Style Magazine, November 2013

November

The

arts p r e v i e w

Featuring

ART, MUSIC, THEATER Get in tune with creativity as Style paints a beautiful portrait of the local arts scene.

2013

Breakthrough Discoveries Breakthrough Treatments Of Retinal Eye Care

Ray D. Maizel, M.D.

Shawn C. Wilker, M.D.

Call 888.820.7878 or 352.735.2020 to schedule your appointment!

Find out more information online at MidFloridaEye.com

Faster. Safer. C learer.

we’ve gone DIGITAL.

Florida Hospital Waterman and Center for Medical Imaging are proud to announce that all of our X-Rays are now digital, allowing us to better serve our community’s imaging needs through faster service, less radiation dose to the patient, and superior image quality.

Digital Radiology (DR) is a superior method for X-Rays than conventional CR (Computed Radiographs) offered at most imaging centers.

It’s also better for our patients – the dose of radiation per image is much lower (in most cases, approximately ½ the dose of conventional X-Ray procedures), and since results are immediately viewable and easier to analyze, our Expert Radiologists can spend more time concentrating on what the patient needs and collaborate with other doctors even more quickly than before. The X-Rays take much less time to perform, providing another benefit to our patients.

We’re proud of and excited for this important step that keeps us on – and ahead of – the cutting edge of imaging in Lake County. We are the only facilities in Lake County to offer this newest technology to all of our inpatients and outpatients receiving X-Rays.

Diagnostic Services 1000 WATERMAN WAY, TAVARES 352.253.3700 • www.fhwat.org

1922 SALK AVENUE, TAVARES 352.253.6363

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He is the best thing to happen since pockets on a shirt, and I would not trust anyone but him to perform procedures on me.”

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Stephen T. Pyles, M.D.

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cont November

201 3 // VO LU M E 1 1 N U M B E R 1

Featuring

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THE 2013 ARTS PREVIEW The arts scene in Lake County is alive and well. Whether you love modernism art, live music, or theatrical plays, there is a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy and learn about in this year’s fall arts preview.

STORIES: SHEMIR WILES, MARY ANN DESANTIS, AND JAMES COMBS

CITY SERIES

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LEESBURG The welcoming warmth and rich legacy of Leesburg is so strong, it’s no wonder people who move to this “Lakefront City” can’t help but eventually make this town their forever hometown. This month, Style explores the heritage and hominess of Lake County’s diamond in the rough.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

54

WILDWOOD KITCHEN AND BATH The success behind Wildwood Kitchen and Bath stems from a total team effort — from management and designers to salespeople and installers. Through quality design and strict attention to detail, the company helps create the kitchen and bathroom of your dreams.

46

LAKE & SUMTER EDITION

VILLAGES EDITION

On the cover CONCEPT: JAMIE EZRA MARK PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK

On the cover MODELS: DENISE AND GREG BERLIN PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED LOPEZ

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Departments 20

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

ON THE SCENE

23 FIRST THINGS FIRST 24 #TRENDING Style rounds up all the latest honors, accomplishments, and things to do in Lake and Sumter counties.

28 PERSON OF INTEREST Joe Shipes, executive vice president of the Leesburg Partnership, discusses the past, the present, and the future of Leesburg — plus more!

30 OUTSTANDING STUDENT Eight-year-old Grace Avery may be tiny, but she has a big heart. Read how this Lost Lake Elementary School student is making a difference in her school.

68 THE TO-DO LIST What do the arts, volunteer pilots, ICEWALK, and a Pulitzer-Prize winning author all have in common? They’re part of what’s hot this month on the “To-Do List.”

72 HI, SOCIETY! Get a behind-the-scenes look at The Boys and Girls Clubs of Lake and Sumter Counties’ Black and White Ball, Lakeridge Winery’s annual Harvest Grape Stomp, and much more.

80

95 EATS!

80 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT Boogie on down If you love beef, attend Sumter County’s Beef and Boogie Festival this year as a way to celebrate the area’s cattle industry.

Story: James Combs 82 OUT+ABOUT The other side of Orlando Orlando is more than just a tourist town for theme park enthusiasts. Discover the arts and culture that truly makes it the “City Beautiful.”

Story: Tina Morrison

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96 IN THE KITCHEN Talking (fried) turkey Are you dreading making another oven-roasted turkey for Thanksgiving? You may want to give deep-frying a try.

Story: Shemir Wiles 100 SALUTÉ Wine lovers’ tchotchke Accessories can be rather handy for wine lovers. Learn about the ones we know work.

Story: Mary Ann DeSantis 102 FORK ON THE ROAD T Weston’s Smokehouse Barbecue just got a bit classier in Sumter. Find out why T Weston’s is causing such a buzz amongst locals who adore pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, and more.

Story: Shemir Wiles

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VISIT OUR 10,000 SQ. FT. SHOWROOM!

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

EDITORIAL // DESIGN Tina Morrison

Steven J. Codraro

EDITORIAL/COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR tina@akersmediagroup.com

ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR steve@akersmediagroup.com

Mary Ann DeSantis EDITOR-AT-LARGE maryann@akersmediagroup.com

Shemir Wiles COPY EDITOR/WRITER shemir@akersmediagroup.com

James Combs STAFF WRITER james@akersmediagroup.com

Josh Clark SENIOR DESIGNER/ADVERTISING josh@akersmediagroup.com

Anthony Casto

Fred Lopez

Leigh Neely

Michael Gaulin PRODUCTION DIRECTOR michael@akersmediagroup.com

OFFICE MANAGER heather@akersmediagroup.com

Aubrey Akers

• 120+ Colors • 600 Slabs of k Granite in Stoc • Quartz • Solid-Surface

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER fred@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Heather Tootle

COUNTER TOPS

SENIOR DESIGNER/EDITORIAL anthony@akersmediagroup.com

Ron VanDevander Shaena Chastain Morgan Ellis

SALES // MARKETING Tim McRae VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING tim@akersmediagroup.com

Heidi Ressler MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE heidi@akersmediagroup.com

• Newest and Most Popular Styles

SHOWER S

• Jetta Ston e So Surface Sho lid w Wall and Pa er n Combination s • No Grout Li nes • Non-Poro us Surface • Made Loc ally in Wildwood since 1994

• All Tastes and Budgets

• Laminate Best • The World’s s! nd ra B Name

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

RECEPTIONIST

CABINETS

• Extensive Selection of Better Quality Lines of Cabinetry

Mike Stegall SENIOR MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE mike@akersmediagroup.com

Lori Strong MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE lori@akersmediagroup.com

Jim Law MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE jim.law@akersmediagroup.com

Greg and Denise Berlin DISTRIBUTION Scott Hegg DISTRIBUTION MANAGER scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

LAKE & SUMTER STYLE IS A PROUD MEMBER OF

FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION

LEESBURG PARTNERSHIP

LEESBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LAKE EUSTIS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SUMTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AMERICAN ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION

TAVARES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SOUTH LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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WINNER OF AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Lake & Sumter Style, November 2013. Published monthly by Akers Media Group, 1450 E. North Blvd, Leesburg, Florida 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2013 by Akers Media Group. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media Group. 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 to Lake & Sumter Style” 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 Group.

ALL PRODUCTS

MADE IN AMERICA! Located on HWY 301 • 368 Shopping Center Dr. Wildwood, d, FL 34785 HOURS: MON-FRI 9-5, SAT 9-4

352.539.0220 www.WKandB.com November 20 13

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This month on

What’s happening beyond the print edition

TORI PETRY HOST OF “STYLE TV”

THIS MONTH’S SPONSOR: TE TAILGA MATES

P R E M I U M

POR K

TEAM

IN THE KITCHEN

BON APPÉTIT

It’s that time of the year again!

Football fans everywhere are prepping for the next big game. If this describes you, your family, and your friends, then you are probably looking forward to some good food, too.

It’s all a part of football season in Florida. This month, “Style TV” takes In the Kitchen tailgating.

If you’re looking for an upscale sit-down place serving smoky, delicious barbecue, look no further than T Weston’s Smokehouse in Wildwood.

Bon Appétit correspondent Jana Wheeler pays a visit to T Weston’s to see why their food is top notch.

CITY SERIES

HI, SOCIETY!

Back in 2005, Tavares’ economy was so poor that the city only had one restaurant. Now, this town in blossoming into a place that is well known for its waterfront attractions. City correspondent Nikko Tan takes a look around Tavares where he found family fun on land, at sea, and in the air.

‘Tis the season for fun fall decorations, and downtown Leesburg certainly got into the spirit during this year’s Scarecrow Expo & Build Off. Hi, Society! correspondent Tina Morrison goes behind the scenes to capture all the highlights of the annual event and gets in on the scarecrowbuilding action.

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Do you ever get frustrated having to drive from office to office for testing, diagnostics, procedures, physicals, and general wellness needs? Dr. Asad Qamar and the practitioners at ICE focus on providing multispecialty health care centered on the patient — all in one location. Learn more about ICE’s second largest location just steps away from The Villages.

TELL US WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT STYLE AT:

At your service

237 West 4th Ave. Suite 2 * Mount Dora, FL 32757 * 352-383-3600 We are located in the Arbors & Eyebrows complex at the corner of Alexander and 4th Ave. in Historic Downtown Mount Dora.

Open 7 days a week

Where to find us

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Order a subscription of your favorite magazine to be delivered directly to your home for just $24. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Style or Healthy Living magazine. Choose both magazines for $36 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112, go to www.akersmediagroup.com or mail us at Subscriptions at Akers Media Group, P.O. Box 490088 Leesburg, FL 34749.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you are a seasonal resident or have moved and need to change your address, send your address change request to general@akersmediagroup.com or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media Group, Inc. P.O. Box 490088 Leesburg, FL 34749.

BACK ISSUES: Order by mail for cover price at $4.95+ sales tax and shipping. To pick up a back issue from our office, please call 24 hours in advance.

®

Gourmet Kitchen Products Unique and Hard To Find Specialty Kitchen Products

Make Us Your 2013 Baking and Cooking Headquarters

*Cooks Tools & Gadgets Galore *Nordic Ware Bundt & Baking Products *Everyday Cooking & Baking Supplies for Everyone *KYOCERA Advanced Ceramic Knives, Lifetime Warranty *LorAnn Gourmet Vanillas, Oils, Bakers Emulsions *Specialty Gourmet Salts PLUS Salt & Pepper Mills *PLUS Hard to Find Baking & Cooking Ingredients *Demo Cooking Class are now available

We’re looking for

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The Talk of Your

Thanksgiving Table Celebrate with us this year!

SAVE X Now located CODE: XXXXOOOO XX/XX/XXXX in EXPIRES: Southern Valid on arrangements and Trace Plaza! dipped fruit boxes $ *

Let us know what you would like to read in

Lake & Sumter STYLE magazine.

Autumn Swizzle Bouquet

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fruit bouquet featuring leaf-shaped pineapple dipped in chocolate with swizzle and Cinnamon Chocolate Apple Wedges ®

SEND YOUR IDEAS TO: Tina@akersmediagroup.com OR MAIL US AT: AKERS MEDIA GROUP, INC. P.O. BOX 490088 LEESBURG, FL 34749

3509 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL 32162 in the Southern Trace Plaza 352.391.1334 EdibleArrangements.com 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.

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FREEDOM TO KEEP THE DOCTOR WHO FOLLOWS YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

Camogliano

INTERNAL MEDICINE A P.U.P. representative is

now at our location during open enrollment.

From office to hospital to skilled nursing facility and rehab, we follow you through every stage of your care.

Lab Draws // PT-INR, Coumadin Checks // Echocardiogram Ultrasounds // Men & Women Annual Physicals Diabetes Screening/Glucose Monitoring // Blood Pressure/Cholesterol Screening/Monitoring School/Employment Physicals // Bone Density Testing // EKG Testing

NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME Hospital Affiliations

THE VILLAGES REGIONAL HOSPITAL • LRMC HOSPITAL • LADY LAKE SPECIALITY CARE • THE CLUB THE VILLAGES REHAB AND NURSING FACILITY • PROMISE HOSPITAL

352.259.3435 Spanish Plains Medical Plaza, 1400 US HWY 441 N. Bldg. 900 Suite 902, The Villages, FL 32159

www.DrCamogliano.com • Find us out on M–F 8:30a.m.–5:30p.m.

From the publisher

ARTISTIC RENDERING “Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics.

Design is so simple, that’s why it is so complicated.”

— Paul Rand

In the spirit of this month’s Arts issue, our fearless publisher, Kendra, thought it would be interesting for me to speak as the head of our little Akers art colony.

My first thought of “Great idea!” was immediately followed by the panicky realization that while I’m comfortable expressing myself through design, type, and imagery, me find words hard do. Therefore, with two fingers ready to hammer the keyboard — and secure in the knowledge that Kendra has a backup letter — here is what I have to say about art.

Without a doubt, art is the single greatest influence in my life. As a kid, I drew my world to understand it — sometimes to escape it. Later, art is how I found my place in it. Now, the best part is I get to be surrounded by it all the time. The area’s galleries, museums, theaters, and concert halls — not to mention the many art and music festivals — give me so much to see and do. In my opinion, it is this community’s artistic spirit — as much as its natural beauty — that makes it such a great place to be.

It also inspires the magazine you are reading, and I’m not referring to just this month’s issue. We strive every single month to produce a magazine that reflects this community — your magazine. That means taking your great stories and finding the best way to tell them visually. With Fred Lopez, Steve Codraro, Anthony Casto, Josh Clark, and Michael Gaulin, we work to raise the bar graphically and photographically to make Style the magazine you deserve.

My wife likes to tease that I would redesign the entire world if allowed, and she is probably right. However, as I watch my 8 year old drawing (his world) at the table, I’m grateful he will grow up around this and I’m hopeful it will enrich his life as much as it has enriched mine.

Cheers!

Jamie Ezra Mark, Chief Creative Officer jamie@akersmediagroup.com

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Would you like to improve your life, health and sense of well being?

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The Summit of Lady Lake 737 Hwy. 466 • Lady Lake Monday, Wednesday 9am-5pm

Nick M. Ungson, M.D. Board Certified Psychiatrist Board Licenses: Florida Board of Medicine Alabama Board of Medicine Professional Memebership: American Psychiatric Association Florida Psychiatric Society Hospital Affiliation: Leesburg Regional Medical Center Florida Hospital - Waterman Years in Practice: From 1997 to Present Counselors: Dr. James Moore, Jr., Lic. PsychologistTalana Kersey, MS, LMHC Hershel Tidwell, MS, LMHC Sue Bingle, LCSW Amoree Lanaha, LCSW

First Things

f1rst #TRENDING PERSON OF INTEREST OUTSTANDING STUDENT

‘GRACE’FUL GIVING Third grader displays act of kindness.

Read more about her ON PAGE 30.

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

HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

If you need help getting into the Christmas spirit, or simply need holiday decorating ideas, then considering attending the Mount Dora Christmas Tour of Homes. Five homes in Mount Dora and one in Eustis will be beautifully decorated for the event, set for Dec. 7–8 from 11a.m. to 4p.m.

In addition to Christmas decorations, tour-goers also will see antique dolls, an extensive train collection, hand-painted mural accents, handmade quilts, fused glass dishes, linens, and extraordinary artwork.

Tickets cost $15 per person and can be purchased at the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce. All proceeds go toward scholarships for students pursuing careers in the arts.

For more information, please contact Carol Newton at 352.357.3761.

LOCAL ATHLETICS

HOOP DREAMS Justin Bibbs, a senior at Montverde Academy, will showcase his basketball skills next season at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. The 6-foot-5-inch guard has developed a reputation for his full-court defense that has caused many headaches for opponents. He is also a stellar three-point shooter. Bibbs chose Virginia Tech over the University of Central Florida and Xavier University.

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LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT

A DOGGONE GOOD TIME *

DID YOU KNOW:

5 to 7

million companion animals enter shelters each year.

Each year, roughly

3.5

Few things are as enjoyable as spending a paw-stomping, tail-wagging, fun-filled day with your dog. Perhaps you should consider attending the Humane Society of Lake County’s 10th Annual WestMUTTster Dog Show on Nov. 10 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis.

For a small fee, pet owners and their dogs can enter one or all of the following competition categories: Best Kisser, Best Costume, Best Trick, Mystery Mutt (most unusual-looking dog), Wiggliest Butt, and Best Dog-Owner Look-a-Like. Other event highlights include a silent auction, a pet identification microchip clinic, and caricature portraits of you and your furry friend.

