Style Magazine, January 2015

SPECIAL ISSUE

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FEELING BLUE THE BERRY EXTRAORDINARY WINES OF WHISPERING OAKS WINERY

VETERANS MEMORIAL LEESBURG SALUTES THE AREA’S UNSUNG HEROES

THE ‘RAW’ DEAL SHUCK DAT IN TAVARES

A LOOK AT WHAT’S SHINY, SPANKIN’ AND FRESH THIS NEW YEAR! Featuring 〉〉 RESTAURANTS 〉〉 BUSINESS VENTURES 〉〉 AREA IMPROVEMENTS 〉〉 LOCAL TRENDS

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“We have some of the most state-ofthe-art equipment for every field of medicine represented here,” he says.

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cont January

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Featuring

36 WHAT’S NEW

Supposedly, time me once stood d still sttil ill around arou these parts. Not anymore.

Lake and Sumter counties are growing, diversifying, improving. Look around. We have momentum … and it’s building.

STORY: GARY CORSAIR AND SHEMIR WILES

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JUSTICE FOR THE GROVELAND FOUR?

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APP-Y TO HELP

State Sen. Geraldine Thompson seeks justice for men convicted in Lake County’s most notorious crime, the 1949 Groveland rape case.

It’s hard to imagine a world before apps, and it’s even harder to imagine a world without them. Of course, we all have our preferences, but we asked some local folks to share their absolute favorite must-have mobile apps.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

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SOME GAVE ALL, ALL GAVE SOME Leesburg’s Veterans Memorial at Fountain Park makes sure we never forget the strength, courage, bravery and, in some cases, the ultimate sacrifices of local military veterans.

STORY: JAMES COMBS

LAKE&SUMTER EDITION On the cover DIRECTION: JAMIE EZRA MARK HANDMADE LETTERS: ANN MORROW PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK

VILLAGES EDITION On the cover DR. SHALESH KAUSHAL OF THE RETINA SPECIALTY INSTITUTE DIRECTION: STEVEN J. CODRARO PHOTO: CAL GAINES PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK January

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EDITOR’S COLUMN

ON THE SCENE

17 FROM THE PUBLISHER

21 FIRST THINGS FIRST 22 #TRENDING Learn how to help keep Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream alive locally, plus more.

70 THE TO-DO LIST January’s jammed full of events to kick off the new year, plus local musician Garrett Miles sets his sights on “American Idol” stardom.

74 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT Promoting healthy living Made a resolution to get healthy this year? New Beginnings’ health fair may be able to help get you started.

Story: James Combs

26 PERSON OF INTEREST Wildwood Middle High School’s Kelley Chojnowski proves behind every great cheerleader is a dedicated coach.

76 OUT+ABOUT Venice to Venice The Florida namesake has a lot in common with the Old World version.

Story: Mary Ann DeSantis 78 HI, SOCIETY! Highlights from Cattle Barons’ Ball, Scarecrow Build-Off and Expo and much more.

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91 EATS! 92 IN THE KITCHEN Made with love Dwayne “Duey” Cyr of Dippity Duey’s Mobile Kitchen in Oxford took a big chance that’s now paying off.

Story: Shemir Wiles 96 SALUTÉ Blueberry thrills With the recent opening of Whispering Oaks winery in Sumter County, you may find yourself asking red, white or blue.

Story: Mary Ann DeSantis 98 FORK ON THE ROAD One shell of a restaurant Shuck Dat Oyster Bar in downtown Tavares offers the taste of N’awlins paired with the natural beauty of Lake County.

Story: James Combs

28 OUTSTANDING STUDENT Carver Middle School student Cadi Schwartz finds happiness in having a giving heart.

112 FINAL THOUGHT No limit to slow drivers It’s simple: just drive the cotton-pickin’ speed limit.

Story: Bob Tennant

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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

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Editor’s column

CAR SHOPPING LEAVES ME A WRECK

I

know I can’t outsmart a car dealer, but every four years or so I give in to temptation and browse dealerships online.

When my insanity is full-blown, I visit car lots.

I know I’ll be jacked around, and yet I yield to the madness, still believing I can drive off with a car for $50 above dealer cost.

I know their games and for whatever reason I continue to play.

Bait and switch. Payment packing. Fake invoices. The foursquare. Good cop/gooder cop. Destination and delivery fees.

The closer. And the “we usually don’t do this, but …”

I’ve purchased nearly 60 cars … and all but three car salesmen channeled Jerry Lundegaard.

To my credit, I’ve never purchased TruCoat.

I do my homework. I read industry and consumer reviews. I research the value of my trade-in. I comparison shop. I get up and walk out when the first red flag appears.

Well, I almost always do.

I deviated from the game plan when I recently visited a local dealership that promises “sweet deals.” Because the kid salesman seemed sincere, I had a Mulder moment. I wanted to believe.

And then the kid tried to sell me a car I’d never seen, hadn’t researched and didn’t even know existed.

I never walked the lot. Matt asked me what I wanted in a vehicle, and the next thing I knew I was test-driving a white Chevy Sonic hatchback.

Interesting choice, considering my wife had stated she would consider any color but white.

To my surprise, I was impressed by the Sonic. So we began the ritual mating dance.

I knew we were mating because Matt’s boss, who I’ll call Charlie (because that’s his name), appeared.

His role: to convince me my trade-in was worth less than I was willing to accept. I refused to be swayed, but Charlie wasn’t about to let me slip away. He kept me on the hook by texting “a friend” who might pay me more than the dealership was offering.

While we waited to hear back from the imaginary friend,

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Charlie drew up paperwork and handed us back to Matt.

Matt immediately pointed out that the incredibly low price of $15,999 was marked down from $18,999. (The MSRP is $15,595. I know. I looked it up.)

I also conducted a quick search on Cargurus.com (aren’t smartphones wonderful?). Sure enough, I found the exact car Matt wanted to sell me. Not a similar car; the very same vehicle.

The price was $13,999.

I asked Matt if he was sure $15,999 was the absolute lowest price. I asked him three times. Three times he assured me he could not go lower.

He seemed surprised when I told him about the $13,999 online price, but he didn’t offer to honor it. He gave me some mumbo jumbo about the extra $2,000 being a fee the bank would charge to finance a bad credit risk like me.

Later, I researched loan origination fees and found 2 percent was normal for borrowers with bruised credit, not the 12 percent Matt tried to stick me with.

So I’m swearing off car dealerships — again.

I’m more convinced than ever that dealing with a private party is the only true “hassle-free” way to buy a car. Find a great deal, pay your mechanic $50 to inspect it and take it to BP Car Wash if you want that new car smell.

Or go see Matt. He has a white Sonic hatchback with your name on it.

Gary Corsair

@your service hot

off the

press!

The latest editions of Lake and Sumter Style, Villages Style, Healthy Living and Welcome to Lake County

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From the publisher

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

WHAT’S GOING ON?

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

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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 Mary Ann DeSantis Tony DeSantis Shayne Casto Morgan Ellis Matthew Gaulin Frankie Hernandez Fred Hilton

Pat Jocelyn Myron Legget Fred Lopez Gary McKechanie Kathy Porter Ron Vandevander

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

I could not be more excited about this month’s issue of Style. There have been many opportunities in past issues where we’ve gotten to share new things happening within the community. Well, this month we share not just one thing that is new, we have eight pages packed full of what is new in Lake and Sumter counties. There is no better way to set the tone for the New Year than to highlight the new and exciting events that are happening in our cities and with our residents.

I have something new to share myself. This past November, my son Michael and his wife, Emily, adopted a child, making me a mimi to little Ethan Michael. He is a dream come true and certainly a blessing sent from heaven. But that is not all. During the course of the adoption, my son’s attorney informed us of another child in need. The attorney was in contact with a pregnant woman who is serving time in prison and due in January. She wanted to place her child up for adoption so the child could avoid being placed in state care until her sentence was fulfilled.

Once I learned about her situation and this child, I could not stop thinking about him or her. I spoke with my husband, Doug, and after lots of praying, lots of discussion, lots of tears we decided we were the best suitable parents for this child. Anyone who knows me would know this came at a very strange time since Doug and I already have four grown children and one who is about to graduate high school. We were almost to the finish line when fate stepped in and now has us right back at the starting line.

I hope you enjoy this month’s issue and we inspire you to share your “new” story. Visit our website at lakeandsumterstyle.com, or our Facebook page. We would love to know “What’s New” with you.

Happy New Year!

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com LAKE & SUMTER STYLE IS A PROUD MEMBER OF

FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION

LEESBURG PARTNERSHIP

LEESBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LAKE EUSTIS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SUMTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AMERICAN ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION

TAVARES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SOUTH LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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WINNER OF AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Lake & Sumter Style, January 2015. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 Fifth Street, Leesburg, Florida 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2015 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Special 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

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First Things

f1rst #TRENDING PERSON OF INTEREST OUTSTANDING STUDENT

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

RAISING RANK Montverde Academy fifth-grader Kurt Schindele recently received his promotion to League Cadet, Second Class while attending the 29th annual Navy SEAL Muster and Music Festival.

Held at the Navy SEAL Museum of Fort Pierce, the highly anticipated yearly United States Navy event holds a sunrise memorial service for team members who have passed away in the previous year and endeavors to reunite former frogmen/underwater demolition technicians and SEALs at the national museum.

The recent commemoration welcomed more than 50 young men and women from the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Centurion Battalion representing Central Florida.

BUILDING SUCCESS The Home Builders Association of Lake and Sumter Counties selected Mike Carter, co-owner of GrangerCarter Construction and Development, as the association’s 2014 Builder of the Year and Dale Roberts, owner of Dale E. Roberts and Associates, as the 2014 Associate of the Year.

Both men were selected by their peers for outstanding leadership and commitment to the association, the construction industry and the community during 2014.

Carter has been a loyal and dedicated member since 1989 and has served on the board of directors since 1994. Roberts has been a member since 2012 and has served on the board of directors since 2013.

Suzan Swanson, wife of the late Paul Swanson, with Mike Carter, winner of the Builder of the Year 2014 Award.

At right, Andrew Nutt of Holly Homes with Dale Roberts, winner of the Associate of the Year Award for 2014.

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The Civil Rights Movement

By The Numbers

$

10

The amount Rosa Parks was fined for violating the Montgomery City Code by not giving up her bus seat to a white passenger.

382 The amount of days the Montgomery Bus Boycott lasted.

200,000

The number of people who assembled for the March on Washington.

KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE To honor the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee at The Villages has begun planning for the 12th annual Commemorative Awards Breakfast, to be held at 9a.m. Jan. 10 at the Savannah Center.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Bob Perry, pastor of the First Baptist Church at The Villages, and tickets cost $13.

Over the past 10 years, proceeds from the breakfast have been used to furnish more than $120,000 in scholarships for graduating seniors from high school in Lake, Sumter and Marion counties. This year, the committee reviewed more than 70 applications and selected 10 scholarship recipients.

The names and schools of the winners are: • Destinee Forester, Wildwood Middle High School • Joryan Hernandez, Belleview High School • Javan Latson, Belleview High School

• Michelle Le, Belleview High School • Brandon-Stone Gordon, Lake Weir High School • Aaliyah Triumph, Lake Weir High School

• Amari Garner, Leesburg High School • Chyanne Harrison, Leesburg High School • Nicole Bigio-Nieves, Leesburg High School • Alexia Character, The Villages High School

For tickets or more information about the awards breakfast, call Carol Abrams at 352.307.3286, David Bill at 352.259.7755, Bob Janson at 352.391.0373, or Jan Barone at 352.633.8148.

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

17 minutes

The length of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” Speech.

Sources: cnn.com/2014/06/24/politics/congress-civil-rights-by-the-numbers/; telegraph.co.uk/ news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8426862/I-Have-a-Dream-10-Martin-Luther-King-speechfacts.html; biography.com/people/martin-luther-king-jr-9365086#education-and-spiritual-growth

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

JAMES COMBS’ JANUARY

THEHITLIST ____________________________

1 // NOTORIOUS 80-YEAR-OLDKILLER Charles Manson is marrying a 26-year-old woman.

The motto of their wedding is “Crazy in Love.”

2 // SPEAKING OF CRAZY, this month marks the 26th anniversary of Ted Bundy’s death. Apparently, Bundy’s death in the electric chair left family members and friends feeling shocked.

3 // A HOSPITAL IN CHINA gives

TOP OF THEIR GAME In November, the Realtors Association of Lake & Sumter Counties held its annual membership celebration at Lake Receptions in Mount Dora. The following individuals were honored:

2014 AFFILIATE MEMBER OF THE YEAR DEANNA MORISON FIDELITY FUNDING MORTGAGE DeAnna came to Florida from up North to manage the mortgage department for First Union National Bank. She has served on many committees and is a charter member of the South Lake County Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors She lives in Orange County with her husband and two furry children, Spoten and Astra.

