Ocala Style Magazine Apr'16

APR’16

Ocala

LEAVE IT TO THE HOME PROS | ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING | BUYING & SELLING

Parade omes H MCBIA SPRING '16

of

APRIL 9-24

WWW.ARTHURRUTENBERGHOMES.COM UND ER NEW OWNERSHIP: KINSELL CUSTOM HOMES, LLC, AN INDEPENDENT FRANCHISE OF ARTHUR RUTENBERG HOMES

Considering Ocala?

COUNTRY CLUB OF OCALA

Enjoy every minute you are at home in this sleek and stylish kitchen with many custom features. Experience the sensational setting of this luxurious pool, spa, deck, and summer kitchen. Master suite is located on the main level and opens to pool. Family recreational room is on 2nd level and opens to screen enclosed balcony overlooking pool and golf course.

54+ ACRE EQUESTRIAN SPORTING HORSE FACILITY

- Perfect for any breed. Majestic knoll is the setting for this residence with superior finishes throughout, beautiful and inviting, ideal for entertaining. Large family room with stunning beamed ceilings, travertine floors, gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances, luxurious master suite with elegant bath plus upstairs bonus room with full bath. French doors lead onto covered porch with stone fireplace and summer kitchen overlooking lush green pastures. Three barns with a total of 36 stalls, 3/2 managers home, lighted irrigated dressage arena.

VIA PARADISUS

• 3 to 155+ Acre home sites • Access to Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenways and Trails • Across the street from the Florida Horse Park • Equestrian Friendly neighborhood

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

Due to the privacy and at the discretion of my clients, there are additional training centers, estates, and land available which are not advertised.

Joan Pletcher REALTOR ®

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

You Will Love Your New Smile!

Chandra Smile Designs is a oneof-a-kind haven for your smile transformation. Your smile and oral health are very important.

If you are thinking of enhancing your smile, you owe it to yourself to seek out the best. Beautiful results take an expertly trained dentist/artist. Dr. Chandra is uniquely qualified and has earned the highest level of achievement from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Let

her change your life by transforming your smile.

TINA CHANDRA, D.D.S. Cosmetic, Neuromuscular and Sleep Dentist, LVI Fellow

Debbie Camogliano

– Administrator for Dr. Romulo Camogliano, The Villages, Fl

Smile by Dr. Tina Chandra

BEFORE

AFTER

a beautiful smile begins here cosmetic veneers smile makeovers zoom! bleaching TMJ disorder

bite problems sleep apnea sedation dentistry botox + juvederm

(352) 861-1500 chandrasmiles.com

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE

SOUNDS OF LIFE

Monthly Payment Plan

Our Most Popular INVISIBLE SoundLens is Still Available...

On Sale Now

3-Series 20 Completely-In-Canal

995

$

(reg. $1,995)

Lifetime hearing aid care to all patients—established or not!

Trade In Those Old Hearing Aids for $500!*

DOCTOR

Owned & Operated You will be seen and cared for by Dr. Shon Murray, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology Over 15 Years Experience

Medicare Provider - All Insurances Accepted *on any z-series hearing aids

See Our Website For SPECIALS & Video Testimonials

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

www.HearingBalance.net

TS A E B DY ES! O B O N IC R P R OU

2016 NISSAN

TITAN

2016 NISSAN

FRONTIER

MADE IN CANTON, MS SPACIOUS AND FUNCTIONAL CABIN WITH EASY-TO-USE CONTROLS. RESPONSIVE HANDLING FOR A PICK UP! –E DMONDS.COM

SOLID TO THE CORE FRONTIER’S FULL LENGTH IS BUILT FOR ROCK SOLID PERFORMANCES ON AND OFF ROAD. BUILT WITH SUPER-HIGH-TENSILE-STRENGTH STEEL, CHROME REAR BUMPER AND GRILL, WITH REAR PRIVACY GLASS THAT ADDS A TOUCH OF ATTITUDE. SEATS 5. 19/23 MPG

SE Highw

“You cannot have a better buying experience!”

“The New Leader in Customer Service”

—Ted Lindsay

Doing Business The Right Way, Every Day! Serving Our Community For Over 33 Years!

Sales Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 12pm-6pm | Service Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm, Sat 8am-5pm 2060 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34471 | 352-622-4111 or Toll Free 800-342-3008

www.pearsonnissanofocala.com

way 42

Locate Your Business in a Lucrative Villages Market

Now Leasing Tenant Testimonial

• The Villages is the fastest growing market in the nation.

• The average median income of a Villages home buyer is $93,800.

• Retail, medical and professional space available at one of the highest traffic count intersections in the area— across from the Summerfield Super Walmart.

• 3 major access points and ample parking.

Contact Heather Reyes for more information on the Spruce Creek Properties today!

“This location will build your practice or business quickly. We started here, remained here, and now have multiple locations. The landlord is wonderful and very supportive of the needs of your business or practice. Heather Reyes is a true professional and available at all times.”

—Adam Santos, PA-C & John Santos, ARNP CEO/Owners, 441 Urgent Care

Stonecrest Golf Club Walmart Supercenter

Hw

Spruce Creek Properties

41

y4

El Camino Real The Villages Regional Hospital

Morse Blvd.

Heather Reyes

First American International, Inc. Licensed Real Estate Broker

352.245.5090 HeatherReyes5@hotmail.com

Marion County’s Most Recognized Name In Custom Home Building Since 1988

BUILDING IN BELLECHASE, THE COUNTRY CLUB OF OCALA, THE VININGS, THE ARBORS AND ON YOUR HOMESITE UTILIZING YOUR PLANS OR OURS.

C A L L T O D AY F O R A N E W- B U I L D C O N S U LTAT I O N

352.694.5022 3251 SE 31st St, OCALA C E N T E R S TAT E C O N S T R U C T I O N . C O M LIKE LIC # CGC 1511237

US

ON

FACEBOOK

uxury ome Team Dear Future Clients,

Whether you are looking to buy or sell your luxury home, we are confident that The Brian Cox Team are just the Realtors you need. Specializing in luxury homes, we have knowledge of the market and our devotion to clients puts us at the top.

We will always work hard and get fast results.

Our professional attitude makes for smooth transactions. If you are looking to sell your home, our team offers next-level advertising. Buyers are always satisfied with our constant communication and extreme organization. We look forward to hearing from you and getting you to the closing table!

Sale pending with The Brian Cox Team

“The Brian Cox Team is top notch, very professional, highly involved and easy to work with.”

— Todd Barfield Great Work Ethic • Personal Attention Tech Savvy • Professional Marketing

NEXT GENERATION REALTY BRIAN COX

AND

LORI CORNELIUS

Cell: 352-812-4111

Cell: 352-274-0743

Brian@BrianCoxTeam.com

LoriC.RealEstate@gmail.com

1720 SE 16th Ave, Bldg. 200, Ocala, FL 34471 Office: 352-433-2818 • Fax: 352-387-2373

The Villages Facelift The Villages Facelift Specialist You Can Trust Specialist You Can Trust Surgical or Non-Surgical.

Surgical or Non-Surgical.

Don’t settle for less.

Don’t settle for less.

Dr. Rich Castellano is a Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon as seen on:

Results are Results typical areand typical do vary. and do vary.

Dr. Rich Castellano is a Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon as seen on:

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Results areand typical and do vary.

Results are typical do vary.

YOU’RE NEW! YOU’RE FACIAL BEAUTY MASTER CLASS INVITED! INVITED!

LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE

FREE IMAGELIFT BOOK

Free ImageLift seminars are being held at the following locations in April and May. Meet the doctors and enjoy free food, free books, drawings and door prizes.

Free ImageLift seminars being held at the following locations CALL NOW TOare RSVP - LIMITED SEATING in April and May. Meet the doctors and enjoy free food, free books, PROMO CODE drawings and door prizes.

for first 20 callers!

CALL NOW TO “STYLE” RSVP - LIMITED SEATING (Retail $14.95) FREE IMAGELIFT BOOK PROMO CODE for first 20 callers!Seminar at the Waterfront Inn, The Villages June 2nd “STYLE” April 5thFiller ImageLift Offiatce,The TheVillages Villages ImageLift (Retail $14.95) June 16th Luncheon office

Gabby’s Event Center, Clermont JuneApril 23rd12thSeminar at the Waterfront Inn, The Villages April 21st Waterfront Inn, Th e Villages June 2nd Seminar at the Waterfront Inn, The Villagesoffice July 7th Filler Luncheon at The Villages ImageLift April Holiday InnWaterfront Conference Center, Ocala June 16th Luncheon at The Villages ImageLift July 14th27thFiller Seminar at the Inn, The Villagesoffice May 3rd ImageLift Offi ce, Th e Villages June 23rd Seminar at the Waterfront Inn, The Villages May Waterfront The Villages July 7th19thFiller LuncheonInn, at The Villages ImageLift office CitrusatHills Golf and Country Club, Hernando JulyMay 14th26thSeminar the Waterfront Inn, The Villages

Dr. Castellano

THE VILLAGES // 8630 East County RoadDr.466 Castellano 877.346.2435 www.IMAGELIFT.com THE VILLAGES // //8630 East County Road 466

877.346.2435 // www.IMAGELIFT.com

BETTER BY

LEAPS AND BOUNDS PET/CT PET/CT provides remarkably detailed real-time images of the body’s anatomical, functional and metabolic activity, allowing easier and more accurate analysis, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of issues of the head, limbs and body than PET or CT imaging alone. Our highly advanced and accurate PET/CT system represents a big leap forward in technology – and in the quality of your care.

RADIOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF OCALA, P.A.

(352) 671-4300 | www.RAOcala.com BOARD CERTIFIED, FELLOWSHIP TRAINED RADIOLOGISTS (left to right):

Ralf R. Barckhausen, MD • Malcolm E. Williamson, II, MD Fredric C. Wollett, MD We are proudly contracted with a variety of insurances and file all claims with the exception of non-contracted HMO's. Please visit our website for a detailed list of who we are contracted with. Contracted insurances are subject to change.

PIN US ON

Since 1 91 9

Contents

In Every Issue

APRIL ’16

017 T H E

BUZZ

By Cealia Athanason, Grace Cali, Kevin Christian, JoAnn Guidry and Katie McPherson

018 020 022 024 026

GOING PLACES HORSIN’ AROUND ONE ON ONE MUST READS CLASS ACTS

027 T H E

HIVE

By Cealia Athanason, Grace Cali and Katie McPherson

028 030 032 033

CHIT CHAT COOL KIDS SNAPSHOTS KIDS’ KORNER

065 T H E

DISH

By Cealia Athanason, Grace Cali, JoAnn Guidry and Katie McPherson

066 P I C K I N ’ P E P P E R S 071 D I N I N G G U I D E

034 Mom.com.

077 T H E

Motherhood in 2016 is all about connecting and community.

Nowhere is this more apparent than parenting blogs, full of advice on every topic imaginable. › By Katie McPherson

SCENE

By Bonnie Kretchik & Katie McPherson

080 086 088 090

038 The Sweet Life Of Bees. According to the

A QUICK Q&A FIND YOUR SUD HOME SWEET HOME THE SOCIAL SCENE

In This Issue APR’16

Ocala

LEAVE IT TO THE HOME PROS | ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING | BUYING & SELLING

Parade Homes MCBIA SPRING '16

of

APRIL 9-24

WWW.ARTHURRUTENBERGHOMES.COM U N D ER N EW OWN ERSH IP: KIN SELL CU STO M H O MES, LLC, AN IN D EPEN D EN T FRAN CHI SE OF ARTHUR RUTENBERG HOM ES

2016 Parade of Homes.

Arthur Rutenberg Homes is just one of the home builders you’ll find at this year’s MCBIA Spring Parade of Homes, April 9-24.

USDA, “More than three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants rely on pollinators, such as bees, to reproduce, meaning pollinators help produce one out of every three bites of food Americans eat.” › By Cynthia McFarland

044 A Little Bit Country. Ideas,

inspiration and serious shopping opportunities highlight a weekend to remember. › By Cynthia McFarland

048 Nothing But Blue Skies. The real

estate market seems to finally be rebounding, so exactly where do we stand in the local housing market, and is our future as rosy as it seems? › By Jim Gibson

052 Home Pros Who Know. Whether you’re in the

market for a new home, a remodel or that perfect piece to complete your new look, the home pros featured in this month’s issue have the answer you’ve been looking for.

060 Off The Grid.

When it comes to independent living, self-reliance, minimizing your carbon footprint and saving money, nothing comes close to living off the grid. › By Jim Gibson APR ’16 ›

013

Riley™ Pulldown Kitchen Faucet

Y O U R H O M E S AY S A L O T A B O U T Y O U .

W E ’ R E H E R E TO L I S T E N .

Your home is a reflection of you. Ferguson’s product experts are here to listen to every detail of your vision, and we’ll work alongside you and your designer, builder or remodeler to bring it to life. Our product experts will help you find the perfect products from the finest bath, kitchen and lighting brands in the world. Request an appointment with your own personal Ferguson product expert and let us discover the possibilities for your next project.

Visit Ferguson.com/showrooms to get started.

OCALA 3501 SW 13TH ST (352) 732-3114 ©2016 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. 0316 120873

FERGUSON.COM/SHOWROOMS

Ocala

QUALITY CARE PERSONALIZED SERVICE THROUGH

Magazine

• • • • • •

PUBLISHER

Kathy Johnson kathy@ocalastyle.com

OFFICE/PRODUCTION MANAGER

Cynthia Brown

cynthia@ocalastyle.com

Board Certified Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, Sleep Medicine On Staff at All Three Ocala Hospitals Offices In Ocala and The Villages Accepting New Patients HealthGrades® Five-Star Doctor

POONAM WARMAN, MD 352-369-6139

Editorial EXECUTIVE EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR

Karin Fabry-Cushenbery Melissa Peterson

karin@ocalastyle.com melissa@ocalastyle.com

Just Relocated – Private Practice Now Open!

ASSOCIATE EDITOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Katie McPherson Cealia Athanason

katie@ocalastyle.com cealia@ocalastyle.com

All of your dental needs in one place.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kevin Christian Jim Gibson Laurel Gillum JoAnn Guidry

Bonnie Kretchik Cynthia McFarland Carlton Reese Judge Steven Rogers

• Digital X-Rays • Dentures/Partials • Oral Surgery/ Extractions • Crowns/Bridges

EDITORIAL INTERN

Grace Cali

• Root Canals • IV Sedation • Implant Placement to Final Restoration • Same-Day Appointments

Art CREATIVE DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR

Jason Fugate Jessi Miller Castro

jason@ocalastyle.com jessi@ocalastyle.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER SOCIAL SCENE EDITOR

Christina Geiger Ronald W. Wetherington ronald@ocalastyle.com

Se habla español!

Cesar A. Caceres D.M.D.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sheila Hartley

352-629-1314

www.amazingsmilesdentistry.com

10230 SW 86 Circle, Suite 100, Ocala, FL 34481 (Turn right at 103rd After Steeplechase) th

sheila@ocalastyle.com

John Jernigan

jernigan@ocalastyle.com

The Genuine. The Original.

Crys Williams shutterstock.com Sales DIRECTOR OF SALES

Dean Johnson

deanjohnson@ocalastyle.com SALES MANAGER

Sharon Morgan

Overhead DoorCompany of Ocala

sharon@ocalastyle.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Lori Tani

lori@ocalastyle.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Dawn Anderson

dawn@ocalastyle.com

Liza Fritz

liza@ocalastyle.com

Skip Linderman

skip@ocalastyle.com

Peggy Sue Munday

VISIT US AT THE

peggysue@healthylivingmagazines.com

Tammy Walters

The Carriage House Collection

tammy@healthylivingmagazines.com DISTRIBUTION

“Many garage door companies may say Overhead Door in their name, but unless you see the Overhead Door Company logo, you’re not getting true Overhead Door Company products, installation, services and support.”

Dave Adams

dave@ocalastyle.com

Debra McQueen Rick Shaw

OCALA PUBLICATIONS, INC.

o: 352.732.0073 › f: 352.732.0226 1007 E. Fort King St., Ocala, FL 34731 ocalastyle.com OCALA STYLE MAGAZINE / APRIL 2016 / VOL. 18, NO. 4

Published monthly by Ocala Publications, Inc. All contents © 2016 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” denote a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims and content of advertisements.

OCALA / MARION COUNTY

FONTS COLORS

TAGLINE & ARROW

OcalaPublications

GREYSCALE LOGOS

CHAMBER & ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

OCALA / MARION COUNTY

CHAMBER & ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

OCALA / MARION COUNTY

CHAMBER & ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP OCALA / MARION COUNTY

CHAMBER & ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

MOVING FORWARD MOVING FORWARD MOVING FORWARD MOVING FORWARD

Home, Garden & Lifestyle Expo

April 30th at CFCC

Whether you need an attractive, insulated door for your home or a specialty automatic door for your business, we can meet your requirement.

Overhead Door Company of Ocala

352-622-5737www.overheaddoorocala.com Overhead Door Company of Gainesville 352-468-2733 www.overheaddoorgnv.com

APR ’16 ›

MAIN FONT:

TRADE GOTHIC BOLD (Kerning 50pt) TAGLINE FONT:

TRADE LIGHT OBLIQUE (Kerning 50pt)

COLOR

CMYK

HEX CODE (WEB)

PMS (APPROX)

Main Blue:

50,0,20,0

#77cdd0

325C

Secondary Blue:

100,10,30,30

#007989

7474C

015

Working Responsibly

To Protect OUR EARTH 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:

Specializing in:

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION

Service Upgrades Power Distribution

REFERRAL PROGRAM

Safety Inspections Gates & Barn Wiring

$ / 50 50

$

Site Lighting Computers/Data Generator Installation Medical Equipment Landscape Lighting

24 HOUR

$50 For You & $50 Off The First Service Call For A Family Member or Friend No Expiration, First-Time Customers Only, One Offer Per Customer

• • • • • • • • • • •

Established 1996 Fully Licensed & Insured EPA-Certified Technicians Radio-Dispatched Trucks Satisfaction Guarantee Free Indoor Air Quality Analysis Duct Sanitizing UV Protection Maintenance Agreements Saturday & Evening Appointments Free 2nd Opinion on Condemned Compressors

SERVICE

ALL AMERICAN AIR & ELECTRIC Marion 352-629-1211 • Lake 352-750-9080 • Citrus 352-795-9686 • Sumter 352-330-2242 St. Lucie 772-878-5143 • Indian River 772-567-1135 • Brevard 321-733-7809

www.AAAEinc.com All Major Credit Cards Accepted • Financing Available • #ECO002438 • #CACO57965

APR’16

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE TO HOMES, FARMS AND L AND FOR SALE IN MARION COUNT Y

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF

Considering Ocala?

BREEZY KNOLL FARM

Beautifully maintained 26.84 +/- acre horse farm with highway frontage on Hwy 301. Main residence features 3/3 plus Florida room with in ground pool and a 1/1 guest house that sports an indoor solar heated pool that’s great for entertaining. Property includes a 4-stall barn, 4-paddocks, extra-large detached garage/workshop and 2 wells. $650,000

GREAT MINIďšşFARM

situated on 15 acres adjoins Padua farm. 4 Bedroom/ 3 bath home features detached 3-car garage with apartment. In-ground pool with lights and waterfall. For the horse enthusiast there are two 14-stall barns with office, feed room, A/C tack room, paddocks, gallop track and equine swimming pool. $995,000

CAMELLIA PARADISE

10 acres in the Southwest. Imagine coming home on a winding drive greeted by magnificent camellias of all colors. A morning stroll enjoying your Satsuma tangerine or Honey Bell orange in complete privacy. Custom one level home with split floor plan features open kitchen with center island, beautiful cabinets and crown molding. Master offers French doors leading onto lanai. Spacious lanai overlooks pool with waterfall and cobblestone paver deck. $524,900

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!

Custom built split floor plan home on 9.27 acres. Features gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, formal dining room with beautiful wood floors and spacious family room with beverage bar. Luxurious master suite with bonus room for an office/nursery or craft room plus separate private media room. Large screen enclosed pool area perfect for entertaining. $900,000

10.50 ACRES IN EQUINE ESTATES acres with magnificent

Granddaddy Oaks and great building sites.

Bring your plans and pick your site. Equine Estates is a gated equine friendly neighborhood with perimeter bridle trail, access to the Florida Greeways and Trails and located across the road from the Florida Horse park.

OWN A PIECE OF AMERICANA

#1

Amazing Possibilities - Great Building Sites

#2 Unique 26.88 Acres with small cottage and barn. $806,400 #3 40.24 Acres parcel with centurian Live Oaks and green pastures. $1,088,640

#2 SW 27TH AVE

#1 Almost in town 24 Acres with Brick 3 Bedroom, 2 bath home. $799,000

#3 66TH STREET

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

Due to the privacy and at the discretion of my clients, there are additional training centers, estates, and land available which are not advertised.

Joan Pletcher L I CE N SE D RE A L E S TATE BROK ER

352.347.1777 | Cell: 352.266.9100 | 352.804.8989 www.joanpletcher.com joanpletcher@aol.com

THE

President

The Expo Returns!

Join OMCAR For The 2016 Spring Home, Garden & Lifestyle Expo At CF!

T

› Dale Barron, President

Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors

hrough a joint collaboration between the Marion County Building Industry Association, the Chamber and Economic Partnership and the Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors®, the 2016 Spring Home, Garden and Lifestyle Expo returns to the Klein Conference Center in the Ewers Century Center at the College of Central Florida on Saturday, April 30 from 10am to 3pm.

The 2016 Expo will be a signature event and will be bigger and better than ever before, as three of the area’s leading business and industry organizations have joined together to provide a unique experience where homeowners and homebuyers—particularly first-time homebuyers—will be able to find professional advice on housing options and available home financing, innovative products, creative remodeling ideas, DIY advice and great deals from a variety of experts—all under one roof.

A diverse and talented group of experts will bring local residents the latest innovative ideas and practical advice, along with useful information to help even first-time homebuyers. There will also be a full range of on-site exhibits and product demonstrations featuring these innovative products and services. Some of the seminar topics include: “Money for Homebuyers,” “Understanding Your Credit,” “Buying vs. Renting” and “First-Time Home Buying, Why Use A Realtor®?”

