Ocala Style / Mar'11

ALL NEW! INTRODUCING DR. OZ

MAGAZINE

March2011

OCALA’S

MODEL

CITIZEN DISCOVER SANTOS GOT BUGS?

Still

urc e: T he M 0 edia Audit 201

OS ’S M T-RE LA

MAGAZIN E AD

OC A

BE A SUPER SUPERMARKET SHOPPER

So

!

Experts TRUST THE

We are dedicated to the art and science of restoring your skin.

MONTHLY SPECIAL

Buy 1 Syringe of Juvederm or Radiesse, Get The Second One

Half Off! Expires 3/31/11

Pictured Above, L-R:

Kris Carroll, PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST Beth Altenburger-Casse, CERTIFIED MEDICAL AESTHETICIAN RuthAnn Nettleton, PA-C, CLINICAL INJECTOR Dr. Steve Tieche, MD Vanessa Woelfel, RN, BSN, CE, CME Stephanie Ference, LICENSED AESTHETICIAN - NOT PICTURED We Proudly Carry LASER SKIN REJUVENATION JUVEDERM » RADIESSE » BOTOX LASER HAIR REMOVAL VELASHAPE™ TREATMENT TREATMENT OF ACNE SCARS » VI PEEL VEIN TREATMENT » WRINKLE REDUCTION MEDICAL CORRECTIVE FACIAL TREATMENTS PRESCRIPTION STRENGTH SKIN CARE PRODUCTS PERMANENT MAKEUP » WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

BEFORE

1920 SW 20th Place, Ste 201, Ocala Located in Cala Hills, next to Chandra Smiles

352.620.2566 www.AdvancedAestheticsOcala.com Financing available with little or no interest. Most credit cards accepted.

.

AFTER

ORIGINAL PHOTOS BEFORE & AFTER ACTUAL PATIENT, LIQUID LIFT WITH JUVEDERM, BOTOX & RADIESSE DERMAL FILLERS, INJECTIONS DONE BY RUTHANN NETTLETON, PA-C

Ask about our medically supervised weight loss program!

WE DON’T JUST IMPROVE YOUR SKIN,

All services and procedures performed on-site under a board-certified physicians supervision.

All consultations are free and confidential.

We can change your life.

Considering Ocala?

Escape to Ocala, Florida for relaxation and to recharge.

Great training facility in the NW. 413.34 ++/- acres with 7/8 mile track

This is exactly what happens at this unique, 9,500-square-foot estate on Lake Carter with 95+ acres. Meadows, live oaks and water vistas welcome you home. The entry foyer opens to an elegant, yet casual living room, separate conversation area and a formal dining room. Your eyes will be immediately drawn to the beauty of the outdoors. The magnificent owners’ wing with an office and master suite features a private courtyard with a landscaped pool and spa. Angels watch over the natural rock waterfall cascading into the outside lighted swimming stream. This is truly a property that will stay in your heart and welcome you home. Additional acreage and equestrian property are also available.

Looking for a great training center to train your horses …. Look no further. The training facility includes: 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath residence encompassing 4,599 SF, 6 barns, 1 workshop/garage, one workshop, one hay barn and shavings depot, 3 round pens, 3 European walkers (covered), two manufactured homes and extensive fencing with a 7/8- mile track with viewing house. The barns include an 18-stall training barn, a 44-stall training barn, 3 yearling barns with 24 stalls in each and a 10-stall lay up barn.

The maintenance building is a Morton metal workshop, 66’ x 80’ feet, and features concrete floors. The office has a lobby/reception area, 3 offices, a conference room, a workshop, a kitchen and a 3/4 bath.

$599,000

Just the right property! Close to town and in a gated community!

Florida Greenways and Trails Close to the Florida Horse Park!

This 4.5 acre sports an open and light, one level, 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath residence designed for entertaining. The chef’s appointed kitchen plus granite island and counter bars provide for ample seating and entertaining. The fireplace is centrally located so everyone can enjoy and the family room expands when glass sliders open onto the covered lanai, pool and waterfall. Additional amenities include a game room, a spacious office, a large laundry room with plenty of storage that is accessible from two areas, a separate covered patio with a summer kitchen, an outside TV and a nice sitting area to view the fall games. For the equestrian lover! Lush irrigated paddocks, stable and bridle trails are also a part of this magnificent home.

Looking for a property where you can ride to the Greenways and Trails from your home? Look no further…. This great family home features beautiful wood floors, a kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, plus a gas cook top.

The kitchen overlooks the family room with 20-foot ceilings and a fireplace where you’ll enjoy the view of your covered lanai and screen enclosed pool. Office and formal living room have great views. The second floor features split bedrooms for privacy that are connected by an open hall which overlooks the family room.

Paddocks with natural settings complement this truly remarkable property on 5 acres with perimeter fencing.

Joan Pletcher LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER

352.347.1777 • Cell: 352.266.9100 • 352.804.8989 • joanpletcher@aol.com

For Additional Information and Open Houses, Visit: www.joanpletcher.com

5 Things That Make Me Smile 1. Our family vacations.

2. Watching my beautiful daughter Rayna dance.

3. Traveling the world!

4. Shopping!

5. Creating beautiful smiles in Ocala! —Dr. Tina Chandra Chandra Smile Designs Cosmetic and General Dentist

Before

After

cosmetic restorative zoom! whitening crown & bridges dentures sedation dentistry veneers periodontics digital smile makeovers cosmetic fillings implants botox & juvederm

Photo by Tammy Griffin Photography Ceramic Veneers

by Aurum Lab

call Sandy today for your smile evaluation

352.861.1500

www.chandrasmiles.com

Make Varicose Veins

A THING OF THE PAST

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) for Varicose Veins Varicose Before

Varicose After

Our state-of-the-art Varicose Vein treatments use the most modern laser, ultrasound, and microphlebectomy techniques with proven results.

Combining compassion with the highest quality surgical care.

Highly Effective | In-Office Procedures No Hospitalization | Quick Recovery Covered by Most Insurance & Medicare

Christian Oraedu, MD, FACS, FRCS, FRCSI Board Certified Surgeon Diplomate American Board of Surgery

Oakhurst Professional Park 1329 SE 25th Loop, Ste. 102 • Ocala, Florida

352 690 6000 www.OcalaSurgery.com

Recently, we asked a resident of On Top Of The World about her new Honda Fit purchased from Honda of Ocala. Here’s what she had to say...

endless. “

With my new Honda Fit, the possibilities are

”

—Shirley Pupa

2011 Honda Fit

5 Door, hatchback, automatic transmission.

16,650

$

Sk # H16640

*Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Experience VIP treatment through our Internet department!

• Tour our state-of-the-art, $10 million-dollar facility • Enjoy a complimentary lunch while you select your vehicle and we appraise your vehicle.

• Presentation of your new car in our air-conditioned delivery center • Exclusive pricing for all new and pre-owned vehicles • First year complimentary maintenance • Experience a new way of purchasing with our auto concierge department at hondaofocala.com.

John Simms, Internet Director and On Site Honda Product Specialist

“The 35 MPG* on the highway is a great way to save money.”

“The navigation system gets me where I want to go with no worries.”

“It’s so versatile. There are multiple ways to configure storage options.”

Turn the page for our

1800 State Road 200 |

352.867.1900 | hondaofocala.com

service specials

Service.

redefined.

At Honda of Ocala, our highly qualified technicians are here to provide exceptional service in a timely manner. From oil changes to transmission replacements, we are dedicated to maintaining top-tier customer service, for both new and pre-owned car buyers! Allow our staff to demonstrate our commitment to excellence.

Ladies’ Day Specials

While you’re in for any service, get a FREE manicure and car wash. Mondays 8am-1pm. Must present coupon at time of service.

15.95 Oil Change & Car Wash

$

Monday-Friday. Hybrids & other models may be higher. Up to 5 quarts 5W20, Honda oil filter. Plus tax and shop supplies if applicable. Must present coupon at time of service.

Super Saver Discount

Spend up to $100, save 5%. $100-$250, save 7%. $251 & up, save 10%.

Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes & fees where applicable. Must present coupon at time of service.

FREE Multi-Point Inspection

Service Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-7pm Saturday 8am-5pm | Sunday Closed

1800 State Road 200 | 888.874.5524 hondaofocala.com

First Ever

SoundLens

Invisible In-Ear Canal Digital Hearing Aid

On Sale Now

e-Series Completely-In-Canal

Finally a hearing aid that allows you to hear your TV, stereo, DVD player, and iPod WIRELESSLY! First ever hearing aid to receive streaming sound from your TV to your hearing aids without wires! Come learn about the

995

$

reg. $1,995

new “Wi” Hearing Aid... BREATHTAKING SOUND!

You Won’t Believe Your Ears & Eyes!

All hearing testing performed in a sound proof room - not across a desk!

• FREE Earwax Removal to Anyone Wearing Hearing Aids • FREE In-Office Hearing Aid Repair • Join Our FREE Battery Referral Program & GET FREE Hearing Aid Batteries for a Year • Trial Period On All New Hearing Aids • Trade-In Allowance of $500 For Your Old Hearing Aids

Most Physicians prefer a DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY for hearing loss! Our DOCTORS work closely with your physician to choose the best treatment plan for you!

If you are not seeing a HEARING DOCTOR for your hearing needs then you are seeing someone less qualified!

Dr. Shon Murray, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology Over 10 Years Experience

Testing & Treatment for Hearing Loss, Dizziness & Balance Problems

352.732.EARS (3277) Laurel Run Professional Center 2100 SE 17th St., Suite 202, Ocala

www.HearingBalance.net

CARLTON ARMS of OCALA invites you to Meet Your New Neighbors

Mother Nature Loves Carlton Arms of Ocala 125 Acres of Woods and Water at Carlton Arms of Ocala is a partner with nature’s beauty which enhances our community.

Best Rental Apartment Value in Central Florida from just $492 per month.

• FREE Monthly Water Utility Bill • FREE Basic Cable TV Package • Huge Garden Patios • Washers/Dryers in Most Residences • Rapid Response Maintenance • Pet Friendly • Short Term Furnished Rentals

• FREE Valet Trash Removal • FREE Monthly Pest Control • 2 Large Pools (One Heated) • Fitness Center with Steam Showers • Lighted Tennis & Basketball Courts • Mini-Storage Units Available • Short Term Furnished Winter Rentals

For Virtual Tours, Model Apartments, Floorplans, Community Activities visit

CarltonArmsofOcala.com Call now to schedule a tour!

CARLTON ARMS OF OCALA

866.927.6819 5001 SW 20th St., Suite 100 Ocala, Florida 34474

Developed & Managed by

Efficiency/Studio from $492 • 1 Bedroom from $538 • 2 Bedroom from $730 • 2 or 3 Bedroom Townhome from $774

March2011

Vol13 No3

Features p29 Hot On The Trail An historical debacle made way for one of Marion County’s best-kept secrets—the Santos Trail. Today it’s a natural destination for bikers, hikers and riders alike. Have you been out to Santos yet?

BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

Bed Bug Busters p34 Small yet menacing, bed bugs—once thought to be only a Third World problem—are taking America by storm.

Meet the extraordinary dogs that are tracking them down.

BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

A Love Story p45 In sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, till death do us part.. Many take for granted the weight of the vows made during a wedding ceremony, sometimes even the bride and groom. But for local graphic designer Nick Iannone, those words he spoke to his wife, Martha, more than two decades ago couldn’t ring more true.

BY KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY

Photo by John Jernigan

Be A Supermarket Sleuth p62 Every day, countless Americans pour into their local grocery story and wheel their way down aisle after aisle of food. Navigating those neatly presented grocery rows to find the healthiest foods is no small feat, which is why Ocala Style recently sought the advice of Munroe Regional Medical Center certified dietician Brianna Liles to learn how to be a better—even super—supermarket shopper.

BY KRISTINA KOLESA

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

9

March2011 Vol13 No3

The Publisher p12

Do you know a model citizen?

The Buzz p15

The real people, places and events that shape our community

BY KEVIN CHRISTIAN, KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY, KRISTINA KOLESA, BONNIE KRETCHIK & CITY OF OCALA STAFF

p18

p22

FROMCITYHALL p16

Discover how the City of Ocala is making life more convenient for residents.

ONE-ON-ONE p22

Claire Wilder is making big strides against cancer with her scrapbooking fundraiser.

The Pulse p51

Ideas to keep you fit and healthy all year long

BY JOANN GUIDRY

p60

LIVINGWELL p52

March is colorectal health awareness month. Do you know the facts?

p58

LOOKINGWELL p56

Go Greek to look like a goddess, and treat your hair to a little more iron.

THEDOCTORSAREIN p60

Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen discuss the little pill that battles cancer—and wins!

p80

The Dish p67

p67

Our best recipes, restaurant news and culinary quick bites

BY KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY, BONNIE KRETCHIK, CYNTHIA MCFARLAND & RAVEN MCMILLAN

QUICKBITES p68

Mojo Grill & Catering expands and Laki’s Greek & Italian Restaurant celebrates 25 years.

DININGGUIDE p69

Our area’s finest dining establishments

Photos from our area’s most popular events

10

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

March2011

OCALA’S

MODEL

CITIZEN DISCOVER SANTOS

Photograph by John Jernigan

GOT BUGS? BE A SUPER SUPERMARKET SHOPPER OS ’S M T-RE LA

Still

MAGAZIN E AD

THESOCIALSCENE p90

MAGAZINE

OC A

BY KRISTINA KOLESA & BONNIE KRETCHIK

Meet the man who once worked with Armani and now works with local youth at Marion County Parks & Recreation.

rce : Th e Med 10 ia Audit 20

The Master Gardeners’ Spring Festival blooms this month, and Evan Lysacek leads the pack in “Stars On Ice.”

p74

ALL NEW! INTRODUCING DR. OZ

!

The Scene p79

On The Cover p38

Sou

urc e: T he M 0 edia Audit 201

OC A

Still

MAGAZIN E AD

OS ’S M T-RE LA

!

So

March2011

Vol13 No3

We love bugs

to death.

ocalastyle.com

PUBLISHER

KATHY JOHNSON / kathy@ocalastyle.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR KRISTINA KOLESA / krissy@ocalastyle.com MANAGING EDITOR KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY / karin@ocalastyle.com OFFICE/PRODUCTION MANAGER CYNTHIA BROWN / cynthia@ocalastyle.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR JASON FUGATE / jason@ocalastyle.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER JOHN TRIPODI / johnt@ocalastyle.com

With over 30 years experience, Brick City Pest Control serves Ocala and Marion County.

Whether your problem is with termites, ants, chinch bugs, bed bugs, or just garden-variety bugs, we’ll protect your home and family… guaranteed.

Call (352) 732-4244 for your free inspection, and we’ll love your bugs to death.

Rand Hollon Owner

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MARY ANN DESANTIS / maryann@ocalastyle.com JOANN GUIDRY / joann@ocalastyle.com CYNTHIA MCFARLAND / cmcfarland@ocalastyle.com KEVIN CHRISTIAN / kevin@ocalastyle.com PHOTOGRAPHERS JOE DEMARTINO / joe@ocalastyle.com JOHN JERNIGAN / jernigan@ocalastyle.com JUDY GREEN / judy@ocalastyle.com

( 3 5 2 ) 7 3 2- 4 2 4 4 • w w w. b ri c kc i t y p e s t . c o m

W Furn e’re Not iture Y Consour Ave ignm rage ent S tore

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES VICKI BAKER / vicki@ocalastyle.com LORI TANI / lori@ocalastyle.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES MITZI WELCH / mitzi@ocalastyle.com SALLY LEWIS / sally@ocalastyle.com GREG MOSLEY / greg@ocalastyle.com SHARON MORGAN / sharon@ocalastyle.com ANDY CALDWELL / andy@ocalastyle.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT BONNIE KRETCHIK / bonnie@ocalastyle.com EDITORIAL INTERN RAVEN MCMILLAN / raven@ocalastyle.com ACCOUNTING DOREEN ROCKWELL / doreen@ocalastyle.com DISTRIBUTION DAVE ADAMS / dave@ocalastyle.com OFFICE PHONE 352.732.0073

With several thousand square feet of distinctive spaces—each professionally

and tastefully decorated—you’ll find a scattering of rare and fun items for your home.

Ocala Style Magazine, March 2011. Published monthly by Ocala Publications Inc., 1007 E. Fort King Street, Ocala, FL 34471. All contents copyright 2011 by Ocala Publications Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or advertising information, call (352) 732-0073. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Promotional” and “Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims and content of advertisements.

My Designer’s Attic Home Decor & Furniture Consignment Store

Home Decor & Furniture Consignment Store (8 blocks north of the Historic Downtown Square)

801 North Magnolia Ave • 369-9300 • www.MyDesignersAttic.com mar’11

ocalastyle.com

11

the

Publisher

KATHYJOHNSON

The Model Citizens Among Us I

f there’s one thing I’ve come to expect in this business, it’s to expect the unexpected.

Nowhere is this axiom truer than in how we discover the people to feature in our articles.

There are a lot—and I do mean a lot—of fascinating people in our community. We can very proudly count actor John Travolta and famed music producer Bruce Swedien among our neighbors. But we also have a wealth of lesser renowned but equally compelling residents How living among us who have stories to tell. many other incredible Take, for example, Clay Clay Partons Parton, who graces this are out month’s cover. He’s a gem there in our of a find by any magazine’s but especially one community, standard, like ours that prides itself their stories on featuring local people of just waiting to interest. It doesn’t get more interesting than a Parks & be told?

Rec youth leader who once graced the pages of French Vogue, posed with Kate Moss for photographer Bruce Weber and walked the runways of Dolce & Gabbana.

So how did we “discover” Clay? By accident, as it turned out.

I first met Clay at his workplace. My husband and I were camping at Carney Island Park with our grandson through a program with the Marion County Parks & Recreation department when we struck up a conversation with the personable counselor. As they often have a way of doing, our chat meandered to the subject of where Clay was from, how he came to Ocala, what he had done previously.

And that’s when Kate Moss and Dolce & Gabbana came up. You can imagine our surprise, especially when he mentioned it as nonchalantly as possible, as if it were truly no big deal.

12

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

The wheels were set in motion, and before long, we were working on a piece about Clay’s life for an upcoming issue. Then the decision was made that a model like Clay should certainly be on our cover. Hence the issue you hold in your hands with the accompanying feature on page 38.

All of this begs the question—how many other Clay Partons are out there in our community, their stories just waiting to be told? No matter how many fascinating story ideas we cull from our staff ’s own chance encounters, intriguing meetings with locals and the like, we can never have too many leads from readers like you to learn about the outstanding individuals in our area who we haven’t heard of yet. They don’t have to be—and likely won’t be!—models who opened fashion shows in Milan. But Ocala Style is a magazine about real people leading real lives and doing extraordinary things. It could just as easily be the waitress who serves you coffee in the morning. Or the school teacher helping your child after school. Perhaps the gentleman you struck up a conversation with in the grocery line.

It just so happened in this case that it was my grandson’s favorite counselor from camp.

Who once worked for Armani.

Until next time,

You a

Are

FAN? WIN Cool Stuff!

Insider INVITES STYLE Parties SEE & BE SEEN In OCALA STYLE

Magazine!

We Want To KNOW!

Opinion Polls

Catch “The Buzz” FOLLOW US @ facebook.com/ocalastyle twitter.com/ocalastyle

Do You Know An Outstanding Local?

Ocala Style is looking for people of excellence! We want to hear about the most accomplished, innovative person you know for an upcoming feature article on notable locals. The nominee must be proficient in his/her field—whether it’s a career or a hobby or a sport—and must be at least 18 years of age. Send a short e-mail (200 words or less) explaining why your nominee should be considered to feature@ocalastyle.com.

TALENTED PEOPLE FURNITURE

KOONTZ

ACCESSORIES DESIGN

OCALA SOUTH HWY 441 Get the free mobile app for your phone

http:/ / gettag.mobi

352.622.3241 KOONTZFURNITUREANDDESIGN.COM

awareness Connecting Heart, Body, Mind & Soul Specializing in Deep Tissue Touching Into Awareness

Nancy Porter

Graduate Gemologist (GIA)

Neuromuscular Trigger Point Therapy Relaxation Chronic Pain & Tension Relief

First-Time Clients

Regularly $60/hour. Gift Certificates Available.

Tom Stodghill

352.286.6574

352.629.5703

Licensed Massage Therapist MA 55263 MM 23480

315 E SilvEr SpringS Blvd, ocala, fl www.ladyjEwElEr.com

Call for locations!

Now Is The Time. No More Excuses.

Personal Trainers | Aquasize | Whirlpool | Indoor Heated Pool | Zumba | Water Aerobics Spinning | Yoga | Racquetball | Cybex | Free Weights

Introducing

Join Now and Receive One Year of Unlimited Racquetball FREE

or

One Month of Tanning FREE and One FREE Personal Training Session!

Spa I 694-1141

3643 NE 8th Pl. (Off 36th Ave.) Ocala

14

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

FREE WEIGHT LOSS

12 Month Membership

2for$109 1for$119 or

Each, Plus Tax

Plus Tax

Spa II 237-6149

Classes with 12 Month Membership

TOO YOUR

2841 SW 20th St. (Near CF) Ocala

Spa III 245-2800

5300 SE 110th St. (Behind Sonny’s) Belleview

SPA

tooyourhealthspa.org

Spa IV 489-3383

2174 W. Dunnellon Rd, Dunnellon

Top Teachers

Ocala Gets Online p16

Buzz

the

Meet Marion County’s Golden Apple winners. p18

iPads In The Classroom p20

Pedal To The Metal!

Mar

10-13

Cropping Out Cancer p22

Like to live on the edge? Feel your heart pound? Be in the middle of non-stop, intense action? Forget the beach this spring break and head to the Gainesville Raceway instead for the 42ND ANNUAL TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS on March 10-13.

If the frustration of daily stopand-go traffic has you pulling your hair out, let off some steam as you watch drivers go head to head in the most exciting 1/4 mile of driving

The Costume Lady p26

and more!

you’ll ever see! Put in your earplugs and prepare to feel the ground shake as you witness these amped up autos reach speeds of over 200 mph, covering 1/4 mile in just six seconds. The 2011 event will feature NASCAR star Kurt Busch in his NHRA Full Throttle Series debut as he vies for one of 16 qualifying spots in the Pro Stock class. For ticket information visit gainesvilleraceway.com or call (352) 377-0046.

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

15

Buzz

the

FROMCITYHALL

Ocala Online Whether by way of a computer, a smartphone or an iPad, instant access is the way of the world these days. The City of Ocala offers just that through a new menu of electronic services on its website—ocalafl.org. Prefer to speak to a human? Call them anytime at (352) 629-CITY. In the meantime, check out this sampling of Ocala’s online services. They’re available 24/7!

E-Notify

Get Social

With a quick (they promise) registration, you can be directly notified via e-mail of upcoming special events, job openings, news releases and several other topics of interest. Just go to the E-notify button on the city’s homepage and check the topics that interest you. Sign up for one or all of them. And yes, you can unsubscribe, hassle-free, at any time.

The City and various individual departments utilize such social media as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to help keep you upto-date on the latest happenings.

Simply go to the City’s homepage and click the “Social Media” button to see a complete listing.

Track It

All About Parks & Rec

This site is designed to assist citizens and contractors alike in the building process. By utilizing this system, you can keep track of where your house plans are in the review process, learn what the fees for new construction are and follow the inspection process through its entirety. The site also lets you file a concern about a code enforcement issue, such as an overgrown lot, and follow online the process to get it resolved. Soon the City will unveil a similar program that will streamline the development process.

Open Government If transparency in government and digesting numbers is your thing, then the “Open Gov” site is just for you. The site includes listings of budgets, financial reports and capital improvement plans. It paints the picture of where we have been, where we are going and how much it will cost to get there.

16

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

Can’t get away to register your kids in-person for those cool summer recreation programs? Want to reserve a Marion County park facility? How about purchase a Discovery Center membership? Just click the Recreation & Parks Online Registration button on the City’s homepage. This service makes it much easier for you and your family to take advantage of our local recreational offerings.

Power Play Ocala Utility Services will soon be offering a new perk allowing you to view a map showing electric outages.

The map is updated every two minutes and will be a useful tracking tool during times of extensive outages. The site is expected to be up and running before hurricane season.

Tee Times Book tee times electronically at the award-winning, redesigned Ocala Golf Club on Silver Springs Boulevard. Just go to ocalagolfcourses.com, click a few buttons and you are ready to go.

AND MUCH MORE! ocalafl.org

Steve Branham, Brent Spaulding & Chad Pelt...

THE

HARDEST

WORKING

GUYS

IN THE

MATTRESS

BUSINESS

You can see the difference with your eyes closed!

We have the area's largest mattress selection, offering the highest quality name brands at unbeatable prices!

Our factory trained sleep consultants can assuredly help you find the perfect night's sleep. Come in and experience how our service really does make the difference.

3055 SW College Rd Ocala, FL 34474

Mattress Liquidation Center 1925 SW College Rd Ocala, FL 34471

2255-A Parr Dr The Villages, FL 32162

Monday–Saturday 10am–7pm Sunday 1–5pm

17950 US 441 Summerfield, FL 34491

thesleepcenter.biz mar’11

352.690.2339

11250 SW 93rd Ct Rd Ocala, FL 34481

352.732.3100

352.753.0672

352.245.0025 ocalastyle.com

17

Buzz

the

TOPTEACHERS

Meet Marion County’s 2011 Golden Apple recipients!

Marion County’s Golden Teachers “For 21 years, the PUBLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION OF MARION COUNTY has honored Marion County’s finest teachers through the Golden Apple program. School-based teachers of the year submit written portfolios that are scored by a communitybased panel. Top-scorers are then personally interviewed and observed in the classroom. Five local teachers receive Golden Apples, with one becoming Marion County’s Teacher of the Year at a red-carpet gala event. Thanks to community sponsors, school business partners and countless volunteer hours, our teachers appreciate the efforts invested to make them feel truly special and honored each Golden Apple season.”

