STYLE Magazine, Village Edition, June 2016

June

SP E CIAL PROMOT ION AL F E AT URE

2016

BUSINESS MEN OF STYLE

VILLAGES EDITION

Meet The Men Who Don’t Do Business As Usual!

Tropical omance R COSTA RICA: NOW YOU CAN BUILD A LUXURY VILLA IN THIS EXTRAORDINARY NEW COMMUNITY.

See the gatefold for more

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S P E C I AL P R OM OT I ON A L F E AT U R E

BUSINESS MEN OF STYLE

June

cont

S P E C I A L P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E

2016

BUSINESS MEN OF STYLE

VILLAGES EDITION

Meet The Men Who Don’t Do Business As Usual!

Meet The Men Who Don’t Do Business As Usual!

2016

Including

Michael Brashear

June

(Left) The Man with the 24-Hour Plan

Tropical Romance COSTA RICA: NOW YOU CAN BUILD A LUXURY VILLA IN THIS EXTRAORDINARY NEW COMMUNITY. See the gatefold for more

June

2016 // VO LU M E 1 2 N UMB E R 8

On the covers LAKE&SUMTER EDITION

DIRECTION: JAMIE EZRA MARK MODEL: MICHAEL BRASHEAR OF ANYTIME FITNESS PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED LOPEZ PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK

VILLAGE EDITION

THE SPRINGS RESORT & SPA NEIGHBORS TO THE NEW COMMUNITY OF ARENAL HILLS, FEATURED IN THE GATEFOLD.

THE MEN OF LAKE EYE See them on page 36

35 BUSINESS MEN OF STYLE

68 THE BOYS OF SUMMER

Meet the top men in business in Lake and Sumter counties.

They say Lightning never strikes twice, but every year Leesburg looks forward to the return of the Lightning.

74 THE HUEY FLIES AGAIN

PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

STORY: JAMES COMBS

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

The famed Huey helicopter will once again fly above the beautiful Veterans Memorial in Leesburg.

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ents Departments

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

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FIRST THINGS FIRST

20 #TRENDING The Hit List finds a leaky patient, a guy who’s equally mean to pets and girlfriends, a visit from a game show queen in The Villages. Updates to Kid’s Korner at Roger’s Park, a proclamation for The Groveland Four and a STEM grant to raise interest among students in science, technology, engineering, and math.

STORIES: JAMES COMBS+LEIGH NEELY+MICHELLE CLARK+THERESA CAMPBELL

24 PERSON OF INTEREST He may be retired, but former correctional office Richard Martin left a legacy of programs that work when dealing with inmates. Though his focus early in life was education, he found his degree worked well with his work in the prison system.

STORY: MICHELLE CLARK

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26 OUTSTANDING STUDENT At 16, Justin Helms is heavily involved in the FFA, HOSA, and BSA. He’s also a volunteer at a local hospital, and he has plans for a future in medicine.

STORY: MICHELLE CLARK

28 THIS ‘N THAT In the midst of a chaotic presidential campaign, Fred takes a look at royal atmosphere created if a king ruled our country.

STORY: FRED HILTON

85

ON THE SCENE

86 THE TO-DO LIST Fill your calendar with fun this month at the “Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival” in Clermont. Enjoy the music while tasting new dishes. The Longest Yard Sale at Renninger’s will no doubt feature things you won’t find anywhere else. Check out the photographs from the Focus Photo Club at Trout Lake Nature Center. Their subject is turtles. For some great rock music, Olympian Banquet is hosting “The Beat Goes on.”

92 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT Think Woodstock of the

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South as the fields of Renninger’s play host to “The Great Outdoors Jam.” Look for Pigeons Playing Pingpong, Voodoo Visionary, and Shoeless Soul among the bands playing during this four-day jam.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

94 OUT+ABOUT It began in the sands of Kitty Hawk and led to a man on the moon.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

88 LOCAL TALENT The Sonnentag Theater at The IceHouse is featuring Laurie Sullivan in the starring role of “Becky’s New Car.” A Sorrento resident, Laurie not only performs at the theater, but she enjoys musical performances on cruise ships.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

98 HI, SOCIETY! Find all your friends at local events.

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EATS!

112 IN THE KITCHEN Learning the art of cooking and food presentation in an invaluable lesson for high school students. Meet Chef John Woods, who teaches at TVHS Culinary Arts Academy and try some of his recipes.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES

116 SALUTÈ It’s time to break out your summer whites… and we’re not just talking about shoes. Replace those heavy Cabs and dark Malbecs with an array of white wines that pair with summer’s lighter menus.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

120 FORK ON THE ROAD The sub sandwiches at Lilly’s Super Subs & Suds come hot or cold, with a variety of side dishes, and even a cold beer. Mom and Dad’s is the epitome of home-style Italian restaurant. Whether it’s pasta, pizza, or antipasto, it’s authentic!

STORIES: LEIGH NEELY

1 40

FINAL THOUGHT Learning about the veterans working on the Huey helicopter from the Vietnam era raised a lot of memories about the war, life at the time, and the music that brought it all together.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

1 16

THE FLORIDA STYLES YOU LOVE

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Business

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2016

(Left) Plan the 24-Hour

June

hot off the press!

L PROMO

THE TRUT H We explore the facts about these popular devices.

Is there really a smoking gun?

ABOUT VA PING

SPECIAL PROMOTIO

June

NAL FEATURE

BUSINESS MEN OF STYLE

2016

N VILLAGES EDITIO

Meet The Men Who Don’t Do Usual!

Business As

MADE

IN LAKE

JANET WES HAIR TO T IS STAY

MARKETING

BUILDING YOU R BUD GET

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HUMAN

SPONSOR

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URCES 7 THINGS THAT MAK EMPLOYE E ES HAPPY

BUSI NESS

Tropicoaml ance R A LUXURY YOU CAN BUILD UNITY. RICA: NOW COMM COSTA ORDINARY NEW VILLA IN THIS EXTRA See the gatefold

for more

SPONSO

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CO UN

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David van de Velde (left) Theresa Morr , is, Greg Yage r, and Linda Ricke tson share their tips for marketing a business successful ly

ON TH MARK(EETIR )!

The latest editions of Lake and Sumter Style, Villages Style, Healthy Living, Lake Business Magazine and Welcome to Lake County

Digitize your life.

THIS YEAR’S HOT LIST WILL MELT RECORDS

Visit the Apple or Android app store today and download the Lake & Sumter Style or Healthy Living online magazine app for your mobile device. For the best in enhanced magazine entertainment, join us online for the media experience of a lifetime.

Nominations start June 1 Visit lakeandsumterstyle.com

get yours.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Order a subscription of

ADVERTISING // BRANDING // DESIGN MEDIA // INTERACTIVE // PUBLIC RELATIONS // PROMOTIONS // AUDIO/VIDEO PRODUCTION

SHOW YOUR LOVE. Become a fan of Lake & Sumter Style, Healthy Living or Lake Business Magazine by liking our Facebook page, following us on Twitter (@GetStyleMag or @ GetHLMag) or visiting our YouTube channel.

your favorite magazine to be delivered directly to your home for just $72. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Lake & Sumter Style, Village Style or Healthy Living. Choose 2 or more magazines for $85 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112 or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749.

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

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

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OUGH PEDAL THR LAKE RT OF THE HEA ON THE COUNTY T O-COAS COAST-T TOR CONNEC

From the publisher

Kendra Akers PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF kendra@akersmediagroup.com

Doug Akers

THIS ONE’S FOR YOU.

VICE PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com

Jamie Ezra Mark CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER jamie@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY

Leigh Neely Steven J. Codraro

MANAGING EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR leigh@akersmediagroup.com steve@akersmediagroup.com

James Combs Joe Deleon

STAFF WRITER SENIOR ART DIRECTOR james@akersmediagroup.com joe@akersmediagroup.com

Michelle Clark Josh Clark

STAFF WRITER SENIOR DESIGNER michelle@akersmediagroup.com josh@akersmediagroup.com

Theresa Campbell Volkan Ulgen

STAFF WRITER DESIGNER shemir@akersmediagroup.com volkan@akersmediagroup.com

Fred Lopez Michael Gaulin

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER PRODUCTION DIRECTOR fred@akersmediagroup.com michael@akersmediagroup.com CONTRIBUTORS

Jarrod Clark Fred Hilton Mary Ann DeSantis Kathy Porter Pat Jocelyn SALES // MARKETING

Tim McRae Mike Stegall

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING SENIOR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE tim@akersmediagroup.com mike@akersmediagroup.com

Heidi Ressler Lynne Kelley

ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE heidi@akersmediagroup.com lynne@akersmediagroup.com

Melanie Melvin David Coté

DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES DIRECTOR OF MARKETING melanie@akerscreative.com david@akersmediagroup.com ADMINISTRATION

Deb Matlock

OFFICE MANAGER deb@akersmediagroup.com

Aubrey Akers

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

Shaena Chastain RECEPTIONIST shaena@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION

Do you ever wonder what a businessman thinks about? Contrary to what many believe, all men do not constantly spend their time thinking about sex.

A businessman spends his days and nights thinking about ways to improve his business. Sure, there is an occasional drift off into daydreaming about other things, but the majority of his time is thinking about business. I know this because I am married to a businessman.

Day in and day out, I watch my husband, Doug, spend his time thinking of ways to solve day-to-day issues about our business. I can always tell what he is thinking about when I look at him because he is sporting a little scowl in the middle of his forehead. Even when things are going great, he is still thinking of ways for us to grow and improve our business.

I think it is time to take a break from all of that—thinking. So, businessmen across Lake and Sumter counties, we’ve designed this issue just for you.

We’re featuring Leesburg Lightning’s boys of summer, along with this season’s schedule, the revitalization of a Huey helicopter, new services available for local veterans, places you can go to get some tasty subs & suds, and how you can get your jam on at the Mount Dora Outdoor Jam Festival.

Don’t worry, ladies—we have not forgotten about you. In this month’s issue, you will enjoy seeing some of the area’s most powerful, most successful businessmen, dressed to impress in the annual “Business Men of Style” feature. What woman doesn’t appreciate a sharp dressed man?

Additionally, I would like to personally congratulate Michael Brashear of Anytime Fitness. We are proud to have you grace our cover.

Scott Hegg DISTRIBUTION MANAGER scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

Until next month,

LAKE & SUMTER STYLE IS A PROUD MEMBER OF

FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION

LEESBURG PARTNERSHIP

LEESBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

TAVARES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SOUTH LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WINNER OF

LAKE EUSTIS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SUMTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

100+ AWARDS

Kendra Akers, Publisher kendra@akersmediagroup.com

AMERICAN ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION FOR EXCELLENCE

Lake & Sumter Style, June 2016. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 South Fifth Street, Leesburg, Florida 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2016 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112.

Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned.

Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Paid Promotional Feature” and “Special Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media.

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FOR THIS PATIENT,

Restored eyesight & eyelids create a fresh outlook When Kathy Lee relocated to The Villages® community, she was suffering from vision problems caused by two different issues: cataracts and sagging eyelids. She consulted with Lake Eye’s Dr. Scott Wehrly, a renowned cataract surgeon and lens implantation specialist. “Kathy was a perfect candidate for LenSx® refractive laser cataract surgery,” says Dr. Wehrly. The LenSx® system utilizes a computer-guided laser to remove cataracts with ultrasound vibrations, so no cutting is needed and patients recover rapidly “Because she also had diminished vision, I implanted multifocal intraocular lenses during the same surgery, greatly improving her vision.”

Kathy then saw Dr. Shelby Terpstra, Board Certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, for blepharoplasty to correct her drooping lids. “Kathy’s lids were really impacting her peripheral vision,” says Dr. Terpstra, “so her surgery was covered by her insurance.” Blepharoplasty not only improved Kathy’s vision, but also her appearance. “In the waiting room, I saw a video shot of someone’s eyes and I thought, ‘Oh, that poor lady!

