Style Magazine, March 2012

HOMELESS SCHOOLCHILDREN Is there hope?

CHILDREN’S SERVICES DIRECTORY A comprehensive listing of local children’s organizations

march2012

stylemagazine sty ty yle emag ma m agaz ag a zi azi zine ne

1

THE NEWEST FDA-APROVED DRUG – EYLEA FOR ™

MACULAR DEGENERATION

A leader IN RETINA SURGERY: As Lake County’s first retina specialist, Dr. Ray D. Maizel has worked diligently to bring the most advanced therapy possible to his patients including early participation in FDA studies to make Eylea™ a reality for the treatment of macular degeneration. He is now able to provide this latest FDA-approved and effective drug to his patients.

Eylea,™ known as an aflibercept, is injected into the eye less frequently than current treatments to treat the wet form of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly. Dr. Maizel remains passionate about finding safe and effective ways to treat retinal diseases and helping his patients improve their vision.

“

It means the world to me to bring the best treatments possible, like Eylea,™ to our patients.

”

—Ray D. Maizel, MD

Jeffrey D. Baumann, MD Ài} ÀÞÊ °Ê*> â ]Ê ÊUÊ,>ÞÊ °Ê > âi ]Ê -Ì>V >Ê °Ê `iÞ]Ê ]Ê -ÊUÊ i Ì Ê °Ê >À iÃ]Ê >À`Ê iÀÌ wi`ÊÊUÊÊ i ÜÃ «Ê/À> i`ÊÊ *>ÀÌ V «>Ì }Ê i` V>ÀiÊ*À Û `iÀÊÊUÊÊ/Ü Ê-ÕÀ} V> Ê V>Ì Ã

> Ê888.820.7878 or 352.735.2020 to schedule your appointment!

Find out more information online at

` À `> Þi°V Õ ÌÊ À>ÊUÊ iiÃLÕÀ}ÊÊUÊ/ iÊ6 >}iÃÉ-Ì iVÀiÃÌÊÊUÊ « « >

My measure of am blessed to and our two the children I serve — tended — investments — they repreI’m Brian Hentz

Securities and advisory services offered through NPC of America

success begins with the people I have in my life. My wife Jovita sons, our circle of friends, coach, and the clients I each relationship is carefully because it is greatly valued. Your represent more than just money sent your time and your trust. and I the possibilities.

Dale L. Cebert and Cebert Wealth Management Group have been recognized by Registered Rep Magazine as #32 of their top independent BD advisors based on assets under management. * Registered Rep Magazine Aug. 1 2011Article, “Top 100 Indie B/d Advisors.” * This ranking is not indicative of investment performance.

Retirement Planning // Estate Planning // Proactive Wealth Management 11714 Northeast 62nd Terrace, Suite 100, The Villages, FL 32162 Main 352.430.3083 Toll Free 800.831.8923 Fax 352.430.3084 www.cebertwealth.com (NPCOA), Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Cebert Wealth Management Group and NPCOA are separate and unrelated companies.

Knowledgeable.

Experienced.

Effective.

TAVARES

CLERMONT

THE VILLAGES

INVERNESS

205 E. Burleigh Blvd. (Hwy. 441) Tavares, FL 32778 352.343.7400

1795 E. Hwy. 50, Suite B Clermont, FL 34711 352.394.1312

Santa Fe Professional Center 8564 CR 466 The Villages, FL 32159 352.753.2833

508 West Main St. Inverness, FL 34450 352.637.3900

WWW.BCMILLERLAW.COM 1.800.323.1243

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Auto and Motorcycle Accidents Golf Cart Accidents Medical Malpractice Nursing Home Abuse Dog Attacks Pharmaceutical Injuries

Premise Liability Wrongful Death Claims Defective Products Insurance and Bad Faith Claims Paraplegic Cases Quadriplegic Cases

“I used to have pain in my legs I thought was due to arthritis. Now the pain is gone, since having them treated.

My legs feel phenomenal now!

Having the leg veins treated has changed my life!

I feel more active and 10–15 years younger.”

STEVE MCDANIELS VILLAGE RESIDENT

“I can’t believe I suffered for so many years with my painful and embarrassing varicose veins.”

CAROLYN DAVIS VILLAGE RESIDENT

LEG SWELLING & LYMPHEDEMA VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY VARICOSE VEINS SPIDER VEINS LEG PAIN

don’t suffer in ein No downtime Non-surgical laser procedures Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy

Foam sclerotherapy Cosmetic sclerotherapy All procedures done in office setting

COVERED BY INSURANCE The treatment for varicose veins is a covered procedure if medical necessity is met.

FREE CONSULTATION* Ask us about two free sclerotherapy sessions* Tom Tran PA-C, MPAs, American College of Phlebology Mike Richards PA-C, MPAs, American College of Phlebology Anthony Alatriste M.D., Medical Director

1050 OLD CAMP RD, STE 202, THE VILLAGES, FL 32162

PHONE 352.259.5960 FAX 352.750.1854 TheCVC.net *The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination or treatment.

We do what others promise.

Kendra Akers publisher kendra@akersmediagroup.com Doug Akers vice president doug@akersmediagroup.com EDITORIAL AND DESIGN Jim Gibson executive editor jim@akersmediagroup.com

Jamie Ezra Mark creative + content director jamie@akersmediagroup.com

Tiffany Roach managing editor tiffany@akersmediagroup.com

Cierra Chappell art director cierra@akersmediagroup.com

James Combs staff writer james@akersmediagroup.com

Josh Clark senior graphic designer josh@akersmediagroup.com

Betsy Stoutmorrill copy editor betsy@akersmediagroup.com

Anthony Casto graphic designer anthony@akersmediagroup.com

Mary Ann DeSantis Heather Pruett Pat Jocelyn Jamie Duncan contributing writers Heather Tootle office + production manager heather@akersmediagroup.com

Kevin Danko contributing designer Fred Lopez chief photographer fred@akersmediagroup.com Morgan Ellis Stark Brumley-Martin contributing photographer

Barbara Hodgkiss administrative assistant barbara@akersmediagroup.com

SALES AND MARKETING Tim McRae vice president of sales and marketing tim@akersmediagroup.com Mike Stegall senior marketing representative mike@akersmediagroup.com

Heidi Ressler marketing representative heidi@akersmediagroup.com

Jaime Quarnoccio marketing representative jaimeq@akersmediagroup.com

Lynne Pierce marketing representative lynne@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION Scott Hegg distribution manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE 352.365.7895

find everything — features, photos, and more — with one click at

akersmediagroup.com

Commercial Cleaning Services & Supplies CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

352.753.8653 SINCE 1990 • LICENSED & INSURED

12

stylemagazine

march2012

Lake & Sumter Style, March 2012. Published monthly by Lake Style, LLC, 1450 E. North Blvd, Leesburg, Florida 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2012 by Lake Style, LLC. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Lake Style, LLC. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call (352) 365-7895. 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 Advertising Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements.

Lake & Sumter Style is a member of the following: Leesburg Chamber of Commerce • Sumter Chamber of Commerce • South Lake Chamber of Commerce Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce • Eustis Chamber of Commerce • Tri-County Business Association

Call us locally at:

(352) 347-7900

or toll free:

1-877-347-7900 17860 S.E. 109th Ave Suite 629 Summerfield, FL 34491

Scan with your mobile phone for directions

Located in the

Spruce Creek Terrace Shoppes (Across from Walmart on 441)

This offer is valid from 3/1/2012 until 3/31/2012 & cannot be combine with any other discounts or special offers.

Excludes watches and any items on consignment or not in stock.

contributors Mary Ann DeSantis After receiving a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Mary Ann DeSantis began her career as a newspaper reporter and photographer before moving into public relations and marketing in Atlanta. She and her husband moved to Florida in 2000, and she began writing for Style publications in 2006. Her writings can be found at Maryanndesantis.com

Jamie Duncan Jamie Duncan is a freelance blogger, writer, and interior design consultant. In addition to creating web and blog content for small businesses, she can also be found dishing about the latest fashion and design trends. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in interior design. Jamie resides in Lake County with her fiancé, Steve and their fur child Brodie. Email: jamie_duncan@live.com; Web: Jamie-duncan.com

Pat Jocelyn Pat Jocelyn worked 28 years at IBM, where she held several staff and management positions and taught management and employee development classes. She has since started a second career in journalism and has won several Florida Press Club awards for her insightful and heart-felt feature writing.

Heather Pruett Heather Pruett is co-founder of The Loving Kitchen, a next-generation cooking show which promotes family health, tradition and values through the simple preparation and enjoyment of dinner as a family. She is a graduate of Marshall University with a degree in business management.

Heather resides in Mt. Dora with her husband, Tim Pruett, and their two beautiful children. Visit Thelovingkitchen.com for more information.

• Nationwide Access to Clinical Trials • Board Board Certified Oncologists • Alliance of 1,000 Cancer Specialists • A Passion for Fighting Cancer • A Committment to the Whole Person, Not Just the Disease

The Villages Dr. Patrick Acevedo

1-352-750-2213 www.FCINewHope.com 14

stylemagazine

march2012

237 West 4th Ave. Suite 6 * Mount Dora, FL 32757 * 352-383-3600 We are located in the Arbors & Eyebrows complex at the corner of Alexander and 4th Ave. in Historic Downtown Mount Dora.

Open 7 days a week

at your service WHAT MAKES THEM MODEL

CITIZENS

WINNER OF FLORIDAʼS BEST OVERALL MAGAZINE TWO YEARS IN A ROW!

HOT

— FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION

E IF VL

AND CHOCOLATE // DATE NIGHT SERVED

R NT G OU ME IN LE UD PP CL SU IN HLY NT MO

IN // WWINE ONE MAN MAKES A DIFFERENCEE //

Cardiovascular Health: Amazing new medical breakthroughs

Sex

through the eyes of a teenager

How to cool down razor burn

Tandem Bicycling: Two is better than one

Relationships R Re e to have or have not

pricey prudent to

FROM OUR

HEARTS TO THE HEART OF FLORIDA !

ICE brings world-class care to with its new state-of-the-art the area facility!

SEE THE GATEFOLD FOR

MORE INFORMATION ORMAT ORM

valuating your vows

Gourmet Kitchen Products

*Cooks Tools & Gadgets Galore *Nordic Ware Bundt & Baking Products *Everyday Cooking & Baking Supplies for Everyone *KYOCERA Advanced Ceramic Knives, Lifetime Warranty *Kids Cooking Tools and visit our ‘Kids In the Kitchen’ *LorAnn Gourmet Vanillas, Oils, Bakers Emulsions *William Bounds: Salt & Pepper Mills + PepArt PLUS Hard to Find Bakers Ingredients

*Girft cards available* Also visit us at www.kadeekay.com

View each magazine online at

akersmediagroup.com Subscriptions:

Order a copy of your favorite magazine to be delivered directly to your home for just $24.

Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of STYLE or HEALTHY LIVING Magazine. Choose both magazines for $36 per year. For more information regarding subscriptions, contact our office at 352.787.4112 or mail your request to: Subscriptions at Akers Media Group, P.O. Box 490088 Leesburg, FL 34749. You can also order online at akersmediagroup.com.

Change of Address:

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

Back Issues:

www.AuthenticLabradoodles.com Home of Tegan Park – Rutland Manor Australian Labradoodles Allergy Friendly, Non Shedding, Intelligent, Very sweet and loving.

For more information please call Donna

352-277-2244

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

Correspondence:

We encourage you to send in letters and comments. Mail your letters to: Editor or Publisher at Akers Media Group, Inc. P.O. Box 490088 Leesburg, FL 34749. Email comments to Jim@ akersmediagroup.com or Kendra@akersmediagroup.com.

(Please understand your letters may be published. If you prefer not to be published, mark your correspondence “not for print”).

Visit us online: www.akersmediagroup.com Each magazine can be viewed online. The website offers a wide variety of services, including blogs, links to our advertisers, and past and current issues.

Akers Media P.O. Box 490088 Leesburg, FL 34749 Phone: 352.787.4112 Fax: 352.323.8161 16

stylemagazine

march2012

Over 300 colors

in stock!

COUNTERTOPS • VANITIES • FIREPLACES • FLOORING • CUSTOM FABRICATION

MARCH 2012 2 volume 8 number 5

features 46

Dealing in flesh Human trafficking is the second-fastestgrowing criminal industry in the nation.

If you thought it was someone else’s problem — think again — Central Florida is ranked second in the nation in cases of child sex trafficking.

54

Homeless not hopeless There are more than 2,700 homeless schoolchildren in Lake and Sumter counties.

Do they have hope for a brighter tomorrow?

62

Children’s Services Directory A comprehensive listing of local agencies equipped to handle children’s needs in our area.

departments 20 22 24 31 77 105 120

From the Publisher Tiff Talks Up Front Social Style Food & Wine What’s Happening Parting Shot

on the cover

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

HOMELESS SCHOOLCHILDREN Is there hope?

CHILDREN’S Y SERVICES DIRECTOR A comprehensive listing children’s organizations

18 18

stylemagazine s st sty t yle lemag magazi mag azi z ne

march2012

of local

DIRECTION: CIERRA CHAPPELL PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED LOPEZ PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK MODEL: AUBREY AKERS

Exciting New Move-In Specials!

WE ARE WAITING TO WELCOME YOU

ENVY HAS A NEW ADDRESS...

1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartment Homes Courtney Villages Apartment Homes... designed to surpass your expectations! Inspired by a mix of traditional architectural styles, Courtney Villages offers a relaxing approach to your fast-paced life.

C O M M U N I T Y P R I V I L E G E S

I N D I V I D U A L L U X U R I E S

• Billiard Room w/Large Flat Screen LCDs • Expansive DVD Lending Library • Cyber Café w/4 Stations & High Speed Internet • Wireless Access At Pool & Clubhouse • State-Of-The-Art Athletic Center • Resort-Style Pool W/Gas Grills • Spacious Sun Deck • Towel Service • Tanning Studio • Mountain Bikes Available • Pet Walk Stations • Picnic Area W/Gas Grills • Paw Park • Large Dogs Welcome

• Gracious Floorplan Designs • Full-Size Washer & Dryer Included • Ceramic Tile In Kitchen, Bathroom & Foyer • Expansive 9-Foot & Vaulted Ceilings • Relaxing Garden Tubs (In select units) • Screened Patios & Balconies • 42” Custom Upgraded Cabinetry • Intrusion Alarms – Monitoring Available • Abundant Closet Space • Digital Cable Available • Attached, Detached & Direct-Access Private Garages Available • 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance • On-Site Management Team • Preferred Employer Discount

(No weight limit. Breed restrictions apply.)

423 Hwy 466 • Lady Lake, FL 32159

888.547.3448 www.courtneyvillages.com

from the publisher

by Kendra Akers • kendra@akersmediagroup.com

Put an end to human trafficking

I Statistics show Central Florida has one of the highest incidence rates of human trafficking in the nation.

20

stylemagazine

march2012

was first introduced to “human trafficking” several years ago while watching a movie on the Lifetime channel.

Watching the movie I learned about the horrific crimes of torture and abuse happening to men, women and children all around the world. I was sickened by the thought that one human being could actually do this to another... or even the fact that something like this could happen to someone I love.

After watching the movie I quickly pushed out of my mind the idea that my family or friends might be at risk for becoming a victim of human trafficking… after all, we live in Lake and Sumter counties. This is a small rural area and those things only happen in big cities or other countries, right?

The truth is that statistics show Central Florida has one of the highest incidence rates of human trafficking in the nation. It is happening right here in the community I have lived in most of my life — and the place I have chosen to raise my children. What’s even more startling is the fact that the rate of incidence is growing daily.

After talking with friends and neighbors, I was shocked to learn that many people are not at all familiar with this crime and its many different aspects. For this reason, I have chosen to focus this month’s issue on this terrifying topic.

Typically, Style magazine is a platform for entertaining our readers and highlighting all the great aspects of our community; however, I feel this is a very serious issue and that we as a community need to be made aware of the dangers lurking this close to our

children and loved ones. With our collective voice here at Style magazine, we choose to speak up and say we will not allow this to continue to exist here or anywhere else in the world.

We all need to educate ourselves concerning this crime against humanity.

Join us in becoming a voice for the victims of human trafficking worldwide. Awareness is the key — with awareness comes light — and darkness cannot survive in the light.

Together we must put an end to human trafficking!

Get back into the swing off life

with Minimally Invasive Back Surgery

Board Certified Spine Surgeons Specializing in the Treatment of Back and Leg Pain Due to: Failed Laser Spine Surgery Spinal Stenosis Herniated Disc Degenerative Disc Disease Scoliosis Spinal Fractures Due to Trauma or Osteoporosis

Frank S. Bono, D.O. James Joseph Ronzo, D.O. Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained

Little or no out-of-pocket expense for Medicare patients.

The Summit of Lady Lake 785 Highway 466 Lady Lake, FL 32159

855-GULFCOAST Toll Free 855-485-3262

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeons Minima

gulfcoastspine.net

tiff talks

by Tiffany Roach • tiffany@akersmediagroup.com

Dear Tiff, I need your help. My 14 year-old daughter would like her boyfriend (who just turned 16) to take her to and from high school. She also has in mind that he will drive her to the movies and around on weekends as well. I am concerned for several reasons including her safety. What do you think?

Sincerely, (No Longer) The Designated Driver Dad Dear DDDad, Not knowing your daughter and whether or not she has a record for being reliable and trustworthy, it’s hard to advise. If she has a pattern of lying, skipping school, drugs, sex and alcohol, I’d say the only place I’d be allowing her to ride with her boyfriend is boarding school.

However, I am guessing with a father who is concerned and caring enough to ask for advice, the odds are your daughter is a pretty good kid and this is just an issue of adventuring into new parenting territory. I’m learning that as a parent, we have two options: We can do the hard work and choose to train our children and prepare them to be responsible, healthy and happy adults. Or, we can be lazy, let a 16-year-old boyfriend become the family chauffer, not train our kids and hope for the best. And if you don’t want to end up in a nursing home in alphabetical order on your kid’s Christmas card list, I highly recommend putting in the work now. But then, like I said, you seem like the involved kind of dad who writes into advice columns and wouldn’t shy away from the work.

When your daughter was little you may have trained her to look both ways before she crossed the street. You may have trained her how to ride a tricycle, and then you may have moved her up to a bike with training wheels until she was ready for a bike. You taught her these things in a certain order, and when she was ready and could prove she could handle the task and responsibility, you coached her to the next step. As parents, our goal is to prepare our kids for adulthood and ensure they survive that long. Even though your

22

stylemagazine

march2012

daughter looks and talks more and more like an adult, it doesn’t mean she is one yet and it doesn’t mean the training stops — it just looks different.

One way to approach this new issue would be to allow your daughter to ride with her boyfriend to school one day a week. If he can maintain a safe driving record and she can show good grades, not being tardy, truant, or pregnant — you could allow him to start driving her home, and then maybe an additional day a week. When it comes to teenagers, I encourage you to embrace Ronald Reagan’s words, “Trust, but verify.” If the school indicates tardiness, or you start to hear, “Oh, Dad, we had to stop for gas,” or “We had to pick up something from the store,” or “The car broke down,” then you revoke the driving privileges.

Brace yourself for hysterics and door slamming. It’s likely she has been envisioning herself acting as co-pilot and deejay with her painted toenails on the dashboard as she and the boyfriend jaunt around town at will. The thought that her initial co-piloting will come with restrictions may invoke some drama.

Remember, you can always offer her the option of not driving with him at all.

Remember, you only have a little more than three years and you may only have a handful of opportunities left to train your daughter.

Maximize this one. You are training her to prioritize her responsibilities, make good choices, put fun aside until the work is finished, be a woman of integrity — and be someone who shows up when she says she will. If she has already embraced these qualities, this driving arrangement will be no problem for her. If she isn’t quite there yet, know you are putting in the hard work now to ensure she is safe and can grow up to be the kind of woman who will see and appreciate the ways her dad loved her. She may even smile remembering the time her dad wrote in to an advice column.

Until next time,,

www.shearexpress.com

352.753.6505 668 US Hwy. 441 The Villages, FL 32159

352.259.6700 3459 Wedgewood Lane The Villages, FL 32162

352.753.0055 321 Colony Blvd.

The Villages, FL 32162

352.259.5151 1562 Bella Cruz Drive The Villages, FL 32159

up front

Leaving Competitors in His Wake Local skier Jonathan Travers shined at the 2011 Pan American Games held in Mexico.

He won the gold medal in men’s slalom after successfully running two buoys at 41 feet off, a Pan American Games record.

“I didn’t want to come in as the top seed,” Travers said in an interview with USA Daily. “I just wanted to go out and do my thing with

no o pressure. Last time at the Pan American Games Rio, I didn’t do so well well. I am really ames in Rio stoked that I redeemed myself with the gold.”

This is the latest in a long list of accomplishments for Travers, who is the son of legendary water skier Jack Travers. His father, who for years has operated a ski school at Sunset Lakes near Groveland, has been his

primary coach. At age 15, Jonathan b became cam am ame me co-holder the co holder of the Boys 3 National Slalom Record in the United States. By 2007, he was both Men 1 National Slalom and Overall Champion. Two years later he rose to stardom again by earning the title of World U21 Slalom Champion.

STROKES OF SUCCESS

Lysistrati Halkides, a star swimmer for the National Training Center (NTC) Fast Lane Aquatics, received a full swimming scholarship to Purdue University. She also received offers and interest from the University of Florida, Florida State University and the University of Alabama.

She has been training with the NTC Fast Lane swim team since the team formed in 2005. She spent nine years learning under head coach Alec Rukosuey.

“We are all so proud of her,” says Rukosuey. “I have always seen her potential and have worked hard with her over the years. It hasn’t been an easy road but all the hard work is definitely paying off for her. I always tell my swimmers this is why it is so important to stick to your goals and give 100 percent because you never know your full potential.”

Lysistrati spent the past summer competing for Greece in international competitions and won four events in the Greek Nationals. She will compete in the Greek Olympic Trials in May 2012 and attempt to quality for the Olympic Games in London.

24

stylemagazine

march2012

Splendor in the grass.

Your Feet Our Passion Mount Dora Podiatry 3651 Lake Center Dr., Mount Dora, FL 32757 www.MountDoraPodiatry.com // 352.385.9156

Dr. Janet L. Black DPM, FACFAS • Dr. Emily Ernst DPM Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, Fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Residency trained at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Rearfoot and Ankle surgery

up front

WELCOME TO THE BIG HOUSE We know it is important to provide kids with recreational opportunities while keeping them off the street and out of trouble. That’s the main purpose of the $6 million Big House Sports Complex, which is being constructed at 1544 Lane Park Cutoff in Tavares.

Groundbreaking for the 162,000 square-foot facility took place on October 27. It will include nine basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, 14 outdoor beach volleyball courts, 12 batting cages, an indoor track, health and wellness center, pro shop, game room, daycare and other amenities. The facility is also expected to host week-

end sports tournaments, which will bring athletes and their families to Tavares and boost the local economy.

Big House Sports Complex is owned and operated by Chet and Gigi Lemon. Chet is a former major league baseball player with the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox. He was also a three-time AllStar and served as the baseball coach at Eustis High School. The City of Tavares was instrumental in helping the Lemons fulfill their dream of bringing a recreational facility to the area.

