STYLE Magazine, Village Edition, November 2017

VILLAGE EDITION

November 2017

FROM UROLOGIST JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D.,

AN

INNOVATIVE TREATMENT FOR AN ENLARGED 00th PROSTATE

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NOVEMBER 2017 // VOL.14 NO. 1 // F e a t u r e s

There are many places in Lake and Sumter counties that you pass every day, but you may not know the story behind these stops along the highways and byways. Here’s your opportunity to learn about memorable places like Florida National Cemetery, big-hearted places like the Howey Horse Haven Rescue, historic places like the Howey Mansion and Mote-Morris House, and the extraordinary Wehrly residence.

STORIES: LEIGH NEELY, JAMES COMBS, THERESA CAMPBELL, AND CHRIS GERBASI

STORIES: LEIGH NEELY, JAMES COMBS, THERESA CAMPBELL, AND CHRIS GERBASI

November 2017

Lake and Sumter counties are made up of many ordinary people who do a variety of extraordinary things. Lake & Sumter Style takes pride in featuring these extraordinary people every year, and the staff is always surprised at the remarkable people who live here and do amazing things or those who moved away but still call these two Central Florida counties their home.

VILLAGE EDITION

32 (Extra)Ordinary people 46 A place in the sun

FROM UROLOGIST JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D.,

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Special Adve rtising Sections

INNOVATIVE TREATMENT ®

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Lake County urologist offers innovative treatment for BPH As many men age, it can sometimes be hard to distinguish between the natural signs of aging and reversible conditions that are worth treating— including difficulty with urination.

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Ask the Expert These experts hold the key to unlocking your home’s greatest potential. Find out what they have to say about making yours extraordinary.

FOR AN ENLARGED PROSTATE

On the covers LAKE & SUMTER STYLE PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: JASON FUGATE VILLAGES EDITION PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED LOPEZ

November 2017

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#Trending This ‘N That

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A R O U N D T H E TA B L E

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

COLUM NS

16 From the Publisher 138 Final Thought

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The To-Do List In Concert Local Talent Out+About Social Spotlight Hi, Society!

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Ocala OCALA

352-624-9300 It’s a great time to buy! | WatsonRealtyCorp.com 3800 SE 58th Ave., Ocala, FL 34480

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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.

To our readers: ypically, I use this opportunity

to talk about our current issue and all the great people we are featuring. This month, I’m going to address our readers about a question that continues to arise. Are your print magazines going away? The answer is no, absolutely not!

We have experienced a 57 percent increase in visitors to our website this year since we introduced “What’s Going On,” which is a section that offers daily stories on our site. In January, my team and I were reviewing web traffic, trends, and statistics, and we realized visitors were coming to the site in strong numbers at the beginning of the month, most likely to view the new magazine and read the newest stories. What we discovered was after the first week, those numbers declined, and then would ramp up again when the next month’s issue was published.

We decided to increase the number of stories that we wrote each month and post daily stories on our website to entice our readers to stay engaged longer and to keep them coming back to us all month long. In the past, there were so many stories presented to us that were time sensitive, and we were unable to share them because of our print deadlines. Now, we post them on our website and share them with you through our social media pages.

The results of this decision are astounding and extremely exciting to us. So much so that we are telling everyone and shouting about it from our rooftop. I believe this excitement and continued talk about our website and digital magazines placed a bit of fear in our print magazine lovers. We were asked on multiple occasions, “What does this mean for your print editions?”

The answer is, we will continue to provide content to our readers in whatever format they prefer to receive it. “Everywhere the reader is” has been our philosophy since we purchased Style in 2010. The good news is, our print magazine readership is stronger than ever. A large majority of our readers still prefer to read the printed edition. We know this because we have not reduced our print circulation and we continue to run out of the printed copies every month.

The only difference now is you get more stories about the people, places, and events in Style on our website. More content has delivered more readers.

“Thank you” for continuing to read Style,, and now for coming back to us all month long.

Because of you, Style magazine has the largest audience of any publication in Lake and Sumter counties. We truly appreciate your support.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Kendra Akers

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At You r S e rv i c e

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

Hot Off The Press!

Sneak Peek

The latest editions of Lake & Sumter Style, Village Style, Healthy Living and Welcome to Lake County.

TAKING ROOT: A COMMUNITY GARDEN WILL GROW A CROP OF NEW GARDENERS pg: 22

VILLAGE EDITION

November 2017

LUSH AND LOCAL

FROM UROLOGIST JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D.,

INNOVATIVE TREATMENT

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How one local deals with chronic pain

A NEW TWIST

One local church is offering weekly yoga classes

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IT’S NO FISH TALE Lake County has the largest bass in the state!

RAISING THE BAR The NTC is a gold mine for Olympians!

FOR AN ENLARGED 00th PROSTATE

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Editorial // Design // Photography

contributors

TO L AK E COUN T Y

ACHING FOR NORMALCY?

®

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

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2017 YEAR IN REVIEW

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Order a subscription of your favorite magazine to be delivered directly to your home for just $81. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Lake & Sumter Style, Village Style or Healthy Living. Choose 2 or more magazines for $102 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112 or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749.

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

BACK ISSUES: Order a single issue by mail for $7, or 2 or more single issues for $9. To pick up a back issue from our office, please call 24 hours in advance.

Mary Ann DeSantis Fred Hilton Diane Dean Jessica Flinn sales // marketing

Digitize your life.

Tim McRae Mike Stegall VICE PRESIDENT, SALES & MARKETING SENIOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE tim@akersmediagroup.com mike@akersmediagroup.com Jacquelyn Singer Tatianna Geliga ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE jacquelyn@akersmediagroup.com tatianna@akersmediagroup.com Cree Howard SALES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT cree@akersmediagroup.com

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

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FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Deb Matlock Aubrey Akers OFFICE MANAGER ADVERTISING COORDINATOR 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

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WINNER OF

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150+ AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Lake & Sumter Style. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 South Fifth Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2017 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.

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November 2017

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T H I S ‘ N ’ T H AT

21 In the Know

Holidays are right around the corner so are these major treelighting festivals.

T R E N D I N G //

* #I TnR ETNhD eI N GK n o w

MOUNT DORA

Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival Scottish bands, musicians, and games will be the attraction at the fifth annual Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival, a two-day event Nov. 17-18. A “Night for the Celt” concert featuring Celtic music and Irish dancing will be staged at 7pm Nov. 17 at Elizabeth Evans Park.

“We’re going to have a ceilidh,, and that’s another way of saying a ‘Scottish party,’ and there will be dancing, live music, and ceremonial introductions of all the societies that are participating,” says Chris Carson, cultural and special events coordinator for Mount Dora. Chris noted the Highland Games are a big attraction in several countries around the globe. “We are beginning the season for these games in November, so we have a lot of professional athletes who come to participate,” he says. “It’s really cool.”

LEESBURG

Tail-wagging fun The Not So Westminster Dog Show is growing in popularity with dog lovers.

“It’s a lot of fun. People get into it with their dogs, and a lot of people come out to it,” says Joanie Smalley, the Main Street manager for the Leesburg Partnership. She notes people can register their dogs in one of several categories up to one hour before the 11am contest Nov. 11 at Towne Square, 510 W. Main St., Leesburg. Registration is free. The event will feature entertainment by local musician Tommy Treadway.

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WEIRSDALE

Chicks and ducks and geese better scurry Gloria Austin, longtime owner and curator of the Carriage Museum at Grand Oaks Resort in Weirsdale, is changing careers. She’s going to be writing books and working online rather than spending her days at the museum.

The change also means the Carriage Museum is gone as classic cars move into the collection for visitors, though there are still some carriages. It is now called Florida Car Museum at the Grand Oaks.

The most valuable carriage, once belonging to Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, will stay. It is valued at up to $5 million.

THE VILLAGES

Let there be

lights

The benefit for Villages residents to having three town squares is that every major event is done in triplicate. Holiday tree-lighting festivals are scheduled from 4-9pm Nov. 27 at Spanish Springs Town Square, Nov. 29 at Lake Sumter Landing Market Square, and Dec. 1 at Brownwood Paddock Square. Entertainment will include bands, belly dancers, cheerleaders, hula dancers, singers, stilt walkers, and, of course, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The festivals also remember the reason for the season by conducting gift and supply drives to benefit the Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center, Ronald McDonald House, and other charities for underprivileged children. For more information, visit thevillagesentertainment.com.

LEESBURG

Deck the halls with boughs of holly The 22nd annual Christmas House is in holiday splendor this month at ViaPort Florida Mall in Leesburg, where more than 50,000 items—Christmas décor, floral arrangements, toys, quilts, jellies, and baked goods—made by 100-plus crafters are displayed and available for purchase.

“The Christmas House helps build traffic to the mall and helps us in raising funds. We have a great group of more than 100 volunteers who run it, and all of the crafters donate their time,” says Joe Shipes, CEO of the Leesburg Partnership, the event sponsor.

The Christmas House will remain open until Dec. 9.

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Nov.

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Shop local!

Small Business Day is Nov. 25, and there are plenty of shops in Lake and Sumter counties that local residents can support.

The downtown areas in each small town or city have unique places to buy the special gifts or decorations you need for the holidays. Check them out every day, not just Small Business Day.

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Square one for arts and crafts MOUNT DORA

A gift for shoppers Shoppers can find unique gifts for those special people at the new Checkered Moon South, which filled the empty space at 4th Avenue and Alexander Street in Mount Dora. This is a sister store to the Checkered Moon in Champaign, Illinois.

You’ll find everything from popular graffiti signs, vases, and jewelry to cards, books, and special wedding gifts. Need a comfortable T-shirt or cute baby clothes? Look no further.

Candles, coral flowers, and beach bags, oh my!

Checkered Moon South is at 112 E. 5th Ave. and hours are 10am-5pm.

Shop for handcrafted leather goods, paintings, photography, personalized products, glassworks, and more at the 21st annual Spanish Springs Art & Craft Festival. The free event is scheduled from 10am-5pm Nov. 4-5 at Spanish Springs Town Square, 1181 Main St., The Villages. Enjoy a weekend of strolling along the square not only for the arts and crafts—all made in the U.S.A. by the nation’s best crafters—but also for the shops, restaurants, and live entertainment at Spanish Springs.

Ja m e s C o m b s’

1

Since moving to Leesburg with his mother in 2016, a 13-year-old boy has been repeatedly charged with vehicle theft. Son, put the brakes on this reckless lifestyle; otherwise, you’re steering yourself down a dangerous path.

2

A Eustis bar owner was arrested after allowing patrons to use illegal slot machines inside her business. What are the odds that she’ll learn her lesson? Wanna bet?

3

In August, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension in Lake County offered a program called “Creature Cuisine.” It explained how Americans are including insects in their diet. Will this trend expand to restaurants? I think I’d get spooked if a waitress asked me, “Would you like flies with that?”

4

A serial flasher who eluded law enforcement for months was finally arrested after exposing himself to two women near popular Clermont stores. I’d say this arrest should put an end to his perverted “hobby.”

Who knows, though? He may stick it out for at least another year.

5

A Lake County football coach has been suspended for illegally recruiting players from other county high schools. School administrators should kick him to the curb…no punt intended.

6

Treadwell Nursery in Eustis has been given the green light to start growing medical marijuana. It would be funny if the owners put up a big sign outside their nursery that reads: “Please keep off the grass.”

TAVA R E S

My faire lady Take a trip back in time to see characters like jousting knights, musical madams, and washing-well wenches at the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire in Tavares.

The multi-weekend event is scheduled from 10am-5pm Nov. 4-5 and Nov. 11-12, along with an Education Day from 9:30am-3pm Nov. 10.

The faire features food and drinks, entertainers on seven stages, shops with more than 70 artisans practicing their crafts in many mediums, special events such as royal weddings, and an “adult section” for fun and games. The faire entrance is close to Lake Idamere Park off County Road 448, near 12835 County Landfill Road. Tickets cost $13 for adults and $7 for children.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to lakerenfaire.com. lakerenfaire.com

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* TI HnI ST‘ Nh’ eT HKAnT o w

NOW YOU SEE ME… NO, YOU DON’T Can anybody out there see me?

STORY: FRED HILTON // PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

T

his is clearly the age of the superhero.

We’ve got Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, the Silver Surfer, Batman, Iron Man, and a zillion or so others.

Worldwide, boys and girls idolize superheroes and wish fervently for superpowers of their own.

Trust me, kiddies, having a superpower isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I have a superpower and I hate it. You don’t want my superpower.

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I’m invisible.

It became apparent when I was a little kid that I could be sitting in a room and no one else would have the slightest idea that I was there.

My invisibility first appeared one afternoon when I was plopped down in front of a flickering, black-and-white TV and watching a show called “Romper Room.” It was a pure product of the 1950s. The hostess,

Miss Nancy, would greet all the boys and girls and we’d say the Pledge of Allegiance. A fat bumblebee named Mr. Do-Bee would tell us how to be good little boys and girls.

The highlight of “Romper Room”—and when I had my epiphany about being invisible—came near the end of the show when Miss Nancy brought out her magic mirror. We kiddies could see her on the TV screen, and when she looked into her mirror, she could see us. It made good sense at the time.

Miss Nancy would look in her mirror and say, “Romper, stomper, bomper boo. Tell me, tell me, tell me, do. Magic Mirror, tell me today, did all my friends have fun at play?”

She’d then name all the kids she saw. She saw Billie and Susie and Tommy and Mary and Frankie and Linda. She even saw kids named Ignatz and Heathcliff once.

But did she ever see Freddie? No, never, not a single time. At first, I thought Miss Nancy hated me. Or maybe she was biased against chubby kids with glasses. I finally figured out why she couldn’t see me. I was invisible.

My invisibility wasn’t confined to “Romper Room.” When I went to real school, I would disappear now and then. On the rare occasion when I actually knew the answer to a question, I’d wave my hand frantically in the air and murmur, “Me, me, me.” Teacher would look around the room, oblivious to me and my flailing hand, and say, “Anyone? Anyone?”

But she couldn’t see me. I was invisible.

The same scenario repeated itself when I grew up and went out into the mean, cruel world of working for a living. At staff meetings, the boss would ask for opinions on the latest project. I was full of bright, witty, and incisive thoughts on how to develop the whatever-it-was that we did. Again, I’d wave my hand for recognition and hopefully whisper, “Me, me, me.” Predictably, the boss would call on that brown-nosing twit

who sat next to me. I was getting used to being invisible.

After retiring from work and moving away from ice and snow, I was certain that my invisibility would go away. I was wrong.

Invisibility strikes when I take our dog, Paris (full name, Paris Hilton, and yes, that’s her you see in the photo), out for a walk. Paris is a little long in the tooth but she’s still kind of a hottie. She’d be a cougar if dogs could do that.

She’s much better looking than the human, much richer Paris Hilton and our Paris has never made any steamy videos—at least none that I know of.

When I walk Paris, others see nothing but air at the non-dog end of the leash. They ooh and aah over Paris, pat her on the head, look right through me and walk away. Paris can see me just fine. She thinks the whole thing is funny.

There is one place where invisibility strikes 100 percent of the time. When I go there, I know I’ll quickly become invisible. It’s probably happened to you, too.

There’s something about restaurants that breeds invisibility.

Usually, you’re visible when you first enter the restaurant and you stay that way until you’re seated at a table. Then, poof, you’re gone. Waiters can’t see you. They have the remarkable ability to look straight at you and see nothing but whatever’s behind you. Most waiters wouldn’t see you if your hair was on fire.

Sitting at the bar is just as bad. Even though the bartender is only two feet away, he still manages to not see you in your invisible stage.

You’re so thirsty that you feel like the guy in the old Westerns who is crawling through the desert sand with an empty canteen and two arrows in his back.

There is no cure for invisibility. So when you leave, don’t say, “See you later.” Because I know you won’t.

*

They ooh and aah over Paris, pat her on the head, look right through me and walk away.

Fred Hilton Fred Hilton spent 36 years as the chief public relations off icer/spokesman for James Madison University in Virginia and 10 years prior as a reporter and editor for The Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia.

He is now happily retired in The Villages with his interior designer wife, Leta, their Cadillac Escalade golf cart, and their dog, Paris. (Yes, that makes her Paris Hilton).

November 2017

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JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D.

LAKE COUNTY UROLOGIST OFFERS INNOVATIVE TREATMENT FOR BPH

As many men age, it can sometimes be hard to distinguish between the natural signs of aging and reversible conditions that are worth treating—including difficulty with urination.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

J

ohn Kelly, a longtime resident of The Villages of Pinellas, suffered from lower urinary tract symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), for more than three years before he researched and sought treatment options for his symptoms of BPH. At first John’s urinary symptoms seemed like minor inconveniences: as he got older he noticed he had to urinate more often than he did when he was younger. His symptoms gradually progressed and before he knew it his entire life was revolving around his prostate issues.

“I knew where every bathroom was in The Villages,” John relates.

“For any car trips, I knew exactly where every bathroom stop was located.” John, who had previously enjoyed a very active lifestyle, limited his long-distance travel and avoided unfamiliar places. He began drinking fewer liquids to reduce the number of bathroom trips, and avoided urinals because of his inconsistent stream. As his symptoms progressed further, John would often have to wear adult diapers at night because of uncontrollable accidents.

What John did not realize was he could have avoided these disruptions to his lifestyle by having them evaluated and treated by a urologist.

BPH: common and costly BPH, or an enlarged prostate gland, is one of the top 10 most common and costly disease processes, affecting 12 million men aged 50 or more years in the U.S. The disease causes moderately bothersome to significant quality of life issues including increased frequency of urination, nocturia (getting up at night to urinate) causing sleep disruption, a weak or intermittent flow of urine, as well as urgency of urination sometimes to the point of accidents. These symptoms ultimately cause anxiety, sleep disruption, challenges with sexual function and limitations to one’s daily activities.

Symptoms of BPH do not appear overnight and many men assume they are an unavoidable attribute of the aging process. As men mature, the prostate typically grows from the size of a walnut to sometimes as large as an orange.

Imagine the prostate as a donut, with the urethra in the center running urine from the bladder. As the prostate enlarges, the urethra within the prostate gets restricted or smaller. Like any muscle, the bladder can get stronger as the urethra within the prostate becomes restricted, overcompensating by storing more urine. However once the blad-

der gets as strong as it can, and the restriction continues, the bladder becomes damaged, losing its ability to empty completely, or at all without a catheter. Or conversely, the bladder can get too strong, causing urinary urgency that can lead to accidents.

Even though nearly 800,000 patients are newly diagnosed with BPH symptoms each year, more than half do not seek evaluation or treatment. “Many men are in denial,” explains Dr. James Young, a board-certified urologist in Lake County and one of the world’s leading adopters of minimally invasive BPH technologies. Founder of the Prostate Evaluation Center of Lady Lake, Dr. Young explains that even though his patients typically admit to having symptoms such as a weaker stream, frequency and urgency of urination sometimes with accidents, they still don’t describe themselves as having urinary problems.

“A lot of men assume the symptoms of BPH are just something they have to live with as they get older. They don’t realize they need to be evaluated before the damage to the bladder is irreversible and now there are therapies available to reverse the process that are not painful or difficult to undergo,” he says. Dr. Young acknowledges that fears of “having to have a TURP” – an unpleasant, invasive surgery not affectionately referred to as the roto-rooter – are as prevalent as denial. “Everyone has heard a nightmare story from a friend or a relative who has undergone the TURP procedure. Complica-

I knew where every bathroom was in The Villages. For any car trips, I knew exactly where every bathroom stop was located.

— JOHN KELLY

BPH AFFECTS

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MILLION 50 MEN AGED OR MORE

1 BLADDER

BLADDER

REZUM SYSTEM

PROSTATE HYPERPLASTIC TISSUE

URETHRA

URETHRA

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate gland, affecting 12 million men in the U.S., with nearly 800,000 newly diagnosed each year. An enlarged prostate squeezes down on the urethra causing lower urinary tract symptoms.

2 DURING TREATMENT: Rezūm uses the natural energy stored in water vapor, or steam.

It is a safe and effective treatment available to relieve symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. During treatment, sterile water vapor is released throughout the targeted prostate tissue.

When the steam turns back into water, all the stored energy is released, causing the cells to die.

3 AFTER TREATMENT:

Over time, the body’s natural healing response removes the dead cells, shrinking the prostate. With the extra tissue removed, the urethra opens, reducing BPH symptoms.

BLADDER

PROSTATE

HYPERPLASTIC TISSUE

1 PRE TREATMENT:

3

2

tions such as massive bleeding, infection and sexual side effects are relatively common.”

Emerging minimally invasive treatments Dr. Young has been treating men for the symptoms of BPH for 35 years, using a number of different therapies as they became available. He started his urology practice in Lake County in 1982 after graduating medical school at the University of Arkansas, where he also completed his urology residency. Board certified in 1984, he has focused his life’s work on evaluating and treating BPH, evaluating elevated PSAs, and diagnosing and treating prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction and men with low testosterone levels, seeing more than 6,000 patients per year.

For many years there was only one option for a man suffering from BPH: the fear-inducing TURP, or transurethral resection of the prostate.

This is a major operation requiring hospitalization, general or spinal anesthesia and could have major complications and side effects. About 30 years ago medications were approved to “relax” or shrink the prostate, with varying degrees of effectiveness. Dr. Young prescribed these medications but found them to be ineffective over time, and they produced unwanted side effects.

In the 1990s a treatment known as TUNA (transurethral needle ablation of the prostate), later known as Prostiva RF therapy, became available. Dr. Young was an early adopter of the therapy. It was a major improvement in that it offered a minimally invasive treatment, however it still had its limitations. “The treatment would last for anywhere from two to seven years,” said Dr. Young. “I knew a new technology was on the horizon that was potentially better.”

When the Rezum System received FDA clearance in 2015, Dr. Young was one of the first urologists to fully integrate it into his

PROSTATE

URETHRA

practice as a safe, effective treatment for the symptoms of BPH. “In my opinion the Rezum technology is much more effective in treating more prostate tissue in a shorter time with less discomfort for the patient than Prostiva.”

Performed in his office with local anesthesia, the minimally invasive Rezum uses natural thermal energy stored in water vapor (steam) to treat excess prostate tissue. Dr. Young explains Einstein’s theory that “energy cannot be created, nor destroyed, it can only be changed.” The energy required to change the water into steam, or vapor, is released again when the vapor contacts the prostate tissue, and it changes back to water, allowing the tissue to be treated consistently. As the energy is released, prostate cells die, and over the next few weeks and months the body’s natural healing response removes the dead cells that are obstructing the flow of urine, thus increasing the size of the urethra in the prostate making the “hole in the donut larger,” thus a much stronger urinary stream.

“Game changing” Rezum therapy When Dr. Young learned the science behind Rezum he understood it immediately and knew it would be a game changer. “After 35 years of treating BPH in my opinion, the Rezum System is the most dramatic advancement in technology in treating men with enlarged prostates that I expect to see in my lifetime,” Dr. Young says. “The results my patients are experiencing at this time are much, much better. We’re able to treat more enlarged tissue in a shorter, less uncomfortable procedure while offering a more effective, longer lasting result.”

John Kelly was one of the first in the area to undergo the Rezum procedure after Dr. Young told him about it in 2016. At that point, he had been suffering from symptoms of

BPH for more than seven years, with various unsuccessful treatments and medications that seemed to have no benefits. Now more than a year after his Rezum treatment, John says he could not be more pleased with the results.

“I feel like a teenager again,” he says. In fact, he adds, he and his wife recently booked a trip to visit the remote ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, including a long airplane ride that he would never have agreed to attempt prior to his treatment. “It has changed my life,” he explains.

History of Rezum Rezum was developed by NxThera, a Minnesota-based company that is pioneering technology to treat a variety of urologic conditions with BPH being the first. More than 15,000 patients to date have been effectively treated with the Rezum System across the U.S. and Europe. NxThera’s founder and chief technology officer (CTO) Michael Hoey, has had a particular passion for his work after losing his father to prostate cancer in 1995. He and his team at NxThera have been dedicated to expanding the applications of their technology, with the vision of finding effective treatments for conditions such as prostate cancer.

“Our goal is to transform the lives of BPH patients across the globe with the Rezum System,” said Michael. “With Dr. Young’s BPH expertise and advanced experience with Rezum, patients suffering with BPH in the Lake County area now have a minimally invasive, lasting alternative for treatment so they can get back to enjoying a better quality of life.”

The Rezum System is recommended for men, 50 years and older, with an enlarged prostate as indicated by their urologist. While medications for an enlarged prostate can be prescribed by primary care physicians, only urologists are trained to thoroughly evaluate the bladder and prostate (including ruling out prostate cancer) as well as provide extremely effective minimally invasive therapies.

Leader in the field If you are a first-time patient of Dr. Young you will receive a detailed history and physical evaluation to discuss your symptoms and diagnose underlying problems to determine the best treatment option. Dr. Young says,

“I explain to the patient what is normal and abnormal, what is going on with them, even drawing pictures to help them fully understand their situation. If I have educated the patient successfully, he will select the best treatment option for himself.” The Rezum procedure is performed in Dr. Young’s office and patients can return to mildly restricted activities for a limited time and soon return to their normal, active life.

