STYLE Magazine, Village Edition, September 2018

September 2018

VILLAGE EDITION

This smart watch could save your life or the life of a loved one.

DOCTOR STORIES

Now it’s the doctor’s turn to share some history.

+ A LOOK AT RECOVERY

A YEAR AFTER HURRICANE IRMA

A HONEY OF A STORY IN THE KITCHEN and much more!

H AV E C O N F I D E N C E K N OW I N G T H A T Y O U R H E A RT I S I N T H E R I G H T P L AC E

V I S I T U S O N L I N E TO L E A R N M O R E A B O U T O U R P H YS I C I A N S A N D M E D I C A L P RO F E S S I O N A L S

The Right Place is Village Heart & Vein Center Our physicians and medical professionals have been treating Central Floridians for years with a level of exemplary cardiac and vascular care that comes straight from the heart.

The Oaks Professional Center, 8575 NE 138th Lane | 352.674.2080 | villageheartandvein.com

Beautiful Homes Begin Here!

Your bedding headquarters!

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

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

We believe that salesperson Rick Jimenez is the consummate professional.

He really keeps the interest of the customer foremost during the process.

From the time we walked in the door to the time we drove away with the Escalade, we had superb care from everyone who was involved, making sure we’re getting the utmost experience with the car.

—JERRY AND DEANNA WINTER, MOUNT DORA

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

(L–R): RICK JIMENEZ, SALES REPRESENTATIVE; DEANNA AND JERRY WINTER; GREG YAGER, GENERAL MANAGER

To serve patients faster and better than ever, Lake Eye is thrilled to announce that two innovative young doctors have joined our healthcare team, Adria Anguita, OD (left) and Lindsey Walsh, OD (right). Both are optometrists, doctors qualified to provide a wide range of eye health and vision services. Drs. Walsh and Anguita have extensive training and experience not only testing vision and prescribing lenses, but also performing comprehensive diagnostic examinations for problems like dry eye, infection, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and more, as well as providing nonsurgical treatments to restore vision and eye health.

Adria Anguita, OD and Lindsey Walsh, OD

TAVARES • LEESBURG • THE VILLAGES • LADY LAKE

352-750-2020 • www.LakeEye.com •

Come into Lake Eye and meet our amazing new doctors – your eyes will be happy you did!

Before joining Lake Eye, Dr. Anguita completed her residency at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, working with specialists in retinal and corneal diseases, glaucoma and other specialties. Dr. Walsh was an extern at the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, one of

the nation’s top eye hospitals. She has specialized education in prescribing and fitting contact lenses, including scleral lenses suitable for many patients with corneal abnormalities.

Both doctors are certified in corneal refractive therapy to help correct childhood myopia.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR BEST

OPTIONS? FACELIFT, TEMPORARY FILLERS, OR PERMANENT FACIAL FILLERS

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

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

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

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

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

UPCOMING FACIAL BEAUTY SOCIAL MIXER SEP 11 IMAGELIFT OFFICE LUNCHEON, THE VILLAGES

SEP 26 WATERFRONT INN, THE VILLAGES OCT 2

CITRUS HILLS GOLF CLUB, HERNANDO

OCT 23 WATERFRONT INN, THE VILLAGES OCT 30 GABBY’S EVENT CENTER, CLERMONT

CALL NOW TO RSVP - LIMITED SEATING

MEET THE TEAM!

WSJ

Bestseller!

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

DR. RICH CASTELLANO

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

*Patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hrs of responding to ad for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment.

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

TB

F INANCIAL G ROUP I NC .

We Listen.

We Care.

We Educate.

352.350.1161

Liz Cornell, CAS®

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

TBFinancialGroup.com 3261 U.S. Highway 441/27, Suite F-2 Fruitland Park, FL 34731

ANNUITIES 101

SEMINARS FOR SEPTEMBER CALL TO REGISTER!

Sept. 13th

MISSION INN, HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS

Sept. 11th & 27th

THE WATERFRONT INN, THE VILLAGES Seating is very limited and by RSVP only.

TB Financial Group Inc. is a licensed insurance agency for life, health, and annuities. We are not securities licensed. We are not tax advisors.

Our seminars are very general in nature and not meant to replace the advice of your CPA, Tax Preparer, Investment Advisor or Attorney. We will not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal professional for these matters.

SEPTEMBER 2018 // VOL.14 NO.11 // F e a t u r e s

36 Doctor stories Doctors often share some of the most important events in the lives of their patients. Their stories are gripping and fascinating.

Hear from a local plastic surgeon, an emergency room physician, an obstetrician, and a cardiologist.

STORIES: LEIGH NEELY, THERESA CAMPBELL, CHRIS GERBASI

68 A year after Irma

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI

September 2018

LAKE & SUMTER

Hurricane Irma left a path of destruction and devastation in her wake. Style takes a look at the rebuilding and lasting effects locally.

Now it’s the doctor’s turn to share some history

+

A LOOK AT RECOVERY A YEAR AFTER HURRICANE IRMA A HONEY OF A STORY IN THE KITCHEN and much more!

September 2018

VILLAGE EDITION

This smart watch could save your life or the life of a loved one.

DOCTOR STORIES

Photo: Anthony Rao; Model: Dr. Rick Hurt

Special Adve rtising Section

Now it’s the doctor’s turn to share some history.

+

A LOOK AT RECOVERY A YEAR AFTER HURRICANE IRMA A HONEY OF A STORY IN THE KITCHEN and much more!

On the covers

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Finding the right doctor is essential to good health. The 2018 Health Pros Guide is designed to help make that decision easier.

LAKE & SUMTER STYLE DIRECTION: JASON FUGATE PHOTOGRAPHY: NICOLE HAMEL MODEL: DR. FERNANDO SERRA VILLAGES EDITION DIRECTION: JASON FUGATE PHOTOGRAPHY: ANTHONY RAO

September 2018

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up front

26 28 30 32 34

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

75 ON THE SCENE

76 78 80 82 84 88

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

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105 Food & Drink

106 108 112 116 120

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

COLUM NS

16 From the Publisher 128 Final Thought

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anniversary sale! mi n i mum of 50% off !

beautiful hand-woven rugs 352.629.3200 | 20 se broadway st., ocala, fl | cyrus-rug.com

Cyrus Rug Gallery

*

From The Publisher

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

hose of us

living in this area of Florida are fortunate to have access to some of the best health care in the state. I’m sure that you, like me, appreciate the compassion and excellent care you receive from your local physician.

All of us have stories about our illnesses, surgeries, and doctor visits, but the Style staff knows that doctors have their stories, too. We decided they might like to share those stories with you. We think you’ll find it interesting to learn why a young man decides to become a doctor or why a young medical student changed her specialty during a life-changing trip. These are stories your doctor may not have time to share with you, but they will touch your heart and help you see him or her in a different way.

If you were among the many affected by the mass destruction of Hurricane Irma, you’ll be interested in seeing how our towns, cities, and counties are doing one year after Irma hit this area.

This month, we’d like to say goodbye to a very special person, Fred Hilton. We’re sure you’ve enjoyed Fred’s humorous writing in the “This ’N That” column, which appears in every issue. He’s one of our favorite

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

writers, but he decided it’s time to shut off his computer and take some down time. Chris Gerbasi, one of our staff writers, is stepping in to share his humorous musings on life.

We’d like to think it’s cooling down since September usually heralds fall weather, but we’re in the Sunshine State, and that’s probably not going to happen. However, we still can enjoy the beaches and don’t forget to take along a copy of Style to read while you’re sunning. sales & marketing Until next month,

Kendra Akers

Tim McRae VICE PRESIDENT, SALES tim@akersmediagroup.com Judi Murphy ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE judi@akersmediagroup.com Shaena Chastain SALES ASSISTANT shaena@akersmediagroup.com

Kendra Akers

HARMONY UNITED PSYCHIATRIC CARE Caring for your needs is our goal and your right.

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

TRANSCRANICAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION (TMS) TMS is an FDA approved, non-invasive outpatient treatment for treatment resistant Depression AND is covered by most insurance plans!

Editorial // Design // Photography

Leigh Neely MANAGING EDITOR leigh@akersmediagroup.com James Combs STAFF WRITER james@akersmediagroup.com Theresa Campbell STAFF WRITER theresa@akersmediagroup.com Chris Gerbasi STAFF WRITER chris@akersmediagroup.com Anthony Rao STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER anthony@akersmediagroup.com

Jason Fugate CREATIVE DIRECTOR jason@akersmediagroup.com Josh Clark SENIOR DESIGNER josh@akersmediagroup.com Volkan Ulgen DESIGNER volkan@akersmediagroup.com Michael Gaulin PRODUCTION DIRECTOR michael@akersmediagroup.com Nicole Hamel STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER anthony@akersmediagroup.com

(TMS) Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression.

This is typically used when other depression treatments have not been effective. TMS therapy has been associated with very few side effects that are relatively mild, the most common side effects being minor headaches.

PATIENT BENEFITS:

contributors

Joe Angione Mary Ann DeSantis Fred Lopez

No Psychotropic Medication Required 100% Outpatient Treatment No Sedation or Anesthesia Required

sales // marketing

Tim McRae VICE PRESIDENT, SALES tim@akersmediagroup.com Melanie Melvin Judi Murphy DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Melanie@akersmediagroup.com judi@akersmediagroup.com Jacquelyn Singer Shaena Chastain ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE SALES ASSISTANT jacquelyn@akersmediagroup.com shaena@akersmediagroup.com

In order to qualify for TMS Therapy, a patient must have failed to respond to at least one antidepressant. If you have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and your body has either rejected other medication or you cannot tolerate its side effects, consider TMS therapy.

Administration

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

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED:

distribution

Scott Hegg DISTRIBUTION MANAGER scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

Medication Management Psychotherapy Counseling Services Neuropsychological Testing

digital social media

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

Florida Magazine Association

Leesburg Partnership

ADIL MOHAMMED, MD BOARD CERTIFIED PSYCHIATRIST

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

WINNER OF

Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce

Sumter County Chamber of Commerce

American Advertising Association

150+ AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Lake & Sumter Style. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 South Fifth Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2018 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media.

Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Paid Promotional Feature” and “Special Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media.

305 Skyline Drive, Suite-1, Lady Lake

352.431.3940 Appointments & Referrals 352.431.3173 Fax info@harmonyunitedhc.com harmonyunitedhc.com APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY

September 2018

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Don’t let fear of falling keep you from living your best life.

As active as you want to be.

As independent as you are.

HEART RATE

RESPIRATION RATE

CALORIES BURNED

This smart watch could save your life or the life of a loved one.

Fall detection + Panic alert + Vital signs monitoring in one sleek, stylish design

Physicians and caregivers are endorsing this new generation of multi-functioning fitness and fall detection. You can set goals and track vitals through BrightLife’s smartphone app that saves historical readings. Family members also like that they can easily log and see that their loved ones are getting up, out and staying active with their exercise, wellness and medication protocols. Call BrightLife Services to find out more!

r k fo t in o o L ser in ine our magaz e this or mor ion! f t rma o f in Staying fit as you age is no small task. The idea of “working out” can be both confusing and intimidating.

So how to best work to stay fit? To Take reasonable precautions and still be safe in case of a fall? BrightLife’s fall detection activity watch can help you stay active.

You can track heart rate, respiration rate, step count and calories burned. The

manual SOS panic button operates with or without a professional monitoring service to keep you safe 24/7/365. Alerts automatically call and text anyone you want through customizable contacts. Simply pair with any smartphone or use WiFi in your home. You can also set calendar alerts and medication reminders as an added benefit.

• Automatic fall detection • SOS panic button • 24/7 emergency services • Alexa voice controls • Messaging to the watch • Information is easily shared with caregivers and loved ones • Medication reminders and notifications • Fully waterproof • On-wrist charging • Free phone app for mobile protection • Available in white or black

No monthly monitoring fees only

299

$ STEP COUNT

PANIC BUTTON

AUTOMATIC FALL DETECTION

Automatic fall detection, 24/7 Call today!

833.325.5767 Visit us at brightlifeservices.com for more information.

SE PT EMB ER

2018

EDI T I O N

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Prostate Cancer: When Should You Test?

Prostate cancers tend to grow slowly—so slowly, in fact, that some tumors never become a problem. But this is not always the case. One monitoring tool is a blood test for prostate-specific antigen, or PSA.

PSA is released into the bloodstream from cells in the prostate, a walnut-sized gland that makes seminal fluid for carrying sperm.

Elevated PSA levels can mean cancer is present. Ejaculation can temporarily increase PSA, so avoid it before any

Treatment Options 1.

Monitoring only, especially for early stage, slowgrowing prostate cancer.

2. Surgery and/or radiation therapy (external beam or

brachytherapy, insertion of radioactive seeds).

3. Hormone

therapy (androgen deprivation therapy or ADT), especially if the tumor is large or cancer is more likely to return.

4. Chemotherapy

or immunotherapy if the cancer no longer responds to ADT. Side effects may include incontinence, bone pain or weakness, and sexual problems. These can often be prevented or managed.

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PSA test. A digital rectal exam is also used to check for prostate cancer.

In early-stage disease, symptoms aren’t usually present, but they can show up later. Symptoms can include having to pee more often, especially at night, or straining to empty your bladder; blood in your urine or seminal fluid; new onset of erectile dysfunction; discomfort or pain when sitting (caused by an enlarged prostate); or, less commonly, pain or burning during urination. Other symptoms can occur if cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland.

Should you get screened if you have no symptoms? There’s no easy answer, because it’s hard to predict which tumors will grow and spread quickly and which will grow slowly. Discuss your risks with your doctor.

Did You Know?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the U.S. (other than skin cancer), and is the second-leading cause of cancer death (behind lung cancer).

by the numbers

HBOC Syndrome Are you at a higher risk?

What does prostate cancer have to do with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Syndrome? HBOC Syndrome relates to genetic mutations, especially in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Those mutations can mean a higher risk of getting a number of cancers, including prostate cancer.

For example, a BRCA2 gene mutation can increase your chance of getting prostate cancer by 20 percent.

Risk factors include multiple HBOC Syndrome cancers on the same side of your family, a male relative diagnosed with breast cancer, and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. Talk to your doctor about getting genetically tested if you think you may be at risk.

Regular screenings, and genetic counseling are recommended if you test positive for mutations.

Other genetic risks of getting prostate cancer include familial prostate cancer (about 20 percent of cases) and hereditary prostate cancer (about 5 percent of cases).

66

The average age of men when prostate cancer is detected.

74

percent

The increased prevalence of prostate cancer in black men compared to nonHispanic white men.

Too Slow to Make a Difference Prostate cancer can grow and spread quickly, but this is not usually the case. Some prostate cancers remained hidden for years in many older (and some younger) men who eventually died of other causes. Neither they nor their doctors knew they had prostate cancer until it showed up in an autopsy. patient perspective

“When you go home [after a treatment], you resume your normal everyday life…So my life, other than giving up that hour each day, didn’t change at all.”

— Bud Conklin, Prostate Cancer Survivor

164,690

The estimated number of new prostate cancer cases that will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2018

19 in

The proportion of men who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home The Villages 352.259.2200 Ocala 352.732.0277 Timber Ridge 352.861.2400 Inverness 352.726.3400 Lecanto 352.527.0106 RBOI.com

Like us on Facebook

September 2018

23

REAL ESTATE. REAL RESULTS.

95% of our listings sell Over $500 Million in sales

ALEX SCOPINO 914 720 1630

MIKE RITZENTHALER 585 739 8933

PETE CAMPBELL 352 460 3658 KAREN PHILLIPS 352 455 5806

JANICE KLING 850 496 8504

MARK DYER 352 516 8808 ROSALIE PARENT 352 516 0352

LAUREN LESTER 352 615 5075

MICHELLE DYER 352 516 8808

“You need 5 things to sell your home fast for the most money…Call us today to find out what those things are!”

JODY HELD 352 446 6270 KAREN SCARBROUGH 352 455 5806 “OH JANE” PAQUIN 352 255 8855

BLACK TIE REAL ESTATE AND INVESTMENTS, INC.

352 516 8808 BLACKTIEGUY.COM Matt 6:33

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I N T H E K NOW //

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

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OU T STA N D I NG ST U D E N T //

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T H I S ’ N ’ T H AT //

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GU E ST C O LU M N

Up Front Jasmine Ramjeet is raising awareness of the importance of blood donations.

SEE STORY on PG 30

* IUNpT HFErKoNnO Wt

The first Labor Day celebrated in the U.S. was planned by the Central Labor Union in 1882 in New York City.

Hardly working

Oregon was the first state to celebrate Labor Day as a legal holiday in 1887.

In the 19th century, many Americans worked 12-hour days seven days a week. The Adamson Act of 1916 established an eight-hour workday for railroad workers.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Americans consume around 7 billion hot dogs.

One theory to the 1900s origin of the “no white after Labor Day” fashion credo is attributed to the upper class packing away their white summer clothes after returning from vacation.

In honor of Labor Day, Style staff took the day off and let Google do the work on these holiday facts: Sources: dosomething.org, hot-dog.org

TAVA R E S

Adventist Health System becoming AdventHealth Effective Jan. 2, 2019, the Altamonte Springs-based Adventist Health System becomes AdventHealth. With nearly 50 hospital campuses and more than 80,000 employees, it’s one of the nation’s largest faith-based health care systems. In addition, it is moving to a consumer-centric, connected, and identifiable national system providing care for every stage of life.

FHW in Tavares will become AdventHealth Waterman with no change to the AHS organization ownership or business structure.

“We are transforming to be a more consumer-focused health care system to better meet the needs of those we care for and the communities we serve,” says Terry Shaw, president/CEO for Adventist Health System. “Becoming AdventHealth allows us to be a fully integrated and distinguishable health system across all aspects of the care continuum, while also speaking to our Christian healing ministry, message of wholeness and our rich Seventh-day Adventist roots.”

MINNEOLA

Fall bird migration Enjoy birdwatching during the North American Migration Count, at 7:30am Sept. 15 at Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead, 20700 County Road 455, Minneola. This free event provides a “snap shot” of fall bird migration across North America. To learn more, call Gallus Quigley at 352.253.4950 or email parksandtrails@lakecountyfl.gov.

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Beware of this scamm, uh, scam Watch what you type online or you could fall victim to a “typosquatter.” These scammers set up web addresses that look legitimate but contain a typo, such as “.cm” instead of “.com.”

Users may be directed to a website containing viruses and malware, or one that is designed to gather personal information, according to a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services newsletter.

The department recommends these safety tips: Always double-check the web address before entering a website.

Use a search engine, such as Google or Bing, to direct you to correct website addresses.

Be wary of links found in social media posts.

Look for red flags such as extra text following a “.com,” misspellings of company names, or typos in the domain (.com, .gov, .org, etc.).

If you realize you have entered one of your passwords on a typosquatter’s site, change the password immediately.

Be cool!

Love drinking out of bottles but can’t do it by the pool? No worries— Bottlekeeper 2.0 takes care of that problem for you. Not only does it protect the glass so there’s no worry of it getting broken, it’s insulated to keep your drink perfectly cold and there’s a built-in bottle opener on the cap. Now that’s cool!

Ja m e s C o m b s’

1

It’s official. In a 3-2 vote, the Lake County School Board approved a plan that allows eligible school administrators who volunteer and meet training requirements to carry guns on school campuses. Hopefully, we’ll never have to find out whether principals will be able to channel their inner Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis.

2

The Harris Chain of Lakes will host the Bassmaster Team Championship Dec. 5-8. Kudos to our county officials. They continue to cast a wide net and reel in big fishing tournaments.

3

A homeless man and a Leesburg woman were arrested after the man’s ex-girlfriend spotted them in her vehicle, which she had reported stolen.

The victim can take comfort in one thing.

Her ex-boyfriend is no longer homeless.

4

A manager at a Leesburg CVS Pharmacy was arrested after admitting she failed to make 10 bank deposits totaling more than $17,000.

Stealing money from the pharmaceutical company that employs you is a prescription for disaster.

5

City officials in Mount Dora are considering controlled, onstreet consumption of alcoholic beverages in downtown.

This certainly is one way to get a head.

nt * PUEpR S FO Nr o OF INTEREST

Elisha Pappacoda Communications Director, Lake County

S

Former journalist, Fordham alum, lives in Sorrento.

Married to an entrepreneur.

Why do I enjoy my job? Serving

Best advice I’ve ever been given: Dare to be

the community, informing citizens about new services and programs, and being there for people in times of need, such as during weather emergencies.

different and always be true to yourself.