OnThe Cutting Edge Lake-Sumter Community College recently ranked number five among the top 10 schools in its category to be recognized as an annual Digital Community College Survey winner.

Only 30 schools in the nation were selected for their cuttingedge use of technology. LSCC is the only Florida community college to earn the award in 2011.

Sponsored annually by eRepublic’s Center for Digital Education and Converge Online, the survey documents advances made by community colleges in utilizing information technology and recognizes which colleges provide a high level of service to faculty, students and communities.

Criteria included: technology integration into college’s curriculum and campus life, documenting use of online admissions processes, distance education, technology training for students and faculty, campus security alerts, use of Web 2.0 social and collaborative capabilities, online tutoring and advisory services.

“This award is testimony to the fact that with visionary leadership from the Board of Trustees and the full commitment of faculty and administration, we can compete with the best in providing world-class services to students,” says LSCC President Charles Mojock.

Small Business, Big Hearts Each year, Walmart in Clermont presents its “Walmart Small Business Award” to three local businesses. The award is given to small business owners who give much of their spare time to worthy endeavors and charities in South Lake County. Each recipient receives $500 and is chosen by the South Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s Member Services Committee.

A presentation was held December 13 at the Clermont Walmart to honor the 2011 recipients. » 1 Mike Madawi of Smooth Musical Entertainment has donated his talents numerous times toward various community events. » 2 Kay Simpson of Papa’s Diner has donated her time and talent to the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation. » 3 Carlos and Sandy Solis from Graphics Direct have provided invaluable support to Pig on the Pond and the South Lake Hospital.

26

stylemagazine

march2012

proud publisher of the area’s most read magazine

every month. everywhere.

up front Written by Jamie Duncan

Turquoise Pendant $45 Necklace $15 Delia’s Boutique, 352.321.0628 deliasboutique.com

Fashion Finds

Rose McGowan is known for her role as the bewitching beauty in Charmed, but this trendsetter endsetter doesn’t need a crystal ball to predict future ensembles. Instead, she combines flattering hues like the he aqua and rust duo seen here. And while her outfit is complimentary in every sense, the luminous chalcedony dony necklace, rumored to retail for $23,685, is sure to put a spell on you.

Transform her look to fit your personal style and budget by teaming this turquoise pendant dant with your favorite shade of orange. Try a color like spicy cayenne, tropical coral, or fresh peach. Handcrafted afted by Lake County local, Loren Dewall, this special piece is sold exclusively at Delia’s Boutique in downtown wn Leesburg.

Photo provided by: D’Orazio & Associates, dalapr.com | Adeler Jewelers, Aqua Necklace, adelerjewelers.com

STYLE Spotted

» »

28

Name: Heather Laver Piece: Jacket Time: 7:35p.m.

Date: December 2, 2011 Location: Shop Hop & Wine Walk, Downtown Leesburg

Story Behind It: This jacket brings back memories of Heather’s move to Leesburgg nearly two years ago.

With dreams of running her own business, she quickly acquired the space that is now bustling as Heather’s Therapy and Sports Massage in downtown Leesburg. Her jacket was one of the last articles rticles of clothing she purchased in Louisiana just prior to making her journey here.

Why It’s Great: Passersby can easily see what makes this jacket stylish: military-inspired inspired lines, feminine ruffles, superb tailoring, versatility... the list goes on and on. But after delving a little deeper, eeper, it’s clear that the full appreciation of Heather’s outerwear comes after hearing her inspiring story. Not ot only does it serve as tangible proof of where she’s been, but it also demonstrates just how far she has come. me. And based on her current success, I would say it’s a journey and a jacket she won’t soon forget.

stylemagazine

march2012

Get back into the swing of things.

CENTRAL FLORIDA PAIN MANAGEMENT® OCALA THE VILLAGES 1503 Buenos Aires Blvd, Bldg 150 2685 SW 32nd Place Suite 500, Buenos Aires Professional Plaza, 352.369.0322 352.750.5882 Appointment by Referral Only •Office Hours by Appointment

www.cfpain.com Scan can ca a the hee QR code ode tto o see Dr. Drr.. Roge oger og ger Sp Spen pen e cer’ en c ’s vi cer video deo de o profi rofi ofi file. lee. e

PROSTATE PROBLEMS? Does this sound familiar? As you grow older do you realize you are getting up more often at night to urinate?

Have you come to accept this as an inevitable part of aging as did your father or his father before him?

“Men no longer need to suffer from frequent urination because they are getting older,” says Dr. James Young, a down-to-earth urologist with 29 years of experience at Urology Associates of Lake County in Eustis. 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 new patients I perform a physical examination and properly evaluate the symptoms, thus diagnosing the underlying problem(s),” he says.

“Next I describe to the patients what’s normal and then explain what is abnormal with them. Lastly I teach them their treatment options. If I’ve done a good job of teaching, they will select the correct option for them.”

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 life-long 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 30 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 900 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

ADVERTISEMENT

20 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. Practicing in Lake County since 1982 with extensive experience in evaluation and management of prostate problems.

EDUCATION Board Certification: American Board of Urology, February 1984 Medical Degree: University of Arkansas, 1977 College: University of Mississippi, 1973. B.A. Chemistry and English RESIDENCY University of Arkansas, 1978-82. Urology INTERNSHIP University of Kentucky, 1977-78. OB/GYN CURRENT MEDICAL LICENSURE Florida and Arkansas HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS Medical staff of Florida Hospital Waterman 1982 – present Vice-Chief of Medical Staff 1987–88 Waterman Medical Center Chief of Medical Staff 1988-90 Waterman Medical Center

A S S O C I AT E S

OF LAKE COUNTY Since 1982

352.357.6786 801 Northshore Drive, Eustis, FL 32726

www.ProstateEvaluation.com

social PEOPLE & PARTIES

style

HeARTfelt Love....................................Pg. 32 Simply Spook-tacular .........................Pg. 34

march2012

stylemagazine

31

social

style

HeARTfelt Love MISSION INN—June Lew of Florida Heart and Vascular Center and her daughter, Alicia, hosted Art for the Heart at Mission Inn in Howey-in-the-Hills. Live and silent auctions featured artwork donated by local artists. All proceeds benefitted cardiovascular research at the University of Florida. Among the local artists was Madison Ellis, 7. She painted a beautiful watercolor painting in honor of her little brother, Gavin, who was born with a congenital heart defect. In the past two years, Madison has raised more than $1,000 for the American Heart Association.

PHOTOS BY MORGAN ELLIS

Patty Browne, June Lew and Dee Pacha

Jim Edwards

June Lew and Al Cardiello

Madison Ellis and Dr. Robert, Meade M.D.

Standing: Betsy and Lowell Clark Sitting: Kathy and Jim Safford, Laurie Safford and Sandy Jones

32

stylemagazine

march2012

Standing: Terry Ross, Larry Foster, Larry Blevins, Maxine Miller and Dr. Todd Ginestra Sitting: Rachel Ross, Patty Browne, Carrie Blevins and Ginger Ginestra

Stacy Sampson

Kathy Safford, June Lew and Jim Safford

Madison Ellis Yarelis Cartagena, Ernesto Beltran and Justin and Danielle Infurna

march2012

stylemagazine

33

social

style

Simply Spook-tacular LAKE RECEPTIONS—LifeStream Behavioral Center held its 21st annual LifeStream Gala Monster Mash at Lake Receptions. Those in attendance participated in live and silent auctions, as well as a costume contest.

They also enjoyed entertainment from comedian and magician Mark Robinson, who has served as an opening act for Jeff Foxworthy. LifeStream has met the behavioral healthcare needs of local residents since 1969.

PHOTOS BY STARK BRUMLEY-MARTIN

Tee and Mary Grizzard

Phillip Randolph, Marie Randolph, Lory Baxley and Judge James Baxley Ph

Melissa and August Altom

Karen Stange and Jim Saullo

Sherry Olszanski and Julie Yandell

34

stylemagazine

march2012

Rachel Schuette and Rosalyn Johnson

Michelle Girard, Samantha Walton, B.E. Thompson, Kristen Schultejans and Christina Ennis

Dennis Panzik, Leigh and Wylie Hamilton and Al Cardiello

Dr. Alex Bolito

Jon Cherry, Maggie Labarta, Robert and Emily Thompson, and Bobby Wesley

march2012

stylemagazine

35

UPCOMING EVENTS NTS March 3–4

April 14

Leesburg Art Festival

“CFA Live”” Songwriters teerrs Night

March 3–31 Student Art Exhibit/Leesburg Art Association Spring Show

For more information call

352.365.0232 www.leesburgcenter4arts.com

Lake Center of H.O.P.E.

We Treat Conditions Such As: Mood Disorder Depression Bipolar (Manic Depression) Anxiety Disorder Phobia, GAD, Panic Disorder, OCD, PTSD Schizophrenia Dementia - Alzheimer’s

Substance Abuse Alcohol Drugs Adjustment Disorder ADHD Personality Disorder Other Emotional and Behavioral Problems

Most Insurances Accepted

352-787-0081 33057 Professional Dr. Suite 102, Leesburg Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9am-5pm

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

At Freedom Pointe, we’ll help you solve your retirement puzzle!

From the subtle to the sublime, we provide the services and amenities that promote a resort lifestyle of comfort, fun and fulfillment. Our signature Optimum Life® concept helps residents live at their peak level of wellness across six dimensions that focus wholly on body, mind and spirit. You’ll also appreciate all our amenities. It’s a wonderful lifestyle that awaits at Freedom Pointe at The Villages where all the pieces of exceptional living are in place. The only thing missing is you.

Join us for a cooking demonstration and beer pairing by our own Chef Brandon featuring some “Olde Irish” favorites – just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

Services Include:

Psychiatric Evaluation Competency/Guardianship Evaluation Medication Management Individual, Couples, Adolescent, Family and Marital Counseling Substance Abuse and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Court Ordered Psychiatric Evaluation Anger Management

The Only Piece Missing Is...You!

/ 1,- 9]Ê , Ê£xÊUÊÓÊ*° ° Nick M. Ungson, M.D. Board Certified Psychiatrist Board Licenses: Florida Board of Medicine Alabama Board of Medicine Professional Memebership: American Psychiatric Association Florida Psychiatric Society Hospital Affiliation: Leesburg Regional Medical Center Florida Hospital - Waterman Years in Practice: From 1997 to Present Counselors: Dr. James Moore, Jr., Lic. PsychologistTalana Kersey, MS, LMHC Hershel Tidwell, MS, LMHC Sue Bingle, LCSW Amoree Lanaha, LCSW

RSVP: Call our Events Hotline at ­ÎxÓ®ÊÈÇ{ ΣäxÊLÞÊ >ÀV Ê£Ó°

Your story continues here...

A Life Care Community

­ÎxÓ®Ê{Îä änx 1550 El Camino Real, The Villages, FL 32159 www.brookdaleliving.com 5HJ 8 6 3DWHQW DQG 70 2I¿FH () 523 /%

36

stylemagazine

march2012

A SERVICE OF THE INSTITUTE OF CARDIOVASCULAR EXCELLENCE AND THE INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL EXCELLENCE

WE TAKE YOUR HEALTH

TO HEART

ADVERTISEMENT

A SERVICE OF THE INSTITUTE OF CARDIOVASCULAR EXCELL EXCELLENCE AND THE INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL EXCELLENCE

Billy MCQUEEN,56 “Dr. Qamar’s a wonderful man. I met Dr. Qamar when I went to the hospital. I thought I had a cold, but my blood pressure was sky high. He checked my legs and everything else and found a whole lot of things wrong with me. I found out I had 20 percent heart damage.

“In In 2004, I had my first pacemaker put in. The procedure was pretty standard. I got checked in the day before, had the surgery and then stayed overnight to make sure everything was working all right. I had a second pacemaker put in since then.

“Dr. Qamar’s been doing a good job.

If he can help you, he will help. He treats my family nicely, too. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be here.”’

Alexander CHRISTIANO, 83 “Dr. Qamar is a great man. He’s probably the best doctor I’ve ever had,, and I’ve had a lot off them. I was referred by my family physician an alive.

10 years ago, and Dr. Qamar has kkept mee aaliv I was diagnosed with heart failure and had a pacemaker put in. Right now, Dr. Qamar is treating me for neuropathy in both legs, and I’ve had eight stents put in.

“Dr. Qamar takes his time wi with each patient. He’ll explain everything and a makes sure procedure. There you are comfortable with the proc

can be over 25 people in the waiting room, but he never rushes through a patient, which is really comforting. I’ve been nothing but extremely satisfied and can’t say enough good things about the man.”

StevenFESTA, 57

I met m Dr. Qamar two years ago, unfortunately, in an emergency. I was un nfor uninsured and rushed to West Marion Community Hospital, which fortunately is right across the street from my home.

I must have had a heart attack, but I never had any of the five symptoms you hear about. I was weak and nauseous and had no appetite—those were my symptoms. My body was taking on water. Thank goodness a friend called me out of the blue and rushed all the way from Gainesville to get me to the hospital. Dr. Qamar had to resuscitate me twice. I was almost gone. He used the defibrillator to restart my heart. At the hospital, everything was in slow motion. I never knew how bad I was. I was in the ICU for 14 days and in the hospital for a total of two months.

“Over the last two years, Dr. Qamar has performed countless procedures for congestive heart failure, probably close to 15 procedures, and I’m still there at least three times a month. Because I’m uninsured, the medical bills have totaled almost a half-million dollars. Every time I see him, he says not to worry about it and reassures me. He couldn’t have taken better care of me. I just can’t say enough good things about West Marion and Dr. Qamar and his staff. You could write 35 pages and not say enough about him. The fact that his office is packed from open to close is a testimonial to that. This guy is an angel; his whole staff is a miracle.”

ADVERTISEMENT AD A ADV DV DVE ER ERT RT R TIIS SEMENT

PatriciaNICKEY, 73 “I have CHF and have had both a pacemaker an a defibrillator implanted into my heart. I and went nt in at 10am, and I was home by 5pm. Currently, l Dr. D Qamar is working on opening some blockages in my legs. I’ve been in and out of the hospital many times, but these days, I’m feeling good. And it’s thanks to Dr. Qamar. I wouldn’t see any other doctor. He’s a personable, informative doctor, and he makes his patients feel comfortable and at ease. I fully trust Dr. Qamar and don’t second guess him. I know he has my best interests at heart. I also know that if I have a problem or question, I can count on anyone on staff at ICE.”

KennethLOW, 51

Shirley CASTLEBERRY, 49 “I became a patient of Dr. Qamar while my brother was seeing him. My brother had b heart problems and died at 37. Dr. Qamar h hear tookk great care of him. Because of my family history of heart conditions, he counseled me on taking care of myself and prescribed the right kind of medications to control my heart.

I have atrial fibrillation, which causes my heart to beat fast. The A-fib hasn’t bothered me since Dr. Qamar treated me during my hospital visit in 2010. Dr. Qamar’s a very nice and wonderful doctor. I just think the world of him.”

ADVERTISEMENT

“I was referred to Dr. Qamar byy th the he Ocala rt failure, and only Kidney Group. I was in heart fu 8 percent of my heart wass func functioning. The rhythm of my heart was als also not right. I was just about dead.

“To treat me, Dr. Qamar prescribed medication first. Then, for surgery, I had two ablations.

The veins in my leg collapsed, so a stent was put into my leg as well. Now, my heart is beating 100 percent—it’s beating perfect. I see Dr. Qamar for checkups every two months. I just think he’s wonderful, and the whole staff is very professional. He’s the best doctor I’ve ever had; he saved my life. I can’t really say anything else but that.”

A SERVICE OF THE INSTITUTE OF CARDIOVASCULAR EXCELLENCE AND THE INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL EXCELLENCE

// testimonial //

EDWIN WIXSON “About 12 years ago, Dr. Qamar was referred to me by my family doctor. He told me that Dr. Qamar was the best cardiologist in Ocala and that I needed to see him. So, I scheduled an appointment and went. Dr. Qamar took his time and accurately diagnosed my condition and has kept my heart healthy these last 12 years.

“I have a heart condition, and Dr. Qamar has been treating me for peripheral artery disease through the use of catheterization and stents. I have been to several cardiologists in my life, and I can honestly say now that I agree with what my family doctor told me years ago. Dr. Qamar truly is the best cardiologist in Ocala. I can’t say enough about him and what he has done for me.”

— Edwin Wixson 86

THE VILLAGES 1950 Laurel Manor Dr. Building 240 The Villages, FL 32162 Office: 352.509.9295 Fax: 352.509.9296

THE VILLAGES 8489 S.E. 165th Mulberry Lane The Villages, FL 32162 Office: 352.359.7900 Fax: 352.259.7966

OCALA 4600 S.W. 46th Ct. Suite 340 Ocala, FL 34474 Office: 352.854.0681 Fax: 352.387.0390

ADVERTISEMENT

WILLISTON 412 W. Noble Ave. Williston, FL 32696 Office: 352.528.3540 Fax: 352.528.0721

UP TO $1,550 IN CARRIER REBATES WITH SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE. Offer is from March 1–June 30

The Infinity®system is among the most energy efficient air conditioners and can save you up to 56%* on your cooling costs.

… CONSIDER IT DONE 24 hours/ 7 days a week

Lake 352.787.7741

www.munnair.com

|

Marion 352.821.0284

|

Sumter 352.689.0164 License # CAC1814363

*Carrier Rebates up to $1,550. *As compared to a Carrier 10 SEER air conditioner and fan coil with PSC blower motor.

EAR, AUDIOLOGY AND HEARING AIDS Conditions that affect hearing loss can occur at any age — from birth to Boomer and beyond. Lake ENT offers extensive diagnostic and testing resources including a hearing test booth at each of our locations.

THE VILLAGES 352.753.8448 LEESBURG 352.728.2404 TAVARES 352.343.7279

www.LakeENT.net

Scan the code to learn more about how we’re growing with our community.

ANTI-AGING THERAPIES – Multiple modalities using oral and injectables to promote the maintenance of immune youthfulness. Dis-ease management at the molecular level through early detection and treatment which facilitates wellness without injurious side effects.

CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE –

Implementing the latest technology and medications in a skilled manner. Mainstream medicines’ most widely accepted and practiced illness management procedures, providing the best of what conventional medicine has to offer. Practiced in a most conservative approach; catering to those who prefer this modality.

BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES – Designed to maintain youthful levels of hormones in a balanced fashion. A therapy which supports the body’s ability to choose to produce the hormones it needs to have or the administration of compounded hormones. Both approaches maintain a balanced internal hormonal milieu.

HOLISTIC MEDICINE – Addresses the maintenance of a homeostatic internal balance

Bio-Identical Hormones

Anti-Aging Therapy

Concierge Medicine

through the use of non-pharmaceutical measures. The expression of illness is an end product that needs to be approached from a variety of perspectives and levels using as natural resources as possible to maintain vitality.

CONCIERGE MEDICINE – The practice of a more personalized approach to medicine based on personal priorities and preferences. Guided by the individuals need to optimize health as a matter of choice and convenience, not as a necessity or a handout. Fast pass access to exit a possible ill state as an immediate need that must be met. Not dictated by your carrier.

Holistic Medicine

Life Family Practice Center offers a unique and integrated approach to the doctor/ patient relationship which results in personalized medicine designed to fit your needs. Schedule an appointment to speak to one of our highly skilled physicians and find out about the Life Family Practice Center difference.

Life Family Practice Center

A Holistic Medical Practice 1501 US Highway 441 The Villages, FL 32159 Tel # (352)750-4333 Fax # (352)750-2023 Hours 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday 42

stylemagazine

march2012

Conventional Therapy

e r o m Muchretirement home! than just a

Active living at its finest.

A gated community of quiet tree-lined streets and beautifully manicured landscaping, The Waterman Village campus is designed for residents to live their best life! This lifestyle begins at the community lodge, where you’ll find plenty of amenities to keep you entertained — a quaint bistro, a lovely cafe, a nicely-stocked library, billiard & game room, and even a golf simulator! Step outside of the lodge to take a dip in the heated, screened-in pool. Nearby are the woodworking and craft shops, courts for lawn bowling and shuffleboard, and a nine-hole putting green. A professional recreation department offers a comprehensive schedule of fun activities.

Peace of mind.

Waterman Village also has a home care department that can provide extra services in your villa or manor. Residents receive priority status for future healthcare in the Bridgewater Assisted Living Residence or the Edgewater Health Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Extra golf cart space in garage!

Meal plan included!

Smallll pets S t OK!

The Manors 2 bed/ 2 bath 1408 to 2004 sq. ft.

The Villas

2 bed/ 2 bath 950 to 1384 sq. ft.

Your monthly fee includes: a meal plan, personal emergency response system, scheduled transportation, housekeeping, maintenance on the home and appliances including the washer and dryer, security services, expanded basic cable television, monthly pest control, trash pick-up, lawn maintenance, and water and sewage.

225 Waterman Ave., Mount Dora Take Hwy 441 south to Mount Dora. Turn south onto Donnelly Street. Main entrance is 1/4 mile on right.

In Mount Dora 352.385.1126 www.watermanvillage.com

Get back into the swing.

Low Testosterone (LT) In many ways, testosterone is the stuff that makes men men.

The rush of new testosterone in puberty builds muscle and bone, deepens the voice, and revs up the sex drive. Throughout a man’s life, testosterone maintains his male characteristics. Testosterone levels decline steadily after age 40. The decline is relatively small, at an average rate of about 1% to 2% percent per year. By middle age and older, virtually all men experience some decline in testosterone — but only a small percentage of aging men have levels far below those considered normal for their age.

Regardless of your medical history, our safe and effective medications will work for you!

OUR GUARANTEE:

If you don’t respond to our treatment on the first visit, you will not be charged.

Change your life in a minute, get to the Men’s Clinic!

(855)-MENS-DOC 14201 BRUCE B. DOWNS BLVD. SUITE 4, TAMPA FL 33613 WWW.THEMENSCLINICS.COM

We know making it easy to find flooring you’ll love.

From our convenient displays to our knowledgeable staff, The Floor Shoppe is dedicated to making your buying experience as simple and enjoyable as possible. We invite you to visit our new showroom where you will find only the finest quality flooring and pavers for your home.

And if you can’t make it in, our design consultants will bring the samples straight to your front door. Call us for an appointment! · Official flooring supplier to The Villages · Only the best quality products and value · A sumptuous array of colors, finishes and design choices · Friendly, experienced, no-pressure staff · Locally owned and operated for 30 years · Outstanding design and installation services

The Floor Shoppe Family owned & community trusted since 1979

352-748-4811 Wildwood Oaks Business Center | 9815 N. US Hwy 301 | Wildwood Mon – Fri 9:00–5:00, Sat 10:00–2:00

| www.thefloorshoppe.com

46

stylemagazine

march2012

Dealing in

h s e fl WRITTEN

TOS SON PHO

BY JIM GIB

STO

THONY CA

ION BY AN

TRAT PEZ ILLUS

BY FRED LO

Ce ntral Fl orid a h as th e second-hi gh est nu mber of child sex trafficking cases in the United States.

With almost 40,000 homeless or r u naway kids on Florida's streets at any given time, our area draws predators from arou nd the world.

A r e ou r chi l d r e n s a f e?

march2012

stylemagazine

47

When it comes to human trafficking, the numbers are too big to fully comprehend.

