Horseshoe Bend is an equine-friendly community close to The Villages. It features 7 parcels, all 5+ acres. Enjoy all of the conveniences of The Villages, which include restaurants, shopping and medical facilities, yet in your own country setting. The first home is under construction and will be a custom 3-bed, 2.5-bath residence featuring an open floor plan and more than 2,100 SF of living space. Attached 2-car garage and covered lanai. The photos, features and sizes are for illustrative purposes and may vary from the actual home being built. The home and community information, features, availability, amenities and pricing are subject to change without notice or obligation prior to sale.
On Top Of The World - Williamsburg
This remarkable home offers a picturesque view of the 10th hole of the Ocala National Golf Course. Boasting 3 bedrooms, a well-appointed office, 3 bathrooms and an expansive 3-car garage, this residence epitomizes luxury. The gourmet kitchen seamlessly connects to the living area, creating an ideal space for entertaining. The oversized island is perfect for hosting dinner parties and gatherings with loved ones. The owner’s bedroom is generously proportioned with a sitting area, beautifully accented tray ceiling, beautiful bath and access to the lanai. The split floor plan design places the guest rooms on the opposite side of the home. A spacious screened lanai is perfect for entertaining and enjoying the Florida sunshine and stunning golf course views. Conveniently located near the World Equestrian Center and Golden Ocala.
Endless possibilities. This property offers the best of both worlds—plenty of room to breathe and relax, whether you’re a horse lover, business owner, corporate investor, car enthusiast or simply seeking a serene retreat with all the amenities. Experience the versatility of this 140-foot by 80-foot multipurpose insulated, A/C building with 4 high aluminum roll-up doors providing secure, convenient access to equipment compartments. The kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, while the central meeting and dining areas, along with patios, offer plenty of space for gatherings and outdoor entertaining. The property features a riding arena, firepit, swim spa, 26 KW generator and a well. Whether your passion is horses or cattle, the farm offers room to ride, train and raise either or both.
$998,000 $2,694,500
Golden Hills
Commercial Land for Sale!
This excellent property boasts a prime location with convenient access from both the north and south via NW 44th Avenue. B-5 zoning allows for a variety of business types, such as retail, wholesale, repair and service. Situated just north of US HWY 27 and the I-75 interchange, this land offers easy access to I-75. Buyers have the option to purchase 1, 2, or all 3 parcels zoned B-5 with land use of Specialized Commerce District. The combined parcels total 21.07+/- acres, comprising a 9.04+/- parcel, a 4.96+/- parcel and a 7.07+/- parcel. There are 120 parking spaces, which are fenced and lighted. There is an office on one of the parcels. Located in the northwest area, which is one of Ocala’s most sought-after demographic areas, this development is perfect for businesses looking for prominence and accessibility. Prospective buyers can design their workspace from the ground up, selecting their preferred layout and interior finishes to create an environment that perfectly reflects their brand and meets their operational needs. Don’t miss out on this exceptional chance to establish your business in this thriving location.
should you expect working with Joan Pletcher?
Expect an unparalleled combination of professionalism, integrity and relentless commitment to her client’s unique needs, interests, and desires.
Joan is a residential, equine property and land development REALTOR® since 1985 and a horsewoman herself so her clients have the benefit of experience and specialized expertise.
“The Ocala region is home to the most beautiful equestrian estates and horse farms in the United States and the natural beauty of the area, along with an amazing variety of equine-centered activities and venues, such as the phenomenal World Equestrian Center, makes this a place that more and more people want to call home,” says Joan.
Call or Text: 352.804.8989 | joan@joanpletcher.com | joanpletcher.com
Prime
Dear Readers,
s we send this issue to print, a divisive presidential election hangs in the balance and many are in angst.
It is our hope that by the time you open this edition, whatever the outcome of that election, we can all use this season of joy and reflection to come to the table in peace.
This issue is dedicated to the wave of nostalgia we experience performing the same holiday rituals we do every year. Within these pages, you’ll find reflections on traditions near and dear, timeless recipes, and glimpses into the beloved annual rites that remind us of our connections to each other and to the past.
We want to thank our cover collaborator, Barbara Hooper, of Inspired Photography & Design, who photographed Santa Claus in the 1957 Chevy Bel Air owned and restored by her husband, Lt. Eric Hooper, a 27-year veteran with the Ocala Police Department, as well as the Santa and Mrs. Claus feature on pages 22-27.
We hope that the cover illustration is a little reminder that while we celebrate with our families and friends the magic of the season, we express gratitude to those working behind the scenes as peacekeepers.
Thank you for welcoming us into your homes and allowing us to celebrate the season with you.
From all of us here at Ocala Style, we wish you a holiday filled with peace, warmth and a dash of holiday magic that never fades with time.
Jennifer Hunt Murty Publisher
HOLIDAY UNDER THE STARS
Publisher | Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com
Magnolia Media Company, LLC (352) 732-0073
PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478
Art
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Amy Crescenzo amy@magnoliamediaco.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bruce Ackerman
Amy Panaia Davidson
Inspired Photography & Design
Kaplan Media
John Jernigan
Julie Mancini
Scott Mitchell
Cindy Vener
CLIENT SERVICES GURU
Cheryl Specht cheryl@magnoliamediaco.com
ocalastyle.com
ocalastyle ocalastyle ocalastylemagazine
Editorial
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Greg Hamilton greg@magnoliamediaco.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Chris D’Avanza
JoAnn Guidry
Belea Keeney
Scott Mitchell
Jill Paglia
Nick Wineriter
Sales
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Jane Lyons jane@magnoliamediaco.com
D istribution
Rick Shaw
43 CELEBRATING COOKIES
A sign of the holidays is when home chefs bake cookies.
48 ART FOR ALL SEASONS
Cindy Vener captures all the seasons in Florida.
53
THE GIFT OF GRATITUDE
Begin grateful doesn’t have to be seasonal.
57 GREEN THUMB GIFTING
Gardeners enjoy gifts for plants and yards.
this issue
22
IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
Bringing joy is the goal of Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
28 SITTING WITH SANTA
For 25 years, the Williams’ sisters have posed for portraits.
34 FESTIVE, NUTRITIOUS AND TASTY
Healthy recipes for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
39
TOASTING THE GOLDEN OLDIES
Classic cocktails never lose their allure.
60 FLORIDA’S FIRST HORSE
The Florida Cracker Horse is a recognized breed.
62 HORSES AND HOPE
MTRA uses the healing power of the human and equine connection.
ON THE COVER: Scott Jacob was photographed by Inspired Photography & Design in OPD Lt. Eric Hooper’s vintage patrol vehicle. THIS PAGE: Top Photo by John Jernigan, Jim Jernigan’s Studio
INSIDER
Social Scene
Lauren Deiorio, president and executive director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, is shown in front of the tote board that in the end registered a total of $3,019,483 in donations, from 5,384 donors making 7,816 gifts in this year’s Give4Marion.
Photo by Sean Kaplan
Record-breaking Response
This year’s Give4Marion campaign saw 5,384 donors make 7,816 gifts, totaling $3,019,483 for local nonprofits.
By Susan Smiley-Height | Photos courtesy of Kaplan Media
The “buzz” was palpable on September 17th and 18th, when this year’s 33-hour Give4Marion campaign generated a huge— and fun—number of appeals through social media.
From singing chicken videos to nonprofit representatives chasing down photo ops, the giving drive had a massive amount of positive energy. In the end, the grand total of $3,019,483 in donations, from 5,384 donors making 7,816 gifts, means that area nonprofits can continue to serve
their constituents and the community.
The annual drive by the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, in just its fifth year, has now raised more than $6 million for Marion County nonprofit organizations.
“This year’s Give4Marion has exceeded all expectations, raising more than we ever imagined possible,” offers Ashley Gerds, the foundation’s director of strategic engagement. “The generosity of our community, the tireless efforts of our
Clockwise from above: Lauren Deiorio and Ashley Gerds; Community Feud Game Show; Memorial Honor Guard
nonprofits and the unwavering support from our sponsors and donors have shown what we can achieve when we come together. Marion County’s heart for giving is truly unmatched.”
Give4Marion started as a 24-hour, online fundraiser to help nonprofits recoup lost revenue from the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it has grown into the 33-hour event that helps bring awareness to the nonprofits, connects them to new donors and volunteers, and strengthens their relationship with the community.
A big part of the excitement surrounding Give4Marion each year are Matching Moments, in which sponsors offer significant amounts of money to match donor gifts, sometimes at double or triple the original dollar figure. This year, appeal after appeal, many of which noted the times for Matching Moments, rolled across social media in hopes of various organizations capitalizing on the extra funding.
There also were Power Hour prizes, with challenges such as most donors, most donations, social media challenges and random drawings.
One of the key elements of success for Give4Marion is that the campaign structure makes it easy for donors to participate and gifts can range from $10 and up.
“Give4Marion 2024 has proven that when we believe in one another and the power of community, incredible things happen,” notes, Lauren Deiorio, president and executive director of the foundation.
“Each donation, no matter the size, contributed to this recordbreaking success. This year’s results are a testament to the collective strength and passion of everyone involved, and we are already excited for what next year will bring.”
Give4Marion 2025 will take place on September 16th and 17th.
To learn more, go to give4marion.org
From top: Taste of the Give, Lewis Stokes; Empowered the Rock team and board members, from left, Scott Coldwell, Paul Viles, Rondo Fernandez, Toby Fernandez, Sherry Fogel, Tiffany Henke, Dave Lambert, Michelle Lambert, Amber Ellman, Debra Palmire, Danielle Woods, Soriano Fernandez, Penny Lafitte, Erika Corley and Troy Weaver
Meredith Garner and Thomas Gerds, Grace Christian School
Formal dedication
HERITAGE
TRAIL PARK
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
The park on West Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala pays tribute to pioneers and leaders from the African American community who helped mold Marion County. It features numerous plaques and art panels and was opened with a ceremony on September 3rd.