She looks so sad and tired,’" says Kathy. "Then I realized it was my before photo! I didn’t even recognize myself, that’s how significant the change was! I honestly can’t believe how much better I see, feel and look now.”

Kathy Lee is pictured below with Shelby Terpstra, DO and Scott Wehrly, MD

The clear choice for a lifetime of healthy vision.

TAVARES | LEESBURG | THE VILLAGES | LADY LAKE

ÎxÓ Çxä ÓäÓäÊUÊÜÜÜ.LakeEye.com

First Things

f1rst #TRENDING PERSON OF INTEREST RICHARD MARTIN OUTSTANDING STUDENT JUSTIN HELMS THIS ‘N’ THAT

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First things first // #trending Spotlighting the best of local people, places, and events

Summer

Sanctuaries

Summer is here, and so is the heat. For those in the south, swimming holes were always a great solution to the sweltering heat, especially when the beach is just too far away for a dip. Instead, take advantage of the public pool. Lake County has several, so there’s no need to take the gang to the coast or Rainbow River every day, or pay for water parks. Check out these public pools near you: VENETIAN GARDENS 109 E Dixie Ave, Leesburg H. O. DABNEY RECREATION COMPLEX 1080 Beecher Street, Leesburg EUSTIS AQUATIC CENTER 250 Ferran Park Drive, Eustis.

352.357.3264.

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GARDENIA PARK RECREATION COMPLEX 201 W. Berckman St., Fruitland Park

LINCOLN AVENUE COMMUNITY PARK & POOL 1200 North Unser Street, Mount Dora

THE CLERMONT ARTS AND RECREATION CENTER 3700 S Highway 27, Clermont 352.394.3500.

UMATILLA POOL 16 Lone Star Street, Umatilla 321.263.5238.

GOLDEN TRIANGLE YMCA 1465 David Walker Road, Tavares 352.343.1144.

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Coming Soon

PHOTOS: Bret Michaels, courtesy of WMEEntertainment.com; Everclear photo by Kevin Estrada; shutterstock.com.

Leesburg has planned to renovate the beloved and worn Kid’s Korner at Roger’s Park for some time. Those plans include a new playground, swings, a splash pad, an interactive music garden, and even a zipline. Style reported the project conception, and after only a few short months, ground was broken.

Needless to say, the process has been exciting.

With the final plan approved this past March, officials expect the park to be completed next month. It could open as soon as Fourth of July, just in time for Leesburg’s annual celebrations.

The splash pad portion, however, will follow in summer 2017.

NEW PIO JOINS LEESBURG

Derek Hudson is the new public information officer for Leesburg, and he brings more than a decade of experience to the job. He formerly served as public/ media relations consultant and spokesman for the Florida Department of Transportation.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former commissioned naval officer, Hudson earned his MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College.

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First things first // #trending Spotlighting the best of local people, places, and events

A time for action The Lake County Board of County Commissioners presented Proclamation 2016-26 to the families of the Groveland Four, supporting the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution Number 136 and encouraging the governor to exonerate or grant pardons to Charles Greenlee, Water Irvin, Samuel Shepherd, and Ernest Thomas.

The Proclamation reads: “The Board of County Commissioners recognizes that no action on the part of the State of Florida can make right the egregious wrongs perpetrated out of racial hatred against Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepherd, and Ernest Thomas, but the Board respectfully acknowledges that a review of the evidence shows that grave injustices were perpetrated against these men during this racially charged time in history. The Board of County Commissioners offers this public acknowledgment to the remaining family members who have tirelessly sought to restore the reputations of not only Charles Green-

JAMES COMBS’

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1 // A PATIENT AT A LAKE COUNTY

hospital was accused of possibly contaminating thousands of dollars worth of medication after he reportedly urinated on a refrigerator. He ‘bladder’ clean it up or else risk ‘dampening’ the spirits of other patients.

2 // FOR THE THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR, The Villages was recognized

as the fastest-growing metro area, according to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s no surprise considering all the lovely sights you see in The Villages. You know, picturesque golf courses, beautiful custom homes, Spanish- style architecture…people having sex in public venues.

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lee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepherd and Ernest Thomas, but to restore the honor of their descendants who have sought justice in a manner devoid of hate and ill-will.”

Gilbert King, who penned “Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America,” says, “It’s very impressive for the Lake County Board of County Commissioners to take this step to correct an injustice from more than 60 years ago. It’s going to take some real momentum for the state of Florida to officially exonerate the Groveland Boys, but this effort needs to begin somewhere, and there’s no better place to start than on a local level.”

King’s book won a Pulitzer Prize in 2013 and he is currently working with screenwriters Adam Cooper and Bill Collage to put his story on the big screen. King says Lionsgate is finalizing casting, so shooting can begin this summer, with release of the film in 2017

3 // A STUDENT AT A LAKE COUNTY

elementary school brought a BB gun on campus but was not planning to harm anyone. I wish show-and-tell was that cool when I was a kid.

4 // A 23-YEAR-OLD LEESBURG

man was arrested after hitting a dog, throwing a cat, and then punching his girlfriend who tried to intervene.

Maybe they should make a movie after this and call it “The Texas ChainPaw Massacre.”

5 // A 43-YEAR-OLD CLERMONT man was arrested for aggravated assault and attempted burglary after stabbing his mother’s front door with a pitchfork

and trying to pry the door off its hinges.

Apparently, he was attempting to get some of her pain pills. She should have offered him Viagra. Then he would’ve had something to hold onto while she repeatedly slapped him upside the head.

6 // POPULAR GAME SHOW PERSONALITY Vanna White recently

visited The Villages to help launch the Florida Lottery’s newest $5 scratch-off game, Wheel of Fortune. We don’t need to buy any consonants or vowels to know what single Village men were thinking: W__LL YO__ __ARRY M__?

SCHOOL LUNCH HAS A WHOLE NEW MEANING! Fifth-grade students from Wildwood Elementary School were rewarded for being “Kids with Character” during a recent trip to Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q in The Villages. The restaurant was one of the locations that offered students a free meal for exhibiting the traits of good character—trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. The purpose of the exercise is to help students spend their school days concentrating on learning and avoiding behavioral distractions while exhibiting strength of character.

Students who have shown these qualities during the week are entered in a drawing and rewarded for their efforts to focus and work hard.

Principal John Temple, who accompanied students Adair Benitez, Kylie Carr, Spencer Casper, Kenya Davis, Jayden Johnson, and Audra Squire, says, “The students must know that strong character coupled with an education can take them to great places in this world. We want to reward them for their efforts, and hopefully that will encourage others to embrace these qualities, too.”

“It was fun to have lunch with the principal,” says Kyle Carr. She also said she was excited to enjoy the delicious ribs.

Temple says the plan is to continue rewarding good character so the students of WES will go on to become productive citizens of Wildwood and Sumter County.

AT&T Grant Aids STEM Projects Leesburg High School students will benefit from a grant from AT&T that provides opportunities to study how classroom study translates into science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. Work began in January and will continue through May with a total of 225 students in grades 9 through 12 participating in 47 separate projects.

The Science National Honor Society students will learn about technology used in health care, forensic science, biotechnology, genetic and civil engineering. Those enrolled in engineering learn about basic electronics, analog and digital circuits, and reading schematic diagrams through exploring amplifiers.

“We know that industries engaged in STEM disciplines will create a majority of high-value, high-wage jobs and within ten years, almost nine out of 10 new jobs will require education beyond a high school degree,” said Joe York, AT&T Florida president. “We are pleased to make this contribution because Florida’s K-12 education foundations are well positioned to be the link between schools and local businesses for students, enabling them to build connections with potential employers in their communities, get a sense of what careers they offer and the skill sets they require.”

The grants were administered through the Educational Foundation of Lake County as part of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.

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First things first // person of interest

RICHARD MARTIN Retired Correctional Officer

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF WORKING WITHIN THE BOP? My favorite part about my job as a supervisor was being able to mentor other staff members—actually I have two favorite parts—and to see an inmate actually rehabilitate.

WHAT DO YOU LEAVE BEHIND? Well, in the bureau prisons we developed a program for low functioning inmates called SKILLS residential treatment program, and it’s been running for about 10 years. I was a part of the initial staff of the program and was the unit manager.

These inmates are usually isolated 24/7, but [with this program] they are placed with an inmate who will teach them a job. There was one particular inmate that was low functioning and had severe mental problems; I was his unit manager for about seven or eight years. He was able to complete the program, be released to a residential center in Washington D.C., and get a job.

I still check up on him and he’s doing nicely.

IS THERE AN ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? Out of the 20 years I was at Coleman, I received Supervisor of The Year four times.

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Which is a big deal because we have a lot of supervisors out there. And 30 of the 32 secretaries I had [when I was a] supervisor were promoted under me. I was able to help them and push them to move up.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE CORRECTIONS FIELD? My degree was in education, so initially I wanted to teach. But I could make more money working at a correctional facility than being a teacher, which is a bit backwards and here’s why: I think teachers should be paid more than we get paid, because if they were, there would be less inmates in the correctional facility for us to work with.

HOW DID YOU UTILIZE YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND IN CORRECTIONS? I found plenty of opportunities to use my education degree, from the time I was an officer and all the way up the ranks. I was able to use that knowledge at every position throughout my career.

FAVORITE BOOK? “Death at Midnight” by Donald A. Cabana. It was a fictitious book about the prison in Mississippi.

The warden wrote it, and I was the inspiration for one of the characters.

I was the lieutenant for death row.

WHAT’S NEXT? I’ll be starting next month with correctional management group—I’ll be doing come consulting. I’m excited about a new phase in my career. I retired from the corrections facility in January, and I’ll be working with one of my former wardens and mentor Carlyle Holder; he’s the CEO.

PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

WHAT WAS YOUR ROLE IN THE BOP (FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS)? Out of my 33 years, I was a unit manager for 18 years. I started with a prison in Mississippi, then Florida, and traveled to a few states, holding a number of potions such as assistant warden. But when they opened Coleman in 1995, I came back to Florida.

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First things first // outstanding student

WHAT GROUPS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? Future Farmers of America, Health Occupation Student Association, volunteer at South Lake Hospital, and Boy Scouts of America.

WHAT CLAIMS MOST OF YOUR TIME? FFA is the one I’m most committed to because we are such a tight-knit group. There’s always a competition I can be involved in with my friends, and it’s just a lot of fun to be around them.

WHAT ARE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS WITHIN FFA? I won second in Parliamentary Procedure and first in district for Ornamental Horticulture. It was really exciting to win, but it was really nerve-racking also, because only first goes to state. I’m going to state for Ornamental Horticulture.

DO YOU HAVE TIME FOR OTHER PURSUITS? Last year I played lacrosse for my school. This year, I play football. I plan on doing more sports in the future but I’m not sure what yet. School consumes a lot of my time.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU? I want to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

WHAT INTERESTS YOU ABOUT THE MEDICAL FIELD? I just always felt I like helping people, and I could save lives. After my surgery last year, it made me more interested in it. I had an appendectomy.

Odd as it sounds, I enjoyed it a lot. I like the atmosphere in the hospital, I like being around the people. They took photos during the surgery and it was really cool to see them afterwards.

FAVORITE BOOK? One of my favorite series of books is the Alex Riders series that I read in middle school, they are action packed.

PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

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FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST? George Strait BIGGEST INFLUENCES? My parents. They are persistent and they project an attitude that I can do whatever I want. They always believe in me.

PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

AGE 16/ LAKE MINNEOLA HIGH SCHOOL

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First things first // This ‘n’ that

LONG LIVE THE KING! LONG LIVE THE KING! STORY: FRED HILTON

Unless you’ve been on Neptune for the past year or so, you realize this is a presidential election year. Nastiness has reached a new level this year, with each candidate trying to outdo all the others in slimy comments. In fact, one candidate was called a “hideous hermaphroditical character.” No, that didn’t happen this year—although the way things have been going, it’s not unthinkable. That choice bit of vitriol actually came from a member of the campaign team of none other than Thomas Jefferson in a slam against his opponent in 1800, John Adams.