How do I feel about the job I do with Lake County? I most enjoy the social aspect of my job, finding new and innovative ways to communicate the county’s message to broader audiences.

My motto: Your culture is your brand.

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What I treasure: Quality time with my family, friends, and pups.

Something about me no one else knows: I

Children: Dog mom.

Hometown: Fourthgeneration New Yorker, born in Brooklyn.

Orleans), stand-up paddleboarding, painting.

Guilty pleasures: True crime TV shows and podcasts.

On my bucket list: I’ve always wanted to visit Morocco and Turkey.

very briefly majored in biology in college.

Pet peeve:

Favorite food:

Egomaniacs, tailgaters, loud chewers.

Chargrilled oysters, nachos, or just about anything covered in unhealthy amounts of cheese.

Hobbies: Travel (especially to New

One word that describes me: Bold.

Favorite quote: “Happiness is by choice, not by chance.”

Photo: Anthony Rao

V I TA L

TAT S

TURN TO ME FOR:

Scott Windsor, Infinex Wealth Advisor 20+ Years of Financial Services Experience

Contact me today to see how I can help you achieve your wealth goals!

352.259.3204

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

Jasmine Ramjeet

Leesburg High School senior

S TAT

What inspired you to do something after the Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016 in Orlando? I heard

S

Selected as Disney Dreamers and Doers Shining Star.

about the regional blood supply shortage from my Air Force JROTC instructor, Maj. Chris Honeycutt.

In a time like this, I thought that there would be enough blood and plasma stocked up for those victims of the shooting, however, there was not. This tragedy inspired me to take action in my school and in my community to help raise awareness of the importance

Member of Air Force JROTC. Born in Burnsville, Minnesota.

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of blood donations so there would never be a blood supply shortage again.

Why did you join Air Force JROTC? My motivation to join was brought on my brother, Mahesh, when I saw him in his uniform. I thought AFJROTC was the coolest thing, being a part of an environment so welcoming and together, not to mention the highly estimable uniform.

My career goal consists of being an engineer for the Air Force.

Favorite Disney character? Probably Judy Hopps (“Zootopia”) or Stitch (“Lilo & Stitch”) because they went against the norms or what they were programmed or stereotyped to do.

They followed their heart and persisted despite the obstacles they faced.

Role model? I don’t have one sole role model because I take little things from everyone I meet.

However, one person I look up to and who has inspired me to

be the best person I can be, who I strive to be like every day, is probably Maj. Honeycutt.

Favorite movie?

Probably “Wonder Woman.”

Favorite food? I love food too much to have a favorite.

Favorite music?

Reggae or music of South America.

Pet peeve? When someone keeps changing their mind after they have made a “decision.”

Photo: Anthony Rao

V I TA L

A beautiful smile is powerful Wollenschlaeger Orthodontics gives you the confidence to keep smiling.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Wollenschlaeger Orthodontics 33050 Professional Drive, Leesburg, FL 34788 352.787.6800 drdaveortho.com

Dr. David Wollenschlaeger Dr. Chris Wollenschlaeger

What causes orthodontic problems?

Most orthodontic problems (malocclusions) are inherited.

Examples

of these problems are crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth, and some jaw growth problems. Other problems are acquired as a result of thumb- or finger-sucking, dental disease, accidents, the early or late loss of baby (primary) teeth, or other causes.

Why is treatment so important?

Orthodontic treatment can help create a better bite, making teeth fit better, and decreases the risk of future, and potentially costly dental problems.

Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain, and can contribute to tooth enamel wear, difficulty in chewing and/or speaking, and excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue. Without treatment, many problems simply become worse.

How much does treatment cost?

The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on many factors, including the severity of the problem, its complexity

and length of treatment. Dr. Wollenschlaeger offers a free consultation to discuss treatment options and costs. Many patients find that orthodontic treatment is more affordable today than ever. Dr. Wollenschlaeger offers a variety of payment plans. Employers may offer dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits, and/ or the option to set aside pre-tax dollars in a flexible spending account or other health savings account.

Source: © 2014 American Association of Orthodontists.

Y

our smile is your greeting to the world. It’s also a window to an important part of your dental health — the alignment of your teeth. Not everyone is born with picture perfect teeth. Crooked teeth or spaces may be a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness. Improper alignment of the teeth and jaws is called a “malocclusion.” Malocclusions can contribute to tooth decay and a host of sometimes painful dental disorders. The good news is that orthodontic treatment can correct malocclusions and help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that’s good for life®. What would you like to know about orthodontics?

Why select an orthodontist?

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities. They receive an additional two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. Only those who successfully complete this formal education may call themselves “orthodontists,” and only orthodontists may be members of the American Association of Orthodontists.

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* TUHpI S F‘ Nr’ oT HnAtT

The lost weekend The best-laid plans often go awry, thanks to man and nature.

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI // ILLUSTRATION: JOSH CLARK

“H

ey, buddy, how was your weekend?”

Seriously? You really want to know? Well, I noticed a tiny honeycomb above the door to my house.

I grabbed a broom to knock it away and half a dozen angry wasps flew toward me. I tried to swat them with the broom while flailing around like a whirling dervish—precisely the wrong thing to do, I found out later—and one wasp stung me above the eye. I retreated inside to grab bug spray and came back outside spraying all over the place until the wasps took off. I showed them. Don’t mess with me.

Then I got in my car, headed down the road, and all of a sudden—THWACK! What in the world was that?

Did I run over something? No, some clown put his garbage can on the edge of the narrow road and it smashed the passenger-side mirror. I was livid, but what could I do?

“Hey, man, your garbage can jumped out in front of my car.

Pay up.” Besides, I was late for the dentist.

Of course, there was no need to rush. I sat waiting in the dentist’s office for 20 minutes anyway. They took a full set of X-rays, gave me an exam, but then told me that I

couldn’t get a cleaning. “But I made the appointment for an exam and cleaning.”

“Oh, we never do the cleaning on the same appointment. If we schedule a hygienist and the patient cancels, then she sits around with nothing to do.”

Huh? So you inconvenience all of your patients because one might cancel. That’s beautiful. “Open wide, Miss Office Manager, I want to play with the drill.”

I had to pick up a few things at the supermarket.

For some reason, the cashier chose not to put a large package of napkins in a bag, as if the package comes with a handle, or it’s just more fun to leave it out so you can toss it around like a football in the parking lot.

“So, are you going to put the napkins in a bag?”

“Do you want the napkins in a bag?”

“Well, I’m just curious why you wouldn’t put the napkins in a bag. Is it store policy, ‘No bags for napkins,’ or did you make that choice independently?”

“I can put the napkins in a bag.”

“No, I just want to know what the decision-making process was that led you to not put the napkins in a bag.”

“Have a nice day, sir…”

I needed a drink. So I stopped at the sports bar.

The bartender asked for my ID to open a tab even though I’ve been a customer there since the late 1940s. “Are you kidding me? Don’t you know who I am?” I skipped it and had just one drink, and it’s just as well because the bar has 2,653 channels but not the one I wanted.

And on one side of me was a conversation about Earl’s big trip to Dayton, and on the other side a group of loudmouths talking about how much they drank at Lulu’s “kick-ass party.”

Great, love to hear about it.

“You know, Dayton has the largest pine cone ever found.

Isn’t that unbelievable?”

Yes, Earl, it is unbelievable.

Unbelievable that you could imagine anyone ever being interested in anything you have to say.

It was another banner day for Gerbasi—capped by coming home to the delightful buzz of lawnmowers and weed whackers in every single yard in the neighborhood. I heard another type of buzz, too.

The wasps had returned and rebuilt with reinforcements, and they were not happy.

Then on Sunday…

*

“I’m just curious why you wouldn’t put the napkins in a bag. Is it store policy, ‘No bags for napkins,’ or did you make that choice independently?”

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* SUP pE C FI ArL oG UnEtS T C O L U M N

A bou t t h e w r i t e r :

C. Joseph Ziler is president of Kevco Builders Inc. in Eustis.

Take a stand for mental health Erase the stigma of mental health issues.

COMMENTARY FROM C. JOSEPH ZILER

obin Williams, Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain…celebrity suicides make the news and stay there a long time.

However, those personal to me are names that hit home, such as Mike Ziler, my brother who took his own life five years ago, and Seth Sutherland, who took his life last year in Minneola. Mental health crosses all socioeconomic, ethnic, geographic, religious, and gender boundaries and doesn’t discriminate.

Both local and high-profile suicides show a deep stigma associated with mental health similar to that of AIDS in past. Not speaking out nearly guarantees we will suffer another tragic loss through youth suicide this school year.

I am not an expert on mental health. However, I know about the aftermath of its effect on parents, siblings, children, and friends left behind with so many unanswered questions.

Most say the solution begins with funding at the federal, state, and local levels: more resource officers in schools, more mental health facilities, programs, and awareness to create a wide net to “catch” and support

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those in need, a danger to themselves, or, most critically, a danger to others. What all of those resources have in common is lack of funding, and the shortfall is TENS OF MILLIONS. We can’t change how mental health is handled across the country, but we can change our community. Our approach to mental health must be done in a cohesive way that says, “One Voice and One Unified Message.” That requires organizations such as LifeStream Behavioral Center, Lake County Schools, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office taking the lead and working together.

I am personally challenging our mental health community stakeholders to take action, by forming a task force, a group determined to create a cohesive plan and message and blanket our youth with it. Additionally, make this group the hub of all interested groups and individuals passionate about changing the conversation, providing education, and assisting youth.

The issue is not whether we have a mental health problem in Lake County. It is recognizing its magnitude and taking tangible, quantifiable steps to do something.

Lift the veil of stigma and open the floodgates of services and support. Be the community others visit to learn how we make a difference, inspire each other, and provide love and support to youth and adults in need. My hand is firmly in the air to help drive this effort.

We are in a crisis, whether we admit it or not, and the best investment in our future is— and always will be—our youth.

Don’t let fear of falling keep you from living your

best life

This smart watch could save your life or the life of a loved one.

OPEN UP TO FIND OUT HOW.

Fall detection alone isn’t enough to ensure independence. Fall prevention is the new standard.

M

ary Allison, like most seniors, knew that falls are the leading cause of death for those over sixty because, like others, she was constantly bombarded by advertising for pendants that promised to save her with the push of a button. Seeing friends suffer

complications from falls, and her mother having had complications from a fall herself, pushed Mary to think differently.

What if she never fell in the first place? That’s when she sought out alternatives to the typical fall detection devices and found BrightLife Services.

Experts have long touted the benefits of exercise for seniors. Nowhere does fitness make more of a difference than in preventing falls and

improving outcomes in case of an event. “One in three seniors over 60 suffer from sarcopenia or severe muscle loss,” states Michael Silverman, Director of Rehabilitation and Wellness and Northern Westchester Hospital of New York.

“Sarcopenia drastically affects the strength of the legs, hips and core which are all critical to mobility and maintaining independence.”

“Particularly the loss of muscle mass and strength in the arms can make it difficult to catch yourself.

Because the muscles act as a sort of protection for the bones, you may be more likely to suffer a broken bone if you have inadequate muscle mass,” added Silverman.

Staying fit as you age is no small task. The idea of “working out” can be both confusing and intimidating. Many seniors worry about injury or “over doing it” and causing an event like a heart attack or stroke. This is especially true for those that have conditions that might make them candidates for such events. So how to best work to stay fit? To Take reasonable precautions and still be safe in case of a fall?

Those critical questions are being addressed by companies like BrightLife Services.

BrightLife has taken its lead from seniors themselves. Ongoing surveys, focus groups and market testing have

defined the key features and usability standards the company built into their products. VitalBand, BrightLife’s first device, has been designed for ease of use. It’s super lightweight at 30 grams, or about half as much as a regular watch. It’s water resistant and shockproof. The display is bright with easy-toread screens. With just a single button you control every function. VitalBand offers excellent battery life and can even be charged while it on the

wrist with a wireless charger for total 24/7/365 protection.

VitalBand also offers all of the features of the latest fitness wearables and activity trackers.

Wearers can track heart rate, respiration rate, step count and calories burned and has state-of-the-art fall detection watch with a sleek modern design.

Plus, VitalBand features a manual SOS panic button that can operate with or without a professional monitoring

service. Alerts automatically call and text anyone the wearer wants through customizable contacts. It works by simply pairing with any smartphone or through WiFi in your home. Coverage is seamless whether the wearer is at home, out on the town, or even exercising. If that wasn’t enough, VitalBand offers easy to program calendar alerts and medication reminders so it’s a single source point of focus for every aspect of the wearer’s health and wellness.

Physicians and caregivers are endorsing this new generation of multi-functioning fitness and fall detection.

Doctors like the ability

to define exercise plans for duration, type and intensity based on each person’s fitness level. These goals can then tracked through BrightLife’s smartphone app that saves historical readings. Family members like the fact that they can easily log into the BrightLife portal and see that their loved ones are getting up, out and staying active with their exercise, wellness and medication protocols.

“I wear my VitalBand every morning when I walk down the block to the coffee shop. I wear it when I’m biking and best of all, I keep it on when I come home to shower or take a bath,” says Mary, “I feel safe no matter where I am or what I’m doing.”

“I’m very active and I’d like to stay that way. I like the

sports functions like heart rate, respiration rate, step count and calories burned. It’s like a FitBit but even better.”

“I want to stay active, I want to stay safe. I couldn’t find one

thing that could come close to doing both.

This VitalBand does. And

it’s cheaper to use than the push button pendant. Plus, my daughter can check up on me to make sure I’m okay and she lives more than 100 miles away!"

VitalBand Screens

HEART RATE

RESPIRATION RATE

CALORIES BURNED

STEP COUNT

PANIC BUTTON

AUTOMATIC FALL DETECTION

• Lightweight, water resistant, long battery life, on wrist charging available • Six-way gyroscope and accelerometer effectively monitor falls and body posture • Customizable contacts for call and text in case of a fall

“I was worried about falling in the tub, or when I wasn’t wearing my pendant. With

the VitalBand I never need to take it off.

• SOS Panic button in case the wearer ever feels ill or threatened • Professional monitoring with no contract is optional • Accurately monitors: heart rate, respiration rate, step count, calories burned • Easily programmable calendar alerts and medication reminders • Messaging function is available • Single button control of all functions on the watch

I can even keep it on when it’s charging, so I’m safe all the time.”

“I’d rather feel like I’m still an athlete. The VitalBand

does that while it still protects me. It’s almost like stealth safety!”

“A diet rich in vitamin D along with exercise to keep you sharp mentally and physically can be a defining difference in maintaining health and ensuring independence,” says Silverman.

“Boosting blood flow to the lower extremities is critical.” Simple chair exercises such as leg raises, sit-to-stands, chair sits, and toe raises are only a few exercises cited by the British Journal of Sports Medicine as highly effective. Their analysis found that exercise alone reduces the risk of falls by an average of twenty-one percent, and that just three hours of focused exercise each week can cut that

risk by and impressive thirty-nine percent.

Couple those numbers with fall prevention techniques and seniors gain confidence and deter fear of venturing out as they almost always do after a fall. Strength and confidence are a powerful combination.

Mary Allison and her friends have taken that all to heart, literally. With the help of BrightLife to monitor exercise and fitness progress, and the protection it provides against unexpected falls, they’re working to maintain their freedom, independence and healthy active lifestyle that will last for years to come.

Fit, safe, connected.

Fall detection + Panic alert + Vital signs monitoring in one sleek, stylish design

No monthly monitoring fees only

299

$

Automatic fall detection, 24/7 Call today! 833.325.5767 Visit us at brightlifeservices.com for more information.

Best Life. BrightLife.

Family Edition

Top Choice Harry Cordell Employee of the month Harry brings years of experience to Arden’s family and is one of our most prized employees. Before joining our Arden’s family over eleven years ago, Harry had been in the jewelry industry for twenty-five years.

What is your favorite Gemstone

Share your top favorite pieces at arden’s

I love the Ruby because that is my birthstone, but my second choice is the Sapphire because it is the birthstone of my lovely wife Barbara.

My top choice: Simon G’s Modern Enchantment Yellow Gold Bangle that features white diamonds in its center.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working at Arden’s?

My Second Favorite: Hearts on Fire Fulfillment Pendant Necklace, HOF offers an upgrade program that makes it the perfect investment for now, or the future. Both pieces are a musthave for a comfortable and every day look the brings out elegance.

Creating a relationship with customers who I now call my family. I am there for the customers, and this varies from helping them find their new favorite piece of jewelry or from visiting them in the hospital. The most rewarding part of all is having a relationship.

Second Favorite

352.751.6613 // ardensjewelers.com //1060 Canal St., The Villages (Lake Sumter Landing)

HOSPITAL S, HOPE, AND HE ALING

Every doctor has a reason for wanting to be a healer. Here are the stories of four area doctors who chose to make a difference.

FACE TO FACE

Plastic surgeon gained fame for saving a toddler attacked by a python.

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL // PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

D

DR. FERNANDO SERRA

r. Fernando Serra, a Sumter County native, remembers Aug. 4, 1999, well. An 18-month-old Fruitland Park boy had been bitten on the face by a 13-foot-long pet Burmese python, and the plastic surgeon needed to do emergency surgery on the child at Leesburg Regional Medical Center.

Luckily, the boy, Nickolas Graham, was taken to the hospital in time.

Media accounts of the case report Puppy, the female snake, had been placed in a bathtub to drink water before family members discovered the python had slithered outside near the concrete patio where Nickolas was playing and clamped onto him. Nickolas’ mother, Cindy Graham, frantically called 911 while his father, Bill Broyles, was bitten several times as he wrestled to uncoil the snake.

“The child had a large avulsion of the scalp and his eyelids were off the skull bone,” Dr. Serra recalls. “The kid should have gone to Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital (in Orlando), but it

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I grew up in Africa...I got my African name, Magbor, which is ugly, but it means ‘tiger woman.’”

— DR. LAUREN BRITT

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was raining and the helicopters were down. He ended up in Leesburg. I was on call, and it was pretty intense.”

The surgeon was pleased the CAT scan showed Nickolas’ brain was intact.

“Everything was there, it just needed to be put back together,” Dr. Serra says.

“From the surgical standpoint, it was relatively straightforward, and when you are operating on a child, it is more difficult because all of the structures are so small. In this case, I wore my special magnifying loupes so I could identify the tendons for the attachment of the eyelids and in putting everything back together perfectly. Fortunately, it worked out.”

Dr. Serra’s actions garnered media attention. Around five years ago, Animal

Planet TV network asked him to tell the story for an episode about snakes.

“They sent a film crew from L.A. and we did a video, we simulated an interview, and they ended up using the segment in the Animal Planet episode. They keep showing it because I keep getting phone calls from all my friends all over the nation saying, ‘Hey, I saw you on TV!’” Dr. Serra says. The Animal Planet segment can be viewed on the surgeon’s website, drserra.com, under the “In the media” tab.

“The incident really kind of catapulted my practice. I was the guy who saved the kid’s eyelids, and it opened the floodgates and turboboosted my practice,” says Dr. Serra,

who operates Central Florida Plastic Surgery in The Villages.

The surgeon was pleased to run into Nickolas and his mother a few years ago on Main Street in Leesburg.

“He was doing great and had grown up to be a very nice, handsome teenager,” Dr. Serra says. “Of course, I was examining him. There was a very faint semicircle scar around the eye—hardly any trace of the injury that had happened, and it was very rewarding to see him. I am glad it worked out with a happy ending.”

When you are operating on a child, it is more difficult because all of the structures are so small.”

—DR. FERNANDO SERRA

OUT OF AFRICA A journey redirected the medical career of Magbor, the ‘tiger woman.’

STORY: LEIGH NEELY // PHOTOS: ANTHONY RAO

F

rom the time she was a child, Dr. Lauren Britt, with Lake OB-GYN Associates of Mid-Florida,

knew she wanted to be a doctor. She set out to be a cardiovascular surgeon because she thought there was nothing more fascinating than the beating heart.

However, all that changed when the Leesburg resident took a trip to West Africa between her first and second years of medical school. “I told my parents I wanted to go to Somalia, to Mogadishu.

They said no, and we compromised on Cameroon in West Africa.”

Lauren and her best friend and maid of honor, Jessica Sullivan, who worked in public health, set off to teach African snail farming. She says the snails don’t taste like chicken, however, she ate porcupine while there, and it did taste like chicken.