Cynthia Wilson Graham, Kenneth Vernon, Ramona Williamson, Brenda Vereen and Charles Eady
Mike McCammon and Jeff Shrum
Narvella Haynes and Ruth Reed Loretta Jenkins and Whitfield Jenkins
Pamela Lewin, Barbara Brooks, Ruth Reed and Carolyn Adams
Head to El Toreo for the best Mexican food this side of the border! Enjoy all of your favorite traditional Mexican dishes in a friendly and festive atmosphere.
Mondays and Wednesdays, Margaritas are $2 Saturdays, 2 for 1 Margaritas All Day
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
IFMEMORY SERVES....
By Tennessee Williams
November 7-24, 2024
COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Ocala Gazette Ocala Style Telknight
TICKETS $35 FOR ADULTS • $17 FOR AGES 18 AND YOUNGER
The annual fundraiser, held August 23rd, had a theme of “Faces of the Future.” The event featured the unveiling of a special wall honoring the generosity of Frank DeLuca of DeLuca Toyota, who, with support from Toyota, has provided $130,000 in financial support to the club since 2016.
Jamie Tardif, Shawna Ferrintino and Allison Campbell
Gerri Benson, Greg Blair and Maria Kusmierz
Frank and Angela DeLuca and Kristen Dreyer
Ire Bethea and Levonda Goodson
Anthony Henderson, April Savarese and Kelly Clemons
Charity Taste of the Town fundraiser
OCALA DOWNTOWN MARKET
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
The inaugural event to benefit the Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center, held September 13th, featured music, libations and savory samplings of many of our community’s restaurants, including beer and wine vendors.
Shane and Karla Greenway and Barbara Brooks
Brian McGuire and Natallie Rayburn
Whitley Fordham and Madelyn Lanz
Adrian Cutter and Carolyn Adams
Lena Hopkins, Connie Palmer, Monica Bryant and Levonda Goodson
Gentiva Ocala Metro India Fest
CITIZENS’ CIRCLE
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
The free community-wide cross-cultural experience held October 5th, which was hosted by the Strategic Community Alliance, featured a flash-dance mob, a fashion show, Indian food and beverages, art, activities for kids, and classical, folk and Bollywood dances.
Dancers with the Devotions Dance Company
Dr. Sheni Meghani
Sandhya Rao, Priyanka Rao and Srila Reddy Gitu Sindia, Priyanka Vyas, Truph Gawande and Sanvi Gawande
Ravi Bhosale, Johnson D’Costa and Ashish Sharma
NAMIWalks Marion County
BASELINE TRAILHEAD PARK
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
October 13th turned out to be a gorgeous day to take a walk for a good cause as NAMI
(National Alliance on Mental Illness) Marion County hosted its first ever NAMI Walks fundraiser in Ocala. Eighteen teams registered for the event, which raised $10,640.
Sophia Novaes
Lu Torres, Beni Torres and Diana Williams
Tandy and Bo Hicks and Helen Roehre with Tucker and Basil Amanda Griffin, Deborah Cooper and Ben Marciano
Ruth King, Lucy Doan, Vivienne Doan and Vivienne Skidmore
Editor’s Picks
A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
77TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Grace Episcopal Church
November 8-9
A variety of items will be on sale, such as fall and Christmas decorations, handmade arts and crafts and homemade baked goods, and there will be raffle drawings for prizes. On Friday, wine and cheese will be available at an event preview. Learn more at bit.ly/ecw-holiday-bazaar
OCALI COUNTRY DAYS
Silver River Museum campus
November 9–10
The festival offers live music, historic displays, vendors, food, crafts, living history exhibits, pioneer cabin tours, old time skills demonstrations, sugar cane syrup making, tram rides through Silver Springs State Park and admission to the museum. $10 per person (free for ages 5 and younger); cash or mobile pay only. Find details at silverrivermuseum.com or call (352) 236-5401.
THE GLASS MENAGERIE
Ocala Civic Theatre
November 7-24
In the famous play by Tennessee Williams, Tom Wingfield guides the audience through his faded memory of 1930s St. Louis, recalling his mother Amanda and his sister Laura, in a family struggle for love and acceptance. Get tickets at ocalacivictheatre.org
VETERANS LIGHT THE STARS
Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park
November 10
The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band concert and commemorative celebration of Veteran’s Day will include a fi reworks show and renditions of patriotic staples. Free to all. For more information, go to kingdomoft hesunband.org
LIGHT UP OCALA
Downtown Ocala
November 23
This long-standing community tradition kicks off the holidays. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the event. It will include more than 100 vendors, food options, live entertainment and
Light Up
Ocala, photo by Bruce Ackerman
Ivelisse Martinez and Kenialys Colon
an interactive kids zone. There is also a Junior Sunshine holiday parade with an appearance by Santa and Community Showcase performances on the Citizens’ Circle stage. Learn more at ocalafl.gov
MESSIAH COMMUNITY SING ALONG
Reilly Arts Center
November 24
Guests and performers will sing pieces from the opera Messiah by George Frederic Handel, orchestrated by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Most notable is the song Hallelujah, whose iconic namesake refrain has been sung out for centuries. For tickets and more information, go to reillyartccenter.com
WINTER WONDERLAND
World Equestrian Center
November 29 - December 23
Wednesday through Sunday, with Friday and Saturday entertainment. There are more than 1 million twinkling lights, show-stopping decorations, entertainers, musical performances, face painters, balloon artists and more. Parking fees apply, as well as for special events such as Breakfast with Santa and the Tinsel Trot 5K. Visit worldequestriancenter.com/ocala for details.
HITS OCALA WINTER CIRCUIT
HITS Post Time Farm
November 25 - March 23
For four decades and counting, HITS has hosted top-level USEF-rated shows with premier competition and opportunities for riders and horses of all levels. Find the schedule at hitsshows.com/hits-events/hitsocala-winter-circuit
A TUNA CHRISTMAS
Ocala Civic Theatre
December 5-15
It’s Christmas in Tuna, Texas. The radio is abuzz with news of the Yuletide yard display competition (vandalized by a shady “phantom”), while unpaid electric bills jeopardize a production of A Christmas Carol. Scott Fitzgerald and Greg Thompson play 20 zany characters in this lightning-fast comedy. Learn more at ocalacivictheatre.com
SYMPHONY UNDER THE LIGHTS
Reilly Arts Center
December 6
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra and members of the Ocala Youth Symphony Orchestra bring this joyful annual free concert to the community under the oaks of Tuscawilla Park. Bring a blanket or chair. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Downtown Ocala
December 6
See dozens of booths from local artists and vendors. There will be live music by local performers and there are a number of restaurants and bars downtown to make it an evening out, under the thousands of holiday lights. Visit ocalafl.gov to learn more.
POPS! GOES THE HOLIDAYS
Reilly Arts Center
December 7
Featuring your favorite music from Mannheim Steamroller, Home Alone, the Nutcracker and more, you do not want to miss this celebration of the holiday season that brings together the musicians of the orchestra and vocalists from the Ocala Symphony Chorus. For details, go to reillyartscenter.com
FREE FIRST SATURDAY/HOLIDAY COMMUNITY DAY
Appleton Museum of Art
December 7
In addition to A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition, there will be holiday themed exhibits, an area to meet and take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, and food trucks. Visit appletonmuseum.org to learn more.
FESTIVAL AT FORT KING
Fort King National Historic Landmark
December 7
Step into the 1800s for historic-themed craft s, games, workshops, activities, living historians, vendors, food, drinks and more, including a re-enactment of the event that fueled the start of the Second Seminole War. Admission is free and free
shutt le parking is available at the Duke Energy power line fi eld, approximately a quarter mile east of the fort. To learn more, go to ocalafl .gov
LIGHT UP LAKE LILLIAN
Lake Lillian, Belleview
December 7
Attendees can enjoy a visit from Santa as well as free arts and crafts and children’s activities. Vendors offer a wide variety of food and merchandise. Learn more at belleviewfl.org
DUNNELLON CHRISTMAS PARADE
Dunnellon
December 7
The theme of this year’s parade is Superhero Christmas. The parade goes from Dunnellon Middle School to Park Avenue South, down Cedar Street then east to San Jose Boulevard. Go to dunnellonchamber.com for details
BELLEVIEW CHRISTMAS PARADE
Belleview
December 8
This year’s parade route starts at Lake Lillian and Robinson Road and ends at 110th Street. The parade will include marching bands, floats and more. Visit belleviewchristmasparade.com
NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
St. John Lutheran Church
December 13-23 and 26-29
The light show will include walk-through displays, dozens of trees, train rides, crafts and a chance to see Santa and buy some hot chocolate or snacks from food trucks. There will also be live music and puppets on weekend nights. Free to attend. Find details at stjohnocalachurch.org
OCALA CHRISTMAS PARADE
From SE 25th Avenue along Silver Springs Boulevard to 8th Avenue
December 14
This year’s theme is A Candyland Christmas. This is one of the oldest and largest nighttime parades in the nation. You can expect lots of floats, special marching units, wailing sirens and, of course, Santa Claus. Learn more at ocalachristmasparade.org
THE NUTCRACKER
Reilly Arts Center
December 15-17
Written in 1892 by the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, many of the songs and images associated with the ballet have become associated with the Christmas holiday itself. In the play, Clara saves the Prince, a magical nutcracker doll come to life, who transports her on a journey to the Kingdom of Sweets. For tickets and more information, visit reillyartscenter.com
Debra Davidson and Lucy Biagiotti
Ocala Christmas Parade,
photo by Bruce Ackerman
Bringing joy, happiness and smiles is the goal of
By
Ocala’s Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
Susan Smiley-Height | Photography by Inspired Photography & Design
he photo on Danuta Jacob’s cellphone is priceless.
The angelic little girl with the strawberry blonde curls has her nose pressed tightly against a window, waiting in awe and wonder for the arrival of Santa Claus.