Dr. Young has performed well over 400 Rezum procedures since June 2016, twice as many as any other urologist in the United States and many more than any other urologist in Florida. “The results have been amazing,” Dr. Young says. According to Healthgrades. com, Dr. Young is now in the top 100th percentile of all urologists in the U.S. (#100 of 10,000), based on patient reviews and web visits. “Much of my success is related to my use of the Rezum System,” Dr. Young notes.

“It is clear to me that Rezum is an effective first-line therapy for men suffering from the symptoms of BPH and offers an alternative to major, invasive surgery or taking medication for the rest of their lives.” While the disease process continues to be widespread, Dr. Young is enthusiastic by the fact that, “now you can do something about it!”

Dr. Young also strongly recommends annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer for men over the age of 50, or African American men and other men with a family history of prostate cancer at age 40. “I practiced urology before PSA was available, and most patients at the time of diagnosis had prostate cancer that had already spread, putting them in a position where they could not be cured,” says Dr. Young. “Men who are screened annually are having their prostate cancers diagnosed early, before it has spread, and potentially curable. That’s why I am a huge believer in the benefits of PSA screening for prostate cancer,” says Dr. Young.

Patients interested in a consultation with Dr. Young should call 352.661.1055 or email bcarter@ProstateEvaluationCenter.com to schedule an appointment. Rezum is covered by most private insurance carriers as well as Medicare.

For more information you can visit Dr. Young’s website, ProstateEvaluation.com, or NxThera’s website, Rezum.com, or call 888.319.9691.

DR. YOUNG HAS PERFORMED

2X

AS MANY REZUM PROCEDURES AS ANY OTHER UROLOGIST IN THE UNITED STATES.

PROSTATE EVALUATION C E N T E R

808 Highway 466, Lady Lake 352.661.1055 ProstateEvaluation.com

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Every year, Style compiles an amazing list of Extraordinary People. The talent, tenacity, and strength of these people provide inspiration for everyone else. Some may say this part of Central Florida is just a stop on the way to bigger and better things, but the people who come from Lake and Sumter counties often hit the big leagues, the grand stages, and find age is just a number, not a time to stop doing what they love. What about the kids? They learn early that showing up and working hard means winning all the way to the top.

STORIES: LEIGH NEELY, JAMES COMBS, THERESA CAMPBELL, CHRIS GERBASI

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DONTÉ DORSEY Leesburg native Donté Dorsey says he wasn’t afforded the opportunity to go to college, yet he knows the importance of a STEM-based education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

He helps local underprivileged and at-risk youths become technology-minded.

“It really gives them a competitive edge in going out into the workforce,” says Donté, a 2008 graduate of Leesburg High School and founder of the nonprofit organization, Youth with Technology.

Donté moved to North Carolina after high school and became an information technology analyst for Merck Pharmaceuticals.

Once he began reading technology-related books for IT certification, his efforts paid off. His salary increased from $12 to $22 an hour.

Donté was eager to inspire others.

“I started going to local community centers and started teaching the certification that I learned to kids,” he says, which led to starting YWT and Ambitek Learning, a program for adults interested in IT training and certification.

“I definitely want people to know it doesn’t matter where you are in your life, you always have an opportunity to do any and everything you want to do,” he says. “If you didn’t go to college, it doesn’t mean you can’t be successful.”

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Photo: Fred Lopez

Entrepreneur

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DALE WATSON Retired FBI Agent

*

“I have always found that the harder you work, the luckier you get.”

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Though many people don’t believe him, Dale Watson says he knew he wanted to be an FBI agent since eighth grade.

“Groveland High School had a career day, and an FBI agent talked to us, and I thought, ‘That’s what I want to do,’” Dale says.

From that day, he planned his life around that objective. Not only did he become an FBI agent, he eventually rose through the ranks to become assistant director over all counterterrorism for the federal agency under Director Robert S. Mueller.

Dale’s father came from a small town near Groveland and his mother from Sumter County. After his parents married in 1944, the couple moved to a farm in Groveland.

In 1950, his father felt a new calling—to be a minister.

After two years of seminary in Texas, the family returned to Groveland, where his father preached and farmed.

Dale speaks with amazement that he and his brothers have done so well coming from a simple life in a small town. The oldest, Jim, retired as an officer in the Florida National Guard, and the middle brother, Tom, worked with billionaire businessman Ross Perot and retired fairly young.

“We all got scholarships, and one of us was even valedictorian of his class,” Dale says.

“I was class president from middle school through my senior year. I played football and

basketball, and I wanted to play baseball, but we had to help my dad get the crops in during the spring.”

As a distinguished graduate of the ROTC program at Florida State University, Dale was commissioned in the U.S. Army. He did this knowing the FBI hires no one just out of college—the bureau wants people with work experience.

“I never engaged in any activity that would disqualify me. If I hadn’t made it, I would have stayed in the Army, and if I came out of the Army, I probably would have taught civics and been a coach,” Dale says. “I have always found that the harder you work, the luckier you get.”

When the FBI called, he arranged to resign his commission and became an agent. During his 24 years with the bureau, Dale worked investigations of the Oklahoma City bombing, the bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen, the 9/11 attack, the Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia, the TWA Flight 847 hijacking, and the American embassy bombings in Africa. In addition to working at field offices in Birmingham, Alabama; Kansas City, Missouri; and New York City, he worked in 63 foreign countries.

He retired in 2001 and is now a consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton. In his spare time, he does not watch programs or movies or read books about the FBI.

RACHEL CLARK Environmentalist

Photo: Fred Lopez

Rachel Clark personifies the mission of Keep Lake Beautiful: to beautify Lake County by engaging the community. Rachel, a 2017 graduate of Mount Dora High School, coordinated a lake cleanup among her classmates this year in conjunction with Keep Lake Beautiful and Lake County’s Adopt-a-Lake Program.

For her efforts, she received the Outstanding Youth Champion Award from Keep Florida Beautiful. The teenager from Sorrento is virtually a lifelong volunteer, starting in elementary school and including recycling, lakeshore restoration, stormwater drainage, and litter prevention projects. Rachel attends Lake-Sumter State College in Leesburg, where she planted 50 cypress trees on campus. “I’d like to continue that project around the area,” she says. At LSSC, she plans to study political science. “I want to effect environmental change at a higher level as well,” Rachel says. Volunteering is fun and rewarding, she says, and everyone can make a big difference environmentally by taking small steps, such as recycling and conserving energy. “It’s an important issue to me because it’s something that affects everyone,” Rachel says. “No matter where or who you are, the environment affects us all.”

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JACKIE CHALIFOUX Jackie Chalifoux, of Lady Lake, is a friendly, outgoing hair stylist at Reflections Salon in Leesburg. However, when her father, Theodore, was critically injured in a hit-and-run accident, she became his advocate and pursued the driver who hit him and left the scene without flinching. The accident occurred Aug. 4, 2016, leaving Theodore with a broken neck and numerous other broken bones. Jackie watched her father suffer daily and wondered why the person who hit him wasn’t arrested. “I waited 10 days to get the accident report, and found (the vehicle) was a gray pickup. I called the Florida Highway Patrol, and they said they could check four videos based on the time of the accident,” she says. “They called back in a few minutes and said they had a suspect vehicle.”

FHP sent someone to the accident scene to find vehicle parts, but they reported finding nothing. Unable to accept that, Jackie went to the site herself. “I walked about 100 yards past the spot where they hit and I found it—a piece of a Ford truck,” she says. FHP had told her not to touch anything, so she called and state troopers immediately came out to get it and found other parts of the vehicles in the process. “Corporal Jorge Diaz, of the FHP, has been wonderful. He even read my Facebook posts I wrote every day to help friends know Dad’s progress,” Jackie says. When Theodore died, the Sumter County coroner ruled his death was the result of “complication from an auto accident.” The suspect allegedly lied to his insurance company and had his uncle help support the lie that his vehicle had been hit while parked at his uncle’s house.

However, he has been charged with felonies of insurance fraud, larceny, and tampering with evidence. Now, he also faces possible charges of leaving the scene of an accident or vehicular homicide as the story continues.

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Photo: Fred Lopez

Stylist/Amateur Detective

KEANU NEAL Atlanta Falcons Safety

A native of Sumter County, Atlanta Falcon Keanu Neal played five positions during his 2016 rookie season: linebacker, nickel, deep safety, box safety, and outside corner. His versatility—and his 106 total tackles—helped lead Atlanta to the 2017 Super Bowl, where the team suffered a heartbreaking 34-28 loss to the New England Patriots.

Historically, football is built around players who specialize in playing one position. Think about it. It’s hard to imagine a 350-pound offensive lineman juking and outrunning defensive players en route to a 75-yard touchdown run. It’s equally difficult to envision a 195-pound running back getting into a three-point stance and trying to block defensive linemen who are bigger, stronger, and more powerful.

However, the sport has undergone a recent evolution where players are being constantly shuffled to play multiple positions. Keanu, 6 feet, 210 pounds, is at the forefront of that evolution.

A 2013 graduate of South Sumter High School, Keanu played three years for the Florida Gators before being picked in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Sources: rotoworld.com/player/nfl/11337/keanu-neal; thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2017/05/30/kam-chancellor-on-keanu-neal-that-boy-is-special

SHANE GREENE Detroit Tigers Pitcher

Shane Greene turns 29 in November and started a journey at East Ridge High School in Clermont that took him to the New York Yankees as a starting pitcher before a trade to the Detroit Tigers. This season he became their closer out of the bullpen.

Why do you enjoy living in Clermont in the offseason?

What’s your biggest thrill professionally?

It’s been my home since I was in sixth grade. Back then it was a smaller town, and I have a close-knit group of friends who are like family to me.

Also, my parents are still there so it’s nice to be close to them.

My biggest thrill was being a part of Derek Jeter’s last game in Yankee Stadium and him hitting a walk-off single. It felt like I was living a real-life movie.

What are your favorite memories of growing up there?

The transition was honestly easier than I thought, but I had a lot of help from guys like (relief pitchers) Francisco Rodriguez, Justin Wilson, and Alex Wilson. It’s definitely a different mindset when

The lakes! I grew up on Lake Louisa and when I was old enough to drive a Jet Ski or a boat, I spent every second I could on the lakes.

Has it been difficult to go from starter to closer?

coming out of the bullpen compared to starting, but it’s the adrenaline and pressure situations I enjoy the most.

When you’re closing, every situation is a pressure situation so it’s been a lot of fun so far.

How do you like playing for the Tigers?

The old English D is one of the most famous letters in the world and it’s because of the tradition that comes along with it. Playing for the Tigers in the heart of Detroit is an honor. The fans show up every day of the week, and we, as players, don’t take it for granted. As far as this season is concerned, obviously, it hasn’t gone as planned, but we have a lot of young, hungry kids in the locker room now so we have to come together and compete day in and day out.

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RON HOLIDAY Ron Holiday is the master ballet instructor at Dance Dynamix in the historic Tropic Theater in downtown Leesburg. His posture is perfect and he can do splits. That doesn’t seem impressive until you learn he is 81 years old. The ballet master began dancing when he was 11 years old, and working on the family farm gave him the upper-body strength that a male ballet dancer needs. When Ron met 7-year-old Doris, he immediately disliked her and didn’t want to dance with her. However, he now admits “she was the ugly duckling who became a swan.” The two met again while working in New York City and eventually married, taking the stage names Ron and Joy Holiday. The combination of ballet and acrobatics made them one of the top acts at Radio City Music Hall for 14 years. Ron and his late wife performed everywhere from Broadway to opera houses to the original Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergère cabarets in Paris.

Still nimble and graceful, Ron cautions his young dancers to “treat your body as your most prized possession. When you feel healthy and energized, it improves all areas of your life, personally and professionally.” He also teaches at Dance Depot in Umatilla and is choreographer for Martial Arts Creative Form competitions.

SUSAN HARRISON Actress

Actress Susan Harrison was born in Leesburg on Aug. 26, 1938. She went on to graduate from the High School of Performing Arts in New York City, and is best known for her film role in “Sweet Smell of Success,” where she played opposite Burt Lancaster. She gave up acting in 1963 to raise her children. Susan has five children, including daughter Darva Conger, who was the winner of the reality show “Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire?” and had the marriage annulled shortly after the wedding.

Photo: Fred Lopez

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ROBERT DUNSTON Robert Dunston, 83, fixes sandals in need of new straps at Dunston’s Shoe Hospital at 15 N. Eustis St., in downtown Eustis, while surrounded by shoes waiting for new soles.

Making footwear repairs has been his livelihood for nearly seven decades. “I wouldn’t work nowhere if I didn’t like what I was doing,” he says. He doesn’t have a business phone, believing calls would interfere with getting work done.

“There’s too much to be working on,” Robert says. “People say, ‘I was sent in here to you because they told me you were good.’

I’ll ask them, ‘Do you believe everything you hear?’”

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Photo: Fred Lopez

Shoemaker

ELIZABETH COOK Singer/Songwriter

What are your memories of growing up in Wildwood?

Mama went into labor on Lake Miona, but I don’t remember that part. I grew up in Sunset Park in Wildwood. We inherited a house my Uncle Alvah built. When he died, we got that house and left a trailer park in Bushnell. I was still infantile.

Eventually, I’d tear up those seashell roads in that little neighborhood on my Western Flyer. I’d get in trouble for riding through the retirement communities where no kids were allowed...but their roads were so smooth. I sang at the Sunset Park Church of God a good bit, especially once Daddy quit drinking. We didn’t go to the Pine Grove or Coleman bars anymore. But back in the day, Mama and Daddy’s honky-tonk bands played there. Since my daddy was proprietor of Cook’s Welding, we had keys to the gates and fishing privileges to all the big farms around Sumter County. We fished A LOT. And sometimes I would join but I also walked around

Photo: Jim McGuire

Elizabeth Cook, 45, is a straight-shootin’, quip-crackin’ country music singersongwriter who was born in Wildwood and now makes Nashville her home. She’s touring in support of her 2016 album, “Exodus of Venus.”

Nothing could be better than her own words in this Q&A:

looking for arrowheads, especially at the peat mine.

We moved to South Georgia when I was 16, but I still have (and wear) my Wildwood Wildcat blue satin cheerleader jacket. I’m still so in love with the Florida I remember and the people that lived there. I miss home every day and would marry Florida if I thought it wouldn’t leave me.

Did you see family and friends this year when you toured Florida?

I did. In fact, my guest list in Orlando was 17 people deep! And someone brought a cake! And the backstage was too small to accommodate everybody and the mayor of Orlando was there to give me a quilt and it was nuts.

So after the show, we cleared the venue, pulled tables together, and all sat around drinking beer and eating cake.

It was awesome. I saw family

and friends at almost every show, sometimes multiple times, which was nice ’cause that meant maybe I wasn’t embarrassing them.

What’s been your biggest thrill professionally?

There are so many. I get to meet a lot of nice people, and sometimes people who aren’t so nice, but I see so many things just overall. For a little girl that was set afloat on an alligator in Lake Miona to go play France and drink fine wine for the weekend, tour Australia (Florida is better btw), hang out in Japan and eat all kinds of crazy stuff, and then come home and play the Opry, it’s pretty nuts.

As a kid, did you ever imagine being so successful?

Actually, I imagined being more successful... but a helicopter pad could still happen.

*

I’m still so in love with the Florida I remember and the people that lived there.

November 2017

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From the sacred grounds of a cemetery for the men and women who served their country to the pastures of a ranch that is a haven for rescued horses, Lake and Sumter counties are home to some Extraordinary Places. Learn the history of two of the most famous houses in Lake County and tour a modern home with its 21st century technology and beauty.

NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN

College project preserves memories of veterans interred at cemetery.

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI // PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

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lorida National Cemetery is a place of history, but its stories still are unfolding in the present.

Dozens of University of Central Florida students spent this year documenting the lives of veterans buried at the cemetery so a new generation can learn about their history. UCF was one of three universities selected in March to participate in the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program.

More than 150,000 veterans and family members are interred at the cemetery. The students researched about 120, compiling interactive digital archives of the veterans for a website, and creating an “augmented reality” app that enables cemetery visitors to access the students’ biographies of veterans while standing at their gravesites.

The project has special meaning to Emily Johnson, a spouse and a granddaughter of veterans and a “proud resident of Sumter [County].” The UCF postdoctoral research associate

volunteered in May for a cemetery field trip that educated middle and high school students about the veterans’ service and sacrifice.

“The Veterans Legacy Program emphasizes honoring our veterans by recording their stories, which is also something I am thankful I did with my grandfather before he passed,” Emily says.

“I’m thrilled that this project is encouraging educators and students at UCF and local K-12 schools to come here to honor and learn about our heroes in beautiful Bushnell.”

The project is a revelation for the college students, says Amelia Lyons, associate history professor and project leader.

“Learning about the lives and stories of these soldiers is also teaching our students what a historian does,” she says in a UCF web article. “It makes history real for them.”

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FROM A DREAM TO REALITY Remodeling and adding on to a Tavares home were a labor of love for both homeowner Talia Wehrly and builder Bobby Rhodes.

T

alia Wehrly is a woman of vision, no pun intended, since her husband is ophthalmologist Dr. Scott Wehrly. When the couple decided they wanted to renovate and add on to their home in Tavares, they turned to friend and seasoned builder Bobby Rhodes, of Eco Construction Group in Mount Dora.

The finished product is a nod to Talia’s eclectic style and subdued elegance, and represents the skill of the artisans at Eco Construction and Restoration Hardware, or RH, in Winter Park.

When you walk in, you’re greeted by the Wehrlys’ lively 6-year-old daughter Zoe and three playful dogs who want to be everybody’s friends. The house comes across not just as a place to entertain and display lovely art and furniture, but as a place a family calls home.

Talia and Bobby worked closely together throughout the two-year project, and much of what guests see came from original ideas

by Talia.

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“I like mixing the crystal with the wood and contemporary with antique to give everything a feminine and masculine look,” Talia says.

“We lived here from start to finish, so it’s amazing to see the outcome and difference that Eco Construction crafted. They actually created my vision.”

Work began with the in-law suite built for Talia’s father and his wife. The plans ensured there would be a working kitchen while the main kitchen was being renovated. The front kitchen is open and airy with accented lighting above and below the cabinets. Bobby added a whimsical note with lighting above and below cabinets that changes color.

“The cool part about working with Eco Construction is I tell them the unimaginable things I want and they make it possible,” Talia says.

“I definitely enjoyed that part of it,” Bobby adds. “I thought the idea of the light strip above and under the counters would be unique.”

The workspace in the kitchen has a doublelayered counter of quartz done by Counter Impressions in Eustis. There are no signs of seams, which was important to Talia. The gleaming copper kitchen ceiling is accented by a copper stove hood and sink. The unique faucet above the sink was designed by Talia in a drawing she sent to RH, which created it for her. With a wheel and moving parts, it has a steampunk air to it. Above the stove is another useful faucet. It’s a “pot filler” that reaches any stove eye to fill pots with ease.

“I’d get a lot of great ideas when we were talking together,” Talia says. “Bobby and his crew knew I liked to mix materials, and it has been fun from start to finish.”

Photos: Fred Lopez

STORY: LEIGH NEELY // PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

As you pass down a hallway from the living room, you’ll find an unusual set of stairs leading up to a room that looks like an art gallery/den/game room.

“I’d never seen backlit stairs before, but it looks fantastic” Bobby says.

With thick glass cocooning stairs, the risers are onyx, which is backlit, creating a subdued, elegant atmosphere that leads up to a room filled with original art and a variety of styles.

The bar, also made of onyx, is lighted, and the conversation area has a driftwood sofa table with two pieces of tree trunk in front of it. The doors leading to the bathroom and other areas are designed like barn doors and were built by the Eco Construction crew for Talia.

This room also has its own wine cellar for everyday occasions. Downstairs, off the dining room, is the wine cellar that is kept at a constant 56 degrees for the fine wines kept there.

The dining room will seat 16 as Talia cooks for more than 20 guests at Thanksgiving. The table, another unique item, is made from a single piece of wood from a building

constructed in the 1890s in Russia with two leaves to extend it.

That the Wehrlys are art lovers is evident throughout their home—from the nature photography done by Peter Lik to the whimsical art of John Whipple from Winter Park. Scattered among these are pieces bought at annual art shows in the area and an array of family photographs and pieces of Zoe’s original artwork that remind you this is home to a loving family.

“It’s life-changing,” says Scott, sitting at the comfortable kitchen counter. “It’s a dramatic, artistic addition to our lives.”

—TALIA WEHRLY

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THIS OLD HOUSE

In 1892, the Coca-Cola Company incorporated in Atlanta and Lizzie Borden was charged with murder in Massachusetts. In Leesburg, Edward H. Mote began building his home, which still stands today.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY // PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

T

he Mote-Morris House is a part of history the people of Leesburg were willing to save at any cost. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and moved to its location on Magnolia Street in 1990. It is now home to the Leesburg Chamber of Commerce and often serves as an introduction to the town for businesses and new residents relocating to the city.

“This house is something people seek out,” says Sandi Moore, executive director of the chamber. “It says something about our city, and the most exciting part is how it came to be here. The whole community fought for it.

It represents the homes and buildings that didn’t make it.”

The house is open daily now, and selfguided tours are available for the majestic Queen Anne Victorian home, which combines styles with beauty and elegance. Though it’s a two-story home, there’s a four-story turret attached. The house includes a formal parlor, which has a sideboard/buffet that belonged to Evander Lee, the founder of Leesburg. It has three bedrooms and a servant’s room.

If you make the climb to the fourth floor of the tower, you’ll find a hammock but no explanation for a faucet in the wall on the third floor.

“We are beyond happy to be here,” says Danielle Parker, operations director. “We have people who have lived here their entire life and have never been able to see this house.”

History lives on with the help of the Leesburg Chamber of Commerce, and the public is always welcome, whether an individual or a group.

“It’s building on the successes of the past that lead to successes in the future,” Sandi says.

The house is also available for weddings and other events, with the kitchen updated for modern caterers.

—SANDI MOORE

Mote-Morris House timeline: 1889: Edward H. Mote bought property at 1021 W. Main St.

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1892: The Mote House was built for $9,000

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1908: Bishop Henry Clay Morrison bought it for retirement and added electricity

1918: John S. and May James Morris bought it, and someone in the Morris family occupied it for the next 70 years

1950s: Robert Morris moved his aging mother May back in to care for her

1973: May died and willed the house to her son and his wife

1974: Placed on the National Register of Historic Places

1988: House is purchased by Morrison United Methodist Church and offered to anyone who will move it

1990: House is relocated to 1195 W. Magnolia St., moved one block south and two blocks west, with $95,000 raised by the community

1996: After seven years and more than $400,000 from city and state grants, the house is restored and celebrated with a gala grand opening

2017: Leesburg Chamber of Commerce relocated its offices to MoteMorris House

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HOWEY’S HISTORIC TREASURE

The Roaring 20’s were in full swing, and you can visualize F. Scott Fitzgeral walking the grounds of the Howey Mansion.

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL // PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

A

stately mansion built in the mid-1920s by Howey-in-the-Hills founder and citrus developer William John Howey is being restored to its glory years, thanks to new owners who want to turn the 20-room Mediterranean Revivalstyle house into a wedding venue and a bed-andbreakfast showplace.

“We hope to be open to the public in December,” says owner Brad Cowherd, who along with his brother, Clay, was the highest bidder in purchasing the 7,188-squarefoot Howey Mansion in July at $630,000.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the rose stucco home with a Spanish tile roof features curved walls, a Florentine beige marble staircase, dome ceiling, a semi-circle of stained glass in a peacock design above the door, brass sconces, carved stone fireplaces, and a large basement safe that was used to store liquor. The house was designed by pioneering female architect Katherine Budd of New York.

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Brad is eager to share the mansion’s rich history with the public.

“It’s in amazing condition considering its age,” he says.

“I love its secret room for storing liquor in Prohibition times.”

In its early years, the mansion was the site of elegant parties. Former President Calvin Coolidge was one of the prominent guests. To celebrate the completion of the two-year construction of the $250,000 mansion in 1927, town history reveals William hosted the entire New York Civic Opera Company, which included 100 artists. About 15,000 people came to the free outdoor performance.

William served as Howeyin-the-Hills’ mayor from 1925 to 1936 and was unsuccessful in his bids in 1928 and 1932 as a Republican candidate to be Florida’s governor.

He died in 1938, and his wife, Mary Grace, lived in the home until her death in 1981.

Chicago heiress Marvel Zona purchased the property in 1984 and lived there until her health deteriorated

in 2009. She moved to a Leesburg nursing home, where she died in 2015.

The mansion’s new owner is principal of Florida Oranges Land Co., and a third-generation investor in Central Florida properties.

Howey-in-the-Hills’ town leaders have been working with the Cowherds on a new zoning designation for the historic mansion since it’s in a residential area.

“I am very excited about the mansion opening itself back up, the cultural and

architectural value to the town, to the state, and to Lake County,” says Howey-in-theHills Mayor Chris Sears, a fourth-generation Floridian who believes activities at the mansion could be an economic boost to the town and is what William Howey would have wanted.

