The Villages edition of STYLE, April 2015 by Akers Media Group

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201 5 // VO LU M E 1 1 N UMB E R 6

Featuring 35 BATTLE OF THE BBQ

We can’t even spell the word for the smoky, grilled meat we can’t get enough of, so it’s a given we can’t agree on who serves the best barbecue. Or is it barbeque? Bar-B-Que? Bar-BQ? BBQ? STORY: GARY CORSAIR

48 BBQ-UTIE

You could call 10-year-old Ashley Nadeau lots of things. Sweetheart of swine. Grilling goddess. Swine-o-mite. But the cheerful, fun-loving girl already has a handle she loves—“Uncle Kenny’s BBQ Diva.” STORY: JAMES COMBS

On the cover

LAKE&SUMTER EDITION

DIRECTION: STEVEN J. CODRARO PHOTOGRAPHY: MATTHEW GAULIN PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK SPECIAL THANKS TO: JDANCE SMOKEHOUSE AND SIP RESTAURANT JAZZ AND WINE BAR

On the cover

VILLAGES EDITION PHOTOGRAPHY: BETSY HANSEN MODELS: LIZ CORNELL AND NICK LIZZIO OF TB FINANCIAL GROUP

April 20 15

ents 71

Departments 14

70 THE TO-DO LIST The area is full of fun-filled events this month.

EDITOR’S COLUMN

ON THE SCENE

FROM THE PUBLISHER

FIRST THINGS FIRST 20 #TRENDING Teacher of the Year, golf tournaments and more. 24 PERSON OF INTEREST Cody Gifford, the 2015 Daytona ATV Supercross Class A Champion. 26 OUTSTANDING STUDENT East Ridge Middle’s Joey Marino.

74 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT Bravado! Colorful brassieres used to raise much-needed funds for local cancer patients. How fitting! Story: James Combs 76 OUT+ABOUT Child-friendly Key West Key West has often been described as a party-hard city with an anything goes attitude. While that may be the case at certain times of the year, most of the time it’s a family friendly destination with Florida history you shouldn’t miss. Story: Mary Ann DeSantis

74 78 HI, SOCIETY! Highlights from the Wildwood Winterfest, the Roast of Carman CullenBatt and more.

EATS! 92 IN THE KITCHEN The ‘Willy Wonka’ of crunch “Mad scientist” taking a bite out of the crowded chip market with flavors like ham off the bone, beets and banana split. Story: Shemir Wiles 96 SALUTÉ “Zin”fully good with barbecue Want barbeque flavors to really explode? Pair your saucy dish with one of these fruit forward wines for turbocharged taste. Story: Mary Ann DeSantis

98 FORK ON THE ROAD Rae Rae’s is fresh Canned food and microwaves aren’t allowed in this popular restaurant’s kitchen. Story: Gary Corsair FINAL THOUGHT It’s the misuse of it’s and its. Story: Fred Hilton

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Editor’s column

WISHING FOR BODACIOUS BARK Yes, I realize that ranking the best barbecue is a sure-fire way to end up with sauce on my face. Those on top of the list will love me; cellar dwellers will want to stick me on a spit and smoke me. I understand. But rank we must. Barbecue is such an important part of life that I must traverse the minefield. Let me say right up front, we tried to be fair. That’s why we used three methods to rank local barbecue establishments: Internet reviews, an experienced barbecue judge and the opinions of local pitmasters. The fact that there was no consensus winner underscores the folly of trying to rank barbecuers. Ask 10 people who serves the best “Q” and you’ll receive at least five different answers. Don’t feel bad if your favorite place didn’t top our list. In my mind, there are no losers, certainly not among us consumers. The fact that every restaurant is rated 4 stars our better shows how much great barbecue is served in Lake and Sumter counties. To me, anything

over 4 stars is a must visit. The difference between a 4.2 rating and a 4.8 rating is the difference between Texas toast and garlic toast. I’m not sending either one back. You just can’t get bad barbecue around here. That was obvious as I accompanied our judge Dolores Mann from restaurant to restaurant on a recent Saturday. I only wish we visited all 25 local barbecue establishments. Unfortunately, less than half of the restaurants contacted expressed interest in participating in our barbecue comparison. To those who took time to fill out our questionnaire and allow our judge Dolores Mann to rate your barbecue, I thank you. May your bark be bodacious, your ribs rambunctious and your pulled pork plentiful. Our feature is not a paid advertising section. Every barbecue restaurant was invited to participate. And, just for the record, our judge had no idea we were also writing a story about young barbecue diva Ashley Nadeau, whose dad owns Uncle Kenny’s BBQ. Please don’t think Dolores had any bias when she ranked Uncle Kenny’s so highly. She didn’t. Kenny and his staff earned their lofty ratings. It’s my hope that our rankings will unite rather than divide barbecue lovers. Each restaurant in our community has something to offer and it’s my hope that you’ll visit each and every one and decide for yourself who serves the best barbecue.

Comments? Email Gary@akersmediagroup.com

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CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you are a seasonal resident or have moved, send your address change request to general@ akersmediagroup.com or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088 Leesburg, FL 34749. BACK ISSUES: Order by mail for cover

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From the publisher

SLOW DOWN AND SMELL THE BARBECUE

Kendra Akers PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF kendra@akersmediagroup.com

Doug Akers

VICE PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com

Jamie Ezra Mark CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER jamie@akersmediagroup.com

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ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER sabrina@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY Gary Corsair Steven J. Codraro EXECUTIVE EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR gary@akersmediagroup.com steve@akersmediagroup.com

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STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER SENIOR DESIGNER matt@akersmediagroup.com josh@akersmediagroup.com

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS // PHOTOGRAPHERS Garrett Corsair Pat Jocelyn Mary Ann DeSantis Kathy Porter Morgan Ellis Ron Vandevander Jane Fuentes Shemir Wiles Fred Hilton SALES // MARKETING Tim McRae

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Lake & Sumter Style, April 2015. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 Fifth Street, Leesburg, Florida 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2015 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. 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. “Special Advertising Feature” and “Special Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media.

Being a lifetime Lake County gal, I had no trouble saying yes to an in-depth feature story about barbecue. Did I worry we might douse someone’s charcoal by ranking barbecue restaurants? The thought briefly crossed my mind, but I know that our story will get you to try restaurants you’ve never experienced. I also know you’ll be happy you did. That’s because there are no bad barbecue restaurants in Lake and Sumter counties. Around here, the cash register won’t ring if your barbecue doesn’t sing. Wannabe pitmasters may be able serve the weak stuff up north, but not here, where grilling and saucing are as much a part of us as fishing, boating, country music and picnics in the park. Don’t believe me? Ask any old-timer. They remember when barbecue meant Jack Benny’s in Minneola, King’s in Eustis and folks throwing meat on the coals at the annual community get-together. That was about it. One great barbecue shack in the north end of the county, another in the south. It was a big deal when Sonny’s came to Leesburg. Today, there are 25 restaurants devoted to barbecue in Lake and Sumter counties, a few dozen dining spots with varied menus that serve tasty barbecue, a handful of roadside trucks, and more guys with smokers in their yards than I can count. There’s literally something for every taste. I grew up enjoying ribs and sliced pork sandwiches, but today’s barbecue menus go on and on – three or four kinds of ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, sliced turkey, sausage sandwiches, chicken, smoked prime rib and sides we never knew as kids. Who thought of putting pulled pork in an egg roll?!!! And don’t get me started on sauces. Hot or mild is no longer the question. One of our local barbecue establishments offers 12 different sauces. And whoever heard of rubs? Our quest to identify the best pitmasters has given me a new appreciation for the men and women who labor to perfect the art of grilling meat. They all have their own individual style and recipes but they share one ingredient – hard work. Great barbecue doesn’t just happen; it takes preparation and long hours of tender care. Pitmasters are some of the hardest-working people in our community. So don’t overlook the tip jar. Barbecue is more than food; it’s part of a lifestyle I love – a lifestyle where families share meals and friends drop by, where laughter and hugs are frequent and heartfelt. Barbecue has endured in a fast-food world. Barbecue demands that you slow down and pay attention, that you savor and appreciate it. If you ask me, that sounds like a pretty good recipe for a happy life. Sincerely,

Kendra Akers

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First Things

f1rst #TRENDING PERSON OF INTEREST OUTSTANDING STUDENT

20 24 26

First things first // #trending Spotlighting the best of local people, places, and events

2015 PARADE OF HOMES WINNERS DREAM HOME Custom Home in Squirrel Point, Tavares. Built by Kevco Builders. COMMUNITY Harbor Hills Country Club, Lady Lake. REALTOR AWARDS North Region winner: “The Southern Rustic” by Lee Woods. CONSTRUCTION South Region winner: “The Vincenza II” by Pathfinder Development. Central Lake Region winner: “The Benner Custom” by Kevco Builders.

COOKING UP A WIN

Mount Dora’s own KaDee Kay Gourmet Kitchen Products recently snagged the Critic’s Choice Award for Best Gourmet Store during the 17th annual Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards. “We are so thankful to our wonderful customers, those who have been a part of our growth in historic downtown Mount Dora, Florida, those who keep coming back to see what we’ve got new and exciting in the store and those who bring their friends and family along with them. Without such faithful customers, we would never be where we are today,” said owners Karen Monte, Kelly Davant and Danielle Taylor. “We also thank our dedicated sales staff and the Orlando Sentinel Food Editor Heather McPherson.”

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Eco Friendly Awards 1 Leaf:“The 3000 MOD” by Adams Homes. 2 Leaf:“The Medjool” by Harbor Hills Development. 3 Leaf:“The Simonton” by Mainsail Solutions. Category: $150,000 - $175,000 1st Place: “The Charleston” by Twin Lakes Custom Homes. 2nd Place: “The Joseph” by Kevco Builders. Category: $180,000 - $215,000 1st Place: “The Nicole” by Kevco Builders. 2nd Place: “The Hampton D” by Maronda.

HOMES Category: $275,000 - $305,000 1st Place: “The Portland” by D.R. Horton. 2nd Place: “The 3000 MOD” by Adams Homes. Category: $350,000 - $385,000 1st Place: “The Ryliewood” by David Weekley Homes. 2nd Place: “The Simonton” by Mainsail Solutions. Category: $400,000 - $425,000 1st Place: “The Granada” by Medallion Home. 2nd Place: “The Vicenza II” by Pathfinder Development. Category: $450,000 - $490,000 1st Place: “The St. Thomas” by Medallion Home. Category: $550,000 - $650,000 1st Place: “The Benner Custom” by Kevco Builders. 2nd Place: “The Medjool” by Harbor Hills Development. Category: $1,000,000 - $1,250,000 1st Place: “The Southern Rustic” by Lee Woods Construction. GRAND/TOP SCORE: “The Southern Rustic” by Lee Woods Construction.

PHOTOS: Shutterstock.com

The Home Builders Association of Lake-Sumter is proud to announce the winners of the 2015 Parade of Homes.

STUDENTS CELEBRATE STEM BOWL SUCCESSES After three days of calculating, measuring, estimating and building, nine teams from elementary schools across the county celebrated victory in Lake County’s fifth annual STEM Bowl. The academic competition brought together about 330 students to test their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Students were given a series of questions and hands-on tasks to complete as a team and they were scored based on their ability to answer questions and complete tasks quickly and correctly. One task required fifth-grade teams to watch a video on the Trans-Alaska pipeline, then construct a functioning “pipeline” of their own using simple items such as drinking straws, clay, masking tape and wooden blocks. “The value of a competition like this is the opportunity the students get to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom,’’ said Dr. Susan Moxley, superintendent of Lake County Schools. “It becomes real to them.” Here are the results from the three days of competition: THIRD GRADE: First place Eustis Heights Elementary Second place Sorrento Elementary Third place Clermont Elementary Eustis Heights Elementary

Cypress Ridge Elementary

Lake-Sumter State College Foundation is hosting its 30th annual Gala Auction on April 18 at Savannah Center in The Villages. The “Once Upon a Time” experience begins at 6p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction. Guests will then be ushered into the ballroom, where they will be transported to a storybook fairytale and enjoy an elegant gourmet dinner and live auction. “This year’s goal is to raise $85,000 to benefit scholarships and programs for students attend-

ing LSSC. There will be wonderful auction items available for bidding, so we’re hoping to reach our goal,” said Foundation Executive Director Rosanne Brandeburg. Sponsorships and table hosts range from $750 to $5,000. Individual tickets cost $150. “This annual event is the largest single-day fundraiser of the year for the Lake-Sumter State College Foundation, and as many of our students struggle to continue their education in these difficult economic times, we invite the community to join us for an evening that supports student scholarships and college initiatives,” said Brandeburg.

For more information, call 352.365.3518.

JOSH TAKES ON: AN ADMITTEDLY ASKEW POINT-OF-VIEW FROM THE MIND OF ILLUSTRATOR JOSH CLARK

FOURTH GRADE: First place Cypress Ridge Elementary Second place Clermont Elementary Third place Sawgrass Bay Elementary FIFTH GRADE: First place Treadway Elementary Second place Seminole Springs Elementary Third place Umatilla Elementary

Treadway Elementary

April 20 15

First things first // #trending Spotlighting the best of local people, places, and events

Bill Keen

Bonita Worrell

From delicious food, to exciting entertainment, The Savannah Nights Annual Dinner and Awards Gala was an evening to remember. “After attending more than 10 years worth of Sumter County Chamber of Commerce annual dinner celebrations, this one was fantastic,” said board member Connie Mahan. “The food was amazing, the venue was beautiful, the program and entertainment were on point and the diversity of local businessmen and businesswomen sharing in an evening of fun and networking was great

to see and be a part of.” During the event, Bill Keen, owner of Salescorp USA in Wildwood, was named Businessman of the Year. Bonita Worrell, who owns and operates Ace Hardware stores in Wildwood and The Villages with her husband, was named Businesswoman of the Year. The chamber also recognized Dean’s Services as Outstanding Large Business of the Year, Care4Kids Inc. as Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year and Pamela Dimry as Outstanding Chamber Volunteer of the Year.

ROLLING TO THE TOP Justin Crouch, a social studies teacher at Umatilla High School, was named Lake County Teacher of the Year. The other finalists were Julie Forgie, who teaches autism spectrum disorder students at Windy Hill Middle School, and Me-

lissa Meadows, a second-grade ESE teacher at Treadway Elementary School. For winning, Crouch received a 2015 silver Jetta from Jenkins Hyundai in Leesburg. All payments have been made three years in advance. After three years, he’ll have the option of buying the vehicle.

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“I just had my first daughter six months ago, so having a family vehicle is a godsend,” Crouch says. Presenting the county’s teacher of the year with

a new vehicle has been a longtime dream of Carman CullenBatt, executive director of the Educational Foundation of Lake County. “Our teachers are so incredible and work so passionately at what they do,” she says. “Being able to award one with an automobile is our way of saying thanks.”

THEHITLIST ____________________________

1 // THE FISH AND WILDLIFE

Conservation Commission is hiring contracted alligator trappers to work in Lake County, just south of the Florida Turnpike. Why do these rowdy reptiles insist on being instigators?

2 // LAKE COUNTY RESIDENTS are no longer chicken about having chickens. As a matter of fact, Lake County’s agriculture extension office receives 20 calls a week from people inquiring about raising backyard chickens. Is this an egg-cellent idea, or have some people flown the coop?

3 // ALTHOUGH Larry Markwood

of western Pennsylvania died in August 2012, he was recently reappointed to a county industrial authority board. Wonder if he’ll work the graveyard shift?

4 // FORMER NEW YORK CITY

police officer Gilberto Valle— known as the “Cannibal Cop” who was arrested for sending online messages about killing and eating women—made headlines once again. Months after his 2013 conviction was overturned, Valle has reportedly joined the online dating site Match.com. Looks like he still remains hungry for a little love.

5 // A YOUNG COUPLE

was arrested in Vero Beach after having sex on a car trunk in a McDonald’s parking lot. Apparently, they grossly misinterpreted the popular fast-food chain’s “I’m Loving It” slogan.

PHOTOS: Shutterstock.com + Provided

SAVANNAH NIGHTS

JAMES COMBS’ APRIL

SWINGING FOR A CAUSE A golf tournament is being held May 9 at Arlington Ridge Golf Course to benefit the Miss Leesburg Scholarship program. Since 1997, the program has awarded $134,000 to help further the education of young ladies selected to represent Leesburg in special activities. They also spend one year providing volunteer service work to the community. All scholarship funds are raised through donations and fundraisers. There is a $75 entry fee per golfer. For more information, contact Linda Watts at 352.326.4217.

Did you know? The Lake County Fair began in 1921 as the Florida Sportsman Exposition. Source: lakecofair.com

COME TO THE FAIR Get ready to enjoy delicious food and endless entertainment at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lake County Fair. If you love midway madness, check out these daily ride specials.

APRIL 9

$18 Armband (gate admission separate)

APRIL 10: 2-FOR-1 NIGHT

Two people admitted for the price of one, and two people ride for the price of one

APRIL 11

$20 Armband (gate admission separate)

APRIL 12: $2 DAY

$2 Admission, $2 per ride

APRIL 13

$15 Armband (gate admission separate)

APRIL 14: DOLLAR DAY

$1 Admission, $1 per ride

APRIL 15: STUDENT DAY

18 & under admitted free. Rides are regular price

APRIL 16

$18 Armband (gate admission separate)

APRIL 17

No admission specials or ride specials

APRIL 18

$20 Armband (gate admission separate)

April 20 15

First things first // person of interest Movers and shakers

AGE : 1 9 LIVES IN EUSTIS 2 0 1 5 DAY T ONA AT V S U P E RC RO S S C L A S S A C H A M P ION

NO INTEREST IN PEDAL POWER. I got started riding dirt bikes when I was around 8 years old. Around the time I was 14 years old, I got on a quad and it just felt like home. In no time I saw myself progressing faster, and the more time I spent on it the better I got. LESSONS TO LEARN. It was always a major challenge to balance school and riding. If I had homework that needed done and my dad asked if I wanted to go riding homework would be put to the side. I attended a public school up until senior year but was missing too much school with races sometimes three days a week or more. So my parents and I decided it’d be best if I finished my last year online to make more time for riding and practice. NOT MUCH DOWN TIME. Being 19 years old and working a job on top of riding kept me very busy. My dad does construction so I work with him when I have time. On workdays, I get up at 5:30a.m., start working around

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7a.m. and get off at 3p.m. Then I head straight to the gym to workout for a couple hours. After that I head home and work on my quad until late in the evening, eat dinner, shower and go to bed, wake up and do it all over again. TEAM EFFORT. My mom and dad are great. I honestly couldn’t do any of this without either one of them. We are a team. Mom will handle anything from scheduling to managing equipment. She helps me with my diet and seems to always be cleaning something. Dad works more than I do. He leaves for work before the sun is up and comes home after dark and still manages to make time to help me. He’s my pit crew, helps me with mechanics on my bike or quad and always pushes me and motivates me. Having the support of both parents is amazing. I’m very lucky to have both of them being so supportive and in my corner. They are always there when I need them and I appreciate everything they do.

FAST FACT: • Loves movies.

• Will pursue a career as an electric company lineman if racing career doesn’t pan out.

QUAD PRO GO. Like most riders, my dream would be to go pro and race for a living. I’d ride forever if I could, but I’m not sure my body will hold up. It’s a very physically demanding sport and injuries can sideline you for long periods of time. TRAVELIN’ MAN. The season for racing is anywhere from 10 to 12 races over the span of three to four months. Most races are held in different states, from Georgia all the way to New York. The gas just for our truck can be over $1,000 just to travel, so it’s very expensive. MAKING A COMEBACK. Last year I was in Spring Creek, Minnesota and I was going up the face of a jump and my bike just lost all power. I ended up crash landing on my shoulder and I tore some ligaments and ended up dislocating my shoulder. I had surgery sometime in August and started riding again in November. The whole time I was out I just felt like a part of my life was missing.

STORY: Garrett Corsair PHOTO: Matthew Gaulin

CODY GIFFORD

First things first // outstanding student Making the grade

FUN FACTS

JOEY MARINO

• Straight A student throughout his life. • Joey is involved in the National Junior Honor Society, president of a robotics team and captain of his soccer team.

ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING times I ever had was attending a five-day summer camp at NASA. We were able to design, fly and land a space shuttle. We also participated in lots of motion-based space simulations, hands-on activities and team-building activities. We also experienced what zero gravity felt like.

MY GOAL AND DREAM is to attend college and major in computer engineering. I’ve always been very interested in technology. With a computer engineering degree, you can do everything from building computers, programming software or making new games and apps.

I RESPECT ALL my teachers, but my favorite is Mrs. Zamora, who was my math and history teacher in fifth grade. She helped me discover I have a gift in math and even allowed me to assist in teaching the class.

OUT OF ALL SUBJECTS, math is my favorite. I particularly enjoy algebra because you can only arrive at one correct answer and I’m a very black-and-white person. MY ROLE MODEL in life is my mom, Jenne English is much more challenging for me Marino. She has always been there for me and helped shape me into the person because it’s more subjective than math. I am today. None of my achievements in You could write an essay that one person thinks is terrific and another person life would have been possible without thinks is average. her love and support.

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OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL, one of my favorite activities is traveling. I’ve been to 23 states and several countries, such as Jamaica and Haiti. We also take a lot of road trips. MY FAVORITE ATHLETE is Argentinean soccer player Lionel Messi. He overcame a growth-hormone deficiency as a kid and has developed into one of the best soccer players in the world. I always admire when someone like him shows perseverance through adversity. THE BEST ADVICE I can offer anyone is to never give up. Always try to succeed no matter how difficult something may seem.

STORY: Garrett Corsair PHOTO: Matthew Gaulin

AGE : 1 3 GR ADE: 8 SC HO OL: EAST RID GE MIDDLE

IF I COULD TRADE places with someone for a day, I would trade places with the president. I’d love to find out all the responsibilities the president has and how the president handles criticism. I have no problem when presidents receive criticism after making a tough decision that is not widely appreciated, but I don’t believe in harassing the president because that is way out of line.

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Madonna special layout_Layout 1 2/26/2015 2:19 AM Page 1

As seen in Congratulations From the Staff of Lake ENT & FPS! February 21, 2015

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BATTLE OF THE BBQ NO BONES ABOUT IT, OUR GRILLIN’ IS THRILLIN’ STORY: GARY CORSAIR PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN+GARY CORSAIR

e can’t even spell the word for the smoky, grilled meat we can’t get enough of, so it’s a given we can’t agree on who serves the best barbecue. Or is it barbeque? Bar-B-Que? BarBQ? BBQ? Barbecue (we’ll use the spelling recommended by the finger-licking folks who publish the Associated Press Stylebook) is a very personal subject. You like pork. He favors chicken. She goes for ribs. That guy swears by mustard-based concoctions. His wife can’t live without a sweet red sauce, but her cousin is a dry-rub guy.