Teacher of the Year

TODD CARSTENN

IB Theory of Knowledge/IB English, Vanguard High School

CLAY GRIFFIN

Physical Education, Belleview Santos Elementary

—Kevin Christian, Marion County School Board public relations officer

18

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

DALE WADE

Rookie Teacher of the Year

JOHN CRAWFORD AP Honors Government, Forest High School

MATTHEW SHRIMPLIN Exceptional Student Education, Hillcrest School

English/History, Marion Juvenile Correctional Facility

GAIL PARLIN First Grade Reading, Maplewood Elementary

embrace 352.351.4405 www.drjonesortho.com 1500 se 17th street, bldg. 100 ocala, fl 34471

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

19

Buzz

the

CLASSACTS

Off To The Iditarod LIBERTY MIDDLE SCHOOL’s Dawn Owens (center) recently traveled to Alaska to experience the Iditarod sled dog race. Her goal is to be named the Target 2012 “Iditarod Teacher on the Trail” next month, and she’s one of only three teachers nationwide competing for the honor. Leading up to the trip, Owens used the competition in her lesson plans. She blogged about her week-long experience in Alaska and actually worked along the Iditarod route. The 42-year-old teacher with 18 years of classroom experience previously garnered attention from the FDIC for her financial lesson plans.

London’s Full Ride ROTC Cadet Daniel London is already flying high, even before he graduates from high school. London recently received a full scholarship to any college or university he wants to attend. The scholarship, from the U.S. Air Force, includes books, tuition, housing and a stipend for other expenses.

London plans to study aerospace science and eventually become a pilot. He’s the son of Joe and Rebecca London of Ocala and previously attended Ocala Springs and Eighth Street elementary schools as well as Osceola Middle. Congratulations, Daniel.

You make us proud!

ocalastyle.com

WEST PORT HIGH’s Benjamin Castro (at podium) is the new state president of the Florida Future Educators of America.

Classmate Reid Collier (far right) is the new vice president. Both were elected at a recent state meeting in Orlando. Castro also helped the school capture second in the state for his chapter’s display board (inset).

iPads Are A Hit

FOREST HIGH SCHOOL senior and

20

Castro & Collier Take Charge

mar’11

Hand-held electronic devices bring the world to your fingertips—including students in local classrooms.

HOWARD MIDDLE, along with DR. N. H. JONES ELEMENTARY, FORT MCCOY SCHOOL and MARION TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, recently put a combined 120 iPads in the hands of students. The pilot project is turning out great results so far. Just ask those teachers who use the iPads in their everyday lesson plans. The district’s also considering net books and the Kindle e-reader as enhancements to the traditional textbook and library book. District, school and grant technology dollars pay for the devices.

2011 PanaMara LEaSE

945 36

$

/MOnth MOS

$4,995 due at lease signing Excludes tax, title, and license fees.

No security deposit required.

Lease if for 10K miles per year, 36 months. $4999 due at signing. All with approved credit.

Stock#P01185. Photos for illustration purposes only. All offers are subject to change and end 3/31/11. Price is plus sales tax, tag, title and dealer service fee in the amount of $597.

CH_OS_Jan2011Ad_CH_OS_Jan2011 Ad 12/15/10 8:30 PM Page 1

003-0211-POO-OcalaStyle

N E W B O R N

T H R U

A D O L E S C E N C E

“We treat your children like our own”.

(352) 671-1800 Oakhurst Professional Park • 1301 S.E. 25th Loop, Ocala, FL 34471

Chris N.Okonkwo M.D. F.A.A.P.

Shameem Siddiqui M.D. F.A.A.P.

Susan Lakatos A.R.N.P.

Erin Clymer A.R.N.P.

N E W P AT I E N T S W E L C O M E Accepting most insurance carriers Mon.-Wed. 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. • Thu.-Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Extended weekday and weekend hours by appointment only.

Visit us at ChildrensHealthofOcala.com

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

21

Buzz

the

ONE-ON-ONE

Cropping For Cancer

Claire Wilder, a 12-year breast cancer survivor, turned her love for scrapbooking into a fundraiser for Making Strides Againt Breast Cancer.

REGULAR MONTHLY CROPS $5 DONATION

22

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

You have cancer. No matter your age, economic status or gender, those three little words carry the weight of the world for the person on the receiving end of them.

CLAIRE WILDER, an employee with the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office who works at the jail, was in her late 40s and seemingly healthy when she went for her routine mammogram. She knew something was wrong when they immediately called her back. One biopsy and a few days later, Claire was told she had breast cancer.

“I was devastated,” she recalls. “At first it seems like an immediate It’s a relaxing death sentence, opportunity but the most to meet with important thing you can people who do is find a share common competent and interests for a doctor take aggressive great cause. action.”

That’s —CLAIRE WILDER exactly what Claire did. Following chemotherapy and radiation at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, a mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery, Claire is now in remission. It’s been 12 years.

“There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not reminded of cancer,” she says. “I’ve met many people touched by breast cancer over the years.”

Many of those connections came from the American Cancer Society’s system of support groups. Because of the support she herself

WANT

TO

GO?

received from the ACS, not to mention her giving spirit, Claire set out on a mission to give back to the organization that helped her and her fellow cancer patients when they needed it most.

Her interest in scrapbooking sparked an idea, an idea that five years later helped her become the 2010 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’s highest individual donor with $3,500 to the society.

This March 25 and 26 the Marion County Extension Auditorium will play host to Claire’s 6th Annual Scrapbook Crop & Craft Night.

This two-day scrapbooking and craft extravaganza is perfect for anyone and everyone—from novice scrapbookers to those who have been scrapping for years.

“It’s a relaxing opportunity to meet with people who share common interests for a great cause,” says Claire. “I love the creativity and concept of scrapbooking. The idea is to eliminate wasting your photos by leaving them stuffed in shoeboxes. This event gives you an opportunity to present your photos in a creative way for yourself and others.”

The best part? All the proceeds support Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The event begins on Friday night with a pizza dinner, and, of course plenty of scrapping. You can leave your supplies overnight so they’re ready to go on Saturday. Breakfast and lunch for Saturday are also included. The event will also feature chance drawings and door prizes.

“Every year we have a fantastic group of ladies,” Claire says. “We share equipment, ideas and supplies. It’s just a great way to get out and have some fun.”

Scrapbook Crop & Craft Night

March 25, 6-11pm / March 26, 8am-4pm / $25 for both days

April 22

Marion County Extension Center Auditorium, Jacksonville Road

May 20

Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

June 17

(352) 732-5982

CADILLAC. THE NEW STANDARD OF THE WORLD.

2011

ESCALADE 2011

SRX

CROSSOVER

2011

CTS

COUPE

Come Experience the Difference.

Sullivan C

A

D

I

L

L

A

C

4040 SW COLLEGE ROAD OCALA, FL

352.732.4700

Special thanks to the Appleton Museum.

VI S IT SU LLIVANCADILL AC .COM FOR OU R CU RRE NT OFFERS AND S PECIAL FINANCING OPPORTU NITIES . mar’11

ocalastyle.com

23

Buzz

the

BUSINESSBRIEFS

The Orthopedic Institute Expands In January the ORTHOPEDIC INSTITUTE announced the addition of Dr. Michael K. Riley, M.D., to its staff of 23 specialty-trained physicians. In July the Orthopedic Institute will open its new office in Ocala, a 16,000-square-foot facility located at 1710 SE 16th Avenue. Chief Executive Officer of the Orthopedic Institute Eric Brill is thrilled at the expansion.

“These are steps in our plan to further invest in the community and provide more comprehensive services to our patients,” he says.

Construction of the new center is scheduled to be completed by July.

MRMC Named Safest In State MUNROE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

announced in January its quality award rankings from CareChex, a division of the Delta Group, which provides clinical, financial and patient satisfaction findings to consumers, providers and purchasers of U.S. medical care.

The rankings named Munroe Regional first in the state of Florida for overall hospital patient safety, ninth nationally for Medical Excellence in Pulmonary Care and 14th nationally for Medical Excellence in the area of Cardiac Care.

“Munroe Regional is proud to be recognized as the safest hospital in Florida,” says President and Chief Executive Officer, Steve Purves. “We are setting the standard for patient safety in Florida.”

Senior Services Marion County On January 28, SENIOR med MARION was officially rena cy delivers 450 e non-profit agen SERVICES. Th nior citizens at feeds over 200 se meals daily and also make over ning sites. They 11 congregate di e elderly and tation trips for th 130,000 transpor ome support and provide in-h disabled yearly, 2,700 residents. me level services to over to provide the sa “We will continue come ve ha ers rvice our custom roh.

St and caliber of se h ra Sa ecutive Director early cl e to expect,” says Ex or m es ion Senior Servic cy.” en “The name Mar ag fit ro private, not-for-p identifies us as a

Grand Opening February 3 marked the grand opening of the new location for KIMBERLY’S COTTAGE, home to the Marion County Children’s Advocacy Center and Marion County Child Protection Team. The event was marked with a ribbon cutting followed by tours of the new building and recognition of staff and services provided. The new location is on SW 22nd Place.

24

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

Act of Charity Ocala’s Dillard’s recently contributed $7,311 to the RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE in

Gainesville.

This was part of a nationwide campaign by the department store chain. Nationally, Dillard’s stores raised $1.7 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Ground Breaking HAWTHORNE VILLAGE OF OCALA recently held a ground-

breaking ceremony on January 11 to commence the construction of a 100-unit independent living community. The Belleview High School ROTC was on hand for a ceremony of colors and flag presentation and Pastor Roland Scroggins performed the invocation. Several county officials, dignitaries, business leaders and associates were in attendance along with Mayor Randy Ewers and Medical Director Sid Clevinger.

The addition of the independent living services will allow Hawthorne Village to meet the rapidly growing needs of the senior community in Ocala.

The planned opening for the new building is in the first quarter of 2012.

LAISSEZ LES

BON TEMPS ROULER!

Anxious

Dentist?

about the

No Worries...

IV Sedation Come join our Krewe for the finest Mardi Gras

Now available at

Party this side of Bourbon Street! Put on your

Exceptional Dentistry

Carnival masks and beads and get ready for some authentic N’Awlins fun and frivolity. Enjoy live entertainment and refreshments. There’s no better way to experience the warm hospitality and personalized service that make our community such an exceptional place to live.

Tuesday, March 8 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

For reservations or more information, call Geoff at (352) 368-7710 by March 3.

The medication acts quickly to sedate the patient Patients will have little or no memory of their treatment

Independent Living • Personalized Assisted Living Exceptional Experiences Every DaySM 1801 SE 24th Rd., Ocala, Florida 34471

(352) 368-7710 Assisted Living Facility # 5397

For more information call (352)

332-OPAL (6725)

See More PhotoS and VideoS at

Exceptional Experiences Every Day is a Service Mark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA 00751-ROP08-0311

w w w. b ro o k d a l e l i v i n g . c o m

ExceptionalDentistry.com mar’11

ocalastyle.com

25

Buzz

the

ONTHEJOB

Angela Green FABRICARE DRY CLEANERS

Let’s face it, some clothes just can’t go in the washing machine.

That’s exactly where the dry cleaners come in handy, and at the popular Fabricare Dry Cleaning and Alterations in the Quail Meadows Shopping Center on Highway 27, Angela Green is always at the ready to handle the next load of laundry.

“I do just about everything here. I love the responsibility,” says Angela, who explains that people’s clothes mean a lot to them and takes her responsibility seriously.

A self-proclaimed “people person,” Angela opens the store daily and works the front counter. Hers is also the first face customers see when they walk through the door, and she always greets everyone with a bright smile.

“I love working with the customers,” she says, adding that she enjoys this time of year when Ocala’s population swells thanks to the equestrian competition HITS. “We see so many more riding britches in here now,” she laughs, referring to the stack waiting to be cleaned.

But she loves that people from all over come into the store now.

Always eager to help out a customer, she’ll gladly offer advice about a stain or lost button, too. Now when was the last time your washing machine did that?

26

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

Karen Hilton

Domina Daughtrey

OCALA CIVIC THEATRE

MARION COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM

If you’ve ever attended a play at the Ocala Civic Theatre, then you’ve no doubt noticed the wide variety of costumes that the actors don for the shows. Since 1987, this important part of a play’s production has been brought to life by volunteer Karen Hilton, who works behind the scenes sewing, stitching, hemming and altering the hundreds of costumes that the theater uses.

No stranger to the stage, Karen credits her mother, who was an actress, for first getting her involved in costuming.

“My mom was acting as a nun in The Sound Of Music and told them I could sew a little. The rest is history,” Karen laughs as she recalls the start to her almost 30-year involvement with the Ocala Civic Theatre.

Although much of Karen’s time is consumed with dressing the actors of various shows, her job includes many other responsibilities, too.

“We wash, restock and organize costumes all of the time. Things can get out of hand very quickly so we always have to stay on top of things,” she says referring to the rows of tightly packed costumes.

“It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to work here,” she says, and when asked if she has a favorite show, she adds, “My favorite show is always the last one I did and the next one coming up!”

A librarian at the Marion County Public Library for nearly a decade, soft-spoken Domina Daughtrey has a long list of responsibilities. Though you won’t hear her, you’ll for sure see her doing everything from helping someone find the latest bestseller to running computer classes.

“I went into this profession to help people and that’s what I do,” she says. “I do everything from answering questions about where to find books to helping students with research.”

Always an avid reader, Domina learned early on to steer clear of bookstores and instead peruse the library’s offerings.

“I’ve saved a lot of money that way,” she laughs, recalling how quickly she flies through a good book.

You’ll also see her working at the library’s several computer education classes for teens and adults.

“There are a lot of people out there who need help with basic computer skills,” she says describing some of the library’s events such as “Wired Wednesdays,” a beginner-level computer class. She’s proudly watched Marion County’s library evolve and expand over the last few years. And though too humble to admit it, she is the reason for much of the library’s growth.

“Even though it can be crazy busy, I love my job,” she says.

Cara Newby AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, MARION COUNTY UNIT

One of Marion County’s most notable charitable organizations is the American Cancer Society, and thanks to the executive director of the Marion County Unit, Cara Newby, thousands of dollars are raised every year to benefit this worthy organization.

“We have eight fundraising events a year,” she says, “and we have an event for everyone.”

Whether it’s a few hours spent at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event or walking through the night during the Relay For Life, volunteers have plenty of options.

Cara’s primary fundraising event, however, is the Cattle Baron’s Ball, coming up March 19.

“It’s a great way for those who don’t want to spend the night at the relay to give to the American Cancer Society,” she says.

Cara helps organize the dinner, entertainment, and live and silent auctions held throughout the night as well as recruit and manage the many volunteers who make the event possible.

“My favorite aspect of this job is working with the volunteers,” she says. “We’ve all been touched by cancer and I love to see the volunteers feel so good about what they do.”

3RD ANNUAL

Mardi Gras

Win a 2 Miata 011 Mazda Jenkins Donated by Auto Gro up!

Casino Night

Hold ‘Em & TTexas Saturday, March 26

27 Years.

TOURNAMENT

PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR THE PAST

at the Ocala Hilton • 7pm-Midnight

g!

Drawinizes Galore! ent Auction! r 50/50 Sil P Tickets: $45 per person $85 per couple

JIM HANES, RN KRISTIN VANMETER

Director of Home Health Services

Director of Medical Staffing

WE’RE HERE TO SERVE YOU

Texas Hold ‘Em tournament: $100 per person (includes admission)

24 Hours a Day/7 Days a Week

Tickets available at Newton A. Perry Aquatic Center (CF Campus), Brick City Title, or call (352) 873-5811.

Join us on

Medical Staffing 352.387.0274

Home Health Services 352.351.5040

2010 NE 14th Street Ocala, FL 34470

www.interimhealthcare.com

The Aesthetic & Laser Center

Scan here with your smartphone for a direct link to our website.

LET AESTHETIC & LASER CENTER HELP YOU REJUVENATE YOUR SKIN WITH:

Offers YOU...

• • • • • • • • • • • •

European Facials w/Microdermabrasion Acne Face/Back Treatments BOTOX® RESTYLANE® PERLANE® Latest Generation IPL Photodynamic Therapy Laser Hair Removal Laser Leg/Vein Treatment Peels BLU-U® Light Therapy Aluma

AS K FOR DE B R OB A RT

Nurse Aesthetician. 20 Years Experience with Top Aesthetic Physicians in California

OcalaAesthetics.com Schedule Your

FREE CONSULTATION Products available for all skin types.

X

I-75

352.867.7777 5481 SW 60th St, Suite 401, Ocala

Publix State Road 200

State Road 40

Airport Road

TODAY!! Excellent Skin Care

60th Street

Timeless Beauty with Innovative Technology At Reasonable Prices!

Glen Morgan, M.D. | Donald Liebelt, M.D. | Deborah Robart, L.E., L.P.N.

mar’11

OCALA FAMILY PHYSICIANS

ocalastyle.com

27

An historical debacle made way for one of Marion County’s best-kept secrets—the Santos Trail. Today it’s a natural destination for bikers, hikers and riders alike.

Have you been out to Santos yet?

By Cynthia McFarland

H

idden treasure. As youngsters we’d spend hours, even days searching for that “great discovery” that would make us richmaybe even famous. Growing up in Tucson, Arizona, exploring the desert trails and foothills on my horse, I was sure that one day I’d find something extraordinary.

As an adult though, I’ve realized that if you know where to look, treasures aren’t necessarily hidden. Sometimes they’re just around the corner. Literally.

The Santos Trail in south Marion County is one of those remarkable finds. What’s amazing is that many locals don’t even know it’s there. Come onboard, fellow explorers, and prepare to make a grand discovery. Dozens of miles of mountain bike trails, hiking paths and horseback riding trails are waiting.

Ironically, the Santos Trail, which is part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, came into being as a result of what many consider one of the biggest blunders in Florida history, the Cross Florida Barge Canal Project.

Hard as it is to believe today, government officials once thought it would be a completely sane idea to dig a canal right across the middle of the Sunshine State. Instead of having to take the long sea route all

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

29

Here in Marion County, the Santos Trail is just part of that vast greenway where visitors can experience Florida’s great outdoors much as it was a century ago. The trailhead takes its name

30

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

Photo by John Moran

the way around the peninsula, ships could save time and money by using the canal.

Multiple surveys for a proposed canal across Florida took place over the span of a century, beginning in the early 1800s.

Federal surveyors sent to the area realized the impracticality of the concept, but canal supporters refused to relinquish the idea, leading to the establishment of the Florida State Canal Commission in 1931. The Ocala Star-Banner itself published an abundance of “pro-canal” stories and editorials.

The Great Depression gave President Franklin Roosevelt an excellent excuse to revive the project under the auspices of job creation. Over 6,000 workers tackled the enormous task, clearing some 4,000 acres and making 30 cents per hour, a good wage at the time. Many of those workers spent their hard-earned dollars in Ocala, resulting in a substantial business and entertainment boom for the town known as “The Brick City.”

Federal funding for the canal dried up in 1936, even though only about one-third of the land was cleared. The project idled for nearly three decades until President John F. Kennedy resurrected it again in the early 1960s. President Lyndon Johnson continued to support the project after Kennedy’s assassination.

Marjorie Harris Carr, a native of Boston who moved to Florida in the late 1920s, was stirred to action after realizing the environmental threat the canal posed to the area, particularly the Ocklawaha River. She and other activists formed the Florida Defenders of the Environment and worked tirelessly to halt the project. Their efforts finally resulted in a federal court injunction, and President Richard Nixon pulled the plug on canal construction in 1971. By that point, some $74 million had been poured into the project.

Supporters spent nearly another decade arguing for the canal’s completion, but in January 1991, the federal government officially “deauthorized” the Cross Florida Barge Canal Project. The “blunder” then became a blessing in 1998 when the state of Florida turned the former canal route into a 110-mile-long corridor aptly named the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, which runs from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River.

Left: More than 70 miles of biking trails, ranging from easy to extreme, are available at the Santos Trail.

Opposite: Hills, turns and uneven footing make portions of the Santos Trail challenging for even the most dedicated hiker.

“Santos Trail is one of the top three trails to ride in the state, if not the whole Southeast. It’s a diamondin-the-rough that attracts thousands a year.”

—CHRIS FERNANDEZ, SANTOS BIKE SHOP

from the former town of Santos, a predominately African-American community of approximately 300 that was destroyed in the 1930s to accomodate canal construction. At one time, Santos was an important rail stop for the Florida Transit and Peninsular Railway. Today, it’s the ideal spot for adventure seekers eager to take advantage of the area’s abundant outdoor activities.

“The Santos Trail is one of the top three trails to ride in the whole state of Florida, if not the whole Southeast. We meet new people from all over the state, even all over the country. We even have people from out of the country,” says Chris Fernandez, an avid cyclist and owner of the Santos Bike Shop, which sells bikes, clothing and accessories, and also offers bike rentals and service.

“It’s a secret in Ocala, a diamond-in-therough, if you will, that attracts thousands of people a year,” Chris continues. “People who live here really have a great resource to take

advantage of, but I think there are more people from out of the county who know this place.

We have tons of people from Orlando come here all the time to ride, almost on a weekly basis. It’s unfortunate that not a lot of people who live here know about this trail.”

But some Ocalans are catching on to the rich opportunity in their own backyard. Residents Melissa and Ed English head to the Santos Trail about twice a month during the cooler weather.

“It’s so convenient. The trails are well maintained, and there are bike shops close by,” says Ed, noting that they ride between 10 to 23

Photo by John Jernigan

miles at a time, typically on the intermediate (blue) trails.

“The trails are gorgeous,” adds Melissa. “It feels like you’re getting away from everything.”

“There’s something for everyone, including the BMX riders at the Vortex,” says Ed. “There are some real die-hard riders there doing tricks and some have cameras on their helmets.” (Check out their amazing videos on youtube.com, keyword “Santos Trail.”)

Dano Kinnee, who owns Greenway Bicycles with his wife, Jessica, says the best thing about the Santos Trail is that it’s easy enough for beginners and technical enough for the most experienced riders. Their popular shop offers bike rentals, retail sales, bike repair and a convenience store where riders can purchase snacks and drinks.

“People have a passion for riding bikes,” adds Dano, a certified United States Cycling Federation (USCF) bicycle mechanic. “If you were to poll the people out in the parking lot, probably only one-fourth of them are from Ocala. It’s amazing. People from all over come here.”

Although the Santos Trail is primarily designated as a mountain biking trailhead, you don’t need wheels to tackle the trails.

Equestrians appreciate the fact that the “staging area” is fenced and there’s even a small corral on-site, although this trailhead is smaller than some of the other Greenway trailheads that cater mostly to horseback riders.

Got A

Fat Tire?

I

f you love all things mountain biking or just want to learn more about this exciting sport, check out the Ocala Mountain Bike Association’s 5th annual Fat Tire Festival held at the Santos Trailhead March 18–20.

Space is limited to 350 riders and those spots are already filled for the weekend event, but the public is welcome to attend. You can visit the

“I ride there all the time and have ridden those trails for years,” says Iris Diaz, president of the local Sun Country Trail Blazers riding club.

Diaz says she regularly heads to the Santos Trail, whether for an organized club ride or with a group of riding buddies.

“This is the most flat of all the greenway trails and the footing is great,” she notes. “It’s good in the summer because there’s a lot of shade. You can ride straight out on a loop ride for a couple hours at a slow pace. You can also

vendor village and take advantage of a demo bike ride. (Bike demos are subject to weather and trail conditions.)

“We have vendors coming this year from as far away as Washington, D.C.,” says OMBA President Tim Mulhall. “There will be demo bike rides all weekend from Friday to Sunday. Every major bike manufacturer will be there.”

Among the most popular activities on the agenda are the free ride demonstrations where you can watch riders drop off 20-foot cliffs and more.

“We’re pretty famous for the red trails, which are expert level,” says Tim. “We have one of—if not the largest—free ride areas in the country with dirt jumps and cliff drops.” (“Free ride” means you don’t have to pay to ride.)

Visit omba.org for more information and to find out about upcoming area mountain bike events, such as the “Ride of the Living Dead,” a costumed 50-mile ride on the Greenway trails held around Halloween.

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

31

cross the street and enter the 110th Street trailhead.”

Bathrooms are an added benefit and picnic tables make it easy to relax and have a snack before or after your ride. In addition to the restrooms, which have potable water, there are 80 paved parking spots and three picnic pavilions.

“We always bring lunch and rest the horses while we eat,” says Iris. “It’s nice that there’s water and you can hose the horses off.”

Hikers often venture out on the trails, many bringing their dogs on a leash. Trails are clearly marked and for safety reasons, there are separate trails for mountain bikers, equestrians and hikers so you don’t have to worry about sharing the path. There are places where some of the trails cross each other, but those who use the trails regularly say it’s never a problem because the trails quickly veer off in different directions.

On the Cross Florida Greenway as a whole, there are approximately 40 miles of equestrian trails, 40 miles of hiking trails and 70 miles of mountain biking trails.

The more than 30 miles of mountain biking trails at Santos are broken down into three levels of difficulty: yellow is easiest, blue is labeled intermediate and red is for experts. Trails are color-coded, which makes them easy to follow.

Anytime you see “TH” with an arrow on a trail sign, this will lead you back to the trailhead.

On the day I hit the trails, I saw everyone from families with young children on the yellow trails to BMX riders pulling off some hairraising stunts on the red trails. Personally, I decided the blue trails were more my style.

The majority of all trails are shaded, but the number of roots, rocks, ups and downs, and twists and turns will vary greatly depending on the level of trail you opt to ride.

The Ocala Mountain Bike Association

(OMBA) does a masterful job of maintaining the trails as well as cutting new ones.

Greenway Bike Shop (Offers bike rentals) “The amount of hours our volunteers greenwaybikeshop.com / (352) 351-3475 [donate] in one year is the equivalent of the state spending about $80,000,” says OMBA president Santos Bike Shop (Offers bike rentals) Tim Mulhall. “The first Saturday of every santosbikeshop.com / (352) 307-BIKE (2453) month, anywhere from 15 to 20 members show Ocala Mountain Bike Association up to maintain existing trails and build new omba.org ones. We hope to have three miles of new blue Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida trails open by late March.”