P R O PER T Y Shown By Appointment Only Custom Built Brick Home with Impressive Floor Plan and Luxury Upgrades • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

6,000 Square Feet Under Roof White Sandy Beach with 300-foot Beachfront 3 Bedroom/4 Bath Large Front Entry and Foyer Custom Eat-in Kitchen/Large Center Island/Large Pantry/and Butler’s Pantry Laundry Room off Kitchen area Formal Living and Dining Rooms Office and Library Room Family Room with Gas Fireplace Overlooking Lake/ French Doors leading to Back Deck Master Bedroom w/ Bay window overlooking lake Master Bath w/ Garden Tub & Huge Walk-in Closet Game Room Upstairs with Brunswick Pool Table and Walk-In Attic Access Large Back Deck with Cookhouse and 1/2 Bath Incline Car to Lake Large Outdoor Workshop and Storage 40x60 with Electric and Septic 1/2 Bath with Hookup for RV Majestic Oaks Lining Driveway Lush Landscaping Rustic Beach House with over 500 Foot Dock Large Screened-In Back Porch with Custom Built-In Gas Cooker which leads to Back Deck

George Albright (352) 362-3000

Joan Pletcher (352) 804-8989 Registered Real Estate Brokers and Agents

There are two words for you to know when it comes to real estate right now:

SELLER’S MARKET! NOW is the right time!

Sellers are receiving multiple offers! Get more money for your home by listing now.

With very few good quality homes on the market, if you were to list today, there would be less competition. This means you will more than likely get the best price possible for your home.

Contact us to find out how much your home could sell for in today’s market!

NEXT GENERATION REALTY

The Camacho Team Specializes In: • First Time Home Buyers • Second Homes • Investments/Vacation Homes • An international network of top agents • Specialized in Farm and Acreage / Blake Hunter

Give us a call today!

352-229-2986 cell • 352-553-0961 office

• Se habla español thecamachoteam.com 1720 SE 16th Avenue, Bldg 200, Ocala

2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

Carolyn ROBERTS

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

BROKER/REALTOR ®

ckr@robertsflorida.com www.robertsflorida.com | mail@robertsflorida.com TING NEW LIS

ICE NEW PR

EXQUISITE TRADITIONAL HOME

TURNING HAWK RANCH • • • • •

6 bedrooms 5 full and 3 half baths 5 car garage In –law apartment Breathtaking 4.80 acres • Exercise room, grand study, and theater room $999,000

• • • •

4 bedrooms 4 full bathrooms 5.99+/- acres Gracious, open living areas • 2 master bedrooms 1 upstairs & 1 downstairs

• Amazing pool with slide • Summer kitchen • Sand volleyball court and a half basketball court with lights

$724,999

ML# 435939

• Stunning swimming pool • Detached guest suite • True hardwood floors • Shoenbeck crystal chandelier • Reverse Osmosysis all water system

COUNTRY CLUB OF OCALA • 5 Bedrooms • 3.5 baths • Overlooking 12th fairway • Well-designed modern, smart and open floor plan • Custom staircase

ML# 431925

$799,000

• Detached pool house with kitchenette and half bath • Soaring ceilings, solid maple floors, crown molding • Spacious kitchen w/top-of-the-line appliances ML# 439818

COUNTRY CLUB OF OCALA ICE NEW PR

· · · ·

Park-Like Setting on Golf Course 4 Bedroom 4.5 Bath Pool Home on 1.03 Acres 3854 Sq Ft w/Add’l 825 Sq Ft 2.5 Car Garage w/Separate Guest Quarters $999,000 ML# 425192

· · · ·

Perfect for entertaining 4 Bedrooms & 3.5 Baths on 1 Acre 4,803 Sq Ft w/ Beautiful Courtyard 4 car garage $699,000 ML# 436443

· · · ·

Beautiful Oaks & Lush Landscaping 4 Bedroom 4.5 Bath Pool Home on 1.07 Acres 3799 Sq Ft w/Screened Lanai 2 Car Garage $599,900 ML# 435231

· · · ·

Private and Peaceful Treed Lot 4 Bedroom 3 Bath on 1.00 Acres 3411 Sq Ft w/750 Sq Ft Screened Lanai 2 Car Attached and 2 Car Detached Garage $560,000 ML# 434360

· · · ·

Nestled Among Beautiful Trees 4 Bedroom 3.5 Bath on 1.56 Acres 4598 Sq Ft Built Around Koi Pond & Waterfall 3 Car Garage $779,000 ML# 433521

· · · ·

Build Your Dream Home Views of the 7th Fairway 1.03 Acre Lot Partially Cleared Few Lots Left in This Prestigious Community $189,000 ML# 431907

mbelliott1@aol.com

ld Your Home So

D E E T N A R A U G *

! t I y u B l l ’ e W r O

To discuss the sale of your home, call Luis & Elisha Lopez

@ 352-427-0026... and start packing!*

BUFFINGTON ESTATES, COUNTRYSIDE ESTATES, DALTON WOODS Many beautiful homes in these well-established neighborhoods. Prices starting in the $200,000’s.

Call Jenni Kennedy for details @ 352-775-0078.

EQUINE PROPERTIES — 3 TO 30 Acres close to all equine facilities. Prices starting $249,000 to $1,390,000.

Call Marco Mariti, Horse Farm Specialist @ 352-274-6224

WESTBURY — Lakefront property with indoor pool and 1786 sqft guest house on almost 4.5 acres for $1,895,000.

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MARION OAKS — Newer 3/2/2’s starting @ $79,900 & 4/2/2’s starting @ $ 90,000 Call Miguel Rodriguez for details @ 352-598-9693.

SE OCALA PROPERTIES — Awesome homes in SE Ocala on .5 ac to 5 ac starting at $179,000.

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NW OCALA HOMES — NW Ocala homes with acreage, paddocks and close to HITS. Prices starting at $400,000.

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Happy Child, Healthy Child

Last year alone The Centers counseled more than 3,000 Marion County children at their children’s campus on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. An additional 1,000-plus were admitted to the inpatient crisis unit. While most children are carefree and happy, many suffer, often silently, from anxiety, depression, self-worth issues and more.

That’s why The Centers is hosting its first Walk For Children’s Mental Health.

The event, which will include food trucks, live music and a Chinese lantern release, will begin at Citizens’ Circle at 7pm on Friday, April 22. Registration takes place beginning at 5:45pm the day of the event (or online ahead of time at beyouwalk.com). There is no minimum donation to walk.

“The funds raised from this event will go to help build a new children’s mental health facility here in Ocala,” says Chief Mission Advancement Officer for The Centers Meghan Shay. “We want to ensure that no child who needs mental health counseling has to wait for it. We’re using this event as a platform to encourage communication within schools and families about mental health. We want to erase the stigma and increase access to therapeutic treatments for children dealing with mental health issues. You can’t be physically well without your mental health.

The two go hand in hand.”

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WANT TO GO? › Walk For Children’s Mental Health › April 22 › Registration begins

at 5:45pm, walk begins at 7pm › To register, visit beyouwalk.com

COMIC CON IS COMING

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GOING PLACES

Nerding Out

What if The Walking Dead, Star Wars, Face Off and more all collided for one geek-tacular event? Why, you’d be at Forest High School’s YP Comic Con 2016 on Saturday, April 9. › By Katie McPherson

J

A Quick Q & A

With Scott Fensterer

Interview by Katie McPherson

Scott Fensterer is best known for his work on season 9 of Face Off. Now he’s a resident of Ocala and will be debuting his skills to the community at Forest High’s Comic Con.

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WANT TO GO? › Forest High School YP Comic Con at Forest High School › Saturday, April 9, 10am-6pm › Tickets are $5,

kids 5 & under free › open to the public › ypcomiccon.com

› Ocala

.com

Photo courtesy of Amber Santos and Geek Family Robinson

ennifer Pohlers, media specialist at Forest High, first organized the YP Comic Con event last year as a fundraiser for the FHS book club to purchase materials for the library. This year, it has all the main ingredients necessary to be a con to remember.

Celebrity guests include Cecil Grimes, a Rick Grimes lookalike currently being filmed as part of the documentary The Road to Sanctuary. (This event could be part of the movie!) Fans of SyFy’s Face Off can watch season 9 semifinalist Scott Fensterer as he creates a zombie makeup during an educational demo. A few other Face Off contestants will make surprise visits throughout the day, and there’ll be author sessions for anyone interested in comics and YA literature.

There will be two costume contests, one for zombie costumes and another for any genre. The Best in Show costume will win a day pass to Mega Con in Orlando.

(People in costume are asked to keep attire family friendly, and no fake weapons or sharp implements are permitted on school property.)

Attendees can take photos with Star Wars professional cosplayers and play trivia, while kiddos train to be superheroes with SHIELD and take down some villains.

For those who can’t attend YP Comic Con, Cecil Grimes and Scott Fensterer will all be at the Geek Family Robinson store right here in Ocala from 7pm to 10pm on the same day signing autographs and taking photos. (Photo-op prices will be donated to autism awareness efforts.) Admission and parking are free, and anyone sporting their YP Comic Con bracelet gets 20 percent off a purchase of $20 or more at the GFR store.

Can you share some details about the zombie makeup you’ll be doing?

You can probably figure a six-weeksfrom-death zombie, fairly broken down with a lot of lividity in the skin. Luckily. I have medical training with moulage. In Orlando, several times a year, they have mass trainings with 50 to 100 actors with injuries pinned to their back and an artist will emulate those injuries. Then, the army or EMTs come in, field treat and do a trauma dressing, and they look and see what the makeup was supposed to be and see how close they were. It’s like science meets special effects.

What do you enjoy about doing live demos?

I’m big into educating and showing people how to do makeup. A lot of times they have an appreciation for the show or the field, but they’ve never seen something like this take place.

They take for granted when they watch a show that there’s hundreds of people making it possible. The monsters are the most visible part besides the acting.

But there’s light techs, audio techs, story writing teams, so really you’re opening up a window to a world they may not have experienced.

For those interested in special effects and production, what could they do next to explore?

I’m a big proponent of reading. There are great mags like Make-Up Artist Magazine, which is one of the best.

You have books available now covering every facet of special effects makeup, so there are resources now that weren’t available. The Internet has a wealth of experience right at your fingertips. Study everything you can. (He recommends reading Todd Debreceni’s Special Makeup Effects for Stage and Screen.)

WANT TO GO? › Geek Family Robinson › Saturday, April 9, 7-10pm › 3227 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala › (352) 497-0446

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HORSIN’ AROUND

Equestrian Mentoring

Citra-based Horses N Heroes, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, offers young girls a unique mentoring program. › By JoAnn Guidry

T

he youngest of five children in a working-class family, Janey Adams knew horseback riding lessons were not a possibility. But when a friend told her about the free Horses N Heroes mentoring program, it became a reality.

“I was 9 years old when I first went to the Horses N Heroes farm,” says Adams, 19, a self-described animal lover. “From the first day I was around the horses, I always wanted to be at the farm. I was a very shy, quiet kid. But working on the farm, being responsible for caring for a horse and having the opportunity to learn to ride helped me come out of my shell.”

When Adams was 14, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

“When I was at the farm, I could forget about having diabetes,” says Adams. “I would focus on taking care of and riding the horses and helping the younger girls in the program. It showed me that I could handle anything.”

A North Marion High School honors graduate, Adams is now attending

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the University of Florida on a Florida Bright Futures scholarship.

She’s majoring in biology with aspirations of becoming a doctor.

And as often as she can, Adams spends time at Horses N Heroes as a volunteer.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that without Horses N Heroes, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she says. “It was and continues to be › Mindy Nolan-Morrow an important part of my life. It’s a wonderful program.”

Horses N Heroes, which had its early beginnings in 1994 in South Florida, was founded by Mindy Nolan-Morrow. Unlike the girls the program helps, Nolan-Morrow grew up in a family that could afford the equine lifestyle.

“I was very fortunate to grow up with the advantages that I had,” says Nolan-Morrow, who began riding when she was 3. “I developed a real passion for horses. Years later, when I wasn’t involved in horses, I realized the lessons I had learned that went on to serve me well in life. I wanted to do something to pass that on to young girls who didn’t have the opportunities that I’d had.”

That epiphany led Nolan-Morrow to establish Horses N Heroes. In 2005, Nolan-Morrow moved the operation to a 15-acre farm in Citra, which is home to 25 donated horses and currently has 32 girls involved in the program. The girls, 7 and up and who generally have no horse background, learn all aspects of horsemanship from grooming to riding. They come after school, on weekends and also have the opportunity to participate in local horse shows. The non-profit Horses N Heroes program operates on donations.

“The majority of these girls come from families living at the poverty level and have limited life opportunities,” says Nolan-Morrow, who takes no salary. “Working with horses teaches them a work ethic, gives them self-esteem; they learn about responsibility and team work. We’ve had many success stories of young girls who became valuable members of society thanks to the program. They’re the true heroes.”

Working with horses teaches them a work ethic, gives them self-esteem; they learn about responsibility and team work.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? › Horses N Heroes › Mindy Nolan-Morrow › (352) 629-5280, (561) 441-6275 › horsesnheroes.org › On Facebook: Horses-n-Heroes Of Marion County Inc.

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ONE ON ONE

13,000 Years, One Building

I

t sounds impossible to house 13,000 years of human history in one building, but the Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology makes it work in the former Florida Industrial School for Girls’ detention center, built in 1936.

A little building history: the McPherson Government Complex, where the museum is located, is named for the school’s founder, Alyce McPherson. Her office and that of her secretary are now used for exhibits, and her desk is now used by museum volunteers in the lobby. Every part of the museum has a story.

“She was a pioneer in what came to be the accepted way of treating the girls,” says Price Landrum, President of the Board of the Trust for The Marion County Historical Association, Inc., regarding the truant or otherwise delinquent students assigned here.

The MCMHA currently houses the Henderson Collection of Native American artifacts found in Silver Glen Springs during its development. They planned to use the shell mounds for roads until they unearthed arrow points, ceramics and human remains.

Guests can examine Ocale tribe relics (pronounced oh-cal-ee), like a hammer made with a conch shell and small stone tools.

“We don’t know how many may have been broken before they realized there was something in the mound,” Landrum explains.

The museum’s prize possession is, seemingly, it’s most simple: a bowl.

“Not only is it in one piece, it has the bottom. It was a tradition if they buried it with somebody, they broke the bottoms out, and they didn’t with this one.”

In the largest display case is a canoe found in Ocklawaha made from a preserved tree.

“It was treated for four or five years in 5,000 pounds of sugar,” Landrum explains.

The museum is also home to a mastodon rib and tooth. Through the next doorway is the Civil War era, and next comes a history of Fort King and the Armed Occupation Act. Browse that map and you’ll find familiar names from around town, originally belonging to those who purchased land here long ago. Six Gun and Silver Springs have their own dedicated sections, of course.

The rest of the rooms include photos, newspapers, artifacts and antiques from the history of Ocala and Marion County. Examining the photos reveals many of the downtown buildings have barely aged a day, but other parts of town have changed dramatically. (The Target on 200 was once an airport, complete with a WWII pilot training school.)

If you’re interested in learning about the history of our community, there is no better place than the Museum of History and Archaeology. Check in with the museum often about upcoming events, like Conversation with Roy Abshier (former chairman of the county commission) on Sunday, April 3 at 2pm in Green Clover Hall. Call for more information on events or if you’re interested in volunteering at the museum to give tours.

WANT TO GO? › Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology › 307 SE 26th Terrace, Ocala › (352) 236-5245 › marioncountyarchaeology.com/mcmha/mcmha › Admission $3, children 13 & under free › Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am-3pm 022

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Photos courtesy of Robin Corsiglia

Marion County is laden with history. We reference it every day without realizing it—it’s in the road names, building dedications and, sometimes for land developers, in the seemingly unimportant shell mounds actually full of Native American artifacts. › By Katie McPherson

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MUST READS

Booked Get busy with these must-reads by some of Florida’s own great authors.

Florida’s been home to writers like Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Ernest Hemingway and Jack Kerouac, and our great state continues to inspire writers today.

Explore a few of Florida’s current authors, each with the New York Times bestselling author title and a unique style to keep you reading through spring and summer. Curl up with themes from the Sunshine State, edgy sci-fi, crime fiction and romance from some of our state’s greats.

Roxanne St. Claire

Originally in the public relations field, this crime romance writer from Satellite Beach began writing stories just for fun. Her first manuscript caught the attention of a literary agent, and her second one was published in 2003. Since then, she’s written more than 40 novels—you might be hooked all summer long.

Read: Original Barefoot Bay Quartet series Synopsis: You’ll find these stories filled with Florida norms (like hurricanes), heart-warming relationships and edge-of-your-seat plots. roxannestclaire.com

Anton DiSclafani

The first of her two novels, Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls, immediately attracted the interest of multiple publishers. DiSclafani was raised in Ocala and now teaches creative writing at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Her second novel, The After Party, is set to release next month.

Read: Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls Synopsis: This coming-of-age story tells the tale of a young girl sent away to a riding camp for girls during the aftermath of a scandal that went down back home. antondisclafani.com

Carl Hiaasen

Famous for his satirical writing style, this Keys native has written 26 novels with a new one scheduled to release this summer. He’s been a Miami Herald columnist since 1985 and now has more than 1,000 columns under his belt. He’s also the author of the book Hoot that inspired the movie, and he’s known for sneaking humor into his well-crafted opinion pieces and stories.

Read: Skink—No Surrender Synopsis: The hero of his adult novels, Skink, makes an unexpected appearance in this young adult book. More appropriately, of course. carlhiaasen.com

Karen Russell

Randy Wayne White

It’s been said that a writer is made by his experiences. White’s list of daring real-life escapades plus his award-winning writing skills have definitely earned him his writer status. He lives in Sanibel Island and has written three book series full of crime and adventure, featuring characters Doc Ford, Hannah Smith and Randy Striker.

Read: Deep Blue Synopsis: In a thriller relevant to the times, you’ll follow Doc Ford on a journey to stop an American traitor, in true good-guy-versus-bad-guy form. randywaynewhite.com

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Sources: forbes.com, npr.org, nytimes.com

Originally from Miami, Russell focused her first novel and Pulitzer Prize finalist, Swamplandia!, on twisting Florida norms like gators and swamps into a fictional tale. She also writes short stories and has been recognized by The New Yorker for her imaginative work in her most recent mini-novel, Sleep Donation.

Read: Sleep Donation: A Novella Synopsis: Russell’s story creates an epidemic of insomnia in America’s not-so-distant future, and you’ll be surprised by the remedy she suggests. penguinrandomhouse.com

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When Quail Valley Country Club’s top golfer quits the morning of the annual tournament, they need a stroke of genius to win – and avoid disaster. This frantically funny farce hits a hole in one!

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Love is in bloom and sweethearts are in the spotlight with this romantic revue of the best of Broadway’s classic songs about love and marriage.

May 19 – June 12 Sponsored By: WIND FM and Ocala’s Good Life Magazine

Music by Alan Menken • Lyrics by Glenn Slater Book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner Additional Book Material by Douglas Carter Beane Based on the Touchstone Pictures Motion Picture Sister Act written by Joseph Howard

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CLASS ACTS

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS AND DISTRICT NEWS THAT SHAPE MARION COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. › By Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC

Middle School Pilots

The Civil Air Patrol at North Marion Middle knows how to fly high— literally! Thanks to a grant from the Public Education Foundation, cadets now train on a virtual flight simulator stationed in Mr. Elmore’s class. Many of the cadets then visit local airports to fly single-engine aircraft based on this training.

The school’s Civil Air Patrol group just started last year and is now the state’s largest middle school program.

20,000th Shopper!

It was just supposed to be her first trip to shop at the Tools 4 Teaching store, but it turned into a massive celebration! Lenisha Harris was the 20,000th shopper at the free supply store operated by the Public Education Foundation. Along with her own shopping items, she also won a tote bag filled with everything education-related.

So Long, Mrs. Laffey

Long-time educator Cheryl Laffey is hanging up her education hat and heading into retirement. After 32 years with Marion County Public Schools and retiring as principal of Dr. NH Jones Elementary, Laffey offered two tips of advice to her colleagues: “Remember there are always peaks after the valleys, and, when your day is rough, go into the classroom and get hugs from your students.”

Ellspermann Takes Over

Principal Jayne Ellspermann of West Port High School was elected president of the National Association of Secondary School Principals and recently accepted the gavel from her predecessor, Michael Allison. Starting this summer, Ellspermann will serve the entire nation in her new position as a principal on assignment from Marion County Public Schools to the NASSP.

Attendance…

Still Matters!

Osceola Middle honored its employees and students who earned “perfect attendance” for a one-month period recently. This means no absences, no tardies and no early checkouts.

The reward? Ice cream sundaes for 351 students and adults. Now that’s a tasty treat!

Battle Of The Belts

In a recent surprise survey, 97 percent of Vanguard High student drivers buckled up before leaving campus.

That earned them this year’s “Battle of the Belts” title, bragging rights, a traveling plaque and a $500 check from Ayres Cluster Law Firm. Making the presentation were (l-r) Jimmy Collins (Ayres Cluster), Student Body President Madison Maloney, Abraham Banks (Ayres Cluster), Senior Class President Morgan Moore, Brian Marcum (SAFE Schools), Principal John Kerley, Paige Stephens (activities director) and Ken Odom (Marion County’s Community Traffic Safety Team).

Shady Hill Lands Radio Disney Concert Music Teacher Sondra Collins and her students captured the first stop on a national tour with Radio Disney—all thanks to a video they made and submitted online to the Music In Our Schools organization. The school also wins $2,500 to invest in its music program, bragging rights and an ARDY Award from Radio DISNEY.

Seussical Celebrations

Students and staff at various schools celebrated Dr. Theodor “Seuss” Geisel’s 112th birthday in big fashion. Fessenden Elementary experienced the Cat in the Hat and Grinch in person—both handing out bookmarks to younger students. At Harbor View Elementary, students donned face paint and hats to honor the long-time children’s author who shared, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

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

Recognize The Signs

A new government survey suggests that one in 45 children ages 3 through 17 have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

These findings were released in late 2015 as part of the 2014 National Health Interview Survey. In order to bring light to those living with autism, April has been named Autism Awareness Month, a time to promote awareness, self-determination and assurance among those living with ASD. Recognizing the early signs of autism and seeking early intervention services is the key to diagnosing and treating autism. Although your pediatrician should screen for autism at your child’s well visits, if your child exhibits any of the following red flags, a visit to the doctor should be on your to-do list sooner rather than later.