“You don’t have to enter a competition to enjoy this event,” says shelter supervisor Alice Davis. “Some people just come out to watch the dogs compete, and they enjoy seeing children getting their dogs to perform tricks. Pet owners love interacting with other pet owners because they can share stories and ideas.”

This is the largest fundraiser for the Humane Society of Lake County, which is a no-kill shelter. The Umatilla-based shelter spends approximately $30,000 each year on veterinary care and food for its animals.

For more information, call 352.589.7400.

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

million dogs and cats are killed because shelters are too full and there are not enough adoptive homes.

Homeless animals outnumber homeless people

5 to 1 Only

1 in 10 dogs born will have a permanent home.

SOURCE: HTTP://WWW.DOSOMETHING.ORG/TIPSANDTOOLS/11-FACTS-ABOUT-ANIMALHOMELESSNESS

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

LOCAL RECOGNITION

Spelling bee C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N-S

JAMIE MARK’S NOVEMBER

Twenty-six teams attempted to “bee” their best, but in the end, only one team would be able to buzz about winning.

The Akers Media Group team won first place at Take Stock in Children’s 12th annual Corporate Spelling Bee Fundraiser held at Lake Receptions. A team from South Sumter High School came in second, followed by third-place finisher, The CommConnection.

Take Stock in Children identifies financially at-risk students in the eighth grade, provides them with a mentor and an advocate, and then rewards them at high school graduation with a college tuition scholarship. Local monies raised for scholarships are matched 100 percent and purchased through the Florida Prepaid Foundation.

The 2013 spelling bee raised nearly $17,000.

2 // DOWNTOWN LEESBURG City leaders consider a much-needed facelift to the downtown entrance. And if that works, they will consider giving the square Lipo.

THEHITLIST _________________________________________

1 // HEALTHCARE.GOV In an ironic twist, the trouble-plagued website causes conservatives to yell, “Pull the plug!”

3 // CAN’T WAIT UNTIL THANKSGIVING! Or as it’s quickly becoming known, that day just before Black Friday.

4 // TEXT THREATS A Wildwood teacher is jailed for sending threatening texts. Hope I don’t get in trouble for this hostile emoticon }: [ 5 // JOHNNY DAMON TAKES ON THE BULLIES The ex-major league baseball player is teaming up with Lake County Sheriff Gary Borders to stop bullying. Sounds intimidating.

6 // OBAMACARE The new healthcare rollout has made it so difficult for people to sign up, maybe they should just call it Obamawhere?

7 // FLESHING-EATING BACTERIA I miss the good ol’ days when the most dangerous things in the lakes were alligators.

8 // ASTATULA GETS A NEW TOWN HALL The building, donated by the Daytona International Speedway, will be up and running in record time once they figure out where to put all the sponsor logos.

LOCAL EVENT

STYLIN’

Michael’s Couture Salon is presenting The Collection, which will feature collective designs and artistry by area salons and boutiques. Set for Nov. 16 from 7p.m. to midnight at Tropic Theatre in downtown Leesburg, the event will include a hair and fashion show, food, a cash bar, complimentary wine, and an after party.

Among the participating companies are Pin Ups Salon and Spa, Talk of the Town Hair Studio, Nicki’s Hair Studio, Frugals Vintage Boutique and Salon, Doggibags Boutique, and Another Look Boutique.

For more information, please call 352.787.2767.

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LOCAL RECOGNITION

LOCAL GIVING

THE GREAT COMMUNICATOR

NOBODY GOES HUNGRY

The City of Tavares public communications department received two awards at the 3CMA annual conference and nationwide competition in Scottsdale, Ariz. 3CMA is a national professional organization that recognizes excellence in government communications and marketing.

Joyce Ross, department director, was awarded a firstplace trophy recognizing her fundraising campaign for the Freedom Flag project. This was in the category of “Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars Spent.”

“This has always been my signature category, as it demonstrates that a significant impact can be made with a minimum amount of money,” she says.

She was also awarded a second-place trophy for her photography of Tavares wildlife that was used in the Wooton Park Expansion referendum materials. Ross has enjoyed an extensive career in government communications and has received 70 awards at past competitions.

Not everyone can afford a large Thanksgiving feast — or even a small one. But thanks to several local churches and their generous volunteers, everybody will have a chance to enjoy turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.

The spirit of giving is alive and well at the following churches and organizations that are opening their doors on Thanksgiving and serving meals so everyone can enjoy a special holiday.

THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF ST. PAUL

FIRST UNITED METHODIST OF EUSTIS

The church is serving free Thanksgiving dinners from 11.am. to 2p.m.

Pickup meals are offered between 9:30–11a.m., while meals in the church’s fellowship hall are offered from 11a.m. to 1p.m. Reservations are encouraged for both. Please call Jill McKinley at 352.357.4527.

1330 Sunshine Ave. Leesburg, FL 34748 352.787.6354

MEN’S CARE CENTER (FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF LEESBURG) Free dinners will be served at the Men’s Care Center beginning at 1p.m.

1309 High St. Leesburg, FL 34748 352.787.9904

600 S. Grove St. Eustis, FL 32726 352.357.5830

FIRST UNITED METHODIST OF CLERMONT The church is serving its traditional Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 27 from 5 to 6:30p.m. Everyone from the community is invited.

WILDWOOD SOUP KITCHEN The Wildwood Soup Kitchen is offering Thanksgiving meals from 11a.m. to 12:30p.m. Guests will be served at the soup kitchen’s tables.

950 Seventh St. Clermont, FL 34711 352.394.2412

203 Barwick St. Wildwood, FL 34785 352.748.1008

LOCAL RECOGNITION

SMOKING THE COMPETITION T. Weston’s Smokehouse in Wildwood is well-known for its succulent, flavorful barbecue.

That’s why the restaurant has been recognized as one of the “Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America” by the publication National Barbecue News. To be eligible for this award, restaurants must be taste-tested without notice by a restaurant critic affiliated with the publication. The honor is awarded for one year, at which time a restaurant is re-tested in the same manner to see if it can make the grade again.

Owners Tracy and Aileen Smith opened the restaurant last February. “This recognition groups us with nationally-known barbecue restaurants that have been open for years,” Aileen says. “This award is a reflection of how Tracy and I pour our souls into this restaurant to deliver quality food and service.” *WANT TO KNOW IF T WESTON’S BARBECUE IS REALLY “THE BEST OF THE BEST”?

READ STYLE ’S FORK ON THE ROAD ON PAGE 102

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First things first // person of interest Movers and shakers

VITAL STATS AGE: 58 BUSY AS A BEE: Under Joe’s leadership, the Leesburg Partnership stages more than 200 events each year, including Bikefest, Mardi Gras, Christmas Parade, Saturday Morning Market, and Food Truck and Flick Night, among many others.

ZOOMING AND BOOMING: Leesburg Bikefest attracts over 200,000 visitors each year. In 2013, more than 40 local nonprofit organizations raised $170,000 for their causes.

WORLDWIDE ACCLAIM: Joe has hosted colleagues from Japan who wanted to understand Leesburg’s revitalization efforts. At the request of other motorcycle rallies, he has traveled as far as California to share the successes of Leesburg Bikefest.

opportunity to do something special.

We have facilitated multiple streetscape beautification projects throughout Leesburg and promoted the creation of Downtown Leesburg’s Towne Square, library, and police department, all of which attract new businesses downtown. We remain an advocate of historic preservation, economic development, and quality of life.

LEESBURG’S FUTURE: Leesburg has a bright future with many opportunities on the horizon. The city is in the process of hiring a new city manager and economic development director. This new management team will advance the economic vitality of Leesburg.

SOMETHING NOBODY KNOWS ABOUT YOU: I don’t own a motorcycle and have only ridden on one once since I was 15. Another fun fact: my mother’s and father’s families moved to Lake County in 1885 and 1917.

HOW YOU MET YOUR WIFE: Kathy and I began dating during our sophomore year at Mount Dora High School. We dated seven years before marrying in 1978.

She should receive an award for being married to me for so long.

FAVORITE JUNK FOOD: Chocolate. I’ve never met a chocolate anything I did not like.

COMM

U NTY

R LEADE

JOE W. SHIPES

WORK-A-HOLIC: My parents owned what is now Mount Dora Boating Center, and my mother’s family grew citrus.

Starting at age 7, I did everything from hoeing orange trees to working on boats.

Today, I often work 16-hour days and am known for sending work-related emails at 4a.m. During Leesburg Bikefest, I am on location for 12 days straight.

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However, the hard work is well worth it because our events and programs have received national and international recognition.

NOW AND THEN: When I began this job 18 years ago, I noticed there were many structures on Main Street, but there was no life to them. For me, it was an

MUSIC YOU’D WANT ON A DESERTED ISLAND: Pink Floyd, ZZ Top, Santana, Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Hendrix, James Brown, and New Age music.

DOGS OR CATS: We have a Goldendoodle named Tucker.

DESIRED TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTION: “Be brief.

Be blunt. Be gone.”

LAST BOOK READ: I don’t read a lot of books, but I do enjoy reading the newspaper every morning and like several television shows such as “Pawn Stars,” “American Pickers,” “Antiques Roadshow,” and “Boardwalk Empire.”

PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

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First things first // outstanding student

IO U S CE’

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I MAY BE THE COUNTRY’S ONLY third-grade student who has her own business card.

We worked with a graphic designer who allowed me to proof eight different business cards. I made suggestions and changes until we agreed on the final one.

I provide input into everything Grace 4 Kids does.

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BECAUSE OF GRACE 4 KIDS, I was featured one morning on our school’s morning news program. Afterward, one teacher who I did not know stopped me in the hallway and thanked me for what I was doing. My classmates were also excited because they now had somebody famous in their class!

AGE 8 LOST LAKE E L E M E N TA RY SCHO OL GR ADE 3

I WAS HONORED by the Lake County School Board for my work with Grace 4 Kids.

They invited me to an honorary meeting and presented me with a certificate of recognition.

MY FAVORITE SUBJECT is art. I love to color, paint, and draw. I really enjoy drawing houses and always make sure to include garages, windows, and other things that a home needs.

VITAL STATS

I READ on a sixth-grade level. I enjoy non-fiction books, and I’ve also read National Geographic articles about the ocean and space.

ALL ACADEMIC: Never made a grade lower than “A” on her report card.

NEVER AT A LOSS FOR AWARDS: Recipient of her school’s Student of the Month award, the President’s Reading award, and the Kiwanis Club’s Terrific Kid’s award.

NEVER SKIP A BEAT: On rare occasions when Grace’s mom, Shana, offers to let her miss school and go shopping, Grace declines because she loves school so much.

I STRIVE TO BE the best in everything I do.

When my P.E. teacher held a pull-up contest, I convinced my dad to buy a pull-up bar, which we placed in the doorway of our laundry room.

IT HURTS ME TO SEE when other children my age do not have all the necessary school supplies because their parents cannot afford them. As a result, my parents helped me start Grace 4 Kids, a nonprofit organization that helps raise money to purchase school supplies for fellow students and classroom supplies for teachers. My parents have helped me organize two fundraisers. The first one was a yard sale at my house. For the second

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fundraiser, we set up a booth at an event in downtown Clermont and sold raffle tickets. We gave away Darden gift cards.

MY ORGANIZATION DONATED $750 worth of supplies during the first week of school.

With the help of my mom, we set up both a web page and Facebook page for Grace 4 Kids. People can visit the website and donate money or school supplies.

WHEN I GROW UP, I want to be a teacher. I love to learn and one day hope to inspire other children to learn.

I LOVE SOFTBALL and play on a year-round competitive travel team called Xtreme.

My number is 53, which comes from a comment I made one day in practice. A teammate kept throwing the ball over my head and I said, “Not so high. I’m only 53 inches of awesomeness.”

PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

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The

2013

preview FROM MODERN TO TRADITIONAL Although many places in Lake and Sumter counties look like scenes from a Norman Rockwell painting, the range of art throughout the area is much more eclectic and dynamic. Arts lovers will find something to fit all their styles: from Mount Dora’s new modernism museum to Florida Cracker sculptures, from jazz to symphonic concerts, and theater productions that cover every genre from musicals to satires.

Keep some weekends open and enjoy a few of the following highlights!

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ODERNISM IN MOUNT DORA Is it art or is it furniture? It’s a question the minds behind the new Modernism Museum Mount Dora are hoping people will be eager to answer.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

For years, Mount Dora has been known for its shopping, its restaurants, and its quaint New-England style charm.

This booming lakeside town, however, has been undergoing a transformation, embracing its identity as a fine arts and crafts community.

Adding to the local art scene is the recent opening of the Modernism Museum Mount Dora. Located on East Fourth Avenue across from the Garden Gate Tea Room, this 3,600-square-foot space is dedicated to exhibiting the richly creative works by America’s best style arts experts.

Many of the pieces slated to be on display come from the private collection of a local donor who wishes to remain anonymous. He has been working with

John Sollo, a featured appraiser on the PBS show “Antiques Roadshow” and authority in the world of 20th-century modern design, for nearly 15 years to amass his works of art. Now by having them on display, the donor hopes to stimulate additional interest in Mount Dora and the style arts movement.

“A museum like this has never been done before. Most places like the Museum of Modern Art in New York may have three or four pieces of modernism art on display, but there has never been a home for the art form,” he says. “We hope it catches on.”

The first exhibit, “Wharton to Wendell,” allows museum-goers to intimately compare and contrast the works of studio masters Wharton

Esherick and Wendell Castle. Esherick, who passed away in 1970, has long been considered the dean of American craftsmen who served as the link between the arts and crafts movement and the burgeoning interest in furniture-making after World War II. And Castle, the father of the art furniture movement, is widely known for his whimsically organic forms and superb craftsmanship. His pieces have been displayed all over the world.

“Wharton Esherick is responsible for my exposure to furniture as art. I didn’t know it existed,” says Castle, who turns 81 this month. “I remember looking at a book in the 1950s and discovering the unique works of Wharton. He saw the marriage between design and art. I previously thought I would be a sculptor,

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be held at the museum. For example, they will be looking for local pianists to perform mini concerts.

“And using Castle’s Caligari Piano, musicians will be able to play their art on a piece of art,” she says. In addition, people will be able to browse and shop in the museum’s gift shop across the street.

but Wharton Esherick turned me into a furniture maker.”

A number of rare, early, and newly discovered pieces by both artists will be on display, including Castle’s fascinating Caligari Piano and his largest work to date, A New Environment.

Commissioned by the Friedman Benda Gallery in New York, this two-story installation of stack-laminated pieces is essentially a room without walls.

A quirky, pod-like chamber seems to float atop a beautifully imaginative spiral staircase that is accompanied by sensually curved, fantasy-like furniture on a sleek iron base.

“It’s amazing to have these two artists brought together,” explains Sollo. “Some of these pieces have never been seen before. Now, 30 to 50 of some of the very best that’s out there will be available for people to see in person. Without a doubt, this is exciting for Mount Dora. What will be brought to this museum will be grade A stuff, a collection you can’t see anywhere else in the world. It will cover the whole gamut, from alpha to omega.”

To Castle, having a museum solely dedicated to modernism makes sense. “A lot of works are recognized worldwide, and more and more galleries are showing it,” he says. “This work is

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highly valued, though I don’t think it’s common knowledge this art exists. It’s still a very strong movement and while there are examples of modernism in many museums, they lack depth. You would have to go to 10 museums to see this much.”

Future exhibits will include the works of other key figures in the style arts movement, such as Sam Maloof, George Nakashima, Arthur Espenet Carpenter, and Albert Paley. And with each exhibition, visitors will witness just how these artists meld beauty and skill, how something as practical as a coffee table can also be enigmatic and inventive.

The donor told Sollo that he wanted exhibitions to be entertaining, evolving, and uplifting. His goal is to get people to look at things in their lives artistically.

“The donor said he wanted people to let their minds go crazy and get into it,” explains Sollo. “He wanted them to appreciate how modernists totally immerse themselves.”

In addition to incredible art, Modernism Museum Mount Dora will offer an extensive archive of Modernism Magazine, which will serve as an educational resource. Rachel O’Ryan, who handles public relations for the museum, says special events also will

Sollo predicts seeing many academic and tourism opportunities with the opening of Modernism Museum Mount Dora. With great interest in modernism, especially in Europe, he anticipates the museum will attract individuals — both enthusiasts and scholars — from across the pond.

The museum is anticipated to be one of the driving forces that can help Mount Dora continue to be a flourishing arts district. And the donor is also quite optimistic his venture can be a catalyst for driving more traffic to Mount Dora to help support the downtown businesses.

