Style Magazine, December 2014

December

2014

From helping to pioneer innovations in small-incision, no-stitch cataract surgery and implant technology to being the area’s first accredited outpatient surgery center for eyes. Mid Florida Eye Center is consistently at the forefront of eye care.

Our physicians––who are all fellowshiptrained––are known for many firsts of their own. For this reason, they’re regularly sought after to lead training and research.

We’re proud of these accomplishments,

Ray D.

Ma , MD Maizel

Gregory J.

Panzo, MD

but we’re most proud of what we do to put our patients first. We continue to participate in numerous clinical trials so we can provide our patients with the latest in eye care. Our doctors and staff are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients. And although we’ve performed over 150,000 cataract and laser procedures, we still get excited over each patient’s success as if it were our first.

Jeffrey D.

Baumann, MD

Stacia H.

Goldey, MD, FACS

Keith eith C.

Charles, MD

Shawn C.

Wilker, MD

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Call 888.820.7878 or 352.735.2020

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Mid Florida Eye Center The Villages/Santa Fe Crossing 8630 E. CR 466, Suite A

FULLY ACCREDITED BY THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY (ACR) IN CT, MR, PET/CT, AND ULTRASOUND

Technology provides the most precise images, but experience provides the answers.

At the Florida Hospital Waterman Center for Medical Imaging, board certified radiologists and skilled technologists have the training and experience needed to provide you with the answers you need. We offer some of the most advanced imaging services in Lake County with a focus on personalized care and convenience. To schedule an appointment, or for more information about the services provided, call (352) 253-6363.

• • • • • •

PET/CT HIGH RESOLUTION CT/CTA MRI/MRA BONE DENSITY X-RAY 4D ULTRASOUND

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QUALITY CARE

IS OUR WAY

Santa Fe Professional Center, 8564 East CR 466, The Villages, FL 32162

Call 352.561.4943

S

ince its humble beginnings, Santa Fe Surgery Center has developed a reputation for providing first-class surgical services in a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment. Because no more than two surgeries are ever performed simultaneously, the staff can devote more time and attention to patients and their families.

SERVICES INCLUDE • General surgery • Podiatric surgery • Minimally invasive neurosurgery • Laser cataract surgery • Corneal transplantation • Oculoplastic surgery • General ophthalmology • Interventional pain management

________

DOCTOR SPOTLIGHT DR. SEABORN M. HUNT III does a little bit of everything at Santa Fe Surgical Center — from basic and advanced lens implants to laser glaucoma surgery and eyelid malposition surgery. He has the latest technology at his fingertips, including the Alcon LenSx laser, which allows bladeless laser cataract surgery to be performed with pinpoint precision and perfectly clean cuts.

“Having procedures performed at Santa Fe Surgical Center is beneficial to patients,” he says. “Patients pay less and spend less time here than they would at a hospital, and the entire facility operates very efficiently.”

Dr. Hunt opened his Ocala-based opthalmology practice in 2001. He also serves as a surgical consultant and cataract surgeon with Lange Eye Care.

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CALL 352.350.1161 VISIT TBFinancialGroup.com 3261 U.S. HIGHWAY 441/27, SUITE F-2 FRUITLAND PARK, FL 34731

cont December

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Featuring

38 PICTURE PERFECTION

Photography has the remarkable ability to tell stories that couldn’t be told any other way, lending credence to the adage “a picture is worth a thousand words.” From interesting people to amazing events and places, Lake and Sumter Style presents the best photos from 2014.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES AND GARY CORSAIR

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CONTEST PHOTOS To celebrate the power of photography, we asked local shutterbugs to show us their stuff in our inagural photo contest. The submissions were amazing; however, we had to vote for the photos that best represented the people, places and events of Lake and Sumter counties. And the 2014 winners are …

STORY: GARY CORSAIR

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A MERRY CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Don’t they say it’s better to give than to receive?

But sometimes it’s hard to figure out what exactly to give. So, let us help. Our holiday gift guide is full of great ideas sure to produce a few smiles on Christmas morning.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES

LAKE&SUMTER EDITION On the cover DIRECTION: STEVE CODRARO PHOTO: MATTHEW GAULIN PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK

VILLAGES EDITION On the cover ICE DIRECTION: JAMIE MARK PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK MODELS: RALPH AND DIANA OLIVER December Dec D De ecem ember emb eerr 20 201 14 4

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tents 9 98

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Departments 14

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EDITOR’S COLUMN

ON THE SCENE

17 FROM THE PUBLISHER

21 FIRST THINGS FIRST 22 #TRENDING For a quick laugh, check out staff writer James Combs’ Hit List, plus more.

26 PERSON OF INTEREST Some people are born to lead, and Freddy Williams of the Boys & Girls Club of Lake and Sumter Counties is a perfect example.

70 THE TO-DO LIST ‘Tis the season for holiday events in December, plus Sumter County’s own Jerico shares why they keep locals jamming to the rock classics.

74 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT Watch history come alive War whoops, cannon fire and flintlock muskets will set the stage for the Dade’s Battle Reenactment at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park in Bushnell.

Story: James Combs

76 OUT+ABOUT Decorating a Diamond Take a short holiday trip to Stetson Mansion in DeLand.

It’s set to sparkle during its increasingly popular Christmas Spectacular.

Story: Mary Ann DeSantis 78 HI, SOCIETY! Highlights from A Fetching Affair Gala, Vac-tron’s 20th anniversary and more.

76 90

28 OUTSTANDING STUDENT Leesburg High School graduate Ja’Quan Floyd has so much talent he’s bound to see his name in lights.

26

91 EATS! 92 IN THE KITCHEN The gift of gourmet Sometimes it’s hard to shop for the “chef” in your life.

Well, we’ve just made it easier.

Story: Shemir Wiles 96 SALUTÉ Grabbing attention with labels Unique wine labels make it fun to shop outside the box and discover new wines.

Story: Mary Ann DeSantis 98 FORK ON THE ROAD 1884 Restaurand and Bar This new Eustis eatery mixes an old Western-impared atmosphere with delectable modern fare.

Story: James Combs 112 FINAL THOUGHT C’est si bone Winning nasty political races seems to be the norm: it was nice to see Bob Bone keep it clean.

Story: Gary Corsair

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‘‘I feel your pain.

“That’s why I’ve developed a proprietary approach to knee joint problems that involves an integrated combination of minimally invasive surgical procedures, pharmaceutical intervention and pain management. This results in faster healing times, fewer complications and less pain.”

— Donald Perry MD

Specializing in joint reconstruction and sports medicine

2051 Mayo Drive Tavares, FL 32778 352.343.2171 rpocenter.com

Editor’s column

BIG PLANS FOR THE NEW YEAR Here in Magazineland, we don’t make New Year’s resolutions; we make editorial budgets.

Not dollars-and-cents budgets (although we do that, too), but a list, or planner of stories we want to pursue in 2015.

I’m not sure who coined the term “editorial budget,” probably some crusty old coot with ink running through his veins, but “budget” fits. Newspapers and magazines have limited space (depending on how much advertising is sold), so publishers and editors choose carefully the content they’ll fill the space with.

Our management team recently met to determine our 2015 editorial budget, and I’m happy to say we won’t be cutting corners next year. Each issue will be thought-provoking and entertaining.

And Style will promote reflection about profound issues that affect us, including topics that may initially make us uncomfortable.

Our goal is to accurately reflect what’s happening, and about to happen, in Lake and Sumter counties. But we’ll go deeper than that. Much deeper. We want to examine who we are, what we believe, what issues we need to resolve to make this an even better place to live.

We can’t do that without you. We need to know what you’re experiencing, what you think, what you want.

For example, we want to know:

politicians, someone special who recently moved to Lake and/or Sumter County, etc.

• The names of people who are 100 years old • Why you believe your town or city is the best place to live

• What do you believe in? Where do you place your faith?

• If you spent time at the Home for Boys in Marianna

• If you’re about to get married

• The best local band

• If you’ve been married for five years ... or 50 years

• What topics we should talk about as a society, but don’t

• Who sells the best barbecue?

As you can see, we plan to cover a lot of ground. I hope you’ll help us. Please email me today if you have thoughts about any of the subjects mentioned in this column.

I not only want to know, I need to know.

Because truth is always in Style.

• Who makes the best barbecue but doesn’t have a restaurant?

• What local food or recipes became national brands • The best place to have a picnic • Who are the most powerful and/or respected women in Lake and Sumter counties?

• The names of any women who are succeeding in a non-traditional role • Who are truly men of character in our community?

• Who is the most interesting man in Lake County? The most interesting woman?

• About new businesses, new fads, new medical treatments, new bands, new products, new religions, new

• Has the level of your lake/pond/river dropped significantly?

.com

• The most dangerous roads and intersections • The names of people who help the homeless

• Why is your place of employment a great place to work?

I lakeandsumter

• If you’ve been homeless, or a victim of human trafficking or domestic violence

• Special nurses

• Do you believe in God? Why? Why not?

14

• Have you had any interesting encounters in the Ocala National Forest?

Gary Corsair

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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, P.O. Box 490088 Leesburg, FL 34749.

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

Digitize your life.

Visit the Apple or Android app store today and download the Lake & Sumter Style and Healthy Living online magazine apps for your mobile device.

For the best in enhanced magazine entertainment, join us online for the media experience of a lifetime.

SHOW YOUR LOVE. Become a fan of Lake & Sumter Style or Healthy Living by signing up on our Facebook page, following us on Twitter (@GetStyleMag or @GetHLMag) or visiting our YouTube channel.

Merry Christmas Akers Media

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.

Catch our blog!

No need to wait for next month’s magazine. Keep abreast of what’s happening through the eyes of Executive Editor Gary Corsair.

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From the publisher

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

Sabrina Ciceri ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER sabrina@akersmediagroup.com

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

Shemir Wiles Josh Clark SENIOR STAFF WRITER SENIOR DESIGNER/ADVERTISING shemir@akersmediagroup.com josh@akersmediagroup.com

James Combs Anthony Casto STAFF WRITER SENIOR DESIGNER/EDITORIAL james@akersmediagroup.com anthony@akersmediagroup.com

Bob Tennant Michael Gaulin COPY CHIEF PRODUCTION DIRECTOR bob@akersmediagroup.com michael@akersmediagroup.com

Cal Gaines Rheya Tanner STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER DESIGNER cal@akersmediagroup.com rheya@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS // PHOTOGRAPHERS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mary Ann DeSantis Fred Hilton Pat Jocelyn Kathy Porter

Morgan Ellis Matthew Gaulin Fred Lopez Edson Pecheco

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

Mike Stegall Heidi Ressler SENIOR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE mike@akersmediagroup.com heidi@akersmediagroup.com

Andrew Akers Aubrey Akers ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE PRODUCTION COORDINATOR andrew@akersmediagroup.com aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

Melanie Melvin Deb Matlock DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES ACCOUNT COORDINATOR melanie@akerscreative.com deb@akerscreative.com

ADMINISTRATION Tina Morrison OFFICE MANAGER tina@akersmediagroup.com

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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HERE’S HOPING ‘15 IS AS GOOD AS 2014 As I contemplate what 2015 may hold, I’m treasuring memories I know will stay with me the rest of my life.

In fact, I could fill every page of this magazine with the special moments that challenged me, brought me joy, made me reflect, made me a better person.

Our children matured and blossomed.

We brought home a playmate for Myles.

I bought a new car. Doug got the truck of his dreams.

Doug and I downsized and moved into a new home and began our life with no children under our roof.

Our business, Akers Media Group, grew so much that we had to relocate — to what must be the coolest building in Lake County — the spacious and charming opera house in downtown Leesburg.

And we celebrated the 10th anniversary of Style magazine with supporters, friends and family during a fabulous bash in our new digs.

I have so many fantastic memories from 2014. But if you put them all together — and 1,000 wonderful moments I haven’t told you about — they wouldn’t equal the happiness of welcoming my first grandchild into the world last month.

Everything else I experienced paled in comparison to the moment I held Ethan Michael for the first time. Words can’t describe what I feel for that little man. I can only say he is most certainly heaven sent.

Becoming “Mimi” was everything I thought it would be.

And more.

Family truly is everything. And I look ok forward to strengthening the bonds that bind us in n the year ahead.

Extended family — those we do business siness with, worship with, believe in, share a planet et with — is also important. And I’m blessed in that department partment as well. Thank you to each and every one e who touched my life this year.

I was blessed over and over again in n 2014. I hope you were, too.

And here’s hoping 2 2015 is even better! ter!

WINNER OF AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Lake & Sumter Style, December 2014. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 Fifth Street, Leesburg, Florida 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2014 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Special 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.

Kendra Akers

Achieve a positive self-image

D

r. Rich Castellano of ImageLift has spent his entire careers helping clients obtain a younger, more vibrant look. Throughout the years, this double board-certified facial plastic surgeon has achieved stellar results because he genuinely cares about each patient who walks through his door.

Why does he genuinely care about each patient? The answer is simple. Dr. Castellano takes great pride in enhancing his patients’ self-confidence. He understands that beauty is about being selfassured, and when you are confident it is incredibly attractive.

Conversely, when your reflection in the mirror returns results you do not recognize (“Is that really me?”), then he is happy to discuss what options are available to help you look your best.

Of course, Dr. Castellano would like to offer some tips on how you can make improvements yourself. Yes, this is actually possible — you just need a little attitude.

“Your body language conveys a great deal about how you feel regarding your appearance,” says Dr. Castellano. “Fortunately, there is a whole lot of appeal you can turn on with your smile, your stride, and your silhouette.”

the best; hold your shoulders back and head high and celebrate who you are.”

Work it Many of us have body concerns; we may dislike certain physical features or are unhappy with our dress size. Taking a shortcut, you may opt to wear oversized clothing to cover yourself up. The downside of that fashion choice is you are likely hiding some glorious curves! Be smart and find the styles that fit you. Plus-size clothing lines have come a long way and can help you boldly style your silhouette instead of hiding your body in a shapeless garment.

“Mindset over matter is transformative,” Dr. Castellano says.

“You can liberate your inner beauty simply by celebrating and emphasizing your unique qualities. Today’s women and men are real and powerful. They also embrace alternatives offered by surgical and non-surgical enhancements and they look to themselves for that extra oomph that makes each endlessly beautiful.”

Lift your image

Wear it There are endless benefits to a good smile. A brilliant smile will change our mood, keep us positive, relieve stress, and, perhaps most importantly, make us feel much more attractive. A smile is our first and best facial transformation.

“An unsurpassed smile makes you feel better inside and shines that wattage out into the world,” Dr. Castellano says. “You’ll more easily win friends and influence clients when you can convince yourself and others how good it feels to smile. Try it!”

Walk it We convey quite a lot about ourselves by the way we walk. For instance, stooped shoulders express a non-verbal message that translates into a reluctance to socialize. In addition, your stance and stride may express shyness or insecurity. On the other hand, walking with your head high and accompanied by a self-assured saunter will make you stand out in a crowd.

“You’ll exude assurance and poise; both traits that beckon success,” Dr. Castellano says. “Yet, have you ever seen Superman walking with slumped shoulders? Don’t treat yourself any less than

For those of you who take these steps and still do not feel like your signs of aging match your lifestyle or how you feel, you can rest assured knowing ImageLift offers numerous innovative officebased cosmetic treatments to help you look your best.

You will talk to Dr. Castellano during your first scheduled consultation visit. And you will be in very capable hands, as the doctor utilizes the latest technologies in facial plastic surgery and also has a proven track record for providing clients with naturallooking results.

Want to learn more about this unique, cutting-edge practice?

Then consider attending one of ImageLift’s seminars, which are informative, educational, and fun. Below is a list of dates and times where seminars are being held during April.

Call now to receive a free pre-publication copy of ImageLift’s new book,

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

“We Guarantee We Can Make You Look Younger,” available while supplies last.

Liz chose Laser ImageLift.

Results are typical and do vary.

LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE

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

CALL NOW TO RSVP - LIMITED SEATING

FREE IMAGE LIFT BOOK for first 20 callers!

(Retail $14.95)

December 2nd December 11th December 16th

PROMO CODE “STYLE”

Luncheon at The Villages ImageLift office: 11a.m. to 1p.m.

The Waterfront Inn, The Villages: 1p.m.

Holiday Appreciation Party at The Villages ImageLift office: 2p.m. to 6p.m.

Dr. Castellano

THE VILLAGES // 8630 East County Road 466 877.346.2435 // www.IMAGELIFT.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

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Pain Treatment Centers of Florida Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional

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352.861.4600 www.drpyles.com

First Things

f1rst #TRENDING PERSON OF INTEREST OUTSTANDING STUDENT

22 26 28

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

OPEN FOR BUSINESS More than 1,000 visitors toured the new Tavares Pavilion during its grand opening in October.

The $6.3 million facility attracted substantial interest during its construction and on opening day, large crowds arrived to join in the historic city event. Vice Mayor Lori Pfister cut the official red ribbon and was joined by Tavares City Council members Kirby Smith, Norman Hope and Robert Speaks, as well as City Administrator John Drury, Lake County

Commissioner Jimmy Connor and U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster.

In true Tavares fashion, the opening ceremony was highlighted by a seaplane flyover courtesy of Jones Brothers & Co. Air and Seaplane Adventures.

The Tavares Pavilion is available to rent for corporate meetings, conferences, weddings, celebrations and community events. It has two ballrooms, two small meeting rooms and a commercial kitchen.

SANTA GREG MAKES ANOTHER HOUSECALL A year ago, Parady Financial Group CEO Greg Parady made national headlines by giving $21,000 to pay off layaway accounts at Wal-Mart.

This year, he was even more generous. Much more.

In November, Parady donated 75 new, 15-inch HP laptop computers to students at The Villages Elementary School of Lady Lake.

Parady made the generous gift after learning the school was at risk of losing federal funding and might have to return 20 computers it received by qualifying for Title 1 funds.

That loss would have been devastating to a school already dealing with a shortage of computers, especially when fourth and fifth graders take the essay portion of the Florida Standardized Assessment Test.

Title 1 schools are those with high levels of poverty and students at risk of falling behind.

