Style Magazine, May 2018

LAKE & SUMTER

May 2018 s Busines

WofOMELNE STY

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR + Rose Connell of The Villages Insurance

HONORING WOMEN

Whether they’re veterans or first responders, these women know the meaning of duty, honor, and protecting home and country.

A lifestyle that fits you!

A PLACE WHERE YOUR LIFESTYLE ALWAYS COMES FIRST.

This master-planned community carefully encompasses the lifestyle of both all-ages as well as those 55 and better. With a superior amenity package, you have the freedom to explore your passions at a value you can appreciate. Come discover why thousands of homebuyers are moving to Clermont!

Inspired 55+ Living 1010 Braewood Drive, Clermont, FL 32715 352-415-4237

1,722 to 2,930 Sq. Ft. 2 to 3 Bedrooms 2 to 3 Baths 1 Story Homes 2 to 3 Car Garage From the $230s

Single-Family Homes 516 Bellflower Way Clermont, FL 34715 352-415-4235

HIGHLANDRANCHFL.COM Old Highway 50 and Blackstill Lake Road Clermont, Florida 34715 Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, incentives, floorplans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. © March 2018, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. All rights reserved.

1,838 to 4,180 Sq. Ft. 3 to 6 Bedrooms 2 to 3.5 Baths 1 to 2 Story Homes 2 to 3 Car Garage From the $250s

Beautiful Homes Begin Here!

Your bedding headquarters!

352.435 .6131 // shopfamilyfurniture.com // 8626 US Hwy 441, Leesburg Mon-Fri 9am-6pm // Sat 10am-6pm // Sun 12pm-5pm

>> INTEREST FREE FINANCING >> LOW PRICE GUARANTEE >> FREE IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATION

“My salesperson, Jesse Knapp, is tremendous.

He was extremely considerate and didn’t rush me. I felt very comfortable with him. In fact, everyone at Plaza Cadillac is very pleasant to work with. They each take a tremendous amount of pride in their job.”

— MURIEL ANDERSON, LEESBURG

PLAZA C A D I L L AC 8893 US HWY 441, LEESBURG, FL 34788 // 352.787.1323 // PLAZACADILLAC.COM

(L–R): GREG YAGER, GENERAL MANAGER; MURIEL ANDERSON; JESSE KNAPP, SALES REPRESENTATIVE

GET A PACKAGE WITH THE BEST GIFT OF ALL

Clear Vision Dazzling Style AND

Custom Optical Packages from Precision Optics feature an amazing array of fashion-forward designer frames and your choice of single and multifocal specialty lenses, plus options like polarized, antiglare and Transitions®, packaged at prices that are always below retail. And, unlike chain stores, we have knowledgeable opticians ready to provide friendly, no-pressure assistance, so you know you’ll end up looking and feeling fabulous.

Don’t get new glasses until you come see us first because no one frames your face like Precision Optics.

at TAVARES • LEESBURG • THE VILLAGES • LADY LAKE

352-365-2021 • www.LakeEye.com •

Don’t Miss a

MOMENT

OF LIFE’S MARVELS Keep your world open to every possibility, with help from Lake Eye.

From capturing the radiance of a grandchild’s smile to topping your best golf score, you depend on your eyes for nearly everything you do – and your eyes depend on you to keep them healthy and ready for new adventures.

Board-certified ophthalmologists (from left to right): Scot C. Holman, MD, Mark Vocci, MD, SHELBY TERPSTRA, DO, Vinay Gutti, MD and Scott R. Wehrly, MD

TAVARES • LEESBURG • THE VILLAGES • LADY LAKE

352-365-2020 • www.LakeEye.com •

Lake Eye has everything you need for general and restorative eye care, including comprehensive eye exams from Board Certified ophthalmologists, the most advanced, high-tech treatments for cataracts, macular degeneration and other issues, and a full-service optical department for the latest fashion eyewear and specialty lenses. It’s everything you need, all in one place, from caring professionals who have been serving the area with pride for 40 years.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR BEST

OPTIONS? FACELIFT, TEMPORARY FILLERS, OR PERMANENT FACIAL FILLERS

Liz had ImageLift, Laser, and filler treatments. Results are typical and do vary.

Kathy had a Laser ImageLift. Results are typical and do vary.

YOU’RE INVITED TO FIND OUT! Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Free ImageLift seminars are being held at the following locations in May and June. Meet the doctor and enjoy free food, books, *drawings and door prizes.

Raffle drawings for free filler, a $995-$1200 value

UPCOMING FACIAL BEAUTY SOCIAL MIXER MAY 15 HILTON HOTEL, OCALA MAY 23 WATERFRONT INN, THE VILLAGES JUN 5

IMAGELIFT OFFICE LUNCHEON, THE VILLAGES

JUN 13 CITRUS HILLS COUNTRY CLUB, HERNANDO

JUN 26 WATERFRONT INN, THE VILLAGES CALL NOW TO RSVP - LIMITED SEATING

MEET THE TEAM!

WSJ

Bestseller!

FREE IMAGELIFT BOOK for first 20 callers! Limited quantities (Retail $14.95)

DR. RICH CASTELLANO

is a Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon as seen on:

*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 hrs of responding to ad for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment.

8630 East CR 466, The Villages 877.346.2435 // www.IMAGELIFT.com

We Listen.

We Care.

We Educate.

Annuities 101 Seminar May 8th & 24th The Waterfront Inn Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages Reserve Your Seat Today!

352.350.1161

TBFinancialGroup.com 3261 U.S. HIGHWAY 441/27, SUITE F-2 FRUITLAND PARK, FL 34731 TB Financial Group Inc. is a licensed insurance agency for life, health, and annuities. We are not securities licensed. We are not tax advisors. Our seminars are very general in nature and not meant to replace the advice of your CPA, Tax Preparer, Investment Advisor or Attorney. We will not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal professional for these matters.

TB

F INANCIAL G ROUP I NC .

MAY 2018 // VOL.14 NO. 7 // F e a t u r e s

68 More than just a name LAKE & SUMTER

May 2018

Rose Connell’s determination and drive have helped her reach every dream she’s gone after, which is why she’s the Style magazine 2018 Business Woman of the Year.

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

s Busines

N WOME of STYLE

36 Not all GIs are Joes

48 Women on the force

60 In case of emergency

Florida is the third-largest state in the number of military veterans, and 166,222 are women. Uncle Sam called, and they all volunteered.

Whether at the county sheriff’s office or a city’s police department, the dedicated women on the job are proud of their place in law enforcement.

Amid the stress and physically strenuous work of first responders, female paramedics take their places with pride.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

s Busines

WofOMELNE STY

Special Adve rtising Section

73

Meet some of Lake & Sumter counties’ most successful women—the 2018 Business Women of Style.

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR + Rose Connell of The Villages Insurance

HONORING WOMEN

Whether they’re veterans or first responders, these women know the meaning of duty, honor, and protecting home and country.

On the covers LAKE & SUMTER STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED LOPEZ MODEL: ROSE CONNELL VILLAGES EDITION PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED LOPEZ PHOTOSHOP: JASON FUGATE MODEL: JUNE LEW

May 2018

13

*

*

d e pa r t m e n t s

118 132

114

142

23 up front

24 26 28 30

In the Know Person of Interest Outstanding Student This ‘N That

107 ON THE SCENE

108 110 112 114 118 121

The To-Do List In Concert Local Talent Near & Far Social Spotlight Hi, Society!

131 Food & Drink

132 136 138 142 144

In the Kitchen Quick Bites Fork on the Road Saluté Dining Guide

COLUM NS

16 From the Publisher 148 Final Thought

14

lakeandsumter

.com

26 139

112

THE AIR-KING A tribute to the golden age of aviation in the 1930s, featuring a prominent minute scale for navigational time-readings.

It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.

OYSTER PERPETUAL AIR-KING

rolex

oyster perpetual and air-king are ® trademarks.

*

From The Publisher

C o m m e n t s o r qu e s t i o n s ?

Our goal is to provide you with the best quality publication, so your feedback is vital.

My favorite of all time! or those of you

who are avid readers of Style, you probably have already predicted that I am going to tell you that this is one of my favorite issues of the year. If so, you are correct. In fact, this isn’t just one of my favorites; I believe this is the best issue our team has ever produced.

Every year, we share stories of women who are leaders within our community and the passion that has driven them to succeed. I am always impressed with their stories and inspired by their dedication. This year is a little different.

