTA’S BREW: “DonaMaria makes a spicy Mexican Mocha that’s topped with cinnamon, cocoa and cayenne pepper,” recommends Noel.

GOOD PAIRINGS: “Any coffee with the Apple Pie Panini,” says Noel.

“It’s fresh apple slices, cream cheese and honey on grilled-pressed raisin bread.”

7&7 COFFEE AND WINE HOUSE 2119 SW 1st Avenue, Ocala › the7n7.com › (352) 355-1223 Hours: Mon-Thu 6:30am-8pm › Fri 6:30am-11pm › Sat 6am-11pm

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Symm ry Coffee & Crepes OK, Ted Linn admits it—he’s having a brewmance.

At the center of that brewmance is Symmetry Coffee & Crepes, ideally located an easy stroll from the downtown square in the old Sovereign Building. Gone are the bank teller windows, replaced by the barista bar where The Slayer brewing machine resides. The downstairs, high-ceiling corner space, complete with nearly floor-to-ceiling windows, includes wooden tables and colorful metal chairs. Think an upscale New York City loft.

“Our focus is on quality, not volume,” says Ted, who owns the business with his wife, Cheri.

“Our coffee beans are sourced from small coffee farmers from around the world. It’s easy to brew coffee simply for caffeine, but we believe in making extraordinary coffee.”

Ted notes, “The Slayer gives our baristas full control of the coffee profile to bring out all the nuances.”

The cafe offers cold- and hot-brewed coffees, as well as six different Slow Bar brewing methods.

“Ocala has embraced us,” says Ted. “And we plan to continue to offer a unique, quality coffee experience.”

BEST SELLER: “People really like our Nitro Tap Coffee,” says Ted. “It’s a cold-brewed coffee

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B.D. Beans Café & Coffee Co.

with a shot of nitrogen added at the end, served like a draft beer.”

BARISTA’S BREW: Ted recommends, “The Cortado, a shot of espresso with just a splash of textured milk.”

GOOD PAIRINGS: “Of course, the perfect complement to our coffees are our crepes,” says Ted. “Mix and match any coffee with one of our savory and sweet crepes. We even have a gluten-free buckwheat flour, or we can put the crepe ingredients in a bowl for those with dietary issues.”

SYMMETRY COFFEE & CREPES 108 N Magnolia Avenue, Ocala › symmetrycoffeecrepes.com › (352) 525-0495 Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm › Sat 8am-3:30pm

Imagine a cozy coffee cafe inside an Alice-InWonderland art gallery.

Welcome to Belleview-based B.D. Beans Cafe & Coffee Co. “I traveled for many years with my daughter who was in the entertainment business,” says owner Becky Bennett, who founded the business 20 years ago. “We would go to all these little cafes in New York and Los Angeles.

They served great coffee, and you could just hang out. That was my inspiration.”

The little, powder-blue house sits behind its landmark blue mural fence just off SE Abshier Boulevard (Highway 441 South). And, oh, there’s a lovely little garden for outdoor seating behind the fence. Inside the cafe, colorful artwork includes paintings, wall murals and painted furniture. The painted mannequin heads and busts are selfie favorites.

Knickknacks any grandmother would be proud of fill every nook and cranny.

“I love art and just started collecting things over the years,” says Becky. “Artists and customers have brought things in. People come to see our décor.”

Of course, people also come for the coffee, as well as for breakfast, lunch and freshbaked desserts.

Che ea Coffee Company

“We’re very proud of our coffee,” says Becky.

“I’ve had the same Sarasota roaster for 20 years. That consistency is key to the quality of our coffee.”

BEST SELLER: “Our Costa Rican Blend, a medium roast coffee, has been a favorite from the beginning,” says Becky.

BARISTA’S BREW: Becky recommends, “The Java Jazz. It’s an iced or hot espresso latte with a shot of vanilla, caramel syrup and whipped cream.”

GOOD PAIRINGS: “The Kona Macadamia with our Havarti Cheese Omelette or Garden Quiche,” says Becky.

B.D. BEANS CAFE & COFFEE CO. 5148 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview › (352) 245-3077 Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-3pm

After being involved in the restaurant business since she was 15, Brenda Butzer decided it was time to have her own place. And not just any place.

“I wanted to own a coffee shop with a welcoming, stay-awhile atmosphere,” says Brenda, who with her husband, Michael, bought Chelsea Coffee House in 2012. “I wanted a mom-and-pop kind of place, where people didn’t feel like they had to come in, buy coffee and leave.”

Chelsea Coffee House does indeed have that small-town diner vibe, complete with a bay window to watch the world go by on Silver Springs Boulevard. A pair of comfy loveseats creates a cozy conversation corner. Kids are welcomed with a basket of stuffed animals and books to occupy their time while Mom enjoys a latte.

The breakfast menu includes bagels, quiche and pastries. For lunch, pair the quiche of the day with a cup of soup or a salad. Or have one of the many salad, sandwich, panini or wrap selections.

“Our roaster packages our own Chelsea Morning Blend for us,” says Brenda, who prefers just plain black coffee. “It’s our daily brew, a light roast that’s available all day. Our dark roast coffee changes monthly and is served until noon.”

For Brenda, Chelsea Coffee House has become all she hoped it would.

“I really enjoy our coffee house,” says Brenda. “I love my customers. They put a smile on my face every day.”

BEST SELLER: “Without a doubt, our Caramel Macchiato is our most popular coffee drink,” says Brenda. “It’s a pretty layered drink that’s very tasty.”

BARISTA’S BREW: Brenda notes, “I think we are the only place in the area that sells white espresso drinks. It’s made from very lightly roasted beans that are low in acidity, and it has 70 percent more caffeine than regular roasted coffee. Our most popular white espresso drink is the Pale Irishman, which includes white chocolate and Irish cream.”

GOOD PAIRINGS: “I have to go with what one of my longtime customers always gets,” says Brenda. “A Medium Mocha and a chocolate almond biscotti. He tells me that it’s the perfect combination.”

CHELSEA COFFEE COMPANY 3217 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala › chelseacoffeecompany.com › (352) 351-5282 Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-7pm › Sat 7am-7pm › Sun 8am-6pm DEC ’17 ›

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Many parents would agree that it’s quite a feat making sure their children maintain a healthy diet.

Thankfully, we have gathered some pointers to help make the task easier.

› Bring your children along on trips to the farmers market or grocery store to pick out a few healthier items. › Encourage your youngsters to help with cooking to get them excited about what they are eating. › Let your kids choose food, fruit, vegetables and snacks they like at the grocery store—just try to stay away from the chips and candy aisles.

Source: cnn.com

› Our kids base their actions on what they see us as parents doing. If we snack on carrot sticks, rather than chocolate chip cookies, they are likely to follow our example—but make sure you start ‘em young!

CALLING ALL COOKIE LOVERS ADD A LITTLE SPICE A GLASS OF CHEER

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

Kid Vs. Food

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› RSVP ROBIN

Raspberry Thumbprints

A rich, fruity cookie that tastes as delicious as it looks!

1⁄2 1 1 2 1⁄4 1⁄4 1⁄4 1⁄2

A Craving For Cookies!

What’s not to like about cookies?

Sweet little delectable singlesized morsels that come in a million different varieties, with a version loved by every taste bud. › Recipes and photos by Robin Fannon

Making the perfect cookie can be an art form that requires patience and perfect timing. Whether it’s a healthy version or the sinful type, they are one of life’s most enjoyable and guilty (or not!) pleasures. Here are recipes for five varieties that are sure to please!

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cup chopped walnuts cup softened unsalted butter cup confectioners sugar cups all-purpose flour tsp kosher salt tsp ground cloves tsp ground cinnamon cup raspberry preserves fresh raspberries for garnish

Preheat oven to 325°F. › Process chopped walnuts in a food processor until finely ground. › Beat butter at medium speed in a stand mixer until creamy. › Gradually add confectioners sugar to butter. › Combine flour, salt, spices and walnuts, and gradually add to butter and sugar mixture. › Shape dough into 3/4-inch balls, and place on parchment- or silpatlined baking sheet. › Press thumb into the center of each ball making an indentation. › Place on baking sheets about 1 inch apart, and bake for 15 minutes. › Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. › Once cooled, spoon a dollop of preserves into each indentation, and top with a fresh raspberry.