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2014 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR TERRI GORDON

2014 REALTOR OF THE YEAR LORETTA MAIMONE

REAL LIVING GOOD NEIGHBOR REALTY, MOUNT DORA

REAL LIVING GOOD NEIGHBOR REALTY, MOUNT DORA

Terri is a Central Florida transplant from upstate New York. She sold over $2 million in 2014, indicative of lots of hard work and effort. She has also taken time to get involved at the association level, and attends every RALSC event.

Loretta moved from a small town in North Carolina to Central Florida over 30 years ago. Although initially owning her own pack and ship business, she parlayed the qualities of helpfulness, service, honesty, integrity and friendliness into a very successful real estate career.

She ended the year as one of top-selling agents in the entire association.

Loretta has served in association leadership both on the board of directors and the executive committee, and as a member or chair of several committees.

.com

shock treatment so men can experience childbirth. They could play a cruel joke. When men are screaming in pain and agony, the operator of the machine could say, “We’re just getting started. Now, let’s pretend you’re having twins!”

4 // A 15-POUND DACHSHUND miraculously survived a black bear attack outside of Eustis.

We’re happy the little fellow was given a new leash on life.

5 // AFTER OPENING FIRE in a Leesburg apartment complex and injuring a 12-year-old boy, a suspect sent a Facebook friend request to the boy’s aunt the next day. The aunt recognized his photograph, which helped lead to his arrest.

The lesson learned: Behind each successful criminal is a deactivated Facebook account.

6 // THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS designated South Lake County as a “BicycleFriendly Community.” As cyclist-versus-motorist rage increases, let’s hope they both find the road to peace.

TRUSTING IN EDUCATION There’s no disputing the importance of a quality education. As a show of its commitment to building a brighter future for the Lake and Sumter counties, The SunTrust Foundation recently awarded The Lake-Sumter State College Foundation Inc. a $2,500 grant.

“We greatly appreciate our partnership with the SunTrust Foundation and the importance they put on fostering economic vitality and improving the quality of life of our community. These funds will help ensure that opportunities for higher education are available for our students, while also helping to fulfill workforce demands,” said Rosanne Brandeburg, executive director of the LSSC Foundation.

In 2013, the foundation awarded $612,000 in scholarships to over 625 students, and since September 2014, the annual campaign has received over $190,000 in donations to reach the goal of $250,000.

“At SunTrust, we believe helping build strong communities is an important part of our purpose,” said David Fuller, president of SunTrust in Central Florida. “Our involvement with Lake-Sumter State College allows us to provide support for students, which is not only an investment in their future, but in the future of our community as well.”

The holidays are behind us and the prospect of a new year is before us.

There’s just something special about looking at 12 fresh, unmarked months and being game for whatever the new year has to offer. Perhaps that’s why in America we celebrate the new year with fireworks, noisemakers and ball drops; we’re excited about receiving a fresh, new start.

But not everyone in the world celebrates as we do. Here’s a fun look at how other countries welcome the new year: Hide the good china. In Denmark, Danes throw unused dishes and glasses at the doors of their friends and relatives on New Year’s.

At midnight in Spain, you’d better be hungry; it’s customary to gobble 12 grapes as a guarantee of good luck for the next 12 months.

In Central America and South America, it’s all about the underwear.

Supposedly, the color of one’s undies will determine your fate for the year.

Red and yellow are said to be popular

colors; red will bring love, yellow will bring wealth.

In hopes of a year filled with travel, Colombians carry an empty suitcase around the block after midnight.

Need a good use for those pesky bread ends? In Ireland, the folks hit the walls with bread to ward off evil spirits.

Oranges, melons, apples … it doesn’t matter as long as the fruit is round. In the Philippines on New Year’s Eve, Filipino families display round fruits on their dining table as a symbol of prosperity in the new year.

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SOURCE: list25.com/25-strangest-new-years-traditions-from-around-the-world/1/

HAPPY NEW YEAR AROUND THE WORLD

First things first // person of interest Movers and shakers

FAST FACT: • Kelley is enrolled in online courses at Ashford University and is working toward a bachelor’s degree in applied behavioral science.

SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT ME: I like to work on automobiles. I’ve changed tires, timing belts and oil.

KELLEY CHOJNOWSKI

GUILTY PLEASURE: I don’t watch much television, but when I do I typically watch vampire shows and movies. I like them because they’re cheesy. I saw all the “Twilight” movies at the theater. When each one was released, I drove to the store at midnight to purchase the DVD.

AGE : 4 0 M I DDL E S C HO OL C H E E R L E A DI NG C OAC H AT W I L D W O O D M I D D L E H I G H S C H O O L

PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: Going back to college in my 30s. I have to complete eight more classes to earn a bachelor’s degree.

CHEERS: Before becoming cheerleading coach at Wildwood Middle High School in 2014, my only previous head cheerleading experience was in 2005 at Lyman High School.

Ironically, the five girls on my middle school team had little to no cheerleading experience. We essentially learned and grew together.

I’ve taken cheerleading courses, attended cheerleading camps and watched many videos about cheerleading so I can become the best coach possible.The girls are now performing back bends, cartwheels, round-offs, stunts and full extensions.

SHOWING SPIRIT: Many of the middle school’s past cheerleaders have shown our team lots of support. Some attend our practices and teach our children various cheers. Others who live

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outside Florida contribute monetarily through a GoFundMe.com account.

BIGGER ISN’T ALWAYS BETTER: Because there are only five girls on my cheerleading team, they get along very well. There’s no drama on the squad. I look at them as five daughters I did not have one year ago. We have lots of fun together and that is what’s important.

INSIDE THE CLASSROOM: I have spent the past 14 years as a teacher’s aide and I’m currently at Lake Panasoffkee Elementary. I’ve always worked with kids who have behavioral problems because I like the challenge of working through their emotional issues and earning their trust. It’s like solving a puzzle.

WORST GRADE IN SCHOOL: I took behavioral statistics in college and made an F. Any kind of statistics … yuck.

However, I did make a B the second time I took the course.

FAVORITE JUNK FOOD: Twix candy bars.

FAVORITE ANIMAL: Definitely alligators, because they get to lie out in the sun whenever they want. Also, nobody dares bother them.

LAST BOOK READ: I just finished reading “To Kill a Mockingbird” for the 13th time. When I’m reading this book I become lost in the time period. I wish Harper Lee would’ve written more books because she is an incredible author.

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First things first // outstanding student Making the grade

FUN FACTS • Cadi maintains a 4.0 grade-point average.

• Cadi is taking all advanced classes and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, the yearbook staff and the school’s VEX robotics team.

my first community project and it made me feel like I had a real purpose in serving this community.

VOLUNTEERING IS IMPORTANT, and I would tell other children to use their time and skills to help others who are not as fortunate.

CADI SCHWARTZ AGE : 1 3 S E V E N T H G R A D E R AT C A RV E R M I D D L E S C H O O L

AFTER TURNING 13, I celebrated bat mitzvah, a coming-of-age ceremony where Jewish girls are responsible for observing the commandments and assuming religious responsibilities.

BECAUSE I LIKE SPORTS, I decided my bat mitzvah community project would focus on helping the Boys and Girls Club of Lake and Sumter Counties. I wanted to purchase new equipment for the club and asked Freddy Williams, the chief executive officer, what specific items were needed.

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I MADE UP FLIERS and asked for donations.

I received $200. My mom and I went shopping at Target and Wal-Mart and purchased bats, hula hoops, volleyball nets and jump ropes. I also asked people to donate equipment and received eight basketballs, five tennis rackets, golf clubs, unused baseball pants and football helmets.

I DELIVERED THE ITEMS on Sept. 12 after school. You should have seen the looks on the children’s faces. It was like Christmastime in September. This was

THE BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED came from my father. When I was 5, he told me, “Life is defined by the commitments we make and the integrity that we have to keep those commitments.” That has stuck with me all these years.

I AM A DIEHARD SPORTS FAN. I love the Florida Gators and Baltimore Orioles.

I scream at the television set when I’m watching baseball. My favorite player on the Orioles is Ryan Flaherty. He has played first base, second base, third base and shortstop. I think it’s neat that he is a utility player and so versatile.

MY GOAL AFTER HIGH SCHOOL is to attend the University of Florida and major in journalism. I want to become a sports commentator.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOMENTS AS A FAN was watching the Orioles play the Rays at Tropicana Field. On that day, I saw an inside-the-park home run, a stolen base, an infield fly rule, a triple and a home run by Nelson Cruz. That was an awesome birthday present!

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Our team located the four damaged veins that were causing her problems and treated them. Six months later, Samantha got rave reviews for her fox trot at her baby’s wedding.

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Locations OCALA, TAVARES, SUMMERFIELD, WILLISTON AND THE VILLAGES For more information, call 352.854.0681

“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

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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

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10601 US HWY 441 (Suite C1B) Leesburg (The Publix plaza next to Lake Square Mall) January

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WHAT’S

“W “What’s Wha hat’ t’’s new? new? w N Nothin’, othi ot hin’ n’ what’s w at wh at’s ’s new with yo you? ou? N Nothin’.” othi ot hiin’ ” W We’ve e’ve e’ ve all had exchanges like that. But don’t dare answer with a negative from now on. There’s all kinds of new happening in Lake and Sumter counties. Seriously. Read on. The next time someone asks you, “What’s new?” your answer may well be, “How much time do you have?” or “Where should I begin?”

PHOTO: SHAYNE CASTO

STORY: GARY CORSAIR+SHEMIR WILES PHOTOS: CAL GAINES

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A new life For our very own Michael Gaulin and his wife, Emily, it will be their first year as a family of three. Their son, Ethan, was born in November.

“I have always wanted to be a father,” says Michael. “Now that the day has arrived, my heart has been filled with incredible joy. My wife and I feel honored that we have the opportunity to raise this beautiful child.”

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WEKIVA PARKWAY

PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

ECONOMIC NEWS Business is booming. New housing sing starts are up. The real estate market rket is flexing muscle. e. And more tourists than ever are dropping ping dollars here.

New home construction is up. The Villages is building ding 1,500 homes in and around Fruitland and Park, the Etowah housing division in Tavares is finishing its 44-site phasee and D.R. Horton is building a 55-lot Brookookshire subdivision in Eustis.

And businesses and industries are re expanding and relocating here.

“We’re in a very good position. Metro Orlando is approaching buildout and we still have lots of available land. Growth is naturally going to come our way,” says Lake County Economic Development Director Robert Chandler.

The Eustis Fire Department recently opened a second fire station to improve response times and ultimately save lives.

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YALAHA BAKERY’S FAME IS GROWING like leaven in a lump of Berliner Brotchen dough. Juergen Klumb, the genius behind the bakery’s winning formula, recently opened a second location in Summerfield.

Lake County’s first nonprofit, low-cost spay and neuter clinic will open this month in downtown Tavares. Visit Misfit Animal Rescue & Misfit Spay & Neuter Clinic’s Facebook page to learn more.

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MANY OF ORLANDO’S THEME-PARK TOURISTS WILL SURELY COME TO LAKE COUNTY via the Wekiva Parkway, which will connect to State Road 417.

The estimated $1.6 billion, 25-mile tolled expressway, slated to be complete in 2021, will provide travel alternatives and relieve congestion on U.S. Highway 441, State Road 46 and other area roads of traffic congestion.

And that’s good news for Mount Dora, which touches where S.R. 46 intersects U.S. 441.

The roads leading into Mount Dora will surely stay busy. The city was named Smithsonian Magazine’s 20 Best Small Towns, then won the Florida Great Places — People’s Choice Award from the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association.

However they get here, newcomers get up to speed in a hurry after picking up a Lake County Welcome Guide, a new everything-youneed-to-know magazine published by Akers Media Group Inc.

BUSINESS WILL REALLY BE BOOMING when Leesburg’s main corridor is finished in the spring.

The $3.8 million Main Street streetscape includes asphalt resurfacing; adding decorative sidewalks, crosswalks and streetlights; building a large entry feature at the intersection of U.S. 27; and upgrading water and sewer lines and stormwater collection.

LEESBURG’S 14TH STREET, AKA U.S. HIGHWAY 27/441, JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER.

DOWNTOWNS ARE HIP AGAIN; AGAIN IN FACT THEY ARE LIKE MAGNETS GETTING STRONGER AND STRONGER.

CONTRARY TO REPORTS citing its demise, the Lake Square Mall is alive. In fact, vital signs are improving as new owners try to reverse an exodus of once-popular retailers.

The mall has new eateries and stores, including The I Want That! toy store.