People are downright passionate about barbecue. But you already know that if you’ve lived here for any length of time. There have probably been as many fistfights over wood vs. charcoal as there have been over whether Chevy is better than Ford. Well, let us not fight brothers and sisters. Barbecue is about love, not angst. Besides, there’s a barbecue joint for every taste. We can all have it our way. There are two dozen barbecue restaurants in Lake and Sumter counties — and another two dozen eateries that serve decent barbecue. That’s a lot of smokin’ chimneys, yet we seem to have room for more barbecue. Newcomers Jdance Smokehouse (formerly Hook ‘Em Horns BBQ) is doing brisk (and brisket)

business in Leesburg, Barnwood BBQ has quickly become the talk of Eustis and the old Dinner Bell restaurant in Fruitland Park is being converted into a barbecue establishment. With so much barbecue to choose from, it would be virtually impossible to say who is the best. Or would it? We’re about to take a slab, er, stab at it. So put on a bib and break open a package of napkins. It’s about to get messy.

April 20 15

HERE COMESTHE JUDGE

BEST FROM THE ‘NET LIST

AND THE WINNER IS…

BARNYARDBBQ

… according to diners who posted reviews on the Internet. Yes, we know that friends and relatives (and competitors) post biased opinions, but we believe most reviewers are genuine — and many know good food. Besides, we didn’t gather data from just one website, we combined reviews (of 1 to 5 stars) from Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google and Facebook.

1. Barnwood BBQ (Eustis) 57 reviews, 5-stars: 51. Avg: 4.85

8. Sugarboo’s (Mount Dora) 145 reviews, 5-stars: 95. Avg: 4.41

14. Sonny’s (Leesburg) 247 reviews, 5-stars: 122. Avg: 4.09

2. Sully’s Smokehouse (Leesburg) 124 reviews, 5-stars: 105. Avg: 4.74

9. Oakwood (Eustis) 194 reviews, 5-stars: 116. Avg: 4.40

3. Old Crow BBQ (Umatilla) 188 reviews, 5-stars: 125. Avg: 4.63

10. Oakwood (Clermont) 190 reviews, 5-stars: 110. Avg: 4.36

15. Burke’s BBQ (Fruitland Park) 109 reviews, 5-stars: 58. Avg: 4.06

4. Oakwood (Lady Lake) 426 reviews, 5-stars: 352. Avg: 4.48

11. Jack’s Barbeque (Minneola) 243 reviews, 5-stars: 152. Avg: 4.34

5. Uncle Kenny’s BBQ (Clermont) 476 reviews, 5-stars: 352. Avg: 4.47 6. King’s Taste BBQ (Eustis) 117 reviews, 5-stars: 85. Avg: 4.47 7. Dam Smoker (Eustis) 226 reviews, 5-stars: 146. Avg: 4.43

12. Texas Roadhouse (Clermont) 100 reviews, 5-stars: Avg: 4.24 13. Black Bear Smokehouse (Mount Dora) 356 reviews, 5-stars: 207. Avg: 4.16

16. Sonny’s (Eustis) 316 reviews, 5-stars: 154. Avg: 4.05 17. Texas Stockyards (Lady Lake) 221 reviews, 5-stars: 116. Avg: 4.05 18. Sonny’s (The Villages) 258 reviews, 5-stars: 119. Avg: 4.02 19. Sonny’s (Bushnell) 250 reviews, 5-stars: 118. Avg: 3.96 20. Woody’s (Wildwood) 85 reviews, 5-stars: 17. Avg: 3.31

ABOUT THIS LIST: Yelp, Facebook and Google ratings are 1 to 5 stars. Note: We converted TripAdvisor’s 5-tier rating system to stars. Excellent=5 stars, very good=4 stars, average=3 stars, poor=2 stars, terrible=1 star.

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And the winner is … Barnwood BBQ

… Uncle Kenny’s … and Mount Plymouth IGA …

according to long-time barbecue judge Dolores Mann (above), who lives in The Villages. Mann, who was trained by the Kansas City Barbecue Society and the Florida Barbecue Association, has judged more than 55 competitions. We asked all two dozen local barbecue restaurants to allow Mann to judge their food, but only nine accepted our invitation, and only seven were able to accommodate our judge’s schedule. Mann was certainly pleased that Barnwood agreed. “The brisket was the best I’ve ever had, anywhere,” she gushed. “And everything else was wonderful. Hands down, they are the best of the restaurants I judged.” Barnwood, which won first place at the Lakeland Pig Fest 2005 (out of 60 teams), scored 119 out of a possible 120 points on Mann’s scoreboard. Uncle Kenny’s BBQ was a close, close second, which isn’t surprising since Uncle Kenny’s was named Alabama State Champion in 2014, Florida State Champion in 2010 and recently finished fourth out of 165 teams at the World Series of BBQ. Mann scored on a 1 to 10 scale based on appearance, tenderness and taste.

BEST JUDGED CHICKEN RESTAURANT Barnwood Mt. Plymouth IGA Oakwood Burke’s Sugarboo’s Sully’s

APPEAR. 10 10 10 7 8 7

TENDER. 9.5 10 9 9 8 7

TASTE 10 9 8 9 7 6

TOTAL 29.5 29 27 23 23 20

Note: Uncle Kenny’s sold out of chicken before our judge arrived.

BEST JUDGED RIBS RESTAURANT Barnwood Burke’s Oakwood Uncle Kenny’s Mt. Plymouth IGA Sugarboo’s Sully’s

APPEAR. 10 9 10 10 10 9 7

TENDER. 10 10 8 9 8 8 6

TASTE 10 10 10 9 9 8 6

TOTAL 30 29 28 28 27 25 19

BEST JUDGED PORK RESTAURANT Mt. Plymouth IGA Uncle Kenny’s Barnwood Oakwood Burke’s Sugarboo’s Sully’s

APPEAR. 10 10 9.5 10 9 8 8

TENDER. 10 10 10 10 8 7 7

TASTE 10 10 10 9 8 8 7

And the winner is … Jack’s Barbecue, in Minneola.

TOTAL 30 30 29.5 29 25 23 22

BEST JUDGED BRISKET RESTAURANT Barnwood Uncle Kenny’s Oakwood Burke’s Sugarboo’s Mt. Plymouth IGA* Sully’s

APPEAR. 10 10 10 9 9 n/a n/a

TENDER. 10 10 9 9 7 n/a n/a

TASTE 10 10 9 8 7 n/a n/a

TOTAL 30 30 28 26 23 n/a n/a

BEST JUDGED OVERALL Barnwood Uncle Kenny’s Oakwood Mt. Plymouth IGA* Burke’s Sugarboo’s Sully’s

4 items, 119 total points 3 items, 88 total points 4 items, 112 total points 3 items, 84 total points 4 items, 103 total points 4 items, 94 total points 3 items, 61 total points

Finally, we thought about asking the grilling experts — the pit masters themselves — “Who serves the best barbecue?” but we knew they’d say, “We’re the best.” So we promised them anonymity and asked, “Assuming your barbecue is the best around, who is second best?”

Avg: 29.75 Avg: 29.3 Avg: 28.0 Avg: 28.0 Avg: 25.7 Avg: 23.5 Avg: 20.3

Jack’s received three votes. “They still BBQ the old fashioned way,” one competitor said. Another remarked, “Probably Jack’s in Minneola. They still use wood, not propane.” Sully’s Smokehouse received the other two votes. Eight pit masters responded to our question, but two refused to name a competitor, and one named a restaurant outside Lake and Sumter counties.

NOTE: Not every restaurant had all four items. Highest possible average: 30.0. Highest score possible for 4 items: 120. Highest possible score for 3 items: 90. * Mt. Plymouth IGA also served what it called brisket, but our judge believed the meat was thin-sliced prime rib and didn’t include it in her ratings. With that said, she gave it 10 for appearance, 10 for tenderness and 10 for flavor — as prime rib. If you factor in those scores, Mt. Plymouth IGA’s score jumps to 114 and an average of 28.5

April 20 15

WHAT THE

PITMASTERS

“We are St. Louis style but we pay respects to all the different regions of BBQ. We serve competition style BBQ where we inject every brisket we serve. No. 1 meat is our pulled pork. It is smoked with our rib rub for 12 hours and sauced in our original sweet sauce.” — KENNY NADEAU, UNCLE KENNY’S

“What sets us apart is our flavor, being consistent and serving directly from our ‘oldfashioned’ BBQ pit to the plate! We have been in business 14 years and have won numerous awards and been recognized in several magazines, recommended on TripAdvisor and Yelp, and in a BuzzFeed article that recommended Sugarboo’s BBQ as being where you need to eat!” – JT WILLIAMS, SUGARBOO’S

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“We serve real food, real fast and the largest selection of fresh sides available anywhere. And the largest selection of barbeque meats.” — TIM BURKE, BURKE’S BBQ

“Since 1948, our commitment to serving fresh, slow-smoked barbeque in a friendly, family-style atmosphere has not changed. We smoke our meats on a custom-made smoker that is wood burning only, and uses no electricity or gas. Our family recipe sauce originated in southeast Alabama and southwest Georgia. It’s a mustard-based sauce that we believe perfectly compliments our meats.” – EILEEN COSTIGAN, JACK’S BARBEQUE

“What sets us apart from other BBQ restaurants is our employees first, then our consistent food. Our staff at

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WANT YOU TO KNOW

the Lady Lake store [approximately 60 employees] boasts almost 400 years of employment with our company … Our preparation staff in Lady Lake, Sammy and Josie, have a combined 26 years between them, which means our food will always be consistent as one would expect when they visit our restaurant.” – WILL HENDERSON, OAKWOOD

“We feel that our family-run business and atmosphere and customer relations are No. 1, ensuring that people are pleased when dining with us. Here at Sully’s, our meats are cooked fresh daily. Our best meat would have to be the pulled pork, which is hand pulled with no sauce mixed in, smoked to perfection daily.” – TRENT SULLIVAN, SULLY’S SMOKEHOUSE

“We prepare all our BBQ meats from scratch, right down from getting it from our fresh meat market with real meat cutters, seasoning them, marinating them, and cooking them to perfection. Our smoked meats are freshly smoked several times throughout the day.” – NISHA PATEL, MT. PLYMOUTH IGA

“We are familyowned. We smoke with wood only. Our sauce and seasonings are currently sold at select stores in the central Florida and Jacksonville areas. We were recently voted top 3 barbeque restaurants in Central Florida via a Channel 6 Facebook contest. Everything we make is from scratch. We smoke our pork and brisket for a minimum of 20 hours.” – DAN BACKHAUS, BARNWOOD BBQ

STICKYSUBJECT As for sauce, well, we choose not to touch that subject. To do so would mean joining the great “Is it really barbecue if you have to put sauce on it” debate. “Sauce is not what makes the BBQ, despite what people say,” says Oakwood owner Will Henderson. “We believe that quality meats makes the experience.” With that said, we know a great sauce can make the difference between a good meal and a great one … or make a great meal even greater. That seems to be the case at Uncle Kenny’s. “We have four nationally-ranked sauces,” says owner Kenny Nadeau. “Our original and mustard have won 1st place at the World Series of BBQ two years in a row and also won 1st place at the National BBQ Festival and the World of Hot Sauce.” Barbecue judge Dolores Mann was especially impressed with five sauces — Sugarboo’s (mustardy tang), Sully’s (spicy red), Burke’s (Texas thin and spicy), Uncle Kenny’s (sweet, but not too sweet) and Barnwood’s (sweet, yet tart).

SUPER SIDES

10-year-old MacKenzie Youker (left) of Fruitland Park and Annelise Baltunis (right), go for the ol' Bait-and-Switch with John Dance (center) to get some more JDance Smokehouse ribs.

NEW(OLD)KID ON THE BLOCK The local barbecue scene is already a mouthful, but John Dance has reason to believe there’s room for another quality barbecue establishment. And full parking lots at Jdance Smokehouse indicate the former Leesburg High School graduate who operated award-winning barbecue restaurants in Kentucky and Texas is turning up the heat on the competition. Jdance Smokehouse, on South Street in Leesburg, hasn’t been open long enough to accumulate many reviews, but the word is spreading. “Our trademark BBQ is prepared from signature recipes that are proven successful spanning 30 years in the business. Signature dry rubs, sauces and seasonings enhance flavor, while only premium meats are selected to achieve best results,” Dance says. “The ‘smoking process’ is characterized as an art form taking years of dedication to achieve an award-winning product.”

We restricted our judging to meats, but our judge and Style staff were impressed by a number of sides. Pitmasters and chefs throughout Lake and Sumter Counties are serving up some super side dishes. Here are our favorite must-order items:

The Key Lime Pie at Sugarboo’s is three

Summer Corn Salad at Oakwood. Crunchy

BBQ Pork Egg Rolls at Uncle Kenny’s.

shades of incredible. “The pie is to die for,” said our judge Dolores Mann. “I want to buy an entire pie!”

and bursting with flavor from roasted corn, seeded cucumbers, diced red peppers, cilantro, red onion and apple cider/mayo cream dressing.

Hand rolled every day with award-winning pulled pork and coleslaw.

Cole Slaw at Sully’s. Wonderful concoction with raisins playing a starring role.

You can’t go wrong with Beans at Jdance

Smokehouse, Uncle Kenny’s and Jack’s. All three are loaded with goodies like meat and onions.

Bishops Gate:

Teeing up a strategy for success

Most area residents know Howey-in-the-Hills for its familyfocused community, gently rolling hills and peaceful shorelines. What many don’t know is that the area is home to one of the nation’s top golf centers: Bishops Gate Golf Academy. The academy is located within the Bishops Gate Golf and Lakeside Community. This community is the result of hard work and passion from a number of people, led by Andrew Summers and Ben Pauluhn, both residents of the area. After acquiring the property, formerly the Sarabande Golf and Lakeside Community, in late 2011, it underwent an extensive $6 million renovation to transform the site into a 65-acre, 18-hole golf course experience flanked by a 16-acre practice facility. Designed by golf-course architect Tim Liddy, the new course gives players the opportunity to practice and strategize for any shot they would encounter in the game of golf. It has a total of eleven holes, yet can be played as a nine- or 18-hole course thanks to dual tee boxes and pins on most greens. The course is the only one of its kind in Central Florida. “We were inspired to make the golf experience fair for players and also a mental challenge—much like the game of chess,” says Pauluhn, who serves as the development’s CEO.

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In addition to the golf course and practice facility the community features 70 residential homes, a 39-slip marina, a lakeside swimming pool and a cardio gym. The Bishops Gate Tennis Academy is also on site and includes four brand-new outdoor tennis courts.

If you build it, they will come Since opening in early 2014, the golf academy has hosted over 100 students and college golfers from 23 countries as part of its mission “to develop character and values in young people through the discipline and structure of organized sport.” This is also the impetus behind the Junior Champions Foundation, which supports scholarships for deserving students each year, providing a platform for young people to reach their goals. A heavily credentialed coaching staff leads students through training regimens that range from a full-time junior program (the academy partners with Montverde Academy to provide students with top-notch academics) to camps and college preparatory programs. Students also hone their golf skills at the nearby Mission Inn Resort & Club and the Bella Collina Golf Club in Clermont.

An exclusive golf experience for local residents Bishops Gate gives locals the opportunity to better their golf game, too. The community residents share the world-

class training center with academy students, and a limited number of memberships are available to area residents. Membership options range from enrollment in a weekly adult program to an all-inclusive annual household membership. The annual membership gives members daily access to the golf course, training facilities, tennis courts and amenities at designated time slots (generally from 8 a.m. to early afternoon and from 6 p.m. to dusk, depending on the time of year). Membership rates are exceptionally reasonable and include perks such as complimentary breakfasts and lunches on weekdays (Sept. through May). “The versatility of the course means it can be played for as few as four holes at a time,” Pauluhn says, “which makes membership an especially great option for someone who doesn’t always have time for an 18-hole outing.” As for the sharing arrangement, Pauluhn says it’s truly a win-win for all. “Residents and members benefit from the first-class conditions of the facilities, while the academy benefits from the interaction with other groups,” he says, adding that the operation is managed in a way that lets everyone—members, residents and students alike—enjoy virtually unencumbered use of the facilities. Improving golf games while improving the lives of young people—a fine strategy, indeed.

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“Men no longer need to suffer from frequent urination because they are getting older,” says Dr. James Young, a down-toearth urologist with thirty-three years of experience in treating men with prostate problems in Lake County. Although the cause of these symptoms is most likely an enlarging prostate (BPH), a normal part of the aging process in men, treatment options are more numerous and less invasive than those offered to our fathers and grandfathers. Years ago there were two options for treating an enlarged prostate: surgical excision via an open operation (knife) or much more commonly by performing a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), commonly referred to as a “roto-rooter” by patients and physicians. Both required hospitalization as well as major anesthesia and could be fraught with complications such as bleeding, infection, loss of bladder control and even death. “In my career I have performed over 3,000 TURPs; however, I no longer perform any,” says Dr. Young. “There are presently too many excellent alternatives to consider a hospital operation for the vast majority of patients with BPH.” “When I see a new patient I perform a physical examination and properly evaluate the patient’s symptoms, thus diagnosing the underlying problem(s),” he says. “Next, I describe to the patient what’s normal and then explain what is abnormal with him. Lastly, I teach him his treatment options. If I’ve done a good job of teaching, he will select the correct option for himself.” While prescribing medications for BPH can be done by primary care physicians, only urologists are trained to thoroughly

evaluate the bladder and prostate (including ruling out prostate cancer), as well as providing extremely effective minimally invasive, office-based therapies as alternatives to lifelong medical therapy. One such option is Prostiva-RF Therapy, a procedure performed by Dr. Young in his office under local anesthesia that usually takes less than thirty minutes. Prostiva utilizes low level radiofrequency energy to ablate (destroy) the obstructing component of the enlarged prostate. “I am very happy with the results I have achieved for my patients using Prostiva-RF Therapy,” says Dr. Young, who has successfully treated more than 2,400 patients with this procedure. “Medtronic is a $13 billion-a-year, publicly traded corporation that perfected the technology for Prostiva and produces the necessary hardware. Recently, Medtronic produced an educational DVD for international distribution to inform patients and physicians worldwide regarding the benefits of Prostiva therapy. Seven of the eight patients featured on the DVD are my patients. I am very proud Medtronic selected my practice to feature the benefits of Prostiva-RF Therapy. However it is sort of a bad news/good news thing. The bad news is neither my patients nor myself received a penny for our participation. The good news is Medtronic gave us all the DVD’s we want, so if anyone wants one all he needs to do is drop by my office at 801 Northshore Drive in Eustis, and we will give him one!” And with an office staff with nearly as much experience as the doctor, (many have worked with Dr. Young more than twenty SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

years) you don’t spend a great deal of time waiting to see him. “We pride ourselves in being timely in seeing our patients. We respect our patient’s time as much as we do our own,” adds Dr. Young. “Patients appreciate this; many of our patients tell me I have the best office staff on the planet. I consider that a huge compliment.” So if you are getting up at night and can’t get back to sleep because you are thinking about what may be wrong with you, it’s time to check in with Dr. Young and have him check you out. “Many men accept frequent bladder urges as part of aging. And while it is part of the aging process, it’s not like death and taxes. There is something you can do about it,” he says.

JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D. Board Certified Urologist Practicing in Lake County for over 33 years with extensive experience in evaluation and management of prostate problems. For more information, contact

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Ashley Nadeau goes hog wild on the competitive grilling circuit STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

ou could call 10-year-old Ashley Nadeau lots of things. Sweetheart of swine. Grilling goddess. Swine-o-mite. But the cheerful, fun-loving girl already has a handle she loves. “I’m Uncle Kenny’s BBQ Diva,” she says, grinning ear to ear. That’s the name Ashley registers under when she competes in local, regional and national barbecue competitions. The tag fits. Uncle Kenny is the name of her dad’s BBQ restaurant, where Ashley sometimes takes orders, busses tables, sells merchandise and perfects her grill skills.

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In her world, Barbie takes a backseat to Barbie-cue. Inside Clermont-based Uncle Kenny’s BBQ, numerous trophies tell the story of a successful girl who smokes competitors and twice earned the title of grand champion in the kid’s division. Ashley excitedly points to her trophy from the World Series of BBQ—American Royal, held in Kansas City last October. This particular trophy is extra special because the competition represents the Super Bowl of pork—a tribute to all that is sweet, sticky and delicious. The little BBQ diva went up against the crème de la crème

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of barbecue competitors throughout the U.S. “She finished in 24th place in the 10 and under age division,” says her father, Kenny Nadeau, who competes in the same competitions as Ashley. Ashley waves her finger and sets the record straight. “No! That’s wrong! I finished in 24th place out of 85 competitors. That includes both the 10-and-under age division and the 11-16 age division!”

MEAT ASHLEY

It’s a Saturday afternoon and the green-eyed, brownhaired pixie sporting blue jean shorts, a black “Uncle Kenny’s BBQ” t-shirt and tennis shoes is working at

a frantic pace inside the restaurant’s kitchen. Ashley remains unfazed while fish, burgers and chicken wings sizzle on two grills. She seamlessly moves from one task to another—flipping burgers on a grill, placing toothpicks inside mahi mahi and using a gentle stroke of an artist to spread a chili and honey sauce on wings. “Look, the wings are all nice and shiny.” She wouldn’t have it any other way. After all, this is a special occasion. She is anxiously awaiting the grand opening of “Ashley’s Superstore,” the newest addition to Uncle Kenny’s BBQ and a one-stop shop for barbecue accessories.

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“Yes I’m excited that the store has my name in it,” she says, shaking her head up and down. “When I tell my friends about the store I have to say it in an exciting manner because some don’t believe me.” Being excited is nothing new for the fourth-grade student at Real Life Christian Academy. Simply put, she has never met a stranger. Just ask customers at Uncle Kenny’s BBQ, where Ashley spends most Saturdays taking orders, serving food, working the cash register and cleaning dishes. “The first time I met her she came right up to me and sat on my lap,” says Mark Lyons, who frequently drives from Auburndale with his wife Marilyn to dine at Uncle Kenny’s BBQ. “She’s mature for her age and knows how to interact with adults. She’s the hostess with the mostess.” Ashley knows some customers by name. Most all customers know her name. “Some customers will call on weekends just to see if Ashley is working,” Kenny says. “She’s well-known around here.” Co-workers appreciate her cheerful personality as well. “Ashley is a ball of energy and always in a good mood,” says Chris Nuss, a cook at Uncle Kenny’s BBQ. “She’s perky, polite and knows how to work the room. And she’s always willing to help Kenny and I when it comes to cooking.”

PIG TALES

Ashley is equally popular on the barbecue competition

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circuit. Some of the food industry’s biggest stars have been attracted by the sight of a sweet, cute girl cooking a sizzling rack of ribs on a large smoker. Among them is the Food Network’s Guy Fieri. “Guy happened to be at the World Series of BBQ,” Ashley says. “Some of the men and boys wanted to have their photograph taken with him, but he said no. Then he walked up to me and said, ‘But I will have a picture taken with this sweet young thing.’ I was star struck.” That’s one of the more memorable moments for Ashley, who was introduced to the sport at a young age. After Kenny joined the barbecue circuit in 2005, the small girl accompanied him to various events. Ashley entered her first barbecue competition at the tender (pun intended) age of 3, and a father-daughter relationship began blossoming. “Even though she was young, it was something special that we shared together and continue sharing together,” says Kenny, who competes in the pro division. “My wife accompanies us for support but she lets this be mine and Ashley’s thing.” It became obvious early on that Ashley had a special talent for cooking the tastiest, most tender piece of meat possible. At 4, she finished second in her age division at the Hog Wild Pig Crazy BBQ Competition in Lake City. That day became extra special when one judge said her chicken marinated in Italian dressing was the tastiest pieces of meat he had ever eaten.