“Mr. Howey brought tourism and agriculture with oranges and real estate.

The guy was a visionary long before anybody saw the potential of Florida, so he would want to see the

mansion opened back up and return to its former glory, and it is so exciting for the town, it really is,” says the mayor, who relishes seeing work crews restoring the mansion.

“It’s really coming along,” he says. “It is going to be a gem in our town and our county.”

—WILLIAM HOWEY

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A STABLE LIFE

Rather than putting horses out to pasture, a nonprofit organization rehabilitates them.

STORY: JAMES COMBS // PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

T

ank, an Appaloosa, was so malnourished he needed to gain 600 pounds to achieve a normal weight.

John, a thoroughbred, has no teeth and must remain on a liquid diet.

Willow, an American quarter horse, spent months eating nothing but sand, causing severe diarrhea that ran down his leg and rotted his skin.

—TERESA MEIXNER

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This is the sad shape many horses and ponies find themselves in after being abused, neglected, and unwanted by their owners. However, they find greener pastures upon arriving at Howey Horse Haven Rescue, where Teresa Meixner nurses them back to health and finds them permanent, loving homes.

A resident of Howey-in-the-Hills, Teresa formed the nonprofit organization in 2013.

Her five-acre property features oak trees, rolling pastureland, and seven corrals.

“Rescuing horses is like being in the mafia—once you get into it, you cannot get out,” she says. “Just two weeks ago, Willow went running across a pasture, and there was not a dry eye around. When Willow first arrived, his skin was stretched over his bones because he was so skinny.”

Teresa is saddled with much responsibility.

As of late September, 17 rescue horses and eight rescue ponies were living on her property. Caring for them is an expensive undertaking, as she spends approximately

$4,000 a month for hay, medications, vaccines, and farrier services. To help offset expenses, she makes custom T-shirt decals and sells them on eBay. “No matter how expensive, I’m going to give these beautiful animals every opportunity to live,” she says. “It’s the ones I cannot save that break my heart.”

Caring for the animals is also timeconsuming and physically demanding. Mud, sweat, and tears come with the territory.

“On Sundays, I open the gate at 8am and I’m out there until after dark,” she says. “I have to give them hay, refill their water buckets, refill their feed buckets, groom them, comb them, and whatever else needs to be done.

By the end of the day, I have hay in my hair and even under my bra. Mud is caked under my fingernails, and dirt gets in my ear. I take 30-minute showers to get it all out.”

She does receive much-needed help from neighbor Ainsley McFadyen, a 16-year-old sophomore at Real Life Christian Academy in Clermont. Ainsley, an aspiring veterinarian, spends most summer days at Howey Horse Haven Rescue and also visits after school.

“Horses are beautiful animals to be around,” Ainsley says. “Working with the horses has also taught me leadership skills. If you’re not leading them, then they will try to lead you, which can result in injury.”

For Teresa and Ainsley, rehabilitating horses is every bit as therapeutic for them. The words they carved into a wooden fence sum up their passion for horses beautifully: “Bread may feed my body, but my horse feeds my soul.”

For more information, contact Howey Horse Haven Rescue at 352.223.8761 or visit howeyhorsehavenresuce.org.

November 2017

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877.347.7900

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CUSTOM MILLWORK CHUCK SHOOP SHOP MANAGER

Q

IN MY OLDER HOME, HOW CAN I REPLACE OR MATCH THE DAMAGED OR DISCONTINUED WOOD MOULDING?

It is not uncommon to have homes over 50 years old in Lake and Sumter Counties. Most of the wood mouldings used that long ago are no longer available because many of the old companies are out of business or the mouldings were actually manufactured on the job. If you compare the profile (size and shape) of older mouldings to the ones available today at your local lumberyard, you will discover that many are much thinner; made of soft, paint-grade wood; and lack the depth of detail.

If you are like me, the older style mouldings gave the older homes exquisite style, and many are being lost forever because of termites, property damage, or new remodeling projects which disregard the old mouldings because they cannot be matched.

When homeowners are faced with replacing, repairing, or adding to beautiful, older moulding in the home, what can they do to preserve or restore the look of the home without breaking the bank? The Ro-Mac Door and Custom Millwork Shop in downtown Leesburg has the answer

to any wood moulding dilemma.

The Ro-Mac Door and Custom Millwork Shop can produce new mouldings in the exact shape and size to match the moulding in your home. It is really simple to match the older moulding patterns in your home. The easiest way to do this is to bring a sample piece of the moulding you would like to match.

Skilled craftsman will make a template of your moulding and then grind high-strength steel knives from that template in a special steel

cutting machine. These special knives are then put into a high speed machine, which actually makes the special moulding for your home. If you do not have a sample piece of the moulding, a homeowner or commercial contractor can draw the moulding profile and the custom moulding can be created from a drawing.

The Ro-Mac Door and Custom Millwork Shop recently expanded its custom moulding selection by almost 450 profiles, with the

purchase of the moulding catalog, knives, and proprietary rights from Walker Brothers Millworks of Winter Garden. For nearly 70 years, Walker Brothers Millworks produced some of the finest mouldings in Central Florida. They were the first choice of builders, homeowners, and commercial contractors for their custom moulding dreams and requirements.

With the addition of the Walker Brothers Millworks catalog and the Ro-Mac Door and Custom Millwork Shop’s ability to produce custom wood mouldings, the best answer for replacing, repairing, or adding to discontinued wood mouldings in your home is to call Chuck Shoop and his skilled team at the Ro-Mac Door and Custom Millwork Shop at 352-314-3169. Better yet, stop by to see their beautiful showroom at 700 East Main Street in Historic Downtown Leesburg.

License No. CBC1252465

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JIM CHAPUT GARAGE DOORS MANAGER

Q

WHEN I PRESS THE BUTTON ON MY GARAGE DOOR OPENER AND NOTHING HAPPENS, WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE I CALL A GARAGE DOOR SERVICE TECHNICIAN?

First, check the wall station inside your garage that operates the opener and make sure it is in the unlocked position. Most wall stations have a lockout feature, which is typically used by homeowners for security at night and during vacations. It could be as simple as flipping the switch to the lockout feature on the wall station.

If the garage door is not locked, make sure everything has electrical power. First, look to see if the wall station buttons are illuminated. If the wall station has power, check to see if the handheld transmitter (remote) in the car operates the door.

If the remote does not open the door, check the breaker box to ensure all breakers are fully in the “on” position. Check for a tripped GFI receptacle that may be tied to your garage door’s power source.

If no breakers or GFI receptacles have been tripped, grab a ladder and check the garage door opener receptacle by unplugging the opener and plugging in a lamp or small appliance. If there is no power to

that receptacle, I suggest calling a licensed electrician to troubleshoot the problem.

A garage door failure usually happens when you are leaving your home, which is normally a very inconvenient time. So you may not have time at the moment to get a ladder and check to see if your garage door opener has power. If you don’t have time, pull the Manual Release, which is typically a cord with a red handle attached to the garage door opener track. This will

release the door from the operator so it can be manually lifted up.

If there is not a broken spring on the garage door and it is properly balanced, you should then be able to manually lift the door.

If there is power to the garage door opener receptacle, unplug the garage door operator for approximately 20 to 30 seconds and then plug it back in. If the operator begins to work, it probably had a stuck relay on the circuit board. However, if the unit fails to operate at this

point, call an honest, local company like Ro-Mac Garage Doors who can diagnose the problem, which could be any of the following: • Blown circuit board • Cut in the low voltage wire to the wall button or the wall button itself • Handheld remote/transmitter issue, such as a dead battery, lost security code, or broken unit • Garage door operator damaged by a power surge or lightning strike If you would like more information on garage doors or openers, call Jim Chaput and his skilled team at Ro-Mac Garage Doors at 352-748-4575 or stop by their service locations at 722 Duck Lake Road in The Villages or 700 East Main Street in Leesburg.

License No. CBC1252465

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GARAGE DOORS

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EXTERIOR DOORS LEWIS DUKE STORE MANAGER

Q

THE EXTERIOR DOORS ON MY HOME NEED TO BE REPLACED. WHAT TYPE OF DOORS DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA’S HOT AND HUMID CLIMATE?

Most older homes in Central Florida built prior to 2003 were constructed with either wood or steel exterior doors as doors were affordable and readily available.

Wood doors do not hold up well in Florida’s harsh summer weather without a lot of maintenance.

Pre-hung exterior steel door units became available to the masses in the late 1970s. This technology really took off because it eliminated two big problems—steel exterior doors did not split or warp. Plus the insulation inside their core helped control the temperature in the home. However, they created two new problems—these doors showed dings and rust. Unless a scratched steel door was primed and re-painted, it would rust, and the door’s metal skins were susceptible to dings if hit hard enough. Dinged up doors caused such a problem that many builders refused to have their final door installed until the closing

of a new home.

Fiberglass door units were introduced in the marketplace in the early 1990s. At first, builders were very skeptical to use them because of cost and a belief the doors would be too brittle. As technology evolved, the fiberglass door became stronger and more durable. Most importantly, the price dropped within reason of steel door units. It didn’t take

long for builders to understand that a fiberglass door unit would last longer and not ding, rust, or rot while eliminating a multitude of callbacks for scratches and dings.

At the Ro-Mac Door and Custom Millwork Shop in Downtown Leesburg, the number one exterior door unit sold is a Therma-Tru Classic-Craft® door with FrameSaver™ jambs and poly brick moulding,

because of their durability and ability to take Florida’s harsh summers.

The neat thing about this door is that it looks like a wood door if painted or stained—yes, it can be stained. In the Ro-Mac Window and Door Showroom, most visitors cannot tell the difference between a fiberglass stained door and a real wood stained door. The FrameSaver jambs and poly brick moulding make the door rot resistant, especially for those homes in which sprinklers and rain keep the door wet. It’s my door of choice.

If you would like more information on doors, call Lewis Duke and his skilled team at Ro-Mac Lumber at 352-753-3333 or stop by their store at 722 Duck Lake Road in The Villages.

License No. CBC1252465

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MIKE CHAVIS WINDOWS MANAGER

Q

HOW CAN I TELL IF THE WINDOWS IN MY HOME ARE NOT ENERGY EFFICIENT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED?

Energy codes for windows have been updated over the last few years. Today, more than ever, having energy efficient windows in your home is very important to help you save money on power bills as well as for your home’s resale value.

The best way to tell if your windows are not energy efficient is by taking the Touch Test, which requires no special training or tools to conduct. Simply go to the windows in your home and touch the frame and glass. If both the frame and glass match the temperature outside, then you have old, energy inefficient windows. On a hot summer’s day old, inefficient windows

feel hot to the touch and on those few cold days in Florida, the glass and frame will feel cold; instead, they should feel room temperature.

Another way to tell if you have old, energy inefficient aluminum windows is to look for sweat—not sweat on you, but your windows.

On cooler nights, old aluminum windows will sweat and homeowners will usually see a puddle of moisture on the window sill or running down the drywall. It is the same theory as a cold soda can sweating on a kitchen table. Over time, this moisture can create rot and mold problems in the wall and drywall below the window.

Just like cars, all windows are

not the same. You should be wary of companies offering just one brand because many times energy efficiency is compromised. At Ro-Mac Windows, we carry a wide variety of window manufacturers, including MI/BetterBilt, CWS, PGT,

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Kolbe, Andersen, EAS, Pella, and Silverline—in all types of shapes, styles, and energy efficiencies.

Having choices is the first step in selecting great replacement windows that will look great and meet Florida’s tough, new energy codes.

If you would like more information on windows, call Mike Chavis and his skilled team at Ro-Mac Windows at 352-314-3164 or stop by their showroom and office at 700 East Main Street in Leesburg.

License No. CBC1252465

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HOME WINDOWS

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COMMUNITY TOM LINE REAL ESTATE BROKER, DEVELOPER

Q

Q

HOW DOES OUR DEVELOPMENT FIT INTO THE REAL ESTATE MARKET AND HOW IS IT UNIQUE?

WHAT ARE STEPS YOU MUST TAKE TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT?

One of the unique things about our development is that we created the commercial resort area first. That included a hotel, two award-winning golf courses, a trap and skeet range, tennis courts, swimming pools, a spa, and walking trails. We were a destination resort, but in 2002 we wanted a development that complemented our commercial resort property. So, with the help of local engineers and consultants such as BESH Engineering in Tavares and Modica and Associates in Clermont, we developed a golf community to rival competitors in Central Florida. To date, we’ve built 310 units and can build 1,200 more. Our prices fall in the upper end of the market because we offer so much for the buyer. Most lots are located on one of our golf courses. The homes feature distinct Spanish Colonial architecture and come with wonderful amenities such as masonry walls, a Spanish-style roof, and granite countertops.

In addition, Mission Inn offers a 54-slip marina that property owners have first rights to. We offer a pleasant environment away from traffic, yet you can be at The Mall at Millenia and Disney World in under an hour. I tell people they only have two streetlights between our property and Orlando International Airport.

You have to have a vision, and within that vision you have to be structured, determined, and flexible. You have to understand the market place and stay aware of what’s happening in your area. Hire the best professionals you can find. Conduct a market study and make sure price points are in the range you want. Hire a reputable marketing company to do ad buys. Formulate a good land plan and always protect the environment. As a side note, we have planted 20,000 trees in the last 15 years. Land is extremely important when it comes to a development. We have lots of hills and more than 80 feet of elevation drops.

For more information: Mission Inn Real Estate 352.324.2086 // 10400 CR 48, Howey-In-The-Hills, FL 34737

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TOMMY SCOTT OWNER

Q If your roof is leaking or has sustained structural damage from a storm or hurricane, you should tarp the damaged areas as soon as possible to keep water from causing further damage to the interior of your home. If you can’t tarp the roof yourself or know someone who can help you, then the roofer you choose often can

“IF I HAVE DAMAGE TO MY ROOF FROM THE RECENT HURRICANE, WHAT STEPS SHOULD I TAKE TO SECURE MY ROOF FROM FURTHER DAMAGE, AND WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A COMPANY WHEN HAVING TO REPLACE OR REPAIR MY ROOF?”

temporarily tarp it for you.

Your first course of action should be to call your homeowners insurance company as soon as damage occurs so they can send an adjuster to inspect your roof and start the claim process for repairs. Scott’s Roofing is referred by many insurance companies, and about half of our service calls come from those referrals.

When choosing a roofing contractor, always look for a reputable roofing company that works in your area, has proper state and local licensing, and meets both the general liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance requirements of the state.

Be cautious of any roofers canvassing neighborhoods or going door-to-door and pointing out that

you need roof work. Storms and hurricanes tend to bring unlicensed, unscrupulous individuals or companies “chasing” storm work and offering to work with your insurance company on your behalf.

Some contractors will try to get the homeowner to sign an “Assignment of Benefits,” or AOB form. They tell the homeowner they will deal with the “hassle” of negotiating with their insurance company for them. The AOB authorizes the roofing company to bill the insurance company directly and the claim check goes to the roofer instead of the homeowner.

However, once the homeowner gives up control of the process, they also lose control over making sure the repairs are completed. While this is legal, homeowners often don’t realize that the document will routinely state that if the contractor cannot recover from your

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insurance carrier for any reason, the contractor still can come after you individually to recover payment.

While a leaky or damaged roof definitely warrants attention, it’s not always an emergency. A tarp or temporary repair often is sufficient to give you time to call a roofer and schedule a visit from your insurance adjuster. As with other companies that provide repairs after a storm, we are truly grateful for your business and just ask that you be patient with us as we field hundreds of calls and email requests. Our family is honored to have served Lake County for over 44 years and we look forward to being your roofer!

Scott’s ROOFING, INC. For more information: 352.343.7788 TScottRoofing.com

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ROOFING

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CUSTOM WOODWORK STEVE W. LONG OWNER

Q

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF CUSTOM WOODWORK VERSUS FACTORY-BUILT?

When you’re building or renovating a home, it’s a very personal project. Using custom woodwork means you have something unique that adds value to your home, and gives you exactly what you want. You pick the desired wood, the color, the texture, and the finish.

Custom woodwork lasts longer and provides a heritage so you can keep your home in your family with pride. This type of work is built to last a generation, not just a few years.

The entertainment area is often the heart of the home where the family gathers to cheer their favorite team, watch movies, or just hang out. Imagine the beauty of a room like this with a custom-made entertainment area.

Not only do you have the perfect place to display your TV, you have storage for the accessories that go with it, leaving the room beautiful and uncluttered.

At Specifics Woodwork, a family owned and operated company, their specialty is old-school ways combined with modern techniques.

Do you have cherished furniture from a family member that may have lost its luster through the years? Specifics Woodworking can restore it to the original beauty, adding parts that may have broken off, or replacing what was lost. The experts at Specifics Woodworking have access to exotic woods and

even 100-year-old wood that will help you maintain the value of treasured family heirlooms.

Steve W. Long has lived in Lady Lake since 1990 and been building things since the ‘70s. His experience means everything is completed the way you want it, whether you’re adding arches, elliptical or cathedral woodworking or updating the bathroom or kitchen.

Though this is a local business, their work is in homes from

Naples to New York and includes everything from custom doors to Murphy beds to armoires. Their work encompasses more than 100 different crowns, bases, and chair rails.

Anything you’d like to have in wood can be created by Specifics Woodworking. They do kitchen renovations, bathroom vanities, bars, home offices, elegant staircases, and anything else you can imagine for your home.

With 42 years of experience in woodworking, they are sure their products add a measure of warmth, permanence, and dignity that will be enjoyed in your home for many years to come.

SPECIFICS WOODWORK inc.

For more information: 352.750.9016 SpecificsWoodwork.com

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TAMI PARRISH OWNER

Choosing an estate sales professional is an important decision whether you are relocating, downsizing or handling an estate due to the loss of a loved one. Tami Parrish, the owner of EXTRA Step Estate Sales, LLC, explains what clients should expect from an estate sales company.

Q

Q

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HIRING AN ESTATE SALES PROFESSIONAL?

The number one benefit is that a professional is handling the estate sale. It is important to find a professional who will take the “EXTRA” steps necessary in preparing your estate for a successful sale. Having someone who is knowledgeable, educated in decorating and home décor, caring and passionate, and has your best interests at heart, will bring you peace of mind. An estate sale is so much more than a garage or yard sale.

My goal is to get the maximum amount of proceeds for my clients.

In doing that, I take “EXTRA” time and care in researching and learning about special treasures

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and display them so others can appreciate them as much as they were loved by the original owner.

I do my very best to make sure the home is welcoming. If the home has not yet sold, the estate sale becomes a benefit and can aid in selling the home, due to the hundreds of people coming to the estate sale. If the home has already sold, you will be working with a company that takes “EXTRA STEPS” to ensure the home is treated with love, care, and respect, because of all the people coming through. It is all about having someone take the burden and stress off you.

It is how we present our clients’ valuables, mementos, collectibles and lifetime of possessions. We have a very special and unique way of staging the home to make it a beautiful reflection of the years of love and passion they had for their home and treasures. These treasures are staged to be pleasing to the eye. While the sale is in progress, and items sell, displays are continually rearranged in the home, to be aesthetically pleasing.

Throughout the sale, time is taken to keep the home very clean. We like to make the home sparkle.

Great care is taken to make sure

EXTRA STEP

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our buyers feel comfortable as well. A very important part of our business is to be helpful and friendly and to make sure we have done our very best for our clients.

Our compassion and sensitivity to the needs of our clients and buyers have gained us great respect in the industry.

XTRA STEP

estate sales

For more information: 352.516.8553 // estepesales.com 8610 NE 43rd Way, Wildwood

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ESTATE SALES

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GENERATORS/ ELECTRICAL JOE CICERI OWNER

Blackouts are nothing new for Florida residents, but Hurricane Irma hammered home the importance of electrical power. The September storm battered the state, disrupting power for more than 6 million customers—more than 35 percent of power customers—and leaving families hopeless as temperatures climbed.

While big-box stores sold out portable gasoline-

powered generators before and after Irma, manufacturers Generac, Briggs & Stratton, and Kohler announced they would ramp up production of standby generators, which can energize a home nonstop for days.

Joe Ciceri, owner of Electrical Works in Leesburg, explains the operations and benefits of whole home generators.

Q

HOW DO WHOLE HOME GENERATORS WORK?

Q

WHAT ABOUT MAINTENANCE? Like any engine-powered machine, generators require regular maintenance. Whole home generators keep themselves in shape throughout the year with weekly low-speed exercise cycles.

Electrical Works can work with you to ensure that your generator is operating at peak performance so when the power goes out, your generator will be ready to bring you back into the light.

1. Utility power is lost Perhaps it’s a storm. Maybe it’s equipment failure. In any case, the electricity you depend on is suddenly gone and you’re stuck in the dark.

2. Your generator senses a problem Within seconds, your generator prepares to restore your home’s power. An automatic transfer switch disconnects you from your utility after detecting the interruption in service.

3. The generator turns on automatically—whether you’re home or away Once your home is safely off the grid, the switch starts up the generator before transferring its power to the home’s electrical panel. Within seconds, it’s up to speed and generating electricity.

4. Your electricity is restored The automatic transfer switch sends generator power to your home. And it will continue until utility power returns. At the heart of the system is an internal combustion engine, which is usually fueled by the local natural gas supply. Where natural gas isn’t available, liquid propane or diesel stored in a tank nearby can be used.

For More Information: 352.460.0810 // ElectricalWorksFlorida.com 307 East Main St., Leesburg FL 34748

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Q

WHAT IS MOBILE LINK? Many manufacturers support Mobile Link, which enables owners to view their generator’s status and maintenance needs, set the exercise schedule, review its running and maintenance history, and receive notifications to indicate status changes. They even can send notifications to Electrical Works.

This makes maintenance easier, since dealers can spot issues in advance and ensure the generator is operating smoothly.

CAROLYN MAIMONE REALTOR®

Q

WHY DO REALTORS® ASK “ARE YOU PRE-APPROVED?”

There are many reasons why an experienced and knowledgeable REALTOR® will ask this question from the start of a new relationship with a buyer. It is not to be nosey and pry into their personal finances, even though that is sometimes the perception. The reasons are crucial to a successful journey to finding a great home, with as little frustration as possible. I will share the top four reasons why we ask, “Are you pre-approved?”.

Reason #1 – The most important reason to get pre-approved for a loan: As a team, we need to know the price range for which the buyer is qualified. Without knowing that, we could spend days, weeks or even months finding their Dream Home and then realize that they do

not qualify for the price of the home they love. When this happens, it is heartbreaking for the buyer, seller and both agents.

Reason #2 – During the pre-approval process there are many details that are determined besides just the loan amount. For instance, loan type (Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, etc.), percentage of a down payment required, and whether the buyer will need seller to pay concessions to their closing costs. The type of loan controls the kind and condition of home that the buyer can purchase. Without a pre-approval, the REALTOR® is unable to customize the home search to ensure that the buyer is previewing homes that fit the loan type for which they are qualified.

Reason #3 - Many savvy sellers, and seller’s agents, are requiring a pre-approval letter or proof of funds, if paying cash, when an offer is submitted, and sometimes even before they will approve a showing appointment. If a buyer falls in love with a home, and hasn’t started the pre-approval process, they run a risk of losing the home they love to another buyer, because they were unable to move quick enough to submit an offer.

Reason #4 – REALTOR® safety!

It may be hard to believe, but there are monsters in our world that target REALTORS®. We have lost REALTORS® in our huge Real Estate family to people who want to do evil and nasty things. This is a big

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personal reason a savvy REALTOR® will ask the question. We want to know that a buyer is a serious buyer, capable of purchasing a home, and has been screened by a reputable Mortgage Lender. It could be a matter of life or death.

So, the next time you are in the market for a new home, expect and be grateful when your REALTOR® asks you, “Are you Pre-Approved”.

Don’t take it personally, it means you are working with an experienced REALTOR® who knows how to do their job. That should make you feel great!

For more information: Carolyn Maimone 352.223-6519 carolynmaimone.com

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REALTOR®

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DEVELOPERS JEFFREY CAGAN PRESIDENT

Q

WHAT IS THE SECRET BEHIND YOUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY?

We offer what we refer to as teacher housing, which means we offer quality and comfortable apartment housing for hard working people, like teachers! As a company, we strongly believe that regular, everyday people need and deserve a nice place to call home.

We are very hands-on in the development process and work exten-

sively with both the architect and the builder at every step of the process.

We stay abreast of the latest homebuilding trends to see what can be implemented in our apartments. For instance, our apartment homes have a pantry closet in the kitchen. This idea, while simple, is really something “borrowed” from the home building industry and is unheard of ATWATER APARTMENTS IN TAVARES UNDER CONSTRUCTION

in apartment home design. We don’t build cookie cutter apartments – every project we do we really start from scratch, incorporating the best practices of prior projects.

The design process is paramount – we spend many, many hours designing our floor plans down to the smallest details. This thought process may take more time upfront but it reduces the duration of construction, provides optimization of time and material costs, avoids unpleasant problems during construction and operation, and more importantly, helps our resident in the future. For instance, details such as where light switches should go, which direction a door should swing, adding cable outlets on multiple walls; all greatly enhance our finished product.