Modernism Museum Mount Dora is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10a.m. to 5p.m. Admission is $8 for adults; $7 for seniors and college students with I.D. card; and $5 for ages 4–17 with student I.D. card. Mount Dora residents and military and service personnel receive 50 percent off with I.D. card.

MODERNISM MUSEUM MOUNT DORA 145 E. FOURTH AVE. MOUNT DORA 352.385.0034 modernismmuseum.org

Wharton to Wendell THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE INAUGURAL EXHIBIT AT

MODERNISM MUSEUM MOUNT DORA Castle’s A New Environment echoes his 1969 piece Environment for Contemplation, which featured a stacklaminated pod-like chamber with a hinged door — perfect for sneaking away for a moment of peace and meditation.

A New Environment weighs close to 1,000 pounds and disassembles into more than 50 components.

In 1934, Esherick produced two grand horse sculptures, Cheeter and Jeeter, to welcome all those entering the grounds of the Hedgerow Theatre, America’s first professional repertory theater. The statues remained a fixture until 1956 when they were retired from duty and returned to Esherick’s studio. Now one of these historically important sculptures, Jeeter, is stabled at Modernism Museum Mount Dora.

Esherick’s 1963 interpretation of The Spiral Stair serves as a major focal point of the “Wharton to Wendell” exhibit.

The 1930s architectural masterpiece from Esherick’s own home in Paoli, Penn., was the inspiration.

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TAGES OF LAKE Community theater is thriving as acting troupes from Mount Dora to Clermont are kicking off their 2013–2014 seasons with a wide variety of plays.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

Legendary playwright Oscar Wilde regarded the theater as “the greatest of all art forms.” He believed it was the most immediate way for a human being to share with another the sense of what it is to actually be a human being. The hundreds of volunteers who participate in Lake County’s award-winning theater troupes must certainly agree. They return year after year to the stage, not for money or fame but for a desire to feed their creative side.

“The adrenaline rush that comes from performing for a live audience is almost addicting. There is nothing like it,” says Thomas J. Kline, who has volunteered since 2001 for more than 20 productions with the Moonlight Players Warehouse Theatre in Clermont. “When you get in a costume and take on a persona, you feel more alive.”

Kline says it is not unusual for volunteers to give at least 160 hours to a production. Directors, he says, put in many more hours.

“It takes roughly 36 hours just for the performances; add to that the rehearsals four hours a night, four days a week for eight weeks and you see the commitment it takes,” he says.

So many actors — as well as the crucial behind-the-scenes volunteers — believe the benefits outweigh the long hours.

The lifelong friendships, sense of community spirit, and artistic achievement bring them back time after time to share the human experience, as playwright Wilde believed, with their audiences.

Lake and the surrounding counties have an abundance of excellent theater groups. Kline believes it’s because of the area’s close proximity to Orlando’s theme parks. “I have thought about the quality here a lot. A good three-fifths of our Moonlight Players are performers in the theme parks,” he says. “Community theaters give them a chance to act outside of their jobs, which can get boring doing the same thing day after day.”

And thanks to the dreams of the dedicated volunteers who started Lake County’s four community theaters, a good play is never far away.

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BAY STREET PLAYERS AT THE HISTORIC STATE THEATRE, EUSTIS baystreetplayers.org 352.357.7777 Nearly 40 years ago, a small group of theater aficionados rediscovered the vacant State Theatre building in downtown Eustis. They had visions of live performances in the once-grand movie house, but it took months of hauling away trash and making the building even minimally useful. Bay Street Players founding members Deborah and Dale Carpenter, Charlene Smith, and Lou Tally mounted their first production, “Hello, Dolly,” in July 1975. The following year they produced eight shows, and the Bay Street Players became permanently established. By 1986, BSP owned the State Theatre building outright, and two major renovations since then have restored the building’s facade to its

original 1922 appearance.

Thousands of Lake County residents — and beyond — enjoy five Main Stage productions per season, as well as the innovative works of the Second Stage productions on Sunday evenings. In addition, the BSP Young People’s Theatre is Central Florida’s oldest continually running children’s theater program.

Students ages 7–18 learn and create in year-round performance classes that end with full-scale productions.

to sold-out audiences at Lakeridge Winery. For the next five years, the Moonlight Players performed in several venues, including the Jenkins Auditorium and the South Lake High School Auditorium.

This season, the Moonlight Players have an ambitious eight-play schedule that includes classics like “South Pacific” and the farcical comedy “Beyond Therapy.”

In addition, the Moonlight Luna-Tics, a youth improv group, practices weekly.

NEXT PRODUCTION: “A CHRISTMAS STORY,” NOV. 15–DEC. 8.

NEXT PRODUCTION: “THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER” NOV. 1–24

MOONLIGHT PLAYERS WAREHOUSE THEATRE, CLERMONT moonlightplayers.com 352.319.1116 The old car shop on West Montrose Street looks a lot different from its early days as the home of the Moonlight Players. During its grand opening in 1999, the old garage door on the front entrance was a bit of a distraction when patrons arrived late.

Nonetheless, the Moonlight founders Jan Sheldon and Sara Achor were delighted when the Moonlight Players finally had a permanent home. The two women actually began the troupe in 1994 with a monetary birthday gift from Jan’s dad. They produced “The Sound of Music” with Jan directing and Sara handling the music direction. Later that year, they produced the musical comedy “Nunsense”

SONNENTAG THEATRE AT THE ICEHOUSE, MOUNT DORA

to a sold-out audience with “Return Engagement.”

The city donated the land on North Unser Street in 1958 where the current 270seat facility is located. The most recent renovation took place in 2011 thanks to an extraordinary gift from The Sonnentag Foundation and other private donors.

As they approach the 66th season in 2014, the IceHouse Players produce five to six shows a season ranging from classic musicals like “Oliver” to modern day comedies, such as the upcoming “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel” by Mitch Albom.

NEXT PRODUCTION: “FIDDLER ON THE ROOF” NOV. 22–DEC. 15

icehousetheatre.com 352.383.4616

MELON PATCH PLAYERS

The can-do attitude of Mount Dora residents goes back a long way. It’s not surprising that a group met on Sept. 17, 1948, just to discuss the idea of forming a little theater. Officers were elected that same night and within a few days, an abandoned ice plant — with amazing acoustics no less — was located. On Feb. 7, 1949, the IceHouse Players opened

LEESBURG melon-patch-players.com 352.787.3013 Three Leesburg women — Emily Faulhaber, Ruby Herlong, and Mildred Howard — had a vision for creating a little theater in town in 1951. The Leesburg [Daily] Commercial spurred the idea along with an article urging folks to attend a theater meeting. The Leesburg

Women’s Club offered the use of its building for meetings and rehearsals and, thus, the Melon Patch Theater was born. The name was in honor of Leesburg’s fame as the watermelon capital of Florida and its annual Watermelon Festival.

During the initial years, shows were held at the Lee Elementary School auditorium and the Leesburg Community Building. In 1955, the current facility opened on 13th Street with the production, “Father of the Bride.” In 2002, Patchwork Productions began offering classes to area youngsters in drama, dance, comedy, and musical theater.

The Melon Patch Players offer six productions a year, including musicals like “Sweeny Todd” and classic stage plays such as Lillian Hellman’s “The Little Foxes.”

NEXT PRODUCTION: “A NICE FAMILY GATHERING” NOV. 22–24; NOV. 29–DEC. 1; DEC. 6–8

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MIND YOUR

USIC When the urge to hear good, quality live entertainment hits you, check out these local venues that are just teeming with talent.

STORY: JAMES COMBS

Although Olivia Spilotros enjoyed a successful career as a real estate agent, she fine-tuned her life after attending the Lake County Folk Festival six years ago.

“I stepped inside an art gallery to see live entertainment and knew the building would be a perfect place for a coffeehouse,” she says. “I was so intrigued with the building that I would dream about what my coffeehouse looked like.”

When the building became vacant, she decided to turn that dream into reality.

In 2008, she officially opened Olivia’s Coffeehouse on Bay Street in Eustis. “It was something I had to do. I didn’t want to look back one day and wonder what might have been.”

Since that time, locals have flocked to her coffeehouse to fill their stomachs with tasty food and homemade desserts while filling their hearts with wonderful music. “This is an old-time coffeehouse

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similar to what you’d find in Greenwich Village in Manhattan. We have a friendly, easy-going atmosphere where guests and musicians are well-received.”

Both coffee and music are always brewing at Olivia’s Coffeehouse. “We have two rooms. One side is music oriented and the other side is a café where you can socialize with friends and

family while listening to music in the background,” Olivia says.

On any given night, visitors can expect to hear everything from folk music, mountain music, bluegrass, acoustic, and blues. One of the most popular events is the songwriter’s forum, which is held on the fourth Thursday of every month from 7 to 9p.m. During this event, two singers selected by Olivia perform original music. Before the start of each song, the singer explains to the crowd what inspired the song and the meaning behind it. “This is an amazing night of art because the singers are so expressive,” she says. “We also have a question-and-answer session so the crowd can ask the musicians anything they want pertaining to their music.”

Friday’s open mic, held from 7 to 10p.m., is an instrument-focused event where performers are onstage for 15 minutes. They can perform by

themselves or alongside bassist Daisy Millitt and fiddle player Sean Curran.

Saturday night showcases a feature entertainer, which may include a solo artist or band that sings a blend of their original songs with popular fan favorites. The featured entertainment starts at 7p.m. and ends at 10.

Live entertainment is also featured on Sunday afternoons from 1 to 3p.m.

The first Sunday of each month features Dixieland jazz; the third Sunday is oldtime mountain music; and the fourth Sunday showcases Celtic and Irish music. The second Sunday is open to any genre.

Olivia also performs at the coffeehouse with her own band, Olivia’s Stray Dogs.

OLIVIA’S COFFEEHOUSE 108 N. BAY ST., EUSTIS 352.357.1887 Maggie’s Attic, a charming wine bar and shop in downtown Mount Dora, offers a selection of 350

wines and 250 beers.

“We’re a wine shop with a beer problem,” manager Jerome Brouhard says and laughs.

Certainly, Maggie’s Attic does not have a music problem. The company offers live entertainment on Wednesdays from 7 to 10p.m. and Saturdays from 6 to 9p.m. Visitors can hear a unique selection of blues, jazz, rock and roll, and contemporary music from talented local musicians such as Jim Rast, Robin Gallo, and Port Barlow. Visitors are equally impressed with Randie Paul, who is legally blind but possesses a wonderful singing voice.

MAGGIE’S ATTIC 237 W. FOURTH AVE., MOUNT DORA 352.383.5451 With its intimate setting and small-club atmosphere, GarVino’s reminds many people of venues they’d find it New York or California.

“People tell us all the time that we’re the classiest place in The Villages,” says owner Sandee Bonnie.

The wine bar, located adjacent to the wine and cigar shop, offers 24 wines by the glass, wine flights, microbrews and imported beer, and light appetizers. The softly lit and beautifully decorated bar is especially popular for its live entertainment offered Wednesday through Saturday from 7 to 10p.m.

Local artists perform a variety of music, including rhythm and blues, jazz, American

folk, and acoustic guitar.

Some perform several times each month, including husband and wife duo Scott and Michelle Dalziel, who recently released an album.

Tommy Treadway and the Orion Jazz Trio are other popular performers.

GARVINO’S 1081 CANAL ST., THE VILLAGES 352.430.1435 If you prefer a traditional sound where classical music reigns supreme, then you are in luck. Since its formation in 2005, Florida Lakes Symphony has delivered world-class music to Lake County. The 60-member symphony was formed by the late Guy Saint-Clair, who passed away in April 2010.

It is now led by his wife, Audrey Sanders, and awardwinning conductor Michael J. Garasi.

The 2013–2014 season promises to bring another outstanding season of beautiful music that leaves the audience in awe.

All concerts begin at 7:30p.m.

Performances in Mount Dora are held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 6803 Old Hwy. 441. And in Clermont, the performances are held at Family Christian Church, 2500 S. U.S. 27. To order season tickets, visit their website.

FLORIDA LAKES SYMPHONY floridalakessymphony.com

FloridaLakes Symphony SEASON SCHEDULE SERIES CONCERT 1:

MAJESTY IN TIME OF MAYHEM Nov. 7 in Mount Dora; Nov. 8 in Clermont

Veterans will be saluted with musical pieces such as “I Vow Unto Thee My Country” and John Williams’ “March of 1941.”

CHRISTMAS CONCERT Dec. 6 in Mount Dora only

The symphony, along with the Mount Dora School of Ballet, will perform joyful Christmas music. Popular Irish composer/ conductor Eimear Noone will also perform.

SERIES CONCERT 2:

BAROQUE GEMS Jan. 16 in Mount Dora; Jan. 17 in Clermont

Hear romantic masterpieces of Baroque literature such as “Dance of the Furies” and “The Four Seasons.”

SERIES CONCERT 3:

SOUNDS OF THE FOREST Feb. 20 in Mount Dora; Feb. 21 in Clermont

Nineteen-year-old virtuoso pianist Sten Heinoja will perform a Grieg piano concerto.

SERIES CONCERT: 4:

SYMPHONY SERENDIPITY March 27 in Mount Dora; March 28 in Clermont

This concert will feature the work of famous composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johannes Brahms, and Ludwig Van Beethoven.

SERIES CONCERT 5:

DREAMS OF YOUTH May 1 in Mount Dora; May 2 in Clermont

This final concert of the season will feature the winner of the Guy SaintClair Young Artist Concerto Competition, as well as popular tunes such as “Pictures at an Exhibition” and “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night).”

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city series STYLE’s guide to the places we call “home”

LEESBURG THE LAKEFRONT CITY //

Since the 1800s, people have been arriving in Leesburg and discovering a warm and welcoming city. For many, it became their next hometown.

B

ack in 1857 when Evander Lee first came to what is now Leesburg, he told his wife there was no need to travel any farther.

They had found home. In the 21st century, many people still agree with Evander.

There were earlier settlers, but no one stayed permanently in the area until Lee and his brothers built their homes and settled their families between Lake Griffin and Lake Harris. Calvin Lee officially tagged the town Leesburg when vendors in New York needed to know where to ship goods for the Lee brothers’ store.

VITAL STATS CITY INCORPORATED: 1875 CURRENT POPULATION: 20,796 SIZE: 24.5 sq. miles DISTINCTION: Leesburg Bikefest, bringing 200,000 people to Leesburg for three days in April Source: www.city-data.com

CITY OFFICIALS MAYOR: David Knowles MAYOR PRO-TEM: Bill Polk POLICE CHIEF: William “Bill” Chrisman FIRE CHIEF: Kevin Bowman

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city series // leesburg STYLE’s guide to the places we call “home”

Like other towns in Central Florida at that time, the area was dotted with citrus groves, but many were wiped out in the devastating freezes of 1894–95.

Those that survived were met with another freeze in 1897–98, which legend says was caused by a curse. According to an article in The Daily Commercial, the sister of a man who was shot by local hoodlums and left lying in the street for days was so upset and angry that she stood on the steps of the old Glyndon Hotel and loudly cursed the town. She shouted to all who could hear that Leesburg would not prosper for 50 years due to the townspeople’s neglect of her brother. Though no one publicly acknowledged the curse, it is noted in later newspaper articles that Leesburg practically “stood still” after that.

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Glorianne Fahs, co-author of Images of America: Leesburg with Bob Grenier, says one sign of impeded progress was the long period of no new construction downtown. “There were several brick buildings built before the freezes,” Fahs says. “Town records indicate 56 new buildings went up in 1886 alone. After the freezes, no new brick buildings went up until 1911.”

LEESBURG TODAY Through the efforts of several organizations and scores of residents, Leesburg is a gem today with an array of colorful shops and restaurants. Add to that the hundreds of downtown events, including Leesburg Mardi Gras and Leesburg Bikefest, and you have all the ingredients for a great place

to shop and have fun. Thanks to the Leesburg Partnership, the downtown has been revitalized, and during weekends you’ll find the streets busy with shoppers and visitors. And if you are unable to get downtown, you can watch the action in Leesburg Towne Square on the Partnership’s live webcam on its website.

“The Leesburg Partnership celebrated its 19th anniversary in August,” says Joe Shipes, executive vice-president of the Partnership, which is a participant in the Main Street U.S.A. program. “We’re dedicated to improving the quality of life for the community, preserving history, and building the economic vitality of the business core.”

The organization was created by members of the Downtown Leesburg

Business Merchants Association and the Leesburg Chamber of Commerce as a vehicle for rejuvenating the downtown area.