When you look at them — 2 to 4 million persons trafficked annually around the world, 20,000 persons trafficked in the State of Florida each year, 2.8 million homeless children walking the streets of America, 39,000 children reported missing in Florida last year — you begin to lose sight that each and every number is a human being.

Each number is a life — a life that can be changed, ruined — or ended — in a single moment. Approximately 80 percent of those persons trafficked are exploited for sexual purposes and of that number, 98 percent of them are women and girls. Most are in their mid-to-late teens and the vast majority is under 25 years of age. The youngest are primarily trafficked within a country’s borders but the older the victim, the more likely it is she will be trafficked internationally for commercial sexual purposes. Many of the young girls in the U.S. are runaways who think a life on the street will afford them more freedom or a better life than the one at home.

According to Tom Gillan, director of the National Institute for Human Trafficking Research and Training, within 48 hours of hitting the street, one-third of those girls are lured or forced into prostitution. Worldwide, almost 1 million children are led into a life of sexual slavery before they have been away from home for even two days.

on time d...

PREDATORS ON EVERY CORNER When it comes to trafficking within the U.S., Gillan and other experts say that pimps and predators are constantly prowling the streets looking for victims, who are usually easy to

spot. These predators use a variety of methods to lure and force immature young people into lives of sexual slavery.

“Force doesn’t necessarily mean violent physical force,” says Gillan. “Although physical force is almost always used in one way or another, there are many other means of controlling a victim. Physical force can include rape, being confined against her will, withholding food, beatings or forced drug use. Other types of non-physical force include threatening harm to the victim’s family or friends, isolation from family, humiliation, threat of exposure, fear of arrest and the list goes on.”

Use of violent, physical force is rarely the trafficker’s first choice.

“When most people think of human trafficking, they think of outright abductions like you see in the movies,” Gillan says.

“Sometimes this really happens, but those instances are very rare. Almost always, in this country, when it comes to luring a young person into this lifestyle it is done under the pretense of kindness or love. Most kids are out on the streets because they didn’t think they were loved or appreciated at home. Whenever predators approach children, they do it offering the kids just what they are looking for, love and acceptance.”

Most people aren’t aware that almost half of all human traffickers are an acquaintance of the victim. In the case of child trafficking (under 18 years of age) this means that sometimes they are the “boyfriend” of the victim.

A young girl, simply seeking someone to love, is approached by a young man who shows an immediate interest in her. He gives her attention and makes her feel special.

...Wh enev er pred ators appr oach chil dren, they do it offe ring the kids just what they are look ing for, love and acce ptan ce.

48

stylemagazine

march2012

Once a relationship has been firmly established and she has become emotionally dependent on his “love,” he asks her to have sex with a friend. He uses guilt and emotional coercion (tactics that experts say are sometimes even more effective than violence), saying to her that if she really loves him she will do it for him. Once she has had sex with one friend it quickly escalates into more friends and then into full-fledged prostitution. Even in these instances where the promise of love is used to make initial contact, at some point in the relationship physical violence is almost always used on the victim in one form or another.

Gillan says not to be misled into thinking that only beautiful women or girls are targeted by predators. In fact, one of the primary tactics used by traffickers is that of approaching plain looking girls and showering them with “sincere” compliments. A young girl who isn’t used to receiving such attention and who desperately wants and needs it is especially vulnerable to such an approach. Once she is lured into a relationship with the predator, he then uses some form of coercion, either emotional or physical, to force her into a life of slavery.

Gillan says another tactic used by traffickers is the use of drugs at social events such as parties. Date rape drugs such as Rohypnol (roofies) are slipped into drinks or food to render victims incapable of resisting. Once the victim is incapacitated, she is then forced into having sex, sometimes with several men and may even be photographed or videoed.

The photographs or videos are then used to coerce her into a life of prostitution by telling her they will be made public if she refuses.

As social networking has grown, so has the use of Internet sites for luring new victims.

Young girls and even women are approached online by someone they think is interested in them “for who they are.” Once the predator knows the age of the victim, which can easily be determined on most social networking sites, he provides photographs of himself (or a completely manufactured photograph) at or near the age of the victim.

Soon he asks for a face-to-face meeting, usually in a quiet place away from others.

When the girl or woman arrives at the meeting place and finds a man much older

march2012

stylemagazine

49

on l ... there are more slaves Earth today than at any time in the history of mankind... or even a different man than she thought she was meeting, it is too late. This type of trafficking tactic almost invariably involves the use of violent physical force. Once the victim is physically overcome the same scenarios mentioned above take place and she finds herself bound to a life of sexual slavery.

Pasco Manzo, founder of Run For Freedom, a Clermont-based not-for-profit organization with the goal to raise awareness of and eradicate human trafficking, says that even if these types of violent abductions are rare, they still occur and can happen to anyone anytime.

Sometimes they are completely random and happen when the victim is least expecting it.

“In 2007, a 15-year-old girl in Orlando was walking home when she was abducted at gunpoint,” Manzo says. “Her abductor trafficked her to a trailer park in Minneola where she was forced to have sex with more than a dozen men over a 20-day period. The only way she eventually gained her freedom was when someone recognized her through a flier her mother had distributed. That person called her mother, who then contacted police.

The abductor, Timothy Smith, was arrested and waited in jail for one year before he was tried.

He was found guilty and sentenced to time served and two years of probation. He walked out of court a free man.”

THE TRAFFICKING INDUSTRY Human trafficking is the second-largest criminal industry in the U.S., behind illicit drugs, and is the third-largest criminal industry in the world, behind illegal arms sales and illicit drugs. What is even more startling than the fact that this heinous industry is so large is the fact that it is outpacing both arms sales and drug sales in annual growth. It is the fastest-growing criminal industry on the planet.

The annual profit of $32 billion worldwide is more than the Gross Domestic Product of more than half the countries of the world. Combining slavery for economic and sexual purposes,

experts estimate there are approximately 27 million people living in slavery worldwide. This means there are more slaves on Earth today than at any time in the history of mankind — and that number is increasing daily.

“Mark my words,” Gillan says. “Within 24 months, human trafficking will overtake drugs as the most lucrative criminal activity in the United States. Drugs are a temporary commodity; once you sell them and your client uses them, they are gone and you have to resupply them in order to make more money. Human trafficking is totally different; once you have a victim that victim can be used over and over and over again — human flesh is a reusable commodity.”

In the U.S., Florida is ranked fifth in incidences of human trafficking and third in desired entry points into the country for victims of human trafficking.

Unfortunately the Sunshine State is an ideal place for traffickers to set up shop.

With more than 1,300 miles of coastline, the state offers ample entry points for traffickers bringing in victims from all over the world, especially Latin American countries.

Once here, Florida’s large cities offer anonymity for small time traffickers, gangs, or elements of organized crime dealing in slavery to go about their business undetected.

The state’s 15 major military installations offer traffickers many opportunities. Service and entertainment businesses such as

INCOME FROM TRAFFICKING

15 billion

s

Over

in profit is made in industrialized countries each year.

Worldwide, over in profits are realized annually.

s32billion

Source: Planetsave (http://s.tt/15bRB)

Worldwide only

5,808

cases of human trafficking were tried in 2006, with only convictions.

3,160

Source: Planetsave (http://s.tt/15bRB)

Sources: Human Trafficking; http://www.flnow.org/trafficking.html: Polaris Project, For a world without slavery; http://www.polarisproject.org/ : Orlando Conference Raises Awareness of Human Trafficking; http://www.gofbw.com/News.asp?id=13275 (Accessed February 3, 2012)

nightclubs, restaurants, dry cleaners, spas, nail salons, etc. that spring up to meet the needs of military personnel are ideal places for international trafficking for the purposes of both labor and prostitution.

The state has more theme parks than most states combined and these are a gold mine for traffickers whose business includes providing cheap sub-contracted labor for housekeeping purposes and such. These “labor brokers” are the providers of human slaves and chances are you have personally witnessed slave labor somewhere in or near your home in the last 30 days.

“The foreign man who comes to your home to install your carpet or mow your lawn or shingle your roof — have you ever wondered how much he is being paid?” asks Gillan. “When you drive by a field and see vegetables or fruit being harvested — have you thought about what they are making per hour? Well, for some of them it can be as little as $1.50 an hour. You would never even consider working for that amount of money but they will… and that is slavery.”

Many of these workers are brought to America and subjected to what is called “debt bondage.” This debt bondage can take many forms and in almost all instances interest is added to the cost of the monies owed. Workers have to pay exorbitant fees for the cost of their transportation to America; they pay for the food they eat, which is many times sold to them by their employer; they pay rent for shelter, which is many times deplorable; they may pay for medical care and/or medicine which their employer initially purchases; and the list goes on. This type of bonded labor can be found anywhere, but is prevalent in rural agricultural areas such as Lake and Sumter counties.

Gillan says this type of human trafficking and modern-day slavery is taking place right under our noses.

“Here in Lake and Sumter counties the main issue faced will be labor used in agriculture.

Farms that subcontract out their labor, such as pickers or farmhands, are a prime target area for human trafficking,” he says. “But there are other ways trafficking can occur on these farms that isn’t so evident. Many times, young girls will be brought to the farm and start out simply doing kitchen work to help feed the workers.

Once they are indentured, they will be forced into prostitution — many times violently. A mobile home will be set up somewhere on the property and they will end up being forced to

have sex with as many as 30–45 men a day.

The men are the hired laborers who use the cash they are paid by the sub-contractor to pay the girls. The girls (who may be 16-years-old or younger) never see a penny. It all goes back to the sub-contractor. He is simply being repaid the wages he just paid out. So he ends up with virtually free labor.”

PUTTING A STOP TO TRAFFICKING Human trafficking has reached such epidemic proportions globally that the United Nations has enacted laws to control its spread. Using force, fraud or coercion to obtain the services of another person — whatever that service may be — and trafficking that person either within a country’s borders or internationally, is illegal.

In addition to international law, federal law also protects those being brought into the U.S. and those being trafficked within our borders.

After taking a close look at cases such as that of Tim Smith, who spent only one year in jail after being convicted in an especially heinous case of child trafficking, Florida legislators have decided to put some teeth into existing state laws and create new ones in an effort to halt this growing problem.

Presently several bills are working their way through the legislative process as even more trafficking cases are making headlines across the state. Florida’s Attorney General Pam Bondi is asking legislators to pass laws with better definitions of trafficking and stiffer penalties for those convicted of the crime.

Florida legislators, Senator Anitere Flores and Representative William Snyder, both Republicans, have proposed laws that will authorize wiretaps in trafficking cases, designate convicted sex traffickers as sex offenders, put human trafficking cases under statewide jurisdiction and increase the length of prison sentences for those convicted of such crimes. The maximum sentences for various trafficking crimes could increase to 30-year and life-in-prison sentences.

Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz is also sponsoring legislation intended to consolidate some of the existing statutes into one cohesive law that narrows the definition of human trafficking. Gaetz’ law is designed to help broaden the areas concerning trafficking for economic reasons, such as agricultural labor, the area that most affects residents in Lake and Sumter counties.

march2012

stylemagazine

51

WHO TO CALL If you think you know someone who is a victim of human trafficking call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at

1.888.373.7888.

THE VICTIMS Most victims are women 18-24 years of age.

Over 1 million children are trafficked annually. those trafficked experience 95% ofsome form of violence. trafficked for commercial sex purposes 43% are (98 are women and girls). trafficked for forced economic purposes 32% are (56 are women and girls). %

%

THE TRAFFICKERS

52% are men working alone.

42% are women.

6% are men/women teams.

In 46% of the cases, the recruiter is an acquaintance to the victim.

In over half the cases, the trafficker is a stranger to the victim.

In America, the majority of traffickers are Americans.

Source: Planetsave (http://s.tt/15bRB)

52

stylemagazine

march2012

Even as legislators move to enact tougher laws, local law enforcement is making every effort to enforce the laws already in place.

Manzo cites “sting” operations as one way to combat the problem. “This summer there was a sting operation in Clermont that was quite successful,” he says. “Law enforcement rented a home and posted ads on a website called Backpage.com, a website where you can buy and sell sex just as you can any commodity.

The ads offered sex with 8- to 14-year-old children. Over a five-day period, they arrested 32 men who responded to the ad. Operations like this help heighten awareness of the problem and attack it from the perspective of, if we can stop the demand then it will help stop the supply.”

Another such operation in Sumter County, offering sex with 14-year-old children, netted 19 arrests over a one-week period.

says they use a sub-contractor, ask if they take measures to ensure that the sub-contractor’s employees are compensated fairly and that there is no possibility of using bonded labor.

Insist on knowing the facts. It is more than just your right; it is your moral obligation.

Do you know a woman or girl who works in the sex industry — strip clubs, pornography, “massage parlors,” or prostitution? Talk to her.

Look for signs of abuse. If you think you know a woman who is being exploited for sexual purposes, call authorities or agencies that can help.

Remember, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.” Do something. When it comes to human trafficking no one is safe — especially our children.

For more information, visit polarisproject.org.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Putting an end to human trafficking and modern-day slavery is everyone’s responsibility and becoming aware of it is the first step. Now that you know this problem isn’t just “out there somewhere,” but is right here in your own backyard, take a good, close look at what is going on around you.

Ask questions. Make sure that the companies you hire to work at your home use labor that is paid a wage comparable to other workers in the same field. If the company

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing."

march2012

stylemagazine sty s ty yle emag ma ag a ag azi az ziine z ne

53 53

Annmarie lives with her children, Tatiana and Carlito, at The Refuge in Bushnell.

54 4

stylemagazine sty st t lem lemag ma m ag a ag azi az ziiine z ne ne

march2012

HOMELESS

NOT HOPELESS There are 2,703 homeless schoolchildren in Lake and Sumter counties. Who is providing assistance to these children and making sure they don’t become victims of the streets or the next generation of homeless adults?

WRITTEN BY BETSY STOUTMORRILL PHOTOS BY FRED LOPEZ

march2012

stylemagazine

55

NO HOMELESS CHILD LEFT BEHIND Homelessness has been around since the beginning of time; but the focus on homeless children only became a national priority when congressional legislation was passed in 1986. The Homeless Persons’ Survival Act was created to provide emergency shelter, food and healthcare for those Americans living either on the streets or in the homes of friends or family. In 2001, Congress reauthorized the Act, now called the McKinneyVento Homeless Assistance Act, as part of the No Child Left Behind legislation signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2002.

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless (NHC 2006), “The McKinney-Vento Act was, and remains, landmark legislation.

The programs created by the McKinney-Vento Act are needed now more than ever, as homelessness shows no signs of abating.”

56 5 6

stylemagazine st s sty t ylle ty emag ma m ag a gazine azi az a ziin z ne e

march2012

The Florida Department of Education website states that the McKinney-Vento act protects the rights of homeless children and requires school districts to employ a homeless education liaison. These dedicated liaisons arrange for transportation, tutoring or school supplies, and free/ reduced breakfast and lunch. Many times school districts also provide clothing and shoes, referrals to outside agencies, help with access to medical care, hygiene supplies, weekend and holiday food, pay for educational trips or find funds for a senior’s yearbook.

Jean Holstein is Sumter County’s designated homeless liaison, but teacher-on-special-assignment (TOSA) Kathy Mariucci, explains that she focuses her attention on meeting the needs of homeless children under the direction of Holstein. Though Sumter County’s number of homeless children did drop last year to 48 from 124 in 2010 — which Mariucci attributes to families moving to other counties where subsidized housing is available or relocating out-ofstate in hopes of finding jobs or to live with family — the number of homeless children has already reached 103 this year.

Lake County TOSA Kristin McCall has focused her full attention on homeless students for the past two years. Her position is funded under a 3-year grant, which ends this year — but she hopes to continue under a new grant since Lake County numbers have drastically increased since 2006 — from 195 to 2, 600. “The jump, I believe, is due to two factors. First, Lake County Schools employed and trained two people to assist with the identification of homeless students and those in transitional or temporary housing,” says McCall. “Second, the economy was taking a nose dive, which was leading to higher unemployment and foreclosures.”

HOMELESSNESS: THE FAMILY SECRET The signs of homelessness in younger school children are somewhat easy to detect: hygiene issues, wearing the same clothes, requests for food, fatigue, incomplete homework or lost supplies, anxiety or worry about siblings or parents and sometimes misbehavior or inattentiveness.

Children become very skilled at keeping the family secret — to protect themselves, siblings and their parents. Some parents warn kids against telling teachers for fear that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) will remove them.

However former DCF investigator Frances E. Ruth states, “In all my years, I never removed a child from a parent because of poverty alone.

That’s where referrals to assisting agencies come into play. Poverty or homeless does not necessarily indicate abuse and/or neglect.”

UNACCOMPANIED: THROWAWAY OR RUN AWAY? Adolescents identified by McKinneyVento as unaccompanied — under the age of 18, but who are not under the care or “physical custody” of an adult parent or guardian — may be in the greatest need, but are often too afraid or untrusting to ask for help. These “throwaways” (abandoned) or “runaways” are known as “couch surfers” who often find temporary refuge with a friend or neighbor. These youth fear being identified for a variety of reasons: being returned to a lessthan-desirable home life; entering the foster care system, losing friends, moving to yet another school, or the stigma of being homeless.

Currently, according to school liaisons, Lake has approximately 180 unaccompanied adolescents and Sumter has about five.

If the child is living on the streets or under the conditions noted above, the child has a right to support services through the

McKinney-Vento Act. How many youth end up like Mount Dora High School senior Zabia Poole, on their own, trying to manage becoming an adult while depending upon the kindness of strangers, friends, or other family?

PUBLIC SCHOOLS: DAYTIME HAVEN For school employees, being able to identify homeless children is of utmost importance. “Lake County has a great team of twelve social workers and school guidance counselors who work together to identify and support homeless children,” says McCall.

Everyone from teachers to cafeteria workers to school bus drivers are aware of the signs of homelessness and help to identify and take care of these children.

Mariucci explains that when she first began working with homeless children, she was asked to monitor truancy. “I never received one referral.”

Parents facing homelessness want their children’s lives to stay as stable as possible; so they will go to great lengths to bring a child to a regular bus stop so the child does not have to change schools. Some hold out hope that the homelessness will only be temporary or that a miracle will occur and bring them money for electricity so they can return to their home.

Jeanne Harris-Lively, Sumter’s pre-K social worker tells about a family who lived in a tent until they could “upgrade” to a pop-up camper.

“The child always had a great attitude and made good grades,” says HarrisLively. “Unless you knew about her living situation, you would never have a clue what her family was going through because she was just so positive and upbeat. Eventually after two years, the family was able to obtain a small apartment.”

Jennifer Palese, guidance counselor for Webster Elementary shares how she helped a family stay at a local campground. “Even though the campground was for adults only, the family was allowed to camp next to the showers and bathroom facilities and also had access to laundry,” says

Palese. “They made do with that for a few weeks until they worked their situation out and their children did not miss one day of school.”

OUTREACH AGENCIES: NIGHTTIME SHELTER Focusing on families is where private agencies, non-profits and ministries become vitally important to providing for the needs of children that public agencies can’t provide — a place to call home and a few of “the extras.”

THE REFUGE The Refuge at Jumper creek (therefugejumpercreek.org) in Bushnell is the only long-term family shelter in four counties offering shelter for an intact family, meaning a married couple with children, according to case manager Donna Fruzia. Five refurbished mobile homes come together to form the neighborhood for this faith-based 501c3 non-profit Christian outreach program.

Transitional and emergency housing for homeless families, as well as single parents, veterans, and single women or men, is offered when space is available and based upon the adults’ willingness to meet the requirements. “Because we are a Christian organization,” explains Fruzia, “we use faith-based principles to help guide our residents into an independent life or a return to their independence.” Fruzia recently had to turn away a family and has 15 families wait-listed.

The Refuge has success stories of keeping families together, but there are many challenges — getting materials for mobile home renovation, fighting for permitting to add other units, providing food and other needed items for the residents, keeping the utility bills paid and planning for the future. A group of volunteers from The Villages renovate the mobile homes. Some even pay for the needed supplies.

Annmarie, a single mother with two children living at The Refuge since December, says, “My children and I were sleeping in the car and the next day I went to the police station so they put us up in a hotel for one week. After that I went to day-to-day shelters. This was the only family shelter that would take us within a 100 mile radius.” Fiveyear-old Carlito likes riding the new bicycle he received for Christmas.

He also wanted to show he’s learning to play chess and to spell since he came to Sumter County.

His 8-year-old sister, Tatiana, arrived home on the school bus at 6p.m. after extra tutoring for math and reading. “I pray to stay here a long time,” she says, “because I cannot take my new bicycle in the car if we

THE MCKINNEYVENTO ACT OF 2002 •

Defines “homeless” as children or youth “who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence…”

•

Identifies children as homeless who are: sharing housing (“doubled-up”), living in motel, camp grounds, shelters, abandoned buildings or awaiting foster care; a public or private place not designed for human beings to sleep; cars, parks, substandard housing, or bus stations; or migratory children living in substandard or temporary housing.

•

Identifies “unaccompanied” homeless children under the age of 18, not under adult or guardian care or “physical custody” — including “throwaways” (abandoned) or runaways.

• Homeless children and youth have the right to: 1. immediate enrollment, 2. continue attending the same school, 3. request transportation to the school, and 4. receive free breakfast/lunch.

march2012

stylemagazine

57

have to leave.” Annmarie has plans for herself and her family. “My goal is to find a job as a home health aide and save money for a home where my kids can ride their bikes,” says Annmarie.

There is so much The Refuge wants to do for homeless children and families: after school tutoring, special training workshops for adults, enlarge the vegetable garden so residents can grow food and even sell produce, and increase the number of housing units available for families. “So much work to do and so little funds,” says Fruzia, but with an optimistic and determined tone in her voice.

NEW BEGINNINGS New Beginnings in Clermont (newbeginningslake.org) hopes to offer more family housing in the future.

The growth issue is an especially frustrating one for founder and president Steve Smith, who fought unsuccessfully to acquire a boarded-up hotel on Hwy. 27 in Clermont. “We could have helped so many individuals and families with children with that space… ,” says Smith. He goes on to talk about the difficulties also faced in state and federal funding.

“Everyone says they want to help and support the homeless, but they just won’t put out the money where it will do the greater good,” he says.

So like the public schools and other supporting agencies, New Beginnings depends upon grant funding and especially donations from local residents. “Giving is down even though the social needs are huge — especially when it comes to meeting the needs of homeless children and the families trying to stay together,” says Smith.

Lisa, a local 16-year-old, is among the children being helped

by New Beginnings. Lisa tells of living with her family of seven in the back of a pickup truck, staying all night in the car outside where 58

stylemagazine

march2012

her mom works and now living in a 28-foot fifth-wheel travel trailer parked in a campground.

“One time we saved up enough money and were going to rent this apartment, but when we got there the guy said no because there were too many of us,” says Lisa.

Brenda Rivera, who recently joined New Beginnings as a community advocate, explains that there is a federal regulation that only allows “two heart-beats per room” for rentals. “These regulations make it hard for families living in poverty even if they have jobs, because they cannot afford a three- or fourbedroom apartment or house,” Rivera says.

Rivera focuses specifically on the needs of families, single mothers, and young adults who would be classified as unaccompanied

separating a husband from a wife, a father from his daughter, or a son from his mother. Homeless families fight the ever-present fear of being separated by the force of the law or the desperation of the situation.