To do snail farming, they built ground huts made of cinder blocks to raise the giant snails. This part of West Africa has very little protein available, even though the men hunt. The

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snail’s mucous is also a natural antibiotic, which the people can use and sell to make money.

They’re not exactly escargot. “You pop on a skewer and roast them like hot dogs.”

The two young women lived in the jungle for six weeks, fighting over the twin-bed mosquito net they had for their full bed. There was limited electricity and no running water. In addition to building the snail farms and teaching the villagers how to raise them, they helped at the local clinic.

The only supplies the doctor had were one glove per patient. “The HIV rate was 50 percent in this area, and the STDs were rampant,” Lauren says.

“A woman’s worth was based on how many children she could have. With no entertainment, there was sex, and then the STDs caused scarring and women would become infertile and shunned by their families.”

A British surgeon operated on patients for free, but patients had to furnish their own materials.

The operating room, where obstetrics patients were seen, was open air, had no running water, and had jars of stuff surrounding the perimeter, Lauren says. A woman who had been traveling in the back of a car in labor for three days arrived at the OR. The doctor determined the baby was stuck, but there were no supplies for a C-section.

“He used a box cutter as a scalpel and trauma shears for the uterus,” Lauren says. “He got the baby out, and that was the only thing I’d ever seen that was cooler than a beating heart.”

The mother and the baby lived, and Lauren says the baby is probably 10 or 11 now. “The doctor ran out of suture while closing the uterus and we had to wait for them to get more, with her lying there bleeding.”

“I grew up in Africa,” Lauren says, and she loved it. “I love sleeping on a dirt floor better than staying in a resort. That was the best and worst trip I’ve ever taken.”

The elder of the village, who was 54, honored the young women. Before they left, the two women were inducted into the tribe. “I got my African name, Magbor, which is ugly, but it means ‘tiger woman.’”

And the trip changed her professional goal—she became an OB/GYN. She and her husband, Andrew Skattum, still love working in areas like Cameroon, but now they’re concentrating on raising their two children, Hank and Alice.

“We want to take our kids with us someday. We want them to see how blessed we really are to be here.”

Every time Lauren delivers a baby in the sterile space provided for mothers in this area, she thinks of an amazing woman who traveled for three days in labor and survived a C-section in a small village in West Africa.

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THE F A M I LY BUSINESS

The legacies of his father and grandfather inspired cardiologist Rick Hurt.

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI // PHOTOS: ANTHONY RAO

S

tarting in the late 1920s, Dr. Rick Hurt’s grandfather, and later his father, served the small town of West Jefferson, Ohio, as family doctors. His grandmother, mother, and aunt were nurses, and young Rick tagged along on house calls with his dad.

So it was almost inevitable that he would enter the “family business”—once he realized he probably couldn’t make a living in a rock band.

But if Dr. Hurt ever had any second thoughts, they were erased during a sad yet inspirational event, the funeral of his grandfather, John Hurt, in the early 1990s.

“What impressed me at his funeral was that

Every few months, there’s a situation where you probably have somebody knocking at death’s door and you can have an impact in a favorable way.”

— DR. RICK HURT

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the entire town showed up—not a big town, but a farm town of about 3,000,” says Dr. Hurt, an interventional cardiologist at FHV Health in Leesburg.

About two decades later, the scene was repeated when the town turned out again for the funeral of Dr. Hurt’s father, also named John. Witnessing how these two doctors had touched people’s lives in such a profound way reinforced to Dr. Hurt that he had made the right career choice.

“It was just phenomenal to see the outpouring of support and the stories from the patients, like ‘your dad or your grandfather delivered my entire brood.’ These kinds of things are very heart-warming,” he says. “These were probably the moments that really said to me, ‘Yeah, you did the right thing,’ because I saw what they meant to their patients, and if I could do half as well in service to the community as they did, that’s certainly a worthy goal to strive for. And, as it turned out, I love what I do.”

Dr. Hurt says his dad and granddad were proud that he followed in their footsteps, if on a slightly different path. He gravitated toward cardiology

because as an internal medicine resident, most of the cases he saw were cardiac-related. Now he has 32 years of experience in cardiology and is affiliated with Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages Regional Hospital.

He enjoys the interaction with people and the positive feedback from patients.

“In cardiology, I think there is a big opportunity to make a big impact in times of crises for these patients and their families,” Dr. Hurt says.

Indeed, a cardiologist can turn a prognosis around in a heartbeat with a heart catheterization and a stent, he says. He also does procedures with angioplasty, pacemakers, and other diagnostics. Even as the doctor spoke in his office one day recently, he was on 24-hour call and directing a colleague to treat a heart attack victim

who was on the way to the hospital.

And even after three decades, when Dr. Hurt gets that call, he still feels an adrenaline rush.

“I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not, but it’s helpful at 2 in the morning,” he jokes.

While on call, Dr. Hurt occasionally needs to bring someone back from the brink.

“Every few months, there’s a situation where you probably have somebody knocking at death’s door and you can have an impact in a favorable way,” he says.

Many Midwestern transplants live in Lake and Sumter counties, bringing Dr. Hurt’s career full circle in a remarkable, coincidental way: he sometimes sees patients who knew his father and grandfather in Ohio.

Now, on a daily basis, he enjoys that same appreciation from patients that his two family members earned.

“If you can do something that may impact somebody’s life in a positive way, I think that’s a great feeling,” he says.

DR. RICK HURT

A COOL HEAD IN AN EMERGENCY Dr. Jeremy Spry has to be a fast thinker in ER cases.

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI // PHOTO: ANTHONY RAO

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A

fter more than 20 years of working in emergency rooms, Dr. Jeremy Spry still loves the fast-paced action that can have life-or-death consequences.

“You can never say you’ve seen it all,” says Dr. Spry, an osteopath and medical director at The Villages Regional Hospital. “It’s always something different. There’s a problem-solving aspect in every case. You’re working with acutely ill or injured people, and you’re taking the responsibility to know what to do to help them.”

Dr. Spry knew time was of the essence one day several years ago when a woman in her 70s or 80s was brought into the ER. The woman, whom he described as “incredibly active,” was visiting The Villages from out of town when she suffered a major stroke, the doctor says.

“With a stroke, you need to approach a patient very rapidly,” Dr. Spry says. “You only have a certain window to treat her.”

He acted immediately to get an imaging of the woman’s brain and interpret it, make sure laboratories were available, and find out the timeline of when the stroke symptoms began by talking to people who saw the woman last. The doctor needs to gather all of that information to make a judgment about the appropriate treatment for a stroke patient.

Dr. Spry’s choices had implications that potentially were life-threatening, or life-altering if a stroke survivor is left unable to speak or move. He chose to give medication to the woman, and that did the trick. Within six to 12 hours, she was on her way to a full recovery and a return to her active life, he says.

The hospital treats about three acute stroke cases each month, and sometimes doctors see an immediate resolution in the first hour or so, he says. But the nature of an ER doctor’s job is to fix a problem fast and move on—patients move on to the intensive care unit or another area for treatment, and physicians move on to the next case. They don’t make rounds the next day, or hear much feedback on patients’ progress, or develop close ties to patients.

“We get you where you need to be,” Dr. Spry says. “That’s one part of the job that’s not that good—you don’t get to see that outcome and follow the patient through.”

Dr. Spry often is asked how he deals with blood, trauma, and even death on a daily basis, and he admits that he’s a little numb to all of it because it’s his job.

“You don’t have a lot of time to dwell on it,” he says.

But that doesn’t mean cases don’t stick with ER doctors. He still recalls a case from early in his career when he was working in Kentucky. A family of five was traveling on Christmas vacation when the father fell asleep

It’s always something different. There’s a problem-solving aspect in every case.”

— DR. JEREMY SPRY

at the wheel and caused a terrible accident. One or two of the children died at the scene, and the other family members were separated and taken to different medical centers for treatment, adding anguish to the tragedy.

“You do remember cases that kind of affect you,” Dr. Spry says. “Any cases with kids are very tough cases, especially when you have children of your own and you look back in retrospect.”

ER stories run the gamut—good, bad, funny, sad, and even crazy. But the doctors need short memories.

“We understand that the worst place you want to be in life is the ER,” Dr. Spry says. “You always stay empathetic and you want their experience to be as great as it possibly can be. But at some point, it’s your job and you know what you need to do with it.”

September 2018

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SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Finding the right doctor is essential to good health.

The 2018 Health Pros Guide is designed to help make that decision easier.

Categorized by Practice, Procedure, and Profile, it’s and easy-to-use directory of the best health care providers in their ďŹ eld.

September 2018

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PROCEDURE PRACTICE PROFILE

Meet the Chiropractic USA Pros “Corrective care is the key factor in returning to Good Health. Getting adjusted in rhythm is the pathway to a Good Life”, says Dr. Renny Edelson co- founder, developer and head coach of ChiropracticUSA of Florida.

T

his group of chiropractors train together to deliver the greatest changes in a very predictable way.

The systems move practice members from skeptics to believers by showing before and after results with the use of state of the art diagnostic tools rarely used in the profession.

These tools allow them to accurately document the functional loss of the individual and track the increase in performance. In addition, they also have the most powerful cold laser only found in the training facilities of professional and collegiate sports and a couple of the top Orthopedic Surgeons in Marion County. These modalities are used to mitigate common injuries such as those arising from athletic lifestyles, and repeated occupational hazards. Many local primary physicians refer more severe injuries, like those resulting from motor vehicle accidents, to chiropracticUSA.

Dr. Edelson has been in the game for 33 years and isn’t going away anytime soon. His team of highly trained doctors: Dr. Gary Brodeur, heading out The Villages office, Dr. Hector Andino, heading out the office in Fort Lauderdale; where Dr. Edelson was the past president of the Chiropractic Society as well as the past Chiropractor for the Miami Dolphins and The Florida Panthers, Dr. Dania Mercado has been working for several years alongside of Dr. Edelson and the recent addition of Dr. Jessica Perhealth and Dr. Phillip Roger whom in Dr. Edelson’s opinion are the Best of the Best in Chiropractic Physicians are all ready to serve you. Dr. Edelson says, “We train full time and see patients in between trainings.”

It is very clear when you walk into any of the ChiropracticUSA offices you will be greeted by caring professionals who will have you tour the facility and help make the process easy. Dr. Edelson stated, “The solution report or report of findings is both informative and educational,

Buffalo Ridge // 3614 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages // 352.259.2225

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designed to show the potential practice member the road back to health and is the most important visit in our office”.

Workshops are standing room only every month on different body symptoms or what Dr. Edelson and his team of doctor’s call Body Signals.

They have also brought to our communities and businesses the three-part nutrition series: Moving Right, Eating Right and Thinking Right.

ChiropracticUSA’s doctors collective mission is to educate and adjust as many Men, Woman and Children towards optimum health through Natural Corrective Care. Dr. Edelson said, “it is a done with you not for you Wellness facility”.

With offices in Ocala (352-351-2872), The Villages (352-259-2225), and South Florida (954-581-1999) to best serve you. Call and find out which office is closest to you and schedule a consultation with one of the Pro’s. It could very well be the best experience you have ever had.

Jasmine Square // 7668 S.W. 60th Ave., Suite 500, Ocala // 352.351.2872

PROCEDURE PRACTICE PROFILE

RICHARD A. TRUESDALE, JR., M.D.

TRINI VAIDYA, M.D.

THOMAS MATHEW, M.D.

MARIANA de JONGH, M.D.

Just a golf-cart ride away

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astroenterology Associates addresses GI, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and incontinence issues.

Easily accessible and located on the third floor (Suite 531) of the Sharon Morse Medical Center on U.S. Highway 441 in The Villages, Gastroenterology Associates provides comprehensive services in gastroenterology and hepatology.

“You can get 99 percent of your GI and liver, pancreas, and gallbladder issues addressed right here. Patients can access care in their golf carts, which is really kind of amazing,” says Dr. Trini Vaidya, a gastroenterologist.

In addition to Dr. Vaidya, the practice also includes physicians, Dr. Richard A. Truesdale, Dr. Thomas Mathew, Dr. Mariana de Jongh, and advanced registered nurse practitioners Robyn Carlisle and Lyudmila Schultz.

“We are American medical-school trained, double board-certified physicians, and speak very good English. You have to have an open line of communication with someone who is taking

care of your health,” says Dr. Vaidya, who adds Dr. de Jongh, the female physician in the group, also speaks Spanish.

Among the available services: colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, ERCP, and hemorrhoid bandings. The doctors also treat colon polyps, GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, liver disease, ulcer disease, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, heartburn, and chronic constipation or diarrhea.

Dr. Vaidya is proud his group’s practice is focused on improving patients’ health.

“We often find—and most importantly—prevent cancer. We find so many polyps,” he says. “As a total group, we might be removing in the range of 300 to 400 polyps a day, and any one of those could turn into cancer. Daily, we are making a huge impact in cancer rates and it’s very, very satisfying. There are very few things in life that adds decades to someone’s life.”

In the past, patients had to travel considerable distances from home for full gastroenterology and hepatology services.

“We’re able to do just about everything here,” says Dr. Vaidya. “We are very excited that we actually can fix incontinence. It’s an FDA approved implantable device, and we are one of the few practices in the area to provide incontinence evaluation, fix, and repair of incontinence, which is a big deal, and it’s covered by Medicare. The testing is covered by insurance and Medicare, and it is considered medically necessary. It’s not considered a cosmetic procedure.”

Gastroenterology Associates // 1400 US Hwy 441, Suite 531, Lady Lake // 352.751.4885 // gaocala.com

September 2018

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Dr. Wistar “Tim” Moore III Board Certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon

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r. Wistar “Tim” Moore III, recently joined the cardiac surgery program at Florida Hospital Waterman. A board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Moore specializes in valve surgery, particularly mitral valve repairs, aortic surgery, minimally invasive valve surgery, and surgery for atrial fibrillation.

A North Carolina native, Dr. Moore played football at UNC-Chapel Hill where he subsequently earned his medical degree. He went on to complete residencies in general surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and cardiothoracic surgery at Emory Clinic in Atlanta. He is the author of Surviving the Suffering: A Christian Heart Surgeon Looks at Life’s Pain, inspired by his close relationship with his patients and their families as they navigate difficult health journeys. Dr. Moore is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Chest Physicians. Cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and stroke collectively remain the leading cause of death in the world and the United States.

“These are very serious conditions requiring treatment by a highly

Florida Hospital Medical Group Dr. Tim Moore // 352.343.1216 // FHMedicalGroup.com

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experienced, highly trained medical expert,” says Anita Young, Chief Operating Officer. “It’s a blessing to have Dr. Moore here at Florida Hospital Waterman contributing to our comprehensive cardiac surgical program. We continually strive to provide patients access to the most advanced heart care close to home. You can count on our heart team!”

Dr. Moore has been focused on providing treatment for complex heart valve problems, including repair of leaking mitral valves. A mitral valve that can be repaired will often last a lifetime and not require blood thinners like some of the artificial valve replacements, which can wear out and have to be replaced in ten or fifteen years. He has also introduced surgery for atrial fibrillation to Waterman for patients who do not require other heart procedures, and this can be done through very tiny incisions. Atrial fibrillation affects millions of Americans, and can cause poor heart function and blood clots, so patients must take blood thinners, which also have risks. The standard surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation, known as the Maze procedure, has been done for decades for patients who required other open heart procedures, but now can be done with minimally invasive techniques in patients without other heart disease.

Dr. Devlin O’Connor Board Certified Family Medicine Physician

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r. Devlin O’Connor has been interested in health and nutrition since she was a young child.

The family medicine physician, now accepting new patients at Vista del Sol Adult & Geriatric Medical Associates in Tavares, was inspired to make it her life’s work by her own family physician. “I really looked up to him,” Dr. O’Connor says.

“He had cared for me, my sister, parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents. When I was in high school he offered me a job in his office so I could decide if that is what I really wanted to do with my future. I fell in love with it.”

That sort of deep, long-lasting relationship between patient and physician is something Dr. O’Connor values now as part of her own practice.

She strongly believes that her job is to not only get to know a patient’s history, but their family and social dynamics in order to have a full understanding of their life and overall health. “All of these things are interconnected and having open communication with a patient to where the patient, their family and I discuss all options for their health benefits everyone.”

This philosophy was proven when, early in Dr. O’Connor’s career, a patient

who had not seen a doctor in three years came to her office to establish care. “She was a heavy smoker and did not care for doctors and had never opened up to any doctor in the past,” she says. Dr. O’Connor let the patient talk for a while, listened and answered her many questions. Finally, the patient admitted that she had a rash on her buttocks that had been present for more than five years that she had never told anyone about. “It ended up being severe cancer of the rectum,” says Dr. O’Connor. “I met with her family to explain the diagnosis thoroughly.

Then I was able to help her navigate her insurance, and meet with surgery, oncology and pulmonology to safely get her treatment that considered all of her health issues.” The patient, who lives in Michigan, is now in remission and doing well. “More than 5 years later, I still receive Christmas cards from her. The relationship with the whole family, making patients feel comfortable coming to me with their problems and developing a lasting relationship is why I went into medicine.”

Florida Hospital Medical Group Dr. Devlin O’Connor // 352.343.0181 // FHMedicalGroup.com

September 2018

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PROCEDURE PROFILE PRACTICE

Dr. Jason Smith Board Certified General Surgeon

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r. Jason Smith, board-certified general surgeon and recently welcomed to the team at Lake Surgical Associates, knew he had made the right choice to become a surgeon when, during his surgical residency, he was part of a team to save a police officer’s life. “He came into the trauma bay after being shot in the chest. He was calling out for us to save his life,” Dr. Smith recalls. “Being part of the finely tuned trauma team that helped treat this man, and then seeing him walk in the hallway a week later was the defining moment when I knew that surgery was where I was meant to be.”

An avid math and science student, Dr. Smith spent his childhood in Flint, Michigan accompanying his father to work at Hurley Medical Center and supporting his mother through two battles with breast cancer.

As a teenager, he underwent several surgeries for sports injuries. “All of these things made me interested in the intricacies of health and medicine, and made me want to be part of the continuing advancements of surgical care,” says Dr. Smith, who received his

Florida Hospital Medical Group Dr. Jason Smith // 352.742.0054 // FHMedicalGroup.com

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medical degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale. “And, I have always been intrigued by the osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole patient, not just the disease.”

It is this philosophy of whole-person health that inspires his work every day. “My goal is to treat patients as I would treat my friends and family,” Dr. Smith says. “I do not think the parent/ child relationship between doctors and patients is good for anyone.”

Instead, he says, patients are looking for solutions to their problems and need their physician to not only explain the solutions to them, but involve their families and caregivers in a larger plan to achieve positive outcomes. “I always strive to ask patients to be part of the treatment plan, ensuring to speak in layman’s terms so that they and their loved ones have a clear picture of what is going to happen,” Dr. Smith says.

“It’s essential that every patient feels understood and supported through what can be a frightening time in their lives. Using this approach can make all the difference in someone’s recovery and overall wellness.”

PRACTICE PROCEDURE PROFILE

He’s got your back

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r. Jose Portela has achieved outstanding results restoring postural balance and spinal stability—without turning, twisting, popping, and pulling of traditional chiropractic adjustments.

As owner of Clermont-based Balanced Spine Center, Dr. Portela is one of only 300 board certified doctors worldwide who perform the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) technique.

This unique and highly successful approach helps the body balance by ensuring that the top vertebrae in the neck, called the atlas, is in proper alignment. Thus, the skull, spine, and hips are restored to their proper positions. In addition, pressure

is taken off the nervous system, the master control panel of the body.

This gentle and precise technique, which is performed solely by hand, has helped Dr. Portela achieve significant and measurable results for countless patients. It is effective in treating patients with headaches, upper back pain, lower back pain, fatigue, dizziness, numbness of the hands and feet, and other conditions.

“I had one patient who was suffering from migraines and received no relief from botox injections and pain medication,” says Dr. Portela, a 2014 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. “She missed work and was suffering at home.

After several treatments with me, she has been migraine free for 37 days and has been able to pressure wash her home. This technique is not only about symptomatic relief; it’s also life-changing.”

Of course, the NUCCA technique is every bit as effective for preventative measures as it is for optimum function.

“We have our teeth checked even when we have no cavities or pain,” he says. “Our spines would function much better if we took a proactive approach rather than a reactive approach. In fact, I am performing this technique on toddlers so their bodies are healthy as they age.”