And this month, Parady gave an additional 120 laptops to area schools.

The 195 donated computers are valued at $44,655.

“I have a special place in my heart for kids,” Parady explained.

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3 5 out of

home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.

37% of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.

%

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of the deaths were caused by fires in properties in which smoke alarms were present but failed to operate.

SAFE AND SOUND

In the event of a fire, smoke alarms provide an early warning that could save you and the lives of your loved ones. Thanks to a grant from the Florida State fire marshal, any Mount Dora resident can receive a free smoke alarm from the Mount Dora Fire Department.

Apply online or by phone through January. Once applications are received, city fire personnel will contact eligible residents to schedule the installation.

For more information or to request a free smoke alarm, contact Lynn Zido at 352.735.7142.

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

The risk of dying in a home fire is cut by

50%

in homes with working smoke alarms.

5

million households do not have any smoke alarms.

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

JAMES COMBS’ DECEMBER

THEHITLIST _____________________________________

1 // REPUBLICANS seize the Senate during the midterm elections and have full control of Congress. The “red wave” leaves Democrats feeling blue.

2 // LAKE COUNTY PARENTS picket outside elementary schools demanding their children receive 30 minutes of play time each day.

Now education must focus on the four R’s: Readin’, Ritin’, Rithmetic … and Recess.

YOU’RE INVITED Lake and Sumter counties have plenty of holiday-inspired events to keep you and yours busy all month long. Here’s a quick roundup of what’s slated for December.

LIGHT UP CLERMONT Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra performs the “Nutcracker Suite” on Thursday at the Waterfront Park Pavilion. Friday, there will be food trucks, carriage rides, photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus and the annual lighting ceremony on Montrose Street. Sunday will feature a craft show, parade and live entertainment.

WHEN: Dec. 4 at 7p.m.; Dec. 5 at 6:15p.m.; and Dec. 6 at 9a.m.

WHERE: Historic downtown Clermont 54TH ANNUAL MOUNT DORA CHRISTMAS PARADE Celebrate Christmas on the lake and bring canned goods to be donated to Lake Cares Food Pantry.

WHEN: Dec. 6 at 11a.m.

WHERE: Donnelly Street, downtown Mount Dora MAIN STREET CHRISTMAS PARADE FESTIVAL Enjoy an evening of holiday entertainment and fun for the whole family in historic downtown Leesburg with performances by local groups, dazzling Christmas light displays, festive food, carnival rides and games for kids.

The Lighted Holiday Parade starts at 7p.m.

WHEN: Dec. 6 at 3p.m.

WHERE: Main Street, downtown Leesburg INAUGURAL WINTERFEST Wildwood proudly hosts its first WinterFest in the City Hall courtyard. Parade begins at 3p.m. followed by Christmas parade trophy presentation, tree lighting, a chance drawing for a pre-decorated artificial Christmas tree, caroling, food vendors, history, train rides, photos with Santa and much more.

WHEN: Dec. 6 at 3p.m.

WHERE: Wildwood City Hall

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TAVARES CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION & PARADE Parade begins at 5p.m. Kids activities, entertainment and food vendors from 4 to 9:30p.m. See Santa arrive by seaplane with a fireworks display.

WHEN: Dec. 6 at 4p.m.

WHERE: Wooton Park, downtown Tavares HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS Entertainment will be provided by local organizations.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus will also make a special appearance, greeting children and handing out treats. Vendors will be available for food and games.

WHEN: Dec. 9 at 6:30p.m.

WHERE: Fruitland Park City Hall 39TH ANNUAL CRACKER CHRISTMAS PARADE & FESTIVAL Umatilla’s hometown Christmas celebration begins with the Dog Jog and Parade at 9:30a.m. and continues throughout the day with a festival in Cadwell Park with live hildren’s entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, food, children’s activities and much more.

WHEN: Dec. 12 from 9a.m. to 3p.m.

WHERE: Cadwell Park, 3 Cassady St., Umatilla tilla HOWEY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Events include a pie-judging contest, craftss for purchase, food and beverages, live entertainment and nd the corated Christmas parade, which will include decorated golf carts and classic cars.

WHEN: Dec. 12 at 5:30p.m. and Dec. 13 at 8a.m.

WHERE: Howey-in-the-Hills City Hall

3 // AN INMATE recently assaulted a staff member inside the kitchen of Coleman Federal Correctional Complex. Perhaps the angry inmate lashed out because he’s serving a life sentence for something he didn’t do … like wiping his fingerprints off the knife!

4 // TWO CHURCH PASTORS and a 90-year-old man were charged with feeding homeless people in Fort Lauderdale. If Casey Anthony went around feeding homeless babies, she’d be in jail. Go figure.

5 // AT 18, Saira Blair of West Virginia became the youngest elected state lawmaker in U.S. history. Let’s hope the college freshman realizes politics is not child’s play.

6 // A NORTHERN CALIFORNIA GIRL found a surprise in her bag of Halloween candy: crystal meth. She was bound to get a sugar high, but this is ridiculous.

7 // A LAKE COUNTY STUDENT recently became his high school’s first male homecoming queen candidate. Some parents voiced concerns, while fellow students udents who admired his bravery ery treated him as royalty.

WHAT AN HONOR Congratulations to Lake-Sumter State College’s 2014 Distinguished Alumni and Hall of Fame inductees.

Distinguished Alumni inductees: • Service to L-SSC – Dr. Melanie Wagner • Service to Home Community – Steve Knowles • Service to Home Community – The late Greg Padgett • Professional Achievement – Gary and Babette Ward • President’s Award – Sheriff William Farmer • Young Alumni – Kevin Von Maxey • Volunteer for Service to L-SSC – Insight Credit Union • Against the Odds – Bill Miller Hall of Fame inductees: • Corporate Partner – Anita Geraci-Carver • L-SSC Investor – Karen Bent • L-SSC Trustee – Dr. Evelyn Sebree • L-SSC Faculty/Staff – Dr. Lester Ruth • L-SSC Faculty/Staff – Betty Lou Williams

Top, from left: Bill Miller; Dr. Charles Mojock, L-SSC President; Steve Knowles; Esther Piervil; Kevin Von Maxey; Babette Ward; Gary Ward; Dr. Melanie Wagner; George Davis, President/CEO Insight Credit Union; Cori Padgett McDonald; Carson Boliek; and Lee Ann Padgett. Bottom, from left: Cathie Tarby; Twink Krug; Betty Lou Williams; Dr. Charles Mojock, L-SSC President; Karen Bent; Anita Geraci-Carver; and Dr. Lester Ruth.

IGNITING LEADERSHIP AT HOME Too often, students leave their hometown after high school or college with no plans — and no desire — to return. The Spark Community Leadership Program from the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce hopes to change that.

The program encourages local students to get involved in the community and consider this area as a great place to live and work.

The first group of participants — 30 juniors and seniors from Leesburg High School — in October joined in team-building exercises and shared in character and leadership discussions at the Warren W. Willis United Methodist Camp on Picciola Road.

FO FOREFATHERS’ DA DAY (DEC. 21): Sometim observed Dec. 22, Forefathers’ Day Sometimes commemorates the Pilgrims’ arrival at Plymouth, commemo Massachusetts, in 1620. It’s rarely celebrated outside Massachu England area, but you can give a nod to this the New En by serving succotash for dinner. patriotic holiday hol

The program will continue with five more sessions through April 2015, culminating with a class graduation.

“The goal of this program is to help further their leadership skills,” says Sandi Moore, the chamber’s executive director who is coordinating Spark with help from local businesses, civic groups and Leesburg and Lake County governments. “We also want to expose them to the opportunities for success here in Leesburg and Lake County through a series of day trips.”

For more information, call the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce at 352.787.2131.

BY B Y TTHE HE NUMBERS NUMBERS It took It to oo o

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men aboard the Mayflower signed the Mayflower Compact, the first written framework of government created in the United States.

65 days d da ay yss ffor o the Mayfl ower M Ma ayfl flo fl o w to reach the reac re eac ach ch th he sshores of Cape Cape Ca pe Cod. pe C

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First things first // person of interest Movers and shakers

FAST FACTS: • Freddy graduated from the University of Florida with bachelor’s degrees in political science and mass communications in 2008.

• As director of the Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County, Freddy helped the organization win multiple national awards, including best programs in character and leadership development, health and life skills, marketing and arts. In 2014, Freddy was named as Rookie of the Year by the Boys and Girls Club of America Southeast Region.

The award recognizes an up-and-coming professional officer in the organization.

FREDDY WILLIAMS AGE : 3 0 C H I E F E X E C U T I V E OF F IC E R OF T H E B OYS A N D GIRLS C LUB OF LAKE AND SUMTER C OUNTIES

GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE: Growing up in Panama City, Florida, I came from two working parents. My father was a doctor and my mother was a mental health counselor. As a seventh-grader, I began attending the Boys and Girls Club after school when the sports I played were not in season. I enjoyed the supportive, positive environment and continued going there until I graduated high school.

GIVING BACK: In 2007, I became area director of the Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County and oversaw three clubs. I loved going to work every day.

The organization brought out the best in me and now I had an opportunity to do the same thing for today’s children.

SPREADING HIS WINGS: I joined the Boys and Girls Club of Lake and Sumter

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Counties as chief executive officer in 2012. We currently serve 2,100 children ages 6 to 18. I love living here because of the people, lakes and excellent quality of life.

FUTURE GOALS: I want to serve more children and make an even greater impact. I would also like people to look at our club as a national model and replicate what we do in terms of fundraising, building a strong board of directors and developing effective, fulltime programming.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE: Although I am CEO, I still find time to interact with the kids we serve. I help them with homework and play pool, basketball and video games with them. I want the kids to know that I am one of them and, despite their circumstances, they can

grow up to be CEO of a company just like I did.

GUILTY PLEASURE: Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea for the Boys and Girls Club. I’ll write the idea down and then play a college football video game on PlayStation for one hour.

FAVORITE JUNK FOOD: Doritos Cool Ranch.

MARRIED LIFE: I am married to my best friend, Melissa Williams, an attorney with Boyette, Cummins and Nailos Attorneys at Law. She keeps me grounded and helps me strive to do my best each day. We are expecting our first child in June. I cannot wait to be a father!

WORST GRADE YOU MADE IN SCHOOL: I won’t tell you the grade, but I will say I was terrible at geometry. It did not make sense, and I never understood how I would use geometry in real-life situations.

LAST BOOK READ: “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. I read this book a lot because I enjoy rooting myself in spirituality. The work I do isn’t for me; it’s about doing things for God in a higher purpose.

SOMETHING NOBODY KNOWS ABOUT ME: I have a tattoo on my right shoulder.

Happy Happy Holidays Holidays from your family familyatat from your

Federally Insured by NCUA

First things first // outstanding student Making the grade

FUN FACTS • SHINING STAR: Ja’Quan, an actor, performed in 22 shows throughout high school.

• ACE IN THE HOLE: Ja’Quan is a 2014 Leesburg High School graduate. Through his successes, he wants to be a “shining light in a dark generation.”

I SPENT TWO WEEKS IN NEW YORK CITY filming the DVD, which is an instructional video that explains how to perform the dances, music, choreography and languages to “Lion King Jr.” in easy-to-follow segments. I was assigned the lead role of Mufasa. It was an honor to be around so many talented people, and every day I kept asking myself, “Am I really doing this?”

JA’QUAN FLOYD

I CURRENTLY LIVE IN LAKELAND, but I come back to Lake County on Wednesdays for choir rehearsal at First Presbyterian Church of Leesburg. I also come back every weekend because I’m a youth leader at Lady Lake Assembly of God.

I HAD VERY LITTLE SELF-CONFIDENCE when I was growing up. I had big ears and wore the Steve Urkel glasses. I was the Ugly Duckling. I was not very good in sports and my peers teased me. I had a hard time finding anything I was good at.

THAT ALL CHANGED when I joined Carver Middle School’s theater program as an eighth-grader. I began acting in plays and played the role of characters who were supremely confident. I discovered I was a very confident person on stage, and that confidence continued growing outside of acting.

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DURING MY FOUR YEARS at Leesburg High School, I performed for Melon Patch Theatre, Tropic Troupe Children’s Theatre and Carousel Theatre Productions.

AS A MEMBER OF CAROUSEL THEATRE PRODUCTIONS in Leesburg, I performed in “Beauty and the Beast” at the Atlanta Junior Theater Festival last January. Walt Disney World executives attended the event and saw my performance. Afterward, they asked me to audition to film a choreography and demonstration DVD on how to perform the “Lion King Jr.” play. Around 500 young actors auditioned, and I was one of 24 selected.

RATHER THAN PURSUE A CAREER IN ACTING, I want to come back to Lake County after I graduate college and become a life coach. I want to help young people discover their divine design so they can blossom in life. Two years ago I would have definitely said I would pursue a career in acting and singing. However, when God calls you to do something you do it. He wants to use me in Lake County to inspire others.

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO form a summer performing arts camp in Leesburg because there isn’t much to do here for teenagers. It would entail band, singing and acting. There would be an end-of-theyear banquet where each artist showcases his or her talent.

PHOTO: MATTHEW GAULIN

AGE : 1 9 F R E S H M A N AT S O U T H E A S T E R N UNIVERSITY IN LAKELAND

I AM DOUBLE majoring in voice performance and practical ministry. My minor is acting.

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More than just a pretty view Your windows give your house curb appeal and character. They are your eyes to the beauty outside. At the same time, they must also protect your family from the environmental extremes of Florida’s temperamental weather.

If you had a home built in the last 30 years, it was probably outfitted with inefficient, single-pane aluminum windows.

That was pretty much the standard back then, when a window’s only job was to provide light, ventilation, and a view of the outside world. Today, however, new advanced building materials, construction techniques, and thermal technologies have rendered those old aluminum windows obsolete. They are no longer acceptable in residential construction because they are not energy efficient and they do not meet Florida’s modern day building and energy codes.

Guaranteed Satisfaction Ro-Mac Windows is your local window headquarters with large showrooms in both their Leesburg and Ocala locations.

Ro-Mac has provided window installations, replacements, and repairs for homeowners in Central Florida for over 69 years, and its window manager, Mike Chavis, has over 15 years of experience in meeting your window needs. Mike and his skilled team are always eager to answer any of your window questions, and guarantee to ensure your satisfaction when replacing your outdated windows.

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The outside temperatures are being transferred into your home, and eating away at your cooling and heating energy bill.

Another good indicator of an old, poorly efficient window are visible signs of sweat on the window sill and frame during a cold day. That sweat occurs when your home’s warm, moist air hits the cool, smooth surface of a poorly efficient window; much the same way a cold, aluminum can of soda sweats on a hot summer day.

Thanks to advances in materials and manufacturing technology, homeowners can now enjoy significantly lower electric bills, because of new energy efficient windows. New vinyl windows with high performance Low-E insulated glass keep the outside temperatures from coming into your home.

Recent advancements in frame manufacturing processes have created window frames that are durable for a lifetime and eliminate most of the temperature migration between the inside of your comfortable home and the harsh weather conditions outside.

A window company you can truly trust Homeowners choose Ro-Mac for windows because: • Ro-Mac has two convenient showrooms that let you see, touch, and try out your windows—try before you buy.

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impulse WINTER 2014 /// THIS QUARTERLY PUBLICATION IS A SERVICE OF

Life is good!

Patients we’ve helped share their heartfelt stories.

contents FEATURING

6:

Life is good!

Hear from the ones who know us best—current and former patients who we’ve been able to help including Diana Oliver and her husband (pictured left with Dr. Qamar).

12 :

Going to the dogs A ground’s eye view of Ice Walk 2014!

DEPARTMENTS

3 : from the heart A personal message from Dr. Asad Qamar

4 : new faces ICE is very happy to welcome new team member, Dr. Ali

6 : department spotlight The friendly faces of our front office are one more benefit that ICE patients depend on every day.

15 : the beat New technologies and procedures give us fresh perspectives on the state of our health.

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innovation. compassion. excellence.

from the heart

Inspiration for us all.

Friends, The December issue of IMPULSE is always one of my favorites of the year.

Inside this year’s, we’ll celebrate what the holidays mean to us all by showcasing one of our annual community benefits—ICE WALK, 2014. Plus, we’ll hear from some of our patients as they share personal, inspiring stories of triumph over demanding medical circumstances. The medical world is full of interesting facts and figures and as always we are including a few of those inside as well. We hope you’ll find them interesting and maybe even a little helpful.

This year’s ICE WALK, 2014 was a resounding success. Thank you to all who laced up their walking shoes and came out to join us! It was our third and most successful ICE WALK with more fun and participating vendors than ever before. We had quite a turnout of walkers and some even brought along their four-footed BFFs to join in the festivities. What better way to do something good for your heart than to share that experience with a tail-wagging best friend?

We donated proceeds from this year’s ICE WALK to our friends at the Marion County Humane Society and South Lake Animal League.

Speaking of friends, we asked several of ours to share some of their experiences with us about difficulties they faced and how they were able to overcome them with a little medical intervention and a lot of faith. Read their stories and I’m betting you’ll be inspired. A few of you who are going through similar circumstances may even find a few well-deserved rays of hope in their words.

Our goal at the Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence has always been to help as many people as we can by spreading messages of good health. We provide treatment where we can to those who are in need. And we never miss a chance to make someone’s day a little brighter by opening our hearts and sharing a little of ourselves whenever and wherever we can. I am proud of the men and women who lend their skills and their hearts every day to helping our Institute achieve those goals. I am humbled by your service and I thank you all.

“We never miss a chance to make someone’s day a little brighter by opening our hearts and sharing a little of ourselves whenever and wherever we can.”

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

ocalaice.com // 3

new w fa aces

me m eet the he new members off th the te eam

Abb s wa Abba was an imp mpre mp re ess s iona ablle twel tw lve-y -y -ye yearr-ol old d when e his s gra r ndfa ath ther err had d a hea art atta ack. k. Se ever ev eral all ye ear a s la ate ter, r he’d cha channe ann led d th hatt exp perience into in nto ad dmi mis ssion to med ssio dical sch cho ooll at the e pre res stig ig giio ous Gan ndhi Medic ical ic a Sch al c ooll in Ind ndia ia where re he e co onsis iste t ntly y earne n d to op ho honors nor in n ev very cla ass.