1. No big smiles or

joyful expressions by 6 months

2. No back-and-

forth sharing of sounds and smiles by 9 months

3. No babbling by 12 months

4. No back-and-forth

gestures such as pointing or waving by 12 months

5. No words by 16 months

6. No meaningful,

two-word phrases (not imitating) by 24 months

7. Any loss of speech,

Sources: autism-society.org, autismspeaks.org

babbling or social skills at any age

SAI NTS O N STAG E

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DANCING QUEEN

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SNAPSHOTS

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KIDS' KORNER

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Photo by Cealia Athanason

Hive

Sources: autism-society.org, autismspeaks.org

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In The Spotlight

T

he love a mother has for her theater group, Kim is the group’s child is not only hinted at in founder and director. the Saints On Stage upcoming “It’s a sin for a school not to have a production of Charlotte’s Web, it’s a theater program,” Kim says. “I’m just driving force behind this group and glad God allowed me to break my vow their show, as well. and showed me that there was more In 2005, Kim Sandstrom moved for me to do.” from Oregon to Ocala and enrolled her Kim connected with another mom 10-year-old son at St. John Lutheran at St. John, Susan Ergle, and together School. It was then, in the wake of they formed Saints On Stage. her 25-year-old daughter’s death, that “It’s a huge blessing for the she encountered a dilemma. Kim and school,” says Tim Schmidt, St. John’s her daughter, Diana, had performed principal. “They started this up really together onstage for from nothing.”

I’m just glad most of Diana’s life, so As far as Kim’s concerned, God allowed when Diana died from this month’s production me to break complications caused by of Charlotte’s Web is laced my vow and medical error, Kim made with a miracle. Vanessa showed me a vow to quit acting, Baxley, St. John’s assistant that there directing or participating principal, has walked was more for in theater. with her daughter, Blaine, me to do.

But, at the March through not one but two › Kim Sandstrom 17 Saints On Stage bouts of leukemia. Blaine rehearsal, it’s apparent was diagnosed when she was that Kim’s vow had been broken. Not 19 months old and reached remission only is this the 10th anniversary of two years later. For the current eighththe Saints On Stage semi-professional grader, it wasn’t until two years ago

that it came back. You’ve probably seen the orange signs throughout Ocala that read “Pray for Blaine” and “One Tough Chick.”

But, at rehearsal, it’s obvious that Blaine’s condition has changed.

One Tough Chick Playing the lead Vanessa Baxley, role as Fern, St. John’s assistant principal, has walked Blaine interacts with her daughter, Blaine, energetically on through not one but stage with another two bouts of leukemia. lead, Sophia Tieche, in the role of Wilbur. Blaine went each show. These into remission and charities—Mothers was able to go home last September.

Against Medical Error (MAME), “This is the single most inspiring Volunteers of America, the St. John play I have worked on in my long Anchor Club and the St. John Youth professional career,” Kim says.

Group—are near and dear to Kim’s “Having our ‘One Tough Chick’ as the heart, and as much as Kim’s love lead is such a miracle.” for Diana runs through the veins of Charlotte’s Web will have four Saints On Stage, Blaine’s recovery performances, with 10 percent of and ability to participate is nothing each night’s gross revenue going to short of miraculous for the many who one of four charities at the end of know her.

WANT TO GO? › Charlotte’s Web › St. John Lutheran School Gym, April 21-23 at 7pm and April 23 at 2pm › Tickets: $8 for adults, $5 for children and students › Purchase tickets in advance by calling (352) 622-7275 028

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Photo courtesy of Vanessa Baxley and Kim Sandstrom, pig used in photo courtesy of Cindy Perugino of Horsebowtique

This month’s Saints On Stage production celebrates 10 years and a bit of a miracle. › By Cealia Athanason

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A L OCA

E M O C & T U O

SUMMER CAMPS

Register early at recreationandparks.ocalafl.org.

All camps require a one-time registration fee of $25/camper.

Sizzling Summer Camp Ages 5-13 Lillian F. Bryant Community Center Mondays-Fridays 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

May 30-Aug. 12 Board games, field trips, speakers, reading tutors, swimming, movies, basketball, flag football, golf, archery and more!

City residents pay $20/week/camper and non-city residents pay $45/ week/camper.

Adventure Camp Ages 8-12 Discovery Center Mondays-Fridays 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

May 31-Jun. 3 Mad Science Robotics Jun. 6-10 Engineer Week Jun. 13-17 Back to the Future Jun. 20-24 Cooking with Chemistry Jun. 27-Jul. 1 Super Hero Adventure!

Jul. 5-8 Circus Science

Jul. 11-15 Dive into the World of Comics!

Jul. 18-22 Master of Disaster July 25-29 Exploration of the Arts!

Our themes are sure to entice even the most discriminating camper! Camp includes field trips and outdoor activities. Extended day available. Fee is $110/week/camper.

City Kids Summer Camp Ages 5-12 Must Have Completed Pre-K E.D. Croskey Recreation Center Mondays-Fridays 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

May 31-July 29 Each week a new theme will be introduced so that you can explore the different aspects of local government in FUN, interactive ways! Topics such as Public Safety, Recreation and Parks, Planning and Budgets, Public Utilities, Projects

and more! Upon completion of the City Kids Camp, each participant will attend a City Council meeting and become a certified City Kid! Summer camp will be complete with weekly theme related field trips, swimming, movies and more!

A healthy lunch will be provided Mondays-Thursdays.

Parent responsible for Friday’s lunch.

There is a one-time registration fee of $25/person and a camp fee of $55/ week/camper.

Pre-register through July 25th.

Outdoor Camp Ages 11-14 Discovery Center Mondays-Fridays 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

June 6-10 Zombie Science June 13-17 Photography June 20-24 The Great Outdoors June 27-July 1 Be the Change July 11-15 Your Environmental Footprint

July 18-22 Pirates!

These camps will get you MOVING and THINKING as you explore natural Florida with new friends. Extended day available. Fee is $110/week/camper.

Junior Lifeguard Camp Ages 11-15 Jervey Gantt Aquatic FUN Center 8 a.m.-noon Mondays-Fridays June 20-24 Pre-register through June 13 July 18-22 Pre-register through June 11 This camp provides a FUN and exciting way to capture your teens’ attention and gives them a taste for professional lifeguarding. Must be able to swim front crawl 25 yards, submerge to a depth of 10 feet and tread water for one minute. $75/ person. Thank you to our sponsor, Lincoln Aquatics.

APRIL is National Volunteer Month!

In 2015, the City of Ocala received 30,746 volunteer hours contributed by committed, caring citizens that wanted to make a difference. Volunteering is one of the best ways to feel connected, and community involvement is a great way to develop new skills, meet new friends, and stay active and healthy. If you would like to mentor the youth in our community, coach one of our youth sports programs, help out with one of our FUNtastic summer camps or spend time promoting the Fort King National Historic Landmark, the City of Ocala has a spot for you! Do you want to volunteer? Call Connie Carroll at 352-368-5504.

EAGO – Earthfest At Arbor Day In The Great Outdoors Youth Fishing Derby 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

MAYOR’S SPRING CLEAN UP | 8-11 a.m.

Tuscawilla Park | Saturday | April 23 It’s a day to celebrate our Earth, our trees and our outdoors with music, art, tree climbing, Youth Fishing Derby, Mayor’s Spring Cleanup and more! For details, please visit www.ocalafl.org/EAGO or call Jeff Inglehart at 352-368-5517.

Spring Senior Fishing Derby Tuscawilla Park Monday | April 25 | 9 a.m.-Noon Fishing FUN for adults ages 50 and up. Hook up with us for a few hours of fishing at Lake Tuscawilla. For details, please contact Diane Leaf at 352-401-3916.

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The World Is Her Ballroom

Rayna Chandra, daughter of local MDs Dr. Ravi Chandra and Dr. Tina Chandra, has been ballroom dancing since age 8. At only 16, she’s already a world champion.

W

I started watching Dancing with the Stars with my mom and knew right away I wanted to try that. › Rayna Chandra

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hen she was young, Rayna danced jazz, hip-hop and Bollywood. It wasn’t until an evening of TV that she considered ballroom.

“I started watching Dancing with the Stars with my mom and knew right away I wanted to try that. I got in touch with a studio in Ocala and started dancing and competing,” she recalls.

By 11 she was competing in numerous national and world events, placing third in the world in her youth division.

“I was competing around the country, went to Worlds and ended up placing third, which was really exciting,” she says but admits she was disappointed.

She took time off to explore interests in music and tennis while focusing on school. But as anyone with a gift does, she felt a pull to return to dance. “Placing third made me really want to go back and win the thing. It worked as a motivator for me.”

She began competing with a team in Orlando, practicing there at least once a week and all day, every day over winter break leading up to her second shot at the world title.

As a ballroom dancer, Rayna competes across multiple categories and has won several first and second place awards across the nation. At the 2016 UCWDC Worlds in January, she swept the competition, taking first place overall in her age division with her dance partner, Shawn Swaithes, in the Pro-Am category (trumping her previous third-place title).

“The last three people to be called were all from my dance team, all my friends. We’re all

freaking out and trying to remain calm. They call my friend’s name for third, and I knew I’d get second. I’m out of my seat ready to stand up, and they called my other friend’s name and my jaw dropped. That was definitely one of the best moments ever,” Rayna says.

She also placed first in individual line dance against dancers from across the United States and Europe. But her skill is perhaps best proven by her second place prize in the couples competition. She and her partner, Zander Adkins, had never danced together until he asked her to sub in for his injured teammate. Between the two of them, there was enough pure talent to make up for it.

“We had practiced maybe an hour total before the competition. There was a lot of winging it, so I don’t know how it was possible, but it was awesome,” she says.

Rayna is currently a junior in Vanguard High School’s IB Program, but even with a full curriculum, she makes time to perfect her talent. She is thankful for her many coaches, including Clive Stevens, Aimee Allen and Donna Steinfield.

She also gives back to her community through dance as a member of Giving Dance, a nonprofit company for teens in Orlando, and performs locally for charity at events like Dancing with the Doctors, Go Red for women’s heart health and CardioWaltz with fellow world titleholder Dr. Justin Ferns. The inspiration comes from her mother.

“She’s always taught me to share what I love doing, which is dancing, and in a way give back, too.”

Photos by Bradford Whelan Photography

› By Katie McPherson

Montessori

P R E PA R ATO R Y S C H O O L O F O C A L A

OCALA’S

INFANT • TODDLER • PRESCHOOL KINDERGARTEN • ELEMENTARY

Saltwater

AQUARIUM DESTINATION WE OFFER CLASSES FROM BEGINNER TO ADVANCED

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: SPANISH, BALLET, MUSIC, PIANO, ART, SOCCER

352-507-TANK 1720 NW 4TH AVE, SUITE 101, OCALA OCALAREEF.COM

2967 NE SILVER SP RI NGS BLVD, OCAL A, FL 34470

SERVING OCALA, THE VILLAGES AND SURROUNDING AREAS.

352-351-3140 STEP UP SCHOLARSHIP FOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 5TH GRADE

A cce pti n g R e g istratio n

for 2016-17

伀瀀攀渀 䔀渀爀漀氀氀洀攀渀琀 䈀攀最椀渀猀 䄀瀀爀椀氀 㐀 愀琀 䄀瀀瀀氀攀琀漀渀䴀甀猀攀甀洀⸀漀爀最 㐀㌀㌀㌀ 䔀⸀ 匀椀氀瘀攀爀 匀瀀爀椀渀最猀 䈀氀瘀搀⸀ ㌀㔀㈀ⴀ㈀㤀㄀ⴀ㐀㐀㔀㔀 簀 䄀瀀瀀氀攀琀漀渀䴀甀猀攀甀洀⸀漀爀最

ጠ愀渀 攀焀甀愀氀 漀瀀瀀漀爀琀甀渀椀琀礀 挀漀氀氀攀最攀ጠ

APR ’16 ›

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THESE LOCAL KIDS KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN! CHECK OUT THEIR PHOTO-WORTHY MOMENTS.

Legendz of Ocala Royalty team after their win at the CheerSport National Championship

Grace celebrates her first Valentine's Day

Joshua, 10, showing off his LEGO skills

Elijah, 11, was awarded the Champions of Character award at the Gators women's basketball game

Aryana, 2, at Timeless Farms South

Layla, 4, at Grey Dawn Stables

Adaleigh and Emilee celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday at Happy Hearts Preschool

Jalen, 13, at practice for the Ocala speed skating team

Kaylee, Andrew and Sarah from Grace Christian School holding their Ocala Style bee trophies

Tyler from South Ocala Elementary showing off his Ocala Style bee trophy

Aubrey, 7, at Perry's Swim School

Justin, 4, playing with puzzles

WANT TO SEE YOUR KIDS ON THE PAGES OF OCALA STYLE? Send your photos from around town and local events to melissa@ocalastyle.com. Yours might just get picked!

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Landon, 2, after his first visit to the dentist

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› KIDS' KORNER

Last month, we asked area elementary-aged kids about their favorite book characters. Here’s what they had to say!

MAY'S QUESTION:

What’s your favorite thing to do with your mom? › Entries due by April 15.

Each month we pose a question to local kids in grades kindergarten through fifth. Answers can be submitted in the form of a short story, poem, paragraph or drawing. We’ll choose a few to feature each month. If your child’s submission is selected, they will receive their own Team Style bee trophy. Submissions can be emailed to melissa@ocalastyle.com or mailed or dropped off to the Ocala Style Editorial Department at 1007 E Fort King Street, Ocala, FL 34471. Please include your contact information with your child’s entry.

APR ’16 ›

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Motherhood in

2016 is all about

connecting,

COMMUNITY and a common understanding between mamas:

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Scary Mommy scarymommy.com

The Little Umbrella thelittleumbrella.com

Ripped Jeans and Bifocals rippedjeansandbifocals.com

Covers: pregnancy, miscarriage, kids by age, college, marriage, intimacy and the kitchen sink

Covers: photography of maternity shoots, baby showers, newborns and more

Covers: international adoption, adoptive parenting, midlife, ruling the world in yoga pants

Likely the most beloved blog among mothers right now, Scary Mommy gives a voice to the dark side every mother thinks only she has. Do you hide in the closet just to get a minute of alone time? Are you struggling with potty training, maintaining the romance in your marriage or feeling alone in your empty nest struggles?

Scary Mommy has your back.

Photos for every aspect of childhood can be found here: gender reveal themes, nursery décor, maternity shoots and a super sweet section of adoption photos. It’s a one-stop shop for baby-related inspiration.

Blogger Jill Robbins does a graceful, yet hilarious job of describing the struggles of parenting as well as the joys. She shares insight as a mother who has adopted internationally, twice, and a biological mom, and she’s also totally relatable. (See her popular post “6 Kids’ Songs that Drive Me to Day Drink.”)

Jill Robbins photo by Casey Chapman Ross Photography, caseychapmanrossphotography.com

We’re all in this together. Nowhere is this more apparent than parenting blogs, full of advice on every topic imaginable and frustrated posts about feeding picky toddlers and the feeling of being pulled in eight different directions at any given moment. If you could use some relatability in your five minutes of me-time today, type in some of the URLs below. By Katie McPherson

comments and have been asked some of the most inappropriate questions. My favorite one was the lady who wanted to know “where did I get them” when I was buying underwear in Target. By “them” she meant my kids.

What is your advice for those considering international adoption?

Lead with your head. Let your heart have a say-so, but this is one instance where your heart should not rule. Get a thick skin and understand the ripples of becoming a transracial, multicultural family overnight.

That last thing is a joke. You can’t really understand it until you live it.

What is difficult about motherhood today?

Maybe it’s balancing work and home, maybe it’s “the mommy wars.”

What’s your take?

Q&A:

Jill Robbins Ripped Jeans and Bifocals went online in May 2014, and the Internet has been more honest ever since. Jill Robbins has been published on Scary Mommy and in The Washington Post, and she contributes regularly to Babble and SheKnows.

She’s also Mom to Laura, 23, and Kyle and Zack, both 5. Here’s her take on blogs and motherhood in 2016:

What do you enjoy most about blogging?

When I get emails and messages saying “me too” or thanking me for something I wrote. That’s pretty cool. I write openly about the messy side of adoption and anxiety, and I take a “parenting isn’t perfect” approach. I think other moms and other anxiety sufferers appreciate the transparency, and that’s validating for me.

What are some common misconceptions about international adoption? What are some annoying things people may have said to you?

I think the most common misconception about international adoption is that families who choose it are ignoring the plethora of American children waiting for families. I’m not going to make this a lesson on what the foster care system looks like in the United States, but anyone who is critical of my choices should educate themselves. I’ve heard some crazy

I think the most difficult thing about motherhood today is that the world is such a rapidly changing place. Things are so different than they were even a year ago. You can argue that the change is good, but so much change so rapidly throws everyone off kilter, and this kind of stuff has parenting ripple effects. I also don’t believe the mommy wars are a thing. I think it’s a new version of “mean girls” and that people have too much time to tear each other down on the Internet and need to find other things to do.

Momtastic momtastic.com Covers: pregnancy, kids by age, love, DIY, food, health, style Becoming a mother changes a lot, but not everything. Here’s a blog with a style section

APR ’16 ›

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Kids Activities Blog kidsactivitiesblog.com Covers: recipes and activities for children of any age, coloring page printables, indoor and outdoor games, crafts for any occasion Browse DIY activities to do with babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, grade schoolers and as a family. Find crafts and recipes to make together, sensory games to develop little ones’ brain power and grab some quick tips on traveling with children, organizing their many belongings and teaching them at home.

Twiniversity twiniversity.com Covers: all things twin, like breastfeeding two, medical concerns, adoption and surrogacy, parenting Twiniversity was founded in 2009

by Natalie Diaz, a mother of twins who was having a hard time finding information on having multiples. She and her team of hilarious mothers have created a humorous site loaded with info on birthing and raising twins (and telling them apart as newborns, which is apparently a real problem).

You can also register to use the forums to swap advice with other mamas.

Cup of Jo cupofjo.com Covers: motherhood, design, food, style, travel and relationships The most successful blogs always have two main ingredients: quality content and beautiful photos. Few blogs are as aesthetically pleasing as Cup of Jo, and Joanna Goddard has written for Elle,

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Cosmo, Glamour, Martha Stewart Living and more.

You’ll find posts about home and heart, friends and food, and a weekly Motherhood Monday column. It’s one to add to your daily reading list!

Modern Parents Messy Kids modernparentsmessykids.com Covers: recipes, activities, products, kids, home, parenting A mother of three, Steph started this site to promote connection and simpler, better living.

From a recipe for softer, better smelling PlayDoh (thank you) and setting up a sensory box to a virtual parents’ book club, MPMK is a great resource to get in touch with other parents and find simple solutions.

Katie Did What katiedidwhat.com Covers: parenting, fashion, fitness, beauty Katie beautifully captures her children (one adorable boy and a newborn girl) growing up while also showing readers the products, baby clothes and toys her little ones love. She doles out advice on how to dress a postpartum body and staying fit while carrying a bun in the oven.

Q&A

Katie Reyes

Katie Reyes runs the lifestyle blog katiedidwhat.com, now in its sixth year. Apart from blogging, she’s a freelance writer and loves spending time with her husband, Zack, and kiddos Sam and Sophie. (And, like many moms, she runs on coffee, exercise and may have a slight online shopping addiction.) So what does she think about motherhood meeting blogging?

I’d imagine lots of moms would wonder how you have time to run a blog. How do you make it happen? Any lessons you can share?

It’s all about prioritizing and trying to make a schedule.

If you schedule it in, you will get it done. The good thing about blogging is that I am my own boss and therefore I write my own schedule. Some days (OK, most days) are unpredictable with children, so that means I may not get around to writing my blog posts until late in the night, after bedtime. And that’s OK! Thankfully, blogging is more than my job—it’s something that I am passionate about and love to do, and thus I have no problem working at, say, midnight, when I’d really rather be sleeping. I also fullheartedly take advantage of naptime, and the days when my husband is home, he is so good about taking care of the kids so I can get my work done.

How has motherhood changed you? How have you stayed the same?

Motherhood has made me a much more selfless person— not necessarily by choice, but because I have to be! These two people are solely reliant on me, and I don’t want to screw that up! I would say that I am still the same person I was before, just better. And what a beautiful thing that is. Sure, I mess up, I have bad days and things I regret, but at the end of each day I’m left with so much love that my heart could burst. I’d say motherhood is a pretty great thing.

What are your top three pieces of advice for momsto-be?

1. Sleep as much as you can right now. Because you’ll never sleep again for another 18 years.

Ha! 2. Remember that each challenge that you face will pass. This too shall pass. You’ll have to remind yourself of this one regularly. 3. Brace yourself for the most intense love you will ever feel in your life.

What do you think is most difficult about motherhood today?

For me personally, balancing work and home is my biggest challenge. These babies need everything from me, which leaves me scrambling during naptime or after bedtime to get my work done. Some days I feel like I’m completely drowning just trying to keep them fed and dressed and alive, and there isn’t much time left for me. It is a constant challenge!

Nursery photo by Laura Kathryn of Lark Photography, larkphotos.com

for maternity, kids and Mom. The pregnancy and parenting sections are loaded with helpful articles, but be sure to check out the love section for married couples and those single and dating. It won the Webby Award for 2015, so you know it’s got the goods.

HEALTHY KIDS DAY

APRIL 30 10 AM

HEALTHY KIDS DAY is all about building

on the “WOW” factor inside every kid…whoever they are and wherever they’re from. With obstacle courses, bounce houses, and healthy snacks, your kids will have plenty of activities to help them jumpstart a summer full of activity. Plus, our community partners will be on site providing extra special games and giveaways, including bike safety checks by Santos Bike Shop.

And, we’ll be showcasing our newest youth program—BORN TO MOVE—which is a kids group exercise class packed with smiles, laughs, singing and fun, all while teaching age-appropriate motor skills that improve agility, balance, coordination, endurance and flexibility.

So come to HEALTHY KIDS DAY for a day of creative, challenging, smart, healthy fun and watch the “WOW” in your kid come out.

FRANK DELUCA YMCA

It’s a mild winter day, and I’m standing in an apiary in Alachua, Florida,

wearing the traditional beekeeper’s suit and hood. Thousands of honeybees are humming around me as they go about their business in a dozen or so hives.

B

eekeeper

Chappie McChesney puffs a small cloud of smoke from his hand-held smoker into the opening atop one of the wooden hive boxes and then gently pries open the lid. Inside, a thick layer of bees are working industriously.

I’ve always heard that the smoke calms the bees, making them less apt to sting. McChesney says the truth is that the bees just get busier fanning in an effort to clear the smoke.

“Just like you’d get busy if your house suddenly filled with smoke,” he says with a smile.

He taps the frame on the hive, and most of the bees fall off, giving us a better look at the results of their labor. The frame is three-quarters filled with comb they’ve built, and many of the tiny six-sided compartments are sealed over with wax.