Greenway Headquarters As I learned from firsthand experience, floridagreenwaysandtrails.org / (352) 236-7143 it’s possible to take a tumble on the blue trails if you don’t negotiate the rocky areas successfully. But for the most part, I found the blue trails to be a blast. They were challenging enough, but not too intimidating.

Santos & Wear a helmet, bring along Vortex Area extra water and ride safely.

Scan here Trailheads to load this The Santos trails are yours to This map was map on your produced and intended as a enjoy, so make the most of smartphone before general reference guide only. you hit the trails! them!

Want To Learn More?

Steep Trail

N

OMBA Park Bench OGT Info Kiosk

Water

Parking

Camping

Picnic Area

Greenway Donations

Restrooms

OMBA Yellow (Easiest) OMBA Blue (More Difficult) OMBA Red (Most Difficult) Horses Hiking

Cut A Path To The Trail!

From I-75: Go south from Ocala and take exit 341 (Don Garlits Museum exit). Go east on 484 and take 475 north. Turn east onto 80th. The Santos trailhead is on the right just before you get to US 441.

From US 441: Go south on 441 until you come to 80th. The Marion County Sheriff Substation is located at this intersection. Turn right on 80th and the Santos trailhead parking lot is just ahead on the left.

32

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

A helmet is required. Eye protection is recommended.

Ride with your head—not over it.

A “qualifier” controls access to the freeride area. If you can ride over the obstacle, you can most likely handle the rest of the trail.

Read, understand and obey all posted signs.

WE

O LC

ME

Scan here with your Smartphone for a direct link to our website!

352-304 - 6888

Russell’s Western Wear | 3890 NW Blitchton Rd, Ocala, FL | RussellsWesternWear.com Ask for Manager Jennifer Crouthamel or Assistant Manager Amanda D’emery

Just west of I-75 on Hwy 27

DIETING…. ITS ABOUT MAKING HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE CHOICES!

Lose Weight & Live Life Now! Physician-Directed Weight Management Programs Medical Spa Botox & Restylane Laser Photofacials Laser Hair Removal Smoothshapes Laser Cellulite Treatments Microdermabrasion Chemical Peels & the new VI Peel Massage Permanent Make-Up

Weight Management HCG & HGH Injection Programs Other fat-burning injections and prescription appetite suppressants also available.

Diets Don’t Work.

It’s about making healthier lifestyle choices.

Michael Holloway, M.D.

Lifestyle Solutions Beauty Through Health

2139-B NE 2nd Street, Ocala

352-368-2148 lsmedspa.com mar’11

ocalastyle.com

33

Small yet menacing, bed bugs—once thought to be only a Third World problem—are taking America by storm. Meet the extraordinary dogs that are tracking them down.

By Cynthia McFarland / Photos by John Jernigan

G

idget clearly loves her job. As soon as her handler gives the signal, she methodically goes to work. With her highly sensitive nose and intensive training, it’s only a matter of time before she finds her prey.

No, Gidget isn’t running the fields looking for rabbits or squirrels. She’s in a large metropolitan city carefully investigating a suite in a prominent hotel chain. Her “prey?” The elusive bed bug. And since she’s nearly 100-percent accurate in locating the pesky creatures, the bugs don’t stand a chance.

Just a few months ago, Gidget had been relinquished by her owner, turned in to an animal shelter—her unbridled enthusiasm and energy likely leading to euthanasia. Today, she’s one of a number of highly in-demand, scent-detection canines specifically trained to find bed bugs.

“About 95 percent of the dogs we use for bed bug training are rescues from shelters, humane organizations and rescue groups,” says Pepe Peruyero, dog trainer and owner of J & K Canine Academy in nearby High Springs. “We even get some dogs from owners who have had to give up their pets because they’ve had to relocate due to the economy. To give a dog like this the opportunity to go out and work and live with a family again is very rewarding.”

Although a number of breeds can be trained for scent detection, beagles and beagle mixes make up the largest number of bed bug detection dogs.

“We use a reward system for training, and beagles are notorious for loving food,” says Pepe, who has been training dogs for over two decades.

“They’re very scent-driven and they have a strong work ethic when it comes to scent detection.”

34

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

“If properly trained and handled, the dogs are about 98-percent accurate in finding bed bugs.

They can inspect a room in about two minutes.”

—Dr. Phil Koehler, UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Pepe explains that it takes approximately 90 to 120 days to train a dog to detect bed bugs, depending on the dog’s motivation and ability to learn.

“We don’t force them to do anything. We provide problems for them and they discover how to resolve them,” he notes. “Through repetition they develop the skills they need.”

Once a dog is fully trained, he/she is a valuable commodity. Bed bug detection dogs regularly sell for about $11,500. Purchasers must also send a handler to take a five-day course because no matter how well trained the dog is, a human is still part of the detection team.

“Our handler courses cover about 50 hours, which include orientation, classroom time and about 36 hours of working with the dog,” Pepe says.

“Due to demand, we’re booked months ahead.”

In fact, the demand for properly trained dogs is so high that they’re typically sold before they even arrive on site at J & K Canine Academy for training.

Do an online search and you’ll find plenty of postings for bed bug detection dogs and services, but not all dogs are trained to Pepe’s strict standards.

He is proud to be setting the industry’s national standards and works closely with the University of Florida where studies have proved the effectiveness of accurately trained dogs.

“If properly trained and handled, the dogs are about 98-percent accurate in finding bed bugs,” says Dr. Phil Koehler, an urban entomologist and professor with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “They can inspect a room in about two minutes. People are not nearly as accurate and it may take them hours to thoroughly inspect a room. Beg bugs can hide in very tiny places—even in the slots of a dry wall screw—so it’s very hard to find them visually. Dogs go by odors.”

In fact, a recent University of Florida study confirmed that well-trained dogs not only differentiate bed bugs from other household pests, such as cockroaches, termites and carpenter ants, but they also discriminate between live bed bugs/viable eggs and dead ones.

The dogs were even able to locate the offender when there was only one bed bug in an entire hotel

room. The dogs had an overall detection accuracy of 97.5 percent.

You may be wondering whether bed bugs really an issue in this century. Isn’t that something you only worry about when visiting a Third World country?

By the end of World War II, bed bugs were no longer considered problematic in developed nations for a number of reasons, including widespread use of such insecticides as DDT. Fast forward to the late 1990s and the nasty little creatures began reappearing. Bed bugs have been reintroduced to the U.S. and infestations have increased nearly 4,500 percent. Yikes!

As Dr. Koehler explains, many of the current

Pepe Peruyero and “Ranger”

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

35

bed Bug

BASICS size: Size of an apple seed, approximately color: Reddish-brown shape: Flattened oval sustenance: Prefer human blood, breaking the skin with their elongated “beaks”

feeding time: Night; will

feed on any exposed skin, usually the face, neck, shoulder, arms and hands

bite reaction: Some hosts

will develop itchy welts, localized swelling. Others will have no reaction.

bite treatment: If allergic reaction occurs with blisters, hives and severe itching, host can be treated with a topical antiseptic or antibiotic cream to prevent infection. disease threat: Unlikely to transmit pathogens to humans Source: University of Florida IFAS Extension

Pepe Peruyero and “Jiggles”

36

ocalastyle.com

the day, good luck. The insects hide out in cracks problems with bed bugs are thought to be related and crevices during daylight hours, emerging at to the use of insecticides to treat bed nets used night to feed. And yes, they only feed on blood. in countries where it’s vital to control malariaNo wonder hotels, offices and retail stores are carrying mosquitoes. scrambling to find infestations and deal with them “This has put ‘selective pressure’ on bed bugs before customers are bitten and decide to file from those areas where the nets are used. Many lawsuits. of them survive and they breed with others and Lest you fear a bed bug invasion reminiscent become more and more resistant to pesticides. of Alfred Hitchcock’s disturbing1963 film The Right now, there are no really good insecticide Birds, Pepe assures it’s not quite to that point. products for bed bug control,” he notes, adding “It is a pandemic,” he adds. “People are now that international travel has helped spread the bugs taking proactive measures. to many countries.

When we started this Physical methods of control—such “When we started, big hotels program about five years ago, big hotels and college as traps and heat and college dorms were the dorms were the main treatment—are curemphasis. Now we’re doing rently being used with main emphasis. everything from retail success. For example, stores and movie theaters Dr. Koehler says that to hospitals, retirement and placing clothes, sheets elder care facilities, schools, and other bedding mass transits, cruise ships in a clothes dryer on and airplanes.” high heat for about 15 A trained dog can minutes will kill bed quickly determine whether bugs. or not bed bugs are in Nonetheless, the —Pepe Peruyero residence and once the tiny pests have shown premises have been treated, up in some pretty a repeat visit by the dog will high profile locations, let you know if the treatment was effective. including major retailers and offices in New York Bed bug detection dogs either live at their City, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles and Chicago. As handler’s home or live at a facility, such as the hotel a result, the business of detecting and eliminating or business that purchased them and a handler bed bugs has exploded. What was a $98-million works with them on-site. Pepe says it’s more industry in 2006 became a $258-million one by common for the dog to live with a handler, but 2009. he points out that these highly focused and well“Our business in bed bug detection dogs trained canines are not like your usual pets. was up 80 percent in 2010,” says Pepe. “Some “These are working dogs,” he says. “What companies are now ordering their fourth, fifth makes these dogs a bad pet—such as digging up and sixth dogs. If projections continue, we’re the yard or jumping on the counter—makes them looking to add several more trainers and great working dogs because they have a lot of drive handlers and will continue selling dogs and motivation. They don’t want to just lie around. throughout the country.”

They live to work.”

If the mere thought of bed bugs has Which leads Pepe to the most rewarding your skin crawling, you’re not alone. Pepe aspect of his job. says many people have suffered serious “We help regular people and their pets emotional repercussions, not unlike with behavior training,” he says. “With the scent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, detection division, we’re taking dogs that would after dealing with them. have been euthanized and putting them to work For all the furor doing something they absolutely love.” about beg bugs, the little pests—which are about the size of a grain of rice—aren’t easy to find. If you’re looking pepedogs.com / (386) 454-3647 for bed bugs during

Now we’re doing retail stores, movie theaters, hospitals, schools, cruise ships and airplanes.”

Want to Learn More?

mar’11

“Stay Alive All Your Life.”

- Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

Nestled among the majestic oak trees of Ocala lies an active community for seniors. Quiet Oaks Distinctive Assisted Living promotes a lifestyle that fosters independence while providing 24-hour assistance when necessary.

With a highly trained, dedicated staff of professionals, Quiet Oaks enables residents to choose the service package that suits them best. As individuals’ health needs change, residents are able to stay in comfortable, familiar surroundings and obtain the support and assistance that they may require.

Exp. 3/31/11

352-861-2088

QuietOaksLiving.com 11311 Southwest 95th Circle Ocala, FL 34481 Lic# AL9315

Twenty-four hour staffing • Three meals served in Arthur’s Court Personal laundry service • Daily housekeeping service • Large private garden Complimentary beauty & barber shop • Complete social programs & activities Complimentary cable TV & utilities • Chauffeured transportation Country Store with complimentary 24-hr snack center

Scan here with your smartphone for a direct link to our website.

Spend the Morning in Our Bed...The Evening in Yours.

The Region’s Leading Center of Excellence For Outpatient Orthopaedic Surgery.

Minimally-invasive procedures at TLC help you find relief from pain, regain your active lifestyle and still be home for moments too important to miss.

Learn more about leading-edge outpatient procedures for: • Partial Knee Replacement • Arthroscopy of the Shoulder (rotator cuff tears, impingement, frozen shoulder, etc.)

• Arthroscopy of the Knee (cartilage damage, torn meniscus) • Sports Medicine • Surgery of the Foot & Ankle (hammertoes, bunions, claw toes, Achilles tendonitis) • Fracture Care • Back Pain Seminars & Facility Tours FREE Community January Partial Knee Replacement

Medical Arts Building

OUTPATIENT SURGERY AND LASER CENTER RECAPTURE YOUR LIFESTYLE

J. Mandume Kerina, MD Tri-County Orthopaedics

March 11 & 25 • 4 p.m.

Central Florida’s Leading Partial Knee Replacement Surgeon

Reservations (352) 753-9105

(352) 753-9105

201 West Guava Street, Lady Lake

Accredited by Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care mar’11

ocalastyle.com

37

Looks can certainly be deceiving. Clay Parton’s stunning features may have placed him squarely atop the world of high fashion—from Levi’s ads to the runway of Dolce & Gabbana—but it’s his even more appealing guy-nextdoor personality that’s made him a hit at Marion County Parks & Rec.

Photo by John Jernigan

By Kristina Kolesa

38

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

C

lay Parton is put together all wrong.

He’s a good ol’ country boy trapped in a male model’s body. You catch glimpses of it when he smiles. Suddenly, he’s any other 24-year-old just finishing up his firefighter/EMT training. Or when his slight Southern accent rolls across his words and he’s just like any other guy who grew up among the orange groves of Haines City, now working for the county Parks & Rec and bussing tables part-time at Outback.

Yes, if all were right in the universe, Clay Parton would resemble that average, laid-back buddy from high school, the one who went mudding on Saturday nights. The truth is, he is that guy. But he’s also a man who somehow, somewhere along the line was blessed with striking good looks—the kind that even halfway talented modeling scouts can pick out from a stack of comp cards, the kind tailor-made for billboards on Sunset Boulevard and in Times Square. He’s a better-looking Olivier Martinez (who famously wooed Diane Lane in Unfaithful). Or perhaps Ashton Kutcher’s longlost Aremenian cousin. The fact is, however,

in town. Kiara has a promising garden coming up next to the side of the house, and both agree that Ocala is an ideal city for a young family like theirs.

Sitting off to the side on their dining room table is Clay’s modeling book, but it takes a while to get to the photos inside. Clay is more interested in reflecting back on his life growing up on his family’s 600-acre farm in small-town Haines City, a map-dot in the middle of the state. He was, by his own admission, a good kid. He went to a small, private school where he earned good grades, served as class president from seventh grade until he graduated and was active in sports. During his free time, he was often outdoors, making ample use of Haines City’s many clay roads (especially after a good downpour) and engaging in orange fights on 4-wheelers (picture Florida’s version of a snowball fight).

He signed up for the National Guard before he even graduated high school, but his options grew limited after an Ishihara Test revealed he was color-blind.

“They told me it was better to have only one arm than to be colorblind in the Army,” he recalls. “I could do only two jobs—secretary or radio operator. I can’t spell well and I don’t like talking on the phone, so I went to radio operator school.”

But the 19-year-old was burning with ambition and yearning for a bigger adventure.

The stars must have aligned just right because his big chance came when he decided to drive from Stark to Miami to see about a girl. Things with her didn’t work out, but something far more important did.

‘ONE IN A MILLION PEOPLE LOOK LIKE THAT.’ —MICHAEL WALLER, REPUBLICA MANAGEMENT

that there’s more—much more—than meets the eye with Clay Parton.

Photo by John Jernigan

WHEN HE SWINGS open the door

of his modest, one-story home in Ocala, Clay smiles sheepishly and politely extends his hand—“Hey, how you doing? Nice to meet you.”

His beautiful wife, Kiara, is holding the couple’s shy but energetic 20-month-old daughter, Nielah. The three moved to Ocala in 2009 so Clay could attend the Florida State Fire College

IT’S NOT EVERY DAY you run into

someone like that,” says modeling agent and owner of Republica Management Michael Waller, who discovered Clay. “I was referred to him by a photographer friend of mine. He came

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

39

Clay on an ourtdoor adventure with Marion County’s Parks & Recreation

Photos by John Jernigan

‘THE KIDS LIKE HIM. HE’S YOUNG, OUTGOING AND CAN KEEP UP WITH THEM.’ —CATHY NORRIS

Clay and his family in their home’s backyard

over to meet with me, and as soon as I saw him, I thought he had great potential, a superstar.

One in a million people look like that.”

Clay was skeptical at first but figured he didn’t have much else going on. Besides, he’s an optimist by nature, and if this agent saw some potential in his appearance to earn a living as a model, why not seize the opportunity?

“He was and is totally oblivious to his looks,” Michael says. “I remember he asked, ‘You really think I could do this?’ I thought, I can’t believe he asked if I think he could do it. But that’s the way Some of the he is. He’s very laid-back labels Clay has modeled for: and very humble, which helped him immensely Marc Ecko to be successful. There Levi’s are not a lot of models Diesel like that.”

Perhaps that’s why Von Dutch Domenico Dolce and Nordstrom Stefano Gabbana chose Bergdorf him to open their Goodman show in January 2006.

40

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

Clay glances at a photo of himself walking the runway during that Dolce & Gabbana show.

In it, he’s stern-faced and wearing a short, decorative military jacket, the kind you might see in a Coldplay video or in photos from The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s days. The show was a major coup for Clay, but his Haines City side keeps it all in a healthy perspective.

“What would I do in this jacket, though?

Create an army?” he asks with a laugh. “Not want to get it dirty!”

Michael says it’s exactly this nonchalant attitude, coupled with a humble professionalism that makes Clay such a popular booking.

“I’ve had so many clients call and tell me how funny he was,” he says. “This is these people’s job, yes, but at the same time, they want to have fun. He definitely made it enjoyable for everyone.”

Like the time he worked with Kate Moss.

Clay was not a fashion connoisseur when he entered the modeling world, and he didn’t know who Kate was until she was in full makeup and recognizable from her numerous campaigns. As

a result, he was relaxed for the shoot, which was with famed fashion photographer Bruce Weber.

In an effort to stand apart from the other male models on set, Clay decided to climb one of the nearby palm trees. Bruce loved it. “‘Stay up there! Stay up there!’ he told me,” recalls Clay. “So Kate got under there with me.”

The result is a stand-out image in an already-impressive modeling book. Clay’s resume is replete with big jobs such as the Weber shoot, however. He’s done print work for such brands as Marc Ecko, Levi’s, Diesel, Von Dutch, Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman, and runway work for such caliber of designers as Giorgio Armani.

“I liked Armani,” Clay says. “I’d like to be like him when I get older—the way he walked and carried himself, how he’d come up and fix the suits. When he spoke, everyone paid attention. I really like his stuff, too. He was my favorite to wear.”

Through it all, Clay always viewed his job as just that, a job. And with all due respect, he says, it’s only clothing at the end of the day.

“You’re getting paid to wear clothes,” he explains. “You don’t have to talk or do much.

They always told me on the photo shoots to ‘look mad.’ OK, I can do that.”

CLAY DOESN’T quite understand the big fuss over models and certainly not any of the excitement over him. He shops for his own wardrobe at Wal-Mart and Target. A pack of T-shirts, jeans and flip-flops and he’s good to go. (He’s amused by the prevailing belief that models get to keep the designers’ clothes. They don’t, he stresses.) Moreover, he doesn’t think much of his looks.

“I see myself every day,” Clay shrugs.

“When I look in the mirror, all I see are the faults. I never think, ‘Oh my God, whoa!’”

Clay looks utterly perplexed when asked if he has a beauty routine.

“No,” he says flatly. “I just put cocoa butter on my tattoos to keep them from getting dry.”

He does work out regularly, though, but to hear him tell it, it’s mostly to expel some of his boundless energy—not specifically to maintain his model physique. Some mornings, if he hasn’t worked late at Outback the night before, he’s up at 4am to workout at the gym. He also regularly runs the one-and-a-half-mile nature trail behind his house.

Clay still models, but his days on the runways of Milan and Paris are behind him.

Currently, he averages one modeling job every two months, and it’s mostly catalog work, which he prefers because it pays better and it pays on

‘I LIKED ARMANI, THE WAY HE CARRIED HIMSELF. WHEN HE SPOKE, EVERYONE PAID ATTENTION.’ —CLAY PARTON time. He’ll travel to Miami for a job or even Houston, for example, if it’s a gig with JCPenney.

“With his look,” Michael assures, “he could keep modeling until he’s 50 if he wants to.”

Clay’s wife, Kiara, believes it’s also his personality that’s so appealing and keeps opening doors for him.

“He’s one of those people who can fit in wherever. He can hang out with anyone and

Clay poses with Kate Moss on the Bruce Weber shoot.

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

41

Marion County Parks & Recreation hosts numerous camps, tours, programs and other events throughout the year, perfect for young and old alike.

Check out these exciting activities just waiting for you and your family to explore and enjoy:

EXPLORE MARION COUNTY—INTERPRETIVE OUTINGS & DAY HIKES

Mar. 1 & 22, Apr. 5 &19, May 3

Adult participants enjoy a two- to three-hour walk through Hopkins Prairie, Sink Hole Trail and other locales.

KAYAK & KOFFEE

Mar. 3 & 24, Apr. 7 & 21, May 5 & 19

Mini-outings on the Rainbow and Silver rivers at 10am for beginners and those interested in nature and wildlife viewing; $16 per person plus park user fee.

ART VAN-GO

Mar. 5, Apr. 2, May 14

A monthly mobile art program for ages 5-15 held at Baseline Road Trailhead and other locales; $3 per child.

ECO TRAM TOURS

Mar. 10 & 13, Apr. 10 & 14

Tour Carney Island (March dates) and Sunnyhill Restoration Area (April dates) via tram; $6 per person.

KAYAK OUTINGS

Mar. 11, 19, 20 & 25, Apr. 3, 9 & 29, May 14, 22 & 27

Outings for the experienced paddler on Juniper Springs Creek, the Ocklawaha River, the Rainbow River and the Silver River; $27 per person plus park user fee.

42

ocalastyle.com

KAYAK 101 AT CARNEY ISLAND

Mar. 12 & 29, Apr. 12 & 23, May 17 & 21

Photo by John Jernigan

GET OUT!

Instruction in kayaking on Tuesdays or Saturdays for those with little or no experience; $11 per person plus park entrance fee.

SPRING BREAK YOUTH FISH CAMP

Mar. 14-18

Children ages 9-15 will learn about boating safety, types of tackles, casting, knot-tying, fish identification and more from 8am to 5pm; $125 for the week.

BASIC WILD CAVING EXPERIENCE

Mar. 19, Apr. 2, May 7

Beginner program at Brick City Adventure Park for ages 8 and up; $32 per person.

FAMILY OVERNIGHT CAMP-OUT

Mar. 26-27, Apr.16-17

Camp-outs at Lake Eaton Youth Conservation (March dates) and Carney Island (April dates) for ages 8 and up include a nature hike, kayaking, night walk, crafts and meals; $32 for Carney Island and $40 for Lake Eaton for family of two and $10 per additional family member.

PARK EXPLORERS

Apr. 4

Kids ages 10-15 will learn about nature and wildlife while exploring, hiking and kayaking in the Rainbow River State Park; $16 per child.

REGISTER SOME FUN

(352) 671-8560 marioncountyfl.org

mar’11

make them feel comfortable, make them laugh,” she says. “He enjoys people, and I think that’s why people receive him so well.”

COUNT CATHY NORRIS among them. Like many non-modeling people who meet him, Cathy had no idea that the affable young man who walked into her Marion County Parks & Recreation office about a year ago looking for a job had once rubbed elbows with Giorgio Armani and Kate Moss. What she did know, right off the bat, was that he was enthusiastic, outdoorsy and very polite. So when a spot opened up on her staff last June, Cathy quickly hired Clay as a youth recreation leader. True to form, he immediately established a rapport with the other youth rec leader, Danny Smith.

“They’re great together,” Cathy says and then laughs. “They remind me of Starsky and Hutch, different yet alike. They both have very good value systems. Clay’s value system, respect and courtesy go a long way.”

With the kids at the camp, Clay truly shines. He readily admits he’s still a kid himself, and Cathy, for one, appreciates the youthfulness he brings to his job.

“The kids like him. He’s young, outgoing and can keep up with them,” she says. “They’re not going to wear him out.”

His numerous tattoos don’t hurt either, which the kids find pretty cool. Each one of the designs inked into Clay’s body was deliberate, except perhaps for the “Dirty South” one he got at 17. All his friends were getting it at the time. The two that capture Clay’s life philosophy best, however, are on his wrists—“See It” on the left and “Own It” on the right.

This ‘make it happen’ mantra is one he tries to impart to the kids he teaches.

Clay is quick to point out that the Parks & Rec work complements his personality perfectly. It’s challenging and always changing. Above all, it’s not a desk job.

“I don’t have to be inside, and it’s not the same thing every day,” Clay explains. “It fits me.”

During the course of his workday for the county, Clay might be leading a kayaking expedition, singing a silly campfire song with a few youngsters or throwing together a fort with another group of kids, as he did recently.

“Some of them told me they had never built a fort before. It hurt to hear that they had never done it,” he says. “We did it all the time when I was little.”

In 10th grade, in fact, he built a cabin in the middle of an orange grove with his friends, complete with a front porch, a door that locked, and a flag pole and a burn barrel out front. It withstood, Clay says proudly, three hurricanes in 2004. He couldn’t fathom not showing these kids how it was done.

“So we built a fort and kept adding to it. We made a three-story masterpiece,” he says.

This is exactly where the most impressive side of Clay Parton begins to show—something far more attractive than the long stares in his modeling photos and more serious than the horseplay with the Parks & Rec kids. Early on with his county position, Clay recognized that he could fill a role in the young kids’ lives. He could make a positive impact on them by simply being someone they could talk to. In return, he tries to teach them that if they have the right attitude and make the right decisions, good and even great things will come into their lives.

Clay was adopted, and growing up, he says he always felt that there was something big and important in store for him. As such, he went forward with a grateful yet driven outlook on life.

“I tell them, ‘Just look at me,’” Clay says. “You can achieve big things, too. You have to believe it, and it will happen.”

If only photos could capture this part of Clay. It’s his best side.

CAMPU CAM PUSS CMN VISA ISA Platinum Card BALANCE TRANSFER SPECIAL

7.98

%

Plus!