Danuta has seen this kind of beatific expression on faces many times over the past
six years in her role as Mrs. Claus and it never fails to bring her joy.
That, in fact, is part of what she and her husband, Scott Jacob, or rather Mr. Claus, bring to their roles as two of the most beloved characters in history. He started his Santa Claus journey seven years ago. She joined him as Mrs. Claus the following year.
“We’re now the premier Ocala Mr. and Mrs. Claus,” he offers.
“You have to believe that Santa is not just a big fat guy in a red suit who brings you presents,” Scott shares. “Santa is a spirit. To me, Santa is the spirit of loving and giving and Christmas.”
Scott, who earlier this year suffered a broken back, was in the hospital several times and recalls this conversation: “One time when I was leaving the hospital, again, I was being wheeled out and they all know I’m Santa and they said, ‘Bring me some good presents,’ and I said, ‘I don’t bring presents, I bring joy, happiness and smiles … that’s my theory ... bringing joy to everybody. Bringing that joy. Bringing happiness.”
The Journey
Danuta and Scott were both raised in Westfield, Massachusetts. After high school, she joined the U.S. Air Force, in 1970. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1973.
“We crossed paths in 1983 at a job. We moved to Vermont, married in 1985 and then moved to New Hampshire,” he states. “We lived there for 20 years. Tired of the cold, we moved to Florida. I retired from the United States Post Office in 2010. Two weeks later, I went to work for the Florida Park Service. In 2012, I took a full-time position at Silver River State Park. Danuta went to work for the Ocala Civic Theatre, then the Appleton Museum of Art. She has a degree in accounting.”
Scott remains involved with the Florida Park Service Ranger Association, among other groups. He has an affinity for scuba diving and motorcycles. Danuta is an accomplished actress who often has starring roles in productions at the Ocala Civic Theatre and also is a gifted artist. The duo also supports local entities such as the Marion Cultural Alliance, Better Together and others.
The couple has one daughter, one granddaughter and one great-granddaughter. Their first great-grandchild sadly passed away at the age of 3 months from sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.
Danuta shares that Scott was “really down.”
Grace with Santa and Mrs. Claus
“We were at a porch party or something at Angie Lewis’ and Melissa Townsend was there and she was talking about Santa and she said, ‘You know, Scott would be a good Santa.’ And that’s how we planted the seed,” she recalls.
“Losing our great-granddaughter was a horrible blow for both of us, but Scott in particular,” Danuta shares. “When he started being Santa, he poured all that lost love into the children who came to see him and it had an incredibly positive effect on him. I so loved watching his transformation.”
On Becoming Santa
In the beginning, Scott borrowed a Santa suit from friends Chip and Mary Morris, who have long been involved with the Ocala Civic Theatre. Scott recalls with a laugh that he took the suit to be cleaned and “it came back with pink fur!”
He now has six suits, one of them custommade by Eryn Brooks Brewer, the costume director at OCT.
Along the way, Scott and Danuta have befriended many other of the local “Santa’s helpers,” including Joe Niles, who Scott says is the Ocala Santa. It was Niles, in fact, who helped further Scott’s career as Jolly Old Saint Nick.
“We collaborated a bunch and then there was a time he was really sick. He called and said, ‘Can you take care of these? Here’s all the numbers,’” Scott recalls. “Then we just started getting gigs by word of mouth.”
Scott’s first official gig was at a city of Ocala Light Up Ocala event. At the time, “I had a different Mrs. Claus,” he notes. “I had borrowed my suit from the city and when I brought it back, Danuta was with me and they said, ‘Oh, are you Mrs. Claus?’ and that sparked her.”
“I’m in theatre, anyway,” she chimes in, “so the next year we did it together.”
One of Danuta’s favorite memories is from a Light Up Ocala event.
“We were down by City Hall. There was this little girl waiting in line and when they told her it was her turn, she came flying up with her arms outstretched and went right past him to me and jumped in my lap and hugged me,” she says with a lilt in her voice. “It’s the most precious memory. It was just … the surprise on Santa’s face!”
Mr. and Mrs. Claus have appeared numerous times at events at the Appleton
Andy with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Colton and Brynlee with Santa
Museum of Art, including the annual Community Day celebration that is part of The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition, which features the private collection of Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban and their daughters. They have been part of a drive-thru light show at the Florida Horse Park, have occasionally appeared as Santa on the Square and have visited several daycares and preschools.
Another of Mrs. C’s favorite memories happened at Shady Hill Elementary School.
“They had us wait outside the gymnasium and the kids were all sitting on the floor, and they had a Christmas concert,” she explains. “The last song was Santa Claus is Coming to Town and that’s when they has us come in. It was such a blast. Those kids were
screaming like he was Elvis or something!”
Scott recalls with a laugh the time he appeared at an Ocala Polo Club celebration, “and I even got to ride in the wagon.”
Among his and Danuta’s many appearances have been pancake breakfasts, Clint Hart’s annual Feed 42 outreach, Sensational Selfies events, hospital visits, and nonprofit as well private gatherings.
There was this little girl waiting in line and when they told her it was her turn, she came flying up with her arms outstretched and went right past him to me and jumped in my lap and hugged me. It’s the most precious memory. It was just … the surprise on Santa’s face!
“Mrs. Claus is a big part of this,” he says with sincerity.
“I like to hold the babies,” she offers.
“I help if they are shy. For some reason, they are less afraid of Mrs. Claus than they might be of Santa. I help with sort of sweet talking them and that kind of thing.”
“I have always been in awe of Scott and Danuta and – Danuta Jacob
Lisa and Tom Beaverson and their golden retrievers with Mr. and Mrs. Claus
how generous they are with their time and expertise as they volunteer countless hours to support many community organizations,” offers Townsend, formerly the city of Ocala’s Cultural Arts Manager and now a Realtor. “Their servants’ hearts and the enthusiasm they bring with them lights up the room with any endeavor they undertake. I’m so thrilled that this has been great fun for Scott and Danuta and also for our community members of all ages who are touched by a little holiday magic when meeting Mr. and Mrs. Claus.”
The Most Perfect Pair
For several years, noted local photographer
Barbara Dawson Hooper, of Inspired Photography & Design, has enlisted the couple for photo shoots with clients.
“Scott and Danuta are such a treasure to our community. I have really enjoyed working with them,” Hooper offers. “Santa is fun, and Mrs. Claus has the biggest heart and children just melt when they meet her. They are absolutely the most perfect pair.”
A few very “special friends” of Mr. and Mrs. Claus even have them over for home visits.
“As our family gathers at home after church each Christmas Eve, we suddenly hear the sound of ringing bells and a loud ho, ho, ho!” offers one Ocala woman. “As the youngest of
Above: One of Mrs. Claus’s favorite memories was when this child bypassed Santa and jumped into her lap. Photo courtesy Danuta Jacob
Adriel with Santa
Leticia Godette and Samantha Lea with Mr. and Mrs. Claus
our crew joins Papa to see just who could be near, the door flies open to Santa and Mrs. Claus filled with much cheer!”
Appearing in public as Santa and the missus can, of course, come with a few surprises. Scott recalls one year when a grown woman who had enjoyed a bit too many libations knocked over the “boxes that were protecting me and wanted to sit in my lap. And last year I got peed on for the first time!”
And there is a wide range of ages of people who gravitate to Santa, he shares.
“I have done staff appreciation events for both local hospitals,” he offers. “When I was in the hospital, one employee said, ‘You look familiar.’ I said, ‘Have you been around during the Christmas season?’ He said, ‘Wait a minute,
I have a picture of you and me in my locker.”
He also occasionally encounters nonbelievers.
“Oh, yeah,” he says with a roll of his twinkling eyes. “One year this little girl asked, ‘Is that real?’ and pulled very hard on my beard about three times. I said, ‘Yes! It is real!”
“Some say, ‘You’re not Santa Claus.’ I say, ‘I am a real Santa Claus. Santa has lots of helpers. How many thousands, millions of houses does he have to go to each year? He has to have helpers.’”
When asked at what age people should stop believing in Santa, Scott replies very seriously: “Never.”
When queried about how long he intends to continue being Mr. Claus, he says with gusto, “Indefinitely!”
WHERE TO SEE SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS:
November, 23rd - Light Up Ocala, all around the downtown square. The event includes entertainment and the “flipping” of the switch to illuminate several city blocks with holiday lights.
December 7th - Holiday Community Day at the Appleton Museum of Art, 10am to 5pm, free admission, with special A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition, and making holiday crafts in the Artspace. From 10am to 3pm, visitors can take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
December 19th - Marion Theatre, 4:30-5:30pm meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus; 5:30pm, free family Christmas movie.
Greyson with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Sitting With Santa
By Susan Smiley-Height
Amuch-loved Christmas tradition for the Williams family, which includes mom and dad Sarah and Danny, and daughters Emily and Allison, is having the girls pose for photos with Santa Claus.
“Emily was born in June of 1999, so her first Santa picture was when she was 6 months old, taken at the Oaks Mall. Allison was born the next November, so she was very little for the first Santa picture with both girls,” notes Sarah Ritterhoff Williams. “Over the years, we have gotten pictures made at the Oaks Mall, Paddock Mall and, recently, the World Equestrian Center.”
The Williams family has deep roots in Ocala. Sarah was
For 25 years, the Williams’ sisters have posed for portraits with Jolly Old Saint Nick each Christmas.
born in Hawaii but started first grade in Ocala at College Park Elementary.
“My Dad taught at the then Central Florida Community College, now the College of Central Florida, and that’s how my family ended up here,” she shares. “Danny’s family moved to Dunnellon in the middle of his seventh-grade year. We met and married in 1998. Both of the girls were born in Ocala.”
Sarah is a retired Marion County judge and still serves as a senior judge when needed. Danny owns a real estate appraisal business. The couple enjoys traveling as much as they can.
Emily graduated from the College of Central Florida and Flagler College in St. Augustine and is in her second year of teaching kindergarten at Wyomina Park Elementary.