DR. JOSE PORTELA

Balanced Spine Center // 192 W. Hwy. 50, Clermont, FL // 352.708.5333 // bspinecenter.com

September 2018

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PROCEDURE PRACTICE PROFILE

After 20 years of care and innovation, Florida Heart and Vascular Multi-Specialty Group is now FHV Health. This change is more than a name; it signifies a shift in philosophy.

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o, the practice has not merged or been purchased by another firm. It remains the same company, guided by the same vision that has brought unprecedented success and delivered compassionate, comprehensive health care to countless Lake County residents.

The company’s new name and logo represent the comprehensive health care approach its physicians have already been practicing for years. FHV Health is more than a cardiovascular practice; it’s a beacon of health for the community.

As the largest multi-specialty group in Lake County, FHV Health boasts 250 employees and an ever-growing staff of cardiologists, vascular surgeons, nephrologists, internists, family practitioners, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who set the standard for quality medical care and excellence in patient service.

Patients already benefit from FHV Health’s whole-human health care approach. Dr. David C. Lew, who has provided care in this area since 1991, says the transition was necessary.

Integrating specialties under one umbrella has created a unique environment that is not present in most health care systems. It’s an environment where physicians know each other, efficiently communicate among one another, and provide patients with a more seamless, more convenient care network. Patients may initially visit FHV Health for the common cold.

However, if another health condition arises that requires care from a specialist, the team will be there to guide patients and coordinate

O U R

PAT I E N T

C A R E

all aspects of their care. Simply put, FHV offers a full continuum of care with easy access to offices, appointments, and more.

Rather than focusing exclusively on the heart, FHV Health allows the practitioners within its network to treat various organs and diseases in people of all ages. This is especially beneficial to patients with complex or multiple health problems.

For physicians who are part of FHV Health, one of the intangibles is the professional stimulation between colleagues. They have

D I V I S I O N S

I N C L U D E

Milestone moments from 20 years of care and innovation

BOARD

1998 Founded Leesburg Heart Group

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1999 Among the first group of cardiologists in the nation to become board certified in interventional cardiology

.com

2001

2002

2003

2004

2006

Changed name to Local principal Expanded Leesburg One of 12 Changed name to Florida Heart and investigator for the office to include international Florida Heart and Vascular Center National Institute the first outpatient investigators for the Vascular Multi due to expansion of Health sponsored cardiac catherization PAMI-NO SOS trial Specialty Group of practice into CREST carotid stent laboratory in the paving the road to – added Primary The Villages vs surgery trial region changing the national Care division to the guidelines for practice performing coronary angioplasty and stents at hospitals without open heart facilities

2007 Constructed the second outpatient cardiac catherization laboratory in the practice in The Villages location

easy access to colleagues from different disciplines and can always seek them out when needing advice or needing important questions answered. They also have easy access to a patient’s medical history and enjoy peace of mind knowing they are referring patients to trusted and talented colleagues, ensuring patients are in capable hands. Most importantly, these physicians live and work locally, so they have a vested interest in improving the health of individuals and families in the communities they serve.

Patients, on the other hand, have the benefit of receiving coordinated, collaborative and comprehensive care from one organization. For example, someone with a heart problem may be seen and taken care of by an internist, family practitioner, cardiologist

2008 Dr. David Sustarsic joined the practice to form the new Vascular Surgery division

2009

Outstanding leadership and teaching excellence award, University of Florida, Cardiovascular & Interventional Radiology Divisions (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015)

and vascular surgeon—all of whom know each other and will work together to form a treatment plan that will best suit the patient.

“Patients are the real winners because having a multi-specialty group reduces the chance for medical error,” Dr. Lew says. “For example, if we are not sure what medications a doctor outside our practice prescribed, then they might receive a medication that is in conflict with what they’re currently taking. Conversely, modeling our practice after larger and successful organizations such as Mayo Clinic means that patient safety is enhanced, medical errors are eliminated, information is shared rapidly, and health care is delivered much more efficiently.”

This model of community-based care is instrumental in meeting

2011 Local principal investigator for the CAPTURE I carotid stent post approval trial

2013 Local principal investigator for the for the CHOICE carotid stenting for high surgical risk patients

the ever-changing medical needs in Lake County. Moreover, FHV Health is proof positive that medical teamwork combined with clinical experience and convenience results in the best possible patient outcomes. FHV Health is both a reminder of how far the company has come and a promise that as it progresses, patient health will always be the focus.

“This integrative approach to health care allows us, as doctors, to be the best physicians we can be,” Dr. Lew says. “We believe that, by becoming FHV Health, we become a beacon of health for both our community and for ourselves. As for us—for our employees, partners, and colleagues—the change is also significant. We see FHV Health as an opportunity to reimagine our environment and our culture.”

2014 Regional subinvestigator for the PARADIGM Entresto Heart Failure Trial

2015 Added Nephrology division to the practice

DR. DAVID C. LEW

2016 Opened the 10th location

2017 Invented a new retrograde femoral artery interventional procedure (LewSchmidt Technique) and officially presented at the international TCT meeting

2018 Changed name to FHV Health

FHV Health // 352.504.4122 // fhvhealth.com

September 2018

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Renowned Experts.

Innovative Treatment.

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rom diagnosis through recovery, Advanced Orthopedics Institute (AOI) is improving the patient experience.

The brainchild of fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons Dr. John Williams, Jr. (who specializes in hip and knee replacements and revisions), and Dr. Alfred Cook, Jr. (who focuses on sports medicine, shoulder surgery/replacement, and knee procedures), AOI is a different kind of orthopedic practice with a different approach to the way they treat patients.

“The patient is always the most important person in the equation,” said Dr. Cook who earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1995 and later a merit, leadership and service-based scholarship awarded to only one incoming first-year medical student.

“Our patients must trust us to provide more than just excellent, compassionate care. We must contribute to the body of knowledge that creates groundbreaking developments.”

“We are inspired every day by our patients’ valor, dignity, and determination,” said Dr. Williams, who had the remarkable experience of working alongside his father, renowned Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. John Williams, at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia.

“While it’s relatively simple to diagnose a condition like a torn rotator cuff from an MRI, we don’t treat MRIs. We treat patients,” said Dr. Williams.

“To do so, we maximize conservative options – like lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatories, injections, and therapy,” says Dr. Williams.

“We factor in quality of life. One patient may say, ‘I can’t golf, I can’t sleep,’ said Dr. Cook.

That patient may be a good candidate for surgery. Another patient with the same injury

may say, ‘It doesn’t bother me much, and I can do what I want.’ That patient will probably benefit from more conservative treatment.”

“Only about 20 percent of our patients opt for surgery,” said Dr. Williams. And it is totally their decision. The next time I talk a patient into an operation will be the first time.”

“To help our patients get better, we get involved in their lives – their work, their lifestyles, their habits,” says Dr. Williams.

“Every single thing matters.”

ALFRED J. COOK, JR. ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

JOHN T. WILLIAMS, JR. ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

Advanced Orthopedics Institute // 1400 N US Hwy 441, Suite 552, (Sharon Morse Medical Center) The Villages // 352.751.2862 // goaoi.com

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PROCEDURE PRACTICE PROFILE

Bay Street Wellness

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or optimum health, Dr. Kimberly Besuden advises making small changes.

Working in Lake County since 1998, Dr. Kimberly Besuden is a chiropractic physician and certified functional medicine practitioner at Bay Street Wellness, 2430 S. Bay St., Eustis.

“I had a vision of having a place where I could have like-minded practitioners under one roof,” she says, adding Bay Street Wellness features seven practitioners of massage, acupuncture, skin care, functional medicine, and chiropractic care.

“Patients have a place where they can begin and complete their wellness journey,” she says, adding her youngest patient is 4 years old and her oldest is 98.

As a chiropractic physician, Dr. Besuden provides more than chiropractic care for treating complaints of back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches; she’s also trained to provide nutritional, dietary, and lifestyle counseling.

She guides patients through digestion, thyroid, adrenal, blood sugar, and weight management issues.

“I’m a big believer that food is our pharmacy,” Dr. Besuden says. “If we can fix the gut, not only will they be able to digest their food properly, they’ll be able to absorb the nutrition needed to funciton and feel better.

She notes many patients are eager to make lifestyle changes that often allow them to reduce or eliminate some medications.

“I’m not against medicine at all. There is a time and place for everything; medicines should not be long-term,” Dr. Besuden says. “I always tell people if your car tire has a hole in it and you put a patch on the outside, that

will last for a certain amount of time, but the patch would come off and you’d be back in the same position. With functional medicine and chiropractic care, we can fix and support the issue from the inside, not just patch it.”

Her interest in nutrition grew after hearing patients complain about feeling lousy and being tired of taking pills to treat symptoms. She has completed more than 1,000 hours of clinical nutrition coursework to be certified as a functional medicine practitioner.

She also teaches nutrition to other doctors. Additionally, she teaches quarterly nutrition programs for her patients. These classes include: 10 Day Inflammation, Blood Sugar, and Purification programs.

“My motto is one degree of change—it only takes implementng one small change to make a big difference in your health. For example, eliminate sodas from your diet.”

“I practice what I preach,” she adds.

“I exercise daily, I eat well, I eat organic, and I do everything I ask my patients to do.”

Bay Street Wellness // 2430 South Bay St., Eustis // 352.357.7244 // baystreetwellness.com

September 2018

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Dr. Frank B. Pellegrino Family medicine

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ongtime family doctor Frank B. Pellegrino is returning to Leesburg.

Dr. Frank B. Pellegrino isn’t going to start making house calls, but he is coming “home.”

After a two-year absence, the family doctor is re-expanding his office hours in Leesburg starting in September. His office will be open 8am-5pm Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. He’ll split time between Leesburg and Clermont, where he’s built a family practice for the Aegis Medical Group.

Patients in North Lake County are well-acquainted with Dr. Pellegrino, who started practicing in the area in 1991 and makes his home in Leesburg.

“Patients have been very good about driving to Clermont, but to be honest, they’d like to have the office a little closer for convenience,” he says.

During his two years in Clermont, Dr. Pellegrino has noticed the area’s younger, more multicultural demographics.

Residents are looking for preventive medicine and making healthy choices at a younger age. Among the older demographic in Leesburg and The Villages, more patients require care for chronic diseases.

Fortunately, Dr. Pellegrino’s wide range of experience makes him well-qualified to handle everything from heart attacks to joint complaints to diabetes, as well as pediatrics and women’s care. He graduated from the University of South

Florida College of Medicine, served his residency at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, and for seven years ran the urgent care center for Leesburg Regional Medical Center.

“The great thing about family practice is you really don’t know what the next patient has,” Dr. Pellegrino says. “Family physicians are in a good position to give comprehensive care to all members of the family.”

Dr. Pellegrino himself has bounced back from a serious issue with kidney stones complicated by infections. He now has a clean bill of health.

“Having been on the other side of the exam table certainly gives a depth to being able to empathize with patients who are going through the fear and anxiety of procedures, the uncertainty of what the future holds, and the frustration at times with the medical system and thinking, ‘Why can’t the doctors make me better quicker?’” he says.

Across nearly 30 years of working in Lake and Sumter counties, Dr. Pellegrino enjoys the bond he has with patients, some of whom are now in their 80s and 90s.

“Having that long-term doctorpatient relationship really allows you to know what patients’ wants and dislikes are, how they want their health care delivered, and to work better in conjunction with them to make that happen,” he says.

Lakeview Healthcare System 1801 U.S. Hwy 441, Bldg. 100, Leesburg // 352.460.400418550 | U.S. Hwy 441, Mount Dora // 352.735.3755 | 10250 SE 167th Pl. Rd., Ste. 5, Summerfield // 352.307.9925

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Dr. Michael Chesner Cardiologist

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or someone who describes himself as “very uniquely New York,” Dr. Michael Chesner has made himself at home in Central Florida since relocating last year.

“I enjoy the area very much,” says the cardiologist, who splits time among three offices in the Lakeview Healthcare System. “I like the people. I like the staff that I’ve worked with. I’ve established a good relationship with many of my patients. I find many of them really want solutions to their health problems and are willing to do what they need to do to help themselves.”

After 20 years in private practice on Long Island, Dr. Chesner faced a lifechanging event in 2012 when his town was “ground zero” for Hurricane Sandy’s wrath. The town, and his hospital, never truly recovered and he was forced to look elsewhere to make a living. He and his wife, Amy, had always vacationed in Central Florida, so they moved in July 2017—two months before Hurricane Irma swept across the state.

“So, where does somebody who’s devastated by a hurricane go?

Florida,” he jokes.

Dr. Chesner quickly built a new professional life. He has privileges at three local hospitals, but primarily treats patients in the office, for issues such as shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. He specializes in preventing heart disease in patients who have

been diagnosed with risk factors, and he utilizes nutritional supplements for people who can’t tolerate prescription medications.

“I don’t think any cardiologist will say that there’s a typical day,” he says. “I like the interactions both with staff and the patients, and the satisfaction of finding out what’s wrong and helping them deal with whatever the problem is.”

Dr. Chesner is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiology, nuclear cardiology, and cardiac echocardiography. His background covers all five New York boroughs: born in Brooklyn and raised in Staten Island, he attended college in Manhattan and medical school at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx. He served his residency at Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx and his fellowship in cardiology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens.

He still follows the New York sports teams and also enjoys barbecuing.

His 25 years of experience help make patients feel at home in his office.

“I’m a doctor who will sit and listen to them and talk to them and make them feel very comfortable,” Dr. Chesner says. “I will help them to feel that it’s an environment in which they are welcome to express what they want to express and know that they will be listened to.”

Lakeview Internal Medicine Building 1801 U.S. Highway 441, Bldg. 100, Leesburg // 352.460.4004

Aegis Medical Group 1745 E. Highway 50, Suite C, Clermont // 352.394.8060

September 2018

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Dr. Laura Pratesi Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA

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orn with hearing loss in one ear, Laura Pratesi fell through the healthcare cracks for 25 years before receiving a proper diagnosis and a hearing aid. She never knew what she was missing.

She vividly remembers the day in college when she was first fitted with the device.

“I just cried,” she says. “To me, the sound quality difference was like I had been underwater with how muffled and distorted things were, and now suddenly how sharp and crisp and clear everything was.”

The moment was so life-changing, Laura switched her major at Auburn University and earned a Doctor of Audiology degree because she wanted to help others with hearing loss. This year, she opened her own practice, Citrus Hearing Clinic, in Clermont after previously working for The Villages Health and the ENT Institute of Atlanta.

She found that convenient, affordable audiology care, particularly for children, was in short supply. She is the only pediatric audiologist in this area, but she treats patients of all ages.

“I wanted to make audiology services more accessible to people,” Dr. Pratesi says. “It’s made such a big difference in my quality of life that I want to make that same difference in the quality of life of my patients.”

At Citrus Hearing Clinic, she provides hearing tests, including screenings for newborns; dispenses hearing aids and adjusts them to proper volume levels through Real-Ear measurements; does cochlear implant mapping and maintenance; tests for and treats tinnitus and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV; removes earwax; and makes

custom earplugs and in-ear monitors for musicians.

She offers a cash-pay discount to patients if she’s out of their insurance network, and helps patients get hearing aids for market price by unbundling the anticipated costs of future appointments and therapy.

“Wherever they go to get their hearing aid, I recommend that they consult with a doctor first because we’re concerned with medically managing hearing-balance disorders,” she says. “My job is to make sure that if they need a hearing aid, they walk out the door with the right one and it’s going to do what they need it to do.”

Since she was fit with a hearing aid as an adult, Dr. Pratesi has been able to look at her situation as both a patient and a doctor.

“I don’t think you have to have hearing loss to be a good audiologist, but I would say it has definitely made me a better one.”

Citrus Hearing Clinic, LLC // 835 7th St., Suite 2, Clermont // 352.989.5123 // citrushearing.com, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

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A place where recovery is key You’ll find compassion, essential care, and a safe road to recovery at TVRH Rehabilitation Hospital.

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iscovering that inpatient rehabilitation is needed can often be confusing for a patient and their family, especially after a traumatic incident like a stroke, spinal cord injury, or joint replacement. However, there is a place that offers excellent therapy in a caring environment during your journey back to good health.

TVRH Rehabilitation Hospital is part of The Villages® Regional Hospital, located on the fifth floor. It is a 30-bed acute-care, inpatient rehabilitation center designed to aid those with chronic conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, amputation, neurological disorders, and knee or hip replacement.

Using this facility means you have easy access to hospital services such as diagnostic testing and physician oversight by a board-certified physiatrist. The rehabilitation hospital includes a physical therapy gym, communal dining hall, and an activities-of-daily-living suite. While in the hospital, patients receive around-the-clock care.

Delaine Guitian, OTR, MBA/HCM, Director of Rehabilitation Services, including the rehabilitation hospital, cited a 2014 study conducted by the ARA Research Institute—an affiliate of the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association—that noted patients achieved better results with inpatient rehabilitation facilities. There were many significant differences. For example, the average length of stay in post-acute care was 12.4 days versus 26.4 days while in a skilled nursing facility.

“Patients must have a medical reason to be admitted here, but we do things like helping stroke patients learn to manage their blood pressure,” Guitian says. “When you look at the differences in cost, acute rehabilitation may cost more initially, but the outcome is better. The patient gets well faster, goes home quicker, and stays home longer.”

She notes patients seem to respond better when they realize the TVRH Rehabilitation Hospital is a short-term facility.

“Our therapists and nurses provide quality care with great outcomes,” Guitian says. “Patients need to know they can request to come to TVRH Rehabilitation Hospital. While there are a number of options that may be provided by a patient’s doctor and/or case manager, the patient has the ultimate choice.”

Visitors are welcomed in the TVRH Rehabilitation Hospital at any time. “Walk-ins are welcome,” Guitian says, “or you can call and make an appointment. We provide hope, and we have the best care here. We think you’ll find a quicker and more comfortable path to recovery in our facility than anywhere else.”

TVRH Rehabilitation Hospital // 1451 El Camino Real, The Villages // 352.751.8516 // thevillagesregionalhospital.org THE VILLAGES is a federally registered trademark of Holding Company of The Villages, Inc. and is used under license. The Villages® Regional Hospital is part of

September 2018

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PROCEDURE PRACTICE PROFILE

Better vision is just around the corner

“

W

e are honored to have been nominated by your readership as one of the best eye doctors in Sumter/Lake Counties.”

Paul E. Collins, O.D. is a Board Certified Optometric Physician and has completed two residencies in Ocular Disease, Retina, Glaucoma, Cataract, and LASIK co-management with some of the leading optometrists & ophthalmologists in the world. One of his residency locations was at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, rated No. 1 in ophthalmology in the U.S. for the past 13 years, and the other at Commonwealth Eye Surgery Center in Lexington, Kentucky, a leading

cataract/LASIK/Co-management center in Central Kentucky.

John Chiaramnti, O.D., also a Board Certified Optometric Physician originally from Cary, North Carolina, earned his undergraduate degree from Elon University and attended Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale where he earned a second bachelor’s degree in vision science and earned his doctorate in optometry.

He has a strong clinical interest in primary care optometry and treatment and management of dry eye disease, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Call us for your next eye exam with one of our eye doctors today!

Services provided: • Comprehensive Medical Eye Exams

• Thousands of Fashionable Eyewear to select from (Oakley, Maui Jim, Silhouette, etc)

• Medical Eye Emergencies • Extensive Ocular Health Exams: Glaucoma, Diabetes, Macular Degeneration, etc.

• Complimentary Eyeglass Repair & Cleaning Services

• Licensed Opticians on-site for difficult-tofit eyewear • On-site Lab for sameday and/or next-day glasses (some limitations apply)

DR. JOHN CHIARAMONTI

• Full-service contact lens services (Scleral, RGP, Bifocal and Keratoconus fittings)

OF THE VILLAGES®

EyeSite of The Villages® // 2909 Traverse Trail, The Villages // 352.674.EYES (3937) // eyesite-thevillages.com

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DR. PAUL COLLINS

PRACTICE PROCEDURE PROFILE

He feels your pain

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xperiencing lower back pain, a pinched nerve, sciatica, neck pain, or a variety of symptoms related to damaged or degenerative discs?

Dr. Jeffrey Glover of Glover Chiropractic Clinic personally understands how debilitating it can be because he has experienced back issues, and as a result, he found relief from the pain-free, non-surgical, DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy—the same treatment he provides his patients.