N

APR1

for the life of the balance transfer when you transfer a balance from your “bank” credit card to a CAMPUS VISA Platinum Card.

N

No annual fee No balance transfer fee

OFFER IS FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!

Apply today at campuscu.com!

Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government

National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency

1 Offer only available on 1/15/11-4/30/11 and may not be combined with any other offer. Credit approval and initial $5 deposit required. APR=Annual Percentage Rate. There are costs associated with the use of this card.

For specific information call 800-367-6440 or write us at P.O. Box 147029, Gainesville, FL 32614. Mention this ad and we’ll waive the $15 new membership fee.

Ocala 3097 SW College Rd.

East Ocala 2444 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

West Marion 11115 SW 93rd Court Rd.

G’ville - E. Campus 1200 SW 5th Ave. W. Campus 1900 SW 34th St. Jonesville 107 NW 140th Terrace Hunter’s Walk 5115 NW 43rd St. Tower Square 5725 SW 75th St. Shands at UF Room H-1 Springhills Commons 9200 NW 39th Ave. Summerfield 17950 US Hwy. 441 Lake City 183 SW Bascom Norris Dr.

The true meaning of SPECIALIZING IN ALL TYPES OF CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

Zero-Maintenance Stone Landscaping

Custom Landscape Curbing

Come See Why

It’s Great To Be a

Tired of lawn maintenance and irrigation? Replace your lawn with beautiful and environmentally friendly stone landscaping!

Celtic!

A variety of colors and patterns to choose from!

Driveway Resurfacing Decorative Ponds and Fountains

Turn your driveway into a work of art!

We can resurface your existing driveway with durable acrylic overlays in a variety of colors and designs.

Decorative Acrylic Overlays

PRECISION

Curbs & Landscape, inc. precisioncurbs.com

Larry Brown, Jr., Owner • 17 Years Experience

352.427.7918

Lic #CT7618

Now

Accepting New Patients Internal Medicine

Open House

Sunday, March 27th, 1pm - 3pm

Bhavani Ketheeswaran, MD Ketheeswaran Kathiripillai (Kath), MD (not pictured)

352-867-8844

2810 SE 3rd Court, Ocala, FL 34471 Office Hours: Mon-Thur 8am-4pm, Closed Friday

Accept Most Insurances 44

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

Ocala Physicians

A S S O C I AT E S

2600 SW 42nd St Ocala, FL 34471 352-622-9025 ext. 2145

ma as o t e n d e o e y an er n e v v e o l yo l l ' r h i e g v g e u n o n i 'll thr I y . l e t veryth u h r rig e t b m o g c n s i ha in h s y h m a s s e e M r n . d s k t y r dar igh s n i y my eve e m r of the l l n e a h h w oug ght r i ned l h i t w e t e h r t e m t e in old e h r ou ar a o t s l sou want r I u s O n fe. o arm i i l e t s y e h t u m e a q in r e e v v e urs ar o l t hou true t i e w n o d lle he i t f l y self y l u f n m e o e b v gi eed I n to you y y l r h e s elfi r ev s u n o y U y ile.

Ma par m s . y e a m n , o o e t in ll b n i e like r w u s t y felt alwa r e r v o e f ou y have y t is l u i n o t y o b s s d dou an a u sadne o r y e v e ut e caus e o h b t i n ve w o tatio l i s e e h h eel t with F . g in h t y r e v e. y e m m i t d e f n i e a l fri r, my A LOVE STORY

In sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, till death do us part. Many take for granted the weight of the vows made during a wedding ceremony, sometimes even the bride and groom. But for local graphic designer Nick Iannone, those words he spoke to his wife, Martha, more than two decades ago couldn’t ring more true.

By Karin Fabry-Cushenbery

46

“Our relationship is like a honeymoon every day,” he says. “When people are in love and they’re apart, their bodies ache.”

On New Year’s Eve 2003, Nick, Martha and Martha’s 30-year-old daughter Mitchie, who was wheelchair-bound and suffering from complications from spina bifida, welcomed

“She’s been a teacher and a nurse,” Nick says, “so when she had me look up ‘aneurysm’ I got very concerned.”

Within 30 minutes Nick wouldn’t hear another word escape his wife’s lips for two years.

“We had an answering machine and Martha

Nick wouldn’t hear another word escape his wife’s lips for two years. the new year with a night of dancing in the family room. The next morning, everything changed.

On January 1, 2004, Martha complained of a splitting headache down the back of her neck.

was trying to figure out how to work it,” recalls Nick tearfully. “She inadvertently recorded herself saying, ‘Oh, I see.’ Those were the only words I had from her. I saved that message.”

Martha was the type of person who was always caring for others, including her daughter,

Photos by John Jernigan

hen Nick Iannone started dating Martha Toothaker 26 years ago, he was smitten.

“I brought her down to The Breakers in Palm Beach to impress her with what I did for a living,” Nick says. “There were models, stylists and fancy cars.”

A smile spreads across his face as he shares what happened next.

“Martha corrected the whole photo shoot,” he laughs.

“She said the doorman opened the door with improper timing and the water glasses were the wrong height for the dinner setting. At this point I was really impressed. She was just supposed to be there as a tag-along girlfriend.”

The couple married in 1986, but Nick says the wedding waltz hasn’t ended yet.

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

both her mother and her father when they were diagnosed with terminal cancer and countless patients as an ICU/ER nurse at Munroe Regional Medical Center.

Now Martha needed help herself. On January 2 she received a clip operation to stop the hemorrhage on her brain. The doctors were amazed she had made it that far. But Martha’s challenges were just beginning.

Following the surgery, there was a 50/50 chance that Martha would experience vasospasm, a condition in which blood vessels undergo vasoconstriction, ischemia and death.

On the fifth day following her aneurysm, vasospasm sent Martha into a coma.

“The doctors informed me this was the worst thing that could happen,” recounts Nick.

“I was told that even if she survived, she would be, at best, a vegetable. They asked if this is what she would want and [said] that I should consider her quality of life.”

Nick explained that he could only make decisions based on how he knew his wife had lived her life. He told them Martha always said that there is warmth and an absence of warmth, light and an absence of light, life and an absence of life—that cold, dark and dead

“I later realized it was my birthday,” Nick recalls with a tear rolling down his cheek, “when she opened her eyes. She came back because I asked her to.”

Martha seemed to have made her decision and was ready to fight.

In an effort to defuse false hope, a nurse tried to explain to Nick that the “lights were on but nobody was home”—that you could put a stick in her eye and she wouldn’t know it. The nurse tried to emphasize this by flicking his fingers in front of her face. Martha blinked.

Stunned, the nurse left to inform the doctor.

Martha’s doctor had been prepared to meet with her family that night to deliver a hopeless prognosis. Instead, there was a glimmer of hope.

For three more weeks, Martha remained

in the ICU as they unsuccessfully tried to get her off the ventilator. Insurance dictated she be moved to a facility specializing in such situations, so she was transferred to a hospital just south of Jacksonville.

Having depleted his vacation time, Nick would leave Ocala each day at precisely 3pm to be by Martha’s side two hours later.

He did this every day for six months.

When Martha was transferred to a Jacksonville hospital, Nick would leave Ocala each day at precisely 3pm to be by her side two hours later. were words that we use to define that which is not there.

“She’s warm, she is alive,” he told them.

“This is not our decision to make.”

Nick spent the next several days at Martha’s side in the ICU, running interference between the doctors and nurses—asking questions, demanding answers and comforting Martha.

“I could feel that she was scared,” he says.

“I whispered to her that she was not alone and I told her that ‘If it’s going to be too hard and you have to go, know that I love you and will be along soon enough, but if you want to come back, I’ll be here for you always.’”

Then, a miracle happened. Half an hour after Nick’s plea Martha’s left eye opened—just a slit.

By morning, both eyes were open, though glassy.

“They would kick me out at 9pm and I would get home at midnight,” he remembers. “I’d go to sleep, get up, go to work and do it all over again.

“I never knew what to expect,” Nick adds.

“One day I’d arrive to find her with stable vitals, and on the next she would be convulsing.”

Four days after arriving in Jacksonville, though, Martha astounded doctors when she successfully got off her respirator.

“Even in her weak state, it was apparent Martha knew that getting the trach removed depended on her ability to clear her throat, so she worked hard on that goal,” says Nick.

As Nick watched his wife continue to fight for her life, he received another dose of devastating news. A late-night call informed

Nick that Martha’s daughter, Mitchie, was in the hospital and was not expected to survive the night. He arrived in Ocala half an hour after she passed away from complications arising from her spina bifida. It was two months to the day after Martha’s aneurysm.

“I knew Mitchie was fighting an infection but was not informed of how bad it was,” says Nick. “Though I believe Martha sensed what happened, it was years before I could openly tell her that her daughter had died.”

Nick explains that Martha had always declared that if anything ever happened to her daughter, she would have no reason to live. For Nick, the idea of losing Mitchie and his beloved wife was not an option.

So Nick took action and began studying the brain and how it worked in what little free time he had. He learned about brain chemistry and restorative therapies, and practiced them with Martha every night. When he found she could blink “yes” to his questions, he fought to get doctors and nurses to recognize what she was doing. His efforts were fruitless. Three months after arriving in Jacksonville, Nick was told to face the fact that Martha would not recover from her aneurysm and that she would never get off her trach. The doctors had all but written Martha off, declaring her to be in a persistent vegetative state.

“Not acceptable,” Nick recalls of his feelings.

“Martha was putting up a great fight and despite her progress, each day was a roller coaster ride.”

Stating that her vitals were sufficiently stabilized, the doctors transferred Martha to a nursing home next door to the hospital in Jacksonville.

For Martha, the fight was just beginning.

Within a month she was transported to Shands at the University of Florida after Nick, from his experience with Mitchie, noticed the symptoms of progressive hydrocephalus, a condition in which cerebral spinal fluid puts pressure on the brain.

Once at Shands, a surgery was scheduled to release the pressure on Martha’s brain and Nick was thrilled when the doctors recognized Martha’s ability to communicate

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

47

through blinking. Unfortunately, while saving her life, the surgery left Martha unable to communicate, even through blinking. Martha once again was totally locked in and had to start over. This time she would do it closer to home, just a 45-minute commute for Nick.

At Marion House in Ocala, Martha found a new beginning. Nick knew she was absorbing every bit of her surroundings and kept a television within view.

With more time to spend together, Nick and Martha worked on brain neuroplasticity (exercises that assist the brain with forming new connections, thereby increasing the brain’s capabilities) and muscle stimulation.

Utilizing complementary medicine techniques, Nick enlisted the help of a Reiki healer, who used therapeutic touch with Martha.

“We would see positive results three days or so after a session,” he says. “After the second session, she turned her head to a noise. So I increased sessions to twice a week.”

“Martha was beginning to come back, very slowly,” he adds. “At one point during her recovery, I was amazed when she recognized a

she’s asleep when he stops in to visit, he gently places a flower on her sheet.

“It’s how she knows I was there,” he says softly. “Just because she’s snoozing, that doesn’t mean she can’t have someone there with her.”

Unsure of what to do with his racing mind following his wife’s aneurysm, Nick continues studying the human brain and the body’s chemistry.

“I’ve learned a lot,” he says. “Brain cells do repair themselves. We practice neuroplasticity exercises and I believe they’ve helped in giving her back her cognizance. Even the most obscure trace element may be a necessary building block.” “‘Character,’ Martha used to tell me,” Nick adds, “‘is what you are when nobody is watching.’ That’s why I do what I do for her. I want to make her proud.”

In starts and spurts, Martha had already made great progress. Nick adds that at times she advanced very rapidly and that their life was filled with “firsts.” A first trip to the Appleton, a trip to Silver Springs, watching movies. Some

cooking and has chastised me for not making the Hollandaise sauce from scratch!”

Today, more than seven years after her aneurysm, Martha is still a resident of Palm Gardens in Ocala. Before the aneurysm, Martha understood five languages; now, though still fluent in English and Spanish, she has trouble locating her words, a condition known as brocas aphasia. She can answer yes/no and multiple-choice questions, however, and she enjoys singing. She suffers from right-sided paralysis, or hemiplegia, and is wheelchair-bound.

“She has become more self-sufficient,” Nick explains with a smile. “Even without words, Martha makes her own preferences known— what she wants for dinner, what clothes to wear and what to watch on TV. For Martha, security and dependability are important. She needs structure and looks forward to time with friends playing bingo. Hopefully I can make her smile or laugh. She has a very sharp sense of humor.”

“For my birthday she had given me a gift of light by opening her eyes and for Christmas she gave me the gift of sound.”

—NICK IANNONE

nurse who had taken care of her while she was in a coma, acknowledging her from halfway across a crowded room.”

Two years after beginning Reiki and just before the winter holiday season, her massage therapist told Nick that Martha wanted to talk.

“For my birthday she had given me a gift of light by opening her eyes and for Christmas that year she gave me the gift of sound,” he recalls. “That was a turning point.

“Some people seek material things,” Nick continues, “but I now know a true gift. This whole experience has taught me that what is important is life. Nobody stands at the pearly gates and says, ‘I wish I’d spent more time at work.’”

Nick’s love for his wife has remained

constant and enduring since her aneurysm. He usually keeps fresh flowers in her room so if

48

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

of the simple things that we take for granted every day. After much discussion with Martha, Nick moved her one more time. This time to Palm Gardens, just two miles from the couple’s home. In time she blossomed, learning new skills and making friends with her CNAs and fellow residents.

Martha reached another milestone in her recovery on May 14, 2007, when she passed her swallow test, finally allowing for the removal of her feeding tube. Nick had promised Martha that if she passed the test, they would spend their May 31 anniversary at the Hilton. She enjoyed her first gourmet dinner in years and a poolside massage.

“On weekends, we either go to restaurants, or I cook for her at home,” Nick says. “Among her many accomplishments was being a chef at a Grand Cayman resort. She criticizes my

Nick has set his sights on restoring Martha’s ability to speak as well as her physical abilities, and hopes to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary this May at the Hilton.

“We’re getting older,” says Nick, “but every day is precious. As you might imagine, there are some who think my relationship with Martha is something special. The truth is that I am just being Sancho Panza to her Don Quixote. My role is to maintain the shield and lance as she fights the battles.”

FULL SERVICE MEDICAL SPA • • • • • • • • • Ira W. Klimberg, MD, FACS

For New Clients

J. Derek Thompson, MD

50% OFF

Spa Services restrictions apply

Welcome Dr. J. Derek Thompson The Urology Health Team is proud to welcome Dr. J. Derek Thompson. Dr. Thompson completed urologic training and an Advanced Urologic Fellowship at the University of Florida.

Two Locations to Serve You

Facial & Peels Microdermabrasions Body Treatments Laser Hair & Spider Vein Removal Medically Supervised Weight Loss Massage Therapy Botox® & JuvedermTM Lapex 2000 Laser Lipo Gift Certificates & Packages Available

Spa Party - March 24th 5:30pm-8:00pm - Refreshments served RSVP by 3.21.11 Open Monday - Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday by Appointment

www.pmaocala.com | 352.351.5150 | 352.671.6741 7960 SW 60th Ave, Ocala 34476 • Directed by Svetlana Rogozina, MD

STHMA A & ALLERGY RIDA O CARE OF FL

allergies?

Paddock Park – 3201 SW 34th St., Ocala

352-237-6162

Sneezing • Stuffy Nose • Runny Nose • Itching These symptoms could be caused by pollens, outdoor & indoor mold, dust mites or pets. We can find out!

Rebecca B. Long, ARNP

1501 N. U.S. HWY 441, Bldg. 1600

Golf Cart Accessible

352-751-6162

Accepting New Patients • We Accept Most Insurances

G. Edward Stewart II, MD

James Korray, ARNP

Thomas L. Johnson II, MD

“Physicians Board Certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology”

We offer personal and prompt service. Same day appointments are often available. We accept most insurance plans and payment plans are available. No referral required.

1500 SE Magnolia Extension, Suites 203 & 204 • Ocala, FL

352.622.1126 | aacfinc.com

Now Enrolling Clinical Research Studies! Call 629-2223 for info. mar’11

ocalastyle.com

49

Get Back Into The

Swing of Life with

Minimally Invasive

Spine Surgery

Board certified surgeons specializing in the treatment of back and leg pain due to: Failed Laser Spine Surgery Spinal Stenosis Herniated Disc Degenerative Disc Disease Scoliosis Spinal Fractures Due to Trauma or Osteoporosis

The Villages, Inverness and Spring Hill Little or no out-ofpocket expense

Frank S. Bono, D.O.

James J. Ronzo, D.O.

Board Certified, Fellowship Trained

for most Medicare patients with a secondary insurance.

For Appointment Call: 1-855-GulfCoast (1-855-485-3262) Office Hours: Mon-Thu 8am-4pm • Fri 8am-3pm

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

www.gulfcoastspine.net

Be A Savvy Shopper

Is Your Colon Healthy? p52

Pulse

the

Shop grocery aisle by grocery aisle with an MRMC nutritionist. p62

Avoid A Mid-Life Crisis p54

Handy Advice p56

Easy On The Eyes p58

and more!

The Doctor Is In Six best-selling books, 400 publications, five seasons as Oprah’s health expert, a daily Sirius XM Radio talk show— DR. MEHMET OZ’s celebrity status has surged in recent years. Now, one of Time magazine’s Most Influential People can be found right here in the pages of Ocala Style. His list of credentials could fill this page and then some, but it’s not those credentials that make Dr. Oz America’s doctor. Perhaps it’s his genuine interest in making people healthier. Maybe it’s how he makes the topics of health and medicine relevant and fun. Starting with this issue, Dr. Oz’s monthly column will offer our readers a look at a variety of health topics—from everyday concerns and medical news to new treatments and alternative therapies. And all with Dr. Oz’s signature style and sincerity.

So get out your notebook and pen, and read what Dr. Oz has to say on page 60.

You’re sure to learn a thing or two!

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

51

Pulse

the

LIVINGWELL

KNOW THE SIGNS

Colorectal Screening Saves Lives

While many cases of colon cancer have no noticeable symptoms, the following, however, may indicate colon cancer.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and a good time to set up a screening test with your doctor. According to the CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, of all the cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cancer killer of both genders.

A colon screening test is extremely important because colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps. Detecting these polyps and removing them as soon as possible can mean the difference between life and death. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective.

The CDC recommends that screening for colorectal cancer should begin soon after turning 50 and continue on a doctorrecommended schedule following the initial screening. But earlier screening is recommended for those who have a family history of colorectal polyps or cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer.

Colorectal Cancer:

9 out of 10 new cases of colorectal cancer are in people over the age of 50.

Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. when men and women are considered separately, and the second-leading cause of death when men and women are combined.

About 72 percent of cases arise in the colon, 28 percent in the rectum.

THE FACTS

Over 90 percent of those diagnosed when cancer is found at the local stage (confined to the colon or rectum) survive five years or more.

In 2010, 102,900 new cases of colon cancer (49,470 in men and 53,430 in women) were diagnosed.

In 2010, 39,670 new cases of rectal cancer (22,620 in men and 17,050 in women) were diagnosed.

The lifetime risk for a man to develop colorectal cancer is about 1 in 19, or 5.2 percent.

Sources: Colon Cancer Alliance, cancer.org

52

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

• Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen • Blood in the stool • Diarrhea, constipation or other changes in bowel habits • Intestinal obstruction • Narrow stools • Unexplained anemia • Weight loss with no known cause Source: National Institutes of Health

Have A Ball, Y’all!

What goes better with rubies than rodeos?

That’s the theme of this year’s CATTLE BARONS’ BALL on March 19 at the Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World. From 6pm to 11pm, this classy, fun, Western-themed fundraiser features a dinner, live and silent auctions, dancing and much more with all proceeds from the sale of tickets benefiting the American Cancer Society.

Since it was first held eight years ago, the annual Ocala event has raised over $500,000 to support local ACS programs and services.

Individual tickets are $150, and tables are available for purchase. ocalacbb.com or (352) 629-4727.

7 H ill

Gastroenterology, P.A. WORKING TO IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE Specializing in Gastroenterology and Hepatology • Therapeutic Endoscopy, Colonoscopy and Polypectomy • Viral Hepatitis B • Hepatitis C treatment utilizing combination therapy

Dr. Vishnu Reddy wishes to introduce Gloria Peña, ARNP to this practice

Vishnu Reddy, M.D. Board Certified in Internal Medicine & Gastroenterology Additional Fellowship in Hepatology (Liver Disease)

Call today for an appointment • New Patients Welcome 316 S.E. 12th Street, Bldg. 200, Ocala, FL 34471

352.401.1919

All Insurances Accepted mar’11

ocalastyle.com

53

Pulse

the

FEELINGWELL

A Real Mid-Life Crisis The news can be depressing when it comes to that dreaded middle-age spread. According to a recent HARVARD SCHOOL OF MEDICINE study, women gain an average of 20 pounds over 16 years as they move into middle age. But the news does get better: Those who regularly walked or biked were less likely to gain as much. The key? Retaining muscle mass.

FIRST THE BAD NEWS: We generally start to lose muscle mass around 40, and the decline continues unless you do something to stop it. This loss of muscle also slows down your metabolism.

NOW THE GOOD NEWS: Start moving, do some strength training, eat a diet based on lean protein, vegetables and fruits, and you’ll be showing off your waspish waist in no time!

Riders, Bikers & Runners The 5th annual RIDE-ROLL-RUN RELAY on Saturday, March 26, is a perfect way to experience the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway trails. Teams made up of a horseback rider, a trail biker and a runner will race through the Greenway for bragging rights and to raise money for the non-profit Mar Florida Greenways & Trail Foundation.

26 All teams will start from the Landbridge Trailhead on County Road 475A with horseback riders heading out first to cover seven miles, bikers biking the middle 10 miles and runners finishing off the relay’s 3.5 miles. Teams can be made up of two or three people, or an individual can choose to compete in every leg of the relay.

The advance race entry is $20 per person for a team of two or three people. For individuals who will compete singly, the fee is $30.

Relay-day registration will be at 8am with pre-race team meetings at 9am. The relay itself will start at 9:30am. For safety, all horseback riders and bikers are required to wear a buckled helmet.

If you’d like to participate, but don’t have a team or only a partial one, go to riderollrunrelay.com for details. For further information, contact Greenways Trails Coordinator Bre Ximenes at (352) 427-4483 or the Office of Greenways and Trails at (352) 236-7143.

54

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

A HIIT Fitness Routine Time—rather lack of time—is the number-one reason, a.k.a. excuse, people cite for not exercising on a regular basis. Here comes the HIIT program to the rescue for the time-challenged among us.

High intensity interval training (HIIT) incorporates bursts of all-out cardio with less intense effort over a 20–30 minute session. The high intensity intervals generally last from 20–30 seconds with rest intervals of two to three minutes done in sets, generally six to eight during a session.

The short intense sessions force your body into high gear, then you bring it down, then repeat. On a physiology level, this causes your body to release human growth hormone—considered the “youth” hormone. HGH does all kinds of good stuff in our bodies: improves cardiovascular health, increases energy, helps strengthen bones, breaks down fatty tissues and improves immune function. So bring on the HGH! The beauty of HIIT lies in that it’s not only time sensitive but that it can also be applied to any cardio workout outside or inside a gym. You can incorporate a HIIT program into walking, running, biking, swimming or inline skating. In the gym, you can do HIIT on the treadmill, elliptical trainer, stationary bike (hence, the popular spinning classes) and stair stepper. If you need guidance, find a personal trainer who can help you design a HIIT program to best suit your schedule and fitness goals.

So don’t be a slave to time and let HIIT set you free to be fit!

Source: onfitnessmag.com

The Kettlebell Connection If you haven’t tried a kettlebell workout yet, you just might want to soon! Researchers at the UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE EXERCISE AND HEALTH PROGRAM did a small

study with big results. Using volunteers ages 29-46 who had some experience with kettlebell training, the researchers put the test group through a 20-minute high-intensity interval training routine. During the session, their heart rates and oxygen consumption were monitored.

Their blood lactate levels were then measured after the workout.

The results showed that the participants burned an average of 20.2 calories per minute and had average heart rates at 93 percent maximum—equivalent to running at a six-minute mile pace.

The test gave kettlebell training some fitness cred: high-intensity kettlebell training is a good all-around aerobic workout that builds muscle strength and burns off calories!

Kettlebell anyone?

Advanced Care for Your

Comprehensive

Feet and Ankles

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

Shannon Floyd, DPM

JASMINE PARK 7550 SW 61st Ave, Suite 1, Ocala, FL

352.867.0024

Sheila Noroozi, DPM, FACFAS Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery

Board Certified in Foot & Ankle Surgery

www.FamilyFootAnkle.org

Same Day Appointments Possible

Hear it all... do it all!

Distributor for Siemens, Starkey, Phonak, Widex, GNReSound, Oticon, Unitron, Rexton, Interton Sonic Innovations, Bernafon, Sebotek, Qualitone, MicroTech, Magnatone, UHS, Rion and Philps

Lead a fuller, more active lifestyle.

Beneficial Hearing is a family owned practice celebrating over 27 years dedicated to serving the hearing impaired. We know exactly what it takes. We’ll offer you the very latest, state-of-the-art technology and compassionate, personalized care.

Call 629-4418 now and start enjoying the sounds that touch your soul and enrich your life. Hear your loved ones LOUD and CLEAR.

Call

629-4418

for your

• Affordable quality US & international hearing aid manufacturers • Latest diagnostic equipment • Wireless Bluetooth TV devices • Every size and style - The most discreet to the most powerful

• • • • •

Every technology for your lifestyle & budget 1-Hour repair or Free Loaner 60-DAY trial Satisfaction Guaranteed Prompt pay discounts

INSURANCE WELCOME • 0% PLANS UP TO 18 MONTHS

OPEN FIT/RIC BTE

FREE

Hearing Consultation Scan tag with your smartphone for a direct link .