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“The reason I’m most proud of Ashley is because of her sweet heart. She sees how great God is, and many times she grounds me and reminds me where my faith is supposed to be.” — Ashley’s mother, Melissa Nadeau

Ashley smiling for the camera with Food Network star, Guy Fieri.

“Back then I cooked only hamburgers and chicken,” she says. “My dad allowed me to do the cooking but always assisted me with anything that had to do with fire.” Now that she’s older, Ashley also cooks pork, ribs and pork chops. And during competitions, the independent girl absolutely refuses assistance from her father. “I don’t let him help me with fire or anything else,” she says in an authoritative voice. “I tell him not to touch my food!” Kenny has no beef with that. After all, he has his own meat to prepare and cook. “I don’t influence her or tell her what to do. I want her to feel confident in her choices. If she wins she did it all on her own. If she doesn’t do well it’s a valuable lesson and she has to figure out what she can do better next time. I always fine-tune my meats, and I want her to do the same. I’m proud that she wants to be 100-percent independent, even if that means a small burn here and there.” Ashley does sport a minor burn mark on her left arm. Sometimes, fire shoots out when she opens the lid of an open-flame grill. It hardly fazes her, though. It’s either grill or be grilled. “I just put ice on it and continue cooking,” she says nonchalantly. Nor does she mind when barbecue competitions become deliciously messy. When she uses a needle to inject meat with vinegar, juice sometimes shoots out and onto her face. Sticky

fingers and stained clothes come with the territory. “I wouldn’t want someone to hit me with a big ball of mud, but I really don’t care if I have barbecue sauce all over myself.”

RISE AND SWINE

Kenny and Ashley compete 18 times a year and travel far away as North Carolina, Missouri and South Carolina. On Thursdays before competitions, they load up a 40-foot trailer with choice cuts of meat, their sauces and spices and their favorite smokers. “We always leave on Thursday no matter where the competition is,” Kenny says. “The reason we do that is because I have to try to park the trailer at the competition, and that means squeezing into tight spaces.” The trailer sleeps four people comfortably and includes a small kitchen, toilet and shower. It becomes their home away from home for the weekend. If an event is more than six hours away, the family stays one extra night instead of leaving after the Saturday evening awards ceremony. That allows them to soak in the unique atmosphere of a barbecue competition, which could be described as a giant tailgate party. Barbecue competitors are a close-knit family and love sharing tips about cooking methods, rubs and sauces. “We all get along well because we share the same interest,” Kenny says. “I now have close friends in Iowa, Virginia, Louisiana and even Canada whom I’ve met at

Like father, like daughter: Ashley and her dad, Kenny share a life-long love for the 'Q.

barbecue competitions.” On Friday mornings, judges conduct inspections to ensure participants have not marinated or seasoned their meats beforehand. That night, competitors begin prepping their meats and put them in a smoker. Speaking of smokers, Ashley prefers high-tech. Hers has a built-in WiFi, allowing her to control and monitor temperature via a smartphone app. Thus, heat stays regulated and consistent. “When heat is consistent, it adds tenderness and flavor to the meats,” she says. Choosing the right blend

of seasonings is a crucially important aspect of barbecue competitions. Ashley uses some of her father’s awardwinning seasoning rubs such as Wild Bunch Butt Burner, Uncle Kenny’s Butcher Shop Garlic Lovers and Uncle Kenny’s BBQ Rub and Grill. Saturday afternoon is when Ashley submits her meats to a panel of judges who score her entries on presentation, taste and tenderness. At the Florida Barbecue Association Fun Cook held last September, two judges awarded her with perfect scores in all three categories.

Perfection is extremely satisfying to Ashley, especially after all the careful planning and attention to detail that goes into her cooking. And those perfect scores are even sweeter considering most competitors in her age division are boys. “Most of the boys are nice to me, but there are a few who think they can beat me because I’m a girl. It doesn’t bother me because I know girls can do anything as good as boys!” One can easily respect Ashley’s competitive fire. She not only smokes butts. She kicks them, too.

April 20 15

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Featuring

A LIFE RULED BY ALCOHOL A Villager shares his deeply personal story. Page 8

THIS ‘N’ THAT

Beware of NASCAR Norm & Stinky Stanley. Page 6

Plus

IN THE VILLAGES

Hillbilly hijinks, wig switching and other gut busters. Page 4

meet a villager STORY: PAT JOCELYN

YOU CAN DO ANYTHING Maria Del Carmen Rottenburg left behind her privileged lifestyle, dissolved an engagement and dealt with a total disinheritance. Through it all, this South American native never lost her positive outlook. STYLE: Maria, can you describe your childhood in South America? Maria: “I’m an only child from a very wealthy family in Peru. My life was very restricted and very strict. Even as a 20-year-old, when I went to the movies with my fiancé, my nanny or my mother had to accompany me. If I went to somebody’s house, my nanny had to go with me.” STYLE: Did you marry your fiancé? Maria: “No … I felt the guy was not true to me

somehow, so I lied to my father and said I wanted to learn languages [in the United States]. I begged my father to let my aunt in Miami host me and protect me. I left Peru in 1969 at 20 years old. That’s where I met my first husband, who had also come to Miami to learn languages. We met in May and got married in December … My aunt helped me write a letter to my fiancé and my father. I was a minor and by law I had to break the engagement in a formal way, otherwise my father could be sued.”

STYLE: Then what happened? Maria: “We got married and left for Portugal where his mother lived. My husband and I were both disinherited and didn’t have any money except $500. We stayed there and had our daughter and then he started working for Control Data. That company brought us to Minnesota and in 1982, we became naturalized citizens.” STYLE: Did you work after you got married? Maria: “I went to work because I wanted a house and my husband said we had to start saving. I applied as a waitress and was accepted … I was used to ordering people around like maids and on my first day that’s what I did at work. My manager fired me … I applied at Howard Johnson and started making up rooms. I was so efficient people were leaving me money. The lady who was in charge loved me. I earned the money we needed [$1,200] for a down payment on our first house in just eight months.”

STYLE: You must have felt very good about earning that money. Maria: “I was very proud to have contributed. None of my family knew I went to work. I did it and I was happy. I felt useful. Ultimately, we lived in quite a few different states and ended up in Virginia. Then after 34 years of marriage, my first husband died of lung cancer. I stayed in Virginia for eight years before moving to The Villages. That’s where I met my husband Bill.” STYLE: Tell us about your life in The Villages. Maria: “I joined the Spanish American Club and those people are like my family. Here I can do anything. I can be free and do the dances I always wanted to do. With my first husband there were no sounds and no music. He was very strict. Now I feel like it’s a second birth for me. If you put your heart into it, you can do anything.”

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*Price excludes taxes. Costs of trip including airfare and expenses will be reimbursed up to $500 after the buyer closes on a Minto home. Purchase must be made within 90 days of Stay & Play visit. Receipts for airfare and expenses must be submitted in order to be reimbursed for exact expenditures. The reimbursement cost is not to exceed $500. © Minto Communities, LLC 2015. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Artist’s renderings, dimensions, specifications, prices and features are approximate and subject to change without notice. Minto, the Minto logo, LakePark, the LakePark logo, Sun City Center and the Sun City Center logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC1519880 4/2015

in the villages STORY: PAT JOCELYN

HILLBILLY HIJINKS, WIG SWITCHING AND OTHER GUT BUSTERS There’s just something about my personality that lends itself to humor. It first appeared in first grade when I stood up and made faces at the teacher while she was writing on the chalkboard. I got caught, but I also made the other kids laugh. In the eighth grade I discovered it was fun to make people laugh. It brought me such joy to see the smiles and chuckles replace frowns and tears simply because of the crazy antics I did during an oral book report. The class was laughing so hard the teacher gave me an A for creativity. The die was cast. In high school I was always the life of pajama parties because of the naughty jokes I managed to commandeer and share with my girlfriends. My sense of humor really evolved when I was working at IBM. I once glued a 50-cent piece to the floor in front of my office so I could watch people stop and try to pick it up. When wearing wigs was very popular, I convinced five gals in my office to switch wigs every hour just to see people’s reactions as they walked by – I must admit that was a good one! Throughout the years, I seldom lost my sense of humor. It served me well not only when I was happy but also when I struggled with the aftermath of family death and a move from Vermont to Florida when I was 57 years old, alone and recently divorced. It also served me well when I had to work full-time after a 10-year retirement hiatus. Through it all, my sense of humor helped to heal me and helped break down

the barriers of those around me. Now I simply enjoy making people laugh and I quite often do so at my own expense — and yes, at the expense of some of my unfortunate but loyal friends. Perhaps one of the funniest, and most public, displays of my quirky sense of humor was during a Villages Christmas parade several years ago when I was asked to drive my red Mustang convertible as part of the Single Baby Boomers (SBB) group. I asked my good friend and fellow SBBer Barbara Grimshaw to ride shotgun, and I think it might have been Barb’s idea (anyway, I’m gonna blame it on her) that we dress up as single, senior sexpots, hillbilly-style. We had such fun dressing the part: blacked-out teeth; huge freckles; exaggerated hair, makeup and jewelry; and the ugliest clothes we could find in our closets. I might add, that wasn’t such a difficult stretch for me. We even made up signs that said, “Email me at www.stillkicking.com,” and “Single? Call me at 555-1212.” As I drove the Mustang along the parade route, both Barb and I played up our roles to the hilt. We’d point to unsuspecting men in the crowd and make the “call me” sign or we’d place one of our hands over our heart and wink at a guy. I still chuckle when I think about one poor man I chose to ply my attentions on. His face got very red and hugging his wife just a little bit closer, he vehemently shook his head back and forth yelling, “I’m married.” I remember laughing and retorting, “And your point is?” The crowd hooted and hollered at that one. I also remember another gentleman who shouted to his friends, “Only in The Villages!” We had a ball that day and were on such a high because we knew we made thousands of people laugh. The next time you’re feeling a little low or out of sorts, find a way to make someone laugh. It’s one of the best and easiest therapies I know of that will instantly make you feel better.

ABOUT THE WRITER Pat Jocelyn worked at IBM for 28 years and held several staff and managerial positions and taught management and employee development classes. After her retirement, she started a second career in journalism and has won several Florida Press Club awards for her insightful and heartfelt feature writing.

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this ‘n’ that STORY: FRED HILTON

BEWARE OF NASCAR NORM & STINKY STANLEY One of the really wonderful things about living in The Villages is using a golf cart as a method of transportation. It’s probably a pretty safe bet that everyone here either drives or rides in a golf cart – at least every now and then. According to the Internet, there are about 65,000 cart carts in The Villages and more than 100 miles of golf cart paths (recreation trails, if you want to be fancy) crisscross our ever-growing hometown. The numbers on golf carts and the distance of the golf cart paths are definitely correct. They have to be correct because the information came from the Internet. Everything on the Internet has to be true. We know there are only three sources of information that are 100 percent accurate: the Internet, network TV news and comic books. Nearly all of us are careful and courteous golf cart drivers. We travel at a reasonable rate of speed and respect our fellow drivers, sharing the roadway happily. However, there are a few isolated buffoons out there. For example there is NASCAR Norman, the world’s greatest NASCAR fan. He has a big “43” on one side of his golf cart and a big “3” on the other side. Norman could never make up his mind if he liked Richard Petty or Dale Earnhardt Sr. better. Norman goes roaring down the golf cart trail like he’s at Talladega. He passes every golf cart in sight and nobody ever, ever passes him. There are others who drive in a similar fashion as Norman. They include Kamikaze Karl, Freeway Frank and Beltway Betty. If you see any of them behind you, get out of the way – quickly. At the other extreme, we have Slo-Mo Sammy. Sammy is a really, really large person who drives an oversized electric golf cart. The cart and Sammy both move at about the speed of a turtle with arthritis. Equally slow is Teatime Tillie who is on her way to the weekly Wednesday afternoon tea with the girls at her favorite country club. At the first gathering, the group actually drank tea. For each Wednesday in the four years since, tea has been replaced by wine, martinis and margaritas. It should be about 10 minutes from Tillie’s house to the country club. She left her house an hour ago and she’ll still be late. Teatime Tillie is not to be confused with Tee Time Tony. Tony has a tee time in seven minutes and nothing is going to get in his way and make him late – that includes other golf carts, bicycles, joggers, small dogs and sand hill cranes. Give

him plenty of room. Canine Charlie always rides in his golf cart with his 120-pound dog. The dog has a habit of jumping on Charlie’s lap and blocking the entire windshield. Charlie’s dog also slobbers a lot. It’s a purebred Big Black Dog. Stinky Stanley hits you with double-barreled stench. First, his golf cart belches out gas fumes that were outlawed by the Geneva Convention. Even worse, Stanley smokes a big, nasty looking green cigar that probably cost 18 cents. Stanley doesn’t have many friends. Street Illegal Irving sees all those golf carts on Morse Boulevard and Buena Vista Boulevard so he thinks he should join then. Irving believes that automobile drivers in The Villages are all incredibly friendly since they keep waving at him or blinking their lights and blowing their horns. Malcolm in the Middle has decided that his side of the golf cart trail is in the middle. Everybody else needs to move over. Blink-Blink Bennie always uses his blinker light to signal when he’s going to turn. Of course, he’s still signaling for a turn he made last October. Padiddle Paula – Paula has been driving around in her golf cart for three years with one headlight out. When she’s driving straight at you late one night, just pray that the single headlight you see is her left headlight, not her right one. Hour Harry is always on his way from Happy Hour somewhere or to Happy Hour somewhere. He never met a beer he didn’t like. Some of Harry’s friends didn’t know he drank until he showed up sober one day. Dangerous Daniel Doofus is a member of our golf cart drivers Hall of Infamy, not because of his golf cart driving but because of the way he drives his car. Dan occasionally has senior moments and turns his monstrous gas-guzzling SUV onto a golf cart trail. He does fine until he get to a tunnel. Happy motoring!

ABOUT THE WRITER Fred Hilton spent 36 years as the chief public relations officer/spokesman for James Madison University in Virginia and 10 years prior as a reporter and editor for The Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia. He is now happily retired in The Villages with his interior designer wife, Leta, their Cadillac Escalade golf cart, and their dog, Paris. (Yes, that makes her Paris Hilton).

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2/27/15 9:12 AM

“I never said, ‘Hey, give me a double of that stuff that cost me my wife; give me another shot of that stuff that never got me promoted; give me some of that DUI.’” – Joe

STORY: PAT JOCELYN

“We were going through a family tragedy at the time and my wife needed some strength and hope in her life – instead she wound up with a hopeless, helpless drunk,” says the resident of The Villages we’ll call Joe. “I remember [at the time] telling her I got another DUI and it wasn’t the first one. She looked at me with a look I’ll never forget, nor do I ever want to forget. It was a look of disgust; it was a look of hatred; it was a look that I could see in her eyes that said, ‘My life is going to continue and I don’t care if you are a part of it or not.’”

of members in Alcoholics Anonymous Lake-Sumter Intergroup are over 60 years of age. Source: AAL-SI representative.

At that very moment in time — a moment Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) calls “the jumping off point” – Joe reached what he refers to as his tipping point. “It’s a point in life when you reach the bottom,” Joe explained. “There’s a lot of different triggers but you know when you’re at it. You know it’s a moment in your life when you can’t live another day with alcohol, but at the same time you don’t know how to live without it. It’s pretty much a level of pain that no man should have to endure.” After decades of heavy drinking, one failed marriage, a second one on the cusp, a failed eightmonth attempt at sobriety, lost promotions, and multiple DUIs, Joe knew he had reached a crossroad. “I had heard about AA before but I didn’t know how it worked and there were two things that kept me out of AA,” Joe said. “One, I was afraid it wouldn’t work for me, and two, I was afraid it would work for me. “See, what I learned in recovery is, as an alcoholic, I knew I drank too much but my real problem was I never drank enough,” Joe continued. “If one drink made me feel good, two drinks would make me feel better and three drinks made me feel wonderful. I would continue until some outside force would stop me – the bar would close, I ran out of money or the bottle would be empty.” Joe had what he calls the phenomenon of craving. “I cannot drink normally,” he said. “I take a drink and I want more and more and more – that’s just the way I am. Joe began drinking when

he was just 13. He was like a lot of other guys his age – they drank because it was considered cool and made them feel grown-up. “The one thing I knew about alcohol at the time was I liked the way it made me feel – I loved the effect of alcohol – it was euphoric,” Joe said. “From the very first time I had a drink, I kept chasing that euphoria. “I was what some people call a working alcoholic. I was in the Navy, went through school and managed to get through everything without getting into too much trouble.” But his personality definitely changed when he drank. Joe said, “I lost my inhibitions; I lost my reserve and I used to think I became gregarious and this wonderful person who was the life of the party. Other people probably perceived me as a big jerk because I was. I truly was. And I admit I wasn’t the most loyal husband in the whole world.” Joe explained that alcoholism is a threepart disease: physical, mental and spiritual. “The physical part I can’t do anything about,” he said. “Once I start craving alcohol there’s nothing I can do about that – it’s something I was born with. “Then there’s the mental part – something we call the mental obsession,” Joe continued. “I say, ‘Give me a drink’ because it’s going to make me feel better, but I know it’s not going to – that’s a crazy mental obsession. “The third part is spiritual,” Joe said. “I was totally devoid of any spirituality – I had no idea how to really relate or enjoy

the company of others. I couldn’t appreciate life for life’s sake. There was an emptiness in me – just a big hole in there. “Even as a youngster I felt like I didn’t fit in with the crowd I was with,” he continued. “I wasn’t as good as they were; when I got something I didn’t deserve it; I was lonely in a crowded room; I tried and tried to fill that emptiness with alcohol and it didn’t work.” When asked if any triggers induced him to drink, Joe responded, “A good alcoholic will make an excuse to drink. Out of thin air, I’d create an argument with my wife so I could go storming out of the house and go drinking, or I’d be happy about something and have to celebrate – that’s the level I’d go to. At the end, I’d drink because it was the only thing I knew how to do.” On the fateful day mentioned at the beginning of the story, when Joe knew he had let his wife down at a time when she needed him the most — when he reached his tipping point — he remembered AA. “I remember going upstairs and looking up the number of AA in the phonebook and giving them a call,” Joe explained. “They told me about this meeting and I went having no idea what I was going to find. I was frightened to death; I was scared; I was disgusted with myself. I thought my life was over and that any joy I had in my life was going to be over.” Joe, who was in his 50s at the time, said he expected to sit around with old men covered in

dust lamenting that they couldn’t drink anymore. But what he discovered was exactly the opposite. “What I found in there were men, women, young people, old people, white people, black people – it was a spectrum of the community we lived in. I sat down but was frightened to death. Then this guy came over and sat next to me and asked if I was OK. He said to hang in there. I sat there and the meeting surprised me. “There was laughter and there was joy in that room – these people were enjoying their recovery,” he said. “There was an overall sense of joy from those people because their lives were not miserable – they were grateful for becoming recovering alcoholics.” At the end of the meeting Joe was given an AA book and some of the men gave Joe their phone numbers. When Joe went home, his wife was curious about the meeting. “That woman was full of questions,” he said. “She wanted to know how often I had to go to meetings, where the meetings were, how much did it cost. She was anxious, but in a good way. “It’s been a joyous recovery, it truly has,” Joe said. “I’ve been sober almost 18 years now. AA has given me a whole new direction – not one of fear, but one of faith. So now I can learn how to enjoy life – that life I was missing. That emptiness that I felt before is filled. It’s filled with spirituality; it’s filled with hope; it’s filled with a whole bunch of other emotions that I never had before.

49 Average age of AA members in U.S. and Canada. Source: AA

One, I was afraid it wouldn’t work for me, and two, I was afraid it would work for me.

When asked where he would be now if he hadn’t stopped drinking, Joe’s response was short and quick. “Dead,” he answered with conviction. “There’s no doubt in my mind. I don’t know how I would die, but I’d either be dead or in a penal or mental institution.” Joe understands that much of The Villages’ evening social life revolves entertainment on the square and parties where alcohol is served. How does he cope? “I hang around the majority of the time with nondrinkers,” he responded. “There are a lot of nondrinkers in The Villages

who can enjoy themselves without drinking. That’s not to say I hang around with just tea toddlers, they’re just not the big party animals.” Joe added that when he and his wife go to the square or to a party and he begins to feel uncomfortable, he tells his wife and they leave. “It’s as simple as that,” he said. “My wife understands.” “I can honestly tell you I love my wife more today than when I was out there drinking. Our marriage today is held together with love and trust and that’s great. Life is great. I wake up each morning enjoying the fact that I’m alive.”

? ADVICE FROM JOE IF YOU THINK YOU ARE AN ALCOHOLIC: If you think you are in trouble, you are. Once you start thinking about not drinking, do something about it. But do it for you. Any recovery program only works if you are ready for it to work. Do it for yourself, not for your wife, your children, or your friends. Call the local AA hotline (which is manned 24/7) at 352.360.0960 or visit the organization’s website at www.aalakesumter.com. You’ll find local meeting information both inside and outside of The Villages. There are more than 25 different AA meetings in The Villages each week. Check The Villages Recreation News for dates, times and locations. Visit the national website at www.aa.org.