This year, we truly feature modern-day Wonder Women. We share stories of female war heroes, firefighters, and police officers, and, of course, our amazing Business Women of Style.

But out of all of these amazing, strong, powerful women, there is one who stood out to me the most. She is the woman behind the scenes of this issue, our managing editor, Leigh Neely. I have always known that Leigh is amazing and strong and loves her work. But I didn’t know how much until this issue. In the midst of interviews and writing features, Leigh awoke one morning to a knock on her door from a state trooper telling her that Richard, her beloved husband of 48 years, had been killed in a horrible car accident. To say she was in complete shock and devastation is an understatement. Only a few of us could ever imagine how this must have felt and how much pain she was enduring.

Just a day or two after the news of her husband’s accident, we deadlined on the stories for this issue. Leigh was not quite finished with her veterans’ profiles, but in all of her grief felt so passionate about these women and their stories that she wanted to finish them herself. She wanted to make sure that their stories were told the way that she had heard them, and the way that they inspired her. Leigh is the epitome of Wonder Woman.

I will never forget the strength I saw in Leigh during this cycle, and I will never forget the passion and power of all of the women featured in this issue. It will forever remain my alltime favorite.

Congratulations to Rose Connell of The Villages Insurance for being selected as our Business Woman of the Year. And to our readers, I hope this issue empowers you to be your best and to follow the amazing role models featured here, and the women behind the scenes.

Until next month,

Kendra Akers

16

lakeandsumter

.com

HARMONY UNITED PSYCHIATRIC CARE Kendra Akers PUBLISHER kendra@akersmediagroup.com Doug Akers PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com Jamie Ezra Mark CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER jamie@akersmediagroup.com

Editorial // Design // Photography

Leigh Neely Jason Fugate MANAGING EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR leigh@akersmediagroup.com jason@akersmediagroup.com James Combs Josh Clark STAFF WRITER SENIOR DESIGNER james@akersmediagroup.com josh@akersmediagroup.com Theresa Campbell Volkan Ulgen STAFF WRITER DESIGNER theresa@akersmediagroup.com volkan@akersmediagroup.com Chris Gerbasi Michael Gaulin STAFF WRITER PRODUCTION DIRECTOR chris@akersmediagroup.com michael@akersmediagroup.com Fred Lopez CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER fred@akersmediagroup.com contributors

Joe Angione Mary Ann DeSantis Diane Dean Fred Hilton sales // marketing

Tim McRae VICE PRESIDENT, SALES & MARKETING tim@akersmediagroup.com Jacquelyn Singer William Carter ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE jacquelyn@akersmediagroup.com william@akersmediagroup.com Shaena Chastain SALES ASSISTANT Shaena@akersmediagroup.com Administration

Deb Matlock Aubrey Akers DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES OFFICE MANAGER deb@akersmediagroup.com aubrey@akersmediagroup.com distribution

Scott Hegg DISTRIBUTION MANAGER scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com digital social media

Garrett Reardon DIGITAL SPECIALIST garrett@akersmediagroup.com Lake & Sumter Style is a proud member of

Florida Magazine Association

Leesburg Partnership

Leesburg Tavares Chamber South Lake of Commerce Chamber Chamber of Commerce of Commerce

WINNER OF

150+ Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce

Sumter County Chamber of Commerce

American Advertising Association

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Lake & Sumter Style. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 South Fifth Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2018 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Paid Promotional Feature” and “Special Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media.

NICALE CARAVELLA, LCSW

WENDY WINKLEMAN, PH.D.

PAULA REILLEY, PHD, ARNP, CNS, MBA

ADIL A. MOHAMMED, M.D.

AHMAD GHASSAN BIZRI, M.D.

CATHY LAMBERT, DEBORAH LCSW HEWITT, LMHC

We Conduct Dementia Testing, ADHD Testing, Traumatic Brain Injury Testing and Learning Disability Testing.

MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT CENTER We provide psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and management of the following mental health conditions:

Depression | Anxiety Disorders | Bipolar Disorder | ADHD Adjustment Disorder | Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Memory Problems | Substance Abuse | Psychiatric Medication Management Services Psychotherapy & Counseling Services

Caring for your needs is our goal and your right Appointments available immediately We accept most forms of insurance for your convenience

352.431.3940 harmonyunitedhc.com TWO LOCATIONS: 305 Skyline Dr., Suite-1, Lady Lake 104 E. Dixie Ave., Leesburg May 2018

17

Fall Detection + Panic Alert + Vital Signs Monitoring in one sleek, stylish design

Respiration Rate

Heart Rate

Calories Burned

BrightLife Services

Step Count

Time

As safe as you need to be.

As active as you want to be.

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS

SUFFERED A FALL?

Hate to wear.

Love to wear.

Fall detection pendant

Fall detection + vital signs and more

Help your friends live their best life...and make money doing it!

10:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

BrightLife Services Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

10:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

Join us at Panera Bread in Lady Lake, FL 32159 Come hungry!

Call 1(833) 325-5767 to reserve your space!

BE AU TI FU L SM IL ES AR E CLOS

ER TH AN TH EY AP PE AR

WHEREVER YOU ARE… A BEAUTIFUL SMILE IS ONLY A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY AT Dr. David Wollenschlaeger (his patients know him as Dr. Dave) has put beautiful smiles on the faces of children and adults in Florida since 1990. For him ‘Word of mouth’ truly is the best advertising and all those happy smiles speak volumes.

33050 Professional Drive, Leesburg, FL 34788

352.787.6800 /// drdaveortho.com

24

I N T H E K N O W //

26

P E R S O N O F I N T E R E S T //

Photo: Fred Lopez

SEE STORY on PG 28

O U T S TA N D I N G S T U D E N T //

30

T H I S ‘ N ’ T H AT

23

• • •• •• • •

Morgan Nobles aspires to be a plastic surgeon, but she’s focusing on a great high school experience.

28

* IUNpT HFErKoNnO Wt

Don’t forget Mom on May 13 Ja m e s C o m b s’

24

lakeandsumter

.com

1

Florida lawmakers may pass a bill that will allow the state to remain in daylight saving time year round.

Thank God! I just love arriving home from work in the dark—said nobody ever. I’m glad politicians are finally seeing the light on this issue!

2

An 88-year-old Umatilla man recently donated his 150th gallon of blood. Giving his blood to people in need is admirable, and I need to start following his example. Unfortunately, I give most of my blood to mosquitoes in the summertime.

3

A Tavares business was shut down for illegal gambling after law enforcement officers seized more than $10,000 in cash. The owner should put a new sign out front that reads: “Closed. We just can’t deal with our customers anymore.”

4

A man driving a Ford Ranger picked up a woman who was on the run after a botched shoplifting spree at Wal-Mart in Summerfield. The man said “she was pretty” and he “wanted to help her.”

Somehow, the lyrics to a Roy Orbison song just popped in my head: “Pretty woman, walking down the street. Pretty woman, the kind I like to meet.”

5

The Ocklawaha Valley Audubon Society of Lake County began hosting a beginner’s class on basic birding. Maybe they should call it “Lord of the Wings.”

6

Similarly, the Eustis Recreation Department is offering yoga classes inside the Lakeview Room at the Eustis Community Center. That’s great news because I have been bending over backwards trying to find a class like this.

Mother’s Day will be celebrated May 13.

The day was established in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson after Anna Jarvis campaigned for a May date in memory of her mother, who had died that month.

However, Anna reportedly became disappointed with the commercialization of the day. “A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world,” she said, believing her original sentiment for the day had been sacrificed for profit.

Save the date Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of Mexico’s victory in the battle at Puebla on May 5, 1862. In The Villages, Cinco de Mayo is a battle for parking spaces and seats at the squares. Villagers will pretend they’re Mexicans from 5-9pm May 5 at both Spanish Springs Town Square and Lake Sumter Landing Market Square, according to thevillagesentertainment.com.

High-energy salsa and mariachi bands, themed routines

by The Villages Festival Performance Groups, and the ever-popular stilt walkers in Spanish attire are among the highlights.

Get there early!

Move the ote

The Lake County Supervisor of Elections Office is moving this summer. Elections staff will share a building with Reunion Bank at 1898 E. Burleigh Blvd. (U.S. Highway 441), across from Florida Hospital Waterman in Tavares, according to a newsletter. The new site is larger than the current office at 315 W. Main St., Suite 144, Tavares, so elections operations—equipment and administrative offices—can be consolidated in the same building. The new office also will have enhanced security measures, better accessibility for the public, and it will be utilized as the county’s 10th early voting site. Look for a date soon for a public open house.