Po ost-gradua ate wo ate w rk folllo l wed—In we ntern rn nship i , Resi Re side d ncy an and d Fellow wsh ship p at Hen nry y Fo Forrd Hospi pita al in Detroit— —where he de —w eve elo loped his s own perso onal treatmen tre nt st styl y e of com mp pa assio ssi nate te and nd foc o used ed patient ca are. Ex E tensiv ive e tiime pract ctic i ing both bo h in Michigan an and nd Flori r da a has as s bee en ca app ped by Dr. Al Ali’’s joining th jo the e In nstitute of Ca ardiov o asc cula ar Ex xce c ll llen ence ce e w ere he wh he bal alan a ces an im mpressiv ve sch hedu ule l with h a activ an ve interest in in n re resea arch. He arch ar He’s s pub ubli lish hed in num mero ous peer-rev viewe we ed pu p bl b ica atio ons s and presen nted d upwards of thirt rty y ab abst stra ractts. s “I alw always s wante ed to ed o be b an engiineerr and nd so I ha nd hav ve a MS iin n clinica al re esearch de esi sign g an nd sta tati tist s ic i s fr fro om the Unive ersitty of Michig ers igan an.”

“If you don n’t take the e time to o liste e n to find d out wha at’s s wro ong, you u’re goiing to miss s things… ….””

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innovation. in nno n va v ti t on on. compassion. com mpassi mpas mp sio si on. excellence. excell lle ence en ce. e.

department spotlight

Front office The first and last face a patient sees when they visit the Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence is most likely with the Front Office staff. And don’t think Michelle Stopher takes that responsibility lightly.

“Dr. Qamar wants all of our patients to know that they are the focus of our attention and that we truly care about them.” In that regard, the Front Office Concierge plays a vital role.

Patients are greeted at the door by the Concierge and directed to the appropriate window for check-in. “They may have an appointment, need medical records or just be in to check on

a prescription.” After a patient’s appointment to see Dr. Qamar or another member of the Institute is over, Front Office staff are there to be sure that checking out goes as smoothly as checking in.

“They may need to connect with a patient educator or proceed with our check-out staff. If there are any billing questions or financial arrangements that need to be addressed, we bend over backwards to see that our patients leave happy. If further appointments need to be made, we schedule them with their calendar in mind and their location.

Sometimes one of our

other offices may be more convenient and so we schedule their appointment there.” The Front Office Staff even maintains a connection with patients outside the office with a 24hour Patient Liaison. Yes, a live person not a message center. Patients with any problems, questions, awaiting test results will be able to get answers any time of day. “Patient satisfaction is first and foremost with Dr. Qamar and we are all a part of that mission in the front office.”

“From the moment our patients walk in the door to when they leave, they are the focus of our attention.”

— Michelle Stopher

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Lf is good!

Heartfelt stories from people we’ve helped.

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innovation. compassion. excellence.

Diana Oliver with Dr. Qamar.

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Diana Oliver with her husband, Ralph, of 47 years.

DianaOLIVER Kenansville

“Some time ago, I started having heart problems and I went to a cardiologist in another county. It was determined at that time I needed a pacemaker, so they put one in. That’s when things really started to go wrong with me.

“I knew something had to be wrong because I kept passing out. I had to quit my job because I couldn’t drive a car to get to work.

We kept going back to that doctor and he said it

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was all in my head; that I wasn’t used to having a pacemaker. Then they told me I needed therapy. My husband said we needed to go to another doctor, preferably one in a different county. So we went to Orlando and they gave me a bunch of tests. They put me on a tilt table — and I passed out immediately.

They diagnosed me with neurocardiogenic syncope.

People who have it get lightheaded if they stand up

innovation. compassion. excellence.

too fast and can often faint.

“I still wasn’t satisfied.

I went online looking for a physician who could treat this latest diagnosis and that’s how I found Dr. Qamar. I fell in love with him right away.

He’s so charming and understanding. He put me at ease and said, ‘Let’s do some tests.’ He knew something wasn’t right and it wasn’t all in my head. We found out the problem was with my pacemaker. I went to Tampa for the surgery — they discovered that my first doctor had put my pacemaker in backward! It

had too many leads. Some of them were broken. It kept shorting out all the time. That’s why I was fainting. I couldn’t believe it. I was there for two days while they worked to fix it.

They punctured a lung in the process. It was horrible, horrible.

“When I got back to Dr. Qamar, everyone knew I was traumatized. They were so kind. Not just Dr. Qamar, the whole staff. They embraced me, hugged me. When I was on the table getting tests they talked to me, one of them rubbed my feet. It’s been awhile and I am much better now. I still get a little lightheaded but I’m learning to do things differently.

“The best part of my time with Dr. Qamar is that one day he casually asked my husband how he was doing. My husband said he had a little trouble with his legs. Next thing you know, Dr. Qamar is testing him. He found blockages everywhere — legs, chest, kidneys. Turns out the medication my husband was on was all wrong. Dr. Qamar ended up putting about 12 stents in.

“We’re just ordinary people. But every time we come in, everyone treats us like family. In all my life I never met a doctor like Dr. Qamar. He fixed me and I know for certain he saved my husband’s life.”

Jim

CANNADAY Ocala “I’m 81 years old and my life is better now than I ever expected it to be at this age.

Dr. Qamar is a big reason why. It hasn’t always been easy. Back in 2006 I was weak, in a wheelchair, and diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. Then my legs started swelling. They got sore and I just knew I was getting diabetes. Dr, Qamar reassured me, did some tests and found blockages in my legs. He went in and cleared those out. Put stents in both legs. Now I have circulation flowing well in my arteries and veins. I just flew out to a reunion this summer. We did a three-week trip. Sure, I got a little tired. I’m 81. But if you saw me on the street, I have a full head of hair and a little beard, you’d think I was 70.

My great grandfather is my namesake and he lived to be 94. My goal is to beat him.”

Martha and her husband, Ed, of 58 years.

MarthaHUNT Ocala

“To show you what kind of doctor Dr. Qamar is, on one of my husband’s appointments Dr. Qamar asked me how I was doing. ‘Fine,’ I said. ‘Except I get tired a lot and my legs cramp sometimes.’ He said would you be willing to take a scan? I said yes and they tested me. One leg was very bad and the other was just starting.. Dr. Qamar put stents in both legs and one in my aorta going to my right kidney. I’m 78 years old and now I get around pretty well. No more cramps. No more pain. We go for walks, have friends over. So that should tell you right there. If you have vascular or heart problems, Dr. Qamar is your answer.”

Doris NEAR The Villages

“It all started a couple of years ago. I was having problems with my feet and legs. They were getting swollen and a little discolored. Dr. Qamar discovered I had blood-flow problems in both legs and I needed stents. I have about six of them. I’m on a blood thinner. He even suggested a C-Pap machine because I don’t sleep well.

Dr. Qamar is absolutely charming and very informative. He tells you exactly what is going on. The man cares about his patients; he really does and so does his staff. Everybody knows what they’re doing and everything is in one place.

Don’t ask me what all the machines are, but I’ve been through every one of them. Today, I think I’m doing pretty good, but I’m 87 years old so my activity level is not what it used to be. Dr. Qamar is a wonderful doctor, just wonderful.

And I love the shoes and socks he wears. Very colorful.”

Doris (third from the left) with her friends Sue Martin, Georgie Golden, and Betsy Vahey.

ocalaice.com // 9

“I had crevices in the bottoms of my feet you could put your fingers in … But I can walk now.

I can do stairs.

I can even dance.”

Adele was only a few weeks away from losing her foot.

AdeleARONOW The Villages

“I went to a podiatrist who thought my pain was coming from bilateral neuromas. He operated on me, gave me injections, cortisone and therapy and it went on and on. I had crevices in the bottoms of my feet you could put your fingers in. The pain was so bad I could hardly walk. I saw five physicians in all.

Got lots of opinions — but no diagnoses. Somebody told me what I really needed was a vein doctor. Well, my veins were fine. But then she said, there’s only one doctor I would trust to see you. She

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said, ‘I wouldn’t let anyone else touch you but him.’

“She referred me to Dr. Qamar.

“When I met him, the minute he walked in and extended his hand, I knew I had met a very caring human being. I’d been an administrator in the medical field for 40 years and never met a human being like Dr. Qamar. He examined me, talked to me about my problems and what he thought. Within 14 days I was on the road to recovery. I asked him once, ‘If I hadn’t come to you when I did,

innovation. compassion. excellence.

how long before I would have had to amputate my foot?’ ‘Not long,’ he said.

‘Maybe a few weeks.’

Someone upstairs was really looking out for me.

“In all I had like nine catheterizations. I have 11 stents. But I can walk now.

I can do stairs. I can even dance. My daughter is an R.N. in California and very concerned, naturally. Dr. Qamar gave me his cell number to give to her for her to call anytime if she had questions. Who does that?

My granddaughter is going to get married soon and thanks to Dr. Qamar, I am going to dance at her wedding.

“This man takes his time with you. He leaves no stone unturned and he listens.

Look, none of us is a doctor.

It’s scary and frightening. I’m sure some don’t even know what questions to ask. So, we need someone who cares.

Every one of his employees is the same way. He’ll spend the time it takes with you.

If that means I may have to wait a bit to see him, I’d wait 24 hours for that man.

“The thing I learned through all this is, if you have doubts about your doctor, if your doctor’s opinion doesn’t sit well, keep looking. Go with your gut and look for the best in their field. You’ll eventually end up with Dr. Qamar.”

PorterSALTUS The Villages

“It is unbelieveable in this day and age to meet someone like Dr. Qamar.”

“I was in a pretty bad way. I couldn’t walk, had no balance, dizzy all the time, high blood pressure, you name it. The heart people I was seeing at the time gave up on me. Said there was nothing more they could do.

Essentially telling me to go off and die. I’m 89 years old and I’m not near ready for that. So, on my own, I went to Gainesville and they put a stent in my heart and that

helped a little bit.

“But I knew of Dr. Qamar when he was down on Rtes.

27 and 441 and my sister was going to him as well. So, I went to see him. When he told me that he could open my arteries up I said, ‘Really?

No one else has told me that.’

But he did it. I’ve had several procedures and I’m due for some more. I have pretty bad plaque that needs clearing out. He’s opened up the flow

in my legs. Left and then right, and he’ll probably go in each one and do it some more. Oh, he did all kinds of tests on me ... dopplers, MRIs, CT scans. A person my age doesn’t get that kind of attention anymore. Like they think I’m too old for it. Like it’s wasted on me.

“Dr. Qamar’s not like that at all. He’s a thoughtful, kind,

intelligent man who truly cares about his patients. A rarity in this day and age.

He’s not a magician but he’s keeping me going. I’m playing golf again. I’m a woodworker and I’m setting up a new woodworking shop. I know a lot of younger people sitting around waiting to die. That’s not me. Thanks to Dr. Qamar.

Angel PUMAROL Ocala “I had been having problems a long time. Saw cardiologists in Miami. They couldn’t figure things out. Just gave me pills and sent me off. We moved to Ocala and it was the same. My cardiologist at the time was no better than the ones in Miami.

But everyone I talked to kept saying, ‘Dr. Qamar, Dr. Qamar.

You need to see Dr. Qamar.’ So, I did.

“By then, I couldn’t even walk. I was sweating badly. My legs were swollen. Dr. Qamar took the time to talk with me. Did the tests. One of my legs was 90 to 100 percent blocked and the other one, 85 to 90 percent. He put stents in. I have two in my heart and eight in my legs. I had about 14 procedures.

“It is unbelievable in this day and age to meet someone like Dr. Qamar. My nephew is a doctor in Miami. He came up just to meet him because of how he helped me and said, ‘This doctor is amazing.’ The most important thing with him is to cure his patient. A good doctor is the one who opens his heart and listens to the patient. That’s how he is. If you know anybody with heart problems send them right away to Dr. Qamar.”

ocalaice.com // 11

Going dogs to the

This year’s ICE WALK participants came from miles around. Clutching water bottles, walking shoes laced tight, ready to share a gorgeous Ocala day with their four-footed BFF’s.

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innovation. compassion. excellence.

ICE WALK 2014 started with perfect weather; cool and sunny with just enough nip in the air for sweatshirts and light jackets.

The crowd was larger than any other year, but lines at the registration desk moved well. Every walker who registered pocketed a free raffle ticket for the post-walk drawings and snagged a very stylish blue ICE T-shirt to help show their support.

Donations came fast and generously, topping last year’s record-setting number by over 200 percent to total over $15,000! The beneficiaries of the donations — Marion County Humane Society and South Lake Animal League

Beautiful day. Great people. Worthy cause.

— showed up with buses full, loaded with plenty of display materials and lots of special canines eager to find forever homes. The day’s “dog day” theme continued as the Ocala Police Department gave an exciting demonstration of its K-9 unit. The star of the show was a beautiful German shepherd. His name? “Ice,” of course!

After a brief warmup led by ICE cardiology nurse practitioner Kevin Noon, the sound system’s speakers came alive with “Ice, Ice, Baby” and ICE WALK 2014 was on! People of all ages, families and singles alike, took off.

Some shared the walk with four-footed friends on leashes. Some were ICE patients out for a fun, healthy time in the morning sun. All were taking time from their Saturday for a good cause.

Their reward after covering the distance — some ran the whole way, some jogged and many simply walked — was an after-party complete with

tunes spun by a D.J., delicious food and drinks. People chatted and traded stories, lots of pictures were taken and even the dogs made new friends. Most

— to a person and surely “to a dog” — made plans to return next year to do it all over again!

ocalaice.com // 13

the beat Do-It-Yourself ECG! Why put up with the old way to an ECG? At the most it takes time and costs money. At the least, it’s a hassle.

Making the appointment…visiting your doctor…slipping iinto that breezy hospital gown and letting a lab tech hook y you up. The new way is as simple as resting your fingers on your smartphone and letting technology do the rest.

It’s called the AliveCor Heart Monitor (alivecor.com) and it clips onto your smartphone like a phone case. Just rest your newly transformed cellphone on your chest or touc touch your fingers to the screen and, when used with the Alive AliveECG app, that’s all there is to it. Your phone sends result results to your doctor and voila–instant ECG. Bu But hold the phone–there’s more! As a bonus, AliveC AliveCor does a lot of other things to improve your state of health like tracking palpitations and shortness of breath, noting habits like caffeine or alcohol consumption, and monitoring activities like exercise or sleep. All from the palm of your hand….

The Bionic Eye

Late-stage retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has no cure and causes most patients to go legally blind by the age of 40. A retinal prosthesis— some refer to as the “bionic eye” — brings a ray of hope to those patients. This revolutionary technology won’t restore sight entirely but it will help people detect light and dark in the environment and identify the location or movement of people and objects.

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H O L I D A Y

S U I C I D E

M Y T H

According to the CDC, the suicide rate is actually at its lowest in December.

N E W

P R O D U C T

Radiation Protection Cream Interventionalists who frequently have their hands in the radiation field of an angiography X-ray imaging system in the cath lab now have some extra protection. UltraBlox X-ray protection cream by Bloxr—physicians coat their gloves with it—reduces exposure by 30-50 % without the use of lead. The cream was cleared by the FDA in mid-2013.

Where is the Stress?

During the holidays, up to 69% of people are stressed over having a “lack of time”, 69% are stressed over “lack of money”, and 51% feel stressed out over the “pressure to give or get gifts”.

innovation. compassion. excellence.

— American Psychological Association

“…Most Americans gain weight between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. More than half will put on two pounds and 10 percent will put on five pounds or more.

Most people generally don’t lose the weight they gain…”

— Dr. Mehmet Oz on Good Morning America

Strokes have dropped from third to fourth leading cause of death “The decline in stroke deaths is one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th and 21st centuries….

The decline is real, not a statistical fluke or the result of more people dying of lung disease, the third leading cause of death.”

Daniel T. Lackland, Dr. P.H., professor of epidemiology

at the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston, S.C. LOSE THE WEIGHT. Excess weight causes greater joint strain, increased wear on the joints and a higher risk of osteoarthritis.

BODY FAT IS BAD. The more you have, the more likely you are to have inflammation. Lose just 5 percent of your body weight can help to reduce strain on your joints.

B R E A K T H R O U G H

Acute heart failure There hasn’t been a major treatment breakthrough for heart failure in two decades—and heart failure kills 55,000 in the U.S. annually. Serelaxin, a synthetic version of a human hormone, gained “breakthrough” status from the FDA in 2013. Study results show a 38 percent reduction in death rates for patients with acute heart failure when compared to those who received standard therapy.

“The number of cardiac deaths is higher on Dec. 25 than on any other day of the year, second highest on Dec. 26, and third o highest on Jan. 1.” h N New technology for e epilepsy is all the buzz.

A experimental new neurological technology is promising An ffor patients whose epilepsy has defied most other ttreatments. New hope comes in the form of a surgically iimplanted device that delivers short electrical impulses to iinterrupt the triggers of an impending seizure.

ocalaice.com // 15

Ocala 4730 SW 49th Rd. Tavares 2754 Dora Ave. Summerfield 10435 SE 170th Pl. Williston 412 W. Noble Ave. The Villages 1050 Old Camp Rd. The Villages 1950 Laurel Manor Dr., Bldg 240 352.854.0681 // ocalaice.com // limbstitute.com

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Find time on your dance card to talk to your Urologist about Urgent PC by Uroplasty or attend a free Overactive Bladder seminar. Visit oabseminars.com for upcoming dates.

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Looking at life through a lens means capturing the most amazing moments that live on even as time passes by. Therefore, as a special holiday gift from us at Style to you, we present some of our favorite photographic moments of 2014.

PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ+MATTHEW GAULIN

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JANUARY 2014

(left) Retro rad chef Emily Ellyn whipped it, whipped it good during one of our funnest cover shoots ever.

MARCH 2014

(above) Bob Tucker definitely drives Miss Daisy’s Flowers and Gifts, the downtown Leesburg business that’s first choice of brides in Lake County. Bob really blossomed when the Florida State Florists Association named him Designer of the Year.