At McChesney’s urging, I press a finger against this wax, breaking it open. Rich, golden honey seeps out.

I press my honey-soaked finger to my mouth, tasting pure, raw sweetness.

Seems I’ve come to the right place to learn about bees.

When I started researching my story, I heard from area beekeepers that the person I had to talk to was McChesney. He’s been called a “bee whisperer” and the “bee guru” in these parts. I suspected he’d have more knowledge and information than I could possibly use for one story, and I was right.

Now 69, McChesney has been working with bees for most of his life. It all began the summer he was 7 years old and pushed over a neighbor’s beehive. Not only did he get seriously stung, but his father, in an effort to teach his young son a lesson, forced him to work all summer for that neighbor beekeeper.

“I’ve been at this a long time, and I still learn something new every day,” he says. “I don’t think you ever really ‘master’ it.”

Dangerous Times

The honeybees we rely on for honey production in the United States weren’t native to North America. They are European honeybees, first brought to the New World by settlers in the early 1600s.

And it’s a good thing they’re here.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “More than three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants rely on pollinators, such as bees, to reproduce, meaning pollinators help produce one out of every three bites of food Americans eat.”

Some specialty crops are wholly dependent upon honeybees for pollination. Each year, California’s almond industry uses 1.4 million colonies of bees. That means as much as 60 percent of all managed honeybee colonies in the country are trucked to California for pollination services.

You read that right. Commercial beekeepers load up thousands of hives and haul them to sites where farmers rent the use of their bees for a specified amount of time so they can pollinate crops. It’s big business; commercial beekeepers make a significant income in just a few

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Chappie and bees on box photos by John Jernigan. Photo of Cynthia by Chappie McChesney

weeks’ time. (Tractor blood). In some cases, trailers loaded with hives multiple mites will are covered with netting attach to a single bee. to contain any bees that If the infestation is fly out of the hives during significant, it can lead to transport or at rest stops.) death of the entire bee colony.

Here in Florida, the number Understandably, beekeepers of beekeepers and hives is on want to prevent this, so the rise. This is good news for many of them treat their hives bees, which face serious threats with chemicals.

Cynthia McFarland to survival. Our modern world is a “Basically, they’re using chemicals dangerous place for bees, whose numbers have to kill small insects on a larger insect, but they’re significantly declined. still using toxins in the hive,” explains McChesney, In the 1940s, there were about 5 million managed who instead uses small oil-filled traps in his hives to honeybee colonies in the United States. Today, that catch small hive beetles and powdered sugar to dust number is barely 2.5 million. off varroa mites. “The more chemicals you use, the From 2006 to 2011, U.S. beekeepers reported more resistant the pests become and the weaker the average losses of 33 percent each year. Some had bees become,” he adds. losses as high as 90 percent. Experts warn that if One of the ways that insect pests, like varroa such staggering losses continue, it would endanger mites and more, get into hives is when beekeepers the economic viability of the entire bee pollination rent out their hives to farmers, he adds. The bees industry, resulting in increased food costs as farmers can pick up pests and diseases from this area, and must pass on the rising costs of producing crops. when the beekeepers come to transport their hives A third of those losses were attributed to colony back home, they’re bringing those diseases and pests collapse disorder (CCD), which has been an alarming with them. problem for beekeepers, especially over the past decade. This occurs when a colony has a live queen but no surviving adult bees, even though honey and immature bees may still be present. Studies continue to find that neonicotinoid pesticides are to blame for the increase in hive mortality rates. Neonicotinoids are a relatively new class of insecticides, and, as the name implies, they are chemically related to nicotine. Farmers can apply these water-soluble insecticides to the soil, where they are taken up by the plants. Although neonicotinoids are much less toxic to birds and mammals, they are deadly to insects, including bees.

“Farmers spraying chemicals kill not just bees,” says McChesney, “but anything that pollinates plants.”

McChesney is dismayed at the loss of bees due to Do your part to fight the decline of such insecticides, but it’s not just farmers applying honeybees. You can help make a chemicals to crops that harm bees. Many beekeepers difference right in your own yard. themselves use chemicals to treat their hives, Here’s how: something McChesney, who teaches chemical-free beekeeping, is absolutely against.

“A lot of experts think you have to treat bees with chemicals or they won’t last two years, but you can keep your bees alive much longer than that without poisoning them,” he notes. “Anything you put in your hive is going to be in your honey. A lot of the honey you buy in stores is full of toxins.”

McChesney points out that 50 years ago beekeepers didn’t have to worry about the same type of chemicals, but they also weren’t facing the same threats today’s beekeepers struggle with.

For example, many scientists say that varroa mites are one of the biggest threats to modern bees.

Aptly known as varroa destructor, this tiny parasite, which first became recognized as a problem in the 1990s, can only reproduce in a honeybee colony.

The mites attach to the bee’s body, sucking its hemolymph (the fluid in invertebrates similar to

You

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Educate your children about the importance of honeybees.

Don’t kill bees when you see them.

Buy honey from local beekeepers.

A Busy World

Spring and fall are the busiest seasons for beekeepers in Florida.

This is often when McChesney gets calls from firemen and homeowners to come capture swarms of bees.

“Bees will swarm whenever a hive has more than one queen. It’s a natural thing. The bees don’t need to be killed.

I’ll go and capture the swarm in a box and bring them back to my place,” he says. “I’ve also been called to houses where bees have made a hive in the walls, and I’ve rescued them.”

Another common reason swarms will form is when a tractor-trailer

“Anything you put in your hive is going to be in your honey.

A lot of the honey you buy in stores is full of toxins.”

Chappie McChesney

Avoid or limit use of insecticides and herbicides unless absolutely necessary, and avoid spraying during mid-day when bees are most active.

Provide bee habitat, such as bushes, trees and plants, as opposed to open grass areas, which is like a desert for bees because there’s nothing to eat!

loaded with commercial hives pulls into a truck stop. Truckers routinely stop to cool down the hives, and even though there’s a net covering the trailer, it’s not unusual for that netting to get torn. If bees escape, they’ll usually just hang in a swarm at the truck stop. When McChesney gets a call like this, he gets to the scene as quickly as possible in hopes of rescuing the bees before authorities come in and kill them.

Rescued bees quickly settle into a hive and get down to business, which is all about reproducing and

Plant a pollinator garden.

What’s a “pollinator garden,” you ask? It includes: • Plants, preferably native, that flower at different times of the year and provide nectar and pollen for different pollinators (bees, bats, hummingbirds, butterflies, etc.)

• Planted in clumps, rather than spaced out • Variety of flower colors and shapes To find out what’s best to plant in our area, go to pollinator.org and click on “Planting Guides.”

making honey. In summertime, a honeybee’s life span is just about 21 to 35 days—and that’s if nothing out of the ordinary happens to it. The queen is an exception and can live for several years.

“A hive is really a democracy ruled by the female bees, and only females work,” says McChesney. During her short lifespan, each average honeybee worker makes 1/12th a teaspoon of honey.

The hive consists of three wooden boxes. The top box, known as a “super,” is where the bees make and store honey. The bottom two boxes are

referred to as “deeps” and are home to the larvae and developing bees.

That old saying “busy as a bee” rings true. Worker bees do just that: work non-stop. They’ll travel up to 5 miles from their hive in search of pollen and nectar. The bee’s entire body is covered by branched hairs, which build up a static charge as the bee flies; this causes the pollen to stick to them.

Once bees get back to the hive, they rake the pollen off with their comblike legs.

The worker bees store the pollen in cells after adding a little nectar and

enzymes, which help break the pollen down into what beekeepers refer to as “bee bread,” a protein-rich food that they feed to the developing larvae.

Although everything revolves around the queen, she doesn’t “rule” the hive. The queen bee mates with 20 to 25 drones, and the drones die afterward. The queen’s job is to populate the hive, and she does this by laying eggs—as many as 2,000 to 3,000 in one day, or an average of one every minute or so.

Pheromones are a crucial part of hive life. When a queen gets old APR ’16 ›

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or weak, she is no longer putting off strong pheromones, and the worker bees know it’s time to make a new queen. They do this by choosing several larvae and feeding them nothing but royal jelly, which is secreted from glands in the worker bees’ heads. (Actually, all bee larvae get fed royal jelly for the first few days, but only larvae destined to become queens continue to receive it as their total nutrition source.) It takes 16 days for a virgin queen to develop from larvae and emerge.

As McChesney notes, this is definitely a case of “you are what you eat.”

Stung?

Here’s What to Do Although your instinct is to grab it and pull, don’t! Instead, scrape the stinger off with something firm, like the edge of a credit card or a flat edged object. Grabbing it or using tweezers just pushes more of the venom into your body. Ice the area. Apply calamine lotion if it itches. If pain persists, ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be helpful.

Just so you know, when a bee stings you, it’s the end of her life.

A bee’s stinger is made of two flat, serrated blades; the bee can’t pull it out of something once she’s stung it. When she leaves that little pouch with the stinger embedded in your skin, she soon dies. So, you may be hurting, but she’s worse off.

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Honey Production

In the natural world, bees make and store honey to get them through a long winter or times when food sources are not available. When humans enter the picture, we take that honey for ourselves, but a wise beekeeper always leaves enough honey in the hives so the bees don’t starve.

The nectar that later becomes honey starts out as predominately water, as much as 80 percent. Bees place the nectar in hive cells, adding enzymes to it. They dry the nectar down to around 17 percent moisture by fanning their wings over it and passing droplets between each other to get the moisture out. When the moisture content is low enough, they cap it off, and it is now ripe honey. Hive and weather humidity can affect the time it takes to dry honey.

Honey-filled supers full of frames of capped honey are removed from the hive and placed in a drying room to help keep the moisture content down, since honey absorbs moisture from the air. The frames are then processed by uncapping the cells and spinning out the honey in an extractor.

“Honey will vary in color from water-white to dark as molasses depending on the floral source the bees are collecting the pollen and nectar from,” notes McChesney.

“All raw honey contains some pollen, although the grains are so small you usually can’t see them.

“Honey won’t spoil, but it will crystallize if it’s older,” he adds. “If this happens, just set the jar in a pan of warm—not hot—water until the honey liquefies. Don’t heat it, because this kills the enzymes and all the good things nature put into it.”

Calling All Would-Be Beekeepers!

If you have any interest in keeping bees—or just want to learn more about them—education is the first step. Sign up for the Beginner’s Beekeeping Class taught by Chappie McChesney. This free two-hour class is held at On Top of the World. The class covers all aspects of beginning beekeeping, including necessary equipment and costs involved. There’s time for a Q&A, and you’ll get a first-hand look at the hives on-site. Contact Chappie McChesney at (386) 462-2637 or chappiesbees@windstream.net or visit masterthepossibilities.com/online-catalog.php.

Learn More facebook.com/chappie.mcchesney floridabeekeepers.org facebook.com/marioncountybees

PRO M OTI O N AL FE ATU R E

An Active Lifestyle For The Young At Heart

Rolling Greens is a quiet, picturesque location with a vibrant and active population.

B

eyond the busy streets of Highway 200 and past the commotion of nearby Leesburg sits a tranquil haven. Rolling Greens is an active retirement community tucked away, yet only miles from Ocala’s best restaurants, shopping centers, hospitals and attractions.

The picturesque setting is something to behold, with miles of tree-lined roads wrapping around an expansive community. Although the serene community is the perfect place to relax, there’s never a dull moment at Rolling Greens.

“I don’t think you could ever find a better place to live than in Rolling Greens. It’s a beautiful, happy place to call home,” said Rolling Greens’ Social Director Karen Gool. “Wonderful people and an awesome environment with great amenities, who could ask for more? Life here is great!”

Golfers enjoy a beautiful 18-hole executive course; handymen make their dreams a reality in the wood shop; crafters mold clay, knit scarves and learn new techniques; fitness gurus find their niche at water

aerobics, with walking clubs and in the fitness center. There are activities and amenities for every lifestyle at Rolling Greens.

“It’s always nice in paradise!” said residents Mike and Barbara Critchfield. “Rolling Greens is the warmest, kindest, friendliest and nicest place we have ever lived.”

While Rolling Greens has been a hidden treasure for over 30 years, recent upgrades have made it even more valuable. Managers John and Vickie Winn are thrilled about the state-of the-art, 12,000-square-foot community center, which opened in 2015.

The community center features an energy-efficient design and numerous resort-style amenities, including a library, card room, woodshop, billiards room, fitness center and sauna, coffee lounge with free Wi-Fi and aquatic center with a heated therapy pool and lap pool. And in 2016, residents will have access to new athletic fields that feature golf cart parking, lighted courts for enjoying the beautiful Florida evenings, six shuffleboard courts, six horseshoe pits, three bocce ball courts, three pickleball courts, two tennis courts and a multi-purpose lawn for volleyball or other social gatherings.

And it’s not just the community areas that are new and improved—the homes are, as well. New manufactured homes include stylish features, such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, custom cabinets, indoor laundry rooms, garage doors with a golf cart entrance, tray ceilings and more. These remodeled homes are truly breathtaking and offer a tremendous value, all for under $50,000.

“We are catering to the growing number of new retirees who are looking for a place to call home in Florida,” says Vickie. “We are a friendly and active community with something to offer everyone.”

And for the residents of Rolling Greens, there’s no better place to call home.

“I would not live any place else,” said Carol Henderson, a resident of the community. “We have it all here.”

Rolling Greens › 5907 Cherry Road, Ocala › (352) 624-0141 › rollinggreensocala.com APR ’16 ›

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a little bit ry count

Ideas, inspiration ping and serious shop hlight a opportunities hig ber. weekend to remem arland ❊ ❊ By Cynthia McF

a bit of fair history ❊

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resented by Country Living magazine, the Country Living Fairs are put on by Stella Shows, a familyowned, New Jersey-based event management business launched by Irene Stella in the 1970s.

The scope of the fairs now is nothing short of remarkable when you realize the first one was held just a decade ago at the Chicago Botanical Gardens in 2006. One of the vendors at that inaugural event offered his Ohio farm for the next fair, but the 2007 event drew such crowds that the management company quickly realized a bigger venue was required.

“It was like Woodstock. We were parking in pastures and almost shut down the highway because it was just a two-lane road to the farm,” recalls Michele Oswald, an event manager with Stella Shows. “We had thousands show up that first day and had to come up with a new plan for parking, get more restrooms and arrange for more food.”

That overwhelming response has become the norm for the Country Living Fairs.

“We’re now in four different locations every year (Ohio, New York, Tennessee and Georgia), and at each one we draw 20,000 to 25,000 people from almost every state,” Oswald notes. “It’s all about bringing the pages of the magazine to life. It started very organically, and it’s really been a great thing for our company and for Country Living magazine.

“It’s very exciting to interact with the people who come,” she adds. “People plan their trips in advance, and for many of them, it’s a bucket list thing. They have waited so long to come that when they arrive they’ve very energetic and enthusiastic.”

Photo by Cynthia McFarland

W

g. You’ve waited for e all know the feelin it a ecial something, be months for that sp er , party or some oth date, concert, movie event. highly anticipated h. It lly arrives and... sig na fi y Then the da your to up e liv it sure didn’t wasn’t a bust, but tion was ipa tic an e, so often tru expectations. As is the best part. rted of 2015, when I sta Back in the spring ir in Fa ing Liv the Country planning to attend ndered wo I er, tob orgia, in Oc Stone Mountain, Ge to drive all case. I didn’t want if this might be the and be let down. the way to Atlanta complete ited weekend was Once the long-awa on Sunday into our driveway and we rolled back “fair my truck filled with evening, the bed of that more t en ev e on mit, this is finds,” I have to ad billing. than lived up to its

Photo by Cynthia McFarland

❊

shopping heaven ❊

Photo by Country Living Fair

Photo by Country Living Fair

T

he Country Living Fair in Georgia was added in 2010 and has always been at Stone Mountain Park, which is truly a picturesque setting. My husband and I were two of the 25,000 who attended over the course of three days.

The fair takes place from 10am to 5pm each day and goes on rain or shine. The Country Living kitchen, main stage and general store are all tented, so there’s no worry even if the weather is questionable. The weekend we attended, the weather was mild and sunny as we strolled along the treelined paths.

More than 200 vendors from across the country participate in the fair, and their offerings encompass everything related to “country living.” There are antiques sellers, crafters, furniture makers and artists whose work covers a wide spectrum. Folk art, home decor, garden items, upcycled and handcrafted items of all sorts fill the booths. If you can’t find something you like, well... let’s just say, that won’t happen.

It helps if you go with something specific in mind.

Otherwise, the incredible amount of goods for sale is almost overwhelming. I went to the fair with a mission. We had recently finished a room addition and I wanted a particular piece of artwork for one blank wall. In addition, I was determined to find the components for a gift-wrapping station.

The latter is something I’ve been wanting for years. My friends teasingly refer to me as the “queen of gift wrapping,” because I get a special joy out of creating appealing presentations.

By the end of day two of the fair, I had scored both of the things I was hoping to find.

In the very busy booth of a talented metal artist, I found the perfect piece for that blank wall: an old wooden window frame sans glass with birds perched on three metal branches attached to each portion of the frame.

I’d never seen anything quite like it; it’s the just-right combination of rustic and unique. It had to come home with me.

Finding what I needed for my gift-wrapping station took a little more effort.

I found numerous pieces that would have worked for the base, but finally discovered the ideal one in the booth of a vendor from New England.

It was an antique four-drawer dresser she’d painted, but left the top with its original wood finish.

One of the most convenient aspects of the fair is the customer service. You can’t be buying things like dressers, farm tables and antique barn cupolas and lugging them to your vehicle. When you purchase something you can’t carry, the vendor puts a tag on it and gives you a pickup slip. The vendor then alerts the fair’s porters, who promptly come retrieve the item and safely transport it to a holding area. When you’re ready to leave, you just drive up, hand them the slip and they load it into your vehicle. This

way you can concentrate on shopping instead of worrying about how to maneuver your finds through the crowds and across the parking lot.

Once I had the base to my wrapping station, it was all about finding a compatible piece I could mount on the wall above it to hold all my spools of ribbon. This was easier said than done.

It took multiple passes through the meandering paths of vendor booths until I spotted a narrow three-tiered shelf. It wasn’t an antique, but it had been painted and distressed in a manner I loved and the dimensions were right.

On closer examination, I realized there was no price tag on it.

When I asked the vendor if it was for sale, she admitted she’d just brought it to display things on but agreed to sell it. She even came off her price when I countered. (Don’t be afraid to offer 10 percent less than the asking price for furniture and antiques. Antiques vendors expect that, and the worst they can do is say no if their original price is firm.)

After leaving the festival, we popped into a local Wal-Mart where I bought three tension rods to fit inside the shelf unit and hold ribbon spools.

Mission gift-wrap station complete!

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Woman Cooks: Dinnertime: Comfort Classics, Freezer Food, 16-Minute Meals and Other Delicious Ways to Solve Supper!

“Ree patiently signed about 1,200 books,” says Oswald. “She was so gracious and engaging with everyone; it was very exciting to have her there.”

If you watch the Cooking Channel, you’re likely familiar with Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, “The Fabulous Beekman Boys.” The duo, along with Country Living editor-in-chief Rachel Hardage Barrett, had a free-spirited audience Q&A session on Saturday and then headed to the Country Living General Store to sign copies of their new book, Beekman 1802 Style.

Unlike many outdoor festival events, where your only choices are typical fair food (corn dogs, hamburgers, fries, ice cream and such), the organizers make sure the Country Living Fairs have the predictable options and a whole lot more, including healthy fare.

One afternoon we had exceptionally tasty margherita flatbreads, with juicy ripe tomatoes,

› October 21-23, 2016 › Stone Mountain Park, Georgia › (866) 500-FAIR (3247) › countryliving.com/fair › stellashows.com/event/country-living-fair-atlanta

GET YOUR TICKETS!

Advance tickets are on sale now. If you plan to go, book your hotel EARLY and be sure to ask for the Country Living Fair discount. The Stella Shows website lists area hotels. (We were very happy with our accommodations at the Country Inn & Suites in Stone Mountain, which is just minutes from the fair.)

Ticket Details: One-day pass: $16 at the door/ $13 advance 3-day weekend pass: $20 at the door/ $15 advance Early bird 3-day weekend pass: (Priority shopping from 8:30-10am on Friday and/or Saturday, regular hours on Sunday): $40 at the door/$40 advance Advance tickets available by phone until Tuesday, October 18 at 5pm and online until Thursday, October 20 at midnight.

3-day weekend fair special parking $15 per day at the door/$20 for 3 days advance ❊ Children under 16 free if accompanied by an adult ❊ Advance parking available for purchase until October 11.

Wooded photo by Cynthia McFarland, woman and luggage photos by Country Living

Photo by Country Living Fair

Y

ou can only shop so long (Did I really say that?), so you’ll want to check out the schedule of demonstrations, seminars and book signings each day. Whether you’re into vintage, shabby chic, classic antiques, DIY adventures or cooking, there’s probably a presentation that will strike your fancy.

They aren’t lengthy, so it’s easy to plan your day around the ones you don’t want to miss.

The sessions I attended were each less than an hour and ended with the audience wanting more. There was an intimate, down home feel to these events, especially when the presenters bantered with the audience and answered questions.

Many of the presenters are personalities you’re familiar with if you watch any home improvement and food television channels. At the 2015 event, Ree Drummond, aka “The Pioneer Woman,” made a special appearance at the Main Stage, followed by a book signing of her latest cookbook, The Pioneer

Photo by Country Living Fair

Photo by Cynthia McFarland

so much to do ❊ ❊

fresh mozzarella and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. The next day, I got a delicious veggie wrap sandwich. We gave in and had homemade ice cream as well, which was worth the calories.

I should mention that unless your significant other is into decorating, antiques, DIY home projects and shopping, you’ll probably have more fun going with a girlfriend—or two or three. The first morning as we walked through the park gates, my husband made the observation that the vast majority of the attendees were female.

I knew that would be the case, and, I have to say, he was a good sport about it. He manned the handy fold-up canvas wagon we brought to stash our finds while shopping.

Attending the Country Living Fair was definitely on my bucket list, but I don’t think it should be a one-time experience. Next time around, I’ll recruit a girlfriend as my travel companion—I don’t think my husband will mind!

YOUR SOURCE FOR FIREPLACES, GRILLS AND MUCH MORE.

S P E C I A LT Y F I R E S 352 629 1475 / 5320 S PINE AVE, OCALA SALES, SERVICE, INSTALLATION / MON-FRI 10-6 SAT 10-4

HOME PROS WHO KNOW

Mike Shrader

RE AL E STATE SALE S & B RO KE R AG E

CEO/Broker, Dream Home Real Estate Why should homebuyers use an educated real estate broker?