Doctor of Audiology Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist Clinical Audiologist Leigh Ann Watts - 15 yrs. Experience Alene Lightfoot - 29 yrs. Experience Amy Gibboney - 6 yrs. Experience

Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist Linda Haase - 24 yrs. Experience

mar’11

Repair Technician Robert Lightfoot - 8 yrs. Experience

ocalastyle.com

55

Pulse

the

LOOKINGWELL

Skin Care Simplified Be A Greek Goddess Olive oil and avocados are two staples of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. And according to a recent report in the JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF NUTRITION, eating like a Greek has beauty benefits, too.

Those who regularly ate a Med diet had fewer wrinkles, age spots and other signs of aging than those who didn’t.

Researchers say that olive oil and avocados contain powerful antioxidants and other key nutrients that fight inflammation and sun damage, which both contribute to signs of aging. Try using two teaspoons of olive oil or a scoop of avocado as a salad dressing instead of store-bought ones.

Avocados also contain L-carnitine, an amino acid that stimulates hair growth for healthy tresses. Added bonus: L-carnitine has also been linked to promoting fat loss and increasing energy production.

Skin care doesn’t have to be complicated. According to ELLEN MARMUR, chief of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center, skin care has three basic elements: cleanser, sunscreen and moisturizer.

Iron Out Your Hair

HYDRATE IT: The benefits of the majority of anti-aging products are due to moisturizer content. Moisturizers, which contain humectants and emollients, fill in fine lines by hydrating them.

You know that lifting iron is good for your muscles. Well, it turns out that consuming iron, the kind we get from food, is also good for your hair.

Recent research studies have shown that low iron levels in women are responsible for thinning hair and hair loss. Researchers studied women of all ages and discovered that 72 percent of premenopausal and nearly 30 percent of menopausal women with hair loss were low in iron.

Up your iron stores with at least two daily servings of iron-rich foods: lean beef; turkey and chicken (dark-meat in chicken and turkey are richer in iron); leafy greens like kale and spinach; beans; and nuts.

Source: yourlook.usatooday.com

Source: Cleveland Clinic Dermatology

CLEANSE IT: If you have acne-prone skin, use a salicylic acid product. If you want to brighten up your skin, use a product with glycolic acid. A wet washcloth is a great, inexpensive way to use either of these cleansers to exfoliate.

BLOCK IT: Use a sunscreen all year round, not just in the summer. Sun exposure causes 90 percent of skin problems from wrinkles to age spots.

Handy Advice During the colder months, our hands need a little extra TLC. Even in Florida, the air is drier with the drop of our usual high humidity levels and we even get a surprising wind chill on really cold days. And, of course, we all know that for health reasons, we must wash our hands frequently. So if your hands are showing a little wear and tear as winter winds down, here are a few tips that’ll have you showing them off again!

WASH WISELY: Anti-bacterial soaps are especially drying, so try something milder and just as efficient like a non-soap cleanser or a moisturizing soap. Also wash with warm water, not hot.

TRY GLOVES: You should wear gloves or mittens when going out in cold, windy weather to ease drying and cracking. At night, put on moisturizer and then slip on a pair of lightweight gloves. When you wake up, your hands will feel nice and smooth.

MUST MOISTURIZE: It’s a repeated refrain but for a good reason because using moisturizer on your hands is a must, not only in the winter but all year-round. Experiment with different brands until you find the one that works best for you and then apply it often, especially after hand-washing, showering and chores like washing dishes.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology

56

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

S P E C I A L

A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

Is Your Life Becoming

A R e a l Pa i n ?

Outstanding Credentials of Dr. Zhou • Trained in Harvard Medical School • Board-certified in Pain Medicine and Neurology/Psychiatry • PhD in Psychology • Author of numerous books and journal articles on Pain Management • Former Director of Jackson Memorial Hospital Pain Clinic, U. of Miami • Winner of Physician Recognition Award, American Medical Assoc.; 2003 • Distinguished Physician Award, Florida Medical Assoc.; 2004, 2006

Suffering from chronic pain is no way to live your life. Fortunately for Ocalans, one of the world’s preeminent pain specialists has a large and growing practice right here in town to treat a wide variety of pain ailments.

Dr. YiLi Zhou of the Florida Pain and Rehabilitation Center has helped thousands of locals finally make debilitating pain a thing of the past.

Whether you suffer from back pain, joint ailments, sciatica or headaches, Dr. Zhou uses minimally invasive, non-surgical and effective treatments as a way to eliminate inflammation and pain. In fact, over the five years that his practice has been open, Dr. Zhou has personally administered more than 10,000 pain-relieving procedures to his patients with thousands of patients being pain-free after his treatment.

Dr. Zhou follows a strict philosophy of “patient first, quality first,” and frequently extols the advantages of leaving surgery as an option of last resort, often in articles he pens for the pages of the world’s most prestigious medical journals.

The results speak for themselves: the Florida Pain and Rehabilitation Center has never had a major complication in its five-year existence.

This stellar record coupled with Dr. Zhou’s honest and compassionate approach to pain management has made him one of the most popular practitioners in the area.

The practice’s growth has been remarkable. In five short years, the number of new patients who have sought treatment from Dr. Zhou has increased nearly 10-fold: from 267 in 2005 to 2,573 last year.

Consult with Dr. Zhou today for an honest assessment of your pain problems and learn how you can begin to lead a pain-free life once again.

Formerly Comprehensive Pain Management of North Florida

Florida Pain and Rehabilitation Center Locations in Ocala, Gainesville, & Lake City 3320 SW 33rd Road, Ste. 200 | Ocala

352.629.7011 | cpmnf.com mar’11

ocalastyle.com

57

Pulse

the

SEEINGWELL

PROMOTIONAL

A Vision of Health According to the NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration can cause vision loss and even blindness. Vision loss has been linked to falls, depression, social isolation and overall poor health.

Eyecare Excellence The professionals at Overholser Eyecare Center combine the latest in eyecare technology with a family-like atmosphere, giving their patients the best of both worlds.

Your vision is one of your greatest gifts. A beautiful sunset, the smile on your grandson’s face, the trees swaying in the breeze. Imagine for a second if the ability to witness such amazing moments was compromised. Unfortunately for millions of Americans, that’s a reality. Every day people are diagnosed with visionthreatening diseases. Fortunately for us, the caring team at Overholser Eyecare Center understands the importance of detecting and treating eye problems quickly and efficiently.

From the computer-generated eye chart to a more patient-friendly device for measuring eye pressure quickly and comfortably (no more puffs of air!), Drs. Terrie and Ray Overholser stay on the cutting edge of their field to provide patients with the best care possible.

In addition to the above mentioned patient-friendly upgrades, Overholser Eyecare Center has also added Topcon’s

newest Optical Coherence Tomographer (OCT) to their arsenal of diagnostic tools.

Using a resolution of six microns, the doctors can view your eye in much greater detail, allowing for early detection and treatment of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and more.

“Our goal is to take eye care to the next level with the latest technology,” says Dr. Ray Overholser.

And they continue to do just that.

Overholser Eyecare Center is also the only certified Hoya Technology Experts in Central Florida. The significance?

“Hoya uses some of the newest lens technology available,” says Melody Laney, patient care coordinator. “This is the lens/ optic material used in Cannon cameras and iPhones. Overholser Eyecare’s optical staff receives advanced training from Hoya to ensure that we give our patients all the significant benefits of these lenses.”

Overholser Eyecare Center 5353 SW College Rd., Ocala (352) 237-9451 overholsereyecare.com

Here are some eye health tips to help keep your vision 20-20: 1. Get regular/comprehensive dilated eye exams.

2. Know your family’s eye health history.

3. Eat right to nourish your eyes: Dark leafy

greens like spinach, kale and collard greens; fish high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon

4. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight

increases your risk of developing diabetes, which can lead to diabetic eye disease or glaucoma.

5. Wear protective eye wear when playing

sports or doing activities that could endanger your eyes.

6. Don’t smoke. Research has linked smoking

to a greater risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and optic nerve damage.

7. Wear sunglasses. Look for sunglasses that

block 99-100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

8. Rest your eyes. If you’re spending a lot of

time staring at a computer screen—And who isn’t these days—then use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes look away (about 20 feet in front of you) for 20 seconds.

Source: National Eye Institute

58

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

CAMEO

Providing

PHARMACY

The Best

BUY LOCAL

In Eye Health Care

Specializing In Pediatric Medicine Diabetic Supplies Pet Meds Wound Care

Family Owned Local Delivery Drive Thru Service Competitive Pricing Special Packages Available

352-433-2990 M-F: 9am – 5:30pm All Major Insurances Accepted Sat: 10am – 2pm All Major Credit Cards Accepted

1326 S. Pine Ave, #202, Ocala, FL 34471

Our Optometric Physicians are: Dr. Steven Shaw, Dr. Nadia Strucko, Dr. Russell Cooke, Dr. Lisa Harp

We are the only doctors in Ocala providing the Optomap® digital retinal exam, which can reveal important information for the comprehensive evaluation of systemic and ocular health.

• Open 7 days a week for your convenience • Comprehensive dilated eye examinations, contact lens fittings, and eye emergencies • Multifocal contact lenses for patients over 40!

Ocala - 352-512-0560

Inside LensCrafters - Gaitway Plaza 2701 SW College Rd #105

Gainesville - 352-331-2033 Inside LensCrafters - Oaks Mall 6667 West Newberry Rd.

Shaw Eye Care Associates, LLC www.shaweyecare.com

Scan tag above with your smartphone for a direct link to our website.

DermatologyOnline.com mar’11

ocalastyle.com

59

Pulse

the

THEDOCTORSAREIN

The Little Pill That Battles Cancer—And Wins!

By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

I

Over 20 years, aspirin cut the risk of dying from esophageal cancer by 60 percent, colorectal cancer by 40 percent, lung cancer by 30 percent and prostate cancer by 10 percent.

t was the David-versus-Goliath smackdown of 2010: In a pair of headline-grabbing studies, ordinary low-dose aspirin slashed the risk of dying from nine scary cancers by an average of 30 percent. The humble headache tablet took down cancers of the colon, prostate, brain, lungs, pancreas, esophagus and more.

The news made us YOU DOCS smile as we swallowed our daily 162mg of aspirin. Should you be doing the same? We’re betting plenty of people who ought to be taking aspirin aren’t—and that some people who’d be better off not taking it are, despite the risks.

Risks? Yep. Weighing the ins and outs of aspirin therapy is a lot like trying to solve your first Rubik’s cube.

It’s already proven to reduce risk for heart attacks and strokes, but regular use can trigger major, even fatal, stomach and intestinal bleeding. So deciding about aspirin requires sorting out your personal risks and benefits.

Here’s what you need to know: First, aspirin can prevent cancer. While there have long been indications of this, the sturdy new data analyzed cancer deaths among 25,570 people who’d been in a string of aspirin studies. Over 20 years, aspirin cut the risk of dying from esophageal cancer by 60 percent, colorectal cancer by 40 percent, lung cancer by 30 percent and prostate cancer by 10 percent. The studies didn’t distinguish between developing cancer and dying from it, but other research shows that regular aspirin use protects against getting breast, colon, esophageal, prostate and ovarian cancer in the first place.

Second, if you develop cancer, aspirin could keep it from killing you. A fistful of studies have found that women with breast cancer who regularly take aspirin are 64 percent less likely to die. Among men with prostate cancer, regular aspirin use cuts death risk by 50 percent. And people with non-small-cell lung cancer who take aspirin live longer after surgery.

So how does aspirin beat the cancer? Basically, it throws the kitchen sink at the disease. First, aspirin blocks COX-2 enzymes, which help many cancers grow. Aspirin also shrinks

estrogen production, starving breast cancers that feed on this hormone. In lab studies, aspirin flips a biochemical switch that tells cancer cells to die. It also seems to clean up genetic mutations before they turn cancerous.

So is aspirin right for you? The short answer is yes if you’re a man over 45 (for heart attack prevention) or a woman over 55 (for stroke prevention; it may also protect against heart attacks in women over 65). Consider starting aspirin earlier if you’re at high risk for heart disease or stroke, or have a family history of cancer. We think it’s also a great idea if you have diabetes or you’re a woman taking hormone therapy. Both raise your risk for heart attacks and strokes; hormone therapy can also make you vulnerable to some cancers that aspirin fights.

The answer is no if you’ve already had a scare with gastrointestinal bleeding from taking aspirin, ibuprofen or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. It’s also no if you take steroids or regularly take an NSAID for, say, arthritis. It might be no if you’re at super-low risk for a heart attack or stroke. Gotcha thinking? Then take these three steps.

1. GET A SECOND OPINION. Talk with your doctor about aspirin. Take the RealAge Test beforehand (realage.com)—it weighs your personal health risks and benefits, and will help you discuss it.

2. TAKE ASPIRIN THE RIGHT WAY. We recommend 162mg daily. That’s two low-dose tablets, one in the morning, one at night, or half a regular tablet. Drink half a glass of warm water beforehand, the rest afterward. Warm water dissolves the tablet faster, which makes it less likely to trigger serious bleeding. Finally, if you’re taking aspirin for colon cancer protection, don’t follow an every-otherday aspirin regimen. That’s often recommended to reduce heart attack threats while minimizing aspirin’s risks, but it’s a dud for colon cancer.

3. START NOW. Cancer protection doesn’t kick in immediately. It takes a while. Some data say five years, but in two randomized colon cancer studies, aspirin-takers had significantly fewer cancers in 90 days. We don’t let a day go by without our aspirin dose. Time to find out if it belongs on your daily list, too.

The YOU Docs, Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen, are authors of YOU: On a Diet. Want more? See The Dr. Oz Show on TV (check local listings). To submit questions, go to RealAge.com. (c) 2011 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Aren’t you ready to lose weight & look great?

Medically Supervised

Success By Design Spa

Botox® & Juvederm Filler

TM

Ask for our discount coupon

$50 off your initial weight loss visit.

Flexible scheduling - even through lunch hour!

Jay Panchal, MD & Sherri Morrison, RN, BSN

2654 SW 32nd Pl, Ste 100, Ocala | 352.387.0090 | Visit our website at SuccessByDesignWeightLoss.com

Every day, countless Americans pour into their local grocery story, grab that familiar metal cart and wheel their way down aisle after aisle of food, some 47,000 items staring back from the shelves just waiting to be picked up and taken home. Navigating those neatly presented grocery rows to find the healthiest foods for your kitchen is no small feat, which is why Ocala Style recently sought the advice of Munroe Regional Medical Center certified dietician Brianna Liles to learn how to be a better—even super—supermarket shopper.

By Kristina Kolesa

62

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

EAT YOUR FRUITS & VEGGIES Which is better: canned or frozen fruits and vegetables?

If you can’t afford fresh fruits and vegetables, buy them frozen but avoid those mixed with syrup, butter or other sauces.

Canned tend to be higher in salt unless you buy those that have no salt added. For your fruits, look for ones packed in water or their own juice. They tend to be a little more expensive and harder to find with certain fruits and the store brands might not have the ones packed in water.

Some will pack them in Splenda or another artificial sweetener, so if you don’t have anything against artificial sweeteners, those are just as good. The syrup is just added calories and sugar.

What about dried fruit?

Dried fruit is not bad, but people tend to overeat it because it’s so much smaller. It’s dehydrated, and a lot of dried fruit has added sugar. Also, a lot of yogurt-covered fruits aren’t even made with real yogurt.

Usually it’s just a bunch of saturated fat or trans fat. If that’s all you’re going to eat to get your fruits, then go for it. But if I can get you to eat the regular raisins or a regular piece of fruit, I’d rather do that.

So what’s the preferred order for fruits and vegetables?

Peanut oil?

S FATILS &O

Fresh, then frozen, then canned, then dried.

Nuts are always touted for their good fat, but which ones are better than others?

Should I buy a “super food” like the acai or the pomegranate?

Almonds and cashews are your best ones—a handful, about 15, every day. As far as marketing is concerned, pistachios are making a huge effort, but I don’t think they’re any more beneficial.

I think the whole super food thing is a marketing ploy. It’s all the same. The pomegranate, the acai fruit—they’re just as good as your apples, grapes or anything else.

Is the produce department really a free-for-all?

Fruits and vegetables like avocado or coconut, more of the tropical fruits and vegetables, tend to be higher in saturated fat. The organic fruits and vegetables, if you can afford them, are better for you.

They don’t have the pesticides on them.

Aren’t some oils good for me?

Canola, sunflower.

Not vegetable. The only thing about olive oil is you can’t really use it for baking or frying.

They say to use sunflower or canola oil. It’s still an oil, though. It still has fat and calories. Just be aware of how much you’re adding.

Go light with it.

Peanut oil is high in fat, too, because it’s from peanuts.

Coconut oil?

Coconut oil is high in fat. If you’re going to use any oil for something, buy a small bottle of it so you don’t feel like you have to use this big jug of it.

What cheeses should I stay away from?

Your melted cheeses like queso dip are all high in fat. In order for them to melt and be creamy, they have to have a lot of fat in them.

So those cheeses that melt really well are usually high in fat. Then the soft cheeses like feta, goat and brie, those are higher in fat.

Is there any difference between deli-cut cheeses and meats and the prepackaged ones?

Usually there are more preservatives in the packaged ones, to keep their shelf life. Same thing with your meats. If you’re going to buy lunch meat, always get it cut at the deli.

They also usually have lowsodium options or low-fat.

You can ask to try a piece before you buy it so you know that you like it.

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

63

THE PROTEIN PUZZLE Beans are a good source of protein, right?

Excellent source.

Very cheap and they have fiber in them.

Be careful if you have digestive issues, though, because the skin is harder to digest.

Eggs aren’t always excellent, right?

Eggs are an excellent source of protein. Obviously you don’t want to over-consume egg yolk because that’s where the cholesterol is.

White is where the protein is. One or two a day probably isn’t going to hurt you unless you have heart disease, so ask your doctor.

What other dairy products good for me?

Dairy is an excellent source of protein—yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese. And they’re filling. You do have to be careful about flavored milks. Those are just added sugar.

64

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

N I S B CARSTION QUE Cereal is a big aisle. How do I avoid the pitfalls?

I typically tell patients that if it has a cartoon character on the front, then it’s not good for you.

Cereal’s not bad but it’s one of those foods we tend to overeat.

A cereal serving is about 3/4 of a cup. Those little boxes of cereal you can buy, that’s a serving size. I don’t know anybody who only eats that amount! It’s all moderation and if you’re going to be eating cereal daily, make it something healthy. I would also say to eat it with something else. Cereal is not a very filling food, unless you’re eating Fiber One. Put some fruit in it. Have a piece of toast with it or a hard-boiled egg, something to give you some protein. That will slow down digestion.

What about oatmeal?

Oatmeal is the best breakfast choice. Plain oatmeal and then if you want to add flavor to it, use your own fruit, cinnamon or vanilla extract. Buying the ones that are already flavored is just added sugar.

Is multi-grain—say in crackers or bread— really better?

Sometimes multi-grain doesn’t mean it’s wholegrain. If you’re looking for the healthy, whole grain— the one with the fiber in it—it’s got to be one of the first three ingredients.

Pasta companies are working really hard to come out with really good-tasting whole-grain pasta. When it first came out, it was gummy and not very good. They’ve done a lot of work to come out with better stuff. Now they even have whole-grain white pasta or whole-grain white bread, especially for kids or people who are more visual eaters. It looks like white pasta but has fiber in it.

Breakfast bars?

Not my favorite. Usually they’re higher in sugar, and depending on the brand you buy, they don’t have a whole lot of fiber.

If there’s fruit in it, it’s usually not real fruit. If you’re going to grab something on the run, I’d recommend a protein bar, something that is more in the

health food aisle and meant to be a medium-calorie, high-protein food. The Special K bars might be a little healthier than your NutriGrain bar or a Pop Tart.

Should I just skip the cracker/ candy aisle altogether?

If you were a perfect grocerystore shopper, you would skip all of the middle aisles. You would only shop in the produce, meat and dairy departments.

Realistically, nobody does that.

Again, it’s moderation. You’re not going to keep anyone from eating crackers or candy, and I don’t want any of my patients to feel that way. I want them to enjoy a cracker or a small piece of candy, but it has to be in moderation.

Of these three snacks, which should I reach for: pretzels, chips or popcorn?

Of those three, I would say popcorn. You can eat a lot of popcorn in one serving because it’s so airy. What’s considered 100 calories of popcorn is a lot more than 9 chips. Then I’d say pretzels. Pretzels are basically just a carbohydrate, so if you do have blood-sugar issues or salt issues, be aware of what you’re eating.

But it’s a better option than chips, which are basically salt and fat.

DRINK UP?

Juices—yay or nay?

I don’t like juice. I like flavored waters like Crystal Light or the juice Motts has out that is 50 percent water, 50 percent fruit juice. You’re paying for half a jug of water, but if that’s what it takes! Juice is added calories and has no satiety value, which means it doesn’t fill you up at all. You digest it quicker. Most containers contain multiple servings, so when you look at the label and it says 80 calories, it might be three times that. If you’re going to drink juice, stick to the six-ounce servings and have it with food. The sugar content in juice is actually going to make you thirstier than you were before.

Are diet sodas really that much better than regular sodas?

Calorie-wise, yes. If you’re going to drink a soda, drink diet. If you can get away from soda altogether and drink water or flavored water or milk, those are the better options.

Gatorade?

I don’t like Gatorade for anybody who is not an extreme athlete. If you’re a high school player and have two-a-day football practices or you’re a marathoner or you’re doing landscape work in the middle of summer, I

would say Gatorade is okay for you.

It’s very high in calories. Now that we have options like G2, Propel, Vitamin Water, all of those things that have electrolytes but virtually no calories, I would say go with those. Gatorade is almost the same as soda, and you buy the one-liter.

People will drink it all day. You see a person in the gym drinking Gatorade as they’re walking on the treadmill. It’s a lot of empty calories.

Are wines really that good for me?

More the reds than the whites. For a woman, it’s one glass a day and for men, it’s two. If you go over that, it’s almost dangerous.

So it’s a thin line.

If you don’t drink wine, don’t start drinking it just for the benefits

of wine. You can get the same benefits from cranberry juice, for example. But if it is a pleasure thing for you, again moderation.

And no, you can’t save them all up for the weekend!

Does beer have any redeeming nutritional value?

It has some, in moderation. They’re saying a beer a day is good for you because of the hops and the barley in it. The darker beers are better, but the darker beers are higher in calories. It depends on what you’re looking for.

Don’t Leave Home Without This List!

Is coffee bad for me?

No. But coffee has caffeine. It’s a natural diuretic. It’s going to pull fluids from your body, so make sure you drink other fluids. Don’t just drink coffee all day because you’re going to become dehydrated. And it’s no calories. If you are a coffee drinker, try to eat a little something with it—a protein bar, a small piece of fruit, a boiled egg. Don’t let it be your whole breakfast.

Here are Brianna’s top tips for being a better grocery shopper: 1. Plan out your meals for the entire week.

2. Make a list of what you need and stick to it.

3. Don’t go to the grocery store hungry.

4. Bring your coupons and use them!

Brianna Liles is a clinical dietician who has worked at Munroe Regional Medical Center since 2004. She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and the University of Memphis with a master’s in clinical nutrition. She encourages every reader to speak to his/her physician regarding diet and nutrition.

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

65

BUSINESS TECH & RECREATIONAL CLASSES ARE STARTING SOON! Expand

your horizons with computer training and recreational courses. Study applications including Windows Vista, QuickBooks Pro, and Word 2007, or explore your creative side with evening courses in ballroom dancing, pottery, basket weaving, cake decorating, and more.

Contact us today for more information!

Live Your Dreams MARION C AREERTRAINING.COM | 352-671-7200 Follow us on Facebook — Facebook.com/MyCTAE Marion Count y Public Schools, An Equal Oppor tunit y School District

L E I S U R E A N D R E C R E AT I O N A L CO U R S E S C H E D U L E S REGISTER AT CTAE CAMPUS STARTING ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS – 1014 SW 7TH RD. • OCALA, FL 34471

*Yoga classes meet /register at Dunnellon Elementary School – 10235 SW 180th Avenue Rd., Dunnellon, FL COURSE

DAYS

TIMES

DAY/NIGHT

START/END

LOCATION/RM. #

LAB FEE

TUITION

Ballroom Dancing

Tuesday

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Night

3/22 - 5/31

CTAE Rm. 080P

None

$29

Beginning Spanish I

Monday

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Night

3/21 - 5/23

CTAE Rm. 083

$7

$46

Belly Dancing

Wednesday

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Night

3/23 - 5/25

CTAE Rm. 080P

None

$32

Belly Dancing

Thursday

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Night

3/24 - 5/26

CTAE Rm. 080P

None

$32

Cake Decorating

Wednesday

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Night

3/23 - 5/25

CTAE Rm. 080T

None

$53

Ornamental Welding

Tues./Thur.

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Night

3/23 - 5/25

CTAE Rm. 078

$150

$91

Photography

Thursday

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Night

3/24 - 5/26

TBA

None

$42

Pottery

Thursday

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Night

3/24 - 5/12

CTAE West Bay

$10

$51

Sewing and Design

Tuesday

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Night

3/22 - 5/24

CTAE Rm. P055

None

$53

Sewing and Design

Thursday

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Night

3/24 - 5/26

CTAE Rm. P055

None

$42

Yoga

Thursday

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Night

3/24 - 5/26

Dunnellon Elementary*

None

$42

BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY COURSE SCHEDULES R EGISTR ATION TAKES PL ACE MARCH 7-10, AT C TAE C AM PUS – 1014 SW 7 TH R D. • OC AL A , F L 34 471

REGISTRATION HOURS: 8:30 am–5:30 pm COURSE

DAYS

TIMES

Computer Literacy 1

Tuesday

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Quickbooks Pro 2009

Thursday

DAY/NIGHT

START/END

LOCATION/RM. #

LAB FEE

TUITION

Day

3/29 - 5/17

CTAE Rm. 059

$10

$88

6:00 pm - 8:45 pm

Night

3/31 - 5/12

CTAE Rm. 059

$10

$106

Beginning Computers - Lv. 1 Wednesday

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Night

3/30 - 5/15

CTAE Rm. 059

$10

$73

Microsoft Word 2007 - Lv. I

Tuesday

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Night

3/29 - 5/17

CTAE Rm. 047

$10

$110

Microsoft Excel 2007 - Lv. I

Monday

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Night

3/28 - 5/23

CTAE Rm. 059

$10

$73

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT • COSMETOLOGY • COMMERCIAL FOODS AND CULINARY ARTS • ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN • FACIALS SPECIALTY • FIREFIGHTING • LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST • MASSAGE THERAPY MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST • MEDICAL ASSISTANT • MEDICAL CODER/BILLER • MEDICAL CLINICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN NAILS SPECIALTY • NURSING ASSISTANT • PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT • PHLEBOTOMY • RADIOGRAPHY • VETERINARY ASSISTING • WELDING

Go For The Green

the

Once a year we get to indulge in all things Irish, even green beer! p70

Do-It-Yourself Decorating p68

Quick Bites p68

Dish

Green Beer Alternatives p70

CTAE’s Culinary Class p72

and more!