Staying in a shelter may also mean being housed with different populations — such as those who have been victims of domestic abuse or are recovering from addictions, which may not be in the best interest of a family. It can also mean a short-term stay for the whole family in a single motel room. This may be preferable to other options like a tent on a cold winter’s night or the risk of DCF intervention.

But there is only so much school and government officials can do. Whether their families stay homeless or not, the more we help our area’s homeless children the

“These homeless and needy children get hungry every day — not just on school days.”

— Kristin McCall

homeless. “If a young woman is pregnant or has a child, then she is eligible for services like food stamps or Medicaid — but if she is underage and alone,” says Rivera, “we can provide food and guide her to Orlando shelters like Covenant House or House of Hope.” She has a wish list of needs: food, hygiene products, clothing, shoes, bedding, school supplies and funds.

OTHER OUTREACH PROGRAMS Other shelters are available in the area or surrounding counties; most will try to accommodate families, but with separate residences for men and women — that could mean

more likely they will not become our homeless adults.

ARE THE NEEDS REALLY BEING MET? “One of the biggest challenges is the cost and number of persons who can be served at one time,” explains Barbara Wheeler, executive director for the Mid-Florida Homeless Coalition. “If an organization takes a single family home and converts it into a facility to house one family, it does not create an environment where multiple intact families can be housed. On the other hand, that same place can house single women with children as well as unaccompanied women.”

Continued on page 60

ZABIA POOLE: CHANGING HIS LIFE AND HIS FUTURE ZABIA POOLE recently returned from The National Association for the Homeless Children’s conference in Pittsburgh, where he spoke to attendees about his future after learning that he was one of 15 homeless high school students in the nation to be awarded a $2,000 Le Tendre Scholarship. With the help of Mount Dora High School teachers and staff, as well as the kindness of his friend Brian Hamm’s family, Zabia is changing the course of his life. Mount Dora High School guidance counselor Susan Ricci says Zabia “puts a face” and a voice to the label of homelessness. “He can explain it so well in his own words; people can relate to that.”

I loved this job! The people there were so caring, they treated me like family. They taught me how to repair pipes, read water meters, and work with customers. They also stressed how important it was for me to do well in school and go to college.

EXCERPTS FROM ZABIA’S LE TENDRE SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY: •

•

•

My relationship with my mother became tumultuous.

She wasn’t working or looking for work. We didn’t have food to eat and I would go out each day looking for any odd job to do so I could buy food to bring home to my brother and sister. We lost electricity for over a year and soon started begging for food.

I have never felt so hopeless.

It was so embarrassing and shameful. I was so envious of other kids that had a house and family that was able to provide for them.

I always felt such anxiety about when I would get to shower again or if I would ever get new clothes or when I would eat again.… I vowed to myself that I would get stronger and smarter so that I would never have to live under these conditions again. I knew my life was heading in the wrong direction and I needed to leave this environment.

One summer I was fortunate to have a full time job with the public works department.

•

Since I changed schools so often I fell behind in English and was informed I would need to take an online class. Neither my uncle or mom had internet access in their homes so one of my friends offered to let me live with his family and this is where I am today. I spent this entire past summer working on this online class and was able to finish and receive an A.

•

I want to go to college. I’ve dreamed of this ever since my grandma started telling me about it when I was a little boy.

I need to break this cycle of poverty in my family. I want to be different…. I want to study physical therapy in college. I long to have my own house and my own family, but realize I can’t do this until I have a stable job which a college education will provide. I am determined to never live in despair again.

Zabia’s message for other adolescents:

Nothing can hold you back, nothing. God brought you into this life, this Earth to live your life to the fullest. Do everything you can to get where you need to be to be happy and to take care of yourself. Don’t find yourself in a position and think that you can’t overcome it. There’s always a chance. Unbelievable things happen every day as long as you believe. You just got to try hard.”

Zabia’s message for all of us:

“Everybody deserves a chance because we are human and we are a family.” march2012

stylemagazine

59

SOURCES: McKinney-Vento from NCHE http://center.serve.org/nche/downloads/briefs/reauthorization.pdf and from NHC http://www.nationalhomeless.org/publications/facts/McKinney.pdf ; Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida http://cflhomeless.wordpress.com/2010/04/02/florida-ranks-4350-in-number-of-homeless-children/http://cflhomeless.wordpress.com/2010/04/02/floridaranks-4350-in-number-of-homeless-children/ National Center on Family Homelessness http://www.homelesschildrenamerica.org/pdf/rc_full_report.pdf ACCESSED 2-10-2012

60

The Christian Care Center in Leesburg is expanding The Samaritan Inn, but she has not heard of other shelters specifically for intact families.

“One of our goals is to establish a residence for young adults who reach their 18th birthday so they ‘age out’ of the foster care system,” says Fruzia. “We would like to include unaccompanied homeless youth, but there are many risks and liabilities for housing minors — so we would need more staff.” Most shelters are not equipped to provide the supervision or services needed by 17-year-old high school students.

“We have one chance to make a connection and sometimes all I can do is give them food so they don’t leave empty handed,” says Rivera.

Bruce Gimbel, ministry chaplain for Jericho Roads Ministry in neighboring Hernando County, thinks about the almost 83,000 homeless children in Florida who are falling farther behind in school and missing opportunities. He imagines homeless children with no place to sit and study, living in a

car, growing up knowing that they are behind. “The snowball effect for children is much worse than for adults. They can’t do sports, have friends over, have pets,” explains Gimbel. “Only a fraction will end up in college or trade school. The majority will end up in here as adults, in a shelter. We’re going to see the consequences 10 or 15 years from now.”

Standing outside the camper that serves as her family’s temporary home, Lisa worries about being behind in school and having to repeat her ninth grade courses. “I stopped going last March when we went back to the car, so I know I need to focus on my education because then I can get a job to help my family.” Lisa prefers not to use her real name because she says people don’t understand about being homeless. “They think we are just lazy and we should just go get jobs and a place to live.”

Mariucci explains that sometimes people make donations of cash or gift cards to the district. “We are very careful

THE NATIONAL CENTER ON FAMILY HOMELESSNESS (NCFH) 2010 America’s Youngest Outcasts — State Report Card on Child Homelessness: •

“More than 1.6 million children or one in 45 are homeless annually in America.”

•

“In 2011 Florida ranked 42nd out of 50 states (with 50 being the worst)”

•

“In 2010 ranked Florida as 43 out of 50 states with 49,886 homeless children

20,952 under 6 years old; 23,404 in K-8th grades; and 5,530 in 9-12 grades with a graduation rate of less than 25%.”

with those funds to take care of our homeless children — but also our needy children because they could easily be the next homeless child on our list.” Who can she call to help a family keep the power turned on so they can stay warm and in their home?

“When I’ve given the parents every phone number I have, sent them to every place on my list,” says McCall, “and all that’s left is referring them out of our county… it’s a horrible, horrible feeling. I drive home worrying. Who’s going to help them?”

WHAT CAN WE DO? Constant, consistent giving or volunteering of time is what is needed — not just filling the school bus with supplies in August before school starts or taking an angel from a tree in December. Who can and will help every month by giving a few hours of time to tutor a homeless child who has fallen behind in school? Who will help a single parent pay the fee for a child’s lost birth certificate? Who will make

THE COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA (CHCF): 1.5 MILLION = the number of children in America who go to sleep without a home each year 1 in 50 = an American child’s chances of experiencing homelessness in their lifetime

How many homeless children are in your school district?

District

2011-12*

2010-11

2009-10

2008-09

2007-08

2006-07

Lake Sumter Marion Florida

2,600 103

2,992 48 1,911 56,680

2,162 124 1,691 49,112

778 105 1,675 41,266

324 47 1,060 34,375

195 <11 941 30,878

Not Available Not Available

*2011-12 Reported by District Liaison; 2006-2011 Florida Department of Education http://www.fldoe.org/bsa/title1/titlex.asp AND NCFH 2011; http://www.homelesschildrenamerica.org/reportcard.php ACCESSED 2.4.2012

stylemagazine

march2012

sure an unaccompanied adolescent can wear a cap and gown when he finally walks across that stage?

Who will bring a bag every month to a school’s kid’s closet or a local agencies food pantry?

“Glen Turner, who is the optometrist for Wal-Mart, helps with vision screening for every child during Sumter County’s well-child checks,” says Mariucci. She applauds many who step forward constantly to help the homeless children of Lake and Sumter counties: Kathy Hartman’s Back-to-School-is-Cool program, Larry Green’s CARE 4 Kids, Heritage Community Church, Wildwood Rotarians, and HOPE Ministries in Bushnell.

McCall smiles when she talks about the support from Blessings in a Backpack and Lake Community Action’s summer feeding program to make sure that kids on free and reduced meals have food over the weekend and throughout the summer. “These homeless and needy children get hungry every day,” says McCall, “not just on school days.” Her smile grows even wider when she tells about kids getting a new book and pajamas compliments of the United Way, “Some people think that a homeless family with children who are living in a hotel would have everything they need,” says McCall.

“But a hotel doesn’t provide enough clean towels, deodorant or laundry products for a family who stays for a week or a month.” What is needed, she says, are funds for everything from keeping the electricity on so a family can stay in their home to providing fees so a homeless child can attend an educational field trip .

McCall hopes that one day every school in Lake County will have its own well-stocked food pantry with school supplies, towels and bedding, feminine hygiene products and bar soap, school t-shirts and sweatshirts, tooth brushes and tooth paste, after-school snacks and drink boxes. “If every time a Lake County

resident had a buy-one-get-one free coupon,” says McCall, “and that free product came to the closest school — what a difference that would make!”

Lake and Sumter counties have an abundance of people who have the time, financial means and heart to truly make a difference in the lives of homeless children — the more than 3,000 homeless children living right here in our own back yards.

There are pivotal moments in a homeless child’s life when someone

reaches out — with a new pair of shoes or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, by offering a kind word or understanding, covering the cost of dentistry or a haircut — that change the course of that child’s life.

Each of us has the potential to offer opportunity, to become involved, to be that turning point for a homeless child. A chance is very powerful gift. As neighboring Citrus County’s homeless liaison Sandra Sondberg states, “Great things can come out of helping a homeless child.”

march2012

stylemagazine sty st s t yle ema ma mag ag ga az azi ziin ne e

61 6 1

Children’s Services of Lake and Sumter WRITTEN BY TIFFANY ROACH

62

stylemagazine

march2012

They are curious, messy and filled with energy. They are impressionable, vulnerable and brimming with hope. They lose teeth and cling to teddy bears. And while they may be considered minors, their potential is breathtakingly major.

They are our children and even if we don’t claim them as our own, they are our future.

Education, advocacy, mentorship, protection and counsel are just a few ways children’s services of Lake and Sumter counties provide for our children every day. The work is hard and the hours are long, but those who work for our children will tell you — there is no greater investment.

Below is a list of local agencies offering services to our children of Lake and Sumter counties — any of which would be delighted to help. All of which would appreciate yours.

CRISIS HOTLINE (SUICIDE ACCREDITED)

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF LAKE AND SUMTER

800.448.3000

2301 S. St., Leesburg, FL 34748 352.787.0053 info@bgclsc.org bgclsc.org

CHILDREN’S SERVICE AGENCY LIST

HEALTHY START

ABUSE HOT LINE 800.962.2873 (24-hours) To report child, elderly and disabled abuse.

ADVOCATING FOR KIDS, INC. 379 W. Alfred St., Tavares, FL 32778 352.508.1137 info@advocating4kids.org advocating4kids.org

AGENCY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (APD) 1601 W. Gulf Atlantic Highway, Wildwood, FL 34785 352.330.2741

AMERICAN RED CROSS 2848 W. Main St., Leesburg, FL 34748 352.314.0883 flcoasttocoastredcross.org

PHOTO © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

ARNETTE HOUSE Youth and Family Counseling/Outreach Non-residential — Lake County 352.622.4432 Residential 2310 N.E. 24th St., Ocala, FL 34470 352.622.4432 352.326.3663 (24-hours) 352.622.6135 Youth and family counseling, anger management classes for ages 12–17 years and parenting classes

LIFESTREAM BEHAVIORAL CENTER 352.315.7500 (main) 352.315.7800 (hospital) 352.315.7838 (ACCESS) 352.315.7500 (Health and Substance Abuse Services)

RUNAWAY HOTLINE 800.786.2929 (24-hours/7-days) Information and referral services

CHRISTIAN CARE CENTER (CCC) 220 N. 13th St., Leesburg, FL 34748 352.314.8733

COMMUNITY COACH OF CENTRAL FL

C.A.R.E. NETWORK (CHILDREN’S ASSESSMENT AND RESOURCE EVALUATION) 1300 S. Duncan Drive, Building C, Tavares, FL 32778 352.843.5091 Mental health care for children. Serving at risk children with emotional, behavioral or substance abuse problems.

VISIONQUEST AT RIVENDELL 352.669.9444 Residential for hard to place boys ages 13–18

DCF, ACCESS FLORIDA 352.457.6923 Food stamp/Medicaid/Cash Assistance

352.313.6500, Ext. 119

LAKE COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY 352.357.5550 Emergency Assistance

LAKE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 352.357.1668 Children’s Immunization

OUTWARD SIGN FOOD PANTRY 415 Citrus Tower Blvd., Suite 102, Clermont, FL 34711 352.410.7151 Mon., Wed. and Fri., 10a.m.–4p.m.

UNITED WAY OF LAKE AND SUMTER COUNTIES 352.787.7530 - office CEO@uwls.org

BIG BROTHERS, BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA 807 S. Orlando Ave., Suite L, Winter Park, FL 32789 407.478.2996

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA P.O. Box 214, Eustis, FL 32727 352.989.0804

CAMP BOGGY CREEK 30500 Brantley Branch Road, Eustis, FL 32736 352.483.4200 infor@boggycreek.org BoggyCreek.org Camp for children, ages 7–16, with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

Weekly camps for specific diseases June to mid-August. Family retreats scheduled September to April.

CENTRAL HEALTHY START COALITION

352.357.4357 info@communitycoachfl.org

COURT EDUCATION AND PROGRAMS 1179 E. Alfred St., Tavares, FL 32778 352.343.9399

COVENANT HOUSE NINE LINE 800.999.9999 24–hour toll–free line for telephone crisis counseling/referral and short term shelter.

CRISIS HOTLINE – NATIONAL 800.448.3000 24–hour toll free line

DADS FOR BOYS P.O. Box 2268, Umatilla, FL 32784 352.669.5321 or 352.669.7304 Day care for children with disabilities/medical problems.

LAKE CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY Highway 441 and 27, Fruitland Park, FL 34731 352.360.6602 Hours: Mon.–Fri., Jan.–June; Mon.– Thurs., May–July Dental assistance charge by sliding scale, pediatric and adult emergency

P.O. Box 1305, Tavares, FL 32778 352.357.1668 Community Liaison Regional 1785 N.W. 80th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606 352.313.6500, ext.119

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (DCF) FLORIDA ABUSE LINE

CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION OF LAKE COUNTY P.O. Box 1837, Eustis, FL 32727 352.551.4094 or 352.267.3905

800.962.2873 (To confidentially report the abuse of children, elderly or disabled persons.)

CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY OF FLORIDA (CHS) – HEALTHY FAMILIES LAKE/SUMTER/MARION 1300 S. Duncan Drive, Building D, Tavares, Florida 32778 352.742.6170 352.742.6170 Wildwood: 352.748.9999 Ocala: 352.732.1355

ADOPTIONS (YOUTH AND FAMILIES ALTERNATIVES) 880 S. Duncan Drive, Tavares, FL 32778 352.253.5625

TAVARES DCF SERVICE CENTER, ACCESS FLORIDA

CHILDREN’S MEDICAL SERVICES 1515 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite 215, Ocala, FL 34470 Phone: 888.326.7485 or 352.369.2100 (Lake County Member Services) Case management and medical/general assistance for children with special needs.

1300 South Duncan, Tavares, FL 32778 866.762.2237 Child Support: 352.742.4140 (information) or 800.622.5437 (enforcement) myflorida.com/accessflorida

CHILDREN’S LEGAL SERVICES (CLS) 352.742.6086

march2012

stylemagazine

63

FAMILY CARE MANAGEMENT

FAITH NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER

1300 Duncan Drive, Building C, Tavares, FL 32778 352.742.1590

7432 Highway 50, Suite 114, Groveland, FL 34736 352.429.1200 Food and clothing

CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY: FOSTER CARE 352.742.1590

PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATIONS 1300 Duncan Drive, Building A, Tavares, FL 32778 Children: 352.742.6330 or 352.742.6144 Devereux Kids 507–B N. Market St., Bushnell, FL 33513 352.793.0801 devereux.org

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF FRUITLAND PARK 352.787.2091 Mon. and Wed., 10:30a.m.–12:30p.m.; Fri., 12–2p.m.

Food and clothing

ST. VINCENT DEPAUL SOCIETY, EUSTIS 218 Ocklawaha Avenue (Corner Grove and Badger), Eustis, FL 32726 352.589.2603 Hours: Mon.–Fri., 10a.m.–1p.m.

Food and clothing

SORRENTO CHRISTIAN CENTER 352.735.4447 1st and 3rd Tues., 11:30a.m.–1:30p.m.

Food and clothing

ANGELS OF MERCY (SERVING CLERMONT AND MINNEOLA ONLY) 1330 Millholand St., Clermont, FL 34711 352.394.4094 or 352.394.1277 Mon.–Fri., 10a.m.–1p.m.

Food and clothing

WOMEN’S CARE CENTER– CHRISTIAN CARE CENTER 1309 High St., Suite 102, Leesburg, FL 34748 352.787.8929 Haven of Lake and Sumter 352.787.5889 Drug and alcohol abuse rehab

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF TAVARES

THE SALVATION ARMY, LEESBURG

352.343.7131 Mon., 1–4p.m.; Wed., 9a.m.–12p.m.; Fri., 1–4p.m.

Food and clothing

352.365.0079 or 352.323.1526 Mon. and Thurs., 9a.m.–5p.m.; Wed., 9–11a.m. and 1–4p.m.; Fri., 8a.m.–4p.m.

Food and clothing

DISCOVERY PROGRAM OF FLORIDA

FIRST BAPTIST OF TAVARES CRISIS CLOSET

TABERNACLE OF FAITH, HOWEY–IN–THE–HILLS

2600 South St., Leesburg, FL 34748 352.753.5800 (domestic violence) or 352.787.1379 (sexual assault)

17521 Highway 441, Suite 9 Mount Dora, FL 32757 352.383.5176

352.324.3060 1st and 3rd Wed. Food and clothing

HEALTH LECTURES: GROWING HEALTHY CHILDREN

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRISIS HOTLINE

205 New Hampshire Ave., Tavares, FL 32278 352.343.7131 Wed. 9a.m.–noon.; Food and clothing: Mon. and Fri., 1–4p.m.

352.753.5800 (local) 800.799.7233 (national)

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

GIRL SCOUTS (HEART OF FLORIDA GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL) 407.896.4475, ext.1154

866.322.6335

4 Collins St., Umatilla, FL 32784 352.669.3576 Wed. and Sat., 9a.m.–noon Food and clothing

EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF LAKE COUNTY

LADY LAKE FOOD DISTRIBUTION CENTER

1300 Citizen’s Blvd., Leesburg, FL 34748 352.315.3905

352.259.0515 or 753.3378 Sat., 10a.m.–noon.

EASTER SEALS CAMP CHALLENGE

LAKE CARES FOOD BANK

31600 Camp Challenge Road, Sorrento, FL 32776 352.383.4711

2001 W. Old Highway 441, Suite 1, Mount Dora, FL 32757 352.383.0100 Mon. and Wed., 9a.m.–noon.

EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA

GREEN ISLE CHILDREN’S RANCH 13702 Green Isle Court, Clermont, FL 34711 352.429.4341 office@greenisleranch.org greenisleranch.org

GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM Local: 352.343.2736 District/Ocala: 352.369.2525

MID–FLORIDA HOMELESS COALITION 352.860.2308

MULBERRY INN

BENEVOLENCE CENTER 1308 W. Main St. (physical), Leesburg, FL 34748 352.787.5289

LAKE COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM

352.404.6946 Transitional shelter for women and children.

ALTOONA–PAISLEY FOOD DISTRIBUTION CENTER

NEW BEGINNINGS

352.787.3012 1st and 3rd Thurs., 10a.m.–2p.m.

352.602.4488 Leesburg: 352.787.1156 Eustis: 352.357.5550 Clermont: 352.394.9878

EUSTIS HEARTS AND HANDS

LEESBURG FOOD BANK

352.223.1627 1st and 3rd Fri., 10a.m.–1p.m.

Food and clothing

1305 Sunshine Ave., Leesburg, FL 34738 352.326.5463 Mon.–Fri., 10a.m.–1p.m.

64

stylemagazine

march2012

200 E. Washington Street Minneola, FL 34715 352.404.6946 or 800.789.7717 9a.m. to 4p.m. newbeginningslake.org

SAMARITAN INN – CHRISTIAN CARE CENTER 115 N. 17th Street, Leesburg, FL 34748 352.787.1005

CHILD ADVOCATE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT DIVISION

32815 Radio Road, Leesburg, FL 34788 352.787.8531

HOUSING ASSISTANCE, LAKE COUNTY Section 8 Housing, Rental Assistance 1300 S. Duncan Drive, Building E, P.O. Box 7800, Tavares, FL 32778 352.742.6540 or 352.742.6502

CITY OF LEESBURG HOUSING SERVICES 352.728.9798

KID CARE INSURANCE (FLORIDA KIDCARE) 888.540.5437 floridakidcare.org Health insurance for children.

LAKE COUNTY CHILDREN’S SERVICES COUNCIL 1300 S. Duncan Drive, Building E, Tavares, FL 32778 352.742.6520 352.742.6505

COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER PROGRAM 352.343.9626 Lake County Connection 352.326.8637

LAKE COUNTY FLORIDA KIDCARE COALITION

NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN

352.742.6504

800.843.5678

LAKE SHARED SERVICES NETWORK

NATIONAL DEAF ACADEMY

512 S. Palm Ave., Howey–in–the–Hills, FL 34737 352.742.6941 Humphreyl@lake.k12.fl.us lakessn.com

19650 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora, FL 32757 352.735.9500 Treating autistic, mentally ill, deaf

SALVATION ARMY

UNITED WAY OF LAKE AND SUMTER COUNTIES

2105 W. Main St., Leesburg, FL 34748 352.365.0079

118 W. Meadow St., P.O. Box 490720, Leesburg, FL 34749 352.787.7530 or 352.728.8700

SEX OFFENDER INFORMATION – NATIONAL

NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESOURCE CENTER

888.357.7332

SUNRISE ARC NEW VISION FOR INDEPENDENCE AT LAKE–SUMTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

35201 Radio Road, Leesburg, FL 34788 352.787.3079

300 S. Canal St., Leesburg, FL 34748 352.323.8303

9501 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg, FL 34758 352.435.5040

TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN OF LAKE AND SUMTER

LIFE’S CHOICES OF LAKE COUNTY

OUR TURNING POINT RANCH

27 E. Pinehurst Blvd., Eustis, FL 32726 352.357.2202

352.771.8996 Therapeutic for troubled girls

LAKE–SUMTER CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER (C.A.C.)