Super Easy Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Sinfully rich and satisfying!

1 1 1 1

cup dark chocolate peanut butter (available at Earth Fare) cup organic cane sugar large organic egg tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325°F. › Beat all ingredients in a mixer until blended. › Shape dough into 1-inch balls. › Place 1 inch apart on parchment- or silpat-lined cookie sheet. › Using the tines of a fork, flatten cookies. › Bake for 15 minutes. › Transfer to wire rack to cool.

Dried Dried Cranberry Cranberry and and Pistachio Pistachio Shortbread Cookies Shortbread Cookies

This delicious cookie is sweet, crunchy and creamy all at once!

1 1⁄2 1 2 1⁄2 1⁄4 1⁄4

Double Chocolate Brownie Cookie

Using the paddle attachment of a stand mixer (or a handheld mixer), combine confectioners sugar with butter at medium speed until creamy. › Mix in vanilla. › In a separate medium-sized bowl, sift together flour and salt. › On low speed, gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture. › Fold in cranberries and pistachios. › Turn out dough on a floured surface, and shape into a disk. › Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. › Preheat oven to 350°F. › Line a baking sheet with silpat or parchment paper. › Roll out dough on a floured surface into a 1/4-inch thickness. › Cut out round disks (1 1/2-inch rounds work well), and place on prepared pans. › Bake for 12 minutes. Every oven varies, so watch carefully not to burn. › Remove from oven, and place cookies on a wire rack to cool.

If you are in need of a chocolate fix, look no further!

1⁄2 4

cup butter oz unsweetened chocolate baking squares, chopped 3 cups dark chocolate morsels, divided 1 1⁄2 cups all purpose flour 1⁄2 tsp aluminum-free baking powder 1⁄2 tsp kosher salt 4 large organic eggs 1 1⁄2 cups organic cane sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups chopped pecans Preheat oven to 350°F. › Combine butter, unsweetened chocolate and 1 1/2 cups of chocolate morsels in a heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until melted, and then set aside to cool. › Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl, and set aside. › Beat eggs, sugar and vanilla, and gradually add flour mixture. › Add chocolate mixture, and mix until blended. › Stir in remaining morsels and pecans; blend until combined. › Drop dough by 2 tablespoonfuls 1 inch apart on baking sheets lined with parchment or silpat. › Bake for 10 minutes. › Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

cup softened, unsalted butter cup confectioners sugar tsp vanilla extract cups all-purpose flour tsp kosher salt cup dried cranberries cup shelled pistachio nuts (or your choice of nut, pecans or walnuts work well)

Classic Sugar Cookies

A perfectly simple recipe as is or for making your favorite decorated cookies.

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cup softened butter cup organic granulated sugar large egg tsp vanilla extract cups all-purpose flour tsp kosher salt cup turbinado sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 350°F. › Beat butter at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar until blended. › Add egg and vanilla, and blend. › Combine flour and salt in a medium bowl. › Gradually add flour mixture to butter and sugar. › Divide dough into two disks. › Wrap, and refrigerate to chill for 1 hour. › Roll out each disk into a 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. › Cut dough in desired shapes with cookie cutters. › Place on cookie sheets lined with parchment or silpat. › Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, being careful not to burn. › Remove from oven when golden, and immediately sprinkle with turbonado sugar, or cool to decorate as desired. › Wait 2 minutes, and then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.

Robin Fannon is a New York culinary school trained-chef and a successful party planner with decades of experience. You can visit her popular blog at rsvprobin.com for healthy recipes, party tips and lifestyle articles. Or check her out on Facebook or Instagram.

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›

Spice It (All) Up

The results are in, and cinnamon deserves to be a diet staple. › By Cealia Athanason

Ceylon Vs. Cassia

And you thought cinnamon was just straightup cinnamon—we did, too. Apparently, there are two basic types: Ceylon and Cassia. Ceylon grows in Sri Lanka, and Cassia comes from China and Indonesia. Because Cassia is known to be lower in cost and stronger in flavor, that’s the type of cinnamon most commonly found in stores.

However, you’ll likely want to stock up on the Ceylon variety because of its lower concentration of coumarin, a plant substance that can damage your liver when consumed in large amounts. Just check the label next time you’re at the store.

The Cinnamon Cure

Make room in your pantry. These studies make a case for cinnamon’s medicinal properties.

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DIABETES AND CHOLESTEROL: The findings from a couple of studies—one published by the National Center for Biotechnical Information and another by the American Diabetes Association—have shown cinnamon to be effective at lowering blood glucose levels and levels of LDL cholesterol in people with type II diabetes.

Registered dietitian and committee member of the ADA Melinda Maryniuk suggests testing it out by adding one-half teaspoon of cinnamon to fruit, oatmeal or coffee and checking your blood sugar levels before and after you eat it—and then again after a couple of hours.

DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER’S: Two studies by the NCBI confirmed that cinnamon seems to protect against the development of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The credit from one of the study’s findings goes

to cinnamaldehyde, the compound that gives cinnamon its sweet smell, and epicatechin, an antioxidant in cinnamon. Results from the other study showed that a component of Ceylon cinnamon had the same preventive effect on the development of dementia—but only in mice, rats and petri dishes so far.

HIV: An NCBI study also found that some cinnamon extracts rich in flavonoids blocked HIV from entering and infecting certain cells.

“That’s how AZT works, which is one of the early HIV drugs,” says Lauri Wright, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

THE TAKEAWAY: DON’T QUIT YOUR DAYTIME MEDS JUST YET, BUT GO AHEAD AND ADD A BIT MORE CINNAMON TO YOUR DIET.

Sources: cnn.com, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, care.diabetesjournals.org

It’s not new to the wellness world, but we wouldn’t be surprised if cinnamon becomes the new must-have health food in the near future. More than pairing perfectly with sugar atop snickerdoodle cookies, cinnamon may help regulate sugar levels, combat dementia and even lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. These new findings might send you piling cinnamon into your grocery cart and adding it to more than just cookies.

PROMOTIONAL

› DINING GUIDE

Pizza With A Purpose Papa Murphy’s brings families together through fresh, ready-to-bake pizza.

P

apa Murphy’s of Belleview opened its doors in April 2016. Their concept of fresh, take-and-bake pizzas originated over 30 years ago in Vancouver, Washington.

This type of pizza service is centered on bringing busy families together around the dinner table.

Jason Nolan, store owner, says, “Papa Murphy’s offers two distinct types of pizzas, our Signature and Gourmet Delite (thin crust) lines. Both lines offer several predetermined options of toppings and ideas, or customers

can create their own pizzas from our vast list of ingredients.”

Everything in the store is made fresh when customers order. They don’t have any freezers in the restaurant; each pizza is made to order.

“The extra value of a Papa Murphy’s pizza is in the higher, deli-grade ingredients that are used to make each pizza,” says Jason.

Despite dealing with the shorter shelf lives of ingredients, Papa Murphy’s is committed to fresh pizzas, every time.

“We prep our ingredients and crusts during the day before our busier times. Additionally, we make our dough and sauces and grate our own cheese in the afternoon in order to be ready for our busy times,” says Jason.

‘Love at 425 degrees’ is the slogan for Papa Murphy’s pizza. After guests pick up their pizza, it takes about 15 minutes for customers to bake them to perfection in their own ovens.

Their special dough recipe originated from the corporate office long before the chain became a franchise concept. Aspects like this make running a Papa Murphy’s restaurant much more streamlined for Jason and his team, and he also considers his 23 years of service in the U.S. Army to be beneficial in running his business.

“Having a structured background makes the store run more efficiently than other franchises,” he says.