Thinking about adoption?

According to a press release from Kids Central Inc., almost 900 children in Florida are awaiting adoption. Selfless Love Foundation, a Florida-based nonprofit, has partnered with Adoption-Share to launch Family-Match in the state. This is a datadriven technology that uses predictive models to assist social workers with placement decisions. Compatibility assessment was developed with help from eHarmony and is intended to reduce the time for adoptive placement, match children with families where they will thrive, and improve caseworker efficiency. Zackary Gibson, chief child advocate and director of the state Office of Adoption and Child Protection says, “We believe that Family-Match will help unlock the vault of waiting families and provide children with the permanency they need and deserve. This innovative private-public partnership will make a difference for children in foster care.” Visit kidscentralinc.org for more information.

More female centenarians In 1980, there were 15,000 people who reached the age of 100. Today, there are more than 720,000 centenarians, and 80 percent of them are women, according to retirement facts from Fross & Fross Wealth Management in The Villages.

Hey, Mom! Manatees are very important to Florida, and the Save the Manatee Club, an international nonprofit organization, is promoting Adopt-A-Manatee during May. Here’s your chance to be a part of one of Jimmy Buffett’s favorite charities. Read about the work of Save the Manatee and watch a great video here: savethemanatee.org/smchist.htm, and add a new member to your family.

nt * PuEpR S fO Nr o OF INTEREST

My motivation to teach:

V I TA L

S TAT

Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a teacher.

My dad was a middle school teacher and when he would bring home papers to grade, I would sit at the table and secretly write comments on his students’ papers. For Christmas, I would always ask for school supplies such as a chalkboard and chalk, teacher books, and colored pens so that I could pretend to be a teacher. I would sit all of my stuffed animals on my bed and pretend that they were my students.

S

Lives in Grand Island.

Has been teaching 29 years.

Family includes husband, Randy; two sons, Austin and Alex.

What I love most about teaching at Seminole Springs Elementary School: It’s a rural community

Three words to describe myself: Loving, tenderhearted, and supportive.

with such loving children and very supportive parents. We have the best administration that allows teachers to teach using individual styles. It is a welcoming environment where students feel loved and safe.

What I hope my students learn the most from me:

My hero: My father. He is

pecan ice cream.

a strong Christian man who loves with all of his heart and soul. He is a true role model for any man becoming a husband or a dad. I love and respect him with all of my being.

Important life lessons that will help them succeed way beyond test scores, class projects, and daily struggles.

Guilty pleasure: Butter If I could have dinner with anyone (living or dead) it would be: My dad’s dad who died before I was born.

My goals or bucket list: I want to own a beach house on the West Coast.

Something about me that no one knows: I’m good at playing ping-pong.

Pet peeve: People who leave their Christmas lights up past Jan 2.

Secret to my success: My supportive family.

Favorite quote: “Be still and know that I am God.”

journey with adventurous twists and turns. You will have your ups and downs but hang in there—it’s all worth the time and effort. Surround yourself with positive people and be open for change.

Definitely don’t lose sight of why you are a teacher. Simply love your kids.

26

lakeandsumter

.com

Photo: Fred Lopez

My advice to new or future teachers: Teaching is a

30th Anniversary Sale!

50% OFF Everything is a minimum of 50% off, even the owners private collection.

Beautiful Hand-Woven Rugs Cyrus Rug Gallery brings you a selection of old-world artistry with fashion forward patterns, fresh color palettes, and elegant designs to create stunning works of art.

These stunning, exceptionally unique pieces of art are ideal for the contemporary or traditional home. Whether you are looking to add subtle texture to your rooms or want to make a defined statement, our gallery of hand-knotted rugs is sure to provide you with the perfect artistic edge for your space.

352.629.3200 | 20 SE Broadway St., Ocala, FL | Cyrus-Rug.com

Cyrus Rug Gallery Downtown Ocala on the Square

* OUUpT SFTrA NoDnI NtG S T U D E N T

Morgan Nobles Senior at Leesburg High School

Career aspiration: I want to attend medical school and become a plastic surgeon.

Plastic surgery is an attractive field to me because I can help people look better and feel more confident. I think it will be an exciting and challenging career.

Future college: Obviously, I want to go somewhere that has a good medical program. I would also like to attend a college where there are many activities to enjoy outside the campus.

Favorite subject: Math because I love

Favorite teacher: Tammy Jerkins. I took her pre-calculus class during my junior year and really enjoyed her. She always went out of her way to make sure I understood what was being taught.

Volunteerism: I’ve done everything from helping handicapped students with their schoolwork, picking up trash alongside the road, and conducting bake sales during the holiday.

Volunteering makes me appreciative and grateful for everything I have.

positive, kind.

Why my generation will succeed: We will succeed because we are determined to be the best, whether it’s our schoolwork or extracurricular activities. Being OK is not good enough; we want to be high achievers in everything we do.

Maintains a 4.2 gradepoint average while dual-enrolled at LakeSumter State College.

She has been on both cheerleading and dancing competition teams.

Favorite music: I love country music. My favorite singers are Kane Brown, Chris Young, and Luke Combs.

Involved in National Honor Society, the Beta Club, and Triad Club.

lakeandsumter

to focus on the important things. That is what helps me balance my time.

Three words that describe me: Determined,

S

Received a $30,000 scholarship from Stetson University.

28

Balancing school, extracurricular activities, and work: It’s important

Favorite television show: “The Bachelor” because it has lots of drama.

.com

Photo: Fred Lopez

S TAT V I TA L

figuring out challenging problems on my own.

A flush beats a full house PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Built on the principles of hard work, honesty, and integrity, Leesburg Septic Inc. has developed quite a reputation throughout Lake County and Central Florida.

In fact, the company derives most of its business through word of mouth, a sure sign that each job is handled with the highest level of professionalism and reliability.

The company originally opened as Leesburg Concrete and Septic Tanks in 1983. In 2005, Kami Suggs and her husband, Bradley, purchased the business from her parents and renamed it Leesburg Septic Inc. To say they have much pride in owning and operating their own company would be an understatement.

“I love having my own business,” Kami says. “You have to be passionate if you want to succeed in today’s world. It takes a personal touch to rise above your competition, and we put that personal touch into our business on a daily basis.”

The company can handle all your septic needs, ranging from pumping out tanks to conducting drain field repairs and installing new tanks and drains for homeowners and contractors. Leesburg Septic also conducts inspections for realtors, potentially saving homeowners money, headache, and time. Leesburg Septic Inc. services Lake, Sumter, Marion, Orange, and Volusia counties.

“We don’t do sod or plumbing,” Kami says. “We specialize in septic and stick to what we know. We do septic and do it well.”

Because their company is family-owned and operated, Kami and Bradley see their employees, customers, and community as one big family, too. After all, both are lifelong Lake County residents and as a result strive to treat each client as a friend.

“For us, it’s important to hire honest, hard-working people because they’re a reflection of who we are,” Kami says. “We

treat our employees like family and even paid for one to go on his honeymoon. When you find good employees you have to hang onto them because we don’t want them going anywhere else.”

The combination of good employees and a personal touch is why Leesburg Septic Inc. saw its sales triple only three years after the Suggs purchased the company. It’s also why local companies such as Harbor Hills, Kevco Builders, American Family Homes, and Hegstrom Homes rely on the company for their septic needs.

“When I leave my house, I transfer the company phone to my cell phone so I can answer,” Kami says. “The last thing a person with septic problems wants is to hear an answering machine. They want someone who answers their initial call, and they want someone who cares. That’s what we strive to provide.”

* We don’t do sod or plumbing.

We specialize in septic and stick to what we know. We do septic and do it well.

Leesburg Septic 821 Lake Ella Road, Fruitland Park 352.787.5435 LeesburgSeptic.net

May 2018

29

* TUHpI S F‘ Nr’ oT HnAtT

Hair today, gone tomorrow The biblical story of Samson says he needed his hair for his strength. But does hair truly define the man?

STORY: FRED HILTON

30

lakeandsumter

.com

P

roving once again that I have too much time on my hands, I calculated the number of times I have shaved in my life. Remember, there are lot of years involved here. The number I came up with is a staggering 21,170—give or take a few hundred.