“We’re more a visionary group than bricks and mortar.

We bring ideas and concepts for the direction of the community,” Shipes says.

“As a result, we’ve brought enhancement not just to downtown but to the entire community through the years.”

The Partnership has been such a success that the staff now travels to other cities and towns to offer guidance.

“We consult on how to do events and help them gather resources, which is not ‘funding’ but ‘finding’ resources to create growth,” Shipes says. This includes places as close as Clermont and as far away as California.

Providing a welcoming atmosphere in Leesburg

is a significant goal for the Partnership, and they do it with a variety of events. The Leesburg Saturday morning Market is the longest running farmers market in Lake County. Food Truck ‘N Flick Night means you’ll find an array of gourmet food trucks on Main Street, and you can enjoy the food while watching a blockbuster movie on the outdoor screen in Towne Square.

“Every month different trucks come in, so it’s a culinary treat,” Shipes says.

“My wife went down and got a pizza, and I got a Philly cheesesteak. We met back at a table with a bunch of other people and had a great time.”

And while everybody knows the Mardi Gras celebration is fun, it is Bikefest that is the city’s

largest source of revenue.

The festival, which began in 1997, generated $169,613 for Lake County charities in 2013.

This means extra monies for church ministries, college scholarships, scout troops, school groups, and a variety of nonprofit organizations.

“The Partnership is about creating relationships and working together within the Leesburg community. All the nonprofit groups play an important role in our mission,” Shipes says.

The Leesburg Partnership is most pleased about keeping commerce alive in downtown.

“We have been able to keep the historic businesses downtown,” says Shipes. “We kept the police department down here and kept the library downtown.

We have city hall and other government businesses that

FUN FACT

At one time Leesburg was once named the Watermelon Capital of the World. During Leesburg’s first Florida Watermelon Festival, which was held June 25, 1930, approximately 5,000 people attended and 1,000 melons were cut for people to eat.

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city series // leesburg STYLE’s guide to the places we call “home”

*

NOTABLE NATIVES SUSAN HARRISON (1938-)

Actress who was in the movie “Sweet Smell of Success” with Burt Lancaster. She also appeared on television in “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” “Bonanza,” and “Twilight Zone.”

DAVID MCCHEYNE NEWELL (1898-1986)

Former editor of Field & Stream. Moved here in 1912.

An avid hunter and naturalist, he often accompanied Annie Oakley on her hunts. In addition to writing articles, he authored a novel and a children’s book. He and his wife are buried in neighboring Fruitland Park.

AUSTIN “RED” ROBBINS (1944-2009)

6’8” forward and center, played professional basketball for various teams in the American Basketball Association (19671976) after being a star player at the University of Tennessee. His nickname came from his bright red hair.

BILL MCBRIDE (1945-2012)

The former gubernatorial candidate grew up in Leesburg.

The last scene in the 2009 film “Away We Go” was filmed in Leesburg.

help support downtown, and that’s basically what we do.”

Leesburg Heritage Society’s Richard Friedlander explains why he likes living in Leesburg. “You can walk the whole downtown, and everything you need is there.”

Keeping Leesburg a prosperous and caring community means younger residents return when they leave for college. Terri Govenor was born in Leesburg and planned not to come back.

However, things turned out differently.

“As it happened, I bought a home, met my new husband, and have a wonderful job in my field. It seemed a bit quainter when I was growing up, but there is so much more going on now.”

DID YOU KNOW? Leesburg was the Sumter County seat from 1868–1881 before Lake County was created from portions of Sumter and Orange counties.

Errol Flynn and Ernest Hemingway were guests at the Magnolia Hotel. Both men enjoyed hunting and fishing in this area.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, author of The Yearling, also loved fishing. A photo of her with popular naturalist David Newell is housed at the Leesburg Heritage Society.

What is now Lake-Sumter State College was originally the site of the barracks for the 313th Fighter Squadron, whose pilots were trained here in 1943. By March 1944, German prisoners of war were housed at the site.

They enjoyed their temporary tropical home and built several structures in town as part of their work program. They were fascinated with the area’s reptiles and caught many of them, including an alligator.

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FUNFACT

The Daily Commercial was the first newspaper in the nation with a female sports editor, Lillian D. Vickers-Smith. There was a cartoon about her in “Ripley’s Believe It or Not.” Newspaper accounts say she was an avid sports fan and especially loved baseball.

MORE HOMETOWN HISTORY

FUNFACT

Venetian Gardens was once a useless marsh. The Work Progress Administration (WPA) filled in the land and built the park and facilities surrounding it in 1938. It’s now one of the busiest places in town and the site of numerous weddings and other events.

Fahs says many people have forgotten Leesburg was once the watermelon capital of the world and had huge festivals celebrating the delicious fruit for many years. It was also named the bass capital and brought in bass-fishing fans for tournaments from all over the world.

Mrs. Frank Butler, better known as Annie Oakley, loved to hunt here. She and her husband were frequent guests at the Lake View Hotel. Their English setter Dave, considered part of the family, stayed in the hotel with the Butlers. The dog was accidently run over in the front of the hotel in 1925, and Annie was devastated. She wanted him buried at the human cemetery, but her request was refused. Annie did hold a funeral for Dave, who is buried off Highway 468 (the Red Road), and she erected a cement headstone for him.

Legend has it she left town in a snit never to return. Others say she continued to visit but had nothing to do with dogs, horses, or guns. Fahs says there’s no evidence Mrs. Butler ever returned to Leesburg after Dave died.

Leesburg is a well-rounded city with a history and beauty all its own. Longtime residents love it for the small town atmosphere and beautiful lakes; new residents find it to be a retreat where they can live in harmony with nature.

Keeping all that in mind, longtime resident Vi Pfahler sums up her feelings for Leesburg nicely when she says, “It’s not just my hometown, it’s a hometown.”

WATCH THE CITY SERIES EVERY MONTH ON Tune in every Saturday at 6p.m. on Bright House channel 49, Saturday and Sunday at 6p.m. on Comcast channel 20, or visit our website at www.lakeandsumterstyle.com.

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feel at SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Wildwood Kitchen and Bath helps you design and create the kitchen and bathroom of your dreams.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

S

ince 1998, Greg Berlin has forged a tradition of excellence in the building industry — a tradition created through quality design, workmanship, and strict attention to detail.

At his company Wildwood Kitchen and Bath, his team of designers, salespeople, and installers work tirelessly to turn a client’s kitchen and bathroom into personal reflections of themselves. Whether it’s new construction or home renovation, the team goes above and beyond to ensure a client’s new kitchen and bathroom provides years of efficient function and beauty.

That’s why Wildwood Kitchen and Bath has been the company of choice for Freedom Pointe, the Veteran’s Administration (VA), and countless

residents from the area’s local retirement communities.

“We are proud to be a trusted name in the kitchen and bath remodeling industry,” Greg says. “Our goal is to build beautiful living environments that enhance the lives of our customers. We listen closely to our client’s wants and needs and spend the necessary time to address their concerns and answer any questions.”

BUILDING A NAME Sometimes, we don’t always nail down our calling until later in life.

Such was the case for Greg. A native of Illinois, he spent the first seven years of his early professional career doing route sales for Hinckley Schmidt, a bottled water company.

After that, he served as a route driver

for the popular snack company FritoLay for nine years.

In 1998, Greg began installing products for a kitchen company located in Sheffield, a small Illinois town located 40 miles east of Iowa. He found his niche and one month later, opened his own company, Cornerstone Kitchens and Windows, at age 38. Greg had his work cut out for himself. He opened his company with a meager $400, and he had the task of drumming up business in Sheffield, which had approximately 850 residents at the time.

Running his own company demanded much of his time and focus.

Using his strong leadership skills and business savvy, Greg worked hard to plan and execute ideas, making key financial decisions and successfully manage employees.

“WHAT HELPING HANDS DOES FOR THE COMMUNITY IS AWESOME… I AM PROUD TO BE PART OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND TO MAKE A BETTER LIFE FOR LESS FORTUNATE PEOPLE.” — GREG BERLIN SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

“One of the things that helped the company was every Thursday when I would drive 90 miles one way to measure everything in newly constructed homes,” Greg recalls. “I never relied on the prints. This was very important because we never had extra cabinets in our warehouse.”

As a result, Cornerstone Kitchens and Bath developed a stellar reputation among cabinet companies. Before long, Greg and his team found themselves selling cabinets in other states such as Wisconsin, Indiana, and Iowa.

They also expanded their service line to include electric, plumbing, dry wall, painting, fencing, and roofing. Their work was superb, a fact that was not lost on the building industry.

A PRESENCE IN WILDWOOD In April 2008, Greg moved to Florida so he could be near his parents who lived in The Villages. He originally went to work for Jetta Stone, a leading manufacturer of non-porous solid surface material for countertops and shower bases. However, when the company unexpectedly closed four months later, Greg decided to open his own company in the same building.

He named it Wildwood Kitchen and Bath.

Much like his company in Illinois, Wildwood Kitchen and Bath has flourished, which is particularly impres-

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

sive considering the downtrodden economy. It has gained more than 3,500 customers in five years. There is a reason for that: from imagination to installation, the team of employees is committed to providing unparalleled value and customer satisfaction.

“We offer a two-year warranty on everything we do,” Greg says. “In addition, we focus on customer service and always respond to our clients within 24 hours.”

But he says the biggest part of the company’s success is having an experienced, dedicated group of employees. They include Mike Hulett and Eric Berlin, sales representatives; Judy Brody, customer service representative; Tony Orrach and Glen Proctor, cabinet installers; Joshua Watson and Alex Afu, granite fabricators; Roman Arosenena and Raul Fuste, granite installers; and Sherrie Lindsey, bookkeeper.

Another valuable employee is customer service representative George Alonso, who has been employed at the company for nearly two years.

“The work environment here is great because we’re all like one big family,”

George says. “We’re about working together as a team and doing what is best for our clients. The respect that our employees have for one another is awesome.”

Greg’s wife, Denise, also works at Wildwood Kitchen and Bath. She utilizes her creative skills to help design dream kitchens and bathrooms for clients. “Our company continues getting busier and busier, and most of our business is from repeat customers and referrals,” she says. “Also, most of our sales staff and installers have been here from the beginning. Customers enjoy seeing the same familiar faces.

Because we do not subcontract our work, we provide a level of personalized service that is unmatched.”

SUPERIOR PRODUCTS In addition to kitchen and bathroom remodeling, Wildwood Kitchen and Bath offers numerous services: flooring, plumbing, electric, and dry walls.

Thus, the company is essentially a one-stop shop for all your home project needs.

“We have anywhere from 16 to 105 jobs going at one time,” Greg says.

“We are also one of the few kitchen and bath dealers to have a builder’s license, in addition to being bonded and insured.”

Customers who walk into the company’s elaborate 10,000-square-foot showroom will undoubtedly marvel at the extensive selection of designer cabinets, countertops, and custom showers. The company is the area’s

10, 000 THE SIZE OF WILDWOOD KITCHEN & BATH’S SHOWROOM (in square feet)

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

largest manufacturer and installer of custom Jetta Stone Solid Surface shower bases and wall material that comes in a wide selection of colors and styles. Moreover, Wildwood Kitchen and Bath offers one of the largest granite selections in Florida with more than 120 colors and 600 slabs of granite in stock. The company also boasts an impressive selection of

of numerous retirement communities, I get to meet people from all over the country,” Greg says. “Getting to know them and hearing about their life stories is one of the rewarding aspects about my job. I also appreciate that so many people have been loyal to my company and helped it grow.”

Greg is repaying the community in kind by supporting Helping Hands,

Golf Tournament held in June.

“What Helping Hands does for the community is awesome,” Greg says.

“People shouldn’t have to live in a home with no air conditioning or a leaky roof. I am proud to be part of an organization that goes above and beyond to make a better life for less fortunate people.”

cabinets made by leading manufacturers such as Merillat, Shiloh, Mid Continent, Home Crest, and Quality Cabinetry.

“Most of our clients are surprised to find our prices are not any more expensive than big-box stores,” Greg says.

“We do everything possible to keep cost and overhead down. We also strive to use American-made products.”

a ministry of New Covenant United Methodist Church in The Villages.

The ministry includes 300 volunteers who purchase used mobile homes to rebuild and furnish for families who live in substandard housing conditions. The cost of each project is approximately $45,000. Families repay $15,000, which is used for future projects. Once in their home, families receive continuing support through financial and personal guidance.

Wildwood Kitchen and Bath supplies cabinets and other appliances to the organization. In addition, the company serves as a major sponsor for the annual Helping Hands Charity

GIVE WILDWOOD KITCHEN AND BATH A TRY

A HEART FOR COMMUNITY Greg and Denise enjoy calling Central Florida home and have met many wonderful people from Lake and Sumter counties since moving here.

“Because we do work for residents

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

No matter what service someone may need, the team at Wildwood Kitchen and Bath always listens closely to their clients’ wishes and takes the necessary time to answer all questions. This is a true family business in every sense of the word, and the employees pride themselves on being the most trusted name in the kitchen and bath remodeling industry.

The company is located at 368 Shopping Center Drive in Wildwood. For more information, call 352.539.0220 or visit www.wkandb.com.

“Men no longer need to suffer from frequent urination because they are getting older,” says Dr. James Young, a down-toearth urologist with thirty-one 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 1,200 patients with this procedure. “Medtronic is a $13 billiona-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

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 31 years with extensive experience in evaluation and management of prostate problems.

For more information, contact

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16 MBER NOVEBenefitting CA M N Yim RIO K at MAR.S .V.P. to 411 .6 6 352.28

// INSTITUTE OF CARDIOVASCULAR EXCELLENCE //

painfree PAD // INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL EXCELLENCE //

Why weight? // LIMBSTITUTE //

Is your skin in the clear?

put ice on it.

I N N O VAT I O N • C O M PA S S I O N • E X C E L L E N C E

“The persistence and the determination to get up and get moving will inevitably improve your quality of life.”

— Dr. Asad Qamar

Falling dominos Never has the phrase “domino effect” been used more appropriately than to represent the impact of our weight and physical activity on our health. It is the prescription verbalized at every visit to your doctor, the topic of most consumer health stories, and the topic of this month’s Impulse.

It may seem repetitive, but it is important. And it is the reason why I put a large amount of my time into patient education. That is why we provide Impulse, why I hire the best specialists, why I ensure that my patients have materials relevant to their illness, and why I started the ICE Walk, which is coming up on Nov. 16!

The ideal domino effect that I want to see in my community begins with a little physical activity like rising and sitting in a chair, walking around your home for 10 minutes, stretching down to touch your toes in the morning and before you go to bed. The persistence and the determination to get up and get moving will inevitably improve your quality of life. You will gain strength, stability, and much more. The idea is to keep moving at your pace, speed, and strength, and as you progress you will soon discover the reward.

At the end of the trail of falling dominos, the reward is quality of life. It means you will be able to do what you want on a day-to-day basis like hold your grandchildren, walk around the park, do your own food shopping, or dance in your living room!

// INSTITUTE OF CARDIOVASCULAR EXCELLENCE //

PAD can be pain-free Seventy-year-old Paul Ambrosino can finally rest at night. But getting him to this point took determination — from him and his team of specialists at the Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence (ICE).

Paul’s all-too-familiar story started in 2011 with excruciating leg pain. But to refer to the pain Paul experienced while walking and at night as ‘cramping’ would be an understatement. Worried and committed to finding a solution, he sought out comprehensive and convenient testing that would save him pain and time.

ICE performed all of Paul’s diagnostic testing, including a lower extremity arterial ultrasound (LEAD) and a computed tomography angiography (CTA). He was diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD is caused when a sticky

Yours,

Asad U. Qamar, MD FACC, FCCP, FSGC, FACP, FSCAI Cardiologist

A D VE RT ISE M E NT

plaque made up of cholesterol, calcium, and fibrous tissue prevents blood from travelling freely through the arteries and blood vessels in the extremities. What is concerning is when arteries are not supplying our legs, calves, and feet with the rich blood they need, people with PAD are at risk for strokes, high blood pressure, kidney problems, and even limb amputation.

Paul did not take this news sitting down. At ICE, Paul was able to discuss treatment options with Dr. Qamar and set out on a path to comfort.

He received an angioplasty on his lower extremities with stenting, which showed promise as it relieved some of his pain. Over the past two

In the course of a lifetime, almost 10% of the population will develop a chronic wound, with a wound-related mortality rate of 2.5%. years, Paul received help in managing and treating his PAD under careful and continuous care at ICE. The ultimate goal was to improve his quality of life and keep him moving, walking, and resting peacefully.