THE NEXT MEETING

The Bookworm Book Club will meet April 15 to discuss “The Book Club” by Mary Alice Monroe. Club chairwoman Kathy Porter can be contacted at 352.259.8196 or kathyporter@comcast.net.

book club STORY: KATHY PORTER

PHOTOGRAPHER TAKES READERS ON UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY THROUGH FLORIDA’S RIVER OF GRASS. The Bookworm Book Club was honored to host award-winning conservation photographer and naturalist Mac Stone as the debut speaker for The Distinguished Florida Author Series. His just-released book “Everglades: America’s Wetland” is the stunning product of five years of living and breathing every aspect of the Everglades from Lake Okeechobee south to the rivers, creeks and swamps that feed into it. The cover photo of the endangered snail kite swooping in to pick up an apple snail is just an appetizer for the feast contained within this book’s pages. Every photo in this 304-page book is a delicacy for the eyes and the soul. As Stone captures the flora, fauna and weather of this magnificent Florida treasure, the reader is struck by the blend of hauntingly beautiful scenes, delightfully cute baby birds, glorious rare flowers, towering trees and frightening predators. “Everglades” is more than a nice book of pictures; it is a prayer for the restoration of the most diverse ecosystem in the world. Stone shines a spotlight on the intense beauty of the area, but also explains the complex interdependence of all the species, including man, who is trying to survive and prosper in this vast River of Grass. A foreword by Michael Grunwald, Time magazine senior national correspondent and a resident of Miami, pleads the case that the economic health of Florida depends on the health of the Everglades. In an age when water will become even more precious than oil, the restoration of the Everglades is imperative. Stone also chronicles the invasion by exotic species that threaten the ecology. Most of us are aware of the menace the Burmese python has created in the Everglades, but those huge snakes are only one problem. Stone likewise asks

us to consider more than 500 non-native invasive species the state spends millions of dollars to remove, including melaleuca trees from Australia, crocodiles from Africa and hundreds of other animals and plant species that have hitchhiked here from all over the world. In this global society, he asks us to realize that our actions can have long-lasting and often unintended, dire consequences. Stone grew up in Gainesville, with backwater creeks, wetland prairies and freshwater lakes serving as his playgrounds. At Virginia Tech, he majored in international politics, Spanish and environmental studies with a minor in biology. He never formally studied photography, but he shoots like he has. Stone’s camera has carried him to Ecuador and Honduras, but his love of Florida drew him back home. The only thing better than having this book to enjoy and reflect on was having Mac Stone in person to give us a behind-the-scenes look at this heroic undertaking. Striding into the recreation center, Stone looked like he just graduated from high school. But as soon as he began to speak, the audience knew this was no child in front of them. Listening to him describe the trials and triumphs of this endeavor were riveting. The audience asked Stone about how he processes his photos. He made this point, “Although I use Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to process and edit every image, I have not added or removed subjects, except for the dust that occasionally clings to my camera’s senor.” Through his photography, Stone strives to start new conservations and expose the dynamic relationship between mankind and the natural world. This is not an ordinary coffee table book, but one that you will treasure and surely wear out as you gaze time after time at the brilliant photos.

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WHAT’S YOUR SEASON FOR SNEEZIN’? Whether your allergy symptoms are seasonal or year-round, our team of board certified physicians, PAs and allergy nurses offer comprehensive diagnosis and customized treatments for seasonal and year-round allergies.

THE VILLAGES 352.753.8448 LEESBURG 352.728.2404 TAVARES 352.343.7279 www.LakeENT.net

Scan the code for this month’s featured video.

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MEMBER OF American Society of Plastic Surgeons

MEMBER OF American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Our practice is dedicated

to providing exceptional plastic surgery and achieving a beautiful, natural-looking result for our patients. We strive to combine surgical expertise, artistic vision, and outstanding service to make your visit with us a positive, rewarding experience. We offer a complete range of modern procedures that include non-surgical and surgical techniques. Each of our surgeons is board certified in plastic surgery. They are all fully trained and experienced in cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Our surgeons are always on site and are directors of our medi-spa and ancillary procedures. In addition, we have registered nurses assisting the physicians with your care. This cadre of dedicated professionals ensures that all your questions are answered and that your experience is personal and complete to your satisfaction.

So, if you are seeking a more youthful face, enlarging your breasts, a flattering figure, the solution to a problem area, or guidance to help beautify and rejuvenate your skin, our practice can help you achieve your goals.

GET TO KNOW OUR James Rogers DMD, MD

Dr. Rogers is a native Floridian. He is a graduate of Emory University, and completed his dental and medical degrees from the University of Florida. He trained in surgery at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida, and completed his plastic surgical training at Tulane University and Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. Dr. Rogers is a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and has performed Cosmetic and Reconstructive Procedures in Ocala for over twenty years. He is one of the most experienced surgeons in Central Florida.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeons

Navinderdeep Nijher MD

Dr. Nijher is a native New Yorker who now resides in Ocala with his wife who is a pediatrician. He completed his plastic surgery training at the prestigious New York Hospital of Cornell and Columbia Universities and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He provides the latest cutting edge techniques in minimal scar surgery of the breast, face, forehead, and eyes. He also specializes in all facets of body sculpting including but not limited to liposuction, abdominoplasty, and post bariatric body contouring. Dr.Nijher lectures extensively trying to educate patients on plastic surgery and has subsequently become one of the most sought out plastic surgeons in Central Florida.

Leonik Ahumada MD

Dr. Ahumada specializes in cosmetic and plastic surgery. He is trained in the latest plastic surgical techniques of the face, eyelids, breast and body with emphasis on minimal scarring. This includes non surgical (fillers,botox,fat grafts,sclerotherapy) and surgical procedures (facelift, eyelids, nose, breast,tummy tucks,liposuction). He graduated from Harvard with a degree in biochemistry and completed medical school at the University of Miami. He was awarded many honors while completing Plastic Surgery training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has authored and co-authored papers in plastic surgery. He prefers a personal approach to his patients and will listen to your concerns when suggesting procedures. Dr Ahumadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family is from South America; in addition to English he is also fluent in Spanish and has an international clientele. He is married and father to three girls; when not seeing patients he enjoys time with his family.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOOK IN THE VILLAGES! BEGINNING APRIL 14TH, VILLAGES PLASTIC SURGERY WILL MOVE TO OUR NEW LOCATION IN THE DANA CENTER! WE ARE NOW CONVENIENTLY LOCATED JUST OFF THE VILLAGES GOLF CART PATH.

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Catherine + Clint Ceremony Location: Mission Inn Legends Courtyard Reception: Legends Ballroom

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Ceremony Location: Mission Inn Marina del Rey Cypress Lawn Reception Location: Lago Vista Pavilion at Marina del Rey Wedding Vendors Flowers: Florida Florist Photographer: Andi Mans Photography Cake: Publix Bakery DJ & Photobooth: A Premier Entertainment Hair and Make up: Ashley Loerzel

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HONEST

MONEY LIZ CORNELL+NICK LIZZIO OF TB FINANCIAL GROUP ARE CHANGING THE GAME OF PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE.

Sitting at a round table, Liz Cornell of TB Financial Group happily engages John and Jane Smith, who recently moved to The Villages from Michigan. The married couple is adamant about preserving and growing their wealth so they can maintain financial peace of mind throughout their retirement years. In order to gain a clear understanding about the couple on both a personal and financial level, Liz asks them numerous questions.

“How did you end up in The Villages?” “What do you do for activities?” “How is your health?” “Do you have any IRAs or 401ks?” “Do you plan on leaving any money to your kids?” “Why do you want more income?” During the next two-and-a-half hours, Liz fully assesses their financial situation, examines their financial goals and formulates a detailed plan on how annuities can help the Smiths achieve those goals. She even

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

discusses specific products offered by several of the A-rated carriers used by TB Financial Group. The back-and-forth conversation is intriguing and educational. Liz thoroughly answers their questions and addresses their concerns. After all, she wants the Smiths to be educated about their investment strategies and have utmost confidence that they’re on a path to financial security. “We want you to have a clear understanding about how the plan comes

together,” she tells the Smiths. “We also want to really articulate what products we offer that make you the most comfortable. There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. We carefully analyze which carriers and products will best help you. Oftentimes it’s a couple of carriers and products working together so that the big picture, all of your goals and comfortability levels are met.”

TAKING THE FINANCIAL PLANNING INDUSTRY BY STORM Believe it or not, the scenario mentioned above was not scripted. Nor did it occur in Liz’s office. Actually, it took place inside Waterfront Inn in front of curious onlookers. It was part of TB Financial Group’s innovative Annuity 102 seminar, which simulates a real-life appointment and gives prospective clients a better understanding of what the first three appointments in the office are like. The Smiths (that’s not their real names) are actual clients of TB Financial Group who volunteered to role play. The material is presented in an easy-to-understand format. Annuity 102 is a point of pride for Liz and Nick Lizzio, who opened the Fruitland Park-based company in August 2013. The class complements TB Financial Group’s Annuity 101 class, which is presented in a traditional lecture format educating clients about annuities. “During the past 12 months, many people have attended our Annuity 101 class and enjoy it because they get lots of information and learn a great deal,” Liz says. “However, it became apparent that many of them didn’t understand what the process of visiting our office and sitting down with us would be like. By offering Annuity 102, folks who

were not keen on visiting us initially can really see how we plan, how we interact, and get a feel for who we are and how we operate. The class bridges the gap between annuity education and real-life application.” James Combs, staff writer of Lake and Sumter Style magazine, was intrigued when he first heard about this unique, pioneering seminar. He attended their Annuity 101 class last year and asked Liz and Nick if he could cover the inaugural class, which was held January 13. “With most seminars, you have a speaker who pushes buttons on a remote or keyboard to move back and forth between slides,” Combs says. “Then they lecture about each slide. It becomes rather monotonous. Conversely, Annuity 102 is engaging, informative and keeps your interest the entire time. It’s obvious that Nick and Liz are extremely educated and knowledgeable about the products they offer.” Randall Edgar of The Villages came away equally impressed.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

“I attended the Annuity 101 class more than a year ago and became interested in finding out more. I met with Liz and her staff and am now a client. They invited me to this class so I could relive the experience of going through the process. I’m impressed because it really shines an accurate light on what the first several appointments are like and how thorough and detailed the TB Financial Group team is when it comes to managing my finances.” Likewise, Leesburg resident John Barzyk said attending Annuity 102 was well worth his time. “I liked how the class was spontaneous rather than staged. I also thought the interaction between client and provider is very interesting and learning what specific information they want to know about clients. Having attended this, I feel more knowledgeable, especially when it comes to the carriers that TB Financial Group uses, as well as index annuities.”

“THERE’S NOT A ‘ONESIZE-FITS-ALL’ APPROACH. WE CAREFULLY ANALYZE WHICH CARRIERS AND PRODUCTS WILL BEST HELP YOU.” clients from start to finish. Much of what we do in this industry is behind closed doors, and few people are willing to show prospective clients what really happens behind those doors.”

SOLID GROWTH

Those words are undoubtedly music to the ears of Liz and Nick. “We’re trying to take transparency to the next level,” Nick says. “How much more transparent can you be in this industry if you’re going to invite people in and watch the process from start to finish? Annuity 102 is also designed to get people to really think about their financial situation a little bit deeper. They may not think about certain things, such as how many vacations they may take in a year’s time.” For Liz and Nick, Annuity 102 is their unique way of making a positive, lasting impact on the financial services world. That has been their goal since opening TB Financial Group in August 2013. “When we started out, we wanted to create a new industry standard,” Nick says. “We agreed to do that by having full transparency not only in our seminars and events but throughout the entire planning process. By transparency, I’m talking about educating our

Liz and Nick specialize in financial retirement strategies. Although they have more than 30 years of combined experience, they are not full financial planners. They work only with fixed annuities, index annuities, and life insurance. “We are very knowledgeable about the products we offer, and that is crucially important because we want our clients to be well-informed and educated, as well as have confidence and trust in our abilities,” Liz says. “Nobody who does business with us, or considers doing business with us, will ever leave our office saying they didn’t understand the product(s) we offered them. We want clients to see our transparency and authenticity.” By faithfully sticking to its four pillars—listen, care, educate and have fun—this local, small-town company has experienced considerable success and raised the eyebrows of many industry peers despite opening less than two years. For instance, TB Financial Group was featured in a Forbes magazine article titled “Florida Financial Leaders” in July 2014, less than a year after opening. They have been asked to be featured again in the June 2015

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

publication. In addition, others in the financial services industry have contacted Liz and Nick and inquired about their successful business model, as well as their distinctive seminars. And finally, Liz and Nick have hired additional full-time employees and are in process of hiring more. “Having a larger staff allows us to offer a superior level of customer service,” Nick says. “Liz and I created the original vision for the company, but it’s one that our staff shares and embraces. Everyone here is capable of educating clients and making them comfortable as they go through the process and even after.” That talented staff will play a big role in helping TB Financial Group meet its goals moving forward. “We don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon because we want to continue being impactful and change the industry,” Liz says. “We are raising the standard, which we believe can be accomplished with honesty, transparency, relationships and service. And we love putting our head down at night knowing we did not have to be shysters.”

TB FINANCIAL GROUP is located at 3261 U.S. Highway 441 in Fruitland Park. For more info, please call 352.350.1161 or visit tbfinancialgroup.com.

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APRIL 15

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On the

scene THE TO-DO LIST SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT OUT + ABOUT HI, SOCIETY!

70 74 76 78

On the scene // the to-do list

APRIL

To have an event considered for the calendar, send a short text description along with a color photo (if available) 45 days in advance of event to: calendar@akersmediagroup.com or Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749

APRIL 1-11

ART EXHIBIT OPENING Artwork created by Pastel Society of Central Florida at Leesburg Center For The Arts. Meet the artists, April 2, 5-7p.m. 429 W. Magnolia St., Leesburg. CONTACT: 352.365.0232.

APRIL 3

FAMILY FOOD TRUCK NIGHT The Clermont Downtown Partnership hosts the First Friday Family Food Trucks and Music on Montrose. City Hall Park in Historic Downtown Clermont. 6-9p.m. CONTACT: 352.394.3392.

APRIL 11

APRIL 2

19TH ANNUAL FISH FRY Stroll the grounds of the historic Mote Morris House and enjoy southern cooking at its finest. 1195 W. Magnolia St., Leesburg. 5:30-8:30p.m. COST: TBA. CONTACT: 352.365.0053.

AMAZING RACE FOR CHARITY Two-person teams enjoy a 5-6 mile race through Eustis, stopping at 20+ challenge stations on the way to the finish at lakeside Ferran Park for a festival, food, awards and music. This race attracts serious runners as well as amateurs. 9a.m.-3p.m. Ferran Park, 50 Ferran Park Dr., Eustis. COST: $125 per team. CONTACT: 352.242.8111

APRIL 11

LEESBURG FOOD TRUCK-NFLICK NIGHT Enjoy gourmet food trucks and a movie in Towne Square, Leesburg. 6-9:30p.m. CONTACT: 352.365.0053. APRIL 3

BLUEBIRD BLITZ Annual spring bluebird count to help monitor populations of this once severely declining species. PEAR Park Wildlife Conservation Area, 4800 University Ave., Leesburg. CONTACT: 352.253.4950.

APRIL 25

BRAS FOR THE CAUSE AND BOXERS TOO! Fabulous runway show and auction with bras and boxers designed by local community members for the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation (GCCF). Silent auction with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres served. Clermont City Center, 620 Montrose St., Clermont. COST: $40. 6-10p.m. CONTACT: 407.538.3461. and educational speakers are featured. Discovery Gardens, 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares. 9a.m.-4p.m. CONTACT: 352.343.4101.

APRIL 25

CM BOX CAR RACING Soap Box Derby at 9a.m. Cars are available. Wilson Lake Parkway, Groveland (between Trilogy’s and Vineyard subdivision). 8a.m.-5p.m. CONTACT: 352.708.4207.

APRIL 18

LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN FAIR The Lake County BCC, in conjunction with the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension and Master Gardeners, welcome the public to the 4th Annual Landscape and Garden Fair. Plant vendors, youth activities

APRIL 18

LIBRARY TAG SALE & CRAFT SHOW Tag Sale supporting the Friends of the Paisley Library. Vendors and crafters too. Paisley County Library, 24954 County Road 42, Paisley. CONTACT: 352.669.1001.

MAY 1

FAMILY FOOD TRUCK NIGHT The Clermont Downtown Partnership hosts the First Friday Family Food Trucks and Music on Montrose. City Hall Park in Historic Downtown

Clermont. 6-9p.m. CONTACT: 352.394.3392.

MUSIC+THEATRE APRIL 2-5, 9-12

MAY 2

PUTTIN’ FORE PAWS 2nd Annual golf tournament benefits South Lake Animal League. Green Valley Country Club. 7:30a.m registration and 8:30 shotgun start. Prizes, auction and 50/50. CONTACT: puttinforepaws@sial.org or http://slal.org/events/ puttinforepaws/sponsorshipform/

HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY Musical biography of the country star’s career includes all his greatest songs, such as “Hey Good Lookin” and “Your Cheatin’ Heart.” The IceHouse Theatre, 1100 N. Unser Street, Mount Dora. Shows: Thursdays at 7:30pm; Fridays at 8p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 2p.m. COST: $10-$20. CONTACT: 352.383.4616.

PHOTOS: Susan Schommer, Shutterstock.com

EVENTS

APRIL 6, 13, 20, 27

APRIL 23 & 24

COUNTRY BAND MONDAY NIGHTS Music and dancing with The Smooth Country Band. WindHorse Theatre, 351 Plaza Dr., Eustis. COST: $10. CONTACT: 352.223.3256.

ENCHANTED SYMPHONY Florida Lakes Symphony presents “Enchanted” with the “Firebird Suite,” Suk’s “Scherzo Fantastique,” “Danse Bacchanale,” “Ruslan & Ludmilla Overture” and other favorites to conclude a fabulous 10th season. Celebrity Eimear Noone conducts. St. Patrick Church, 6803 Old Highway 441 S., Mount Dora. COST: $15 - $45. 7:30p.m.-9p.m. CONTACT: 352.589.1500.

APRIL 11

TRIBUTE TO DOLLY PARTON Sandy Anderson brings her nationally-known Dolly Parton Tribute to Mount Dora accompanied by The Rodeo Rhythm Kings. 7pm at the Mount Dora Community Building, 520 N. Baker St., Mount Dora. CONTACT: 352.217.8390.

APRIL 17

THE GOOD DOCTOR AT ROYAL HIGHLANDS Royal Theater Players of Royal Highlands present “The Good Doctor,” a side-splitting comedy by Neil Simon with over 20 actors and beautiful music. Inform the gate attendant you are going to the Great Hall, 5352 Saint Andrews Arc, Leesburg. COST: $7. CONTACT: 352.315.8715.

APRIL 13

FLORIDA SOUTHERN CHAMBER SINGERS The Morrison United Methodist Church closes its 2014-‘15 Concert Series with the Florida Southern College Chamber Singers at 7:30p.m. 1005 West Main St., Leesburg. COST: $12 adult and $6 student. CONTACT: 352.787.3786.

APRIL 21

THE BEST OF BROADWAY: THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER Tribute to the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, starring world-class vocalists and instrumentalists. 7p.m. Savannah Center, The Villages. TICKETS: thevillagesentertainment.com

MAY 1-3

A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED Surely a murderer would not take an ad out in the paper to announce it. Thinking it is a game the neighbors arrive at Miss Blacklock’s. Melon Patch Theatre, 311 N. 13th St., Leesburg. 8p.m.10p.m. COST: $18 adult and $9 student. CONTACT: 352.787.3013.

MAY 1 - 2

2015 SOUTH LAKE COUNTY DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL Opening ceremony is Friday, May 1 and race day is Saturday, May 2. Waterfront Park, 330 3rd St., Clermont. 9a.m.-9p.m. CONTACT: 352.617.8788.

MAY 2

NATURE FEST Join the Friends of Lake Louisa for this family-oriented nature friendly event that includes guided hikes, children’s activities, presentations, live animals, and more. Refreshments available for purchase. Lake Louisa State Park, 7305 S. U.S. Highway 27, Clermont. 10a.m.-2p.m. COST: Free after park entry fee. CONTACT: 352.394.3969.

FESTIVALS/FAIRS APRIL 4 - 5

VINTAGE GARDEN SHOW A weekend of vintage treasures at a home and garden extravaganza on the north side of Renningers Antiques Center. 9a.m.-5p.m. Free admission. 20651 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora. CONTACT: 352.383.8393.

APRIL 23-26

19TH ANNUAL LEESBURG BIKEFEST

The largest three-day motorcycle festival in the country. Downtown Leesburg. Cost: Free. Friday and Saturday 9a.m.2a.m. Sunday 9a.m.-5p.m. CONTACT: 352.365.0053.

EDITOR’S PICK APRIL 26

BENEFIT FOR AMERICAN WOUNDED WARRIORS Gene Martin & Friends provide music for dancing at Dancin’ Ballroom & Stage Arts Center in the Lake Square Mall, Highway 441, Leesburg. Dancing, wine and cheese and exhibitions. MINIMUM DONATION: $25. All donations are tax-deductible. 5-8p.m. CONTACT: 352.319.6767

April 20 15

On the scene // the to-do list

LOCAL TALENT PROFILE

FROM RUSSIA (AND CUBA) WITH LOVE “NERDY” INSTRUMENT OPENED DOORS STORY: JANE FUENTES PHOTO: PROVIDED

Janet Harris’ musical tastes have always been a tad more sophisticated than mainstream America’s. In 1986, while her classmates were walking like Egyptians and singing along with Whitney Houston, Janet was in Russia experiencing Perestroika. “Perestroika was a political movement for reformation,” explains Harris, who was a bassoon player in a Texas high school band that traveled to the Soviet Union. “It allowed for an exchange of arts and dance groups between the United States and Russia. For two weeks, our band traveled all around the Soviet Union performing our music.”

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While Harris was in her musical element, socially she was a bit of an outcast. “I got made fun of a lot because I played the bassoon,” she says. “The kids discovered they could buy vodka at the hotel kiosk, and they were all getting wasted in their rooms. I wasn’t invited, but I was glad. I took advantage of the chaperones’ jet lag and set off to explore the Moscow Conservatory.” Awed by the beauty and history of the world-famous institution, Harris says she tried to get an application to attend there. “The Moscow Conservatory is the second oldest in Russia after the conservatory in St. Petersburg.

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Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Beethoven, all the famous Russian composers and musicians trained there. I did not want to go back to Texas and I tried to convince everyone on that trip that I needed to stay.” Harris cannot remember a time when music was not a major part of her life. “I remember as a baby sitting on my mother’s lap playing the recorder,” she says. “And I was playing the piano as soon as I was able to sit up.” Her father played bassoon and her mother played brass instruments. Jane started playing the bassoon in the school band in sixth grade. “My father knew if I

played bassoon I could get a scholarship to college,” she explains. Indeed, the bassoon was her ticket to college, and to countries and venues all over the world. Like her parents, Harris considers herself a musician and an educator. “I wanted to do educational projects as well as high-level musical performance projects,” she says. To reach that goal, Harris started the Lakeside Chamber Players, a nonprofit chamber ensemble based in Mount Dora. That led to another unforgettable dose of culture when Cuban immigrant and web designer Mercedes Soca arranged for an invitation for Harris to perform at the 27th Havana International Contemporary Festival in December. The entire ensemble wasn’t able to attend, but Harris was accompanied by the Luke Pfeil Woodwind Trio. Harris says she was overwhelmed by the devotion and passion the Cuban people have for music. “They play at such a high level,” she says, “even though they are lacking in materials, especially the woodwind players. Their keypads get moldy due to the humidity, and when reeds break, they just super-glue them back together. They don’t have access to the Internet to download music, and they don’t have the tools to repair their instruments.” The Lakeside Chamber Players have been invited to return to Santiago for Cuba’s 400th Musical Anniversary, a yearlong celebration. Harris is hoping to attend in November. “This time I would like to be able to take an orchestra and fans of the Lakeside Chamber Players,” she says. Several concerts have been planned to raise funds for the trip.

PHOTOS: Courtesy of the respective artists.