From our City Series MAY 2014

(right) Mirror Lake reflects Fruitland Park’s beauty.

JUNE 2014

(center) Serene scene in South Sumter, far removed from The Villages expansion into Fruitland Park and the edge of Leesburg.

JULY 2014

(far right) Florida’s only inland freshwater lighthouse, this picturesque 35-foot beacon at the end of Grantham Point announces Mount Dora’s uniqueness.

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Clockwise from top left: AUGUST 2014

Jessy Flinn’s Gourmet Today catering service abides by the motto “rare service, well done.” Jessy is just one of the many rare people we profiled in 2014 who made us say, “Well done!”

APRIL 2014

Who could say “no” to Katherine’s imploring eyes? Not us. And not our readers.

Donations to the no-kill South Lake Animal League climbed after our feature story on fur babies needing adoption.

APRIL 2014

We’re cat lovers too! Our photo shoot at Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary in Citra gave readers “paws.”

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Clockwise from above: OCTOBER 2014

Speed painter Dale Henry has brushes with fame.

AUGUST 2014

Ace of bass (and six other instruments) Marques Rudd. Tavares High School. Super fly. ‘Nuff said.

JUNE 2014

Jessica Gentry’s dream sprouts at Bountiful Farms in Okahumpka where she produces organic goodness.

OCTOBER 2014

Former circus performer and movie star Sandor Raski: small body, big talent.

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SEPTEMBER 2014

A “bionic” arm developed by UCF students gives Groveland’s Alex Pring a new grip on life.

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This page, clockwise from top left: NOVEMBER 2014

We don’t know her name, we only know she is poor and she needs help. This little angel, and thousands like her, are why Dr. John Theeck and his staff make mission trips to the Dominican Republic.

JULY 2014

’Shroom room. Purveyors of perfect pizza praise Mellow Mushroom came to Mount Dora.

NOVEMBER 2014

Dr. John Theeck and staff members from The Legacy Clinic in Leesburg bridged the gap between poverty and quality health care in the Dominican Republic.

Opposite page: JUNE 2014

We found plenty of grease and grime when we researched dirty jobs.

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Breathe easy with us.

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

see family. Moving financial worry away from the front of your mind can put big concerns to rest.

With discretionary portfolio models and planning tools we can build a plan based on your risk tolerance. As portfolio managers, we manage your portfolio on a daily basis, guiding your objectives from developing a health care strategy to helping you attend to estate planning needs.

You’ve spent your working years building a legacy.

Now let’s work to build the next phase of your life.

Knowing you have an advisor who can walk that path with you may mean the difference between living, and enjoying, your retirement. Protect what you want for today, and what you need for tomorrow.

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

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

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

Nicole Silberstein

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

Client Service Associate nicole.silberstein@morganstanley.com

352.751.7845 • Toll free 800.447.6036

morganstanleyfa.com/smithprevattmonteith Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates. This material is intended only for clients and prospective clients of the Portfolio Management program. It has been prepared solely for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument, or to participate in any trading strategy. The individuals mentioned as the Portfolio Management Team are Financial Advisors with Morgan Stanley participating in the Morgan Stanley Portfolio Management program. The Portfolio Management program is an investment advisory program in which the client’s Financial Advisor invests the client’s assets on a discretionary basis in a range of securities. The Portfolio Management program is described in the applicable Morgan Stanley ADV Part 2, available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV or from your Financial Advisor. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters. ©2014 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC CRC1008201 09/14

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Thanks

“Men no longer need to suffer from frequent urination because they are getting older,” says Dr. James Young, a down-toearth urologist with thirty-three years of experience in treating men with prostate problems in Lake County. Although the cause of these symptoms is most likely an enlarging prostate (BPH), a normal part of the aging process in men, treatment options are more numerous and less invasive than those offered to our fathers and grandfathers.

Years ago there were two options for treating an enlarged prostate: surgical excision via an open operation (knife) or much more commonly by performing a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), commonly referred to as a “roto-rooter” by patients and physicians. Both required hospitalization as well as major anesthesia and could be fraught with complications such as bleeding, infection, loss of bladder control and even death.

“In my career I have performed over 3,000 TURPs; however, I no longer perform any,” says Dr. Young. “There are presently too many excellent alternatives to consider a hospital operation for the vast majority of patients with BPH.” “When I see a new patient I perform a physical examination and properly evaluate the patient’s symptoms, thus diagnosing the underlying problem(s),” he says. “Next, I describe to the patient what’s normal and then explain what is abnormal with him.

Lastly, I teach him his treatment options.

If I’ve done a good job of teaching, he will select the correct option for himself.”

While prescribing medications for BPH can be done by primary care physicians, only urologists are trained to thoroughly

evaluate the bladder and prostate (including ruling out prostate cancer), as well as providing extremely effective minimally invasive, office-based therapies as alternatives to lifelong medical therapy.

One such option is Prostiva-RF Therapy, a procedure performed by Dr. Young in his office under local anesthesia that usually takes less than thirty minutes. Prostiva utilizes low level radiofrequency energy to ablate (destroy) the obstructing component of the enlarged prostate. “I am very happy with the results I have achieved for my patients using Prostiva-RF Therapy,” says Dr. Young, who has successfully treated more than 2,400 patients with this procedure.

“Medtronic is a $13 billion-a-year, publicly traded corporation that perfected the technology for Prostiva and produces the necessary hardware. Recently, Medtronic produced an educational DVD for international distribution to inform patients and physicians worldwide regarding the benefits of Prostiva therapy. Seven of the eight patients featured on the DVD are my patients. I am very proud Medtronic selected my practice to feature the benefits of Prostiva-RF Therapy. However it is sort of a bad news/good news thing. The bad news is neither my patients nor myself received a penny for our participation. The good news is Medtronic gave us all the DVD’s we want, so if anyone wants one all he needs to do is drop by my office at 801 Northshore Drive in Eustis, and we will give him one!”

And with an office staff with nearly as much experience as the doctor, (many have worked with Dr. Young more than twenty

years) you don’t spend a great deal of time waiting to see him. “We pride ourselves in being timely in seeing our patients. We respect our patient’s time as much as we do our own,” adds Dr. Young. “Patients appreciate this; many of our patients tell me I have the best office staff on the planet. I consider that a huge compliment.”

So if you are getting up at night and can’t get back to sleep because you are thinking about what may be wrong with you, it’s time to check in with Dr. Young and have him check you out.

“Many men accept frequent bladder urges as part of aging. And while it is part of the aging process, it’s not like death and taxes. There is something you can do about it,” he says.

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

For more information, contact

PHYSICIANS FOR ACCOUNTABLE CARE 920 Rolling Acres Road, Suite 201 Lady Lake, FL 32159

352.751.4990 801 Northshore Drive, Eustis, FL 32726

352.357.6786

ProstateEvaluation.com

J off Hwy 441 Just S Spruce Creek Terrace Shoppes Located

In the

17860 S.E. 109th Ave, Suite 629 Summerfield, FL 34491 Call us locally at:

(352) 347-7900

We are open:

Mon-Fri 9-5 & Sat 9-2

Toll free:

1-877-347-7900

Care from People Who Excel At It To Serve Her Patients Even Better Hygienist Emily Jones, RDH Is Increasing Her Office Hours Call 352.787.5919 for an appointment convenient for you.

602 Lee Street • Leesburg • dreddiesmiles.com 52

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A little dust. A lot to love.

W We’re paving our way to progress; making big improvements!

See all that’s happening and say hello to your favorite merchants while you’re here. Their doors are open—if a tad dusty.

www.leesburgpartnership.com

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

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

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

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INAUGURAL

LOOKIN’ AT LAKE & SUMTER Photo contest

winners Shutterbugs throughout Lake and Sumter countiess submitted their best work in our first photography contest, but three super shooters really made our judges’ flashbulbs pop. p.

Tavares resident Byron Faudie and two residents off The Villages — Frank Skvarek and Betty Eich — accounted ed for the first-, second- and third-place photos in both the Places laces and Events categories.

There were no entries in the People category.

Faudie took first and third place in the Events division. ision. His winning entry focused on a man saluting the flag before the start of a 5k race in the Central Florida Triathlon series. es.

“Although this photo isn’t the ideal poster child for photography aesthetic, focus, lighting, etc., it’s full of narrative,” arrative,” said contest judge Anthony Casto, Akers Media Group up senior designer. “In the midst of a crowd of people and their heir wandering eyes, sprinkled with lukewarm salutes duringg a salute to the flag, a soldier stands stout like a single Roman n column, grounded and strong, towering over debris below afterr a storm.

Unshaken and focused, the honor on his face is striking. ng. I see in him true America — strength, grit, valor and pride.”

Eich’s photo of beautiful blonde stiltwalkers took k second place in Events. Eich also had the second-place entry try in the Places category with a photo of a boy roping a steer during a

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GRAND PRIZE st

WINNER

PLACE CATEGORY: PLACES

PHOTO: FRANK SKVAREK, THE VILLAGES

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rodeo at the Windy Acres Rodeo Arena.

Skvarek used a Konica Minolta SLR digital camera with a Tamron 18-200mm zoom lens to earn third place in the Places division with a photo of fireworks at the July 4 celebration in Tavares and first place in that category with a photo of ducks and boats on Lake Sumter in The Villages.

“Photography has been one of my hobbies for over 30 years. I have enjoyed trying to capture moments in time for my own joy and

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showing others my successes,” Skvarek says.

“I suppose I could be considered a ‘purist’ as I attempt to record what my eyes and mind see rather than relying on post processing, which today’s photographers seem to be utilizing these days to get a successful image.

My photos come out of a camera rather than a computer program.”

Skvarek’s serene lake scene was awarded grand prize by our panel of judges and wins him a $50 prize.

PLACE CATEGORY: PLACES

PHOTO: BETTY EICH, THE VILLAGES

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PLACE CATEGORY: PLACES

PHOTO: FRANK SKVAREK, THE VILLAGES 58

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OTO: BETTY EICH, THE VILLAGES

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PLACE CATEGORY: EVENTS

PHOTO: BYRON FAUDIE, TAVARES

PHOTO: BYRON FAUDIE, TAVARES

CATEGORY: EVENTS

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PLACE PLACE CATEGORY: EVENTS

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LEESBURG CENTER FOR THE ARTS HONORS

ullen-Ba C n a m t r Friday Ca January 9th t 6:00pm

6:00pm Cocktails and Silent Auction 7:00pm Dinner, Live Auction and Roast

For T F Tickets & Information mation

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danucc@aol.com 352.753.8653

Now offering Prenatal Care in the Villages

“Unto us is born”

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

LAKE OB-GYN WHERE YOU ALWAYS SEE A DOCTOR!

www.leesburgobgyn.com Dr. Alfred Moffett

Dr. Michelle Wood

Dr. Douglas Moffett

Dr. Lauren Britt

Dr. Kaitlin Lee

LEESBURG 352.787.1535 601 E Dixie Ave., Medical Plaza #401

THE VILLAGES 352.259.5649 1400 US Hwy. 441 N, Bldg. #950

Only a few more prime shopping days remain, so don’t just sit there.

Let Style’s local and not-so-local gift guide help you pick the perfect presents this holiday season.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES

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Sweets for your sweetie don’t have to be just for Valentine’s Day or when you’re in the doghouse. And luckily for us, we have access to the coolest confectionary collection right here in Sumter County.

At the Russell Stover store in Wildwood, you can browse the candy kitchen for handmade treats, such as hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries, gourmet caramel apples, multiple varieties of nut clusters and more. Or customize a box with your sweetheart’s favorite chocolates by the piece or pound; it will surely make you the most popular (and most hated) husband on the block.

This may be the perfect gift for that friend who’s watched too many episodes of “The Walking Dead.”

In the event of a zombie apocalypse, this survival kit contains a multifunction tool, multifunction whistle/compass, 20-piece first-aid kit, mini-flashlight and batteries, survival blanket, hand-warmer packets, carabiner (whatever that is), tea candle, fire starter, emergency poncho and reusable zipper-lock bag. And it all comes conveniently packed in a 32-ounce BPA-free water bottle.

It only costs $35 at restorationhardware. com. Unfortunately, no sword or crossbow is included.

For the java junkie in your life, the iCoffee may be the best gift ever. Equipped with six fancy rotational water jets, the iCoffee evenly steams and stirs coffee grounds to produce a smooth, robust cup of coffee that rivals anything at Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts.

Remington, the company behind the iCoffee, claims the machine extracts more coffee flavor than a traditional drip coffeemaker and eliminates that bitter aftertaste coffee drinkers loathe but have learned to tolerate.

If you’re looking to buy local, the iCoffee is available at KaDee Kay in Mount Dora. But it will cost a pretty penny: $149.95

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Art Linkletter always did a great job reminding us that kids indeed say the darnedest things.

However, with this customizable book ($40, uncommongoods. com), your friend or family members can relive their little one’s most quotable moments, both adorable and embarrassing, over and over again. It’s also perfect ammunition for sheer humiliation during those formative teenage years.

If you know someone who enjoys a good merlot or a crisp chardonnay, consider enrolling him or her into the wine club at Vineyards of the World in Clermont. For the amateur drinker, the Wine Culture membership ($31 plus tax monthly) allows participants to enjoy two bottles of wine each month carefully picked by sommeliers Derek Rodriguez or Thomas Hemmings.

However, if you have a wine and beer connoisseur your hands, the Ultimate Culture membership ($65 plus tax monthly) includes two premium bottles of wine per month, or one exclusive wine each month, and four bottles of craft beer. For more information, visit vineyardsofclermont.com.

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones where people can get away from it all, even if it’s just for a few minutes. In Tavares, the Jones Brothers & Co. offers seaplane adventures that range from a simple 10-minute tour of Tavares to a 70-minute eco tour of the St. Johns River and DeLeon Springs.

For the couple that have it all, give them the gift of exploration. Nothing can be more fun than discovering what’s in your own backyard.

Prices are subject to change; find current pricing at jonesairandsea.com.

Who doesn’t love a breakfast sandwich? It’s delicious, it’s portable and it’s a great excuse to eat bacon.

Therefore, why not give someone special a breakfast sandwich maker that takes the guesswork — or work period — out of assembling these delicious morning treats.

In just five minutes, the machine can churn out a homemade bacon, egg and cheese sandwich that will have you skipping those pesky, early-morning fast-food lines. And at $24 on Amazon.com, it’s also reasonably priced.

For the hostess with really good taste, Vietri dinnerware will be a gift that keeps on giving. It’s great to use for both formal and casual get-togethers, and because it features such intricate designs and rich glazes, the pieces are gorgeous to look at even when they’re not in use.

While Vietri is made in Italy, you can buy it here in downtown Leesburg at Alada’s China & Gifts. However, prices vary depending on which line piques your interest.

So what if your best friend’s baby doesn’t have his teeth yet? That doesn’t mean he should have to wait before sinking his teeth into some fine barbecue ribs, even if they are made out of silicone. It is the South after all.

These “appeteethers” made by Little Toader ($9.99–$12.99, littletoader.com) provide the perfect amount of resistance to help soothe a baby’s sore gums while making adults smile in amusement.

The baby not too keen on pork? They also have Broccoli Bites, Chompin Chicken Wing, Liquorice Bracelets, and Baconease.

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Melissa was right to be concerned about her husband.

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On the scene // the to-do list

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

EVENTS DECEMBER 5

DECEMBER 4–6

LIGHT UP CLERMONT Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra performs the “The Nutcracker Suite” on Thursday at 7p.m. at the Waterfront Park Pavilion. Friday (6:15–9p.m.), there wil be food trucks, carriage rides, photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus and the annual lighting ceremony on Montrose Street. Sunday (9a.m.–8p.m.) wil feature a craft show, parade and live entertainment.

Historic downtown Clermont.

CONTACT: 352. 394.3500

DECEMBER 6

DECEMBER 4

DECEMBER 6

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY W.T. Bland Public Library’s 18th annual Christmas tree lightning ceremony begins at 4:30. Special performance by Mount Dora School of Ballet, PAWS Therapy Dogs and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AND PARADE Tavares’ celebration runs from 4–9:30p.m. in Wooton Park, and parade begins at 5p.m. CONTACT: 352.742.6319

MAIN STREET CHRISTMAS PARADE FESTIVAL Performances by local groups, Christmas light displays and carnival rides and games for kids in downtown Leesburg. The lighted holiday parade steps off at 7p.m. with marching bands, twirlers, dance groups and illuminated floats on Main Street.

CONTACT: christmasparade. leesburgpartnership.com

SYMPHONY CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Nutcracker Suite will be presented by the Mount Dora School of Ballet. Carols will be sung to complete a joyous celebration.

Eimear Noone will conduct.

7:30–9p.m., St. Patrick Church, Mount Dora.

CONTACT: 352.589.1500

DECEMBER 6

DECEMBER 5

MOUNT DORA CHRISTMAS WALK A holiday street party with music downtown. And, of course, Santa and shopping. 6–9p.m.

DECEMBER 5

CHRISTMAS SHOP, HOP AND WINE WALK Stroll the downtown shops and try a variety of featured wines. Ticket holders are entitled to a free glass of wine at every stop on the Wine Walk map. This is a perfect way to get a head start on all your holiday shopping. CONTACT: 352.435.9107

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11TH ANNUAL LAKE COUNTY TOY RUN Presented by the Lake County United Motorcyclist Association.

Inc., the toy run will benefit. The Salvation Army and the Lake and Sumter Counties Foster Parent Association. To participate, meet at Wal-Mart, located at 2501 N. Citrus Blvd., Leesburg. From 9a.m. to 3:30p.m. Cost: $10. CONTACT: 352.396.3593

DECEMBER 6

MOUNT DORA CHRISTMAS PARADE

Celebrate Christmas on the lake.