Recently, Paul’s PAD seemed to get the best of him. His leg felt heavy and cold and simply walking from his bedroom to his living room required frequent stops for rest. He used canes, a walker, and even a scooter to move around and standing more than 15 minutes was nearly impossible.

Seeking answers, he returned to the team at ICE and again received comprehensive testing on his lower extremities. It was discovered that Paul’s condition had worsened, and he was soon scheduled for an angioplasty

in ICE’s catheterization lab.

Finally, Paul felt a sense of relief he had not experienced in years. His legs now feel remarkably better, he sleeps pain-free, and he can walk farther than before without any assistance.

Paul knows he must do his part to manage his illness at home, but he can also rest knowing that Dr. Qamar and his team at ICE can treat him. And without using the widely exercised, invasive surgical bypass option, Dr. Qamar has been able to help Paul return to the active life he deserves.

Before

After

[Paul’s] legs now feel remarkably better, he sleeps pain-free, and he can walk farther than before without any y assistance.

Source: Chatterjee, Sasanka S. “Abstract.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 31 Oct. 2005. Web. 18 Oct. 2013. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC3495377.

// THE LIMBSTITUTE //

Is your skin in the clear?

A patient came to us with multiple, non-healing, venous ulcers that he had tried to heal with other physicians for more than five years. He presented with skin color changes, swelling in his legs, and large bulging varicosities.

To diagnose the severity of his problems, we ran a venous reflux ultrasound.

We look at the size of the deep veins and superficial veins to see how much blood is pooling in them.

We also look at the different perforated veins and structures that normal ultrasounds don’t treat.

His great saphenous vein was enlarged with a lot of blood pooling. The great saphenous vein is the underlying vein that causes all the symptoms that appear on the outside of the leg, such as wounds, ulcers, and swelling.

We proceeded with radio frequency ablation, a new procedure out to treat vein disease. The procedure is done through one little needle hole so there is no cutting, no suture, and no down-time. We use a new process of spraying the leg with cold anesthetic, which differentiates our vein center from others, so patients feel little to no pain.

Since his procedure, the patient’s ulcers have not returned and his veins continue to be closed. He has been able to resume activities without any pain, discomfort, or leg swelling.

A D VE RT ISE M E NT

put ice on it.

Recommended Reading: Wheat Belly by William Davis, M.D. Your Hidden Food Allergies Are Making You Fat by Rudy Rivera, M.D., and Roger Davis Deutsch

I N N O VAT I O N • C O M PA S S I O N • E X C E L L E N C E

Grain Brain by Davis Perlmutter, M.D. // INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL EXCELLENCE //

Why weight?

For many aging adults, many simple, everyday tasks such as reaching up to pull spices from your kitchen cabinet or bending down to retrieve a heavy pot out of the cupboard takes some planning. This lack of flexibility, stability, and strength combined with a few extra pounds around the waist is easy to accept as a typical result of the aging process.

But the good news is people should not feel defeated.

Besides, doing so can negatively impact your physical health and the body’s ability to fight disease.

There is no one weight management plan that works for everyone, as many people have restrictions based on pre-existing illness or physical disability. Therefore, how do you know what physical activities and nutrition plans will work best for you?

The best answer is to ask a primary care physician for help in removing the guesswork. Skilled physicians like Dr. Julio Ugarte, M.D., and his team at the Institute of Medical Excellence create tailored plans based on their patients’ health profile and help them navigate their weight management plans along the way. Aging adults do not have to go it alone to get moving.

“Inflammation can be the underlying cause of many weight problems. Blood tests can help determine which foods trigger an inflammatory response.

Understanding and addressing this, as well as portion control and physical activity, will help to maintain a healthy weight.”

— Dr. Julio Ugarte, M.D.

A SERVICE OF

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Ocala 4730 SW 49th Rd. // 352.854.0681 Summerfield 10435 SE 170th Place // 352.233.4393 Tavares 2754 Dora Ave. // 352.259.5960 The Villages 1950 Laurel Manor Dr., Bldg 240 // 352.509.9295 The Villages 1050 Old Camp Road // 352.259.5960 Williston 412 W. Noble Ave. // 352.528.0790

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On the scene // the to-do list

NOVEMBER To have an event considered for the Calendar, send a short text description along with a color photo (if available) 60 days in advance of event to: calendar@akersmediagroup.com or Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749

EVENTS NOVEMBER 2

CHILI COOK-OFF The Chili Cook-Off competition in historic downtown Leesburg’s Towne Square is always a crowd pleaser! Enjoy an all-you-can-eat, gated event from 5 to 10p.m for just $5 entry, which includes chili and live entertainment. Cash bar with beer, wine, and sodas available. The Chili Cook-Off is presented by the Leesburg Downtown Business Association.

CONTACT: DELL ROSS AT 352.326.8090

at Clermont’s Waterfront Park.

Tickets: $20 in advance; $25 at the door. CONTACT: 352.394.4191

NOVEMBER 9-10

CLASSIC RACEBOAT FALL REGATTA Several types of classic race boats will perform exhibition fly-bys on a 1.5-mile oval course on Lake Dora at Wooton Park in Tavares. Also, see various racing heats every 30 minutes throughout the day from 9a.m.–5p.m. CONTACT: CLASSICRACEBOATASSOC.COM

NOVEMBER 2–3

10TH ANNUAL MOUNT DORA GARDEN TOUR The Lakes and Hills Garden Club will offer tours of six beautiful local gardens. Garden club members will be on hand to describe the gardens and answer questions. Begins at First Presbyterian Church, 222 W. Sixth Ave., Mount Dora.

Cost: $8 in advance; $10 day of tour. CONTACT: 352.383.4613 OR 352.735.0991

NOVEMBER 14

TASTE OF TAVARES Local restaurants will compete in making appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Held at the Elks Club in Eustis, the professionally judged competition will also have a People’s Choice award.

Enjoy live music by The Lost Cats and a silent auction. Tickets are $25 and available at the Tavares Chamber of Commerce CONTACT: 352.343.2531 OR TAVARESCHAMBER.COM

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NOVEMBER 15

NOVEMBER 20

AN EVENING WITH GILBERT KING At 7p.m. at the Mount Dora Community Building, 520 N. Baker St., hear from Gilbert King who will talk about his Pulitzer-Prize winning book “Devil in the Grove.” Hosted by Lake & Sumter Style, the Lake County Library System, the City of Mount Dora, W.T. Bland Public Library, Visit Mount Dora, and Mount Dora Productions. Barrel of Books and Games will host the book signing. Cost: Free.

CONTACT: 352.383.2627 OR WWW.MOUNTDORAPRODUCTIONS.COM

NOVEMBER 30

COMMUNITY SERVICE CONTACT: 352.383.2165 AWARDS GALA Hosted by Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce to MUSIC+THEATRE celebrate community MVPs. Cocktail hour: 6–7p.m. Dinner, NOVEMBER 1–24 entertainment, and awards: THE MAN WHO CAME TO 7–10:30p.m. Tickets are $50 each and on sale at the chamber DINNER Theatre critic, lecturer, and office, 1520 S. Bay St. CONTACT: 352.357.3434 radio personality Sheridan Whiteside slips on the doorstep

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.com

teacher, and even Santa Claus himself.

The consistent response: “You’l shoot your eye out.” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s exploding furnace, the school bully Scut Farkas, the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin, and the leg-shaped lamp. Bay Street Players at the Historic State Theatre, 109 N. Bay Street, Eustis. CONTACT: 352.357.7777

CONTACT: 352.589.1500

LIGHT UP MOUNT DORA Watch Donnelly Park and downtown Mount Dora light up with close to 2 mil ion sparkling lights! From 5:30–6:30p.m. at Donnelly Park.

NOVEMBER 7

TASTE OF SOUTH LAKE & BUSINESS EXPO Enjoy signature dishes and drinks from more than 25 of the area’s best restaurants and vote for your favorite “Best of South Lake.” Experience live entertainment throughout the evening from Charlie DeChant, saxophone player with rock legends Hall and Oates, and Grammy-nominated bass player Jerry Bravo. From 5 to 8:30p.m.

in the first performance of its 2013–2014 concert series. Nov. 7 concert begins at 7:30p.m. in Mount Dora’s St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Nov. 8 concert is at the Clermont Family Christian Center, also at 7:30p.m. The five-concert series package is $180; individual concert tickets, $45 at door. See full schedule at floridalakessymphonyorchestra.com.

of the palatial Stanley home in the Midwest. What follows is six weeks of recuperation complete with a mummy sarcophagus, penguins, love triangles, schemes, impersonators, and hijinks. Moonlight Players Warehouse Theatre, 732 B W. Montrose St., Clermont.

CONTACT: 352.319.1116

NOVEMBER 7–8

MAJESTY IN TIME OF MAYHEM From honor to remembrance, the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra will perform a salute to all veterans

NOVEMBER 22–DECEMBER 8 NOVEMBER 9

A NIGHT FOR THE SCOT Head over to the Mount Dora Community Building for traditional Scottish music featuring members of Rosie O’Grady’s Pipers and Sueno’s Stone. Also featuring Scottish dancers and hosted

by Donald MacCallum. Starts at 7p.m. General admission: $15; VIP: $20. CONTACT: MTDORA.ORG

A NICE FAMILY GATHERING It’s Thanksgiving Day and the first family gathering at the Lundeen household since Dad died. At the gathering, Dad comes back as a ghost with a mission: to tell his wife he loved her, something he neglected to tell her while he was alive. The problem is she can’t hear or see him. The trouble begins when Mom invites a date for dinner. Melon Patch Theatre, 311 N. 13th St., Leesburg.

CONTACT: 352.787.3013 OR INFO@ MELONPATCH.ORG

NOVEMBER 10

BRAZILLIAN BEAT Guitars, strings, and songs will be featured in the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra second chamber concert of its 2013–2014 season. Chamber concerts are held at the Congressional Church of Mount Dora at 3p.m. Tickets: $25.

CONTACT: 352.589.1500

NOVEMBER 22–DECEMBER 15

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Set in 1905 in a little Russian Vil age, protagonist Tevye the milkman tries to instil in his five daughters a sense of tradition. Songs include “Matchmaker,” “If I Were A Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” and “To Life!” The Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse, 1100 N. Unser Street, Mount Dora.

CONTACT: 352.383.3133 OR WWW. ICEHOUSETHEATRE.COM

NOVEMBER 15–DECEMBER 8

A CHRISTMAS STORY Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his

NOVEMBER 24–DECEMBER 8

SEASON’S GREETINGS The show takes place over the Christmas holidays in an average suburban home where a dysfunctional mix of relatives and relations come

EP

EDITOR’S PICK

together for a hysterical weekend of adults behaving badly. Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. Bay Street Players at the Historic State Theatre, 109 N. Bay St., Eustis.

NOVEMBER 10–11

ANGEL FLIGHT SOUTHEAST PILOTS AWARD GALA AND GOLF TOURNAMENT

CONTACT: 352.357.7777

NOVEMBER 29–DECEMBER 21

HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES Holiday music fil s the air in historic downtown Leesburg beginning Nov. 29 with a variety of entertainers, bands, choirs, and live performances.

The Holiday Concert Series takes place at various times during the Christmas Stroll, Saturday Morning markets, and the Christmas Parade.

NOVEMBER 2

ART OF THE DEAL Mount Dora Center for the Arts invites you to celebrate the arts with the area’s premiere cultural event in Mount Dora’s historic Donnelly Building. Indulge your senses in an explosion of art, gourmet cuisine, casino tables, and tasteful, yet sexy entertainment provided by DRIP. Time: 6–11p.m.

Tickets are $85 per person in advance; $95 at the door.

CONTACT: CHRISTMASCONCERTS. LEESBURGPARTNERSHIP.COM

FESTIVALS/FAIRS

Held at Arlington Ridge Golf Club, the awards gala on Sunday will honor the volunteer pilots who provide more than 3,000 free flights every year for people who need necessary medical care. Teams participating in the golf tournament on Monday are assigned a sport celebrity or VIP who joins the foursome on the course. Several additional activities are planned for the day of golf, including a chance to win $1 million for a hole-in-one.

CONTACT: 352.326.0761 OR ANGELFLIGHTSOUTHEAST.ORG/EVENTS

CONTACT: 352.383.0880 NOVEMBER 1–3

LADY OF THE LAKES RENAISSANCE FAIRE This annual event features over 100 performers, including jugglers, knights in armor, fire-eaters, pirates, dancers, villagers, historical characters, and musicians. Over 60 artisans will also fill the village, working in mediums such as pottery, leatherwork, blacksmithing, sculpture, and candle making. Hickory Point Recreation Facility, Tavares. Tickets: $13 for adults, $7 for children ages 4–11.

All proceeds benefit the Education Foundation of Lake County.

19TH ANNUAL MOUNT DORA PLANT & GARDEN FAIR Central Florida’s top growers bring more than 12,000 plants. The event features orchid growers and includes native plants, butterflyattracting perennials, herbs, roses, camellias, and begonias with a complete selection of rare and unusual tropical plants. CONTACT:

industry with this event sponsored by the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event will feature live entertainment, beef cookoffs, children’s activities, educational displays, vendors, and more.

Admission: $10,adults; ages 12 and under, free. Location: Sumter County Fairgrounds, 7620 State Road 471, Webster. CONTACT: 352.793.3099

352.729.2170

to provide Christmas gifts and clothing to local homeless students during the holidays.

Vendor spaces available. Live entertainment, raffles, and a silent auction from noon–5p.m.

CONTACT: 239.220.7271

ART/HISTORY EXHIBITS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 23

NOVEMBER 21

CONTACT: 352.326.1265 OR MEDIEVALFEST.COM

NOVEMBER 9–10

NOVEMBER 2–3

BEEF AND BOOGIE FESTIVAL Celebrate Sumter County’s cattle beef

NOVEMBER 16

For a healthy step in the right direction, participate in this year’s ICEWALK. Registration begins at 8a.m.; walk/ run starts at 9a.m. at the Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence, 4730 S.W. 49th Road, Ocala. Free food, entertainment, health vendors, and prizes!

CONTACT: 352.286.6411

CRAFT BEER, WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL From 6 to 10p.m., stroll through the Islands of Venetian Gardens and sample a wide variety of craft beers and select wines from around the world while enjoying regional cuisine and live music.

Admission fee ($35 advance; $40 at door) covers everything at this festive event!

CONTACT: LEESBURGCRAFTBEERFEST.COM

NOVEMBER 23

HOLIDAY OF HOPES FESTIVAL The South Lake Junior Woman’s Club sponsors this annual event at Clermont’s Waterfront Park

FALL ART SHOW Sponsored by Centennial Bank, art from South Lake Art League members will be on display at the gallery at 776 W. Montrose Street, Clermont. Gallery hours: Tuesday–Wednesday, 1–5p.m.; Friday, 10a.m.–Noon; Sunday 9a.m.–2p.m.

available for bid and/or purchase during the preview week.

Everything will be auctioned at the holiday reception on Nov. 8 from 6–8:30p.m. to benefit the museum. Cost: $10.

CONTACT: 407.256.3219

CONTACT: 352.483.2900

NOVEMBER 8

INSPIRED BY ART: A HOLIDAY DÉCOR EVENT Holiday trees, decorations, and much more will be on display during the preview between Nov. 1 and Nov. 8 at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art. Art-inspired and whimsical trees, as well as other decorations, will be

NOVEMBER 9–DECEMBER 28

PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT, WORKSHOP, AND EXHIBIT Artists of all skill levels are invited to paint the scenic Mount Dora waterfront, quaint downtown, or rural scenes. Artists may join in the sunset Paint Out at Lakeside Inn and for a day of painting at

the Village Market from Nov. 9-14.

Cost, $25. Prizes will be awarded.

A workshop with instructor Bill Farnsworth will be held Nov. 10-12 and is $350 for all three days.

Opening exhibit reception and awards: Nov. 15, 6–8p.m. Exhibit runs until Dec. 28. Featured artists are Brenda Hofreiter and Cynthia Mason. Mount Dora Center for the Arts, 138 East Fifth Avenue, Mount Dora.