Allison went to Santa Fe College, the University of Florida School of Journalism and Communication and earned her master’s degree from the Columbia University College of Journalism. She is a reporter for WRIC, ABC Channel 8 in Richmond, Virginia.
As the girls were growing up, “I found that I really looked forward to the picture and wanted to keep going,” Sarah says. “The girls were not as keen, but Danny told them they needed to participate because I enjoyed it. ‘Your mom likes this, so just do it to make her happy,’” she recalls.
As the girls got older, instead of matching Christmas dresses or shirts, they wore shirts from their colleges or universities. Their hair styles changed, as did their demeanor. But there were always bright smiles.
Sometimes, though, mom would resort to “bribery.”
“For a couple years, we would go to Victoria’s Secret, and I’d buy them flannel
pajamas for the picture. They would go to the Burdines restroom and change, then stand in the Santa line in their jammie’s,” Sarah offers. “I love those pictures.”
“Later, when we tried the World Equestrian Center, the bribe was dinner and drinks at the Yellow Pony,” she adds. “One year, we even spent the night after at the Equestrian Hotel.”
There were some years when getting the photo taken required extra effort, especially when the girls were old enough to have jobs.
“We had to leave the Santa line one year and come back later because one of them had to go to work,” Sarah notes. “Then, there were years when we all drove separately.”
And then there was the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During the pandemic, the Paddock Mall picture was very poor, but a friend, Joe Niles, jumped in to help as Santa and saved the day,” Sarah recalls. “It was an outside picture with Joe that year, in full Santa gear.”
Among the photos that Sarah particularly likes is the third one in the series, which shows Allison crying her eyes out while “Emily is posing like a little princess.” She also is fond of the photos with the girls sporting their college colors and the “save the year” picture with Santa Joe.
Getting a photo with Santa this year might be a little bit tricky, since Allison lives out of state.
“We are waiting to see about her time off and flights back to Florida,” Sarah shares. “We may be looking at stopping at the Florida Mall in Orlando on the way home from the airport. Or maybe Santa Joe can help out again!”
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus
In 1897, Dr. Philip O’Hanlon, a coroner’s assistant on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, was asked a question by his then 8-year-old daughter, Virginia, which many a parent has been asked before: whether Santa Claus really exists. O’Hanlon deferred. He suggested Virginia pose the question to one of New York’s most prominent newspapers at the time, The Sun, assuring her that, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.”
Dear Editor: I am 8 years old.
Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, ‘If you see it in The Sun it’s so.’
Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?
VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
Source: publicdomainreview.org
Lennar Mid-Florida Quality, Value and Integrity
Unique Opportunities for Home Ownership
Since 1954, Lennar has built more than 1 million new homes for families across America. Mid-Florida Lennar, the newest division in the corporation, is building beautiful new communities in all four quadrants of Ocala as well as in Dunnellon, Williston and the city of Alachua.
Lennar home communities cater to all lifestyles and family dynamics, whether you are looking to purchase your first home, move-up in size and features, or have a home that accommodates a multigenerational family.
“We currently offer 12 communities,” says Nick Crowe, Division President for Mid-Florida Lennar. “We build both single family homes and attached townhomes which focus on ease of living. Many of our communities offer resort style amenities,
including multi-purpose pools, splashpads, large clubhouses, fitness centers, playgrounds and pickleball and tennis courts.”
Crowe says important elements in purchasing a Lennar home are, “The quality and value that we build into each home. Our goal is to build a quality home at the highest value in the market with homes offered from the low $200,000’s to the high $300,000’s. Based on our scale and relationships with our trade partners, we can include features in our homes at a greater value than others in the market.”
To assist with home ownership, Lennar has a variety of programs that are beneficial to the new home buyer.
“There really is no better time to buy a home than right now,” Crowe says with enthusiasm. Plus,
Nick Crowe, Division President for Mid-Florida Lennar
Lennar along with their affiliate lender Lennar Mortgage, offers a wide range of buyer incentives, such as closing cost assistance and competitive interest rate buydowns, to help make owning your dream home a reality!
Lennar also has an in-house mortgage and title team. Lennar Mortgage offers a program known as the Home Buyer Solutions Group, which assists future homeowners by improving their credit scores and providing accountability.
“It is completely free. It is not credit repair, but it really helps future homeowners refocus their lives
around what they need to do to move towards home ownership. Once they graduate, they are able to qualify for a mortgage, sign a purchase agreement and close on their amazing Lennar home,” Crowe explains.
Lennar Corporation’s core principles are quality, value and integrity. Crowe adds that one of MidFlorida Lennar’s greatest strengths is its associates.
“We have a really good group of folks who will make their own lives more difficult for the good of our customers,” he says. “At the end of the day, we are going to do the right thing and make sure that our customers are treated the way they deserve.”
Festive, Nutritious and Tasty
Here are some recipes to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle as we enter the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
By Jill Paglia | Photography by John Jernigan
Cooking good food and sharing it with those we love around the holidays is a recipe for joy, especially when we cut out the kitchen frenzy. In other words, we don’t need to be “married” to the kitchen while creating a healthy delicious spread and these recipes can be made the same day or prepped in advance.
Spending time with loved ones, friends and coworkers during holiday gatherings, however, often means calorie-rich meals, extra portions, alcoholic
beverages and tempting desserts. If you’re trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you won’t have to deprive yourself with these tasty recipes.
Instead of a platter of cheese, deli meats and crackers, opt for this Crudité Vegetable Wreath with Ranch Dip as a festive appetizer. You can make your own ranch dip or substitute your favorite low-calorie dip. For this presentation, I prefer organic, responsibly sourced ingredients.
The Lemon-Garlic Marinated Shrimp appetizer is very healthy and tasty. Shrimp are low in calories, and this makes for a lovely dish when served chilled in a gorgeous bowl with fresh lemon.
Add in the Skillet Roasted Turkey Breast; Whipped Feta with Pomegranate, Pistachios and Hot Honey; Candy Cane Beet & Goat Cheese Board and Caprese Snowmen and you have something for everyone.
This turkey recipe is beyond simple when using a cast iron skillet. My Home Chef friend Nick Bouvier introduced me to Smithey cast iron products and I am smitten. This line is made in Charleston, South Carolina. The more you use them the better they age, like fine wine. If you are looking for a gift for that special cook in your life, check out smithey.com
As we head into the holidays, remind yourself that portions matter, so take small bites and eat slowly; let yourself feel full. Limit alcoholic beverages or opt out and enjoy some sparkling flavored water in a wine glass served with lime. And try to stay somewhat active: after a family meal, play outdoors, go for a walk or shoot some hoops. If you are hosting a party, have some tunes spinning and clear an area for dancing.
I wish you a happy, healthy holiday season filled with a balance of fun, food, family and friends. Bon appetit!
Skillet Roasted Turkey Breast
1 3-pound boneless turkey breast, trussed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Let the turkey breast sit at room temperature for 45 minutes. > Combine all of the dry ingredients in a small bowl. > Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. > Rinse the turkey breast off and pat it dry with paper towels. > Rub the turkey breast with olive oil on all sides and place it into a skillet (I prefer cast iron), with the skin side up. > Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the entire surface. > Roast uncovered for 25 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees. > Roast another 35 to 45 minutes. > Put the turkey breast on a cutting board and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. > Remove the trussing and slice the breast into sections as thick or thin as you prefer.
1 (6-ounce) package feta cheese in brine, drained and crumbled (1 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1 large clove garlic
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons cold water
1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
1/4 cup lightly salted pistachios, chopped
1 tablespoon hot honey
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Pita rounds and/or crackers
Put the feta cheese, cream cheese, garlic and oil in a food processor and blend until mostly smooth, scraping down sides as needed. > With the processor running, slowly drizzle in cold water until you have a smooth whipped dip. > Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and top with pomegranate seeds and pistachios. > Drizzle with hot honey. > Sprinkle with thyme leaves. > Serve with pita wedges or your favorite crackers.
Whipped Feta with Pomegranate, Pistachios and Hot Honey
Crudité Vegetable Wreath with Ranch Dip
Crudité
8 cups broccoli florets
2 cups green beans, trimmed
1 cup sugar snap peas, strings removed
1⁄2 bunch curly kale, washed
2 cups cauliflower florets
Cherry tomatoes
Ranch dip
1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
4 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon ground white pepper
Boil water in a large pot. > Put a large bowl of ice water nearby. > Blanch the broccoli and cauliflower for 1 to 2 minutes in the boiling water. > Use a slotted spoon and transfer the veggies to the ice bath. > Drain well and set aside. > Repeat that process with the green beans and snap peas. > Make the dip by whisking the yogurt, mayonnaise, shallot,
dill, vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, salt and pepper together in a mixing bowl. > Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and place it in the center of a large platter or decorative serving board. >Arrange the kale around the bowl, with the frilly edges on the outside, then top with the broccoli, green beans, snap peas and cauliflower. > Garnish with cherry tomatoes.
Candy Cane Beet & Goat Cheese Board
1 package prepared beets (or cook your own)
1 8-ounce log goat cheese
1⁄8 teaspoon flaky sea salt
1⁄8 teaspoon ground pepper
2 tablespoons chopped candied pecans
1 tablespoon honey
Put the goat cheese in the freezer until it’s slightly firm, about 10 minutes. > Cut the goat cheese into 1/4-inch-thick slices, about 14 pieces. > Slice the beets into 1/4-inch-thick rounds, to get 16 slices. > Layer the beets and goat cheese into the shape of a candy cane shape on the serving board. > Sprinkle with salt and pepper. > Top with chopped pecans. > Drizzle with honey.
Caprese Snowmen
1 package of fresh Mozzarella
Peppercorns
Carrot shreds
Fresh basil
Cherry tomatoes for garnish
Olive oil
Balsamic glaze
Create circles from the Mozzarella. > On a large plate, drizzle some balsamic glaze. > Put two circles for each snowman. > Use the peppercorns for the eyes and shirt buttons. > Place a small shred of carrot for the nose. > Use small pieces of basil to make the scarf. > Garnish with cherry tomatoes.