Additionally, as owners, we are long-term holders with a vested interest in our projects and therefore, we have no incentive to build cheap because anything that is our problem

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today, is also our problem in the future. Our residents can have peace of mind knowing we have an on-site management team and an on-site maintenance crew to handle needs as they arise. The biggest compliment that we get on a consistent basis is that our residents feel like they are living in a home with a community, rather than just an apartment. That’s what sets us apart.

The Cagan Management Group, Inc. has built and manages Bristol Lakes Apartments in Mount Dora, Academy Village Apartments in Kissimmee, their flagship property, Cagan Crossings in Clermont, and most recently, Atwater Apartments in Tavares.

For more information: Cagan Management Group, Inc. 16554 Cagan Crossings Blvd., Ste. 4 Clermont, FL 34714 352.242.2444

Q

RICH VALVO

SOUTHEASTERN STONE AND TILE

WHAT PRODUCT IS BEST FOR COUNTERTOPS?

This question has been widely debated recently largely due to the development of new products mimicking the beauty and strength of granite. While there are positives to having a variety of choice in any industry these alternatives only stand to reinforce the natural superiority granite has over its competitors.

Natural granite is impervious to heat, nearly indestructible, and every installation creates a look that is solely unique as a snowflake. Each slab has an exclusive pattern of variations in color and markings, this unpredictability and uniqueness is part of granite’s charm. While we must work within Mother Nature’s

natural coloring abilities, granite can fulfill any desired design palette from very crisp and uniform in appearance to the most colorful and whimsical of tastes.

Natural granite is also the greener choice. Granite countertops produce fewer carbon emissions during production than quartz countertops. Other

attributes that make granite more environmentally friendly than manmade quartz countertops include the stone’s recyclability, durability, enduring life-cycle, and ease of care and maintenance.

A recent development, granite is becoming more accessible to most budgets. Due to our pricing structure, we are able to transform even the most modest of homes into a thing of beauty, thereby allowing home owners to experience the durability and easy upkeep that only a solid surface countertop can provide.

The only valid concern to granite is that since it is a natural stone, it has the need to be sealed. While sealing with an impregnator is imperative to the long lasting beauty of the stone, we at Southeastern Stone and Tile only use the finest sealer available and so have never had to reseal any of our installations due to product failure.

While there are many different options available, the natural choice is the right choice.

For more information: Southeastern Stone and Tile 352.629.7518 SoutheasternStoneandTile.com.

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STONE AND TILE

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POOLS SHAWN WISEMAN WISEMAN POOLS

Q

LET’S DIVE INTO A SUBJECT YOU ARE VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT—SWIMMING. WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SWIMMING?

Many people with arthritis, back pain, and joint pain use swimming as therapy. Swimming is much easier on the joints and spine than high-impact exercises like running.

In fact, some people purchase pools solely for exercise benefits. I built a pool for someone who was handicapped and they used the swimming pool for their physical therapy. Swimming is great for people with back issues because they can tread water or use pool exercise accessories such as underwater treadmills. That means they can work out longer with less strain and pain on their bodies.

In addition to the physical health benefits, swimming is also an excellent way to achieve mental wellness. It’s great for stress relief because being in the water has a soothing and calming effect on the body and the mind. Also, when you’re in a swimming pool, you have an opportunity to meet and

chat with other people.

My company, which started 11 years ago, has built all kind of pools, including ones where you can swim or exercise against a smooth current. Because we’re a small, family-owned company, we pride ourselves on listening to our clients and catering to their needs.

We don’t build cookie-cutter pools; we do custom pool designs based on their needs and wants because we understand that every customer is unique. We feel very strong about providing superior customer service and quality work.

For More Information: 352.431.3766 1517 W Main St., Leesburg WisemanPools.com CPC1457504

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CITIZENS FIRST BANK

RICH BILLINGS VP/MARKET MANAGER NMLS #500304

Q

WHAT IS THE RIGHT LOAN AMOUNT AND PRODUCT SOLUTION FOR ME?

Two very important questions as you consider financing your home purchase are loan eligibility and affordability.

The application process with a lending institution determines your eligibility largely based on an objective assessment of your current and historical income, other monthly debt obligations, and credit repayment history. As a general rule, you are eligible for a mortgage if the expected monthly payment is less than a third of your monthly gross income. It could be slightly more or slightly less depending on other monthly debt obligations such as payments for autos, student loans and credit cards.

Secondly, in addition to eligibility, affordability should be evaluated while understanding

that assessing “eligibility” vs. “affordability” may produce different outcomes. Unlike eligibility, affordability requires you to assess and consider non-debt related matters. This relates to lifestyle and lifecycle circumstances and may include expenses from child care, education, size of household and current and future changes in your life…like upcoming retirement or future college education expenses.

You need to discuss this with your mortgage loan officer even though these factors aren’t part of the objective assessment to determine your eligibility.

Once the optimal mortgage amount question is answered, determine whether a fixed rate or adjustable rate (ARM) product solution is most suitable. Clearly, ARMs are not for everyone. Still,

discuss and evaluate the possible benefits and risks with your mortgage loan officer to determine if an ARM is appropriate.

Speaking personally, my wife and I have had six mortgage loans during the past 36 years. Four of these, including my present mortgage, were ARMs. Each decision was based upon personal circumstances and objectives, generally tilted toward the anticipated time we expected to own the home with the outstanding mortgage. None of these decisions was based upon the lower rate or payment that an ARM offers. But remember, what’s best for one borrower isn’t always best for another.

Several key points come into play when considering an ARM. Your initial interest rate is lower than a traditional fixed-rate loan.

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While the interest rate may change, there are payment impact limits with both annual and lifetime CAPs that control or contain interest rate fluctuations. Also, many ARMs provide both a fixed rate and a variable rate, essentially offering a fixed rate for an initial period (one, three, five or seven years) followed by an adjustable rate after the fixed-rate phase of the mortgage lapses.

When properly evaluating and understanding the details, you may find the inherent risks of an ARM are offset by the possible benefits.

For more information: 352.259.3206 MyCitizensFirst.com 1341 Griffin Road Leesburg, FL 34748 NMLS #469329

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MORTGAGES

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INSURANCE THE VILLAGES INSURANCE

Q

The expert team at The Villages Insurance, including retirement specialists Diana Johnson, Tangee Zutlas, and Les Roth, and team administrator Lisa Reilly, has all the answers to your insurance questions.

Q What is the difference between whole life, term life and universal life?

Diana: The uses of these different types of policies vary. Term life is a specified term of 10, 20, or 30 years and is inexpensive to purchase.

It pays the benefit in the event of death within that specified term. When you’re younger and have a family that you need to protect, term insurance tends to be the solution for you. You can buy a large amount of insurance for a small amount of money, as your responsibilities may lessen over time. While the kids are young and your mortgage balance is higher, this would be an appropriate use of a term policy.

Whole life is a long-term goal. It lasts a person’s whole life and offers consistent premiums with guaranteed cash value accumulation. You may want to use the cash value for things like starting a business, buying a house, or even an income stream in retirement.

Universal life bridges the gap between the two of them. Universal life offers flexibility in premium payments and death benefits, and is considered permanent life insurance, just like whole life. Universal life has potential for higher growth based on an individual policy’s interest and crediting factors, and universal life policies are generally lower in premiums.

Q With CD rates so low, I’m looking for

more return but I’m afraid of the market.

Is there a safe way to get better returns?

Tangee: What works for most is using a fixed annuity as a CD replacement. It’s a very safe insurance product and provides a better return than a CD. Insurance companies have an added source of funding for fixed annuities called mortality credits, this allows the annuity companies to pay higher rates to policy holders than banks are permitted for CDs. In

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addition, fixed annuity earnings accumulate tax-deferred, adding to its return and potential.

As an additional benefit, annuities purchased in Florida (or Texas) are creditor protected, so if you’re sued, the money in an annuity has legal protection.

If you’re looking for still higher yields, and have a holding time of 7 years or more, you should look at Fixed Indexed Annuities. These products provide near equity level returns with no risk to your principle. These annuities work by tracking an index; if the index advances interest is credited to your balance, if the index retreats nothing happens to your balance. You get the ups but not the downs. There are also a lot of other benefits to these products like individual or joint guaranteed lifetime payouts, and the potential for Cost of Living type increases in those distributions.

L-R: DIANA JOHNSON, LES ROTH, TANGEE ZUTLAS, LISA REILLY

Q I’m retiring with a 401(k) and want to

diversify. Is there a safe way to grow my money without having to pay taxes?

Les: When you leave a company, you don’t want to keep all of your eggs in one basket. If you’re getting a pension from a company and you have a 401(k), diversification is an important thing to consider. Should something happen to the company, whether they have financial issues or get hacked, you don’t want everything in one place. 401ks are only available under a company plan, so you’ll be doing a tax-free transfer to an individual IRA. While in your 401(k), you’ve probably been investing in the stock market through mutual funds. Those accounts have the opportunity to go up but they also share the risk of going down. Now that you’re retired and

presumably want to spend down and enjoy your savings, you should be diversifying some of your money into a safe, income producing product that guarantees lifetime income. Fixed Indexed Annuities are an excellent choice and retain the same tax deferred status as your 401k. Fixed Indexed Annuities also give you the opportunity to participate in market growth while protecting you from market downturns for example, if the market goes down 15 points in a given year, you won’t see any of that loss to your principal.

Other benefits over leaving your money in a 401k include: flexible withdrawal options, guarantees that you cannot exhaust your money when the lifetime income option is chosen, and the potential for other benefits such as increased payouts should you enter a nursing home; none of which are afforded by 401ks.

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For More Information The Villages Insurance Seven locations in The Villages 352.751.6622 www.TheVillagesInsurance.com ®

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A/C & REMODELING INNERCITY CONTRACTING SERVICE

Q

HOW DO I PROPERLY MAINTAIN MY AC UNIT?

The best ways to maintain your air conditioner unit is to schedule twice a year AC maintenance—in the summer and winter— which can save you money and increase the chance of catching small problems before they become big ones.

AC maintenance is all about giving your air conditioner longer life, and it’s no different than getting your oil changed in your car.

It’s also important for AC filters to be changed monthly. If you have animals in the home, the fur that pets shed could clog the filter and prevent air flow. Many people do no change their filters at all, and when we come out to the home, we find the filter is clogged and has stopped the unit from working efficiently.

So, select a date you can remember to change the filters. I recommend the pleated filters; fiberglass filters only trap about 3 percent of the dust, and you get about 95 percent of the dust with the pleated filters.

Other ways that you can maintain your AC unit: make sure the coils on the outside unit are free from any debris or anything that could be obstructing the air flow. It needs to be free and clear on the top, too, so that it can breathe. On the inside of the home, make sure there is nothing like a couch or other objects on top or in front of your supply and return vents. They need to be free and clear, two feet away from the return, for better air flow.

Air conditioning service is the bulk of our business, and we take pride in our work and

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want our customers to be happy. Our service technicians are highly experienced in AC repairs and troubleshooting as well as checking all components of your system including the compressor, cooling coils, refrigerant, controls, safeties, blower, ductwork, piping, and overall system operation.

The longevity for an AC unit is 10 to 15 years or they can go longer, depending on how the unit is built. If you are looking for in a new system, we have premier manufactures who offer the best new product innovations available.

You can actually renovate on a budget to change the outlook of your whole house just by painting. If someone wants to change a room, a kitchen or bathroom, then consider paint, which can be a great upgrade. Get some good paint and have it painted, and you can do this on a budget.

We have general contractors for residential, commercial, remodeling and renovations.

We do bathroom remodels. Some of the best returns real estate wise is updating a kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen is No. 1 for resale value and where you’re going to make your money from when selling it, if you redo the kitchen.

Our customers want a fresh look, and they’re on budget, so we can resurface your bathtub to give it a fresh new look so it looks like a brand new tub instead of replacing it. It saves you $600 if you refurbish instead of replacing. It’s called

resurfacing, but it is glaze.

The job could cost $150 to $300, as opposed to $600 to replace the tub. We can save customers 60 percent by resurfacing a tub rather than replacing it.

You can actually renovate a room and give it a fresh look with $500 or less.

We have done kitchens, I just posted on facebook a kitchen remodel that we did. And it is the same thing with the kitchen, you can do that on a budget as well with fresh paint, and you can also resurface your cabinets and your counter top with a reglazed. Painting them. Sanding and fresh paint, and cabinet and get the right type of paint. Sanding and painting can give your cabinets a facelift. If save the money on the cabinets and countertop just by resurfacing those things, then you can spend the money on where you really want to spend it on, like maybe a ceramic tile floor.

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People are amazed. If with adding a wall or tearing down a wall, can change the outlook of a room. They are amazed that we can tear down half of a wall and make a room look a little better.

You can make a room look better by moving furniture around and paint will also do that as well.

We can come out—free of charge—and take a look at what you have and get the idea of what you want to do. We can show you some ways of doing it.

We helped a customer pick out all of the decorating as well, and we can take a look at the room and you tell us what you want to do with it, and we can give ideas on what can look good on a budget.

For more information: Innercity Contracting Service Corp 352.324.6367 iccs@goiccs.com

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SCREEN ROOM DRAINS BOB EARLS BJ’S CAP DRAINS

As many others have done, Bob Earls and his wife, Sharon, moved from Indiana to the Villages to enjoy retirement. After living in their home for a short time, Bob realized that water always seemed to accumulate in their screened area and after the Florida sun finally dried up the water, dirt residue, or worse yet, mold was left behind. Bob knew there had to be a way to allow this standing water to escape. Hence, Screen Room Drains came to fruition. He invented and patented a drain system for most any application.

Regardless if you have tile, pavers or acrylic coating, the drains can be installed. If your screen area is small, large or even extra-large with a pool, these drains will save home owners time, effort and frustration when trying to wash their areas with a garden hose. Just open the cap and watch the water, dirt and debris flow outside. Eliminates the need to sweep all the water to your door opening.

Q How are the drains installed?

Bob: First, we must determine where all of the low points are located, and then at floor level, we cut a 6 inch opening in the aluminum screen channel to accommodate the cap drain. Once installed, the drain will extend outside approximately 1 inch which allows the water to drain freely.

Q What about maintenance?

Bob: I’d have to say, very little. You just want to be sure the opening is kept clear from any leftover debris so it doesn’t hinder proper drainage.

Q How many drains do I need?

Bob: It truly depends on how large of an area you have, or how many low points are found. Ideally, if the home owner installs the recommended amount, the less time it takes for the water to drain.

Q So what’s next for the inventor of this patented drain?

Bob: Our family business is all about offering a good quality product that will aid homeowner’s with their drainage needs. As long as there is a need, we’ll continue to install drains and provide exceptional customer service from start to finish.

For more information: 352.259.2744 or 352.454.6448 screenroomdrains.com Contact local installer Timm Cox 352.750.3026 or 352.342.7596

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DEE TANNER MORGAN BROS. SUPPLY

Q

WILL YOUR COMPANY WORK WITH MY CONTRACTOR FOR SUPPLIES ON MY REMODELING PROJECT?

Q

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A PLUMBING SUPPLY COMPANY RATHER THAN A BIG-BOX STORE?

Yes. We will work directly with the contractor or the homeowner. Either way, you receive the same level of professional courtesy. Whether you are completing a small or large project, the benefit of working with our company is that you’re dealing with true professionals in the industry.

Therefore, if a problem arises, we can ultimately work with you to solve the problem right then and there. We also offer delivery at no charge. I think these are some of the reasons why the majority of our business comes from repeat customers. We also receive lots of business from people who are referred by our satisfied customers. It’s a great feeling when clients come to us with a dream and we help fulfill that dream—all within their budget.

We can assist our clients with everything—from new home construction projects to small home repairs. As a family-owned company, we are small enough to provide you with personal service and large enough to fulfill all your plumbing needs. Our service team is always professional and courteous, goes above and beyond to answer your questions and address your concerns, and adheres to the highest-quality work. Because we are an independent wholesaler, we are not dictated by corporate rules. Therefore, we have leeway in dealing with individuals, contractors, and plumbers. It also affords us an opportunity to work very aggressively with pricing.

For more information: 352.629.8191 MorganBros.com // 1620 Northeast 8th Rd., Ocala, Florida 34471

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PLUMBING

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F e at u r i n g

12 Fighting Diabetes A local club helps people manage diabetes Plus

2 Look up in the sky Villagers fill the skies of Central Florida with colorful kites

4 Skip the pills Deal with your problems using your imagination

* MVESEtT yAlVeI L L A G E R

Gone with the wind A Villages resident enjoys a hobby that is way over his head.

STORY: JAMES COMBS // PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

B

*

I want a kite with a skeleton riding a bicycle but haven’t been able to find one yet.

2

ill Eatley is happiest when gentle breezes swirl in the air.

With deft flicks of his wrist, he sends his four-line kite into the air, and after a few tugs, it whirls skyward. His facial expression changes from pure concentration to pure admiration as he watches his agile, colorful kite dance peacefully in the blue Florida sky.

Bill, a resident of The Villages, has been an avid kite flier since 1991. He serves as president of The Villages Cloud Chasers, a 60-member group of kite-flying enthusiasts who fly Tuesday and Friday mornings at The Villages Polo Club.

He has certainly come a long way since he was introduced to the hobby.

“I was on vacation in California and saw a bunch of people flying kites at a beach in San Diego. I was awed,” Bill says. “So I purchased a kite after returning to Florida.

The guy where I purchased the kite gave lessons, but there was no wind on the day I was supposed to have my first lesson. So he had me get in a vehicle with a sunroof and he drove while I tried to fly the kite through the sunroof. I kept crashing the kite.”

However, he quickly got the hang of controlling and maneuvering all types of kites.

Those include a single-line kite, which is ideal for beginners; a single-line fighter kite, known for its agility and maneuverability; and two- or four-line stunt kites, which are famous for their acrobatic stunts, loops, and dives.

Put several of them in the sky at once and they become quite a spectacle. When club members gather to fly, kites of all shapes and sizes fill the air with their vibrant colors.

“When people think of kites, they automatically picture a diamondshaped kite,” says Bill, who also flies at Clearwater Beach and Treasure Island in Tampa. “However, members of our club have square kites, triangle kites, and rectangular kites. They also have kites of different styles, including a Navy jet fighter kite and a sailing ship kite. I want a kite with a skeleton riding a bicycle but haven’t been able to find one yet.”

Of course, Bill and other club members are not the only ones who enjoy the hobby. Sometimes they bring their grandchildren to partake in the fun.

“The kids don’t even need wind because they just run with the kite,” he says. “They’re feeling kind of exhausted by the time they are done and end up going to sleep when they get home.”

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‘Womb-think’ brings you peace of mind A positive imagination keeps retirement worries at bay.

STORY: JOE ANGIONE

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Womb-think is much like daydreaming with the sole purpose of creating a pleasant, safe, stress-free environment.

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etirement is a time to relax and enjoy our golden years. But peace of mind doesn’t always go along with retirement. Money problems… health issues…and a million other worries can keep us sad and frazzled much of the time.

How many more pills must we swallow to control our jitters and sleep well at night? None, if you have some skill in using your imagination.

There’s a way to turn down our emotional thermostats and chill out without drugs, psychotherapy, or divine intervention. It’s a mental focus—a head game—that’s easy to master. I call it “womb-think,” and I’ve been playing it with huge success for years.

Womb-think guides your thoughts to a peaceful place where you control everything.

A golfer friend would put himself to sleep each night by imagining the design of a golf course. He’d select an attractive location and give it surface features he thought most challenging. Then he’d plan the first hole. Would it be a straight-away, dogleg to the left, or to the right? Where would a water hazard or bunker be placed?

After deciding the first hole, he’d do the second, third, and so on. It might take him a couple of weeks to visualize the entire golf course. But then he was ready to start planning another.

Womb-think is easy if we focus on something that truly interests us. Have you ever envisioned a house that has everything the way you want it? What

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would the layout look like? What would it contain? If you were going to expand your current home, what additions would you make? Designing a new house could keep you pleasantly occupied for hours, even days.

Womb-think is much like daydreaming with the sole purpose of creating a pleasant, safe, stress-free environment.

Womb-think serves as your refuge, where you feel totally protected, the way you were back in your mother’s womb.

Start by selecting a single, simple object or idea. Picture it in your mind, then imagine how it might be changed to become the best, safest place it could possibly be. Womb-think subjects can be things you discover in your community, in your travels, in a book or a newspaper, or on television.

At the heart of successful womb-think is the law of mental imaging that says: “no two ideas can occupy your mind at the same time.” If you’re thinking about something enjoyable, you can’t also be focused on something that’s terrifying.

Womb-think helps lock on to the positive while blocking out the negative.

Womb-think is a solitary experience that needs quiet and freedom from distraction.

Nighttime, just before bed, is the perfect time for womb-think. It’s an instant getaway from problems without leaving your home. And womb-think costs you absolutely nothing.

Give womb-think a try after you’ve had a troubling day. You might even want to try it tonight.

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Heart like a wheel

Cyclists hit the streets during Big Bike Weekend to benefit The Villages Regional Hospital.

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI

W

hen upwards of 500 bicyclists take off on a ride this month in The Villages, their hearts will really be in it.

With every push of the pedal, every spin of the wheel, and every mile traveled, they will raise money for The Villages Regional Hospital Auxiliary Foundation.

The cyclists’ trails wind through Sumter, Lake, and Marion counties for anywhere from 10 to 100 miles during the Bicycle Challenge, part of the third

annual Hearts for Our Hospital Big Bike Weekend, Nov. 10-12. Individual cyclists and teams raise money by getting pledges for the miles they travel or flat-rate donations. Registration fees and corporate sponsorships also go toward the cause.

The efforts of the healthy bodies make for healthier patients at the hospital.

Proceeds, which last year totaled more than $42,000, go toward purchasing hospital equipment and funding scholarship programs for hospital team members and area high school

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Proceeds, which last year totaled more than

$42,000, go toward purchasing hospital equipment and funding scholarship programs for hospital team members and area high school students.

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students, says Shelly Scarbrough, senior development associate for the foundation.

The Bicycle Challenge on Saturday is one of three spokes to the weekend, which also includes Friday’s free Cycling Expo and Health Fair, and a free bicycle club ride on Sunday.

Big Bike Weekend lives up to its name in The Villages.

“It is the biggest cycling event by far,” race director Pat Gillis says. “It’s the 600-pound gorilla.”

So, Pat and his wife, Lori, the event coordinator, can be excused for going a little bananas while running it. They’re both members of the Sumter Landing Bicycle Club, the event advisor to the foundation, but their responsibilities keep them from riding in the Bicycle Challenge.

The challenge, which attracted 313 riders in 2016, is getting bigger each year.

A 100-mile route, or “century ride,” was added last year, and a 10-mile route for less experienced riders has been added this year. The century ride brought in about 50 additional cyclists, and Cycling Across America, or CAAM, added the Bicycle Challenge to its tour schedule.

CAAM is an event organizer known for high-quality rides throughout Florida and the Southeast.

The Villages event is appealing to cyclists because of the routes and scenery, Pat says.

“We take them out into the countryside onto rural roads, and this is a great place to do cycling,” he says. “The tri-county area has gorgeous rural roads to cycle on.”

Meanwhile, Lori has organized more post-ride activities, along

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with coordinating volunteers and communications, and designing the event jersey.

“It’s exciting. It’s a challenge to reach a goal and to improve it every year and make it more fun for everybody,” she says.

The event has been a surprising success for the Sumter Landing Bicycle Club, President John Komoroske says.

The hospital foundation approached the club three years ago to help stage the event. The first challenge in 2015 raised around $30,000.

“When this started, we were hoping to get enough money for a dedication in the urgent care waiting room,” John says.

“We thought that would cost $75,000 and would take a number of years. We got it in two years.”

Now the Sumter Landing Bicycle Club has committed to raise an additional $250,000 from as many Bicycle Challenges as it takes.

The club doesn’t do it alone, of course.

Cyclists come from all over, and teams in various categories compete for trophies for most money raised. The Sumter Landing Bicycle Club faces competition from The Village Bicycle Club and the Panthers Tandem Bike Club of Florida.

As the event takes place on Veterans Day weekend, an appropriate new category this year is the armed forces. Both veterans and active service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard will battle for a trophy.

About 75 to 100 Sumter Landing club members volunteer at the expo/fair and the ride.

“It’s a good collaboration between the bicycle clubs themselves and the foundation volunteers,” Shelly says.

At the Cycling Expo, visitors can see the newest bicycles and accessories from the local Village Cycles shop as well as national manufacturers Giant and Specialized, and check out the booths of Villages bicycle clubs and bicycle travel companies.

The Health Fair features health-related vendors and free medical information, including screenings for blood pressure, hearing, skin damage, and body mass index. Visitors can also give blood at the OneBlood Big Red Bus. More than 30 national and local health-care providers and businesses are sponsoring Big Bike Weekend, which is funded in part by a tourist development tax grant from Sumter County commissioners and the county’s Tourist Development Council.

The sponsors take good care of the cyclists and volunteers. KR Management, a senior care provider, is putting on a preride breakfast, and HarborChase assistedliving communities is taking care of lunch.

The post-ride rewards include a World of Beer Biergarten and DeConna Ice Cream, because what better way to shake off a day of exercise than to indulge in beer and ice cream.