Get I.C.E.D.!

Mar

27

Have your cake and eat it, too (just not the ones on display!) during the first-ever FLORIDA I.C.E.D. CAKE COMPETITION held in town later this month.

Chairwomen Lisa Menz and Melanie Judge cooked up this competition for Floridians to showcase everything from frosted flowers to confectionary couture, all of which are inspired by romantic wedding dresses.

“It’s a cake competition created to show, share and learn about the sugar art world,” Lisa says. “It’s a place to make new friends, learn new techniques and share with some of the best in the country.”

Winners will walk away with an armful of great prizes, and spectators can take away tips from Ultimate Cake Off and Food Challenge celebrities who will be on hand to give demonstrations on the perfect fondant, sugar beads, edible fairies and more. There will also be a Kid’s Corner, where the little ones can try their hand at cookie decorating. The show’s sponsor, PhotoFrost, and representatives from Michael’s Craft Stores will also present demonstrations.

And all this cake-making is for more than just a good time. The proceeds from this event will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Northern Florida.

“If we can help make these wishes come true simply by decorating and enjoying the sugar arts, then why not?” says Melanie.

Doors will be open from 9am to 5pm (the cake gallery opens at noon) at The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites on March 27. floridaiced.com or (352) 307-7444.

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

67

Dish

the

It’s A Piece Of Cake!

According to the CRAFT & HOBBY ASSOCIATION Attitude & Usage Study, sales of cake decorating supplies grew 103 percent in 2009, the largest craft segment increase in the industry. In the list of the Top Ten Crafts by U.S. household participation, cake decorating comes in third (14 percent), preceded by scrapbooking/memory crafts (17 percent) and crocheting (16 percent). Want to try your hand at cake decorating? School-based and in-store classes are offered locally and we’ve got all the information you need to get started. Visit wilton.com for more decorating tips and to find in-store classes near you. In the meantime, here are a few pointers to get you started.

Fondant Blossoms TOOLS: Roll & Cut Mat Perfect Height Rolling Pin Floral Collection Flower Making Set (Blossom cutter used) Confectionery Tool Set Foam square Tip: 2

INGREDIENTS: Ready-To-Use White Rolled Fondant Icing Colors (to color fondant, as desired) Royal Icing

1

Seeing Stars Use the versatile star tip to add fun texture and captivating designs to cookies and cakes, make festive borders, or create beautiful drop flowers.

1

2

3

4

2 3 1. Roll out fondant about 1/8-inch thick, on surface dusted with cornstarch. Cut with blossom cutter.

1. Hold bag straight up; squeeze to form star.

2. Remove excess fondant around blossoms

2. Stop pressure and pull tip straight up and away.

and transfer blossoms one at a time to foam square. Use ball tool from Confectionery Tool Set to make a cupped shape blossom, by depressing tool in center of flower.

3. Pipe a Round Decorating Tip 2 dot in the

flower’s center using thinned royal icing, or roll a tiny fondant ball and push into center.

68

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

3. A line of stars used to edge a cake is a Star Border.

4. Covering a section or the entire cake surface with stars is a Star Fill-In.

QUICK BITES

Alfie’s Restaurant made a name for itself with its prime rib dinners. Although the prime rib was formerly a special, now it’s available every day the doors are open, and the good news is there’s a size for every patron. The 10-ounce “Early Bird” cut is served from noon to 5:30pm. The “Petite” cut is 12 to 14 ounces, and hungry guests will appreciate the “Queen” cut, weighing in between 16 and 18 ounces. All prime rib dinners come with two sides. Thursday’s special is all-you-can-eat fried fish featuring North Atlantic whitefish, which also comes with two sides. Alfie’s is open Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

11677 Highway 25, Ocklawaha (352) 288-9771

DININGGUIDE

Cody’s Original Roadhouse 2505 SW College Road, Ocala / (352) 237-8182 / codysoriginalroadhouse.com Doors Open at 11a. Serving Lunch & Dinner Daily.

Cody’s Original Roadhouse – “Where Quality and Value Come Together!” Servin’ USDA Prime and Choice Steaks, rotisserie chicken, BBQ ribs, chops, fresh fish, burgers, salads and more!

Two Kids 10 & under Eat Free every Monday and Tuesday, with the purchase of 1 adult entree. Wednesday is FREE Fajita Night– Buy One, Get One Free and Thursday, cut into Cody’s 10 oz. USDA Choice Top Sirloin Steak for only $11.95! Daily 2-for-1 Happy Hour, Early Bird Specials till 6pm Mon.-Sat. After-church specials starting at $7.99 with dessert, plus there is always curbside takeout for those in a hurry.

Take-Out Service Available.

Locations also in Gainesville and The Villages. Welcome HITS!

La Cuisine French Restaurant 48 SW 1st Avenue, Ocala / (352) 433-2570 / LaCuisineOcala.com Tue-Thu 11:30a-2p, 5:30-9p / Fri & Sat 11:30a-2p, 5:30p-10p Looking for a romantic escape, a cozy place for lunch or dinner, a beautiful spot for a reunion with family and friends? Are you simply craving good, hearty, quality food and dedicated service? La Cuisine with its unique atmosphere alongside world-class French food is definitely worth a closer look!

Private dining and menu customization available upon request for any special occasion banquet, office party, wedding brunch, rehearsal dinner or holiday party.

Arthur’s at the Hilton 3600 SW 36th Avenue, Ocala / (352) 854-1400 Sun-Sat 6:30a-10p The Starting Gate lounge, located in the Ocala Hilton just in front of Arthur’s Restaurant, is one of Ocala’s best-kept secrets.

The Starting Gate is open seven days a week, and serving your favorite beverages, along with Chef Randall White’s luncheon and dinner creations, is Jason, Shannon and Greg who have over 25 years of combined bartending experience with guests of the hotel as well as local residents. Overlooking the pool and patio area and featuring wide-screen TVs to view your favorite sporting events, The Starting Gate lounge offers a unique atmosphere. Stop by and enjoy your favorite cocktail, wine or beer, and get acquainted with our friendly staff.

For Arthur’s reservations, please call (352) 390-1515.

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

69

Dish

the

QUICK BITES

Guzzle Some

GREEN In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, guzzling brew inspired by the Emerald Isle has become an American tradition. Although the origin of the clover-colored beverage is fuzzy (too much beer perhaps), the practice might have come from a custom called “drowning the shamrock” in which Irish men dropped a leaf into their whiskey and went bottoms up for good luck. Lucky for you, you can get your share of green beer (minus the shamrock) at many of our local bars. Here are just a few: O’Malley’s Alley

Beef O’Brady’s

Hooters

WingHouse

24 S. Magnolia Ave. (352) 690-2262

3434 E. SR 40, (352) 304-5333

3451 SW College Rd. (352) 873-2042

2145 E. SR 40 (352) 671-7880

Terry’s Place

Miller’s Ale House

Pi on Broadway

Tilted Kilt

4121 NE 36th Ave. (352) 732-3820

305 SE 17th St. (352) 620-8989

110 SW Broadway (352) 369-5100

3155 E. SR 40 (352) 351-5458

Not a beer fan? Don’t feel left out.

There are plenty of green cocktails to sip on.

Try these at home or request them from your favorite bartender:

MIDORI MARGARITA 1½ ounce tequila ½ ounce triple sec or other orange liqueur 1

3

ounce fresh lime juice

½ ounce Midori Melon Liquer Salt Moisten rim of cocktail glass with lime juice and dip in salt. Shake ingredients together, and pour into glass filled with crushed ice.

70

ocalastyle.com

IRISH PRIDE 3 ounce green crème de menthe

mar’11

2

ounce amaretto ounce lemon juice

Layer and mix.

EMERALD ISLE 1 part vodka

EVERYBODY’S IRISH COCKTAIL 2 ounce Irish whiskey

2

parts Midori melon liquer

1

tsp green crème de menthe

2

parts Mountain Dew

1

tsp green Chartreuse

1

green olive

Stir and add some ice and enjoy!

Stir all ingredients (except green olive) with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Add the green olive and serve.

Hungry Bear Drive-In is definitely an Ocala landmark, having operated in the same location since 1976. Patrons are grateful that owner Angela Kleine took over the business in January 2010 to honor the legacy of her mother, Gladys Bates, who had owned Hungry Bear since 1982. “One of her final wishes was to keep it open since her customers have been so loyal,” says Angela. Serving lunch Monday through Friday from 11am to 4pm, Hungry Bear is known for its burgers and ultra-rich milkshakes.

Although there are at least half a dozen flavors on the menu, the best-selling milkshakes remain the peanut butter and the peanut butter/chocolate.

Angela calls the sweet potato fries, served with cinnamon maple sugar, “awesome!” Regular fries are, of course, available. The fried pork loin sandwich has become a menu favorite, and Angela says their new soup and grilled cheese special has been a big hit.

420 SE Osceola Avenue, Ocala (352) 732-3003

QUICK BITES

The Mojo Grill & Catering Co. is opening a second location in Belleview in the old GiGi’s location this spring. “We’re shooting for April 1, if everything goes perfectly,” says owner Rondo, no stranger to culinary endeavors in Ocala. “I’ve got a lot of family ties and friends throughout The Villages and Belleview, so I thought it was a good idea to open there.” Current patrons will be happy to know the new establishment will be a “carbon copy” of the original Mojo Grill & Catering Co., which will continue to operate in downtown Ocala. The menu will include all the old favorites, including the Crazy Cuban, a classic Cuban sandwich that is one of Rondo’s best sellers. The new location is on U.S. 441 between Mark’s Jewelry and Pawn and Belleview Meats.

(352) 369-6656 mojogrillandcatering.com

DININGGUIDE

Bamboo Bistro 700 North Hwy 441 (In Front of Target), Lady Lake / (352) 750-9998 Mon-Thu 11a-9:30p / Fri-Sat 11a-10p / Sun 12p-9p Experience the unique and unforgettable taste of Bamboo Bistro in The Villages! Offering Asian dishes from China, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand along with a full sushi bar, Chef Liang Wu incorporates the best variety of authentic Asian ingredients while using an array of cooking techniques. Our specialties include Peking Duck, Pepper Seared Filet Mignon, Seafood Delight, along with other seafood choices. Many wok entrees and noodle dishes available. A variety of Asian beers and the extensive wine list will complement any meal.

Chef Wu and Co-Owner Jian Daniels have created a wonderful new Asian Fusion dining experience in town that manages to be both elegant and casual.

Come join us for lunch or dinner and enjoy! Welcome HITS!

Kotobuki Japanese Restaurant 2463 SW 27th Avenue, Ocala / (352) 237-3900 / kotobukiocala.com Lunch: Tue-Fri 11:30a-2p Dinner: Tue-Thu 4:30p-9:30p / Fri & Sat 4:30p-10:30p / Mon & Sat 4:30p-9p For an authentic Japanese meal in an award-winning restaurant that has been serving Ocala for 16 years, try Kotobuki. Try traditional Japanese favorites like Tempura, Teriyaki, and broiled seafood and vegetables. For a memorable experience, gather around the Hot Grill and watch as your chef prepares steak, chicken, and seafood favorites right before your eyes.

Check out our full sushi bar.

Chili’s Grill & Bar Many Convenient Locations Throughout Our Area / chilis.com Sun-Thu 11a-11p / Fri & Sat 11a-Midnight (lounge open till 2a, at I-75 location only) Happy Hour All Day Everyday From freshly prepared salads to mouth-watering burgers, Chili’s kicks up the flavor with food that’s anything but ordinary. Smokey, sweet and savory ribs are now slowsmoked over pecan wood and impossible to resist. Enjoy the flavor without the guilt thanks to dishes under 750 calories. Party Platters create the perfect event at Chili’s.

Happy Hour is all day every day with 2-for-1 drinks. New lunch break. Forget the old - go for the bold $6 lunch combos!

Scan here with your smartphone for a direct link to chilis.com

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

71

Dish

the

Future

Calling All Chefs

By Karin Fabry-Cushenbery

T

CTAE culinary student Jamie Leacock prepares a salad in the school’s state-of-the-art kitchen.

Curious About The Culinary Arts?

An information meeting for the Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts program is scheduled for 6pm on March 21 at CTAE’s Brewster Hall.

Call (352) 671-7200.

72

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

^

he cooks are busy in the kitchen, laboring over a steaming pot of bubbling sauce. In the corner the sous chef quickly chops spices and vegetables. The aromas filling the air are intoxicating.

No, this isn’t a busy night at one of Ocala’s finest restaurants. It’s just an average day for Community Technical & Adult Education’s Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts program. The 1,200-hour, 42-week program taught by Chef Timothy Suppes readies students for a successful career in the culinary world.

“This program instills not only the basics of cooking, but also restaurant management, front and back of house,” says Chef Suppes, who has 33 years in the restaurant business.

“I enjoy watching the students go from not knowing anything about restaurants to being capable of helping run one.”

From learning how to taste foods and analyze flavors to menu development and food-cost analysis, this program is both comprehensive and thorough.

“Throughout the course I teach the students based on my high level of standards,” says Chef Suppes.

Program Coordinator Deb Salerno agrees.

“Chef Suppes has come from many years of industry experience,” she says. “He instructs his students without them even realizing it. He is confident and smooth in the kitchen and a complete natural at teaching. I can’t say enough good things about him or this program.”

“This is the only post-secondary culinary school in Ocala,” adds Assistant Principal Dan Davis. “High school kids that complete their school’s culinary program can come here, and it’s the next logical step to a career in the food industry. It’s also ideal for those interested in a change of career. We don’t just focus on food preparation. We highlight soft skills like job responsibility, dependability and promptness.

We focus on developing the entire person, not just the chef.”

In addition to the hours of prep work spent at the school, not to mention running the

kitchen at the Florida State Fire College, CTAE culinary students’ creations are also featured each year at Taste of Ocala. And they win!

In 2008 CTAE was awarded the Pewter Platter in Fine Dining. The following year, they brought the school first-place judge’s accolades for presentation and second place for catering, and in 2010, students earned yet another first place for fine dining.

This year at Taste of Ocala, CTAE will highlight some of their best bakers and cake decorators with several different demonstrations.

“We had an in-house challenge to design a cake,” says Chef Suppes. “The three people chosen by the faculty will be featured and their cakes duplicated for Taste of Ocala.”

The criteria? The cake had to be between one and two-and-a-half feet tall and showcase a Disney theme.

All involved agree that visitors to Taste will be impressed.

“We have a great group of students in the program,” says Salerno. “There’s a lot of talent.”

So once the 1,200 hours of training is complete, just where can CTAE’s graduates go for work?

“Just about anywhere that has a kitchen,” says Chef Suppes. “Our students are basically ready to become assistant kitchen managers upon graduation. They can do this for the rest of their lives. That’s key with the culinary arts—it’s a creative job you’ll never starve in.”

Current CTAE culinary students with some of their Valentine’s Day creations.

DININGGUIDE

Bay Leaf Indian Restaurant 3131 SW College Road, Ocala / (352) 291-9237 / bayleafindianocala.com Mon-Thu 11a-9:30p / Fri-Sun 11a-10:30p Indian haute cuisine at its finest! Prepared with only the freshest ingredients and top-shelf spices, the dishes at Bay Leaf Indian Restaurant are a welcome change from the ordinary and are sure to dazzle your palate. Start with the Vegetable Samosa or Samosa Chat appetizers, both featuring a crispy, flaky puff pastry. The Chicken Tikka Masala—a barbecue chicken prepared in a delicious zesty gravy—is a must-order entrée as is the Tandoori Chicken—a whole Spring chicken marinated overnight in yogurt and freshly ground spices and cooked in a clay oven—or any one of the Laziz Gosh, or lamb specialties.

Catering for crowds of two to 200 or more is available. And don’t forget to stop by the Spice Bazaar next door!

Tilted Kilt 3155 E. Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala / (352) 351-5458 / tiltedkilt.com Mon-Thu 11a-Midnight / Fri-Sat 11a-12a / Sun 11a-11p Have you heard the buzz around town about Ocala’s newest restaurant and sports bar? Everything at Tilted Kilt, from the delicious pub-style food to the friendly costumed staff, is exciting and fun! The menu features an array of satisfying options, whether you just want to snack or feel like having a full meal. Nachos, cheeseburger sliders, quesadillas and salads join over half a dozen hearty burgers, such as the Black & Bleu, The French Connection (lots of melted Swiss cheese and sautéed mushrooms and onions) and the BBQ Bacon. Other favorites include Maggie Mae’s Fish & Chips, Kilt Burner Wings, Chicken Tenders, the Ultimate Club Wrap and the Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap.

Other favorites include such entrees as the Sausage Artichoke Fettuccini, Danny Boy’s Shepherd’s Pie and lasagna.

Tony’s Sushi & Steakhouse 3405 SW College Road, Ocala / (352) 237-3151 Mon-Thu 11a-10p / Fri & Sat 11a-11p / Sunday 3p-10p Tony’s Sushi brings scrumptious sushi favorites from New York and Miami to Ocala, served in a fun, family environment. All sushi dishes are made to order—choose from a variety of specialty rolls or create your own! Whether you prefer chicken, steak or seafood, talented chefs will prepare it with dazzling showmanship on the hot grill right at your table.

All entrées come with soup or salad and rice. In addition to the full Japanese kitchen, there is a full liquor bar and a beer selection, including imported Japanese beer and Sake.

For the truly adventurous, try Tony’s famous Sake Bomb!

We also provide catering and host private parties.

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

73

Dish

the

RECIPES

Mark Your Calendar This year, TASTE OF OCALA takes place from noon to 4pm on Sunday, April 3, on the College of Central Florida campus.

This is your chance to sample delectable food and drinks from several area eateries, in one convenient location. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for ages 5-12.

(352) 873-5808.

An Irish Pie This hearty favorite just might have you yearning for the Emeriald Isle.

Dubliner Shepherd’s Pie Makes 4 to 6 servings POTATO TOPPING: 1¼ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 tablespoons Kerrygold Irish Butter 1⁄3 cup milk 1 cup shredded Kerrygold Dubliner Cheese ½ teaspoon salt

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS (as of press time): Bell’s Catering

Cuvée Wine & Bistro

Bernie Little Distributing

Dugout Sports Bar and Grill

Brick City Catering

Gator’s Dockside

Bruce Chiropractic & Comprehensive Care

Ker’s WingHouse of Ocala

SKY Asian Fusion

La Cuisine French Restaurant

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Cabanas Catering, LLC Chef Daniel’s Filet & Fin C.T.A.E. Culinary Arts (Cake decorating demonstrations)

Murphy’s Oyster Bar, Steak & Seafood

Lake Weir High School Culinary Arts (Cake decorating demonstrations) Mary’s Cuban Kitchen

Smoothie King Sweet Stop Bakery The Melting Pot The Mojo Grill & Catering Co. The “3” Chicas Tijuana Flats

Miller’s Ocala Ale House

QUICK BITES

Laki’s Greek & Italian Restaurant in Ocala just celebrated its 25th anniversary in February. Owners Laki and Maria Angelidakis originally opened their restaurant on Magnolia Extension and were there for 16 years before moving to their current location in the Colours Plaza on College Road nine years ago. Familyowned and -operated, Laki’s features a full menu of both Greek and Italian specialties.

Best-sellers include the popular Greek salad, pan pizzas and the Laki’s Platter, featuring mousaka, pastichio, spinach pie, cheese pie, grape leaves with rice and a small Greek salad.

“You get a little of everything,” says daughter Irene Angelidakis, “so the next time you come in, you know what you like.”

3405 SW College Rd # 107, Ocala (352) 237-3090

74

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

QUICK BITES

FILLING: 1 pound lean ground beef 2 tablespoons Kerrygold Irish Butter 1 medium onion, chopped 4 small carrots, peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick 2 tablespoons flour ¾ cup Guinness Stout ¾ cup beef stock 1 teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup frozen peas, thawed

Jitterz Cafe in Belleview has become a favorite of locals since opening in April 2008. Serving American cuisine with regional flair, Jitterz is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday. Breakfast is served until 11am every day except Sunday when it’s breakfast from 8am until 2pm. On Sundays patrons can choose from the full breakfast menu as well as specials. Jitterz is known for its variety of coffee drinks, including frozen frappes and hot coffee drinks, as well as its fresh fruit smoothies. Best-sellers on the lunch menu include the Muffaletta Sandwich (meat or vegetarian) and the Chicken Rustica, a hearty sandwich featuring chipotle chicken topped with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and Havarti cheese on Foccacia bread, which is pressed and served hot.

11783 SE US Highway 441, Belleview (352) 307-9870

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly butter an 11 x 7-inch baking dish.

2. Cook potatoes in boiling water for 15 minutes or until very tender; drain well. Mash with butter and milk until smooth.

Then stir in cheese and salt, and set aside.

3. Crumble beef into a medium skillet and cook until no longer pink; remove from skillet and set aside. In same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and carrots; cook for 10 minutes over medium heat to soften, stirring occasionally.

Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute more.

4. Add Guinness, stock, thyme and salt; cook and stir until mixture is slightly thickened, then stir in peas and cooked beef. Spoon into prepared baking dish, then spread potato mixture over the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until top is lightly browned.

DININGGUIDE

Cuvée Wine & Bistro 2237 SW 19th Ave Rd, Ste. 102, Ocala / (352) 351-1816 / cuveewineocala.com Mon-Thu 4p-10p / Fri & Sat 4p-2a / Happy Hour 4p-7p & 11p-1a Cuvée Wine & Bistro is an elegant and approachable environment where you can embrace the age-old relationship between food and wine. In an inspiring and intimate atmosphere, Cuvée brings together the taste of upscale cuisine with the freshest ingredients combined with a wide array of wines from around the world. We guarantee your senses will be delighted and your palate overwhelmed. Feed your mind, your spirit and your curiosity at Cuvée.

Call for Reservations Private Parties and Off-Premise Catering Available

Blanca’s Café Ocala Palms Golf & Country Club / 5000 N US Hwy 27, Ocala / (352) 867-0001 Sun Breakfast 8a-Noon, Dinner 1p-8p / Mon-Sat Lunch & Dinner 10:30a-9p Tucked in among the rolling greens of the Ocala Palms Golf & Country Club, Blanca’s Café is a gem of a find for diners looking for excellent food served in a warm, friendly environment. Italian dishes and delicious homemade desserts are the café’s specialties, with a popular breakfast buffet offered every Sunday. Patrons enjoy a full service bar and live entertainment weekly as well as spacious seating for up to 150. Try one of the weekly dinner specials Blanca’s offers, or schedule catering for your next event through the café. Whether you’re a newcomer in town or a local looking for somewhere new to dine, Blanca’s Café offers something to please every palate.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner of Corned Beef & Cabbage and Live Music.

Call for Reservations! Weekly entertainment, call for details.

Homemade pizza served daily.

Lunches now feature Beef on Weck & Monte Cristo Sandwiches. Live Maine lobsters every Friday night.

Reservation required. Welcome HITS!

Latinos Y Mas 2030 S Pine Avenue, Ocala / (352) 622-4777 / latinos-mas.com Mon-Thu 11a-9p / Fri & Sat 11a-10p / Closed Sunday Looking for a unique evening out with a Latin flair? Well look no further. Latinos Y Mas is the answer. Begin your dining experience with a refreshing dragon berry mojito, or perhaps a unique tropicolada. Follow that with the golden crispy calamar; with homemade marinada chipotle mild sauce. For your main entrée, try the Zarzuela de Mariscos, a combination of sautéed shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, fish and calamari in a delicious coconut milk and Caribbean rum sauce, served over rice.

Or, try the Blackened Mero served with a tangy tropical mango salsa and a cool orange sauce. Of course there is no resisting the sweet treats at Latinos, so make sure to save room for dessert!

Gift certificates and party platters available for any special occasion.

Live music three nights a week.

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

75

DININGGUIDE

El Toreo 3790 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala / (352) 694-1401 E. Silver Springs Blvd: 7 Days 11a-10p / SR 200 7 Days 11a-11p / Happy Hour Daily 4p-7p

Join us every day for happy hour from 4-7pm and get 2-for-1 wells or drafts. Whether it’s delicious food, great drinks or a festive atmosphere, there are more reasons than ever for you to visit either El Toreo location today.

THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD

New lunch specials include Taco Salad on Monday, $3.45; Speedy Gonzalez on Tuesdays, $3.45; Quesadillas on Wednesday, $4.95; Chimichangas on Thursdays, $4.25 and Burrito Supreme on Fridays, $3.45. New dinner options include Fajita Mondays, $7.95; Chimichanga Tuesdays, $6.45, Alambre Wednesdays, $6.45; Tacos de Bistec Thursdays, $6.45 and Enchilada Fridays, $6.45. Don’t miss “Margarita Mondays” with $1.95 margaritas. On Tuesdays kids 12 and under - 99¢ from the children’s menu (take-out not included).

Wednesday is 99¢ margaritas and $1.95 for domestic and imported beers. Saturday is 2-for-1 margaritas all day.

