FROM THE PUBLISHER

hanksgiving is o cially over. The turkey tasted delicious, and the time spent among family and friends created everlasting memories.

We all know what comes next.

It’s time to break out those shopping lists. Christmas will be here before we know it. You don’t want to be one of those last-minute shoppers who scramble to buy their nal gifts on

Christmas Eve.

Fortunately, I’ve already set my Christmas shopping game plan into motion. It’s not complicated. In fact, it’s quite simplistic.

I’m shopping local.

There are several reasons why I’ve made this decision. First, I want my money to stay in the community. Many local businesses use a portion of their sales to support nonpro t organizations that o er much-needed services to many residents. Moreover, when we support hometown companies, more jobs are created and the economy ourishes.

Second, shopping local helps me nd unique and meaningful gifts that I likely wouldn’t nd at a big box store. I don’t want to risk buying something that a family member or friend already has. Our shops in Lake and Sumter counties o er never-before-seen handmade art and decorations, cute t-shirts, and delicious food gifts and gourmet baskets.

Third, I enjoy a better, more personalized shopping experience. At large retail stores, I’m just one of thousands of customers who walk in and out of the store on a given day. Conversely, local storeowners are passionate about their products, and that passion shines through in the way they greet and interact with their customers. They enthusiastically go out of their way to help me nd the ideal gift, and they provide an expert opinion about the product I’m purchasing. I leave the store feeling like a valued customer.

Fourth, I know many small businesses are reeling from the coronavirus pandemic. Sadly, some have permanently shut down. Remember, these small businesses are vital to our community. And if you’re still afraid to shop in public, don’t forget that many provide you the option of purchasing their goods online.

I hope each of you has a wonderful Christmas. Hopefully, 2022 will bring us all renewed hope and joy.

Kendra

all renewed hope and joy.

We’re always looking for stories about people who live and work in our area. Send suggestions to editorial@akersmediagroup.com

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

ission Inn Resort and Club is set among 1100 acres of Old Florida unspoiled beauty. In every direction are picturesque backdrops of Mediterranean-style architecture, spring-fed lakes, and gentle, rolling hills. For residents, the resort-style amenities offers a lifestyle of luxury and tranquility. The property features a hotel, two award-winning golf courses, fine dining restaurants, a spa, tennis courts, pickle ball, swimming pool, walking trail and marina on Lake Harris. Mary Jane Easley and Cesar Villarroel say they are blessed to be residents of the Mission Inn Resort and Club and enjoy living the resort lifestyle. As realtors they passionately embrace the opportunity to help others live the same dream. For both Mary Jane and Cesar, Mission Inn Resort and Club is not only where they live but also where they sell the lifestyle buyers have always dreamed about!

Mary Jane moved from Texas and joined the Mission Inn Real Estate Office in 2002 when the Las Colinas development first started. She and her husband built their home on the Las Colinas third fairway that same year. Most everything was undeveloped land with only a few homes already built. She enjoyed taking her clients out in golf carts, so they could select their lot and contract to build their new home. Over the years she has sold more than $60 million both at Mission Inn and throughout Lake/Orange County. She has also won the Orlando Five Star Award five times. Less than 1% of the realtors who are recognized by their peers and clients win this award.

Cesar Villarroel, who is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese, is a true international ambassador for the sport of tennis and in the fitness field. He holds his United States Professional Tennis Association Elite Certification, has a Certified Pro 1 Rating from the Professional Tennis Registry, is a Certified Trainer for the National Endurance Sports Training Association (NESTA), is Titleist Performance Institute certified (TPI) and serves on the Adidas and Wilson Tennis Advisory Staff. After years of coaching ITF, ATP, and WTA players as well as co-founding the former 6th Sense Tennis Academy in Florida with former number one in the world Justine Henin, Cesar has decided to broaden his horizons. While continuing to flourish in the tennis world, Cesar has now found success in helping homeowners and homebuyers in Central Florida. In 2020, Cesar became a multimilliondollar producer. Whether you’re looking to sell your current home or you’re in the market for something new, Cesar will make sure to make it happen, negotiating the best deal possible in a concise manner.

Mission Inn Real Estate has now changed owners and so Mary Jane and Cesar are now embracing new opportunities with Olympus Executive Realty. They continue to sell both new and resale homes at Mission Inn, as well as throughout Lake/Orange County.

As Realtors, Mary Jane and Cesar provide personalized service and develop long-lasting friendships with their clients. Moreover, they guide clients every step of the way, making the homebuying and selling process as stressfree and hassle-free as possible. Needless to say, Mary Jane and Cesar are looking forward to continuing their friendships with existing clients and forging meaningful l relationships with new clients. Whether you desire the dream lifestyle at Mission Inn or seek the dream home in another part of Lake County, there’s something every homebuyer or seller can be guaranteed. Mary Jane and Cesar don’t merely meet expectations; they exceed them by going above and beyond for their clients!

Elite Certification, has a Certified Pro 1 Rating from the Professional Trainer for the National Endurance Sports Training Association (NESTA), is Titleist Performance Institute certified (TPI) and serves on the Adidas and Wilson Tennis Advisory Staff. After years of coaching ITF, ATP, and WTA players as well as co-founding the former 6th Sense Tennis Academy in Florida with former number one in the world Justine Henin, Cesar has decided to broaden his horizons. While continuing to flourish in the tennis world, Cesar has now found success in helping homeowners and homebuyers in Central Florida. In 2020, Cesar became a multimilliondollar producer. Whether you’re looking to sell your current home or you’re in the market for something new, Cesar will make sure to make it happen, negotiating the best deal possible

Mission Inn Real Estate has now changed owners and so Mary Jane and Cesar are now embracing new opportunities with Olympus Executive Realty. They continue to sell both new and resale homes at Mission Inn, as well as throughout Lake/Orange County.

As Realtors, Mary Jane and Cesar provide personalized service and develop long-lasting

Mary Jane Easley, Realtor Olympus Executive Realty for Top Producers 16903 Lakeside Dr. Ste 6, Montverde, FL 34756 352.455.9642 | maryjane@mjeasley.com

Cesar Villarroel, Realtor Olympus Executive Realty for Top Producers 16903 Lakeside Dr. Ste 6, Montverde, FL 34756 352.455.6816 | cesartennis1@me.com

As an avid dancer and winner of Junior Miss Eustis, middle school Junior Miss Eustis, middle school student Addisyn Melanson is taking student Addisyn Melanson is taking the right steps toward success. the right steps toward success.