As if Saturday’s Bicycle Challenge is not challenging enough, another new addition to the weekend is the free club ride Sunday morning. It’s an endurance event of 2½ to 3 hours, but the cyclists helping the hospital foundation are accustomed to going the extra mile.

BIG BIKE WEEKEND SCHEDULE Friday, Nov. 10: Cycling Expo and Health Fair, 10am-2pm, La Hacienda Recreation Center, 1200 Avenida Central, The Villages.

The OneBlood Big Red Bus will be onsite until 5pm for blood donations.

Saturday, Nov. 11: Bicycle Challenge, 8am for first ride group, starting and ending at La Hacienda Recreation Center. Cyclists may register online until 5pm Friday, Nov. 10, at raceroster.com/events/2017/12766/ hearts-for-our-hospital-big-bike-weekend or register the day of the race at the ride start location.

The five start times and routes include: 8am for 100 and 64 miles; 8:15am for 32 and 17 miles; and 8:30am for 10 miles. The entry fee for distances of 100, 64, 32, and 17 miles is $60 up until race day and $70 on race day. The fee for 10 miles is $25; $35 on race day. Each registrant gets a free event moisture-wicking T-shirt. A Hearts for Our Hospital jersey also is available for $60.

The after-ride festivities include a World of Beer Biergarten (one free beer), lunch with ice cream, music, and door prizes.

Sunday, Nov. 12: Free club ride of 2½ to 3 hours for Bicycle Challenge participants, 8am, starting at La Hacienda Recreation Center and ending at Spanish Springs Town Square. All ride levels. To register or for more information on all events, go to h4hbikeweekend.com.

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Got diabetes?

Join the club A local club helps people manage diabetes, the seventh-leading cause of death in the U.S. STORY: JAMES COMBS // PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

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Knowledge is very important in fighting this disease, and that’s why having support groups such as ours is a tremendous benefit.

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D

ick Bright has no feeling in his feet when he takes his first step after exiting an automobile or golf cart.

He endures occasional shooting pains in his fingers. And the excruciating toe pain around midnight can ruin a good night’s sleep.

“It feels like someone is taking a pair of pliers and squeezing my toe,” he says.

Dick, a resident of The Villages, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 30 years ago. He suffers diabetic neuropathy in his hands and feet.

For him, managing the disease is as much a part of life as eating and sleeping. Four times a week, he pricks his finger, drops the blood on a test strip,

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and runs it through a blood glucose monitor to check his blood-sugar level.

He also makes annual visits to medical specialists who examine his eyes, liver, kidneys, and heart.

If ignored or unchecked, the disease may have a debilitating effect on his health. Fortunately for him, the wealth of knowledge he has accumulated about diabetes helps him control blood-sugar levels and live an active lifestyle. He swims 20 laps daily and plays golf four times a week.

Much of that knowledge, he says, comes from involvement with the Diabetic Community Support Club, a Villages-based group that allows

diabetics and caregivers to ask questions, exchange knowledge, and share experiences.

The 250-member club meets the first Thursday every month from 1-3pm at Savannah Center, 1545 Buena Vista Blvd.

“Our two goals are education and support,” says Dick, who has been president of the club since 2014.

“Knowledge is very important in fighting this disease, and that’s why having support groups such as ours is a tremendous benefit.”

Club members run the gamut—from Type 1 diabetics and Type 2 diabetics to pre-diabetics and caregivers. The first hour is spent listening to a medical professional discuss a particular health issue related to diabetes. In the past, guest speakers included podiatrists, endocrinologists, neurologists, ophthalmologists, and dietitians.

During the second hour, members divide into groups of six and have roundtable discussions.

Much value comes from those discussions. With a disease like cancer, doctors tell patients where to go and what to do. With diabetes, it’s about selfmanagement skills.

“Having knowledge about the disease may save your life or, at the very least, help improve your quality of life and health significantly,” Dick says. “New members are very comforted by the fact they have others to talk to, and they make connections at the roundtable discussions and call each other with information. Members definitely learn from one another, and when we invite guest speakers, we make sure we are covering every medical aspect of diabetes.”

That need to talk—and more importantly, learn—is vital to slowing the rate of diabetes complications and deaths.

The number of adults worldwide with diabetes quadrupled from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014, according to a study published in the Lancet, an independent medical

journal. Compounding the problem, an estimated 86 million American adults have prediabetes that puts them at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Unfortunately, many do not manage the disease, and others refuse to acknowledge their illness.

“We have caregivers who come to meetings, but the patient they’re caring for does not accompany them,” Dick says. “There is a lot of denial in the diabetes community.”

For those who fail to control their blood-glucose level, diabetes can potentially wreak havoc on every organ in their bodies. Diabetics often experience retinopathy, restricted blood flow, and poor digestion of food.

Additionally, diabetics may develop heart disease at a younger age than people without diabetes or endure limb amputation.

That’s precisely why diabetes support groups are valuable. Members gain knowledge, which is a powerful tool in managing the disease. And the friendships forged there are equally beneficial.

“I’ve made a lot of friends by being in this group,” Dick says. “If you’re a social person, you are happy, and if you’re happy, it can have a positive effect on diabetes.”

For more information about the Diabetic Community Support Club, call Dick Bright at 352.751.7599 DICK BRIGHT

DIABETES BY THE NUMBERS (2015 DATA):

30.3 MILLION the number of Americans with diabetes

1.25 MILLION

the number of American children and adults with Type 1 diabetes

7.2 MILLION

the number of Americans undiagnosed with the disease

1.5 MILLION

the number of new diabetes diagnoses each year

252,806

the number of death certificates in 2015 listing diabetes as an underlying or contributing cause of death

$176 BILLION

the total direct medical cost of diabetes in 2013 Source: American Diabetes Association

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* BVOSOtK yR lE VeI E W

“Mindful Aging: Embracing Your Life after 50 to Find Fulfillment, Purpose, and Joy”

By Andrea Brandt, PhD, MFT. Seniors are encouraged to throw out stereotypes and make the most of their lives.

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

A

*

You don’t need to go through a health crisis or the loss of a loved one to learn this lesson, if there is something you always wanted to do, why wait?”

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ging is inevitable. “How we age is largely up to us,” writes psychologist and author Dr. Andrea Brandt in “Mindful Aging: Embracing Your Life after 50 to Find Fulfillment, Purpose, and Joy” (PESI Publishing).

A fascinating and thought-provoking read, “Mindful Aging” had me hooked early on when the author writes: “There is no magical age at which we need to abandon our dreams and surrender our possibilities.”

She strives to help readers rethink aging, get in touch with their desires, and embrace the last leg of their life’s journey.

“To remain our healthiest and most vibrant physically, emotionally, cogitatively, we must continue to learn and do new things—to keep stepping into the territory of the new and unknown,” she writes. “When we have a purpose, we don’t let the unimportant things get to us. Our focus is on something higher and more meaningful.”

The book encourages readers to raise the bar of our expectations.

“Architect Frank Lloyd Wright was his most prolific between ages 60 and 90. It’s

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never too late to move to a more positive direction,” she writes.

However, Andrea notes many people only make a life change following a cancer diagnosis, heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis.

“You don’t need to go through a health crisis or the loss of a loved one to learn this lesson,” she says. “If there is something you always wanted to do, why wait?”

Life doesn’t just happen, the author notes.

“Our own choices and actions affect what we experience. It serves no purpose to beat us up over past choices and consequences they caused,” Andrea says.

“We are much stronger when working to create the positive than working to avoid or fix the negative.”

Instead of the fear of dying, she encourages seniors to focus on the joy of living, and “to make gratitude your foremost attitude.”

Research, she says, shows those who keep a gratitude journal, where they record things they feel grateful for, “enjoyed better physical health,

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THE TO-DO LIST //

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IN CONCE RT //

SEE STORY on PG 84

LOCAL TALENT //

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OUT AND ABOUT //

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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

79 On the Scene

Bob Chubboy helps dementia patients through his microphone.

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November Farmer’s Markets

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It’s the circus!

Flip FabriQue, a young troupe of professional circus artists, has created a show that will entertain and amaze.

7pm; tickets $25-$70. Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, Spanish Springs Town Square, The Villages.

Saturdays: The Saturday Morning Market on Towne Square Music: Nov. 4, Michael Hartman; Nov. 11, Tommy Treadway; Nov. 18, Al Manfredi; Nov. 25, Mitch Patterson.

Leesburg 8am-1pm

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An evening of sinful laughs He’s ranked as one of the “100 Greatest Standups of All Time” and he’s coming to Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, Spanish Springs Town Square, The Villages. Sinbad performs to benefit Cornerstone Hospice. Show times are 5 and 8pm, and tickets cost $25-$65.

Brownwood Farmer’s Market 2726 Brownwood Blvd., Wildwood 9am-1pm Tuesdays: Lady Lake Farmers Market Lady Lake Log Cabin 106 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 9am-1pm

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Bring your glass slipper Enjoy the gala Veterans Charity Ball fundraiser 7-10:30pm at Leesburg Community Building, 109 Dixie Ave. Tickets $35, include cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, and a raffle. A special “Salute to Veterans.”

Proceeds go to area veterans’ organizations.

The HydroDrag World Championship starts at 9am at Wooton Park, 100 E. Ruby St., Tavares.

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Zoom, zoom

Casual attire required The annual LIfeStream Gala of Hope/Jeans and Jerseys at Mission Inn Resort, 10400 County Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills. An evening of fun, food, and festivities to benefit children’s services in Lake and Sumter counties. Tickets cost $100.

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Where Santa shops The 22nd annual Leesburg Christmas House is open at ViaPort Florida Mall, 10401 U.S. Highway 441. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 10am-6pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, noon-5pm.

lakeandsumter

.com

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The chosen ones The Studio Theatre at Tierra del Sol presents “Bad Jews” by Joshua Harmon. The critically acclaimed comedy asks about what you choose to believe when you’re chosen. 7pm.

Tickets cost $35. 806 San Marino Dr., The Villages.

They’re creepy and they’re spooky

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Go see “The Addams Family: A New Musical” at the Melon Patch Theatre, 311 N. 13th St., Leesburg.

Wednesday is grown up and wants to marry…a normal boy! 8pm Friday and Saturday; 2pm Saturday.

Lightning fast Superkids Charity Car Show at Advance Auto Parks, 2659 Highway 50, Clermont. See the FedEx #11 Monster Energy Joe Gibbs from 9am - 2pm.

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The world is but a canvas The Downtown Clermont Art Festival is noted for the diverse mix of artists and the quality of its art. Live music, food trucks, and kids’ zone. 9am at 787 W. Montrose St. N O V. 4

Hot time in the city Gates open at 4:30pm; serving at 5pm for the annual Leesburg Chili Cook-Off in Towne Square. Live entertainment.

Tickets $10, available at site. Also purchase beer, wine, and soda. Serving ends when the chili does.

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Celebrate the arts Mount Dora Center for the Arts presents Art of the Deal “Welcome to the Show” in the Donnelly Building at 5th and Donnelly Street. Catered cuisine, an open bar, dancing, live and silent auctions, gaming tables, entertainment. Tickets $85 in advance at mountdoracenterforthearts.org.

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A rose by any other name Lake and Hills Garden Club presents the 14th annual Garden Tour in Mount Dora. Tour starts at Country Club of Mount Dora, 1900 Country Club Ave. Tour/$15; Tour and lunch/$30.

Saturday 9am-4:30pm; Sunday 11am-4:30pm.

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That’s really corny It’s the 15th Corn Maze season at Long & Scott Farms, 26216 County Road 448A, Mount Dora. This year is a tribute to first responders, who get in free, and family members get 50 percent discounts. Offer valid at ticket window only. Opens at 10am.

A newer you Meet the staff and get answers about ImageLift. Seating is limited, so reserve now for The Waterfront Inn, Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages.

Receive Dr. Castellano’s book free when you register. Call 877.346.2435.

One volunteer will get a FREE filler demonstration.

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NOV 8

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Lords and ladies gather here Step back in time at the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire. Wander through merchants’ wares and find a little magic along the way.

10am-5pm at County Landfill Road in Tavares. Buy tickets online at lakerenfaire.com or at the gate.

Group rates available. Rain or shine.

Christmas shopping done early The Shop Lady Lake Expo is from 10am-3:30pm at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 1351 Paige Place, Lady Lake.

Browse local businesses, enjoy music and seminars. Free and golf-cart accessible. Call 352.753.6029.

The craft of baking Enjoy great homemade goodies and browse handmade crafts at the 10th annual Craft Show and Bake Sale at Imperial Terrace East Clubhouse, 2612 Vindale Road, Tavares. No charge.

Opens 8am. Buy breakfast and lunch, win door prizes, and 50/50 drawing.

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Pancakes and tractors The annual International Harvester Pancake Breakfast is at Paquette’s Historical Farmall Museum, 615 S. Whitney Road, Leesburg. Cost: $15.

Proceeds go to Cornerstone Hospice.

Tails a waggin’ Catch the Not So Westminster Dog Show at Saturday Morning Market in Leesburg Towne Square. Several categories to enter free, 11am. Special guest DJ Tommy Treadway. Download the app at the Leesburg Partnership website.

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Golfing for education The annual Friendship Golf tournament sponsored by the Sophisticated Gents of Florida and the African American Club of The Villages is at Harbor Hills Country Club. Proceeds fund scholarships for graduates of Lake Weir, Leesburg, Wildwood, and The Villages high schools. Prizes, a luncheon with door prizes, and a raffle.

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Dance, dance, dance Spend an evening with Ailey II: The Next Generation. Under the artistic direction of Troy Powell. Showtime: 7pm. Tickets: $20-$60. Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, Spanish Springs Town Square, The Villages.

Get your heart racing Hearts for our Hospital Big Bike Weekend launches at 8am at La Hacienda Recreation Center in The Villages. Bikers will do 10-, 17-, 32-, 64-, or 100-mile rides with rest stops. Breakfast and lunch included, mechanical support provided, routes marked, public safety on hand, door prizes, free T-shirts, jerseys can be purchased.

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Wheels on the ground The Big Bike Weekend Cycling Expo and Health Fair is from 10am-2pm at La Hacienda Recreation Center, 1200 Avenida Central, The Villages. See what’s new, discover bike clubs and bicycle travel companies, register for Saturday’s ride, or pick up ride packets. Free medical screenings and the OneBlood Big Red Bus for those who’d like to give.

Winner of Best Musical “Kinky Boots” features the songs of Cyndi Lauper. Charlie Price is struggling with the family’s shoe factory when the amazing Lola arrives looking for sturdy new stilettos.

Tickets cost $50-$99. Shows: 7:30pm Saturday; 2pm and 7:30pm Sunday at Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, Spanish Springs Town Square, The Villages.

e’s Ther o do! t more d on p.82 ue Contin

November 2017

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It starts with a seed The 23rd annual Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair in Donnelly Park, downtown Mount Dora, features Central Florida’s top growers, who bring more than 12,000 plants. For info, call 352.729.2170.

Ongoing Events 1st Saturday Wine Tasting Stroll Starts at Maggie’s Attic on Alexander Street and 4th Avenue.

6-8pm 2nd Friday Art Splash Features artists and performers on the sidewalks of downtown Mount Dora.

6-8pm

A blast from the past It will only take a little “Crystal Blue Persuasion” to get you to groove to “Hanky Panky” with Tommy James and the Shondells at Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, Spanish Springs Town Square, The Villages.

Showtime is 7pm and tickets $65-$125.

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2nd Friday Movie in the Park Free family movie starts at dusk Donnelly Park Downtown Mount Dora

Dream on The Night of Dreams for 2017 is presented by CECO at Full Sail Live!

141 University Park Dr., Winter Park.

The event includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, a silent auction and more.

3rd Wednesday PAWS Reading Dogs, W.T. Bland Library, Mount Dora

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The wearing of the kilt The bagpipes are echoing through the hills, or the palm trees at least.

The fifth annual Scottish Highland Festival at Gilbert Park in Mount Dora.

Scottish bands and musicians and an afternoon of Highland games. Call 352.735.7183.

3rd Thursday Mount Dora Food Trucks, Downtown Mount Dora

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4th Saturday Classic Car Cruise-In, Downtown Eustis

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

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A tribute to Bowie The Modernism Museum Mount Dora exhibits David Bowie’s private Memphis Design collection with The David Bowie Tribute Band performing.

Tickets $25/nonmembers; $20/3MD members. Purchase tickets online at modernismmuseum.org. Enhance your night out with dinner at 1921 by Norman Van Aken for $35 per person for a starter, entrée, and dessert.

Christmas in music The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra presents the Messiah Concert at 7pm.

Tickets are $20-$60. Enjoy the music of the season at The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, Spanish Springs Town Square, The Villages.

Music for the soul The heart of New Orleans is coming to Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, Spanish Springs Town Square, The Villages. See Irma Thomas, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and the Preservation Hall Legacy Quartet.

Showtime 7pm and tickets are $20$65. Go to thesharon.com.

NOV 25

Light up Mount Dora The 35th annual event pre-show starts at 4:30pm; live show at 5:30pm; lights on at 6:30pm. Free admission to Donnelly Park. Call 352.383.2165. The seventh annual lighting of the Main Street Christ follows at 4th Avenue Pedestrian Mall.

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It takes two to tango Coming direct from Argentina to The Villages is Tango Buenos Aires.

7pm and tickets $20-$50. Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, Spanish Springs Town Square. Go to thesharon.com.

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Shop locally It’s national Small Business Saturday and your chance to shop in the wonderful towns in this area. On the busiest shopping days of the holiday season. From Oxford to the Four Corners, there are plenty of shops to find the perfect gift for the special people in your life. Check the Gift Guide in Lake & Sumter Style.

Calling all doctors The 2017 annual Meeting & Medical Expo of Lake-Sumter Medical Society is 5-8pm at the Pavilion on the Lake.

A private trade show for physicians, clinicians, and practice management.

200 S. Disston Ave., Tavares. Catering by Pisces Rising.

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The holiday officially begins Light up Eustis is 5-9pm in Ferran Park in Eustis. Lights, carols, Santa and Mrs. Claus, rides, bands, food, drinks, and artists row. Free admission. Call 352.483.5491.

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O Christmas tree Don’t miss the third annual Festival of Trees at the Grand Oaks Croquet Arena, and this year, wreaths are added. 4-8pm each evening.

Holiday music, refreshments, and nightly activities. Bid for the trees at a live auction Dec. 2, with all proceeds going to charity.

On The Scene IN CONCERT

DATE

TIME

ARTIST

VENUE

11/3

7:30pm

The Everly Brothers Experience

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

11/4

6pm

D&D Music Company

Blackwater Inn, Astor

11/8

7:30pm

Jeff Whitfield

Ruby Street Grille, The Villages

11/10

9am

Black Velvet Band of Tampa

Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire, Tavares

11/10

6pm

Denny Buckler

Blackwater Inn, Astor

11/10

7pm

Mountain Faith Band

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

11/10

9pm

Boggy Creek

Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg

11/10

9pm

Mad Hadder Band

Good Time Lounge, Belleview

11/11

6pm

Denny Buckler

Blackwater Inn, Astor

11/11

7pm

Lonie Carter

American Legion, Mount Dora

11/11

8pm

Da Boys

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

11/11

9pm

Boggy Creek

Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg

11/11

9pm

Mad Hadder Band

Good Time Lounge, Belleview

11/11

9pm

10,000 Papercuts

Frank’s Place, Leesburg

11/12 11/12 11/15

10am 7:30pm 7:30pm

Black Velvet Band of Tampa Defenders of Daisies Jeff Whitfield

Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

11/17

Noon

Broccoli Samurai

Zen Awakening Festival, Wildwood

11/17

Noon

Eazybaked

Zen Awakening Festival, Wildwood

11/17

4pm

Kilted Creature

Mount Dora Highland Scottish Festival, Mount Dora

11/17

6pm

D&D Music Company

Blackwater Inn, Astor

11/18

9am

Manfredi Rocks

Leesburg Farmer’s Market, Leesburg

11/18

Noon

Broccoli Samurai

Zen Awakening Festival, Wildwood

11/18

6pm

D&D Music Company

Blackwater Inn, Astor

11/18

6pm

Mike French

William’s Landing, Astor

11/18

7pm

Let’s Hang on USA

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

11/18

9pm

The Grip

Frank’s Place, Leesburg

11/19

Noon

Yalaha Bakery, Yalaha

11/20

7pm

11/22

7:30pm

You and I The Heart and Soul Queen of New Orleans Irma Thomas, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and the Preservation Hall Legacy Quintet Jeff Whitfield

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

11/24

6pm

Chip Brock

Blackwater Inn, Astor

11/25

6pm

Mike French

William’s Landing, Astor

11/25

8pm

Da Boys

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

11/26

7:30pm

Defenders of Daisies

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

11/29

7:30pm

Jeff Whitfield

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

12/1

8pm

Defenders of Daisies

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

The Sharon, The Villages

Bands subject to change. Email inconcert@akersmediagroup.com to submit an event. Submissions must be received by the ninth of the month prior to month of the event (example: Oct. 9 for Nov. issue).

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Medicinal music When it comes to helping patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Bob Chubboy rocks it.

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His one-hour radio show, “Pull My Finger,” works like magic.

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STORY: JAMES COMBS // PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

H

e’s a self-described “flat-land hillbilly” who wears a straw hat, denim jean overalls, and dark glasses.

But he personifies the salt-of-the-earth rural American who does wonderful things for his fellow man.

As a radio personality on WLBE 790 AM in Leesburg, Bob Chubboy found an effective way to dial in therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients.

His one-hour radio show, “Pull My Finger,” works like magic. He interviews rock ’n’ roll legends from the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s and plays familiar songs from those eras. For dementia patients, it conjures up pleasant memories from their youth.

“While Alzheimer’s disease affects many parts of the brain, patients retain long-term memory of music from when they were young,” Bob says.

A 55-yearold

resident of Zellwood, Bob has interviewed musical legends such as Kenny Lee Lewis of the Steve Miller Band, Lamonte McLemore of the 5th Dimension, and Steve Katz of Blood, Sweat and Tears. His weekly show airs at 9am Sunday and again at 11pm Friday.

“I did a phone interview with Kenny Lee Lewis when he was on a tour bus and a phone interview with Lamonte McLemore when he was riding in an airplane,” Bob says. “I ask these rock stars questions about transistor radios, eight-track tapes, and jukeboxes—things that will jog the memories of Alzheimer’s patients. I try not to make these interviews but rather a conversation between friends.”

Before starting his radio gig 10 years ago, Bob scheduled local musicians to perform at nursing homes throughout Central Florida.

Upon entering, he’d see many dementia patients slumped over and unresponsive. But they underwent a remarkable transformation once the performance began.

“The patients would start tapping their feet or shaking their hands to the music. You could see a twinkle in their eyes,” he says.

Although he continues making occasional visits to nursing homes, having a radio show gives him a much larger geographic reach. His show airs across nine Central Florida counties.

“Now I can have a positive impact on numerous nursing homes all at once,” he says.

“My target audience might not remember me personally, but I know they’re tuning in and listening.”

In the future, Bob hopes to secure a venue where dementia patients could attend live concerts.

“I would do it in a talk-show format like Dave Letterman and Johnny Carson,” he says.

“We would talk, then the musician would perform, then we’d take questions from the audience.”

* OOUnT +TA BhOeU TS c e n e

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THE KING’S CASTLE Elvis Presley’s Memphis—a $45-million, 200,000-square-foot, state-of-theart entertainment complex—opened in March and is an extraordinary place honoring the late king of rock ’n’ roll, but Graceland remains the crown jewel.

Memphis, TN

STORY & PHOTOS: MARY ANN DESANTIS

I

f it’s been awhile since you visited Elvis Presley’s Graceland, things have changed this year—not so much with the Colonial Revival-style mansion itself, but with the 40 acres across the street where the new Elvis Presley’s Memphis attraction sits. After all, the home will always look the way it did when Elvis died 40 years ago because fans have a burning love for the place and want it to remain the way the king left it. But the tours are more organized than they were when the home first opened to the public…and there is a lot more to see.

The best way to describe Elvis Presley’s Memphis is to imagine a theme park that is “all Elvis.” From his lean years as a U.S. Army private to his extensive car collection in Presley Motors, including his pink Cadillac, the “streets” are lined with everything Elvis.

I grew up watching Elvis’ movies, so for fans like me there’s even a big screen theater showing his old movies—all day.

The attraction’s cornerstone is “Elvis: The Entertainer,” an entire section dedicated to Elvis’ music, movies, and live touring career.

Featuring hundreds of artifacts from the extensive Graceland archives—including his collection of gold and platinum records

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and his jeweled jumpsuits—the building houses the largest, most comprehensive Elvis museum in the world.

Save time to peruse the Elvis Discovery Exhibits, which explain the influences that defined Elvis’ extraordinary life. I particularly enjoyed “Icons,” which told how Elvis paved the way for many of today’s artists, including Bruce Springsteen and Elton John. Endearing was a story by singer Trisha Yearwood about how she wrote a letter proposing to Elvis when she was only 5 years old.