A fountain with seating is planned near Belk, a kids zone will be added and the food court will be renovated.

In addition, discussions are underway to revamp the AMC 12-screen movie theater.

In 2014, newcomers to The Friendly City’s version of the magnificent mile included O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Krystal and an office of the Lake County Tax Collector.

And a number of old buildings were reborn with new identities.

Takis Restaurant renovated and moved into the old Bob Evans building, Hibbett Sports transformed space vacated by a Chinese buffet in Leesburg Square and the vacant Taco Bell was leveled to make way for an urgent care center.

THE LOCAL ECONOMY IS CLEARED

for takeoff and ready to soar to new heights thanks in part to Leesburg’s modern, enticing hub for captains of industry to fly in and out of.

Leesburg International Airport (LIA) is expanding its already impressive capacity (our airport is able to accommodate 50,000+ takeoffs and landings annually). Improvements of $1.7 million will realign a taxiway and upgrade lighting.

LIA will also add a new ramp to allow seaplanes to land on nearby Lake Harris and access the airport, giving Lake County two seaports.

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TAVARES, AKA AMERICA’S SEAPLANE CITY, Revenues generated by the 4 percent bed tax increased a whopping 14 percent in Lake County in the first half of 2014 (compared to 6 percent for all of Florida) and we’re on pace to top that lofty mark!

PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

TOURISM IS LOOKING UP.

celebrated the opening of its beautiful pavilion on the lake. The scenic 8,000-square-foot, $6.3 million lakefront venue will be the ideal setting for weddings, reunions, conferences, parties and business and civic events.

The new Tavares Pavilion on the Lake began hosting weddings late last year. And 2015 is looming large.

Increased inquiries by engaged couples and people looking for a place to party necessitated expansion of the Lakeview Inn, which will offer 60 rooms when building is finished in March.

Now Tavares is seeking a grant to build a seaplane dock near the new pavilion so couples can arrive by seaplane or boat or leave for their honeymoon from there. The dock should be completed within the year.

The National Training Center in Clermont and

THE BIG HOUSE

for bass fishing in Florida, is a destination for bird watchers from around the world and has more blueways than practically any county in the state.

PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

LAKE COUNTY HAS SEVEN OF THE 11 BEST LAKES

and new sand volleyball courts in Tavares are clearly linked to the new appreciation of Lake County. And Clermont’s new rowing facility, set to open this year, will bring in even more athletes and their families.

The $654,000 Tremain Street Greenway in Mount Dora recently opened to runners, cyclists and walkers. And there are plans to connect to other paths in the future.

In Clermont, the newly opened 220-acre Lake Hiawatha Preserve on North 12th Street offers hiking and biking trails, dog parks, a playground with a working water tower and a picnic pavilion.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF LAKE-SUMTER FLORIDA is raising money for a $3.4-million housing complex for needy veterans. The housing units will be in downtown Leesburg, in proximity to agencies that serve vets and businesses that can provide employment opportunities.

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“ANYTIME YOU CAN INTRODUCE NEW PEOPLE TO OUR AREA, THAT’S HAT’S WHAT WE APPLAUD AN AND ND THAT’SS WHAT WE’RE ALLL ABOUT.” — Ryan Veraghen Ruby Street Grill owner

COMMUNITY CCURRENT FOR ALL THE COUNTRY MUSIC LOVERS out there,

PHOTO: MYRON LEGGETT STUDIO

singer Travis Tritt has a new venture with some interesting local ties. Local fashion designer Carrie Widmann paired up with the “Help Me Hold On” crooner to launch a line of T-shirts this month.

“It’s going to be called ‘Primed by Travis Tritt,’” says Carrie. “We’re in the final stages right now and plan to launch with an ad in Country Weekly. It’s going to be all over Facebook and Twitter and we’ve even set up an agreement to carry the shirts at Country Outfitters and Boot Barn. Of course, they will also be available for purchase at Travis’ tour stops. There will be a fashion show before each performance.”

Based on lyrics from his songs, the fun, flirty shirts will be for the chic cowgirl who can rock them with boots and cutoffs by day and a sequin mini and heels at night.

“I’ve got a lot of positive feedback from people in the industry so I’m super excited about seeing everything come together,” says Carrie. “We’ve been collaborating on this for a year and it’s been a lot of fun.”

NEON-COLORED HAIR is the new rage in the fashion world.

So says Alicia D’Aiuto, hairstylist at Studio Styles. “We’re seeing some really bold, bright colors.”

H&M FIREARMS RECENTLY OPENED ON SOUTH BAY STREET IN EUSTIS.

The Social Security Administration office relocated from Main Street Leesburg into the former SunTrust building at the intersection of Citizens Boulevard and U.S. 27.

IN LEESBURG, THERE’S A NEW ATTITUDE! The big doins’ include the Retro Coffee Lounge, the Shoppes on Main, and, aw shucks, Akers Media Group moving into the historic Leesburg Opera House.

SIP Restaurant Jazz and Wine Bar is also in the works.

The Salvation Army of Lake and Sumter Counties will be able to help more people in need with a new 27,000-squarefoot facility being constructed on Leesburg’s west side.

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NEWLY ELECTED COMMISSIONERS AND/OR COUNCIL MEMBERS include

FOR MANY COUPLES, “GOING TO THE CHAPEL, GONNA GET MARRIED” is just a song lyric. More and more lovers are eschewing tradition and coming up with creative weddings that truly speak to who they are.

“I knew I wanted the wedding to stay true to my/our passions,” says Rachel Kay Slocumb, who worked for outdoor/environmental education centers. “I try to live a fairly sustainable life, so it was important for me to have that theme throughout the wedding.”

Rachel Kay and Nick met their goal with a dinosaurthemed gala featuring an aisle lined with 450 paper dinosaurs attached to bamboo skewers, centerpieces made from a downed tree, wine they made at Corkscrew in Ocala, bouquets were made from sola flowers, all compostable dinnerware, cups made out of cornstarch, bamboo plates and eating utensils.

The special evening ended with a bonfire with a s’more bar. Oh, and they also hid a dinosaur for a scavenger hunt during the reception.

Gail Ash and Diane Travis in Clermont, Bill Brett in Eustis, Rick Ranzie in Fruitland Park, Bob Bone and Dan Robuck in Leesburg, Marie Rich in Mount Dora, Bob Greiner and Lisa Johnson in Tavares, Katherine Adams and Scott Purvis in Umatilla.

Marc Dodd and Stephanie Luke joined the Lake County School Board.

Ash, a 71-year-old retired educator and former councilwoman was also named mayor, making her the first woman to hold that seat in the history of Clermont.

Fashionistas on a budget are celebrating the opening of TJ Maxx in the former K-Mart in Mount Dora and news that sister store Ross Dress for Less is scheduled to open next door.

And they can dress for even less in Tavares, home to a new vintage store called

THROUGH THE YEARS VINTAGE MARKET. It’s located inside a wonderfully old house on East Alfred Street.

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E CIGARETTES,, COMMONLY KNOWN AS E-CIGARETTES, “VAPES” ARE GAINING WIDE ACCEPTANCE. More than 10 e-cig stores have opened in Lake County since mid-2014.

Do you think smoking e-cigs in public places will become wildly accepted like cigarettes were decades ago? Share your thoughts and opinions with us on our website, lakeandsumterstyle.com, or on our Facebook page.

REALTOR MICHAEL PALMER PROVES IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START A NEW CAREER. After spending seven years as a used car salesman, Michael found himself having to find a new line of work when a freak accident left him nearly paralyzed.

The days of standing on his feet for 70 hours a week to make a living came to a screeching halt. He needed a new game plan.

“That’s when I decided to go into real estate,” he says. “It allows me to make my own schedule and I spend a good amount of downtime on the road and not standing, which isn’t that bad for my back.”

He currently works for Foxfire Realty. Though he says one of the hardest things about real estate is getting his name out there, he also says one of the best aspects of it is helping people find their dream home.

FRESH FOOD FOO Those who prefer a certain kind of boxed cookie now longer need to go looking for a Girl Scout troop. This year the Samoas, Caramel Delites and Tagalongs come to you. You can now order your favorite cookies online.

The Girl Scouts tested its digital cookie initiative in 2014 and found that people who ordered online tended to order more boxes and make more donations.

OL’ FAITHFUL

girlscoutscookies.org

JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS

For those who love a good chain restaurant, here are a few new ones to visit in 2015:

In 2015, make it a resolution to expand your horizons and support new places to dine in Lake and Sumter counties. Here is just a slice of the latest restaurants to hit the local food scene.

1884 RESTAURANT AND BAR, EUSTIS Housed in the old Ferran’s Department Store, 1884 is making a splash with 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.

BARNWOOD BAR-B-QUE, EUSTIS

Mount Dora

Barbecue is plentiful in Lake County, but Barnwood’s is award winning. Owners Dan and Elaine Backhaus have gone up against some of the nation’s top barbecue teams and come out victorious. They are known for their smoked brisket, pulled pork and out-of-this-world barbecue sauce.

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

BELLE GLADE COUNTRY CLUB, THE VILLAGES

Clermont

Falling in line with the country club restaurants that have come before it, Belle Glade’s menu has a little of something for everyone: wraps, salads, sandwiches, pasta and a host of specialty dishes.

BEEF O’BRADY’S

Mount Dora

HURRICANE GRILL & WINGS Clermont

PEACH VALLEY CAFÉ The Villages

BURGERCRAFT, CLERMONT BurgerCraft joins a one-of-akind create-your-own burger experience with eco-conscious eating. Lake Meadow Naturals in Ocoee and Clermont’s Chatterson Farms and High on the Hog - Nuttin Butt Pigs provide fresh, seasonal produce and 100 percent grass-fed meat to BurgerCraft, which makes their mission to only have locally-source, humanely raised, grown and produced ingredients a promise.

CAFÉ GIANNI’S, MOUNT DORA

BURGER KING HAS BROUGHT BACK THE YUMBO YUMB BO HAM HAM-AND-CHEESE AND CHEESE SANDWICH AFTER A 40-YEAR HIATUS.

While not new, Café Gianni’s did move from its former Eustis location to make a home in downtown Mount Dora. Locals rave about this restaurant’s authentic Italian fare.

CHEFS OF NAPOLI III, WILDWOOD With locations in Spring Hill and nearby Inverness, it seems only natural that Chefs of Napoli would open their third restaurant in Wildwood. Expect Neapolitan cuisine, such as pollo alla parmigiana (chicken parmesan), vitello con fettuccini alfredo (veal with fettuccini alfredo) and linguine allo scoglio (linguine with clams and mussels).

GURU RESTAURANT, CLERMONT Looking for food that’s more international? Guru in Clermont serves flavorful Indian fare. At the helm is general manager and head chef Uday Kadam,

who was born in India in a small village just south of Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay).

MAGICAL MEAT BOUTIQUE, MOUNT DORA It’s not just fish and chips.

This British-style carvery specializes in freshly carved beef, pork, turkey and lamb, as well as British sausages made in-house daily, fresh veggies and potatoes. They also offer British beers served extra cold with glycol chilling taps.

MCALISTER’S DELI, THE VILLAGES For Brownwood visitors, McAlister’s is a great spot for quick, easy, but oh-so-delicious food, such as sandwiches, gourmet hot spuds, soups, salads, and desserts.

ORANGE BLOSSOM HILLS COUNTRY CLUB, THE VILLAGES Villagers lauded the renovation and re-opening of this popular restaurant on the historic side of The Villages. It boasts an eclectic menu with dishes like honey-lime shrimp tacos, steak rigatoni and petite twin filets.

LILLY’S ON THE LAKE, CLERMONT Construction has begun on this new addition to the South Lake community, so you’ll have to keep an eye out for the grand opening in 2015. Lilly’s on the Lake promises to be a Caribbean-style restaurant that features both indoor and outdoor patio seating, a private room for small gatherings and an indoor/outdoor bar.

SIP RESTAURANT JAZZ AND WINE BAR, LEESBURG Anticipation has been building for this new downtown Leesburg restaurant. In addition to awesome live music and libations, it will feature gourmet paninis, flatbreads, salads and fresh-made Peruvian ceviche.

SHUCK DAT OYSTER BAR AT THE CAJUN CORNER, TAVARES Opened in August, this New Orleans-style restaurant creates distinctive Cajun dishes, such as jambalaya and shrimp and Andouille cheddar grits. Guests can either dine in the oyster bar room and watch oysters being skillfully shucked or sit in the open-air dining room and enjoy stunning views of Lake Dora.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME HarborChase of Villages Crossing offers residents an ideal balance between senior caregiving and enjoyable activities for an overall enriching lifestyle.

where we ‘cruise’ to different exotic locales and have themed programs and activities centered around the location. We also have a putting green, a movie theater, Bible study and even larger events, such as an annual masquerade ball. There’s never a dull moment for our residents at HarborChase.”