Donations of canned goods will

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be given to Lake Care. 11a.m. on Donnelly Street. CONTACT: terryjaskins@gmail.com

holiday light shows featuring over 500,000 minilights and holiday displays. CONTACT: 352.365.0053

DECEMBER 6–7

DECEMBER 9

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES Tour six Mount Dora homes that are beautifully decorated for the holidays. This is a self-driving tour to the various homes. Tickets ($15) can be purchased through the Mount Dora Center for the Arts. CONTACT: Sandie Moery at 352.735.4324 or Karen Race at 904.742.8312.

HOLIDAY DINNER WITH THE STORYTELLERS A special dinner event at the Windsor Rose Restaurant & Tea Room in Mount Dora. Come listen to a story you may have read or one that’s been conjured up by one of the dramatic orators slated to perform.

Tickets: $14–$32. CONTACT: 352.735.2551

DECEMBER 7

CHRISTMAS ON THE WATER A holiday display of lights held in Leesburg’s Venetian Gardens.

Light-up ceremony at 6p.m. The light display remains open nightly through Jan. 1. Drive or walk through one of Lake County’s largest

DECEMBER 13

BATTLE OF THE BADGES BASKETBALL GAME Clermont Police Department vs. Lake County Sheriff’s Office. 6:30p.m. at Clermont Elementary School.

Bring an unwrapped toy to the

game. All toys will be donated to the Christian Men in Action Organization who distribute toys to children on Christmas Eve. Free.

DECEMBER 13

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK A chance to go snow sledding in Donnelly Park in Mount Dora.

5–9p.m. CONTACT: 352.735.7183

DECEMBER 13, 14, 20 & 21

BAKER HOUSE CHRISTMAS TOURS The rooms inside the historic Baker House in Wildwood are decorated by local businesses and groups.

Admission: $10. Saturdays from 10a.m. to 4p.m. and Sundays from 11a.m. to 3p.m. at 6106 County Road 44A. CONTACT: 352.330.1330 ext. 114

ART/HISTORY EXHIBITS DECEMBER 13

CRACKER CHRISTMAS PARADE AND FESTIVAL A hometown celebration in Cadwell Park, Umatilla. Dog jog 9a.m., parade 9:30a.m. along Central Avenue; festival continues throughout the day in Cadwell Park.

Live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, food, children’s activities.

DECEMBER 4

HOLIDAY ESSENTIAL OILS Teaches how to cool with essential oils, which oils to give as gifts, and make-and-take hands-on activities.

Registration required. Fruitland Park Library, 11a.m.–12:30p.m.

CONTACT: 352.360.6561

DECEMBER 11–13, 15–20, 22–23

MEMBER’S SHOWCASE EXHIBIT Mount Dora Center for the Arts celebrates its own with the impressive work done by its member artists just in time for holiday shopping. At the Mount Dora Center for the Arts on East Fifth Avenue. 10a.m.–4p.m. Free.

CONTACT: 352.383.0880

THROUGH JANUARY 3

MEMBERS CREATE II The exhibition will highlight the diverse talent in Lake County and Central Florida. Lake Eustis Museum of Art members are invited to submit up to two artworks. All media considered.

Located at 1 W. Orange Ave., in Eustis. Admission: $5 donation or $3 for seniors and students.

CONTACT: 352.483.2900

MUSIC+THEATRE DECEMBER 8

YULE BE SWINGIN’ Presented by The Villages Pops Chorus. A 145-person chorus singing choral arrangements of popular songs for Christmas and the holiday season. Show times: 3:30p.m. and 7p.m. Cost: $12. At the North Lake Presbyterian Church in Lady Lake.

DECEMBER 5–7

THE EIGHT REINDEER MONOLOGUES A dark comedy turns its eyes to the North Pole, which becomes the epicenter of scandal as reindeer

accuse Santa of harassment. $7–$12. 8p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2p.m. Sunday. Historic State Theatre, Eustis. CONTACT: boxoffice@baystreetplayers.org

EP

EDITOR’S PICK

DECEMBER 9

DECEMBER 5–21

CHRISTMAS BY COMMITTEE: A MUSICAL The Citrus Village Christmas show needs an infusion of spirit, but its committee needs to see the light. Newcomer Amy tries to set the group straight in a musical, comedic romp. $25–$29. Garden Theatre, Winter Garden. CONTACT: gardentheatre.org

DECEMBER 5–21

THE SOUND OF MUSIC A nun leaves the convent to become a governess for the seven children of a cold but wealthy Austrian widower. Soon, she exposes the children to the wonders of life and music and eventually softens the heart of their father. Melon Patch Theatre, 311 N. 13th St., Leesburg. CONTACT: 352.787.3013

DECEMBER 6–7

‘TIS THE SEASON WITH MAC FRAMPTON AND FRIENDS A heartwarming homage to everybody’s favorite holiday music, sprinkled with great music for all the seasons. Cost: $27. At 2p.m. at Lake-Sumter State College’s Paul P. Williams Fine Arts Auditorium.

CONTACT: 352.365.350

LIVING HISTORY

Actors Larry and Mary Elliott portray President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln in “The Story of Our Lives” in Contrast. Presented by the East Lake Historical Society at the East Lake County Library, 31340 County Road 437 South in Sorrento. 6-8p.m. Free admission.

CONTACT: 352.389.9980.

DECEMBER 11

BOWZER’S ROCK AND ROLL HOLIDAY PARTY ‘Tis the season to be jolly with Bowzer & The Stingrays and Rocky & The Rollers. Bowzer’s special guest this year is former bandmate and lead singer of Sha Na Na, Johnny Contardo. Tickets: $35.

5p.m. and 8p.m. at the Savannah Center, The Villages.

DECEMBER 11–21

A CHRISTMAS CAROL The story of bitter old miser Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation resulting from supernatural visits by Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come.

Moonlight Players Warehouse Theatre, 732 B W. Montrose St., Clermont. CONTACT: 352.319.1116

THROUGH DECEMBER 14

ANNIE GET YOUR GUN The musical love story of Annie

Oakley and Frank Butler, told by Buffalo Bill Cody and the Wild West Show. The Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse, 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. CONTACT: 352.383.3133

DECEMBER 16

DA VIDA IN CONCERT Four sisters perform original and cover songs, 6-7p.m., Marion Baysinger Memorial Library, 756 W. Broad St., Groveland. CONTACT: 352.429.5840

DECEMBER 21

WINTER WONDERLAND SWING JAZZ John DePaola and his Swing Jazz Trio present an ever-popular Christmas Jazz program with his very own brand of smooth jazz.

3–4p.m., Congregational Church of Mount Dora, 650 N. Donnelly St. $25. CONTACT: 352.589.1500

DECEMBER 6–7, 13–14, 20–21

U-CUT CHRISTMAS TREES AND ACTIVITIES

Cut your own tree or buy one pre-cut. Enjoy a zip line, pony rides, hayrides, a bounce pillow, a petting zoo and concessions.

Admission is free, ride tickeets start at $2.

10a.m.–6p.m., Santa’s Chrristmas Tree Forest, Huff Road, Eustis.

CONTACT: SANTASCHRISTMASTREEEFOREST.COM

On the scene // the to-do list

LOCAL TALENT PROFILE

JERICO BRINGS DOWN THE WALLS STORY: SHEMIR WILES

Jerico isn’t comfortable being placed in a box when it comes to the tunes the band plays.

The band members are diverse, and understandably so, since the co-founders — Eric Suber (guitar/vocals) and Jess Locke (guitar/vocals) — have varied musical tastes.

“We’re like yin and yang,” says Locke. “I like listening to old country music and even some modern rock stuff, while Eric is pretty much into hard and classic rock.”

Rounding out the group are Shane Rogers (drums) and Rod Padgett (bass/vocals).

“Rod is really good about bringing us current music,” says Locke. “I haven’t listened to the radio in a while so he keeps us fresh.”

“And our drummer, Shane, is into heavy metal,” adds Suber.

Still, if you have to label Jerico’s style, classic rock would be your best bet. They like to play the timeless tunes people love to hear and sing along to. Their repertoire, though, reaches into the hundreds and covers many decades and musical styles.

“We probably have about 150 songs we can pull from across multiple genres,” says Suber. “It just depends on who we’re playing for. We’ve been known to do some disco or ’80s new wave.”

“We love doing songs from the ’80s because that’s our generation,” Locke explains.

“We might do some Modern English or The

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Cure. And Eric does a killer rendition of Billy Idol’s ‘Rebel Yell.’”

Though Jerico was officially formed as a full band in 2005, Locke and Suber have been performing together for more than 10 years. They grew up together in Wildwood and shared a common interest in music. They

“IT’S EASYGOING, FEEL-GOOD MUSIC, REFLECTIVE OF HOW THE GUYS GET ALONG WITH ONE ANOTHER AND THEIR FANS.” even played together in the Wildwood Middle School guitar band under the direction of Ronnie Moore.

Over the years, the pair stayed in touch, even when Suber left to join the military.

When he returned, the two naturally joined up again and began performing in the area as a duo. Then in 2007, they added Rogers and in 2011, after their original bass player left to focus on his family, they approached Padgett to join.

Unlike some local bands that never

venture beyond their hometown, Jerico — a compilation of Jess, Eric & Company — has a following that spans the state.

“We’ve performed in West Palm Beach all the way to Jacksonville,” says Locke.

“We also have an upcoming performance in Zephyrhills.”

Nevertheless, they still love to perform locally. Most may recognize them from Leesburg Bikefest and they recently performed at Gator Harley-Davidson during its “Sons of Anarchy” event. They also play at private parties and local venues, though Suber says they try to stay away from the smoky bar scene.

And while they mostly perform covers, Jerico sometimes takes the opportunity to introduce crowds to their original jams, which can be found on iTunes and Amazon.

Their songs have more of an Americana feel, in the same vein as the Eagles or Boston.

It’s easygoing, feel-good music, reflective of how the guys get along with one another and their fans.

“We’re all friends, so we just enjoy having a good time together,” Locke says. “We also like seeing people enjoy our music. It’s one of the main reasons I keep doing it.”

For more information about Jerico, visit jericoband.com.

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The Paul Stott Group (blues) Boggy Creek (country) The Band 4Play (rock/country/pop) Mad Hadder Band (rock) Yo Mamas (blues) Kings Country (party rock) Boggy Creek (country) The Band 4Play (rock/country/pop) “Dangerous” Dave Merrill (Rock) David Oliver Willis (folk/soul/blues) Bobby France (acoustic) Elisha St. James (gospel/Christian) Alan Darcy (jazz saxophone) Brewery Boys (’60s/’70s/’80s) The StraightJackets (classic rock) Blue Train (blues/rock) Tory Wynter (world music) Swain Sumner Band (rockabilly) Da Boys (acoustic) Sticks and Bones (rock) The StraightJackets (classic rock) Airtight (jazz/funk/pop) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative) “Dangerous” Dave Merrill (Rock) 3 Ring Circus (rock/modern country) Sonic Gypsies (rock/country/dance) 3 For The Road (classic rock) Chicken Train featuring Lonie Carter Boggy Creek (country) DownBeat (rock & roll) Roy Baker Band (rock) Kings Country (party rock) Chicken Train featuring Lonie Carter (rock) Boggy Creek (country) Temple Veil (Christian/gospel) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative/blues) Brewery Boys (’60s/’70s/’80s) Southern Breeze (classic rock) Da Boys (acoustic) Al Demateis and Friends (acoustic) Southern Breeze (classic rock) Keeper (rock) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative/blues) Keeper (rock) Sarah Mac Band (Americana) Dr. Paul (Americana, country)

VENUE

Pisces Rising, Mount Dora JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Frank’s Place, Leesburg Olivia’s Coffeehouse, Eustis Ruby Street Grille, Tavares JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares downtown Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Hope International, Groveland Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Rocking Rabbit Brewing, Mount Dora Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Lakeridge Winery, Clermont Lakeridge Winery, Clermont Pisces Rising, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Lakeridge Winery, Clermont Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Oasis Saloon, Sorrento Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora City Fire at Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Pisces Rising, Mount Dora Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Northside Christian Church, Fruitland Park Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Rocking Rabbit Brewing, Mount Dora Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Frank’s Place, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Hurricane Dockside, Tavares Olivia’s Coffeehouse, Eustis The Lost Parrot, rot, Mount Dora

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

On the scene

social spotlight

Where you want to be

WATCH HISTORY COME ALIVE STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTO: PROVIDED

I

n the face of danger, Ransom Clark was strong and courageous.

A private in the U.S. Army’s Second Artillery regiment, he was the only solider who lived to tell the tale of the famous Dade’s Massacre in Sumter County.

On Dec. 28, 1835, nearly 200 Seminole Indians, hiding behind palmettos, ambushed 107 federal troops under the command of Maj. Francis Langhorne Dade.

The Seminoles were fighting for their way of life, their families and their land, resisting relocation to reservations in Oklahoma. Conversely, the cold, tired U.S. soldiers were in the midst of a multiday march from Fort Brooke in Tampa to Fort King in Ocala. They had left Dec. 23 and were unhappy about spending Christmas on a march.

“The ones who did not want to be there were forced to be there,” says Paul Remis, president of the Dade Battlefield Society.

“The ones who wanted to be there were being forced out.”

For Dade’s troops, fighting a highly motivated enemy who had the element of surprise and knowledge of terrain was too

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much to overcome. Eight hours after the Seminoles fired the first shot, the bodies of U.S. soldiers were sprawled across the battlefield. Only three men survived. Two of the three died in ensuing hours trying to escape.

Clark, a 23-year-old drummer from Livingston, New York, was shot several times. After the battle concluded, Seminoles waded into the carnage and stripped the dead soldiers of all valuables. They manhandled Clark and removed his clothing. Yet, despite gunshot wounds to the groin, arm and shoulder, he remained silent.

When darkness fell, Clark, naked and bleeding, emerged from the pile of bodies and began crawling back to Fort Brooke.

Three days later, he arrived there.

“Although he was injured and covered in dirt and blood, he had an incredible drive to survive and tell his story,” Remis says. “He wanted people to know what happened on that battlefield. He would go on to tell his story many times and was compensated for it.”

Turn ahead the clock 180 years Dade’s Massacre is significant. It sparked the Second Seminole War, the longest and

costliest war against Native Americans in U.S. history. Now, locals can see the battle unfold right before their eyes.

War whoops, explosive cannon fire and blazing flintlock muskets will set the stage for the Dade’s Battle Reenactment, to be held Jan. 3-4 at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park in Bushnell. As U.S. soldiers and Seminoles — some atop galloping horses and others on foot — gallantly clash with one another, spectators will learn how battles were fought and what kind of weaponry was used.

More than 200 re-enactors from as far away as Germany and Canada participate in the mock battle. Those portraying U.S. soldiers don blue wool uniforms; their Seminole adversaries with painted faces wear colorful headdresses and buckskin trousers. Remis, who portrays an American soldier, says the event sheds light on an important historical event.

“Without the re-enactment this battle would be forgotten,” he says. “It was overshadowed by the Battle of the Alamo, which occurred several months after Dade’s Battle. We have a passionate group of organizers and re-enactors who love being part of this. Whether you’re

Photo illustration by Anthony Casto

a participant or spectator, you are immersed in that moment of time. What’s unique about this re-enactment is that we try to portray what happened as accurately as possible. Also, we hold it on the same property where the actual battle took place.”

In addition to the battle Seminole camps and soldier camps will be set up on the property so visitors can see how both sides survived in primitive conditions. Attendees can watch as reenactors cook over an open fire, clean their guns and participate in marching drills.

The event is staged by the Dade Battlefield Society, a community support group formed in 1987 that helps promote Dade Battlefield Historic State Park. The 75-member organization hopes to attract younger members.

“We’re looking to the future to preserve the past,” Remis says.

“We currently have students in the Bright Futures scholarship program who complete community service hours at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park.”

The men who died under Maj. Franers Langhorne Dade’s command included both native-born Americans and immigrants. Some of the men killed during the battle were far, far from home. They included:

Pvt. Michael Kenny, 23, blacksmith, Armagh, Ireland.

Pvt. Edward Boston, 31, clerk, Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Pvt. Casper Schneider, 34, papermaker, Hesse, Germany.

Pvt. Thomas Thornton, 22, spinner, Kingston, Canada.

Pvt. George Yorke, 30, teacher, Farnham, England.

Pvt. Richard Bourke, 21, musician, Rathkeale, Ireland.

Pvt. George Howard, 24, farmer, Trenton, New Jersey.

Pvt. Henry Brondon, 39, laborer, Hollendorff, Prussia.

Pvt. Samuel Dodge, 24, lamp maker, New York City.

Pvt. Henry Senram, 21, weaver, Hanover, Germany.

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

DECORATING A DIAMOND

When the current owners bought the historic Stetson Mansion in 2005, they described their renovations as “polishing a diamond.”

That diamond sparkles even brighter as the increasingly popular Christmas Spectacular gets underway at the 2.3-acre private estate.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS PHOTOS: EDSON PECHECO

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very Christmas, JT Thompson and Michael Solari invite a few thousand people to their DeLand home. More precisely, about 8,000 guests are expected to visit this season to view the “Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular.”

Built in 1886, the Stetson Mansion is Florida’s oldest and most historic home still being used as a private residence. It’s more than just a home to Thompson and Solari, however. The mansion is a link to Florida’s Victorian-era past and to John B. Stetson, a hat maker and entrepreneur whose philanthropy changed the face of DeLand during the 20 winters he lived there. His Stetson cowboy hat became an iconic symbol of Americana.

While the mansion hosts tours and special events year-’round, it’s the eightweek Christmas Spectacular that’s the biggest draw. The event is not a kitschy display of lights and plastic ornaments; rather it’s a sophisticated presentation that honors the Christian tradition of Christmas.

“This is a Christmas house that celebrates Christ’s birth,” says Thompson.

“There is a crèche in every room. We’re not apologetic about what it is and we will not compromise on calling it ‘Christmas.’”

The philosophy is working. Positive reviews on the TripAdvisor travel site keep climbing. In fact, the travel site

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recently named Stetson Mansion as Florida’s most popular attraction, beating out even Disney.

The idea for opening the home at Christmas evolved from friends and acquaintances calling to come see Thompson’s “over-the-top” decorating skills, which included family heirlooms from both his and Solari’s mothers. The word spread and people kept calling, so in 2011 the first “Spectacular” opened to the public. Each year since, the number of visitors has doubled.