The number 21,170 might sound pretty precise but it’s only an estimate. It doesn’t consider those pesky February 29th’s that pop up every now and then. It also doesn’t include that day in September 1987 when I shaved twice or the time in January 2003 that I didn’t shave at all. In addition, it ignores those days in boot camp when I shaved every 30 minutes to keep that surly man with all the stripes on his arm from yelling at me.

Assuming that it takes me about four minutes to shave, I’ve spend 86,800 minutes over the years doing nothing but shaving. That amounts to more than 60 days – two months!

(Don’t forget that I’m math-challenged.) If that number is right, or even nearly right, it means that I’ve spent 60 days that surely could have been put to better use. I could have learned to speak Portuguese, written the great American novel, climbed Mount Everest (or at least one of Florida’s larger hills). Actually, instead of missing a chance to learn Portuguese, I was really thinking about how nice it would be to have 60 more days of eating, drinking, or being involved in fun activities that one should not discuss in a family magazine.

It may be time to pull a David Letterman. Have you seen old Dave lately? Well,

the 71-year-old clean-shaven king of late-night television is no more. The smooth-cheeked reader of 4,600 Top Ten lists has disappeared. He’s been replaced by a scruffy, hairy guy who has a humongous grey beard that sprouts in about 82 different directions.

The New York Times wrote a long story about Letterman and his new beard. One might think that Letterman was making some bold sociological statement by not shaving or perhaps expressing a deep and profound statement about the duality of man. (I have no idea what that means but I heard it in a movie once and it sounded cool.) Letterman’s reason for the beard was a lot less philosophical: “I just got tired of shaving every day.”

The new beard, the Times said, makes Dave look “either like a lanky Santa Claus or an escapee from an asylum.” The asylum escapee analogy is right on, but the Santa Claus one falls short. Dave actually looks more like a tall Gabby Hayes with a cigar.

Gabby Hayes-look or not, the idea of not shaving did have some appeal to me—at least until my wife rolled her eyes and reminded me of the Great Mustache Mistake. A few years back, everybody where I worked was growing a mustache. I tried but found that my facial hair grows very, very slowly. (My 5 o’clock shadow is a 5 o’clock fuzzywuzzy.) For weeks, while my mustache was trying to come to life, my upper lip looked like a small caterpillar with a crew cut was taking a nap there.

It’s amazing to see the number of people in my demo-

graphic (meaning old, fat men) who have facial hair. They have glorious handle-bar mustaches, bushy sideburns, goatees, and dozens of other options. There also are all those guys who have fuzzy faces that look like they haven’t shaved in the last three days, which, of course, they haven’t. That won’t work for me since it would take three weeks to get the same look.

All of this means that growing a mustache or any kind of beard is out for me. Maybe I should give up haircuts.

There are those, including my wife, who claim that I’ve already done that.

There was a time not long ago when long hair on men was not only accepted, it also was applauded. Remember those days of wonderful fashions for men, like flowered bell trousers, leisure suits, and the remarkably weird Nehru jacket?

My hair was about average for those psychedelic days—meaning it hit my shoulders.

During this delightful era, I took a job at a college in an ultraconservative small town.

On my first day on the job, the New Boss called me into his office. With a very somber face, New Boss said, “We need you to do something.”

Since I was a smashing-looking young fellow (in my mind anyway), I was certain he was going to tell me not to hanky-panky with the coeds since they wouldn’t be able to resist me. I was ready to tell him that I was happily married and, besides, I didn’t want to become a Harvey Weinstein in 30 years.

New Boss just looked me square in the eye and said: “Get a haircut.”

*

All of this means that growing a mustache or any kind of beard is out for me. Maybe I should give up haircuts.

May 2018

31

M AY

2018

EDI T I O N

Skin Cancer: Know the Signs

D

id you know that doctors recommend checking your skin regularly? Our moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks are unique. They can change over time, from aging or from seasonal variation, but also from skin cancer. How can you tell when you should see your doctor?

Learn your skin patterns. Skin self-exams work best in a well-lit room before a full-length mirror.

Use a hand-held mirror for hardto-see places like the backs of your thighs. Examine all areas, including your palms and soles, scalp, ears, nails, and back.

Main Types of Skin Cancers Basal cell carcinoma accounts for about 80% of non-melanomas.

Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for about 20% of nonmelanomas.

Melanoma, though rare, is much more likely to grow and spread if left untreated.

32

lakeandsumter

.com

Tell your doctor about any spots on your skin that are new or changing in size, shape, or color, or if you find any unusual sores, lumps, blemishes, or markings.

Changes in how your skin looks or

feels could be a cancer warning sign. Signs include skin that is red, swollen, scaly, or crusty, that feels itchy, tender, or painful, or that is oozing and bleeding.

Key warning signs for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas include a new growth, a spot or bump that grows larger, or a sore that doesn’t heal within a few weeks. Key warning signs for melanomas also include mole changes. Sometimes even doctors can’t tell the difference between melanoma and an ordinary mole, another good reason to learn your skin and to be aware of any changes.

Did You Know?

Additional Skin Cancer Risk Factors

Exposure to certain chemicals (like arsenic) can increase your risk of skin cancer.

1. Exposure to ultra-violet (UV) rays from sun and from tanning beds

Radiation exposure, especially for children who received radiation treatment, can increase the risk of skin cancer.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

2. Light-colored skin 3. Previous skin cancer 4. Long-term or severe skin inflammation or injury.

by the numbers

Moles: Benign, or Melanoma?

91,270 The estimated number of melanoma cases that will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2018

When examining moles, use the ABCDE rule: A=Asymmetry: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.

B=Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.

C=Color: Color is not the same all over and may include different shades of brown or black, or may have patches of pink, red, white, or blue.

D=Diameter: Spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about pencil eraser width).

E=Evolving: The mole’s size, shape, or color changes.

Also check to see if a spot looks different from all the other spots on your skin. If you see something that doesn’t look right or that causes you concern, tell your doctor. quick quote

“Skin has a good memory.

Skin is like the ground we walk on every day; you can read a whole history in it if you know how to look”

>3 million The estimated number of non-melanoma skin cancers diagnosed in the U.S. each year

30 Minimum recommended SPF strength for sunscreen

92% 5-year survival rate among all people with melanoma of the skin, from the time of initial diagnosis

Herman Flink, MD

Radiation Oncologist at RBOI

Protect Yourself with Sunscreen Most of us are aware of the cause of skin cancer: Excess sun exposure.

The important thing to note is the sun exposure in our youth and subsequent few decades which leads to the skin cancers that develop in our 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Avoiding sun exposure at any age is worthwhile, but when we are with our grandchildren, urge either minimal Sun exposure or the liberal use of sunscreen, SPF 30 or more.

Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home THE VILLAGES 352.259.2200 OCALA 352.732.0277 TIMBER RIDGE 352.861.2400 INVERNESS 352.726.3400 LECANTO 352.527.0106 RBOI.COM

— Caroline Kettlewell

Like us on Facebook

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

May 2018

33

June Lew: Sitting

on Top of the World Whether pursuing her dream to help doctors build successful medical practices, shooting wildlife on a Serengeti photo Safari, or climbing to the summit of a mountain range in China, June Lew approaches every new opportunity with passion and the drive to positively impact lives.

Twin Medical Consultants

Twinning the ‘art and science’ of medicine with the ‘business’ of medicine helps make practices perfect. And no one understands that better than June Lew. She and business partner Gary Blakely are the principals in Twin Medical Consultants, a company which makes

it easier for physicians to take care of businessrelated and IT issues within their practices so they, their physician assistants and nurses, and their administrative teams can focus on a much greater priority… diagnosing, treating and caring for patients.

“Above all, a physician’s commitment and obligation is to his or her patients—to doing what’s

in their best interest,” said June. “Gary and I help doctors solve some of their most complex business and technology problems, so they have more time to be doctors and care for their patients,” she added.

Whether a doctor or practice needs turnkey assistance to open an office, assistance with billing, a fully integrated information technology system, or help merging with, or acquiring, new practices, Twin Medical Consultants is here to help.

“We help practices run smoothly by providing as much or as little help as they need. Our clients include physicians who are opening or restarting medical practices and want to establish best practices right from the start, practices that are successful, but want to make improvements to encourage growth, and those that need to implement changes to see improvements quickly.