Brokers have more education and experience selling in the marketplace and have a deeper commitment to the industry because they have so much more invested in it. Typically, the broker runs the real estate office, so they are more conscious of customer service and your experience is usually smoother. Realtors with designations are also highly trained and qualified and would be a great choice.

What are the three basic rules of real estate?

Location, location, location. As with anything, the higher the demand, the higher the price. The most popular neighborhoods are usually close to schools, shopping and recreation.

Research, research, research. Start with your finances. Monthly payments, closing costs and

down payment programs can seriously affect what you are able to purchase.

Price is the best salesman. Most purchasers tend to shop by price, starting with the lowest and working their way up. By the time they reach the top of their price range, they’re already thinking about the house they already saw that’s well within their budget.

How do you recommend buyers search for homes online?

Shopping online is always a great place to start.

However, with literally dozens of sites, here are some basics to remember: Don’t use a site that requires a fee. The most reputable, up-todate sites are Realtor.com and most franchise websites, such as Century 21 or Re/Max. Your local agent can also email home listings that meet your requirements.

Dream Home Real Estate › 1705 E Fort King St., Ocala › (352) 817-5875

La-Z-Boy

FURNITURE

La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries For someone looking to update their furniture, where would they start?

Visit the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries in Ocala.

Here you can find all the help you need.

Shop by style or by room. Our experienced associates offer free decorator consultant services as well as a digital 3-D Room Planner.

There are hundreds of styles and over 900 fabrics and leathers. What colors make you smile? What fabrics speak to the inner you?

What inspires you? We’ll get to know you and your style so we can help fulfill your vision within your budget.

first reclining chair. La-Z-Boy employs more than 6,300 people nationwide in the pursuit of comfortable, long-lasting furniture.

Is there a long wait time between purchase and delivery?

Do you need your furniture right away? If so, you can count on us. La-Z-Boy Galleries in Ocala stocks nearly 1,000 styles ready to deliver.

Special custom orders are available, and your sales associate can advise you of anticipated delivery dates.

Tell us about the level of quality that comes with La-Z-Boy furniture.

Born and built in the USA, La-Z-Boy started over 85 years ago with the invention of the world’s

La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries › 2530 SW 19th Avenue Rd. › Ocala › (352) 861-3009 › La-z-boy.com/Ocala › Financing available with approved credit. Ask for details. › Hours: Mon–Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 12-5pm 052

› Ocala

.com

Donna M. Bowen

FLOORING

Owner/President, Bowen Tile Sales Co., Inc.

When Donna Bowen moved to Ocala in 1985, her intention was to be a stayat-home mom, but her husband, Lee’s, first-class tile installation ability piqued her curiosity about the different qualities and characteristics of flooring products.

Bowen Tile Sales opened a whole new world and made her the specialist she is today. We chatted with her about her career and Bowen’s superior service.

How do clients get started with a flooring project?

We guide them each step of the way by working one on one. We begin by listening to their needs, whether it is for a tiny laundry room or an entire home. We clarify the differences between the types of flooring, such as ceramic, porcelain, stone, wood-look tile and engineered hardwood. Once we narrow their choices, we then begin to assess their requirements and offer recommendations. We also provide takehome samples for clients to see how they look in their homes.

What sets Bowen Tile apart from others?

We are one of the largest stocking distributors in Marion County. We offer an extensive variety of tile, hardwood and countertops, many coordinating accents and all the necessary setting supplies to make it a one-stop shop. We import internationally recognized materials from Italy and Spain and distribute lines that are proudly “Made in the USA.” Our manufacturers implement the latest technology to deliver state-of-the-art products while protecting our indoor and outdoor environments.

What is the secret of your success?

Our team! Our business is family owned and operated. My husband, Lee, together with our sons, John, Shane and Matt, are extremely experienced in all aspects of the business. Our floor specialist, Jennifer, is highly knowledgeable in all of our products and can provide expert recommendations for each customer’s needs. Our administrative assistant, Idalia, is instrumental in making sure our daily operation works like a well-oiled machine. Our mission is to build foundations of trust by employing fair and honest business practices.

What is Bowen Tile’s goal?

To make flooring material purchases stress-free with high quality products at reasonable prices while transforming people’s houses into homes.

We also enjoy developing long-lasting relationships with our clients.

Bowen Tile Sales Co., Inc. › 811 NW 27th Ave., Ocala › (352) 620-8442 › bowentile.com

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HOME PROS WHO KNOW

Rayna Spellman

HOME INTERIORS

Designer, Italian Tile Imports Deciding on design finishes is difficult.

How do you help your retail customers?

As one of the most important aspects of interior design, floors and walls often set the tone for the look and feel of any indoor space. With our grand selection of floor and design options, Italian Tile Imports has been helping homeowners for over 30 years. Whether you are remodeling an old space or creating a brand-new one, we help you bring your vision to life by holding your hand each step of the way. Brenda, our showroom manager, has years of experience, and together, we turn what can be an overwhelming process into a pleasant experience.

What can builders and their clients expect?

Our Builder Partners have the comfort of knowing their clients are in good hands as we roll out the blueprints together and go to work selecting material to create spaces as unique as the clients

themselves. Our service extends beyond the showroom, as you will often catch me at the jobsite in heels and covered in dust as I ponder imaginative ways to customize each space to the personality of the homeowner while still keeping budget in mind.

Tell us a little bit about your showroom.

When it comes to choosing material to offer in our showroom, we carefully select material to import and stock in our enormous warehouse so we have thousands of square feet available at the most competitive pricing. You can find a wonderful selection of marble, travertine, carpet, wood, glass and decorative mosaics, and we can even source that elusive “special something” that will undeniably set your space apart.

Italian Tile Imports › 2400 NW 10th St., Ocala › (352) 368-2838 › italiantileimports.com

Brandon Bing

SOLAR ENERGY

Owner/Finance, All American Solar LLC As your name implies, you use only American-made products. What does that mean for your clients?

Using only American-made products allows us to show the high level of quality clients can expect from our products. Our clients have the reliability of a trusted American install team, plus our manufacturer partners at Solar World and Enphase stand behind us for support on products 150 percent.

After the initial investment, how can switching to solar energy save your clients in the long run?

Homeowners can expect a payback on their systems, depending on system size and product combinations, of 4.5 to 7.5 years on average.

Once paid in full, the system will generate a 100

percent return on a homeowner’s investment tax free and will yield higher returns as inflation increases in the market.

What makes solar energy so appealing to more and more homeowners these days?

Our products are more aesthetically appealing on the roof and feature a higher performance output on panels and inverters. Clients will also enjoy the ease of monitoring the system on their computer, smartphone or tablet. Finally, solar energy provides a higher yield return while being affordable.

All American Solar LLC › 1060 E. Industrial Drive, Suite A › Orange City › (386) 218-6930 › allamericansolarllc.com

054

› Ocala

.com

Brandon Bing

Steve Lorenz

Greg Lunday & Steve Weitlauf NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION

Owners, Weit Lund Construction, LLC

Building a home is one of life’s biggest investments. It can also be one of life’s biggest headaches, too, if you don’t choose the right team to help you through the process.

It’s Weit Lund Construction’s goal to guide their customers through the homebuilding process with grace and ease, ensuring that each and every homeowner comes out of the experience not only with a home they love but an experience they can brag about.

We talked to the Weit Lund team to find out what makes their company so special.

What makes the Weit Lund Construction team unique?

Weit Lund Construction is locally owned by Greg Lunday and Steve Weitlauf.

Greg and Steve grew up together in Marion County and have worked together in the construction and real estate industry since they were young men. Weit Lund Construction is just one of many businesses they have together. Their personal relationship means Weit Lund exemplifies that family-owned business feeling, something customers are sure to recognize when selecting us to build your home.

What sets Weit Lund apart from other builders?

Weit Lund brings you quality-built homes at affordable prices. Whether you have your own land already or need to find that perfect home site, we can help. We have many floor plans to choose from and can build anywhere in Florida. Our sister company, Homerun Realty, offers over 70 agents and is fully trained to help you find the perfect home site on which to build your dream home.

Tell us about your homes.

We offer a variety of two-, three- and four-bedroom floor plans. You’re sure to find the model that fits your family’s lifestyle, or we can design a custom home that uniquely fits your family’s style and desires. Weit Lund offers competitively priced homes with unbeatable craftsmanship and unparalleled dedication to customer satisfaction. Don’t forget to visit our two models on display in the MCBIA Parade of Homes starting April 9. One in Legendary Trails at 7620 SE 25th Avenue, and the other in Orange Blossom Hills at 8469 SE 162nd Street.

What can customers expect when working with Weit Lund?

We are there for you throughout the entire process, from getting financed to selecting colors. We work with several lenders and will work hard to get you pre-approved. With Weit Lund Construction’s proven expertise, our customers are sure to have a pleasant and headache-free homebuilding experience.

Weit Lund Construction, LLC › 3501 NE 10th St., Ocala › (352) 624-0935 › homerunrealtyteam.net APR ’16 ›

055

HOME PROS WHO KNOW

Tracy Hinde (Scott)

PLUMBING

Vice President, Mike Scott Plumbing Your business is family owned and operated since 1987. What types of services do you offer?

No job is too large or too small, from a leaky faucet to plumbing a new hotel. We work on projects and with budgets of all sizes and handle residential, commercial and industrial new construction as well as remodels. We will also be more than happy to work on your septic tank or drain field issues and handle your gas lines. Don’t forget about your irrigation—we do that, too. Our motto is “If water runs through it, we do it.”

Do you have showrooms where the public can come in and visit?

We actually have two showrooms, one in The Villages and the other in Hernando. We carry a

great selection of quality brand faucets, toilets and more. And if you need us to come to you, we offer 24/7 service with free quotes and no emergency of after-hour fees.

Your company is known for giving back to the local community. Can you share some of your favorite ways to do that?

We are involved in many wonderful organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Rotary, Habitat For Humanity and Kiwanis, just to name a few. We also donate bottled water for the Veterans National Cemetery. But our favorite is always giving to the kids! We sponsor individuals and teams in each of the seven counties we service.

Mike Scott Plumbing › 668 E Overdrive Circle,

Hernando › (866) 314-4443 › mikescottplumbing.com

Phillip Mark

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION

President, Abio Corporation What makes Abio Corporation stand out from the crowd?

Our homes have been designed with added features to help families enjoy a better quality of life. Our homes are equipped with monitors to clean the air and ensure your home has a safe humidity level. Water faucets turn on with sensors and can be set to the perfect temperature. Duel-flush toilets save water and money because they only use the amount of water needed. LED lighting throughout our homes ensures a lower electric bill, and tankless gas water heaters offer instant hot water and 30 percent less energy consumption. The walls and roof have 5 to 6 inches of solid foam insulation to ensure energy-efficient heating and cooling.

Why live in Magnolia Park?

Magnolia Park, a gated community situated around two green parks, was designed as a backdrop for uniquely designed, craftsman-style homes. We will continue to build innovative homes that are energy efficient and have a personal feel representative of its new owners.

What is your customer service philosophy?

Our goal is to build the best possible homes, starting with award-winning designs and using materials and supplies that make these homes unique to the Ocala area. We believe that a home should be a place to feel comfortable and safe—not an expense that creates an economic burden. Expertly designed, we’ll build you the house you’ll be proud to call your home.

Abio Corporation › 7806 Kingsport Parkway, Orlando › (407) 493-6268 › abiocorp.com 056

› Ocala

.com

Joan Pletcher

RE AL E STATE

Realtor, Joan Pletcher Realty

When Joan Pletcher moved to Ocala in 1985, she was charmed by the rolling acres of horse country and friendly residents. As an equestrian properties specialist, Joan welcomes visitors to “The Horse Capital of the World” and offers some of the most luxurious and gorgeous properties for current and future residents enchanted by our city.

Why did you choose to become a Realtor?

Real estate is my passion. From early childhood, being a developer’s daughter, I have always been interested in unique land. After becoming a Realtor, I realized my passion was working with people and helping them with their real estate needs—whether a buyer or seller, a small property or large property. I love the challenge of finding the right property for my buyers and the right buyer for my sellers. I am fully committed to our idyllic community and its positive growth and development by those who will love and embrace it as dearly as I do.

What makes Ocala a desirable city to live in?

As a horseman’s utopia, Ocala offers an endless assortment of magnificent neighborhoods, horse farms, small serene ranches and equestrian estates and is enhanced by Marion County’s rolling hills, bucolic scenery and tropical climate, which provide the ultimate living environment inherent in multiple equestrianoriented estates. Residents can enjoy all the benefits of hiking, biking or riding on the Florida Greenways and Trails and at the Florida Horse Park. I have properties available bordering the Greenway and in gated communities.

Horses are not the only draw to Ocala. Beautiful estate homes on acreage, gated golf and tennis communities, and neighborhoods with Granddaddy Oak trees are perfect for someone wanting a relaxed atmosphere for their family to call home. Marion County/Ocala has it all.

What types of properties does your company offer?

Let me welcome you to Ocala, the premier horse capital of the world and the heart of Marion County! Whatever your real estate needs or desires may be—whether an exclusive equestrian estate, custom home on acreage, neighborhood, waterfront, golf, gated community, land or large farm property—satisfying your real estate needs and interests in our beautifully pristine area are my priorities.

I am very blessed to have a dynamic, established team of three licensed assistants—Bonnie Kash, Francis Galvez and Terri Ray—and, most important of all, a husband that lets me be me and supports me. I am confident my team and I can offer you a generous selection of premier options, including those properties of my fellow Realtors. We are dedicated to actualizing your real estate needs with unparalleled attention and service, whether it’s an equestrian property or a residence for you and your family.

Joan Pletcher REA LTOR ®

Joan Pletcher › 13373 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala › (352) 347-1777 › joanpletcher.com APR ’16 ›

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HOME PROS WHO KNOW

Sun Kool

HVAC

Sun Kool Air Conditioning, Inc Why choose Sun Kool for your HVAC needs?

Sun Kool Air Conditioning is family owned serving Marion, Sumter, Citrus, Levy and Lake Counties for over 30 years. Our dedicated staff provides customers the level of service we would want in our own homes.

Sun Kool wants customers for life. To do that we have many programs that help maintain your heating and cooling equipment for its lifetime. We also offer FREE in-home, no-cost, no-obligation estimates for replacing existing systems. We provide our customers 24/7 emergency service and want them to know Sun Kool is here for them, providing outstanding service every day.

What are some new products and services in HVAC? As monthly energy costs rise, manufacturers have made strides to help customers lower their

costs with state-of-the-art equipment. Savings of up to 40 percent can be achieved. Indoor air quality is another concern. Living in Florida many people are bothered by asthma and allergies. Sun Kool has products to help improve the quality of the air inside your home.

Do you have a showroom?

Sun Kool would like to invite everyone to visit our beautiful new showroom at 9985 N US Hwy 301, Wildwood, FL just 2 miles south of CR 466 in The Villages. You can see and touch the latest in energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, see thermostats controllable through your smartphone from anywhere in the country, as well as talk about indoor air quality solutions.

Sun Kool Air Conditioning, Inc. Showroom › 9985 N US HWY 301, Wildwood, FL 34785 › (352) 622-1067 › sunkoolac.com › License # CAC 035590

Morgan Brothers Supply

PLUMBING SUPPLIES

Why use a professional?

Service, product knowledge and know-how is what sets professionals apart. Pros offer expertise in their field of trade, be it plumbing, electrical, design, etc., to ensure you, the consumer, get the best quality and optimum results.

How do you ensure a cohesive project from start to finish?

Our professionals work with pros in related trades, such as the cabinet makers or tile setters, for the success of your project. Manufacturing companies spend time and money having business representatives and professionals visit their plants to be trained on the latest product lines and changes. Through this personal relationship with the manufacturer, our pros have the authority to resolve any issues that arise, whether during the warranty, installation or replacement phase.

What are the current trends in the marketplace?

Sleek, contemporary, clean lines and chrome are popular. Farmhouse and apron front sinks are hot now and are available in fireclay, stainless steel, copper or stone. They can be single or double bowls. The sink can also be handcrafted or artisan to give it a one-of-a-kind, custom look.

Kohler has a farmhouse porcelain sink that is the best of both worlds. It can be installed during new construction or during a remodel and can fit existing cabinet designs. These sinks come in a variety of sizes, bowl configurations and colors.

Our ability to provide this type of product, down to the specific details necessary, will help ensure client success and satisfaction.

Morgan Brothers Supply, Inc. › 1620 NE 8th Road, Ocala ›

(352) 629-8191 › morganbros.com 058

› Ocala

.com

Kimberly Krystopa

A C T I V E A D U LT R E T I R E M E N T C O M M U N I T I E S

Lifestyle Director, Del Webb Stone Creek

What does active adult lifestyle mean?

At Del Webb Stone Creek, our lifestyle program offers unparalleled fun, entertainment and relaxation. There is always something happening, with 33 charter clubs and interest groups that offer everything from dance and crafts to photography and travel. We believe that variety is the spice of life. Each resident has the opportunity to make their lifestyle all that they want it to be and more!

a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness center, indoor and outdoor heated pools, and tennis, pickleball, horseshoe and bocce ball courts. We also boast an 18-hole championship golf course with a restaurant and pro-shop, as well as a fully fenced-in softball field, a fishing pier and a new RV/boat facility storage area coming this summer. The amenities at Stone Creek are the foundation for the wide range of possibilities that are available to residents.

What amenities are available to Del Webb Stone Creek residents?

Based on feedback from our homeowners, our 46,000-sq. -ft. Reflection Bay Amenity Center has just been newly remodeled, featuring new flooring, paint, furniture, window treatments, computers and a café with sandwiches and coffee. This is our activities hub and offers

Can I see what it’s like to be a resident for a day?

With our Explore Del Webb program, you can “test drive” the Del Webb lifestyle and stay in one of our fully furnished villa homes. You will have access to all of our amenities, social events and even be paired up with a resident from our community if you want.

Del Webb Stone Creek › 6320 SW 89th Court Rd., Ocala › (877) 333-5932 › delwebb.com/stonecreek

Ask About Explore Del Webb Stays

Quick Move-In Homes Available Abbeyville | Home Site 10061 2 BR / 2 BA / Den / 1,671 Sq Ft 20” Tile Throughout Living Space Extended Covered Lanai & Patio $237,230 Available Now

Martin Ray | Home Site 05063 2 BR / 2 BA / Den / 1,968 Sq Ft 42” Maple Glazed Cabinetry with Crown Extended Covered Lanai with Screened Patio $249,430 Available Now

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New Homes from the $140’s - $280’s 877-333-5932 6320 SW 89th Court Road | Ocala, FL 34481 delwebb.com/stonecreek

Martin Ray | Home Site 01184 3 BR / 2 BA / Den / 1,968 Sq Ft View Overlooking the Golf Course Pavered Front Entry and Driveway $335,830 Available Now

The photograph depicts a model containing features or designs that may not be available on all homes or that may be available for an additional cost. Inventory homes are subject to prior sale or withdrawal from market, and prices are subject to change at any time without notice. Square footage listed is approximate. Community prices shown are estimated base prices, do not include lot premiums or options and are subject to change without notice. At least one resident must be 55 years of age or older, no one under 19 (18 in certain communities) in permanent residence, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. See sales consultant for complete details of these offers. CGC1519936 ©2016 Pulte Home Corporation. All rights reserved. 03/01/16

APR ’16 ›

059

THE

OFF

GRID

By

JIM GIBSON

WHEN IT COMES TO INDEPENDENT LIVING,

self-reliance,

MINIMIZING YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT AND SAVING MONEY, NOTHING COMES CLOSE TO LIVING OFF THE GRID.

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT MORE THAN 200,000 AMERICAN HOMES LIVE EITHER PARTIALLY OR TOTALLY OFF THE GRID, MEANING

The average wind speed for this area is approximately 6mph, and most residential turbine systems require a minimum of 9 to 12mph to generate electricity.

THE HOMEOWNERS USE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES OTHER THAN STANDARD UTILITY COMPANIES FOR ELECTRIC, WATER, SEWER OR GAS HOOKUPS.

F

lorida’s abundant sunshine, on and offshore winds, many rivers and streams, accessibility to ocean tides, waves and currents, and constant near-perfect soil temperatures make the state ideal for utilizing one or more of these alternative energy sources.

In our area there are certain alternative sources more viable than others. For instance, wind turbines that produce electricity are dependent on stronger and more consistent wind speeds than are found locally.

(The average wind speed for this area is approximately 6mph, and most residential turbine systems require a minimum of 9 to 12mph to generate electricity.)

Likewise, because we are a fair distance from the ocean on either coast, tidal or wavegenerated power isn’t feasible either. And when it comes to micro-hydro power (basically a water wheel utilizing moving water to spin a turbine), a practical system requires both head (vertical drop) and flow (amount of water), which means the water hitting the buckets that turn the turbine must have a significant drop in elevation. Because of our basically flat landscape, hydro-power doesn’t produce enough energy to be considered a viable residential energy source.

But—when it comes to abundant sunshine and plenty of warm earth—Marion County is ideal for utilizing solar or geothermal residential power systems.

Savings…

HOT OFF THE GRID!

In Florida,

state law requires all homeowners to connect to county or municipal utilities (the grid) whenever they are available. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t take advantage of alternative sources to complement regular utility hookups. Sometimes “complementing” local utilities means producing more energy for your home using alternative sources

APR ’16 ›

061

“When I get the bill from my utility company each month, it reads ‘minus $35’ or ‘minus $45’ every month.” —Jerry Krebs than your home requires—and that can mean a consistent paycheck for the homeowner from the utility company.

“When I get the bill from my utility company each month, it reads ‘minus $35’ or ‘minus $45’ every month,” says Ocala resident Jerry Krebs.

“Whenever the credit accrues to around $300, I call the company and they send me a check.”

Krebs has built a “net zero” home, meaning he produces as much energy as he consumes, effectively using little-to-no energy from the utility company to power his home. Krebs’ 3,600-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath home, built in 2012, utilizes both solar and geothermal energy for power.

Fellow suburban Ocala resident Jay Fratello and his family own a 17-acre farm in the southeast part of the city. Before installing a solar power system, it cost Fratello approximately $350 per month to supply the electrical needs of his 4,000-square-foot, older, two-story farm house. Now the Fratellos use only solar power to supply their energy needs.