Adams’ son, John Quincy Adams, could be pretty nasty himself. The younger Adams and his handlers went after his opponent, Andrew Jackson, by attacking Jackson’s wife. They called her a “convicted adulteress” and said she was prone to “open and notorious lewdness.”

We don’t really need to put up with this garbage every four years. Why do we need a president anyway? Presidents don’t do anything but play golf and fly around the world, visiting other presidents and attending lavish state dinners. This is not a partisan slam. It applies to all of them. No president has done anything since that potty-mouthed Jefferson bought the Louisiana Purchase. Anybody who gave us Bourbon Street, the French Quarter, and Mardi Gras has to be revered and admired.

Since presidents are basically useless, why don’t we have a king instead? Having a king would be lots more fun than having a dull, do-nothing president. We could have all sorts of grand ceremonies with trumpet flourishes, fancy-dressed guards, a big old golden chariot pulled by the Budweiser Clydesdales, and a made-in-theU.S.A. version of the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones.

The jewelry owned by Liz Taylor’s estate and by all the stars in Hollywood could be nationalized for the Crown Jewels. The Smithsonian would be happy to donate the Hope Diamond for use by the king on his ring.

In deference to political correctness, let me quickly point out the royal person could be a queen as well as a king. It’s just that “king” is easier to type than “queen” and writing “king or queen” and “he or she” over and over again is a real pain in the computer.

You may have the fear that our king will be evil and do terrible things. For that reason, we’ll have the prerequisite that the king must be good—as in Good King Wenceslaus. You remember Good King Wenceslaus. In the Christmas carol, he looked out

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“on the Feast of Stephen.” (Or, if you’re a Pogo Possum fan, “on his feets uneven.”)

Here’s a little-known fact for you trivia junkies: Wenceslaus wasn’t even a king. He was a duke. But he was good. And that’s what counts.

When our good king is in place, we won’t have to worry about boring State of the Union addresses or mind-numbing announcements from the president. Instead, the king will occasionally issue a royal proclamation.

Each royal proclamation will be announced live on television at a time when only crappy shows are scheduled (which means most anytime).

One of the first proclamations will be to make failure to pick up after one’s dog a capital offense. The king will have the option of bringing back the guillotine for offenders. That may be a bit drastic but it should probably work.

Next, the king will proclaim that it is a violation of the law for anyone to go through the grocery store express line with more than the 10 items. Violators will be denied the ability to buy groceries—anywhere—for at least a year.

Our king will work on straightening out our language. Words and phrases that are overused, trite, and irritating will be banned from the language. The first to go will be “awesome,” “no problem,” and “absolutely.” That will render 90 percent of all Americans under the age of 35 temporarily mute but they’re young and resilient. They’ll quickly learn new annoying words to overuse.

The king will also ban the phrase “at the end of the day.” This will cripple the vocal cords of TV newscasters, sportscasters, politicians, and self-proclaimed experts on everything.

If you’re inclined to that sort of thing, a dandy drinking game would be to chug a drink every time a TV talking head says “at the end of the day.” You’d be snockered before the first commercial.

ABOUT THE WRITER Fred Hilton spent 36 years as the chief public relations officer/ spokesman for James Madison University in Virginia and 10 years prior as a reporter and editor for The Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia. He is now happily retired in The Villages with his interior designer wife, Leta, their Cadillac Escalade golf cart, and their dog, Paris. (Yes, that makes her Paris Hilton).

Tropical omance R

INTRODUCING…

The Springs Resort & Spa

…AN ADULT VACATION COMMUNITY

ll page-turner romance stories seem to contain similar elements woven together in a fabric that romance lovers recognize and cherish—a beautiful woman, an exotic locale, a series of challenges and most important of all, a happy ending.

My love affair with Gisella and Costa Rica has all of those and much more.

Who knew a finance guy from Florida would find true love and happiness in the shadow of a volcano over 1,200 miles away? I had been to Costa Rica before.

Like many Americans and Europeans, I fell in love with the year-around moderate climate—where the temperature never leaves the 70s. Where sparkling turquoise waters hug 800 miles of coastline. And where cloud forests and rain, hot springs and waterfalls could fill up a calendar with a year full of discovery and adventure. But most of all, I came to love the people and their unique, warm culture.

Costa Ricans are the friendliest people on earth, bar none. Everyone I met from the first moment I ever stepped off a plane in San Jose, welcomed me with a warm grace and an openness that I found incredibly refreshing. Just look at their cultural call sign, Pura Vida—that’s “Pure Life” in English. To Costa Ricans, the phrase can mean “hello,” goodbye,” “thank you,” “nice to see you,” and just about any other friendly salutation you can think of. Now that is a good indicator of what to expect in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is a tiny country wedged between Nicaragua and Panama and every time I visited I left refreshed by its clean air and its pure cleansing spirit. I am not exaggerating when I say that I could literally feel the country heal me physically, emotionally, and spiritually the longer I stayed.

When I met Gisella my love affair with a country took shape in the form of a beautiful and captivating woman.

She took my breath away—once when I met her, and twice when she accepted my proposal of marriage. In an instant, my immediate family became twenty or thirty folks deep. Family is very important to Costa Ricans, and I added so many brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles and

The Baum family: Gerald, Gisella and the girls

cousins, I felt like I needed name tags at every extended family dinner.

Gisella and I have our primary home in Brooksville, Florida. We share 40 acres with 10 horses, 3 giant white Samoyed dogs, 6 cats, 18 parrots, 24 peacocks and hundreds of wild creatures that know El Caminante Farms is a great place to get a delicious meal. That takes care of my side of the family.

Then, we began making plans for developing a second home in Costa Rica so Gisella could be close to her side of the family, and that’s where our story gets challenging.

How would we do this? It was the first big question we’d face together and the answer was not as easy as you might think, since real estate in Costa Rica comes in so many flavors. If you like beachfront, there is property with breathtaking vistas you could stare at for a hundred years and never get tired of.

If you prefer the cool of the mountains,

every building site looks more perfect than the next. The highest mountain in Costa Rica, Cerro Chirripo, is 12,533 feet!

When we discovered extraordinary pieces of land that would become Arenal Hills—Arenal is the volcano that looms in the backdrop of many of our pictures—we knew we had stumbled upon something special and I acquired 100 acres of paradise.

Then, we did what anyone would do.

We started sharing details of our good fortune with people back home on the mainland. We talked about the land and the people. We described driving down winding roads beside forests where orchids grow wild and monkeys and sloths live in the kapok trees. How the chatter and squawk of parrots and toucans brought living rainbows of color to the branches of a lush green world few are privileged to see.

Our enthusiasm was infectious and it spread. Friends and family and complete

Artist rendering of Club Arenal

strangers began asking how they could share in the paradise we’d found.

I came to the next big decision in our journey together. I decided to do what we could to accommodate those with a deep desire to experience Costa Rica the way we had.

I formed an investment firm—I am a financial guy, after all—and called it Costa Rica Land Capital Partners, LLC. As the founder and principle of Baum Financial Services, I was in a unique position to be able to do that. Almost overnight, those magnificent pieces of property in the shadow of Arenal volcano that I intended for our private use became the central piece of a much larger vision.

Arenal Hills was born.

Today, Arenal Hills has come far from those earlier ambitions and we have made some fast friends along the way. One of our most influential relationships has to be the Banks family and their captivating vacation destinations, Waterfall Gardens,

Peace Lodge and The Springs Resort and Spa. (The Springs Resort and Spa was featured on an episode of The Bachelor in 2011.) The Springs is a close neighbor to Arenal Hills—in location as well as spirit.

So close in fact, Mr. Banks suggested we use his main architect whom we immediately commissioned to work his same design magic for us. His personal architectural stamp can be seen in our new villa designs and our Clubhouse.

It has taken six long years of negotiations, applications, petitions and endless meetings to work out all the permitting and certifications needed to move Arenal Hills from a vision in our hearts to a reality of timber and stone.

Costa Rica is proud of its biodiversity status in the world and highly protective.

For any development to get off the ground in this country, it needs to demonstrate the same attitude and love of the land that’s in the heart of every native Costa Rican.

Costa Rica Land Capital Partners did

(Above) Villa Irazú (Below) Villa’s interior view

The Springs Resort & Spa

exactly that and has begun expanding its vision for Arenal Hills from a luxury, vacation destination in the paradise of Costa Rica to a fully realized microcommunity. Infrastructure is being meticulously designed and is now under construction. Roads are being built and electricity, cable and utilities buried, all with an eye toward preserving the pristine wonder of the land.

I’ve drawn much of my inspiration for Arenal Hills from the place where I currently maintain my main office—The Villages in Florida. Twenty years ago, The Villages began life as a humble trailer park. Today, it’s become a phenomenon consistently ranked as the fastest growing community in the U.S. They did that by integrating a wealth of amenities, a commitment to social interactions and a coordinated building plan into one vibrant, extraordinary community.

Will we do the same in Costa Rica?

Not exactly. Our community will mirror the

philosophy and the commitment to social interactions, but on a much smaller scale.

Our goal is for Arenal Hills to become a premier vacation and retirement home community in an exclusive, exotic location.

As you read this, more land is being acquired. More plans are being drawn up. More opportunities are being created for people to own part of a land and culture fast becoming a major destination for the world. In 2015 alone, over 2.6 million foreign visitors came to this tiny little country and the numbers will only continue to grow.

We are still in the honeymoon stage with Arenal Hills. But if you had seen it as Gisella and I first did, the gains between then and now would astound you. Arenal Hills is real. A fully completed model has been finished and furnished and for the first time, potential buyers and investors can see and touch and walk through something we have been dreaming about for

Adventure at any age: Our client enjoy the local river rapids

years. The waterfall pools, lush tropical landscaping, custom furniture, hardwood everywhere and abundant marble bedazzles. The decor shows off its Costa Rican roots with style and elegance. The villa is everything we had hoped it would be—we fell in love all over again!

What an extraordinary time to become involved with Arenal Hills! We are even giving early-bird buyers real, financial incentives to get in on the ground floor with substantial discounts on our villa and lot prices. The first 20 buyers will save up to 20% on our flagship Irazu models and 30% on our Poas models!

Arenal Hills villas are priced from $225,000 to $550,000. Every one of them will be appointed in the latest luxurious finishes and appliances. Each designed to make the most of a family’s time together—remember, family is important in Costa Rica! Most important to Gisella

and I, we love thinking that every villa will connect families—and future generations of those families—to an extraordinary land and people unlike any other on earth.

We do not expect our residents to expatriate to Costa Rica. But we do expect them to enjoy this amazing country and their home in Arenal Hills at least part of their time. The rest of the year, they can share their villa with family and friends—or lease it out as income producing property!

Costa Rica Land Capital Partners sponsors individual trips to Costa Rica to prospective buyers and investors to experience the wonders of this enchanting country and specifically the area of Arenal and La Fortuna, the location of Arenal Hills.

Our ultimate goal is to establish a sister facility with The Springs Resort and Spa that is developed for ownership and longer stays, but in the same luxurious

level of surroundings and access to the amenities at Arenal Hills and at The Springs Resort and Spa. If Costa Rica and owning your own, private piece of paradise sound too enticing to pass up, we have an easy solution.

Costa Rica Land Capital Partners sponsors individual trips to Costa Rica so prospective buyers and investors can experience the wonders of this enchanting country and more specifically, the areas around Arenal and La Fortuna where Arenal Hills is located.

Those trips are coordinated through our financial offices in the Villages. Now is the perfect time. Arenal Hills and Costa Rica are ready to welcome you as they did us, so many years ago. We urge you to take us up on our offer. When you do, and the clean air, crystal waters and warm sun washes over you and captures your heart, it will put a happy ending on our story. Pura Vida!