When you get hungry, visit the onsite themed restaurants honoring Elvis’ parents. For lighter snacks, including the famous peanut butter and banana sandwiches, stop by Gladys’ Diner, a ’50s-style diner named for Elvis’ mother. His father was known for his barbecue, so Vernon’s Smokehouse offers hunka, hunka portions of pork, ribs, beef brisket, chicken and Southernstyle vegetables.

Some visitors may get all shook up when they see the admission prices for the Elvis Experience Tour, but the exhibits and archives are so extensive that it doesn’t take long to realize you are getting your money’s worth—especially if you grew up loving Elvis. Admission for the Elvis Experience, which includes a tour of Graceland and as much time as you want at the entertainment complex, is $57.50 for adults ($51.75 for seniors and children). Admission for Graceland is only $43.75, but if you’ve made the journey to Memphis you might as well see the new complex.

Getting an Elvis Entourage VIP pass was my good luck charm because I could skip ahead of

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THE GUEST HOUSE

long lines and see a special exhibit and film.

Otherwise, I never would have made it through the 40-acre complex and Graceland, too, in one afternoon. My advice: arrive early in the day and spend the extra $36 for the Entourage VIP tour if the lines are long. An Ultimate VIP tour with a private guide also is available for $159.

There is an extra $5 charge to walk through Elvis’ planes—the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II—which are parked near the gates of Elvis Presley’s Memphis.

THE MANSION Elvis Presley bought Graceland in Memphis’ Whitehaven neighborhood in 1957, when he was only 22 years old, and lived there until his death in 1977. It is said that Elvis didn’t see just a house, but rather the beginning of a dream.

When the home opened for public tours in 1982, just over 3,000 visitors marched through the gates; today, more than 600,000 people come annually, making it the second-most visited historical site in the U.S.—only the White House gets more traffic.

Today’s visitors receive an interactive iPad to use as they tour the Graceland Mansion and the 14-acre estate. Visitors follow a defined route through Elvis’ living room, music room, parents’ bedroom, dining room, kitchen, TV room, pool room, and the famous Jungle Room. The newly enhanced Trophy Building showcases a wealth of information about Elvis and his family. The final stop is the Meditation Garden, where Elvis, his parents, and grandmother are buried.

It’s a long way from a heartbreak hotel to The Guest House, the 450-room luxury resort adjacent to Graceland that opened in 2016.

There are nods to Elvis everywhere: curved, high-backed sofas in the lobby are meant to mimic the collars on some of Elvis’ capes, and the heart-shaped outdoor firepit is called “Burning Love.” The gabled entrance and grand staircase are large-scale replicas of those at Graceland. And best of all is the nonstop soundtrack of Elvis songs playing in the lobby and public areas to get guests in the mood for their Elvis Presley’s Memphis experience.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I decided to visit The Guest House and Elvis Presley’s Memphis. Quite honestly, I was afraid I’d find a lot of hokey souvenirs. Instead I found tasteful décor and an archive of cultural history that spanned my lifetime. I just couldn’t help falling in love again with the King.

For information, visit graceland.com and guesthousegraceland.com

*

Trip tip The Holiday Concert Weekend will be Dec. 15-16 at the Graceland Sound Stage in the new Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex. Elvis in Concert, gospel greats, an all-star band, and a live symphony orchestra will be featured in three unprecedented concerts that celebrate Elvis and the Christmas season. For ticket information, visit graceland.com/holiday.

Mary Ann DeSantis Mary Ann DeSantis has written features for Style publications since 2006. She was recognized with first-place Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards for Travel Writing in 2016 and in 2012.

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Holiday splendor The 40th annual Christmas Tour of Homes showcases seven Mount Dora homes festively decorated in yuletide spirit.

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

I *

All proceeds from the $20 per person event go toward $1,000 scholarships awarded to high school students in Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares, Umatilla, Mount Dora Christian Academy, and Lake County Virtual School.

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t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Boughs of holly, decorated trees, Santa figurines, and snowmen décor will be sights to see when the Women’s Committee of Fine Arts of Mount Dora hosts its annual Christmas Tour of Homes from 11am-4pm Dec. 2-3.

“People love going to homes to see what others do for Christmas,” says Sandie Moery, chairwoman of the 2017 tour.

All proceeds from the $20 per person event go toward $1,000 scholarships awarded to high school students in Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares, Umatilla, Mount Dora Christian Academy, and Lake County Virtual School.

“We have a lot of really talented young people in the Lake County area,” Sandie says of students seeking to pursue college studies in performing or visual arts.

Applications will be online in March, tryouts in April, and scholarship winners perform at an awards banquet in late spring. Anywhere from eight to 16 scholarships are given annually, based on the success of the home tour.

The tour is the Women’s Committee of Fine Arts’ main fundraiser, Sandie says, proudly noting her group has awarded more than $314,000 in scholarships, including $56,000 in the past four years.

Some 356 students have received scholarships, she says, adding 241 homes have been showcased since the first tour in 1977, drawing 500 to nearly 1,000 visitors each year.

“The Women’s Committee of Fine Arts is a bunch of women very passionate about scholarships, and the homeowners are passionate about it, too,” Sandie says.

Homes featured in the December tour are revealed

the days of the event. Guests should go to the clubhouse of the Country Club of Mount Dora, 1900 Country Club Blvd., to receive a wristband and a map with addresses of the houses. Five homes are located in Country Club of Mount Dora; the other two are in downtown Mount Dora. A musician is at each residence performing holiday tunes.

Sandie predicts the homeowners will start decorating their homes this month, and many may embellish their Christmas trees with ornaments of special significance.

“Anything goes,” Sandie says, recalling the tree of a past home tour was decorated with teacups and silverware. Another featured gingerbread houses.

“My tree in my living room has over 1,000 ornaments on it from the time I was a little girl. A few are my grandmother’s, some are my

mother’s, and things that my kids made,” says Sandie, whose home was featured in the 2011 tour.

She traditionally puts up five Christmas trees and displays her extensive Santa collection.

The majority of Sandie’s ornaments on her family room tree were inexpensive ones she purchased from a dollar store. “They all looked like antique German ornaments, and it showed people they can decorate a really nice tree and not spend a lot of money,” she says.

Sandie plans to have her home “tour ready,” just in case another homeowner has to cancel at the last minute.

“All of the people who go through the homes are so nice. It’s like having the biggest, best party that you ever want to have,” Sandie says. “I met a brother of a girl I went to high school with in Michigan. He came through my home when it was on tour. It’s just that much fun.”

Peggy Bixby, cochairperson, showcased her lake home two years ago, when visitors toured six decorated rooms, and she also enjoyed being part of the event.

“When you get the decorating done early, it’s a big relief. The stress is over

after that,” Peggy says. “The tour is a very worthy cause.”

Some 120 volunteers— members of the club—work in shifts at the homes and guide visitors to keep the flow moving smoothly while answering questions. The volunteers are educated about the homes and know special stories about the decorations.

Anyone can become a member of the Women’s Committee of Fine Arts of Mount Dora—it’s not limited to Mount Dora residents. The cost is $25 annually, and the only requirement is members must help during the home tour. Gina Conway is the current president.

Sandie says many individuals are part of the tour’s success.

“Everything we do is due to the homeowners and to all the women who join as committee members. Without them, we could not put this on,” she says. “If we don’t have the women man the houses, we couldn’t have a tour, because we can’t just let 1,000 people go through the homes. What is very nice about our group, especially the board members, is we all work together as a team.”

Tour tickets may be purchased at the event or on the group’s website: wcfamountdora.com.

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Lakeridge Winery in Clermont was the setting for Corks for Cancer fundraiser benefitting cancer programs at Leesburg Regional Hospital. The event featured talented musicians performing on the outdoor stage and indoors around the winery’s wine and cheese bar. Guests were treated to complimentary wine tasting and a tour of the winery.

PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

Alan Pecca

Kayla Luna and Heather Wittman

Parker Bergelt

Denise Mcleod and Jose’ Cabranes

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Genesis Robies with Guests

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Golfing For Student Athletes

More than $45,000 was raised by the Lake-Sumter State College Foundation, Inc., on Sept. 22 during the 18th annual Athletics Golf Classic hosted at Harbor Hills Country Club in Lady Lake.

Golfers were able to compete for prizes for the longest drive, closet to the pin, and a putting contest. The event was a fundraiser for Lake-Sumter State College’s athletic program.

PHOTOS: KRISTEN RAYNOR

Jim Snell

Dimple Beck, Heather Bigard, and Mary Law Powell

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Some Golf Splash fun was hosted at Venetian Gardens in Leesburg, where participants rode around in a golf cart and tried their best to land golf balls in the water holes set up around Lake Harris. The Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the event, which was sponsored by ParCar. PHOTOS: KRISTEN RAYNOR

Tina Alvarez and Chris Berg

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Celebrating Leesburg Partnership The Leesburg Partnership’s Annual Dinner hosted at the Leesburg Opera House was a time for honoring local leaders who make a difference in the community. Tim Sullivan received the Greg Padgett Citizen of the Year award, and the following were installed as new officers: Chris Wood, president; Wylie Hamilton, vice president; Frank Stivender, treasurer; and Lena Williams, secretary.

PHOTOS: PARTNERSHIP

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So much more than assisted living!

Meet Gary, Osprey Lodge’s bus driver –voted one of our top employees by residents and associates! From driving the bus for resident appointments and trips, to playing a round of pool, or performing an impromptu ballroom dance, Gary is a big part of “Lodge Life.” He makes our residents feel special every day!

Come get a taste of lodge lifestyle yourself. Schedule your tour today and receive an Osprey Lodge signature gift as our way of saying “thanks for getting to know us.” Call Ruth Cantillon at 352.253.5100

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Accessories and Lighting

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HOLIDAY SEASON 2017

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For

For

For

Secret

For

Home

Pokémon still rules, but you can find puppets, a decoupage kit, and other delights for the younger members of your family.

Purses are always popular along with jewelry, collectibles, and original silk scarves. All are available in local shops!

How about bullet casing folk art?

Maybe he’d like a new shotgun or a guitar. Maybe a bicycle or a cigar cutter. He’ll be pleased.

The odd, the amusing, and the novel all are among the inexpensive gift ideas for that certain secret gift receiver.

Dress your pets in style, feed them gourmet delights, or use fun squeaky toys as stocking stuffers!

Give a friend or family member the perfect accent piece for the home!

The spotlight is on fun and elegance!

kids

her

him

santa

pets

decor

Holiday Gift Guide

2017

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Craft fun for kids

okémon still rules, but you can find puppets, a decoupage kit, and other delights for the younger members of your family.

Have fun with the kids making crafts with Decoupage Made Easy. Creative play is encouraged with puppets and stick horses or unicorns.

Find learning mats and travel toys at Whispering Winds in Mount Dora.

Don’t forget baby Christine’s in Brownwood Town Square in Wildwood has unusual baby clothes and colorful print noodles for fun in the pool.

WRITER'S PICK

Beanie babies, books, boxes

Beanie babies, plus stuffed toys (including gators), superhero lunch boxes, and books like “My Grandma Lives in Florida” are at The Purple Pig in Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages.

Mystery gift Hide your favorite kid’s cash gift in an Intarsia Wood Puzzle from Peddler’s Wagon in Eustis.

Finding Pokémon Pokémon is a cultural phenomenon among children, and now they can take their Pokémon lovefest to another level. GameStop in Clermont is your source for Pokémon collectibles, including journals, plush toys, and trading card games.

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urses are always popular along with jewelry, collectibles, and original silk scarves. All are available in local shops!

Take the Fifth Find the perfect gift for your special lady at Em’z on Fifth in Mount Dora, 200 W. Fifth. She’ll be easy to please with the lovely fashions and accessories; however, you may have a difficult choice or you may need to get more than you planned!

Something special in silk

Dress uptown in downtown

Designer Karen Simmons dyes her signature silk scarves with ice cubes! Among the other unique gifts at Cherry Blossoms in Mount Dora is bullet casing folk art by Daytona Deb.

Doggibags, the uptown boutique located in downtown Leesburg at 601 W. Main St., offers monogramming for everything! It’s the perfect way to make a gift unique for the individual. In addition, you’ll find upscale fashions and Brighton jewelry. Whether you’re shopping for mom, your wife, or someone special, you’ll find the perfect gift here.

Outfit her in style Find colorful and unique clothes and jewelry for women at Vincent’s in Mount Dora.

WRITER'S PICK

Purses and pops!

Canoe purses made with cowhide. They’re authentic and beautiful. Unique. JewelPops—buy one ring or necklace and replace the jewels easily. A delightful way to change your jewelry with your clothes without a lot of expense. Available at Ladybug’s Gifts & Sundries, Tavares.

Unique boutique Malena & Magda’s Boutique in Mount Dora has clothing that’s 100 per percent cotton and washer/dryer friendly.

The store has Nicole Lee purses (made in USA) and jewelry by local artisans.

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Uptown Boutique, Downtown Leesburg

Boutique & Monogram Shop Featuring: Clothing and Accessories

Doggibags.com

601 W. Main St. // 352.326.8090

352.728.0083 415 W. Main Street Holiday Hours

M-F 10-7 | Sat 10-5 | Sun 12-4

10% OFF

first visit for new clients until December 31st.

MiaBellaSalonAndSpa.net

352.508.7277

201 West Miller Street, Fruitland Park

Holiday Gift Guide

2017

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For

him

M

WRITER'S PICK

aybe he’d like a new shotgun or a guitar. Maybe a bicycle or a cigar cutter.

He’ll be pleased.

A wheelie cool gift The Norco Indie 3 is a perfect bike for urbanites who enjoy riding in the city, as well as those who ride a bicycle to work. It is designed to tackle curbs, sidewalks, bumps, potholes, and every other obstacle found on city streets. This 24-gear bicycle features hydraulic brakes and can be found at Epic Cycles in Clermont.

Pull his strings Has he been itching to learn the guitar? Consider the Yamaha F325, a steel-string acoustic guitar that is ideal for beginners.

It can be purchased at Family Music Clermont, which offers private lessons to help accelerate the learning process.

Make him a fan-atic If he is a football fan who supports local high schools, then buying him some game-day gear would certainly be an appropriate gift. At Bodies in Motion in Clermont, you can purchase T-shirts, polo shirts, and jackets representing Lake Minneola High School, South Lake High School, and East Ridge High School.

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Let him ride shotgun

Take his breath away

Many boys and girls remember running down the stairs, looking under the Christmas tree, and seeing their very first shotgun. Let Dad relive those memories by purchasing the Mossberg 500 for him. You’ll receive a good “bang” for your buck with this pump-action shotgun, which features a snap-on fiber optic front sight, a heat shield, and pistol grip—all the bells and whistles with a reasonable price tag. This tactical gun, which is ideal for home defense, can be purchased at Firebase Tactical LLC in downtown Groveland.

Xikar cigar cutters are “bold, masculine, and beautifully engineered,” according to the company’s website. Made in Germany and warrantied for a lifetime, they are the crème de la crème of cigar cutters. They can be purchased at Ol’ Times Smoke Shop in Clermont.

Yalaha Bootlegging Co.

Located In Downtown Mount Dora

For the woman who likes to be noticed.

352.735.4451

t rting a a t s s Rate

Come experience moonshine in the making tastings & tours • moonshine • brandy

Focusing on made in America sizes 2 to 16 200 W 5th Ave, Mount Dora, FL 32757

352.324.4069 www.yalahabootleggingco.com

NOW ACCEPTING SilverSneakers®

$1m9o.n9th5

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Indoor Heated SALT POOL // Water Aerobic Classes // Hot Tub Infrared Sauna // Cardio Classes // Boot Camp // Yoga // Zumba® Free Weights // Cardio Equipment // Selecterize Equipment

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olf New G tor la Simu

Indoor Racquetball, Tanning, Personal Training, Golf Lessons With Simulator and Golf Strength & Conditioning Training Available For Additional Fees.

352.751.7210 v

995 S HWY 27/441, LADY LAKE, FL 32159 Open 24 hours weekdays starting: Mon @ 5am thru Sat @ 7pm Open Sunday 7am–7pm Holiday Gift Guide

2017

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secret

santa

T

he odd, the amusing, and the novel all are among the inexpensive gift ideas for that certain secret gift receiver.

Give a message Say what you really mean in sarcastic eloquence with vintagestyle signs for the home or office. Need something for “that” coworker? “Hey, I found your nose. It was up in my business.” Or, share philosophy: “Lord, give me coffee to change the things I can change and wine to accept the things I can’t.” The signs are hanging at Ambrosia on the Square in The Villages.

Take it easy Christmas in the Sunshine State is a little different, and these tree ornaments reflect beach life and retirement living: Santa reclining in a lounge chair outside the Surf Shop, or Villagers hitting the links in their favorite T-shirt attire. A variety of offbeat ornaments can be found at the Purple Pig in The Villages.

Try to keep up

Drink up!

Upscale Secret Santas know what today’s gifts are all about: technology. The Padrone CatEye gizmo helps cyclists from mountain bikers to street spinners keep track of speed, mileage, calorie consumption, and much more on the largest display available. This gift can be tracked down at Village Cycles in Wildwood.

Tumblers and mugs

by Tervis are the perfect holiday gift, not only because they keep your hot chocolate hot and your iced tea iced, but also because you can personalize them.

Designs include sports logos, Disney, sun and outdoors, kids’ favorites, emojis, and more.

Stainless steel tumblers launched this year.

Check out the Tervis store in Lady Lake.

WRITER'S PICK

Kiss the frog

Customers can’t get enough of these novelty frog figurines made of durable poly-stone and painted in glossy green with copper toes. They come in a variety of poses—golfers love the club-swinging frog, while women like the lady frog holding a cocktail. Pick up a frog at Picture You in Lady Lake.

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GIFTS GALORE Lucy one of our pinup girls!

We specialize in the retro chic, the feel and thrill of glamour from the past. Indulge yourself in purses, clothing, accessories and more.

Let’s bring glamour back!

5

$

Paparazzi Jewelry Stocking Stuffers

352.272.7246 403 W. Main Street Downtown Leesburg, FL

secretclosetconsignments.com

FREE GIFT

Gilded Matilda’s 352.476.5531 // gildedmatildas.com

The first 100 customers will receive a hand painted friendship rock

by Teri Stillwaugh!

315 N Main St. Wildwood FL. Hours: Tues-Sat: 9.30 AM - 4 PM

Gold In Art Jewelers

FREE Watch Batteries and installation just bring this ad

Holiday Gift Guide

2017

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For

pets

D

ress your pets in style, feed them gourmet delights, or use fun squeaky toys as stocking stuffers!

WRITER'S PICK

Bakery treats galore

A variety of decorated baked goods and dehydrated foods that pets love and an array of clothing, including raincoats and hats for pets, are at Woof Gang Bakery in Wildwood. You may also want to check out doormats, adult pajamas, and greeting cards for pet owners.

Mutter Butters, Tug, chew, and doggie goggles, rest: a dog’s life! college bandanas Dogs love to tug and chew, Open the door to Karen’s Canine Kitchen in Leesburg and you’ll be tempted to reach for a treat. Stop!

They’re for pets— Mutter Butters are the favorites.

You’ll also find doggie goggles, handmade pet clothing, and bandanas for college and NFL teams.

Cushion your doggie At Alada’s China & Gifts in Leesburg, find brightly colored dog-breed pillows that owners will love!

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and the toys are at Piglet’s Pantry in Mount Dora, along with the Three-in-One blanket, and even doggie ornaments.

Protect the little ones in style Protect your pet’s eyes with a sun visor or keep the little pets in cloth carriers from The Purple Pig in Lake Sumer Landing. Cat lovers, don’t despair. Get toy packs or gourmet dining sets for your favorite feline.

Scrumptiousness For Your Skin

The holidays are an excellent time to think about that special person and give them a gift that will make them feel special. FarmHouse Fresh offers products grown and crafted with delicious epicurean flair, that are either certified organic or use up to 99.6% natural and naturally derived ingredients — all from U.S. farms. Whether its a lotion, candle, scrub or the award-winning Blueberry Chai Whole Milk soap you are sure to find a great gift for the holidays.

352.787.7722 // 214 W. Main St., Leesburg // RenewDaySpa.org

is on Th e Menti ev i c e dR Ad An

 25% O

se

a Purch Total er $25 ov

www.FindsAndFixins.com

352.728.0018

31710 Progress Road, Leesburg

Holiday Gift Guide

2017

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home

decor

G

ive a friend or family member the perfect accent piece for the home! The spotlight is on fun and elegance!

Gifts for collectors Does someone on your Christmas list collect pigs, cats, or alligator figurines? A large array of novelty salt-and-pepper shakers of nearly every animal imaginable, and other items like kissing couples, can be found at Peddler’s Wagon in Eustis.

WRITER'S PICK

Unique art

Want to give an unforgettable gift? How about a hand-painted car hood in bright, bold colors? It’s bound to be a great conversation piece or art to display in a man cave. On a much smaller scale are hand-painted glass goblets. These items are at Whispering Winds in Mount Dora.

One-ofa-kind elephant art Elephants at the Maesa Elephant Camp in Maerim, Chiang Mai, Thailand, create amazing artwork, and these one-of-akind paintings are available either framed or unframed. They include a photo of the elephant artist, a certificate, and seal of authenticity. Check out the elephants’ work at Noni in downtown Mount Dora.

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Pretty pillows Decorative pillows are a simple, practical, and inexpensive way to change the décor of a room in an instant. Some have cute messages or reflect different hobbies, the holidays, and beloved dog breeds. See the variety of pillows at Alada’s China & Gifts in Leesburg.

WRITER'S PICK

Accessories galore

Family Furniture Galleries in Leesburg has unique wood golf signs with local ties to Leesburg and The Villages that make great gifts for golfers’ sports rooms, bars, or dens. Other decorative accent pieces perfect for the home are large seashells, glass or metal sculptures, and framed artwork.

Relax in style Inspired by NASA astronauts, the ultimate in comfort and design may be the Zero Gravity Recliner. These chairs reportedly put less pressure on the back and spine, decrease muscle tension, and in the ideal reclining position, you experience optimal circulation and less stress on the heart. Other gifts with relaxation in mind are a remote-control glass fireplace, outdoor fire pit, and stylish entertainment centers, all at Babette’s Furniture & Home Shoppe in Leesburg.

Holiday Gift Guide

2017

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DI NI NG GUI DE

Around the Table

These side dishes will steal the show

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Carving up a healthy holiday treat If you traditionally make pumpkin bread for Thanksgiving, Florida Hospital Waterman has a “Waterman Wellness” recipe for you—so it must be good and good for you. The recipe yields two loaves or 24 muffins. A serving size of 1/12 of one loaf or one muffin contains 240 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fiber. Eat up.

Ingredients:

2⅔ cups sugar

2

⅓

cup canola oil

⅓

cup unsweetened applesauce

1½ teaspoons baking powder

1

15-ounce can pumpkin

4

eggs

⅔

cup nonfat plain yogurt

2⅔ cups all-purpose flour ⅔

cup toasted wheat germ

teaspoons baking soda

1

teaspoon ground cloves

1

teaspoon ground cinnamon

1

teaspoon ground nutmeg

1½ cups raisins (or sweetened dried cranberries for tangy taste)

1½ teaspoons salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 8½-by-4½-by-2½inch loaf pans or 24 muffin tins with vegetable oil or cooking spray. Cream together the sugar, canola oil, applesauce, pumpkin, eggs, and yogurt until smooth. Stir together the flour, wheat germ, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combine the dry mixture with the wet one; stir until well combined. Fold in the raisins. Pour into the prepared pans (fill the muffin tins ⅔ full). Bake for 50 minutes (loaves) or 25 minutes (muffins).

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Big Orange’s Creamsicle Twist The Creamsicle Twist, made with vanilla and orange ice cream, is a soft-serve treat made from 100 percent fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice at Sunsational Citrus Inc., 700 N. Central Ave., Umatilla, also known as site of the Big Orange. The shop’s lactose- and glutenfree confection draws raves from those who crave this seasonal treat. It’s available now through early spring.

NEW

CLERMONT

Clermont gets Lucky Lucky’s Market is opening a store in Clermont in 2018. Based out of Boulder, Colorado, the stores focus on natural, organic, and locally grown products, with a goal of steering people in the right direction to eating the best foods.

Started by two chefs in Boulder, Lucky’s Market was planned to be a store like no other. Trish and Bo Sharon were always on the lookout for good, wholesome food with a reasonable price tag, so their website offers coupons and recipes. Located at 1500 E. Highway 50, the new store is predicted to be open by the end of next year.

THE VILLAGES

Enjoy a night at a tavern McCall’s Tavern has been at 999 Alverez Ave. in The Villages for many years, and it’s still a favorite. You’ll find great American food like burgers, fried chicken, and potato salad, and just good bar food. A bowling alley is attached so you can enjoy an evening of fun after having your Reuben and fries or a hearty club sandwich. It’s a Villages classic. Step up to the famous bar tonight and have a beer, but get there early ’cause the locals love it.

Your daily bread Eating whole grains every day lowers the risk of colorectal cancer, says a recent news release from the American Institute for Cancer Research. The new report, compiled by the institute and the World Cancer Research Fund, indicates the more whole grains, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread you eat, the better for you.