Besides the signature take-and-bake pizzas, Papa Murphy’s of Belleview is known for its involvement within the community.

Jason and his staff routinely partner with local businesses, schools and organizations to participate in different fundraisers and local events in order to expand their reach throughout the community.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza of Belleview › 6011 SE Abshier Blvd, Suite 2, Belleview › (352) 693-5754 › papamurphys.com

Live Jazz, Friday 6-9p

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

@braisedonionrestaurant

Come celebrate the season with Braised Onion. Having an office or family get-together? Braised Onion has a room for that. Or, they can bring their catering to you. Our team of experts will be dishing out perfectly seasoned prime rib with creamy horseradish sauce on Friday and Saturday evenings.

And don’t forget the dessert menu, which includes the prize-winning bread pudding and coconut cream pie. Yum! Open Christmas Eve for lunch and dinner from 11am-6pm. Open New Year’s Eve for lunch from 11am-8pm and dinner 4-10pm. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.

DEC ’17 ›

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› WINE COLUMN

A Glass Of Giving

Tips for giving the gift of wine. › By Sean Trapani With thousands of different wine brands on the shelf, the process of finding the right fermentedgrape gift can feel downright intimidating. So here are a few recommendations that can make your wine shopping a bit easier.

America loves Cabernet Sauvignon. And Napa (in California) is the prestige address for many of the most famous (and expensive) of these wines. But one can also find exceptional values for this grape by looking to areas outside the United States (such as Chile) or simply outside California.

“I recommend the J. Bookwalter Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley area [of Washington State],” suggests Becca Sapienza, one of the three wine consultants we spoke with at ABC Fine Wine and Spirits on College Road in Ocala. “It’s a complex, fruitforward Cab, for less than $50, that blends vintages from different years to achieve a well-rounded flavor.”

The second most-popular red wine option would be a domestic red blend, which means that it’s a wine that’s been made from more than one variety of grape (the

Sean Trapani attended the London School of Wine, holds an advanced certificate in wines and spirits (WSET 3), and is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW).

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process that winemakers in Bordeaux have been employing for the past 800 years).

“I’m loving the Vin Roc RTW red blend,” says ABC wine consultant Barbie Veguilla. “Lovely, soft tannins. Very prominent black fruit. Plus some vanilla and oak. Delicious!”

For whites, start with Chardonnay, the most popular wine grape variety in the United States.

Wines from Napa or its neighbor, Sonoma, are home to many of the most well-regarded American Chardonnay brands, but also remember that Australia and Italy both provide excellent options (not to mention the white wines of Burgundy, France, which are generally 100 percent Chardonnay).

For a lighter style of white, similar to a Pinot Grigio, one might consider a Picpoul de Pinet from southern France or a searingly crisp Grüner Veltliner from Austria or New Zealand.

Finally, if sweet wine is on your gift list, consider a dense, rich French Sauternes or some of the mildly sweet white and red wines from Italy or Germany.

“Dornfelder is a wonderful German red, sporting spicy aromas of tart cherry and red licorice,” suggests ABC Wine Consultant Ed Aulwes. “Flavors of pomegranate, cranberry and dried fruit are just sweet enough to balance.”

Remember, gift shopping for a wine enthusiast doesn’t have to be a chore. Just use some of the tips here or visit a local wine shop with friendly, knowledgeable clerks. They can make those feelings of intimidation disappear faster than a bottle of great wine!

› 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.

Now through December 31, purchase $100 in any denomination of Mark’s Prime gift cards and recieve a FREE $25 GIFT CARD* Gift cards are also available online through our website. *not valid day of purchase

Mark’s Prime Steakhouse & Seafood 30 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala › (352) 402-0097 ocala.marksprimesteakhouse.com › Mon 5p-9p › Tue-Sat 5p-10p › Closed Sunday Mark’s Prime Steakhouse has a goal to create a unique dining experience that will please the palate and soothe the soul. We serve the finest beef, the freshest seafood, premium wines and naturally fresh vegetables. We are pleased to have been serving the finest quality dining experience since November 2002, more than 10 years ago!

We hope to see you very soon at one of our two great locations, Gainesville and Ocala!

At our Sunday brunch, enjoy our chef’s specialty dinner selections, including an impressive assortment of fresh salads, peel-and-eat shrimp, and the chef-attended carving station... not to mention the best part... dessert!

Find us on Facebook for up-todate info on special events.

West 82° Bar & Grill 9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River › (352) 795-4211 ext. 311 › plantationoncrystalriver.com/restaurant-and-bars.htm Breakfast: daily 6-10:30a › Lunch: Mon-Sat 11:30a-2p Dinner: daily 5-9p › Sunday Brunch: 11:30a-2pm Experience authentic Florida cuisine at the Plantation on Crystal River. Just off our lobby is the West 82º Bar & Grill, where you’ll find top-notch recipes in a relaxing setting along Kings Bay. Holding true to our reputation of genuine Southern hospitality and attention to detail, all our entrées are prepared with the finest natural— and, whenever possible, local—ingredients. Join us Sundays for our delicious brunch, featuring traditional breakfast favorites.

Overlooking Kings Bay and Crystal River, the West 82º Bar & Grill provides a special place to enjoy dining with your friends and family.

DEC ’17 ›

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› DINING GUIDE

Chefs of Napoli Ristorante Italiano 5400 SW College Rd., Ocala › (352) 857-8111 Mon-Thu 11a-9p › Fri 11a-10p › Sat 12-10p › Sun 12-9p thechefsofnapoli.com Celebrate the season with an authentic Mediterranean-Italian experience to go! You can select from four different chef packages: No. 1 choice of salad, choice of pasta and garlic knots, 4-6 people $39.95, 10-12 people $79.95; No. 2 choice of salad, choice of pasta, choice of entrée and garlic knots, 4-6 people $64.95, 10-12 people $134.95; No. 3 choice of salad, choice of pasta, choice of dessert and garlic knots, 4-6 people $59.95, 10-12 people $119.85; No. 4 choice of salad, choice of pasta, choice of entree, choice of dessert and garlic knots, 4-6 people $79.95, 10-12 people $164.95.

Latinos Y Mas 2030 S. Pine Avenue, Ocala › (352) 622-4777 › latinosymas.com Mon-Thu 11a-9p › Fri-Sat 11a-10p › Closed Sun Holidays with a Latin flare! Whether your event is at our location or yours, Latinos Y Mas is the place to turn to for catered holiday events or parties. Try one of our delicious new entrees, including Latinos Passion Chicken, Latinos Pargo Rojo (Red Snapper as pictured), Roasted Beet Salad, Spinach Salad or Mexican Shrimp Ceviche, which you can enjoy here or order from the take-away menu. Our friendly staff is more than happy to help plan an extraordinary dining experience.

Crossroads Country Kitchen 7947 W Highway 40, Ocala › (352) 237-1250 Mon-Thur 6a-8:30p › Fri-Sat 6a-9p › Sun 7a-3p Located west on Highway 40 in Ocala, the Crossroads Country Kitchen is a must for anyone craving down-home, country cooking.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, menu items range from a wide variety of homemade soups and chili to prime rib, fresh salads, seafood, prime steaks and burgers. If you’re in the mood for a real treat, try the Prime Rib Dinner For Two for $26.95. Make sure to leave room for one of the tasty home-baked desserts! In the mood for a fresh fish fry? Tuesdays and Fridays are all-you-careto-eat catfish or whitefish. Enjoy an Italian special on Wednesdays.

Big-screen televisions will allow you to enjoy your meal without missing one second of the big game or race.

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Come see Italian singer Taddeo Scalici every Thursday and Mark Raisch December 8, 15, 22 and 29.

Gift certificates available.

Purchase $50, receive $60.

Purchase $100, receive $120.

Ask for our gift cards and receive a bonus card.

Now accepting reservations for holiday parties.

VIP room and patio available for private events.