“We have two air-conditioning systems and a pool, and we were spending so much on electrical bills that we felt we had to do something,” says Fratello. “We planned our solar power system to supply 125 percent of our electricity usage, and we are very pleased with how it has worked out. Our monthly bills are now around $5 per month, and even during very cloudy or rainy months when we don’t produce enough to cover all our power needs, we still have hardly anything to pay due to the extra power we supply back to the power company during good months. Every day that we produce more than we use, the overage is calculated by Duke Energy and passed on to the next month.”

Savings on your power bill is only one of the financial advantages of using alternative energy sources.

“Saving money is one of the greatest advantages of using solar power,” says Dr. Barry Jacobson, owner of Solar Impact, the Gainesville-based company that installed Fratello’s solar system. “When you get your power from the sun, it’s basically free and you aren’t having to buy it, but what many people don’t know is that a solar power system increases the sales value of your home by more than what the system itself costs and homes that have solar systems sell faster than conventionally powered homes. So, you really end up saving and making money all the way around with solar power.”

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Here

COMES THE SUN

Both Krebs and Fratello

have taken advantage of living in the Sunshine State. The sun is a daily source of virtually endless energy just waiting to be utilized, and the once-high costs of such residential systems are coming down so they are now affordable to more homeowners.

Jacobson says that a five-kilowatt system (most homes use five to 10 kilowatt systems) costs around $17,500, and the accompanying tax credits drop that price to $12,500. He says that this means most systems pay for themselves in savings within six to 10 years.

“I initially expected the alternative energy sources and energy-saving measures I used when building my home to pay for themselves in about eight years, but now I estimate that that time period will be closer to six years,” says Krebs.

According to Jacobson, the systems are environmentally friendly and very durable, ensuring savings for many years to come. He says the solar panels last anywhere from 30 to 40 years and

the inverters usually last around 10 to 12 years, with the cost of replacing the inverters factored into the initial system cost.

Fratello’s 26-kilowatt portable system was installed last summer. The 2,500-square-foot array of panels is situated on a rack system that sits in a pasture adjacent to the family’s home.

Fratello says that the only drawback to his system is the fact that he chose not to go with a backup battery storage system. This means that if his utility supplier has an outage when his solar system isn’t actively producing electricity (such as during the night), he will be without power just like his neighbors who don’t use solar power systems.

Jacobson says backup systems are available but aren’t necessarily cost-effective and require quite a bit of maintenance. He says that the technology is changing and that the company will soon offer the “Tesla Powerwall,” a large, powerful,

From

THE GROUND UP Is solar for everyone, and is it a project for ambitious do-ityourselfers?

long-lasting lithium-ion battery system that requires minimal maintenance.

Fratello paid $90,000 for his larger-than-normal solar system, and Krebs paid a total of $42,000 for his 10-kilowatt solar system and his geothermal heating and cooling system. Both men received a 30 percent federal tax credit, reducing those costs by approximately one-third.

Energy tax credits cover the cost of site preparation, installation and connecting the system to the home. If the credit exceeds the homeowner’s tax liability for the year, it will be carried over to the following year rolling over until the full amount has been utilized. Jacobson says the federal tax credit law is set to expire in December 2016, but that the industry expects the federal government to extend it for several more years as the expiration date nears.

“With the tax credits available, the overall financial savings you attain and the efficiency and environmental cleanliness of a solar power system, it is really a fantastic way for anyone to power their home or business,” says Jacobson. “But I do advise anyone interested in a solar system to consult a professional installer. They will come out and evaluate your home so the system will perfectly fit your particular needs. Although the systems aren’t really complicated, they do require some construction and wiring knowledge. It can be done by a do-it-yourselfer, but it isn’t something I would suggest.”

Krebs, who is a retired University of Florida professor who has degrees in math and physics, says solar power systems are getting better… and cheaper… year by year.

“I’ve had my system since 2012, and it’s even cheaper to purchase now than it was then. Researchers are also experimenting with a substance called graphene that will hopefully make solar cells capable of producing much more power than today’s standard silicon cells, and that will also be much, much cheaper to buy. I wish I could convince everyone to use solar energy to power their homes.

I am a scientist and a firm believer in climate change theory, and I believe we each need to do our part to reduce the use of carbon-emitting energy sources.”

The only thing as natural

as using the sun to provide energy for your home is using the Earth to do the same thing.

“Florida is perfect for using geothermal energy to provide heating and cooling and hot water for your home,” says Lee Kitzmiller, president and part owner of Belleview Heating and Air. “A geothermal heating and cooling system is ideal for this area.”

According to Kitzmiller, Florida’s soil temperature is between 70 and 72 degrees when you dig down at least 2 feet into the ground. This temperature remains constant throughout the year, thus enabling the soil to be a natural heat exchanger.

He explains that in a geothermal system, polyethylene pipes are buried in the ground, in our area usually 6 to 12 feet below grade. Water is circulated through the pipes using a low-wattage pump and returned to a heat pump unit located inside the home.

In the winter, heat stored in the ground is absorbed into the water through the piping and delivered into the house via the indoor unit. A fan then circulates the heat throughout the home’s ducting system. In summer, the heat in the house is pulled into the system and carried into the piping where it is then absorbed into the cooler soil. It is the same principle used in air-source heat pump systems but is much more efficient and cost-effective.

The system used in Kreb’s home has a double-layered field of pipes buried under approximately 2 acres of land.

“It only makes sense to use geothermal heating and cooling for your home,” says Krebs. “Say I want the air temperature in my home to be 75 degrees year-round.

In the summer, the outside air may be 95 degrees; that means I have a temperature gradient of 20 degrees that I must overcome if I am using a normal ‘air source’ heat pump unit located outside my house. If I am using a geothermal unit, the ground temperature is 72, meaning I only have a temperature difference of three degrees to overcome. It takes a lot less energy to overcome three degrees than 20. Likewise in the winter, if it is 40 degrees outside, then I have a temperature gradient of 35 degrees

WE ONLY HAVE

one Earth,

AND IT IS OURS TO WATCH OVER AND PROTECT.

to overcome compared to a three degree difference using geothermal energy.

The numbers clearly show why geothermal is cheaper and more efficient.

“The pump circulating the water through the piping in my system is only a one-watt pump, and the inside unit is in a closet in my sunroom,” Krebs adds. “The heat from the running of the pump is used to heat the water for my home so that nothing is wasted. I am very pleased with my system, and it has met all my expectations.”

Kitzmiller says a geothermal system can produce water heated to approximately 120 degrees and can provide all the hot water needed in many homes.

Why would anyone want to live off the grid? Although it can be simply to save money, most persons choosing alternative energy sources have deeper motivations.

“I want to be a good steward of this Earth,” says Krebs. “I firmly believe we have to reduce our carbon footprint while we are here. When it comes to my home, I have a zero carbon footprint, and I wish it could be that way for everyone. We only have one Earth, and it is ours to watch over and protect.”

APR ’16 ›

063

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› Ocala

.com

065

Risky Business

Food poisoning is an illness caused by foods contaminated with bacteria, but did you know certain foods are more likely to give you food poisoning? Foods that have not been cooked thoroughly, refrigerated properly or washed have a higher risk of causing illness. Here are a few foods you may want to stay away from.

1. Raw oysters and other

3. Rare meat and raw eggs can

2. Precut or pre-washed fruits and

4. Unpasteurized milk is dangerous

Sources: businessinsider.com, nhs.uk

shellfish have been linked to more foodborne illnesses in the past five years than in the past two decades. vegetables should be avoided.

The more hands that handle the product, the higher the chance of contamination.

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

PAGE

THE

Dish

contain bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella if they aren’t cooked properly. Meat should always be cooked to 160°F to kill bacteria. because the skipped safety step means an increased risk of contamination.

PEPPER PICKIN' A VISIT TO vomFASS PASS THE PROSECCO

066 068 070

THE

Dish

The Doctor’s Peppers

Dr. Christopher Bald, a well-known Ocala ENT physician, embarks on a new avocation involving hydroponics and sweet bell peppers. › By JoAnn Guidry

066

› Ocala

.com

Source: whfoods.org

A

fter a 30-year plus career as an ear, nose and throat physician, Dr. Christopher Bald didn’t envision spending his retirement on the golf course.

“Physicians are used to being very busy,” says Bald. “And I knew I needed something that would continue that and be a challenge. I also wanted to do something with a health component to it.”

Turns out growing sweet bell I love producing peppers in a 10,000-squaresomething foot hydroponics greenhouse healthy to checked off all the boxes eat. And I love for Bald. And deep into his seeing people first growing season, Bald’s in the grocery family-owned Doctor’s Peppers store with my operation is keeping him very bell peppers in busy producing 300 pounds their basket. of red, orange and yellow bell › Christopher Bald peppers a week.

“My friend John Sapp is the one who first got me interested in hydroponics,” says Bald.

“He helped me design my greenhouse. Then I took a protected agriculture course at the University of Florida. I wanted to learn all I could before going into it.”

In August 2015, Bald picked out a spot for the greenhouse on his 14-acre Tranquility Farm in south Marion County. Shortly after, the greenhouse, custom-built by Imperial Builders & Supply in Apopka, was delivered. The hydroponics elements were then installed by Sapp’s Grand View Landscaping.

Hydroponics involves growing plants in a controlled environment, aka greenhouse, with nutrients and water but without soil. The plants in Bald’s greenhouse sit in containers filled with perlite, an amorphous volcanic glass that when heated produces a substance that can absorb 10 times its weight in water. The pots sit on irrigation hoses, which deliver the water and nutrients. Between watering events, the perlite holds the water and nutrients for the plants’ root system.

“The greenhouse has sensors that control sunlight, temperature and humidity,” explains Bald. “It’s a passively ventilated greenhouse with vents on the roof controlled by a computer. A computer also controls the irrigation system.”

Although there are many vegetables that can be grown in a hydroponics greenhouse, Bald chose bell peppers for their hardiness.

“Even in a controlled environment, I didn’t want to try to grow something that was delicate,” he says. “Bell

In a greenhouse, they (bell peppers) can be picked vine ripe. That’s how you get the red, orange and yellow colors. Once you taste a truly vine-ripened sweet bell pepper, you’ll never eat a regular bell pepper. › Dr. Christopher Bald

peppers are hardy, and they’re a staple vegetable that are very nutritious.

And in a greenhouse, they can be picked vine ripe. Green bell peppers are grown in fields and have to be picked before they actually ripen because of the weather and pests.

In a greenhouse, they can continue to ripen. That’s how you get the red, orange and yellow colors. We pick them at a minimum of 75 percent ripe.”

Bald adds that he’s had “people walk in the greenhouse, pick a pepper and eat it like an apple. Once you taste a truly vine-ripened sweet bell pepper, you’ll never eat a regular bell pepper.”

The process of growing the sweet bell peppers begins with 3,600 seedlings being planted in trays and then brought into the greenhouse. At

six weeks old, they are then planted into the hydroponic pots. As they grow, there’s plenty of nurturing and pruning to be done by Bald. And even in a greenhouse, there are pests to fend off.

“We sometimes have to spray a natural fungicide,” says Bald, who spends at least four hours a day, six days a week working in the greenhouse. “If needed, we also bring in tiny parasitic wasps that eat fly eggs and red mites that eat white mites.”

In another measure to maintain the cleanest possible greenhouse environment, Bald utilizes something from his physician’s background.

“I wear surgical gloves when handling the plants,” he says. “And gloves and booties are mandatory for all visitors as well.”

The growing season for sweet bell peppers is September 1 through the middle of May. Bald harvested his first crop of 800 bell peppers on December 23, 2015. Since then, he’s

been consistently producing 300 pounds of bell peppers a week.

“We harvest every week,” says Bald. “Right now, other than what we keep for ourselves, we’re selling everything we produce to Ward’s Supermarket in Gainesville. We’re taking him 40 boxes a week, and they sell out every week.”

While Bald has no future plans to expand beyond one greenhouse, he notes that “my friend John (Sapp) wants to get his own greenhouse going. Then he and I may go into business together and have enough to sell to other markets.”

In the meantime, Bald is happy with his new avocation.

“I’m having a lot of fun and staying very busy. Every day is a learning experience,” he says. “This first year has been a learning curve, but that’s good. I love producing something healthy to eat. And I love seeing people in the grocery store with my bell peppers in their basket.”

WANT TO KNOW MORE? › doctorspeppers.com

Powerhouse Peppers

Bell peppers, which are part of the nightshade family, are an outstanding source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. Chief among the antioxidants are vitamins C and E. Phytonutrients include the flavonoids luteolin, quercetin and hesperidin. There are more than 30 different carotenoids found in bell peppers, including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Bell peppers are also a good source of vitamins A, B6, B2, B1 and K as well as folate, pantothenic acid, niacin, potassium, manganese, phosphorous, magnesium and fiber.

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Continued from p.XX

It's an Experience You’ll find everything from imported oils and vinegars to aged wines and delicious liqueurs.

Tastes From The Barrel

It's Only Natural "The family who owns vomFASS works with small European family farmers and co-ops to produce our exquisite and exclusive oils and vinegars."

— Linda Dickison

P

hil and Linda Dickison first fell in love with vomFASS while visiting St. Louis a few years ago.

“My husband and I heard about this awesome oils, vinegars and spirits shop.

It sounded interesting because I love to cook and we love to entertain friends, so we decided to check it out,” says Linda.

“Forty-five minutes later, we walked out with two heavy bags and a lighter wallet.”

Then, in 2012, when they were looking for a retirement home in The Villages, they did some research and came across an opportunity to open a vomFASS shop of their own.

“So instead of buying a home, we bought a franchise,” Linda says, and they opened one of six vomFASS shops in Florida on December 2, 2014.

Linda runs the shop, and when you walk in, you’ll see crocks of oils and vinegars on the left and a pyramid of

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casks full of spirits on the right. A staff member will greet you and give you a tour of the place.

“It’s an experience,” Linda says.

You’ll find everything from imported oils and vinegars to aged wines and delicious liqueurs. The German-based franchise name ‘vomFASS’ means “from the barrel.” The products come straight from producers and are some of the world’s finest. This gives customers the farm-to-table quality they won’t find in many other places. “vomFASS is a family business. The family who owns vomFASS works with small European family farmers and coops to produce our exquisite and exclusive oils and vinegars, which we get directly from the producers,” Linda says. “They also work with small distilleries that produce our spirits and liqueurs. All of our products are all natural.”

The best part of the shopping experience? Tasting. Linda says visitors can taste anything in the shop, with only a few exceptions, and new customers are always excited when they hear they can taste before they buy.

“Our best-selling oils are our garlic and herbes de provence,” Linda says. “The vinegars that sell the most are our maletti—the best balsamic in the world and my primary reason for wanting to own a franchise—and our calamansi.

Our bourbon is very popular, as are our scotches, Irish whiskeys, cognacs and brandies. Our best-selling liqueur is our latte macchiato.” vomFASS has a unique bottle program that you can take advantage of, too. All you need is a sealable glass bottle, which you can purchase in the shop or elsewhere. Purchase your favorite oil, vinegar, liquor or liqueur to fill the bottle, and then bring it back empty for a refill without having to buy another bottle.

Linda’s shop also offers private and group tours, wine and other tasting events, and oil and vinegar classes where you can learn different ways to use vomFASS products.

“It’s been so much fun,” Linda says. “I invite anyone to come and taste around.”

WANT TO GO? › vomFASS › 1105 Main St., The Villages › vomfassthevillages.com or (352) 775-2055

Sources: health.gov, npr.org, news.health.com, time.com, womenshealthmag.com

vomFASS sells the finest in oils and liquors. › By Cealia Athanason

PROMOTIONAL

Seafood and T Sammies at The Steam Shack Good Morning, Sunshine

Rush, rush, rush—that’s how most people start their days, with breakfast not usually on the top of the to-do list. What if we told you there was a way to eat a nutritious breakfast and get the family out the door on time, with minimal effort in the morning? That’s where a smoothie prepared the night before and quickly blended in the morning comes in.

PROTEIN-PACKED BERRY BURST SMOOTHIE › Servings: 1 1 1⁄2 1⁄2 1 1⁄8 1

packet plain instant oatmeal cup lowfat or fat free milk cup strawberries, hulled and chopped tablespoon honey teaspoon ground cinnamon tablespoon walnuts, chopped

The Steam Shack is all about casual dining, a beachside atmosphere and fresh, delicious food.

he team behind Eaton’s Beach Sandbar and Grill, recent winners of Best of Taste and Best Presentation at the 2016 Taste of Ocala, has created the newest go-to seafood stop in town, The Steam Shack on Lake Weir, and just in time for warmer weather.

New to the Shack? Head downstairs to check out the counter and the big magnetic board above. Order, pay, get your drink and any ready-to-go appetizers and claim the table of your choosing. Your order ticket will make its way to the kitchen where seafood is steamed fresh to order.

“We have some sandwiches and snacks, but the focus is on steamed shrimp, crab legs, crawfish, raw oysters,” says Chef Dave Del Rio. He notes that the options on the menu change based on freshness and season.

“It can change as the selections become available or not available, so oysters may go out and I’ll bring in clams.

It’s mean to be fun, fast and casual.”

Besides scrumptious seafood, The Steam Shack offers appetizers like chips, dips and salsas as well as sandwiches like the muffalata sandwich and their bestselling Cuban.

Whether guests are dining at The Steam Shack or Eaton’s Beach, anyone waiting for a table is welcome at the Shack for an appetizer of a quarter pound of steamed shrimp or fresh fish dip until something upstairs is available. Beer and wine are available, and the Sandbar is just steps away for special drink orders.

The Steam Shack’s atmosphere is about being able to walk up to the counter in flip flops and a bathing suit to order.

“This allows us to feed a lot of people with great food that’s healthy and to be able to do it in the atmosphere they’re coming for with the view of the water, the beach and the boats,” Del Rio says.

Come out to the ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, April 28 at 4pm and stop by during Grand Opening Weekend Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1.

In blender, combine oatmeal, milk, strawberries, honey and cinnamon. › Cover and refrigerate overnight. › In the morning, blend mixture until smooth. › Top with chopped walnuts, if desired.

For more ideas on how to incorporate milk into your day, visit milklife.com.

The Steam Shack on Lake Weir › 15790 SE 134th Avenue, Weirsdale › (352) 259-2444 › 12-8pm Mon-Sat, 12-7pm Sun

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To Each Their Own (Rules, That Is)

Champagne, as we all know, must be made in the region of Champagne, France, with local grapes in order to be labelled as such. Everything else is just sparkling wine. It’s often made with a mix of red and white grapes, including Chardonnay and Pinot noir varieties, and has notable almond and toasty flavors.

Prosecco is made using just one type of white grape in the Veneto region of Italy. The production is less fussy and yields a softer, fresher taste, often with fruity notes like apple or pear. It has a smaller price tag, too, as production using the “tank method” is less costly than the classic method used to make Champagne.

Unlike Champagne, Prosecco gets stale with time and should be consumed within three years of its vintage rather than fermenting in the bottle.

Facts on Fizz All that glitters isn’t gold, and all that bubbles isn’t Champagne. While the French fizz may be the go-to for toasts and celebrations, is it really always the best option?

Consider Prosecco, Champagne’s Italian cousin, the next time you’re drinking with appetizers or serving beverages on a budget.

When to Wine and Dine

What's in a Name?

If you’re hosting a party or celebration, Prosecco may give you better flavor for your buck than the Champagne name.

Both Champagne and Prosecco should always be served chilled, but timing is everything. Save Prosecco for apéritifs before the meal with appetizers like prosciutto, stuffed mushrooms, almonds and creamy sauces. Champagne is good before or during a meal with seafood and chicken, but don’t try pairing it with desserts. The difference in sweetness on the palate won’t do the drink or the dish any justice.

Bubbly Beverages LOOKING TO ENJOY SOMETHING REFRESHING OVER THE WEEKEND? A fizzy sgroppino should do the trick. The drink

originated in Venice and is a mixture of vodka, lemon sorbet and Prosecco. It’s like Sprite—but all grown up.

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INTERESTED IN TASTING A CLASSIC CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL? All it takes is a little bubbly, a dash

of Angostura bitters, a sugar cube and a lemon or orange peel to garnish. Cheers!

Sources: winefolly.com, bbcgoodfood.com, epicurious.com, wine.about.com

Why the markup for Champagne? Entry level quality will run you around $40 versus $12 to $14 for Prosecco. The classic method of production is more expensive, sure, but Champagne is also known as a region for luxury winemaking, so it can sell at those higher prices. Most people expect their Prosecco to stay below $20, but an excellent Prosecco can be bought for the same price as an average Champagne. If you’re hosting a party or celebration, Prosecco may give you better flavor for your buck than the Champagne name.

Bitters image by Didier Descouens, wikipedia.org

Price Points

› DINING GUIDE

Book your party at Tony’s today.

Gift cards available.

Tony’s Sushi & Steakhouse

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

HAPPY HOUR Daily 3-7. Thu, Fri & Sat 3p to close ASK ABOUT OUR CARRY-OUT Catering.

Tilted Kilt

3155 E Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala (352) 351-5458 › ocala.tiltedkilt.com Mon-Thu 11a-11p › Fri-Sat 11a-Midnight › Sun 11a-10p Next time you’re in the mood for a taste of Ireland, look no further than Ocala’s very own Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery. Their classics will have you convinced that you’ve just taken a one-way flight to Dublin. Favorites such as fish & chips, shepherd’s pie and Gaelic chicken in an Irish whiskey cream sauce all served by beautiful lasses in kilts will leave you wanting more! Menu items as low as $6 from 11am-3pm makes The Tilted Kilt the perfect place for a quick bite to eat during lunch. Stop by with the whole family to enjoy TV on the big screens, games, good service and great food! Scan this QR code to see our calendar of events.

Check out EatonsBeach.com for weekly beach events and music guests. Try Eaton’s Beach catering for your next event—we’ll bring the beach to you.

From corporate events and birthdays to weddings and wedding rehearsals, Eaton’s Beach will help you plan the perfect event with the perfect food.

Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill 15790 SE 134th Avenue, Weirsdale, FL › (352) 259-2444 eatonsbeach.com › Sun-Thu 11a-9p › Fri & Sat 11a-10:30p

People from all over converge on Eaton’s Beach for a variety of reasons. For some, it’s the Sandbar’s scintillating musical lineup on the weekends. For others, it’s the ease of a day at the beach— complete with resort-style cocktails. We like to think it’s for the award-winning food. With back-to-back wins at Taste of Ocala, Chef Del Rio’s Pastrami and Shrimp & Grits are two things that make Eaton’s Beach a destination where the only thing better than the view… is the food.