Contact us at: info@arenalhills.com Or at1 844 6COSTARICA

T

FOR MORE INFORMATION: COSTA RICA LAND CAPITAL PARTNERS The Villages Florida 1-844-6COSTARICA Spring Hill, Florida 1-352-686-4925

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A FITTING The 2016 Business Man of Style Michael Brashear found the perfect franchise for combining his business savvy and his fitness background—24-hour gyms that have revolutionized workouts in Lake and Sumter counties. And he’s not done yet… plans are underway for his seventh Anytime Fitness location in Key West.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

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BUSINESS June 20 16

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Michael Brashear, owner of six Anytime Fitness locations in Lake and Sumter counties, is the epitome of a businessman who is building his dream.

Since opening his first Anytime Fitness gym in 2007 in Leesburg, Brashear has become a successful entrepreneur whose name is synonymous with 24-hour access to fitness facilities.

He moved from his native Orlando to open the first Anytime Fitness franchise in Lake County after working in upper management with a national fitness chain.

“I wanted my own business,” he remembers. “I subscribed to Entrepreneur Magazine, where I read that Anytime Fitness was an up-and-coming franchise.”

“Once people get in the habit of living a healthy lifestyle, they want to continue working out even if they’re on vacation, business trips, or visiting family,” Michael says. “That’s definitely one of the big advantages of being an Anytime Fitness member.”

The 37-year-old Fruitland Park resident is a certified nutritionist and fitness trainer, who received a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from South Carolina’s Anderson University. Operating several gyms is about a lot more than just fitness, however. Michael has given much thought, planning, and research into every one of his Anytime Fitness locations.

Although he says he doesn’t know what he’d be doing if he wasn’t in the fitness business, he has demonstrated

and planned years in advance.”

His business savvy has given thousands of residents throughout Lake and Sumter counties a place to work out in a gym atmosphere that is motivating yet unintimidating. Clients can work out day or night, and feel safe and secure knowing each gym has multiple security cameras that are monitored.

“If a member falls or suffers a heart attack, someone can press the security button which will bring the police and fire department here immediately,” Michael explains. “Having high-tech security makes the Anytime Fitness franchise that much stronger.”

Nearly a decade after opening his first franchise, Michael can reflect on what leads to successful entrepreneurship,

“There will always growing pains, but chase your dream and don’t have any regrets. You may fail a few times but get back up and keep going.”

—MICHAEL BRASHEAR

Michael started researching the company and sought advice from his brother-in-law, who owns several Subway franchises.

“He reviewed with me what it would entail, and we knew my fitness and personal training background would be beneficial,” says Michael.

As the company name suggests, Anytime Fitness is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Members have a key to access the facility anytime in the day or night. Shift workers such as policemen, firefighters, nurses, and doctors make up a large proportion of the Anytime Fitness clientele. The key also gives clients access to more than 3,000 Anytime Fitness locations worldwide.

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exceptional business skills. His older sister, Amy Fulmer, isn’t surprised. She helped him research franchises before he settled on Anytime Fitness “He has always been a go-getter,” says Amy. “He has lots of drive and determination, especially when it comes to helping people.”

Amy remembers that it took at least six-to-eight months to visit locations and put together a business plan before her brother opened the first location. Today, she helps him with paperwork and maintenance issues.

“In business you cannot just jump into things without knowing what you’re getting yourself into,” Michael says. “Before opening any new location, I’ve sat back, carefully observed,

especially for younger men and women who make want to start their own businesses.

“You have to know the business, so pick something that you know something about or get a partner who knows something about it,” he says. “There will always growing pains, but chase your dream and don’t have any regrets.

You may fail a few times but get back up and keep going.”

Running a business is not without challenges, especially with new competitors coming into the market. Michael says keeping staff trained to deal with the competition is more of a focus now than when he first started. He also spends a lot of time driving to the different locations, and sometimes that makes

it difficult for him to get in his own workouts.

“When things get busy, I find time at home to pick up a kettlebell,” he says with laugh. “Once in a while, I can sneak in a workout at the gym, which gives me a chance to interact with members and staff.”

Michael is the first to admit that being motivated to work out is hard even for someone in the fitness business.

“I go through that every day so I know how my clients feel,” he says.

But seeing them improve their health fuels his passion for his business even more.

“To me, it’s not about how much weight you’ve lost or how much muscle mass you’ve gained. I’ve seen people lose lots of weight only to put it back on,” he says. “The biggest thing for me is teaching clients about living a healthier lifestyle and seeing them stick with that lifestyle. It makes people more confident, more successful in their careers, and even helps them manage finances better. The benefits of living a healthy lifestyle are endless.”

While the kettlebell and the gym workouts keep him in shape, he balances his life with lots of family time, traveling, and fishing—both salt and freshwater. He has two children of his own, while his longtime girlfriend also has a daughter that he’s close to: Callie is 13, Emma is 7, and Zayden, 2. The family travels to the Keys for fishing often.

So often, in fact, that Michael will open his seventh Anytime Fitness location near Flagler Street in Key West next year.

“I’ve been looking at doing this for three years,” he says. “People think I’m crazy but I am excited about this new location.”

Michael says having the freedom to set his own schedule is one of the biggest rewards of having his own business.

“I travel when I want…I fish when I want… and I don’t have to answer to someone else,” he says. “I wake up happy every day to go to work and just go out there to do the things that need to be done.”

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The businessmen of Lake and Sumter counties are a diverse and friendly group.

They also make up an impressive list of executives and entrepreneurs with equally impressive stories of the obstacles and challenges they faced to reach this level.

Failure was just another rung on the ladder to success.

They’re visionaries who are confident, creative, and competitive. They market their products and services around the community and around the world. This is a group of sophisticated, powerful men who are in medicine, real estate, banking, law, construction, and provide a variety of professional services. With fierce dedication, a strong work ethic, and a desire to mentor those coming behind them, these are the 2016 Business Men of Style.

THE 2016

BUSINESS MEN OF STYLE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Vinay Gutti, MD Mark J. Vocci, MD

Scot C. Holman, MD

LAKE EYE ASSOCIATES ROCKIN’ THE EYE WORLD IN THE 21ST CENTURY! Eye care is always evolving, and the physicians of Lake Eye Associates are ahead of the mark in skill and technology. In 2012 they were the first with a LenSx laser in Lake County and now, they’re once again out front with Ora-guided cataract surgery.

This remarkable instrument allows them to confirm and customize lens implants, minimizing a patient’s need for post-operative glasses. By adding medication during the cataract procedure, the need for drops after surgery is reduced. In addition, for treating glaucoma, the ECP laser and eye stent can reduce the pressure in the eye by about 30 percent, meaning less drop therapy, which is liberating for most patients. The physicians of Lake Eye Associates are the rock stars of eye care!

Locations in Tavares, Leesburg, Lady Lake, and The Villages 352.343.2020 // 352.365.2020 // 352.350.2070 // 352.750.2020

Scott R. Wehrly, MD

ROMAIN SPELL FIRST VICE PRESIDENT—INVESTMENTS Five years as a United States Navy Corpsman stationed with a United States Marine Corps unit convinced Romain Spell of the importance of honor, loyalty, and teamwork in anything he pursued. After graduating magna cum laude from Valdosta State University, Spell attended law school at St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida. He continues to focus on helping others by providing experienced financial advice on individual investments or mapping a thorough retirement plan using the exceptional resources available through Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC.

WELLS FARGO ADVISORS, LLC 1894 Laurel Manor Drive The Villages, FL 32162 352.674.1236 www.romainspell.com

THE MEN OF ULTIMATE CONTRACT CLEANING Dan Germeroth is proud that his locally owned company has delivered world-class service with old-fashioned, hometown values for 26 years. Based in Lady Lake, their commercial cleaning services include window and carpet cleaning, pressure washing, and janitorial services. With all his commercial clients within a 25-mile radius, Dan and, now his son Christian, proudly serve their community.

Acquiring a new client is just the beginning—taking the time to establish long-term, trustworthy relationships is always the goal.

Christian joined his father after playing two years of college baseball at the University of South Carolina Upstate. He says, “I love being able to work with my dad, learning the business and contributing my own ideas.”

“I’m glad to have Christian here so I can pass along the values and ideals of our business. It’s an exciting time,” Dan says. “We’re growing and doing more. Having lived in Lake County so long, we don’t want our clients looking outside us for their cleaning needs. I’m passionate about being of service.”

ULTIMATE CONTRACT CLEANING 931 Teague Trail, Lady Lake, FL 32159 352.753.8653 www.ultimatecontractcleaning.com

Dan Germeroth

Christian Germeroth

STAN GAUSE OWNER / STAN’S PREMIUM CARS Stan has been providing the community with new wheels for nearly 15 years. Stan’s Premium Cars unlimited is a non- auction dealer that prides themselves with having a diverse inventory of all makes and models. At Stan’s you can even get your hands on collectables and rare finds. Stan wants to get you moving and offers multiple financing options for everyone, any situation, no matter what! Shopping for a vehicle with Stan’s and using their premium service center guarantees you get the service and attention to detail you deserve. They see your situation and get to know your needs, getting you into the best vehicle for you.

STAN’S PREMIUM CARS 1610 US Hwy 441 Leesburg, FL 34748 352-787-STAN (7826) www.stanspremiumcars.com

GREGG GLASSER SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR

A native of Florida, Gregg has been in residential building for 45 years and has been with Medallion Home, a company that has been building since 1983, for seven years. “I love what I do, and I’ve always operated under a premise that my father taught me. He’d say, ‘Son, I’m pleased, but I’m not satisfied.’ It helps me to know that I can always go a step further and my employees can too.” Gregg says you let employees know they’re doing a great job, but assure them you’d be satisfied with just a little bit more. A husband of 34 years and father of two daughters, ninth-generation Floridians, who graduated from the University of Florida, Gregg has shared his philosophy with them too.

352.504.3798 www.medallionhome.com

THE MEN OF MESOS Danny Soares, MD Facial Plastic Surgeon

Jacob Gerzenshtein, MD General Plastic Surgeon

The Board Certified doctors and staff at Mesos have been in the business of helping you look and feel your very best for over a decade offering an extensive array of options, from plastic surgery, laser rejuvenation, and cosmetic fillers and botox, to hormone therapy, nutritional intervention and even a full spectrum of therapeutic spa services. Each provider at Mesos is exceptionally specialized in their unique fields of practice. Providing the utmost in artistry, skill and compassion, you’re in excellent hands with the men of Mesos.

MESOS PLASTIC SURGERY & LASER CENTER 757 County Road 466, Lady Lake, FL 32159 // 352.259.8599 www.mesoshealth.com

Larry Blevins, PA, MHS Laser Specialist & ASLMS Fellow

DON MAGRUDER CEO AND INDUSTRY LEADER Don Magruder has led his team through housing booms and busts over the past 18 years, making locally-owned Ro-Mac Lumber & Supply a leader in the building supply industry.

Don’s weekly column in The Daily Commercial and South Lake Press entitled “Around the House” and his Monday radio show on WLBE My790AM and nightly “On the Air” television show on Lake Sumter Television help homeowners navigate through various construction projects.

Monthly Don writes “Executive Decisions,” a national column for ProSales Magazine, which offers practical advice to executives to enhance performance.

Don is a former Chairman of the Board of the Florida Building Material Association, two-term President of the Southeast Mississippi Home Builders Association, and two-term Associate Vice President of the Lake-Sumter Home Builders Association. Don Magruder is a leading voice for the building material industry both locally and nationally.

700 E. Main Street Leesburg, FL 34748 352.787.4545 www.romaclumber.com

Randy Mason

Ted Williams, LRMC Foundation

G3 [GUYS FOR THE GREATER GOOD] G3 is looking for your partnership. A newly founded men’s only organization, associated with the Leesburg Regional Medical Center Foundation, offers social opportunities for men of all ages, while working together for a greater cause. The men of G3 provide greater

access to physicians and hospitals leaders, while using their time, talents, and resources to advance wellness within the greater community. For more information, contact LRMC Foundation President Ted Williams at twilliams@centflhealth.org or call 352-323-5501.

Blake Merrill

BOB TUCKER OWNER Bob Tucker is the mastermind behind any stylish soirée in Lake County. He and the team at Miss Daisy’s will help you design your perfect event and make sure it goes off without a hitch! Bob can juggle it all. He can do your dinner party, your ladies brunch, or that glamorous wedding you’ve been dreaming of.