“This is what was used to fix my back,” he says. “When I was in chiropractic school, I suffered from low back pain and was unable to get out of bed for three days.”

DTS Therapy eliminated his pain.

“It’s what got me back to being able to go to the gym and do more things,” Dr. Glover says, adding many of his patients are thrilled after a few treatments to feel great and be able to play golf, go shopping, perform household chores, and do activities they enjoy again.

“This increases a patient’s quality of life to live as pain free as possible,” he says. Patients appreciate DTS Therapy as an alternative to surgery, and they feel comfortable knowing Dr. Glover understands what they’ve been experiencing.

“To sympathize is good, but being able to empathize is just as important,” he says.

DTS Therapy is a major part of Glover Chiropractic Clinic, and Dr. Glover shares with patients the pain-free treatment creates decompression by gently stretching the spine to relieve pressure from the discs, joints, and muscular tissues while the patient is in a comfortable position.

Glover Chiropractic Clinic // 312 N. 14th St., Leesburg // 352.787.9995 // gloverchiro.com

DR. JEFFERY GLOVER

September 2018

63

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A

M IR ONE YEAR AFTER

The hurricane was a thunderous wake-up call for Lake and Sumter residents.

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI

September 2018

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IRMA TOSSED BOATS AROUND AND DESTROYED THE TAVARES MARINA IN SEPTEMBER 2017. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CITY OF TAVARES

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olunteers armed with chainsaws came from all over the Southeast.

Federal agencies offered food and financial relief. Neighbors helped neighbors who had to leave their homes because of fallen trees or flooding.

One year ago, Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc across Lake and Sumter counties. But as much as the state suffered, Irma actually was at its strongest long before reaching Central Florida. This sobering reality still haunts the region: it could have been worse.

One emergency manager says Irma’s punch left the area with only a “black eye,” but scars remain. The city of Tavares, for example, still is rebuilding its waterfront after suffering millions of dollars of damage. Blue tarps dot the landscape in both counties, marking houses that haven’t been repaired.

In Lake, nearly 50 homeowners who are elderly, disabled, uninsured, underinsured, or veterans are receiving assistance from Lake and Sumter Emergency Recovery, or LASER. The nonprofit organization only recently received grant funds for Irma repairs, Executive Director Brandi Martin says.

“People don’t really understand it’s long-term recovery,” she says. “But it’s happening and we’re finally able to use the funds and we’re all very thankful for it.”

Administrators in Lake and Sumter have reevaluated emergency response plans. But they say the biggest lesson learned is that residents need to prepare better. Irma was a wake-up call for residents who hadn’t experienced a tropical cyclone before, says Tommy Carpenter, manager of Lake County’s emergency management division.

“It shows that we can have one,” he says.

“It wasn’t as bad as initially forecast, but we got beat up pretty good over a 24-hour

period. It is important to be prepared during the Florida hurricane season.”

Irma was one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record and one of the costliest with estimates of $50 billion in losses, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. What made Irma unique was the wide swath it cut, hovering over the entire Florida Peninsula and bringing wind, rain, and storm surge to virtually every spot in the state. All 67 counties declared states of emergency and closed schools and government offices.

Irma made landfall Sept. 10 in the Keys as a category 4 hurricane and struck southwest Florida at category 3 intensity, according to a National Hurricane Center report. Once inland, Irma weakened. The hurricane’s center passed between Tampa and Orlando by 2am Sept. 11 as a category 1 storm. Overnight, Irma produced sustained winds near hurricane force with gusts of 70 to 90 mph across the entire region, and gusts of 100 to 110 mph in the eyewall, Lake County reported.

In the aftermath, lengthy power outages, downed trees, debris cleanup, and flooding made life miserable. Heavy rainfall caused flood levels in the Withlacoochee and St. Johns rivers, and the community of Astor and the Lake George area were severely inundated.

LASER handled nearly 400 cases, mostly involving debris removal, putting tarps on houses, and providing supplies and other services, Brandi says.

But many homes required long-term assistance. This summer, a case manager met with homeowners who are still in need of repairs, including roofs, interiors, ceilings, drywall, flooring, and more.

Volunteers assist with interior repairs,

and Brandi had roofing contractors lined up to start work on three homes by the end of August. Almost all of the open cases are in Lake. Brandi says faith-based organizations and local churches aided many residents in Sumter.

LASER received $400,000 in grant funds, but the key word in “long-term recovery” is “long,” she says. The grant process is cumbersome, and it takes time for funds to reach the organization from national, state, and county sources.

Overall, Lake County tallied more than $41 million of damage. Sumter County government reported damage totaling about $2.7 million, according to Olga Rabel, assistant county budget officer. That figure doesn’t include totals for The Villages, which in addition to downed trees, debris, and flooding also suffered damage to buildings and infrastructure, a news release states. A Villages-wide estimate is not available, the district clerk says.

“Lake County, in terms of damage, was extremely lucky,” Tommy says. “We got strong wind and rain, but not the sustained hurricane-force winds.”

Tavares was not so lucky, as the city’s seaplane base and marina were destroyed.

A rebuild project is under way, with a design cost of $750,000 and construction estimated at multimillion-dollar levels, City Administrator John Drury says.

“Once it is complete, we will have completely recovered from Irma here in Tavares,” says John, who’s also looking forward to a new public safety complex, currently under construction, that will house the city’s emergency operations center.

Tommy is discovering more groups are interested this year in public presentations

IRMA DOWNED TREES EVERYWHERE, AND FLOODED ASTOR. LEFT PHOTO PROVIDED BY LASER; RIGHT PHOTO PROVIDED BY LAKE COUNTY

Hurricane Irma by the numbers $41 million about hurricanes, and he’s drilling home the importance of preparation. Lake County administrators also learned a lot from Irma after taking steps they never had taken before: opening 14 public shelters, transporting 452 people to and from shelters, and housing 600 pets. The emergency management division has since worked with the Lake County School Board and the sheriff’s office to better facilitate future shelter operations, Tommy says.

Similarly, Sumter County has made improvements to processes involving shelters, damage assessment, and debris pickup, Emergency Management Director David Casto says. For example, the county now has an agreement with the school district to make all school shelters pet-friendly. The agreement also enables the county to seek federal reimbursement for shelter costs.

The biggest upgrade since last year is the opening of two buildings, The Villages-Sumter County Public Safety Center and a renovated backup center in Bushnell. The new facilities give the emergency management division more capabilities, David says.

He considers Irma to be one of the most “frustrating” natural disasters he’s ever seen “because of the long-term power loss and the dependency people have now on electricity, the internet, and the connectivity that goes along will all that. Irma proved the point that as a society, we depend on technology and when we’re without it, that creates stress.”

Like his colleague in Lake County, David also cites an unfortunate lack of preparation by many residents for setbacks such as dayslong power outages and flooding.

“That’s why I say ‘frustrating,’” David says. “It could’ve been much worse. It could’ve been much better. People weren’t really prepared for an event like this.

That’s one of my messages: get prepared even stronger.”

Estimated property damage in Lake County.

6 million Florida residents evacuated from coastal areas.

300,000 Estimated cubic yards of debris collected in Lake—six times more than the total for 2016.

123,000 Consumers who lost power in Lake.

45,000 Sandbags distributed in Lake.

13,975 Calls to Lake’s Citizens Information Line.

4,978 People housed at 14 Lake County shelters.

178 Irma’s top wind speed as a category 5 hurricane on Barbuda.

82 Indirect deaths caused by Irma, including 77 in Florida.

47 Direct deaths caused by Irma, including 10 in the U.S.

21.66 Most inches of reported rainfall, from Sept. 9-12 near Fort Pierce.

Sources: Lake County and National Hurricane Center

September 2018

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WELCOME ADAM THOMAS

Create superior office workflow Business Techs provides high quality products and service for all your office technology needs.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

S ABOVE, L-R: Jennifer Stults, Mark Costa, Rodney Risner, Chad Boliek, Jim Culbreath, Beau Franklin, Terry Williams, Richard Crews, Tom Myler, Hailey Franklin, Melisa Franklin, Angie Boliek

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ucceeding in today’s business world is becoming increasingly difficult.

Having superior office technology and a network setup are instrumental in helping companies meet their goals.

That’s why businesses throughout Lake, Sumter, Citrus, and Marion counties rely on Business Techs for all their office technology needs.

Based in Leesburg, Business Techs sells and services topof-the-line copiers, fax machines, and network laser printers manufactured

by Sharp, HP, and Brother. The familyowned company has thrived in the area for more than two decades because of its reputation for providing clients with high-quality products, competitive

pricing, and impeccable service.

At Business Techs, we believe in hard work, doing the right thing, and bending over backward for our customers. We strive for 0 complaints.

When we do receive one it is rare and dealt with immediately.

About three years ago we received a second complaint in a three week (unheard of) time period. I was so upset

that I stayed late that evening to draft a letter to all personnel.

Here is the copy of that letter in hopes it will show you how Business Techs feels about customer service . We hope this reinforces to our current and potential custiomers how much we value the confidence you have placed in us.

M y Jo b My job is to I shou ld be s do my job to triving t yesterd to be a he best of m ay. M y abili y be for thi ty ever s job a job is to rem tter person y today nd tha ember exchan than I day. t I agr that I ge for eed was cam pa apprec iated a y. We expec to do what w e to you as kin to nd a certain ly noth special. Ev ur customer s expected of g st ery in m Monda y- Frid g less. We e one. Everyd o be made to e in xpect a ay. No ay from custom feel t g ers off h r 8 i e n a 5 g t .M mo att ice and having adjust y job is to s itude every d re and a bad ens m da ay, custom er isn’ y, it is my j y behavior a e the mood t cc in our ob to b angry e profe ordingly. If to a cu made uncom s I am fortabl st time w e. If y sional enoug ith my omer, you a ou eve re c have s r appe h that my upport urrent custo wrong! My ar u me job is a me an to spen pset or xious t nd if additio r as he need da na hat I m s. To r to rem ememb s much ay sim l calls are b ember er a that I p attitud accept ly call our o cking up and that I e. My ed p ffic m te “clean liness” chnical skill ay first & f e for relief. M aking sa ore sk y compla ints “u ills are prett re secondary most for my job is y . To re p” and g around membe reat . To re only sp important al r s membe r to call r I am ead good na o. My job is that my in for tur th to take re at the high le e day off if I placeable. To e and comp li vel tha “thank t is ex feel I am un be professio ments you”. pected nal en T our cu o . My j able to perfo stomer o be happy rm my ugh ob is t and re . To d that th o job smile o mo ady e apprec machine is s re than I sh to be inconv and say, iated i e s the m econdary an ould. My job nienced by d ost im i portan that my cus s to rememb tomer t part feeling er of my job!

—B eau

Business Techs 421 N. Palmetto St., Leesburg 352.326.3418 businesstechsinc.com

September 2018

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THE TO-DO LIST //

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IN CONCE RT //

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LOCAL TALENT //

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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT //

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NEAR & FAR

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Photo: Nicole Hamel

On the Scene

The second annual Pinellas Plaza Craft Festival brings you the best local talent in Central Florida.

SEE STORY on PG 82

* TOHnE TTOh- DeO SL cI S eT n e

September S E P T. 1 - 4

Show tunes Something Wonderful: A Celebration of Rodgers & Hammerstein will include some of the celebrated team’s greatest musical songs. MondayFriday, 4pm and 8pm; SaturdaySunday, 3pm and 7pm. At The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol, 806 San Marino Dr., The Villages. See thesharon.com for tickets.

S E P T. 2

S E P T. 7 - 2 3

S E P T. 7 - 9

S E P T. 7 - 3 0

Promenade concert You may not know that’s what the original “Pops” symphony concerts were called but you’ll definitely enjoy this evening presented by Villages Philharmonic Orchestra. This the first of their 2018-19 season. Tickets: $25-$65 for 7pm show at The Sharon in Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages.

CENFLO The 13th annual CENFLO, Central Florida Film Festival is at Epic Theaters in Mount Dora this year! Designed to entertain, educate, and expose Florida residents to the cultural importance of independent film as an art. Ticket and festival information available at centralfloridafilmfestival.com. 2300 Spring Harbor Blvd. in Mount Dora.

Scary ever after “Into the Woods,” the successful Broadway show based on fairy tales. Melon Patch Theatre, 311 N. 11th St., Leesburg.

352.787.3013, Monday-Friday 10am5pm. See melonpatchplayers.org for ticket information.

He did what?

“The Full Monty” comes to Bay Street Players, 109 North Bay St., Eustis. See what develops when a group of steelworkers spy on their wives watching male strippers. See baystreetplayers.orgforticketinginfoor emailboxoffice@baystreetplayers.com or 352.357.7777.

S E P T. 8

SEP

T. 7 -3

0

Pause for a purse Savannah Parvu will be the guest speaker for Ruth House “Purses of Purpose” Tea from 9am-noon at Red Rail Golf & Country Club, 26025 Member Lane, Sorrento. The tea includes a designer purse auction. For information, call Olivia at 352.340.9830 or to register, call Connie at 352.223.6983.

S E P T. 8 - 9

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Say cheeeese!

Lakeridge Winery is hosting its first Wine and Cheese Festival with live music, beer, soft drinks, and a variety of great food. 10am-5pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. 19239 U.S. Highway 27 North, Clermont.

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S E P T. 2 8

S E P T. 1 0

The stars are dancing Seven TV and stage top choreographers dance with the singing stars of American Idol. Here great songs from “West Side Story,” “Chicago,” “Grease,” and many others.

Tickets: $20-$70. Show times: 5 & 8pm at The Sharon in Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages.

S E P T. 1 4 - 3 0

Two wives, one husband “Run for Your Wife” is the story of a taxi driver who manages his life so he has two wives—until they catch him. See icehousetheatre.com for ticket info.

1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. Box office: 352.383.4616, Tuesday-Friday, 1-5pm.

S E P T. 1 6

Pop a cork, help someone!

Corks for Cancer is being hosted by Lakeridge Winery with a portion of the proceeds from the event going to the Leesburg Regional Medical Center cancer programs. Admission: Adults $3; children 12 and under FREE. 19239 U.S. Highway 27 North, Clermont.

Charity golf

S E P T. 2 2

Artisans and music BoHo Fest in downtown Leesburg, 10am-8pm. Enjoy eight bands on the main stage, interactive art stations, and 75 artisans, crafters, artists, and makers.

Presented by Leesburg Center for the Arts. For information, call 352.365.0232.

The newly named Steve Smith Charity Golf Classic will benefit New Beginnings of Central Florida. Beginning at 8:30am at the Orange County National, 16301 Phil Ritson Way, in Winter Garden, this will be a classic event. For information, contact shannon@bncfl.org or check the website, nbcfl.org.

S E P T. 2 4 - 2 6

Cell block tango See “Chicago,” which is now in its 20th year on Broadway and won six 1997 Tony Awards. Shows are 7:30pm on Monday; 3pm and 8pm on Tuesday; and 7:30pm on Wednesday. Tickets: $50-$100 at The Sharon, Spanish Springs Town Square, The Villages.

S E P T. 2 5 - 3 0

What do you say?

Thomas, a successful writer, is asked to write the eulogy for his old friend Alvin. It’s played out in an intimate

two-person musical and friendship and life. Tickets: $20/previews and $40/performances. Show times: 7pm at The Studio Tierra Del Sol, 806 San Marino Dr., The Villages.

S E P T. 2 9 - 3 0

Christmas shopping time!

Don’t miss the Pinellas Plaza Craft Festival at 2500 Burnsed Blvd. in The Villages. You’ll find vendors with metalwork, beaded utensils, ceramics, clothing, jewelry, plants, and soaps and lotions. 10am-4pm. Free admission.

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

Ongoing Events Farmer’s Markets Brownwood Farmer’s Market Saturday, 9am-1pm 2726 Brownwood Blvd., Wildwood Lady Lake Farmer’s Market Tuesday, 9am-1pm Lady Lake Log Cabin 106 S. U.S. Highway 27/441

Every Friday Wear Red Fish Fry Enjoy a fish fry at AMVETS Post 2006, 500 N. Canal St., Leesburg.

For more info, see amvets2006.com.

5-7pm 1st Saturday: Wine Tasting Stroll Starts at Maggie’s Attic at Alexander Street and 4th Avenue. 6-8pm (7-9pm in summer)

2nd Friday: Art Splash Features artists and performers on the sidewalks of downtown Mount Dora. 6-8pm 2nd Friday Acoustic music Live local musicians at Leesburg Center for the Arts, 429 W. Magnolia St. 7-9pm

2nd Friday: Movie in the Park Starts at dusk at Donnelly Park, downtown Mount Dora.

3rd Thursday: Mount Dora Food Trucks Downtown Mount Dora.

2nd Saturday Food Truck N Flick Night Leesburg Towne Square.

Every Thursday Family game night Tavares Public Library, 315 N. New Hampshire Ave. 6-8pm.

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

4th Saturday: Classic Car Cruise-In Downtown Eustis.

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* IONnC OTNhC EeR TS c e n e

DATE

TIME

ARTIST

VENUE

9/5

7:30pm

Jeff Whitfield

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

9/6 9/7

7pm 8pm

Bret Messer Defenders of Daisies

Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

9/7

9pm

Mad Hadder Band

Frank’s Place, Leesburg

9/8

Noon

Shawn Ash

Whispering Oaks Winery, Oxford

9/8

1pm

Lonie Carter

9/8

3pm

Mai Tatro and Moonlight Drive-In

9/8

7:30pm

The Lovin’ Spoonful

Gator Bay Marina, Leesburg Gator Joe’s Beach Bar and Grill, Ocklawaha Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

9/8

8pm

Da Boys

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

9/9

9am and 11am

Sean Currier

Real Life Christian Church, Mount Dora

9/12

6pm

Bobby Messano

Savannah Center, The Villages

9/13

7:30pm

Joe Van

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

9/14

7pm

Anita Renfroe

Real Life Christian Church, Clermont

9/15

11am

Mad Hadder Band

Gator Harley-Davidson, Leesburg

9/15 9/15 9/15

Noon 7pm 8pm

Shawn Ash Honey Hounds Lonie Carter

Whispering Oaks Winery, Oxford Oxford Downs, Summerfield Crossroads 44, Eustis

9/15

8pm

Justin Heet

9/15

8:30pm

Aaron Shust

9/16

1:30pm

Adam Grayford

9/20

7pm

Greg Pando

9/20

7:30pm

Dangerous Dave Merrill

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares The Mojo Grill and Catering Company, Belleview Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

9/21

8pm

The Machine

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

9/21

9pm

10,000 Papercuts

Frank’s Place, Leesburg

9/22

Noon

Shawn Ash

Whispering Oaks Winery, Oxford

9/22

7pm

Lonie Carter

American Legion, Mount Dora

9/22

7:30pm

John Anderson

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

9/23

1:30pm

Dennis Gallo

9/27

7pm

Greg Pando

9/27

9pm

Dan Rodz

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares The Mojo Grill and Catering Company, Belleview Oasis Saloon, Sorrento

9/28

8pm

Kings County

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

9/29

Noon

Shawn Ash

Whispering Oaks Winery, Oxford

9/29

7:30pm

TG Sheppard

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

9/30

1:30pm

Al Manfredi

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

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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A lifestyle that fits you!

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Her reality is abstract Artist Liz Wincup continually broadens her landscapes.

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI // PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

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“One thing I really love about this area is there are all kinds of artists.”

—LIZ WINCUP

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he bohemian adventure of Europe-by-hostel opens the eyes of travelers to a new world.

Liz Wincup’s journey was no exception.

She was a history major at Louisiana State University when a Fulbright Scholarship took her to Yugoslavia to study.

After finishing coursework, Liz and several other students traveled to see the classical culture of Italy and France.

“I saw all this art and I just fell in love with it,” Liz says. “I had no interest in art at all until that event. I look back and that was really lifechanging for me.”

She decided to minor in art history at LSU, and took painting classes as a postgraduate. After retiring as a fundraiser for the LSU Foundation, she devoted more time to painting professionally. Liz and her husband, Pete, moved nine years ago to Mount Dora, where she teaches artists and chairs the city’s Public Arts Commission.

“One thing I really love about this area is there are all kinds of artists—the hobbyist, the professional, the avocational,” Liz says.

“It’s so fun to be with likeminded people.”

She was a member of the Baker Street Artists’ Studios for eight years, but when the lease ended this year, Liz transformed the front room of her house into a studio.

She describes herself as an abstract colorist, transitioning

over the years from realistic landscapes in oils to abstract landscapes in acrylics.