“After 25 years of experience working with

a medical practice, I have become something of an efficiency expert,” said June. “I use the practice’s own staff to fix their particular problems, helping them to perform better and cut inefficiencies. I provide spreadsheets, so they get the proper reports on everything, including inventory and where it’s going. This is also an important step in helping them keep up with patient satisfaction.”

“Gary and I bring fresh, new insight and advice to a situation to solve problems or to identify any obstacles in the way of the growth and productivity of a practice,” June added.

A Passion for Caring for Doctors…and Their Patients

“We’re not just their consultants, but their friends,” said Gary about the clients he and June work with. “We get joy out of taking a problem and coming up with a solution for it. For

example, we don’t just handle billing. We’re right here, locally, so patients can call us directly with billing questions. So often, a doctors’ office will take a call from a patient with a billing question, call the billing company, call the patient back, and then find out the patient has an additional question. We invite that patient to call us directly, instead. We can answer every billing question until that patient has the information he or she needs, and is satisfied that every question has been answered.

“I’ve seen how many doctors can use our help,” said June, who in 1991, was instrumental in helping to establish a cardiology practice that has now grown to one of the largest and most successful multi-specialty groups in Central Florida.

That practice now has more than 25 physicians and 10 offices. She retired in 2017 in order to move ahead full speed with her newest venture.

“This is where my passion is. I see many doctors who are simply burned out after years of struggling with regulations and the demands of an ever-changing healthcare environment—a key reason many small doctors’ offices have been gobbled up by large practices or hospitals. We work sideby-side with these doctors

to help them regain their passion by allowing them to do what they do best and enjoy the most.

Great Support Translates to Superior Results

Services provided by Twin Medical Consultants run the gamut from billing and coding, help with location selection and buildout, office expansion, Insurances, risk management, purchasing of equipment, marketing, monitoring office flow, analyzing finance and overhead, overseeing accounting and bookkeeping, assisting CPAs on tax planning, inventory control, front office, physician recruiting, strategic planning, and compliance.

“Billing correctly is a critical issue for physicians. Often, a physician’s staff does not have time to follow up with insurances on medical billing issues and this causes money to go uncollected. We offer a fully customizable billing service that helps to increase revenue throughout a medical facility.

If Twin Medical handles a practice’s billing, June’s other medical consulting services are included in the fee.

Gary is equally passionate about handling a practice’s

“Gary and I bring fresh, new insight and advice to a situation to solve problems or to identify any obstacles in the way of the growth and productivity of a practice.”

—JUNE LEW

medical IT and tech support needs. With over 20 years of experience in the medical field, he is ready to assist practices with a wide array of services to help them run smoothly and efficiently, creating IT systems from the ground up, or providing whatever a practice may need.

“Doctors today are being compensated based on the quality and value of their services, not the quantity.

They’re being held accountable for giving better care instead

of more service. We thoroughly understand what it takes to capture the information they need for the merit-based reporting of performance information that Medicare and insurance agencies require today,” said Gary.

Medical Knowledge Boosts IT Productivity

“When a practice calls in just a traditional computer company— most don’t understand the complexities of the

medical field. MIPS and MACRA (quality measures), EHR and EMR (electronic health records and electronic medical records), we completely understand them. We have used many of the software products doctors use like eClinical®, MicroMD®, and Amazing Charts™, and can provide all the hardware and software needed to fully integrate their systems.

“I believe computers should work for us, and helped design a personal health package. A lot of companies sell EHR

packages to doctors and then train them to use them. Instead, I look at the doctor’s workflow and create an EHR package that works for them.”

“In 2017, if everything was not done correctly, such as billing and coding, a practice could lose on average four percent of their revenue.

In 2018, it will be more,” Gary says.

“Technological innovations are deeply changing everything around us. Our team at Twin Medical Consultants is driven to succeed in

providing healthcare IT solutions for today and tomorrow,” he added.

“It’s exciting to help doctors get back to what they love—practicing medicine and having the time to enjoy their doctorpatient interactions,” said June. We help doctors be doctors, give nurses more time to take care of patients and provide office staffs with the administrational skills they need to operate like a well-oiled machine.

“We want them to enjoy the time they spend in the practice, and we

want to give them more time to spend with their families and friends.”

The Dream is Alive

June and Gary work very hard and are very passionate about what they are doing together.

Their passion spills over into other aspects of their lives.

For June, who came to the US as a high school sophomore from Seoul, South Korea, the field of medicine has always been a passion. She earned a pharmacy degree from the University of Georgia and worked as a practicing pharmacist in Gainesville for seven years before moving to Leesburg.

While raising her family, June dreamt of becoming a wildlife

photographer. Seven years ago, she began realizing her dream, setting out on her first photography safari. For her, this was a pictureperfect second calling.

Since then, June has begun raising awareness of the beauty and fragility of the natural world with a portfolio of captivating wildlife photographs which includes mischievous baby pandas playing together in China, and an awardwinning photograph of a lion balanced majestically on a rock in the Serengeti in Tanzania.

She has been privileged to visit numerous countries to photograph rare and exotic animals, becoming an advocate for the preservation of wildlife in their natural habitats.

“It’s exciting to help doctors get back to what they love—practicing medicine and having the time to enjoy their doctorpatient interactions.”

—GARY BLAKELY

Other passions she pursues with much the same gusto and drive include tennis, biking, ballroom dancing, scuba diving, cooking and spending time with her family.

Doubling Down on a Great Life

After moving to Florida from Radcliff, Kentucky, in 1987, Gary married the love of his life and soul mate Diane in 1988.

Raised in a small town, Gary was attracted to Lake County life.

Today, Gary and Diane have twin daughters who mean the world to them.

In fact, keeping them close to his heart was the impetus for the creation of the Twin Medical Consulting company name and logo.

When not working, Gary enjoys riding his Harley, scuba diving and exploring the underwater world, playing video games, going to movies, and reading comics.

Twin Medical Consultants is prepared to help doctors focus on the health of their patients. Call them today.

VISIT US ON MAY 12TH FROM 10:00 AM TO 3:00 PM FOR OUR READY, SET, SPRING SALES EVENT! VISIT MAY12TH 12TH FROM FROM 10:00 TOTO 3:00 PM PM VISIT US US ONON MAY 10:00AM AM 3:00 OUR READY,SET, SET, SPRING EVENT! FORFOR OUR READY, SPRINGSALES SALES EVENT! Experience premier manufactured home living at the amazing waterfront communities of Mid Florida Lakes and Grand Island. Offering ffering over 100 social clubs and activities combined, you can be as relaxed or entertained ff as you’d like. Feel secure at Mid Florida Lakes with their gated entrance and live like a fisherman at Grand Island Premium Waterfront Sitesteam • Open Floorplans • Brand New Appliances Resort. Our friendly, on-site can help you discover your dream home today!

Along the Harris Chain of Lakes • Private Boat Docks

Premium Waterfront Sites • Open Floorplans • Brand New Appliances Along the Harris Chain of Lakes • Private Boat Docks

Premium Waterfront Sites • Open Floorplans • Brand New Appliances Along the Harris Chain of Lakes • Private Boat Docks

NEW HOMES AVAILABLE NOW - CALL FOR A TOUR! NEW HOMES AVAILABLE NOW - CALL FOR A TOUR!

Mid Florida Lakes Island Resort NEW HOMES AVAILABLE NOW -Grand CALL FOR A TOUR! 200 Forest Drive | Leesburg, FL 34788 13330 Sea Breeze Ln | Grand Island, FL 32735 (844) 920-8845

(866) 913-3909

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Open house event occurring at select properties only. Specials and incentives apply to new homes sold by Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc. or an affiliate, priced at $20,000 or more. Offer cannot be combined with an other offer

or discount.atNot valid properties for previous only. contracts and/or sales.

Homes canapply be owned

by Equity Lifestyle apply, seeaffiliate, sales associate further details.

Must meet requirements.

Open house event occurring select Specials and incentives to new homes sold Properties.

by Equity Additional Lifestyle restrictions Properties,may Inc. or an priced for at $20,000 or more.

Offerresidency cannot be combined with an other offer or discount. Not valid for previous contracts and/or sales. Homes can be owned by Equity Lifestyle Properties. Additional restrictions may apply, see sales associate for further details. Must meet residency requirements.

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

PLAY WHERE THE PROS PLAY BOOK NOW!

EXPLORE. INDULGE. ESCAPE. Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course is home to the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship, an official 72-hole event held in March. The event featured 144 PGA TOUR golfers, with proceeds from ticket sales benefiting area charities through the Championship’s Birdies for Tampa Bay Charities program.