CONTACT: 352.383.0880

November 20 13

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On the scene // the to-do list

INCONCERT TICKETMASTER 800.745.3000 TICKETMASTER.COM Dates are subject to change without notice so please call ahead to confirm venue listings DATE

ARTIST

VENUE

11/05 11/05 11/05 11/05 11/06 11/06 11/07 11/07 11/08 11/08 11/08 11/08 11/09 11/09 11/09 11/09 11/09 11/10 11/09 11/10 11/10 11/11 11/12 11/13 11/14 11/15 11/16 11/16 11/16 11/17 11/20 11/20 11/20 11/21 11/22 11/22 11/22 11/22 11/22 11/23 11/23 11/23 11/30 11/30 12/01

Anberlin Fortunate Youth Paramore Sublime With Rome Badfish - Trib. to Sublime Toubab Krewe Streetlight Manifesto Volusia County Fair & Youth Show Mikes Chair Montgomery Gentry Space Capone Volusia County Fair & Youth Show Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Chase Rice Kyle Sherman Space Capone Volusia County Fair & Youth Show Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Josh Groban Cyndi Lauper Selwyn Birchwood Big Bad Voodoo Daddy John Vanderslice O.A.R. The Chariot Adventure Club The Avett Brothers Hoodie Allen Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Mike Doughty Charli XCX Craig Ferguson Rusted Root Smokers Club Tour Janelle Monáe John Denver: A Rocky Mountain High Concert Southern Hospitality Stephen Marley Twenty One Pilots Eagles Jonny Lang The Nelons Lee Brice Trans-Siberian Orchestra Ja Rule

House Of Blues The West End CFE Arena Hard Rock Cafe / Hard Rock Live Milliken’s Reef The Social Plaza Live Orlando Volusia County Fairgrounds Westgate River Ranch Resort Bill Breeze Park Beachside Tavern Volusia County Fairgrounds Epcot Center House Of Blues Westgate River Ranch Resort DaVinci Volusia County Fairgrounds Epcot Center Amway Center House Of Blues Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards Epcot Center The Acre Orlando House Of Blues The Social House Of Blues CFE Arena House Of Blues Bob Carr Perf. Arts Centre The Social The Social Hard Rock Cafe / Hard Rock Live Plaza Live Orlando The Beacham Hard Rock Cafe / Hard Rock Live Plaza Live Orlando The Alley The Beacham House Of Blues Amway Center House Of Blues Riverwalk Church Of God House Of Blues Amway Center House Of Blues

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*To qualify for the rate of 1.89% APR you must autodraft your loan payment from your Insight Credit Union checking account. All new checking accounts must be YHUL¿HG DQG DSSURYHG WKURXJK &KH[6\VWHPV $35 LV IRU PHPEHUV ZLWK D FUHGLW VFRUH RI RU DERYH ZKR ¿QDQFH D QHZ RU XVHG YHKLFOH RU UH¿QDQFH WKHLU H[LVWLQJ DXWR ORDQ IURP DQRWKHU ¿QDQFLDO LQVWLWXWLRQ ZLWK ,QVLJKW &UHGLW 8QLRQ /RDQ subject to normal underwriting guidelines. Your actual rate will be customized EDVHG RQ \RXU FUHGLW VFRUH 1R RWKHU GLVFRXQWV PD\ DSSO\ 0D[LPXP WHUP RI PRQWKV 0LQLPXP ORDQ DPRXQW RI WR TXDOLI\ /RDQ DSSOLFDWLRQ VXEMHFW WR D $SSOLFDWLRQ )HH $SSURYHG UH¿QDQFH ORDQV VXEMHFW WR D /LHQ 5HFRUGLQJ )HH ,QWHUHVW DFFUXHV IURP WKH GDWH RI FRQWUDFW ([LVWLQJ ,QVLJKW &UHGLW 8QLRQ DXWR ORDQV DUH QRW HOLJLEOH IRU UH¿QDQFH 2WKHU UHVWULFWLRQV PD\ DSSO\ 2IIHU EHJLQV $SULO DQG PD\ EH ZLWKGUDZQ DW DQ\ WLPH )HGHUDOO\ LQVXUHG E\ 1&8$

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On the scene // Hi, society!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013 SAAD EHTISHAM, TED WILLIAMS, JOHN MAZE, AND KENT HAMILL

SWINGIN’ FOR A GOOD CAUSE The Leesburg Regional Medical Center Foundation’s 16th annual Go for the Green Golf Classic was held at Mission Inn Resort and Club. Business professionals and community leaders donned golf attire and came together in an unforgettable day of networking, relaxation, and friendly competition. The foundation is a not-for-profit organization that provides financial support to the hospital to ensure quality care and a healthier future for the area’s residents.

RICHARD SPEARMAN, CHRIS CHRISTOPH, TOM REEDER, AND DONNIE SPEARMAN

JASON MORGAN, BILL PFINGSTEN, MIKE SANCHEZ, AND LANCE MERRITT

STEVEN STRONG

“Got ot le a little n captain in .” me.”

— Wade Winker ker

ROB PULSIFER, CHRIS MATTSON, TRACEY PARVIAINEN, AND JEFF PHILLABAUM

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PHOTOS: MORGAN ELLIS

DAVE BROWN, STEWART SAPPLETON, SHANE TAYLOR, AND RYAN CUMMINGS

BOARD-CERTIFIED SPINE SURGEONS SPECIALIZING IN THE TREATMENT OF BACK AND LEG PAIN DUE TO: • • • • • •

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DR. FRANK K BONO

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On the scene // Hi, society!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2013

OOZING WITH FUN Competitors were all juiced up about jumping feet first into a grape-stomping contest at Lakeridge Winery’s 19th annual Harvest Grape Stomp. The event allowed participants to climb into wooden barrels, display fancy footwork, and attempt to extract as much juice as possible in two minutes. Tickling their toes with flying drops of grape juice and stomping their way to glory was quite exhilarating.

BILL AND BETTY EDWARDS

ASHLEY TAYLOR PETER COLLINS, JAMIE COLLINS, AND TARA ROBINSON

GAVIN LONELLIE AND HENRIK LUND

COURTNEY FUNKHOUSER ALLIE TAYLOR AND MATT TAYLOR

“Wine is the answer. What is the question?”

— Janelle Carutis

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PHOTOS: SHAENA CHASTAIN

CHARLES COX

On the scene // Hi, society!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

DELIVERING QUALITY CARE The Leesburg Regional Medical Center (LRMC) Foundation held Harvest Time in Italy at Mission Inn Resort and Club. The event raised awareness of the foundation’s $10 million capital campaign to add 29 private observation rooms at LRMC. Entertainment included two tenors and a soprano under the direction of maestro Pasquale Valério, director of The Villages Community Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale. Attendees also enjoyed a wine pairing and dinner.

CODY HUFFINES AND STEFFANIE HODGES CATHY AND KENT HAMILL WITH CHRIS AND WILLIE WILSON

MELODY AND TRAVIS HAYES

RICHARD AND IRENE LINDGREN

TRACY AND SAAD EHTISHAM

TOM AND LINDA GRIZZARD

“Look at the poor man, he hasn’t had enough to eat.”

— Mike Kledzik

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PHOTOS: MORGAN ELLIS

RICHARD AND IRENE LINDGREN

LAKE EAR NOSE THROAT & FACIAL PLASTIC ASTIC SURG SURGERY

Q&A

By pproviding quality, comprehensive care that is tailored to the unique needs and desires of each patient, our accomplished board-certified physicians, physician assistants, and doctors of audiology can pati effectively diagnose and treat individuals who come to our offices looking for answers and solutions. effe

Q: A:

I have a neck mass. Do I need to have it checked out?

There are several causes for neck masses. Let’s start with the ones that appear on the sides. There are two salivary glands, which can swell quickly and cause a neck mass.

One is the parotid gland, which appears first behind the ear lobe. This can be painful if the area swells quickly enough. You can become quite ill if you quit drinking fluids due to the painful swelling. The same is true of the submandibular gland, which first presents as a mass just underneath the jaw. It can also be the cause of systemic toxicity should the gland become infected. Antibiotics can treat this situation. Should a fever result, IV fluids and antibiotics may be required for treatment. Any neck mass that causes redness of the skin along with painful swelling and fever will need to be closely looked at due to the fact an abscess can form.

Dr. Judith C. Milstead

Q:

I have seen recent ads and commercials. What is Face 2 Face Aesthetic & Wellness Center all about?

A:

Face 2 Face is Lake ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery’s Wellness Division. It’s primary ary goal is to focus on a “healthier you.” It offers a wide array of services, including ng nutrition, weight management, skin care, massage, spa services, etc. Various seminars and screening programs will be offered to promote wellness. Visit Face2FaceFL.com for further details and a calendar of events.

Dr. Dino Madonna Learn more about sinus conditions and the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure at our dedicated website www.LakeSinusRelief.com To learn more about FREE upcoming seminars, screenings and special offers from our wellness division, please visit Face2FaceFL.com or subscribe to our exclusive e-newsletter by sending an email to Face2FaceFL@Gmail.com

Scan the code for a video tour of Face2Face

THE VILLAGES 352.753.8448 LEESBURG 352.728.2404 TAVARES 352.343.7279 LakeENT.net

On the scene // Hi, society!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2013

FUNDRAISING FUN The Boys and Girls Clubs of Lake and Sumter Counties held its largest fundraiser, the Black and White Ball, at Mission Inn Resort and Club. Dressed in their best black-and-white attire, attendees enjoyed a wonderful evening of cocktails, dancing, dinner, and live and silent auctions. The organization, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, inspires and enables young people to realize their full potential through character/leadership development, arts, sports and fitness, life skills, and education development.

HAYS AND OLIVIA GINN

DR. JOSE DIAZ, ERIN DIAZ, AND IAN DIAZ

PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

TAITE AKEHURST, RAMIRA GRACE, KHAMIA BELL, HAIDEN BAKER, AND SARAH IVERSEN

HARLEY HORSLEY

TI’CHINA SIMMONS AND CAROLYN MOBLEY

AKARA REID, ARIEL PURL, MALIA NIX, DEJA RABESS, CALEB PURL , REBEKAH SIELING, AND ASHTON WILLIAMS

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Elizabeth Sieling “Youth of the Year” for the Milestones Unit, Robb Elmatti, and Sarah Jones “Youth of the Year” for Lake and Sumter Counties.

For the most advanced and comprehensive eye care available right here and close to home, the name to know is Lake Eye. Each of our three state-of-the-art offices features everything from a full-service optical department with stunning designer eyewear to the most advanced treatments for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and sagging eyelids.

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

BOOGIE ON DOWN Sumter County’s Beef and Boogie Festival celebrates the area’s rich history in the cattle industry.

STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: PROVIDED

W

here’s the beef?

Look no farther than your own backyard.

While most people equate Florida with Mickey Mouse and white sandy beaches, the Sunshine State actually ranks 10th in the country for beef production.

Over the years, Sumter County has certainly derived meaty profits

by being a major player in the cattle industry. Webster is home to the Sumter County Farmers Market, one of the largest cattle markets in the southeastern United States.

“Beef that leaves Sumter County can be found in hamburgers all over the world,” says Andy Cripps, executive director of the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce. “Also,

I’ve heard that more than 70 percent of leather seats in automobiles come from cowhides that originated in Sumter County.”

To celebrate the county’s rich history and tradition in the beef industry, the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the third annual Beef and Boogie Festival on Nov. 9–10 at the Sumter County Fairgrounds. The event will feature live entertainment, cookoff contests, and much more.

“We are one of Florida’s largest beef-producing counties,” Cripps says.

“The cattle industry has been such an important part of our local culture, and this event helps us celebrate that fact.”

‘MEAT’ ME AT THE FESTIVAL How could you celebrate the county’s contribution to the beef industry without having a cook-off?

Dubbed a “backyard competition”

by Cripps, this year’s cook-off allows individuals and teams to compete in one of three categories: Best Sumter Burger, Best Beef Brisket, and Best Ribs.

Competitors pay a $35 entry fee and also will be allowed to sell their food at a price they determine. More than $1,000 in cash prizes will be awarded in each of the three categories.

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While pleasing your taste buds with delicious meats cooked on-site, be sure to enjoy live music from a stellar lineup of country music performers.

Saturday’s headline performance is Kelleigh Bannen, an up-and-coming artist who made her Nashville debut in 2012 with the hit single “Sorry on the Rocks.” She is currently producing a second album. Sunday features popular Central Florida country music artist Jim Van Fleet, who is also a chief meteorologist with 10 News in Tampa. His musical career has allowed him to tour with country music stars Taylor Swift, Hank Williams Jr., Dwight Yoakam, and LeAnn Rimes.

“We’re very pleased to bring in this caliber of talent,” Cripps says. “The first year of this festival we brought in both rock bands and country music bands and realized country music is much more popular than rock at this festival. We’ve definitely taken it up a notch in terms of quality artists.” Another highlight of the event is an educational component called Beef Country, organized by the Sumter County Cattlewomen’s Association and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Sumter County Extension Office. Beef Country will feature educational displays, lasso and roping demonstrations, and local 4-H

students explaining how to properly raise cattle.

“It is important that people learn about the local culture,” Cripps says. “The beef industry here is fairly invisible. You see cows on the side of the road, but that does not show the scope of how important cattle are to the economy.”

Plenty of activities will be available for children, including a bounce house, corn pit, tractor race, face painting, and a merrygo-round.

One thing is certain: Those who attend this event will not leave asking the popular question from the infamous Wendy’s commercial: “Where’s the beef?”

The Beef and Boogie Festival costs $10 for adults. Children ages 12 and under

are admitted free. For more information, call the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce at 352.793.3099 or visit www. beefandboogie.com.

ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP SATURDAY:

1:30p.m. SINGER/SONGWRITER RAINER BERRY 3p.m. THE DAN STORY BAND 4:30p.m. SINGER/SONGWRITER RAINER BERRY 5:30p.m. CLEMONS ROAD 7p.m. KELLEIGH BANNEN

SUNDAY:

2:30p.m. COUNTY LINE ROAD 4:30p.m. JIM VAN FLEET

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

THE GRAND BOHEMIAN EXTERIOR

THE OTHER SIDE OF ORLANDO Shhhhh… don’t tell Mickey or Minnie, but there is another side of Orlando that doesn’t include theme parks — one that is full of art and elegant cuisine. It’s the side of town for grown-ups.

STORY: TINA MORRISON PHOTOS: TINA MORRISON, PROVIDED BY KESSLER COLLECTION

A

long weekend in downtown Orlando is a classy, refreshing retreat that offers unexpected surprises.

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Known as the “City Beautiful” — and for good reason — the downtown area is filled with parks, green spaces, art galleries, world-class museums, and performing arts venues. Visitors will find a culturally diverse alternative to the “roller coaster, strip mall, chain

restaurant” vacation that, for the past several decades, has been the city’s main identity. In fact, a long weekend was hardly enough time — I saw only a fraction of all that downtown Orlando has to offer.

My first stop on my Orlando excursion was the CityArts Factory, the downtown’s largest collective of art galleries. Located in the Central Business District on Orange Avenue, CityArts is a not-for-profit organization that showcases the talents of local and international artists. Admission is free, but the organization relies heavily on donations and the sale of artwork to operate. The lively studio has a nice contrast between the exposed ductwork and the colorful pops of

Trip

THE BOHEME

THE GRAND BOHEMIAN POOL

art ranging from 3-D — crafted with everything from wood to steel — to Gothic oil paintings.

Nearby is the Orange County History Center at 65 E. Central Blvd. The History Center offers three floors of permanent exhibits exploring 12,000 years of Central Florida history. Learn about the pioneers who settled here to the origins of Disney World. Program manager Michael Perkins noted that nearly everything on display is donated. “Most everything is here because of kind donors — some private and some being other museums, and we are utterly thankful for all of it.” I spent nearly three hours exploring and could have easily spent six more. And for those who miss being down at the theme parks, the Universal Studios exhibit at the History Center is a great overview of Universal’s annual events.

Aside from its remarkable art scene, Orlando is also a gastronomical wonderland with many restaurant choices. However, I wanted to try the renowned and elegant Boheme Restaurant, located inside The Grand Bohemian Hotel where I would be spending the night. This restaurant is sexy. There is no other way to describe the stunning ambiance created by the deep red leather booths, crushed velvet drapery, and floor-to-ceiling wine cellar.

Chef Laurent Hollaender’s passion for creative cuisine is evident on his eclectic menu. I indulged in an exquisite Cambozola cheese-crusted filet with a roasted carrot and Yukon potato mash.

For dessert, I savored a very decadent Nutella molten lava cake.

Before heading to my room, I stopped briefly at the edgy Bösendorfer Lounge, where the centerpiece is an Imperial Grand Bösendorfer Piano — one of only two in the world. The piano produces a sound so intoxicating that a drink is hardly needed. It has been said there is

no sound quite like the Bösendorfer.