Lemon-Garlic Marinated Shrimp
3 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup minced fresh parsley
½ teaspoon. Sea salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 ¼ pounds cooked shrimp
Lemon slices
Place garlic and oil in a small skillet and cook over medium heat until fragrant. > Add the lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper, and mix well. > Put the shrimp in a large bowl. > Coat the shrimp with the mixture and chill. > Add lemon slices to garnish and serve.
Photo by Bruce Ackerman
Toasting
Golden Oldies
Golden Oldies the
Classic cocktails never lose their allure.
By Nick Wineriter
As a longtime bartender in downtown Washington, D.C.,
I would posit that mixing cocktails is an art form. Watching a skilled bartender create, for example, a five-layered rainbow of colors called a PousseCafé is like watching Renoir paint Luncheon of the Boating Party.
The Golden Age of the Cocktail was from about 1870 to the early 1900’s. Barmen back then usually made everything from scratch.
Mark Twain wrote: “The cheapest and easiest way to become an influential man and be looked up to by the community at large was to stand behind a bar, wear a cluster diamond pin, and sell whiskey. I am not sure but that the saloonkeeper held a shade higher rank than any other member of society.”
The second Golden Age began when Prohibition ended. In the bar days of the Golden Ages, bartenders took pride in their work. In the late 19th century, it was not unusual for an apprentice to train for up to two years before he was given the title of bartender and full rein
behind the bar.
Compared to today’s trendy cocktails, classic cocktails are here to stay. Classic cocktails were basically made with mostly liquor, or at least threefourths, while modern cocktails are made with more generous additions of guava nectar, pickle juice, lemon grass, peach puree and other flavors.
“If tweezers and an eyedropper are needed to make a drink, we’re in different professions. You are in a salon, not a saloon,” espouses famed DC chef Mike Soper, author of Meet Me At The Bar, I’m Hungry!
Alan “Fydo” Fedorowsky, a retired famed Washington, D.C. bartender for many years, offers these thoughts: “I distinguish between craft cocktails and classic cocktails. Yes to the Old Fashioned, no to the Apple Julep or anything involving rock candy. Yes to the Martini, no to the Fox Rose Fizz or anything requiring eight ingredients. Yes to the well-constructed simple Whiskey Sour, no to the Last Tango in Modena or anything using St. Germain foam. Yes to the Gin Rickey, no to the Benton’s Old Fashioned or anything calling for fat-washed Campari and bacon. And when all is said and done, who do you want sitting in front of you at your bar? The guy who wants a Porn Star Martini or the one who could use a Lagavulin single malt Scotch whisky neat, baptized with a drop or two of water?”
A few classics to wet your whistle:
The Martini
In its pure form, the Martini is the classic cocktail. The basic ingredients are gin and dry vermouth. The classic garnish is the green olive. It should be served chilled, stirred, strained and straight up. James Bond, of course, might disagree!
The Manhattan
This calls for whiskey, with a small amount of sweet vermouth, a few dashes of bitters and a cherry garnish. Substitute dry vermouth for sweet vermouth and you have a Dry Manhattan. Use sweet and dry vermouth and you have
Nick Wineriter
a Perfect Manhattan. Dry Manhattans and Perfect Manhattan seem to adapt best to a lemon twist garnish.
The Flame of Love
This cocktail was a popular drink at Chasen’s in West Hollywood. It was created in the late 1930’s by bartending legend Pepe Ruiz, head bartender there for 35 years. The story goes that it was created for Dean Martin. To make it, coat the inside of a cocktail glass with dry sherry and discard the excess. Carmelize orange oil into the glass by squeezing an orange twist through a flame to coat the inside of the glass. Chill about three ounces of vodka and strain into the glass. Finish by flaming another orange twist over the drink. This cocktail became very popular at Hollywood parties, of which Frank Sinatra threw many.
Absinthe
This liquor has a checkered past and, in some countries, remains illegal to possess. It was often thought of as an aphrodisiac. Doctors used it as medicine. It became known as “the green fairy,” from its green color. Some people believed that in large quantities it could be fatal, as it was thought to attack the central nervous
system. Originally invented in Switzerland, it was banned there in 1912 and France in 1915. Science eventually proved that absinthe was not the culprit the drink police thought it was. Herbsaint is a great absinthe substitute. It is distilled in Kentucky but was originally from New Orleans. The Absinthe Drip is a great showpiece for a bartender. Pour two ounces of absinthe into a large slender glass, similar to a champagne flute. Place an absinthe spoon over the top of the glass, with one lump of sugar on top of the spoon. Slowly pour water, drop by drop, over the sugar.
The following quote about absinthe is attributed to Oscar Wilde: “After the first glass, you see things as you wish they were. After the second, you see things as they are not. Finally, you see things as they really are, and that is the most horrible thing in the world.”
The Sazerac
History (or more likely “legend”) has the Sazerac invented circa 1850 by New Orleans bartender Leon Lamothe. The recipe originally called for brandy, but was changed to rye whiskey during the 1870’s. To mix properly you need two oldfashioned glasses, 3 ounces of straight rye whiskey. ¾ ounce of simple syrup, Peychaud’s
The Sazerac
bitters to taste, Herbsaint and a lemon twist. Fill one glass with crushed ice. In the other, muddle sugar or simple syrup with bitters, then add ice and whiskey, and stir to chill. Discard the crushed ice from the first glass and rinse with Herbsaint. Strain the chilled whiskey into that glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Ramos Gin Fizz
Contrary to what Hemingway would say, forget the Bloody Mary for a hangover cure.
Your stomach (not to mention your nerves) needs something soothing and relaxing. What better way than to imbibe this classic cocktail from the late 1800’s. In a large shaker, without ice, pour 1 ½ ounces of gin, ½ ounce fresh lemon juice, ½ ounce fresh lime juice, 1 ounce of simple syrup, three of four dashes of orange flower water, 2 ounces of fresh cream and the white of one egg. Shake vigorously for three to four minutes, add ice, then shake for another minute, until cold and frothy. Pour into a Collins glass or large tumbler and top off with club soda.
The Bronx Cocktail
Bartender Johnnie Solon had just returned from the Bronx Zoo when a customer requested a special cocktail, so he came up with this. Put 2 ounces of gin, ¼ ounce of dry vermouth, ¼ ounce of sweet vermouth, 1 ounce of fresh orange juice and two or three dashes bitters into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange twist. To make a Silver Bronx, add the white of one egg. For A Golden Bronx, and an egg yolk.
The Gin Rickey
Washington, D.C. is well known for its politics (and its scandals). Shoomaker’s was a late 19th century congressional hangout. Col. Jim Rickey, a lobbyist, used to buy drinks there for members of Congress. The bartender made a specific drink for the colonel and he liked it so much it became the Gin Rickey. In a highball glass full of ice, pour 2 ounces of gin, 4 ounces of club soda and ¾ ounce fresh lime juice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
The Jack Rose
Knowing how to make a Jack Rose will elevate “just a bartender” to “professional bartender.” One of the earliest references was in The Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book by Albert Stevens Crockett, 1935. It is also mentioned twice in The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. One of Hemingway’s favorite Parisian bars was the Crillon. In the book, main character Jake Barnes is a regular at the Crillon, where George the barman serves him unlimited Jack Roses. Several years back, two reporters for the Washington Post went to many bars around Washington D.C.
The Jack Rose
trying to find a bartender who knew how to make a Jack Rose. They didn’t introduce themselves as reporters, but rather as two guys out looking for a properly made Jack Rose cocktail. At first, most of the bars didn’t have a bartender who knew how to make it. They finally found one who did and they wrote up their story in the Washington Post Food Section about their quest for a Jack Rose cocktail. (Wish they would have come to my bar!) To make it, put 2 ½ ounces of Applejack Brandy or Calvados, ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice, ¼ ounce of grenadine (more or less to taste) into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
The Stinger
This cocktail contains brandy and white crème de menthe, but the proportions can vary to taste. Simply mix well with ice and strain into a cocktail coupe or martini glass or serve with the ice in a rocks glass.
“Therein is where the skill and tasting experience of the bartender come into play. With only two liquors in the mix, their proportion is critical to a proper cocktail. Most simplistic formulas list this ratio as 1-1 or maybe a little more brandy vs. menthe. My experience of mixing and consuming has led me to favor a 4-1 ratio of brandy to menthe. This gives plenty of mint flavor without invoking a dessert cart and results in a liquid wakeup call and knockout all in one glass.” – DC chef Mike Soper
The Sidecar
A regular customer at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, who often would arrive at the bar in a chauffeurdriven motorcycle, always riding in the sidecar, inspired the bartender to create this cocktail. In a shaker, put 1 ½ ounces of cognac, 1 ounce of Cointreau/ ½ to ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice. Shake and strain into a chilled, sugar-rimmed cocktail glass. Garnish with a flamed orange peel.
Whatever your pleasure, here’s to classic cocktails, Cole Porter tunes, lively conversation and pleasant memories. Cheers!
The Stinger
The Sidecar
LIVING
Celebrating Cookies
For many, one true sign of the holidays is when home chefs fill their kitchens with the wonderful aromas of fresh baked cookies. Several of your neighbors graciously shared some of their favorite cookie recipes for this issue. And most of these, with a tiny tweak to the presentation, such as with Julie Mancini’s Decorated Sugar Cookies and Rosey Moreno Jones’ Those Cookies Nonna Makes can be made to match any occasion.