The report evaluated information worldwide about how diet, weight, and physical activity affect colorectal cancer risk. After analyzing 99 studies that included data from 29 million people, researchers found eating high amounts of red meat every week, being overweight or obese, and having two or more alcoholic beverages a day increased the risk factors.

Along with whole grains, increase your intake of fruits and vegetables and get your protein from plant foods and legumes. The doctors agreed that when it comes to cancers, you can’t have guarantees but you can lower risks.

Potluck fun Cooler temperatures, football games, church socials, and approaching holidays can make potluck gatherings an enjoyable way to socialize with friends. Instead of slaving over the stove to make a potluck dish, consider asking your guests to bring a carry-out order from one of their favorite restaurants to share. It can be a great way to try new things.

NEW

LEESBURG

Try a hardy breakfast, lunch, and dinner The fast-food circuit has claimed another corner, bringing charbroiled goodness and made-from-scratch biscuits to the masses. A new Hardee’s restaurant popped up quickly this summer and recently opened for business at 730 S. 14th St. in Leesburg, at the northeast corner of the intersection with West Dixie Avenue. The new Hardee’s, known for its big charbroiled burgers and hand-breaded chicken, is one of only six franchises in the Lake-Sumter county area, along with locations in Minneola, Lake Panasoffkee, Tavares, Wildwood, and Groveland. Stop in and eat like you mean it.

Celebrating peanut butter November is more than turkey and Thanksgiving. It’s also the month for fondue, stuffing, peppers, raisin bread, Georgia pecans, and National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month, according to foodimentary.com. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich never goes out of style, and peanutbutterlovers.com features a variety of recipes with peanut butter as a main ingredient, including a grilled PB&J sandwich that may take the beloved classic to a new taste sensation.

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It’s a sides show

While the turkey may be out front, it’s the side dishes that make it a star.

STORY: CHEF JESSICA FLINN // PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

S

ome of my fondest memories with family, friends, and loved ones have been around the table during the holidays. I mean, sure, every family has their fair share of crazy people, but when you pass the platters around, somehow that disappears, even if only for a moment.

So, how do you prepare the perfect Thanksgiving meal? Maybe it’s just me, but I am all about the side dishes at a holiday meal. You can have turkey so many ways, but who turns down an awesome gravy or a fun new side dish? As always, my rules for entertaining do not change. Eighty percent of your work should be done before guests arrive. You may be the host, but you deserve to enjoy it, too! Secondly, if you’re going to try new recipes, which I always encourage, try to be conservative with how many you try at one meal because this will help reduce the preparation stress. Lastly, when someone offers help, take it. Many hands make light work. Here are some of my favorite side dishes that will turn up the volume on your Thanksgiving spread.

I totally admit that I am a sucker for good Brussels sprouts. Like most items, when cooked properly they are amazing! I found and tweaked this recipe a few years ago and

*

Eighty percent of your work should be done before guests arrive.

You may be the host, but you deserve to enjoy it, too!

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absolutely love the combination of sweet, salty, tangy, and savory. They are addictive!

Balsamic Brussels sprouts with feta cheese and cranberries Ingredients

1

1

pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved large red onion, chopped

maple syrup Salt and ground black pepper to taste 1/4 cup walnuts

cloves garlic, chopped 1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 2 ounces crumbled 1/4 cup olive oil feta cheese 6

2

tablespoons

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine Brussels sprouts, red onion, and garlic in a large bowl. Drizzle balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and maple syrup over the sprouts mixture and toss to coat. Season vegetables with salt and pepper; pour onto a baking sheet.

Roast vegetable mixture in preheated oven until the sprouts are tender and the sauce is thickened, about 30 minutes.

Transfer vegetables and sauce to a large serving bowl; add walnuts, cranberries, and feta cheese and stir to mix until cheese is melted, 10-12 minutes.

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I’m fairly certain squash of one sort or another was present at the first Thanksgiving. This recipe pays homage to my heritage and to a “healthy” macaroni and cheese—two things I hold sacred.

Also, this is great to make ahead and reheat before your meal.

Roasted butternut squash and bacon pasta Ingredients

3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

(about 3 large shallots)

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

8

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3

cups (1-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash

2

Cooking spray

3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp provolone cheese

6

slices of bacon slices (raw)

1

cup thinly sliced shallots

ounces uncooked penne pasta

cups 2 percent reduced-fat milk

1/3 cup (1 1/2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Combine 1/4 teaspoon salt, rosemary, and pepper. Place squash on a foil-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with salt mixture. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes or until tender and lightly browned. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees.

Cook the bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 1 1/2 tsps. drippings in pan; crumble bacon. Increase heat to medium-high. Add shallots to pan; sauté 8 minutes or until tender. Combine squash mixture, bacon, and shallots; set aside.

Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain well.

Combine flour and 1/2 tsp. salt in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly with a whisk; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until slightly thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add provolone, stirring until cheese melts. Add pasta to cheese mixture, tossing well to combine. Give it a quick taste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon pasta mixture into an 11x7-inch baking dish lightly coated with cooking spray; top with squash mixture. Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes or until cheese melts and begins to brown.

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To wrap up a great feast, you need a mighty dessert. Everyone has pie (and for the record, pie is still my favorite Black Friday breakfast), but let’s step it up a notch and make a pumpkin mousse parfait. It meets all the requirements of a dessert when I’m entertaining. It’s easy, it can be made ahead, and it is delicious!

Pumpkin mousse parfaits Ingredients

1/4 cup dark rum 1

packet (2 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin powder

1

(15-ounce can) pumpkin (not pie filling)

1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed 2

extra-large egg yolks

2

teaspoons grated orange zest

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Sweetened whipped cream 10

chopped ginger cookies

Directions

Place the rum in a heat-proof bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Set aside for 10 minutes for gelatin to soften.

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg yolks, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set the bowl of gelatin over a pan of simmering water and cook until gelatin is clear. Immediately whisk hot gelatin mixture into the pumpkin mixture. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture.

To assemble, spoon some of the pumpkin mixture into parfait glasses, add a layer of whipped cream, then some chopped cookies. Repeat, ending with a third layer of pumpkin. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for four hours or overnight. To serve, decorate with whipped cream and ginger snap cookies (top with cookies right before serving).

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For an extra special touch, you can serve your desserts in decorative glasses.

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ARTMAN COUNTRY SMOKEHOUSE

“Meat” me STORY: JAMES COMBS // PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

W

hen it comes to Southern culture, barbecue is as popular as college football, whiskey, and country music. In fact, it might top the list of the four Southern food groups, which also includes biscuits and gravy, grits, and anything fried.

And that’s why a steady stream of visitors— some dining in, some carrying out—trickle through Artman Country Smokehouse every day.

Artman’s offers an interesting concept. Diners order at a counter, choosing from a variety of meats, appetizers, side options, and desserts.

Yet, they still enjoy traditional tableside service because, after being seated, a waitress stops by to refill drinks.

I began my meal with two appetizers: the golden brown fried pickles and the fresh smoked jalapeños. The jalapeños—stuffed with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and kielbasa—was easily the star of the two.

For my main course, I had sliced brisket with potato salad, fries, and cornbread. While the brisket was certainly good enough to stand on its own, I drowned it in Artman’s homemade sweet and hot sauces (there’s also a mustard-based sauce.) Some may consider that a sin, but I rarely follow the rules of food etiquette.

During my meal, it became apparent that the love of barbecue cuts across geographic boundaries. My dining companion, a native of Michigan and a sucker for Detroit-style Coney dogs, offered up a slew of superlatives for everything on his plate. He particularly enjoyed the “tender, melt-in-your-mouth ribs,” the “sweet and moist” cornbread, and the “oily-burnt cheese goodness” of his mac and cheese, which came from the bottom of the pan.

Barbecue may be a Southern sacrament, but at Artman’s, it can be enjoyed by anyone.

Artman Country Smokehouse // 6900 SE Highway 42, Summerfield // 352.307.6240

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STARTING AT

$29* INSTALLED *per/sq.ft.

Over 300 colors in stock!

BUILDING STONE :: COUNTERTOPS :: FURNITURE :: LANDSCAPING STONE :: MISCELLANEOUS www.southeasternstoneandtile.com :: 352.629.7518 :: 1208 S.E. 3RD AVE, OCALA, FL 34478 November 2017

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N I C K E R ’ S C L U B H O U S E R E S TA U R A N T AT M I S S I O N I N N

Finger nickin’ good

Forks

(Out of a possible 5)

STORY: JAMES COMBS // PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant 10400 County Road 48 Howey-in-the-Hills 352.324.2718

T

o arrive at Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant, visitors drive around the winding roads at Mission Inn Resort & Club and enjoy a picturesque backdrop of Mediterranean-style architecture, spring-fed lakes, and pristine golf courses.

But the majestic views are still prominent once inside the restaurant. Glance out the floor-to-ceiling glass windows and you’ll see palm trees gently swaying in the wind and eagles soaring high in the blue Florida sky. The panoramic views and elegant décor—including chandeliers and beautiful woodwork—set the tone for a superb dining experience.

Thanks to the abundant sights of nature, I was in the mood for something that grows in the wild. So naturally I ordered the stuffed Portobello mushrooms for an appetizer. Within minutes, out came one large mushroom topped with homemade tomato relish and drizzled with balsamic glaze and

Hours: 5:30am to 2pm Monday to Friday; and 6am-1pm Saturday and Sunday

Fork Report:

Casual dining. $$ Seated immediately (lunch hour) WAIT FOR MEAL: 10 minutes LUNCH AND DINNER ENTREES: ($7-$32): California chicken club, Birdie burger, Cuban sandwich, aged New York strip steak, twin handmade salmon steak, chicken marsala cheese tortellini.

How Fork On The Road Works Our reviewers are objective and unbiased. This is not a paid feature. Our reviewer makes one unannounced visit and we pay for our meals.

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pesto oil. The tangy flavor of the balsamic glaze perfectly complemented the juicy texture of the mushroom.

Next, I went fishing for something tasty on the menu and reeled in the restaurant’s popular crunchy grouper sandwich. This fried fillet came encrusted with almonds and corn flakes and was served on a toasted bun.

Surprisingly, the sandwich was large enough to fulfill my almost always off-the-charts appetite. The grouper has a milder, sweeter flavor than other types of fish that taste… well…overly fishy.

With two award-winning golf courses, Mission Inn is best known for attracting golf enthusiasts from around the country. But food aficionados are increasingly swinging into Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant to enjoy an intimate dining experience.

It’s a place where sensational cuisine is par for the course.

When you retire, your money should keep working.

Someday you’ll stop working, and at that point, you’ll have to depend on your retirement income.

To work toward building that income, you’ll need a strategy.

The Lake Sumter Group at Morgan Stanley can help you create a strategy for goals like retirement, estate planning and leaving a legacy. Let’s put your money to work. Call us today to set up an appointment.

(l to r): Gregory, Nicole, Michael

The Lake Sumter Group at Morgan Stanley Gregory Prevatt, CLTC, CFP® Portfolio Management Director Senior Vice President Financial Advisor gregory.prevatt@ morganstanley.com Nicole Silberstein Client Service Associate nicole.silberstein@ morganstanley.com

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

832 Lake Sumter Landing The Villages, FL 32162 352-751-7845 • 800-447-6036 fa.morganstanley.com/lakesumter Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP,® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the US. © 2017 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

CRC1875964 MAR013 09/17

CS 9013054 09/17

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A M E L I A’ S R E S TA U R A N T AT T H E WAT E R F R O N T I N N

Dining Florida Style STORY: LEIGH NEELY // PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

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f you love a restaurant with casual elegance and tranquil ambience, Amelia’s Restaurant at The Waterfront Inn is the place for you. Just off the lobby of the popular Lake Sumter Landing hotel, you can enjoy a breakfast buffet from 6:30-9am and then come back for lunch and dinner.

My friend and I had a leisurely lunch that was delicious. We both opted for salads. I couldn’t resist a cup of the crab bisque to start my meal. It was creamy and light with just a hint of spicy heat to make it perfect. I followed that with apple walnut chicken Salad and opted for the sesame dressing instead of the balsamic vinaigrette offered with it. The greens were crisp and fresh, and it was literally packed with tart Granny Smith apples, walnuts, dried cranberries, and blue cheese crumbles.

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Amelia’s Restaurant // 1105 Lake Shore Dr., The Villages // 352.750.8265.

For a casual dinner, girls’ night out, or breakfast before golf, you can’t go wrong with Amelia’s Restaurant.

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My companion went with the Floribbean Salad, which is made with the fresh greens topped with avocado, strawberries, pineapple, and mango with grilled shrimp with bleu cheese on top. It is served with citrus vinaigrette dressing.

Both salads were excellent and left enough room for the freshly made dessert. I picked Amelia’s Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding, which was amazing— warm and resting in a bed of chocolate sauce with a swirl of whipped cream on top. Kenny’s Key Lime Pie was as beautiful as it was delicious—made with real key limes, graham cracker crust, and that wonderful whipped cream on top.

The service was excellent, and the food was great. For a casual dinner, girls’ night out, or breakfast before golf, you can’t go wrong with Amelia’s Restaurant.

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Let the celebrations begin Prosecco adds sparkle to holiday meals without breaking the bank. This quintessential wine from northern Italy is a perfect choice for elegant dinners as well as impromptu gatherings.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS, WSET

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he holidays call for a festive wine that is both food and budget friendly. A nice glass of “bubbly” is inviting and enjoyable, and while good champagne is always a hit, it can get expensive with friends and relatives dropping by from Thanksgiving until the New Year.

One of my favorite go-to sparkling wines is prosecco because of its refreshing taste and excellent pairing opportunities with holiday flavors.

Many wine regions produce sparkling wines, but none are able to match Italy’s Conegliano-Valdobbiadene region for true prosecco flavors and freshness. After all, this northern Italian hill country above Venice is the birthplace of prosecco. The area is also home to Italy’s first winemaking school, founded in 1876. The region was recently nominated for a UNESCO World Heritage site designation, and tourists are discovering its agritourism offerings.

Just as other countries have wine routes, northern Italy has its own Strada del Prosecco, a trail dedicated to the area’s most wellknown wine. Established in 1966, the route winds through the rolling hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, two historic towns just below the picturesque Alpine-Dolomite mountains in Italy’s Veneto region. Along the way, many wineries that make Prosecco Superiore DOCG—the top-of-the-line version—are open to visitors for tastings as well as overnight stays.

As you think about sparkling wines for holiday celebrations, consider the differences. Price is most likely a major consideration. A bottle of good champagne that’s not too sweet or too dry will average about $40. Prosecco, by comparison, runs about $20 or even less. For that reason, prosecco, a less complex wine, is a better choice when it comes to mixing up a pitcher of mimosas or Bellinis for holiday brunches.

Cost and complexity are not the only differences; the grapes are also different. Champagne usually contains chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier grapes, and American sparkling wines

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usually contain a blend of those same grapes.

Prosecco, however, is produced primarily from glera grapes, which are native to the Veneto region. Therefore, the flavors will be different. Prosecco is often characterized by notes of tropical fruits, hazelnut, vanilla, and honeycomb. Champagne offers a “toastier” version of these flavors and more, including peaches, cherries, or raspberries.

During a recent prosecco tasting, friends commented on how different the bubbles looked. Champagne bubbles are often described as “fine.” Prosecco bubbles are light and frothy and do not last quite as long as champagne’s.

Part of the reason is that the production methods are quite different. The champagne-making process, known as Méthode Traditionnelle, is labor-intensive and requires the wine’s secondary fermentation to take place in the bottle. Prosecco’s method, known as Charmat, takes place in stainless steel tanks, and the wine is not bottled until the second fermentation is complete.

Once known as “the poor man’s champagne,” prosecco’s quality has improved so much that sales are growing. According to nielsen.com’s Newswire, prosecco sales were up 32 percent in 2015 while champagne grew by only 8 percent that same year. In Britain, prosecco sales have already jumped ahead of champagne. In the U.S., prosecco sales account for 14 percent of all sparkling wine sales.

Because of the bottle’s unusual shape, I expected sweeter wine, but it was drier than any of the others I tasted, and it paired well with antipasti and cheeses.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? www.coneglianovaldobbiadene.it

Serving Tips Before serving prosecco, follow these suggestions from the Producers’ Consortium for Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG: • Chill the wine in the refrigerator overnight.

• Place bottles in ice buckets or large chill tubs just before the meal or event begins.

• Serve at 45 degrees Fahrenheit (or average refrigerator temp).

• Open the bottle by holding the top of the cork while slowly twisting the bottom of the bottle to alleviate pressure.

• Pour the wine on a slant to avoid excessive bubbling over.

• Forget the flutes! White or red wine glasses enhance prosecco’s bubbly profile and aromas even more.

Recommendations BORGOLUCE – RIVE DI COLLALTO, VALDOBBIADENE, PROSECCO SUPERIORE DOCG: Borgoluce is more than a winery. It produces everything necessary for daily life inside the estate, including meats and charcuterie, buffalo milk dairy products, olive oil, and acacia and wildflower honey. If you find yourself on the prosecco wine trail, stop in for a guided tour and a lesson in eco-sustainability.

DE FAVERI GEG: Prosecco from the De Faveri family is light and fragrant with a hint of springtime flowers. The winery began in 1978 and produces consistently good wines.

SANFLETTO BOSCO DI FRATTA: If you see this bottle in a shop, you’ll think it’s a brandy bottle, not a wine bottle.

Pairing Suggestion Because prosecco tends to be sweeter, it is ideal with cured meats and fruity appetizers. The perfect pairing is prosciutto-wrapped melon, but it’s also great with sushi.

Mary Ann DeSantis Mary Ann DeSantis is a fellow of the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers, Napa Valley, and recently received certification from the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust (WSET). An award-winning journalist, she has written for Lake & Sumter Style since 2006.

* A bottle of good champagne that’s not too sweet or too dry will average about $40.

Prosecco, by comparison, runs about $20 or even less.

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A r o u n d T h e Ta b l e DINING GUIDE

Dining in your city Astatula Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 Astor Blackwater Inn Williams Landing 55716 Front St. 352.759.3802 Bushnell Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 Hong Kong Restaurant 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-8888 Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877 Waller’s Restaurant 138 Bushnell Plaza 352.793.2592 Clermont 801 City Grille 801 Montrose St. 352.394.6911 Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988 Bubba’s Catfish 1800 S. Hwy. 27 352.708.6142 Calabria Ristorante 13900 County Road 455 407.656.5144 Cheeser’s Palace Café 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 Corelli Italian Restaurant 1042 E. Hwy. 50 352.989.5924 El Cerro Restaurant 811 W. Hwy. 50 352.241.9884 Flippers Pizzeria 2523 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.242.2214 G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd.

352.243.8900 Green Garden 1790 E. Hwy. 50 352.243.2077

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Guru Restaurant 2400 S. Hwy. 27 352.241.9884 Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd.

352.242.1910 Lilly’s on the Lake 846 W. Osceola St. 352.708.6565 Lyn’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe 824 W. Montrose St. 352.536.9935 Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 Robata Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 The Crooked Spoon Gastropub 200 Citrus Tower Blvd.

352.404.4808 Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 Uncle Kenny’s BBQ 157 Hwy. 27 352.394.1225 Eustis 1884 Restaurant & Bar 12 East Magnolia Ave. 1.800.856.1884 Barnwood BBQ 50 W. Orange Ave. 352.630.4903 Dam Smoker Barbeque 36721 County Road 19A 352.357.6555 Haystax Restaurant 15439 Hwy. 441 352.489.0510 Jeannie’s Place 209 E. Gottsche Ave. 352.359.0027 Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288 King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404 Maria’s Latin Dinner 1 N. Eustis St. 352.357.5555

LaCabana Mexican Bar and Grill 2060 S. Bay St. 352.357.4600 NightOwl Caribbean Restaurant 929 S. Bay St. 352.589.0256 Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. County Road 44 352.589.9100 Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022 Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949 The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 The Great Pizza Company 23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377 The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 Tillie’s Tavern & Grill 31 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.602.7929 Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 Fruitland Park Fruitland Park Café 3180 US Hwy. 441/27 352.435.4575 ibar-be-que Express 3170 Hwy. 27 352.315.4227 Legends Cafe 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.728.0006 Groveland Coyote Rojo 214 W. Broad St. 352.557.8999 James Barbeque 262 W. Orange St. 352.557.4050 Ikaho Sushi Japanese 7965 SR 50, #900 352.557.8988 Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. State Road 33 352.429.2997

Howey-inthe-Hills JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd.

352.324.3600 Lady Lake Bamboo Bistro 700 Hwy. 441 352.750.9998 Lady Lake Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000 Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. 514 Hwy. 441 352.614.9000 Leesburg Bloom’s Baking House and Restaurant 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004 Cafe Ola 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377 Chesapeake Bay Grill 4467 Arlington Ridge Blvd.

352.315.0066 Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442 Cuba Pichy’s 10401 US Hwy. 441 352.365.2822 Dance’s BBQ 1707 South Street 352.801.8885 Frank’s Place 201 N. 1st St. 352.323.1989 Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 County Road 44 352.365.2177 God Café 300 W. Main St. 352.801.7447 Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room 311 W. Magnolia St. 352.474.2739

Habaneros 3 Mexican Restaurant 10601 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.315.1777 HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 Ichiban Buffet 10301 Hwy. 441 352.728.6669 Irene’s Ice Cream Sandwiches and Deli 4120 Corley Island Rd. 352.315.1118 Jamaican George 2402 W. Main St. 352.455.1898 Johnson’s Pizza Place 4120 Corley Island Rd., Ste. 300 352.801.7250 Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 La Palma Mexican Grill 1690 Citrus Blvd.

352.323.1444 Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 County Road 473 352.343.4663 Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 Ms. T’s Place 305 Pine St. 352.431.3217 Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd.

352.323.1616 Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd.

352.728.0788 Pine Street Bar-B-Que 408 Pine St. 352.728.1293 Plantation Oaks Restaurant 4720 Plantation Blvd.

352.530.2680 Ramshackle Café 1317 N. 14th St. 352.365.6565 San Jose Mexican 1337 S. 14th St. 352.805.4174 Sip Restaurant and Wine Bar 707 W. Main St. 352.435.7840 Southern Gourmet 314 W. Main St. 352.409.7512

Stavros Pizza 755 N. 14th St. 352.326.4202 Takis Pizza Restaurant 1205 N. 14th St. 352.787.2344 The 24 Tap Room 1107 W. North Blvd.

352.315.0198 The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 The Old Time Diner 1350 W. North Blvd.

352.805.4250 Turner’s 114 S. 5th St. 352.530.2274 Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe 410 W Main St 352.435.9107 Vic’s Catering 352.728.8989 Wolfy’s 918 N. 14th St. 352.787.6777 Wrapsody 712 W. Main St. 352.801.7239 Mascotte Minneola Grill 117 W. Washington St. 352.394.2555 Napoli’s Pizzeria 556 Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd.

352.429.2093 The Surf Bar and Grill 650 Hwy. 27 202.527.0100 Minneola Jack’s Barbecue 100 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.2673 Lil Anthony’s Pizza 205 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.1516 Tiki Bar & Grill 508 S. Main Ave. 352.394.2232 Mount Dora 1921 by Norman Van Aken 141 E. 4th Ave. 352.385.1921

Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668 Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 Breezeway Café 411 N. Donnelly St. 352.702.7898 Cecile’s French Corner 237 W. Fourth Ave. 352.383.7100 Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426 Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000 Eduardo’s Loko Tacos Mexican Restaurant 226 Alfred St. 352.742.1181 Frog & Monkey English Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352. 383.1936 Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 J.K. Thai & Sushi 116 E. 5th Ave. 352.385.5470 Let’s Do Lunch 426 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.4577 Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 One Flight Up - Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Ste. 100 352.758.9818 Pisces Rising 239 W. 4th Ave. 352.385.2669 PizzAmore’ 722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092

Shiva Indian Restaurant 140A W. 5th Ave. 352.735.4555 Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 The Goblin Market 331-B Donnely St. 352.735.0059 Whale’s Tale Fish House 2720 W. Old U.S. Hwy 441 352.385.1500 Zellie’s Pub 4025 N. U.S. Hwy. 19A 352.483.3855 Sorrento Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 CR 437 352.383.8882 Gi Gi’s 25444 State Road 46 352.735.4000 Tavares Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 Buzzard Beach Grill 12423 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.5267 Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd.

352.508.5137 Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313 Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 County Road 448 352.343.6823 O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 115 S Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157 Palm Gardens Restaurant 1661 Palm Garden St. 352.431.3217 Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829

Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd.

352.343.7744 The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 The Villages Amerikano’s Grill 998 Del Mar Dr. 352.633.8027 Bavarian Brewhaus 2738 Brownwood Blvd.

352.399.5516 Bravo Pizza 1080 Lake Sumter Landing 352.430.2394 Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678 China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 City Fire Brownwood & Paddock Square 352.561.2078 Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400 Giovanni’s 3439 Wedgewood Lane 352.751.6674 Margarita Republic 1102 Main St. 352.753.4600 Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd.