Miss Daisy’s has been making miracles since 2004, but this year marks a very special accomplishment for this wonderful professional.

Bob will be inducted into the American Institute of Floral Design, the highest certification you can receive in his industry.

MISS DAISY’S FLOWERS & GIFTS 1024 W Main St, Leesburg, FL 34748 352.787.6806

MICHAEL BRASHEAR OWNER Michael Brasher has built his gym based on a true desire to see individuals meet their personal fitness goals; for him, it’s all about getting you to a healthier place. Developing the business based on a coaching model; it’s not about selling you, they want to see you succeed. By providing members tailored and personal training, Anytime Fitness becomes more of a boutique workout experience centered around the needs of its members. Michael helps create success stories, and enjoys seeing and connecting with members, celebrating their progress and helping to keep each other accountable.

Wildwood, Bushnell, Mount Dora, Leesburg, Lady Lake and Summerfield 352.742.2008 www.anytimefitness.com

THE MEN OF LAKE OB-GYN ASSOCIATES For doctors Alfred H. Moffett, Jr., M.D., and Douglas H. Moffett, M.D., medicine is a family business. The practice opened in 1973, and father and son have practiced together for 16 years. They both trained at the same residency program under the same director, which is very rare. They, like the other physicians in their practice, are board certified.

“I grew up with him coaching me in baseball and now he’s coaching me in surgery,” Douglas says.

With a smile, his father adds, “My proudest moment came when I received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Obstetric and Gynecological Society, and my son presented it to me. The teaching goes both ways as he brings in the new . We share all our heartaches, defeats, and triumphs.”

LAKE OB-GYN ASSOCIATES OF MID-FLORIDA

601 East Dixie Avenue, Medical Plaza #401, Leesburg FL 34748 352.787.1535 1400 U.S. Highway 441, Suite 952, The Villages FL 32159 352.259.5649 www.leesburgobgyn.com

CARLOS MEDINA DMD Dr. Medina’s office is one of a very few that provides patients with all disciplines of dentistry.

“If you have a problem, you want it taken care of right now, by the doctor you trust,” Dr. Medina says. “You don’t want to wait for a referral.” He is certified for dental implants, Invisalign, and Cerec (same-day) crowns to give his patients their most beautiful smile. The doctor and his staff understand that patients often arrive at the dentist office under stress, and their goal is to alleviate that immediately. You’ll find a comfortable and welcoming environment for every part of your visit.

THE DENTIST

307 Lagrande Boulevard Lady Lake, FL 32159 352.753.5789 www.cometothedentist.com

FERNANDO SERRA MD FACS PLASTIC SURGEON Dr. Serra grew up in Bushnell, graduating from South Sumter High School before attending the University of Florida and doing his residency at The Ohio State University. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon and has been practicing in Central Florida since 1998. His practice is built on sound plastic surgery principles and fundamentals. “I believe customization is the key. I meet with patients at least twice before surgery to establish a connection and build rapport,” Dr. Serra says. “Each patient is unique, and every case is different. I create a custom plan for each one, choosing the correct strategy tailored specifically to that individual.” He offers a full spectrum of surgical and nonsurgical options in aesthetic plastic surgery in his office in The Villages as well as procedures in a state-certified ambulatory surgery center in Lady Lake. Because Dr. Serra understands plastic surgery issues are often intimate to discuss, his office is a friendly and welcoming place where every effort is made to put the patient at ease.

CENTRAL FLORIDA PLASTIC SURGERY

910 Old Camp Rd, Suite 142 The Villages, FL 32162 Lake Sumter Landing 352-259-0722 www.drserra.com

M.D. FACS

RICARDO ROJAS

SENIOR BRANCH MANAGER Ricardo Rojas, senior branch manager at Insight Credit Union, truly takes the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” to heart inside his branch and out. He serves on the board of directors for LifeStream Foundation, Leesburg Partnership, Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce and recently graduated with Leadership Lake Program Class of 2016.

“I’m passionate about the communities we serve, and I’m passionate about volunteering,” he said. “I am blessed to work for an organization that encourages me to embrace both.”

Rojas received the George O. Pringle Award in 2015 and was recognized by U.S. Congressman Daniel Webster for all his efforts.

407.426.6000 Toll-Free 888.843.8328 www.insightcreditunion.com Federally Insured by NCUA

GREG YAGER

GENERAL MANAGER The basis of everything we do is customer service.

When our customers come in, we greet them by name and make them feel at home.

Being involved in all areas of the community is a key concept of our company. Sharing ideas and getting new ideas from other business people is important to us. Our employees understand and share our desire to be involved in activities and events in our area.

The changes in the automobile industry in the last three to five years has everything tied to computers and technology, which could make it difficult to maintain those relationships, but that’s how we continue to build our business.

PLAZA CADILLAC 8893 U.S. Hwy. 441 Leesburg, FL 34788 352.787.1323 www.plazacadillac.com

BOYETTE, CUMMINS & NAILOS Wade Boyette, JD, LLM and Heath Nailos, JD, have a wellearned reputation for “doing good” for people, businesses and organizations. They have decades of experience in meeting clients’ specific needs including family law, personal injury, real estate transactions/closings, foreclosures, bankruptcy, business law, Medicaid/VA planning, estate planning, wills/ trusts/probate, Social Security/ other disability, and more.

After helping clients in the Clermont area and building lifelong relationships along the way, Wade and Heath are now serving The Villages® community with the same excellence in legal care to individuals, families and businesses from their newest office on Highway 466.

Behind the scenes, both men actively support a number of charitable organizations including the LRMC Foundation, Cornerstone Hospice, Combat Veterans to Careers and Pig on the Pond.

Know your Attorney.

Know your Options.SM Heath B. Nailos, J.D. Wade Boyette, J.D., LLM.

Clermont & The Villages 352.394.2103 | 855.LAW.2020

THE MEN OF BNI POWERHOUSE STILL DOING IT IN STYLE

John West, Co-owner Genesis Sourcing Solutions 734.735.7751 John’s company handles credit card processing systems for businesses, and John himself guarantees personal service. He loves getting out there and putting a face to your business needs, and providing the answers. He operates on the motto: “Never drop the customer for anything, and drop everything for the customers,” and is looking for like-minded people to join his team.

Richard Auerbach, Owner Twisted Eye Video 352.552.4785 Richard has a different way of seeing things, bringing creativity and a unique perspective to every project. He serves as producer, director, and editor for The Silver Scene, a talk show on Lake Front TV. His company lends its creative eye to any project and will produce anything from events to personal memories to commercials.

Keith Adee, Owner Villages1.com 352.250.5076 keith.adee@gmail.com Keith provides an invaluable service to both businesses and consumers; he operates Villages1.com. The easyto-navigate site catalogs over 51,000 pages of information, listing every business and their contact information as well as coupons, activities, and even movie schedules. Keith is proud to offer it all under one roof, and committed to donating to the food bank for every new visitor.

Gerry Dietrich, Owner Mobile Directories TVS 352.516.7797 MobileDirectoryLocal @gmail.com Gerry loves to help businesses to think outside of the box when it comes to marketing their services. He creates mobile local directories and digital business cards for businesses, the medical profession, and restaurants allowing them to engage, entertain, and educate increasing their profitability and exposure.

Bruce Gryniewicz, Owner Valpak Advertising 407.973.7357 Bruce offers the opportunity for the areas’ businesses to get their products and services in front of local prospects through Valpak, a monthly mailing that puts ads in front of customers. Creative, organized, and persistent, he enjoys building ads that will ‘wow’ consumers and guarantees a positive return on your investment.

PETE TSIRNIKAS OWNER

Bone Dry Roofing began with an act of kindness for someone in need, and Pete continues to honor this core principal every day. As a state licensed building inspector and a real estate broker with an engineering background, Pete brings more to the job than the average roofing contractor. Pete personally trains his staff so that the focus on quality is emphasized in every job. “Quality products and a satisfied customer every job, every time” is Pete’s mantra.

42116 E. Lakeview Drive Altoona, FL 32702 352.669.6607

BERT BOLIEK OWNER

Bert loves being part of a family business that effectively meets the needs of his community. Bert’s is a 5th generation Floridian and his family came to the Leesburg area in the 1920’s. Lake Glass & Mirror, Inc. has been in business since the 1960’s and was acquired by Bert’s family in 1983. “My goal has been to create an enjoyable work place that is productive and efficient. Many of our staff members has been with us for ten, fifteen even twenty plus years which we feel promotes integrity and professionalism in everything they do.”

Bert wants you to hold him and his staff accountable so you’ll feel comfortable recommending Lake Glass to your friends and neighbors. “Connectivity with the people of where we serve and live is what gives Lake Glass & Mirror, Inc. the edge over our competition”

LAKE GLASS & MIRROR 3391 W. Main Street Leesburg, FL 34748 352.787.4700 www.lakeglassandmirror.com

JOE ZILER OWNER Joe Ziler oversees a refined operation; he’s committed to offering a seamless home building process at Kevco Builders.

With a team of 12 talented and dedicated employees, he helps customers realize their conceptions, from home building to design and decor. Whether it be a new home construction or a renovation project, one of his greatest pleasures is witnessing the gratification of a client whose ideas have been actualized. With more awards than any other home building company in Central Florida, Joe invites you to Discover The Kevco Difference. Joe Ziler and Kevco also gives back by investing in organizations such as Lifestream, Lake-Sumter State College, and Sunrise Arc.

KEVCO BUILDERS Innovation

Integrity

Excellence

2104 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726 352.742.3398 www.kevcobuilders.com CBC1259012

DR. JEFF GLOVER Dr. Glover has been helping people in Leesburg lead healthier lives pain-free without drugs or surgery for over three and a half years.

He loves seeing patients walk out better than when they walked in. He leads a team of four at their office located on U.S. Highway 27; they are professional, caring, and focused on treating the cause rather than chasing the symptoms.

Beyond the office, Dr. Glover stays highly involved and serves on several community boards, including the Boys and Girls Club, Leesburg Sunset Rotary, and the Leesburg Chamber of Commerce.

312 N 14th St. Leesburg, FL 34748 352.787.9995 www.gloverchiro.com

THE MEN OF FROSS & FROSS FROSS & FROSS WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Some people say business shouldn’t be personal, but at Fross & Fross, it’s always personal. Although they’re well known in the world of finance, with frequent appearances on Fox Business and CNBC and a regular column in Forbes, they believe it’s not about how big they can get, it’s all about how small they can stay. Unlike some firms that only focus on one product, they are a full-service wealth management firm.

They know each client is unique, and create a custom-built plan that fits that client’s needs.

910 Old Camp Road, Bldg. 90 The Villages, FL 32162 352.205.7800 • 877.376.7800 Toll Free www.frossandfross.com

Fross & Fross wealth

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BOBBY RHODES PRESIDENT

Building the home or business of your dreams is the goal of Eco Construction Group. They focus on beautiful custom finishes with quality low-maintenance materials. You’ll have an energy efficient structure that provides both security and savings.

“Say you have a 4,000-square-foot house; it will normally cost you about $500 a month for your utility bill. In one of our custom homes, that cost comes down to $200 per month or less, which provides continued savings over the life of the home,” Bobby says. As utility costs continue to inflate, the value will continue to increase at a faster rate than your conventionally built neighbors.

Our structures utilize smart technology so that all controllable facets of the structure may be customized and managed via the internet maximizing effectiveness and efficiency at all times. By combining the best in building technology, quality finishes, low maintenance design, and energy management systems, let Bobby and Eco Construction Group make your dream of a truly custom project, a reality.