Kids eat free on Mondays. @latinosymasrestaurant @latinosymasrestaurant

Located at the Crossroads of NW 80th Ave. and Hwy 40 West. No matter what you have a taste for, Crossroads Country Kitchen is sure to become a new favorite. Former owners of “The Spiced Apple” restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale. We accept all major credit cards.

› DINING GUIDE

7-time Golden Spoon award winner Celebrate New Year’s Eve Fri, Sat & Sun Special Menu

Sky Fine Dining 3600 SW 38th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34474 › (352) 291-0000 › ocalasky.com Mon- Thu 5-10p › Fri & Sat 5-11p › Open New Year’s Eve Join Sky Fine Dining for New Year’s Eve dinner. Enjoy fine wine, champagne, specialty martinis and cocktails. In addition to all your favorite entrées, chef-selected specialty dishes will be available as well. Guests are sure to appreciate Sky’s fine dining atmosphere.

Please call (352) 291-0000 to secure your reservation. Sky Fine Dining is located on the 6th floor of the Holiday Inn & Suites.

We make the Spirits of Florida!

Fish Hawk Spirits

Fish Hawk Spirits

21 SW 2nd St., Gainesville › (352) 792-6699 › fishhawkspirits.com › Mon & Tues Private Tastings › Wed-Fri 4p-10p › Sat 1p-10p › Sun 4p-10p

@Fishhawkspirits

Craft spirits—what does that mean? At Fish Hawk Spirits, the philosophy is about doing business with their neighbors while pursuing quality in their finished spirits. Their spirits are made from locally sourced, all-natural raw materials. They consider themselves makers of fine, handcrafted spirits. They distill every drop, capturing the essence of Florida from the ingredients grown here. They source materials first from Marion County and then from Florida and, if necessary, from other U.S. producers. Every drop of their tangerine brandy, Marion Black 106, began as a blossom on a tangerine tree in a Florida grove—just like their blueberry products are made from the blueberries grown at Island Grove Winery and their whiskey from corn and oats grown in Florida.

@Fishhawkdistill

Let Pasta Faire cater your holiday party!

Open Christmas Eve 11a-8p Free Additional Gift Card With Purchase: $50 ➭ $10 $100 ➭ $20 $500 ➭ $100

Pasta Faire Italian Ristorante 10401 US Hwy 441, Belleview › (352) 347-3100 › pastafaire.com Mon-Sat 11a-10p › Sun 11a-9p The holidays are fast approaching, let Pasta Faire Ristorante and Catering help with all your upcoming festivities. Locally owned and operated for over 25 years, Pasta Faire has teamed up with Catering Director Leeann Stewart to bring the absolute best in off premise full service catering. Pasta Faire is the proud winner of the 2017 “Taste of Ocala” Best Presentation award for their stunning culinary display. If you’re looking for first class cuisine, from a tradition holiday turkey feast to carved prime rib, Pasta Faire’s chefs can accommodate any menu. Give Leeann a call at (352) 260-5807 for a consultation.

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› DINING GUIDE

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, $5.25. 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 (takeout 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).

Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Steam Shack 15790 SE 134th Avenue, Weirsdale (352) 259-2444 › eatonsbeach.com Mon-Sat 12-8p › Sunday 12-7p The Steam Shack at Eaton’s Beach is all about casual dining, a beachside atmosphere and fresh, delicious food. Sure, they have tasty sandwiches and appetizers, but the main focus is on the steamed shrimp, crab legs, crawfish and other seafood offerings.

After spending a hot day on the beach or in the water at Lake Weir, guests can feel comfortable ordering in flip flops and a bathing suit.

Or are you headed to Eaton’s Beach for an evening out with friends after work? Stop at the Steam Shack first for a drink and appetizer while waiting for your table.

The Ivy House Restaurant 917 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala › (352) 622-5550 Sun & Tue 11a-2p › Wed & Thu 11a-8p › Fri & Sat 11a-8:30p › Closed Mon 106 NW Main St, Williston › (352) 528-5410 Sun-Wed 11a-2p › Thu-Sat 11a-8p › ivyhousefl.com “Come on home, it’s supper time!” is our motto. We want you to feel you have come to our house 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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Trivia Night every Thursday, 7-9pm (Silver Springs Blvd. location) Mariachi band every Thursday at the 200 location, 6-9pm Gift Certificates Available Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año 2018

THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD

Beer and wine are available, and the Sandbar is just steps away for specialty drink orders.

Buy $100 in gift cards and receive a $25 bonus card for yourself, while supplies last.

Stop by our “New Bar” and enjoy our speciality drinks!

Catering holiday parties & special events. We make the Holidays easy so you can enjoy what’s most important, your family and friends! Gift Certificates available.

Many Christmas Blessings!

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Flashback: The Georgia Satellites performed at the Harvest Fest Music and Food Truck Festival at Tuscawilla Park on Novemeber 11.

Photo by Ralph Demilio

A QUICK Q&A

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BOOKS TO READ

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THE SOCIAL SCENE

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Scene A Roundup Of The Month’s Best Bets › By Nick Steele

FILMS to Watch

A & Q k c i A Qu With

l o r a C t t e n Bur Carol Burnett’s groundbreaking comedy series debuted in 1967 and went on to become one of the best-loved shows of all time.

The legendary lady herself gave us the inside scoop on The Carol Burnett 50th Anniversary Special, which airs December 3 from 8-10pm on CBS.

What does it feel like to be marking the show’s 50th anniversary?

I just can’t believe it’s been 50 years. Where did it go?

What can fans expect on the special?

It’s like coming home. It’s the punctuation on what we did.

We have a lot of fun clips. We had so many to choose from.

We’ve chosen some really funny ones that maybe people haven’t seen since they aired

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Daisy Ridley as Rey in The Last Jedi

Star Wars: The Last Jedi December 15

A menacing darkness threatens beloved characters, old and new, in the next chapter of this epic saga—setting up a battle for the ages in the final film of the trilogy.

and some that people want to see again and again.

We hear you have some amazing folks like Jim Carrey, Jane Lynch, Harry Connick Jr. and Kristin Chenoweth stopping by to help celebrate?

It’s so great! The people we have coming, I mean ‘Woof!’ We’re going to have guest stars on the show that are going to reminisce a bit about what they remember. We have Bernadette Peters, who was the first guest we signed on our show.

Anna Kendrick and the cast of Pitch Perfect 3

Pitch Perfect 3 December 22

The Bellas are back for one last chapter, reuniting for an overseas USO tour. Expect big laughs and some feel-good musical moments.

What don’t people know about the show?

We have been accused of breaking up on purpose, but that was not the case.

What do you think makes your show such an enduring classic?

We went for the laughs. We weren’t edgy.

I’m not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but there is a place for just good fun that the whole family can watch.

Hugh Jackman in The Greatest Showman

The Greatest Showman December 25

No matter how you feel about the circus, this musical celebration inspired by P.T. Barnum’s visionary imagination is a family-friendly spectacle to behold.

Good Reads Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy

By Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant

Facebook COO and bestselling author Sheryl Sandberg has something profound to share about resilience—that indescribable quality that allows some people to experience life’s greatest traumas and come back stronger than ever.

She joins forces with Adam Grant, a psychologist and friend, to explore deeply personal stories that offer powerful life lessons for handling grief and adversity. Although they acknowledge that no one can avoid misfortune, loss or heartbreak, they offer resilience as a compelling Option B.

Keep It Local A Fight for Freedom: Attack on Fort King December 2-3, 10am-4pm, 3925 East Fort King Street, fortkingocala.com The city of Ocala and the Fort King Heritage Association have completed work on a full-scale replica of Fort King, on the spot it originally stood, at the Fort King National Historic Landmark and Visitor Center. Keifer Calkins, the city’s outdoor/historical resource program coordinator, spoke with us about the fort’s public opening.

What do you have planned? We are tying this grand opening to our annual reenactment and history festival: A Fight for Freedom: Attack on Fort King. This event will add context and provide an education to why this fort is so important historically to this area.