In addition to their assisted living program, HarborChase of Villages Crossing offers the gold standard in care for those afflicted with some form of dementia. HarborChase is a safe and loving memory care community that betters the lives of residents and celebrates each moment of grace whether it is one lived now or remembered.

“For our memory care residents, we offer even more life enrichment programs to keep them busy throughout the day so they can rest easier in the evenings,” says Romie.

“They also have their own apartments, as well as a courtyard and dining room. And the staff is trained to care for Alzheimer’s patients, which means peace of mind for each resident’s family.”

And because HarborChase has the highest level of licensure in the state, they can offer a continuum of care for their residents as they age. “We can even bring in services such as hospice for our residents, which is nice because it allows them to age in place with us so they don’t have to be uprooted just because their medical status has changed.”

Overall, having a distinctive approach to senior care is the outcome of a highly experienced team of professionals with a true commitment to delivering quality senior care services. Associates are carefully selected not only for their dedication to enrich the lives of each individual resident but also their warm, compassionate hearts. And that is why HarborChase continues to exceed expectations and be the prime choice for seniors who want to live in an assisted living community that feels like home.

Living life doesn’t stop once you become a senior. In fact, at HarborChase of Villages Crossing Assisted Living and Memory Care in Lady Lake, every day brings something new that celebrates senior living to its fullest.

“Our focus is on being innovative,” says Jill Romie, Director of Sales. “HarborChase is built to suit the needs of a new generation of seniors. It’s a community of the future that we could all see ourselves living in.”

Conveniently located across the street from The Villages Regional Hospital, HarborChase features 91,000 square feet and 96 spacious apartments in a safe and secure neighborhood environment. Residents enjoy a library, beauty salon, hobby rooms, as well as exceptional meals in well-appointed dining areas.

“We made it flexible by having different dining rooms to choose from. We have The Crossings Bistro for a quick snack, The Royal Palm and The Bamboo Room for a casual dining experience, The Orchid Room for a private dinner and even Fountain Side dining for an outdoor dining option. We also have the added entertainment of an exhibition kitchen, which our residents enjoy,” says Romie.

Wellness and technology are also key components to superior senior living at HarborChase. For those used to hitting the gym regularly, or looking to make better lifestyle choices, the state-of-the-art wellness center is central to the community, keeping residents healthy and active. The technology and business center also keeps seniors in touch with friends and family.

Nevertheless, HarborChase knows its residents love to stay busy. That is why they offer a choice of engaging activities every day, as well as weekly excursions and group events.

“Our life enrichment program allows residents to be as busy as they would like to be,” explains Romie. “We keep a full schedule of events so there is always something to do, whether it’s crafts or our weekly Port of Call

For more information, call 888.998.2708 or visit www.harborchase.com/Villages.htm. Check out our Facebook page to see how much fun it is to be a senior at HarborChase of Villages Crossing: www.facebook.com/HarborChaseofVillagesCrossing.

HarborChase of Villages Crossing 13517 N.E. 86th Court Lady Lake, FL 32159 SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Lake County Sheriff Willis McCall stands alongside his car after shooting two prisoners he was transporting from the state penitentiary to Tavares in November 1951. McCall shot and killed Samuel Shepherd (closest to the car) and wounded Walter Irving during an alleged escape attempt. Photo courtesy Florida State Archives.

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JUSTICE

FOR THE GROVELAND FOUR? Families of the convicted applaud the fight for delayed justice.

Long overdue justice may be on the docket for defendants in Lake County’s most notorious legal case.

State Sen. Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando), right, plans to sponsor a bill calling for complete exoneration of Charles Greenlee, Samuel Shepherd and Walter Lee Irving, who were con-

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PHOTO COURTESY OF GARY MCKECHNIE

victed in 1949 of raping a teenage bride in Lake County.

“The Florida Legislature issued an apology for slavery (in 2008), so it would be appropriate for our elected officials to overturn wrongful incarceration,” Thompson said in an exclusive interview with Lake & Sumter Style magazine. “And the Groveland case is clearly a case of wrongful conviction and incarceration.”

Thompson said she became convinced of the defendants’ innocence after reading Gilbert King’s “Devil In The Grove” and “Legal Lynching: The Sad Saga of the Groveland Four,” which was authored by Gary Corsair, now the executive editor of Lake & Sumter Style.

King alluded to an FBI document that summarized a report written by the physician who examined the alleged victim.

The FBI agent who authored the report stated Dr. Geoffrey Binneveld could not determine whether the woman had been raped. Corsair went further, publishing the report verbatim. It stated, in part: “A vaginal smear was taken, and after laboratory analysis, it was found that no spermatozoa were present …”

Thompson is working closely with Corsair and Orlando attorney Paul Perkins Jr., whose father was a member of the

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Members of the Shepherd and Irving families gather after listening to author Gilbert King discuss the infamous Groveland rape case. Eddie Irving Sr., brother of one of the men convicted for the alleged rape, is on the left wearing a cap.

defense team in the 1952 retrial of Irving.

In the fall of 2012, Perkins Jr., Corsair and relatives of the defendants held a press conference and asked Gov. Rick Scott to exonerate Greenlee, Irving and Shepherd. Scott declined. A Scott spokesman said the petitioners should request the Attorney General’s office to investigate.

None of the convicted men is alive. Shepherd was shot to death by Lake County Sheriff Willis McCall in November 1951. Irving died in 1969 after spending 19 of his last 20 years in prison. Greenlee passed away in 2012. He was freed from prison in 1961 after serving 11½ years.

A fourth man, Ernest Thomas, was hunted down and killed by authorities before the case went to trial. The group became known as the Groveland Four.

Relatives of the men are understandably thrilled their loved ones haven’t been forgotten.

“Naturally, I’m excited that something may finally be done to clear their names,” says Henrietta Irving, sister of Walter Irving.

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More than just a lovely 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.

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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 Touch Test Not sure if your windows are energy efficient? Take the Touch Test: Simply touch your window pane and its frame during the hottest or coldest part of the day. If it feels like the temperature outside, your window is not energy efficient. The outside temperatures are being transferred into your home, and eating away at your cooling and heating energy bill.

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.

• Ro-Mac has two fully staffed, local window offices—not a rolling office in a pickup truck.

• Ro-Mac sells and installs the major brands, including MI-BetterBilt, PGT, Custom, Andersen, YKK, Hy-Lite-U.S. Block, and Atrium—giving homeowners real quality choices.

Another indicator of a poorly efficient window are visible signs of sweat on the window sill and frame during a cold day.

This occurs when your home’s warm, moist air hits the cool, smooth surface of a poorly efficient window; the same way a cold, aluminum can of soda sweats on a hot summer day.

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.

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STORY: TORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

Remember when cell phones were for talking and maybe taking a lowresolution photo or two? No more. Today, mobile phones are ubiquitous, and not just because we want to make calls on the go.

We need directions, organizational help and information at the touch of a finger.

M

ore than a million mobile applications are now available on both iTunes and Google Play, so it’s no wonder our smartphone screens look a bit crowded. They’re only going to become more crowded, too. More than a thousand new apps are released each month. As it is, according to the Nielsen research people, 89 percent of our time spent on media and news sources is thanks to mobile apps.

The average smartphone user has downloaded 41 apps, the researchers say, but it’s safe to say we have our favorite go-to apps to make life easier … and maybe even provide a smarter way to do things.

We asked a few local folks to share their can’t-live-without mobile apps.

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TO HELP

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SAMANTHA MERRITT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SUMTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FAVORITE APPS: PINTEREST, COLORNOTE “Two apps I can’t live without are Pinterest and an app called ColorNote,” Merritt says. “Pinterest is widely used for social interaction, recipe collection and inspiration for home projects, but it can be invaluable in my line of work.

With one click I can connect with event planners, other local chambers, marketing specialists and much more across the country to trade graphics, statistics, inspiration and more.”

ColorNote allows her to make multiple notes and organize them by color, very similar to Post-it notes, she says.

“I’m very fortunate to have a job that affords me myriad diverse tasks and endless opportunities for creativity,” says Merritt. “ColorNote helps me easily organize random thoughts and inspiration wherever I am. I absolutely love it … and it’s pretty. Who doesn’t love pretty organization?”

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JOE SABATINI, PARTNER, PALM TREE GRILLE, MOUNT DORA FAVORITE APP: WINE SPECTATOR WINE RATINGS+ Anyone who’s ever dined at Mount Dora’s Palm Tree Grille knows wine is an important component on the menu.

A few years ago, Joe Sabatini changed the family-owned restaurant’s concept to include a wine theme.

“The Wine Spectator Wine Ratings+ app delivers great info at your fingertips, including expert reviews, information on specific vintages, what wines sell for at auction and information about wine regions throughout the world,” says Sabatini.

“There are 300,000 wines in its database along with food pairings and lots more. I travel lot and have wine collectors calling me constantly to find rare and unique wines, so this app helps me navigate through the maze of wines, regions and ratings easily.”

ROBERT CHANDLER, DIRECTOR, LAKE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM FAVORITE APP: TWITTER “The app I use the most is probably Twitter, but I use it solely for news,” says Chandler. “I have never posted anything.”

Chandler follows his favorite news organizations, sports teams and journalists, who typically post news stories or content on their Twitter feeds.

“I get immediate access to their stories and breaking news,” he says. “It’s a very efficient way to remain up to date on all of the news I want to stay informed on, without having to filter through the stuff I don’t care about.”

JOHN DRURY, CITY MANAGER, TAVARES FAVORITE APP: GOOGLE EARTH As the manager of one of Lake County’s fastest-growing cities, John Drury has to know where everything is and how to get people there quickly when an issue arises.

“Google Earth helps me see exactly where an issue is,” he says. “I can then explain the location easily to those who need to respond to potholes, broken water lines, code enforcement issues, downed trees and other such situations.”

SANDI MOORE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LEESBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FAVORITE APP: USB BANKING

DORIS BLOODSWORTH, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, CLERMONT FAVORITE APPS: S MEMO; CIRCA

KACE MONTGOMERY, ILLUSTRATOR AND CLAY ARTIST, EUSTIS FAVORITE APPS: WEATHER CHANNEL; SNAPCHAT

“I’m not really that tech savvy, but I live by my USB banking app,” says Sandi Moore. “I’ve caught bogus charges right away. I could not live without it.”

Sandi also is attached to her weather and navigation apps.

When she’s on the go, Doris Bloodsworth must record ideas quickly and be able to follow up later. She finds S Memo, an app for Android devices, just the ticket.

“I can type a note, record a voice message or draw on the screen if I need to,” she says.

“It’s really helpful for when I’m on the go and away from my computer.”

Her other favorite is Circa, named Google Play Best App of 2013. “Circa was made for news junkies like me,” says Bloodsworth.

“I like it because it gives me the latest news in concise headlines and photos.”

Most of the time, Kace Montgomery uses the meat-and-potatoes apps on her iPhone such as the calculator, camera and alarm, but her must-have app is the Weather Channel. “When my folk-rock band, MTPawkets, is performing at a festival, we want to know what the weather will be,” says Montgomery, who handles the sound system and performs. “And if we’ve already set up, we want to know how close the bad weather is.”

For fun, she likes Snapchat, an app she describes as a “momentary experience.”

Snapchat allows users to take a video or photo and send it instantly to someone else for one quick view.

“Then it’s gone,” says Montgomery. “I use it with my daughter just to say ‘Hi, I’m here’ kind of messages. It works really well.”

BY THE NUMBERS • As of June, iTunes offered 1.2 million mobile applications; Google Play reported 1.3 million apps were available for Android devices in July.

• Men, according to the Nielsen study, spend 29½ hours a month using mobile apps; women are just two minutes shy of 31 hours a month.

• Some 89 percent of time spent on media and news sources is through mobile apps, according to data from Nielsen.

• Mobile apps accounted for an estimated 466,000 U.S. jobs and more than $20 billion in annual revenues in 2012.

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ALL GAVE SOME SOME GAVE ALL STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: CAL GAINES

A

s a shooting fountain makes a tranquil splashing sound on the lake, the American flag blows ever so slightly in a gentle wind. The mid-afternoon sunlight projects through oak trees, illuminating the names of valiant veterans who proudly served.

The names engraved on the granite wall of Leesburg’s Veterans Memorial at Fountain Park include women and men from Lake, Sumter and Marion counties: Barbara A. Pepper, Jack A. Davis, Francis A. Bates and George E. Buchanan, to name just a few.

On the ground are personalized bricks neatly placed around the memorial containing heartfelt messages to the area’s unsung heroes.