INCONCERT DATE

TIME

ARTIST

VENUE

4/8 4/9 4/9 4/9 4/10 4/10&11 4/10 4/10 4/11 4/11 4/11 4/11 4/12 4/12 4/15 4/16 4/16 4/17 4/17 4/17 4/17 4/18 4/18 4/18 4/19 4/20 4/22 4/23 4/23 4/23 4/24 4/24 4/24&25 4/25, 4/25 4/25 4/25 4/25 4/26 4/26 4/29 4/30 4/30 5/1 5/1 5/2

7:30pm 4pm 7pm 5:30pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 7:30pm 11am 2pm 8pm 5pm 11am 11am 7:30pm 8pm 7:30pm 2pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 7:30pm 5pm 7:30pm 3pm 7:30pm 9pm 7pm 1pm 9pm 6:30pm 9am 10am 9pm 7pm 1:30pm 11am 7:30pm 6pm 7:30pm 9pm 8pm 8pm

Jeff Whitfield (alternative/blues) Jeff Rosenstock David Oliver Willis (acoustic) Uncle Bob’s Rock Shop (rock) The Accuzed (rock) Melly L/Swerve! (pop, R&B) Mike Hartman Ronnie Milsap (country/pop) Boxrattler/Brendan Collins Band (alternative) Jack Bumgarner (blues) Maiden Voyage Band (Southern rock/blues) Uncle Bob’s Rock Shop (rock) Selwyn Birchwood Band (blues) Nate McManus (folk) Jeff Whitfield (alternative/blues) Neon Truckers (country/Southern rock) Kelly Jarrard (soul, jazz, R&B) Counterparts (punk rock) Shadow Cabinet (new wave) Jeff Hurst Neon Truckers (country/Southern rock) Jack Bumgarner (blues) Crystal Vision (pop/alternative) Brian Smalley (folk/acoustic) Defenders of Daisies Uncle Bob’s Rock Shop (rock) Jeff Whitfield (alternative/blues) KennyLives (rock) Kelly Jarrard (soul, jazz, R&B) 10,000 Papercuts (hard rock) Lita Ford (rock) Andrew Williams Band (blues/rock) Lonie Carter (country/rockabilly) Uncle Bob’s Rock Shop (rock) Manfredi Rocks (acoustic rock) KennyLives (rock) Lazy Bonez (80s rock) Scott and Michelle Dalziel (folk) Bobby France (rock) Nate McManus (folk) Jeff Whitfield (alternative/blues) David Oliver Willis (acoustic) Dangerous Dave Merril (rock/blues) Dan Rodz (rock) Defenders of Daisies Shadow Cabinet (new wave)

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Wooton Park, Tavares Lake County Fair, Eustis Katie Belle’s, The Villages Ruby Street Grille, Tavares McGregors Bar, Mount Dora 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis Savannah Center, The Villages Yalaha Bakery, Yalaha Lakeridge Winery, Clermont Chelle’s Softtail Saloon The Villages (Brownwood) Lakeridge Winery, Clermont Magical Meat Boutique, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Lake County Fair, Eustis Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Wooton Park, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis Lake County Fair, Eustis The Villages (Lake Sumter) Hurricane Dockside, Tavares Olivia’s Coffeehouse, Eustis Ruby Street Grille, Tavares The Villages (Spanish Springs) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Bikefest, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Frank’s Place, Leesburg Bikefest, Leesburg Stormy Hill Harley Davidson, Clermont JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento Katie Belle's, The Villages Bikefest, Leesburg Bikefest, Leesburg Bikefest, Leesburg Red Sauce, The Villages Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Magical Meat Boutique, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Pisces Rising, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares The Oasis, Sorrento Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

Bands subject to change … Email Gary@akersmediagroup.com to submit an event for In Concert. Submissions must be received by the ninth of the month prior to month of the event (example: June 9 for July issue).

On the scene // social spotlight Where you want to be

BRAVADO!

Colorful brassieres used to raise much-needed funds for local cancer patients. How fitting! STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: SUSAN SCHOMMER

ras were made to lift, but can be uplifting with an artist’s touch. There will be plenty of laughter and smiles at the Bras for the Cause and Boxers Too fundraiser on April 25th at the Clermont Community Center. All proceeds go to the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation, an allvolunteer organization that provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families in South Lake County.

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The event was started eight years ago. “Everyone who has attended this event keeps coming back,” says Kay Simpson, event chairwoman and a board member of the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation. “Even though this is about cancer, it’s not a Debbie Downer event. It’s very uplifting and fun.”

SIMPLY ART-RAGEOUS Community members and business owners showcase their creativity and artistic

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skills by decorating bras and boxers. On the night of the event, chosen models sashay down a runway to show off the various creations. The bras and boxers are then auctioned and awarded to the highest bidders. “Last year a group of firefighters agreed to model in the bras,” Kay says. “They were hesitant at first but ended up having a blast. Typically, females will model in the bras, while both men and women model in the boxers. Sometimes, the person who

creates the bras or boxers decides to model.” Themes and designs for the bras are limited only by the maker’s creativity. Some are sublime, some are artistic and some are downright comical. Through the years, Kay has seen everything from Florida Gator and Florida State Seminole bras to 101 Dalmatians- and Paristhemed bras. “People get extremely creative and rarely will you see duplications. They can sew, paste, hot glue or even paint.

It’s a multi-media decoration. The only requirement is that the bras and boxers have to be tasteful.” Doors open at 6p.m. and the modeling show begins at 7:30p.m. Before the show, modelers move around the room so attendees can see all the intricate work that went into the artistic masterpieces. In addition to the creative catwalk event, the evening includes a silent auction featuring items such as theme park passes, wine baskets, jewelry, creative

craft baskets and car rentals. Attendees will also enjoy hors d’oeuvres, food, beer and wine.

ASSISTING WITH THE BIG C Bras for the Cause and Boxers Too is one of several fundraisers the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation conducts throughout the year. The organization also hosts a tennis tournament in March, a music festival and an afternoon tea in October to raise breast cancer awareness. Last year, the foundation

awarded $110,000 to cancer patients and their families. The money is used in several ways: providing scholarships to college students who have a family member with cancer, awarding grants to help with financial burdens so patients can focus on treatment and recovery and providing cancer screenings to underinsured and underserved residents. In 2014, the foundation also brightened Christmas for 12 cancer-stricken families by providing dinner and toys for

children. “We use funds to directly help these people,” Kay says. “Cancer research is great but it doesn’t help pay the bills. It always makes you feel good when you can do something to help a cancer patient. I always tell people that if you haven’t been personally touched by cancer, you eventually will.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the event, please call 352.435.3202.

April 20 15

On the scene // out+about A travel companion for points near and far

CHILD-FRIENDLY KEY WEST

Key West has often been described as a party-hard city with an anything goes attitude. While that may be the case at certain times of the year, most of the time it’s a family friendly destination with Florida history you shouldn’t miss. STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS PHOTOS: TONY AND MARY ANN DESANTIS

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PHOTOS: Shutterstock.com

or those who think Key West is full of pirate wannabes, Jimmy Buffett clones, and eccentric characters, I won’t argue with you. I hope to convince you, however, there is another side to the Conch Republic that parents are re-discovering with their children. For proof, just stop by the “sunset celebration” at Mallory Square in the heart of Key West’s tourist district, where acrobats, animal acts, musicians, portrait artists, craft exhibitors, and food vendors gather nightly. Children ride their fathers’ shoulders for birds eye views of the performers who juggle swords, encourage cats to walk on tightropes, or do Houdinitype tricks. Every performer I saw on a recent trip invited bystanders, usually children, to be part of the act by asking them to hold props or giving them some other safe task. Daniel Kolbe, a Key West resident for more than 20 years is raising his 9-yearold daughter and 7-year-old son in the Southernmost city. His family has many favorite places where they spend free time, and Kolbe believes it’s a great place for children. “I think Key West’s image is changing, especially with so many families coming on cruise ships” says Kolbe, who owns Southernmost Event Photography. “Mallory Square’s celebration is good entertainment for everyone and it’s a nice place for families to walk around.”

The Kolbe children’s favorite place, however, is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, a National Historic Landmark centered around a Civil Warera fort located near the southern tip of Key West. The family friendly beach offers plenty of sugary sand as well as a generous helping of history. Kolbe said the pirate festival in December is a particular favorite for kids of all ages. Kolbe also recommended a visit to the Key West Aquarium, the city’s oldest attraction where children can touch and feed small sea creatures in a “touch tank.” The aquarium offers guided tours that include shark feedings and opportunities for guests to “pet” a shark. For a look at airborne creatures, including tropical birds and 50 to 60 species of butterflies, head over to the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, one of my favorite stops for photographing the winged masterpieces. Hundreds of butterflies soar around lush gardens in the climate-controlled, glass enclosed habitat. Another kid-friendly stop is the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. The 6,000-foot facility features interactive and dynamic exhibits including a mock-up of Aquarius, the world’s only underwater ocean laboratory. It’s hard not to get caught up in the legends of the sea that surround Key West. The city’s unique maritime heritage made it the richest city in the U.S. in 1860. At the Key West Shipwreck Museum, actors, films, and actual arti-

facts tell the story of shipwreck salvage in the Florida Keys. Other maritime adventures include Pat Croce’s Pirate Soul Museum and the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum. For spectacular views of the waters surrounding Key West, climb the 88 steps of the Key West Lighthouse Museum’s tower. Of course, Key West is the perfect spring break destination for active families who love water sports. Plan a day to swim, snorkel, dive, paddleboard, sail, or even have a jetpack experience in the waters around Key West. My personal favorite oasis is the stunningly beautiful Bahia Honda State Park, located 37 miles from Key West on the Overseas Highway, where a day on the beach passes too quickly. With so much to do, the little ones are sure to work up an appetite. Many restaurants offer kids menus, including El Meson de Pepe, a family-ownedand-operated Cuban restaurant, right in the heart of Mallory Square. While adults dine on the world-famous Ropa Vieja shredded beef and conch fritters Cuban style, the children may opt for cheeseburgers, shrimp or chicken fingers. Key Lime pie is Florida’s official dessert, and you’ll see many youngsters enjoying the latest frozen concoction, Key Lime Pie on a Stick. Stock Island’s Hurricane Hole offers not only a kids menu but a pirate ship playground where the little ones can stay occupied for as long as their parents will let them.

To understand just how many things there are to see and do in Key West for kids, begin your visit with a Conch Train Tour (www.conchtourtrain.com), which is free for children 12 and under. Military and senior discounts are also available. Along the route, you’ll see Key West’s many attractions that are appropriate for children of all ages and the list grows longer every year. Trip

TIP

April 20 15

352.435.HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788 352.530.2665 // 1217 W MILLER ST., SUITE 6, FRUITLAND PARK, FL 34731 morrisrealtors.com

VOL. 4 // ISSUE 3

THERESA MORRIS REALTOR® // BROKER // OWNER

352.360.3736 // THERESA@MORRISREALTORS.COM THERESA SELLS A PROPERTY EVERY 29 WORKING HOURS!

ENJOY 3/2 PLUS DEN/OFFICE. 2 car side entry with retractable screen. Plenty of parking space for additional vehicles. Bring rocking chairs to front porch. Foyer leads to great room with cathedral ceiling with corner stone wood burning fireplace. $194,900 MLS# G4706555.

FOUR CAR GARAGE ONE ACRE POOL HOME… Iron gated entrance with up to 5 ACRES POSSIBLE.

3/3 home with 4 car detached garage plus workshop with heat/air that can easily convert to horse stalls. Oversized in-ground pool with waterfall. Enjoy handcrafted woodwork thru-out. Great room features 35 FT high cathedral oak ceiling with wood burning fireplace New wood floors and much more. $435,000 MLS# G4705788.

5 BEDROOM POOL HOME! Foyer leads to formal dining and living room with bay windows and dual gas fireplace with remotes. Gourmet kitchen with island, corian counter and hidden garbage storage. Separate breakfast nook…all leading to open concept family room with fireplace and 20 ft. cathedral ceilings. $397,000 MLS# G4809275.

TURN KEY READY! Immaculate 3/2 home on 1/2 acre corner lot in Fruitland Park with over 2100 square feet! Newly remodeled kitchen, bonus rec room, double paned windows and private well for irrigation. $159,000 MLS# G4807841.

PRESTIGIOUS HARBOR HILLS…GOLF FRONTAGE!

Gated community minutes to The Villages. No rear neighbors, double fairway view. All the “bells and whistles” in this stunning 3/2.5 home. $249,900 MLS# G4807670.

ENJOY THE 3/3 MAIN HOUSE with screened in pool with diving board. Peaceful “sanctuary” courtyard and

breeze way attached to full 2/2 apartment and 2 car garage. Must see this rare find minutes to shopping, golf and restaurants. Great Orlando commute area. $450,000 MLS# G4808882.

Cell: 321.287.5440 Office: 321.888.2431 Fax: 321.285.0040 5222 Andrus Ave., Suite A Orlando, Florida 32810

Todd Levensohn Mortgage Lender NMLS 299664

www.mortgagetodd.com

Licensed by Florida Office of Financial Regulation Branch NMLS 1288871

WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

todd.levensohn@cfimortgage.com

JO LEEN COOPER HOWE RESIDENTIAL SALES // PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND RENTALS

352.267.0770 // JOLEEN@MORRISREALTORS.COM

THE RESULTS WILL MOVE YOU!

WARM AND INVITING in this 3 bedroom 2 bath home in Remington Club. Open floor plan with updated kitchen. $139,900. MLS# G4804321

COUNTRY PARADISE on almost 4 acres. Featuring 3 bedrooms 2.5 baths with over 3000 sq.ft. of living area. WOW!! WHAT A HOME. UPGRADES AND EXTRAS GALORE. If you have a large family or entertain this is the home for you. Home has been remodeled and updated. Huge pool with huge lanai area. Detached workshop or another oversized 2 car garage. Chicken coop condo and barn for your horses. This is the place to call HOME. $324,500 MLS# G4807962.

REDUCED

10 ACRES OF PRIVACY 3/2 home remodeled. 3-stall barn. Detached oversized 2 car garage for those collectables or make it into a workshop. Pole barn to store lawn items. Reduced to $149,900 MLS# G4808536. Owner will consider financing with 60k down

GREAT PLACE TO RAISE A FAMILY IN THE COUNTRY! 5 bedrooms 3 baths on 12.5 acres. Living room with rock fireplace and new wood floors. Majestic oaks and small pond in the back. Private and secluded and close to horseback riding preserves. $249,900 MLS# G4803716.

REDUCED

BUTCH CASSIDY LANE IN EUSTIS. Waterfront lot on BELOW RECENT APPRAISAL. Your family deserves the best in this 3 bedroom home possible 4 with over Lake Nettie in Eustis. Build your dream home here. 3000 sq ft of liv area. Home is elevated to enjoy the views.Upgrades and built ins galore. Home is elevated On the end of a cul-de-sac. Reduced to $59,000 with great lake views of Lake Eustis and enjoy the sunsets to the west. Owner financing. HOME IS GREEN MLS# G4802690. AND BUILT FOR LOW UTILITY BILLS. $349,900 MLS# G4808641

Ross Plumbing Cleaner • Faster • Better TFR inc

Lic. # CFC056481

352-728-6053

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930 Thomas Ave., Leesburg

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| 3

JOAN DEFOE REALTOR®

352.516.6843 // JOAN@MORRISREALTORS.COM REAL ESTATE “LITTLE GIANT” // MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PRODUCER // PREMIER AGENT

HIGHLIGHT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD! Spacious home 3900 SqFt. under H&A. Features 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths, heated pool with spa and 3 Car Garage with workbench. Unique lot with no rear neighbors and side is located next to a beautiful pond. Huge kitchen with island, walk-in pantry, stainless steel appliances, custom cabinets with pull out shelving and breakfast nook overlooking family room. Has over $131K of upgrades in this STUNNING HOME. Call Joan DeFoe today at 352-516-6843 to see this property. $325,000 MLS# G4808020.

A SWEET DEAL! 2/2 home with glassed Florida room, large living room, dining area, eat-in kitchen plus covered and screened carport. Extra parking pad. Utility Room with washer, dryer and small work area. Completely furnished. Call Joan DeFoe today to view this property. $49,900 MLS# G4805197

16 ACRE RANCH ESTATE…BRING HORSES…iron gated entry to this beautifully treed property. Pasture includes cross fencing. Horse enthusiast appreciates top of the line 4 stall barn, tack & feed rooms plus wash area. Newly refurbished Tennis Court and sparkling POOL. “English Tudor” style 3 BRM 3 BA with 2 car garage, additional parking with circular driveway. Formal LR w/wood burning fireplace. Separate DRM. For the CHEF IN THE HOUSE, enjoy lovely granite counter tops, new custom wood cabinets with pull outs, built-in can and closet pantry. Lots and Lots of extras a rare find just minutes from The Villages. Call Joan DeFoe for your appointment to view this property. 352-516-6843 $597,300 MLS# G4806920.

ANYTIMEFITNESS.COM

24-hour access & security • convenient parking private restrooms • private showers • tanning personal training • hdtvs • cardio equipment • treadmills elliptical • exercise cycles • and much more! NOW OPEN! LEESBURG 352.742.2008

SUMMERFIELD 352.307.0700

BUSHNELL 352.569.1015

WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

LADY LAKE 352.633.0868

MOUNT DORA 352.308.8126

WILDWOOD 352.399.2977

VALERIE FOERST

REALTOR®

352.360.3492 // VALERIE@MORRISREALTORS.COM

YOUR CENTRAL FLORIDA NATIVE // 33 YEARS OF HELPING CENTRAL FLORIDA WITH THEIR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

REDUCED

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS EXCEPTIONAL HOME. 14x12

screened entry, oversized dining, additional sitting room and well for irrigation. $79,900

VERY AFFORDABLE TURNKEY CONDO just $175 a month. 2/2 in a convenient location, covered parking with extra storage and pool. $53,000

4/4 HAS IN-LAW SUITE and bonus rooms, plus private pool. Amazing contemporary has been completely Upgraded including tile throughout. $229,000 MLS# G4808450

3/2 WITH FAMILY ROOM AND FENCED YARD Custom paint and Wood Laminate floors in Eustis, Move-In Perfect! $147,000 MLS# G4807975

LIKE NEW! 4/3 pool home has open floor plan with formal dining. Drool over granite counter tops and custom cabinets $265,000

SILVER LAKE 4/2 WITH TROPICAL POOL. Over 2700

sq.ft. of tile and wood accents, french doors and fireplace…and a fenced yard! $255,000

STEP BACK IN TIME WHERE A HOUSE WAS A HOME WHERE FAMILIES GATHERED AND STAYED. 2 acres of lawn and oaks with vintage 4/3 farm house and mother

in law apartment. True Florida home and a must see! $219,000

Rich LeMoyne Regional Manager NMLS#333158

725 E Alfred St. Tavares, FL 32778 352.408.5999 cell // 352.742.1077 fax

We are committed and passionate professionals who puts our clients' best interests and satisfaction above all else. Our team’s determination to cater to our clients' specific needs coupled with our market expertise, attention to detail and superior negotiating skills allows you to receive first class service.

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| 5

KIM DUCHARME REALTOR®

352.874.5906 // KIM@MORRISREALTORS.COM KIM CONNECTS...YOUR REAL ESTATE CONNECTION!

REDUCED

3/2 + DEN FEATURING JUST OVER 1800 SQ FT OF LIVING. Open living space, corner lot and large fenced

backyard. Will not last long! $149,900

3/2 TWO STORY HOME located in the gated golfing community of Sorrento Springs. Over 2600 sq ft of living space. No rear neighbors! $169,000. MLS#G4800483.

PENDING 3/2 IN GATED COMMUNITY featuring 1200+ sqft of living. Kitchen features center island, closet pantry, stainless steel appliances and kitchen nook area. Living and dining room combo with French doors leading to screened lanai. Fenced backyard. Home is tiled throughout. $132,000. MLS #G4707299

LOVE THAT VIEW! Calm yourself in the peaceful setting of this custom built waterfront home. This private 2 acre estate built in 2006 features 4/3 and over 2,600 sq.ft. of open living space has a floor plan to floor you! Home is situated on 178’ frontage of the Palatlakaha River. Boat and fish directly from your backyard with direct access to Lake Harris included on The Chain of Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. $350,000. MLS# G48021878

Cell: 321.287.5440 Office: 321.888.2431 Fax: 321.285.0040 5222 Andrus Ave., Suite A Orlando, Florida 32810

Todd Levensohn Mortgage Lender NMLS 299664

www.mortgagetodd.com

Licensed by Florida Office of Financial Regulation

todd.levensohn@cfimortgage.com

Branch NMLS 1288871

LYNN HAYNES 352.516.0903

Would like to welcome our newest agent, Lynn Haynes. 6|

WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

LYNN@MORRISREALTORS.COM

GREG BOLIEK REALTOR®

352.267.2349 // GREG@MORRISREALTORS.COM

PRICED REDUCED OVER $7000! From the curb you notice the well maintained landscape and a privacy fence with access gates on both sides. As soon as you step into the screened

front porch and look down at the beautiful tile, you know you have found a jewel. The Living room greets you first with ceramic tile entry and then carpeting. The walls are all freshly painted throughout with wonderful earth tones. Passing through to the kitchen you will find an open bright space with an island, breakfast bar, two pantries and ceramic tile floor. The kitchen is open to the Dinning room/Family room and sliding glass doors leading to a patio where you will want to spend hours relaxing. There is an inside laundry room with washer and dryer included. The Master Bathroom has been upgraded with granite counter tops, light fixtures, shower with ceramic tile and clear glass frame less doors that swing open to allow handicap access and ceramic tile floor and tub surround. The toilet has it’s own space also. The garage has been completely finished. Attic access is in the garage and decking has been added for the storage of the season possessions. Home is conveniently located near shopping, hospital, government offices and the YMCA. $142,500 Call Greg, 352-267-2349

FOUR CAR GARAGE ONE ACRE POOL HOME… 3/3 home with 4 car detached garage plus workshop with heat/air. Oversized in-ground pool with waterfall. Great room features 35 ft high cathedral oak ceiling with wood burning fireplace $435,000 MLS# G4705788.

IMPACT FEES PAID FOR 4 OFFICE SPACES! Great

vacant lot in a great location. Over 24,000 vehicles per day! Easy access to HWY 27 and HWY 441. City provides all utilities. To get started on your new office call right away. $95,000.00 Call Greg, 352-267-2349.

GREAT IN TOWN LOCATION close to The Villages.The lot is fully buildable and virtually no site work or prep needed. There are a total of 5 lots. Discount will be offered for bulk purchase. $70,000 MLS# G4705859 Call Greg, 352-267-2349.

CRYSTAL CLEAR INSPECTION SERVICES Florida Licensed Home Inspectors NACHI Certified

…When Experience Matters… Expect Excellence

P.O. Box 274 Eustis, FL 32727 info@ccis4u.com

The Team Proudly Welcomes TIM WEGNER

Erick J. Trecek Certified Master Inspector FLHI3403 NACHI11033102

352.455.0352

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT INSPECT BEFORE YOU INVEST

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| 7

LAUREN FICKETT REALTOR®

352.636.2167 // LAUREN@MORRISREALTORS.COM LEAVE IT TO LAUREN!

PRICED TO SELL! This 2/2 is move in ready! Additional large family/game room is great for entertaining. New roof in 2013, new well and hot water heater in the end of 2012. Screen enclosed back patio. $57,000 MLS# G4804083.