Why is it so important? The Seminole Wars have been much forgotten. This fort gives us the opportunity to revisit this history in a very real way. It opens up a dialogue about this time, about our country and the pain that, unfortunately, our past is built on. By reconstructing this fort and building this

Tainted Witness: Why We Doubt What Women Say About Their Lives

By Leigh Gilmore

park, we confront the past, we ask it questions and we hopefully learn from it.

What will visitors experience? This event will tell the story not only of the fort but also the people affected by the Seminole Wars. Through first-person historical narrative, activities and demonstrations, visitors will be able to experience life in the 1800s. All sides of this very complex and costly war will be explored. There will be period vendors selling crafts and gifts, as well as food trucks to fill your stomach. At about 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, the event will climax with the reenactment of Osceola’s attack on Fort King. The reenactment will give visitors a sense of the danger and turbulence of the time.

We are living through a momentous period in our history, when many women have chosen to step forward and pull back the curtain on the predatory behavior of men in power across many industries and government agencies. Gilmore’s book is essential reading for this moment, as it explores how women have historically been discredited and treated as tainted witnesses— ultimately finding themselves caught up in a system that refuses to believe what they say—when they have previously come forward.

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Downtown To Dos December 1 › First Friday Art Walk, downtown Ocala, 6pm December 5, 7, 14, 19, 21 › Santa on the Square, downtown

Concerts

Ocala, 6pm

Arts, Crafts and Culture

Lady Gaga

Amalie Arena, Tampa

Dec. 1

Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s Pops!

Goes the Holidays

Reilly Arts Center, Ocala

Dec. 2-3

Paramore

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando

Dec. 5

98 Degrees

The Mahaffey Theatre, St. Petersburg

Dec. 8

LeAnn Rimes

Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, The Villages

Dec. 8

concert performed by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra will take place at Tuscawilla Park. The concert begins at 7:30pm at the Jenkins Auto Group Outdoor Stage. ocalafl.org or (352) 239-5888.

KANSAS

Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, The Villages

Dec. 9

POPS! Goes The Holidays (December 2, 3) › This annual

Upcoming Exhibits At The Appleton › Mysteries of the

Amazon: Visionary Artwork of Pablo Amaringo and His Students will feature approximately 95 paintings by Peruvian artist Pablo Amaringo and his students from the collection of Scott Olsen, Ph.D., on display through January 14. appletonmuseum.org or (352) 291-4455.

Symphony Under the Lights (December 1) › A complimentary

performance by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra will feature seasonal favorites along with the music of Mannheim Steamroller. Performances are held at the Reilly Arts Center and take place at 7:30pm on December 2 and 3pm on December 3. ocalasymphony.com or (352) 351-1606.

Night at the Museum (December 8) › The Discovery Center will host a family-friendly event featuring hands-on activities for children ages 5-9.

Registration is $15 per child. mydiscoverycenter.org or (352) 401-3900.

The Nutcracker (December 8-17) › Marion Ballet Theatre will

present their rendition of The Nutcracker at the Ocala Civic Theatre for multiple performances this month. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for children under 12. For a complete schedule of performances, visit ocalacivictheatre.com or (352) 236-2274.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry

Amalie Arena, Tampa

Dec. 15

Ben Haggard

Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa

Dec. 15

93.3 FLZ’s Jingle Ball: Nick Jonas, Charlie Puth, Zedd & Why Don’t We

Amalie Arena, Tampa

Dec. 16

Modern Vinyl Series: Jess Godwin

Reilly Arts Center, Ocala

Dec. 16

Man In The Mirror The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band

House of Blues, Orlando

Dec. 28

Shakira

Amway Center, Orlando

Jan. 9

A Night with Janis Joplin

Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, The Villages

Jan. 9

Hollywood Nights: A Bob Seger Experience

Circle Square Cultural Center, Ocala

Jan. 12

Modern Vinyl Series: Kelsey Waldon

Reilly Arts Center, Ocala

Jan. 27

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party (December 9, 16) › Children will have the opportunity to meet the cast of the Marion Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker for a special tea party served on the set of the performance.

Attendees are encouraged to wear their Nutcracker finery or favorite prince or princess costume and will participate in a dance class as well.

Tickets are $10 for each adult and $9 for each child. Both events take place at 10am. ocalacivictheatre.com or (352) 236-2274.

Continued on p.72

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Not a creature was stirring…

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Happy Holidays!

Call (352) 732-4244 for your free inspection, and you'll hear Santa exclaim, “Now dash away, dash away, dash away bugs!”

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EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF STONE COLORS

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115 SW 49th Ave. Ocala, FL 34474 DEC ’17 ›

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Central Florida Master Choir Concert (December 10, 15, 17) ›

The Central Florida Master Choir will present their seasonal concert “A Holiday Wreath” in three performances this month. The December 10 performance will take place at the Countryside Presbyterian Church at 3pm, the December 15 performance will take place at the Reilly Arts Center at 7pm and the December 17 performance will take place at the Dunnellon Presbyterian Church at 3pm. Admission to the concerts is free, but a freewill offering is encouraged. cfmasterchoir.com or (352) 615-7677.

Performing Arts Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group Theatre at Universal CityWalk, Orlando

Ongoing

My Fair Lady

Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse, Mount Dora

Thru Dec.17

A Year with Frog and Toad

The Hippodrome State Theatre, Gainesville

Thru Dec. 17

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.

Nature Hike (December 16) › A guided nature hike through Silver Springs

State Park will take place the third Saturday of each month through May. Each hike will start from a different location in the park and focus on different plants and wildlife. Free with park admission. silversprings.com or (352) 236-7148.

Thru Dec. 31

A Christmas Carol

The Hippodrome State Theatre, Gainesville

Thru Dec. 22

17-18 Orlando Ballet Season

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando

Thru May 6

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Ocala Civic Theatre

Dec. 2-3

The Nutcracker presented

by Dance Alive

Reilly Arts Center, Ocala

Dec.5

The Book of Mormon

Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa

Dec. 5-10

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: LIVE Shadowcast

Reilly Arts Center, Ocala

Dec. 8

Marion Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

Ocala Civic Theatre

Dec. 8-17

Love Never Dies

Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa

Dec. 12-17

Judy Garland: Come Rain or Come Shine starring Angela Ingersoll

Reilly Arts Center, Ocala

Dec. 17

Out of the Darkness Walk (December 2) › The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host a walk at Jervey Gantt Park.

Registration begins at 8:30am, and the walk begins at 10am. afsp.com or (352) 817-8972.

School of Rock: The Musical

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando

Dec. 26-31

Reindeer Run (December 9) › The 40th annual Reindeer Run will take

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – In Concert

Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa

Dec. 28-29

School of Rock

Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa

Jan. 2-5

Dave & Ted, Deuces Wild!

Circle Square Cultural Center, Ocala

Jan. 5

I Love a Piano

Ocala Civic Theatre

Jan. 11-Feb. 4

Dirty Dancing

Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, The Villages

Jan. 12-13

The Fox on the Fairway

Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse, Mount Dora

Jan. 19-Feb. 11

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Photo by Ralph Demilio

Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba Disney Springs, Orlando

Skating Rink (Through December 31) › The Let’s Skate Ocala ice rink is located at Tuscawilla Park this year and is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-9pm, Fridays 5-10pm, Saturdays noon- 10pm and Sundays 1-6 pm. Admission is $5 per person for a 30-minute session. ocalafl.org or (352) 368- 5517.

place prior to the start of the Ocala Christmas Parade. The race begins and ends at CenterState Bank, and T-shirts are guaranteed for the first 500 registered participants and a special 40th anniversary ornament is guaranteed for the first 250 registered participants. The event will also include a Rudolph Dash for young children and a beer tent with complimentary beer for those over age 21. ocalareindeerrun.com or (352) 304-3217.

Other Fun Stuff!