MADD – MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVERS Central Florida Chapter 1 Purlieu Place, Suite 170, Winter Park, FL 32792 407.831.6233 407.831.6281

MAD DADS – MEN AGAINST DESTRUCTION DEFENDING P.O. Box 493921, Leesburg, FL 34748 352.326.2203

MAKE–A–WISH FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL AND NORTHERN FLORIDA 1053 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 1, Maitland, FL 32751 407.622.4673, Ext. 214

MARCH OF DIMES – LAKE AND SUMTER COUNTIES 7928 U.S. Highway 441, Suite 4, Leesburg, FL 32726 352.435.0065

MID–FLORIDA HOMELESS COALITION P.O. Box 1527, Eustis, FL 32727 352.860.2308

MOPS–MOTHERS OF PRE–SCHOOLERS– FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1701 Vine St., Leesburg, FL 34748 352.235.0403

PEDIATRIC HEALTH CHOICE: MEDICAL DAY CARE 33021 Professional Drive, Leesburg, FL 34788 352.360.0137 Accepts children birth–21 years

PEC – PEDIATRIC EXTENDED CARE 2102 S.W. 20th Place, Building 500, Ocala, FL 34474 352.873.7247 Day care center for children with medical problems

RIMES EARLY LEARNING AND CENTER LITERACY

910 E. Dixie Avenue, Leesburg, FL 34748 352.787.6576

TEEN PARENT RESOURCE TEACHERS Lake County Schools 201 W. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778 352.253.6785

TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) Department of Children and Families Services 352.330.2177 LifeStream Behavioral Center 352.315.7500

P.O. Box 53315 Washington, D.C. 20009 1.888.373.7888

When these organizations and programs protect our children, they are also protecting our future. A child’s life is greatly enriched when he or she receives counseling, tutoring, life skills training, medical care, food, shelter and clothes. They can also overcome adversity and succeed as adults. To see a categorical list of additional local organizations, please visit the Lake County Government website, The Service Provider Directory for Children and Family Services, at lakecountyfl.gov/ pdfs/Community_Services/childrens_ services/directory.pdf.

UNITED COMMUNITY OUTREACH, INC. P.O. Box 491003, Leesburg, FL 34749 352.787.8280

3101 Schoolview St., Leesburg, FL 34748 352.787.5757

S.A.D.L.E.S. 41025 Thomas Boat Landing Road, Umatilla, FL 32735 352.669.1012 sadles.net

SAFE CLIMATE COALITION OF LAKE COUNTY, INC. 525 Georgia Ave., Howey–in–the–Hills, FL 34737 352.408.2009 safeclimatecoalition.org

SAFE PLACE 352.326.3663 For youth in distress

march2012

stylemagazine

65

FREE NEW PATIENT EXAM AND X-RAYS

FREE SECOND OPINIONS (D0150) (D0210 ) (D9310)

Open up and say

WE M DEN AKE TI FUNSTRY !

Oaks Professional Center 8575 NE 138th LN, Ste 105 Lady Lake, FL 32159 352-364-0064 866-324-5330

www.drpisano.com

Cheryl L. Pisano, DMD

Improving Lives - Everyday for Over 30 Years

Michael Riley, M.D.

Marc J. Rogers, D.O. Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon

1710 SE 16th Avenue, Ocala

Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon

Joseph Locker, M.D.

Paul Rucinski, M.D.

Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon

Primary Care Orthopaedics

Located on 17th Street, one mile east of Ocala Regional Medical Center

SAME OR NEXT-DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE www.toi-health.com (352) 620-1900 (888) 860-7050 66

stylemagazine

march2012

Gainesville Ɣ Ocala Lake City Ɣ Alachua

facebook.com/toihealth twitter.com/toihealth

Get moving again, without leaving town!

You don’t need to travel far to receive the best care in joint replacement surgery.

The Joint Replacement Center at Florida Hospital Waterman is an innovative program combining some of the best joint replacement surgeons in central Florida with an experienced staff of anesthesiologists, orthopedic nurses and physical therapists all dedicated to providing our patients with the best joint replacement experience possible.

Guided by our Joint Coordinator, you and your family will meet with our anesthesia team prior to surgery. And during your stay, you will receive information from the physical therapy team and the case manager who will assess your personal needs for discharge – all to make sure your joint replacement surgery and subsequent hospitalization are as smooth and stress free as possible.

Whether it is a joint replacement of your knee, hip or shoulder, our goal is to get you out of bed the very day of surgery and then on your way to a fast and smooth recovery. So, Get Moving!

Joint Replacement Center To receive more information about the Joint Replacement Center at Florida Hospital Waterman or to make an appointment with one of our board certified joint replacement surgeons, please call 352/253-3461.

FLORIDA FLORIDA 32778 32778 || 352/253-3333 352/253-3333 | | WWW.FHWAT.ORG WWW.FHWAT.ORG FLORIDAHOSPITAL HOSPITALWATERMAN WATERMAN || 1000 1000 WATERMAN WATERMAN WAY | TAVARES, FLORIDA

REEN L GGH I EHDAOEU M NIC ARO AN AM ND JA CXX TXX X N X LE OHN AN JJO XX X O X R X V X XX E H Y V VY DXITIO 2HCEEV E CH C 1 0 2 Y 12 1 2 R 01 A 20 XX X S X XX W XX X EXRX XX XX NIVX ND NEW XX BRAN HXANXX TXX E R BR HEI 45XX X XX XX ND TTH XX AN X XX XXXXXXX XX XX X X XXXX X XX XX XXXX XXX XX XX

JOHN AND JJA AND AN D THEEI EIR NE RB COREN BR RA AND NEEW YE KDO ITC CUG W 20 HEHN 012 2 CH CHY 20 HEEEV 12 VYDAXX VY UN XX XTR XX IX XX XX ELX XA XX AN XX XX XX XX X XXX XXXX X XXXX XXX XX XXXXXXX XX X X XXX XX XXX XX XX X XX X

OUGH ANE D X AND J Y XX XXX N H JO EV XX 12 CH XXX XXXX X 0 2 XXXX D NEW XXX X BRAN XXXXXXX XX XXXX X HEIR XXX X AND T X X X X

FAMILY SOMMER MARO ROLET CA 2012 CHEV N MER EDITIO OR SF AN TR

JOHN AND DOUGH DOU MR. ANDJANE MRS S. RUGH IEHM A TH AND THEIR EIR BRAND NEW 2012 CHEVY CHEV XXX XXXX XXX 2009 CHEV ROLET XX TRAV ERSE XXXXXXX XXX XXX XXXX XXXXX XXXXXX X XX XXXXXXX XXX XXX XXXX XX XXXXXX X

NUNEZ FAMILY Y 2006 JEEP GRAN D

CHEROKEE

HWY 441 / EUSTIS FL 32726 WWW.VG GCHEEVY.COM 352.343.2400

OUGH ANE D XXX X ER AND J N JOHN CHEVY XXSUM .

S XXXXAXLA 12 XXRX LXET X EW 2M0R.XAXNXDXM IMPXX N D N X O A X CHEVXRXX X X R X B X X R IR I X X HE XX 011XX AND T XX2X X XXXX

MR. AND MRS. EC CH VARRIA 2009 CHEVROLET EV TAHOE

MAHINA KINSEY 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC

JOHN JOH JJO OH O HN H NA AN AND N ND D JAN JANE NE DOUGH DOU DO UGH UG G GH H BRAND 2012 CHEVY AN AND AN ND D THEIR THEI TTHE TH HEI HE H EIR BR EI B AND AN A N ND D NEW NEEW N EW 220 201 012 CH 01 CHE C HEEV H VY Y XX XX XXXX XXX XX XX X XXXXXXX XX XXX X XX XX XX XXXX XXX XX XXX XXX X XXXX XXX XX XX X XXXXXX XX X XXX XX X XXXX XX X XX X X XXXXXXX XX X X XXX XXXXX XX XXX XX XXX XX XXXX XXX X XXX XXX XX X XXXXXX XX XXX X XX XX XXX XX X XX X

AND JO THEIR IR BR HN AND J A AND NEW NE DOUG 2012 H XXXX XXX XMR. AND X CHEVY XXXX X 2 XXX X0X1X1 X XEXXMXRSX. XPXX C H XX XX VROLXXXXUFFE XX XX ET M X R XXXXALIBU AY CK M IE AT N AND K AVEO ERIN EVROLET 2007 CH

THE ONLY THIIN NG YOU’’LLL LIIK KE BETTER THA OUR PRIIC CES IIS N S THE BUYIIN NG EXPERIIEENCE FRAN K 2011 GOMBOS CHEV ROLE T SILV

ERAD

ANNE 2010 CH TTTE JOURDAN EVROLE T IMPALA

O

ACRE RADO E WHIT DARYL VROLET SILVE E H 2012 C

THE ONLY THING YOU’LL LIKE BETTER THAN OUR PRICES IS THE BUYING EXPERIENCE RS. O'NEIL MR. AND M LET TAHOE 2011 CHEVRO

ASS RS. BA ND MR MR. AN 2011 CHEVROLET TAHOE

MR. AND MR S.. HEEND DERSON 2012 CHEVRO LET TAHOE

VICKY LU LO 1999 FORD ESCORT

EED NEY SN COURT T MALIBU ROLE V E H C 2010

MR. A N 2012 D MRS. B CHEV ROLE RANDT T CRU ZE

ADAM HEWSON SILVERADO 2011 CHEVROLET

MD Eddie Orobitg, D BEFORE

AFTER

Now available at: 602 Lee Street, Leesburg | 352.787.5919 Visit us online at dreddiesmiles.com

Local Ownership & Operation for Over 30 Years

Your health in your home.

■ Hourly In-Home Care from 4-24 Hours Per Day ■ Skilled and Non-Skilled Nursing ■ Rehabilitation ■ Private Pay and Insurances ■ Experienced Employees ■ Licensed and Bonded

352.326.0400 | 9738 US Hwy 441 Suite 103 Leesburg, FL 34788 70

stylemagazine

march2012

Lic # HHA20578096

Repairing an organ this miraculous requires an amazing cardiac team.

T

he human heart and circulatory system are truly wonders of nature. Treating cardiac illnesses requires care that is equally amazing. That is the care you will find at Florida Hospital Waterman. Dr. Gary Allen, fellowship-trained cardiothoracic surgeon, leads our experienced and committed cardiac team. He is skilled in the unique option of “beating heart” surgery, during which the heart is not stopped—meaning less time in surgery and faster recovery. In our dedicated, state-of-the-art Cardiac ICU, each patient is assigned a multispecialty cardiac care team to ensure the best possible outcome. The most advanced heart treatments, delivered with the greatest of care. That is our pledge.

352.253.3399 | www.fhwat.org | 1000 Waterman Way, Tavares, FL 32778

Where happiness is always in season It’s hard to blame Rebecca Morse for being all smiles these days. Her professional career is blossoming and she is enjoying the taste of sweet success — literally.

Last September, she purchased Edible Arrangements in Lady Lake, which was originally opened by Susanne Beason in 2006. The company is known for its artistic bouquets that resemble floral arrangements. However, instead of flowers, the elegant bouquets feature ripe bananas, crisp apples, fresh strawberries, sweet pineapple and other fruits.

Thus, that special someone receives a memorable gift that is as lovely as it is delicious.

But men aren’t the only ones buying these fruit bouquets. Apparently, women are realizing that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

“Many of our customers are women who are excited about buying chocolate-covered fruit for their men,” Rebecca says. “We’re a wonderful market for women looking to send just the right gift to men, and vice versa.”

Edible Arrangements opened its first location in 1999 and since then has become a national franchise. Today, the company has 1,103 locations worldwide.

For Rebecca, owning her own store is a point of pride — and not just because she receives satisfaction from tantalizing the taste buds of her customers. Rebecca has lived in Lake County since 1985 and has developed many wonderful relationships with local residents. Some may remember her singing with a show band at The Chopping Block in the late 1980s, while others knew her as a Realtor for ERA Tom Grizzard. As a business owner, she looks forward to strengthening existing relationships and building new ones.

“For me, this area has been a wonderful place to live, work and raise two children,” she says. “I’m excited about the opportunity to attend social and fundraising events and to meet new residents and business people in the community.”

She says her bouquets make a wonderful gift for any occasion. Each arrangement is made to order, and the fruit is cut daily to ensure freshness. The fruits can be dipped in one of three chocolates: semi-sweet dark chocolate, white chocolate, and peanut butter chocolate. Core fruits used in the arrangements include pineapple, strawberries, cantaloupe, honey dew melon, and grapes. In the summer, customers can choose mango, kiwi, and watermelon. Bananas, apples, and pears are used year round and are always dipped in chocolate!!

“Seeing a customer’s face when he or she first looks at the arrangement is the best feeling in the world,” Rebecca says. “Our arrangements are not only beautifully presented but are also healthy. I love customer service. I love warm and fuzzy. And I love seeing people smile.”

Her dedicated staff shares her passion. “I’m so fortunate to have such a hard-working, talented team of employees,” she says. “Not only are they wonderful to work with, they go above and beyond to make our customers happy.”

Edible Arrangements offers pick-up or delivery. The company delivers to The Villages, Summerfield, Belleview, north Lake County and north Sumter County.

NOW OPEN 7 DAYS The store is located at

Edible Arrangements Palm Ridge Plaza, off CR 466 near The Villages.

ADVERTISEMENT

To order, please call or visit

352-391-1334 11962 Country Road 101 #304 The Villages, FL 32162 ediblearrangements.com

Our Patients Say It Best...

“Footcare for people of all ages with active lifestyles.”

MEDICAL & SURGICAL TREATMENT OF: • • • • • •

• Foot Injuries Bunions and Hammertoes • Diabetic & Geriatric Foot Care Corns • Sports Medicine Morton’s Neuromas • Orthotics Ingrown Nails and Warts • Diabetic Shoes Heel and Arch Pain • Numbness/Tingling of Feet Thick Painful Toenails *NOW OFFERING IN OFFICE PHYSICAL THERAPY

Same Day Appointment For Emergencies

David White thoroughly enjoys attending yard sales and landscaping his yard. Of course, those two activities constantly keep him on his feet. David is a diabetic who regularly develops ulcers on the balls of his feet.

When he moved to The Villages two years ago, he began searching for a trusted podiatrist. Several friends of Mr. White highly recommended that he visit Dr. Felix Esarey at Tri-County Podiatry.

Since then, Dr. Esarey has successfully treated Mr. White whenever ulcers rear their ugly heads.

To say Mr. White has enjoyed his experiences with Tri-County Podiatry would be an understatement.

“Dr. Esarey is very warm, caring and highly skilled,” said White, a former school principal in Jacksonville. “He explains in detail the techniques he uses in treating my foot problem. He also welcomes me to ask any questions or address any concerns I may have. I’m never rushed, and he treats me as if I’m the only patient in the entire office. Not only is Dr. Esarey outstanding, his team of nurses and front office staff are very responsive and friendly — qualities that are hard to find this day in age. I’m truly blessed to be a patient at Tri-County Podiatry and I don’t believe there’s another practice within 200 miles that offers the level of service they offer to patients.”

MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

MEDICARE ACCEPTED

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm and Fridays 8am-12pm 1585 Santa Barbara Blvd. • Suite B • The Villages, FL

352-259-1919 www.tricountypodiatry.net Discover more about diabetes and foot care when you scan this code with your smart phone.

352.742.3398 www.KevcoBuilders.com www.KevcoRoofing.com Call or stop by our showroom at 214 S. 14th Street, Leesburg

LIC# CBC040737 RC29027065

74

stylemagazine

We are the most “Award Winning” company in the area, having won the Homebuilders Association Remodelers Showcase 6 years in a row and for 7 times in 8 years.

march2012

It’s your heart.

It should be personal.

And that’s how I treat it.

When you come to see me… that’s exactly who you will see.

I will know your name, how many children you have, what foods you love to eat and how much sleep you get each night.. tor I will take your health personally. That is why I am the only doctor you will see when you come to my office. I will take time with you and get to know you personally. No patient of mine will ng. ever have to see an associate or undergo needless testing.

I will know which tests are needed and which aren’t.

I will watch over you and treat you as I want to be e treated when, one day, I am the patient and not the doctor. And that is my promise to you.

Dr.V T.E. VALLABHAN, M.D., FACC BOARD-CERTIFIED CARDIOLOGIST GIST SPECIALIST IN DISEASES OF THE HEART, ARTERIES AND D VEINS

• • • • • •

Interventional Cardiology – Stents Pacemakers and Defibrillators Vascular Medicine Clinical Cardiology Echocardiography Nuclear Cardiology

Call Leslie to schedule a personal consultation at

352.750.2040 8630 - SUITE A, EAST COUNTY RD 466 THE VILLAGES, FL 32162

Is today the day you get your life back?

15 La Grande Blvd, The Villages, FL 32159 • 352.750.3301 3130 SW 27th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471 • 352.671.3130 www.thevineshospital.com

food+wine

march2012

stylemagazine

77

quick bites O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant

D’amato’s on the Ridge

Irish eyes will be smiling when O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant holds its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration from 11a.m. to 2p.m. on Saturday, March 17. The event, which typically attracts several thousand visitors throughout Florida, will feature an outside bar offering popular Irish beer and Irish whiskey. The special menu for the day will feature corn beef and cabbage and Irish stew. Live entertainers include Whole Tones, a Florida folklore band, and soloist Jeff Mason, who will perform Irish ballads. So break out your green attire and enjoy a day of revelry at O’Keefe’s, which has proudly served Lake County residents since 1984.

LOCATION: 115 South Rockingham Avenue, Tavares, 32778 PHONE: 352.343.2157 WEBSITE: okeefesirishpub.net HOURS: Weekdays 11a.m.–midnight; Friday and Saturday 11–2a.m.; Sunday 11:30a.m.– 8p.m.

Have you had an amazing culinary experience lately?

Enjoyed something new in the entertainment or food and beverage venues in Lake or Sumter County? Please share! They may be featured in our Quick Bites section, the official Dining and Entertainment press release section for Lake and Sumter Style! Let us know about a new signature dish or menu, grand openings, new chefs and/or entertainment offerings so we can share them with our readers.

The popular Italian restaurant D’amato’s has recently moved to the Sanctuary Ridge Golf Course in Clermont. Stunning views of the beautiful golf course and the evening fireworks at Walt Disney World await diners.

Owners Tom Altro and Robert Berardi say the new facility gives them ample space to host large banquets and parties. They still offer the same delicious meals customers have grown to love, including fried calamari, veal saltimbocca, mussels, and the famous linguini and clam sauce. Everything is made from scratch. The restaurant also features a wonderful selection of wine and beer as well as a full-service bar.

LOCATION: 2601 Diamond Club Drive, Clermont, 34711 PHONE: 352.242.2422 HOURS: Sunday–Thursday 10a.m.–9p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10a.m.–11p.m

78

stylemagazine

march2012

Gator’s Dockside

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyard

It’s that time of year when March Madness is in full swing, providing college basketball fans with high-flying slam dunks and thrilling buzzer beaters. If you want to enjoy the games with other avid sports fans, consider taking a trip to Gator’s Dockside in Eustis.

Enjoy a cold beer while watching your team on a big-screen television set — a sports fan’s dream. You can also enjoy a delicious meal, as the restaurant is known for its grilled wings, ribs, and seafood. Happy hour is offered Monday through Friday from 3–7p.m.

LOCATION: 15241 U.S. Hwy. 441, Eustis, 32726 PHONE: 352.357.1255 WEBSITE: gatorsdockside.com HOURS: Seven days a week from 11a.m.–midnight

Blackwater Inn Why not try Blackwater Inn? Enjoy a panoramic view of the St. John’s River. Treat yourself to an outstanding salad bar featuring crisp lettuce and fresh vegetables. Sink your teeth into your favorite seafood, including shrimp, fish, oysters, crab legs, and scallops. These are some of the reasons why your dining experience at Blackwater Inn in Astor is sure to be an enjoyable one.

Many diners opt to arrive by boat, and March is a wonderful month to take a relaxing boat ride down the St. John’s River thanks to the beautiful weather this time of year. Upstairs, you can relax outside at William’s Landing and enjoy a pleasant, gentle breeze.

LOCATION: 55716 Front Street, Astor, 33102 PHONE: 352.759.2802 WEBSITE: blackwaterinn.com HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 4:30–9p.m.; Friday 4:30–10p.m.; Saturday 11:30a.m.–10p.m.; Sunday11:30a.m.–9p.m.

Award-winning wine is produced inside Lakeridge Winery’s dusty-brown, Mediterranean-style facility. However, you can visit the 127-acre property this month and enjoy good food as well. The company’s fourth annual Wine and Seafood Festival is running March 23-25 from 10a.m. to 5p.m. all three days. Vendors will sell tasty seafood such as fish, coconut shrimp and crab cakes. Visitors can also receive an education in winemaking by touring the facility, where 1,764,000 bottles of wine are produced each year. Local artists and crafters will be present to display their wares.

Proceeds will benefit the Autism Society of Greater Orlando.

LOCATION: 19239 U.S. 27 North, Clermont, 34715 PHONE: 352.394.8627 OR 1.800.768.WINE WEBSITE: lakeridgewinery.com HOURS: Monday–Saturday 10a.m.–5p.m., Sunday 11a.m.–5p.m.

march2012

stylemagazine

79

80

stylemagazine

march2012

restaurant review Written by Pat Jocelyn • Photo by Fred Lopez

De Sol Mexico Have you ever visited someone’s residence for the first time and felt there was just something about that home — something especially warm and inviting that encouraged you to walk in, kick back and simply enjoy the friendliness of the people who lived there?

Well, that’s how you feel when you walk into De Sol Mexico located in downtown Eustis. Owners Ramon and Melina DeLaPaz have purposely built into their restaurant’s design a little taste of Mexico and a whole lot of their warm personalities.

“We just wanted to share a piece of us with our customers,” Melina explains. “Some people may not have the chance to visit Mexico, but we can share a little piece of us and our heritage when they come here to eat. We want them to feel the hospitality, the colors, the atmosphere and the food of Mexico.”

About two and a half years ago, the young couple moved to Eustis with the intent to open a restaurant. “My husband used to work in construction so he had been all over Central Florida,” Melina says. “And he fell in love with Eustis. I can’t imagine living anywhere else or raising my children anywhere else — everyone here is like our family.”

And Ramon loves to cook — a lot. “I do, too,” Melina says. “But I love meeting the people. In fact we both love to be around people and try to make them feel good — it’s like we’re sharing our roots with them — sharing what we are inside.”

But it took some time and a whole lot of sweatequity to get their restaurant just the way they wanted it. “Ramon is very handy with a hammer,” the 33-year-old mother of three continues with a hint of pride in her voice. “He did all of the labor and building, and I did the colors and decorations.”

Melina adds that the tables and chairs that are located in the front as you enter the restaurant are from Mexico and were hand-carved — each one unique from the other. Comfortable booths hug several walls of the eatery and an engaging outside patio area completes the seating arrangements.

Although the restaurant’s ambiance is warm and inviting and the food is excellent, it’s also Meli-

na’s charismatic personality that keeps customers coming back for more.

“We have people who come here every day and that’s wonderful,” Melina says. “And I have a couple of families who bring their children and I help teach them Spanish words — I give them a word for the week and when they come back I ask, ‘Do you remember the word I taught you?’”

I enjoyed my visit with Melina, but now it was time to sample items from their menu.