Photo courtesy Julie Mancini
Decorated Sugar Cookies
Submitted by Julie Mancini
“I love baking all different types of Christmas cookies. My favorites are Italian butter cookies, which are made into sandwiches with jelly inside and dipped in chocolate and sprinkles. My second favorites are Italian anise flavored cookies. My family, however, likes my decorated sugar cookies. The secret ingredients are orange extract and cornstarch. I used to make my cookies with a variety of flavors (almond, peppermint, lemon, rum), then one year I noticed all of the beautiful chocolate fall leaves I had decorated were not eaten, but the other ones were. That was because my family had figured out which ones had the orange extract. The cornstarch makes the cookie dough silky and smooth, easy to work with.”
Royal Icing
4 teaspoons meringue powder
2 pounds powdered sugar 3/4 cup water
Mix the meringue powder with about 3/4 of the powdered sugar. Add the water, a little at a time, until you can make a design with the whisk that won’t disappear until you count to 10. Separate it in different bowls and tint as desired. Use this to outline and fill. The secret to the icing is to not make it too thin. You’re better off having it a little too thick so you’ll have more control.
Sugar Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter (two sticks)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (may need up to 4 cups)
½ cup cornstarch
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment. Cream the butter, sugar and extracts, just until
smooth and combined. Mix in the eggs until incorporated. Add the flour, cornstarch and salt, and mix on medium low speed. The mixture will seem very dry and sandy at first, but after 3 to 5 minutes in the mixer it will gather itself into a ball and pull away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. Roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper, to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut into shapes and bake for 9 to 12 minutes. Cool completely, then decorate with royal icing.
Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
Submitted by Linda Sutherland Humphrey
“When you have to eat gluten free, cookies are a real treat. I love this simple, threeingredient recipe.”
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Blend the ingredients well and roll into balls. Place the balls on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
Top photo courtesy Julie Mancini
Church Windows
Submitted by Jane Lyons
“My grandma always made Church Windows, and I try to make them every Christmas.”
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut (I sometimes use Rice Krispies instead)
Parchment paper and tin foil
Put the butter in a 2 ½ quart glass or metal bowl. Place the bowl over a 3-quart saucepan of gently boiling water (upper bowl should not touch the water). Cook over the simmering water until butter is melted. Add the chocolate chips and stir until melted, then remove from heat. Let cool for 10 minutes at room temperature, stirring occasionally. Add the marshmallows to the melted chocolate and gently stir to coat.
Place two 15-inch by 18-inch pieces of parchment paper on a work surface. Put half
of the chocolate-marshmallow mixture into the middle of each piece and shape into a 12-inch log using a rubber spatula. Wrap the logs tightly in the parchment and transfer to the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes.
Put two new 15-inch by 18-inch pieces of parchment paper on your work surface and sprinkle each with 1 cup flaked coconut.
1 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Combine the shortening and the sugar in a large bowl, then add the vanilla extract. Sift in the flour and salt, using your hands to mix the dough a few times while adding in the ingredients. Mix until the dough sticks together.
Carefully transfer the chilled logs, which will still be soft, to the new pieces of parchment. Roll the logs in the coconut and gently press to fully cover the outside. Wrap the coated logs tightly in the new parchment paper or tin foil and chill until firm, for at least 4 hours or overnight.
To serve, cut the logs into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
Torticas de Morón
Submitted by Caroline Brauchler
“This was my late grandmother’s recipe. My family immigrated to the United States from Cuba in the ‘60s with very little of their possessions from their life in their home country, but my Abuela knew her recipes by heart and taught my mother and I to make many. She passed away a few months ago, but I’ll be sure to make these cookies for Christmas in her memory.”
Place the dough on a piece of wax paper and then shape it into a cylindrical tube, about 2 inches in diameter. (Tip: to form the dough into shape, use the cardboard from a paper towel roll, cut from end to end. Wrap the roll outside the wax paper and dough to help make the cylindrical shape.)
Uncover the dough and cut it into slices, about ½ inch thick. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place the slices on it. Bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown.
Grandma Sue’s Snow Drops
Submitted by Amy
Panaia Davidson
“These are my Grandma Sue’s recipe for Mexican Wedding Cookies, but we called them Snow Drops. As a kid, I would make these for my father and mail them to him because we lived in different states. I have Grandma’s typewritten recipe that I cherish as an heirloom. These are such easy cookies even little kids can make them.”
7/8 cup butter
4 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
2 cups cake flour
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon water
Beat the butter and confectioners’ sugar until creamy. Add in dry ingredients and blend well. Chill until the dough is firm enough to shape with your fingers. From the dough into small, date-shaped pieces. Bake at 400 degrees for about 10 to 12 minutes. Roll each cookie in sifted confectioners’ sugar as soon as they come out of the oven.
Submitted by Rosey
Moreno Jones
“When I make these shortbread cookies at Christmas I use a star cookie cutter. In the fall, I use leaf and pumpkinshaped cutters. You will have to make this recipe about five times before you get it down pat and the right texture. When it is perfect, the cookies will melt in your mouth like a butter/candy.”
2 sticks of salted butter 3/4 cup of granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
Cream together the butter, sugar and vanilla. Slowly incorporate the flour into the mixture. In the summer, if it is humid, you may need more flour; in the winter it may take a tad less. When well mixed, roll and pat the dough into a flat disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for at least 30 min. This also freezes well for up to three months. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Break the dough in half and roll each piece out on a floured surface to about 1/4 thick. Cut the dough into star shapes. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 7 to 10 minutes. Watch carefully so they don’t burn; you don’t even want brown edges. Remove from the oven and let sit for at least 15 minutes. These cookies will be very delicate, so carefully turn every other piece over and put a dollop of your favorite jam (the original is grape, but in fall these are great with apple butter, in summer a pineapple or peach jam; get creative). Put a dry cookie on top of a jam cookie and gently press down. Sprinkle both sides with powdered sugar. You can store these in an airtight box for about 4 to 5 days, but they usually don’t stay around that long!
Those Cookies Nonna Makes
Top
photo: Suzanne Panaia, the creator of Grandma Sue’s Snow Drop cookies in the background, is shown with her sons, Douglas, left , and David, right, in the foreground.
Photo by Amy Panaia Davidson
1 stick salted butter softened
2 ounces cream cheese softened
1½ cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoons almond extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Red and green sanding Sugar
In a large bowl add the butter, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla and almond extract. Using a hand mixer, beat until light and fluffy, about 4- to 5
Old Fashioned Christmas Sugar Cookies
Submitted by Sarah Harper Griffis
“One secret to these cookies is to make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before you begin and chill the dough for at least a couple of hours to ensure the cookies bake up nice and soft and don’t spread too much on your cookie sheet. Don’t overbake these cookies; they should not be brown on the edges at all. In fact, they should look a bit undercooked when you pull them out of the oven.”
minutes. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Turn the hand mixer to low and combine the ingredients until a soft dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for two hours. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Form the dough into balls and put on the cookie sheet at least 1 inch apart. Using a fork, make a crisscross pattern by pressing down lightly into the dough. Sprinkle each cookie with red and green sugar. Bake for 9-11 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before removing them to a wire rack to continue cooling.
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Additional 1/2 cup sugar for rolling
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, by greasing it or with a section of Silpat. In the bowl of an electric mixer
Ginger Snap Cookies
Submitted by Presley Griffis
“This recipe was handed down from our Auntie Carole Peterson to my mommy, Sarah Harper Griffis, and now to me. Since I am only 10 years old, my mommy helps me make these. They are yummy for any season!”
with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed. Add the egg and molasses and mix. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the mixing bowl while on low speed until everything is incorporated and a dough forms. Scoop the dough into balls. We use a scoop that measures about 1 1/2 tablespoons. Roll each dough ball in the sugar and place them on the baking sheet (12 per sheet). No need to flatten the dough balls. They will spread out as they bake. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes. Allow them to cool on a cookie sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Art For All Seasons Art For All Seasons
Through her art, Cindy Vener captures all the seasons in Florida, including the holidays.
By JoAnn
|
Guidry
Photos courtesy of Cindy Vener
F F
ine art artist Cindy Vener’s signature Florida landscape and abstract paintings are full of bright colors bursting with energy. Both her oil and acrylic paintings might put you sipping a pina colada under swaying palm trees, enjoying a cool natural spring or being beckoned to the perfect beach.
At the 53rd Annual Florida Watercolor Exhibition at Creative Pinellas, which took place in Largo from August 8th-October 13th, Vener’s abstract acrylic painting, Beach Party, garnered the President’s Award.
“I don’t actually paint in watercolor, but the exhibition also accepts acrylic works, and I was very happy to have won the President’s Award,” says Vener. “It was quite an honor and one that I appreciate very much.”
Other recent exhibits of Vener’s work were in the Color Pop! exhibit at the Brick City Center for the Arts in Ocala and her Forever 27-Florida Landscapes at the Soft Water Gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida.
“I just find so much inspiration for my work in Florida,” says Vener, who has lived in The Villages for seven years. “My husband Neil and I love taking road trips to discover new places. I always take pictures of places that catch my eye and use those to create a painting.”
Vener grew up in Buffalo, New York, and later moved to Lynchburg, Virginia, where she logged a 30-year-career as an insurance actuary. With no formal art background, her interest in art was organic.
“Painting just always interested me, so I began taking painting classes in the ‘90s,” shares Vener. “I just kept pursuing painting with workshops and evening art classes at an art academy.”
Soon Vener had a home studio in her Lynchburg home, was doing art shows and placing her work in gallery exhibits. By the time she retired in 2009, her art had become practically a full-time endeavor. Trips to Florida to visit friends led to another big life change.
“While we loved living in Lynchburg, we also enjoyed our trips to Florida in the winter. We began thinking it would be good to live there yearround. Of course, once we made the decision, we found a perfect house and moved quicker than we thought we would,” says Vener. “After we settled in, I quickly became involved with the area art scene, including joining the Marion Cultural Alliance and having my work displayed at the Brick City Center for the Arts. I also have some work on exhibit at the Reilly Arts Center. I also teach acrylic classes at the Village Art Workshops.”