“In Memory of My Husband William Hoffman.”

“To Our Loving Mother Ruby Couture.”

A lectern shows the faces and fascinating stories of the area’s three recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military award an American soldier can receive: Capt.

Albert D. Wright of Eustis, Pvt. Robert McTureous Jr. of Altoona and Staff Sgt. Hammett L. Bowen of Ocala.

Another part of the wall lists the number of soldiers who served, who were injured and who were killed in each American conflict, ranging from the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

BLANK WALLS, EMPTY BRICKS The comprehensive memorial in Leesburg received glowing praise from Maj. Gen. Paul Brown, who served as emcee of the dedication ceremony May 19, 2012.

“He told me that although he makes speeches at memorials all over the country, our memorial was the nicest he has ever seen,” says Donald Van Beck, the executive director of the Veterans Memorial at Fountain Park Inc. committee.

Van Beck, a resident of Tavares and a Korean War veteran, conducted fundraising efforts for the memorial between 2008 and 2012 — when the country faced challenging economic times. That did not stop him from raising more than $350,000 for the 2,800-square-foot memorial, one of the largest in the southeastern United States.

“I wore out three pairs of pants trying to raise money,” he says, laughing. “It’s without a doubt one of the best-kept secrets in Lake, Sumter and Marion counties.”

Actually, calling it a secret may be a stretch. Van Beck has made countless public appearances and spoken to numerous veterans organizations about the memorial. He’s even invited schoolchildren and explained to them the memorial’s importance.

Despite his efforts, interest among local veterans has been lacking. There is space for 20,000 engraved names, but there were only 8,325 names on the wall as of mid-December.

“That absolutely floors me,” he says.

“I’m actually disappointed when I visit the memorial and see all the empty spaces on the wall and all the empty bricks. There are more than 125,000 veterans in the threecounty area, which is the second-largest contingent of veterans in the United States behind San Diego. I’m astounded more of them haven’t shown interest.”

Van Beck says the memorial is dedicated to all veterans — living or deceased — who served honorably in the military during wartime or peacetime. Veterans or their family members must present a copy of the DD214 or other proof of service.

Visitors to the memorial can use a computer to access the location of a loved one’s brick or engraved name. Other information is provided, such as which branch veterans served in, what medals they received, how many years they served and unique stories about their military service.

“I want people to realize this is a tribute to everyone who has served,” he says.

“Providing an engraved name on the wall or a personalized brick is the least we can do for our veterans. One of the biggest reasons we built this was for the children and grandchildren of veterans. It serves as a lasting memory for a veteran’s family. The other thing I would like to see is more veterans organizations using our monument for some of their activities.”

It costs $35 to have a veteran’s name engraved on the wall and $60 for a personalized brick. For more information, call 352.314.2100.

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On the

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On the scene // the to-do ol li list is st t

J NU JA 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 JANUARY 3

ROCK AND RUMBLE 2015 Live music by Bobby Friss. Food and full bar available by Beef O’Brady’s. Free event T-shirt to the first 100 people who enter to win one of four dinners for two at Beef O’Brady’s in Clermont.

10a.m.–3p.m. at Gator HarleyDavidson in Leesburg. CONTACT: 352.787.8050

JANUARY 24

SWEET TREATS FOR A CAUSE Fashion fundraiser at Lake Receptions in Mount Dora for children in need. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 children under 18.

Noon–4p.m; fashion show starts at 2p.m. Enjoy shopping, desserts, appetizers and more. Funds provide scholarships to Lake County high school students in the arts. CONTACT: sweettreats. eventbrite.com

JANUARY 24—25

JANUARY 3–4

DADE BATTLEFIELD REENACTMENT Period soldiers, Seminole and civilian camps, sutler trade fair, historic arts and crafts demonstrations, full-scale firing, tree cutting and barricade building, 19th century games and activities for children. Battle re-enactment each day at 2p.m.

9a.m. to 5p.m. $5; children under 6 free. Parking: $3 a vehicle.

CONTACT: 352.793.4781

MOUNT DORA FLORIDA HIGHWAYMEN ART SHOW, SALE AND BENEFIT The popular Highwaymen artists will return to Mount Dora to display and sell their artwork.

Participating will be original Highwaymen Al Black, James Gibson, Isaac Knight, Robert Lewis and Roy McLendon.

11a.m.–5p.m. at the Donnelly Building. Free.

JANUARY 31–FEBRUARY 1

ART IN THE PARK At the Lady Lake Chamber of Commerce Log Cabin and Veterans Park. There will be arts, crafts and food. Free admission, free parking and see the historic train museum.

Saturday, 10a.m.–5p.m.; Sunday, 10a.m.–4p.m.

CONTACT: 352.344.0657

FEBRUARY 7

JANUARY 10–FEBRUARY 21

18TH ANNUAL MARDI GRAS PARTY IN THE STREET See the streets of downtown Leesburg come alive with the sights and sounds of New Orleans. 11a.m.–11p.m. CONTACT: leesburgmardigras.com

LOCAL COLOR: RICHARD COLVIN You may know Richard from his role as executive director at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art, but the Leesburg Center for the Arts is proud to present his series of paintings reflecting the “local color” of Lake County.

Opening reception Jan. 10 at 5p.m. Location: 429 W. Magnolia St., Leesburg. CONTACT: 352.365.0232

JANUARY 30 JANUARY 17

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMEMORATION PARADE/MARCH A multicultural parade/march of walkers, floats, cars, motorcycles, bands, choirs, armed services, animals, etc. will commemorate Dr. King’s memory and teachings.

11a.m. on Main Street, Leesburg.

CONTACT: 352.365.3592

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SUMTER COUNTY CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER AND AWARDS GALA Will feature the annual business awards celebrating outstanding businesses and individuals that support the chamber and set the standard for quality, integrity and community goodwill. Doors open at 5:30p.m. at the Savannah Center, The Villages. CONATCT: 352.793.3099

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ART/HISTORY EXHIBITS

with complimentary tours and tastings. 1-4p.m. at Lakeridge Winery, Clermont. CONTACT: lakeridgewinery.com

8p.m. at 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Tickets: $25 ($15 with Valencia ID).

CONTACT: gardentheatre.org

JANUARY 9

JANUARY 11

JOHN CHARLES IN CONCERT Direct from Disney Cruise Line, John Charles shares music, comedy and stories from his travels. 8p.m., 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Tickets: $25.

CONTACT: gardentheatre.org

LA TRAVIATA Tells the story of Violetta, a famed courtesan who enjoys her carefree life, but longs for passion. She falls deeply in love with a young respectable nobleman, but their affair is cut short by his family’s disapproval and her frail health. All under the baton of Maestro Bill Doherty and the Central Florida Lyric Opera Orchestra. At 3p.m.

Lake-Sumter State College’s Paul P. Williams Center for the Performing Arts. CONTACT: 877.211.5346

JANUARY 2—FEBRUARY 18

LEE ANDREW BIANCO: FOOL THE EYE Lee Andrew Bianco is a fine, super-realistic painter who learned his craft as a fine and commercial artist and designer.

Opening reception: Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. Location: 1 W. Orange Ave., Eustis. Admission: $5, $3 for seniors and students. CONTACT: 352.483.2900

MUSIC+THEATRE JANUARY 3, 10, 17 & 25

WINTER MUSIC SERIES Musicians are handpicked from the wealth of talent in Central Florida. Wine, beer, soft drinks and a variety of food is available for purchase, along

JANUARY 10

SANDY SHUGART IN CONCERT The multitalented president of Valencia College appears on the Garden Theatre stage once again with his folk-influenced sound and tight-knit group of musicians.

JANUARY 16–FEBRUARY 1

THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO A look at anti-Semitism in the South that centers on the planning of the Atlanta Jewish community’s annual Ballyhoo ball during the excitement surrounding the premiere of “Gone with the Wind.” Melon Patch Theatre, Leesburg, 311 N. 13th St. CONTACT: info@ melonpatch.org

JANUARY 23–FEBRUARY15

I DO! I DO! An intimate musical portrait that follows Michael and Agnes Snow from their wedding night jitters through raising a family and negotiating the twists and turns of married life. Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse, 1100 N. Unser Street, Mount Dora.

CONTACT: icehousetheatre.com

7p.m. at the Mount Dora Community Building. CONTACT: 352.735.7183

JANUARY 24

REMEMBER THEN LEGENDS: SHA NA NA TRIBUTE Calling all greasers and pink ladies! Relive the golden age of ’50s and ’60s music. Evening to benefit atypical children and Wounded Warriors Project.

EDITOR’S JANUARY 26

JANUARY 24–25

101 YEARS OF BROADWAY Show features five Broadway stars from the best loved music of Broadway, including “Cats,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Wicked,” “Sweeney Todd,” “West Side Story,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and more. $27 and includes showings at 2 and 7p.m. at Lake-Sumter State College’s Paul P. Williams Fine Arts Auditorium.

CONTACT: 352.365.3506

JANUARY 30–FEBRUARY 22

RUMORS A Neil Simon classic farce with nothing else on its mind except delighting audiences. Bay Street Players at the Historic State Theatre, 109 N. Bay St., Eustis.

CONTACT: baystreetplayers.org

JANUARY 23—FEBRUARY 22

THE WHO’S TOMMY A rock musical based on The Who’s 1969 album, “Tommy.”

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

EP PICK

TASTE OF NORTH LAKE COUNTY

Features restaurants in Umatilla and the entire North Lake area. 5–8p.m at the Florida Elks Youth Camp pavilion, 24175 S.E. Highway 450, Umatilla.

Advance tickets: $15 per person, $25 a couple. Tickets available at the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce, Olde Mill Stream RV Resort, and United Southern Bank.

CONTACT: 352.669.3511

FEBRUARY 7

INAUGURAL HEARTS & HOOVES SILENT AUCTION AND DINNER Howey Horse Haven Rescue hosts its first Hearts & Hooves Silent Auction and Dinner. Proceeds ensure the ongoing rehabilitation of the rescue horses and ponies in their facility. Tickets: $10.

6–9p.m. at Lake-Sumter State College in the Magnolia Room.

CONTACT: 352.223.8761

FESTIVALS/FAIRS FEBRUARY 7–8

MOUNT DORA ARTS FESTIVAL Takes place in historic downtown Mount Dora. In addition to the endless rows of fine art, the festival features local and regional musical entertainment.

Festival food provided in separate food courts and downtown restaurants offer a variety of cuisine. CONTACT: mountdoracenterforthearts.org

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On the scene // the to-do list

LOCAL TALENT PROFILE

LONG MILES PERFORMER HOPES ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ WILL SEND HIM TO NASHVILLE STORY: GARY CORSAIR

Singer/songwriter Garrett Miles has reloaded and taken his second shot at fame.

“I made it onto ‘American Idol,’ but I can’t divulge any information,” says the soft-spoken country crooner, who came to Lady Lake from Columbus, Georgia, where he was born and raised. “You’ll have to tune in to the season premiere Jan. 6.”

Viewers may not recognize the 17-yearold kid who took a stab at “Idol” eight years ago.

“I did audition back in 2006,” he says, “but I didn’t make it past the first round.”

So why expect anything different this time?

“I’ve just grown up a lot,” he says. “My voice is more developed professionally.”

Here’s hoping the “American Idol” judges notice.

Naturally, Miles is hoping the primetime TV exposure will lead to a recording contract. His first album, “Country Classics,” was produced and paid for by family and friends in 2011. Thousands of copies were sold through garrettmiles.com and at hundreds of live shows primarily in and around The Villages.

Stardom has been barely out of reach for the nearly blind wunderkind who

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taught himself how to play piano and guitar and has learned hundreds of country classics by ear.

“I’M TRYING TO GET MORE GIGS LINED UP AND JUST TRYING TO SEE WHERE GOD LEADS ME.” Miles has opened for luminaries including George Jones, Tracy Lawrence, Blake Shelton, Ray Price, Sammy Kershaw and Boots Randolph.

All those live gigs and brushes with greatness have honed Miles’ talents and given him the seasoning every big-name performer needs. Now, he wants to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight. It’s what he’s wanted since he was a small boy — the only thing he’s ever really wanted.

“I just enjoy the whole process,” he says.

“I enjoy being in the studio because that’s

where the magic happens, where you make a song happen and breathe new life into it.

But I also love performing. Seeing the crowd respond to a song means a lot to me.”

Right now, Miles is in a bit of limbo.

His manager, Shannon Brearley, got married and moved away; there have been several personnel changes within his backup band; and the County Line Bar is as close as Miles has gotten to Ryman Auditorium in recent months.

Of course, “American Idol” could change that.

If fame comes this time, Miles will be putting in a change of address. If not, he’ll keep writing, rehearsing and performing.