There is no refuting that The Grand Bohemian Hotel, located in the Central Business District, made my trip memorable. The marble floors, stunning artwork, and life-size statues lend to the Renaissance theme. The staff is inviting and works whole-heartedly to meet every guest’s needs. The rooms are equally impressive. The studded, deep emerald headboard, the pristine white duvet, the plush Berber carpet, the floor-to-ceiling windows with damask draperies — it was one of the most luxurious hotel rooms I’ve ever seen. A hotel this impeccably designed begs you to spend the night after a long day of sightseeing. Resistance is even more futile when you discover the world-class Poseidon Spa. With treatments ranging from a lavender, milk, and honey masque to a heated shell massage, you will most certainly be pampered to the point of falling asleep on the massage table.

With so many art, entertainment, and dining options, which can keep you up rather late, visitors should certainly plan to stay over to experience and rediscover downtown Orlando. Just don’t tell Mickey, Minnie, or Donald that they won’t be missed on your next excursion to the “City Beautiful.”

CITYARTS FACTORY

TIP BEYOND THE PARKS Check out these other Orlando must-see destinations: Downtown Historic Walking Tour: From October through May, take the opportunity to see Orlando’s historic buildings with local historic preservation expert Richard Forbes.

The walking tour begins at 9:30a.m. on the first Friday of each month at the Downtown Information Center (201 S. Orange Ave.) and ends at the Orange County History Center.

Orlando Museum of Art: Founded in 1924, OMA features works by artists John Singer Sargent, Thomas Moran, George Inness, Georgia O’Keeffe, Ansel Adams, and Suzanne McClelland. Don’t miss the Contemporary American Graphics Collection, considered one of the most comprehensive 20th-century contemporary print collections in Florida. The museum is located at 2416 N. Mills Ave. Mennello Museum of American Folk Art: Owned and operated by the City of Orlando, this museum’s treasure is the permanent collection of paintings by primitive artist Earl Cunningham (1893–1977). Located just north of downtown in Loch Haven Park, the Mennello also has a lakeside sculpture garden.

Orlando Farmers Market: Before heading home, be sure to visit the market, which is still growing after 25 years in the South Eola District.

The family and pet friendly market is open every Sunday from 10a.m. to 4p.m. at 500 E. Central Blvd.

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No need to travel through the woods to grandmothers house to experience an exceptional meal and beautiful views. Bring the whole family to enjoy an abundance of fresh selections and traditional holiday favorites at our Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch Buffet.

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HOT TOPICS November 1st @ 2:00 p.m.

MAGIC SHOW: Magician, Brian LaPalme, will entertain us again with his many tricks and illusions. Share the afternoon with us for his exciting performance.

November 7th @ 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

PACE - Believing in Girls Charity Raffl e Night Join us to help raise money for PACE Center for Girls who provide girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling and advocacy. Raffle tickets will be sold for the opportunity to win items donated by businesses and individuals in the Ocala community. The evening will include entertainment, light hors d’oeuvres, chocolate fountain and beverages. PLEASE join us to help this worthy cause!

November 14th @ 2 p.m.

VETERAN’S SEMINAR Learn how to qualify for the Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit from the Veterans Administration. You may be entitled to as much as $24,648 in Tax-Free money per year. This is valuable information for veterans, their spouses, and widows of veterans.

This is a presentation you will not want to miss. Refreshments will be served and raffle tickets given for a chance to win a door prize. Presented by Gary Marriage, Jr., Operation: Veteran Aid.

Space is limited. RSVP at 352.873.2036.

Reserve your seat TODAY! Personal tours available at each event.

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Let us help you get back in the game

Villages Rehab & Nursing Center The brand new and state of the art Villages Rehab and Nursing Center is now open and accepting seniors in need of a helping hand recovering from a recent hospital stay to quickly and thoroughly return to their previous active lifestyle.

We are proud to bring to the area pioneering concepts to make rehab a personalized and positive experience for the patient and their family.

Rehab & Nursing Center

For more information or to schedule a visit please call 352-430-0017

retina care improving

through research

In the ever-expanding field of retina care, vitreoretinal specialist and surgeon Dr. Shalesh Kaushal is excited that the Retina Specialty Institute continues to play a key role in furthering medical advances through its participation in clinical trials and giving patients access to the most advanced care.

A clinician scientist with a strong academic background, Dr. Kaushal takes great pride in being involved in cutting-edge clinical trials to treat many conditions of retinal disease. He earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Md., and his Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

His work as head of the retina division at the University of Florida in Gainseville has helped cultivate his passion for solving problems for both his patients and the scientific community. As result, he has earned a reputation as being a selfless visionary and compassionate practitioner.

As an avid researcher, Dr. Kaushal has participated in numerous clinical trials involving revolutionary breakthroughs in retina care such as gene therapy, stem cell treatment, and new drugs. And he is bringing these breakthroughs to Retina Specialty Institute’s Villages office, which is conveniently located in the Sharon Morse building Suite 532.

High on the list of innovations is the use of stem cells. “There are many types of stem cells, but there are two basic kinds that we look at. There are cells that can rejuvenate tissue and then there are types that can actually regenerate and replace cells that are lost through normal wear and tear, injury, or disease,” says Dr. Kaushal.

“We want to bring those types of trials to The Villages.”

The Retina Specialty Institute is also highly involved in researching the use of nutraceuticals to treat a variety of visionthreatening diseases, especially within his field of specialty: inherited retinal and macular diseases like retinitis pigmentosa

(RP) and Stargardt disease as well as age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). “Instead of patients receiving injections to treat dry macular degeneration, we are hoping to find oral medications to mediate the disease,” he says. “We’re bringing exciting research to Central Florida.”

As a FDA-approved clinical trial study center, Retina Specialty Institute is known widely among major pharmaceutical companies, peers, and patients for delivering continual peak performance. The goal is to use the research to provide patients with better results while being less intrusive.

Aside from his contributions and active involvement in clinical research, Dr. Kaushal carries a real passion for charity — as proven by his many diligent hours caring for and treating underserved populations in local communities as well as abroad.

Dr. Kaushal also enjoys the sacred relationship between doctor and patient and makes it a point to communicate in a way that is both clear and understandable. He considers it a great honor to provide quality patient care that not only restores sight and improves vision but also increases quality of life.

The surgeons of Retina Specialty Institute are lending shape to the unknown, forging the next generation of knowledge and technology that help preserve the gift of sight from retina diseases like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Experience visionary retina care. Preserving. Treating. Advancing Now accepting patients at The Villages.

Call today for an appointment at 850.529.7077

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The Educational Foundation of Lake County serves as the connection between our community and public education, evaluating needs and securing resources to enhance the quality of education.

For information on how you can join our efforts please call 352-326-1265 or visit www.edfoundationlake.com

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With the Chamber Alliance: Astor, East Lake, Eustis, Lady Lake, Mount Dora, South Lake, Tavares, Umatilla

ThankYou for Another Wonderfully Successful Business EXPO

“Couldn’t do it without all of our vendors - Thank You.” Thank you to Lake-Sumter State College for Hosting Style Magazine Daily Commercial Leesburg Regional Medical Center

Cutrale Citrus Juices USA, Inc. Hampton Inn Lake County Economic Development & Tourism Department

Thank you Hometown Health TV for videotaping the event VIP Sponsors: City of Leesburg; Classic Tents & Events, LLC; Downtown Leesburg Business Association; EGP, Inc.; Ford Press; Leesburg Center for the Arts; Leesburg Partnership; Leesburg Self Storage; xclntdesign

At one time, the turkey and the bald eagle were each considered to become the national symbol of America.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO HAVE THIS DELICIOUS BIRD ON THE MENU FOR THANKSGIVING, READ HOW TO DEEP-FRY IT ON PAGE 96.

eats

DID YOU KNOW?

IN THE KITCHEN SALUTÉ FORK ON THE ROAD DINING GUIDE

96 100 102 104

November August 20 13 20I13 I 2 95

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

TALKING (FRIED) TURKEY If the prospect of choking down tasteless, dried-out turkey for Thanksgiving makes you want to protest, give your oven the pink slip this year and invest in a deep fryer.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

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hate dry turkey. It’s tough. It’s stringy. It’s bland. And no matter how many globs of gravy you slather on it, that cardboard carved-up bird is still as dry as a bone in the middle of the Sahara Desert.

For years I have heard people rave about deep-fried turkey, and I thought to myself, “They’ll deep fry just about anything in the South.” But I also thought I wanted to — no — I needed to try it.

If there was even a sliver of a chance I could savor moist, flavorful turkey, I was going to look for it. And thank goodness, I found it popping and sizzling in a stainless steel fryer behind Carroll Jaskulski’s Mount Dora home.

Carroll calls himself a “confident amateur” when it comes to his skills in the kitchen. His love of food stems from his childhood. Growing up with a Sicilian mother meant food was synonymous with love and family.

Moreover, she showed him how to be safe around the kitchen. As a young boy in the Boy Scouts, Carroll learned the intricacies of cooking over an open flame.

When he found himself a single parent to his children, he refused to be a “drivethru dad,” opting instead to prepare fresh, well-balanced meals.

For Thanksgiving, Carroll explains it has been family tradition to always have two birds: a large one roasted the traditional way and a smaller one cooked with a theme in mind (Cuban-style and Jamaican jerk-infused turkeys have been favorites of the past). However, one year, Carroll’s son Chris, who has been frying turkeys since his college days, suggested having fried turkey as an option. And from the very first bite, Carroll was hooked.

“I love food anyway so this is just one more item in my repertoire,” he says. “So many people complain about turkey being dry, but frying it keeps it moist on the inside with a nice crunch on the outside.

Plus, it’s a fun process.”

While waiting to drop the turkey into a five-gallon abyss of searing peanut and canola oil, Carroll shared a few tips about preparing a turkey for frying.

1. If you want to draw out the natural flavors of your turkey while keeping it super moist, brine it. Carroll suggests soaking it in the solution for about an hour per pound. While he also likes to inject marinades into turkeys, Carroll explains it’s much harder to keep the taste consistent. “Sometimes you end up with pockets of intense flavor,” he says.

2. Make sure your turkey is patted dry before you submerge it in the oil. Water and oil don’t mix and can result in lots of popping — and possibly a fiery mess.

3. Give the turkey a light spray with olive oil and season your turkey to taste. Carroll chose a bit of coarse kosher salt, onion powder, and ground black pepper.

4. If you love turkey wings, cut off the wings before frying the entire turkey. “My son and I love the wings, but because they are less meaty they are almost inedible when you fry them with the whole turkey,” Carroll says. “So we cook them separately by themselves.” In fact, Carroll loves wings so much, he buys extra to fry.

When the wings are done, he paints them with either a homemade barbecue sauce or buffalo sauce.

5. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature: between 350 and 375 degrees. And slowly lower your turkey into the oil. Just dropping it in can cause the oil to bubble over, which is extremely dangerous.

THE VERDICT I felt like one of Pavlov’s dogs as I watched the turkey transform into deep-fried excellence. And while the nearly hour wait seemed torturous, the end result made it all worth it. The turkey was succulent, full of flavor, and perfectly palatable without the need for gravy. However, the giblet gravy Carroll prepared was too heavenly to pass up.

As much as I thought the hype surrounding deep-fried turkey was possibly exaggerated, I now understand why so many people swear by it and won’t even touch an oven-roasted turkey for Thanksgiving. If it wasn’t for my fear of burning down my house (and everything within in a five-mile radius), I would attempt to fry a bird myself this year. However, if you are braver and less accident prone than I am, here is a foolproof recipe for deep-fried turkey you can try with your family this year.

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EATS // in the kitchen Out off the frying f y gp pan and onto the page p g

DEEP-FRIED TURKEY INGREDIENTS: 1 (13- to 14-pound) fresh turkey, with giblets removed 1 1/2 gallons water 1 gallon apple cider vinegar 3 large onions, sliced 12 garlic cloves, chopped 6 whole bay leaves 2 cups dark brown sugar 1 1/2 cups kosher salt DIRECTIONS: • Place the water, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, and brown sugar into a container large enough to hold the turkey and brine. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.

Add chopped garlic, onions, and bay leaves to mixture. Gently lower the turkey into the container. If necessary, weigh down the bird to ensure that it is fully immersed in the brine. Cover and set in a cool dry place for 8 to 14 hours.

• Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse, and pat dry. Place the turkey onto the fry pot stand, breast end down and legs facing up.

Allow the turkey to reach room temperature 30 minutes before frying. Invert the wing tips and tuck them in tightly to prevent burning, or remove the wings and fry separately.

• Place five gallons of peanut oil into a 30-quart turkey fryer and set over high heat on an outside propane burner with a sturdy structure. Using a candy thermometer to check the temperature, heat the oil to 375 degrees. Once the temperature has reached 375 degrees, slowly lower the bird into the fryer. Keep the oil temperature between 350 to 375 degrees. After 35 minutes, check the temperature of the turkey using a meat thermometer. Once the breast reaches 150 degrees, gently remove the turkey from the oil and allow to rest for 30 minutes. Carve as desired and serve.

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NOW THAT THE TURKEY IS READY, HERE ARE SOME SIDES.

SOUTHERN BROCCOLI SLAW

MAPLE PECAN SWEET POTATOES

Recipe courtesy of Carroll Jaskulski

Recipe courtesy of Carroll Jaskulski

INGREDIENTS: 2 (12-oz.) bags broccoli slaw 1/4 cup dark brown sugar 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup canola oil 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 cup dried cranberries 1 cup golden raisins

INGREDIENTS: 4 sweet potatoes 2 sticks of unsalted butter, softened 1 cup chopped pecans 1/4 cup maple syrup 6 drops pecan extract A dash of salt

DIRECTIONS: • Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

DIRECTIONS: • Mix butter, pecans, syrup, extract, and salt in a bowl. Bake potatoes at 375 degrees for one hour. Slice open potatoes, top with butter, and serve.

FIVE TIPS FOR FRYING TURKEY SAFELY

1. Stay away from the house – Set up the fryer more than 10 feet away from your home and keep children and pets away. Never leave it unattended.

2. Find flat ground – The oil must be even and steady at all times to ensure safety.

Make sure to place the fryer on a flat, level surface and carefully gauge the amount of oil needed.

3. Use a thawed, dry turkey – Extra water will cause the oil to bubble furiously and spill over. If oil spills from the fryer onto the burner, it can cause a fire.

4. Monitor the temperature – Use caution when touching the turkey fryer.

The lid and handle can become very hot and could cause burns. Also, be sure to keep track of the oil’s temperature as many fryers do not have their own thermostats.

5. Be prepared – Have a fire extinguisher (multipurpose, dry-powder) ready at all times in the event that the oil ignites.

SOURCE: www.pbs.org/food/features/five-safety-tips-for-deep-frying-turkey/

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EATS // saluté A worldly look at wine

WINE LOVERS’

TCHOTCHKE Are you looking for a clever hostess gift? Have you found a present yet for that hard-to-buy-for wine lover? Hark! Now is a perfect time to find winerelated accessories as the holiday entertaining season gets underway.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

S

tores are stocked with items that wine geeks everywhere will love — at least for the first few bottles.

Many of those what-youthought-were-clever wine tchotchkes often wind up in the spring garage sales.

Some wine accessories, however, are quite useful.

Here are a few of my personal favorites, as well as some new items that are on my list to Santa.

CHILL OUT: THE CORKCICLE If you love stories about old-fashioned American

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ingenuity and kids inventing things in their garages, then the Corkcicle story is for you. Ben Hewitt, a young Orlando entrepreneur, hated dealing with ice buckets to keep wine chilled. In November 2011, he began tinkering with prototypes of the Corkcicle, a BPA-free plastic rod containing a non-toxic thermal gel that maintains the proper temperature for opened bottles of wine. He asked two friends to join him: Stephen Bruner, who came up with the name, and Eric Miller, who took the company international

within three months. Less than a year after the product was launched, Corkcicle was named “Best New Company” at the 2012 American Business Awards in New York.

Does it work? You bet.

I was an early believer in the stick that resembles an icicle with a cork on top.

It maintains the proper temperature for already chilled whites and cools down reds that are usually a little too warm if they’ve been sitting on the counter.

Corkcicles retail for about $24.95.

Corkers were more popular than the bottles of wine I gave with them. Orders can be placed online at thecorker.com, but a few specialty shops also stock them. Prices range from $10 to $20, depending on styles.

Photos: corkcicle.com/media/media-kit/, www.thecorker.com; winediaper.com/what-is-wine-diaper.html

ALL-TIME FAVORITE GIFT IDEA: THE CORKER Several years ago, I bought my first Corker at the annual Mount Dora Craft Fair.