1224 N. Donnelly Street Mount Dora, FL 32747 352.504.0346

RAY LEVY

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND TRAINING At Camelot Realty, the focus is on training and development of real estate professionals. “Our success comes when we help people become as successful as they want to be,” Ray says. When he entered the field, training was inconsistent at best. “With a background in training and development, I wanted to help others experience growth and give them a plan to reach their goals.” Camelot Realty understands everybody’s goals are different. While one agent may want to create financial security, another may be supplementing retirement. “We help people tap into their full potential and capabilities. We invest in people, not things. We deliver the best training in the real estate industry, if you dedicate three to five years implementing my system, you can do whatever you want for the rest of your life. If you want to start an exciting and financially rewarding career in real estate or boost your current career, call me at 352.978.8551.”

1898 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora, FL 32757 106 S. Old Dixie Hwy., Lady Lake, FL 32159 352.978.8551 www.coldwellbankercamelot.com

BOB BONE THE BONE LAW FIRM / OWNER A & B TITLE AND ESCROW SERVICES – CO-OWNER

Bob builds personal relationships with his clients at The Bone Law Firm and their concerns become his own. Pulling from 26 years of professional experience in family law, bankruptcy, real estate, business law, probate and estate planning, he helps others avoid and work out legal challenges life can bring. Bob values personal and family involvement in his community and building a better environment for the city of Leesburg. He is a Leesburg City Commissioner and Mayor Pro-Tem and President Elect of the Leesburg Sunrise Rotary. He has served as Presidents of the Leesburg Chamber of Commerce and Leesburg Center for the Arts and elected member of the North Lake County Hospital District. In May, he expanded his dedication in a new endeavor with Ann Gibbs, an experienced title agent, to form A & B Title and Escrow Services, LLC to better serve the area’s real estate needs and continued growth.

THE BONE LAW FIRM

918 West Main Street, Leesburg. 34748 352.315.0051

TIM SENNETT VICE PRESIDENT COMMERCIAL DIVISION

Tim sells and leases professional offices, retail space, industrial buildings as well as vacant land. He keeps abreast of all commercial industry developments and provides a highly professional service presented with a ‘down-to-earth’ demeanor. Every costumer is a friend and every friend is top priority. As a family man, Tim applies strong principals to both his business and personal life. He’s has the support of his loving wife, Margaret. They have a beautiful 22-year old-daughter named Jessie. He enjoys spending time with them, their two dogs, and riding motorcycles. Tim also has a strong passion for music as an ex-audio engineer. Tim still attends shows regularly and keeps involved in the community.

THANK YOU TO THE SPONSORS OF THE BUSINESS MEN OF STYLE 2016 GIFT SPONSORS Alada’s China & Gifts Doggibags Boutique Sweet Tomatoes The Salt Room Villages ®

HAIR AND MAKEUP Kaitlyn Johnson Michael's Couture Salon

EVENT SETUP Leesburg Partnership - Beer Gourmet Today - Food Events by Miss Daisy - Decor and DJ

“Men no longer need to suffer from frequent urination because they are getting older,” says Dr. James Young, a down-toearth urologist with 33 years of experience in treating men with prostate problems in Lake County. Although the cause of these symptoms is most likely an enlarging prostate (BPH), a normal part of the aging process in men, treatment options are more numerous and less invasive than those offered to our fathers and grandfathers.

Years ago there were two options for treating an enlarged prostate: surgical excision via an open operation (knife) or much more commonly by performing a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), commonly referred to as a “roto-rooter” by patients and physicians. Both required hospitalization as well as major anesthesia and could be fraught with complications such as bleeding, infection, loss of bladder control and even death.

“In my career I have performed over 3,000 TURPs; however, I no longer perform any,” says Dr. Young. “There are presently too many excellent alternatives to consider a hospital operation for the vast majority of patients with BPH.” “When I see a new patient I perform a physical examination and properly evaluate the patient’s symptoms, thus diagnosing the underlying problem(s),” he says. “Next, I describe to the patient what’s normal and then explain what is abnormal with him.

Lastly, I teach him his treatment options.

If I’ve done a good job of teaching, he will select the correct option for himself.”

While prescribing medications for BPH can be done by primary care physicians, only urologists are trained to thoroughly

evaluate the bladder and prostate (including ruling out prostate cancer), as well as providing extremely effective minimally invasive, office-based therapies as alternatives to lifelong medical therapy.

One such option is Prostiva-RF Therapy, a procedure performed by Dr. Young in his office under local anesthesia that usually takes less than 30 minutes. Prostiva utilizes low level radio frequency energy to ablate (destroy) the obstructing component of the enlarged prostate. “I am very happy with the results I have achieved for my patients using Prostiva-RF Therapy,” says Dr. Young, who has successfully treated more than 2,400 patients with this procedure.

“Medtronic is a $13 billion-a-year, publicly traded corporation that perfected the technology for Prostiva and produces the necessary hardware. Recently, Medtronic produced an educational DVD for international distribution to inform patients and physicians worldwide regarding the benefits of Prostiva therapy. Seven of the eight patients featured on the DVD are my patients. I am very proud Medtronic selected my practice to feature the benefits of Prostiva-RF Therapy. However it is sort of a bad news/good news thing. The bad news is neither my patients nor myself received a penny for our participation. The good news is Medtronic gave us all the DVD’s we want, so if anyone wants one all he needs to do is drop by my office at 801 Northshore Drive in Eustis, and we will give him one!”

And with an office staff with nearly as much experience as the doctor, (many have worked with Dr. Young more than 20 years) III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

you don’t spend a great deal of time waiting to see him. “We pride ourselves in being timely in seeing our patients. We respect our patient’s time as much as we do our own,” adds Dr. Young. “Patients appreciate this; many of our patients tell me I have the best office staff on the planet. I consider that a huge compliment.”

So if you are getting up at night and can’t get back to sleep because you are thinking about what may be wrong with you, it’s time to check in with Dr. Young and have him check you out.

“Many men accept frequent bladder urges as part of aging. And while it is part of the aging process, it’s not like death and taxes. There is something you can do about it,” he says.

JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D. Board Certified Urologist Practicing in Lake County for over 34 years with extensive experience in evaluation and management of prostate problems.

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Featuring

TRANSITIONING FROM WE TO ME

Fred Pack knows words are powerful tools. Fearing personal conversations are fading, he seeks to tells his family stories to keep history alive.

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IN THE VILLAGES Celebrating Dad on Father’s Day PAGE 2

BOOK CLUB

The book club reads a tale of madness, medicine, and the murder of a president.

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meet a villager STORY: PAT JOCELYN

IT’S A GUY THING

Women often forge deep and lasting friendships with other women, some within minutes of meeting one another.

But what about the men? Do they get as close to their male counterparts as women do with their gal friends? How do men feel about their close friends?

When asked how their group got started, Philadelphia transplant Tom Salerno spoke up. “It started with a Pittsburg hat,” he says. “A guy that sat here all the time had on a Pittsburg hat. Then another guy with a Pittsburg hat joined him. More men joined in. As men walked by or were seating themselves, someone would invite him over.

“It seems to me that’s a pretty common occurrence throughout the country,” Tom says. “Guys

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get together to have coffee in the morning. For me, it’s a big part of my day.”

John Marro moved to The Villages from Rochester, New York. “We may come from all different places,” he says, “but I consider all of these people a part of my extended family. We help each other all the time.”

What do they talk about each morning?

“We razz each other a lot,” Tom says. “Kinda like a roast thing. John will say something and just for kicks we’ll disagree with him. But he might be right once in a while.

“You can’t really describe what we talk about each day because it depends on who you sit next to. It’s not like a forum where somebody gets up and talks to the group.”

How do male friends differ from their female counterparts?

“We’re not as emotional as women are,” John offers. “Even with tragedies, we tend to bring a little levity to it, you know, to make people feel better. We men do get emotional but we’re not as outward about it as women are.”

Pittsburg part-timer Ron Demsher said the first time he came to Starbucks and saw the group of men, he just joined in. “When I first came to this table, we were strangers,” he says. “Now we’re all friends. We even got our wives involved. That’s what it’s all about.” Friendship.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Pat Jocelyn worked at IBM for 28 years and held several staff and managerial positions and taught management and employee development classes. After her retirement, she started a second career in journalism and has won several Florida Press Club awards for her insightful and heartfelt feature writing.

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in the villages STORY: PAT JOCELYN

CELEBRATING DAD Like many Villagers, my father is no longer with me. But in my memories? Well, that’s another story. Decades ago, I was lucky enough to have my memory banks filled to overflowing with vignettes of picnics in the country, baseball games played in a nearby meadow, and tip-toeing around my father as he snored a Sunday afternoon away on the couch.

My dad was a short, rotund man with an infectious laugh and a powerful love for his wife and children.

We didn’t have a lot of money but picnics were cheap. With that in mind, mom packed a large wicker picnic basket with delicious but simple food and off we’d go.

My brother, sister, and I put on our frayed and faded swimsuits and fought for the largest towel.

We’d crowd into daddy’s old gray Packard and travel to nearby Fair-

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field Pond, a small lake in northeastern Vermont.

Daddy sat at the picnic table and watched us splash in the cold spring-fed lake while mom set up our feast. First fried chicken, crisp and aromatic, was pulled from what seemed like a bottomless pit of tasty treasures. Then ice cold potato salad sweetened with a bit of breadand-butter pickle juice. That was followed by the pickles themselves, canned the year before. Finally, homemade rolls paired with blackberry jam, also canned the previous fall. Summer never tasted so good.

Picking those wild blackberries was another yearly activity our family indulged in. On one such expedition, I inadvertently brushed up against a hornet’s nest. They swarmed around me, repeatedly sinking their stingers into my small body. My screams were immediate

and panic-filled, but within seconds I was lifted off my feet and carried like a football under my father’s arm, while his other hand swatted the hornets away from my face. He ran to a nearby stream and covered us both in its soothing waters.

My father was my hero then and even though he died when I was 12 years old, in my mind’s eye, he’s still my hero today. He taught me to love without reservation, to trust without condition and to laugh without restraint. Thank you, Daddy.

Happy Father’s Day, everyone!

ABOUT THE WRITER

Pat Jocelyn worked at IBM for 28 years and held several staff and managerial positions and taught management and employee development classes. After her retirement, she started a second career in journalism and has won several Florida Press Club awards for her insightful and heartfelt feature writing.

I made sure my lifeline was there for me.

When her father’s symptoms worsened in the night, Andrea felt helpless. Then she remembered what his nurse told her about Care Connection—Cornerstone’s call center for after-hours urgent care—and realized she wasn’t alone. A simple phone call linked her to a local team of Cornerstone nurses that were ready to help her when she needed them most. We know that you can’t plan a crisis. But you can plan on Cornerstone being in your corner, 24/7.

866.742.6655 // cornerstonehospice.org Cornerstone is committed to caring for all hospice patients regardless of payer source or ability to pay. 100% covered by Medicare & Medicaid

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ART STORYTELLING The

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STORY: PAT JOCELYN

“We’re losing a very important part of our culture by not talking. I can remember as a kid the older people in our family swapping stories at reunions, and it’s a history you become a part of. That’s how we learned to get along with people.”

–West Virginia Native and Southern Appalachian Storyteller Fred Pack

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“We had our own version of fast food back then,” Fred Pack says of growing up in the Appalachian Mountains. “The only fast food we ever ate was deer meat.

Mama would say, ‘If you boys don’t get out there and get some venison, we’ll be eating snowballs next week.’”

It’s those stories and others like them that bring smiles to the faces of Fred’s avid listeners. The 80 year old is a selfdescribed “articulator of prevarication Southern Appalachian storyteller.” However, Fred will tell you it’s those very stories that keep his family history alive, and that’s extremely important to him.

Fred knows a thing or two about communicating—he came from a very large mountain clan. “My dad had 11 brothers and sisters and I had 40 first cousins on just one side of the family,” he says.

“When we were growing up there were 20 first cousins in my elementary and high school. We were really family.”

Fred’s interest in storytelling came from those bonds he had while growing up and living off the land with his family. He says hunting and fishing was how the family got 70 to 80 percent of their food.

“My cousins and I would meet on a Saturday morning and we’d go hunting.

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Whatever jumped up and we had an opportunity to kill and eat— that’s what we did.”