I started with a sampler of several different appetizers including capeados (stuffed jalapeno pepper with cream cheese, lettuce and pico de gallo on the side), quesadilla cone, and chicken flauta (a chicken mixture rolled in corn dough and deep fried). There was also a dipping sauce called Queso con Chorizo, a truly decadent combination of melted cheese with their special recipe of Mexican “chorizo” sausage.

Each of the mouth-watering appetizers I sampled was nothing short of perfection. The stuffed jalapeno proved to be moderately hot, but the cream cheese perfectly counter-balanced the heat.

The quesadilla cone was crisp and tasty and the chicken flauta was delicate and flavorful.

For my entrée I chose the vegetable fajitas which consisted of freshly grilled vegetables (mushrooms, onions, broccoli, green and red peppers, and zucchini) served over grilled onions and peppers. Side dishes included Mexican rice, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and guacamole. The delicate flavors of the vegetables combined well with the smoky flavor from the grill. The portions were generous and there was definitely a need for a doggie bag.

The meal was finished off with a creamy scoop of fried ice cream served in a pastry cup, drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with a touch of cinnamon.

The next time you visit Eustis, make it a point to stop at Sol De Mexico. The family-friendly eatery serves tasty, reasonably priced Mexican fare in a laidback atmosphere. Ramon, Melina and their staff will make you feel right at home while you sample some of their authentic Mexican dishes. And who knows, Melina may even teach you a Spanish word or two.

POPULAR APPETIZERS: Queso con Chorizo $4.99 Cuatro Esquinas $8.49

POPULAR EVERY DAY SPECIALS: Chimichanga $9.50 Quesadilla Maya (vegetarian) $8.99

POPULAR DINNER ITEMS: Carne Asada $12.99 Burrito Chilango $9.99 El Sol Platter $13.99

POPULAR DESSERTS (All $3.99): Traditional Flan Fried Ice Cream

ADDRESS: 125 North Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726 PHONE: 352.357.0259 HOURS: Open seven days a week, 11a.m.–9p.m.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Last Tuesday of the month, 6–8p.m. a mariachi band and on the first Friday of the month, authentic Mexican dancers

march2012

stylemagazine

81

the loving kitchen Written by Heather Pruett • Photos by Fred Lopez

Spring time is picnic time

Appreciate the memories as well as the quality time

Finding quality time with your family can often be difficult. With hectic work schedules, school activities and the everyday routines that keep us busy, it is easy to overlook this ever so important aspect of life.

Research is beginning to show that simply eating together as a family can make a huge difference in the lives of children and teenagers. Younger children learn how to communicate; teenagers are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol; all ages perform better in school. Family meals and time together foster warmth, security and love, as well as feelings of belonging.

So where do we find this crucial time with our family, and what do we do? Here’s an idea: a family picnic on the weekend.

With the beautiful springtime weather just around the corner, a family picnic is the perfect way to take advantage of the great outdoors, while bonding with your loved ones. While the children enjoy the fresh air and freedom of running in the sun, we as parents can appreciate the memories we are making, as well as the quality time we’re spending together as a family.

So here are a few tips for a successful and memorable picnic. First, invite your children into the kitchen to help prepare your food. This allows for a little extra time with your kiddos and makes them more invested in the meal. Next, don’t stress about finding the perfect spot! Your own backyard or a local park can make for an ideal place. Don’t forget to pack a football or Frisbee for some fun outdoor games and activities. Last but not least, keep the menu fun and fresh! Instead of packing boring ol’ PBJs, try the following recipes and enjoy the benefits of an easy, quick and healthy plate.

The Loving Kitchen is a next generation cooking show featuring Mount Dora wife and mother, Heather Pruett.

Visit Heather and family at www.thelovingkitchen.com.

82

stylemagazine

march2012

Broccoli and Cranberry Salad Yield: 4-6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Pans/Utensils/Equipment Needed: Large mixing bowl Measuring cup Mixing spoon Set of measuring spoons Paring knife Cutting board Ingredients: 3 cups raw broccoli, chopped ½ cup reduced fat mayonnaise ¼ cup sugar 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar ¼ cup dried cranberries ¼ cup sunflower seeds Junior Chef Jobs: • Measuring • Mixing • Washing broccoli Instructions: • Cut stems off of broccoli, wash and chop.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.

• Mix well and chill in refrigerator for a minimum of 20 minutes before serving.

march2012

stylemagazine

83

Chicken Salad Stuffed Tomatos Yield: 4 chicken salad tomatos Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Pans/Utensils/Equipment Needed: Measuring cup Set of measuring spoons Paring knife Mixing spoon Large mixing bowl Cutting board Ingredients: 2 cups (approximately) rotisserie chicken, white meat ¼ cup reduced fat mayonnaise 2 tablespoons yellow mustard ½ cup diced celery ½ cup red grapes ¼ cup chopped pecans 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 4 large tomatoes Romaine lettuce leaves Junior Chef Jobs: • Measuring • Mixing • Washing fruits and vegetables Instructions: • Shred two cups of chicken.

• Dice celery and cut grapes into halves.

• Combine chicken, celery, grapes and chopped pecans in a large mixing bowl and stir well.

• Add mayonnaise, mustard and balsamic vinegar.

• Lightly stir until all ingredients are combined.

• Slice off about ½ inch of the stem end of the tomatoes and hollow out the inside; slice a very small section off the bottom of the tomatoes, so that they will sit flat on a serving platter.

• Evenly divide the chicken salad filling among the tomatoes.

• Serve on a bed of Romaine lettuce leaves.

• Drizzle with mint vinaigrette dressing.

84

stylemagazine

march2012

Mint Vinagrett Yield: 1 cup Prep time: 5 minutes Chil time: 20 minutes

Pans/Utensils/Equipment Needed: Measuring cup Set of measuring spoons Food processor or blender Ingredients: ¼ cup white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 3 tablespoons orange juice 1 tablespoon sugar ¼ cup minced fresh mint ¼ cup honey Junior Chef Jobs: • Measuring • Mixing/Shaking Dressing • Tearing mint leaves off and washing Instructions: • In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients.

• Cover and process until smooth.

• Chill in refrigerator for a minimum of 20 minutes before serving.

Drizzle this vinaigrette over a bowl of fresh fruit and add a minty taste to your fruit salad.

march2012

stylemagazine

85

saluté Writ W r itten by Mary Ann De DeSant ntis is Illustrr ation by Anthony Ca Casto

Celebrity Wines

If the names on many of the bottles in your local wine shop look familiar, it’s because winemaking is big business for celebrities.

The list of famous people who own wineries is quite extensive, but are their wines just marketing gimmicks or the real deal?

86

stylemagazine stylemagaz zine

march2012

OWNING A WINERY is not cheap.

The price for a basic Napa Valley vineyard runs anywhere from $1 million for a no-frills model to $10 million or more for the picturesque rolling-hills version, according to John Bergman, a wine country real estate professional who specializes in vineyard sales. No wonder it takes a movie star’s income to own one.

Whether it is a romantic dream of owning a vineyard or just having something to fall back on in case the movie career doesn’t work out, celebrities have been adding their monikers to wine labels since the 1970s. And the list keeps growing with rock stars and professional athletes throwing their grapes into the mix. For now, though, we’ve limited our tasting of famously named wines to cinema legends.

Here are a few that are available locally.

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA MOVIE DIRECTOR: Patton, The Godfather, Apocalypse Now WINERY: Francis Ford Coppola Winery [franciscoppolawinery.com] SALUTE CHOICE: Coppola Rosso

Winemaking is serious business for Francis Ford Coppola who Forbes Magazine calls “the godfather of wine.” He bought his Napa Valley land in 1975 planning to make a little wine in his basement, much like his grandfather Agostino did in his New York apartment.

Today, Coppola produces nearly a million cases of wine with 40 different varietals, including his complex Reserve and Director’s Cut labels.

His second property in Sonoma is devoted to his popular and less expensive Diamond Collection and Rosso & Bianco brands — wines that Coppola says are made for everyday life.

Both Coppola Bianco and Rosso table wines work well alone or with Italian food. The Bianco — a Pinot Grigio — has a beautiful, floral nose but is a tad sweet for my taste. It paired well with parmesan chicken. The Rosso is a smooth red blend that is very drinkable, especially with burgers, pizza or

spaghetti. Ranging from $6 to $12 a bottle depending on where purchased, the wines are indeed affordable for everyday meals. And if you have any questions about pairings, the winery’s website has suggestions as well as recipes.

PAUL NEWMAN ACTOR: Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Color of Money WINE LABEL: Newman’s Own [newmansownwines.com] SALUTE CHOICE: 2009 California Cabernet Sauvignon

When Paul Newman began making salad dressings for friends more than 25 years ago, he put the concoctions in old wine bottles.

Before his death in 2008, he said his Newman’s Own products had come full circle. He was back to wine bottles but this time filling them with wine. His goal was to complete a meal with wines that would complement his incredibly popular salad dressings and pasta sauces.

The Newman’s Own label uses grapes from premier vineyards throughout California to make Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. At a recent tasting, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon seemed a little astringent to me, but smoothed out considerably after it had time to breathe. Prices range from $11 to $16. As with all of Newman’s Own products, the profits and net royalties from the sale of every bottle benefit Newman’s Own Foundation, which supports Hole in the Wall Camps for ill children and other charities.

series, My Three Sons, he was farming and raising prize-winning cattle.

Vineyards probably never entered his mind. Although MacMurray wasn’t actively involved in creating the wines that bear his name, he nevertheless created the legacy when he stipulated that his property’s agricultural heritage be preserved. Several years after his 1991 death, the land was sold. His daughter, Kate, still lives on the ranch in the cabin built by her father and works with MacMurray Ranch wines, which have only been around since 2000.

MacMurray Ranch has a small portfolio of wines — only six Pinot Noirs, a Chardonnay and a Pinot Gris. What they do, they do well.

Although I am partial to Oregon Pinot Noirs, the MacMurray Ranch 2009 Central Coast Pinot Noir with its cherry and vanilla nuances is one of my favorites. Its price runs from $16 to $20 in local stores.

FRED MACMURRAY ACTOR: The Caine Mutiny, The Shaggy Dog, My Three Sons WINERY: MacMurray Ranch [macmurrayranch.com] SALUTE CHOICE: 2009 Central Coast

Pinot Noir Fred MacMurray purchased his Russian River Valley ranch in 1941 when he was only 32 years old.

When he wasn’t working in films or on his long-running television

march2012

stylemagazine

87

BONappétit

D E S T I N AT I O N S O F G O O D TA S T E

Pisces Rising

A Fresh Florida Seafood and Steak House

239 W. Fourth Avenue, Mount Dora • 352.385.2669 Celebrating our 8th year of catering to Central Florida’s most discriminating clientele, Pisces Rising offers fine dining in an elegant yet casual environment. Created around a 1920’s home, there are 5 separate dining areas inside, including the elegant 239 West Lounge and an open kitchen, plus a spacious deck with a Tiki Style bar. And it all overlooks Lake Dora and the setting sun! Specializing in Fresh Seafood and Black Angus Beef with a Wine Spectator recognized wine list, Pisces Rising is the place for a romantic dinner for 2 or a party of many to celebrate any special occasion. The best of the areas’ Live Entertainment rounds out your experience Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and twice on Sunday! Visit our website to preview all of our regular and special event menus and our entertainment calendar.

So “Laissez le Bon Temps Rouler!”

Lunch

Monday–Saturday 11:30a.m.–4p.m.

Sunday Brunch Menu 11a.m.–3p.m.

Dinner Sunday–Thursday Friday and Saturday

5p.m.–9pm 5p.m.–10p.m. www.PiscesRisingDining.com

Ipanema Brazilian Steak House 2023 South Pine Avenue, Ocala • 352.622.1741 • www.ipanemaocala.com A Churrascaria (Portuguese for barbecue) is a dining experience where roaming Gauchos slice and serve fire-roasted meats from skewers in a continual fashion. Ipanema Brazilian Steak House boasts 11 of the finest cuts of meat complemented by an opulent salad and vegetable bar, delectable desserts, and delicious wines, beers and cocktails. Brazilian native and executive chef Alonso Esgaib invites you to embrace the flavors of his homeland and experience the magnetism of Ipanema for yourself. Enjoy the weather and come dine on our new covered patio area! Become a fan of Ipanema on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ipanemaocala. Great discounts online! We now offer an extensive appetizer menu and full dinner service outdoors.

Happy Hour: 2 for 1 premium drinks and house wines Tuesday–Friday, 5pm–7pm.

Lunch

Tuesday–Friday

Dinner Tuesday–Thursday Friday and Saturday Sunday

11a.m.–2p.m.

5p.m.–9p.m.

5p.m.–10p.m.

4p.m.–9p.m.

Closed Monday

Taverna Red 16770 South U.S. Highway 441 Suite 608, Summerfield • 352.693.2008 Welcome to Taverna Red “Italian Grill!” Kathy Funk owner of Pasta Faire and Taverna Red has just introduced the new Italian Grill menu with lots of great combinations of old and new fare. Enjoy the Chef Specialties like Penne Pesto,Veal Santa Monica,Venice Lasagna, and Gnocchi Bolognese. Our $10 Extravaganza menu has just been extended to be served all day every day, with great favorites: Coconut Butterfish, Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Scampi, Meatloaf and much more. Our new grill items are the real stars with seven different entrees to choose from.With a combination of five different sauces and sides, you can create a different meal on each visit.The fun atmosphere tops it all off with great entertainment nightly and Happy Hour from 11a.m. until 7p.m. every day. Come visit the new Taverna Red “Italian Grill.”

HOURS: Sunday Monday–Saturday

11a.m.–9p.m.

11a.m.–10p.m.

Reservations for parties of six or more German Fest last Tuesday of each month Book your Party — seating for up to 60 guests 88

stylemagazine

march2012

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

LEESBURG 2013 Citrus Blvd.

352.787.6442

THE VILLAGES 1580 Bella Cruz Dr. 352.750.9600

EUSTIS 469 Plaza Dr. 352.357.7827

10135 U.S. Hwy. 441, Suite 4 352.326.3234

8796 S.E. 165th Mulberry Ln. 352.750.9991

MOUNT DORA 18870 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.735.4376

27405 U.S. Hwy. 27, Suite 4 352.314.8847

Monday–Saturday Sunday

WILDWOOD 480 W. Gulf To Alantic Hwy. 352.748.8800

1070 Lake Sumter Landing Dr. 352.205.8535 349 Colony Blvd.

352.391.1657

10a.m.–10p.m.

10a.m.–9p.m.

Cheeser’s Palace Café and Catering Chocolate and Cheese Shop 707 W Montrose Street, Clermont • 352.404.9431 • CheesersPalace.com Cheeser’s Palace Café is nestled in the heart of historical downtown Clermont.The cafe’s European flare and commitment to quality food and presentation makes it a must for all those looking for a unique dining experience. Breakfast is deep in traditions, with the added excitement of specialty omelets, crepes, and fresh danishes. Lunch offers a wondrous array of choices for our famous four-cheese grilledwith-tomato sandwich to our unique fresh salad menu and homemade soups. FREE cheese tastings every third Saturday of the month from 5-8p.m. Amanda and Carol look forward to meeting you.

Call us now for all-occasion catering. Breakfast served all day on weekends.

Tuesday–Saturday Sunday

7:30a.m.–3p.m.

7:30a.m.–2p.m.

Ramshackle Cafe 1317 North 14th Street, Leesburg • 352.365.6565 Since 1989, Leesburg locals and visitors alike have visited this restaurant for consistently good food in a casual and familiar environment. It takes ten minutes to find your table because of all the familiar faces you see once you walk in the door. Just for the FUN of it! Come on in and experience Ramshackle Café! It’s a great place for the whole family. From fajitas, steaks, sandwiches, salads, baby back ribs, delicious burgers, and of course, killer wings, we guarantee you won’t leave hungry. We feature a Happy Hour daily from 11a.m. to 7p.m. with most drinks 2 for 1! So, for a great time and great food, bring the kids and come on in to Ramshackle Café!

Check out our menu at www.RamshackleCafe.com

HOURS: Sunday Monday–Thursday Friday Saturday

11a.m.–10p.m.

11a.m.–11p.m.

11a.m.–Midnight 11a.m.–11p.m.

march2012

stylemagazine

89

BONappétit

D E S T I N AT I O N S O F G O O D TA S T E

The Goblin Market Restaurant & Lounge 331-B Donnelly Street (Rear Alley), Mount Dora 352.735.0059 • 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.

Open Tuesday–Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Sunday 11a.m.–3:30p.m.

Join us for our new “lighter fare” dinner menu, gourmet soups, salads & sandwiches.

Tuesday– Thursday from 3–9p.m. (regular dinner menu also available).

TooJay’s Original Gourmet Deli Lake Sumter Landing, 1129 Canal Street, The Villages • 352.430.0410 Village of Spanish Springs, 990 Delmar Drive, The Villages • 352.753.3510 Famous for its New York Style delicatessen specialties, TooJay’s is the recipient of numerous Reader’s Choice Awards and for good reason – there is something on the menu for everyone.

Enjoy an overstuffed deli sandwich brimming with corned beef, pastrami, roast beef or turkey, served on freshly baked bread, or choose an item from our Lighter Side. A house favorite is the half sandwich and soup. Pictured here is a cup of our signature tomato dill accompanied by a half of our tuna salad on freshly baked rye. The perfect combination – and just the right amount. The variety is abundant, the service friendly and the atmosphere casual and lively.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Dine In • Take Out • Delivery • Catering • Mail Order Open daily from 8a.m.–9p.m.

The Players Grille 13605 Del Webb Blvd., Summerfield, FL • (352) 307-0261 www.playeagleridgegolf.com As you would expect, the dining accommodations at The Players Grille are on a level all their own.

From light, refreshing lunches overlooking the course to sumptuous meals for dinner, you are in for a real treat. Our kitchen and the professional hospitality staff recreate the beauty and magic of Eagle Ridge in every one of our dishes. Brunch is served every Sunday from 9am to 3pm.

Hours of Operation: Lounge: Monday–Saturday 10a.m.–8p.m.

Sunday 10a.m.–6p.m.

Restaurant: Monday and Tuesday 11a.m.–3p.m.

Wednesday–Saturday 10a.m.–8p.m.

90

stylemagazine

march2012

Leesburg Outback Steakhouse 9600 U.S. Hwy. 441, Leesburg • 352.365.6222 • www.outback.com Outback Steakhouse starts fresh every day to create the flavors that our mates crave. Best known for grilled steaks, chicken and seafood, Outback also offers a wide variety of crisp salads and freshly made soups and sides. Our new creations and grilled classics are made from scratch daily using only the highest-quality ingredients from around the world.

Join us for our Early Dining Down Under menu — Monday through Friday until 6pm and Sunday until 4pm. It’s full of fresh flavors at down-under prices your wallet will love.

Monday–Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

4–10p.m.

4–11p.m.

3–11p.m.

Noon–10pm

Call ahead seating and Curbside Take-Away also available.

Bamboo Bistro 700 North Hwy. 441 (In front of Target), Lady Lake • 352.750.9998 The Villages Bamboo Bistro welcomes you to have a delightful dining experience with us. Enjoy an impressive selection of Asian dishes from China, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand as well as a full sushi bar. Some of the more popular items include Peking Duck, Pepper Seared Filet Mignon, the Bamboo Basil Seafood Delight, and the Chilean Sea Bass served in black bean sauce. Of course, there are plenty of other enticing items made with our freshest ingredients, such as the Shrimp in lobster sauce, Mongolian Beef, and the ever-popular General Tao’s Chicken. Noodle soups and noodle dishes are also available, a variety of Asian beers and the extensive wine list that will complement your meal.

HOURS: Monday–Thursday Friday and Saturday Sunday

11a.m.–9:30p.m.

11a.m.–10p.m.

Noon–9p.m.

Cousin Vinnie’s World Famous Chicken Wings 10700 US Hwy 441, Leesburg • 352.253.2442 World Famous Chicken Wings Cousin Vinnie’s is located on U.S. Hwy. 441 across from Lake Square Mall. Since opening in July 2008, the restaurant has become well-known for its 30 flavors of wings. As a matter of fact, residents in Lake and Sumter counties have voted Cousin Vinnie’s wings as the best in the two-county area. Owner Vinnie Vittoria has created a unique atmosphere by combining a sports bar with a family restaurant. “My wife and I have created many menu items you simply can’t get anywhere else,” he says. “We put a lot of planning behind everything we serve. Simply try us once and you will become a regular.” Here, you will find unusual yet tasty wing flavors such as jerk teriyaki, raspberry, orange rush and trainwreck. Other unique items include sausage and cheese fireballs, chicken and cheese dip, sweet potato waffle fries, and peanut butter and jelly pizza. Cousin Vinnie’s also offers a variety of beer and wine, free Wi-Fi, great music, HDTV, and a fun staff. If you’re a motorcyclist, Bike Night is every Monday from 6-10 p.m.

Dinner Hours: Open 7 days a Week 11a.m.–9p.m. march2012

stylemagazine

91

BONappétit

D E S T I N AT I O N S O F G O O D TA S T E

The Speckled Butterbean 5995 Signature Road, Wildwood • 352.748.5333 522 North Market Blvd., Webster • 352.569.5333 (Located inside Sumter County Farmers Market) If you love mouth-watering, delicious country-style cooking, then you are in for a treat.

The Speckled Butterbean Restaurant has opened a second restaurant located in Wildwood.

You’ll find all your favorites — from sausage gravy and biscuits for breakfast to fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy for dinner to slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth pot roast with fresh vegetables for supper. Come and taste delicious country recipes handed down from generation to generation.

GIFT SHOP NOW OPEN Open 7 days a week Breakfast Dinner Supper

6–10:30a.m.

10:30a.m.–4p.m.

4–9p.m.

Bob Evans Restaurant 1205 North 14th Street, Leesburg • (352) 728-6464 2199 Parr Drive, The Villages • (352) 259-1224 30 Meals For $5.99 Bob Evans Restaurants are known for their signature favorites like The Rise & Shine breakfast, sausage gravy ‘n biscuits, and turkey and dressing. Also known for its signature seasonal favorites, Bob Evans Restaurants offers up favorites like chicken salad, Bob Evans Bob-B-Q, pumpkin pie, among many others. Bob Evans has something for everyone at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Catering is also available.

LEESBURG HOURS: Open 7 days a Week 6am–9pm THE VILLAGES HOURS: Sunday–Thursday 6a.m.–9:30p.m.

Friday–Saturday 6–10

Would you like to see your restaurant in our dining section?

Call us at 352.787.4112

92

stylemagazine

march2012

Let us provide free round-trip transportation for you and your group of 30 or more guests. Our 49-passenger bus is available for Sunday Brunch or any evening meal at the Embers.

Hours: Monday thru Thursday - 4:30 to 10:00 Friday and Saturday - 4:30 to 11:00 Sunday brunch from 11:30 to 2:30, Sunday - 4:30 to 9:30

US HWY 441 Leesburg 352.728.8989 | vicsembers.com

Free MiFi

After mail-in rebate With a new 2-year activation

(Plaza between Walmart and I-75)

VISIT US TODAY! BUSHNELL - 2241 W County Rd. 48 - (352) 568-3459 WILDWOOD - 739 S Main St. - (352) 748-0453

Allergy&Asthma Care of F lorida

Physicians Phys Ph ys ys Board Certified by the AMERICAN BOARD OF ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY

G. Edward Stewart II, M.D.

OFFERING CARE FOR: PEDIATRIC AND ADULT ALLERGIES & ASTHMA • INSECT ALLERGIES • FOOD ALLERGIES HIVES • SINUSITIS & MORE 94

stylemagazine

march2012

Thomas L. Johnson II, M.D.