“We hear so many people say, ‘This is on our family’s Christmas to-do list every year,’ ” says Solari. “Kids love it even though it is very sophisticated and reverent.”

The decorations are always different and this year’s event includes a “Frozen” room, a tribute to the popular Disney movie.

“I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights,” says Thompson. “My ‘Frozen’ room will be my interpretation of what the aurora borealis looks like.”

Decorating also has grown into a collaboration, as award-winning designers Lee James, Debbie Robertson and Barb Masri have come on board to enhance Thompson’s vision. This year’s tour includes 22 Christmas trees, a cowboy Christmas room featuring a diamondstudded Stetson hat and a music room

filled with handmade quilted items from The Villages Quilting Guild. Five charities will benefit from a drawing for 13 quilted tree skirts, courtesy of that club.

The hard work by Thompson and Solari to provide a memorable holiday experience is surpassed only by the labor and passion they put into the house when they purchased it in 2005. The renovations — from replacing an electrical system originally installed by Stetson’s good friend Thomas Edison to rebuilding the on-site schoolhouse into a “Zen-like cottage” — took 18 months to complete.

The men were looking for a beach cottage near Daytona, not a mansion that needed an overhaul, when they moved from South Florida.

incorporating modern conveniences without compromising the architectural or historical integrity. Every room on the three floors is decorated and none is off-limits to visitors on the guided tours.

“We don’t want people to feel like tourists, but rather like our guests,” says Thompson. “This is everyone’s home and it’s meant to be shared.”

Trip

TIP “The mansion chose us; we did not choose it,” says Thompson. “I’ve always been a dreamer and I knew what this home could be.”

Thompson and Solari found 325 sponsors nationwide who donated labor and products to save the home. When the restorations were completed in 2007, a charitable showcase event recognized the sponsors and raised money for the Museum of Florida Art in DeLand.

“Stetson Mansion was a diamond that had been forgotten,” Thompson wrote in his book, “The Stetson Mansion: How to Polish a Diamond.” “It was desperately crying out for the right people to see past the decades of neglect and save it. This diamond needed to be polished. I had never polished a diamond before, but I have never been one to run from a challenge.”

Solari and Thompson painstakingly renovated the entire home while

Reservations are required for the Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular and can be made online at stetsonmansion. com. Daily guided tours are available at 10:30a.m., 1:30p.m. and 5p.m. until Jan. 15. Cost is $25.

About the writer Mary Ann DeSantis has written features for Style publications since 2006. She was recognized with a first-place Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Award for Travel Writing in 2012.

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On the scene // Hi, society!

SWING FOR EDUCATION It was picture-perfect weather at Lake-Sumter State College Foundation’s 16th annual Athletics Golf Classic at Arlington Ridge Golf Club. More than 120 golfers teed off to raise more than $40,000 for scholarships offered to student athletes at L-SSC. This year’s tournament winner, representing Edward Jones, was the team of Jeff Sustarsic, Dan Tatro, Fay Paquette and Justin Low.

KEVIN HURD, PAUL BRUNO, RUSSELL CHILDRESS AND ZACH ROBINSON

PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

DANIEL COMBA AND ISAAC DASILVA

CHRIS BUDDEN AND TIFFINAY GOLLER SCOTT LEE, DARRELL STOTT, KEVIN BOWMAN AND DAVID BREKA THOE SELLERS, GLENN PIERSALL, KELLY RICE AND TOM MOFFITT

JOSE BRITO AND MAKENZIE HEGGIE CONNOR HERMIDA AND COURTNEY PHARRIS

CHIP CHENOWETH AND BRUCE MONSANTY SUSAN KOREM, ROSANNE BRANDEBURG AND MARCIA MATULIA

PAM CARMAN, MICHELLE CHANDLER AND HOLLY DUKE

First Academy-Leesburg Welcomes Our New Teachers for the 2014-2015 School Year!

May you be a blessing to your students and to the community.

Amanda Jones 5th grade B.A. Elementary Education University of Florida

Heather Iseminger High School English and AP English M.A. Arts and Christian Education, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary B.A. English w/ Writing Emphasis, Florida State University

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On the scene // Hi, society!

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER It was quite an evening for the inaugural A Fetching Affair Gala, which took place in September at Trilogy Orlando in Clermont. More than 100 guests gathered to celebrate the work of South Lake Animal League, a no-kill animal shelter in Groveland. Attendees enjoyed dinner, bid on exclusive live and silent auction items LISA ROBERTS, JUDY MCCARDLE, and participated in the launch of SLAL’s Best Paw Forward building fund. DOREEN BARKER AND “HERCULES”

PHOTOS: MORGAN ELLIS

JOHN AND EVONNE GREIG, ROSE BROWN AND MIRIAM VALENTIN

DAVE AND ANGIE WILSON AND COURTNEY KRAMER JOANNE RITTENHOUSE

KIM PANZER AND KC CHINAPEN

DANIEL WHITEHOUSE WITH IVY AND SEAN PARKS ROBERT AND KATHY SMITH CAROLYN ISBILL, DENNIS WOODWARD AND CLINTON POWNALL

RITCH WORKMAN, TERRI ALLERTON AND “ZIGGY”

Explore a wide variety of Challahday catering options to celebrate at home or office.

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On the scene // Hi, society!

VAC-TRON CELEBRATES WITH 20TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE Community leaders joined Vac-Tron Equipment in Okahumpka to celebrate 20 years of service. Leslie Campione, Lake County commissioner, and Pam Jones, representing U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, recognized Don Buckner, founder, with proclamations recognizing Vac-Tron as an industry leader in excavating equipment.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

JOSH CRONSHAW, JENNIFER SPRATT AND BRIAN SHOWLEY MICHAEL KELLEY, JOHN DANNECKER AND SCHIRRA MCDANIEL

MORGAN FISCHER, TIM FISCHER, RYAN MAHAFFEY AND CODY MCCRACKEN

KELLY FORT AND KIM HARPER

DON BUCKNER AND LESLIE CAMPIONE KENT MERRILL, BLAKE MERRILL, JEFF GILLMAN AND DAVIS TALMAGE

RACHEL BUCKNER, JENNIFER MILLER, PRESLEY MILLER AND JOSH MILLER

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GET ON THE

BUS SUPPORT LAKE COUNTY SCHOOLS

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

On the scene // Hi, society!

AN EVENING OF HOPE Wreaths of Hope, a silent auction and annual holiday event hosted by The Bridge of Ocala, raised funds for the PACE Center for Girls, which provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling and advocacy. Attendees enjoyed an all-occasion wreaths display, entertainment and hors d’oeuvres and were able to bid on finely decorated wreaths donated by individuals, local businesses and organizations. LINDA BRANDON LAVONNA SIETZ

CAROL BOSCO AND SHIRLEY CARLANDER

PHOTOS: AUBREY AKERS

BARBARA BROOK

JOHANSLE LYLE, REBECCA SIEGENDORF AND RON BRADY

BOB MAGEWSKI

JILL ST. JOHN AND JINNY VINSON

KAY SHULTZ

SHERRI WALKER, COURTNEY EACHO AND LORI MORALES

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Offering the latest techniques available

just a touch away Digitize your life.

Visit the Apple or Android app store today and download the Lake and Sumter Style online magazine app for your mobile device.

For the best in enhanced magazine entertainment, join us online for the media experience of a lifetime.

Want your holiday photos to be perfect this year? Visit our full service salon and let our professionals glam you up! apple

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• Permanent Makeup • Corrective Coloring • Facials

• Spa Manicures • Spa Pedicures • Shellac

352.330.4040 salon.wildwood@gmail.com 104 S Main Street, Wildwood December 20 14

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Fashion Show Fundraiser &

Ultimate Shopping Experience to benefit the

Saturday, January 24, 2015 12:00 - 4:00 PM • Fashion Show 2:00 - 3:30 PM Lake Sumter State College, Leesburg

Fa shion Houses

Ti ckets On Sale Now! $15 Adults • $10 Ages 18 and Under at sweettreats.eventbrite.com 352.638.0358 • haleygerig@hotmail.com • haleyscometclothing.com/sweettreats PRESENTING SPONSOR

/SweetTreatsForACause

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY

Official Media Sponsor

Introducing

Dr. Ernesto Bustinza-Linares Fellowship trained Oncologist/Hematologist Dr. Bustinza-Linares graduated from Medical School at Universidad Nacional San Agustin in Peru and remained for a few years in his home country as a volunteer physician with the Peruvian Red Cross and working with the military and underserved population while in the Air Force. He completed his internal medicine residency at University of Miami in 2009 and then departed to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center for a fellowship in investigational cancer therapeutics. There, he focused on Phase I trials with newly developed small molecules, monoclonal antibodies and histone deacetylase inhibitors writing multiple articles in peer review journals.

Most recently, he completed his Hematology/Oncology fellowship at University of Miami and moved to The Villages area to serve our expanding community. He is a very compassionate and competent bilingual physician, who is also known for his excellent bed side manner.

Now accepting new patients No PCP referral needed Specializing in the treatment of: • Breast Cnacer • Lung Cancer • Skin Cancer • Prostate Cancer • Multiple Myeloma • Colon Cancer

• Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma • Melanoma • Anemia • Iron Deficiency Anemia

Serving the Tri-County area with offices conveniently located in

The Villages, Leesburg and Ocala For appointments, call us at

352.508.1502 INSURANCES ACCEPTED: MEDICARE • FREEDOM • OPTIMUM • AND MORE!

THE BRIDGE AT OCALA Assisted Living Community genuinely thanks everyone who participated in our charity event Wreaths of Hope.

Thanks to your generous support, three organizations that make a positive impact on the lives of others benefitted from our event: Community with a Heart, Habitat for Humanity and PACE for Girls of Ocala.

By donating wreaths to be auctioned and participating in our event, you made it a huge success. We are extremely appreciative of your support.

Staff and residents at The Bridge at Ocala are grateful we can give back to less fortunate people in the Ocala area. Moreover, we are thankful residents willingly participate in charitable events such as ours to make a profound difference.

Please take time during this wonderful holiday season to show LOVE to those who are near you, as well as to those who may be far from their loved ones.

The family at The Bridge at Ocala would like to wish everyone happy holidays and a prosperous New Year.

All our thanks, Residents, Management, and Staff The Bridge at Ocala Assisted Living Community

AN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNIT MUNIT T Y

AN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNIT Y BAYCARE HOME HEALTH • BETA SIGMA PHI SORORITY • BETTER @ HOME HEALTHCARE SPECIALIST BEVERLY BLAKE • CLASSIC HOMEHEALTH SERVICES • COMFORT KEEPERS • DR. JAMES & GINNY GAMBLE • DR. & MRS. LEMIRE & STAFF • DR. CARLOS LOPEZ-RUBIN • DROP IT NOT • FLORIDA HOMECARE SPECIALISTS • GENTIVA HOME HEALTH • GENTIVA HOSPICE • HIMALAYAN SALT ROOM@ LEMIRE CLINIC • HOME ADVANTAGE HEALTHCARE • HOME INSTEAD SR. CARE • HOSPICE OF MARION COUNTY/ADMISSIONS TEAM • HOSPICE OF MARION CTY/NURSING HOME TEAM • IMS PHARMACY • INFINITY HOME CARE • KAY MILLS • LIFECARE CENTER OF AMERICA • MILD TO WILD HAIR DESIGNS • MITCHELL ELDER CARE • NURSE ON CALL • OCALA FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER • OCALA HEALTH • OCALA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER/WEST MARION COMMUNITY HOSPITAL • NATURE COAST FINANCIAL/OPERATION VETERAN AID • PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS BOARD MEMBERS • R.A.M.A.L EDUCATIONAL/SOCIAL SERVICES • SANDRA STUNER • SENIOR HOME CARE • SIGNATURE HOME NOW • SUPERIOR RESIDENCES OF CALA HILLS • WALTER PACIOREK

352.873.2036 • 2800 SW 41st St. Bldg. 200 Ocala, FL 34474

www.thebridgeatocala.com

Assisted Living Facility License #9612

Lake Ear Nose Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery

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• Ear evaluation and cleanings

• Allergy testing and treatments

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• Complete audiology/hearing testing and services • Independent distributor of hearing aids • Physical therapy for imbalance

• Minimally invasive Balloon Sinuplasty® and other sinus surgeries • Surgery for nasal obstruction

THE VILLAGES 352.753.8448 LEESBURG 352.728.2404 TAVARES 352.343.7279 LakeENT.net

THROAT • Evaluation/treatment of pediatric and adult tonsillitis as well as Upper Respiratory Infections • Evaluation of swallowing, hoarseness and vocal cord function • Voice and Swallow therapy with Speech language pathologist

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PLASTIC SURGERY • Surgical and non-surgical facial enhancements/ rejuvenation • Cosmetic surgery of the ear, eyelid, brow, forehead, face and neck • Laser resurfacing, Rejuvapen® micro needling, Silkpeel®, etc.

• Botox and fillers

• Thyroid and Parathyroid conditions

• Skin cancer surgery and repair of MOH’s defects

THE VILLAGES 323.259.5126 Face2FaceFL@gmail.com Face2FaceFL.com

eats IN THE KITCHEN SALUTÉ FORK ON THE ROAD DINING GUIDE

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

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THE GIFT OF GOURMET

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In the quest for or a useful culinary holiday present for the e home chef in your life, “Style” suggests some e must-have kitchen and food products available ilable locally.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES PHOTOS: OTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

W

hen I was 8, my mother bought me an Easy Bake Oven. It sparked not only a lifelong love affair with food, but also a mild but unmistakable obsession with cooking contraptions.

Over the years, my tastes have become more refined.

Only kitchen gearheads could understand the overwhelming joy you get as you bring home a brand-new, state-ofthe-art, high-speed blender.

And only fellow gourmands could appreciate a perfectly grilled chicken breast that spent 24 hours marinating in a homemade mojo sauce purchased in Clermont.

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When it comes to kitchen gadgets and uniquely scrumptious goodies that make foodies go gaga, the keys are originality and practicality. You don’t want to buy something so off-thewall different that you’ll rarely use it; however, you do want something with a wow factor that makes your meals suddenly more water coolerworthy.

Similar logic applies when buying something for the home cook in your life.

Therefore, Style decided to give you a gift guide to some of the hottest specialty kitchen products and fine ingredients available at local merchants.

.com

—————————— GADGETS GALORE: KADEE KAY GOURMET KITCHEN PRODUCTS, MOUNT DORA MAGEFESA CARBON STEEL PAELLA PANS Actually made in Spain, these easy-to-clean pans are perfect for cooking up this traditional Spanish dish.

The textured surface helps oil collect in the center of the pan to create that delicious layer of toasted rice known as soccarat in the bottom of the pan. And the carbon steel construction allows for quick and even heat distribution, resulting in flawless cooking results

that will leave friends and family speechless.

“These pans have become increasingly popular with our customer base,” says Karen Monte, co-owner of KaDee Kay. “The 12-inch pans are perfect for couples, while the larger pans are great for large gatherings and bigger families.”

RICE CUBE Think making sushi at home is too hard? It just got a whole lot easier. Rice Cube eliminates the need for clunky bamboo sushi mats and sticky rice by using compression to squeeze ingredients into cute, snack-sized cubes. And because you can use plain rice without having to add vinegar

or sugar, it cuts down on the preparation time and calories.

“This tool is fun and easy to use,” says Monte. “Even children can use it.”

Though you may want to use it primarily with rice, this utensil is super versatile and can be used to mold a variety of ingredients, such as polenta, meat, cheese, risotto, fudge and much more.

CHARCOAL COMPANION HIMALAYAN SALT PLATE Himalayan salt in cooking is hot right now and there’s no better way to use it than by cooking on a salt plate.

Salt plates give foods a subtler, milder flavor than when using ground salt.

“When you cook with

it, you’re infusing over 80 different minerals and trace minerals into your food that your body needs,” says Monte. “Plus, it keeps you from putting too much salt into your food, especially if you’re watching your sodium intake.”

The plate, made from 100 percent pink Himalayan salt, is great to use in the oven or on a grill. Then when the meal is ready, it makes a great serving plate.

NORDIC WARE BAKEWARE KaDee Kay carries the largest selection of Nordic Ware Bakeware in the southeastern United States.

That’s great news for hardcore bakers, cooks and

home chefs, since Nordic Ware has been one of the most trusted bakeware and cookware companies for more than 60 years.

“They’re a part of everyone’s kitchen,” says Monte. “Some people even collect them.”

With the holiday season in full swing, there are tons of seasonal items to buy for the baker in your life who may get a kick out of making a Bundt cake in the shape of a yule log or wreath next year.

ESCARGOT TOOLS In case you were wondering, escargot is French for snail, which is considered a delicacy in many Mediterranean countries. If

you’re looking to expand your tastes — or if you just want to try your hand at making this ridiculously delicious appetizer — KaDee Kay carries all the items you’ll need.

To make the perfect gift basket, be sure to grab a ceramic escargot plate, tongs, escargot forks, snail shells and a can of large or extra-large snails.

ENCLUME CEILING POT RACKS Kitchen appliances can take up a lot of room, especially if you’re fanatical about collecting. Therefore, give the gift of space with a ceiling pot rack that’s functional as well as decorative.

“The great thing about these racks is they are easy to install

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

and the hardware is included,” says Monte.

Oval, square, rectangle … a variety of shapes and sizes are available inside the store.

And Enclume, the leading manufacturer of gourmet cooking racks for nearly four decades, guarantees unmatched quality and craftsmanship that cooks value.

—————————— EPICUREAN EATS: JULIANNE’S COASTAL COTTAGE, MOUNT DORA DR. PETE’S PRALINE MUSTARD GLAZE This award winner brings the flavor of Georgia to any kitchen with a tasty blend of brown sugar, mustard, pecans and spices.

“This is absolutely fabulous over ham, cream cheese or even brie,” says Trish Morgan, owner of The Gourmet Spot, which has merged with Julianne’s.

You can also try it on chicken, fish or as an ice cream topping.