“I’m trying to get more gigs lined up and just trying to see where God leads me,” says Miles. “I want to eventually get up to Nashville. I want to live there. That’s basically where all the action is.”

Translation: Nashville is where country music’s big shots live and work, and Garrett Miles is going to keep shooting until one of them realizes his sound is right on target.

INCONCERT DATE

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The Marlinaires (pop/rock/country) Brewery Boys (’60s/’70s/’80s) Justin Heet (blues/soul/country) Daniel Heitz Band (blues/rock) Live Wire (classic rock) Mad Hadder Band (rock) The Dave Capp Project (jazz/blues) La Grange (Americana) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative) Live Wire (classic rock) The Smokin’ Torpedoes (blues) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative) Blue Sin (blues/classic rock) Blue Stone Circle (variety) Stava Mala (eclectic acoustic) Big Trouble (classic rock) Blue Train (classic rock/blues) Blue Stone Circle (variety) Roy Baker Band (rock) Big Trouble (classic rock) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative) The Band 4Play (rock/country/pop) David Oliver Willis (folk/soul/blues) The Smokin’ Torpedoes (blues) Brewery Boys (’60s/’70s/’80s) Swerve! (pop/rock/dance) Liquor Box (rock) Tory Wynter (world music) Hill Toppers (bluegrass) Al Demateis and Friends (acoustic) Liquor Box (rock) Swerve! (pop/rock/dance) Rita Brooke (indie/country) Stava Mala (eclectic acoustic) The Marlinaires (pop/rock/country) Merle Haggard (country) Dr. Paul (Americana/country) Daniel Heitz Band (blues/rock) Kings Country (party rock) Swerve! (pop/rock/dance) Airtight (jazz/funk/pop) Andrew Williams Band (blues/rock) Kelly Jarrard (acoustic/soul/jazz) Justin Heet (blues/soul/country) Swampjuice (variety) Stava Mala (eclectic acoustic)

VENUE

Blue Parrot RV Resort, Lady Lake Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Pisces Rising, Mount Dora Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Frank’s Place, Leesburg Lakeridge Winery, Clermont Olivia’s Coffeehouse, Eustis Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Katie Belle’s, The Villages Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares The Lost Parrot, Mount Dora Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Lakeridge Winery, Clermont Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Margarita Republic, The Villages Olivia’s Coffeehouse, Eustis Pisces Rising, Mount Dora Rocking Rabbit Brewing, Mount Dora McGregors Bar, Mount Dora Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Lakeridge Winery, Clermont Olivia’s Coffeehouse, Eustis Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg McGregors Bar, Mount Dora 1884 Restaurant & Bar, Eustis The Lost Parrot, Mount Dora Southern Palms RV Resort, Eustis The Savannah Center, The Villages One Flight Up, Mount Dora Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares McGregors Bar, Mount Dora Lakeridge Winery, Clermont Pisces Rising, Mount Dora Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg The Lost Parrot, Mount Dora

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

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

PROMOTING HEALTHY LIVING

With seminars and free screenings, New Beginnings’ health fair is just what the doctor ordered STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTO: FRANKIE HERNANDEZ, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

R

oughly 18 percent of American children are obese.

More than 16 million Americans battle diabetes.

Only 47 percent of American adults with high blood pressure have it under control.

Fortunately, New Beginnings is doing its part to bring awareness to these widespread health problems. The organization is hosting its seventh annual Health, Wellness and Fun Fair, which will be held Jan. 24 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. inside First United Methodist Church of Clermont’s Wesley Center.

“The goal is to bring health vendors to let everyone know what services are available in the community — and not only for themselves but for their families and friends,” says Sandy Farnsworth, marketing director of New Beginnings. “We also want to teach people healthy habits so they can improve their overall health.”

More than 75 vendors will participate in the free event, including chiropractors, acupuncturists, dentists, nutritionists, yoga instructors and family physicians.

Employees from the Lake County Health Department and Lake County Sheriff’s Office, as well as local insurance agents and attorneys, will also serve as vendors.

By the time attendees leave, they can expect to have their hands full of brochures and their pockets filled with souvenirs and prizes.

“The vendors bring literature about their services and also bring door prizes, gift cards, gift certificates and gift baskets,” Sandy says. “People who attend this event

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enjoy speaking to doctors one-on-one outside of a clinical setting where they feel rushed.”

The fair also features an educational component. Short seminars will be held throughout the day that focus on topics such as nutrition, weight loss, longterm health insurance and trusts and wills. In addition, a yoga instructor will demonstrate how to properly perform several of the more popular poses.

Guests can also take advantage of free health screenings, which are extremely beneficial to those with limited or no access to affordable health care. The tests include blood-sugar levels, vision, hearing, blood pressure and pulse oximetry, which measures oxygen levels in the blood.

There will be plenty of activities for the entire family, including a bounce house and face-painting for children.

“This is a great event for the entire family because we appeal to all age groups while focusing on health,” Sandy says. “We want to educate people about developing a healthy lifestyle so they can enjoy life to the fullest.”

Sandy says the health fair is a way for New Beginnings to repay the community for its support. The Clermont-based organization has six transitional houses that provide shelter for homeless men, women and children.They participate in a 90-day residential program that offers counseling and teaches them money management skills, job skills and life skills so they can become self-sufficient. More than 80 percent of those in the program successfully graduate and

have a job by the time they leave.

The organization also offers programs such as Helping Hands Outreach, which is held every Saturday in the Winn-Dixie parking lot. Hot meals, bags of groceries and clothing are provided to homeless people, who are also connected to social agencies they may need.

In addition, New Beginnings provides free tutoring to at-risk children twice a week to expose them to positive role models and help improve their grades. The organization also offers a summer daycare program for children of working parents. They enjoy activities like swimming, arts and crafts, face painting, picnics and field trips.

“Many of our programs are focused on children,” Sandy says. “At New Beginnings, we are all about the kids.”

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

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

VENICE TO VENICE

The Florida namesake has a lot in common with the Old World version.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS PHOTOS: TONY AND MARY ANN DESANTIS

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alking in downtown Venice in Southwest Florida, I was struck by the distinctly European flavor: sidewalk cafes, green spaces, boutiques and northern Italian architecture. “‘Where am I?’ I posted to Facebook friends from an Italian restaurant in the heart of the New World replica. For a brief moment, I felt as if I had been transported to the Old World version by some quirky mix-up in a CT scanner at my doctor’s office earlier that day.

I was expecting a typical Florida beach town with lots of seafood joints and tacky souvenir shops stocked with fossilized sharks teeth. Instead I discovered a town with continental flair and a rich past that locals keep alive with historical markers on almost every corner. Early settlers originally called the area “Horse and Chaise,” but in 1888 the residents — many of them Italian immigrants — renamed it Venice, in recognition of the many natural waterways.

Venice became a city in 1925 when the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers began building one of the nation’s first planned retirement communities for its members. Sorry, that honor does not go to The Villages, but to Venice, where today’s retirees still enjoy wide-paved boulevards, small parks and a town square designed by 1920s city planner John Nolen.

To get a better understanding of this former railroad town, my first stop was the restored Historic Venice Train Depot on East Venice Avenue across the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway from the downtown area. Built in 1927, the Mediterranean Revival-style terminal now houses a small museum where Historical Society docents give free tours.

While the 14 miles of pristine beaches from Casey Key to Manasota Key are the biggest tourist draw, downtown’s West Venice Avenue is the place to go for elegant restaurants, casual wine bars, evening strolls and even an after-dinner Italian gelato at an outdoor café. Venice has many wonderful eateries, and one of my favorites is Made in Italy, where the back porch feels like a beautiful Italian grotto and the aromas wafting through the family-owned eatery will make you think you’re dining near the Adriatic rather than Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The city also provides excellent amenities for bicyclists and pedestrians. The Venetian Waterway Park is a linear trail that runs along both sides of the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway while the Legacy Trail is a 10.6-mile paved trail from the south of Sarasota to Venice, where a trailhead is conveniently located at the historic depot.

While in town, visit photographer Clyde Butcher’s gallery at 237 Warfield Ave. His compelling photographs are exhibited in museums worldwide, but his gallery offers a chance to see his work on his turf. It reminds you this Venice was built near the marshes of the Everglades, much like how the Old World counterpart began in the marshes of the Venetian Laguna on the Adriatic.

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VENEZIA ON THE ADRIATIC SEA In 1980, I lived in the Veneto Region of Italy — about a 30-minute train ride from Venice — so I became quite comfortable exploring the quiet streets of La Serenissima, or bride of the sea. When I returned more than 30 years later, Venezia — as the Italians call it — was filled with cruise ship tourists. Walking into St. Mark’s Square, however, still gave me goose bumps just as it had the first time I saw it. The architecture around the square, called “the most beautiful drawing room in Europe,” is magical, especially at sunset.

Scores of guidebooks and tour itineraries provide more to see and do than any three- or four-day visit will allow. My advice is to grab a map and explore the smaller side streets where tourists become sparse. A few streets away from St. Mark’s, my husband and I wandered into La Gondola Ristorante, which looked empty. When the waiter guided us to an enclosed garden in the back filled with locals, we knew we had chosen correctly.

Spend time poking around in shops to see colorful Venetian Carnevale masks. Examine

exquisite handmade lace items made on the nearby island of Burano. Stop for an Italian gelato. Cross over Venice’s famous Rialto Bridge to the Grand Canal’s right bank to experience the Erberia (vegetable market), where both locals and restaurant chefs shop. Stroll past the vegetables to the Pescheria (fish market), perfect for finding photo opportunities of locals haggling with the fishmongers.

Be a tourist and take a gondola ride. Although the gondoliers will not sing “O Sole Mio” no matter how much you tip them, it’s still a memorable experience.

Kiss your significant other as you glide under the Rialto Bridge. Legend has it that you’ll be in love forever and will return to Venice. In my case, it was Florida’s Venice, but that was quite all right, too.

Trip

TIP Florida’s 23rd annual Shark’s Tooth Festival is scheduled April 10–12 at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds. More than 100 artists, as well as sharks teeth vendors, will be on hand for the festival, which benefits the Special Olympics Florida-Sarasota County. Visit sharkstoothfest. com for information.

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

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On the scene // Hi, society!

AND THE AWARD GOES TO…

PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

IThe Leesburg Partnership offered an evening of fun and celebration at its 20th annual Awards and Installation Dinner. The red carpet-style event honored several community leaders and volunteers with awards for categories such as City Employee of the Year, Merchant of the Year, Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, Beautification Project of the Year and many more. Installation of the 2014–15 board of directors also took ROSANNE BRANDEBURG, CARMAN CULLEN-BATT, KATHY SHIPES, place, along with silent and live auctions featuring a host of items from local merchants. CHUCK JOHNSON, LORI FARFAGLIA AND LISA JOHNSON

GISELE AND JOSE ZAMPERLINI

MAYOR JOHN CHRISTIAN AND JOE SHIPES

JENNIFER AND PEYTON GRINNELL

LINDA AND TOM GRIZZARD STEVE AND AMY PAINTER

JOHN AND BARB MITTERMAIER

LYNNE AND WADE WINKER

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BLANDINE AND JERRY GALBREATH

LEANN PADGETT AND LARRY PHILLIPS

LENA AND CRAIG WILLIAMS MARY HATCHER AND J. SCOTT BERRY

On the scene // Hi, society!

SCARY GOOD FUN Scarecrows lined the streets of downtown Leesburg in October for the annual Scarecrow Build-Off and Expo. The event, presented by the Leesburg Partnership and Leesburg Downtown Business Association, gives families, businesses, schools, neighborhoods, city departments and downtown merchants the opportunity to make original creations. This year, The Daily Commercial, Lake Preparatory School, Lake Montessori and the DAWN DICKERSON Leesburg Fire Department took home first-place honors for their scarecrows in different categories. AND SHIRLEY HIMES

BECKY SIMM CAROLYN, JONE AND PAT AND JACKIE GIASSON TESSA HIBBARD, CHEREE WINGET AND BRANDI WHALES

PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

JESSICA, KARA AND CASSIE NECCO

J.J. TYLA AND QNADE VACH SANDI AND JUSTIN MOORE

JOHN AND DASH WILLIAMS

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On the scene // Hi, society!

WHAT AN HONOR Several outstanding Lake-Sumter State College alumni, staffers and faculty members received awards and special recognition during the fourth annual Distinguished Alumni and LSSC Hall of Fame awards banquet at Mission Inn Club & Resort. Each year, the LSSC Alumni Association identifies a select group who exemplify the college’s excellence through the service they provide to their community and alma mater.