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY! This 4/2.5 is big enough for everyone! Features open kitchen, private great room, and formal dining. All rooms upstairs with office/den. Large master suite with his and her closets, double sinks, and garden tub. Screen enclosed pool. No rear neighbors. Short sale. $169,900.

BRING YOUR SUNTAN LOTION! You are going to need it while boating around the Chain of Lakes. Breathtaking views from your dock await you. This 3/2.5 home welcomes you through the front door to an open floor plan, hardwood floors and lake view. Galley kitchen with newer appliances. Formal living, great, and dining rooms all have great views of the lake. Huge enclosed Florida room with A/C. Screened in patio with hot tub that conveys. 2 car carport. Irrigation system which pulls water from the lake. Boat dock and hoist. 2 A/C units, 5k water purification/softener system. $319,000 MLS# G4695599.

2 MILES TO THE VILLAGES! TWO HOMES! Beautiful custom built 3/2.5 estate. Upgrades galore! Settled back off the main road, you have all the privacy you need.10 acres total. Separate newer manufactured home with 3/2 on other 5 acres. $575,000. Executive home and 5 acres could be split and purchased seperately for $475,000 MLS# G4706615.

DON’T WAIT TO SNAG THIS DEAL! 3/2.5 with den/office and 2,220+ square living. Large kitchen with granite counter tops, 2 pantries and island. Master with vaulted ceilings, garden tub w/ separate shower and his & her walk-in closets. Not a short sale or bankowned. Priced to sell. $165,000.

LAKEFRONT! Only $40,000. Bring your builder and enjoy the gentle breezes off Lake Saunders. Great for fishing! 1/2+ lot. SHORT SALE.

SHORT SALE. Perfect investment property. 2/1 in Leesburg. With some TLC this could be a great rental. Fenced in backyard. $35,000

Rich LeMoyne Regional Manager NMLS#333158

725 E Alfred St. Tavares, FL 32778 352.408.5999 cell // 352.742.1077 fax

GOLDEN VALLEY. Come and enjoy the peace and quiet this home offers. This 4/2 is in immaculate condition and ready for you! Romantic master suite, large living room with den/office, Kitchen with stainless steel appliances and eat in space. Large fenced in backyard. $174,900.

WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

THERESA MORRIS REALTOR速 // BROKER // OWNER

352.360.3736 // THERESA@MORRISREALTORS.COM THERESA SELLS A PROPERTY EVERY 29 WORKING HOURS!

LENA WILLIAMS REALTOR速

352.636.4488 // LENA@MORRISREALTORS.COM LENA SELLS!

WELCOME HOME TO SKYERANCH! 40 ACRE ESTATE... arrive in style by plane on your private grass runway. Store the planes, cars, boats with plenty of room between the attached garage and the oversized detached barn/hangar. Inside the estates Victorian-inspired exterior, you will find many custom features. The kitchen features a sprawling island, walk in pantry, commercial style gas stove and beautiful custom cabinetry. The large family style kitchen opens into a bright and cheerful breakfast room with floor to ceiling windows. From the family room, pass the bar area on your way to the underground wine cellar that's perfect for your wine tasting gathering. The office has custom built-in shelving and opens into the family room with French doors.The three upstairs bedrooms each feature private bathrooms and plenty of space. Children will love the upstairs third story loft inside the first bedroom. There is an additional small bonus room perfect for a quiet retreat. There is also a small upstairs coffee center centrally located near the accessible laundry room. Your master bedroom features a large Jacuzzi tub and separate shower, double vanity and private toilet and bidet. From upstairs, you can access the upper Deck with spiral staircase leading to the top story widowPs walk. Entertain in your screened lanai, connected to the open pool deck featuring a stone waterfall and deep blue water pool with Jacuzzi jets and sunning shelf. The detached barn houses a separate living area with a 1/1 full kitchen studio upstairs and a two- room suite with full bath downstairs. This property, with 40 peaceful acres and a private pond with a shimmering fountain is truly a stunning fly-In home, a rare find, with endless opportunities. Call Theresa or Lena. $1,100,000 MLS# G4806928

morrisrealtors.com

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MICHAEL BARRETT

RESIDENTIAL SALES // PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND RENTALS

352.255.5710 // MICHAEL@MORRISREALTORS.COM

2 BEAUTIFUL WELL MAINTAINED PARCELS OF LAND. Approximately 4 +/- acres. Build your dream home with a view. Both parcels are located on Bertsville Rd. Located in the rolling hills of Lady Lake. $68,000 MLS# G4805982.

HERE IS YOUR CHANCE to build your dream home. Oak Pointe Subdivision close to The Villages, shopping, schools, churches and more. There are two lots available for purchase from this owner. $44,500 MLS# G4691963

BEAUTIFUL AND SECLUDED 10 +/- lot. Can be sub-divided into two 5 acre parcels. Build your dream home. Lots of trees. On county maintained road. $160,000 MLS# G4805979

VACANT LOT IN BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT WATER PLACE. Property is cleared and flat with a 4-mile lake view of Lake Eustis! Beautiful subdivision with community dock with a beautiful water view. Build the house of your dreams here. $37,900 MLS#G4703283.

AMAZING PENNBROOKE HOME! Selling Furnished! This 2/2 with a great location has views of the golf course from the front and pond view from the back. 1,664 sq.ft. home has with indoor laundry, two bedrooms and a den! The master boasts a separate shower and large garden tub. Don’t pass this one up! $138,000 MLS# G4805881

LAKE ACCESS, 2.5 GARAGE Lake Myrtle Shores. Wonderful family home on cul-de-sac. Sturdy 2X6 frame, new carpet, 2179 sq.ft. with .67 acres. New A/C. $210,000 MLS# 4804770

TUSCAN LIVING AT MISSION INN… After a great round of golf, come home to this incredible home and cool off in the spectacular pool while enjoying the scenic views of the canal and golf course! The extras in this home will impress you…coffered ceilings in the dining and family rooms, 3612 Sq.Ft. of living, with 3 garages and storage galore! The wooden floors are Brazilian cherry. No expense has been spared in this incredible home. Large closets, high ceilings, 4 BR, 4 full baths. The kitchen is every cook’s dream with a 6-burner gas stove, convection oven, warming drawer, wine refrigerator plus dry bar and separate breakfast area, not to mention gorgeous cherry cabinets. Gas fireplace in family room on cool nights make this the ultimate dream home! MLS# G4801724.

Rich LeMoyne Regional Manager NMLS#333158

725 E Alfred St. Tavares, FL 32778 352.408.5999 cell // 352.742.1077 fax

10 |

WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

SCOTT STREM

REALTOR速

352.978.3428 // SCOTT@MORRISREALTORS.COM

SERIOUS ABOUT SELLING // MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PRODUCER

REDUCED

WONDERFUL LAKE DORA FRONTAGE ON PRESTIGIOUS LAKESHORE DRIVE! This solid home features nearly

150 ft. frontage on half and acre, complete with boat dock and aluminum seawall! Home features a spacious kitchen, vaulted ceilings, new roof, new a/c and direct Lake Dora frontage with no road in between house and lake. LOW COUNTY TAXES! Perfect location between downtown Mount Dora and downtown Tavares! $469,000 MLS# G4807523

CHAIN OF LAKES FRONTAGE! Waterfront paradise awaits! Perfect 3/2 home complete with boat dock and beautiful views of the water. Deep canal leads out to the best boating and fishing spots in Lake County! This is a must see! Great value! $239,000 MLS# G4806082

REDUCED

SPECTACULAR LAKE FRONT HOME ON BEAUTIFUL 4+/- ACRES WITH DIRECT WATERFRONT ON

DIRECT LAKE DORA FRONTAGE! Well maintained 2

CHAIN OF LAKES! BEAUTIFUL LAKEFRONT HOME ON LAKE DORA ON OVER 1/2 ACRE! Home features 3/2 with den/office, stainless steel appliances and a 2 car garage. Recently built, private boat dock features boat lift, jet ski lift and screened room for taking in the amazing sunsets on the lake! Just minutes to downtown Mount Dora! $349,900 MLS# G4800507

PRICED TO SELL! Beautiful home located in prestigious Silver Ridge features 2 master suites, a unique loft overlooking the living/dining room, fireplace, and even a large additional bonus room. All on an oversized corner lot! G4808768 $127,500

SECLUDED LAKE ELDORADO! This is the perfect family home with room to roam! FISHING, BOATING, PLAYING BY THE POOL, EVEN BRING THE HORSES! Just imagine your family enjoying this large 3 bedroom 3 bath property! $299,900 MLS#G4806082

bedroom 2 bath getaway with breathtaking views over Lake Dora! Newer A/C and roof, and best of all you are allowed to put a site built home here as there are no HOA or deed restrictions! MUST SEE! $139,900 MLS# G4808985

352-326-4007 | www.insureleesburg.com morrisrealtors.com

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CAMIE KENNEDY REALTOR®

352.408.4668 // CAMIE@MORRISREALTORS.COM CAMIE CAN!

HARBOR HILLS Golf Course Frontage…Gorgeous views. 3/2 with split floorplan. Formal dining, addtional dinette and screened lanai. Oversized garage with golf cart entry. You must see to appreciate! $209,000 MLS# G4808173.

PENDING

HIGHLAND LAKES Very well maintained 3/2 expanded “Windsor” model with no rear neighbors. Vaulted ceiling, inside laundry, laminate wood throughout and glass enclosed Florida room (under heat and air). Act Fast! $153,900 MLS# G4809135.

SPRUCE CREEK SOUTH 3/2 split plan with vaulted ceiling. Corian counter tops, solar tube, large walk in shower in master bath and tiled, enclosed Florida room off back of home. Inside laundry and a 2 car garage. Sure to impress! $109,250 MLS# G4807194.

SPRUCE CREEK SOUTH CORNER LOT 3/2 Holly model with open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, inside laundry room, private fenced yard and a 20x10 tiled lanai. Fresh interior paint… A great find in this golf course, gated community! $114,000.

ROYAL HIGHLANDS 2/2 with den/office and no rear neighbors! Inside laundry room, extra closet space, screened lanai and beautiful man made pond with accent landscaping and waterfall. Don’t miss this home! $171,000 MLS# G4800170.

VACANT LOT location–location–location. Serene

GREAT DEAL! Attention builders 1.36 acres with paid

setting in Oxford, minutes from The Villages and The Villages Charter School. Build your dream home on this wooded 6.34 acre corner lot. Bring your own builder… homes must be minimum 2400 sqft living space. $170,000 MLS# G4800170.

Rich LeMoyne Regional Manager NMLS#333158

725 E Alfred St. Tavares, FL 32778 352.408.5999 cell // 352.742.1077 fax

12 |

HARBOR HILLS GOLF COURSE FRONTAGE.

Spacious 4/2 with beautiful panoramic golf course views. Large glass enclosed Florida room with wet bar, vaulted ceilings, separate breakfast nook, rounded corners and many other upgrades. Sure to impress! $321,000 MLS# G4808902

WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

impact fees for a 1700+ square foot home. Concrete driveway on property plus a 185’ deep well and septic tank. $49,900 MLS# G4806505.

David Knowles Exclusive Agent David A. Knowles Agency Allstate Insurance Company 4120 Corely Island Road, Suite # 100 Leesburg, FL 34748 FL Insurance License # A143808

24 Hour Customer Service

Phone: 352.326.9300

Cell: 352.455.2589

Fax: 352.326.3931

LEAH D. CONNER Interior Designer ID# 0004224

Custom Window Treatments

Commercial

Residential Consulting

352.406.3018

leahdconner.com

Staging

leahdconner@gmail.com

morrisrealtors.com

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LINDA MARSH REALTOR®

352.978.3016 // LINDAMARSH@MORRISREALTORS.COM

VILLAGES OF PARKWOOD A family friendly neighborhood in The Villages. You will adore this 5/4 two story luxury home which features a gourmet kitchen with stainless steal appliances, large island with built in smooth range top, built in wall oven, granite counter tops and lots of custom cabinets. The breakfast nook overlooks the family room with French doors that lead out on to the lanai and swimming pool. The Master bath has his and her vanities, granite counter tops and garden tub. Extra features include 6” baseboards and double pane windows. Call to see this outstanding house today! $335,000 MLS# G4804214 Call Linda 352-978-3016.

IMPECCABLE AND CHARMING 3/2 block home in

Fruitland Park. Light and bright kitchen, separate dining room, sunken living room, family room and split bedrooms. Roof has been replaced and heater is like new. No water bill and no HOA fees. Call now to see this very special home today! $155,000 call Linda at 352-978-3016.

HARD TO FIND 4/2 BLOCK HOME Enjoy a little bit of country while just minutes from everything! This home is on a large lot with a huge back yard. The kitchen has a breakfast bar and lots of cabinets. Oversized laundry room. $85,000 MLS# G4806718 call Linda 352-978-3016.

LIVE THE FLORIDA LIFESTYLE in this affordable 2/2 home in a Co-Op Community. Monthly HOA fee of $125 includes water, basic cable, clubhouse with swimming pool and many other activities. You can own a nice winter home for a reasonable price! Owner Financing Available…$35,000 MLS# G4700639.

HOME SWEET HOME 4/2 well preserved 1927 built home with original hardwood floors. Huge great room with fireplace, large kitchen with breakfast nook, master bedroom downstairs, wooden deck and brick patio courtyard with fenced back yard. $129,000 MLS# G4805764 call Linda 352-978-3016.

HISTORIC HOME…TIMELESS TREASURE! Conveniently located in town. Remodeled kitchen with all new appliances. Washer and dryer included. New flooring in family room and guest bath. Refinished hardwood floors in living and dining room. Roof replaced in 2010. $119,000 MLS# G4800028 call Linda 352-978-3016.

Craig Williams Lawn Service 38751 Lakeview Walk Lady Lake, FL 32159 352-459-5261

$ON 2IXIE

Lt. Col. (R), U.S. Army Owner

6ETERAN /WNED s %MPLOYING 6ETERANS Licensed - Insured - Bonded

14 |

WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

FREE ESTIMATES Great Customer Service

Cell: 352-636-4454

LENA WILLIAMS REALTOR®

352.636.4488 // LENA@MORRISREALTORS.COM LENA SELLS!

PRICE REDUCED

LADY LAKE! Peace awaits this 3/3 on 1 acre with fenced yard and so many upgrades! The inside is stunning with beautiful wood and ceramic tile, large rooms, stainless steel appliances, rounded corners, high ceilings, and much more. $279,900 MLS# G4707655.

FABULOUS FRUITLAND PARK FIND! 3/2 with den, completely remodeled with stainless steel appliances, laminate wood, new fixtures, new a/c, metal roof, brand new windows and fenced yard with gazebo! This amazing home makes you say “WOW,” right when you drive up. Priced to sell at $159,900 MLS# G4809699

STUNNING! This 3/2 1999-built home is in a gated all-ages community with community dock on Lake Harris and community pool. This home has it all with wood floors, upgraded cabinetry, granite and marble counters and much much more. $165,000 MLS# G4801238.

STUNNING AND FUNCTIONAL! This amazing 5/4.5 has everything! Extras from top to bottom. New roof in 2014, custom lighting, inside features gorgeous wood floors, 12' ceilings, crown molding, tray ceilings, top of the line surround sound wiring, security system and more. The kitchen has an island and newer appliances. The master is large enough for a separate sitting area, french doors lead to the lanai and a completely upgraded bath with built in vanities, marble countertops, custom tile and granite, a large shower and cozy soaking tub. Pool area complete with child safety fence and the fenced backyard has lush landscaping and an amazing playground area. $525,000 MLS# G4809346

FRUITLAND PARK SERENITY! This amazing 3/2 built in 2005 has a backyard and lanai that is perfect for Florida! The open floor plan features an additional den and a formal dining plus eating area in kitchen. Perfect for the family! $199,000 MLS# G4702852

HARBOR HILLS! Gorgeous views of the golf course! 3/2

LIKE NEW! 4/3 pool home has open floor plan with formal dining. Drool over granite counter tops and custom cabinets $265,000

home with split bedroom floor plan. You are greeted by the screen enclosed front porch and the oversized garage which is expanded for a climate controlled golf cart garage! The Master features double sinks and plenty of closet space. $209,000 MLS# G4808173

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS EXCEPTIONAL HOME. 14x12

screened entry, oversized dining, additional sitting room and well for irrigation. $85,000

PANDORA • Vera Bradley • Costa Del Mar Vietri Lampe Berger & much more! 415 W. Main St. • Historic Downtown Leesburg, FL 34748 • 352.728.0033 Open: M-F 10-6 • Sat 10-5

shopaladas.com morrisrealtors.com

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FRESH  FROM CASUAL TO FINE DINING!

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PLAY AMERICA’S #1 GOLF COURSE!

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Tee Times 352-324-3885 | MissionInnResort.com/Golf

On the scene // Hi, society!

A NIGHT IN PARIS

The Mount Dora Center for the Arts’ annual Art of the Deal was a night of amazing art and entertainment. Attendees enjoyed catered cuisine from Pisces Rising, an open bar with wine and top-shelf liquor, dancing, live and silent auctions and gaming tables. Silent auction items included art donated by artists from the Mount Dora Arts Festival, as well as donations from area merchants and professionals. Proceeds supported the center’s education programs.

TEMPIS HALSTEAD

MIRIAH CANTU AND ANDREW AKERS

LYNN JONES, JACKIE JOBBS, AKHTAR H. AND LISA MALLOY

PHOTOS: MORGAN ELLIS

LYNN JONES WITH BEN AND KRISTIN PAULUHN

LORA HODNETT, CAROL ALBRECHT AND DALLAS SMITH

JOANN BELMONTES AND GARRIAN EL’HALLAK LINDA RICKETSON AND J. SCOTT BERRY

MELANIE WALTON AND MICHELL MIDDLETON

MANDY RICHARDSON AND SHAWN WILKER

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Introducing... Insight Credit Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brand-New Look!

Visit InsightCreditUnion.com to learn more about our new logo! Offices in Eustis, Leesburg, Clermont and Lady Lake Federally Insured by NCUA

On the scene // Hi, society!

RICHARD SHIPES WITH AMY PAINTER, JIM AND JAN WIDEMAN AND KATHY AND JOE SHIPES

LAUGHING MATTER

Lots of giggles and stories were shared during the Leesburg Center for the Arts’ fundraising roast of Carman Cullen-Batt. Along with cocktails, dinner and live and silent auctions, attendees were tickled with tales about Carman from emcee J. Scott Berry and multiple roasters, including Michael Dempsey, County Commissioner Tim Sullivan, Tom Grizzard, Joyce Huey and many others. CHERI ENGLISH, JANE SEXSMITH AND PEGGY FULLER

LARRY BANSWORTH AND DAVID COTÉ

JOHN MAYFIELD, B.E. THOMPSON AND MICHAEL HOLLAND

MIRIAH CANTU, TINA MORRISON AND FRAN SULLIVAN LINDA SHEPHERD-MILLER AND JULIE LUEALLEN

AMBER DEMOTT AND JAN WIDEMAN

PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

PATRICK GALATOWITSCH AND MINDY MATHIAS

MARIAH DELGADO, GAIL BURRY AND ANH REYNOLDS

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STEPHANIE AND STEVE STRONG

Actually believes retirement goals that seem out of reach require a financial advisor who’s not. Jeananne C Niemann, AAMS® Financial Advisor

LEESBURG Jeananne Niemann 352.787.7782

MKT-7739-A-HP MKT-7739-A-HP

MOUNT DORA Rebecca Sargent 352.357.2282

114 East Dixie Avenue CLERMONT Chris Boylan Leesburg, FL 34748 352.394.8538 352-787-7782

Cough? visit us today

EXCEPTIONAL

Urgent Care Center Your health. Your time. Our priority. Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 9am-3:30pm Sunday Closed

(352) 391-5200 Dana Center 11950 County Rd 101 The Villages, Fl 32162 Dr. John Im Graduate of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Residency Trained in Emergency Medicine April 20 15

Retirement goals aren’t always easy to meet. So is it crazy to think your financial advisor should be? Not to Edward Jones. Our over 11,000 financial advisors are in neighborhoods like yours, not downtown skyscrapers. So a face-to-face talk about your retirement is always close at hand. Join the nearly 7 million investors who know. Face time and think time make sense. www.edwardjones.com.

On the scene // Hi, society!

ASHLEY BAKER

ROSANNE EVANS

SOMETHING SWEET

Over 40 community leaders sashayed down the runway during the third annual Sweet Treats for a Cause fundraising event. Local businesses provided various items for a complete shopping experience, along with sweet treats and culinary delights, before the big fashion show. The event at Lake-Sumter State College raised scholarship funds to help financially disadvantaged students enroll in their school’s art programs. DAVID COTÉ

ALICIA HERNDON, AMBER SARGENT AND AMANDA CONDATORE

KELLI AND KAYSEN STAAB

PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

KAITLYN DAVIS

AVERY YOUNGBLOOD AND SAMANTHA MERRITT

“The success of the fashion show is due in large part to community involvement, increasing business sponsorship and the King-and-Queen-ofthe-Runway competition.” —Shelly and Haley Gerig

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COMING TOGETHER FOR COORDINATED

CANCER CARE

Great service Ì> iÃÊÌ i°

7i½ÛiÊLii Ê«À Û ` }Ê ÌÊv À 88 years and counting.

Dr. Herman Flink Radiation Oncologist

InterCommunity Cancer Center is coming together for coordinated cancer care at a single location in our Lady Lake, Florida, facility. Leading Radiation Oncologist Dr. Herman Flink, who has cared for patients in our community for several decades, will continue to provide cancer care at the Lady Lake location, only minutes from Leesburg. Coming together at one location will allow us to provide even more options for advanced technology to you, our patients. InterCommunity Cancer Center will continue to provide evidence-based, radiation therapy treatment ensuring the use of best practice guidelines in our patients’ cancer treatment. Together we can provide powerful outcomes for you.

Heywood Gordon, Jack Pease and Bob White

Executive Leadership Any bank will gladly accept your money, but how many will give you their time? At First National Bank, we take the time to get to know you and your goals so we can provide service tailored to your needs. After all, we can’t expect you to be loyal to us unless we prove our ongoing loyalty to you. When you want a bank that does more, come to one that cares more. First National Bank.

The people you know, the bank you trust. Quality, Personalized Cancer Care In Our Community 922 Rolling Acres Road | Lady Lake, FL 32159 855.403.2519 www.icccvantage.com

ÎxÓ ÎnÎ Ó£££ÊUÊÜÜÜ°v L `°V "1 /Ê ", ÊUÊ " Ê/, ÊUÊ - 1, -"1/ Ê - 1, ÊUÊ-",, /"

Trust and Investment Services are not FDIC Insured, not deposits of the bank, not guaranteed by the bank, not insured by any government agency, and may lose value. April 20 15

On the scene // Hi, society!