THE GOURMET SPOT FRENCH POULTRY RUB/FLORIDIAN BARBECUE RUB/SALMON RUB Give meats an extra oomph with these flavorful spice rubs.

But Morgan advises they’re not just for proteins.

“The French poultry and Floridian Barbecue rubs work well on grilled or sautéed veggies,” she says. “This may be a big selling point for people who are trying to eat healthier in the new year.”

THE GOURMET SPOT SMOKEY ESPRESSO GRILL SAUCE Morgan swears by this wonderfully smoky, coffeeflavored sauce.

“This would be perfect for the special grill master in your life,” she says.

The espresso flavor enhances the taste of beef, pork and chicken when used as a barbecue sauce. Or you can blend it with ground beef for delicious burgers, brush it on shrimp while it’s grilling or smother a roast, ribs or pork in it after baking. It also adds a unique flavor to baked beans, but use only a dash.

GUNTHER’S GOURMET CHESAPEAKE BAY CRAB SALSA It’s Gunther’s Gourmet and Morgan’s most popular item. This one-of-a-kind salsa combines the finest blue crab claw meat with a special blend of herbs and spices.

“It’s to die for,” she says.

“It’s so delicious and I haven’t met one person who hasn’t enjoyed it.”

According to Gunther’s Gourmet, it makes a wonderful dip or complement when topping meat, seafood, vegetables or eggs.

THE GOURMET SPOT BALSAMIC GLAZE All natural and gluten-free, The Gourmet Spot’s line of balsamic glazes is perfect for cooks who admire the versatility of this sweet, tangy sauce. It can be used to dress salads, as a finishing sauce for grilled chicken or fish, or as a dessert sauce over ice cream or berries. It’s also delicious drizzled over cheesecake or your favorite gourmet cheese.

For more information about these products, call KaDee Kay at 352.383.3600 or Julianne’s Coastal Cottage at 352.383.1794.

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

®

Gourmet Kitchen Products Unique and Hard To Find Specialty Kitchen Products Baking Needs: Everyday Cookie Cutters Frosting Sanding Sugars Sparkling Sugars French Dragees King Arthur Specialty Flours Baking Mats Oven Mats Doughnut Baking Trays

Pie Accessories Pie Plates Pie Top Cutters Pie Crust Protectors Pie Birds Quiche Pans Tart Pans

Make Us Your Holiday Baking and Cooking Headquarters

Swedish Peal Sugar Belgian Pearl Sugar Porridge Rice 100% Pure Maple Syrups + Sugars Creme Brulee Mix Mousse Supreme Mix Marzipan

Specialty Ingredients: Mexican Vanillas Lorann Oils and Flavorings Bakers Emulsions Madagascar Vanillas Tahitian Vanilla Vanilla Bean Pastes Vanilla Beans CK Products specialty ingredients Merckens Chocolates Guittard Chocolates Pie Fillings

Gift and Wedding Registry

Nordicware (Bundt) Pans: Cookie Sheets Jelly Roll Pans Bakers Half Sheets Petite Muffin Pans Muffin Top Pans Angel Food Pans Quarter Sheets Cooling Racks Springform Pans (all sizes) Bread Pans Powdered Sugar Dusters

Swedish Preserves: Lingonberry Queens Blend Cloudberry Gooseberry Blueberry Black Currant Calamondin Coulis & Jam

AND SO MUCH MORE!!!! *Gift cards available *Also shop on-line at www.KaDeeKay.com

Find us and like us on Facebook

EATS // saluté A worldly look at wine

GRABBING ATTENTION WITH LABELS If you’ve ever bought a wine based solely on its label, you’re not alone. Studies show consumers do indeed react to label styles and colors. Winemakers have designed some unique labels to distinguish their bottles in time for the gift-giving season.

M

ore than once, friends have told me they chose a bottle of wine because the label featured a cute animal or other creature on the label.

Even serious oenophiles have succumbed to a catchy label. One of my favorite wines became Writer’s Block zinfandel from Steele Wines after a particularly acute case of the dreaded affliction set in near deadline. The full-color portrait of Shakespeare on the label convinced me to give it a try.

Fortunately, the wine was excellent and turned out to be an appropriate Christmas gift for editors that year.

“Absolutely people buy wines based on a label,” agrees Joyce Huey, owner of Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe in Leesburg. “That’s the reason I buy some wines. If I think I can sell a wine in the store because the label looks cool, I’ll stock it.”

An example is Freak Show, a California cabernet, which Huey says “makes people stop and look.” Another is Machete, a California blend of petite sirah, syrah, and grenache bottled with 12 different labels.

“Machete has a rather provocative label of a woman holding a machete while posing in various positions on a white Cadillac,” she says. “If you buy a case, you get 12 different labels.”

The importance of label design is not lost on winemakers.

The design can make or break a new wine’s success when it is introduced to the market. A 2009 Australian study showed consumers often judge a wine’s quality by its label. Labels also play a primary role in purchasing decisions by customers, especially those who may buy the wine as a gift.

“People don’t realize just how hard it is to come up with a new brand name,” says Mark Dolin, Rutherford Wine Company’s marketing director and a self-taught artist who designed the 2014 winning label for the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition label sweepstakes.

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Dolin used a ladybug theme for Predator Old Vine zinfandel because the consumer-friendly insect is an important part of maintaining Rutherford’s vineyards, which are all farmed sustainably. The artwork was silkscreened and then fired onto the bottle. The name, “Predator,” was written in 24-karat gold, a remarkable feature, considering the bottle sells for about $24.

Some vintners even put real money on the label to grab attention. Huey carries Mercury Head, a cabernet blend that features a real Mercury Head dime embedded into the label.

“I read where the Mercury Head dime is actually worth $1.35,” she says.

Huey also believes the trend for wine labels is becoming more minimalist with just a few words or the brand name on the front label.

One example her shop carries is Saldo, a ruby red zinfandel from northern California. The word “saldo” has various meanings in Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. In Spanish, it mainly refers to “balance on hand,” but is sometimes interpreted as “from here and there.” Both translations are apt descriptions for the wine, which is a blend of grapes from several vineyards.

It does help to know how to read a wine label so you know what you’re getting or giving during the holiday season. The key questions you should ask when buying a bottle are: 1) what grapes were used; 2) where was it made; 3) who made it; and 4) the vintage, or when was it made. This information is usually found on the front label, except on those minimalist designs where you will need to check the tiny print on the back of the bottle.

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

SOURCE: http://academyofwinebusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/MuellerSzolnoki-Wine-packaging-and-labelling.pdf. Szolnoki, Gergely & Mueller, Simone, “On the bottle or inside the bottle? The relative influence of wine packaging on hedonic liking and purchase intent.” (2009).

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

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HOW OW TO READ A WINE INE LABEL 1. Brand and name 2. Vintage ntage 3. Where here the grapes were grown 4. Varietal rietal grape or type of wine 5. Quality uality indication (such as Reserve or Estate Bottled) 6. Where here it was bottled 7. Amount mount of wine in bottle 8. Alcohol cohol Percentage.

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1884 RESTAURANT AND BAR Be prepared to enjoy an old-time atmosphere with modern food.

STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

H

istory buffs will tell you 1884 was a memorable year.

The Statue of Liberty was presented to the U.S. in Paris. Mississippi established the first state college for women. The first roller coaster opened on New York’s Coney Island.

Something big was happening locally, too.

Edgar L. Ferran moved from Indiana to Eustis and became a prominent businessman, opening Ferran’s Department Store in Eustis, which would clothe generations of Lake County residents for 114 years and become one of the South’s oldest independently owned stores.

Two Realtors have brought back the beauty and timelessness of this historic building. In September, Danny Teems and Leigh Ann Pippin, co-owners of ReMax Realty Center International in Eustis, opened 1884 Restaurant and Bar, naming it after the year the department store was built. Visitors to their steakhouse enjoy a casual dining experience in an atmosphere that many say resembles Orlando’s Cheyenne Saloon.

The spacious, rustic interior boasts exposed original brick walls, beautifully refinished wood floors and exposed copper pipe tracing across the wall. Wooden stairways on both ends of the restaurant lead to second-floor dining rooms. On one end, window tables give diners a bird’s-eye view of beautiful downtown Eustis. The other end is a popular spot for wedding rehearsal dinners, receptions and birthday parties.

The building may be remodeled, but former Ferran’s customers will see some familiar sights. During renovation, numerous artifacts from the department store were uncovered and are prominently displayed near the entrance. They include a cash register, music box, shoe-shine stool and an antique calculator.

Guests can also look through two large photo albums and immerse themselves in the city’s rich history.

As a result, 1884 serves up plenty of nostalgic memories.

“We had a customer recently dine here who hadn’t been in this building since 1942,” says bar manager Chelsea Harkness. “She

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ADDRESS: 12 E. Magnolia St. Eustis 32726 PHONE: 1.800.856.1884 HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday—Thursday from 11a.m. to midnight Friday—Saturday from 11a.m. to 2a.m.

POPULAR DISHES: Pork chop: $18.84 Pork burger: $10 10-ounce filet: $34 1884 pesto over pasta: $12.50 Mahi filet: $17.50 Grilled chicken breast: $14.50

pointed to locations in the room where she used to buy lingerie, hardware and other items.”

The atmosphere and décor create the perfect stage for Executive Chef Jay Davis’ superb menu, which is different than anything else in Eustis. Menu options are purposefully limited, allowing Jay to create each dish with creative flair and distinct taste. He begins prepping food at 9a.m.

“A limited menu lets customers know everything is fresh,” says Jay, who has spent 12 years in the food industry and formerly worked as an executive chef in Atlanta. “From salad dressings to fried pickles to french fries, we make everything here. I try to think outside the box because too many restaurants serve up the same dishes. Here, we value quality over quantity.”

Hearing that, I was ready to put 1884’s fare to the test.

For an appetizer I chose fried pickles. The dill pickle slices, made to order, were breaded and fried to golden perfection. The coating is not overly thick, which allowed me to enjoy the tart, moist interior. The accompanying homemade ranch dipping sauce — made of buttermilk, mayonnaise and seasonings — helps drown out the slightly salty taste of the pickle.

Next up was the ever-popular pork burger, which features a half-pound of fresh pork with provolone cheese and pulverized applewood smoked bacon. The burger is served on a warm, toasted bun and comes with a special ancho chili sauce made of peaches, onions and garlic. The sauce definitely gave a spicy kick in the back of my throat.

For the main course, I ordered New York strip steak and the restaurant’s signature pork chop. Jay allows his steaks to soak in roasted garlic oil for several days and adds salts only once the meat has been grilled. This technique is quite effective because juice

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burst into my mouth with every bite. In fact, I completely ignored the herb butter dip, fearing it may detract from the superior taste.

The restaurant’s signature dish is a 14-ounce, 2-inch thick pork chop. It is brined in apple juice for three days, which helps seal moisture and results in a pork chop that is succulent, tender and full of flavor. That’s a good thing, especially considering I’ve eaten at plenty of places that serve flavorless, overly dry pork chops. It is served with a rich, tangy and savory barbecue sauce. However, the pork chop easily stands on its own with no need for any kind of saucy enhancement. Be warned there’s a 30-minute cook time for this dish, but the wait is well worth it.

While enjoying my meal, I noticed Chelsea mixing drinks at the full-service, wooden bar that flanks one side of the restaurant.

Her ability to make creative craft cocktails complements Jay’s outstanding culinary skills.

“The craft cocktail movement is becoming very popular again,” she says. “I make them using top-shelf craft liquors, fresh herbs and fresh-squeezed juices. I look at it as an art form.”

I tried her popular Bombay sapphire gin, which includes blood orange juice, lemon juice and champagne. The drink has an herbal and citrusy taste, and the carbonation helps keep it from being too sweet.

The restaurant attracts a mix of clientele. Some go after work to enjoy a refreshing beer or alcoholic beverage, others show up with family and friends for a delicious meal. Weekly entertainment includes karaoke on Monday nights, acoustic musician Kelly Jarrard on Tuesday nights, Wine Down Wednesdays and Country Night on Thursdays.

No doubt, 1884 will evoke wonderful memories for longtime Eustis residents and create wonderful memories for the younger crowd.

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A little place to call our own!

When it comes to buying a home, knowledge is power.

That’s why our loan officers make sure you know your options. We listen to your questions, and work quickly to get the answers—and approval—you need. Call Janet or Jeanne today. We’re ready to help.

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REASONS TO ENJOY THE SEASON!

Christmas Eve Food & Wine Fest Dinner Dance - Wednesday, December 24, 2014 New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration - Wednesday, December 31, 2014 TWO BALLROOMS • PRIVATE COURTYARDS • FOUR RESTAURANTS • LAKESIDE PAVILLION AWARD WINNING CULINARY STAFF • OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

Reservations 352-324-3101 | MissionInnResort.com December 20 14

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

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

Astatula Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 $

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

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

IN YOUR CITY

Clermont Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988 $$$ Calabria Ristorante 13900 County Road 455 407.656.5144 $$ Cheeser’s Palace 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 $ Flippers Pizzeria 2523 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.242.2214 $$ G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd.

352.243.8900 $$$ Green Garden 1790 E. Hwy. 50 352.243.2077 $$

Manginogrube, Inc. 411 W. Parkhill Ave. 352.793.6350 $$

Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd.

352.242.1910 $$$

Market Street Gardens 311 N. Market St. 352.568.0100 $$

Lyn’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe 824 W. Montrose St. 352.536.9935 $

Mia Plaza Pizzeria 6092 CR 609 352.793.4418 $

Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 $$

Sonny’s Bar-B-Q 2684 W. CR 48 352.569.0200 $

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

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

Rusty Fox 649 12th St. 352.394.3333 $$ Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club Restaurant 2601 Diamond Club Dr. 352.243.0411 $$ Spiro’s Pizza 1203 W. Hwy. 50 352.394.5538 $$

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

Sugar Mama’s Bake Shoppe 648 Eighth St. 352.241.9738 $$ Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 $$

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

Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022 $$ Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949 $$ The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 $$$ The Great Pizza Company 23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377 $$ The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 $$$ Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 $$

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

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

Kid’s Menu

Lady Lake Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000 $$$ Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 $$ Texas Stockyard BBQ 360 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.750.5229 $$

Leesburg Bloom’s Café 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004 $$ Cupcake Time 703 W. Main St. 352.728.2253 $$

Beer, Wine or Cocktails

Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd.

352.728.0788 $$ San Juan Mexican Restaurant 1341 S. 14th St. 352.787.7575 $$ Stavros Pizza 755 N. 14th St. 352.326.4202 $$ Takis Pizza Restaurant 1324 W. North Blvd.

352.787.2344 $$ The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 $$ The Latin Cafe 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 $$

Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377 $$

Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe 410 W Main St 352.435.9107 $$

Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 County Road 44 352.365.2177 $$

Vic’s Embers 7940 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.8989 $$$$

Habaneros 3 Mexican Restaurant 10601 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.315.1777 $$ HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 $

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

Howey-inthe-Hills

La Mandarina Mexican Restaurant 1401 Orange Ave. 352.357.2487 $$

JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd.

352.324.3600 $$

Olivia’s Coffee House & Bistro 113 N. Bay St. 352.357.1887 $

Mission Inn Resort & Club’s El Conquistador 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$

Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 $$

Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. County Road 44 352.589.9100 $$

Mission Inn Resort & Club’s Nickers 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$

Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd.

352.323.1616 $$

Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 $ Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 County Road 473 352.343.4663 $

Mascotte Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd.

352.429.2093 $$

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

Mount Dora Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668 $

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EDITOR’S PICK

EVANS PRAIRIE COUNTRY CLUB 118 W. RUBY STREET, TAVARES // 352.508.5344

This isn’t your typical country club b di dining i experience. i Evans Prairie Country Club in The Villages not only serves delicious, gourmet eats with impeccable customer service, they also have an amazing Old West-style atmosphere that’s perfect for a night out with your significant other or lunch with a couple of buddies. If you arrive ready to dine, give the jumbo mushroom appetizer a taste. And for the main course, the popular pork shank is a must-try. It’s fall-offthe-bone tender and served with a lovely caramel reduction sauce, grilled asparagus and Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. But make sure to save room for dessert because the warm, delicious apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is also too good to miss.

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 “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 & 2014. Additional menu items offered are killer ½ lb. burgers, personal pan pizzas, amazing ribeye cheese steaks, healthy wheat wraps, homemade salads, chicken strips that absolutely melt in your mouth, 16 awesome appetizers, and their signature deep fried Ice Cream and Snickers Bars! Every Monday is “Texas Hold’em” from 6–10p.m.

Tuesday night is “Family Night” from 4–8p.m. when kids 12-and-under eat free. Wednesday night is “Trivia Night” when the fun starts at 6:30p.m. with prizes given to the top 3 teams. Thursday night is “Karaoke Night” where everyone is a star! Every Saturday watch your favorite college team while enjoying $1.50 select draft beers all day and night. On Sundays they offer “The Sunday NFL Ticket,” catch any game… any time! Cousin Vinnie’s also offers, free Wi-Fi, great music, and an enthusiastic staff ready to exceed your expectations. Vinnie’s has been open for six years, if you have never been there… it is absolutely time for you to check it out!

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dining Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 $$$ Blackbear Smokehouse 18750 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.2327 $$ Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 $ Cecile’s French Corner 237 W. Fourth Ave. 352.383.7100 $$ Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426 $ Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000 $$ Cupcake Delights 122 E. 4th Ave. 352.383.2200 $ Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 $ Incredible Edible Cakes 4295 W. Old Hwy. 441, Suite 2 352.223.3581 $ Ivory’s Take Out 1325 N. Grandview St. 352.735.6797 $ Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 $ Lisa’s Kitchen 3201 N. Hwy. 19A 352.383.9338 $$ Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 $

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One Flight Up - Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Suite 100 352.758.9818 $ Operation Deep Freeze Custard 140A West 5 Avenue 352.735.8269 $ Palm Tree Grille 351 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.1936 $$ Pisces Rising 239 W. Fourth Ave. 352.385.2669 $$$ PizzAmore’ 622 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.0092 $ Saucy Spoon Catering & Bistro 427 S. Highland St. 352.383.1050 $$$ Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 $ Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 $ The Frog and Monkey Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.1936 $$ The Garden Gate Tea Room 142 E. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2158 $$ The Health Basket of Mount Dora 18834 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.735.1166 $$ The Windsor Rose English Tea Room 142 W. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2551 $$ Village Coffee Pot 425 Donnelly St. 352.383.3334 $

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IN YOUR CITY

Wasabi Buffet 16700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.7016 $$ Whales Tale Fish House 2720 W. Old. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.385.1500 $$

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

Pressed for Time Cafe 110 S. New Hampshire Ave. 352.253.4663 $ Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829 $$

Zellie’s Pub 4025 N. U.S. Hwy. 19A 352.483.3855 $$

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

352.343.6669 $$

Sorrento

Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd.