A few years later when Fred attended family reunions, he’d tell stories to the younger family members who lived in cities and came back to the hills of West Virginia for the gatherings. “The kids couldn’t believe how we grew up.

They’d say, ‘My goodness did you really do all of that stuff?’ “he says with a wide smile. “They seemed to enjoy the stories and I enjoyed telling them. Of course we didn’t exactly tell our stories like they really happened. I mean we weren’t really liars…we just added a little bit for clarification.”

Telling those stories to the

you on how the audience, often 2,000 members strong, respond to you and how convincing you are when you tell your story. You try to get the audience on the ground laughing.”

When Fred and his wife moved to The Villages three years ago he joined a storytelling club and soon after began to run the club himself. “Our theme is TALES (Tellers And Listeners Enjoying Stories),” Fred explains. “It’s a place where people can come and listen to the stories of others or tell their own story.”

The storytellers also provide a heart-warming service to the community. “Pat Kriegler is one of our members and tells stories for an

“They judge you on how the audience, often 2,000 members strong, respond to you and how convincing you are when you tell your story.”

–Storyteller Fred Pack

younger members of the family sparked an interest in an oral history of clan events and activities.

He knew much of this information wasn’t written down, but he felt it was important to share how he’d grown up and how his family lived day to day.

Decades later that spark grew into a flame when at the age of 70, Fred entered a Liars Club Contest.

“They’re all over,” he says. “The first one I entered was in West Virginia. That was early on in my storytelling.”

The rules were fairly simple.

“You stand up and tell the biggest, bare-faced lie you can come up with,” Fred says. “They judge

Alzheimer’s group at the Methodist Church out on Route 466,” Fred says. “I’ve been there several times and it really makes you feel good.”

Studies indicate Alzheimer’s patients tend to lose short-term things, such as what they ate for breakfast. But the further you go back in their lives, the clearer the memories are. When Fred and other storytellers tap into those older memories, the patients react.

“My first time there was because Pat couldn’t make it and she asked me to substitute for her. I’d never been in front of an audience like this before. Part of the program was entertainment and I was the entertainer. I started telling about

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going out and finding, cutting down and dragging a Christmas tree out of the woods on a sled.

I talked about the fragrance of the fresh tree,” Fred says. “I’d talk about how we drilled holes in the tree and filled in the bare spots and how we always had a perfectly shaped tree. I told them about dipping some of the boughs with a flour-and-water mixture and letting it dry so it looked like snow on the branches and how we popped popcorn and made decorative chains with the popped corn and cranberries.”

Fred said it was obvious his story was reaching those memory pools from long ago. The patients began to brighten and pay closer

vice for them by taking storytelling out into the community.”

Fred says face-to-face conversations encourage people to get to know one another—to see their facial expressions, their body language, to see the expression in the storyteller’s eyes. He believes that’s one of the reasons why the Alzheimer’s patients responded to his story. All of their senses were engaged in the experience at hand. For just a moment in time, they were back in that wooded lot cutting down their first Christmas tree, smelling that wonderfully pungent yet pleasant evergreen smell, feeling the cold air nip their cheeks, and hearing the hard crunch of crusty snow as their feet

creates a history you become a part of. That’s how we learned to get along with people.”

Fred and others in the group are not alone in their quest to bring back the lost art of storytelling.

A group called The Florida Storytelling Association (FSA) was organized in 1984 by two women who simply loved storytelling.

According to their website (www. flstory.com) their mission is to preserve, perpetuate, and promote the art of storytelling in Florida; to educate, nurture, and welcome new storytellers; and preserve cultural and personal history through story.

Each year new and seasoned storytellers gather at events that

Fred says face-to-face conversations encourage people to get to know one another—to see their facial expressions, their body language, to see the expression in the storyteller’s eyes. He believes that’s one of the reasons why the Alzheimer’s patients responded to his story.

attention to what he said.

“One woman even wanted to hold my hand while I told my story. That was so touching. I thought this was really worthwhile to see most of them identify with what I was saying. Some of them started chiming in. I knew this was extremely important,” he adds.

Fred’s reminiscing tapped into long forgotten memories that were very enjoyable experiences for the Alzheimer’s patients. The group livened up and were more alert and responsive.

“We’re recruiting storytellers to go to schools and assisted living and nursing facilities,” Fred says.

“I think we can render a real ser-

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trudged along a wooded path.

“The oral transition from years ago—that’s how we kept up with things,” Fred says as he pulls himself back from those memories.

“We’re losing that exponentially.

It’s not very often people just sit and talk anymore, especially with cell phones and other electronics available to them. We’re losing an important part of our culture by not talking. That probably motivates me as much as anything.”

Technology has brought people closer together but also further apart. Using a computer for conversations takes the person out of the picture, so to speak.

“Swapping stories at reunions

include workshops led by wellknown storytellers and storyteller concerts. Earlier this year, Mount Dora hosted one of these events.

Another Central Florida storytelling event is the Ocala Storytelling.

Although three of their events have already occurred, there are still three upcoming festivals scheduled in September, October, and November. See their website (www.ocalastorytelling.org) for more details.

Fred’s group in The Villages is called The Storytelling Club and meetings are the last Monday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at Laurel Manor Regional Recreation Center.

For more information, call Fred at 352-430-2671.

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book club STORY: KATHY PORTER

DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC

A TALE OF MADNESS, MEDICINE, AND THE MURDER OF A PRESIDENT. The scene is the Republican National Convention and the Republican Party is sharply divided into two warring factions. After two days of voting and 35 ballots, none of the eight candidates received enough votes to win the party’s nomination for President of the United States. No, this is not 2016, but Chicago, 1880.

The balloting begins to change when a single vote is cast for Congressman James A. Garfield who had so eloquently nominated his fellow Ohioan and Secretary of the Treasury John Sherman a few days earlier. On the 36th ballot, Garfield receives an overwhelming majority of the votes and suddenly becomes the party’s nominee despite Garfield never agreeing to become a candidate and, in fact, vigorously resisting it. Garfield knew his life would be forever changed and he feared not for the better.

Three days after Garfield’s nomination, Charles Guiteau, a passenger on a steamship crossing Long Island Sound, survived a fiery collision when his ship hit another in dense fog. Because he survived, Guiteau feels God chose him for a task of great importance. A man of great delusions, Guiteau heads to Washington, D.C. Though he never campaigned, Garfield spoke to the thousands who traveled to his home in Mentor, Ohio, to see him. After a close race, Garfield is victorious over President Rutherford B. Hayes. Garfield confided to a friend, “There is a tone of sadness running through this triumph which I can hardly explain.”

Less than four months after his inauguration as the 20th president, Garfield was shot by the deranged Charles Guiteau in the Baltimore and Potomac train station. In spite of the best efforts of Joseph Lister, Alexander Graham Bell, and a number of other doctors who intervened to save Garfield’s life, he succumbed after enduring unimaginable pain for 11 and a

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BOOK CLUB

Club chairwoman Kathy Porter can be contacted at 352.259.8196 or kathymporter@comcast.net.

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President Garfield was a very strong man who suffered for eleven weeks with the pain of infection caused by incompetent, horrific medical care after being shot by an insane man. Garfield would have been a great president.

- Pat Crigler, massive infections caused by the use of unsterilized instruments and fingers of his doctor, D. Edward Bliss.

The story of Garfield’s rise from abject poverty to scholar, university president at the age of 26, staunch abolitionist, Civil War hero, skilled orator, and highly esteemed congressman reads like a Horatio Alger novel.

Ann Schooley, who is adept at developing new and inventive ways of discussing a book, distributed pictures of the major characters. Each group assumed the personality of the person in the picture and wrote a quote that person may have said. The result was extremely interesting and led to deeper discussions about Garfield, Guiteau, Bliss, Bell, Lucretia Garfield, and a cast of other characters.

The group was in full agreement that Garfield was one of the most extraordinary men ever elected U.S. president. This admiration led the group to discuss at length how the United States might be a different country today had Garfield lived and presided over the reconstruction of the South after the Civil War. This book is far more than a biography and is filled with “nuggets” of history and events that may be startling to many readers. It should be at top of everyone’s reading list.

About the Author Born in 1968, Candice Millard is a graduate of Baker University and earned a master’s degree in literature from Baylor University. A former writer and editor for National Geographic, Millard’s first book was the highly acclaimed bestseller, “River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey.” Millard is currently working on a book about Winston Churchill. She lives in Kansas City with her husband and three children.

Glenbrook

FICTION BESTSELLERS AS OF MAY 19

1. 15TH AFFAIR

by James Patterson

2. THE LAST MILE

by David Baldacci

3. THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN

by Paula Hawkins

4. THE NEST

by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney

5. EXTREME PREY

by John Sandford

WHAT CLUB MEMBERS THOUGHT “There is nothing in all the earth that you or I can do for the dead. They are past our help and past our praise…

They do not need us, but forever and forever more we need them.” James Garfield, August 1880. Garfield did not know how prophetic his words were. One of the most extraordinary men ever elected president, he was in office only four month when he was shot and eventually died from his wounds. However, we do need James Garfield, and need to remember him. Read this marvelous book to discover Garfield, a scholar, solider, and congressman with extraordinary moral character. A totally engaging read!

- Betty Eich, LaReynalda Even though the book recalled a tragic event in our nation’s history, I was glad to have stepped outside the realm of my usual book selections to learn more about James A. Garfield, our 20th president. He came from poverty, worked hard to get a good education, and his family was very important to him. Even when he endured the pain and suffering from the assassination, he remained strong and uplifting to those around him.

- Gail Feind, Pennecamp

6. BLOODLINE

by Claudia Gray This is a story about the assassination of President Garfield. I felt as if I was reading a history book in school.

Saying this, it was an amazing story about a man I knew little about and who didn’t even want to be president. Also, there were the extraordinary people who surrounded him, from the infamous doctors who should have saved his life but accelerated his death, to the famous Alexander Graham Bell and Joseph Lister. It was also interesting to read about the politics of the time. A must-read book!

- Mary Day, Duval Non-fiction is not my usual genre choice but Destiny of the Republic was wonderful. There were so many “tidbits” of information about President Garfield, Alexander Graham Bell, and the assassin, Charles Guiteau, who was mentioned in a song by Johnny Cash called “Mr. Garfield.” The presenter, Ann Schooley, had a different and interesting way of facilitating, which got so many members involved. By all means, pick up the book. You won’t be disappointed.

- Mary Jo Johnson, Ashland

7. THE APARTMENT: A NOVEL

by Danielle Steel

8. THE OBSESSION

by Nora Roberts

9. EVERYBODY’S FOOL

by Richard Russo

10. ELIGIBLE: A MODERN RETELLING OF PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

by Debbie Macomber

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+THE HUEY’S REMEMBERING VIETNAM

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on Van Beck had a vision for a Vietnam War memorial to be added to the Veterans Memorial Park in Leesburg. He met a great deal of resistance when he presented the idea to Leesburg city leadership. But engaging in battle is nothing new for the veteran of World War II and the Korean War, he just dug in and continued moving forward with plans to get a Huey helicopter.

“It has been a long time to see this happening,” Don said recently as he watched volunteers remove the transmission from the helicopter. “I feel great about it.”

The Bell UH-1 Iroquois military helicopter, unofficially called a Huey, was developed by Bell Helicopter to be used as a United States Army medical evacuation and utility chopper. Production began on the helicopters in March 1960, and approximately 7,000 of them flew in Vietnam for the Army and Navy.

Chuck Brainerd, owner of Brainerd Helicopters in Leesburg, flew search-and-destroy missions in Vietnam, and he says often wounded men would be loaded onto his helicopter because they could get back quicker to receive medical care. “A lot of Vietnam vets are alive because they could ride in one of those. They didn’t have to wait for the medevac,” Chuck says. “If you were alive when you got on the chopper, you had a 90 percent chance of survival.”

Chuck, who was also instrumental in getting the helicopter to Leesburg, had his men put it outside one of the Brainerd Helicopter hangars, and the volunteers had their first meeting with the familiar bird.