Previous champions include Adam Hadwin, Jordan Spieth, Luke Donald, Charl Schwartzel, and defending champion Paul Casey. Previously, Innisbrook was host to 10 JCPenney Classic tournaments that featured mixed teams of PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour professionals.

To experience first-hand what the world’s greatest golfers have enjoyed during the championship week; from spectacular golf to incredible Salamander hospitality, book your package today!

april 5 – may 31 Rates start at $149 pg/pn!

innisbrook InnisbrookGolfResort.com 36750 U.S. Highway 19 North Palm Harbor, FL 34684

888.794.8627

•

FREE upgrade to Executive suite accommodations with either 1 king or 2 queen beds with sitting area, kitchenette, balcony or patio • Based on double occupancy • Tee times are based on availability • 13% taxes are in addition

Special summer rates as low as $99 pg/on!

package includes: •

Spacious deluxe accommodations One round of golf per golfer per night of stay • $10 per person Retail Credit in pro shop • Advanced starting times at time of reservation • Unlimited use of practice facilities • Club storage and locker room service • Unlimited fitness center access •

use booking code: STYLE for special rates

36

lakeandsumter

.com

rove p o t s n ha e will not a m a t says to prove s,hret. a h t e s g y ld ada woman hial, U.S. Nav o n a is da Va ‘Thereot great anapt. Doris he’s nailure.’—C be a f STORY:

EELY

LEIGH N

ary, contr e h t ies to y y stor rt of ever n a m a f p o t. a n e t n spi have been involveme War e n n h e wom h America y War to t r it nar w thei r a w olutio n served v c e R e istori the om From nistan, w st of the h rving as se gha Mo in Af proudly. of women e their y e i r c t sd coun ve eviden ght along fi a h wars they could so n e m

I

husbands, brothers, and fathers to keep democracy safe.

Recent statistics from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs indicate there are 166,222 female veterans in the state, and 35,586 of them are 65 or older.

Many don’t feel they get the recognition they deserve. Lt. Cmdr.

Kathryn Wilgus, U.S. Navy, retired, and a registered nurse, worked in an operating room in Kandahar, Afghanistan, during Operation Enduring Freedom. She and her husband served in Afghanistan and both proudly wear the familiar hats. However, Kathryn is frustrated because people thank her husband for his service and ignore her, even though her hat is like his except it says, “Afghanistan War Woman Veteran.”

“I’ve been pushed aside, and he’s the only one recognized,” Kathryn says. “And a lot of times, they’ll say, ‘Is that your hat? Did you serve?’ while men are immediately thanked for their service.”

Another unfortunate aspect for female veterans is many don’t know they’re eligible for the full range of federal and state benefits, and there are times women must go before a panel to prove their injuries are related to military services.

Capt. Doris Vail, U.S. Navy, retired, says companies like Walgreens and Lowe’s give veterans a discount. “I’ve given them my card and had them say, ‘Did your husband serve in the Navy?’ I tell them to look closer at the name on the card,” Doris says.

Neither soldier nor veteran is indicative of gender. In fact, Florida has the third-largest number of female veterans in the United States, and they are one of the fastest-growing segments of veterans.

38

lakeandsumter

.com

NEXT E H T T A CCEED UE TO WORK U S T ’ N O TIN ID E.” “EVEN EIFVEL, I WILL COFNOR THIS CAAMUBSL I S S L LOCALLY N G E L A C H —A

ANGEL A CHAMBLISS SENIOR AIRMAN, HONORABLY DISCHARGED, U.S. AIR FORCE

T

he reigning Mrs. America, Angela Chambliss served in the U.S. Air Force from 1990-1994, ending her career as a senior airman. She was a meteorologist charged with getting weather news to pilots to ensure safe flights to and from their base of operations.

“When I came in, the rating for error-free forecasts was about 80 percent for female meteorologists,” Angela says. “I was the first to keep my people error-free.

We were 99 to 100 percent error-free, and I also was the first woman to work directly with pilots.”

She continued her education at

N THE I N E F WOM MILITAR Y O E N TES ELI A TIM NITED STA U

Florida State University and earned a degree in atmospheric science, but was unable to find a civilian job to fit her qualifications. She eventually moved into makeup and hair styling and began working steadily behind the scenes of scholarship pageants.

That led to her eventually becoming a contestant herself, winning Mrs. Florida and then Mrs. America at the Pure International Elegant Pageant.

As Mrs. America, Angela recently spent a week in Washington, D.C., working to get more done for veterans with post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS).

“This is my platform as Mrs. America,” Angela says. “I spoke to a congressional panel on suicides because alternative therapies are not covered

under VA benefits. My hope is that will change.”

She says Alabama has the highest rate of suicides among veterans, yet the government continues to want to use medication and label veterans’ problems as “mental illness.”

As Mrs. America in the Pure International Elegant Pageant, Angela will compete for the international title in June in Orlando. “Even if I don’t succeed at the next level, I will continue to work locally for this cause,” she says.

Angela also is a leader in her church, Frontier Church in Leesburg, where she was ordained as a minister in December 2015. As expected, her biggest supporters are her husband David, and her children, Briton Bond, 26, and Bethany Chambliss, 23.

LT. C O L .

MARIANNE ESTES RETIRED, U.S. AIR FORCE

F

inding work after getting her undergraduate degree was tough for Marianne Estes, but within two weeks of submitting her paperwork to the USAF, she was

called to go to Officers Training School in San Antonio. Her brother was attending the Air Force Academy, so she had no trouble selecting the branch where she would serve.

After joining the Air Force in 1979, Marianne spent 10 years on active duty. She began her work in administration, but decided she wanted more of a challenge. Her next assignment was with the Air Force in a maintenance squadron, but after a year of that, she became section commander in a civil engineering squadron.

“That gave me the prefix showing I had command time, and after that, I went to work for the base commander as his executive officer at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California,” she says.

Working with contractors was the next assignment. “They have a special program called Education with an Industry, and there are only a couple of people that get pulled for this, but I did,” Marianne says.

Once she finished the course work, she went to work as a USAF representative at Lockheed Martin in Sunnyvale, California.

As a liaison

ANGELA CHAMBLISS

84 1775-

omen War—W urses y r a n io n t Revolu ands, serve as with b r s d u n h u la y help , and do anding officer. s k o o c and an omm ion of c s as a m permiss ampson serve rably no hS Debora wounded, ho ion. is ns e e h p until s d, and given e g r discha

1 8 1 212—Mary

18 War of nd Mary la a Marsh nurses e r Allen a S United S U on the requested s a States odore m m o C by tur. n Deca Stephe

1-65 6 8 1 4 8 American men 1846ar—Wo ls Civil W n Mexica abeth z li E War— enlists m Newco and an as a m 600 s marche ore f e miles b and y r discove . rge discha

hospita serve in r th and No for the t as ac South, serve as nd spies, a isguised sd soldier r. Mary .D as men ceives re Walker l of Honor. a d e the M

1 8 9 -8

h Spanis an Americ 0 ,50 War—1 omen w civilian s, e s r u n are staff, t r o supp nd, spies, a e som again, ised gu are dis le as ma s. soldier

18 1917War I— World re a Women o join t d e allow t two s la g e durin ,000 ar 3 3 ; years rt , suppo nurses s, and a ie staff, sp ised as u g few dis nurses 0 0 men; 4 line he die in t . of duty

May 2018

39

››

The Sunshine State is home to the third-largest population of women veterans in the nation, with more than 166,000. Women veterans are one of the fastestgrowing segments of the veterans population. Of the approximately 21.3 million veterans nationwide, more than 2 million are women.

SPECIAL RESOURCES

Many women veterans don’t know they are eligible for the full range of federal and state benefits.

Here are some resources for women veterans: General resources in Florida: veteransflorida.org/resources Florida Department of Veterans Affairs Cynthia Brown, women veterans coordinator 727.319.7440 brownc@fdva.state.fl.us Veterans Villages by Habitat for Humanity, Lake-Sumter, Florida habitatls.org/veterans-village Florida Department of Health and Department of Veterans Affairs Created VA Service-Connected Disability program floridahealth.gov

40

lakeandsumter

.com

for the Air Force, she was given deluxe training in what Lockheed did with every contract it received from the USAF. The next move was to WrightPatterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, to the Aeronautical Systems Division to oversee the modification of the B-52 and the B-1B. She was one of the first to use a simulator that was set up for more than one aircraft.