In addition, Vener’s artwork continues to be
Cindy Vener
displayed at the Findings Art Store in Lynchburg, where she regularly returns to restock and visit friends. In her home in The Villages, Vener converted a bedroom into an art studio.
“The Florida landscape, which is so colorful and varied, is a constant source of inspiration for me,” notes Vener, who also paints en plein air, or outdoors. “There are palm and cypress trees, beaches, springs and pastoral scenes, stunning sunrises and sunsets. There is just so much to enjoy.”
Vener paints primarily in oil and acrylic, employing a strong palette. She incorporates cold wax medium into some of her oil art, which she describes as “a great way to layer in color and create texture in my abstract paintings.” Vener also makes generous use of a palette knife in her work.
And each painting is very personal to Vener.
“I want people looking at my paintings to experience a Florida landscape as I have,” she says. “Each painting is a journey of discovery and through the energy of the strokes and the color, I want to convey each story of that landscape.”
Naming David Hockney, Helen Frankenthaler and Joan Mitchell as artists who have influenced her work, Vener might want to add Santa Claus.
“About five years ago, the folks at the Brick City Center for the Arts asked me if I had any holiday-themed art, especially small sized work that would be affordable gifts,” explains Vener. “I thought that was a great idea and that’s how my holiday flamingos came to be.”
Vener’s whimsical paintings feature flamingos wearing Christmas wreaths or hats, some wrapped in Christmas ornaments or the latter dangling from their beaks. Of course, there would have to be Florida palm trees and pine trees decorated as Christmas trees. Vener also has created Christmas holiday cards from some of those paintings, as well as stand-alone cards. And she also paints wood and acrylic glass Christmas tree ornaments with flamingos and other Florida themes.
“The holiday art is a lot of fun to do, and people seem to love it,” says Vener, who also does commission work. “For me, art should be fun and accessible. I’m very happy where my art career is right now. I’m loving every minute of it and I’m having a lot of fun too.”
To learn more about the artist, go to cindyvener.com
For information about the Brick City Center for the Arts and the gift shop where Vener’s holiday-themed works are available, go to mcaocala.org/gallery-shop
Flounder & Risotto Lafayette
Harry’s Holiday Trio
The Gift of Gratitude
“Gratitude seems to be an emotion that produces improvements in positive emotion, reductions in negative emotion and even small improvements in satisfaction with life,” notes one respected researcher.
By JoAnn Guidry
Thanksgiving Day through Christmas is considered the giving thanks and being grateful season. People on the whole seem happier and kinder. Many often wish that this atmosphere could continue into the New Year and beyond.
As it turns out, gratitude doesn’t have to be seasonal. But rather, an attitude of gratitude can be part of our everyday lives—with transformative benefits.
Psychologists Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough are considered pioneers in the scientific research on gratitude. Emmons recently retired as a professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis. McCullough
is currently a professor of psychology at the University of California, San Diego, and the director of UCSD’s Center for Research on Experimental Evolutionary Psychology.
In 2003, Emmons and McCullough began studies on gratitude’s impact on psychological and physical well-being. In 2004, the duo published The Psychology of Gratitude, a collection of their scientific investigations on gratitude.
According to Emmons and McCullough, gratitude is defined as having two components: affirmation and recognition. First is the affirmation of the goodness of the gifts and the benefits that we’ve received. Second is the recognition that the sources of this goodness
are outside of ourselves; we recognize that other people and/or even a higher power gives us the many gifts, big and small, to achieve goodness in our lives.
“Gratitude seems to be an emotion that produces improvements in positive emotion, reductions in negative emotion and even small improvements in satisfaction with life,” says McCullough. “This is perhaps not so surprising because when you contemplate gratitude, you end up bringing to mind people in your life who have cared enough about you to do valuable and important things for you. We all need people like that in our lives.”
At the heart of Emmons and McCullough’s numerous studies over the years was the practice of people keeping gratitude journals for three weeks. People of all ages from all walks of life kept gratitude journals, where they regularly listed what they are grateful for on a daily or weekly basis for three weeks. By the end of
the three weeks, the participants consistently reported benefits in three areas: physical (lower blood pressure, better sleep, fewer aches and pains); psychological (more joy and feeling more alive) and social (more compassionate, outgoing, less lonely).
Psychologist Martin E.P. Seligman, the director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center, has also studied practicing gratitude’s impact on a person’s well-being. In one study, he had half of the participants write weekly about early memories of growing up; the other half wrote and personally delivered a letter of gratitude each week. At the end of the study, those who wrote and delivered gratitude letters exhibited a larger increase in happiness scores than those who wrote about early memories.
This is your brain on gratitude
Dr. Joshua Brown, professor of biological brain sciences, and Dr. Joel Wong, professor of
counseling psychology, at Indiana University Bloomington, utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) to show the effects of practicing gratitude on the brain.
Brown and Wong’s study involved nearly 300 adults, mostly college students who were just beginning mental health counseling at a university. The participants were experiencing issues related to depression and anxiety.
The study participants, all of whom received counseling services, were randomly put into three groups: the first group was instructed to write one letter of gratitude to another person for three weeks; the second group was asked to write about their deepest thoughts and feelings about negative experiences; the third group did not do any writing activity, just received the counseling service.
At the end of the three weeks, those who wrote gratitude letters while undergoing the counseling self-reported the best outcome of better mental health four weeks and 12 weeks later. And brain scans of the participants three months later backed up this result. Practicing gratitude was shown to encourage the development of new neural pathways with the release of dopamine and serotonin, the two neurotransmitters crucial for our emotional health.
As a function of survival, our brains tend to have a negative bias and this signals the release of cortisol, the flight-or-flight hormone, to protect us. But sometimes this response goes off too much, leading to chronic stress. Feelings of gratitude help regulate cortisol and reduce anxiety.
When all is said and done, when research study after research study reveals the benefits of gratitude, it really comes down to something we can all say more often, “Thank you.”
Tips for practicing gratitude
Keep a gratitude journal: You can use something as generic as a spiral notebook or buy something fancier, such as a leather journal. The important thing is to set up a gratitude journal that appeals to you. Research shows it is more beneficial to write in a physical journal than an electronic one. Set aside time each day to write in your journal and be as consistent as possible in keeping that time dedicated to the practice.
Be specific: If nothing else, at least write yourself a gratitude list each night of three things you are grateful for and be as specific as possible.
Be personal: Focus on the people in your life you are grateful for as much as things or events. There is someone to thank who made the latter possible in your life. Consider what your life would be like without the people who matter to you and the good things in your life.
Recognize gifts: Think of the good things in your life as gifts to avoid taking them for granted. Enjoy and savor any gifts that you receive.
Spread gratitude: Write a gratitude note or letter to anyone who brightens your life in small and big ways and deliver/mail it. Bring a meal to someone who is ill, run errands for an elderly neighbor, bake cookies to cheer up someone. Research shows that practicing gratitude has a ripple effect and is paid forward.
Sources: psychologytoday.com, health.harvard.edu, greatergood.berkeley.edu, whyy.org and adaa.org
You say you’d never let them have sweets for breakfast. Never stay up past their bedtime. You’d never give in to a meltdown. Or never let them have too much screen time.
You also say you’d never leave them in the car.
Never happens. Don’t let it happen to you. Kids heat up 3-5x faster than adults. Parked cars get hot fast and can be deadly to children.
ONCE YOU PARK, STOP. LOOK. LOCK.
Green Thumb Gifting
Gardeners always enjoy receiving gifts that enhance their plants and yards, so check out these local plant (and more) shops.
By Belea T. Keeney | Photos courtesy The Peacock Cottage
If holiday shopping is on your to-do list, we here in Marion County have some great choices of fun garden and plant shops with terrific selections. Some feature house plants and specialty flowers, some sell yard décor and items from local artists and vendors, and landscape stores have all types of plants, tools and garden supplements.
A locally renowned destination plant store, The Peacock Cottage in Ocala, has several items to appeal to those who love house plants. Owners Laura and Frank Perdomo have decades of knowledge and expertise and because they both were schoolteachers, they warmly answer questions and offer great advice on house plant care without making you feel, ya know, dumb. They specialize in growing and selling African violets and also offer an impressive variety of traditional and exotic house plants.
Large alocasia in metal plant stand - $120 (other large plants and stands available)
without all the work. The cloches come in small, medium and large, with the biggest selling for $75. Laura also suggests an exotic calathea plant, with striking leaves and an upright growth pattern. They have them in colorful ceramic pots for $50. They also have orchids, both free standing and under glass, along with fairy garden supplies, gemstones, T-shirts, supplies and charming home décor items.
Store hours are 11am-6pm TuesdaySaturday, at 3243 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. (352) 624-0116. See dandypot.com for more info.
A nice gift idea at this store would be one of the glass cloches. These are essentially mini greenhouses that offer a wonderful tropical environment for small plants and leave room for decorating with stones or fairy garden accessories so you can personalize the cloche. Set on a desk or table, they offer the charm of a greenhouse
This time of year, I always budget time for a day trip down to Dunnellon to visit the fabulous Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop. This Victorian house has been given new life as a boutique and garden shop, with fun vendor booths tucked away into upstairs and downstairs rooms. It’s the kind of place that gets our primate huntand-gather instincts going and you just have to check out every little nook and cranny for that special treasure.
I always restock my supply of Naked Bee lotions, and the shop offers locally made candles, jellies, pickles and tons of handcrafted jewelry, clothing, home décor, lighting and more by local artists. Outside, they have a
great selection of both house and outside plants, and they also host monthly workshops from the Master Gardeners program. The nursery has fun concrete yard décor, fountains, steppingstones, flags, colorful plant pots and statues. Nursery hours are 10am-5pm MondaySaturday, 11am-3pm Sunday. The indoor boutique is open 11am-5pm Monday-Saturday and 11am-3pm Sunday. Check out grumbleshouseantiques.com to learn more.