WINTER WONDERLAND

The Christmas trees have been taken down and the ornaments packed away, but the memories of the holiday remain vivid for the Wildwood boys and girls who visited with Santa at the inaugural WinterFest in the Courtyard, held at City Hall. Attendees experienced a family fun filled evening of caroling, sweet treats, train rides and more. One lucky person also walked away with a 7-inch-tall pre-decorated artificial Christmas tree donated by Events by Kim & Glitz Décor Store. ANGIE MACEDO AND JUSTINE WILLIAMS

GIRL SCOUT GROUP 4507

LES STAUSKEN AND DAN BLAKO MERIL HUMMON, BRIANNA BORRACK AND KEITH LAMOREAUX

“IN HIS STEPS” DANCE GROUP ROXANNE STAFFORD, CYNDI LUKOWICZ AND TAMMY ATEN SMITH

“Because I believe in the magic of Christmas and the community of Wildwood” —Erika L Corley

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PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

ALLISON PALMER AND MORGAN CUELLAR

THE MOST

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Gift and Wedding Registry

*Gift cards available *Also shop on-line at www.KaDeeKay.com

OWNER OPERATED

For a FREE estimate contact Travis or Richard www.qualitymovingservicesllc.com

April 20 15

Have you visited Lake Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exciting waterfront district?

With its array of restaurants and shopping, along with the seaplane and steam train excursions, The Tavares Waterfront Entertainment District is your one stop shop destination!

SATURDAY APRIL 11th 5:30pm Live Entertainment

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(North of Bealls on Hwy. 441)

8575 NE 138th Lane, Ste. 105 Lady Lake, FL 32159

352.364.0064 or Toll Free 866.324.5330 www.DrPisano.com April 20 15

Friday Night April 24th

Saturday Night April 25th

Sunday Afternoon April 26th

1585 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite B, The Villages tricountypodiatry.net // 352.259.1919 MEDICAL & SURGICAL TREATMENT OF: • Bunions and Hammertoes • Corns • Morton’s Neuromas • Ingrown Nails and Warts • Heel and Arch Pain • Thick, Painful Toenails • Foot Injuries • Diabetic & Geriatric Foot Care • Sports Medicine • Orthotics • Diabetic Shoes • Numbness/Tingling of Feet

FOOTC A R E F OR PE OPL E OF A L L AG E S W I T H AC T I V E LIFEST Y LES.

MEDICARE AND MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED

SCAN HERE with your smart phone To learn more about Tri-County Podiatry

W W W. L E E S B U R G C E N T E R 4 A R T S . C O M

ONE STOP

Easter Shop.

PASTEL SOCIETY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

SPRING EXHIBIT

Hostess Gifts • Desserts • Easter Baskets

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offer details go here offer details go here Code: XXXX0000 Expires: XX/XX/XX

Easter Bunny Celebration

with dipped pineapple daisies and swizzle pineapple Fruit Truffles ®

3509 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL 32162 in the Southern Trace Plaza 352.391.1334 Delivery not available in all areas. EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS® & Design and all other marks noted are trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. ©2013 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

ARTIST: Wendy Otten

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“Whatever Your Occasion, Let Miss Daisy’s Make It Special!”

eats IN THE KITCHEN SALUTÉ FORK ON THE ROAD DINING GUIDE

92 96 98 102

SEE MORE ABOUT BONJOE CHIPS ON THE NEXT PAGE.

EATS // in the kitchen Out of the frying pan and onto the page.

THE ‘WILLY WONKA’ OF CRUNCH “Mad scientist” taking a bite out of the crowded chip market with flavors like ham off the bone, beets and banana split. STORY: SHEMIR WILES PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

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cala is known for thoroughbred horses, movie star John Travolta and nearby Silver Springs. But, Joseph (Joe) Trudel is hoping to add one more unique item to that list … a delectable brand of potato chips. “Bonjoe Gourmet Chips is at the threshold and doors just keep flying open,” he says with a grin. “Ultimately, I’d love to see it become a manufacturing company that goes world-

With flavors like ham off the bone, glazed donut with raspberry and movie theater popcorn, it’s a title well deserved. But anyone who meets Trudel inside his modest storefront near Belleview off U.S. Highway 441 quickly learns that his quirky potato chip business isn’t a harebrained gimmick he hopes will make him rich. He has a genuine desire to help people snack guilt-free without giving up flavor. “I’ve always had a creative mind,” Trudel explains, “And all I wanted to do was create a healthier bag of chips that also tastes good. I’m not here to make a bunch of money or get famous; I believe doing the right thing will pay for itself.”

SNACK ATTACK

wide. I want us to stand next to the big boys and put Ocala on the map.” Bonjoe Gourmet Chips is the mad scientist creation of Trudel, who’s affectionately known as the Willy Wonka of potato chips.

Healthy potato chips sound like an oxymoron, or a mythical marvel, like Loch Ness or Sasquatch. Yet Joe has figured out exactly what it takes to make one of America’s beloved snack foods more wholesome. The process, of course, is a well-guarded secret. All Joe will reveal are that his potatoes undergo an aggressive filtration process that reduces starches by up to 35 percent. He then fries the paper-thin chips in corn oil at a temperature that gives the desired crunch without breaking down all the potatoes’ vitamins and nutrients. Plus, he leaves the skins on, which means even

more vitamins and minerals. As a result, Trudel has a chip that is not only meltin-your-mouth delicious but also healthy. “Because I take out so much of the starch in potatoes, diabetics can eat my chips and not worry about a spike in their sugar. I use zero chemicals, aside from the nitrogen I use when sealing the bags to keep the chips fresher longer,” he says. “Each bag comes in under 200 calories, which is pretty good when you look at what the national brands are doing.” For example, a 1-ounce bag of Lay’s Classic potato chips contains 160 calories; a 2.5-ounce bag of Bonjoe Gourmet dill pickleflavored potato chips has 192 calories. Americans faithfully chow down on 1.2 billion pounds of potato chips every year, yet Trudel says that none of the world’s 2,700 potato chip companies was looking at making a healthier product. His biggest inspiration to launch Bonjoe was his mother, who suffered from type 2 diabetes. “My chips became her favorite snack because they didn’t mess with her blood sugar,” he says. “PB&J and peanut butter cup were her favorite flavors.” She also was the one who taught him to cook at an early age. “She began teaching me to cook when I was 5 years old,” says the New England native. “From her, I learned how to make the same dish

but make it taste a little different each time. I guess that’s why I apply that same technique to my potato chips. I make them the same every time, but I give them different flavors and that’s what makes them exciting.” A college student by age 16, Trudel was able to fly through his business management and psychology studies and graduate two years ahead of time from the University of New Hampshire. He trained in culinary arts in Boston before opening his own business, which, surprise, wasn’t a restaurant.

“… I was making anywhere from 800 to 1,000 pounds of chips a week.” — JOE TRUDEL

April 20 15

EATS // in the kitchen Out of the frying pan and onto the page.

“At 18, I started my own construction company and built half of Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. I did that for seven years before moving to Ocala in 1981,” says Joe. While his main objective was caring for his ailing father, Joe put his culinary training to the test. He ran Our Place restaurant on State Road 40 in the Ocala National Forest while his father’s cancer was in remission. From there, he looked all over for the right place to open a gourmet restaurant. He settled on Hernando, Mississippi, because it only had one good restaurant. “And it needed competition,” he says. Located just 12 miles south of Memphis, Joe’s steak and seafood joint garnered a lot of foot traffic, mainly from those looking to try their luck at the area casinos. And while most would expect filet mignon or lobster tail to be the star of a gourmet steak and seafood restaurant, what really grabbed folks was his potato chip appetizer. “That is where the

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whole potato chip idea got started,” Trudel says. “I made them fresh in-house and served them hot with a fruit seasoning and cream cheese dip. Before I knew it, people were coming in just to buy the chips. I was making anywhere from 800 to 1,000 pounds of chips a week.” Though he knew he was on the cusp of something great in Mississippi, Trudel had to walk away from his dream restaurant to return to Ocala when his father’s cancer returned. Trudel brought his chips with him and began selling Bonjoe Gourmet Chips with his wife (now ex-wife) Bonnie and stepdaughter Amanda at the I-75 Super Flea Market.

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“… diabetics can eat my chips and not worry about a spike in their sugar. I use

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Fresh potatoes are the start in Joe’s well-guarded secret process that reduces starch by up to 35%. The out-of-this-world flavors of Bonjoe Gourmet Chips are definitely of Trudel’s “mad scientist” creation. You can find these delectable chips at popular locations, as well as at their storefront near Belleview. Joe knows that his quirky potato chip business isn’t a harebrained gimmick he hopes will make him rich. He has a genuine desire to help people snack guilt-free without giving up flavor.

They instantly became a hit with flavors like banana split, beets and salted peanuts. How he concocts these strange yet incredibly accurate and edible flavors is a mystery. The recipes are all in his head and the only other person who knows his secrets is his stepdaughter,

who he’s hoping will take over the business when he retires. But retirement is the furthest thing from Joe’s mind. After taking a hiatus to care for his mother, Joe returned last year with a new storefront and burning desire to launch Bonjoe into the stratosphere. And this

chemicals, aside from the nitrogen I use when sealing the bags to keep the chips fresher longer. ” — JOE TRUDEL

time, it looks as if he’s on his way. Bonjoe chips can already be found in popular Ocala hangouts like Infinite Ale Works and O’Malley’s Alley. He’s also a regular at farmers markets in Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake. And new protein chips can be found at Doc Hall’s Fitness & Nutrition. “The protein chips contain 20 grams of protein in each bag. I coat them with a whey isolate, so they’re great for bodybuilders or those who like to work out. I’m working on doing another protein chip with soy whey for losing weight. And what’s great is people can enjoy great flavors like strawberry cheesecake without having to fill guilty. My goal is to be in every gym across the country.” In early February, Great Plains Holdings, Inc. acquired 51percent of Bonjoe Gourmet Chips LLC for stock and a working capital loan. And 100 new Florida convenience stores run by Mr. Checkout are test marketing the Bonjoe Gourmet Chips brand. Sounds like it won’t be long before Joe Trudel is being mentioned in the same breath as thoroughbreds, John Travolta and Silver Springs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit bonjoegourmetchips.com or call 352.245.1712.

April 20 15

EATS // saluté A worldly look at wine

“ZIN”FULLY GOOD WITH BARBECUE Want barbecue flavors to really explode? Pair your saucy dish with one of these fruit forward wines for turbocharged taste. STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

few years ago in Saluté, I wrote about how a spicy zinfandel was THE wine to pair with barbecue dishes. Zinfandel — with its deep fruit and bold spice flavors — is a complex wine that is not overpowered by rich, flavorful barbecue sauces and actually brings out the flavors of the food even more. However, it’s time for red zins (as devotees of the varietal call it) to move over. Today’s newer wines have become much more fruit forward, and there are

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PHOTOS: Mary Ann De Santis, Shutterstock.com

many more choices for wines that can stand up next to a plate full of barbecue pork, chicken or ribs. Two local wine purveyors recommended Argentinean malbecs when I shopped for wines to pair with rich barbecue dishes. Malbecs are increasing in popularity as good ones can be inexpensive and have many of the same characteristics as cabernet sauvignons and merlots. “Malbec has a richness that pairs any type of beef,” explains Heather Hitson, wine consultant for ABC Liquors in Lady Lake. “The jammy flavors play very well with the sweet style in barbecue sauces.” Echoing that sentiment is Jerome Brouhard, sommelier and manager for Maggie’s Attic in Mount Dora. “Argentina is known for its beef,” he says, “so it’s not a surprise that malbec pairs well with beef dishes any time of year.” Malbec is a black-skinned grape variety that has become Argentina’s iconic wine grape. Although the grape is native to the vineyards around Cahors, France, it was relatively obscure until growers had great success with malbec grapes in Argentinean vineyards. For rich barbecue dishes, Brouhard is also a fan of shiraz (Australian) or syrah (American). This varietal has both savory and sweet spices that come through and often echo the spices found in barbecue sauces. “Barbecue sauce can be a hard one to match because

* Local wine merchants recommend their favorite wines for barbecue

JEROME BROUHARD Sommelier and Manager Maggie’s Attic, Mount Dora

Antigal 1 Uno Malbec 2011, Mendoza, Argentina, $14 19 Crimes Shiraz 2011, Southeastern Australia, $14

HEATHER HITSON

Wine Consultant ABC Fine Wine and Spirits, Lady Lake

O. Fournier ‘Finca Copete’ Malbec, Uco Valley, Argentina 2012, $10 Antucura Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina, $15

there are so many styles,” he says. “Some are sweet, but others are vinegar-based, which is popular here. “You can’t go wrong when pairing barbecue with shiraz or malbec.” He says shiraz ranks as one of the best sellers during barbecue and grilling season. There is a good reason for that because the peppery, smoky flavors in a shiraz make the varietal the best choice to go with burgers. Brouhard’s new favorite is 19 Crimes Shiraz from southeastern Australia “Not only is it really good, but it has the coolest label,” he says. “When Australia was a penal colony, the British could send prisoners there for one of 19 crimes. Each cork lists a different crime.” Today, it would be a crime to get too fussy. Barbecue dishes are usually served in casual, outdoor settings so the key is simplicity. The setting calls for a wine that doesn’t call for too much thought. While wines should pair with the food, they should also fit the casual mood of the meal. Young, dynamic red wines are a natural with grilled meats, and for good reason: the fruit, oak, and tannins can stand up to more pronounced barbecue sauces and marinades. Other choices for barbecue can include petite sirahs and rugged grenaches. A fruity red zinfandel and barbecue chicken are a seamless pairing, because zinfandel brings out the flavors of rich, thick barbecue sauces. Affectionately

considered “America’s grape,” zinfandels began their journey as California jug wines shortly after Prohibition ended in 1933. They were used mostly in generic red blends but today have almost achieved cult status among oenophiles. While most people prefer red wines with meat and rich barbecue sauces, a few will still want white wine. Choose full-bodied, complex whites like an Italian pinot gris or a French viognier. For a sweeter taste, look for a gewürtztraminer or chenin blanc, both of which contract beautifully with a spicy sauce or fruit salsa. Don’t ignore rosé, a go-to wine that pairs with just about anything or is just fine solo before the main course. Master sommelier and author Andrea Immer Robinson said wine is “a love letter to food” in her book, “Great Wines Made Simple.” She described the acidity in wine as a turbocharger for flavor. Find the right wine to make those barbecue flavors really explode.

ABOUT THE WRITER Living in Italy was the catalyst for Mary Ann DeSantis to understand more about wine, and she now enjoys sharing what she’s learned. Since 2010, Saluté has covered topics for oenophiles of all levels — from novice wine drinkers to experienced connoisseurs. The column received a 2014 Florida Magazine Association Silver Award for Best Department and a 2012 Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Award for Commentary.

April 20 15

EATS // fork on THE Road Tasty insights and observations

RAE RAE’S IS FRESH STORY+PHOTOS: GARY CORSAIR

Canned food and microwaves aren’t allowed in this popular restaurant’s kitchen.

Patty Melt

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PHOTOS: Shutterstock.com

Corned Beef

e don’t have a microwave anywhere in the building. If it comes in a can, it doesn’t go in our pan. We even make our corned beef hash from scratch.” Whoa, whoa, Tim Rohan. You had me at no microwave. Rae Rae’s Restaurant on U.S. Highway 441 (across from the Fruitland Park Flea Market) does a lot of things right. Serving food hot off the flattop is just one reason to visit this popular breakfast/ lunch spot. But fresh food is only part of the Rae Rae’s success story. Prompt and attentive service are always daily specials. I visited twice — once for breakfast and a day later for lunch — and was greeted and seated within :10 both times (yes, I carry a stopwatch). On both visits, I had a drink in front of me within a minute. And servers ask your name, remember it and use it. Customers obviously come first at this quaint eatery that open two years ago. The homemade food confirms that truth.

Cinnamon buns

“We pride ourselves on fresh, homemade consistency,” says manager Christine Greenaway. “You have to be consistent in everything you do.” Everything my wife and I sampled was consistent – consistently yummy. My ham and cheese omelet was light and fluffy and topped with two slices of provolone. The ham pieces were pulled off a bone, not prepackaged chucks. The fried potatoes on the side were lightly seasoned and crunchy, but not overcooked. My wife’s eggs benedict was more than she could eat. It was also unique. Rae Rae’s benedict is served on fried biscuits, all the better to mop up Hollandaise sauce with. Both dishes came with a large homemade biscuit filled with blueberries. Biscuits are a big deal at Rae Rae’s. “We switch it up,” says owner Tim Rohan. “Somedays we have very berry, banana nut or guava.” Nearby, a regular diner enjoyed the Gordaddy, a heaping helping of biscuits and gravy and two eggs. Next time – and there will

Rae Ruben

Owner Tim Rohan and manager Christine Greenaway.

Chef Juan Sauceda

Fresh potatoes make corned beef hash a must order.

April 20 15

EATS // fork on THE Road Tasty insights and observations

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plain view. You get full disclosure at Rae Rae’s. All the sandwiches I saw looked absolutely mouthwatering. I’m definitely trying the hand-cut pork tenderloin sandwich when I return. And the soup is super. Rae Rae’s doesn’t always have soup, but it’s a beautiful thing when Christine and her staff have time to whip up a batch of chili, chicken corn chowder, beef mushroom, Okahumpka stew, chicken noodle, fish chowder or chicken and rice soup. “I always get the soup,” says David Holmberg of The Villages, who says he dines at Rae Rae’s “every other week.” David’s wife Margaret estimates she’s dined at Rae Rae’s “20 or 30 times.” “The people are friendly, the service is wonderful and the food is good.’ When asked to name her favorite dish, Margaret said, “The french fries are fantastic, but I eat all of it.” Clermont resident Karen Weaver also raved about the hand-sliced spuds. “They have super french fries,” she said. Bottom line: you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

4 1/2 FORKS (OUT OF POSSIBLE 5) Rae Rae’s 2468 U.S. Highway 441/27 Fruitland Park Tuesday-Friday, 7a.m.-2p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m.-1p.m. Phone: 352.323.1595 Website: raeraes.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/RaeRaes-Restaurant/483170585082950

FORK REPORT BREAKFAST Seated: 10 seconds Wait to order: 2 minutes, 40 seconds Coffee refill: 4 minutes Wait for meal: 10 minutes Recommended: The B-Man: Homemade corned beef hash and two eggs PRICES 99 cents (square biscuit) to $8.99 (Harlow’s Irish Benedict) LUNCH Seated: 10 seconds Wait to order: 3 minutes, 15 seconds Iced tea refill: 4 minutes Wait for meal: 13 minutes RECOMMENDED Soup, TBT (breaded pork tenderloin, swiss cheese, pickle) PRICES: $4.50 (tossed salad) to $8.39 (The Willis: Pressed hoagie of corned beef, ham, salami, swiss cheese, special sauce) DESSERTS Strawberry shortcake, brownie, cinnamon bun SPOONS UP • Service, friendliness, attentiveness • Fresh food • Reasonable prices • Clean restrooms SPOONS DOWN • Biscuit served on same plate as entrée • Only 48 seats RECOMMENDATION Order the soup of day. It’s always homemade but isn’t listed on the menu (“Sometimes we’re too busy in the morning to make it,” Christine says). HOW FORK ON THE ROAD WORKS Our reviewers are objective and unbiased. This is not a paid advertorial. Our reviewer makes two unannounced visits and we pay for our meals.

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PHOTOS: Shutterstock.com

be a next time – I’ll order something with corned beef hash. I didn’t realize it was made from scratch until after my meal. It never occurred to me that they wouldn’t just open a can. Isn’t that what everyone else does? By the way, Rae Rae’s serves breakfast all day on Saturday and Sunday. For lunch, I opted for the Reuben, surely one of the most difficult sandwiches to build. Anyone who’s encountered fatty meat, too sour sauerkraut or had thousand island dressing ooze onto their fingers knows what I mean. Well, Rae Rae’s gets it right. There’s no pre-sliced deli meat in this bad boy. The star is brisket cooked 10 to 12 hours, then chopped, not sliced. The ingredients between perfectly toasted rye compliment, not compete. My cole slaw was crisp, but didn’t have much flavor. Later, I learned I ordered the wrong side. “The homemade potato salad is very good. They use eggs in it,” said Linda Busse. My wife’s burger was lightly seasoned and juicy, not overdone. The handcut fries we shared were only the best I’ve eaten. There wasn’t a limp fry in the basket. The décor isn’t fancy, but Rae Rae’s has the kind of view I want. I can see into the kitchen, where chef Juan Sauceda presides over the grill. And the prep station, where Alice cuts potatoes, chops vegetables, slices pork loin and forms hamburger patties, is in

Enjoy

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Park and Ride the Party Bus from Lady Lake, Mount Dora, Tavares or Leesburg

Order tickets online at www.edfoundationlake.com or 352-326-1265

EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

dining Charley’s Grilled Subs 421 N West St. 352.568.1186 $ Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 $ Coyote Rojo 2082 W. CR 48 352.569.0302 $$ Critic’s Choice 8032 CR 476B, 352.568.0008 $ Hong Kong Restaurants 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-888 $$ Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 $ Market Street Gardens 311 N. Market St. 352.568.0100 $$ Mia Plaza Pizzeria 6092 CR 609 352.793.4418 $

Astatula Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 $

Astor Sparky’s Place 24646 State Road 40 352.759.3551 $$ Sterling Restaurant & Lounge 23525 State Road 40 352.759.3833 $$

Bushnell Angelotti’s Pizza 920 N Main St. 352.569.0446 $ Beef O’Bradys 2586 W. CR 48 352.568.7000 $

Sonny’s Bar-B-Q 2684 W. CR 48 352.569.0200 $ TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877 $$ Waffle House 2571 W CR 48 352.793.5656 $ Waller’s Restaurant 138 Bushnell Plaza 352.793.2592 $ Whistle Stop Café 311 N. Market St. 352.568.7667 $$

Clermont Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro

IN YOUR CITY

4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988 $$$ Calabria Ristorante 13900 County Road 455 407.656.5144 $$ Cheeser’s Palace 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 $ Flippers Pizzeria 2523 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.242.2214 $$ G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd. 352.243.8900 $$$ Green Garden 1790 E. Hwy. 50 352.243.2077 $$ Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd. 352.242.1910 $$$ Lyn’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe 824 W. Montrose St. 352.536.9935 $ Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 $$

$: $5 – $14 $$: $15 – $24 $$$: $25 – $40 $$$$: $40+

Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 $$

Eustis 1884 Restaurant & Bar 12 East Magnolia Ave. 1.800.856.1884 $$$ Cafe Gianni 119 N. Bay St. 352.589.1402 $$ Dam Smoker Barbeque 36721 County Road 19A 352.357.6555 $$ Double Take Pizza 403 N. Grove St. 352.343.0990 $$ El Korita Mexican Restaurant 256 W. Ardice Ave. 352.483.0355 $ Jeannie’s Place 209 E. Gottsche Ave. 352.357.0027 $ Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288 $$$

Robata Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 $$

King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404 $$

Rusty Fox 649 12th St. 352.394.3333 $$

La Mandarina Mexican Restaurant 1401 Orange Ave. 352.357.2487 $$

Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club Restaurant 2601 Diamond Club Dr. 352.243.0411 $$ Spiro’s Pizza 1203 W. Hwy. 50 352.394.5538 $$ Sugar Mama’s Bake Shoppe 648 Eighth St. 352.241.9738 $$