Pasta Faire Italian Ristorante 10401 US Hwy 441, Belleview / (352) 347-3100 / Pastafaire.com Mon-Sat 11a-10p / Sunday 11a-9p

Sunday: Italian Feast for Two $20.45; Monday: All You Can Eat Rotisserie Chicken $7.99; Tuesday: Seafood Feast $10.99; Wednesday: 2-4-1 Gourmet Pizza; Thursday: All-you-can-eat spaghetti, $6.99

Welcome to Pasta Faire. Owner Kathy Funk and Chef Ricardo Cardenas invite you and your family to enjoy the flavors of Italy. Come relax and enjoy the “new” dinner menu. The chef has added new items such as Veal Marsala or Picatta, Gnocchi ala Ricardo, Seafood Lovers Delight, Grilled Fresh Salmon, Surf and Turf, and much more. Don’t forget the extravaganza menu, three courses for just $11. Pasta Faire also features a full bar and an extensive wine list. Also available is the new $7.69 Mix n Match Lunch, available Monday through Saturday 11am-3pm. And don’t forget, Happy Hour is every Monday through Saturday 11am-6pm.

Super Buffet Pine Plaza / 620 South Pine Avenue, Ocala / (352) 369-9937 Sun-Thu 11a-9:30a / Fri & Sat 11a-10:30p

Voted in the Top 100 out of over 43,000 Chinese restaurants in the United States by Chinese Restaurant News.

76

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

Finding the right place to dine is a nightmare. Wanting sushi, pizza, seafood, salad or Chinese food? There are loads of books and guides that will lead you to various places. But there is one place that carries all of these items. That place is Super Buffet. With more then 300 items on its buffet, the consumer can choose from a hot, delicious food bar or a cold fresh fruit and dessert bar. The buffet offers generous portions, which explains the name “super,” so you can be sure to leave full and satisfied. Super Buffet is located in Pine Plaza by the Ocala Police Department. If you like to eat, come in and enjoy the buffet!

DININGGUIDE

Crossroads Country Kitchen 7947 W. Highway 40, Ocala / (352) 237-1250 Mon-Thu 6a-8p / Fri-Sat 6a-9p / Sun 7a-3p Located west on Highway 40 in Ocala, the Crossroads Country Kitchen is a must for anyone craving down-home, country cooking. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, menu items range from homestyle chicken & dumplings to prime rib, fresh salads, seafood, prime steaks and burgers. If you’re in the mood for a real treat, try the Prime Rib Dinner For Two. Make sure to leave room for one of the tasty home-baked desserts, too! In the mood for a fresh fish fry? Tuesdays and Fridays are all-you-care-to-eat catfish. Big-screen televisions will allow you to enjoy your meal without missing one second of the big game or race.

Located at the Crossroads of NW 80th Ave. and Hwy 40 West.

No matter what you have a taste for, Crossroads Country Kitchen is sure to become a new favorite.

Fiore’s Café 119 South Pine Avenue, Ocala / (352) 789-6980 Mon-Thu 3p-9p / Fri & Sat 4p-10p / Sun 4p-9p Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the beautiful Tuscan décor at Fiore’s Café before you even take a single bite of the restaurant’s delicious Italian food. The interior of Fiore’s is simply stunning. Add to that the famous Black Seafood Linguini, Veal Chop Caprise, “Luis Favorite” Tilapia, New York-style pizza, strombolis, calzones or any of the other numerous dishes available, and your dining experience couldn’t be finer. Try the newest items, too, including the antipasto misto, Italian meat pies and coconut jumbo shrimp. Complement your meal with a fine wine, a beer or Fiore’s famous, homemade sangria.

Enjoy Fiore’s at home with the take-out menu. Welcome HITS!!

Mary’s Cuban Kitchen 101 SW 60th Avenue, Ocala / (352) 369-6279 (MARY) Monday-Friday 6:30a-8p / Saturday, 6:30a-4p Whether enjoying lunch or dinner, at Mary’s Cuban Kitchen it feels like you’re dining with family. A variety of lunch and dinner plates are available daily and the selections are too numerous to mention them all! New selections include Arroz con Pollo, Masitas de Puerco, Palomilla Steak, Frijoles Negros and more. In addition to the tasty new menu items, Mary’s also offers dinners to go, also known as “cantinas.” Now you can enjoy Mary’s one-of-a-kind dishes right in the comfort of your own home. The all-day menu also includes Café Cubano, Café Con Leche, Papa Rellena and Empanadas as well.

Make sure to save some room for one of Mary’s signature shakes!

Thick and creamy and made from fresh fruit, choose between banana, strawberry, seasonal fruits and the ever-popular chocolate and vanilla. You have to try Mary’s to appreciate how good it is!

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

77

Ocala Speedway It’s not shopping... it’s RETAIL THERAPY!! ~Big city style at small town prices~

You are invited to visit Ocala’s newest and most unique retail shop! Located on SW College Rd. behind Carrabba’s Italian Grill next to Panera Bread.

• Home Decor • Kitchen • Wine Accessories • Tyler Candles • Gift Registry • Unique Gifts

2011 Regular Season Schedule: Friday, March 4 SPECIAL EVENT Friday, March 11

$1000 to win Open Wheel Modifieds, Hobby Stock, V-8 Thunderstock, Mini Stock, Gladiators.

Friday, March 18

Miller Light Night of Thousands, $1000 to win Sportsman, $1000 to win Hobby Stock, $1000 to win V-8 Thunderstock, Gladiators.

352-629-8000

Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm 2370 SW College Rd.Ocala, FL 34474

Make a

Statement

More businesses are taking advantage of solar energy.

Make a statement of environmental stewardship.

Offset your utility costs. Hedge against future rate increases.

SOLAR ELECTRIC | SOLAR HOT WATER SOLAR PRE-HEAT SYSTEMS | SOLAR POOL HEATING • Performance based contracts • Affordable lease terms • Grants and incentives

$3000 to win United Dirt Late Model Series, V-8 Thunderstocks, Gladiators.

Friday, March 25

World of Outlaw Late Models $10,000

SPECIAL EVENT

to win, V-8 Thunderstock, Mini Stock.

Friday, April 1

Open Wheel Modified, Florida Mini Sprints, Mini Stock, Gladiators.

Friday, April 8

Late Models, Hobby Stock, V-8 Thunder stock, Gladiators.

Friday - Sunday April 15 -17 SPECIAL EVENT

Monster Jam Summer Heat Tour: Best monster truck show in the state

New Grandstands | New Lighting & Sound | New Restrooms Gates Open: 5pm | Racinig Starts: 8pm Adults: $12 | Seniors: $10 Children Under 12 FREE | Kids Under 36” FREE

Special Event Racing Go to ocalaspeedway.com

Call today for your free energy analysis and let SOLAR TREK show you how to IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE!

351-1333

SOLAR TREK, Inc

GoSolarTrek.com

Renewable Energy Systems Since 1981

Local - Licensed - Insured - Experienced References Provided

CVC56803

78

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

Ocala Speedway 9050 NW Gainesville Rd., Ocala, Approx. 15 minutes from downtown

(352) 622-9400

Skating’s Golden Boy Evan Lysacek opens up about “Stars On Ice” and more. p81

Rubber Ducky Race p80

Scene

the

Mickey Mouse Magic p82

Batter Up! p84

Social Scene p90

and more!

Spring Has Sprung!

Mar

12-13

It’s that time of year again—time to clear out the weeds, prune the greenery and spruce up your garden. The MARION COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS’ SPRING FESTIVAL can help.

Over 80 vendors will be on-site at the UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Service, selling everything from plants and flowers to beautiful fountains and decorative garden accessories.

Not sure your green thumb is up to the challenge? Visit the education tent for free seminars and in-garden demonstrations.

Whether you’re new to gardening or just on the hunt for new ideas, stop by the Master Gardener question-and-answer booth where you can pick up advice on everything from pruning a rose bush to designing a full floral landscape.

The Spring Festival runs Saturday, March 12, 8am-5pm and Sunday, March 13, 9am-4pm. Admission is $1 and children under 12 are free. For detailed information, call (352) 671-8400.

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

79

Scene

the

Hold Your Horses!

Head to the beautiful Live Oak Plantation in Ocala for four days of non-stop equine action during the annual LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL later this month. The 4,500-acre plantation will host horse-and-driver teams as they compete in the three Mar phases of combined driving. The 24-27 event kicks off with the Dressage Phase on Thursday and Friday.

Saturday boasts the excitement of the marathon and hazard course.

On Sunday, watch as the teams negotiate a series of twists and turns through the cone phase. Even if you’re not an equine enthusiast, there will be plenty to keep you occupied. Wander around the picturesque grounds or browse through several vendors on-site. There will be plenty of concessions as well as a classic car show on Sunday with over 150 vehicles on display and a carriage exhibition. cailiveoak.com or (352) 873-9407 (during the event). For marathon tailgating tickets call (352) 207-3615 or (352) 591-0910.

The 411 On 352

Apr

9

Find out about everything that’s cool, exciting, interesting and helpful right here in our own area code! This free expo at the Paddock Mall, appropriately dubbed DESTINATION 352, will showcase the best in business and more within the 352 calling area, and will feature hands-on activities, demonstrations and exhibits. You’ll learn about how to improve your health, your home and even your lifestyle. The expo takes place from noon to 5pm. destination352.com or (352) 270-8924.

Be Happy-Go-Lucky Roll the dice, hold ‘em or 26 fold ‘em—it’s all for a very worthy cause during the Ocala Aquatics third annual MARDI Mar

Get To The Greens

GRAS CASINO NIGHT & TEXAS HOLD ‘EM TOURNAMENT at the

Not one but two major golf tournaments will be Mar 7-13 making their way to Ocala’s greens this month. The HARLEY-DAVIDSON OF OCALA CLASSIC will take place March 7-13 at Golden Hills Golf and Turf Club.

This event will be 2011’s second stop on the National Golf Association’s Hooters Professional Golf Tour. Players will compete on the challenging course and the winner of the 72-hole tournament will receive a $30,000 first-place prize—part of a $200,000 purse. Such golfers as John Daly and Jim Furyk got their start on the Hooters Tour. Details on the tournament and tour can be found online at ngahooterstour.com.

Mar

Next, dozens and dozens of golf pros will drive, chip

16-18 and putt their way through Candler Hills Golf

Club’s course for a very worthy cause during the 5th annual OCALA OPEN March 16-18. In fact, the tournament begins properly with a Charity Pro-Am event on March 15 in which groups of amateur players are teamed up with one Ocala Open pro for 18 holes of golf. Admission is free for spectators, and VIP tickets are available. ocalaopen.com or (352) 861-9712.

80

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

Ducky Derby

Apr

When was 2 the last time you saw 5,000 ducks going for a swim in Tuscawilla Pond? If you head to Tuscawilla Park on April 2 for the 2ND ANNUAL MID-FLORIDA DUCK DERBY, you’ll be able to watch thousands

of rubber ducky athletes as they race their way through a winding course all to benefit the Children’s Home Society of Florida. Vendors, food and entertainment will be on-site as well. Adopt a duck for $5 a piece for a chance to win several prizes, including Sea World and Aquatica combo tickets, a $500 Ideal Image gift certificate or $1,000 cash! The ducks will race between 11am and 3pm, and can be purchased in advance or the morning of the derby. chsfl.org or (352) 732-1412.

Ocala Hilton. The action, which will include a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament, 50/50 drawings, a silent auction and a chance to win a 2011 Mazda Miata from the Jenkins Auto Group, lasts from 7pm to midnight, and tickets are just $45 per person or $85 per couple.

Purchase yours at the Perry Aquatic Center at CF or Brick City Title. All proceeds will help the organization rebuild its pool, which was destroyed during a fire last fall.

(352) 873-5811.

Q&A

EVANLYSACEK

Getty Images - 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games

A QUICK

Last year in Vancouver, American figure skater Evan Lysacek captured Olympic gold in the men’s singles competition, sealing his fate as one of the sport’s biggest stars. His turn on the hit TV show Dancing With The Stars only further propelled him into the public limelight. He’s been on a roll ever since, touring once again these days as a cast member with Smucker’s “Stars on Ice.” Just before the 25th Anniversary Tour kicked off last month, Ocala Style chatted with the 25-year-old about his future and what fans can expect when “Stars On Ice” arrives in Orlando. Interview by Kristina Kolesa

Evan, did you ever go to “Stars on Ice” shows growing up?

I did. I grew up in Chicago and went to the show from the time I was six, before I even started skating or had any interest in it. I come from a sports family, and I remember going and thinking it was cool but not really knowing anything about skating. When I was eight, I started skating and “Stars On Ice” took on a new meaning. It really meant something to me, several years ago, to be good enough to join the “Stars On Ice” cast. Then to be a part of the 25th Anniversary Tour, as an Olympic champion, means a great deal. I’m honored to be a part of this special tour.

Who do you remember seeing perform back then?

sport. You never know what could happen.

You could slip, have a wardrobe malfunction, miss that jump that you nail every single day.

During the show, the pressure is somewhat off, but I’m a competitor at heart and I like to give myself a little challenge here and there in the show. I’m still doing difficult tricks, and I want to perform them well. The crowd has an expectation level and I want to fulfill that.

How many hours a week are you on the ice?

I usually spend about 22 to 25 hours a week on the ice when I’m in training. It is a full day, extremely exhausting. I have friends who train for other sports, and for some reason, the time commitment cannot compare to skating. It’s a sport that’s misunderstood a little because people only see a glimpse with those four minutes of what has been 15 years of preparation.

PostVancouver was unlike anything I’d experienced.

Scott Hamilton, Kristi Yamaguchi, Kurt Browning, Katarina Witt, Ekaterina Gordeeva.

This year, they have Ekaterina and Kurt back on the tour. This is the first time that I’ve been a part of a tour with them. Pretty cool!

How will this tour be different since it’s the anniversary tour?

This cast spans many generations of skating and has representatives from different eras. That makes it unique. It’s also a celebration so some numbers have been brought back from years past.

Are the nerves you get before a competition different from those before a tour performance?

When I’m competing, I get more anxious than nervous. I know that I’m ready but no matter how ready you are, skating is a very, very brutal

What does the future have in store for you? Will you try for Sochi 2014?

I’m definitely keeping the options open. This Friday will be one year since I won in Vancouver.

I’m hoping that at some point things will slow down a little bit. I’ve had 16 or 17 days off since then. Every other day has been non-stop work.

I’m enjoying it but I do need a little time to take a breath to figure out what my next step will be.

I’d experienced, such a whirlwind. But I’d like to go to school and explore other interests I have.

As far as the future beyond that, I don’t know.

For a long time, the quadruple toeloop was skating’s four-minute mile.

It’s still very difficult to complete and gets a lot of media attention. Do you foresee a day when five rotations is even possible?

Studies have said no because when they analyze it, the highest jump combined with the fastest rotation would only equal a little bit over four rotations. Scientifically, five would not be possible. Four rotations is still very rare. For me, it was really dangerous because I broke my foot working on it. It was a health risk more than anything for me.

What would you be doing right now if you hadn’t pursued figure skating?

Definitely an athlete still. I love tennis and I love to ski. I probably would have done one of those sports. As a fan, I’ve always loved basketball and I played it for a long time. I don’t think I was good enough to pursue it but I still love to watch it. I’m a very, very competitive person so I would take that to everything that I do.

Mar

Do you imagine yourself being a part of this sport long-term?

Magic On Ice

Well, I’ve been putting off going to school since I graduated high school and started training for Torino. Then post-Torino, I went right into Vancouver. Post-Vancouver was unlike anything

Watch Evan Lysacek perform live, along with Sasha Cohen, Kurt Browning, Todd Eldredge and others, at Orlando’s Amway Arena on March 20 at 4pm. starsonice.com or (800) 745-3000.

mar’11

20

ocalastyle.com

81

Scene

the

Ticketmaster / (800) 745-3000 / ticketmaster.com All dates are subject to change without notice, so please call ahead to confirm venue listings.

Concerts Who

Where

When

Streetlight Manifesto

Freebird Live, Jacksonville

03/11

Frank Sinatra Jr.

Circle Square Cultural Center, Ocala

03/11

Ace Frehley

St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

03/11

The Ready Set

Orpheum, Tampa

03/11

Josh Thompson/Ray Price

Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City

03/11

The Charlie Daniels Band

Silver Springs, Ocala

03/12

Sugarland/Casey James

Veterans Mem. Arena, Jacksonville

03/12

Foreigner

Universal Studios

03/12

Crystal Gayle

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

03/12

The Guess Who

Epcot Center, Orlando

03/12-13

The Ready Set

The Social, Orlando

03/12

Billy Ray Cyrus

Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City

03/12

Lady Antebellum/Easton Corbin

Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City

03/13

The Ready Set

The Social, Orlando

03/13

Davy Jones

Savannah Center, The Villages

03/14

Marc Broussard

The Plaza Theatre, Orlando

03/15

Tony Orlando

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

03/16–18

Uncle Kracker

Ocala Entertainment Complex

03/18

Chubby Checker & The Wildcats

Disney World, Lake Buena Vista

03/18–20

Michael McDonald

Hard Rock Café, Orlando

03/18

Tanya Tucker

Silver Springs, Ocala

03/19

John Conlee

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

03/19

Kenny Chesney/Zac Brown Band

Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

03/19

Tony Orlando

Circle Square Cultural Center, Ocala

03/20

Gordon Lightfoot

Phillips Center, Gainesville

03/21

James Taylor

Times-Union Center, Jacksonville

03/22

Gordon Lightfoot

The Plaza Theatre, Orlando

03/23

Rod Stewart/Stevie Nicks

St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

03/23

Kirk Franklin/Steve Harvey

St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

03/23

Rocket to the Moon

Backbooth, Orlando

03/24

Three Dog Night

Silver Springs, Ocala

03/26

Rhonda Vincent

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

03/26

Kirk Franklin/Steve Harvey

St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

03/26

The Turtles

Savannah Center, The Villages

03/31

House of Pain

Beacham Theater, Orland

03/31

Jessie James/Rodney Atkins

UNF Arena, Jacksonville

03/31

All Time Low

House of Blues, Orlando

04/01

Starship Starring Mickey Thomas

Disney World, Lake Buena Vista

04/01–03

Colt Ford

Seaplane Base & Marina, Tavares

04/02

3 Doors Down

St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

04/02

Furthur

UCF Arena, Orlando

04/05

82

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

Go Gaga Apr The infamous LADY GAGA is 15 coming to the Amway Center in Orlando next month, and tickets are going fast. Known for her largerthan-life performances, Gaga’s new tour promises to be a more finely tuned version of her former shows and will feature some of her softer tracks and love songs. However, the disco balls, hot pants, sequins and stilettos that she’s known for will still be there in full force!

ladygaga.com or ticketmaster.com.

THELOCALSCENE EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL (MARCH 2-MAY 15) Experts will present informational seminars every Friday, Saturday and Sunday on everything from interior design to landscape cultivation.

Dozens of Disney character topiaries will be on display throughout the festival and an evening concert series will feature Davy Jones, Chubby Checker and many other performers! disneyworld.com/flower or (407) W-DISNEY. FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL (MARCH 3–13) Strawberries, vendors and music, this 76th annual Florida tradition in Plant City is a bonafide family affair featuring fair rides, craft vendors, a pageant, parades, plenty of food and a star-studded lineup, including The Judds, Chubby Checker, Rick Springfield, Lady Antebellum and more. flstrawberryfestival.com or (813) 752-9194.

FANTASY OF FLIGHT’S NIGHT FLIGHT PHASE 2 (MARCH 5) Phase 2 of this popular paranormal investigation in Polk City digs deeper into the mysterious female spirit “M” in the officer’s club. Cost is $75 per person. fantasyofflight.com/livinghistory or (863) 984-3500.

PANCAKES IN THE PARK (MARCH 5) Head to the Silver River State Park at 8am for a nature walk and pancake breakfast. Breakfast cost is $5 for pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice. floridastateparks.org/silverriver or (352) 236-7148.

ARMY OF HOPE PICNIC & FAMILY FUN DAY (MARCH 5) Ocala Elks Lodge #286 hosts its first-ever Picnic & Family Fun Day from noon to 5pm to benefit “Army of Hope,” the official Elks project to provide aid and financial assistance to families of deceased, disabled or deployed members of the military. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, and the price includes a picnic lunch, beverage, live entertainment, games and more. (352) 732-7091.

VOLUNTEER AT THE PARK DAY (MARCH 5-6) Head to M.O.M.S. Park located at Jervey Gantt Park from 9am-12pm and volunteer a few hours of your weekend to help keep the park looking its best. Come alone or with a group for light duties such as brush and limb pickup, minor trimming, and general handiwork. Your efforts will help prepare the park for future improvement plans. memoriesofmissingsmiles.org or (352) 369-6667.

SAVEWITHSTYLE

$

10

Off! Per

d Granin g Open al Speci SH

Person

Up to 4 people per coupon.

We are a full service guide and kayak tour company and our passion is to help make you feel right at home in the outdoors.

Come Discover the Real Florida!

A Sly EstrictW E ions app FR re e pm m so , 8am-3

Reserve Your Tour Today! | 352.789.4959 | DiscoveryKayakTours.com

Spark Into Spring With a Thinner, Healthier You! 20% Off

Ask About Brand New Products

Spark It Up Ocala!

exp. 3/31/11

-8 March 1ndant hrs) (atte on w LocPalatiza) Bellevie t ar M (K Only

sh ll a &W

Self Serve Laundromat

Open 24 hours

Three Locations to Serve You: Belleview, The Villages & Wildwood 10477 SE HWY 441, Belleview, FL 34426

352-245-0163

20

$

No Min. Purchase No cash back, limit 1 per customer.

Just call or email to get a discount

352-361-0013

sparkitupocala@yahoo.com Not valid on online orders. Exp. 03/31/11

352.789.9911 - call or go online today to schedule your hours of bliss

1015 E. Ft King St. (Upstairs) | blissme@artofblissocala.com | www.ArtofBlissOcala.com (exp. 03/31/11)

Furniture Today

SERVICE CALL New Customers Only Discounts cannot be combined Offer Expires 3/31/11

Quality Contemporary Furniture & Unique Beautiful Decor at Affordable Prices!

Up To

20%

OFF

Regular Priced Furniture and Accessories

352.620.0580

Something For Every Budget | FurnitureTodayOcala.com | 352.237.2724 M-F: 10-6pm, Sat: 10-5pm, Sun closed • 1925 SW 18 Ct., Ste 101, Ocala FL

Exp. 03/31/11

Must present coupon at time of service

15

$

per person

Early Bird Special Tee off 7am-8:30am Mon-Fri - 9 holes

Sunset Special

includes Begin 3 hours before sunset cart & tax Everyday - play until dark (Tee times recommended)

1800 SW COLLEGE RD.

Honda oil filter. Plus tax and shop supplies if applicable. Must present coupon at time of service. Offers can not be combined

www.ocalagolfclub.com 352.401.6917

311-1010-HOO-CouponFC Visit ocalastyle.com to view and print your SAVEWITHSTYLE coupons. mar’11

ocalastyle.com

83

Scene

the

THELOCALSCENE

Performing Arts Who

Where

When

Serendib

The Hippodrome, Gainesville

03/01–20

Wicked

Bob Carr Perf. Arts Centre, Orlando

03/01–27

Harlem Globetrotters

O’Connell Center, Gainesville

03/03

Craig Shoemaker

The Improv, Tampa

03/03–06

Jo Koy

The Improv, Orlando

03/03–06

Kevin Hart

St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

03/04

George Lopez

Florida Theatre, Jacksonville

03/04

Harlem Globetrotters

Amway Arena, Orlando

03/05

Church Mess: The Play

Times-Union Center, Jacksonville

03/05

Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show

St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

03/06

Lewis Black

Straz Jr. Center, Tampa

03/10

Harlem Globetrotters

Veterans Mem. Arena, Jacksonville

03/11

Orlando Ballet’s Bailamos!

Orange County Conv. Center, Orlando

03/11

Miracle in Rwanda

Times-Union Center, Jacksonville

03/11

Harlem Globetrotters

St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

03/12

Danú

Phillips Center, Gainesville

03/13

Lewis Black

Florida Theater, Jacksonville

03/13

Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show

UCF Arena, Orlando

03/13

When Bullfrogs Sing Opera

Ocala Civic Theatre

03/17–04/10

Art After Dark

Florida Theatre, Jacksonville

03/18

A Salute To Broadway

Melon Patch, Leesburg

03/18–04/03

Bingo: The Winning Musical

IceHouse Theatre, Mount Dora

03/18–04/10

Smucker’s Stars on Ice

Amway Center, Orlando

03/20

Alpin Hong

Phillips Center, Gainesville

03/20

Four Bitchin’ Babes

Savannah Center, The Villages

03/20

Spring Awakening

Phillips Center, Gainesville

03/22

Anre Watts

Phillips Center, Gainesville

03/26

Steve Harvey & Kirk Franklin

St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

03/26

Jay and Silent Bob Live Podcast

Hard Rock Café, Orlando

03/30

Kathy Griffin

Bob Carr Perf. Arts Centre, Orlando

03/31

Jason Jones

The Barn, Sanford

04/01

Yous A Fool Comedy Extravaganza

Bob Carr Perf. Arts Centre, Orlando

04/02

Kathy Griffin

Florida Theatre, Jacksonville

04/03

Craig Shoemaker

The Comedy Zone, Jacksonville

04/07–09

Steve-O

The Improv, Tampa

04/07–10

Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate!

Veterans Mem. Arena, Jacksonville

04/07–10

Orlando Phil.: Classical Masters

Bob Carr Perf. Arts Centre, Orlando

04/09

Built Ford Tough Invitational

St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

04/09-10

World Famous Comedy Pet Theater

Florida Theatre, Jacksonville

04/14

84

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

WHO’S BAROQUE? (MARCH 6) The Appleton Museum of Art hosts an evening dedicated to Bach and the Baroque period.

Tickets are $40 for the series or $15 per concert and includes museum admission, concert performance and guided tours. ocalasymphony.com or (352) 351-1606.