“I was pregnant, but I didn’t have that discrimination,” The Villages resident says. “When I told my commander, there were no congratulations, just frustration that they were going to have to replace somebody for a while.”

Following the birth of her second son, she moved to naval reserves and served there for 10 years.

While in the reserves, one of her most exciting adventures involved

LT. COL. MARIANNE ESTES

traveling to several bases in Germany in a government-issued car that couldn’t go over 65 mph. It became quite an adventure because she had to learn the location of the next base as she was leaving a base. With her government car, driving on the famous German Autobahn highway was not the adventure it could have been. The recommended speed is 80 mph, but there are areas where there is no speed limit.

The Air Force is a family affair for Marianne. Her brother, Dean, commissioned her, and she commissioned her son, Nathan.

“My son has done better than any of us. He turned a pilot opportunity down and is a combat-ready officer, working behind the scenes,” she says.

In addition, her niece is a pilot with the Pentagon and her nephew also is a pilot.

Though her retirement officially began in 2013, the Air Force always will be a part of Marianne’s life.

CMDR. LINDA DUNN RETIRED, U.S. NAVY

T

hough she had intended to have a career teaching special education, Linda Dunn lost her job with the local school system and couldn’t find another one. She decided to join the U.S. Navy in 1981. She did well on the test, but was told there were no openings for women as an electronic technician for three years. Her response, “I want to take the officer’s test.”

The recruiter tried to discourage her, reminding her it was a very difficult test and usually meant failure, but she insisted and took the test.

“About three weeks later, I got a call from a very disappointed recruiter who said, ‘Not only did you pass, but you got the thirdhighest score we’ve ever had in the valley,’” Linda says with a laugh.

“The thing is, tests to me weren’t hard. I loved to take tests. I aced the physics test even though I’d never had physics.”

However, she couldn’t get into Officer Candidate School for a year,

45 1 9 4 1 -II—1,500

War World omen are w civilian undreds h ; s e staff, nurs uppor t s e r a e mor uised nd disg spies, a oldiers. s as male

1948

d ’s Arme , Women n Act passes io t a Integr en g wom grantin t status as en perman ersonnel d yp militar authority an o t d t subjec s and entitle n io t la u reg fits. to bene

so she enlisted and went in as an E-3 due to her test score.

“They sent me to New London, Connecticut, where I was on the pier for the submarine tender,” and she adds, “I joined the Navy to see the world, and what I actually saw was the entire East Coast, but I enjoyed it.”

Linda’s career involved a lot of paperwork as a legal officer, school director for the boiler-water, feed-water guys—the personnel in the bottom of the ship that keep it running—public affairs, and personnel support detachment.

“The last thing I did was foreign liaison officer for CENTCOM in Tampa in charge of the South Pacific. Each of the countries would send over officers, and they were all higher-ranking officers, and we would work with them to help their countries send soldiers to fight in Iraqi Freedom and in Afghanistan, so it was a coalition, not an individual effort,” Linda says.

With the reserves, she picked Naples, Italy, for her two weeks of active duty, and a chance meeting with someone she’d been stationed with in Atlanta led to 90 days of active duty in Naples.

She was scheduled to return the Friday after 9/11 but

53 1950-

War— Korean men wo 50,000 oad and r b a serve 500 ; e at hom ses are in ur Army n ones, and tz comba es are on urs Navy n hips. ls hospita

19

CMDR. LINDA DUNN

73 9 1 2 raft 62-7 ilitary d

— m War Vietna en, all om 7,000 w s, serve er volunte nurses in s a mostly isions of iv d all five ry. a it il m the

M r ends fo nd men, a eer nt all-volu y militar ore m s e t crea nities u t r oppo n. e for wom

1976

Service s, ie academ West g in d inclu val a N , t Poin y, Academ rce o F ir and A , admit y m Acade en m first wo g in in for train cience. ys militar

1 9 7 8Navy

››

in Women es are rin and Ma o serve on dt allowe at ships as b noncom ns, nurses, ia ic n tech icers. and off

May 2018

41

that was canceled, and she was unable to go back.

Now living in Tavares, she does Overseas Adventure Tours, works with Lake Cares, Friends of the Tavares Library, and the Purple Heart Cruise Foundation with veterans.

LT. C O L . J O D Y NELSON RETIRED, U.S. ARMY

A

s owner of the Spice & Tea Exchange of Brownwood, Jody Nelson spends her days selecting spices and teas and teaching her customers how to enhance their cooking with these flavorful offerings. Prior to doing this, she was Lt. Col. Jody Nelson of the U.S. Army and a commander of a combat team.

Apparently, she likes things spicy in every area of her life as she chose to work with nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare.

“I did the job that nobody else wanted to do, and I asked for it,” Jody says. “It’s one of the smallest branches of the U.S. Army. I worried about nuclear war, so I wanted to know how you protect yourself.”

The chemical part of the job involved protecting against it. She briefed those headed into areas where suspected chemical weapons might be used. “The LT. COL. JODY NELSON more I knew, the

42

lakeandsumter

.com

more I could talk to troops more knowledgeably,” she says.

Her 28 years in the Army included serving in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and other significant assignments.

“My aim was more toward crisis management, damage management, and I briefed all the commanders on what to expect in the areas where they were going,” Jody says.

Jody was the first female combat commander in Afghanistan. She was with the 4th Infantry Division, 4th Combat Brigade and had 1,000 troops serving under her.

“What I did always affected the troops, and I enjoyed my soldiers.

A commander is only as good as her forces,” Jody says.

Besides working with the Spice & Tea, Jody lives in The Villages and fosters service dogs, training them for Guardian Angels. The dogs stay with her for eight weeks to learn how to acclimate to public gatherings, and then they’re given to those who need them.

“This is how I give back,” Jody says.

C A P T. D O R I S VA I L RETIRED, U.S. NAVY

W

“

hen I entered the Navy, 2 percent were enlisted women. It was so restricted,” says Doris Vail, of The Villages.

“There were no female captains, and we referred to our commander as the ‘head skirt.’ When I retired in 1984 as a Navy captain, there were only 10 captains on active duty.”

Doris saw a lot of changes for women during her 26 years in the Navy. She also saw many things that remained the same. She served in administration, communications, and as a personnel

officer. She was the only female officer in command at the Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego.

When she served in Rota, Spain, in the communication station, she was the only woman there. There were no restrooms for women so she had to use the commanding officer’s private toilet. “As the only woman, it was an interesting integration for the entire command,” Doris says.

ERE NO W E R E H “T AINS, AND CAPT D TO OUR E L A M E F RRE WE RERFEAS THE ‘HEAD” DE SKIRVTA.’I L COMMAN RIS —CAPT

92 1991-

1,000 War—4 f l u G n o Persia re deployed t a re a n e o wom at zone; tw b s the com tive. Congres p a ly c f n o take men t izes wo author issions. tm comba

. DO

Throughout her time in the navy, Doris was fortunate to continue her schooling, eventually getting her doctorate. She spent many years in Washington, D.C. While teaching at the National Defense University, she taught many of the newly released prisoners of war from Vietnam to help them integrate back into the workforce.

“It was a marvelous experience,” she says. “Most of them had a great sense of humor, and I felt honored to be a part of their group and socialize with them and their wives.”

During her naval career, Doris worked steadily to increase the involvement of women in the Navy.

She helped get the first woman enrolled in the Naval Academy and saw many restrictions end when more women were promoted to captain and admiral.

“I worked 12- and 14-hour days to be the best so my boss knew I could do what I was hired to do,” she says.

LT. C M D R .

K AT H R Y N W I L G U S RETIRED, U.S. NAVY

I

“

998 1 3 n 199 peratio Women d ize author ss gre

by Con n eo to serv hips. ts comba

joined because in my high school I would have been voted ‘most likely not to succeed,’” Kathryn

O Fox in Deser t men o Iraq—W ots il p r fighte t a b fly com off s n missio rrier. ca aircraft

2000

2003

Iraq— War in y ree Arm n Gulf— Persia leen Th en ath om Capt. K is the w me POWs co h t e r b McGa an to e ring th m u o d first w a U.S. of s y a nd st d a ir f m m o c ion. arship. e invas h w t y v a N

Wilgus says. “When I decided to go back to school so I could join the Army, I thought at least this way, they would say she tried.”