Olivia’s Coffee House & Bistro 113 N. Bay St. 352.357.1887 $ Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. County Road 44 352.589.9100 $$ Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022 $$

Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949 $$

Kid’s Menu

6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000 $$$

The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 $$$

Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 $$

The Great Pizza Company 23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377 $$

Texas Stockyard BBQ 360 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.750.5229 $$

The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 $$$ Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 $$

Fruitland Park Fruitland Park Café 3180 US Hwy. 441/27 352.435.4575 $ Legends Cafe 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441/27 Fruitland Park 352.728.0006 $$

Groveland Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. State Road 33 352.429.2997 $$$

Howey-inthe-Hills JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd. 352.324.3600 $$ Mission Inn Resort & Club’s El Conquistador 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$ Mission Inn Resort & Club’s Nickers 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$

Lady Lake Harbor Hills Country Club

Leesburg Bloom’s Café 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004 $$ Cupcake Time 703 W. Main St. 352.728.2253 $$ Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377 $$ Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 County Road 44 352.365.2177 $$ Habaneros 3 Mexican Restaurant 10601 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.315.1777 $$ HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 $ Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 $ Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 County Road 473 352.343.4663 $ Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 $$ Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.323.1616 $$ Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd. 352.728.0788 $$

Beer, Wine or Cocktails

San Juan Mexican Restaurant 1341 S. 14th St. 352.787.7575 $$ Stavros Pizza 755 N. 14th St. 352.326.4202 $$ Takis Pizza Restaurant 1324 W. North Blvd. 352.787.2344 $$ The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 $$ The Latin Cafe 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 $$ Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe 410 W Main St 352.435.9107 $$ Vic’s Embers 7940 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.8989 $$$$

Mascotte Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd. 352.429.2093 $$

Minneola Jack’s Barbecue 100 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.2673 $ Lil Anthony’s Pizza 205 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.1516 $$ Tiki Bar & Grill 508 S. Main Ave. 352.394.2232 $$

Mount Dora Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668 $ Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 $$$

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

COUSIN VINNIE’S FAMILY SPORTS RESTAURANT OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK: 11A.M.–9P.M. // FOOD, SPIRITS, MUSIC, SPORTS 10700 U.S. HWY. 441, LEESBURG // 352.253.2442 // WWW.CVINNIES.COM

Cousin Vinnie’s is located on U.S. Hwy. 441 across from Lake Square Mall. Owner “Cousin” Vinnie Vittoria and his family have created a unique atmosphere by combining a sports bar with a family restaurant. As soon as you walk into Vinnie’s you will immediately notice why they are famous for outstanding comfort food and service! They also have been voted BEST WINGS in Lake County 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Additional menu items offered are killer ½ lb. burgers, personal pan pizzas, amazing ribeye cheese steaks, healthy wheat wraps, fresh homemade salads, chicken strips that totally melt in your mouth, 16 awesome appetizers and their signature deep fried Ice Cream and Snickers Bars! Every Monday is “Texas Hold’em” from 6–10p.m. Tuesday night is “Family Night” from 4–8p.m. when kids 12-and-under eat free. Wednesday night is “Trivia Night” when the fun starts at 6:30p.m. with prizes given to the top 3 teams. Thursday night is “Karaoke Night” where everyone is a star! There is no better place on the weekends to see who hoists the trophy or takes home the checkered flag. Cousin Vinnie’s also offers, free Wi-Fi, great music and an enthusiastic staff, ready to exceed your expectations. Vinnie’s has been open almost seven years, if you have never been there… it is absolutely time for you to check it out!

FRANCESCO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE AND STONE FIRE PIZZA 16770 SOUTH U.S. HIGHWAY 441, SUMMERFIELD 352.693.2008 // WWW.FRANCESCOSRISTORANTE.COM

Francesco’s Italian Ristorante and Stone Fired Pizza brings authentic Italian dishes and “real” wood fired gourmet pizzas to the South Marion County and The Villages area. Newly opened in March of 2014 Francesco’s has been gaining a great reputation for superb Italian cuisine, beautiful atmosphere, awesome service and great prices. Also many “New” daily specials have been added like: Sunday “Famiglia Style” dinners for Two, Monday Three course Dinner for Two with bottle of wine only $29, Tuesday NY Strip’s for Two $24.95 and Thursday’s Braccioloni ala Francesco for Two $19.95. If your still looking for that special place for your holiday party or club event our “Garden Room” can accommodate up to 80 guests. Just in time for the holidays: “Give the gift of great food” For every $100 in gift certificates purchased you receive a $20 bonus card. So come visit Francesco’s and enjoy great food, service and value. HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY-SATURDAY 11AM-10PM SUNDAY 11AM-9PM

THE GOBLIN MARKET RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 331-B DONNELLY STREET (REAR ALLEY), MOUNT DORA 352.735.0059 // WWW.GOBLINMARKETRESTAURANT.COM

Nestled on a back alley in downtown Mount Dora, the Goblin Market Restaurant has been charming locals and tourists alike since 1996. The restaurant, housed in a renovated warehouse, features three intimate, book-lined dining rooms and a full-service lounge furnished in soothing, muted tones with tasteful modern art. The private, tree-shaded courtyard and garden patio are open year-round for al fresco dining. Low lighting and “new age” music add the finishing touches to the restaurant’s casual elegance. Owners Vince and Janis Guzinski embrace a simple philosophy of offering the highest-quality products, served in a unique and romantic atmosphere by a personable and attentive staff. The Goblin Market’s wine list and menu represent a refreshing mix of ideas from its culinary team. The diversified origins and background of each member ensure exciting menu offerings and nightly selections. HOURS OF OPERATION: LUNCH: TUESDAY–SATURDAY 11A.M.–3:00P.M. DINNER: TUESDAY–THURSDAY 5–9P.M., FRIDAY–SATURDAY 5–10P.M., SUNDAY 11A.M.–3:30P.M.

JOIN US FOR OUR NEW “LIGHTER FARE” DINNER MENU, GOURMET SOUPS, SALADS, AND SANDWICHES. TUESDAY– THURSDAY FROM 3–9P.M. (REGULAR DINNER MENU ALSO AVAILABLE).

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

dining Blackbear Smokehouse 18750 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.2327 $$ Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 $ Cecile’s French Corner 237 W. Fourth Ave. 352.383.7100 $$ Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426 $ Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000 $$ Cupcake Delights 122 E. 4th Ave. 352.383.2200 $ Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 $ Incredible Edible Cakes 4295 W. Old Hwy. 441, Suite 2 352.223.3581 $ Ivory’s Take Out 1325 N. Grandview St. 352.735.6797 $ Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 $ Lisa’s Kitchen 3201 N. Hwy. 19A 352.383.9338 $$ Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 $ One Flight Up - Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Suite 100 352.758.9818 $

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Operation Deep Freeze Custard 140A West 5 Avenue 352.735.8269 $ Palm Tree Grille 351 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.1936 $$ Pisces Rising 239 W. Fourth Ave. 352.385.2669 $$$ PizzAmore’ 622 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.0092 $ Saucy Spoon Catering & Bistro 427 S. Highland St. 352.383.1050 $$$ Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 $ Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 $ The Frog and Monkey Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.1936 $$ The Garden Gate Tea Room 142 E. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2158 $$ The Health Basket of Mount Dora 18834 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.735.1166 $$ The Windsor Rose English Tea Room 142 W. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2551 $$ Village Coffee Pot 425 Donnelly St. 352.383.3334 $ Wasabi Buffet 16700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.7016 $$

I lakeandsumt er

IN YOUR CITY

Whales Tale Fish House 2720 W. Old. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.385.1500 $$ Zellie’s Pub 4025 N. U.S. Hwy. 19A 352.483.3855 $$

Sorrento Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 County Rd. 437 352.383.8882 $ Gi Gi’s 25444 State Road 46 352.735.4000 $$ Lisa’s Country Cafe 23911 State Road 46 352.735.3380 $

Tavares Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 $$ Buzzard Beach Grill 12423 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.5267 $$ Casa Mia Cafe 505 W Main St 352.742.9940 $ Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.508.5137 $$ Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313 $$ Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 County Road 448 352.343.6823 $ Pressed for Time Cafe 110 S. New Hampshire Ave. 352.253.4663 $

.com

$: $5 – $14 $$: $15 – $24 $$$: $25 – $40 $$$$: $40+

Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829 $$

City Fire Brownwood Paddock Square 352.561.2078 $$

China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 $ Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 $$

Olive Garden 3680 Wedgewood Ln. 352.259.0304 $$

Ricciardi’s Italian Table 3660 Kiessel Rd. 352.391.9938 $$

Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd. 352.343.7744 $

Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evans Prairie Trail 352.750.2225 $$

Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393 $$

Umatilla Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 State Road 19 352.669.3922 $

Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400 $$ Glenview Champions Country Club 3194 Glenview Rd 352.753.0077 $$

The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535 $$

Hemingway’s at Havana 2484 Odell Circle 352.753.1475 $$$

The Villages

Las Tapas Brownwood Paddock Square 352.399.5516 $$

Bob Evans 2199 Parr Dr. 352.259.1224 $ Bonefish Grill 3580 Wedgewood Ln. 352.674.9292 $$ Bonifay Country Club 1033 Pinellas Place 352.205.7455 $$ Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 $$ Carrabba’s 650 U.S. Hwy. 441 N 352.430.1304 $$ Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678 $$ China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 $

The Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd. 352.753.1475 $$$ The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800 $$ Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd. 352.753.3824 $$ NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994 $$ Outback Steakhouse 710 N. Hwy 441 352.430.2590 $$ Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.391.9939 $$

Beer, Wine or Cocktails

RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930 $$

Sinbad’s of Lake County 1050 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.343.6669 $$

The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 $$

Kid’s Menu

Scooples 2718 Brownwood Blvd 352.750.6263 $ Square One Burgers & Bar 2542 Burnsed Blvd. 352.689.2191 $$ Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 $$ TooJay’s 1129 Canal St. 352.430.0410 $ Toscani’s Deli and Pizzeria 8760 SE Mulberry Ln. 352.693.2237 $$ VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887 $$

Wildwood Aztec’s Mexican Restaurant 348 Shopping Center Dr. 352.748.2250 $ Beef O’ Bradys 840 S. Main St. 352.689.0048 $ Buddy’s BBQ 1210 N. Main St. 352.330.0338 $$

Dickey’s Barbeque Pit 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.4288 $$ Mel’s Island Café 901 Industrial Dr. 352.748.4105 $$ O’Shucks! Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 $$ Polly’s Pantry 819 S. Main St. 352.330.4002 $$ Rita’s Oyster Bar 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.399.2987 $$ T Weston’s Smokehouse 1210 N. Main St. 352.748.9378 $$ Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 $$ Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 $$

Yalaha Yalaha Bakery 8210 County Road 48 352.324.3366 $$

EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

PALM TREE GRILLE

351 NORTH DONNELLY STREET, MOUNT DORA 352.735.1936 // WWW.PALMTREEGRILLE.COM The décor is sophisticated yet casual allowing for the perfect meeting, family gathering, or private event. Our “Wall of Wine” makes for a stunning display of more than 600 bottles of wine. Culinary offerings include classic Italian as well as steaks, chops, seafood, pasta, salads, tasty sandwiches, sumptuous desserts, and more. Guests can relax in the lounge where we offer a full bar with unique wines, craft beers, and a variety of spirits. The restaurant is available for special events such as weddings, corporate functions, family gatherings, and other celebrations. Every month, the Palm Tree Grille operates a “Wine Connoisseur Dinner.” These exciting dinners offer four-course meals with each course being paired to a particular wine. Guests may also purchase wines to take home with you, just as you would in a wine shop. LOCATED IN MOUNT DORA, THE PALM TREE GRILLE HAS BEEN FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1995. HOURS OF OPERATION: SUNDAY: NOON–8P.M. MONDAY–SATURDAY: 11A.M.–9P.M.

SUBWAY

WWW.SUBWAY.COM Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads made right before your eyes. The “healthy” alternative to fast food. LADY LAKE // 208 W. Guava St. // 352.750.4929 EUSTIS // 469 Plaza Dr. // 352.357.7827 MOUNT DORA // 18870 U.S. Hwy. 441 // 352.735.4376 LEESBURG // 2013 Citrus Blvd. // 352.787.6442 10135 U.S. Hwy. 441, Suite 4 // 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. Hwy. 27, Suite 4 // 352.314.8847 THE VILLAGES // 1580 Bella Cruz Drive // 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165th Mulberry Lane // 352.750.9991 1070 Lake Sumter Landing Drive // 352.205.8535 349 Colony Blvd. // 352.391.1657 WILDWOOD // 480 W. Gulf to Alantic Hwy. // 352.748.8800 HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–SATURDAY SUNDAY

10A.M.–10P.M. 10A.M.–9P.M.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR RESTAURANT IN OUR DINING SECTION? CALL US AT 352.787.4112

April 20 15

1 05

Every breath tells a story.

Exclusively offering pulmonary rehab with an experienced respiratory therapist. Specializing in pulmonary and critical care. • INTENSIVE AND ICU MANAGEMENT • COPD • ASTHMA • DISEASES OF THE LUNGS • SLEEP DISORDERS • NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS • MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED

DR. MARJERY LOPEZ

Board-Certified in Internal and Pulmonary Medicine. Privileges at LRMC, The Villages Regional Hospital and Promise Hospital.

LEESBURG: 1038 W North Blvd, Ste 102

DR. JOSÉ DIAZ

Board-Certified in Internal and Pulmonary Medicine. Privileges at LRMC, The Villages Regional Hospital and Promise Hospital.

VILLAGES: 1400 US Hwy 441, Bldg 900 Ste 906

MARIA BYRD, ARNP Certified in adult health, specializing in Pulmonary Medicine. Privileges at LRMC and Promise Hospital.

PILAR SMITH, ARNP Certified in adult health, specializing in Pulmonary Medicine. Privileges at Promise Hospital.

352.315.1627 • www.pg-cf.com

Mon. – Sat., from 11 a.m. 'til the last guest leaves!

1-800-856-1884

Featuring great food, reasonably priced, in a spacious atmosphere where you can relax and discuss everything from business plans to wedding plans!

Happy Hour: Mon. – Fri. / 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., $2 Bud Light Draughts, $3 House Wines View our Menu, Specials, Entertainment & Events : www.1884RestaurantAndBar.com 12 East Magnolia Ave., Eustis, Florida 32726

OF MT. DORA

care

• Same Day Appointments • 24/7 Access to Patient Portal • Individualized Patient Care • Minimal Wait Times

The staff at Family Medical Care of Mount Dora possess a “patient-first mindset,” creating a genuine relationship with you, our most valuable asset. —Julie A. Howard ARNP, FNP-C

Open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

352.383.8200

17580 US HWY 441. Mount Dora, FL 32757

From (L-R) Gregory Prevatt, Charles Smith and Michael Monteith

Attention to

Your Financial Details…

means working toward your goal of living the lifestyle you have always envisioned. Knowing you have the resources in place to enjoy the next stage of your life is important in achieving those goals. Perhaps you want to master a new language, or travel to

see family. Moving financial worry away from the front of your mind can put big concerns to rest. With discretionary portfolio models and planning tools we can build a plan based on your risk tolerance. As portfolio managers, we manage your portfolio on a daily basis, guiding your objectives from developing a health care strategy to helping you attend to estate planning needs. You’ve spent your working years building a legacy. Now let’s work to build the next phase of your life. Knowing you have a financial advisor who can walk that path with you may mean the difference between living, and enjoying, your retirement. Protect what you want for today, and what you need for tomorrow.

Charles H. Smith, Sr. CWS® Senior Vice President Portfolio Management Director Wealth Advisor charlie.smith@morganstanley.com

Gregory Prevatt, CLTC, CFP® Senior Vice President Portfolio Management Director Financial Advisor gregory.prevatt@morganstanley.com

Michael Monteith

Financial Planning Specialist Portfolio Manager Financial Advisor michael.monteith@morganstanley.com

Nicole Silberstein

The Smith Prevatt Monteith Group at Morgan Stanley 832 Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages, FL 32162

Client Service Associate nicole.silberstein@morganstanley.com

352.751.7845 • Toll free 800.447.6036

morganstanleyfa.com/smithprevattmonteith Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates. This material is intended only for clients and prospective clients of the Portfolio Management program. It has been prepared solely for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument, or to participate in any trading strategy. The individuals mentioned as the Portfolio Management Team are Financial Advisors with Morgan Stanley participating in the Morgan Stanley Portfolio Management program. The Portfolio Management program is an investment advisory program in which the client’s Financial Advisor invests the client’s assets on a discretionary basis in a range of securities. The Portfolio Management program is described in the applicable Morgan Stanley ADV Part 2, available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV or from your Financial Advisor. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and Federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the US. © 2015. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC CRC 1110052 02/15

ANNOUNCING THE AWARD WINNERS OF THE

2015 PARADE OF HOMES

REALTOR® AWARDS North Region Winner

“THE SOUTHERN RUSTIC” by Lee Woods Construction

South Region Winner

“THE VICENZA II”

THE GRAND/ TOP SCORE AWARD

ECO FRIENDLY AWARDS 1 Leaf Winner

“THE 3000 MOD” by Adams Homes

2 Leaf Winner

“THE MEDJOOL” by Harbor Hills Development

Central Region Winner

is awarded to the entry which out of all the entries scored the most points from the judges. This year the Grand/Top Score aware=d went to

“THE BENNER CUSTOM”

“THE SOUTHERN RUSTIC”

“THE SIMONTON”

by Kevco Builders

by Lee Woods Construction

by Mainsail Solutions

by Pathfinder Development

CATEGORY $150,000 - $175,000

CATEGORY $275,000 - $305,000

3 Leaf Winner

CATEGORY $400,000 - $425,000

CATEGORY $550,000 - $650,000

1st Place went to

“THE CHARLESTON”

“THE PORTLAND”

“THE GRANADA”

“THE BENNER CUSTOM”

by Twin Lakes Custom Homes

by D.R. Horton

by Medallion Home

by Kevco Builders

2nd Place went to

“THE JOSEPH”

“THE 3000 MOD”

“THE VICENZA II”

“THE MEDJOOL”

by Kevco Builders.

by Adams Homes.

by Pathfinder Development

by Harbor Hills Development L.P.

CATEGORY $180,000 - $215,000

CATEGORY $350,000 - $385,000

CATEGORY $450,000 - $490,000

CATEGORY $1,000,000 - $1,250,000

1st Place went to

“THE NICOLE”

“THE RYLIEWOOD”

“ST. THOMAS”

“THE SOUTHERN RUSTIC”

by Kevco Builders

by David Weekley Home

by Medallion Home

by Lee Woods Construction

2nd Place went to

“THE HAMPTON D”

“THE SIMONTON”

by Maronda Homes

by Mainsail Solutions

CATEGORY - COMMUNITY 1st Place went to

HARBOR HILLS COUNTRY CLUB By Harbor Hills Development L.P.

2015 Dream Home Builder

For more information call 352-343-7101 or Email Exec@LakeSumterHBA.com or visit www.LakeSumterHBA.com

HowardDonaldson Life was rather miserable for Howard Donaldson, who suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for five years. He used three inhalers and required oxygen 24 hours a day. “I did not want to wake up in the morning because I had no quality of life whatsoever. It’s ridiculous to spend all day gasping for air and not being able to do any activities. I could not even walk the length of my driveway, and I spent three years sleeping in a recliner because I had trouble breathing.” Fortunately, his life would change dramatically after he received a flier for The Salt Room, which is located in The Villages. “I figured I should give it a try because I had nothing to lose,” he says. One year ago, Howard began visiting The Salt Room, where he would lie peacefully for 45 minutes inside a spa-like,

The Salt Room at The Villages 480 N. U.S. Highway 27/441 Lady Lake, FL 32159 352.750.9909 info@SaltRoomVillages.com saltroomvillages.com

salt-covered room listening to soft background music. During that time, he was breathing in salt particles, which act as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent and help remove mucus and pollutants inside the respiratory tract. For Howard, this unique form of therapy provided a breath of fresh air. “Within three weeks I quit using inhalers and was off oxygen. I now walk three miles each day and haven’t visited my doctor in three months. Life is wonderful again.” Howard has faithfully visited The Salt Room each day for an entire year. “I’ve had a wonderful year because my quality of life has improved tremendously. The staff is very outgoing and treats me like a member of the family.”

IT’S THE MISUSE OF IT’S AND ITS

fter pondering the question for many years, I have finally decided on my mission in life. My mission is nothing overly ambitious. The ability to create world peace is a bit above my pay grade and I wouldn’t know where to begin to cure the common cold.

My mission may be a bit modest but it is, nonetheless, of greatest importance. My high school English teacher Mrs. Young would be proud of my decision. Mrs. Young scared the bejeebers out of a whole generation of kids growing up in my small town. She wasn’t

mean; she was just demanding. To survive Mrs. Young’s class, you had to learn about classical literature — William Shakespeare, Sir Walter Scott and folks like that. You also learned the basics of grammar — an almost lost art among today’s students. We learned, for goodness sakes, how to diagram sentences. Nobody knows how to diagram sentences anymore. You mention a diagram to today’s students and they think you mispronounced the name of a birthcontrol device. We learned about past participles, run-on sentences and gerunds. Sadly, I doubt many students today know the difference between a gerund and a giraffe. Mrs. Young also taught us the importance of using words correctly. And this brings us to my mission in life. I decided that I’ve been chosen to spread the word among the masses about the difference between it’s and its. The difference between those two words is really quite simple. It’s is a contraction of it is or it has. If you say it’s, you are really saying it is or it has. That’s the case always, all the time and forever. It’s never, ever is a possessive. Its is the possessive form of the pronoun it. You use its when you mean that one thing belongs to another — the jury reached its decision; the tree lost its leaves. Pretty simple, huh? Despite these easy rules, many people who should know better still use these words incorrectly. For example, not

long ago, our newspaper had a story on the death of Mr. Cub, the great Ernie Banks. The story said: “the game of baseball has lost one of it’s favorite players.” When I read this, I did what any mature, rational person would do: I screamed at the newspaper. I also scream at magazines and the TV screen when it’s and its are used improperly. My wife has learned to overlook my eccentricities when I yell at newspapers and TV screens, although she does roll her eyes and sigh. She did threaten me, however, about screaming at the screen in movie theaters. Fortunately, I am not alone in my noble campaign to make the world more it’s and its sensitive. I have an ally in Dr. Mark J. Perry, a professor of economics and finance at the University of MichiganFlint. Dr. Perry writes a blog called Carpe Diem. In his blog, he frequently goes on rants and snarls about the misuse of it’s and its. He points out printed mistakes like “it’s profits are offshore,” ”any company that conducts it’s business,” and “Texas has it’s own power grid.” Good for you, professor. If you’re ever in Central Florida, look me up and we’ll have a drink and scream at newspapers and TV screens together. Mrs. Young would also like you. Mrs. Young is now in the Great Classroom in the Sky, but if she reads this, I think she’ll look down with a smile and give me a thumbsup. Then she’ll go back to giving St. Peter a pop quiz on syntax.

PHOTO: Shutterstock.com

Final thought // Fred Hilton

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