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› DINING GUIDE

Blanca’s Café

5174 NW 26th Street, Ocala (in Ocala Palms) › (352) 867-0001 Mon-Sat lunch & dinner 10:30a-9p › Sun 11a-4p (Limited Menu) Come join us on the 19th hole at Blanca’s Café, 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 specialty. 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 to town or a local looking for somewhere new to dine, Blanca’s Café offers something to please every palate.

El Toreo

3790 E Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala › (352) 694-1401 › 7 Days 11a-10p SR 200, Ocala › (352) 291-2121 › 7 Days 11a-11p New lunch specials include Taco Salad on Monday, $4.45; Speedy Gonzalez on Tuesdays, $4.95; Quesadillas on Wednesday, $6.45; Chimichangas on Thursdays, $5.95; and Burrito Supreme on Fridays, $4.95. New dinner options include Fajita Mondays, $8.95; Chimichanga Tuesdays, $7.95; Alambre Wednesdays, $7.95 and Tacos de Bistec Thursdays, $7.95. Plus $1.95 margaritas on Mondays. On Sunday, kids 12 and under can enjoy 99¢ children’s meals (takeout not included). Wednesday is Special Margarita Day, 99¢ all day. Saturday is 2-for-1 margaritas all day. Happy Hour daily, 3-7pm. Everything is 2-4-1 (exceptions may apply).

Each Friday, we are offering 1½-pound Maine lobster. Reserve by Wednesday.

Homemade pizza served daily. Beef on weck & Monte Cristo sandwiches.

Wed: karaoke, Sat: music & dancing.

Join us for Mother’s Day! Serving a special menu 1p-6p.

Trivia Night every Thursday 7-9pm (Silver Springs Blvd. location) Mariachi Band every Thursday at the 200 location 6-9pm

THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD

Ipanema Brazilian Steak House

2023 South Pine Avenue, Ocala › (352) 622-1741 › ipanemaocala.com Dinner:Tue-Thu 5-9p, Fri & Sat 5-10p, Sun 4-9p › Lunch: Fri 11a-2:30p Brunch: Sun 12-3p › Closed Monday A churrascaria (Portuguese for barbecue) is a dining experience where roaming gauchos slice and serve fire-roasted meats from skewers in a continual fashion. Ipanema Brazilian Steak House boasts 12 of the finest cuts of meat complemented by an opulent salad and vegetable bar, delectable desserts and delicious wines, beers and cocktails. Brazilian native and executive chef Ortencia DeAlmeida invites you to embrace the flavors of her homeland and experience the magnetism of Ipanema for yourself. Become a fan of Ipanema on Facebook at facebook.com/ipanemasteakhouse. Great discounts online!

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Dine with us in the most elegant and elaborate dining room in Ocala–perfect for a romantic dinner experience to remember. Taste Brazil!

Happy Hour Tue-Fri 5-7p

› DINING GUIDE

Come share your Mother’s Day with us on May 8th. Our special mother, “Mimi,” would like to invite you to treat your special mother to a lovely dining experience at the Ivy House.

Reservations only.

For information on catering, contact Waica or Evelyn at wmhivyhouse@yahoo.com.

The amazing private CHEF’S TABLE dining experience! Call (352) 873-6446 to design your evening for parties of 4-8.

I N S I DE H ILTO N O C A L A

Learn more about The Federal Vintage Pizza Truck Experience.

Call 352-327-BLUE today!

The Ivy House Restaurant

917 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala › (352) 622-5550 › Sun 11a-2p Tue 11a-2p › Wed & Thu 11a-8p › Fri & Sat 11a-8:30p › Closed Mon 106 NW Main St, Williston › (352) 528-5410 Sun-Wed 11a-2p › Thu-Sat 11a-8p › ivyhousefl.com “Come on home, it’s supper time!” is our motto. We want you to feel you have come to our house to eat. The family-owned Ivy House Restaurant now has two locations, Williston and Ocala. The downtown Ocala location has added several specialty items, and the restaurant has been named by Florida Trend as one of the “Top 500 Best Places to Eat in the State” for several years. Specials include Southern Fried Lobster, delicious Hand-Cut Steaks and our famous Baked Krispy Chicken. Trying our delicious homemade desserts like the Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Midnight Cake is a must when dining here.

Arthur’s — An American Bistro Inside the Hilton Ocala › 3600 SW 36th Ave. Ocala www.hiltonocala.com › Breakfast: 6:30am-11am daily Lunch: 11am-2pm, Mon-Fri › Sunday Brunch: 11:30am-3pm Dinner: 4:30pm-10pm, Tue-Sat

A true American bistro experience! Extraordinary flavors in a casual and affordable setting, Hilton Ocala is proud to be the home of Arthur’s — An American Bistro. Renowned for years as one of the region’s most celebrated dining establishments, the new Arthur’s — An American Bistro provides a comfortable, graceful atmosphere to enjoy the one-of-a-kind American bistro flavors of Executive Chef Josue Torres and his high-caliber culinary team. In addition to this unique twist on American regional cuisine, you will also find one of the best wine, bourbon, Scotch and specialty drink selections in North Central Florida... so enjoy!

Blue Highway Pizza

2130 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala › (352) 629-5555 bluehighwaypizza.com › Sun-Thu 11:30a-9p › Fri & Sat 11:30a-10p We strive to use local ingredients to help reduce our footprint, and you can taste the difference. Blue Highway is a special place to get great food and attentive service in a fun, funky and relaxed atmosphere. We take pride in our culinary culture serving the highest quality, fresh, local and expertly prepared food. Pizza, pasta, paninis and everything in between. Visit us at bluehighwaypizza.com for fabulous daily specials. Perfect for celebrating Earth Day. And remember reduce, reuse and recycle… every day!

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Braised Onion Restaurant

754 NE 25th Ave, Ocala › (352) 620-9255 Tue-Thu 11a-9p › Fri & Sat 11a-10p › Sun 11a-8p › Closed Mon Braised Onion, where you’ll experience “Comfort Food with Attitude” in a fun, warm and colorful but casual atmosphere.

Open for lunch and dinner. Winner of Culinary Combat and 3x winner of Taste of Ocala for two years. From country-fried tenderloin and Kentucky hot brown melt to the eggplant parmigiana or the frenched pork chop, the menu options are plentiful and guaranteed to make your taste buds explode with happiness. Happy hour is Tuesday through Friday from 4-7p.

Visit our website at braisedonion.com.

Mesa de Notte

2436 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala › (352) 732-4737 › mesaocala.com Mon-Thu 11a-9p › Fri & Sat 11a-10p › Closed Sun Mesa de Notte uses only the freshest ingredients to prepare their unique, gourmet, Italian dishes. The menu features both lunch and dinner options and offers patrons an expanded, private dining room capable of accommodating up to 50 guests. It’s perfect for your next party or company meeting. The talented professionals at Mesa de Notte can also handle all of your catering needs—big or small.

COME JOIN US ON MAY 8, 11A-6:30P AND ENJOY OUR MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH BUFFET! Live jazz featuring Rudy Turner every Wednesday and Friday 6:30-9:30p.

2015 Best of Taste Winner and Best Taste People’s Choice.

Mesa de Notte features a full-service bar serving beer, wine and liquor. Stop by the bar and enjoy an appetizer on your way home from work.

Serving Mother’s Day Buffet 11a-8p. Mother’s Day Buffet entrées: Chicken Marsala, Champagne Salmon, Seafood Ravioli, Lasagna, Eggplant Rollatini, Prime Rib and Rosemary & Garlic Leg of Lamb.

Plus antipasto, salads and desserts!

West 82º Bar & Grill

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

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

Find us on Facebook for up-to-date info on special events.

› DINING GUIDE

Early Bird daily 4:30-7pm Check out our sushi bar.

Serving Ocala since 1986!

Ask about our lunch specials!

Kotobuki Japanese Restaurant

2463 SW 27th Avenue, Ocala › (352) 237-3900 › kotobukiocala.com Lunch: Tue-Fri 11:30a-2p Dinner: Tue-Thu 4:30-9:30p › Fri & Sat 4:30-10:30p › Mon & Sun 4:30-9:30p For an authentic Japanese meal in an award-winning restaurant that has been serving Ocala since 1986, try Kotobuki. Enjoy 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.

Get the VIP treatment. Check out our specials!

All-you-can-eat jumbo snow crab legs and fish every day.

Plan any party, social event, business lunch or celebration. Ask for Murphy!

We cater! Let us create an unforgettable menu for your next event. Check out new items on our menu. Enjoy one of our specialty drinks at our new backyard tiki bar. Live music on Fridays. Family owned and operated. Brooklyn’s Backyard— Good Beer, Better Food!

Murphy’s Oyster, Steak & Seafood Restaurant 3821 NW Blichton Rd., Ocala › (352) 236-5656 Open 7 Days a Week 11a-Midnight

Welcome to Murphy’s, where you’ll dine on delicious seafood, oysters, choice steaks, fresh wings and much more served in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant’s extensive menu offers something for everyone, from tasty Philly cheese steaks and steamed clams to snow crab. Try the authentic gyros, too. A special menu for the kids features dishes like the hot dog platter and the chicken strips platter. Come take advantage of our massive outdoor tiki bar with flatscreen TVs. Murphy’s is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

Bring the whole family for an experience you’ll want to relive again and again.

Brooklyn’s Backyard

2019 E Silver Springs Boulevard, Suite #102, Ocala › (352) 304-6292 brooklynsbackyard.com Sun 11a-8p › Mon-Wed 11a-9p › Thu-Sat 11a-whenever Head down to the “Yard” for fresh food and fun in a relaxed, backyard atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for finger foods or something more exotic, they’ve got it and it’s delicious! Try one of their unique burger creations. In the mood for wings? Get the best from the 2014 & 2015 King of Wings. Want pizza? They got it, NY style, plus a full range of fresh salads, sandwiches and entrées sure to suit everyone! There’s beer, wine and a full liquor bar in the ‘Yard,” too—over 40 craft beers, craft cocktails and a great selection of wines, all sure to perfectly complement your meal! Come join us for our Sunday Brunch, every Sunday from 10a-2p.

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Crossroads Country Kitchen 7947 W Highway 40, Ocala › (352) 237-1250 Mon-Sat 6a-9p › Sun 7a-3p

Located west on Highway 40 in Ocala, the Crossroads Country Kitchen is a must for anyone craving down-home, country cooking.

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

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

Gator Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill

12431 SE 135th Ave., Ocklawaha › (352) 288-3100 › gatorjoesocala.com › Mon-Thu 11a-9p › Fri 11a-10p › Sat 10:30a-10p › Sun 10:30a-9p Come enjoy casual lakeside dining at Gator Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill on gorgeous Lake Weir where you can kick back and relax. Their courteous and knowledgeable staff can supply you with an ice-cold beverage from the full-service liquor bar, or choose from the craft or draught beer selection. While sitting on the deck over the water, be sure to indulge in Gator Joe’s island-inspired cuisine—from their delicious gator tail and fried shrimp to hometown favorites like the juicy 1/2-pound Joe’s Big Burger or excellent chicken wings.

Bring the entire family to the beautiful white sand beach where you can cool off in the water or simply watch the world go by from the comfort of a well-placed chair.

Cody’s Original Roadhouse

2505 SW College Road, Ocala › (352) 237-8182 › codysamerican.com Doors Open at 11a › Serving lunch and dinner daily “Where quality and value come together!” Hand-cut, USDA Choice steaks, rotisserie chicken, BBQ baby back ribs, chops, fresh fish, half-pound burgers, salads and more! Kids eat free Mondays and Tuesdays. Buy 1 Get 1 Free Fajita Wednesdays, $12.98! Daily 2-4-1 happy hour, 11am-7pm, includes draft beer, wine and all liquors (top shelf, too). Lunch from 11am-3pm, and early bird from 3pm6pm Monday-Saturday. Sunday after-church specials starting at $9.98 with free dessert. Two for $19.94 on Thursdays. Hand-cut steaks and “Just Plain Good Food” made from scratch... daily!

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Located at the Crossroads of NW 80th Ave. and Hwy 40 West. No matter what you have a taste for, Crossroads Country Kitchen is sure to become a new favorite.

Former owners of “The Spiced Apple” restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale. We accept all major credit cards.

Gator Joe’s has plenty of parking, whether you arrive by land, water or air! We have happy hour Mon-Thu from 4-6pm, all-you-can-eat fried fish on Fridays from 4pm to close and live entertainment on the weekends Fri-Sun.

Take-Out Service Available. Locations in The Villages at 1041 Lakeshore Drive at Lake Sumter Landing and our new location at Brownwood in The Villages.

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Diggin’ Dunnellon!

The Dunnellon Boomtown Days festival is back with a bang!

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the discovery of phosphate in the 1800s.

Celebrate with the Boomtown Days Festival where historic West Pennsylvania Avenue and Cedar Street in downtown Dunnellon will be overrun with frontierstyle vendors, can-can dancers, cowboys and more. Characters in period dress will be roaming the streets, so be on the lookout for mounted patrols, shootouts and jailhouse justice. The event runs 9am-9pm and will also feature a wide variety of arts and crafts, music, live entertainment, food and a kids’ zone complete with face painting, old-time carnival games, balloon art and more.

WANT TO GO? › Dunnellon Boomtown Days › April 16, 9am-9pm, West Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon › dunnellonchamber.com or (352) 489-2320

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Downtown To-Dos APRIL 1: First Friday Art Walk, downtown Ocala, 6-9pm APRIL 2: Jazz on the Green at Tuscawilla Park, 2-9pm APRIL 15: Feel Downtown Live Concert at Citizens’ Circle, 5-10pm APRIL 16: Seeds of Love Festival at Tuscawilla Park, 2-7pm APRIL 16: Country Sole 1/2 Marathon/5K in downtown Ocala, 4pm

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Serious About Cycling

Hospice of Marion County and Ocala Eye are teaming up to present the Frank Polack Memorial Bike Ride. This ninth annual event winds riders through the heart of horse country, with routes of 80, 65 or 30 miles offered. All entrants are treated to a light breakfast, post-ride feast and free massage to boot. So dust off your cycling shoes and pump up your tires before heading out to show your support for Hospice of Marion County. Registration is $45 before April 2 and $50 after. hospiceofmarion.com or (352) 854-5218.

APRIL 22: A Walk for Children’s Mental Health at Citizens’ Circle, 5-9pm APRIL 23: Cutting For Cancer on the downtown square, 10am-3pm APRIL 30: Dance and Fitness Festival in Tuscawilla Park, 10am-2pm

Films For All The 3rd Annual Silver Springs International Film APR 4-10 Festival will take place once again this year in downtown Ocala. The week-long festival celebrates Marion County’s rich cinematic history and highlights the cultural landscapes made famous in these early films, including six Tarzan movies, the Sea Hunt TV series and the horror movie classic The Creature From The Black Lagoon. Throughout the festival, various special interest series will highlight specific issues, ideas and genres specific to Marion County. A special Feel Downtown Live concert will take place April 8 at 9:30pm. For a complete list of films and events, visit springsfilmfest.com or (352) 433-1933.

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Get Out And Green Up

It’s our planet’s biggest day! Celebrate Earth Day at Tuscawilla Park for Earthfest at Arbor Day. This day-long event features a number of outdoor activities and adventures, including a youth fishing derby, tree-climbing fun, outdoor art and entertainment, and so much more. Come ready to clean, as the event runs in conjunction with the Mayor’s Spring Cleanup. Admission is free, and the event runs 9am-3pm.

For a complete list of events, visit ocalafl.org/EAGO.

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What once was old is new again! The annual Recycled “Trashy” Fashion Show, presented by the OTOW Lions Club, will take place at Circle Square Cultural Center and feature the finest in “trashy” couture. This year the models will be donning their own designs, as they strut their stuff down the catwalk. The event raises funds for children, veterans and those with visual and hearing impairments. Along with chic, recycled fashion, the event will feature catering

by Brick City at Wenona and two cash bars. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children 6-12. Doors open at 5pm.

(352) 798-1016 or (203) 509-0898.

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Equines On The Green

Two pastimes Ocala is known for, equestrian competition and golf tournaments, are teaming up to present one unique fundraiser.

Presented by The First Tee of Ocala, Bridles, Birdies and BBQ will join equestrian athletes, local celebrities and area golfers in a “go for broke” relay race. There will be jumping horses, putting golfers and challenging obstacles on a course built specifically for the event.

And of course, there will be a top-notch BBQ competition with the audience making the final decision on whose BBQ reigns supreme!

The event kicks off with a cocktail hour at 5:30pm, and participants take the field at 6:30pm. Tickets are $50 and benefit The First Tee of Ocala. thefirstteegreaterocala.org or (352) 362-2258.

Holocaust Remembrance

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In honor of those who tragically lost their lives during one of the most turbulent times in history, the City of Ocala will take part in the nationwide effort to honor the victims of the Holocaust by holding several Days of Remembrance events. The events coincide with the nation’s annual commemoration of the Holocaust established by Congress and led by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. Citizens are invited to attend a ceremony at the Klein Center on the College of Central Florida campus at 3pm on May 1. On May 2, the Reilly Arts Center will air The Sound of Music at 5:45pm. A Holocaust survivor and second generation discussion panel will take place at the Klein Conference Center, also at CF, from 6-7pm followed a performance by the Marion Civic Chorale. The Appleton Museum will host a Holocaust survivor exhibit from May 3-9 as well as air The Boy in the Striped Pajamas at 6pm on May 4. Schindlers’s List will be aired at the Marion Theatre at 5:45pm on May 5. For more information on these events, visit the Ocala Remembers the Holocaust Facebook page or call (352) 401-3977.

The Villages Antique Automobile Club and The Market of Marion

Car Show present their monthly

4TH SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH y ou drop whil l i t ‘ p o h s , s l r i e G lay with their toys. p s y o b e h t

Featuring the ever popular

Valve Cover Races on the 40-ft. track. Proceeds and donations given to The Multiple Sclerosis Society in The Villages

8 Miles North of The Villages | 12888 SE US Highway 441 | Belleview, FL 34420 | 352-245-6766

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Scene A Quick Q

The Local

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&

Ongoing Events

A

Free Yoga for Veterans › Wednesdays at Bliss Yoga at 12:15pm, (352) 694-YOGA

With Angie Umpleby

Free ESL Classes › Wednesdays at First Baptist Church of Ocala at

6pm, (352) 237-9858

Interview by Bonnie Kretchik

Chair Yoga › Wednesdays at Bliss Yoga at 10:30am,

(352) 694-YOGA

Garden Workshop › Second Sunday of each month at Silver Springs State Park at 1pm, (352) 236-7156

Local Stars Sync Up

AARP Tax Aide › Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through April 15 from 9am-12:30pm, (352) 629-8545

Arts, Crafts and Culture Upcoming Exhibits At The Appleton › Paradise Park

Who doesn’t love a good lip-sync competition?

The fun and camaraderie that goes along with this popular entertainment genre was what the Women’s Leadership Council was banking on when they organized the county’s first lip-sync challenge.

The organization runs the ReadingPals program where volunteers read to at-risk kindergarten students and donate books so children can start their own home libraries.

With the growing popularity of the program, the funding needs have grown, as well, and this local celebrity, star-studded event is sure to be a major contributor to the cause. Angie Umpleby, chair of the Women’s Leadership Council, took some time to tell us a bit about the challenge.

Your original fundraising event was Power of the Purse. Why change to a lipsync challenge this year?

Power of the Purse was a big event for us but appealed to mostly women. We wanted to host something that was appealing to men and children, as well.

Why a lip-sync challenge?

We didn’t originally plan it that way. We were talking about it one day and the idea sort of evolved from there.

What is the format?

There will be three town “celebrities” competing head to head. They can use whatever props, costumes or songs they like.

We will also have three judges as well as opening acts, too.

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What are the opening acts?

They are also lip-sync acts, but they are groups. I’ve been watching them practice and they are very competitive about the whole event!

How will everyone be judged?

The individuals will be judged on ability, costumes, props, creativity and by audience applause. The groups will be judged based on audience applause; we wanted the audience to be really involved in the judging process.

Where will the challenge take place?

We will be in the Reilly Arts Center, so we have quite a large venue. General admission tickets are $20, and VIP tickets are $50 and include special seating and an after-party with the participants. But those are going fast! We wanted to make the tickets affordable so everyone can attend. It’s sure to be a great show.

WANT TO GO? › United Way of Marion County’s Women Of Worth Lip-Sync Challenge › April 29 › Reilly Arts Center › 6-8pm › uwmc.org or (352) 732-9696

› Ocala

.com

Remembered: Photographs by Bruce Mozert and Others features 100 photographs of the segregated Paradise Park attraction in Florida that opened in 1949. The exhibit runs through April 24. Journey into IMAGIMATION: 100 Years of Animation Art from Around the World celebrates the ongoing 100-plus-year history of animation. The exhibit will be on display through April 24. Stickwork is a selection of drawings, videos and photographs that document the artist’s past projects and will be on display through April 17. appletonmuseum.org or (352) 291-4455.

Ocala Civic Theatre Spring Classes › The Ocala Civic Theatre offers a variety of acting and dancing classes for children of all ages. ocalacivictheatre.com or (352) 236-2274.

Marion Civic Chorale Concerts (April 1, 24, May 1) › The

Marion Civic Chorale will present Faure’s Requiem. The chorale will be joined by soprano Stephanie Barnett Sager and baritone Joshua Head along with a chamber orchestra consisting of players from the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and alumni of the University of Florida’s School of Music. The April 1 concert will be held at St. George Anglican Cathedral, the April 24 concert will be held at Queen of Peace Catholic Church and the May 1 concert will be held at First United Methodist Church. All performances begin at 3pm, and admission is free.

(262) 227-6495.

Ocala Choir Concert (April 3) › Four Ocala Choirs will be joined by the Stetson University Chamber Orchestra for two performances at Countryside Presbyterian Church. Participating choirs include West Port High School, Forest High School and Howard Middle School. The performances will be held at 2pm and 6:30pm, and tickets are $5 at the door. (352) 237-4633.

CF Student Art Showcase (April 6-29) › The College of Central Florida’s Webber Center will host the annual student art showcase.

The judged exhibit features the work of students from the Ocala and Citrus campuses during summer and fall 2015 and spring 2016 semesters. Many of the works are available for sale. cf.edu or (352) 873-5809.