Rebecca B. Long, ARNP

1501 US Hwy 441 North, Suite 1406 The Villages, FL 32159 352.753.1422 • OPEN FOUR DAYS A WEEK

CLINICAL RESEARCH DIVISION (352) 629-2223 NOW ENROLLING IN CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDIES!

DON’T LET A SUNNY PAST KEEP YOU FROM A

BRIGHT FUTURE 1 IN EVERY 5 AMERICANS WILL DEVELOP SKIN CANCER AT SOME POINT DURING THEIR LIFETIME.

nt e m t n i o n app today! a e k a M ing n e e r c s for a

freeman dermatology MICHAEL J. FREEMAN, M.D.

MICHAEL J. FREEMAN, M.D. OCALA SKIN INSTITUTE 2750 SE 17 STREET OCALA, FL 34471 352.732.7779

DAVID KOSIOREK, PA-C. THE VILLAGE DERMATOLOGIST 1521 BUENOS AIRES BLVD THE VILLAGES, FL 32159 352.750.6946

WWW.DOCFREEMAN.COM

Did you know that supports

?

ALZHEIMER’S BELL’S PALSY FIBROMYALGIA MIGRAINE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS NEUROPATHY PARKINSON’S SEIZURES STROKE VERTIGO

70% don’t drink?

352.408.2009 I www.safeclimatecoaliton.org I P.O. Box 64 I Yalaha, FL 34797

www.SADD.org

More Listeners

than Tellers We’re here to listen to your challenges and opportunities. Your community bankers are ready to respond with prompt, professional service.

For business loans, or to open a new savings or checking account...call USB. We’re listening.

Community Minded. Customer Focused.

-FFTCVSH %PXOUPXO t 4PVUI -FFTCVSH t XXX 6OJUFE4PVUIFSO#BOL DPN 96

stylemagazine

march2012

K B The MARCH issue

www.WKandB.com

SEE THIS MONTH’S FEATURE DEALS

10,000 SQ. FT OF IDEAS AND INSPIRATIONS!

ADVERTISEMENT march2012

stylemagazine

97

THIS MARCH, GET SPECIAL PRICING LINE OF CAMBRIA NATURAL Cambria is pure, natural quartz, one of the hardest and most common minerals on Earth. It has the natural look and feel of granite, but features superior performance because of its strength and durability. It is nonporous and will not absorb food and liquids like granite does. And best of all, it is maintenance-free and MADE IN AMERICA!

COUNTERTOPS With more than 120 colors and 600 slabs of granite in stock, we offer one of the largest granite selections in Florida. Plus, we offer lines of quartz, solid-surface and laminate countertops by the world’s best name brands.

ASK ABOUT OUR MONTHLY SPECIALS!

CABINETRY NETRY ETRY We offer all the newest and most popular styles of kitchen cabinetry for all tastes and budgets. We carry an extensive selection of better quality lines of cabinetry that are sure to please, and can help you achieve any specific design look that you desire.

As one of the largest and most trusted kitchen cabinetry and remodeling firms in Central Florida, we offer the area’s lowest prices on beautiful, top lines of cabinetry. We back our sales with experienced service and professional installation that is unmatched. We strive to be the best, and it shows in our finished kitchen and bath installations.

Our talented in-house team of designers and installers provide the personal attention and quality service you’re looking for. Another important reason to choose us is selection. We represent the industry’s finest made cabinetry products. This includes designer cabinets by Merillat, Shiloh, Mid Continent, Home Crest, Quality Cabinetry and others.

ADVERTISEMENT

www.WKandB.com

ON OUR ENTIRE QUARTZ SURFACES!

TUBS Featuring top-rated walk-in and whirlpool bathtubs, our tubs have unique features not found in any other whirlpool bath. They have mastered the ergonomics of body comfort and perfect jet placement, giving you luxury at a reasonable price as well as the warmest bath experience possible.

In fact, we guarantee a hot bath every time. And unlike other whirlpool baths, you won’t need to buy an in-line heater to keep warm. High-density foam insulation and our unique passive warm air induction system allows our tubs to stay hot. Gently contoured lumbar support and spacious bathing wells combined with maximum hydro-massage provide the ultimate esc escape and relaxation.

SHOWERS WER ER For those of you who want to renovate or install a new shower in your bathroom, it’s important to know that Wildwood Kitchen & Bath, Inc. is the area’s largest manufacturer and installer of custom Jetta Stone Solid Surface Shower bases and wall material.

Our Jetta Stone Solid Surface showers feature onepiece construction. There are NO grout lines to clean on this durable, sanitary, non-porous surface. Our showers are affordable and are available in both custom and standard sizes. You also have a wide choice of colors and styles to choose from.

march2012

stylemagazine

99

Our 10,000 square foot showroom in Wildwood, Florida is one of the largest in Central Florida. We offer you one of the area’s most complete selections of designer cabinetry, countertops, custom showers and more – all at unbeatable low prices.

No one beats our prices on superior quality lines of designer cabinetry, countertops, showers, bathtubs and related accessories. We consistently offer the area’s lowest prices on the products people want, and we back our sales with knowledgeable service.

PROMPT, PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

FIND US RIGHT HERE!

Our professional installers are among the most experienced and best in the business. We’re perfectionists in everything we do and strive to provide service excellence that goes above and beyond what you typically encounter elsewhere.

VISIT OUR 10,000 SQ. FT SHOWROOM!

ALL PRODUCTS MADE IN AMERICA LOCATED ON HWY 301 368 SHOPPING CENTER DR. WILDWOOD, FL 34785 HOURS: MON-FRI 9-5, SAT 9-4

352.539.0220 www.WKandB.com

Cecil and Jackie Clark, Ribbon cutting ceremony, May 22nd 1972.

Left: Joseph Clark, General Sales Manager. Right: Greg Clark, Owner.

A lot has changed in 40 years.

But at Cecil Clark Chevrolet, we’ve stood firm on our founding values: Putting you first in service and sales and ensuring that

Nobody, but NOBODY beats a Cecil Clark Deal!

8843 US Highway 441 Leesburg, Florida /CecilClarkChevy1972 352-787-6888 www.lakecountychevy.com

JOIN US

2012 LAKE COUNTY

BOY SCOUTS

GOLDEN

EAGLE

DINNER THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012 MISSION INN RESORT & CLUB RECEPTION 6:00P.M. • DINNER 7:00P.M.

DON’T JUDGE A HERO BY THE SIZE OF HIS CAPE

Dinner Honoree Dr. Kasey C. Kesselring, Ed.D Montverde Academy Dinner Co-Chairs Dr. Robin Revis-Pyke, Ph.D • Montverde Academy Carey Baker • Former FL State Senator

Keith & Pat Shamrock

RSVP Now by e-mailing Jason.Setser@cflscouting.org. For more information on becoming a corporate sponsor or hosting a table please call: 352-328-6979.

To RSVP or make your secure online donation visit lge.cflscouting.org

Carey Baker

Leesburg Club

Gene Hill Presenting Media Title Sponsors

McDonnell Family

PRESENTS THE

15 Annual th

GolfClassic

Scary golf… spiders, bats, snakes, and hackers, oh my!!! at Continental Country Club 50 Continental Blvd., Wildwood | Hwy. 44. W.

Friday, April 13 2012 TIMES:

SPONSORS:

6:30–7:30 a.m. • Tee Box Host Check-in and Set-up 7:00–8:15 a.m. • Registration 7:00–8:15 a.m. • Continental Breakfast 8:15 a.m. • Putting Contest 8:45 a.m. • Announcements, Rules and Regulations, and Shotgun Start 2:00 p.m. (approximate time) • Banquet and Awards

Presenting: COMCAST BUSINESS CLASS Ace: Nelson’s Tents & Events, Continental Country Club Restaurant Birdie: Culligan Water, Cybertron, Daily Commercial, Heaven’s View Creations LLC, Style Magazine, Two Old Hags, Victory Casino Cruises Hole in One and $10,000 Putt: Plaza Cadillac

NAME: COMPANY NAME: PHONE: ( ) EMAIL: FORM OF PAYMENT: VISA MC AMEX CARD #: BILLING ADDRESS: CITY:

$50 Individual Golf Reservation

FAX: (

)

-

$200 Foursome Golf Reservation $300 Tee Box Reservation $500 Tee Box + Golf Foursome

CHECK ENCLOSED INVOICE ME EXP. DATE: 3 DIGIT SECURITY CODE: STATE:

ZIP CODE:

Fax: 352.787.3985 or mail to: Leesburg Area Chamber 103 South Sixth Street Leesburg, FL 34748

The Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce along with its staff, members, volunteers partners and any other affiliates are not responsible for any attendees at this or any other event including their consumption of alcoholic beverages and the resulting outcomes. (PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED PRIOR TO EVENT)

Visit our Facebook address at www.facebook.com/leesburgchamber For more information: www.leesburgchamber.com • 352.787.2131

THE LAKE-SUMTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC. invites you to attend our 27th Annual Gala Auction

Saturday, April 14th, 2012 6PM | SAVANNAH CENTER | THE VILLAGES Tickets $125 per person or $200 per couple.

ENJOY AN EXCITING EVENING FILLED WITH A SILENT AUCTION, GOURMET DINNER, AND LIVE AUCTION ALL TO SUPPORT LAKE-SUMTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND THE STUDENTS WE SERVE. IF INTERESTED IN A SPONSORSHIP, DONATING AN ITEM, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT ROSANNE BRANDEBURG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 352-365-3518 or BRANDEBR@LSCC.EDU

PROUDLY PRESENTED BY

what’s happening

MARCH 2012

Boy Scouts Golden Eagle Dinner (March 22) The event brings together Lake County’s top corporate and community leaders each year to honor one of our great community leaders, Dr. Kasey C. Kesselring, Ed.D. Enjoy a fun-filled and entertaining presentation along with delicious food, drinks and the feeling that comes with philanthropic compassion to benefit the Boy Scouts of America. 6p.m. reception, 7p.m. dinner. Mission Inn Resort and Club, 10400 Country Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills, 34737.

Business Attire. RSVP via email Jason.Setser@ sflscouting.org or online at lge.cflscouting.org.

For corporate sponsorship or hosting a table, please call 352.328.6979.

Pig on the Pond (March 9 and 10) First Green Bank is the proud sponsor of this year’s Pig on the Pond fundraising event to benefit scholarships and education in the South Lake community. The event includes a barbeque competition, carnival, contests, fireworks, and much more! There is a daily entry fee of $2 per person. Those who purchase armbands for $20 on Saturday can enjoy unlimited rides. Clermont Waterfront Park is pet friendly, but all dogs must be on a leash. For information visit Pigonthepond.org.

35th Annual Leesburg Fine Art Festival (March 3 and 4) The beautiful work of more than 100 fine artists will be showcased on the Town Square stage. The event also includes festive food, a kid’s zone, a classic car show, and live entertainment. There will also be a student art exhibit in the gallery of the Leesburg Center for the Arts held in conjunction with the Leesburg Art Association Spring Show. 352.365.0232.

march2012

stylemagazine

105

MARCH

EVENTS Seaplane Sightseeing Tours (March 1–April 15) What a way to see the lakes of Lake County! This classic 1957 DeHavilland Beaver seats up to five passengers. Makes a great and unique present! Stop in Tremain’s Tavern afterward for the perfect drink and meal and a Lake Dora sunset! Seaplane tours from Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St., Mount Dora begin in February and are available through April 15 during daylight hours. The cost varies depending on the number of people and the duration of the trip. Contact John Justad for information at 218. 682.2006 or jjustad@tds.net Orange Blossom Half Marathon and 5K Run (March 3–4) Runners will enjoy this scenic out-and-back course that follows the beautiful Lake Dora shoreline for nearly the entire race.

The Orange Blossom half marathon starts and finishes in Tavares’ Wooton Park. Special commemorative awards will be given for the top three overall, top masters, and top three in each age division for both the 5K and half marathon. For more info call Sommer Sports at 352.394.1320 or visit OrangeBlossomMarathon.com.

BBQ, Blues and Brew (March 10) Come sample all you can eat from 5–10p.m. in downtown Leesburg! You’ll enjoy favorite pork and chicken recipes from popular local barbecue restaurants.

Enjoy electrifying blues music and The Florida Brewing Company line-up of craft beer. Admission: adults $10, children 10 and under $5. Leesburg Partnership, 352.365.0053.

Sorrento Community Breakfast (March 10) Come join your friends and neighbors for a friendly breakfast, 8–10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Sorrento 24125 State Road 46, Sorrento. For only $4 enjoy pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice. The event 106

stylemagazine

2012

is presented by East Lake County Chamber of Commerce and Mount Plymouth Landowners League. For information, please contact Melissa at 352.383.8801 or chamber@elcchamber.com.

Antiques Appraisal Clinic (March 11) Antiques Appraisal Clinic is presented by the Eustis Historical Museum.

Bring your antiques to the Eustis Community Center. Call 352.483.0046 or visit EustisHistoricalMuseum.com for more information.

Classic Raceboat Regatta (March 16–18) Several types of classic race boats will perform exhibition flybys in a race-like setting on a 1½ -mile oval course. Watch various racing heats throughout the day with flatbottoms, hydros and skiffs. Wooton Park, Lake Dora, Downtown Tavares. Sponsored by the Classic Race Boat Association.

Contact Dick Whyte at 508.343.7197 or richard.whyte@att.net or visit classicraceboatassoc.com.

Mutts with Muscle (March 17) Awesome adoptable pets from the South Lake Animal League will be “working out” and “showing their stuff” at Gold’s Gym, 150 E. HWY 50, Clermont.

Please stop by and consider giving one of these adorable animals a home.

Contact the South Lake Animal League at 352.429.6334 or Gold’s Gym at 352.394.2210.

3rd Annual Texas Hold’em Tournament (March 17) The tournament will benefit the United Way of Lake and Sumter. Final Table Prizes may include (subject to change): Apple IPad, Disney Park Hopper 4-Pack, flat screen TV, Florida Lotto prize pack, Sirius XM radio, indoor skydiving experience, and many more. Saturday, March 17, 2012. Registration at noon, cards in the air at 1p.m., Gator Harley-Davidson, 1745 US Highway 441, Leesburg.

march2012

To have an event considered for Lake & Sumter Style’s Calendar section, please send a short text description (along with a color photo, if possible) 60 days in advance to: email: Calendar@akersmediagroup.com fax: 352.323.8161 mail: Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749

Early registration by March 10: $60 individual/$110 couple. After March 10: $70 individual, $130 couple. Rebuys and add-ons for the first hour, raffle prized and 50/50, food and beverages available for purchase. Tournament operated

by Texas Hold’em Poker Tours, LLC. Call Terri Kracht 352.787.7530 ext.227 or campaign@uwls.org or register on-line at uwls.org.

Run for Freedom (March 23) The 3rd Annual Banquet Run for Freedom will be held inside the First United Methodist of Clermont’s Wesley Center at 6p.m. In addition to a 5k run/walk, participants will be treated to live music, inspirational speakers, a silent auction, and raffle. The event will help Run for Freedom in its mission to stop human trafficking. Cost is $40 per person or $300 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased at runforfreedom.net on the EVENTS page.

19th Annual Southeastern ProRodeo (March 23–24) Sanctioned pro-rodeo action returns to the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala.

Get ready for two jam-packed performances filled with exciting competition in saddle and bareback bronco riding, tied down roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and, the always popular and most dangerous eight seconds in rodeo — bull riding! Mark Swingler, contract act, clown and barrel man from Texas, will entertain the crowd with several comedy acts. Gates open at 6p.m., action starts at 7:30p.m. Advance tickets are $14, gate tickets are $16. Children five and under are free. Reserved box seats are $18 and up. Call 352.401.5900 or visit ocalarodeo.com for reserved box seats.

Sunnyland Antique and Classic Boat Society Show (March 23–25) The Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival is the largest show of its kind in the southeastern United States. More than 250 boats are displayed in the water

and on land. $5 gate fee. 9a.m.–5p.m. at Wooton Park in Tavares. For more information, visit the Sunnyland Antique and Classic Boat Society website at acbs-sunnyland.org.

Power of Praise (March 31) The Power of Praise features live concerts and fun for the entire family.

Enjoy live praise bands, vocalists, a bounce house, face painting, kids activities, vendors, food and ice cream. The event is being held from noon to 5p.m. at the Clermont Waterfront Pavilion and Highlander Hut. Tickets cost $5 per person or $15 per family. For ticket information, visit newbeginningslake.org or call 352.404.6946.

Festival of Reading (March 30) Donations are being sought for the silent auction to be held during the Authors’ Reception at the award-winning Festival of Reading. The money raised will benefit future library programs.

The annual event will be held this year on March 30 in the beautiful new Lady Lake Public Library. Gift baskets, certificates for products or services, or items are welcome! A schedule of the writing workshops and author appearances is available along with a list of participating authors on the Lake County Library System website at mylakelibrary. org/festivalofreading or by calling 352.253.6167.

DreamCatcher Ranch Horse Rescue Center (April 1) DreamCatcher Ranch is a non-profit horse rescue center that adopts abused or abandoned horses. The Ranch is sprucing up and preparing for its spring fundraiser on April 1 from noon–4p.m.

For more information about the event, the Silver Spurs senior’s group, or supporting the Ranch’s efforts to care for rescued horses, email dchorserescue@ gmail.com.

Miss Leesburg “Scholarship Scramble” Golf Tournament (April 14) The eighth annual Miss Leesburg Scholarship Scramble fundraiser will be held at Harbor Hills Country Club.

Registration begins at 7a.m. with a shotgun start at 8:15a.m. $75 registration fee includes lunch, awards, prizes and raffles throughout the day. For more information or to register a team, contact Linda Watts at 352.326.4217.

FESTIVALS/FAIRS 35th Annual Leesburg Fine Art Festival (March 3–4) More than 100 fine artists as well as live entertainment will be showcased on the Leesburg downtown square stage. The event also includes festive foods, kid’s zone and classic car show, and student art exhibit in the gallery of the Leesburg Center for the Arts in conjunction with the Leesburg Art Association Spring Show.

352.365.0232.

MUSEUMS & EXHIBITS “Magic Garden” by Candice Knapp (March 1–April 7) Step into the “Magic Garden” of Tampa Bay artist Candice Knapp and discover where the things we imagine become real. Knapp’s fantasy woodland environment is created by using wood to form an abstract shape and giving it an attitude with her carving and finishing skills. These organic sculptures are the key elements in her installation. They are given a louder voice with the addition of mobiles and paintings that complete the fantasy setting. Exhibit opened in February and continues to April 7. Mount Dora Center for the Arts Gallery, 138 E. 5th Ave., Mount Dora. For information, contact Beth 352.383.0880 Dancing with Light (March 2–April 8) With awe and wonder, Barbara Tiffany, explores in surreal and

hyper-real the complex and the simple in nature, as long as there is light. A masterful painter, mentored by the revered master Maury Hurt, Tiffany is inspired to explore the subject before her, seeking all that light reveals of the natural world. Often, her renderings are more real than the real subject as her brush dances with light and paint across canvas to craft a love note to art and nature. Opening artist talk on March 2, 6–9p.m. Exhibit runs through April 8. Lake Eustis Museum of Art, 200 B East Orange Avenue, Eustis. Call 352.483.2900 for more information or visit LakeEustisMuseumofArt.org Leesburg Art Association 2012 Spring Art Show (March 3–30) The public is cordially invited to visit the Leesburg Art Association’s (LAA) Annual Spring Art Show featuring original artwork of more than 50 LAA member artists. This fine art exhibit opening is on March 3–4 from 9a.m.–4p.m. at the Leesburg Center for the Arts in downtown Leesburg.

A gala opening reception and awards ceremony will be on Thursday, March 8 10a.m.–noon. Show continues through March 30 with modified schedule: Monday–Thursday 9a.m.–4p.m. and Friday from 9a.m.–noon. Come by to enjoy and experience the exceptional and diverse talent of area artists. Most of their work will be available for purchase. For more information visit leesburgart.org.

MUSIC & THEATER Encore! Le Cirque de Jardin - an evening of jazz with Sisaundra Lewis (March 3) The Garden Theatre (160 West Plant Street) is pleased to present a celebration of the theatre’s fourth anniversary at 6pm. This extraordinary evening will include an Indulgence Dinner and silent auction, in addition

to a meet-and-greet with the artists following the performance. Tickets: $100 per person, $175 per pair. Premium seats are available for an additional $50 per person. Tickets are available by calling the Garden Theatre Box Office at 407.877.4736 or at gardentheatre.org.

Blithe Spirit (March 9–April 1) Director William McCoy presents Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward. Novelist Charles Condomine invites Madam Arcati, a medium and clairvoyant, to his house for a séance, hoping to find material for his next book. Instead he is haunted by his annoying and temperamental first wife Elvira who continually makes attempts to ruin Charles’s second marriage.

Moonlight Players Warehouse Theater 732 B West Montrose Street Clermont, FL 34711 Theatre 352.243.5875.

Reservations 352.319.1116 Carpe Diem String Quartet (March 10) America’s premier “indie” ensemble, Carpe Diem String Quartet, will share their acclaimed musical innovation and flair at Mount Dora High School at 7:30p.m. They effortlessly transition between musical genres such as folk, jazz tango, and pop. Single tickets cost $20. For more information, call 352.383.1165 or visit mountdoraconcerts.com.

A Musical Evening (March 16) Acoustic Eidolon will perform at 7:30p.m. at the Historic State Theatre in Eustis.

This duo has recorded multiple albums such as Barefoot (2006), Live to Dance (2004), and Joy to the World (2003).

Tickets are $15. For more information, visit eusticmainstreet.org.

The Foreigner (March 16–April 1) A hilarious comedy produced by Jester Theater Company and written by Larry Shue will be performed at the Garden Theater at 160 West Plant Street, Winter Garden. Tickets are $24, students/

seniors $20. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardenttheatre.org for more information.

The Marvelous Wonderettes (March 16–April 8) Written by Roger Bean, The Wonderettes perform at the 1958 Springfield High prom. Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy harmonize to hits such as Mr. Sandman and It’s My Party then skip to their 1968 reunion for more hits like Respect and Wedding Bell Blues. The Sonnentag Theatre at the Ice House, Mount Dora. Extra show: Saturday, April 7 at 2 p.m. For tickets and information, call 352.383.3133, email jean@ icehousetheatre.com or visit the website at icehousetheatre.com.

Grease (March 23–25) (March 30–April 1) April 6–8) Grease is a 1971 musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. The musical is named for the 1950s United States working-class youth subculture known as the greasers. The musical, set in 1959 at fictional Rydell High School (loosely based on William Howard Taft School), follows 10 working-class teenagers as they navigate the complexities of love, cars, and drive-ins. Melon Patch Players 311 N 13th St. Leesburg, FL 34748 4th Biennial Barto Prize Concert (March 24) The Lake Eustis Institute announces the fourth biennial Barto Prize to be awarded March 24 for a composition for solo piano. Pianist Tzimon Barto, for whom the prize is named, will play the winning composition at a concert. Information is available at LakeEustisInstitute.org or tickets available at the Bay Street Players Box Office 352.357.7777 or on-line at baystreetplayers.tix.com.