Contrary to some askew viewpoints, abstract painting has rules: balancing lightness and darkness, and the use of shape, grayed colors, and negative space, the space around the subject. Liz methodically focuses on three C’s: concept, colors, and composition.

“Then I just turn up the music and paint. I’m not thinking about all those rules. I just want to have fun,” she says.

She has evolved her style further by creating nonobjective paintings with color as the subject.

“I think it’s a natural progression,” Liz says. “If you’re still painting the same thing you painted 40 years ago, you’re not really growing.”

This month, she’s participating in Art in the Alley, the rebranded Art Stroll staged the second Friday each month. However, Liz enjoys experimenting with art more than selling it.

“It is a business, but it’s more of a pleasure to me now,” she says. “It’s more about the journey than it is about anything else.”

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Home is where the art is Craft festival settles in at Villages’ Pinellas Plaza for a second year.

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

A

s a copper sculptor who has traveled all over the country, Bill Squires always adapted his work to wherever he found himself. When he owned a gallery in North Carolina, for example, some of his work featured farmhouses and moonshine stills.

So, naturally, after living in Florida for about 20 years, his metalwork often takes on the shapes of wildlife and fishing towns and ocean scenes.

“You don’t sell igloos in Florida,” Bill jokes.

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BILL SQUIRES, OF LEESBURG, USES A TORCH TO CREATE HIS METALWORK SCULPTURE.

The Leesburg resident will display his wares at the second annual Pinellas Plaza Craft Festival from 10am4pm Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29-30.

The plaza is at 2500 Burnsed Blvd., south of County Road 466A and east of Powell Road in The Villages, and the

festival will be staged in the grass fields adjacent to CR 466A. Admission is free.

In addition to metalwork, vendors will offer a diverse array of media and items, including beaded utensils, ceramics, clothing, fabric, floral, glass, home goods, jewelry, mixed media,

paintings, plants, pet accessories, pottery, wood, and garden ornaments, as well as a “green market” with gourmet soaps and lotions.

Bill will be one of about 75 to 100 artisans participating in the show, says Elizabeth Dashiell, publicist for the organizer, Howard

Alan Events & American Craft Endeavors. They will come from all over the state, including Melbourne, TampaSt. Pete, Sarasota, and Naples, and even as far as Chicago.

That’s a pretty long reach for a festival in only its second year, but last year’s inaugural event obviously was a success.

“A new show takes at least one or two years usually to get a strong following,” Elizabeth says. “Last year’s show enjoyed a nice turnout.”

Bill wasn’t able to make it to Pinellas Plaza in 2017, but he rarely misses a Villages show. He’s been a professional artist for more than 45 years and toured the top shows in the country from New England to California for much of his career.

He enjoys working with copper because it’s malleable and can be used in a variety of techniques. He can use the heat of an oxygen acetylene torch to vary the color from brass to brilliant red. He also can create different

textures with copper and perform intricate detail work, such as the vein of a leaf.

In fact, he created the copper tree in the lobby of the Leesburg Public Library, and also has done commissioned work for the lake pavilion in the city of Tavares, where he formerly owned the Copper Heron restaurant/gallery.

Bill can’t use his torch at the festival, but he will give a presentation and bring along about 50-60 pieces of his work. About 50 percent of his work is commissioned, so he’ll take requests from visitors, something he always enjoys doing for Villagers.

“It’s a fantastic group of people,” Bill says. “All my work are one-off originals, so it’s fun to create for them.”

The Villages also is home to one of the largest Jimmy Buffett Parrot Heads clubs, so Bill soon may find himself designing a Margaritaville bar or some other scene from a Buffett song.

Most of the participating artisans

tailor their work for clients, Elizabeth says. For example, Rosemarie Re, owner of Silks in The Villages in Fruitland Park, creates custom silk floral arrangements, including floor plants and trees, orchids, sconces, tropical plants, and designs for mantels and ledges.

“The artisans are there not only to customize but also to speak to visitors and get engaged in what was behind each creation,” Elizabeth says. “It’s a fun, interactive experience.”

In addition to the craft festival, Pinellas Plaza has several retail shops and restaurants, so visitors can make a weekend of shopping and dining, highlighted by the displays from Bill and some of the nation’s other top crafters.

“I look forward to seeing all my clients and I’m excited about what will be requested of me to do,” Bill says.

*

It’s a fantastic group of people.

All my work are one-off originals, so it’s fun to create for them.

— BILL SQUIRES

September 2018

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PHOTO: LEIGH NEELY

Gators are wild in Gainesville, especially during football season, but there are plenty of things to do when the Gators leave The Swamp.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

Gainesville, FL

T

hough much in Gainesville revolves around the University of Florida, the good news is you can enjoy this beautiful city any time.

I visited during summer, but it was exciting to see Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium from my room at AC Hotel Gainesville Downtown. This new Marriott hotel chain is elegant and comfortable. On a delightfully busy corner, this new hotel is less than a mile from the UF campus and offers access to anywhere in the city in minutes.

Before you go out for the evening, stop at the lobby lounge to see the special ritual called “Fog on the Swamp.�

September 2018

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A must-see is the UF Bat Houses, which are the world’s largest occupied bat houses.

ENTERTAINMENT

The UF campus also features the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, two amazing venues.

The museum houses the Butterfly Rainforest, an

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exhibit that takes you into the tranquil, colorful world of butterflies. The variety and beauty of these insects is breathtaking amid the lush foliage in the garden. This place is entrancing.

Through Sept. 16, you can enjoy “Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats,” an interactive exhibit at the Museum of Natural History. General admission is free, though donations are accepted. There is a cover charge for featured exhibits and the Butterfly Rainforest.

See floridamuseum.jfl.edu for ticket information.

A must-see is the UF Bat Houses, which are the world’s largest occupied bat houses.

Easily accessible on the north side of Museum Road, you’ll find crowds gathering every evening to see the bats come out.

Across the road from the bats’ homes is the wildlife area of Lake Alice, where we saw an alligator on the

shore of one of the few places in Gainesville to see live alligators.

The Harn Museum of Art, also on campus, is enormous, and the collections span history providing a representation of the art world expected in more cosmopolitan cities. It’s the permanent home of Claude Monet’s “Champ d’avoine (Oat Field).” Admission is free, though donations are accepted.

The newest museum in Gainesville is the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention. It is named for Dr. James Robert Cade, the UF professor who was the lead inventor of Gatorade. It’s a fascinating, entertaining, and educational venue.

Every Saturday, a local scientist or inventor does a presentation about his or her work, and there are also a variety of hands-on activities for children and adults.

Tickets are $12.50/adults;

Photos: Leigh Neely

*

Guests gather at 5:30pm to watch an entertaining mixologist prepare a “smoked” cocktail, with a complimentary taste for all.

Swamp Fog is named after UF’s famous stadium and is made with local whiskey.

Meticulously prepared, the cocktail is then placed under glass for 30 seconds in a wood-smoked fog. It comes out smooth and tasty.

Also on the house for lounge guests is the ritual done with a Spanish-inspired porron pour. The spouted container is held above the mouth and the kava gently poured in. After a demo by the bartender, it’s passed to bar customers.

$7.50/youth; $10/students and seniors; age 4 and under are free. Museum members always receive free admission.

If you enjoy the lush plants and flowers at the Butterfly Rainforest, you’ll be amazed at the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Almost any plant you can imagine thriving in Florida is in this beautiful place. Plan to be there for a while because there are 62 acres filled with everything from an herb garden to the majestic bamboo garden, the largest public collection of bamboo in Florida.

Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for ages 5-13; children under 5 are admitted free.

DINING

Dining out is never a problem in Gainesville.

The problem is deciding where to go!

Our first meal was at the Swamp Restaurant, a favorite of Gators fans and students.

We enjoyed gator tail, nachos, and hamburger and fries.

I sipped the restaurant’s famous Swamp Juice cocktail, which is delightful.

Though we had breakfast at the hotel two mornings, we also ate at the Flying Biscuit.

Come with a big appetite because meals include great biscuits and gravy and “moon dusted” potatoes. I added scrambled eggs with onions, mushrooms, and spinach.

After visiting Kanapaha Gardens, we continued the garden theme with lunch at the Root and Pecker.

Freshness is the key at this restaurant that partners with local providers and even grows some herbs on the

property. My Waldorf salad was fresh and crisp with the sweet tang of citrus dressing.

The restaurant also makes great smoothies and has Caleb’s Kola, a refreshing drink made with sustainable fair-trade ingredients.

Dinner was a special

customers took advantage to enjoy a meal with their favorite beer.

We couldn’t leave Gainesville without going to Emiliano’s Café. Brunch was the perfect treat, and the strawberry crepes were absolutely delicious. I still

treat at Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Co., with its casually elegant atmosphere. Our “prix fixe,” or fixed price, menu was nothing short of fabulous, featuring an array that included baby spinach and shiitake mushroom salad, pork spring rolls, Cobra Kai, Big Eye Tuna Kobachi, and the Bomb Roll, along with braised short ribs, miso black cod, and Brussels sprouts topped off with tempura fried ice cream and yuzu tart.

We enjoyed a wonderful Mediterranean salad at Zoe’s for lunch one day, and dinner was pizza at Satchel’s Pizza, which was unique and delicious and the décor is outstanding.

If you’re a craft beer fan, you must go to the Swamp Head Brewery, with offerings such as Snakes on the Paynes, Stump Knocker, and Catherine’s Passion.

Though the brewery doesn’t serve food, there was a food truck just outside, and many

dream of them.

Gainesville is literally just up the road in Alachua County, and it’s a great place to enjoy a weekend of enlightenment, education, and great eating.

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* HOIn, S OTChI EeT YS! c e n e

BBQ, Brews & Blues A blues concert along with unlimited samples of backyard barbecue were the highlights of the annual BBQ, Brews & Blues on March 17 at Towne Square in Leesburg, hosted by the Downtown Leesburg Business Association. Teams competed for prizes for the best ribs, pork, brisket, and chicken. The event allowed merchants to spotlight their businesses and show community support at the same time.

PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

Chad Peck and Barbara Mittermaier

Ashley Adams and Shawn Garrett

Jennifer Boliek, John Dickerson Jr, Mary- Grace Phillips Lisa Odivera John and Rita Hallaron, Lori and Rich Reid

John Dickerson, Jerry and Jane Sexsmith

Maria and Ray Ramos

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BUILDING UNIQUE POOLS “They built the pool to perfection, and the finished design was better than we ever imagined. The superintendent was willing to answer all our questions before, during, and after the project.

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SWAT team with Group

Sarah and Matt

Nicole Rivas, Melodee Mendoza and Debra Meadows

Darlene and Vince Allee

Curt and Stacey Lalhelm, Elizabeth Hayes, David Mueller

Aaron Smith and Matt Frey

A blind taste test Diners enjoyed a unique dining experience at the ninth annual Dining in the Dark dinner presented by New Vision for Independence and Lake Eye Associates. Members of the Lake County Sheriff ’s Office SWAT Team served the dinner wearing night-vision goggles so they could see what diners couldn’t. The purpose of the dinner, as always, was to bring awareness to the challenges of having visual impairments and overcoming them.

PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

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Jay Surratt, Mayor Nick Girone, Dr. Wendy Lavezzi and Linda Bennett

P NK OUT! Pinking Ceremony

Ladies Legacy Waterman 5k Luncheon Walk/Run

Thursday, September 27 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Friday, October 12 11:30 am

Thursday, October 18 6:00 p.m. race

Florida Hospital Waterman Atrium

Lake Receptions

Downtown Tavares

Please join Florida Hospital Waterman Foundation for a day of fun, food and friendship at our 5th Annual Ladies Legacy Luncheon!

Join Florida Hospital Waterman on for the 5th Annual Pink Out 5K Run/ Walk. The 5K will be held at Wooton Park, 100 E Ruby St, Tavares.

This year, former Miss Florida and a cancer survivor, Kristin Beall Ludeke , will be sharing her inspiring story.

Proceeds help promote breast cancer awareness, diagnosis and treatment including mammograms for women in need.

Join Florida Hospital Waterman as we kick-off breast cancer awareness month with a community celebration featuring health education and resources and several pinkedout community partners with free goodies. Bring a new bra for donation to Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties Inc.

To register or for more information, visit FHWatermanPink.com

FHW-2018-0327

For each donated bra you bring, you will be entered in a drawing for one of our grand prizes.

* HOIn, S OTChI EeT YS! c e n e

Judy Hryck, Mike, Cheri and Jake Simek

Charlie and Cheri Schmidt Dexter Simmons

John and Diane Sullivan

Chantlle and Dillon Lecco

Jorge Gonzalez

Paul and Jeannie Owens

Get your motor runnin’ The annual Festivals of Speed brought out the crowd to Mission Inn Resort and Club to see everything from antique to classic muscle cars to exotic sports cars to motorcycles and the newest automobiles. The seventh annual show was a big hit among local car lovers and a great family event. This is the only time you’ll see cars on the fairway!

Charlie and Cheri Schmidt

PHOTOS: BROOKE AKERS

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Charity gala in Clermont “A Night in Monte Carlo” was the theme of the fourth annual South Lake Hospital Foundation Charity Gala hosted March 3 at Clermont Performing Arts and Recreation Center. Guests were treated to a reception, dinner, some “fun money” for playing casino-style games, a silent auction, entertainment, and dancing. Net proceeds benefitted the hospital’s vital services and programs for patients.

PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

Melody and Leif Helms

Andrea Colby, Mary Kay Rath and Kalena Meyers

Luis and Elisabeth Rondon

Michael and Betsy Matulia

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Marj Graham and Darlene Misciagno

Bradley Moore “Mr. Lister� and Gary Tanner

Kent and Lisa Rayborn, and Gerri and Barry Rosenthal

Lars Tisdale and Theresa Willis

Who was that masked person?

The Realtors Association of Lake and Sumter Counties held its annual awards banquet to honor the top 2017 producers. It was a masquerade party held at Lake Receptions and included an evening of fun, fellowship, and recognition of hard work.

PHOTOS: DEB MATLOCK

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Bob Vance

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* HOIn, S OTChI EeT YS! c e n e

Maravillosa noche de La Habana It was a wonderful Havana Nights at the 33rd annual Gala Auction presented by the Lake-Sumter State College Foundation. In addition to silent and live auctions, the evening featured experiences inspired by classic Havana, Cuba. These included a performance by Michael Israel, an American humanitarian and performance artist known for his live-action paintings.

PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

Dean Simmons and Brooke Akers

Michael Israel Austin and Aubrey Simmons

Shaena Chastain and Tanner Long Paige and David Booth

Teresa and Dean Simmons

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F e at u r i n g

6 The heart of rock ‘n’ roll Live music in the town squares keeps The Villages hopping!

Plus

2 Volunteers provide lots of TLC Whatever your need, there are people who care and want to help.

12 Baby boomers and oral health Keeping your smile healthy is important at any age.

14 ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ A true story seldom told about Native Americans.

* MVESEtT yAlVeI L L A G E R

A little TLC Pat Hayes and fellow volunteers focus on Villagers’ emotional well-being.

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL // PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

P

at Hayes devoted her life to working as a licensed clinical social worker in New York, and she’s just as dedicated now in The Villages.

She has a team of 20-plus other volunteers—all retired mental health counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, drug/alcohol counselors, and psychologists.

Through Transition Life Consultants Services, or TLC, they provide free educational services, training, and group or one-on-one sessions for people struggling with loneliness, grief, stress, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other conditions.

“There are people here who will walk with you. You’re not alone,” says Pat, who started TLC less than two years ago and has seen lives

*

“There are people here who will walk with you. You’re not alone.”

— PAT HAYES

2

transformed. “We hear all the time, ‘Thank you for being here. I don’t know what I would have done.’”

Since TLC has no overhead costs, all services are offered at assisted-living facilities, libraries, churches, doctors’ offices, and in private homes.

Some 997 people were served in TLC’s first 14 months.

Most of the TLC professionals volunteering their services came to The Villages to retire, yet they still wanted to help, so they donate three to five hours a week.

“We have the cream of the crop,” Pat says.

According to Pat, TLC Services needs more clinical social workers, mental health counselors, psychologists, and marriage and family therapists.

Professionals with 10-plus years of experience from other states can receive a free Florida license, according to Pat, thanks to her group being a service partner with United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties, which checks the backgrounds of TLC volunteers and covers them with malpractice insurance.

To learn more, contact Pat at 352.322.0576 or tlcpathayes@gmail.com.

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* IVNSTtHyE lV eI L L A G E S

YouTube is the ‘boob tube’ on steroids You might find Nessie.

STORY: JOE ANGIONE

* U

Calling YouTube a video-sharing website doesn’t begin to describe what has evolved into an international video flea market of unbelievable proportions.

4

ntil a few months ago, I never knew what YouTube was. The internet says it is an “American videosharing website,” but offers no details.

However, my son gave me a rebuilt smartphone with nearly 50 apps installed.

One was YouTube. It caught my fancy.

Friends said it had lots of freaky stuff to see that would blow my mind. That did it.

I had to give it a try.

Calling YouTube a video-sharing website doesn’t begin to describe what has evolved into an international video flea market of unbelievable proportions. It offers real news…fake news…funny stories… tall tales about scary people, UFOs and space aliens…time travel…near-death experiences…end times events, and countless health and well-being programs.

Videos run from a couple of minutes to a couple of hours, and more than 70 million are posted there each year.

A huge segment of YouTube contains tutorials. Some of the strangest I’ve seen are how to make slime…clean your naval…dig a hole at an amusement park… know if your mother-in-law intends to kill you…and perhaps most useful of all: how to train your dragon.

These videos tend to have jawdropping titles with “OMG, I’ve got to see this” appeal. Here’s a sampling of some that kept me up late into the night: “Scary statues caught moving around”; “Five superpowers you didn’t know you had”; “Lose all your belly fat in seven days” (it didn’t work); “13 kinds of alien beings living on Earth”; “Mermaids are real”; and “Five things you should never do in the morning.”

The older we get, the more interested we are in what heaven will be like, should we get there. YouTube has hundreds of videos about near-death experiences. You’ll find a big variety of glorious descriptions of God’s eternity and the people who live there. It’s fun.

But, if you’re someone who doesn’t think you’ll be invited through the “pearly gates,” there are videos to show what might be waiting for you in the fiery pits down below. (I didn’t have the guts to look.)

YouTube is a free app that’s easy to download to a computer or smartphone.

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6 Photo: Nicole Hamel

The live entertainment in The Villages town squares every night is a big draw, but the people on the stage enjoy it as much as Villagers do.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

7

ROCKY AND THE ROLLERS

Photo: Anthony Rao

This group doesn’t play only in The Villages town squares, it also performs big shows at the Savannah Center and hosts its own cruises. The band, which has a combined 40 years of experience, has performed with Dick Clark and a host of great artists from the ‘50s to the ‘70s—Chuck Berry, Peter Noone, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Fabian, just to drop a few names.

The talented musicians making up the band are Gerry “Rocky” Seader, who plays drums and does vocals; Bruce Wallace, who also does vocals and plays guitar; Al Layton, another vocalist who plays keyboard; Jimmy Miller, the bass guitarist and vocalist; Bruce Nardi, a vocalist who plays the saxophone; Al Morse does vocals; Steve Falkner plays the trumpet; and Rick Abbott is on the trombone.

Photo: Anthony Rao

A

n evening spent on any town square in The Villages includes live music, dancing (if you’re so inclined), and visiting with friends and neighbors. Most everyone enjoys the casual atmosphere, drinks and snacks, and entertainment.

But what about the view the band or entertainer has of the crowd?

Maybe it’s like a mini concert every night or it could be more like an evening with friends. Whichever it is, one thing’s for sure—they keep coming back to the bandstands in Spanish Springs Town Square, Lake Sumter Landing Town Square, and Brownwood Paddock Square to perform.

“We’ve been playing The Villages for 20 years,” Rocky says.

“It’s like no other venue we play anywhere in the world. We travel around the country, and The Villages is almost a step above.”

Two of the band members are Florida natives. Al Layton is originally from Hollywood and Al Morse is from Sanford.

Being from Philadelphia, Rocky has played drums since he was 10 years old. He was a drummer for Danny and The Juniors and that led to touring with many of the greats from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

He met Jon “Bowzer” Bauman of Sha Na Na in the 1980s and they became great friends and still enjoy working together. “[Rocky and The Rollers] play the town squares around three times a month and Katie Belle’s one or two times,” Rocky says.