352.343.7744 $

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

Tavares Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 $$ Buzzard Beach Grill 12423 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.5267 $$ Casa Mia Cafe 505 W Main St 352.742.9940 $

The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 $$

Umatilla Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 State Road 19 352.669.3922 $ The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535 $$

The Villages Bob Evans 2199 Parr Dr. 352.259.1224 $ Bonefish Grill 3580 Wedgewood Ln. 352.674.9292 $$

China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 $ City Fire Brownwood Paddock Square 352.561.2078 $$ Olive Garden 3680 Wedgewood Ln. 352.259.0304 $$

Kid’s Menu

Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.391.9939 $$ RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930 $$ Ricciardi’s Italian Table 3660 Kiessel Rd. 352.391.9938 $$

Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evans Prairie Trail 352.750.2225 $$

Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393 $$

Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400 $$

Scooples 2718 Brownwood Blvd 352.750.6263 $

Glenview Champions Country Club 3194 Glenview Rd 352.753.0077 $$ Hemingway’s at Havana 2484 Odell Circle 352.753.1475 $$$ Las Tapas Brownwood Paddock Square 352.399.5516 $$ The Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd.

352.753.1475 $$$

Square One Burgers & Bar 2542 Burnsed Blvd.

352.689.2191 $$ Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 $$ TooJay’s 1129 Canal St. 352.430.0410 $ Toscani’s Deli and Pizzeria 8760 SE Mulberry Ln. 352.693.2237 $$ VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887 $$

Beer, Wine or Cocktails

Buddy’s BBQ 1210 N. Main St. 352.330.0338 $$ China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 $ Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 $$ Dickey’s Barbeque Pit 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.4288 $$ Mel’s Island Café 901 Industrial Dr. 352.748.4105 $$ O’Shucks!

Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 $$ Polly’s Pantry 819 S. Main St. 352.330.4002 $$ Rita’s Oyster Bar 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.399.2987 $$ T Weston’s Smokehouse 1210 N. Main St. 352.748.9378 $$ Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 $$ Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 $$

Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd.

352.508.5137 $$

Bonifay Country Club 1033 Pinellas Place 352.205.7455 $$

The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800 $$

Wildwood

Yalaha

Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313 $$

Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 $$

Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd.

352.753.3824 $$

Aztec’s Mexican Restaurant 348 Shopping Center Dr. 352.748.2250 $

Yalaha Bakery 8210 County Road 48 352.324.3366 $$

Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 County Road 448 352.343.6823 $

Carrabba’s 650 U.S. Hwy. 441 N 352.430.1304 $$

NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994 $$

Beef O’ Bradys 840 S. Main St. 352.689.0048 $

Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678 $$

Outback Steakhouse 710 N. Hwy 441 352.430.2590 $$

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

FRANCESCO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE AND STONE FIRE PIZZA 16770 SOUTH U.S. HIGHWAY 441, SUMMERFIELD 352.693.2008 // WWW.FRANCESCOSRISTORANTE.COM Francesco’s Italian Ristorante and Stone Fired Pizza brings authentic Italian dishes and “real” wood fired gourmet pizzas to the South Marion County and The Villages area. Newly opened in March of 2014 Francesco’s has been gaining a great reputation for superb Italian cuisine, beautiful atmosphere, awesome service and great prices. Also many “New” daily specials have been added like: Sunday “Famiglia Style” dinners for Two, Monday Three course Dinner for Two with bottle of wine only $29, Tuesday NY Strip’s for Two $24.95 and Thursday’s Braccioloni ala Francesco for Two $19.95. If your still looking for that special place for your holiday party or club event our “Garden Room” can accommodate up to 80 guests. Just in time for the holidays: “Give the gift of great food” For every $100 in gift certificates purchased you receive a $20 bonus card. So come visit Francesco’s and enjoy great food, service and value.

HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY-SATURDAY 11AM-10PM SUNDAY 11AM-9PM

THE GOBLIN MARKET RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 331-B DONNELLY STREET (REAR ALLEY), MOUNT DORA 352.735.0059 // WWW.GOBLINMARKETRESTAURANT.COM Nestled on a back alley in downtown Mount Dora, the Goblin Market Restaurant has been charming locals and tourists alike since 1996. The restaurant, housed in a renovated warehouse, features three intimate, book-lined dining rooms and a full-service lounge furnished in soothing, muted tones with tasteful modern art. The private, tree-shaded courtyard and garden patio are open year-round for al fresco dining. Low lighting and “new age” music add the finishing touches to the restaurant’s casual elegance. Owners Vince and Janis Guzinski embrace a simple philosophy of offering the highest-quality products, served in a unique and romantic atmosphere by a personable and attentive staff.

The Goblin Market’s wine list and menu represent a refreshing mix of ideas from its culinary team. The diversified origins and background of each member ensure exciting menu offerings and nightly selections.

HOURS OF OPERATION: LUNCH: TUESDAY–SATURDAY 11A.M.–3:00P.M. DINNER: TUESDAY–THURSDAY 5–9P.M., FRIDAY–SATURDAY 5–10P.M., SUNDAY 11A.M.–3:30P.M.

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

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

LOCATED IN MOUNT DORA, THE PALM TREE GRILLE HAS BEEN FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1995.

HOURS OF OPERATION: SUNDAY: NOON–8P.M. MONDAY–SATURDAY: 11A.M.–9P.M.

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SHUCK DAT OYSTER BAR 118 W. RUBY STREET. TAVARES // 352.508.5344 Fresh food, friendly service and fabulous times are enjoyed at Shuck Dat Oyster Bar at The Cajun Quarter. Diners can enjoy delicious oysters in all areas of the restaurant, including the 20-seat oyster bar and the family-friendly dining room. Manager Chris Clark, who has 15 years of shucking experience, ensures visitors receive nothing less than the freshest selection of oysters. Of course, there’s something for everybody on the diverse menu, including made-to-order Cajun entrees and fresh seafood. With 11 televisions and packages such as NFL Sunday Ticket, College Game Plan, the SEC Network and the Big 10 Network, sports enthusiasts will be in heaven.

HAPPY HOUR IS FROM 4–7P.M. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. IT INCLUDES $1 OFF ALL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; $2 OFF A DOZEN OF OYSTERS STEAMED OR RAW; 70-CENT WINGS; $6.99 1/2 LB. PEEL-AND-EAT SHRIMP; 40-CENT MIDDLE NECK CLAMS; 50-CENT TOP NECK CLAMS. THE WINGS AND CLAM ITEMS FOR HAPPY HOUR COME IN ORDERS OF 10.

HOURS OF OPERATION: SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY 11A.M.–10P.M. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 11A.M.–11P.M.

SUBWAY WWW.SUBWAY.COM Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads made right before your eyes. The “healthy” alternative to fast food.

LADY LAKE // 208 W. Guava St. // 352.750.4929 EUSTIS // 469 Plaza Dr. // 352.357.7827 MOUNT DORA // 18870 U.S. Hwy. 441 // 352.735.4376 LEESBURG // 2013 Citrus Blvd. // 352.787.6442 10135 U.S. Hwy. 441, Suite 4 // 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. Hwy. 27, Suite 4 // 352.314.8847 THE VILLAGES // 1580 Bella Cruz Drive // 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165th Mulberry Lane // 352.750.9991 1070 Lake Sumter Landing Drive // 352.205.8535 349 Colony Blvd. // 352.391.1657 WILDWOOD // 480 W. Gulf to Alantic Hwy. // 352.748.8800 HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–SATURDAY SUNDAY

10A.M.–10P.M. 10A.M.–9P.M.

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

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ENTERTAINMENT MONDAY: $14.99 Prime Rib Special and then Karaoke at 9pm TUESDAY: Blackened Rib Eye Steak with music by Kelly Jarrard WEDESDAY: Wine Down Wednesday—House Wine $4 –Dinner Specials!

THURSDAY: 20 Wings $16...Late Night Country Night with David Letourneau FRIDAY and SATURDAYS: Dinner, Musicians, Comedy, Drink Specials…..

SUNDAY: closed….our staff needs a day off :) “LUNCH PUNCH CLUB” A er 10 lunches, the next one is on us!

HAPPY HOUR: Monday—Friday 4-7 with $2 Bud Light draughts and $3 house wines Lunch starts at 11a—Dinner at 4p—Late Night Menu at 10p

Looking for a place to hold your next party or event? Look no further...

Call us TODAY!!! Flexible Menus and no room charges!!

Sign up for no fica on of all events and specials at

www.1884restaurantandbar.com 12 E Magnolia Ave, Eus s, FL 32726

1-800-856-1884

NEW CAMPUS OPTIONS Coming Soon to Brookdale® Place at Freedom Pointe

Our campus is expanding to include a new rental community that will provide state-of-the-art Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care.

For more information, call (352) 750-1355 today!

AT FRE E D O M P O IN TE

Assisted Living | Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care 1700 El Camino Real | The Villages, FL 32159 | brookdale.com Assisted Living Facility License pending opening December 2014 $// 7+( 3/$&(6 /,)( &$1 *2 LV D 7UDGHPDUN RI %URRNGDOH 6HQLRU /LYLQJ ,QF 1DVKYLOOH 71 86$ 5HJ 8 6 3DWHQW DQG 70 2I¿FH 6:

At First National,

we don’t let advanced technology replace personal service.

Branch Management Ann Stose, Miriam Rodriguez, Laura Saunders, and Carol Rector Sure, we have all the conveniences modern technology provides – like secure online banking, mobile apps and text updates that keep you in touch with your money 24/7.

But we also offer something most big chain banks don’t: one-on-one assistance when you want or need it – because sometimes it’s more satisfying to interact with a friendly, knowledgeable person than a computer.

When you want a bank that does more, come to one that cares more. First National Bank.

The people you know, the bank you trust.

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

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ROMULO

Camogliano

Camogliano, M.D.

BOARD CERTIFIED INTERNAL MEDICINE

MEDICAL PRACTICE Ramos,

LUIS G. M.D. , FACR BOARD CERTIFIED IN RHEUMATOLOGY

JANET

Baker King, ARNP

RONNIE JANE

Boekema, ARNP

WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY AFFILIATIONS

• The Villages Regional Hospital • LRMC Hospital • Promise Hospital • Lady Lake Speciality Care • The Club • The Villages Rehab and Nursing Facility • Arbor Villages Nursing Facility

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS •

Care Plus • Blue Cross Blue Shield • Well Care

OUR SERVICES • Blood Pressure/Cholesterol Screening/Monitoring • Diabetes Screening/Glucose Monitoring • Coumadin Checks • Echocardiogram Ultrasounds • Men & Women Annual Physicals • Lab Draws • School/Employment Physicals • EKG Testing • PT-INR • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Osteoarthritis • Lupus • Osteoporosis • Bursitis/Tendonitis • Gout • Connective Tissue Diseases • Scleroderma • Rheumatologic diseases • Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

DrCamogliano.com // 352.259.3435 // Find us on M–F 8:30a.m.–5:30p.m. Spanish Plains Medical Plaza, 1400 US HWY 441 N. Bldg. 900 Suite 902, The Villages, FL 32159

Final thought // gary corsair

WINNING CAMPAIGN: C’EST SI BONE

B

efore the polls even opened, I knew Leesburg City ty Commission candidate Bob Bone was going to unseat incumbent Bill Polk.

I knew Bone would be elected the day a shadow ow fell upon my meatloaf and mashed at Bloom’s.

The shadow was cast by Bone, who was seated at a table ble with three gentlemen when I entered the popular Downtown Leesburg eatery.

After ordering, Bone went table to table, introducing himself and offering a brochure detailing his qualifications.

My first reaction was, “This is inappropriate. I came here to eat, not be solicited.” I never saw a politician stump in a restaurant before. But my irritation quickly passed. Bone was so smooth, I couldn’t help admiring him.

Bone inconspicuously made the rounds in about three minutes. At each table, he’d quietly ask if the person lived in Leesburg. If they did, he’d introduce himself, ask if they were registered to vote, offer a brochure and ask the person to vote.

If they didn’t live in Leesburg, he’d introduce himself, wish the person an enjoyable lunch, and move on.

I’m still not sure I approved of his lunchtime stumping, but no one seemed bothered. Our new city commissioner was certainly less offensive than the waitress who asks, “Is everything OK?” the moment you stuff a meatball in your mouth.

It takes guts to approach strangers.

Bone’s got guts, that’s for sure. His Election Day victory was the result of a few thousand handshakes, twice as many smiles, and what many people felt was a sincere interest in their lives.

Bone was everywhere in the months leading up to the election. I personally saw him in a restaurant, a peewee football game, the bank, an auction, a Saturday morning farmers market, a banquet, a baseball game and the gym.

So I wasn’t surprised when Bone took Polk’s seat. Perhaps

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Polk pressed as much flesh as Bone, but I never ran into Bill.

Or if I did, I didn’t recognize him.

Bone may have run the perfect campaign. His blue signs were everywhere. So were his supporters in their lime green T-shirts.

Three months ago, I didn’t think he had a chance. He seemed a little … well, too perfect. Constant smile, never a hair out of place, manners and approachableness, profitable career, fit and trim body, trophy wife, cute kids, etc. Don’t politicians have to be at least a little bit sleazy?

He wouldn’t even attack his opponent. Imagine the sound bites Bone could have launched. “Keep Polk and we’ll go brolke … Polk is a jolke … POLK = Poor Old Leesburg Kommunity.” The possibilities are endless.

Bone’s campaign was almost boring. He probably didn’t even consider modifying George Thorogood’s “Bad to the Bone” as a theme song.

Talk about a missed opportunity. He could have kicked off every appearance with the “Dah, dah, dah, dah, dah. Here’s B-B-B-Ba-Ba-Bob and he’s B-B-B-Ba-Ba-Bad to the bone. Baba-ba-bad. Ba-ba-ba-bad. Bad to the Bone!”

He would have locked up the biker vote quicker than you can say “highway pegs.”

I don’t know what kind of commissioner Bone will be, but if his campaign is any indication, he’ll put in the hours, research issues and be professional.

And that’s G-g-g-ga-ga-good news for Leesburg.

NORMAN S. NOVIS, M.D., P.A.

Our patients’ care is our firstt priority.

WE OFFER VARIOUS MEDICALL SERVICES: • Adult medicine - preventative and routine e services • Acute care • Blood pressure and heart diseases • COPD and other lung diseases • Dermatology atology • Minor surgeries • Osteoporosis care re • Rheumatology - knee and other joint injections ections • Diabetes and other endocrine disorders ders eaching • Nutritional/dietician services • Diabetic teaching • In-house diagnostics and lab

Retirement goals aren’t always easy to meet. So is it crazy to think your financial advisor should be? Not to Edward Jones.

Our over 11,000 financial advisors are in neighborhoods like yours, not downtown skyscrapers. So a face-to-face talk about your retirement is always close at hand. Join the nearly 7 million investors who know. Face time and think time make sense. www.edwardjones.com.

Actually believes retirement goals that seem out of reach require a financial advisor who’s not.

Jeananne C Niemann, AAMS® Financial Advisor

.

LEESBURG Jeananne Niemann 352.787.7782

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

MOUNT DORA Rebecca Sargent 352.357.2282

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

Products and services offered through Edward D. Jones & Co, L.P. © 2013, Member SIPC

December 20 14

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Products and services offered through Edward D. Jones & Co, L.P. © 2013, Member SIPC

753 Highway 466 in Lady Lake 352.633.7659 // 352.633.7649 // www.pfpconline.com m

TOYOTA MAKES THE CAR...

DeLUCA MAKES THE DIFFERENCE! 1719 SW COLLEGE ROAD, OCALA

352-533-2198 “Treating customers with honesty and integrity for over 36 years! Stop by today and experience the DeLuca Difference.”

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OVER 87,000 TOYOTAS SOLD SINCE 1978!

WHY THE DELUCA DIFFERENCE...

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Our new, ultra-modern facility Opening November 2014 with a state-of-the-art service department, a full-service salon and a café.

We’re just a short drive from The Villages.

Please call for directions.

TWO YEARS NO COST MAINTENANCE WITH EVERY NEW VEHICLE PURCHASE!

Featuring a no cost maintenance plan with roadside assistance.*

*ToyotaCare covers normal factory scheduled service. Plan is 2 years or 25k miles, whichever comes first. The new vehicle cannot be a part of a rental or commerical fleet, or a livery/taxi vehicle. See participating Toyota dealer for planValid details. only in continental U.S.Alaska. and Alaska.

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Aida is greater than cancer. With cancer running in her family, Aida knew the importance of regular screenings. :V ^OLU OLY KVJ[VYZ KPHNUVZLK OLY ^P[O HU HNNYLZZP]L MVYT VM IYLHZ[ JHUJLY ZOL ^HZ YLHK` [V ÄNO[ ( `LHY later, with the help of the Florida Hospital Waterman Cancer Institute and some of the region’s most advanced cancer treatment including SAVI®, a breakthrough in radiation therapy, Aida is cancer free. To read more about Aida, her journey to survivorship and how she is greater than breast cancer, visit FHWaterman.com.

Aida Yaccarino Breast Cancer Survivor with her husband, Lou

IT’S THE MOST

Wonderful

time of the year!

Make sure you’re ready to enjoy it in all of its splendor with clear, healthy vision. From routine eye exams to laser cataract surgery to a full service optical department, we offer everything you need to put a twinkle in your eye, this holiday season and all year round.

Happy Holidays

BOARD CERTIFIED OPHTHALMOLOGISTS:

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LEESBURG | TAVARES | THE VILLAGES

www.LakeEye.com |