Ocala Health Events › A diabetes support group will be held

December 6. A seminar discussing fall prevention will take place on

December 8, and a spiritual wellness discussion will be held on December 13. All programs will be held at the Senior Wellness Community Center in Ocala. Advanced registration is required. ocalahealthsystem.com or (800) 530-1188.

home decor and unique gifts

Shakespeare in the Park and Renaissance Faire

Ginger Snap Jewelry Corkcicle Tumblers Mia Sol Jewelry Lily Grace T-Shirts Simply Southern Mona-B Bags T-Shirts Tyler Candles Swan Creek Expires your purchase!* 02/28/2018 Candles *Some exclusions apply. Must

(December 2) › A Renaissance festival celebrating the work of Shakespeare will be held at Tuscawilla Park from noon-10pm. The festival will be both educational and entertaining and includes live performances throughout the day. ocalafl.org or (352) 362-8548.

25% off

ad at time of purchase. May Mon-Fri:12-5:30pm present not be combined with any other offer or sale. Limit one per customer.

Sat:10am-5pm Holiday Hours: 12-5pm

Random Acts of Kindness Scavenger Hunt (December 2) › This

second annual event will begin at Back to Health Chiropractic at 9:30am.

Teams of four are needed to complete a series of hunts to gather means to complete as many random acts of kindness as possible. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Facebook event page or call (352) 512-0530.

3790 SE 58th Ave, Ocala, Fl.

352-694-1888

www.countrymemories.net

Santa’s Calling (December 5-7) › Santa and Mrs. Claus will make calls

Don’t let the flu get you down.

to good little boys and girls through this program presented by the City of Ocala. Parents must register in advance. ocalafl.org or (352) 629-8389.

Seasonal flu shots are now available

Dunnellon Christmas Parade (December 2) › The annual Dunnellon

Get yours today!

Christmas Parade and Celebration will take place in downtown Dunnellon at 5:30pm. The celebration will include live entertainment, bounce houses, slides and snow. dunnellonchristmasparade.com or (352) 489-0099

Ocala/Marion County Christmas Parade (December 9) › This annual parade is considered the largest nighttime parade in Florida. The route begins at the McPherson Complex on SE 25th Ave. and travels west along Silver Springs Boulevard and ends on NE Eighth Ave. The event kicks off at 5:30pm. ocalachristmasparade.org or (352) 897-0198.

352-629-0137

Marion.FloridaHealth.gov

We Proudly Welcome Photo by Melissa Peterson

Kathleen Telusma, DPM

Doggone Good Reading Program (December 9, 16) › Children ages

Dr. Kathleen Telusma grew up in Orlando, Florida. She remained in Orlando for her college education where she received a BS in molecular biology and microbiology from the University of Central Florida. She went on to continue her medical education in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at Temple University where she earned her Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Telusma went on to finish her medical training by completing her surgical residency at the Atlanta VA Medical Center. Upon the conclusion of residency, she sought to return to Central Florida for practice. She is now happy to be the newest addition to Family Foot and Ankle. She treats a variety of foot and ankle pathologies with an interest in dermatology, wound care, bunions, hammertoes and heel pain.

Treatment of Common Ailments such as Bunions, Hammertoes, Heel Pain, Fractures, Sprains, Athlete’s Foot, Neuromas, Tendonitis Ankle Arthroscopy • Laser Foot Surgery Sports Related Injuries Children’s Foot Care • Custom Orthotics

5 to 12 are invited to read to a Humane Society of Marion County dog at 11am. Children will select a book to read, which they can then take home.

Advance registration is required. thehsmc.org or (352) 873-7387 x204.

After Dark In the Park (December 15) › Tuscawilla Park will air a

showing of Elf at 7:30pm. Admission is free, lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. ocalafl.org or (352) 368-5517.

Tiara Ball (February24) › Join the Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer

Research for their 32nd Annual Tiara Ball, the organization’s largest fundraising event, which raises money for cancer research and education in North Central Florida. The event will take place at Circle Square Cultural Center. ocalaroyaldames.org or (352) 622-7363.

Dr. Noroozi

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352.867.0024

www.FamilyFootAnkle.org DEC ’17 ›

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

Society’s Smallest Victims: Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection › Written And Photographed By Ronald W. Wetherington

T

he sunset over Lake Weir at local philanthropist and Community President of CenterState Bank Tom Ingram’s home painted the sky brick red on a recent evening. Attired in their best Florida casual wear, celebrants clustered barefoot on the beach in small groups discussing how they could help children in need. Tom Ingram and his guests, at his second fundraiser in as many years for abused and neglected children, share a passion for helping Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection.

Funds raised at last year’s event enabled Kimberly’s Center to serve approximately 1,200 children in Marion County who were victims of child abuse, neglect or some other type of emotional trauma.

Over $30,000 was raised this year.

By all accounts, Tom’s private fundraiser was over the top. Highlights included Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham making a grand entrance by parachuting from a small plane into the party. The entertainment was most remarkable and included a water skiing display by the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team. Their expertise was such that is usually only seen on national television sports competitions.

Scrumptious food was catered by Eaton’s Beach. Polynesian dancers from Orlando in sarongs and grass skirts added further to the exotic party air.

Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection shared their mission with all in attendance.

Executive Director Dawn Westgate stated, “The passion of Tom Ingram to help children heal from abuse and neglect is inspiring. Our hope is that events like this can serve as a call to action for our entire community.”

Tom added, “Recently, I had the opportunity to witness the mission and scope of services provided to our community’s children in need during a tour of Kimberly’s Center. Seeing this really moved me, and I feel more connected than ever. I am certain that I can help these innocent children and support the staff in their effort to protect and help kids heal. These children have experienced so much hurt, and if I can play a small part in helping them, then I am all in. I would strongly encourage anyone to schedule a tour of Kimberly’s Center. You will walk away with a clear understanding of how the team serves children all the while being truly inspired.”

Ocala Police Chief and Kimberly’s Center board member Greg Graham emphasized, “I have witnessed first-hand the unspeakable circumstances that lead to a child being taken to Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection. Our community’s approach is both compassionate and effective. When healing is initiated and children are empowered, then they can become the best of our society.”

Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection is a not-for-profit organization that has saved our community’s abused and neglected children since 1966. But they cannot do it alone. They need your help to ensure that our community’s smallest victims of the emotional trauma of child abuse are cared for and healed in a safe, child-friendly environment. Please take a moment and make a donation by visiting kimberlyscenter.org or calling (352) 873-4739.

Ronald W. Wetherington SOCIAL SCENE EDITOR

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Stacey and Tom Files

Greg Graham

Tom Ingram, Dallas Roberts, Kathy and Mike Bennetch

Kimber Boyd, Wylie Nelson and Angeles Urtubey

Terry Roberts, Dallas Roberts and Tom Ingram

Greg and Amy Graham

Marilyn Peak and Nanette Hoefly

Catherine Vidal, Meleah Norris and Jaden Tripodi

Todd Duffy and Brad Nelson

Angie and Clint Lewis and Dana Demilio

Joe Wallace, Tasha Briggs, Nancy Gyan, Laura Coslick and Carl Johns

Tracie Bracey, Sharron Tryon, Nicole Bloom and Kim Zielinski

Torre Crockett and Courtney Richardson

Nadene Marmolejo, Heidi Hensley, Victoria Smith and Dawn Westgate

Joann Zalak and Carl Zalak DEC ’17 ›

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

Dining in the Dark

Photos by Crys Williams @ Trinity Catholic High School

The Florida Center for the Blind’s recent Dining in the Dark event put attendees in the shoes of the blind for a dinner served by Marion County Sheriff ’s Office and Ocala Police Department SWAT teams. Although SWAT members wore night vision goggles, attendees experienced eating in complete darkness. Proceeds benefited the Florida Center for the Blind.