While a man can join the Army with a GED, women are required to have a high school diploma, so Kathryn went back to school that summer and got hers.

She began her service in 1987 in the U.S. Army Reserve Delayed Entry Program. She was an operating room technician, rising to the rank of sergeant before leaving the reserves to pursue a nursing degree due to the encouragement of her fellow reservists.

She was direct-commissioned as a lieutenant junior grade in the Navy Nurse Corps reserves in 2004, assigned to Operational Hospital Support Unit in Jacksonville. Her deployment to Landstuhl, Germany, was in 2009 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with rotations on the USS Continuing Promise Mission in Antigua, Colombia, and Panama.

“My first active duty in Afghanistan was being on the Medical Embedded Training Team,” Kathryn say.

She was a mentor for Afghan National Army nurses and surgeons and

2004

da Col. Lin e u McTag the s e becom an m o first w er nd comma r hte of a fig on squadr Air in U.S. tory. is Force h

2005

War on gt.

S Terror— n n A Leigh the is r Heste an m first wo the d awarde r for ta Silver S ction. ta combahe Colonial :T Source sburg Williamation F ound

2018

Women the in serving ry a it U.S. mil e h t around ore M world— 00 in ,0 0 0 2 n tha c n hes; five bra 0,000 20 almost erves; s e r in the 51 in ,8 0 7 and 4 ional the Nat Guar:dSta. tistic Brain Source

May 2018

43

volunteered for the Female Engagement Team, leaving the compound to interact and train Afghan policewomen.

“They were being raped, and I tried to help them,” Kathryn says. “I always called myself a ‘MacGyver’ nurse. You have to make it happen no matter what.”

One of the physical problems Kathryn deals with is back pain. The chronic pain is the result of wearing a combat vest made for a man. Not having the proper fit puts pressure on the spine and hips.

Kathryn went from Afghanistan to fill a critical need billet in Kandahar for Operation Enduring Freedom. As an operating room nurse, she was charged with maintaining operational readiness in a combat zone and as a training officer. It was here she faced her greatest challenges. Treating battlefield injuries is often fast, grueling work with few rewards.

“You never know how your patient does after leaving your operating room,” Kathryn says. “We just got them ready to be able to fly to Germany for more care.”

However, when one patient received a Purple Heart, Kathryn remained in the room to watch. Each soldier is given a book and those attending can sign it, which Kathryn

VETERANS AFFAIRS DATA O N SUICIDE

44

lakeandsumter

.com

did. This man was her second patient and was severely injured.

Later, he contacted everyone who signed his book to thank them for the care he received. With a smile, Kathryn says, “I finally got to see somebody I helped.”

During a retirement ceremony, there is a flag demonstation called “Olde Glory Presentation.”

Representatives from each branch and rank she had served attended Kathryn’s ceremony. They passed the flag from one white-gloved soldier to the next with tributes to Old Glory and its beauty as the American flag. It was this man, Kathryn’s second patient, who had lost a hand, who passed the flag to her to end her ceremony.

It is Kathryn’s wish that those in the highest ranks of the military will realize that what happens to their medical teams in battle is a different kind of battlefield trauma. She still suffers PTSS and hopes to eventually see support groups for medical personnel and women to create a unique kind of bond for participants.

Female veterans of all branches of the military service serve with pride and reverence for their country and their flag.

“I am a woman. I served in the military. I am a veteran.”—Anonymous

Findings show there is variability across the nation in the rates and numbers of deaths by suicide among veterans.

Overall, the veteran rates mirror those of the general population in the geographic region, with the highest rates in Western states.

While there are higher rates of suicide in some states with smaller populations, most veteran

suicides are still in the heaviest populated areas.

The suicide rate among middle-age and older adult veterans remains high. In 2014, approximately 65 percent of all veterans who died by suicide were age 50 or older.

After adjusting for differences in age and sex, risk for suicide was 22 percent higher among veterans

when compared to U.S. nonveteran adults. After adjusting for differences in age, risk for suicide was 19 percent higher among male veterans when compared to U.S. non-veteran adult men.

After adjusting for differences in age, risk for suicide was 2.5 times higher among female veterans when compared to U.S. nonveteran adult women.

Sp rkling with success Arden’s Fine Jewelers loves to brighten the day of their valued customers.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Throughout the years, businesses in The Villages have come and gone.

However, one business continues shining by impressing longtime clientele and new customers alike.

Arden’s Fine Jewelers opened 14 years ago, and the company’s meticulous attention to detail and superior customer service has stood the test of time.

“Many businesses that were open when we first started are now gone,” says Nedra Townley, owner of Arden’s Fine Jewelers. “We’re one of the last men standing and we’re still going strong.

We’ve grown right alongside The Villages.”

A big reason for that is because Nedra invests in continuing education, allowing her team of 11 employees to keep abreast of the most current fashions and trends in the jewelry industry. A master jeweler, a Gemological Institute of America (GIA)-certified gemologist, and a laser welder are all part of her team. In addition, her company is one of a dozen or so jewelry stores throughout the country that is

46

lakeandsumter

.com

certified as a diamond repair center by Hearts on Fire Diamonds, a privately held diamond jewelry design and manufacturing company.

“Continuing education and training allows us to offer the best quality, the best deals, the best designs, and the best pricing,” Nedra says.

It also allows the company to keep up with the everchanging demands of customers. A new generation of retirees is moving into The Villages and has focused its attention on custom jewelry.

Nedra and her team began offering this service four years ago and today can design each piece of custom jewelry to fit the individualized style of each customer.

“In the past year, the demand for custom jewelry has really grown,” Nedra

says. “If someone has a diamond and wants to make a custom ring out of it, we will work with the customer until we get the design exactly the way she wants it.”

In addition to custom designs, Arden’s Fine Jewelers offers a wealth of other services—including jewelry and diamond appraisals, jewelry cleaning and repair, watch repair, and diamond upgrades. But despite the company’s staying power and continued growth, Nedra hasn’t lost sight of what has helped her business sparkle the most: superior customer service.

In fact, making customers happy is a point of pride for Nedra.

“People who moved to The Villages saved their money to live in the country’s nicest retirement community,” she says. “Therefore, they deserve nothing but the best.

They expect a certain level of service. My staff respects that and goes above and beyond to deliver exactly what they deserve. We listen to customers. If we feel a change is needed we jump on it. If

s s e n i s Bu

N E M O Wof LE STY

You see them every day. You may do business with them.

They’re your neighbors and friends—the 2018 Business Women of Style.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

May 2018

73

IN CELEBRATION OF

NURSES WEEK & HOSPITAL WEEK MAY 6-12, 2018

If you’ve ever been hospitalized, you know how much nurses do and how critical they are to a well-run hospital and clinic. They dispense and monitor your medication, check your vitals, see to your comfort in the most uncomfortable situations, answer your questions, communicate with your family and keep your physicians updated on your condition! Even your personal doctor’s office needs a full complement of nursing staff to operate efficiently.

Nursing is one career that seems to be continuously growing. There are never enough nurses and their importance has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. In fact, nursing has been voted the “most honest and ethical profession for the past 16 years” according to the American Nurses Association.

This year, Nurses Week starts May 6 and ends May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday! We at Central Florida Health are proud of our nurses and so thankful for such an experienced and dedicated team to help us provide the excellent medical

care we are known for. Wherever you may be during Nurses Week, take a moment to thank your nurses and let them know how much you appreciate all that they do.

The National Hospital Association has a celebration of its own, Hospital Week, that happens to run concurrently with Nurses Week and extends thanks and celebration to every member of the hospital system who promotes better health and a smooth running hospital.

Central Florida Health wants to take this opportunity to recognize the valuable contributions its

entire staff makes at both Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages® Regional Hospital. The medical professionals in all of our departments are at the top of the

medical profession and we could not be prouder. To all our clinical and non-clinical team members—Thank you! We could not be on this journey without you.

LEESBURG REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

THE VILLAGES® REGIONAL HOSPITAL

600 E. Dixie Ave. Leesburg, FL 34748 352.323.5762 leesburgregional.org

1451 El Camino Real The Villages, FL 32159 352.751.8000 thevillagesregionalhospital.org

Plan to spend quality time with Dad on Father’s Day?

accomplished.

CELEBRATE DAD OVER A GOLF WEEKEND, TEE TIME OR SUNDAY BRUNCH Special Father’s Day offers available on our website Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737 • MissionInnResort.com • 352.324.3101