Several garden and landscape stores in our area also offer great selections of fun stuff. Check out:
Bob Wine’s Camellia Gardens is a long-time Marion County destination shop that offers, naturally, a huge selection of camellias, plus other types of shrubs and trees. A covered greenhouse holds tropical houseplants and yard décor items. It has five acres of plant choices, and even if you don’t “need” to buy anything, wander through the property from December to February and enjoy the camellias in bloom. The shop hours are generally 9am- 4 pm Monday-Friday and 9am-3pm Saturday. It’s located at 2610 SE 38th St., Ocala. (352) 629-5766. bobwinesnursery.com
Tower Hill Nursery gets its name from the cellphone tower on the west side of the property. It offers both full-service landscape designs and installations, plus the 15-acre shop offers vegetables, flowers, landscape plants, yard décor and trees. Open 9am-3pm ThursdaySaturday at 1712 NE 36th Ave., Ocala. (352) 216-4263. fb.com/towerhillnurseryocala
Yard Stop is one of the largest nursery and garden shops in the area. They offer fullservice landscape design, installation and maintenance, along with bulk compost, mulch, hardscape materials and stones. A covered pavilion always has a nice selection of seasonal annuals, plus perennials, shrubs and trees. Yard
décor like fountains, statues, trellises and more are available, and they also sell and service professional yard care equipment. Hours are 7am-5pm Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm Saturday. Find the store at 4160 Highway 40, Ocala. (352) 368-1005. yardstopinc.com
A native Floridian and lifelong gardener, Belea spends her time off fostering cats and collecting caladiums. You can send gardening questions or column suggestions to her at belea@magnoliamediaco.com
Large and small molten glass terrarium with pearls and jade pothos clippings
Large - $175/Small - $65
Calathea in ceramic - $50
Florida’s First Horse
The Florida Cracker Horse is a recognized breed that is closely related to other horses in the Southeast that descended from imported Spanish stock.
By Scott Mitchell
In the not-so-distant past, Florida was sparsely populated and cattle ranching was a major industry. In fact, the Sunshine State has been among the top cattle producing states since about the 1940s. With cattle come horses and Florida has a long and interesting equestrian history.
A visit to the World Equestrian Center, Florida Horse Park or HITS in Ocala provides insight into just how diverse the industry is. Specialized riding styles include thoroughbred racers, hunter/ jumpers, dressage, western, barrel racing and driving to name a few.
Stepping back to prehistoric times, we would have found no livestock here in North America. There were domestic dogs, and that
was about it. With the arrival of the first Spanish explorers to Florida in the early 1500s came cattle, horses, pigs and other domesticated animals. These first Spanish horses were of old Iberian and North African (Barb) stock. They were small, tough, gaited horses used for travel, draft and war. The horses were also introduced throughout Latin America and the American Southwest to some degree.
Florida was an important Spanish colonial holding from 1513 until 1820, when it became a U.S. territory, with the exception of a 20-year period of British control during the American Revolution. During this time, horses were either left to open ranges, escaped or were intentionally
released. This resulted in large herds of feral livestock that adapted quickly to their new habitat. In short, only the strong survived and reproduced. The result was the Florida Cracker horse.
The Florida Cracker horse is a recognized breed that is closely related to other horses in the Southeast that descended from imported Spanish stock. These include the Marsh Tacky of South Carolina and the Banker of North Carolina, the Chincoteague of coastal Virginia and Maryland, and the Chickasaw and Choctaw horses kept by the Native Americans in Alabama and Mississippi (some of whom were forcibly moved with their horses to Oklahoma as well).
Interestingly, the mustangs of the American West are sometimes less closely related to Spanish stock. While mustangs have some genetic markers that show Spanish breed ancestry, much of their family tree also include mounts brought in by European and French settlers, Native Americans and the U.S. cavalry.
Down south meanwhile, the modest but tough Florida Cracker horse flourished. Settlers coming into the new territory after 1820 found herds of horses well-adapted to the heat, varied diet and parasites that plague most other “non-local” breeds to this day. These tough horses were used almost exclusively by ranchers until about the 1930s. This is when larger cattle breeds were
brought into Florida as the necessity for roping became more prevalent. As a result, the larger quarter horse all but replaced the smaller Cracker horse as the everyday working mount.
In 1989 the Florida Cracker Horse Association was founded with the mission of preserving Florida’s first horse. Since that time, a breed registry and blood type have been established. While not the most common horse in Florida, there are now well over 1,000 registered animals and that number grows each year. So, while we relish a vibrant local equestrian industry, let’s not forget our tough and humble Cracker horses that helped make setting the Sunshine State possible. They may not be as high-bred, sleek or fast, but they can outwork most any other horse known and helped make Florida what it is today.
To learn more, visit the Florida Cracker Horse Association at floridacrackerhorseassociation.com or read Florida Cow Hunter: The Life and Times of Bone Mizell by Jim Bob Tinsley (UCF Press 1990).
Scott Mitchell is a field archaeologist, scientific illustrator and director of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center at 1445 NE 58th Avenue, inside the Silver River State Park. Museum hours are 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. To learn more, go to silverrivermuseum.com
Bill Boston
Bill Boston portrays a Spanish Conquistador while riding his Florida Cracker horse.
Photo by Scott Mitchell
Horses and Hope
The Marion Therapeutic Riding Association strives to enhance lives using the healing power of the human and equine connection.
By Susan Smiley-Height | Photography by Bruce Ackerman
The Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, which serves persons of all capabilities with physical, emotional or intellectual challenges through equine assisted activities, is situated on 30 acres that are part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. There are 22 “four-legged miracle workers” on the property. It was here earlier this year that Anthony began riding horses during the spring session.
“As a lifelong rider before suffering a lifechanging health situation, Anthony longed to get back in the saddle, though he needed a careful
and safe setting with support to make this possible. That’s when he and his family found their way to MTRA,” offers outreach coordinator and instructor Jenna Rovira. “Anthony could mount using the ramp with the support of his instructor, volunteers and his mother’s encouragement. In no time, it became apparent that Anthony would make great physical progress while sitting astride a horse.”
Rovira notes that Anthony “connected instantly with Stella, a sweet and attentive quarter horse mare.”
Catherine Sears, in hat, and Yvonne Carreiro, to her right, with riders and other volunteers and staff
“Stella sensed Anthony’s energy and started slow and steady as he built his confidence. She turned with a slight shift of his rein and a light application of his leg,” Rovira adds. “Before long, Anthony no longer needed his side walkers and, soon after, his horse’s lead volunteer unhooked the lead rope, only acting as a spotter. Anthony’s smile grew with each achievement.”
MTRA was founded in 1983 at an Ocala farm owned by Peg Wallace. The program soon became a member of the North America Riding for the Handicapped Association, now known as the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, or PATH.
During its formative years, MTRA was operated by several dedicated, unpaid individuals using horseback riding to help physically and mentally challenged people build self-esteem and independence. MTRA’s success with its clients grew each year and in 1985 it became a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. MTRA’s facility was constructed in 2008 with the proceeds of a Community Development Block Grant.
“Our facility houses horses, administrative offices and a classroom,” Executive Director Catherine Sears explains. “It hosts many fundraising and awareness events, such as the Ann Romney visit in June of 2012, the 2013 MTRA Charity Auction, our 35th anniversary event, many clinics and PATH workshops and certifications.”
MTRA has three full-time employees and two part-time employees. Staffers say it takes about 175 to 200 volunteers weekly to provide a variety of programs.
“With its location in the heart of Florida’s horse country, MTRA is able to draw from a community teeming with individuals well-versed in equine-related activities,” Sears says. “That, coupled with a hardworking staff, devoted volunteers and the support of a generous community, has enabled MTRA to become one of PATH International’s Premier Accredited Centers.”
MTRA is an approved provider through select health insurance
Katie Sears, Emma, Vickie Nitschke and Izzy Perez with Snowflake
Yvonne Carreiro, Catherine Sears, Wyatt and Erica Smith with Mocha
Cati Waldron, Wyatt and Tonya Frost with Mocha
companies and there are some scholarships opportunities available.
“We are proud to offer some of our programs at no cost for eligible participants, thanks to the generous support we receive through grants, fundraising, the Jim Stecker Scholarship Fund and our innovative Peer to Peer campaigns, designed to make supporting an individual’s journey more accessible,” states Program/ Development Director Yvonne Carreiro. “We serve children 4 years old and up. Our oldest client is 91.”
Among the current needs of the organization are more volunteers.
“At MTRA, the success of our programs and events relies heavily on the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers. We believe that great volunteers are the heart of our organization, bringing their unique skills, passion, and energy to every project,” shares Chris Sessions, operations planned giving director. “Whether assisting in event planning, engaging with participants, or supporting our outreach efforts, volunteers play a crucial role in helping us achieve our mission. With a growing demand for our services, we are always seeking individuals who are eager to make a difference in their community.”
Staffers also note that the organization is in need of more scholarships for clients in all programs and
funding for other parts of the operation.
“We serve 176 riders a week and still have a waiting list of 80 participants needing services,” notes Sears. “We also are in need of a retirement fund for our horses that have been retired to help with the costs of care and special medications and we need funding for therapy rooms for equine assisted psychotherapy, combat and Vietnam veterans as well as speech language pathology for our Hippotherapy Program.”
Marion Therapeutic Riding Association strives to enhance lives using the healing power of the human and horse connection. This unique pairing unleashes new abilities that grant purpose and envision greater opportunities, Rovira adds, citing Anthony as an example.
“He began dunking a basketball with the hand and arm he previously couldn’t lift above shoulder level. He started giving high fives with both hands when he had previously been unable to open his hands independently,” she shares.
“He began collapsing into a full embrace with Stella after each ride, grinning from ear to ear. The triumphs that Stella and Anthony achieved together may seem small to some, but for them, they were affirmations of ‘he can’ and ‘he will…’ Just watch and see!”
To learn more, go to mtraocala.org
Katie Sears, Emma, Catherine Sears, Bobby Sears and Izzy Perez with Snowflake