Alan Ahany and Pravina Patel

Phil Brescia, Gilbert and Jenny Martinez

Phyllis and John Eblan

Chief Robert Douglas and Barbara Douglas

Carol Caruso, Janice McCall

John and Kathy Lyon

Chris Guerra and David Rodriguez

Stacey and Harry Batten, Kelly Evans and Hannah Batten

Kevin and Lisa Sheilley, Will and Marisa Thames

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Steve and Heather Cuppy

Pam Carr and Scot Quintel

Dalton Hobbs, Amber Robinson and Anthony Suter

Virginia Rose and Veronica Chancery

Michael and Rhea Carnevale

Crippen & Co. is committed to making a difference in our communities.

August 1 through December 31, 2017, with the mention of this ad, Crippen & Co. will donate

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 B12/LIPO Injections  Sclerotherapy (for Spider veins/Varicose Veins)  Latisse  High Quality Isotonix Health Supplements

Hablamos Español • Visit us on Facebook

2654 SW 32nd Place, Suite 100, Ocala

352.387.0090 DEC ’17 ›

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

FAFO’s Ocala Arts Festival

Photos by Crys Williams @ Downtown Ocala

The annual Ocala Arts Festival is a community favorite. More than 155 artists from all over the country recently brought their works of art to the downtown area for the two-day festival. Live entertainment, food trucks and children’s activities made this a must-attend family event.

Hayleigh, John, Emma and Luke Degiorgio

Don and Andrew Slaughter

Jenn and Bruce Van Fleet

Samuel Bishop

Lynn and Phil Hardesty Pauletta Berger

Kayla and Zack Schultz and Ellie

Jacqueline Bozman and Evan McMinn Addison Mathews

Hollis Mutch, Van Williams and David Campo

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.com

Jim Wettach

Diana Chestnut and Angelika Salisbury

Jake and Maxx Williams

VOTED BEST NEW CAR DEALER

ALL NEW 2018 TOYOTA

CAMRY

Photographed on location at Tuscawilla Art Park, Ocala FL

TOYOTA MAKES THE CAR...

DELUCA MAKES THE DIFFERENCE! “TREATING CUSTOMERS WITH HONESTY AND INTEGRITY FOR OVER 39 YEARS!

-FRANK DELUCA PRESIDENT/OWNER

EXPERIENCE THE DELUCA DIFFERENCE.”

www.DELUCATOYOTA.com 352.732.0770

1719 SW COLLEGE RD • OCALA

OCALA OCALA FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER OCALA OCALAFAMILY FAMILY FAMILYMEDICAL MEDICAL MEDICALCENTER CENTER CENTER 2230 2230 SW SW 19th 19th Ave Ave Rd Rd Monday Monday - Friday - Friday OCALA OCALA FAMILY FAMILY MEDICAL MEDICAL CENTER CENTER 2230 2230SW SW19th 19th Ave AveRd Rd Monday Monday - Friday - Friday Ocala, Ocala,FLFL34471 34471 7:00 7:00a.m. a.m.- 7:00 - 7:00p.m. p.m.

Ocala, Ocala, FL 34471 34471 2230 2230 SW SWFL 19th 19th Ave AveRd Rd Ocala, Ocala,FLFL34471 34471

7:00 7:00 a.m. a.m.- -7:00 - Friday p.m. p.m.

Monday Monday -7:00 Friday 7:00 7:00a.m. a.m.- 7:00 - 7:00p.m. p.m.

352-237-4133 352-237-4133 352-237-4133 352-237-4133 Voted VotedOcala OcalaStar StarBanner’s Banner’s 352-237-4133 352-237-4133 Voted VotedOcala OcalaStar StarBanner’s Banner’s

“Best “Bestofofthe theBest” Best”General GeneralPractice PracticeDoctor’s!

Doctor’s!

“Best “Bestofofthe the Best” Best” General General Practice PracticeDoctor’s!

Doctor’s!

Voted Voted Ocala Ocala Star StarBanner’s Banner’s “Best “Bestofofthe theBest” Best”General GeneralPractice PracticeDoctor’s!

Doctor’s!

Carlos Carlos Rodriguez, Rodriguez, MDMD Robert Robert Panzer, Panzer, DODO Carlos Carlos Rodriguez, Rodriguez, MDMD Robert Robert Panzer, Panzer, DODO

Mark Mark Monical, Monical, DODO Mark Mark Monical, Monical, DODO

James James London, London, MDMD James James London, London, MDMD

Robert Robert Williams, Williams, MDMD Salesia Salesia Alvarado, Alvarado, MDMD Robert Robert Williams, Williams, MDMD Salesia Salesia Alvarado, Alvarado, MDMD

Carlos Carlos Rodriguez, Rodriguez, MDMD Robert Robert Panzer, Panzer, DODO

Mark Mark Monical, Monical, DODO

James James London, London, MDMD

Robert Robert Williams, Williams, MDMD Salesia Salesia Alvarado, Alvarado, MDMD

Adam Adam Alpers, Alpers, DODO Adam Adam Alpers, Alpers, DODO

Brian Brian Pecoraro, Pecoraro, DODO Brian Brian Pecoraro, Pecoraro, DODO

Mimi Mimi Balch, Balch, MDMD Mimi Mimi Balch, Balch, MDMD

Allen Allen Winston, Winston, DODO Carly Carly Carrion Carrion Olmeda, Olmeda, MDMD Allen Allen Winston, Winston, DODO Carly Carly Carrion Carrion Olmeda, Olmeda, MDMD

Adam Adam Alpers, Alpers, DODO

Brian Brian Pecoraro, Pecoraro, DODO

Mimi Mimi Balch, Balch, MDMD

Allen Allen Winston, Winston, DODO Carly Carly Carrion Carrion Olmeda, Olmeda, MDMD

Todd Todd Panzer, Panzer, ARNP-C ARNP-C Todd Todd Panzer, Panzer, ARNP-C ARNP-C

Anne Anne Moyer, Moyer, PA-C PA-CStacey Stacey Graham, Graham, ARNP-C ARNP-CLinda Linda Bellows, Bellows, ARNP-C ARNP-CLaurel Karen Karen Larsen, Larsen, ARNP-C ARNP-C Laurel Bryant, Bryant, ARNP-C ARNP-C Anne Anne Moyer, Moyer, PA-C PA-CStacey Stacey Graham, Graham, ARNP-C ARNP-CLinda Linda Bellows, Bellows, ARNP-C ARNP-CLaurel Karen Karen Larsen, Larsen, ARNP-C ARNP-C Laurel Bryant, Bryant, ARNP-C ARNP-C

Todd Todd Panzer, Panzer, ARNP-C ARNP-C

Anne Anne Moyer, Moyer, PA-C PA-CStacey Stacey Graham, Graham, ARNP-C ARNP-CLinda Linda Bellows, Bellows, ARNP-C ARNP-CLaurel Karen Karen Larsen, Larsen, ARNP-C ARNP-C Laurel Bryant, Bryant, ARNP-C ARNP-C

Brittani Brittani Losapio, Losapio, ARNP-C ARNP-C Tyler Tyler Lindsey, Lindsey, PA-C PA-C Brittani Brittani Losapio, Losapio, ARNP-C ARNP-C Tyler Tyler Lindsey, Lindsey, PA-C PA-C

Corey Corey West, West, ARNP-C ARNP-C Amber Amber Starling, Starling, ARNP-C ARNP-C Corey Corey West, West, ARNP-C ARNP-C Amber Amber Starling, Starling, ARNP-C ARNP-C