Central Florida Master Choir Concerts (April 10, 15, 17) ›

The Central Florida Master Choir presents their spring concert, The Sun in the Morning and the Moon at Night. The April 10 concert will be held at Countryside Presbyterian Church at 3pm, the April 15 concert will be held at the Reilly Arts Center at 7pm and the April 17 concert will be held at Dunnellon Presbyterian Church at 3pm. Tickets not required. (352) 615-7677.

Continued on p.82

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Concerts

Gourd Artist Meeting (April 16) › The Marion County

Gourd Artist Group will hold a monthly meeting at the Cherokee Park Recreation Center in Belleview at 10am. All are welcome. marioncountygourdartist.com or (352) 245-7203.

Ticketmaster › (800) 745-3000 › ticketmaster.com All dates are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead to confirm venue listings.

Aaron Tippin Duran Duran Pearl Jam Pentatonix Jo Dee Messina Tori Kelly CF Patriot Singers Ciara 98ROCKFEST Kentucky Headhunters & The Artimus Pyle Band

The Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds, Tampa Amalie Arena, Tampa CFE Arena, Orlando The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, The Villages Hard Rock Live, Orlando Charles R. Dassance Fine Arts Center, Ocala House of Blues, Orlando Amalie Arena, Tampa Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

Apr. 2

Fun Fundraisers & Charitable Causes Charity Golf Tournament (April 2) › The Queen of Peace church

Apr. 2

is hosting its 7th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Stone Creek Golf Club. Registration is $65 and includes coffee, a buffet lunch and several prize opportunities. (352) 502-3093.

Apr. 11 Apr. 14

Dancing in the Dark (April 9) › The Florida Center for the Blind

Apr. 15 Apr. 16

presents an evening of dancing to benefit the non-profit organization.

The event will be held at Oak Run’s Palm Grove Auditorium and feature live entertainment, a silent auction, door prizes, hors d’oeuvres and more. BYOB. Tickets are $30, and attire is upscale black and white. flblind.org or (352) 873-4700.

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Apr. 23 Apr. 24 Apr. 29 Apr. 30

Fundraising Auction (April 9) › Grace Christian School of Ocala will host their 23rd annual fundraising auction at the Medical Health Center.

The evening begins at 6pm and includes both a silent and live auction as well as a buffet dinner from Mojo Grill. Tickets are $75, and expected attire is chic cocktail. graceschoolocala.org or (352) 387-3090.

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Performing Arts Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba

Downtown Disney, Orlando

Blue Man Group Theatre at Universal CityWalk, Orlando Sonnetag Theatre at the Gypsy IceHouse, Mount Dora The Fox on the Fairway Ocala Civic Theatre CF Theatre presents Charles R. Dassance Fine “Arms and the Man” Arts Center, Ocala Quartet Ocala Civic Theatre, Ocala Broadway: The The Sharon, The Villages Big Band Years The Hippodrome The Elephant Man Theatre, Gainesville David A. Straz, Jr. Center for Joel McHale the Performing Arts, Tampa David Cross Hard Rock Live, Orlando The Great American Charles R. Dassance Fine Trailer Park Musical Arts Center, Ocala Arsenio Hall Hard Rock Live, Orlando Springtime with Gainesville Community Playhouse the Bard Blue Man Group

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Craft Night

(April 15) › A craft night to benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

will take place the third Friday of each month at 6pm. The event will take place at the Marion County Sheriff ’s administration building.

(352) 732-5982.

Charity Golf Tournament (April 16) › CenturyLink will host a

Apr. 1 Jun. 30 Apr. 1 Jun. 30

four-person best ball scramble format golf tournament at Stone Creek Golf Club. Registration is $300 per team or $75 per golfer and begins at 8:30am. Entry deadline is April 8. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Marion County. uwmc.org or (352) 875-6674.

Apr. 1-10 Apr. 1-17

APR JUN

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30

Apr. 1-3 Apr. 1-11 Apr. 5 Apr. 8 May 1

SOS Support Group meets the last Tuesday of the month at 1pm in the chapel, room 235, at Ocala West United Methodist Church. The group offers support and guidance for those facing cancer as well as speakers and lecturers. (352) 291-6904.

Apr. 14 Apr. 15-17

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What Happens In The Trailer Park… (April 15-17) › Set not too far from home in Starke,

Florida, this musical comedy explores the relationships among the residents of Armadillo Acres Trailer Park, particularly Pippi, “the lady on the run;” the Dr. Phil-loving agoraphobic, Jeannie; and her tollbooth-collector husband, Norbert. The Great American Trailer Park was performed in the first annual New York Music Theatre Festival in 2004 and Off-Broadway in 2005. The College of Central Florida Musical Theatre Ensemble will host performances at the Dassance Fine Arts Center at 7:30pm April 15-17 and at 3pm on April 17. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for nonCF students and free for CF students, faculty and staff with valid ID. tickets.cf.edu or (352) 873-5810.

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Conservation District will host a golf tournament to benefit their youth programs. The tournament will be held at the Ocala Golf Club and feature a cookout lunch, raffles, a $1,000 putting contest and more. Registration is $80 per person and $320 for a foursome and begins at 11am with tee-off at 12:30pm. marionsoilandwater.com or (352) 622-3971, ext. 3.

Sisterhood of Survivors Support Group (April 26) › The

Apr. 9

Apr. 15 Apr. 28 May 1

Golf Tournament (April 16) › The Marion Soil and Water

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

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

Kayak Outings (Ongoing) › The Marion County Parks and

Recreation Department will host several kayak outings for children and adults alike. For a complete list of times and dates, visit marioncountyfl.org or call (352) 671-8560.

Flag Football League Registration (Ongoing) › The Under Armour Under the Lights non-contact flag football league is currently registering players from kindergarten through eighth grade. The Continued on p.84

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Scene Continued from p.82

season runs May through June, and games will take place on Friday nights at Trinity Catholic High School. uaflag.com.

Sports

Race Against Child Abuse (April 2) › A 5K run will be held at the Marion Technical Institute to raise funds for Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection. Registration opens at 7am. ocalafl.org or (352) 875-4113.

Don’t miss a single dunk or slide into home.

Here are the home schedules:

Corporate Run For the Springs 5K (April 9) › A 5K run to raise

NCAA Baseball

MLB

Nature Walk (April 20) › The Marion Audubon Society will host a

University of Florida Texas A&M Apr. 1 Texas A&M Apr. 2 Texas A&M Apr. 3 Jacksonville Apr. 5 Mississippi State Apr. 8 Mississippi State Apr. 9 Mississippi State Apr. 10 Jacksonville Apr. 19 Georgia Apr. 21 Georgia Apr. 22 Georgia Apr. 23

Miami Marlins Tigers Tigers Nationals Nationals Nationals Mets Mets Mets Braves Braves Braves Nationals Nationals Nationals Nationals Giants Giants Giants Dodgers Dodgers Dodgers Dodgers Brewers Brewers

7:00p 7:30p 2:00p 7:00p 5:30p 7:00p 4:00p 7:00p 7:30p 7:00p 2:00p

University of Central Florida Florida Atlantic Apr. 5 6:30p USF Apr. 15 6:30p USF Apr. 16 12:00p USF Apr. 17 1:00p Tulane Apr. 22 6:30p Tulane Apr. 23 4:00p Tulane Apr. 24 1:00p Florida State University Louisville Apr. 8 6:00p Louisville Apr. 9 6:00p Louisville Apr. 10 1:00p Florida Apr. 12 6:00p Stetson Apr. 19 6:00p Stetson Apr. 20 4:00p Notre Dame Apr. 22 6:00p Notre Dame Apr. 23 6:00p Notre Dame Apr. 24 1:00p

NBA Orlando Magic Memphis Apr. 3 Detroit Apr. 6 Miami Apr. 8 Milwaukee Apr. 11

6:00p 7:00p 7:00p 7:00p

Miami Heat Detroit Chicago Orlando

7:30p 8:00p 6:00p

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awareness about our area’s springs will take place at the McPherson Complex at 7:30am. ocalafl.org or (352) 671-8686.

Apr. 5 Apr. 6 Apr. 7 Apr. 9 Apr. 10 Apr. 11 Apr. 12 Apr. 13 Apr. 15 Apr. 16 Apr. 17 Apr. 18 Apr. 19 Apr. 20 Apr. 21 Apr. 22 Apr. 23 Apr. 24 Apr. 25 Apr. 26 Apr. 27 Apr. 28 Apr. 29 Apr. 30

7:10p 4:55p 4:05p 4:05p 1:35p 7:10p 7:10p 1:10p 7:10p 7:10p 1:10p 7:10p 7:10p 7:10p 1:10p 10:15p 9:05p 4:05p 10:10p 10:10p 10:10p 10:10p 8:10p 7:10p

Tampa Bay Rays Blue Jays Apr. 3 Blue Jays Apr. 4 Blue Jays Apr. 5 Blue Jays Apr. 6 Orioles Apr. 8 Orioles Apr. 9 Orioles Apr. 10 Indians Apr. 12 Indians Apr. 13 Indians Apr. 14 White Sox Apr. 15 White Sox Apr. 16 White Sox Apr. 17 Red Sox Apr. 19 Red Sox Apr. 20 Red Sox Apr. 21 Yankees Apr. 22 Yankees Apr. 23 Yankees Apr. 24 Orioles Apr. 25 Orioles Apr. 26 Orioles Apr. 27 Blue Jays Apr. 29 Blue Jays Apr. 30

4:05p 7:10p 7:10p 1:10p 7:05p 7:05p 1:35p 7:10p 7:10p 1:10p 7:10p 6:10p 1:10p 7:10p 7:10p 1:35p 7:05p 1:05p 1:05p 7:10p 7:10p 7:10p 7:10p 6:10p

guided walk around Tuscawilla Pond to see seasonal migratory and resident birds. The walk will depart from the Discovery Center at 9am and is free and open to the public. mydiscoverycenter.org or (352) 401-3900.

Relay For Life (April 22) › The annual Relay For Life will take place at West Marion Community Hospital beginning at 6pm. The event raises funds for the American Cancer Society and cancer research. relayforlife.com or (352) 240-5063.

Senior Fishing Derby (April 25) › This fishing derby is open to

adults ages 50 and over and is held at Tuscawilla Park from 9am-noon. ocalafl.org or (352) 401-3916.

PACE 5K/10K Run (May 7) › Pace Center for Girls of Marion County will host a 5K/10K run at the Florida Horse Park. The event will also feature a Derby Hat Contest, a 1K kids’ run and more. Registration is $35 for the 10K and $25 for the 5K and begins at 7:30am. pacecenter.org or (352) 369-0571, ext. 3017.

Other Fun Stuff!

Plant Sale and Garden Show (April 2) › The Seedlings Garden

Club of McIntosh will host a plant and garden show at Van Ness Park from 9am-4pm. The show will feature over 40 vendors displaying various plants, crafts and antiques. There will also be food trucks, live entertainment and more. (352) 316-1613.

Book Sale (April 7-9) › The Friends of the Belleview Library will host

a book sale from 9am-4pm daily. friendsofthebelleviewlibrary.org or (352) 307-0705.

YP Comic Con (April 9) › Forest High School will host YP Comic Con from 10am-6pm. The event is open to all ages and includes contests, a kids’ zone, vendors and more. Armbands are $5. ypcomiccon.com or (352) 671-4700.

Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Workshops (April 11, 12) › As part of Victims’ Rights Week, two free

workshops will be offered. A domestic violence workshop will be held at the Marion County Sheriff ’s Department’s multi-purpose room from 2-4pm on April 11. A human trafficking workshop will be held in the Ocala Police Department Community Room from 2:30-4:30pm on April 12. RSVP required. (352) 438-5990 for the April 11 workshop and (352) 369-7139 for the April 12 workshop.

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 calendar@ocalastyle.com, fax us at (352) 732-0226 or by mail: Ocala Style Magazine, The Scene, 1007 E. Fort King St., Ocala, FL 34471

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085

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Find Your Sud › By Katie McPherson

“I didn’t start it because I wanted Member Loren Burry recently became engaged to to date, but I wanted the social aspect her fiancé, Jake, after meeting through SOAP. of something to do with friends as “Honestly had I only seen his profile or his a single mom with a business. It’s Facebook page, I probably never would have dated not what a lot of people assume,” him. The fact that the group existed and I was able to Ellie explains, stating that while two get to know him in person for a few hours, it turned serious relationships (which they call out I really enjoyed his personality. The group is suds—get it?) have come from SOAP, amazing because you get past the superficial online innumerable friendships have been dating profile and you actually get to meet these born as well. people,” she says.

That’s why SOAP rocks—no pressure.

Don’t let the financial investment keep you from “It’s a unique approach to online getting sudsy. Membership dues are $14.99 monthly, dating that allows people to meet in a but members will get their money’s worth. comfortable, friendly environment. It’s “If you’re already a member you get discounts where real people meet real people,” on tickets, like transport and entrance to a wine says member Steve Anton. Fellow tasting,” Ellie says. “I try to get discounts, so it’s member Anthony Valadez agrees. almost like they’re getting that $15 back.”

“At first I was worried If you’re considering jumping in, the about the pressure of first event with SOAP is free. Contact having to meet somebody, but it wasn’t SOAP to set up your trial meetup and Upcoming Events like that at all. The guys are cool, the see if the group is for you (we have a Apr. 16 Cards girls are cool, and we kind of hang out feeling it will be).

Against Humanity as a group, and it’s been great. There’s Tournament real people, real personalities, and that’s Apr. 28 Thursday something you don’t get online.”

Night Dinner SOAP hosts one or two events each @ Bonefish month, like wine tours or board game tournaments. Members have online profiles so they can browse before meeting, but they only include a name, photo, age range, profession and whether or not the member has children.

“Profiles are short and sweet so they’re actually forcing people to have a conversation,” explains Ellie.

She says members even meet people at SOAP they’d passed over on other dating sites and, while they’re not a perfect match, have built strong friendships.

Photo courtesy of Corgi Photo

I

f there’s one thing everyone in the Ocala dating pool agrees on, it’s that it can be hard to meet new people in the area. But that’s a little odd considering between Ocala and Gainesville there are approximately 95,208 singles. Ellie Hancock agreed, and like all good ideas, her plan to change the dating scene unfolded over wine and good conversation with a friend.

Ellie wasn’t just interested in meeting someone special. As a working mother, she was often left with no time to socialize, and when she was, meeting friends proved difficult.

Single Only Area Professionals (SOAP) is an in-person social networking group for singles ages 25 to 55 meant to remedy that problem through bi-monthly events and icebreakers.

I didn’t start it because I wanted to date, but I wanted the social aspect of something to do with friends as a single mom with a business. › Ellie Hancock

FIND OUT MORE › Single Only Area Professionals › soapsingles@gmail.com › soap.singles › facebook.com/soapsingles 086

› Ocala

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352.387.0090 APR ’16 ›

087

10/23/14 3:1

THE

Scene

Home Sweet Home

Whether this is your first venture into home ownership or you’re simply looking for new ideas to spruce up your humble abode, two events this month will help answer your queries and quell your concerns.

APR

9-24

On The Home Front Wood floors or tile? Covered patio or in-ground pool? While building your own home is the dream of most American families, the decision-making process can quickly escalate into a first-rate headache. How to layout the kitchen, which appliances are the most energy efficient and let’s not even get into what the patio should look like! But before you throw in the towel and dash to the quickest apartment complex, listen up. The Marion County Building Industry Association’s Spring Parade of Homes is just around the corner, showcasing the area’s finest homebuilders. Beginning on April 9 and running through April 24, area residents will have the opportunity to visit a collection of new homes in various communities, each a unique design that highlights the work of Marion County’s own talented builders.

The community is invited to tour this year’s entries from noon to 5pm daily.

Executive Officer of the MCBIA Dave Harden points out that each home features a little something different and highlights the talents of our area’s builders. The 2016 Showcase Builder is Bennett Construction Services, Inc. Look for them on the cover of the Home Buyer Guide, which can be found in the Ocala Star-Banner.

This complete list of featured homes will hit newsstands on April 3 and can also be found on the MCBIA’s website.

APR

30

Gear Up Your Green Thumb After you’ve toured the Parade of Homes models, be sure to check out the Home, Garden and Lifestyle Expo. The annual event takes place at the Ewers Century Center at the College of Central Florida on April 30 and regularly draws a crowd.

Whether your thumb is the greenest of green or you shudder at the thought of keeping a potted plant alive, the expo has something for everyone. Garden experts will be on hand to answer all your outdoor questions, from which patio furniture is the most practical to how many shrubs can be planted in your yard.

And a series of 30-minute lectures will be presented by the best in the business, including real estate experts, mortgage lenders, interior designers and more. The expo is a great opportunity to pick the brains of the area’s top home professionals, so come with your list of questions in hand! Admission is free, and the expo runs 10am-3pm.

FIND OUT MORE › mcbia.org or (352) 694-4133 088

› Ocala

.com

reality

building a custom home can become a

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APR ’16 ›

089

THE

Scene

› SOCIAL SCENE

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

Taking The High Jumps: The Nation’s Cup Gala

Robert Desino, Tiffany Richtmeyer, Brandon Osborne and Chris Desino

The Nation’s Cup Gala, benefitting Horses N Heroes, was recently held at and sponsored by the Adena Golf and Country Club. Other sponsors included HITS, Ocala Horse Properties and Edge Brewing Barcelona.

Important business associates of the four sponsors and other dignitaries were among the over 150 VIP guests.

T

Teddy Moore, Pat West and Jennie Hollis

his equestrian bash was held in a clear pyramid shaped tent in Adena’s courtyard. An enormous chandelier, two stories high in the center, provided glamorous lighting. Guests, united in a common cause, reveled as the pink sunset lit up our Marion County horizon.

Seen among the guests were, among others, Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn; Kim Oliver, one of the owners of Edge Brewing Barcelona; Kim Burnette, owner and trainer of Kimberden Farm in Ocala; Matt Varney, a real estate professional with Ocala Horse Properties; Louisa Barton, of Horse Talk Radio in Ocala; and Stacey Rollins, director of membership and new development of the Adena Golf and Country Club.

An outstanding pledge to build a new $60,000 arena at the Horses N Heroes farm was made by Longwood Equestrian and Worley Martin. Other notable donations came from Kathy and Tom Sedlak and Rob and Chris Desino.

When guests arrived, they were escorted in by 20 of the Horses N Heroes girls clad in riding boots, light beige breeches and dark green short-sleeve shirts.

The South Beach-inspired cuisine of passed hors d’oeuvres included charcuterie plates of prepared meats by Adena. The Smoked Pork Sticky Bun with Hoisin and Cucumbers was among the culinary favorites.

Matt Varney was the master of ceremonies, and he spoke on Furusiyaa FEI Nation’s Cup Ocala and Horses N Heroes. A short documentary about Horses N Heroes and Angel Antonaccio’s talk about her 10 years in the program were both deeply moving.

Here in our Horse Capital of the World, girls cherish dreams of loving horses.

And for more than 30 local young girls, their dreams will come true thanks to founder and executive director of Horses N Heroes Mindy Nolan-Morrow.

Just because the gala is over doesn’t mean the giving has to stop. Give Mindy a call at (352) 629-5280 and offer to provide pizzas for her girls, gas cards for the parents to get the girls to the Horses N Heroes farm and many other specific equine donations are most welcome and needed. Please take a moment and visit horsesnheroes.org to view heart-warming equestrian stories from right here in Marion County. After all, the girls you generously help today may one day fill the riding boots of the likes of Team USA, which recently won the first place leg as a Nation’s Cup qualifier at HITS.

Emma Luegert, Jennifer McGraw and Carolyn Grantz

Ronald W. Wetherington SOCIAL SCENE EDITOR

Angie Lewis and Ryan Sherry

Clint Slier, Katie Sullivin and Hugh Graham

090

› Ocala

.com

Linda Farina, Tony Braun, Judi Stern and Joy Bowley

Tom Ingrahm, Alex Moy and Clint Lewis

Christian and Kim Olwa

Matt Hollerg, Thaisa Erwin, Jim and Suzanne Cantrell

Silvio Mazzoni, Natalie Pollard and Dara O’Brien

Jacqueline Cuddy and Tiffiny Richtmyer

Tom and Tracy Males

Norma and James Chicklo

Susan and Raymond Di Maria, Noelle and Bill Vanderbrink

John Reger, Jr., Karen Reger and Mayor Kent Guinn

Jo Wiggins, Charles Stevenson and Mandi Wiggins

Hugh Graham, Shiloe Duvall and Kelly Moore

Tom and Kathy Sedlak, Isabella Ayestas

Shawn Ferguson, Peter Gray, Paul Eldbrook and Mary O’Neal

Natalia Moy, Amy Agricola and Lisa Whitner

APR ’16 ›

091

THE

Scene

› SOCIAL SCENE

Boots & Blue Jeans, Auction & Dinner

Photos by Ronald W. Wetherington, Social Scene editor @ Country Club of Ocala

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

Dressed in their best country attire, parents and friends of St. John Lutheran School came together on February 20 for an evening of dancing, dining and fundraising at the Country Club of Ocala. The evening’s auction monies raised will benefit St. John Lutheran School and its mission.

Robyn Locker, Christine Damron, Cassandra Edwards and Charity Mostacci

Kristy and Butch Green and Tina Barton

Dwayne Kurtz, Jeff Faulkner, Betty Kurtz and Jane Faulkner

Katherine Theus and Vanessa Baxley

Jonathan and Jennifer Walker

Bobbi and Randy Fenstemaker

Andy and Barbara Cabaugh, Laura and Matt Vitale

092

› Ocala

.com

Continued on p.94

An Evening

IN

MEMPHIS AT

TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL April 30, 2016 • 6pm Come experience the sights, sounds and flavors of a blues-filled Memphis evening!

Live and Silent Auction

To make a reservation, for sponsorship opportunities, or for more information, call 352.622.9025 ext. 6047 or visit www.trinitycatholichs.org/memphis.

Dr. and Mrs. James Paraiso

Jon Kurtz

REP. DENNIS BAXLEY Michael G. Desautel, M.D.

Friends of Hospice of Marion County

Landscaping Sod&Beyond

THE

Scene

› SOCIAL SCENE

Boots & Blue Jeans, Auction & Dinner

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

Continued from p.92

Photos by Ronald W. Wetherington, Social Scene editor @ Country Club of Ocala

Miranda and Travis Barrineau

Dwayne and Betty Kurtz

Cynthia Tieche, Melissa Goodson, Karen Schmidt and Kim Moye

Bradley and Caroline Blessing, Casey and Brandon Chysler

Ray Goodson, Gary Skinner and Steve Tieche Brad and Melissa Cordell and Bonnie Hall

094

› Ocala

Kim Sandstrom and Vanessa Baxley

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