352.753.3824 NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994 RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930 Ricciardi’s Italian Table 3660 Kiessel Rd. 352.391.9939 Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393 Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800

VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887 Umatilla Fish & Chix 100 N. Central Ave. 352.669.7145 Gator’s 9 N. Central Ave. 352.669.6969 Greg’s Haystax 526 Umatilla Blvd.

352.669.1555 Nicky D’s Pizza 325 N. Central Avenue 352.669.2400 Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 State Road 19 352.669.3922 Quarterdeck 801 Central Ave. 352.669.4662 Shanghai 531 N. Central Ave. 352.669.2004 The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535 Umatilla Tavern 605 N. Central Ave. 352.669.1325 Wildwood China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.461.0577 O’Shucks! Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 Yalaha Yalaha Bakery 8210 County Road 48 352.324.3366

Country Club Restaurants Clermont Sanctuary Ridge Bar & Grille 2601 Diamond Club Road 352.243.0411 Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd.

352.243.1118 Howey-in-the-Hills Mission Inn Resort El Conquistador Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.3101 Mount Dora The Country Club 1900 Country Club Blvd.

352.735.2263 The Villages Belle Glade Country Club 446 Moyer Loop 352.205.8208 Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evan’s Prairie Trail 352.750.2225 Glenview County Club 3914 Glenview Rd. 352.753.0077 Hemingway’s at Havana Country Club 2484 Odell Circle 352.430.3200 Legacy Restaurant Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd.

352.753.1475 Orange Blossom Country Club 1542 Water Tower Circle 352.751.4501 Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.750.4499 Tierra Del Sol Country Club 806 San Marino Dr. 352.753.8005 Wildwood Continental Country Club 50 Continental Blvd.

352.748.3293

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Barnwood Bar-B-Que & Country Kitchen Barbecue, American (Traditional), Southern // 50 W. Orange Ave., Eustis // 352.630.4903 7am-3pm Monday-Friday, dine-in and takeout // barnwoodbbq.com // facebook.com/barnwoodbbq Mouth-watering barbecue. A family-like atmosphere. Old-fashioned service. Those are three qualities that patrons of Barnwood BBQ and Country Kitchen in Eustis experience upon each visit. Owners Dan and Elaine Backhaus have discovered that the recipe behind delicious barbecue is cooking meats low and slow over smoldering wood. That method has served them well, both for their restaurant and food truck business. Diners can also purchase Barnwood’s delicious, award-winning barbecue sauces and special seasonings. Popular breakfast items include a ham-and-cheese omelet, smoked sausage omelet, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and a variety of breakfast combinations. The restaurant’s equally delicious lunch items include a three-rib sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, beef brisket platter, smoked country sausage platter, mushroom Swiss burger, and grilled Reuben sandwich. Burgers, soups, and salads are also available. Be sure to top off your meal with one of Barnwood’s popular desserts, which include fruit cobbler and dark-chocolate brownies Awards: Lake & Sumter Style magazine’s No. 1 BBQ Restaurant, Best Judged Chicken, Best Judged Ribs, Best Judged Brisket (tie), and thirdplace in Best Judged Pork (April 2015) Top Entrée (pulled pork), Lake Eustis Chamber of Commerce food contest (2015 and 2016).

The Country Club of Mount Dora 1900 Country Club Blvd., Mount Dora 352.735.4059 Come enjoy a great meal at the Country Club of Mount Dora overlooking the beautiful greens of the golf course. We serve lunch daily and breakfast on weekends. Be sure to bring your appetite for our half-pound burgers made your way, thick cut Reuben sandwiches, delicious Greek salad, and much more. We serve a full breakfast menu every Saturday and Sunday including Eggs Benedict, French toast, omelettes, and much more. Come join us!

Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant Open seven days a week: 11am–9pm // Food, Spirits, Music, Sports 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441, Leesburg // 352.253.2442 // CVinnies.com Cousin Vinnie’s is located on U.S. Hwy. 441 across from Home Depot. Owner “Cousin” Vinnie Vittoria and his family have created a unique atmosphere by combining a sports bar with a family restaurant. As soon as you walk into Vinnie’s you will immediately notice why they are famous for outstanding comfort food and service! They have been voted BEST WINGS in Lake & Sumter County every year since opening in 2008. In 2017, Vinnie’s was also voted BEST SPORTS BAR. Every Monday Night from 6 – 10 they host Texas Hold’Em Tournaments, Tuesday night is “Family Night” from 5–8p.m. when kids 12-and-under eat free. Wednesday night is “Trivia Night” when the fun starts at 6:30p.m. with prizes given to the top 3 teams. Thursday from 6 – 8 is Bingo! Every Saturday watch your favorite college team (including the SEC Package) while enjoying appetizer specials and $2 domestic draft beers. On Sundays, they offer “The Sunday NFL Ticket,” catch any game… any time while Domestic Buckets of beer are only $15 and Domestic Pitchers are only $7. A few menu items offered are (never frozen) killer ½ lb. burgers, personal pan pizzas, amazing rib-eye cheese steaks, healthy wheat wraps, fresh homemade salads, 16 awesome appetizers and their signature deep fried Ice Cream and Snickers Bars! Cousin Vinnie’s also offers, free Wi-Fi, great music, and an enthusiastic staff ready to exceed your expectations.

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Cuba Pichy’s Cuisine 10401 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg // at Via Port Mall 352.365.2822 If you’re in the mood for a flavorful, authentic Cuban food experience, then Cuba Pichy’s Cuisine, located at ViaPort Florida Mall in Leesburg, is just what you’re looking for. The menu includes classic dishes such as Roast Pork, Ropa Vieja, Palomilla steak, and popular dishes such as Arroz con Pollo, Churrasco, Mofongo, vegetarian and seafood dishes, as well as a selection of Pichy’s Masterpieces. Most dishes are served with rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. Appetizers like Cuba’s Gran Combo, a variety of delicious items including Masitas Fritas, Chicharrones de Pollo, Ham-croquettes, and sweet plantains; Pichy’s beef empanadas filled with spicy, flavorful ground beef encased in a delicious flaky baked pastry, Cuban sandwiches, specialty desserts and Cuban coffee are always available.

Cuba also features a full-service bar, and a private banquet room that can accommodate up to 40 guests, and, as a bonus, Pichy will create a specialty menu just for your group.

Gio’s Deli and Mercato 3975 County Road 201, Oxford // 352.748.5558 Mon-Wed 10A.M.-6 P.M. // Thurs-Sat 10 A.M. -8 P.M. Buon Appetito! There’s no need to travel to Italy to enjoy scrumptious homemade breads, pasta, fresh sandwiches, meats, cheeses, desserts, pastries, and foods from an Italian market—it’s all available here at Gio’s Deli, where our chef Giovanni earned his culinary degree in Italy. After opening Giovanni’s Ristorante & Pizzeria in The Villages in 2004, Gio has expanded with the deli bringing more of the old world to The Villages area to enjoy! Gio’s can cater a special family meal of lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs, chicken parmigiana or baked ziti, or call us when you need a special party platter or desserts for a social gathering. We get raves over everything from our homemade cheeses, bruschetta, and sweet treats of cannoli, lemon mascarpone cake, cheesecakes, strawberry tiramisu and more. Come check us out!

The Goblin Market Restaurant & Lounge 331-B Donnelly Street (Rear Alley), Mount Dora // 352.735.0059 // GoblinMarketRestaurant.com Lunch: Tue–Sat 11am–3:00pm // Dinner: Tue–Thu 5–9pm, Fri–Sat 5–10pm, Sun 11am–3:30pm 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.

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

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

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Guru Restaurant and Catering 2400 S. U.S. Hwy. 27, Suite 101, Clermont // 352.241.9884 Monday-Saturday 4pm-10 pm // Closed Sun. Guru Restaurant and Catering is the “go-to” place for a wide array of mouthwatering Indian fare, everything from appetizers, clay oven-baked Indian breads, Biryani specialties, chicken, seafood, lamb, beef entrees, and 12 different vegetable dishes for vegans to enjoy. Many diners rave about our Chicken Tikka Masala, featuring boneless chicken cooked in a clay oven, dipped in tomato sauce with onion, and flavored with aromatic herbs. All of our chefs are renowned for their creative combinations of spices and sauces, so let us cook for you!

La Palma 1690 Citrus Blvd., Leesburg // 352.323.1444 // LapalmaGrill.com Open Daily 11:00am – 9:00pm // Lunch Specials: 11:00am – 3:00pm Owner Raudel Torres invites you to a delicious dining experience at the La Palma Mexican Grill. The recipes used for these unique dishes are a blend of old-school traditions from Mexico, combined with culinary inspirations and trends from California and Louisiana. Flavorful, homemade Mexican entrees such as Tacos Azteca, Carnitas, Fajitas, and Tamales and much more are timeless and prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Sit in the comfortable dining room or enjoy the outdoor view on the new patio deck. Fast and friendly service, reasonable prices, and three-for-one margaritas all day every day mean exceeding customer expectations. In addition to in-house service, catering is available for large parties, or meetings. Daily specials available on the website, lapalmagrill.com.. ts! hi Nigh Mariac hts from ig Tuesday n d kids an m p -8 m 6p ! r) eat free e d (10 and un

Mason Jar 37534 SR 19, Umatilla // 352.589.2535 Mon–Sat 6am-8pm // Sun 6am-2pm Established in 1979, The Mason Jar is well-known for southern style, downhome cooking; sparkling clean, casual dining room; family-friendly hospitality and reasonable prices. Located in Umatilla at 37534 SR 19, and family-owned, the restaurant is a welcome sight for travelers and locals alike. Seven days a week patrons enjoy breakfasts of homemade grits, real fried potatoes, fluff y biscuits, country ham, and mile-high pancakes. If you are a late riser, you can still enjoy daily specials: Monday-Meatloaf; Tuesday-Beef Tips and Noodles; Wednesday-Liver and Onions; Thursday-Fried Chicken; Friday-All you can eat Fish Fry; Saturday-Fried Chicken Livers and Sunday-Award-winning, all-you-can-eat Fried Chicken. Other favorites include various beans (pintos, lima, northern) with rice, served with onion slices and corn muffins, homemade soups, fresh vegetables for sides, and of course, the meal wouldn’t be complete without a glass of southern sweet tea!

Awards: Orlando Sentinel’s Best Fried Chicken in Lake County (March, 2015) Orlando Sentinel’s Best Breakfast in Lake County (March, 2015)

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Mom & Dads 304 U.S. Hwy. 441, Lady Lake // 352.753.2722 Tue-Sat 4pm–9pm // Closed Sun & Mon This little place in the heart of Lady Lake is a local favorite. All the food at Mom & Dad’s is authentic and homemade, from the famous sauce to pastas to the incredible desserts. Made from scratch in-house ravioli and lasagna. Many diners automatically order Spaghetti al la Bruzzi, which is the house specialty. This baked spaghetti has a meat sauce, mushrooms, and three cheeses. Add to that the homemade bread Papa prepares every day, and you’ve got a memorable meal. You can’t stop with the entrée, however. Mama’s homemade cakes are amazing! Moist and delicious German Chocolate, creamy, luxurious Red Velvet, Cannoli, and who doesn’t love Spumoni. If you’re looking for a great Italian dinner that will remind you of home and all the goodness of eating there, try Mom & Dad’s.

Mom & Dad’s also offers a full gluten free menu featuring pizza, lasagna, ravioli, and desserts all made in-house from scratch.

Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill Lady Lake // The villages // Eustis // South Leesburg // Clermont // Wildwood 11am-9pm Daily // 11am-3pm Sunday Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for hearty Southern food. Celebrating 19 years as a “home grown,” Lake County business, we believe that the next meal we serve is the most important one. Whether its our award winning baby back ribs or our 14 hour smoked, pulled pork, there are offerings to please everyone in your family, yound or old… Other items include choice aged slow smoked beef, grilled or smoked chicken, freshly grilled fish, and a full line of freshly made salads. Sides include creamy Sams slaw, limabeans, black-eye-peas, collard greens, and more. The food is only part of the allure though. Our staff is unmatched at offering up warm Southern hospitality that pairs well with our excellent food. Upon entering our restaurant, be prepared to be greeted by wonderful smoky aromas… and equally warm smiles.

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

Lady Lake // 208 W. Guava St. // 352.750.4929 Eustis // 469 Plaza Dr. // 352.357.7827 Mount Dora // 18870 U.S. Hwy. 441 // 352.735.4376 Leesburg // 2013 Citrus Blvd. // 352.787.6442 10135 U.S. Hwy. 441, Suite 4 // 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. Hwy. 27, Suite 4 // 352.314.8847 The Villages // 1580 Bella Cruz Drive // 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165th Mulberry Lane // 352.750.9991 1070 Lake Sumter Landing Drive // 352.205.8535 349 Colony Blvd. // 352.391.1657 Wildwood // 480 W. Gulf to Alantic Hwy. // 352.748.8800

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Why advertise in

Style magazine has been a wonderful partner over the years for our advertising needs here at Plaza Cadillac. The magazine has been a major contributor to our goal of providing a customer focused viewpoint of our dealership through the testimonial advertising that we do. We have especially noticed a steady gain in our South Lake County sales and service business and I attribute that gain to our advertising in the Style magazine. The placement of the magazines is focused in areas that are very supportive of our customer demographic and the ads themselves are designed in a fashion that shares the “Cadillac” style and elegance that our customers desire. Thanks so much Style. We look forward to a continued relationship for many years to come.

—GREGORY A. YAGER, GENERAL MANAGER, PLAZA CADILLAC

Come to The Dentist and experience the difference of a 5-Star Certified Office!

INTRODUCING NEW TECHNOLOGY: ORAL 3D BONE SCAN FOR • Minimally invasive implant placement • Treatment of Sleep Apnea COMPLIMENTARY EXAM AND X-RAYS Exam - D0150 | X-ray - D0210 (excludes emergencies) *For new patients without insurance only. Emergency exams excluded. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must present coupon to receive offer.

352.480.080 0 • 3 0 7 La g ra nd e Blvd, La dy La ke • www. c omet ot h edent is t . c om *Offer expires one month past publish date. Scan the code for more offers and to watch our latest video. FREE implant & denture consultations. We process dental claims. Financing available with approved credit.

The patient and any other person responsible for payment has the right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the discounted fee or reduce fee service, examination or treatment. Fees may vary due to complexity of case. This discount does not apply to those patients with dental insurance or discount plans, fees are minimal.

Carlos Medina, DMD

Why advertise in Style?

PRINT

WEB

210,000

26,000

DIGITAL EDITION

SOCIAL MEDIA

audited readers

15,000

views per month

unique readers

8,100

Facebook followers

BECAUSE WE HAVE THE LARGEST AUDIENCE.

Period.

LAKE & SUMTER

Every Month. Everywhere.

lakeandsumterstyle.com

A premiere hair salon offering the latest techniques available

SALUTING OUR VETERANS Hair & Nail Creations is proud to announce they are donating their time and services to salute our American Veterans. On November 10th, 2017 from 11am-3pm their stylist will be performing free haircuts to all veterans. Papa Pineapples food truck will also be there to serve our community and honor our vets. For every item purchased, $1 will be donated to the VFW. Please join us at 104 S Main Street in Wildwood for this special day!

352.330.4040

www.hairandnailcreations.com

FOR ALL YOUR PERSONAL INSURANCE NEEDS.

MARIA PARKER, ADVISOR; JOY PIKE, ADVISOR; ANDY YOUNG, ADVISOR; CATHY BAIN, REPRESENTATIVE; GINA RUSH, ADVISOR

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The Sumter Sunshine Community Foundation is a 501c3 designated public charity that is dedicated to improving the lives of people in our region. Our mission is to enrich communities through philanthropy.

Sumter Sunshine Community Foundation provides leadership on community solutions, and fosters philanthropy that connects people who care with causes that matter, building capacity for our communities.

Call us today to make a difference for good and for ever.

352.587.2710

SUMTER SUNSHINE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PRESENTS

“A CELEBRATION OF GIVING” AWARDS BANQUET Saturday, November 18, 2017 // 6pm–9pm at Wildwood Country Resort Guest Speaker: Angela Chambliss - Mrs. USA 2017 In conjunction with National Philanthropy Day, Sumter Sunshine Community Foundation is hosting a Celebration of Giving, an evening to celebrate philanthropy. Join us as we recognize individuals, businesses and groups with big hearts that benefit our growing communities.

The evening will include dinner, awards, live music, open bar and a live auction, as well as, an opportunity to benefit other local nonprofits.

We invite you to celebrate the philanthropic stars in our communities by purchasing your ticket today.

Sponsorships and tables are available – please contact us at: 352.587.2710 or 352.409.4761 There are limited opportunities for nonprofits interested in participating.

FREE SEMINAR DIABETES & YOUR FEET November 17 ♦ 1:30 pm 340 Heald Way, Building 100 (Across From Colony Plaza)

Dr. Johnny Wu and Dr. Ivelisse Rosa explain proper diabetic foot care and focus on preventative measures patients can take to avoid complications in the lower extremities.

T. Scott Walker Performs!

Limited Seating Available ♦ To RSVP, email your name to Events@TCFAVillages.com Pr

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Quality Foot And Ankle Care For People Of All Ages 340 Heald Way, Building 100 The Villages, FL 32163

352.259.1919

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1585 Santa Barbara Blvd, Ste B The Villages, FL 32159

352.259.1919

SATURDAY Nov 11th • 5:00pm

SE FR M E IN E AR S

REVOLUTIONARY

SINUS RELIEF In Office | Fast Recovery | Less Invasive

Michael A. Freedman, DO

S. Dwight Vaught, MD

Board Certified, Otolaryngology

Board Certified, Otolaryngology

Suffering from chronic sinus conditions? Balloon Sinuplasty may provide the relief you’ve been looking for.

Learn more about Balloon Sinuplasty at one of two free seminars.

Wednesday, November 15 @ 5pm

Leesburg Medical Plaza 601 E. Dixie Ave., Suite 901, Leesburg

Thursday, November 16 @ 5pm

1501 U.S. Highway 441 N. Suite 1402, The Villages

Limited seating. Please RSVP to 352.728.2404

352.272.9247 LakeSinusRelief.com LEESBURG | THE VILLAGES | TAVARES ®

Yalaha Bootlegging Co.

BETTER RELATIONSHIPS LEAD TO HIGHER PROFITABILITY CALL ME TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW I CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS ACHIEVE BOTH!

Come experience moonshine in the making tastings & tours • moonshine • brandy

Kathleen M. 847.340.9487 • 3132 Ranchwood Terrace, The Villages Bogolin, CPA www.theflb.com

352.324.4069 www.yalahabootleggingco.com

Boldly going where the big banks can’t.

Bill Wonus

Lyndsi Johnson

NMLS# 514777

NMLS# 1603191

Steve Knowles NMLS# 769949

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Investing in you, since 1937.

Great people. Great bank.

Someday Starts Today

Florida Hospital Waterman is the first hospital in Lake County to earn the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for knee and hip replacement.

17-FHW-05459

With the first hospital in Lake County to earn the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for knee and hip replacement. With advanced surgical procedures including the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Partial Knee Replacement and Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Hip Replacement.

With orthopedic care coordination to assist you every step of the way. Good news — getting the swing back in your golf game starts today. Discover how at FHWatermanOrtho.com or (352) 559-9343.

Renew Day Spa is one of the only day spas in the area to offer a full service Wet Body Treatment Room.

Body skin is often overlooked when choosing spa treatments and many people simply don’t have the time needed for the cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing. At Renew Day Spa you can indulge in a body wrap or body treatment, leaving your entire body feeling renewed. Your therapist will massage and exfoliate dead skin cells, helping refresh tired skin. Benefits include detoxification, antiaging, and even weight loss. Using delicious FarmhouseFresh products in all treatments, your skin will feel brand new.

Wellness & Continued Care With All-Natural Products & Services

352.787.7722

214 West Main Street, Leesburg RenewDaySpa.org

*

F i na l T h oug h t

Rock of ages Stars are falling, but the music always prevails.

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI

S

inger Don McLean wrote “The Day the Music Died” about the 1959 plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. Time magazine’s headline after John Lennon was killed in 1980 read, “When the Music Died.”

And when Chuck Berry died this year, Rolling Stone magazine’s cover photo was captioned, “Farewell to the Father of Rock & Roll.”

Every generation mourns the one that came before, but rock fans have been hearing funeral hymns the past two years, afraid to check the news for fear of getting an answer to the question, “Who died today?”

A Thin White Duke (David Bowie), a Prince and his protégé (Vanity), the King’s courtman (Elvis Presley guitarist Scotty Moore), an Eagle (Glenn Frey) and an Airplane wing (Paul Kantner), one of the Earth, Wind & Fire elements (Maurice White), both Emerson and Lake (but not Palmer), a sage (Leonard Cohen) and a Southerner (Leon Russell), a wallflower (Walter Becker of Steely Dan) and a Heartbreaker (Tom Petty), a Godfather’s drummer (Clyde Stubblefield of James Brown’s band), a brother (Gregg Allman), and a father (Berry) all hit the after-party.

This doesn’t include dozens—maybe hundreds—of other members of famous bands, session players, and one-hit wonders whose obits make you say, “I remember that song.”

*

The music that once represented teen angst now resonates with old-age wistfulness.

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Is rock dead? No. Rock is just old. The genre that critics said wouldn’t last has outlasted its pioneers, or at least most of them (hang in there, Little Richard). The music that once represented teen angst now resonates with old-age wistfulness.

The mourning of rock’s stars is not entirely about the loss of the person. The sharper sting is realizing the passage of time: watching Glen Campbell’s TV show as a kid, staying up late to catch Bowie on “The Midnight Special,” seeing the J. Geils Band at that first concert, hanging Vanity 6 posters in the dorm room as Prince’s “1999” blasted from the stereo.

The cliché is “the music lives on,” and it does. And succeeding generations carry the Stratocasters and bang the Ludwigs. Despite the funeral march, rock is neither burning out nor fading away. It’s just…evolving.

In 1971, Pete Townshend of the Who wrote the lyric “Rock is dead they say.” More than 45 years later, the next line needs to be more defiant than ever: “Long live rock!”

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Terms and conditions apply. *Annual Percentage Yield. Rates and APY are subject to change without notice. The APY is as of 08/01/17. These accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $500. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. Offer not valid on brokered or institutional deposits. You will be paid the disclosed rate until maturity. Your 11-month account will automatically renew into a 12-month fixed rate certificate. You will have a grace period of 10 calendar days after the maturity date to withdraw the funds in the account without being charged an early withdrawal penalty. The CD products are limited to $250,000 per product per household. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Fees could reduce earnings. Contact an Axiom Bank Banker for further information about applicable fees and terms. **Annual Percentage Yield. Rates and APY are subject to change without notice. The APY is as of 08/01/17. These accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $100,000. Federal regulations impose transaction limitations. Fees could reduce earnings. Contact an Axiom Bank Banker for further information about applicable fees and terms.

Š 2017 Axiom Bank, N.A. All Rights Reserved.

ALL NEW

2018 TOYOTA

CAMRY

Photographed on location at Tuscawilla Art Park, Ocala FL

TOYOTA MAKES THE CAR...

DELUCA MAKES THE DIFFERENCE! “TREATING CUSTOMERS WITH HONESTY AND INTEGRITY FOR OVER 39 YEARS!

EXPERIENCE THE DELUCA DIFFERENCE.”

www.DELUCATOYOTA.com

352.732.0770

1719 SW COLLEGE RD • OCALA

-FRANK DELUCA PRESIDENT/OWNER

NOW OPEN THE AREA’S ONLY ORTHOPAEDIC URGENT CARE CENTER IMMEDIATE CARE EXTENDED HOURS ORTHOPAEDIC EXPERTISE

THE UNOVA DIFFERENCE Why wait at the ER just to get a referral?

At UNOVA Orthopaedic Urgent Care, our physicians are board certified in Emergency Medicine with specialties in orthopaedic trauma and sports medicine.

Our in-house imaging services (x-ray and open MRI) and team of orthopaedic specialists at the new state-of-the-art UNOVA Health Clinic will help you move seamlessly from urgent to longterm treatment, getting you back to your active lifestyle faster. Welcome to the new standard in orthopaedic urgent care.

URGENT CARE HOURS Monday–Friday: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Saturday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

OUR URGENT CARE TEAM

352.973.4070 UNOVAhealth.com 539 Rolling Acres Road Lady Lake, Florida 32159

Brian Miller, M.D. 1661

Board Certified in Emergency Medicine

Jason Wilt, M.D.

Board Certified in Emergency Medicine

Facelift Tummy Tuck Breast Augmentation Liposuction Eyelid Surgery Hair Transplant Botox & Injectable Fillers Spider Veins Chemical Peels MEMBER OF American Society of Plastic Surgeons

MEMBER OF American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Board Certified Plastic Surgeons James Rogers DMD MD • Navinderdeep Nijher MD Leonik Ahumada MD FACS NURSE PRACTITIONER Lindsey Hicks ARNP-C

C A L L U S T O D AY

(352) 750-0019 REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

www.OcalaPlasticSurgery.com VILLAGES/DANA CENTER LOCATION OCATION

11950 CR 101, Suite 205, The Villages, FL 32162

OCALA/PADDOCK PARK LOCATION 3320 SW 34th Circle, Ocala, FL 34474