PENNY, KEVIN AND SEAN JENNESS

PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

BABETTE AND GARY WARD

JUDGE DONNA, BILL AND JIM MILLER

JEFF AND TWINK KRUG BRYAN ANDERSON AND DR. MARYAN SEARCE

BETTY DOWNEY, MRS. SOTO AND LINDA HOLMA SYDNEY PADGETT AND CARSEN BOLIEK

RENEE CARTER, LOLA BIERLAIR AND TESSIE SMITH

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HowardDonaldson Life was rather miserable for Howard Donaldson, who suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for five years. He used three inhalers and required oxygen 24 hours a day.

“I did not want to wake up in the morning because I had no quality of life whatsoever. It’s ridiculous to spend all day gasping for air and not being able to do any activities. I could not even walk the length of my driveway, and I spent three years sleeping in a recliner because I had trouble breathing.”

Fortunately, his life would change dramatically after he received a flier for The Salt Room, which is located in The Villages. “I figured I should give it a try because I had nothing to lose,” he says.

One year ago, Howard began visiting The Salt Room, where he would lie peacefully for 45 minutes inside a spa-like,

salt-covered room listening to soft background music. During that time, he was breathing in salt particles, which act as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent and help remove mucus and pollutants inside the respiratory tract.

For Howard, this unique form of therapy provided a breath of fresh air.

“Within three weeks I quit using inhalers and was off oxygen. I now walk three miles each day and haven’t visited my doctor in three months. Life is wonderful again.”

Howard has faithfully visited The Salt Room each day for an entire year.

“I’ve had a wonderful year because my quality of life has improved tremendously. The staff is very outgoing and treats me like a member of the family.”

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

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

On the scene // Hi, society!

KICKING CANCER The American Cancer Society’s Cattle Barons’ Ball was held at Grand Oaks Resort in Weirsdale. Attendees donned their favorite western attire and enjoyed gourmet western fare, live and silent auctions, entertaining games and live music provided by The Dan Story Band. Proceeds benefit lifesaving cancer research and help for families staying at the Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge, which provides free lodging for cancer patients undergoing treatment at Shands Hospital in Gainesville.

JENNIFER RIVERA, STEVEN HAMILTON, CHELBY AFRIFA, LAURIA ROGERS AND MATT CRUMBAKER

PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

JENNIFER AND JOSH CLARK

BLANQUITA TRABOLD, MARCELINA LOPEZ AND ROBERT HARPER

MICHAEL PERRY

ASHLEY BAKER JOE EHINGER AND ED MCLAUGHLIN

DIANA MULLINS, LESLIE CAMPIONE AND FRAN SULLIVAN

CINDY WOODWARD MIRIAH CANTU AND AND LINDA MOESTA ANDREW AKERS

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When Mom became withdrawn and inactive, we chose

Socialization plays a leading role in our well-being, and we are dedicated to helping seniors maintain this part of their health.

Our residents have multiple opportunities to socialize and can take comfort knowing they will see genuine, familiar faces every day.

VETERANS SEMINAR Thursday, January 15th @ 2 PM Presented by Gary Marriage, Jr., Operation: Veteran Aid

RSVP (352) 873-2036

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No Duck Left Behind $10,000 in prizes

Rubber Ducky Race Grand Prize: and Carnival Proceeds benefit Lake County Schools $5000 College Scholarship

Saturday, March 7, 2015 10:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.

Wooton Park, Tavares

Duck Adoptions go on sale at participating schools on January 12th 1 for $5 or 3 for $10 Or order on-line at event brite https://www.eventbrite. com/e/2015-educational-foundation-no-duck-left-behind-rubber-duck-race-tickets-14816557723 Learn the Duck Dance and win prizes! More information at www.facebook.com/noduckleftbehindrace

www.edfoundationlake.com

// 352-326-1265 //

follow us on facebook

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

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

MEDICARE AND MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED

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

Breathe easy with us.

Exclusively offering pulmonary rehab with an experienced respiratory therapist.

Specializing in pulmonary and critical care.

• INTENSIVE AND ICU MANAGEMENT • COPD • ASTHMA • DISEASES OF THE LUNGS • SLEEP DISORDERS • NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS • MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED

LEESBURG: 1038 W North Blvd, Ste 102

DR. MARJERY LOPEZ

DR. JOSÉ DIAZ

MARIA BYRD, ARNP

PILAR SMITH, ARNP

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

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

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

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

VILLAGES: 1400 US Hwy 441, Bldg 900 Ste 906

352.315.1627 • www.pg-cf.com

eats IN THE KITCHEN SALUTÉ FORK ON THE ROAD DINING GUIDE

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

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MADE WITH LOVE After a shaky start on a solid dream, Dippity Duey’s in Oxford is finally flourishing, thanks to owner and head chef Dwayne “Duey” Cyr. STORY: SHEMIR WILES PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

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ometimes happiness cannot be measured in dollars and cents. Not when it means doing what you love, and even if it means immense sacrifices.

Dwayne “Duey” Cyr knows about sacrifice.

He left a lucrative job working in The Villages, scraped together his life savings and bought a truck and trailer to pursue a new career as a mobile chef.

“I decided I was just going to put all my cards on the table and see what happened,” says Cyr. “I got to a point where all my money was gone and I was back at square one in my life. I ate breakfast for dinner most nights just to survive, but I never gave up. I never doubted myself because I had good vibes that this was going to work. It had to.”

TAKING A CHANCE Tuesday through Friday, Cyr’s mornings start at 3a.m. to prep the fresh food he serves every week at Dippity Duey’s Mobile Kitchen. Like clockwork, he pulls up at his usual spot: Exterior Spaces Landscaping on U.S. Highway 301 in Oxford.

Breakfast starts at 6:30a.m. and the day doesn’t end until lunch is finished at 1:30p.m. Then it’s a quick trip to Sam’s Club, the landfill and to another store to buy propane before heading to his home in Ocklawaha to clean, eat, bathe and sleep before starting it all over again.

For some, the monotony could be taxing. Not for Cyr. He takes comfort in knowing he’s providing a service people appreciate.

And he loves seeing people eat his food.

“It’s all worth it when someone smiles and says it’s the best sandwich they’ve ever had,” he says. “It makes my day and inspires me to keep getting up at 3a.m. every day.”

Cyr’s passion for food is one that started early. His father, Louis Cyr, was a chef and he showed him early that being in the

culinary industry was a labor of love.

“My dad was gone a lot, but I always wanted to be with him, so I would go peel potatoes with him just to spend quality time,” he says. “I grew up in the kitchen and he taught me most of what I know about cooking. But he also showed me that working in culinary was cutthroat and it was hard to trust people. I loved cooking but it didn’t tickle my fancy at the time.”

Instead, Cyr built a career in management. He initially left his home state of Michigan to help launch Villages News Network before moving into retail. He started working in La Bodega, The Villages’ first retail business.

“It was a small market, kind of like a mini Winn-Dixie,” says Cyr. “That store is where I learned to cut meat.”

He eventually worked his way up into managing the warehouse for Southern Lifestyles, which was a home furnishings store in The Villages. All the while, Cyr would watch chefs on channels like The Food Network and think

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

to himself, “I could do better than this.”

The opportunity came to see if he could indeed do better when Southern Lifestyles went out of business.

“I’ve never been afraid of hard work, so I knew this was my chance to do something food-related,” he says. “So I cashed in my 401(k) and got to work on creating what is now Dippity Duey’s.”

STARTING FROM THE BOTTOM His knowledge of The Villages helped Cyr settle on the U.S. 301 location he knew would be perfect for attracting the town’s blue-collar workers. Nothing else but fast food was nearby.

“I wanted to be different,” he says. “My thing is I want to give people something I would eat myself. I want to make food that is hot, affordable, plentiful and good. Keep it simple.”

Therefore, Cyr serves mostly sandwiches with other down-home comfort foods like homemade soups and chili. Nevertheless, sandwiches don’t mean flavorless tuna on rye or slices of turkey crammed into an average hoagie.

Cyr’s sandwiches are jaw-dropping masterpieces that leave customers full and fully satisfied. And he starts with the bread.

“Rolls are the base for your sandwich; therefore, I always use good rolls and I keep them warm and toasty,” he explains.

Next, he makes everything fresh, from some of the meats to the condiments.

“For example, for my Meathead sandwich, I make a meatloaf fresh every

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day. And whatever I don’t sell I give away and I start fresh tomorrow. I also make my own breakfast sausage and my own Italian sausage. And I roast the garlic I use for my roasted garlic mayo,” Cyr says. “Bottom line, I love to eat and I know others do, too.”

All the menu items are named after family members.

Some of the customer favorites include The Meathead, a meatloaf sandwich served on a buttered, grilled hoagie and topped with smoked provolone cheese, grilled peppers and onions, and homemade roasted garlic mayo; The Christina, a grilled, chipotle-spiced chicken breast topped with sautéed mushrooms, bacon, pepper Jack cheese and chipotle mayo; and The Dwayne, a grilled ham and cheese served on a warm, buttery hoagie.

And don’t call Dippity Duey’s a simple food truck or a “roach coach.”

“I take pride in keeping my kitchen clean,” he says. “I am very picky about making sure everything is done right and kept sanitary.”

Though Cyr started alone, he is now enlisting the help of his girlfriend, Victoria, as his business starts to boom. After months of struggling and watching his bank account dwindle, Cyr is happy to see results — finally.

“Trying to build a customer base was exasperating and tiring at times but I never regretted it,” he says “Now calls are starting to come out of the blue and people want me to participate in their food truck rallies or to cater events. It’s crazy. Now I’m nervous about the growth, but it’s a good problem to have.

“I wake up smiling every day because I’m building something the right way, and I never think about the money. I know if I make you a good sandwich you’ll be back.”

For more information about Dippity Duey’s, visit facebook. com/DippityDuey.

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EATS // saluté A worldly look at wine

BLUEBERRY THRILLS California may have the best wine grapes, but Central Florida has the best blueberries. And Florida’s newest winery, Whispering Oaks, is proving blueberries can become great wines with Sumter County’s terroir.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS PHOTOS: TONY DESANTIS

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ou can take the boy off the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy.

Ask Johannes Vanderwey, who grew up on a 2,000acre dairy farm in Idaho and later became CEO of his own recycling company, as well as an inventor of recycling equipment. After many business trips to Florida, he knew where he wanted to settle permanently.

“Somewhere warm,” he says with a big smile. “I bought a farm to have a nice place for horses. What I didn’t know was that it costs four times more to feed a horse in Florida than back home.”

The horse pastures were replaced with 40,000 blueberry bushes when Vanderwey and his wife Panpailin bought a 58-acre farm near Oxford six years ago.

“This place was for sale on my birthday, and it was a perfect location for flying in and out of Tampa,” he says. “I was still running the company, which was based in Oregon, at the time.”

That all changed when the first crop of blueberries came in three years ago. Vanderwey sold his business and decided it was time to retire … sort of. He wanted to return to the land and to the kind of life he had growing up with a tight-knit family with parents who’d emigrated from the Netherlands.

“Being raised on a farm, we ate and worked together,” he says.

“We did everything together. I missed that the most. This blueberry farm brings my family together. My wife, two of my daughters and my son-in-law are here.”

He sold berries in farmers markets and operated a “you-pick-’em” enterprise, but wanted to make the farm sustainable year-round.

Blueberry season runs from March to May and making blueberry wine would provide year-round income.

Vanderwey invested in state-of-the-art Italian equipment and the old horse barn became an artistically decorated wine tasting room and visitors center. He says his smartest move was hiring Brent Trela, a winemaker who has an extensive global clientele and served as an assistant professor at Texas A&M University’s viticulture and enology program.

“He’s a master at his craft,” says Vanderwey. “His resume, contributions and accomplishments read like a who’s who in the world of winemaking.”

Making wine from blueberries is not without challenges: Harvest is only about three months long and the fruit ripens quickly. Whispering Oaks freezes its handpicked blueberries and stores them so

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wine can be bottled throughout the year. Freezing is not a bad thing.

“Freezing the berries produces more flavorful juice and better color,” Trela explained to a recent tour group.

After the berries are thawed, they are crushed and put into small open tanks with yeast for the primary fermentation. After this stage, the juice is separated from the skins and sediment, which is fed to some very happy goats on the farm. The juice is transferred to large stainless steel tanks where it is fermented for 28 to 35 days. After the final fermentation, the juice is separated to make four different flavors of wine: Sensationally Sweet, Delightfully Dry, Mildly Wild and Sangria.

“We use two pounds of blueberries in every bottle of wine,” says Vanderwey. “They are not watered down at all so you get a full flavor. Plus blueberries are very high in antioxidants so this is a wine that is good for you.”