“We probably do seven or eight shows a month in The Villages.”

“It’s like no other venue we play anywhere in the world. We travel around the country, and The Villages is almost a step above.”

— GERRY “ROCKY” SEADER

8

The group is considered a big band because of the added horns. The musicians love it when they play the familiar tunes for Villages residents and the audience sings along. “It feels warm and successful when that is happening,” Rocky says.

He says the band also knows it has to change its music with the times. “We no longer play as many songs from the ‘50s. The baby boomers like songs from the late ‘60s and ‘70s,” Rocky says.

“Thousands comes to see us at the squares because we’re consistent. Some of the visiting artists who know us will come to the squares and come up and sing with us.”

Rocky says he and his wife, Nikki Perry, love living in The Villages. Their home is in Sumter County. “We both like to work and play in The Villages.”

You’ll find a complete list of the band’s tours and events at rockyandtherollers.com. The band’s next big show is “Rocky and The Rollers present The Elegants, The Capris, and Jay Siegel’s Tokens” at the Savannah Center on Oct. 17.

“One of the saddest things for me is the friends I’ve made in the 20 years at The Villages that are not here anymore,” Rocky says. “The shows and cruises we do are just for The Villages to enjoy. It’s how we give back for their support for so long.”

SCOOTER THE DJ

“I came to The Villages for a private party in the late ‘90’s at a park near Lake Miona. I had done a wedding in Orlando for a girl who’d moved up to The Villages. There was a lady from The Villages Entertainment at the party,” Scooter the DJ says.

“I started playing Spanish Springs in the early 2000s. I originally had

9

Scooter’s “trademark” is audience participation. He has a selection of songs he plays at every performance, and the audience yells at him to play them. They include the “Burger Dance” and “Pizza Dance” along with the Cha Cha Slide, Wobble, Cupid Shuffle, YMCA, Car Wash, and others. You can see a photo gallery of his performances at scooterthedj.com.

He adds that playing in The Villages gives him the freedom he loves. “The Villages allows me to be ME. I do my show as I like,” he says. “I can be the real Scooter the DJ. When I do private events, the show is for the client, and I have to adapt to their wishes.”

What does he like best about performing at the town squares? “I like the atmosphere. Each square is different. Spanish Springs has a

“When you see that many people dancing, it really is amazing.

It’s also free to come there. You can’t beat free!”

—SCOOTER THE DJ

a “bad visual” of The Villages. I pictured more of an assisted-living place and was reluctant to come here! I think my original words were ‘I don’t want to go play some Sinatra Fest!’”

Scooter soon learned his idea of The Villages couldn’t have been more wrong. “The first time I played The Villages, I loved it.

I saw three generations of people on the square having a blast. I immediately wanted to get them all up dancing together with songs that bridge time,” he says. “When you see the pictures of the dance floor with grandparents/parents/

10

kids all dancing together, it’s really special.”

Scooter became a DJ while in college through an accident— when his fraternity had a party, he was the only one with a collection of 45 rpm records. He learned how to use a mixer and turntables at a local music store and was greatly relieved when the party was over. However, that night changed his life.

“The phone started ringing off the hook,” Scooter says. “Every sorority, fraternity, and club wanted me to DJ their events, and it snowballed from there.”

different crowd than Brownwood, but both crowds are a BLAST! Sumter Landing is great because it’s so big,” Scooter says. “When you see that many people dancing, it really is amazing. It’s also free to come there. You can’t beat free!”

Though he travels all over the country doing a variety of events, he’s always happy to come “home” to The Villages. “I’ve played almost 30 years at major theme parks in Orlando and done corporate events to weddings, that’s what I do. It’s always great to come back to The Villages. These ‘seniors’ are a blast!”

Photo: Nicole Hamel

SECOND SLICE

they should, of bringing quality live entertainment to their residents.”

Leaders in a worship team, However, the band has now Second Slice members began their musical careers as a group of friends branched out to other areas of Lake and Sumter counties and enjoys a playing together at Center Point busy and productive schedule.

Church. Doug Gulick plays drums “Each square definitely has its and percussion and does backing own uniqueness as to the stage vocals. Mark Seymour is the lead position and shape and the differing vocalist and plays keyboard. Shawn themes of each one,” Doug says.

Palmer is the band’s guitarist and “The specialness is attributed to our does backing vocals while Donnie faithful fans who come to see us Helms plays bass guitar. rain or shine, no matter which venue we “The Villages residents are some of the are performing.” finest people you will meet anywhere.

The music of Second Slice We have truly developed great features a wide friendships with several of them.” variety with songs from the — DOUG GULICK ‘50s to the ‘80s and ‘90s. “We play songs through the classic rock Doug says it took two years of era right up to the most current and emails with The Villages Entertainpopular music you hear today,” ment Department for the band to Doug says. “Slow- or fast-paced, our get a chance to play. The musicians music is danceable and energized.” proved themselves well and have You can see a full list of the been playing in The Villages for musicians repertoire of songs on five years now. “The Villages hold their website at second-slice.com. a high standard,” Doug says, “as

They stay busy and enjoy every minute of the musical work.

“The Villages residents are some of the finest people you will meet anywhere. We have truly developed great friendships with several of them,” Doug says. “They are really good people that have worked hard all their lives and have set themselves up for a full, fun-filled, and exciting retirement. They love music and show their appreciation to us for what we do. That makes all the difference, and for that, we are blessed.”

He said the band has a deep appreciation for The Villages Entertainment Department and the people who work there. “They selected Second Slice as one of their many musical groups…and they took good care of us,” he says. “It is one of the most sought-after places to perform in the Central Florida area, after all.”

The view from the stages mirrors the love and appreciation of music that comes from the chairs and bleachers in the town squares, and, don’t worry, there’s entertainment tonight!

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* LVI VSItNyG lHeE A L T H Y

‘Teeth Tomorrow’ offers help today New book explains the dental turning point for baby boomers.

STORY: DR. MICHAEL TISCHLER

W . These people envisioned a future where their teeth were no longer at the forefront of their minds and every action they took.

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hen a person has failing dental health, their overall health and self-esteem also are affected. Failing or missing teeth can affect a person’s ability to gain or keep employment, their social interactions, and other areas of life.

Baby boomers are one of the largest segments of the U.S. population—and the ones most affected by failing dental health. There are 75 million people born between the years 1946-1964, and every day 10,000 of them are turning 65 years old. My new book, “Teeth Tomorrow: The Dental Turning Point for Baby Boomers,” addresses the problem of baby boomers who have to make decisions about their oral health in the middle and later years of life.

As people age, so does their oral health as well as their dental work.

Medicare does not cover adult dental care, and dental insurance does not cover

most major dental procedures, so this presents a problem for many baby boomers. With this many people affected and the severity of the impact on their lives, this can be considered an upcoming health epidemic.

The “turning point” for these baby boomers occurs when a decision must be made—do they keep trying to save and repair their natural teeth, or do they move on to other alternatives? For some, it has been an ongoing issue for years, perhaps decades. One failing tooth may have started it all, but since then, it has been one trip to the dentist after another. Their dental history could include fillings, crowns, extractions, gum disease, root canals, and much more.

Alternatives to saving natural teeth can include dentures, which are not an ideal tooth replacement, or dental implants, which offer many more advantages, such as a better ability

to chew food and more permanence. Baby boomers and others at this dental turning point need to take control of their lives, accept responsibility for their overall well-being, and act with dogged determination to find the solution that allows them to achieve their goals of a healthier, happier lifestyle.

In the book, Dr. Claudia Patch and I clearly spell out for patients the available options, and help guide them to make better choices for their future.

The advantages and disadvantages of the options are covered in detail, and photographs of each option are included. We explain in detail why the “Teeth Tomorrow� process has many advantages, and the protocols involved to replace failing teeth with dental implants and a zirconia bridge.

This book is a resource of dental experts for the boomer population facing oral health decisions.

Various stories from patients who have gone through this process are included.

Each was fed up with temporary quick fixes and seemingly endless problems, so they sought a better solution. These people simply wanted a better quality of life, and bravo to them for taking that initiative. They envisioned a future where their teeth were no longer at the forefront of their minds and every action they took.

With Teeth Tomorrow full arch restorations, and a new smile, they found a brighter day, with a carefree smile, limitless possibilities, and a renewed passion for life.

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* BVOSOtK yR lE VeI E W

‘Killers of the Flower Moon’

By David Grann. A modern tragedy omitted from history books.

STORY: DIANE DEAN

*

The author’s research is extensive and possibly a little too detailed for a compelling read.

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T

he first chapter, titled “Vanishing,” begins: “In April, millions of tiny flowers spread over the blackjack hills and vast prairies in the Osage territory of Oklahoma. The necks of the smaller flowers break and their petals flutter away, and before long they are buried underground. This is why the Osage Indians refer to May as the time of the flower-killing moon.”

This illustrates the significance of the book’s title and indicates how history buries important events. Members of the book club were unaware of the “Reign of Terror” in the 1920s in Osage County, Oklahoma.

Carolyn Ingham ably facilitated the discussion with compelling background and interesting coincidences of her own personal interest in the story.

Readers were appalled at methods used to overtake land abundant with oil fields. In the early 1920s, Osage Indians were among the richest people in the country. Estimates are more than 60 of them were killed. White men

married Osage women, then poisoned or murdered them to claim their oil rights.

Local officials were unscrupulous in their investigations as they were in on it.

Eventually, the Bureau of Investigation, the forerunner of J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI, arrived to investigate the murders.

Three white men were convicted and sentenced, though paroled in a short time. Many murders remain unsolved.

In 1921, Congress passed a law requiring guardians for each Osage to manage royalties and financial affairs.

In 1924, the guardians were charged with corruption, yet five years later, $27 million was still held in the “guardian system.” Congress passed a law in 1925 limiting the inheritance of headrights only to people half or more Osage in ancestry. in 2000, 75 years later, the Osage Nation settled a suit against the Department of the Interior about the money mismanagement. They received $380 million and commitments to improve the management.

The author’s research is extensive and possibly a little too detailed for a compelling read. But the facts clearly show unethical, dishonest, racist behaviors occurred with abuse of power by government or just plain bad guys.

David Grann is the award-winning author of “The Lost City of Z—A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon,” “The Devil & Sherlock Holmes—Tales of Murder, Madness, and Obsession,” and “The White Darkness,” about Antarctica exploration, to be released in the fall.

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CLERMONT

Climb every mountain

Green Mountain Pizza, located at 17415 7th St. in Montverde, is expanding with a second location at 303 E. Highway 50 in Clermont’s Sunnyside Plaza, according to its online sites. Owners say they are pushing for a 2018 opening for the new shop, which will provide takeout, delivery, and catering service. Green Mountain offers Southern Italian-American style food, including homemade bread, sauces, and tiramisu, hand-tossed brick oven pizza, and American favorites like burgers, wings, breakfast sandwiches, and hot subs. That’s a mountain of mouthwatering choices.

NEW

CLERMONT

Heating up Magnolia Plaza, a burgeoning retail center at 17330 Highway 50 in Clermont, is going to be the place for grilling—with one spot for eating and one spot for shopping. Among the “coming soon” tenants on the plaza’s roster are Hurricane Grill & Wings, which has numerous locations in Florida, and Paradise Grills Direct, which bills itself as “America’s largest outdoor kitchen manufacturer.” So customers can let someone else do the grilling or bring the whole kitchen home with them.

FRUIT L AND PARK

Dining alfresco You can now enjoy eating on the patio at Stavros and Sons in Fruitland Park, according to its Facebook page. The restaurant now has outdoor seating for guests at the side of the restaurant. It’s a great place to enjoy sitting outdoors, and the umbrellas will keep the sun away. Though there are locations in Leesburg and Eustis, this is the original Stavros and Sons Pizza Restaurant. Visit them at 3323 U.S. Highway 27/441 in Fruitland Park.

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NEW

LEESBURG

Savor coffee at RCB The Revolution Church of Leesburg, 10837 U.S. Highway 441, has created the RCB, short for Revolution Coffee Bar. It’s a comfortable place to hang out, complete with a cafe table and sectional sofa, where people can savor a variety of coffees and teas and enjoy free Wi-Fi. The RCB is open from 8am8pm Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, and from 9am-5pm Sunday.

It is closed Tuesday. For more information, call 352.321.0256.

NEW

MOUNT DORA

They’re nuts in Mount Dora One of the newest confectionaries in the area is We’re Nuts in Mount Dora at 411 N. Donnelly St., Ste. 104. The store offers nuts (the ones you can eat!) and candies— everything from saltwater taffy to chocolate malt balls along with gourmet cheese and artisan focaccia bread. The shop is in the Renaissance Building, and best of all, you can get candy and nuts in bulk, in more than 100 varieties, according to the recording on the shop’s phone: 352.729.1300. You’re nuts if you don’t go!

Cold beer for Labor Day Not many things are as unpleasant at the beach or poolside as warm beer. Style found a way to save the day: the Bottle Keeper, an insulated container.

After testing a sample out by the pool, Style has determined that this is what you need to make your Labor Day cooler in so many ways. There’s also a Stubby Bottle Keeper, and any Bottle Keeper you choose can be customized.

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September 2018

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& drink * IfNoToH d E KITCHEN

Sweet success Daughter-and-mother duo make gourmet grilling sauces and infused honey.

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

R

enee Bryan, of Umatilla, didn’t care for the barbecue sauces she found in grocery stores, so she tweaked her own moppin’ sauce to enjoy on grilled meats and make them more flavorful. Soon compliments from family and friends were flowing.

“I made it the way I like it,” she recalls.

It was a blending of traditional Southern barbecue flavors with “secret” spices and seasonings. “I heard, ‘You need to bottle this stuff!’”

Even her husband, Lee, felt it was a winner. And when people kept asking for more, he encouraged Renee to whip up more sauces and rubs, and to start Southern Girls Gourmet Sauces.

Renee owns the FDA-approved and licensed business, which started three years ago, and she is joined by her mom, Rosalie Parent, who is just as enthusiastic about the Southern Girls brand.

“I just enjoy going out and helping her,” Rosalie says of her middle daughter. She also has helped the company expand with a gourmet honey line.

“We do all the infusing of the honey,” Renee says of adding wildflower, clover, blueberry, mango, cinnamon, cinnamon with pecan, habanero, and key lime flavors. The honey comes from Belleview.

“We went through a lot of beekeepers to find the perfect one and the best price, because we want to keep the price down for our customers,” Renee says. “We started out with the wildflower honey, and it awesome,” Rosalie adds.

In addition to the wildflower, Rosalie’s other favorite is honey infused with the hot chili pepper, habanero.

*

Every time you buy a bottle of our products, it’s going to taste the same as the last time.

We do not use someone else to bottle for us, we do it all ourselves.

— ROSALIE PARENT

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“I love the habanero and I put it in coffee, and I put it over fresh fruit, and it’s really good over strawberries,” she says. “I use it for a glaze on chicken, fish, and even pork.

The key lime is also a good one as a glaze on chicken, fish, or pork.”

She enjoys honey daily, putting it in her tea and mixing it in with yogurt.

“Honey is a healthy alternative to sugar,” Rosalie says. “My very favorite in tea is the cinnamon honey; it puts a little kick to it. Our key lime honey is good and so is the blueberry honey, but they are milder. Any flavor of honey works great with yogurt, fruit salad, pancakes, French toast, hot chocolate, coffee, hot and cold sandwiches, sauces and glazes.

And I love to do a final glaze on ribs, chicken, fish, scallops, and shrimp with our habanero or key lime-infused honey.”

September is National Honey Month, and Rosalie believes in its health benefits.

“Wildflower honey is a great way to give your immune system a boost or help with allergy problems,” she says, adding that taking two teaspoons a day, one in the morning and one at night, is considered ideal.

Adding infused honey to the Southern Girls product line has been good for business.

“Many times it makes just as much as the barbecue sauce,” Renee says. “Our honey is really popular because it’s really good quality honey, and people buy lots for gifts. We get so many compliments on our packaging, too.”

The Umatilla company receives orders from as far as New York, and one man made the trip from Miami to purchase numerous gift boxes of Southern Girls products as wedding favors.

The daughter-and-mother duo often hear raves at festivals and shows about the

freshness of their products and their pretty gift boxes. They will be at the Mount Dora Craft Fair for the third year, from 9am5pm Oct. 27-28.

“We also have a big show coming up with the Sunbelt Expo, in Moultrie, Georgia,” Renee says of the Oct. 16-18 event that draws up to 100,000 people. The company also will showcase its products at shows in DeLand and St. Cloud.

“It’s a lot of fun. You get to meet all of the vendors,” says Renee, who also enjoys mingling with the crowd.

“We give out samples of all of our products, because we want to make sure the public likes what we make,” Rosalie adds. “With us, you’re going to know if you like it before you leave. That’s one of the things the grocery stores can’t offer, and we can.”

The feedback on whether people like the samples plays into whether to manufacture a Southern Girls product.

“We did that with the steak seasoning before we actually brought it out on the market, and everybody thought it was great,” Renee says.

The public also has been instrumental in the creation of some products.

“A lot of times people ask us for a certain flavor and that’s how we ended up with the

mango flavor and the blueberry honey. The blueberry was for the Blueberry Festival in Mount Dora,” says Renee, adding it takes time to get a flavor perfected.

The products also must pass regulations before being marketed. The Food and Drug Administration does yearly checks and observes the cooking process at an Oviedo commissary.

“What we do is make it in small batches and we keep it consistent,” Rosalie says. “Every time you buy a bottle of our products, it’s going to taste the same as the last time. We do not use someone else to bottle for us, we do it all ourselves.”

“We bottle, we label, we do it all,” Renee adds.

“The freshness is what everyone likes, and the consistency,” Rosalie says. “You can always depend on that.”

The Southern Girls dry rubs are the most popular in the barbecue line.

“The steak seasoning and dry rub are what men really like,” says Renee, who also finds the moppin’ sauce is in demand. “It’s an apple cider vinegar marinade. I’ll make salad dressing with the moppin’ sauce and some of the honey. A lot of people like that because it’s a vinegar base for the salad, and mixed

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& drink * IfNoToH d E KITCHEN

Honey glazed pork roast with a little olive oil in there, you’ve got a great dressing.”

As the mother of three daughters and three grandchildren, Renee can’t resist trying out new flavor combinations with different foods to get ideas for future products. Her family members are the taste-testing guinea pigs.

“Kickin’ Jalapeño is a new hot flavor being tested,” Rosalie says of her daughter’s preliminary work. “We also have been getting a lot of requests lately for a sugar-free barbecue sauce, and that’s something she’s going to be trying to work on.”

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Directions:

In the last 10 minutes of cooking a pork roast, brush ¾ cup of Southern Girls Wildflower Honey or Clover Honey on top.

Reuben sandwich Ingredients

:

Slices of corned beef Slices of Swiss cheese 1

tablespoon Russian dressing

1

teaspoon Southern Girls Habanero Honey

Well-drained sauerkraut 2

slices rye or pumpernickel bread

2

teaspoons butter

Directions:

Spread non-buttered side of bread with the dressing, then layer with Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, the honey, and more Swiss cheese. Top with remaining bread slice, butter side out. Grill until golden brown.

Chicken thighs Ingredients:

6

Salad dressing Ingredients:

¼

½

cup honey (habanero or key lime are favorites) cup olive oil

¼

cup vinegar (or Southern Girls Moppin’ Sauce)

boneless, skinless chicken thighs

¼

cup Southern Girls Mango Honey

Southern Girls Pork N’ Chicken Rub

½

cup Southern Girls Onion N’ Garlic

Directions:

Rub Southern Girls Pork N’ Chicken Rub all over chicken then grill the chicken. The last 15 minutes before chicken is done, baste chicken with Southern Girls Mango Honey and Southern Girls Onion N’ Garlic BBQ Sauce.

* To learn more about Southern Girls Gourmet Sauces, email Renee at orders@southerngirlsgourmetsauces.com

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4

BRISAS DEL MAR

Love Mexican?

Brisas has fresh fare, friendly service, colorful décor.

Forks

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL // PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

(Out of a possible 5)

Brisas del Mar 360 U.S. Highway 27/441 Lady Lake 352.775.8912 Hours: 11am-10pm Monday-Friday; 11am-11pm Saturday; 11am-9pm Sunday

M

exican food lovers rejoice. There’s a new place in Lady Lake—Brisas del Mar—where you can dig into some warm, homemade corn tortilla chips and fresh salsa while perusing a menu filled with a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts, all while situated in a relaxing, comfortable, and friendly atmosphere.