Mount Dora Spring Antiques, Collectibles and Crafts Show (March 24–25) 9a.m. to 5p.m. Mount Dora mountdoraspringshow.com

march2012

stylemagazine

107

MARCH

Unique Spiritual Theater Event (April 24–25) Internationally known spiritual author and presenter, Suzanne Giesemann is featured in a documentary, Messages of Hope, based on her latest book of the same title. Suzanne is a former U.S. Navy Commander, Commanding Officer, and Aide-de-Camp to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Fly with her as she describes being in the last plane in the air on 9/11. Walk with her through the burning halls of the Pentagon just hours after the attack. Sail with her into uncharted territory following the tragic death of her stepdaughter. Don’t miss this incredible chance to view the documentary and meet Suzanne! April 24: sold out. April 25: Tickets $6. A package with book and ticket is $24 Old Mill Playhouse at Sumter Landing, The Villages OneMindBookClub.com or call 888.692.0781 for more information.

ONGOING EVENTS The In Focus Photo Club (First and Third Thursdays) Interested in Photography? Join the In Focus Photo Club! IFPC welcomes photo buffs of every skill level to join a small, active club providing members with educational and social experiences. We have informal meetings with programs, special events, image critiques, field trips and more. Family and individual memberships include a diversity of experiences, from beginner to fully-employed professional photographers. We meet at 6:30p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Eustis, 2727 S. Grove Street. Check us out at infocusphotclub.com.

Open Poetry and Prose at Olivia’s (Every Tuesday) The Poetry Night has proven to be such a successful gathering that it is being continued by popular demand! Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, wine, beer, coffees and teas and choose from 108

stylemagazine

2012

To have an event considered for Lake & Sumter Style’s Calendar section, please send a short text description (along with a color photo, if possible) 60 days in advance to: email: Calendar@akersmediagroup.com fax: (352) 323-8161 mail: Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749

a casual, affordable menu. Join the crowd at Olivia’s Coffeehouse & Bistro, 113 N. Bay Street, Eustis. 7–9p.m. For more information, call 352.357.1887 or visit OliviasCoffeehouse.com.

attend to address important community issues. The League is nonpartisan, and membership is open to women and men 18 years and older. There is no charge to attend. 352.750.1366.

discussion. The meetings are held from October to May, and admission is free for museum members and $3 for guests. lakeeustismuseumofart.org or 352.483.2900.

PAWS for Mount Dora (Second Sundays)“Park and Bark” at Mt Dora Sushi to pick up your map then head out on to the “waggin trail” to discover great places in Mount Dora to spend time with your pup. Get stamped at different monthly pet friendly locations then return with your card to be entered to win some fabulous prizes! Free. Mt. Dora Sushi, 124 E 3rd Ave., Mt. Dora. 11a.m.–3p.m.

For more information call Janet at 352.217.8390.

Opera @ the Library (Fourth Mondays) Cooper Memorial Library hosts this monthly program to bring the passion and joy of opera to the public. The meetings are from 2–5p.m. and feature educational and entertaining programs on opera.

352.536.2275.

Anime Club (Second Tuesdays) Teens meet from 3:30–5p.m. every second Tuesday of the month at the Tavares Public Library to discuss their favorite anime and manga. Free. 352.742.6204.

Sumter Blind/VIP Support Group (Second Mondays). The Sumter Blind/Visually Impaired Person (VIP) Support Group will meet at 11:30a.m. on the second Monday of the month. The meetings take place at the Coffee House Restaurant, located at County Road 466A and Highway 301 in Wildwood, and are open to all blind or visually impaired individuals, caregivers and other interested parties. Guests must register by the Friday before each meeting to reserve a seat. 352.435.5040.

Wildwood Women’s Club (Fourth Mondays) September through May, the Wildwood Women’s Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month for a light dinner and discussion of fundraisers and other planned activities. Any woman interested in joining the club is encouraged to contact the club for meeting locations. There is no charge to attend. 352.457.4936.

LWV of The Villages/Tri-County Area (Fourth Mondays) League of Women Voters members and guests meet on the fourth Monday of the month from September to May. Guest speakers from the tri-county area

march2012

George E. Mattson Classes (Mondays and Wednesdays) World-renowned Uechi-ryu Karate expert George E. Mattson will hold classes for youngsters and adults year-round at the Mount Dora Community Building. City of Mount Dora residents will receive a discount, and scholarships are available.

5–7p.m. 352.735.7183.

Breastfeeding Workshops (Second Mondays and First Wednesdays) South Lake Hospital’s Centre for Women’s Health is now offering two new breastfeeding support services for local moms.

Breastfeeding Workshop 1, held on the first Wednesday of the month from 6:30–9p.m., is an educational class for expectant parents to teach breastfeeding basics and establish proper habits. Breastfeeding Workshop 2, held on the second Monday of the month from 6:30–8:30p.m., focuses on advanced breastfeeding issues.

Every class is taught by a certified lactation consultant, and registration is required. Cost is $30. southlakehospital.com or 352.241.7109.

Literary Guild (First Tuesdays) Join Literary Guild members at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art on the first Tuesday of each month at 1:30p.m. for a fun and informal book

Moms’ Morning Out (Wednesdays) Moms of all ages can bring their little ones, newborn to six months, to this casual, fun, and supportive group meeting to discuss parenting issues and socialize with other moms.

10–11:30a.m. on the second floor of the Centre for Women’s Health at South Lake Hospital. No cost to attend; registration not necessary. 352.241.7109.

Cagan Crossings Farmer’s Market (Wednesdays) This year-round, weekly market is held Wednesday evenings at 533 Cagan Park Avenue on U.S. Hwy. 27, one mile north of Hwy. 192. 4–7p.m. cagancrossings.com or 352.243.9005.

Lake County Farmers & Flea Market (Thursdays) Visit the weekly Farmers & Flea Market at the Lake County Expo Center & Fairgrounds in Eustis. It’s the place to shop for a variety of products ranging from apples to pasta. The market is open year-round on Thursdays. Please, no pets. 8:15a.m.–noon. 352.357.9692.

Salvation Army Home League (Thursdays) This Leesburg Salvation Army program for women ages 16 and up fosters friendship and camaraderie among local women. The group meets every Thursday at 6 pm for 90 minutes of worship, fun, and refreshments. The Salvation Army is located on West Main Street in Leesburg.

352.365.0079.

concer ts .

03/01 03/01 03/01 03/02 03/02 03/04 03/04 03/04 03/05-03/09 03/05 03/06 03/08 03/08 03/09 03/09 03/09 03/10 03/10 03/10 03/10 03/10 03/11 03/11 03/12 03/13 03/15-03/17 03/16 03/16 03/16-03/18 03/17 03/17 03/17 03/18 03/18 03/19 03/20 03/20 03/21 03/22 03/22 03/23 03/23-03/25 03/23 03/23 03/23 03/24 03/24 03/24 03/24 03/25 03/25 03/28 03/29 03/29 03/30 03/30 03/31

.

Dark Star Orchestra The Plaza Theatre (Orlando) Faster Pussycat Jannus Live (Saint Petersburg) Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons Ruth Eckerd Hall (Clearwater) Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Bob Carr Perf. Arts Centre (Orlando) Romeo Santos Amway Center (Orlando) Dropkick Murphys House Of Blues (Lake Buena Vista) The Harlem Globetrotters UCF Arena (Orlando) Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Bob Carr Perf. Arts Centre (Orlando) Aaron & Amanda Crabb Holy Land Experience Theme Park (Orlando) Lotus The Beacham (Orlando) John Leguizamo Bob Carr Perf. Arts Centre (Orlando) Henry Rollins House Of Blues (Lake Buena Vista) Of Montreal The Plaza Theatre (Orlando) Big Head Todd & The Monsters House Of Blues (Lake Buena Vista) Classic Albums Live Hard Rock Live (Orlando) Cults The Plaza Theatre (Orlando) Elton John Amway Center (Orlando) Excision House Of Blues (Lake Buena Vista) Lights The Beacham (Orlando) Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Bob Carr Perf. Arts Centre (Orlando) Styx Twin Oaks Amphitheatre (Silver Springs) Badfish - Trib. to Sublime House Of Blues (Lake Buena Vista) The Wailers Hard Rock Live (Orlando) We Came As Romans The Plaza Theatre (Orlando) Experience Hendrix Hard Rock Live (Orlando) Jim Norton The Improv (Orlando) Kevin Smith Hard Rock Live (Orlando) Michael Flatley’s Lord Of The Dance Bob Carr Perf. Arts Centre (Orlando) Starship Starring Mickey Thomas Epcot Center (Lake Buena Vista) MuteMath House Of Blues (Lake Buena Vista) Slaughterhouse The Beacham (Orlando) Soul Asylum Harley Davidson Of Orlando (Orlando) The DigiTour The Plaza Theatre (Orlando) Kasabian The Beacham (Orlando) Bone Thugs-N-Harmony The Beacham (Orlando) Asking Alexandria The Beacham (Orlando) Every Avenue The Plaza Theatre (Orlando) Zeds Dead The Beacham (Orlando) Bowfire Bob Carr Perf. Arts Centre (Orlando) Yann Tiersen The Beacham (Orlando) Eric Church UCF Arena (Orlando) The Guess Who Epcot Center (Lake Buena Vista) Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Tampa Bay Times Forum (Tampa) Tony Bennett Ruth Eckerd Hall (Clearwater) Wilson Phillips Capitol Theatre (Clearwater) Blue October House Of Blues (Lake Buena Vista) Glen Campbell Twin Oaks Amphitheatre (Silver Springs) Little Big Town Hard Rock Live (Orlando) Ryan Montbleau Band The Plaza Theatre (Orlando) Andy McKee The Plaza Theatre (Orlando) Breathe Carolina Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa (Lake Buena Vista) Jake Shimabukuro The Plaza Theatre (Orlando) Snow Patrol Hard Rock Live (Orlando) Red Hot Chili Peppers Tampa Bay Times Forum (Tampa) Sister Hazel House Of Blues (Lake Buena Vista) Jimmy Buffett 1-800 Ask-Gary Amphitheatre (Tampa) Red Hot Chili Peppers Amway Center (Orlando)

recognized with

in just our first 3 years

publisher of

every month. everywhere. march2012

stylemagazine

109

a blast IT’S A BEAUTIFUL MARCH DAY at Wooton Park. A great blue heron stands statue-like on the banks of Lake Dora while a majestic bald eagle spreads its wings and soars overhead.

The sun’s rays shine down on gleaming, sleek wooden boats displayed in water or on land, stretching as far as the eye can see.

You climb aboard an old-fashioned steam train and become mesmerized by the sounds — the shrill shriek of the whistle followed by the clickety-clack of the train on the tracks.

The spirited crew whisks you away on an exciting journey. Upon your return, you hop into a seaplane that skims across the water and takes to the sky, providing a breathtaking birds-eye view of picturesque Lake Dora.

This may sound like a fantasy, but it can become a reality by attending the Antique and Classic Boat Festival, which is being held at Wooton Park in downtown Tavares March 23– 25. This marks the 25th year that Lake County has hosted the event. It is the largest antique and classic boat show on America’s East Coast.

“We have planes, trains, boats and automobiles, so this is a major attraction for everybody,” said event chairman Terry Fiest.

110

stylemagazine

march2012

from the

past

WRITTEN BY JAMES COMBS PHOTOS PROVIDED

“It’s really fascinating to see all these modes of transportation being exhibited in one central location. To be honest, this event kind of reminds me of a circus. Antique boat owners as well as vendors all roll in several days before the event, set up their tents and put their exhibits on display.”

The event is hosted by the Florida-based Sunnyland Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS), the largest ACBS chapter with more than 640 members. More than 10,000 spectators from 23 states and Canada typically attend the show.

“This is a popular show for people up north because they incorporate it into a spring vacation,” Fiest says. “Oftentimes, they’ll go to Disney World then come to Tavares and take in the boat show.”

BOATS GALORE The types of boats on display will include historic boats built before 1918; antique boats constructed between 1919 and 1942; classic boats built between 1943 and 1975; and production contemporary boats manufactured from 1976 to the present. Among the more

prominent boats that will be showcased at the event are Glasspars, which were featured in numerous James Bond movies. The Glasspar Boat Company began manufacturing fiberglass boats in the late 1940s and became known for its radical, glitzy designs.

Also featured are two of the actual boats used in the 1981 hit movie On Golden Pond starring Henry Fonda and Kathryn Hepburn.

That includes the Thayer IV, which was used in a crash scene during the movie and helped generate widespread interest in antique boats.

The other boat is a 1963 Century Raven, more famously known as the “mail boat” used to deliver mail dock-to-dock. Another prominent boat on display is Gar Wood’s restored Miss America IX, which in 1931 became the first boat to reach 100 miles per hour.

Members of the Classic Race Boat Association will be present to exhibit old vintage race boats, and members of the Central Florida Chapter of the Antique and Outboard Motor Club will showcase old outboard motors.

“This is an opportunity to go back in time and take a close look at how boating was back then,” Fiest says. “It also allows you to understand how boats evolved to what they are today. People come to this show and are amazed that boats used to be made out of wood. They just assume boats were always made out of fiberglass. For other people, seeing these boats brings back lots of memories.”

MORE THAN BOATS Of course, the boats aren’t the only “movie stars” in town that day. Jones Brothers and Co. of Tavares will be offering seaplane rides aboard the Twin Bee amphibious aircraft, which recently appeared in the movie The Rum Diary starring Johnny Depp. Guests will enjoy a breathtaking aerial tour over Lake Dora.

In addition, the Orange Blossom Cannon Ball train, which runs from Tavares to Lake Jem, starred in award-winning movies such as True Grit, Appaloosa, 3:10 to Yuma and Rosewood. Notable Hollywood actors such as Patrick Swayze, Renee Zellweger and George Clooney have ridden aboard this 1907 steam engine. Guests will learn about the history of trains while experiencing scenic travel from a bygone era.

Boats, trains, and planes won’t be the only means of transportation capturing the attention of attendees. They’ll also notice several automobiles with wood bodies that possess style and character and vastly differ from today’s steel vehicles. These automobiles are referred to as “woodies” and are owned by members of the Central Florida Woodie Car Club.

“Those cars complement our boat show,” Fiest says. “Some of the members have woodie cars and wooden boats and display both.” There will also be a nautical flea market, a live Bluegrass band, a beer garden, and food vendors.

“We have planes, trains, boats and automobiles, so this is a major attraction for everybody.”

— Terry Fiest

Forr m Fo moore re infor nffor o ma mati mati tion on n please visit the Sunnyland Chapter’s website at acbs-sunnyland.org.

Admission is $5 per day or $10 for all three days.

march2012

stylemagazine

111

112

stylemagazine

march2012

Apalachicola

A Taste of Florida’s History WRITTEN BY MARY ANN DESANTIS PHOTOS BY MARY ANN AND TONY DESANTIS

How could a little thing like an oyster change history?

A visit to the Panhandle town of Apalachicola is all it takes to understand how Florida’s seafood industry and subsequent economic development boomed because of an invention by the town’s physician.

It’s only fitting that the first ice machine — and forerunner to refrigeration and air conditioning — was invented in Apalachicola by John Gorrie, who wanted a way to keep his yellow fever patients cool. Once the third largest shipping port on the Gulf Coast (behind Mobile and New Orleans), Apalachicola was originally founded as a customs district in 1821 to keep an eye on moonshine smugglers. Then cotton became king, and the town had as many as 48 warehouses on the waterfront by 1837.

Oyster harvesters wanted a way to expand their markets, and Gorrie’s invention, which was patented in 1851, paved the way. Apalachicola became world-renowned for its sweet oysters and the rest, as they say, is history.

A healthy respect for the past is a major part of Apalachicola’s charm.

The picture-perfect view from the Highway 98 Bridge that crosses the Apalachicola River reflects a time when downtown streets were wide, and metal roofs and white shutters dominated the architecture. With more than 900 historic homes and

march2012

stylemagazine

113

buildings in the National Historic District of Apalachicola, the waterfront town has been recognized as one of America’s Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The first building you see upon entering Apalachicola from the east is the blue and white Gibson Inn, built in 1907 and once the only luxury hotel between Pensacola and Jacksonville.

The large wrap-around porch offers a chance to sit a spell and relax after eating fried oysters or seafood gumbo prepared by Chef Jeanine Slagle, a graduate of both the Culinary Institute of America and Johnson & Wales College. And consider yourself extremely lucky if her simple oyster casserole is a special on the day you visit.

The John Gorrie Museum State Park, where a replica of the first icemaking machine is displayed, is a great place to begin a downtown tour. The small, yet informative museum has several exhibits chronicling the area’s colorful history and because it’s part of Florida’s State Park system, a ranger is usually on hand to share even more Apalachicola trivia. Each August, the town pays homage to Gorrie with an ice festival where sculptors carve intricate statues that melt not quite as quickly as the flavored snow cones and margaritas disappear.

Next to the park is Trinity Episcopal Church, where Gorrie was a member. The Greek Revival building was shipped in sections on

schooner ships and assembled with wooden pegs in 1838. Still an active parish, the church will host its 20th Annual Apalachicola Historic Home & Garden Tour on May 5, which is a wonderful opportunity to see many homes usually not open to the public.

Just around the corner from the church is the Coombs House Inn, considered the town’s most beautiful residence when lumber magnate James Coombs built it in 1905. The ornate staircase and verandas look like movie sets, but they are part of the amazing renovation completed by former Miami interior decorator Lynn Wilson, who was appalled at the mansion’s deterioration after it sat vacant from 1911 to 1990. She and her husband restored the original house and opened one of Florida’s most elegant bed and breakfast inns in 1992.

In addition to the historic homes and buildings, Apalachicola has several delightful galleries and shops. The Grady Street Market is reminiscent of an old-time mercantile store with its eclectic assortment of clothing, décor items, jewelry and more. You will not see any fast-food chains in the area, but you will find more than 30 locally-owned restaurants offering simple-to-exquisite menus. Oysters, however, are the cuisine kings.

Visiting Apalachicola without tasting the local oysters is much like going to Maine and not ordering lobster. When it comes to eating oysters, I am usually not much of a fan; however, Apalachicola is the one place where I will gulp the sweet, nongritty delicacies with pleasure. Maybe it’s the taste of history that makes me believe Apalachicola indeed serves the best oysters in the world.

Before you go: Download the free Apalachicola Historic Walking Tour Map from the Chamber of Commerce at apalachicolabay.org. For more information, visit Franklin County’s website at anaturalescape.com.

114

stylemagazine

march2012

TOP-FIVE QUESTIONS ABOUT

ADVERTISEMENT

Leg

Pain Q A

1. What are the common causes of leg pain?

Q A

2. What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Arterial blockages, also known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), arthritis, venous stasis or neuropathy, can cause leg pains

Narrowing of the arteries in the pelvis and legs that causes reduced

blood flow to the legs. Narrowing of the arteries happens due to cholesterol and calcium deposition in the arteries causing the hardening of the arteries.

Calf pain is most common, but patients may also experience buttock pain during ambulation limiting the ability to walk.

Some of the other symptoms include leg numbness or weakness, cramping in the legs, cold foot or non healing ulcers on the toes or feet, hair loss of the feet and legs and Erectile dysfunction in men are all described symptoms of PAD.

DR. SHRIKANTH UPADYA DR. VISHNU YELAMANCHI Dr. Upadya specializes in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease and internal medicine. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, General Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is also board certified in Adult Comprehensive Echocardiography by the National Board of Echocardiography and in Nuclear Cardiology by the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. He completed his fellowship in general cardiology at Yale University. His professional affiliations include the American Society of Echocardiography, the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, the Society of Cardiovascular Computer Tomography and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions.

Dr. Yelamanchi specializes in interventional cardiology and cardiovascular disease. He is board certified in Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is also a Fellow of the America College of Cardiology. He completed his residency in 1996 at Chicago Medical School, which is where he also underwent fellowship training as a chief cardiologist. He completed a fellowship in coronary and peripheral intervention in 2000 at the Cardiovascular Institute of the South located in Houma, La. and served as a senior research specialist in health science at the University of Chicago-Illinois. He is professionally affiliated with the American College of Cardiology.

Q A

3. What is the danger of having peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?

Q A

4. How can you prevent PAD progressing into amputations?

Q A

5. How do we treat PAD?

Untreated PAD could result in amputations. Thirty percent of patients with PAD also have associated coronary artery disease and stroke. PAD could cause a reduction in life expectancy by 10 years on average.

Screening is suggested for patients at high risk of having PAD. High risk factors would be long term smoking, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, long standing high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, obesity and advanced age.

Walking for at least 30 minutes a day, cessation of smoking habits, along with aggressive treatment of high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus and blood pressure problems.

Endovascular treatments are used most frequently to treat these blockages and that includes balloon dilation of blockages referred to as angioplasty, stenting and atherectemy (removal of plaque and calcium). Due to the improvement in techniques, arteries that have 100% blockage can be opened by these techniques for better flow to the foot. In selected patients surgery is an option.

Cardiologists, radiologists, and surgeons with peripheral intervention training and skills are able to perform the endovascular procedures.

For further questions regarding leg pains, contact experienced peripheral Interventionalists Dr. Vishnu Yelamanchi and Dr. Shrikanth Upadya at the Cardiac and Vascular Consultants

BEFORE

AFTER

CVC 352.633.1966 1149 Main Street The Villages, FL 32159

1050 Old Camp Rd, Suite 206 The Villages, FL 32162

709 Physicians Court Leesburg, FL 34748 This paitient suffered from peripheral artery disease of the thigh.

“I took the CTS out for a test drive and loved it. When I came back I saw the SRX and just had to give it a try. What a drive! Great steering, comfortable seats and lots of room! I bought it from JR who came in on a Sunday just for me… What a great car and a great staff!

Opposite page: L to R - Salesperson J.R. Bolton, Wanda Laytart, General Manager Greg Yager.

— Wanda Mae Laytart

SALES HOURS: Mon.–Fri. 8:30am–7pm, Sat. 9am–5pm | SERVICE HOURS: Mon.–Fri. 7:30am–5:30pm, Sat. 8am–Noon | Se Habla Español

352.787.1323 | 800.433.0976 | 8893 S. Hwy. 441, Leesburg (Across from Leesburg Airport) View Our Complete Inventory at www.plazacadillac.com and www.plazacadillac.net

parting sh t Date: 3/21/2010 Time: 7:49p.m.

Composite HDR

FRED LOPEZ CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

120

stylemagazine

march2012

YOU’LL L VE...

0% FINANCING AVAILABLE FOR

48 MONTHS

NO PAYMENTS FOR 90 DAYS

ING... NED T N E S SIG PRE LY REDE

AL NEW TOT THE ALL RY SE 2012 CAMlona Red Barce

MPG HWY

35

E! ERENC F IF D E H AKES T M A C U eL AR… D 208 C 2 E H 3 T 3 5 S E ) K 2 MA nesty OCALA (35 ers with ho rs! m TOYOTA LLEGE ROAD IN to s u c g tin yea CO 1719 SWcatoyota.com www.delu

33 “Trea ty for over ri g te in d n a eated as an You’ll be tr home!” uest in our Owner Honored G sident/ Pre DeLuca, —Frank