During the grand opening in late November, Vanderwey poured 1,700 bottles for more than 7,000 people who visited the winery during the three-day celebration. Most everyone was surprised at the quality of the wines, which are similar to pinot noirs and merlots.

“I’m European and I’ve never tasted blueberry wine before,” says Tony Kennea, who moved to The Villages from England. “The Sensationally Sweet has a very good nose, which is unusual for a semi-sweet wine. I like all of the flavors.”

Kennea added that many people probably would not know they were drinking blueberry wine during a blind tasting.

“Whispering Oaks uses a good process to make the wine,” he says. “You can tell by the clarity and viscosity.”

Villager Doreen Jerz was served Delightfully Dry at Thanksgiving and also was pleasantly surprised.

“Wine is a part of every dinner meal for us,” she says, “and I would be pleased to serve this wine to my own guests.”

Whispering Oaks Winery is open from 11a.m. to 7p.m. Tuesday through Sunday for free tours and tastings. The wines sell for $15 per bottle. For information, visit winesofflorida.com.

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.

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EATS // fork on THE Road Tasty insights and observations

ONE SHELL OF A RESTAURANT

Stunning scenery, great conversation, New Orleans-inspired food and succulent oysters give locals plenty of reasons to visit Shuck Dat. STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

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here aren’t too many places in Lake County where you can enjoy delicious Cajun food with a side of fresh air and a fulfilling breeze.

Shuck Dat Oyster Bar at the Cajun Quarter is one of the few.

In downtown Tavares, the open-air restaurant allows visitors to observe spectacular sights while feasting on a delicious meal.

Vibrant sunsets reflect off Lake Dora, tour boats glide across the water and seaplanes fly effortlessly like birds before making a smooth landing.

The restaurant, which opened last August, is run by managers Jim James and Chris Clark. They decided to bring something

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entirely different to Lake County by offering an oyster bar as well as soul-satisfying, New Orleans-style food.

The charming décor inside the main dining room instantly transports diners to the Big Easy. Green and orange Mardi Gras masks hang from the ceiling, while paintings of jazz musicians decorate the walls. In the rear is a wooden bayou shack, the kind seen throughout Louisiana’s swamp country.

Many eat-oysters-raw aficionados dine inside the cheerful, energetic oyster bar room, which features a 20-seat horseshoeshaped bar. Guests strike up spirited conversations while ordering their favorite beer or alcoholic beverage. When empty oyster shells pile up on their plate, they slide them over the bar into a trough.

This isn’t considered impolite or uncouth here; it’s normal manners at an oyster bar.

The oyster bar is also where guests can observe the talent of Chris, who is undoubtedly Lake County’s hero of the half-shell. Chris has been shucking oysters for 15 years and performs his craft with incredible speed and skill.

His secret?

“It takes practice,” he says. “Lots of practice. Not only do you have to make oysters easy to pull off the shell, you also have to make oysters presentable so people are excited to eat them.”

Indeed, Chris’ oysters arrived at my table in grand style, served in a circular white tray and pressed against ice cubes.

My mouth watered as I stared at the plump oysters glistening in their shells. I decided to eat one like an oyster purist: raw, without any seasonings or sauces. I immediately felt the cold, soft and creamy texture on my tongue, and as I began chewing, the flavors of the moist, tender oysters burst into my mouth.

Of course, I quickly reverted to my “construction project” method of eating oysters. I used a small fork to detach the oyster from its shell and put it on a cracker, which serves as the base. The “glue” is cocktail sauce, which nicely holds everything else in place. I then add the other pieces that fit nicely together — horseradish sauce, hot sauce and, finally, the oyster. That’s certainly an interesting combination, but it works very well together. I learned the hard way it is best to go light on the horseradish sauce.

“Everybody has a very ritualistic way to eat oysters,” Jim says. “Nobody is the same.”

Satisfied with my oyster fix, I decided to order the restaurant’s most popular dish, jambalaya. It features seasoned rice with Cajun chicken, jumbo shrimp, andouille sausage, bell peppers and onion. Cajun seasoning is sprinkled around the entire plate. If you like lots of flavor and spice in your meal, the jambalaya delivers. This tasty, well-blended dish leaves a back-ofthe-throat kick that is not overly potent.

The staff will gladly “bring the heat” by adding more spices if requested by diners.

I also tried another popular dish: shrimp and andouille cheddar grits. This dish includes jumbo shrimp, Andouille sausage and fresh vegetables sautéed in a creamy tomato sauce topping a bed of cheddar grits. As the plate was being delivered to my table, patrons gawked at the culinary showpiece.

While the shrimp were juicy and plump, the real surprise for me was the grits, which had a silky, smooth consistency rather than overly thick and lumpy. The accompanying homemade etouffee sauce adds a nice sweetness to the dish.

I was stuffed, but I already know what I’ll order next time I visit. First, I’ll get the chicken wings, because I’d like to try several of Shuck Dat’s 15 homemade hot sauces. I’ll also come on Thursday for the prime rib dinner, which includes a 12-ounce prime rib, baked potato, fresh vegetables, side salad and dessert for $15.95.

As I looked around, I realized the delicious food was not the only thing that attracts patrons to Shuck Dat. Sports enthusiasts come here to watch their favorite team on one of 13 television sets. The restaurant has sports packages such as NFL Sunday Ticket, the SEC Network, the Big 10 Network and College Game Plan. There’s also a game room featuring two pool tables, two dartboards and Golden Tee Golf.

“I love coming here because I’m a big fan of New Orleans, and this is as close as you’re going to get to it,” says Lori Pfister, Tavares’ vice mayor. “I’m also a big fan of the restaurant’s fried green tomatoes. You can always come here and strike up a conversation with people you haven’t seen in a long time. This restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere.”

ADDRESS: 118 W. Ruby St. Tavares 32778 352.530.0202 POPULAR DISHES: (Lunch) NOLA Jambalaya Pasta: $7.99 Fried Green Tomato BLT: $7.99 (Dinner) Shrimp, Oyster or Catfish Po Boy: $12.50 Cajun Shrimp Linguine: $15 Shrimp Etouffee: $13.50

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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 $

CONTINUED

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EDITOR’S PICK

TAKI’S RESTAURANT

118 W. RUBY STREET, TAVARES // 352.508.5344

For tastes of the Mediterranean, Leesburg residents still flock to Taki’s Restaurant in Leesburg. While it recently moved to a new location on North 14th Street, diners can still expect the same fresh fare that’s kept it popular after all these years.

You can never go wrong ordering my old favorite: a margherita pizza and Greek salad. Or be adventurous and try a Greek dinner, such as mousaka, chicken souvlaki or a gyro plate.

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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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

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 $$

.com

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).

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

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

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

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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NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT!!!!

Sign up for noƟficaƟon of all events and specials at

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

1-800-856-1884

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HAPPY HOUR: Monday—Friday 4-7 with $2 Bud Light draughts and $3 house wines OPEN MONDAY—SATURDAY...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!!

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER

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We’re here to help you invest today and through lots of tomorrows.

You crave it. We serve it.

The Triple J Sandwich Corned beef, roast beef, turkey and Swiss cheese rolled with lots of Cole slaw and Russian dressing.

Exclusively at TooJay’s

Pete Baksh, Susie Pelfrey and John Pease

Your Investment Team When you need investment services, you want a bank that acts as your partner, not your manager. As advisors with the Trust Department at First National Bank for more than 15 years, it’s our job to help enrich your life, not fulfill a quota or generate fees. Our seasoned professionals customize investments to fit your goals and personality – so you can invest your way with confidence.

Since 1981, TooJay’s has been delighting diners with an exciting and eclectic menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

When the craving strikes indulge in authentic NY–Style deli sandwiches or settle in with slow roasted turkey, old fashioned pot roast and other time–honored comfort food favorites. Friendly, professional service is a part of every meal, so make plans today to join us for “a little taste of home”.

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Legendary desserts: carrot cake, black & whites, chocolate Killer Cake.

The people you know, the bank you trust.

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Village of Spanish Springs (352) 753-3510 Lake Sumter Landing (352) 430-0410 www.toojays.com

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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.

VISIT US TO DAY

AND S EE

CHEM IF ICAL PEELS ARE R FOR YIGHT OU Medical Director, Dino Madonna, MD Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

CHEMICAL PE PEELS THE VILLAGES

3352.259.5126 52.2599.5126 855.my1.face Face2FaceFL@gmail.com Face2FaceFL.com Scan the code for a video tour of Face 2 Face

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Fashion Show Fundraiser &

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

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Final thought // bob tennant

NO LIMIT TO SLOW DRIVERS

T

here was a time I couldn’t have written this … not and have it be the truth. And if not, what’s the point?

So, full disclosure: There was a time I had a lead foot.

Those days are over. The bathroom mirror reminds me every day the lead has been relocated, just astern of midships.

So, no, I am not one of those tailgating, horn-blowing, middle-finger waving, yammering idiots in your rear-view mirror. In fact, I steadfastly refuse to tailgate, and I err on leaving too much room between me and the driver in front of me, ruining, I’m sure, the day of the driver behind me.

More full disclosure: I could care not one iota about the driver behind me. I feel much the same about him (or her) as I do about anyone who may have the misfortune to have to occupy my backseat. I did not buy my car with a gleam of a concern about anybody who may be so unimportant to me that he (or she) may have to squeeze into my backseat. So if you’re in the car behind my backseat, imagine how much time I’m going to spend worrying about you.

If you’re in front of me, yes, despite my mounting years and my aching back and the space I leave between your sorry back bumper and my valuable front end, I give a rat’s tail about you.

In the 15 or so (depending on the route I am relegated to find in an effort to relieve my exasperation with the driver ahead of me) miles it takes me to get from my estate, Biltmore-nigh-on-Oxford, to my Leesburg office-with-a-view, I’ve been driven almost daily to distraction by both apparent retirees and apparent nitwits who refuse to adhere to one basic, safe and — get this — legal driving method: Just drive the cotton-pickin’ speed limit.

Not above it. But not below it, either. It’s posted as it is for a reason: Someone who knows a lot more about speed limits and safety than I do figured it’s a sensible way to stay alive

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and keep traffic moving at the same time.

I can’t sit here and pound my keyboard and pretend the buffalo’s share of violators of such logic isn’t piddling along on Morse and Buena Vista boulevards. I get to follow them every day. Twice. Once in each direction. Sure, there’s the occasional beat-up pickup with obligatory trailer full of hacked-off palm fronds hauling along at 45-50 mph, and sure, I’m hoping the friendly, vigilant sheriff’s deputy is stationed around the bend with his (or her) radar binoculars at the ready. But just as sure, I’m hoping that deputy will be willing to pull over the pop-pop and his pooch doing 25 on the same road, because he’s just as likely to cause an accident.

Especially when that fuddy-duddy’s Ford Focus comes to a complete stop at a roundabout for no reason at all. It’s times like those that made me decide to not tailgate. Here’s a little tip to those of you who’ve never regularly navigated a traffic circle (in Philly, they’re a part of driver’s ed): Look to your left as you approach a roundabout (any traffic will be coming from your left); slow down a tad and don’t stop unless you need to (that is, when you look to your left you happen to spot another car); get in the roundabout and keep up your speed; look to your right (any traffic now will be coming from your right, and the drivers, theoretically, looking to their left, for you); proceed. There. Before you know it, you’re out of what many of my fellow Villagers treat as a corn maze and zooming along at the posted 35 mph.

Or I wish, anyway.

It’s a pandemic. In Fruitland Park and Leesburg and anywhere else there are highways and clueless drivers. Some go too fast. More go too slow. They may ruin your day, too.

And there’s an easy, legal fix: Just drive the cotton-pickin’ speed limit.

And that’s the truth. If not, what’s the point?

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

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.”

– Frank DeLuca, President/Owner

OVER 87,000 TOYOTAS SOLD SINCE 1978!

WHY THE DELUCA DIFFERENCE...

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • RESPECT • KNOWLEDGE WISDOM • TRUTHFULNESS • CARING

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.

Roadside Assistance not inlcude fluids. details. onlyValid in the continental U.S. and Roadside Assistance doesdoes not include partsparts and and fluids.

www.DeLucaToyota.com

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

The Future of Eye Care Is Clear.

From routine eye exams to the latest innovative procedures such as laser cataract surgery and eyelid surgery, managed treatment of macular degeneration and glaucoma, even allergy immunotherapy – you’ll find the experience, know-how and one-on-one service your eyes deserve from our board-certified ophthalmologists and friendly, devoted staff.

Each of our offices has a full-service optical department with a stunning selection of designer frames and lenses, making us your one-stop destination for anything and everything your eyes need to get and stay focused, healthy and comfortable.

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LEESBURG | TAVARES | THE VILLAGES

352-365-2020 | www.LakeEye.com |