The attractive handmade corks caught my eye, but I hardly believed owner Fred Albrecht’s claims that liquids would not leak, especially from bottles laid on their sides. The artwork is stunning with inset medallions crafted in various art media on the handles.

And the best part: Albrecht’s claims were true. The Corker worked beautifully with not only wine but also vinegars and oils. The nonporous Portuguese corks are tapered to create a leak-proof seal.

The second time I found Corkers at an art festival, I bought several to give at Christmas. I believe the

CRADLE IT GENTLY: THE WINEDIAPER™ When someone gave me a WineDiaper™, I truly thought it was a joke. I even laughed nervously when I packed a 12-year-old bottle of Bordeaux to bring home

from France. All I had to lose was a suitcase full of dirty laundry, so I placed the bottle inside the wellpadded bag and hoped the wine would survive the luggage-tossing escapades of Air France baggage handlers.

My Bordeaux arrived safely and my WineDiaper™ has been reused several times since. The WineDiaper™ not only protects a bottle from breakage, but it also contains an absorbent material to soak up any spills if the bottle does break. Many wine merchants, Amazon.com, and even airport shops sell the WineDiaper™ and other similar products. Prices begin at $15 for a set of three.

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IT: VACUVIN® WINE SAVER More often than not, my husband and I will have only one glass of wine with dinner. I always had a tinge of anxiety about leaving a half bottle of good wine for a day or two later. Rarely did the wine taste the same. My VacuVin® Wine Saver has

prevented more bottles of wine from going down the drain than I can count. My first wine pump was a plastic gadget that didn’t work, so I was skeptical about buying another one. A friend recommended the VacuVin® so we bought the lower price model for $10.95. The pump extracts air from an opened bottle and reseals it with a reusable rubber stopper. The VacuVin® Wine Saver’s newer models feature a “click” sound to let you know when to stop pumping. Stainless steel models are also available for about $30. Although the manufacturer says it keeps wine fresh for 14 days, many wine reviewers disagree. I have kept my own pumped wine only two or three days without a loss of flavor; after that, it’s time to open a new bottle.

BEST SELLING WINE ACCESSORIES LOCALLY Kelly Davant, one-third of the mother-and-daughters team for Kaydee Kay Gourmet Kitchen Products in Mount Dora, says the Govino® polymer cups continue to be the store’s hottest selling wine-related accessory. “They look like elegant glassware but are shatterproof and very affordable,” says Kelly. “They are perfect for tailgating, picnics, and poolside.”

She expects the new stainless steel Corkcicle.ONE will be popular this holiday season, especially since it now has a pour-through feature and aerator attached. In addition, she recommends new silicon bottle stoppers by French design company Charles Viancin as great stocking stuffers at only $2 each. “We can’t keep those in stock,” says Kelly. “We hope to have the new snowflake design available for the holidays.”

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 2013 Florida Magazine Association Bronze Award for Best Department and a 2012 Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Award for Commentary.

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EATS // fork on the road Tasty insights and observations

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P R E M I U M

POR K

T WESTON’S SMOKEHOUSE If you love tender ribs, tasty beef brisket, and juicy pulled pork, T Weston’s Smokehouse on the fringe of downtown Wildwood is proving to be the place for those looking for barbecue with some extra oomph.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ + SHEMIR WILES

H

eading east on Main Street in Wildwood, I felt the pangs of hunger and a hankering for something unique yet satisfying. Set just slightly off the road, T Weston’s Smokehouse — with its name emblazoned across the side of the brick red building — immediately caught my attention. And I knew right then it was time to stop and enjoy some barbecue.

T Weston’s is the new kid on block; it’s only been open for six months. But don’t let its infancy speak to its quality, especially since co-owner and pit-master/ chef Tracy Smith has years of barbecuing experience under his belt. And with his wife and co-owner Aileen Smith managing the business side of the venture, this Wildwood couple knows for a fact T Weston’s is destined to become a local favorite.

Tracy’s background is

in culinary arts, but he got away from it about 10 years ago while living the rock ‘n roll lifestyle in California as a guitarist. Burned out and ready for a change, Tracy moved to Wildwood and started his own landscaping business. To draw in new customers, he used his passion for barbecue.

“I would take my smoker and do demonstrations while passing out business cards,” he says. “They would always turn into block parties where people would show up just for the barbecue.”

Soon, Tracy dreamed of owning a restaurant, but he only wanted to open one if he could own the building that would house it. Luckily, the building at 1210 N. Main St., which used to be home to Buddy’s BBQ, became available for purchase, so the Smiths jumped at the opportunity.

After performing a complete

overhaul on the property, T Weston’s opened in February. In the meantime, both Tracy and Aileen became heavily involved with the Florida Barbecue Association as judges and competitors. “Now, I’m in competition every day,” says Tracy.

What makes T Weston’s stand out above other barbecue restaurants is the competition-style attention given to the food. Tracy explains that all the love and care he gives to his meats and sauces during competition he brings to the restaurant. That was apparent in the first dish I tried — the barbecue appetizer sampler. Typically chef’s choice, the platter on this day consisted of a St. Louisstyle rib, smoked beef brisket, and a pulled pork slider.

The quality of the brisket was exceptional, perhaps because the Smiths use Wagyu beef, which is known for its

marbling characteristics. The St. Louis-style rib was fall-offthe-bone tender and seasoned generously with a flavorful dry rub, and the pulled pork melted in my mouth.

Next, Tracy brought out the T Weston’s Big Burger.

At first, it just seemed like an ordinary charbroiled Angus beef burger topped with applewood-smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onions.

However, what made the burger unusually delectable is the addition of T Weston’s pulled pork and a fried egg.

I couldn’t wrangle it with two hands and it was almost too tall to fit in my mouth.

Nevertheless, this burger was certainly enjoyable. Both the egg and pulled pork added more complexity to what could have been just a typical restaurant burger. Crunchy and well-seasoned french fries were also a pleasant surprise. This particular dish made a huge impression

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on me, and I would say it’s a must-try for anyone who visits T Weston’s.

For his finale, Tracy demonstrated his Southern California influence by letting me try one of the restaurant’s biggest sellers: the Santa Maria-style tri-tip steak. Originally a California cut, this steak has become increasingly popular because it’s great for grilling and is quite affordable compared to other equally delicious but high-priced steaks like ribeye. Mesquite smoked and hand carved in the kitchen, the flavorful steak was very tender yet had very little fat. The steak was served with white pepper mashed potatoes, which were creamy and piquant, and a fresh seasonal vegetable.

As for T Weston’s ambiance, it is hard to miss the assortment of artwork on the walls. Both Tracy and Aileen make an effort to feature local artists. In addition, Aileen explained

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that while designing the restaurant she wanted it to feel casual enough for lunch but still exude fine dining for dinner.

“I wanted something warm and welcoming but also upper class. We have red cedar at the bar and installed wood flooring and booths that match the cedar color,” she says. “Then we brought in a bit of Sumter in the artwork that features oak trees and railroad tracks.”

Overall, T Weston’s certainly adds a bit of refinement to the local barbecue scene. The excellent food and great customer service guarantee this restaurant will become a true fixture in Wildwood.

“This afternoon we were running errands and we saw that we had time to finally eat here. This place has been recommended to us twice,” says Bev. John adds, “I’m 100 percent Italian, so when it comes to food I’m very fussy. This place is nice and clean. It’s nicely set up. The food is great.

I am very impressed.”

POPULAR DISHES LUNCH Barbecue sampler appetizer: $8 Pulled pork sandwich: $8 Santa Maria-style black Angus tri-tip sandwich: $12 Baby back ribs: $15 DINNER Smokehouse wings: $6 T Weston’s Big Burger: $12 Full rack of St. Louis-style ribs: $27 Smoked prime rib: $24 DESSERT Aileen’s homemade apple pie al a mode: $7 Tres leches cake: $4 ADDRESS: 1210 N. Main St., Wildwood, FL 34785 PHONE: 352.748.9378 HOURS OF OPERATION: Tuesday–Thursday,11a.m.–8p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11a.m.–9p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday.

— BEV AND JOHN ROVELLI, THE VILLAGES

SEE HOW T WESTON’S IS SMOKING THE COMPETITION IN THIS MONTH’S EPISODE OF Tune in every Saturday at 6p.m. on Bright House channel 49, Saturday and Sunday at 6p.m. on Comcast channel 20, or visit our website at lakeandsumterstyle.com

.com

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

MEDICARE AND MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED

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

1585 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite B, The Villages tricountypodiatry.net // 352.259.1919

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.

“ They make you feel like an individual as opposed to just another number. I have been going there for four years, and the staff certainly sets a high standard for superior health care. It’s a family atmosphere, and they take the time to know me beyond my medical condition. They are also very efficient with follow-up appointments.”

— Paige Booth

EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

T WESTON’S SMOKEHOUSE 1210 N. MAIN STREET, WILDWOOD // 352.748.9378 A dining experience at T Weston’s Smokehouse in Wildwood will definitely get your taste buds smoking! Owners Tracy and Aileen Smith go above and beyond to ensure guests enjoy a wonderful dining experience and delicious food. The lunch menu, designed to cater to the working class, features an assortment of sandwiches (pulled pork, pulled chicken, and smoked chicken salad, etc.), burgers (bacon cheeseburger, green chili and jack cheese burger, etc.), lunch entrees (smoked chicken, St. Louis-style ribs, etc.), and salad. At dinnertime, the Smiths dim the lights to offer a fine dining experience. The dinner menu includes wonderful selections such as filet mignon, smoked prime rib, a brisket dinner, and St.Louis-style ribs. All meats are smoked over two types of wood — pecan and blackjack oak. The restaurant offers catering, as well as a takeout window for those on the go.

DINE IN • TAKE OUT • DELIVERY • CATERING HOURS OF OPERATION: TUESDAY–THURSDAY: 11A.M.–8P.M. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY: 11A.M.–9P.M. CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY

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. Vinnie’s recently won “2013 Medium Business of the Year”and is famous for outstanding food and even better service! They also have been voted BEST WINGS in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013. Additional menu items offered are killer ½ lb. burgers, personal pan pizzas, amazing ribeye cheese steaks, healthy wheat wraps, homemade salads, 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! Every Saturday watch your favorite college team while enjoying $1.50 domestic draft beers all day and night. On Sundays they offer “The Sunday NFL Ticket,” catch any game… any time! Cousin Vinnie’s also offers weekly specials, free Wi-Fi, great music, and an enthusiastic staff ready to exceed your expectations. “I absolutely look forward to serving you and your family very soon!” says owner Cousin Vinnie.

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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We cook. You eat.

SER VES 20

PEO PLE

PLUS:

6LB Honey y Baked Virginia Ham

$4295

SERVES 16 -20 PEOPLE

155LB Prime Rib

$15995

SERVES 15 -20 PEOPLE

Thanksgiving day hours Choose to DINE-IN with us from 11am to 9pm or Take the feast TO GO from 9am to 9pm Let us provide free round-trip transportation for you and your group of 30 or more guests. Our 49-passenger bus is available for Sunday Brunch or any evening meal at the Embers.

US HWY 441 Leesburg 352.728.8989 | vicsembers.com

EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

BONIFAY COUNTRY CLUB 1033 PINELLAS PLACE, THE VILLAGES 352.205.7455 // WWW.BONIFAYCOUNTRYCLUB.COM Bonifay Country Club is a casual, fine dining restaurant that infuses Florida-inspired cuisine with the relaxing and open atmosphere of a beach getaway. Our eclectic menu, with a focus on fresh, clean, and local products, is filled with delicious fare and handcrafted cocktails that will be sure to delight the palate, while staying reasonably priced. The interior design is fun and vibrant, with pastel colors, bright canopies, and light fixtures in the restaurant and outside bar will delight your senses and appetite. Whether coming off the beautiful, Ken Ezell-designed golf course or stopping by before a night on the town square, Bonifay Country Club is the right choice.

HOURS OF OPERATION: SUNDAY – THURSDAY: 7:30A.M.–9P.M. FRIDAY – SATURDAY: 7:30A.M.–10P.M. BREAKFAST: EVERY DAY 7:30A.M.–11A.M. HAPPY HOUR: EVERY DAY 11A.M.–5P.M.

BAMBOO BISTRO 700 NORTH HWY. 441 (IN FRONT OF TARGET), LADY LAKE // 352.750.9998 The Villages Bamboo Bistro welcomes you to experience a delightful dining experience with us. Enjoy an impressive selection of Asian dishes from China, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, as well as a full sushi bar. Some of the more popular items include Peking duck, pepper seared filet mignon, the bamboo basil seafood delight, and the Chilean sea bass served in black bean sauce. Of course, there are plenty of other enticing items made with our freshest ingredients, such as the shrimp in lobster sauce, Mongolian beef, and the ever-popular General Tso’s chicken. Noodle soups and noodle dishes are also available; a variety of Asian beers and the extensive selection of wine will complement that perfect meal. Dim Sum Hours: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday Noon–9 p.m.

HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–THURSDAY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY SUNDAY

11A.M.–9:30P.M. 11A.M.–10P.M. NOON–9P.M.

JB BOONDOCKS 704 S. LAKESHORE BLVD., HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS 352.324.3600 • WWW.JBBOONDOCKS.COM JB Boondocks is tucked away in a picturesque setting on Little Lake Harris in Howey-in-the-Hills. JB Boondocks is accessible by land, sea, and air via car, motorcycle, boat, or seaplane. With a full bar and a huge outdoor deck overlooking the lake, JB Boondocks makes for the ultimate setting to relax and unwind. The menu offers fresh seafood, steaks, chops, classic Italian dishes, tasty sandwiches, salads, sinfully sweet desserts, and much more. Each Friday night is our famous fish fry, Wednesday night features prime rib and Thursday night is Ladies’ Night. Cocktails from the bar are festive and we have a great selection of beer and wine, as well. Situated on five acres on the lake, JB Boondocks is the perfect place for your car, motorcycle, boat, or seaplane club to gather. We have plenty of dock space and parking to accommodate all your needs.

JB BOONDOCKS IS OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY 11A.M.–4P.M., TUESDAY–THURSDAY 11A.M.–9P.M. FRIDAY 11A.M.–10P.M., SATURDAY 11A.M.–10P.M., SUNDAY NOON–8P.M.

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February

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

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.

TOOJAY’S GOURMET DELI LAKE SUMTER LANDING, 1129 CANAL STREET, THE VILLAGES // 352.430.0410 VILLAGE OF SPANISH SPRINGS, 990 DELMAR DRIVE, THE VILLAGES // 352.753.3510 Starting to think about your Thanksgiving plans? Why not leave the preparation to us. Our Deluxe Carved and Decorated Turkey can be ordered alone, or complete with candied yams, cranberry sauce, cornbread stuffing, and rich giblet gravy. Add to it Glazed Carrots and Green Beans Almondine and you’ve got the perfect holiday meal to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. We also feature a full line of holiday desserts from Pecan Pie to our signature Pumpkin Cheesecake. This year, give TooJay’s a call—then sit back, relax, and enjoy time with family and friends.

TOOJAY’S IS OPEN UNTIL 3P.M. THANKSGIVING DAY. BRUNCH SERVED FROM 8A.M.–NOON. FULL LUNCH AND DINNER MENU SERVED FROM NOON–3P.M. DINE-IN • TAKE OUT • ARRANGE FOR PARTY PLATTER CATERING HOURS OF OPERATION: OPEN DAILY FROM 8A.M. – 9P.M.

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

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Dr. Nijher is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who will be discussing many of the newest advances in Plastic Surgery ranging from minimally invasive options for rejuvenation to full surgical procedures. He will also be dispelling many of the common myths regarding Plastic Surgery so that those attending the seminar can make an educated decision about which options may benefit them most.

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Giving

is always in season.

Please join us in support of Toys for Tots Our branch offices will be a drop-off location for helping needy children in our area. You can help by bringing in a new, unwrapped toy to one of our branch locations during regular business hours.

Donations will be accepted from now until December 10th.

No cash or cash equivalents are accepted.

EUSTIS

Thank you for joining us in support of this important need. Together as a community, we can make a difference. If you would like more information, please call.

LEESBURG

MOUNT DORA

Eric Blamick

Jeananne Niemann

Financial Advisor 352.357.2204

Financial Advisor 352.787.7782

www.edwardjones.com

MOUNT DORA

Rebecca Sargent Financial Advisor 352.357.2282

John Stewart Financial Advisor 352.383.4539

Member SIPC

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