Family FamilyPractice Practice Internal InternalMedicine Medicine Cardiology Cardiology Endocrinology Endocrinology Preventive Preventive Medicine Medicine Geriatrics Geriatrics Auto AutoAccidents Accidents Brittani Brittani Losapio, Losapio, ARNP-C ARNP-C Tyler Tyler Lindsey, Lindsey, PA-C PA-C Corey Corey West, West, ARNP-C ARNP-C Amber Amber Starling, Starling, ARNP-C ARNP-C Family FamilyPractice Practice Internal InternalMedicine Medicine Cardiology Cardiology Endocrinology Endocrinology Preventive Preventive Medicine Medicine Geriatrics Geriatrics Auto AutoAccidents Accidents Full FullService ServiceLab Lab Digital DigitalX-Ray X-Ray Ultrasound Ultrasound 6464Slice SliceCT CT 1.5 1.5Open OpenBore BoreMRI MRI Stress Stress Testing Testing Full FullService Service Lab LabMedicine Digital DigitalX-Ray X-Ray Ultrasound Ultrasound 6464Slice SliceCT CT 1.5 1.5Open Open Bore BoreMRI MRI Stress Stress Testing Testing Family FamilyPractice Practice Internal Internal Medicine Cardiology Cardiology Endocrinology Endocrinology Preventive Preventive Medicine Medicine Geriatrics Geriatrics Auto AutoAccidents Accidents www.ocalafmc.com www.ocalafmc.com Full FullService ServiceLab Lab Digital DigitalX-Ray X-Ray Ultrasound Ultrasound 6464Slice SliceCT CT 1.5 1.5Open OpenBore BoreMRI MRI Stress Stress Testing Testing www.ocalafmc.com www.ocalafmc.com OFMC OFMC Wellness WellnessCenter Center www.ocalafmc.com www.ocalafmc.com OFMC OFMC Wellness Wellness Center Center 2131 2131 SW SW 20th 20th Place Place 2131 2131 SWSW 20th 20th Place Place Ocala, Ocala, FL FL 34471 34471 OFMC OFMC Wellness Wellness Center Center Ocala, Ocala, FLFL 34471 34471 Medicine Medicine • Physiatry/Physical • Physiatry/Physical Medicine Medicine • Physiatry/Physical • Physiatry/Physical Interventional Interventional Spine Spine Interventional Interventional Spine Spine • Sports • Sports Medicine Medicine Physiatry/Physical Physiatry/Physical Medicine Medicine •• (outside Sports •• (outside Sports Medicine Medicine referrals referrals accepted) accepted) • (outside Interventional • (outside Interventional Spine Spine Eduardo Eduardo Cruz, Cruz, MDMD referrals referrals accepted) accepted) Eduardo Eduardo Cruz, Cruz, MDMD • Sports • Sports Medicine Medicine (outside (outside referrals referrals accepted) accepted) Eduardo Eduardo Cruz, Cruz, MDMD

Therapy Therapy • Physical • Physical Therapy Therapy • Physical • Physical Balance Balance & Gait & Gait Training Training •• Vertigo Balance •• Vertigo Balance & Incontinence Gait & Incontinence Gait Training Training & & Physical Physical •• (outside •• (outside referrals referrals accepted) accepted) Vertigo Vertigo &Therapy Incontinence &Therapy Incontinence • (outside Balance • (outside Balance &referrals Gait & Gait Training Training referrals accepted) accepted) Deborah Main, Main, DPT DPT Joseph Claudia Guevara, Guevara, PTAPTA Joseph Javier, Javier, DPT DPTClaudia Nick Nick Machupa, Machupa, PT,PT, OCS OCSDeborah Vertigo Vertigo & Incontinence & Incontinence • • Deborah Main, Main, DPT DPT Joseph Claudia Guevara, Guevara, PTAPTA Joseph Javier, Javier, DPT DPTClaudia Nick Nick Machupa, Machupa, PT,PT, OCS OCSDeborah

2131 2131 SWSW 20th 20th Place Place Ocala, Ocala, FLFL 34471 34471

OFMC OFMCDermatology, Dermatology,Aesthetics Aesthetics&&Women’s Women’sHealth HealthCenter Center OFMC OFMCDermatology, Dermatology,Aesthetics Aesthetics &Place &Women’s Women’sHealth HealthCenter Center 2121 2121 SWSW 22nd 22nd Place 2121 2121 SWSW 22nd Place Place Ocala, Ocala, FL22nd FL 34471 34471 OFMC OFMCDermatology, Dermatology,Aesthetics Aesthetics &34471 &Women’s Women’sHealth HealthCenter Center Ocala, Ocala, FLFL 34471

(outside (outside referrals referrals accepted) accepted)

Deborah Main, Main, DPT DPT Joseph Claudia Guevara, Guevara, PTAPTA Joseph Javier, Javier, DPT DPTClaudia Nick Nick Machupa, Machupa, PT,PT, OCS OCSDeborah

2121 SW SW 22nd 22nd Place Place • Facials • Facials & IPL &2121 IPL Laser Laser Health Health • Women’s • Women’s • Family • Family Practice Practice Ocala, Ocala, FLFL 34471 34471 • Botox • Botox &&Fillers &IPL Facials Facials &Fillers IPL Laser Laser Health Health • Women’s • Women’s Well Well Woman Woman Exams Exams • Women’s Family • Women’s Family Practice Practice • • Health Health • Botox • Botox Recovery Recovery Treatments & Fillers &Treatments Fillers Well Well Woman Woman Exams Exams • • Pap Pap Smears Smears • • Women’s Women’s Health Health • Recovery • Recovery Pharmaceutical Pharmaceutical Grade Grade Facials Facials & Treatments IPL & Treatments IPL Laser Laser Health Health • Women’s • Women’s • Family • Family Practice Practice • • Pap Pap Smears Smears IUD IUD Insertion Insertion & Removal & Removal Skin Skin Care Products • Botox • Botox &Care Fillers &Products Fillers Pharmaceutical Pharmaceutical Grade Grade •• IUD Well •• IUD Well Woman Woman Exams Insertion Insertion & Exams Removal & Removal • Women’s • Women’s Health Health Skin Skin Care Care Products Products • • Recovery Recovery Treatments Treatments DebDeb Scott, Scott, LPN, LPN, LE LE • Pap • Pap Smears Smears Collette Collette Mercier, Mercier, MDMD Evette Evette Hearn, Hearn, ARNP ARNP Pharmaceutical Pharmaceutical Grade Grade • • DebDeb Scott, Scott, LPN, LPN, LE LE Collette Collette Mercier, Mercier, MDMD Evette Evette Hearn, Hearn, ARNP ARNP • IUD • IUD Insertion Insertion & Removal & Removal Skin Skin Care Care Products Products

• Dermatology • Dermatology • Dermatology • Dermatology Mohs’ Mohs’ Skin Skin Cancer Cancer Surgery Surgery •(outside Mohs’ •(outside Mohs’ Skin Skin Cancer Cancer Surgery Surgery referrals referrals accepted) accepted) •(outside Dermatology •(outside Dermatology referrals referrals accepted) accepted) • Mohs’ • Mohs’ Skin Skin Cancer Cancer Surgery Surgery

(outside (outside referrals accepted) accepted) Kenneth Kenneth A. Wallace, A. Wallace, MD MD referrals Kenneth Kenneth A. Wallace, A. Wallace, MDMD

*Ocala *Ocala Family Family Medical Medical Center, Center, Inc.Inc. complies complies withwith applicable applicable Federal Federal civilcivil rights rights laws laws andand does does notnot discriminate discriminate on on thethe basis basis of race, of race, color, color, national national origin, origin, age,age, disability, disability, or sex.* or sex.* DebDeb Scott, Scott, LPN, LPN, LE LE Collette Collette Mercier, Mercier, MD MD Evette Evette Hearn, Hearn, ARNP ARNP *Ocala *Ocala Family Family Medical Medical Center, Center, Inc.Inc. complies complies withwith applicable applicable Federal Federal civilcivil rights rights laws laws andand does does not not discriminate discriminate on on thethe basis basis of race, of race, color, color, national national origin, origin, age,age, disability, disability, or sex.* or sex.*

Kenneth Kenneth A. Wallace, A. Wallace, MDMD

*Ocala *Ocala Family Family Medical Medical Center, Center, Inc.Inc. complies complies withwith applicable applicable Federal Federal civilcivil rights rights laws laws andand does does notnot discriminate discriminate on on thethe basis basis of race, of race, color, color, national national origin, origin, age,age, disability, disability, or sex.* or sex.*