ROLLER DERBY (MARCH 6) The Ocala Cannibals Roller Derby Team is hosting a game at the Ocala Entertainment Complex on March 6 at 6pm. Bring your own chair and watch as the Ocala Cannibals take on Sintral Florida in non-stop action. Tickets are $10 at the door or $5 in advance. ocalacannibalderby.webs.com or brownpapertickets.com.

MODEL T FORD WINTER TOUR (MARCH 6-10) This year cars from over 27 states and Canada will make their way to several Ocala destinations where drivers will display their classics and be on hand to answer questions about these antique

masterpieces. The tour begins on Sunday at noon in Ocala’s downtown square. Call for additional locations. (352) 207-1498.

PARADE OF SENIOR SERVICE (MARCH 11) Come to the CFCC Klein Conference Center on March 11 from 9am-3pm for a senior services showcase. Discover all of the great services that the community of Ocala has to offer its seniors. cf.edu or (352) 401-3916.

WILDERNESS ADVENTURES (MARCH 11-13) The Florida Trail Association’s 2011 Annual Conference hosts its annual weekend event at the United Methodist Life Enrichment Center on the shore of Lake Griffin. Stop by for exhibits, demonstrations, seminars, interpretive hikes, entertainment and many handson activities. floridatrail.org or (352)378-8823.

PLANT SHOW AND SALE (MARCH 18-19) The Dixie African Violet Society presents this judged show and plant sale Mar

10

The Magic of Disney Magic carpets, dancing brooms, pumpkins transforming into coaches—it’s all part of the magic of Disney! MICKEY’S MAGIC SHOW is coming to Gainesville’s O’Connell Center March 10, so be sure to catch Mickey, Minnie and the rest of the Disney gang as they come together with world-class magicians to perform all the magic of your favorite Disney films. This one-of-a-kind stage show features Alice and the Mad Hatter, Aladdin and Jasmine, and many others. Bring the kids! Shows are at 3:30pm and 6:30pm. Tickets are on sale through all Ticketmaster locations and the University Box Office, Reitz Union. oconnellcenter.ufl.edu or (352) 392-5500.

TAN

Orange Salon

USA

Get Bronzed Today... at

Matrix Versa Spa Starship The Versa Spa Magic Tan INSTANT TAN VERSA SPA UV FREE spray tanning booth is a state-of-the- $ 35Industry ea. or 2/$60 art in sunless tanning in 46 seconds. 2009 Choice Winner.

Both Locations

20

Off

Exp. 03/31/11

www.tan-usa.net Mon-Thurs 9a-9p, Fri 9a-8p, Sat 10a-4p

SR 40 - 690.7700

SR 200 - 873.1446

HAIR REPLACEMENT Call Today for FREE Private Consultation • Non-surgical most natural hairline!

• Custom selection lace frontal • All skin cancer wigs for women!

small cone to Ocala Style readers only.

Look for us in the giant ice cream cone! twirleegirl@yahoo.com • 8585 SW HWY 200, Ocala

352.351.8991

Exp. 3/31/11

The Best Soft Serve Ice Cream In Town

1

• Manicures • Pedicures • Glitter Toes • Facials

Owner/Stylist - Christina Ferrante Open Tuesday to Saturday / Late Hours by Appointment orange@ocalahairstylist.com / 500 SW 10th St, Ste 303, Ocala

your first visit to

Orange Salon!

Twirlees Ice Cream

$

• Organic Color • Highlights • Keratin Treatments • Texture Services

%

Exp. 3/31/11

Board Certified for Over 25 Years

non Martin Ver

VM

Vernon Martin Salon & Day Spa 20491 The Granada Dunnellon, FL 34432

Grenada Plaza at 41 & 484 | VernonMartinSalon.com

| 352.465.2210

GOLDEN HILLS GOLF & TURF CLUB

Where Champions Play — HOM E OF T H E —

Come out and “Watch Tomorrow’s PGA TOUR Players Today”

www.hooterstour.com Located 4.3 Miles West of I-75 on U.S. Hwy. 27 in Ocala

MARCH 7-13, 2011 • FREE ADMISSION www.GoldenHillsCC.com • 352.629.7981

SPONSORED BY:

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

85

Scene

the

THELOCALSCENE

Sports Major League Baseball / 2011 Spring Training Houston Astros / Oseoloa County Stadium, Kissimmee / (321) 697-3200 DATE

OPPONENT

Mar. 1 Mar. 3 Mar. 4 Mar. 5 Mar. 6 Mar. 8 Mar. 10 Mar. 11 Mar. 12 Mar. 16 Mar. 19 Mar. 20 Mar. 21 Mar. 24 Mar. 26 Mar. 27

Braves Marlins Cardinals Tigers Yankees Mets Nationals Red Sox Oriels Nationals Cardinals Pirates Tigers Rays Nationals Tigers

TIME

1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 7:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p

Washington Nationals / Space Coast Stadium, Viera (321) 633-4487 or (888) 632-6287 DATE

OPPONENT

Mar. 1 Mar. 2 Mar. 4 Mar. 6 Mar. 7 Mar. 10 Mar. 11 Mar. 12 Mar. 14 Mar. 18 Mar. 20 Mar. 22 Mar. 25 Mar. 27 Mar. 29

Mets Marlins Braves Braves Astros Mets Astros Yankees Tigers Cardinals Tigers Astros Cardinals Marlins Mets

TIME

1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 6:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 6:05p 1:05p 12:05p

Atlanta Braves / ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex, Kissimmee espnwwos.com/atlantabraves or (407) 939-GAME

New York Yankees / George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa (813) 879-2244 DATE

OPPONENT

DATE

OPPONENT

Mar. 3 Mar. 4 Mar. 5 Mar. 8 Mar. 9 Mar. 10 Mar. 12 Mar. 13 Mar. 16 Mar. 17 Mar. 19 Mar. 20 Mar. 23 Mar. 25 Mar. 27 Mar. 28

Tigers Blue Jays Mets Yankees Cardinals Cardinals Mets Astros Red Sox Nationals Mets Astros Marlins Tigers Phillies Nationals

Mar. 2 Mar. 4 Mar. 5 Mar. 7 Mar. 9 Mar. 11 Mar. 13 Mar. 16 Mar. 17 Mar. 19 Mar. 23 Mar. 25 Mar. 26 Mar. 28 Mar. 29

Astros Red Sox Nationals Phillies Pirates Braves Twins Orioles Rays Blue Jays Blue Jays Astros Pirates Rays Tigers

TIME

1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 6:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 6:05p

Detroit Tigers / Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland detroittigers.com or (863) 686-8075 DATE

OPPONENT

Mar. 1 Mar. 2 Mar. 4 Mar. 6 Mar. 8 Mar. 9 Mar. 12 Mar. 13 Mar. 15 Mar. 16 Mar. 17 Mar. 19 Mar. 22 Mar. 24 Mar. 26

Blue Jays Astros Orioles Phillies Marlins Phillies Blue Jays Astros Red Sox Cardinals Twins Braves Mets Nationals Phillies

86

ocalastyle.com

TIME

1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 6:05p 1:05p

mar’11

TIME

1:05p 7:05p 1:05p 1:05p 7:05p 1:05p 1:05p 7:05p 7:05p 1:05p 7:05p 7:05p 1:05p 7:05p 1:05p

Philadelphia Phillies / Bright House Networks Field, Clearwater (727) GO-PHILS DATE

OPPONENT

Mar. 1 Mar. 2 Mar. 5 Mar. 6 Mar. 8 Mar. 10 Mar. 12 Mar. 17 Mar. 18 Mar. 20 Mar. 21 Mar. 24 Mar. 25 Mar. 26 Mar. 28

Tigers Orioles Pirates Rays Orioles Yankees Rays Blue Jays Pirates Yankees Red Sox Twins Braves Blue Jays Astros

TIME

1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p 1:05p

on Friday from 9am-5:30pm and Saturday from 10:30am-5pm.

Hundreds of unusual varieties of African violets as well as other members of the African violet family will be on display and available for purchase. africanvioletclubofocala.org or (770) 939-5289.

FARM TO FAMILY MUSIC (MARCH 18-20) Make the short drive to High Springs for a three-day event full of live music and plenty of fun. Grilled Cheese Wagon will be on hand to provide concession for those wanting to spend the night. Tickets are $20 in advance for the weekend or $40 at the gate, and includes primitive camping fee. farmtofamilymusic.com or (386) 462-1701.

O’CALA’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY (MARCH 19) Don your favorite green attire and head to the downtown square with the whole family for this 9th annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration from 5pm to 9pm. Admission is free.

(352) 629-8444.

DON GARLITS CAR SHOW (MARCH 19) Head to Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing on 16th Avenue in Ocala for this exciting car show starting at 9am. Don Garlits himself will be in his garage for a meet-and-greet during the show, and admission is free for spectators with a $3 parking fee. The cost to enter a car is $20 each. (352) 362-4124.

ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW (MARCH 19) The Queen of Peace Catholic Church is hosting its 7th annual arts and crafts show in the parish hall from 9am-2pm. The event is sponsored by the Council of Catholic Women and consists of mixed media. There will also be 40 vendors on-site and a lunch served from 11am-1pm. Admission is free. queenofpeaceocala.com or (352) 854-2181.

PADDY’S DAY 5K (MARCH 19) Lace up your running shoes this St. Patrick’s Day and head down to Ocala City Hall at 4pm for a 5K race to benefit the local United Way. The entry fee is $20 before March 14 and $25 after. Race forms can be downloaded at uwmc.org or participants can register at online at active.com. (352) 732-9696.

JUNIOR ART EXHIBITION (MARCH 19-24) The Art Club of Belleview along with Belleview City Hall is organizing an international art exhibition entitled “Colorful World Around Us” for children and students ages 6-18. Submissions can be dropped off at the Belleview Chamber of Commerce from March 19-24. For more information, visit artclubbelleview.zoomshare.com.

RED HOT HAPPENING (MARCH 25) The Marion County Go Red For Women presents the Red Hot Happening on March 25 at the Ocala Hilton from 6:30-11pm.

Learn how to stop the number-one killer of women, heart disease, by spending an evening with the dedicated men and women of the American Heart Association.

Proceeds benefit the organization. heart.org/marionflgored or (800) 257-6941 ext. 2075.

MOVIE IN THE PARK (MARCH 25) Bring your favorite lawn chair or blanket to Jervey Gantt Park for an ogre-sized amount of fun! Shrek Forever After will be playing on “the big screen.” The movie starts at 7:30pm and admission is free. ocalafl.org or (352) 629-8444.

SOUTHEASTERN PRO RODEO (MARCH 25-26) The 18th annual Southeastern Pro Rodeo returns to Ocala at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. Stop in for plenty of roping, racing and bronc riding—not to mention the most

Listen Each

Weekday Morning!

presented by

of Ocala

Showcase Your Products/Services in the Area’s Most Innovative

PROMOtIOnAl OPPORtunItY Saturday, April 9, 2011 • 12-5p Inside Paddock Mall • Ocala www.Destination352.com

Business Expo

Fashion Runway

DJ Entertainment

Kids Corner

of Ocala Featured Exhibitor

Official Photographer

Official Auto Dealer

Official Salon & Spa

Official Rental Company

Featured Exhibitor

Rated

#

in Marion County with adults 18-34 and 25-54 according to the Fall 2010 Arbitron Rating Service.

BMW of Ocala

Ocala’s European Certified Pre-Owned Super Store

3949 SW College Rd. Ocala, FL 34474

011-0211-BMWO-328iQPFC

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

87

Get

FISCALLY

FIT

Through Professional Planning Don’t leave your fiscal health to chance.

Let the professionals at The Fontaine Financial Group help you plan for and achieve your goals, whether you need a personal financial plan, a customized executive benefits program for your business, or a detailed asset allocation analysis. Our mission is to create cost-effective financial strategies for our clients by first assessing their aspirations and then identifying and prioritizing their short- and long-term goals.

We offer: Retirement Planning • Investment Services Estate Planning Strategies • Risk Management Financial Planning • Insurance for Business Owners

THELOCALSCENE dangerous eight seconds in rodeo, bull riding! Gates open 6pm, rain or shine. ocalarodeo.com or (352) 401-5900.

MASQUERADE BALL (MARCH 26) Temple Beth Shalom of Ocala is hosting their Purim Masquerade Ball at 6:30pm. This special evening includes music, a silent auction, dinner and dancing featuring the music of ENCORE. Black tie or masquerade attire only. jewishocala.org or (352) 208-3130.

CONNIE WALDRON’S SHOWBIZ 2011 (MARCH 26) This razzle-dazzle show features clogging, Irish dancing, tap, jazz, drill team and liturgical dance.

Showtimes are 3pm and 7pm at the Savannah Center in The Villages, and tickets are $12 for Villages residents and $15 for the general public. thevillages.com or (352) 753-3229.

JAZZIN’ THE HOOD (MARCH 26) The Summer Springs Chorus performs a “jazzy” version of the classic “Little Red Riding Hood” at the First Christian Church of Ocala.

The show starts at 1pm with light refreshments served. (352) 288-8841.

Jane B. Fontaine M.S., CFP®, ChFC, CLU, AEP™, CASL

L-R: Grant McMahon, Financial Professional; Steven L. Smiley, CLU, CHFC; Jeff Zysek, MBA, Financial Professional

At The Fontaine Financial Group, you’ll have access to an extensive range of excellent products and services to help you achieve your financial objectives. You’ll have our professionals on your side.

The

FONTAINE Financial Group

352.622.9090

fontainefinancialgroup.com

1721 SE 16th Avenue, Suite 103 • Ocala, Florida 34471

The Fontaine Financial Group, LLC, is not a registered investment advisor and does not provide legal or tax advice. Fontaine Financial Group, LLC Associates offer securities through AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY, 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC. Jane B. Fontaine, Grant McMahon, and Jeff Zysek offer investment Advisor services through AXA Advisors, LLC. Annuities and Insurance products offered through AXA Network, LLC and its subsidiaries. The Fontaine Financial Group, LLC is not owned or operated by AXA Advisors or AXA Network. PPG58521(10/10)

88

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

COMMUNITY EXPO AND JOB FAIR (MARCH 26) Help the South Marion County business community evolve by taking part in the Community Expo and Job Fair at City Hill Park from 10am-3pm. The expo invites all area businesses to participate. The registration deadline is March 11.

(352) 245-2178.

KNAP-IN AT SILVER RIVER (MARCH 26-27) This year the Silver River State Park will host the first annual Knap-In where knappers, archaeologists, hide tanners and many more experts in pre-historic skills will gather to demonstrate their talents and sell their art. Admission is $5. silverrivermuseum.com or (352) 236-5401.

20TH ANNUAL YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION WINNERS PERFORMANCE (MARCH 26-27) See the winners of the Young Artist Competition perform live at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Auditorium followed by a performance of Brahm’s Symphony No.4 by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Saturday’s performance is at 7:30pm and Sunday’s begins at 3pm. ocalasymphony.com or (352) 351-1606.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING CHARITY DRIVE (MARCH 30) You can do your part to help out our planet by bringing your used electronics to the Concord Building parking lot from 7am-6pm for the 3rd annual Electronics Recycling Charity Drive to benefit the Early Learning Coalition. sundigitalinc.com or (352) 369-9600.

EMERALD BALL/LUCK OF THE IRISH CAR RAFFLE (APRIL 2) Trinity Catholic High School is now selling tickets for their Luck of the Irish Car Raffle. Purchase a ticket for $100 at the school office for your chance to win either $15,000 cash or any vehicle from Palm Chevrolet up to $25,000 msrp.

The drawing will be held on April 2. Whether the luck of the Irish was on your side or not, spend the evening of April 2 attending Trinity Catholic’s annual Emerald Ball, “Evening of Elegance.” Enjoy great food and fellowship with a live and silent auction. Tickets are $100 and sponsorship is available.

Live and silent auction donations are currently being accepted.

(352) 622-9025 ext. 5110.

To have an event considered for Ocala Style Magazine’s The Scene Send a short description (and a color photo, if possible) 60 days in advance to: email: Calendar@ocalastyle.com fax: (352) 732-0226 mail: Ocala Style Magazine The Scene, 1007 E. Fort King St., Ocala, FL 34471

You’re Invited to the 10th Year Ribbon Cutting Celebration

3.11.11

GALLERY • NEW AGE • CLOTHING • CLASSES

Join us

March 24th

Come Browse. We are one of the most unique and eclectic places to shop in all of Florida. Our gallery promotes local artists. Our boutique offers original clothing and handmade jewelry. Our classes range from classic art to NEW AGE with meditation and yoga.

All About Art ... and more

for Wine Spectator 90+ Six Course Wine Dinner RSVP REQUIRED

The Most Extensive Wine Inventory In North Central Florida...

Tuesday-Saturday 10:30am - 5:30pm www.allaboutartandmore.com | 352.307.9774

By The Glass

5162 SE Abshier Blvd. (HWY 441 - between KFC & Kangaroo), Belleview, FL

3 5 2 3 5 1 1 8 1 6 • 2 2 37 SW 1 9 T H AV E R D . SU I T E 1 0 2 O CA L A • C U V E E W I N E O CA L A . C O M

Join Us on March 19, 2011 for the 10th Annual...

PRESENTED BY: Live Entertainment by local physician’s group Nite Call.

Distinctive food stations provided

by Munroe Regional Medical Center. Live & silent auction, gaming, photo fun booth and additional themed festivities.

March 19, 2011, 6:00-11:00pm | Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World | Tickets $150 or $1800 for Table of 10 Physician’s Honor Roll: Dr. Mohammad Kamal, Dr. Alan Richman Cattle CAN Sponsor: Odyssey Hospice

Scanlon Training Center

For additional information contact Cara Newby at 352-629-4727 ext. 5820.

Radiology Associates of Ocala We save lives and create more birthdays by helping you stay well, helping you get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back. 800-ACS-2345 | www.cancer.org | www.ocalacbb.com

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

89

Scene

the

THESOCIALSCENE

Lifestyle Solutions Reception LIFESTYLE SOLUTIONS This past October Dr. Michael Holloway opened his office to new and future clients during a customer appreciation open house.

Featuring wine and hors d’oeuvres, this event provided the ideal atmosphere to learn more about Lifestyle Solutions Medspa, while at the same time allowed for a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for mingling with new and old friends.

Joan & Dr. Bill Zoeller, Susan Manges

Jeff & Claire Santos

PHOTOS BY JOE DEMARTINO

Rachael Melendez and Ashley Lopez

Gladys Allen and Xiomy Castillo

Rose & Richard Palmer

Terry & Sheri Perzy

Jill Gordon, Tress Guinn, Dr. Michael Holloway, Betty Mathews and Shannon Garmley

View more Social Scene photos and purchase prints of your favorites at ocalastyle.com

90

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

Deb & Lauren Weathers Heather Harris and Kelly Lodzinski

Presents

EXCLUSIVELY Y FOR

EXPO

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

91

Scene

the

THESOCIALSCENE

An Elegant Evening of Thanks GOLDEN OCALA In late November, the Heart of Florida Hope Foundation and ARC Marion hosted the 12th annual “An Elegant Evening of Thanks” at Golden Ocala. The fundraising gala, which featured a dinner, dancing and both live and silent auctions, raised over $85,000 for Scholarships of Hope to benefit intellectually disabled individuals.

PHOTOS BY JOE DEMARTINO

Carmen Maines and Allison Campbell

Ramon & Christina Mohammed

Steve & Suzanne Whitehurst Tracy & David Jenkins Terri Vette, Kelley Jenkins and Melodee Schneider

Cindy & Bob Venheyde Rufus & Vernice Franklin

View more Social Scene photos and purchase prints of your favorites at ocalastyle.com

92

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

David & Connie Witter

Monica & Thiroshan Chetty

An Elegant Evening of Thanks GOLDEN OCALA In late November, the Heart of Florida Hope Foundation and ARC Marion hosted the 12th annual “An Elegant Evening of Thanks” at Golden Ocala. The fundraising gala, which featured a dinner, dancing and both live and silent auctions, raised over $85,000 for Scholarships of Hope to benefit intellectually disabled individuals.

PHOTOS BY JOE DEMARTINO

Mary & John Tight

Tom & Pam Falanga

Lisa & Tom Formanek

Shannon & David Gagnon

Todd & Allison Blankenship

Jason & Erica Kirkland Philip & Afiyie Dankyi

View more Social Scene photos and purchase prints of your favorites at ocalastyle.com

Gene Diamond and Dotti Green Melodee Schneider, Gary Stenzel and Teri Patzwald

mar’11

ocalastyle.com

93

Scene

the

THESOCIALSCENE

Florida Feast SOUTHEASTERN LIVESTOCK PAVILION It was a feast fit for a true Floridian at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion when the Marion County Roadbuilders Association recently hosted a fundraising dinner featuring gator tail, frog legs, venison and fried turkey. Proceeds for the evening benefited ARC Marion, Interfaith Emergency Services and several other local charities.

Sara & Rebecca Lefils

Bill Bigler and Renee Ozment

PHOTOS BY JOE DEMARTINO

Paul & Andrew Smith, Jordon Willis

Cathi & Bob Trullender

Jon & Sonya Tyler

Terry Russian Dave Houston, Michelle Redding and Chris Welch

View more Social Scene photos and purchase prints of your favorites at ocalastyle.com

94

ocalastyle.com

mar’11

Mike Newton, Justin Highs and Mike Newton Jr.

Rachel, Sheryl, Madison & Lance Hill

Amana AC #10 stuffers.qxd:Amana AC #10 stuffers.qxd

Comfort You Can Count On. At All American Air, we specialize in keeping our customers comfortable. That means we do everything from regular heating and cooling equipment check-ups to emergency service to recommending and installing new equipment.

If you have any heating or cooling questions or problems, you can count on our trained service team for prompt answers and service.

1/15/08

8:29 AM

FREE AC! It’s possibly the best warranty in the home comfort industry. If the compressor ever fails, the Amana® brand will supply a new air conditioner to the original registered owner.* With this warranty, you may never need to buy another air conditioner.

*Restrictions apply, ask your Dealer for full details. Online registration required within 60 days of installation. For full warranty information, visit www.amana-hac.com. Amana is a trademark of Maytag Corporation and is used under license to Goodman Company L.P. All rights reserved.

When you choose All American Air you can feel confident that you’re getting the highest quality in both products and service. We’re committed to delivering 100% customer satisfaction in everything we do. Here are some of the features and services we offer:

• • • • • • • • • •

Established 1996 Fully Licensed & Insured EPA Certified Technicians Radio Dispatched Trucks Satisfaction Guarantee Free Indoor Air Quality Analysis Duct Sanitizing Maintenance Agreements Saturday & Evening Appointments Free 2nd Opinion on Condemned Compressors

24 HOUR SERVICE

ALL AMERICAN AIR & ELECTRIC Marion 352-629-1211 • Lake 352-750-9080 • Citrus 352-795-9686 St. Lucie 772-461-6616 • Indian River 772-567-1135 www.AAAEinc.com All Major Credit Cards Accepted • Financing Available • #ECO002438 • #CACO57965

Page 1

TOYOTA MAKES THE CAR...

MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

Deluca To yota, proud sp onsor of the HITS Ocala Winter C ircuit. $100,00 0 Deluca Toyota T undra Gran Prix .

Our goal is to create and retain customers for life. — Frank DeLuca, President/Owner

2011 Toyota Tundra SANDY BEACH METALLIC

20 MPG 352.732.0770 | 800.342.2550

www.DelucaToyota.com | 1719 SW College Road | Ocala

Scan here with your smartphone and visit DelucaToyota.com

B E P R E P A R E D F O R E X C E P T I O N A L LY L A R G E S AV I N G S

Pay off your home in 5 years

IF

you have 30% or more equity in your home... you want to avoid high closing costs...

4.07 199 % $

5-year FIXED APR1 First Mortgage (Please call for other rates & terms)

TOTAL CLOSING COSTS2 (Loans of $200,000 or less)

Apply online at campuscu.com or 87 -4939 today! call 873 Membership is open to everyone in Alachua, Clay, Columbia, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties! 3 1 Offer does not apply to existing CAMPUS loans. Offer is for new loans only. Credit approval, sufficient income, adequate property valuation (maximum LTV of 70%), and first mortgage position are required. Owner-occupied property only. Offer excludes mobile homes; certain other restrictions apply. Property and flood insurance may be required. Example: a $100,000 loan at 3.99% for 60 months would require 59 monthly payments of $1842.04 and one final payment of $1787.83, total finance charge of $10,468.19; for a total of payments of $110,468.19. The amount financed is $99,833.00 the APR is 4.072%. APR=Annual Percentage Rate. 2 On loans over $125,000, title insurance may be required at an additional expense to the borrower. 3 Credit approval and initial deposit of $5 required. Mention this ad and we’ll waive the $15 new member fee.

Ocala 3097 SW College Rd.

East Ocala 2444 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government

National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency

West Marion 11115 SW 93rd Court Rd.

G’ville - E. Campus 1200 SW 5th Ave. W. Campus 1900 SW 34th St. Jonesville 107 NW 140th Terrace Hunter’s Walk 5115 NW 43rd St. Tower Square 5725 SW 75th St. Shands at UF Room H-1 Springhills Commons 9200 NW 39th Ave. Summerfield 17950 US Hwy. 441 Lake City 183 SW Bascom Norris Dr.

THEPROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS

NEXT CLASS START DATES

APRIL 18 & MAY 23

ENROLL TODAY!

FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO QUALIFY

11915 CR 103 | The Villages, FL 32162

352.753.5511 | 352.259.6706

MENU OF SERVICES All Services Performed by Supervised Students Starting At

Shampoo & Haircut Shampoo, Haircut & Style Children’s Haircut Shampoo & Style Redken Haircolor only Redken Haircolor & Style Manicure Pedicure Facial

$8 10 5 9 19 26 8 19 18

352.259.6717 Call Now To Book An Appointment TheVillagesTSPA.com LICENSED BY THE FLORIDA COMMISSION FOR INDEPENDENT EDUCATION, LIC. # 3387