It’s refreshing to see Brisas offers more than tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and chimichangas.

The menu also features beef, pork, and chicken entrées of Tres Hermanos, choripollo, chuletas, churraco, lomo saltado, to name a few, all served with Spanish rice, beans, and tortillas.

And while it was tempting to savor something different in Mexican cuisine, I was swayed by the colorful menu photo of the Supremo Burrito (of course, the word “supremo” was enticing). Living up to its name, the flour tortilla was filled with the right amount of rice and shredded chicken (while my lunch partner ordered it with ground beef). Both burritos were topped with fresh tomato sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. It was simply delicious and served with tasty refried beans. The overall freshness of the entrée was a treat.

Fork report:

Casual dining $$ Seated immediately (lunch hour) Wait for meal: 12 minutes OUT-OF-THEORDINARY STARTERS: ($5.79$10.99): Flautas, jalapeño poppers, Papa a la Guancaina, choriqueso.

ENTREES: ($5.99$17.99): Burritos, Tres Hermanos, choripollo, chuletas, churraco, lomo saltado.

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For dessert, we enjoyed sopapillas, featuring eight deepfried, crispy tortilla chips topped with cinnamon and honey, and deepfried ice cream served in a tortilla shell and topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. The coating on the ice cream was a bit chewy rather than crunchy, but the homemade ice cream made up for it, and the sopapillas provided a nice finish to our enjoyable lunch.

Several of Brisas’ Facebook fans have raved over the eatery’s authentic food, service, margaritas, atmosphere, and friendly staff. “It’s got it all,” Kathy Wagner writes. “My new favorite Mexican restaurant!”

5

Forks

(Out of a possible 5)

Rockin’ Cafe 622 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora 352.720.5951 Hours: 11am-8pm daily

Fork report:

Casual dining $ Seated immediately (lunch hour) Wait for meal: 10 minutes

ROCKIN’ CAFE

Food, glorious food!

Enjoy a burger and cake with some of the music greats.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY // PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

L

ocated on Donnelly Street in Mount Dora, Rockin’ Café is a place where you can start your meal with Pigskin Nachos.

I have to say, the fresh pork rinds topped with cheese, barbecue sauce, and bacon are really good.

My friends and I hit the Rockin Café at lunchtime and enjoyed the ambience while waiting for our food.

You’ll see rock stars, concert posters, and album covers decorating the walls. If you

see one you really like, you can buy it.

Though we all looked at the salads, we couldn’t resist the sandwiches. While I enjoyed a piping hot, stuffed-to-therim Philly cheesesteak, one coworker had the Ultimate BLT, which had seven pieces of thick Applewood bacon and melted Swiss cheese. We both ordered the homemade chips, which were cooked to perfection. Our other lunch partner is a hamburger aficionado, and he picked the

Rock ’n’ Roll Burger, which is topped with smoked bleu cheese crumbles along with lettuce, tomato, and onion.

Everything was excellent.

The meat was tender and juicy on both the hamburger and the cheesesteak, and the bacon was pronounced the “best I’ve ever had.” To top everything off, when you dine in, you get a free piece of cake that’s made fresh every morning.

APPETIZERS: ($5.99$6.99): Fresh-baked pretzels with beer cheese sauce, or pork rind basket with your favorite hot sauce SANDWICHES: ($8.99-$10.99)Gryo, double-stacked Reuben, chicken cordon bleu, mahi tacos, Rock ’n’ Roll Club, build your own club.

BURGERS: ($8.99$10.99): All burgers made with Angus beef.

Tour Bus (sautéed mushrooms and red onions, Applewood thick bacon); Roadies (pepper jack cheese, signature sauce); The Manager (grilled turkey patty, pepper jack cheese)

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d & drink * FfOoR o K ON THE ROA D

4 Forks

(Out of a possible 5)

HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St., Leesburg 352.314.0006 Hours: 6am-2:30pm Monday-Friday and 7am-2pm SaturdaySunday.

Fork report:

HP GRILL

Casual dining $$ Seated immediately (breakfast) Wait for meal: 5 minutes

Breakfast: It does the body good

BREAKFAST: Meat lover’s omelet, farmer’s omelet, cheese and egg omelet, biscuits and gravy, Belgian waffles, pancakes.

HP Grill is killin’ and grillin’ it.

STORY: JAMES COMBS // PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

LUNCH: Daily buffet.

Half-pound burger, foot-long hotdog, shrimp basket, 6-ounce steak.

S

eldom do I rise and dine.

Nor do I wake and steak.

Getting out of bed is a Herculean task for me.

Sometimes, though, bad habits can be broken. That was the case on a recent morning when I jumped out of bed at the sound of my alarm and drove to HP Grill, located in Leesburg’s Southside Shopping Center.

Uh-oh. Breakfast means I couldn’t choose my favorite go-to food, the ever-popular cheeseburger. Never fear.

HP Grill has card-carrying

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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carnivores like myself covered. As soon as I saw steak and eggs listed on the menu, there was no need to continue reading.

Honestly, I was expecting an inexpensive breakfast steak to be dry, tough, and overly chewy. To my surprise, the steak was full of juice and flavor, making it easier to chew. The steak mixed well with the generous portion of light and fluffy scrambled eggs. I was equally impressed with the golden-brown hash browns. Somehow, HP Grill makes them just right—not

too soggy and yet not too burnt and crispy.

In addition to good food, the restaurant’s homey and friendly atmosphere makes it worth visiting. The walls are adorned with photographs of patrons who have dined there over the years. You can have your photograph hung, too. There’s only one rule: it has to be a black-andwhite photograph.

I could definitely get used to this breakfast thing. But it will all depend on whether or not I can avoid hitting the snooze button on my alarm.

Follow me into the forest for fantasy and fun Lake Idamere-Tavares, FL State Road 19 and C.R. 448, Tavares, FL 32778

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AT GATE: $17 adult • $10 child Follow the weekly saga of The Photographers Tale facebook.com/ ladyofthelakesrenfaire EDUCATION DAY: November 2 9:30a.m. - 3:00p.m. $5 at gate for students 352.326.1265

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TAVARES

* SFAoL UoTdÉ

& Drink

The Flavors of Sagrantino The “Green Heart of Italy” is awash with red vineyards this month as Umbria’s indigenous Sagrantino grapes ripen to produce award-winning wines in the future.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

* O

nly 31 kilometers from the Italian town of Assisi in the northeast corner of Umbria are the vineyards of Montefalco, another picturesque hill town. While Assisi is known for its Basilica of St. Francis, Montefalco is more known for its wines, specifically, the Montefalco Sagrantino—often called the “holy wine” as it was once reserved for religious celebrations.

Umbria, nicknamed the “Green Heart of Italy,” is the region just south of the more famous Tuscany. While its wines have not had the same popularity or fame in the U.S. as Tuscany’s chianti, sangiovese, or “super Tuscans,” winegrowers have an indissoluble connection with their land with ambitious goals for the future.

Guido Guardigli is among those progressive, yet reverent, winegrowers whose wines are receiving international attention. He founded Perticaia in the 1990s when he saw Umbria’s extraordinary potential and that

In the 17th century, laws existed in Montefalco to protect the Sagrantino vines that made “holy wine.” Anyone caught cutting a piece of vine belonging to another was condemned to death.

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of its indigenous Sagrantino vine. Today, Perticaia—which means plow in Umbria’s archaic dialect—has 15 hectares of vineyards and a new cantina. And Perticaia is not alone in focusing on Sagrantino grapes—more than 50 producers* are now making the wines whereas only a handful existed in 2000. [*Source: umbriatouring.it/en/il-vino-sacrodi-montefalco] “The Sagrantino grape grows almost solely in the Montefalco area in Umbria, and its unique characteristics set it apart from every other grape variety in Italy,” said Alessandro Meniconi, winemaker and winery director for Perticaia, in a recent email.

He explained that one of the Sagrantino’s main differences from other grape varieties is that its skin is very thick and rich in polyphenols. “This acts as a natural defense against mold and parasites, a very important aspect considering that it is harvested in the second half of October, which is late

The grape Grown almost solely in the Montefalco area of Umbria, Sagrantino grapes are thick-skinned and packed with flavor. Wines made from these grapes were once reserved for religious and family celebrations. In fact, the name “Sagrantino” originated from two Italian words: “sacro” (holy) and “sagra” (celebration). In the 17th century, laws existed in Montefalco to protect the Sagrantino vines that made “holy wine.” Anyone caught cutting a piece of vine belonging to another was condemned to death. Luckily, things changed and by the 1990s, dry red wines made from Sagrantino grapes gained international attention for their extraordinary fruit flavors and vivid tannins. In fact, it’s one of the world’s most tannic varietals.

Guido Guardigli, owner of Perticaia Winery

compared to other varieties,” he said. “It also gives it the structure to develop and evolve over a long time, making a wine that can age in the bottle for many years.”

I recently tasted the 2008 vintage of the Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG. The Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita is the highest classification Italian wines can be awarded. In order for a Sagrantino wine to receive the DOCG classification, it must be made from 100 percent Sagrantino grapes, with a minimum of 37 months aging before release. The aging process also must include one year in oak barrels.

The wine was indeed quite tannic and could have even been cellared a few more years; it did smooth out significantly after I let it breathe for over an hour, which is expected of most age-worthy Italian wines. The aromas of black cherries were delightful, and the smoky and earthy flavors were enhanced by a rich Italian-seasoned pot roast, known as “Peposa.”

The only thing better than this particular wine pairing would have been walking among Sagrantino vines in the fall. Painters have long been inspired by the rich Umbrian landscape, and the bright red leaves in the Sagrantino vineyards are described as melodies of music to wine lovers.

Wines PERTICAIA MONTEFALCO SAGRANTINO DOCG 2008 (SRP $40-$50): Great with a juicy steak, pot roast, or well-seasoned burgers. A dry Italian wine from Umbria made of 100 percent of the native Sagrantino grape, this bold, tannic red shows distinct characteristics like smokiness, earthiness, and notes of cherry, wild berry, and star anise.

MONTEFALCO ROSSO (SRP $20-$25): The perfect pairing with lighter grilled meats like chicken, pork, and salami. Aged for 18 months and blended with 60-80 percent Sangiovese, it is light and approachable but still shows notes of complexity in its dark fruits and good structure.

Tasting notes defined

TANNIC Wines are described as tannic if they have high levels of tannins, the naturally occurring compounds known as polyphenols.

When the skins, seeds, and stems soak in the juice after grapes are pressed, polyphenols are released and give wines, especially red wines, a dryness or astringency. Strong black tea and dark chocolate also have tannins and create the same drynessin-the-mouth effect. Tannins add structure and complexity to wines, and winemakers love them because tannins are a natural antioxidant to protect the wine.

The more tannins a wine has, the longer it can be held or cellared.

Mary Ann DeSantis Mary Ann DeSantis is a 2018 and 2016 fellow of the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers, Napa Valley, and has received certification from the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust (WSET). An award-winning journalist, she has written for Lake & Sumter Style since 2006.

September 2018

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*

Food & Drink 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 Castaways Restaurant 23525 US State Road 40 352.759.2213 Sparky’s Place Restaurant 24646 State Road 40 352.759.3551 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 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 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 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 Valentina’s Sandwhich Factory 132 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.408.9608 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 El Ranchito 911 W N Blvd.

352.314.9339 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 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 Rodello’s Italian Restaurant 26736 US Hwy. 27 352.319.8093 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 Turners 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 Barnwood Country Kitchen and Smokehouse 3725 W. Old US Hwy 441 352.630.4903 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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Food & Drink DINING GUIDE

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. 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.

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!

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!

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La Palma OF THE BEST

HOTLIST2018

OF THE BEST

WINNER

HOTLIST

OF THE BEST HOTLIST FINALIST

1690 Citrus Blvd., Leesburg // 352.323.1444 // LapalmaGrill.com Open Daily 11am – 9pm // Lunch Specials: 11am – 3pm

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

Rodello’s Italian Restaurant 26736 U.S Highway 27, Leesburg // 352-319-8093 // Rodellos.com Open Daily: 11am-9pm Chef Amadeo Avila invites you to enjoy authentic and fresh Italian cuisine in a friendly, comfortable dining environment at the new Rodello’s Italian Restaurant. The recipes used for his dishes are a blend of old-school traditions from Italy—the restaurant is named for a city in the old country—with new culinary inspirations that Chef Amadeo has learned during many years in the restaurant business. Flavorful, homemade Italian entrees such as Pistachio Crusted Lamb, Salmon Saltimbocca, Lobster Ravioli, Shrimp Risotto, and many others are classics and prepared with only the freshest ingredients.

The lunch menu features personal pizzas, calzones, subs, and pasta. Sit in the spacious dining room or enjoy drinks or desserts like delicious gelato in the cozy lounge, which features a full bar, wine menu, and an array of specialty cocktails.

Always look for new specials on Chef Amadeo’s menu, available on the restaurant’s website, Rodellos.com.

Southern Gourmet 314 W. Main St., Leesburg // Open Monday through Friday 10:30am–3pm // 352.409.7512 Smiling faces. Courteous service. Outstanding food. That’s what visitors can expect when they dine at Southern Gourmet, a quaint deli and café located in the heart of downtown Leesburg. While customers rave about the chicken salad sandwich, plenty of other delicious items are on the menu, including a Super Club sandwich, the Traditional BLT, and Classic Turkey Reuben on Rye. Daily soup specials are offered, as well as a variety of scrumptious side dishes such as cranberry salad, pasta salad, and seasonal fresh fruit.

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Food & Drink DINING GUIDE

Stokes Seafood Market and More 719 W. Main St., Leesburg // 352.787.3474 Facebook.com/StokesSeafoodMarketandMore The freshest seafood available, and many delicious “grab and go” meals are available from Stokes Seafood Market and More, and we now have outdoor seating so you can enjoy a quick lunch at the market! We are located at 719 W. Main Street at the corner of 9th Street in historic downtown Leesburg. Our very own Chef Michelle Norvé C.E.C. creates the wonderful seafood dishes at the market, including lobster rolls, sesame-seared Ahi tuna, salad with blackened salmon or Ahi tuna, the best seafood gumbo, New England clam chowder, shrimp and lobster bisque around, and so much more. When you pick up your fresh seafood you can sample some of the wonderful house-made seafood salads, spreads, and dips, and wine and beer, and take some home to go with your dinner. We specialize in hard to find Northern fish and shellfish, live Maine Lobster and Blue Crab, Salmon, Tuna, Snapper, Grouper, Mahi, Ipswich Clams, Oysters, Mussels, Mullet, Catfish, Tilapia, Swordfish, Crab, and so much more! Every day there’s something new to pick up for lunch and “grab and go” home to enjoy. We are your one stop seafood shop…we carry everything to make your seafood meal perfect! In addition to the fish brought in fresh from the boats daily, there’s also a great selection of shellfish and frozen fish. Ask about our fun and informative cooking demonstrations

by Chef Michelle. Call or check the schedule in the store for times.

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

The Whistle Stop at Zellwood Station 2728 Cayman Cir., Zellwood // Tue-Sat 11am-7pm // Sun 11am-5pm // 407.814.7005 Located in the rolling hills of Zellwood Station is Whistle Stop Restaurant and Lounge. With a scenic view of the community’s beautiful golf course, the restaurant is open Sunday morning for breakfast, Wednesdays and Fridays for dinner, and Tuesday through Sunday for lunch. Diners can satisfy their taste buds on various food items prepared by a former Disney Chef, including Reubens, burgers, Caesar salad, and a large pork sandwich.

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Yalaha Bakery 8210 State Road 48, Yalaha // Open daily 8am-7pm // 352.324.3366 The family owned German Bakery since 1995, is an award-winning Bakery that offers to customers high-quality German products made with the highest culinary standards. Fine European pastries and breads are made with organic flours, chocolates, and spices, butter, and imported European ingredients. Take home tortes, tarts, and wonderful pretzels, but before you go home, enjoy something from our delicious deli menu. We serve breakfast from 8-11am and lunch and dinner are served 11am-7pm. Enjoy German specialties like Nurnberger breakfast, Hunterschnitzel with Spätzle, Bratwurst, Reuben, Quiche, typical German soups, and maybe Semelknoedel (bread dumplings with mushroom sauce) for lunch or dinner. We offer a fine selection of German beers and wines. Whatever time of day, you’ll find something you love at Yalaha Bakery.

On the weekends you can come and enjoy various events and music concerts on Saturdays and Sundays at our Beer Garden. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter or via our website www.yalahabakery.com A German Bakery Like No Other!

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

Call us at 352.787.4112

LAKE & SUMTER

4th Annual

Battle Buddy Golf Tournament Saturday, September 8 Bonifay Country Club * Contact Combat Veterans to Careers for registration details *

352.775.4009 | CombatVeteranstoCareers.org

™

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO BENEFIT COMBAT VETERANS TO CAREERS Combat Veterans to Careers™ (Federal Tax ID# 45-5187087) is a civilian 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization

RING HOP STO E E R

T HR

IF T S T ORE

Supporting

Combat Veterans to Careers

GREAT SALES EVERY WEEK 352-748 -1855

We gratefully accept the following items: • Furniture in good condition • Rugs in good condition • Refrigerators/Freezers • Washers/Dryers

• Clean Kitchenware • Dishes • Drapery • Household Items • Bicycles

• Laptops/Desktops • Tablets • Flatscreen TVs • Vinyl Records • And More…

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO BENEFIT COMBAT VETERANS TO CAREERS Combat Veterans to Careers™ (Federal Tax ID# 45-5187087) is a civilian 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization

352.748.1855 | RestoringHopeThrift.org Drop off during business hours only | Pick-ups and Deliveries: Mon, Wed, Fri only | Call to schedule a pick-up Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am to 4:30pm | Sat 10am to 2pm • 400 E Gulf Atlantic Hwy., Wildwood

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F i na l T h oug h t

Power of a smile Flex those facial muscles—it’s good for your well-being!

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

O

n my desk sits a photo of a young boy, Logan, 7, who is on a promotional card for OneBlood, thanking blood donors for keeping him alive. I don’t know Logan, but I’ve kept his picture around simply because I love his wide, infectious, toothy smile. His adorable expression always makes me grin.

Children smile an average of 400 times daily, according to researchers; the typical adult smiles only 20 times per day. Maybe we should be more like kids since scientists say smiling is a natural anti-depressant that can boost your mood, strengthen your immune system, and reduce overall blood pressure and stress.

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I don’t know Logan, but I’ve kept his picture around simply because I love his wide, infectious, toothy smile.

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Here are more tidbits about the power of a smile: • British researchers found ment or persistence of that one smile generates various cancers. the same level of brain stimulation as receiving • Wayne State University about $25,000 in cash or up researchers looked into to 2,000 bars of chocolate. pre-1950s baseball cards of Major League players • Smiling is beneficial on a and found players who cellular level, according didn’t smile in their to biochemist Sondra pictures lived an average Barrett. In her book, “Seof 72.9 years, where crets of Your Cells,” she players with smiles lived says smiling reduces the almost 80 years. rigidness of cells, and this physical relaxation helps • Using 3-D ultrasound nix the risk of stress-intechnology, scientists duced cell mutations that found developing babies may lead to the developappear to smile, even in

.com

the womb. When they’re born, babies continue to smile, mostly in their sleep.

but appear more competent and youthful, a Penn State University study says.

The muscles used to smile also lift the face and make a person appear younger.

• A study in the journal Neuropsychologia reports that seeing an attractive, smiling face activates your • Get ready to flex those orbitofrontal cortex, the smile muscles Oct. 5— region in your brain that World Smile Day—which is processes sensory recelebrated the first Friday wards. This suggests when of October. The holiday you view a person smiling, was created by Harvey you actually feel rewarded.

Ball, who developed the iconic yellow smiley face • Smilers are not only in 1963. Harvey’s goal was regarded as more likable, to improve the world one courteous, and attractive, smile at a time.

Events by Miss Daisy Let us plan your event!

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Miss Daisy’s Flowers & Gifts

“Whatever Your Occasion, Let Miss Daisy’s Make It Special!”

1024 W. Main Street Leesburg, FL

352.787.6806

www.MissDaisysFlowers.c om September 2018

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Frank DeLuca Owner/President

DeLuca Toyota

DELUCA TOYOTA SR 200 • Ocala, FL 352-732-0770 DELUCATOYOTA.COM

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