As the men opened the doors and touched the helicopter’s body like it was gold, Chuck smiled and admitted he wasn’t too sure the helicopter should be in a static place. “I think aircraft ought to be flying,” says the man who is often at the helm of a Brainerd Helicopter.

This chopper was among more than 50 stored in Sanford and owned by the United States State Department. The insignia painted on the side of the helicopter reads, “Med Co Air Ambulance 249th DET1 Dustoff.” In its center is a heart with wings attached and an anchor in the middle.

The choppers became known as Dustoffs in Vietnam because CHUCK BRAINERD the Army medevac pilots were

STORY: LEIGH NEELY PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ+SHEMIR WILES

June 20 16

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known for flying into dangerous places to rescue the wounded. Though many of them still fly, Hueys are gradually being phased out due to their age and being replaced with the UH-60 Blackhawks used in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Don had no problems getting help restoring the big bird. “My phone number was in one of the articles, and I started getting phone calls from these guys right away. We’ve got some great mechanics working on it,” Don says.

There was plenty of discussion at that first meeting about where to begin, what was expected, and plans for the finished product. They exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and generally enjoyed being in the company of other men who truly appreciated the Huey helicopter, occasionally glancing at the big green bird that was basking in the sun on the tarmac.

“It has been 50 years since I’ve been in a helicopter, but when I saw the article, I immediately called to volunteer,” says Greg Fernance, crew chief of the volunteers. He was in the United States Marine Corps and served as an instructor, training crews to go to Vietnam from 1962-1968.

Though Don isn’t able to do the physical labor himself, that doesn’t keep him from being in the hangar whenever the volunteers are working. He watches them work with a pride similar to a father’s, knowing their work toward making the memorial real is vital.

“We have nine volunteers, and they’re doing a terrific job. In fact, Chuck said he’d like to have some of them working for him,” Don says. “Their combined years of experience is amazing.”

“I flew Hueys for 22 years,” says Mike McCourt. “I’m honored to be able to be a part of this project.” Mike was in Vietnam from 1968-1969.

The cockpit of the Huey is big but also incredibly small as you realize all those instruments and gauges had to be monitored during flights where the helicopters were targets for people with rocket launchers on the ground.

The pilots’ seats were armored, and the men wore bulletproof vests that weighed 40 pounds. They called them “chicken plates.”

“My seat was hit twice, and it protected me,” Chuck said. “But I was afraid they’d hit me in the head. I painted a red and white target on my helmet, figuring they could try to hit it but couldn’t because it was so far away.”

The design for the memorial has the copter looking like it’s in flight, with the crew (replaced by mannequins, of course) in place. Before it can be placed on the pole in its permanent place, it has to be tested to see if it’s structurally sound and able to withstand up to 140-mile-an-hour winds. That’s where Michael Springstead enters the picture.

Michael is a structural and civil engineer who’s making sure everything is

done correctly so that the monument is as safe and durable as possible. “I’m working on the drawings and plans, but I’ll leave it to the helicopter experts to move it.

MICHAEL SPRINGSTEAD I’m just helping with the mounting.”

Don says by the time the helicopter is ready to be go on the pole it will weigh just under 5,000 pounds.

Removing the engine and all internal working parts makes the aircraft much lighter than its original 9,500 pounds.

“The plan is to put infantry guys and a door gunner with an M-60 on the left side so people can how they flew most of the time,” Chuck says.

“No one else has displayed a helicopter like this. We’re going to make it a Gladiator bird.”

To this day, the Huey helicopter is a true symbol of the Vietnam War. For the first time, Americans watched on their televisions as those in service on the battlefield were filmed for the evening news from the war.

Cary Cuyler, a volunteer who entered the Army as an enlisted man, went to OCS flight school after serving in Vietnam. He flew Hueys for 3,000 hours and Cobras for 1,200, serving

+ HUEY PROJECT VOLUNTEERS

COMMANDER DON VAN BECK

AMVETS Post 2006, Coordinator U.S. Army World War II and Korea

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CARY CUYLER

GREG FERNANCE

Helicopter Pilot U.S. Army

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Crew Chief/Mechanic U.S. Marine Corps

MIKE MCCOURT Helicopter Pilot U.S. Army

TIM CARROLL Flight Engineer/ Mechanic U.S. Air Force

JIM CHRISTENSEN Crew Chief/Mechanic U.S. Army

Not Pictured: DUANE HAVERSTOCK, U.S. Army; BARRY MANFREDI, U.S. Air Force; TODD SMITH, U.S. Army

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+ a total of 36 years, and ending his career as a reservist in the Michigan National Guard as a colonel.

“It means everything to anybody in aviation to be here for this,” Cary said.

“To have guys like Mr. Brainerd and Mr. Van Beck doing this, that’s what America is all about. I was blessed getting what I did from the Army, and now I’m giving back what they gave to me.”

It was said that only the Huey could have accomplished what it did during that war, such as placing men, supplies, or artillery where they were needed in less time. The agility of the machine meant projects were handled in a matter of days rather than weeks.

Tim Carroll was a helicopter mechanic for the United States Air Force and worked on the Huey H-3 and H-53, and was a flight engineer. Tim says he believes this is a worthwhile project, and that’s why he volunteered. “I did a lot of testing for the Huey helicopters like electronic rotor blade tracking and things that build horsepower to see where we could get the most out of the helicopter,” Tim says. “My first duty station was

Hickam [Air Force Base], and I was put on a ship where we did recovery of spy satellites. We’d go out to sea and pick them up and fly them back to Kodak in New York.”

Huey helicopters also played a significant role when hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, plucking people off rooftops and highway overpasses and carrying them to safety.

In Vietnam from May 1967 to December 1968, Jim Christensen was a

crew chief and mechanic, working on C, D, and H models of the Huey. “My helicopter company was the 281st Assault Helicopter Company, and they were the first Special Operations helicopter in the Army,” Jim says.

“Being here brings back memories.

I’m surprised I can remember most everything they taught me, and I learned a lot more with experience.”

Duane Haverstock was a crew chief while he was in Vietnam in 1967. “I performed maintenance on the aircraft 13 hours a day, every day, and flew as a crew chief on missions,” Duane says. “I knew how much the infantry depended on the Huey to save lives and extract them out of hot spots.”

Serving in the Army National Guard for 38 years was how Duane completed his service to his country.

“Working on this project brings back many good times and thoughts that I forgot…it’s our last chance.”

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VETERANS AN UNTAPPED RESOURCE THE SECOND IN OUR SERIES FOCUSING ON ISSUES FACING LOCAL VETERANS

STORY: PAT JOCELYN

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One of two veterans will likely face a period of unemployment and the problem is escalating at a disturbing rate. During the next five years, more than 200,000 military men and women will transition into civilian life—each year. That translates to overburdening a system already broken and unable to provide the necessary assistance to veterans striving to reenter civilian workplaces.

The statistics are alarming. According to a Joint Chiefs of Staff report from the Office of the Chairman (Sept. 2014), in 2013 veterans, ages 18-24, averaged an unemployment rate of 21.4 percent.

In July 2014, the statistics raised to

FLORIDA VETA INE-DREPATHNS veteran can easily follow.

One of those uncomplicated approaches is used at Combat Veterans to Careers.

They developed an established process that assists and guides veterans transitioning into civilian life. It’s help that is badly needed.

“A veteran goes to our website (www.combatveteranstocareers.org), verifies he is a vet, fills out a form, and contacts us,” David explains.

“We also ask for a resume so we have an idea of what kind of career they want to get involved in.”

This is just one of many tools available for veterans, but they need to know about them to use them.

“We need to find ways to get information to our veterans,” David says. “That’s what I’m trying to do. If I can’t help them, I will find somebody that can.”

Ironically, those same veterans who are unable to find jobs are an untapped resource that would benefit most businesses—but they don’t know about each other. Toss into the mix numerous nonprofits that

E LOOK AT TH CHALLENGES THEY FACE

nonprofit organizations and businesses that support veterans. Individually, one organization may be able to help a vet in one area, but collectively the coalition it belongs to can provide 360 degrees of support and opportunities.

David is also in the process of developing a veterans’ resource web page.

“I already have 200 organizations listed for people to use,” David says. “They’re

“WE’VE HELPED 258 FAMILIES TRANSITION [TO CIVILIAN LIFE] IN 2015.

BUT WE HAVE ABOUT 80 ON THE WAITING LIST THAT I JUST DON’T HAVE THE FUNDING OR RESOURCES FOR. I’M CRYING FOR HELP. TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURES, THAT’S WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR.” —DAVID BOOTH

COMBAT VETERAN AND CEO/FOUNDER OF COMBAT VETERANS TO CAREERS

32.1 percent. The civilian unemployment rate in that same age group was much lower—14.3 percent in 2013 and 12.7 percent in 2014.

David Booth is CEO and founder of Combat Veterans to Careers, a local nonprofit gaining national attention as a driving force that’s helping bridge disconnects between military and civilian life. He met with the Joint Chiefs of Staff office with the intent of working with the government and other nonprofit organizations to bridge this gap, and ultimately provide a well-coordinated and uncomplicated approach each

But veterans aren’t expected to just write a resume. They’re given a powerful online tool (www. hireourheroes.org/veterans/build-a-resume/) that walks them through the resume-building process. “[Hire our Heroes] took every single military job and translated it into civilian terminology,” David continues.

“Every job performed in each branch of service is covered.

Then the veteran can add personalized skills. After the vets fill it out, they sit down with a volunteer and a plan is developed based on their individual needs.”

support veterans in their job search but are having difficulty getting the word out to the vets, and it creates a chain reaction of confusion.

Another example of a service few veterans are aware of is any Staples store will print 50 copies of a resume and business cards at no charge.

With the objective of providing a clearinghouse of information and services for vets, David founded another 501(c)(3) (nonprofit—pending) called Coalition for Florida Veterans.

Its membership consists of

in alphabetical order and have their name, mission, services, and contact information.”

Other initiatives include veteran workshops and an online streaming radio show called Veterans Resource Radio. Vets can go to www.combatveteranstocareers.org for archived copies of radio shows and information about workshops.

“It can’t be done alone,” David says. “It takes just a little bit from a lot of people—time, talent and treasures—that’s what we’re looking for.”

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On the

scene OUT & ABOUT THE TO-DO LIST LOCAL TALENT SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT HI, SOCIETY!

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On the scene // the to-do list

june

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 JUNE 4

EVENTS

FAMILY FUN & FITNESS DAY

JUNE 3

EUSTIS FIRST FRIDAY STREET PARTY Dancin’ in the streets!

Don’t miss the street vendors and live music .

Live entertainment and street performances throughout downtown Eustis. Come and enjoy the charm of the city by the water. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

127 N Grove St, Eustis. For more info, visit Eustis. org.

Family Fun and Fitness Day is being held by the CFH Foundation to announce the grand opening of the new Fitness Trail around LRMC Urgent Care. See demonstrations of brand new fitness equipment, community wellness vendors, music, and fun!

Lake Regional Medical Center. 9 a.m. to Noon, 600 E. Dixie Ave., Leesburg.

For more info, contact Audrey Portanova at 352.323.4292., or email aportanova@ cfhalliance.org.

JUNE 5

AUTO & CYCLE SWAP MEET JUNE 4

ELLIS ACRES RESERVE NATURE HIKE

Get back to nature! Ellis Acres is home to black bears, sandhill cranes, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer. Summer tanagers, swallowtail kites, and blue grosbeaks also fly about. Join the crew on a hike and explore the ecology of the uplands and wetlands. 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. 25302 CR 42, Paisley.

For more info, contact Jonathan Woodruff at 352.431.8798, or email parksandtrails@ lakecountyfl.gov.

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Since 1995, enthusiasts across Florida come to show and see amazing vehicles and shop a selection of unique parts and accessories from more than 200 vendors. Find that special part you’ve been looking for. In the corral, buy or sell a car or bike or just enjoy sharing with other enthusiasts.

There will be trophies and cash prizes. Food, drinks, an ATM machine, and camping also available.

Bring the whole family. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 516 NW 3rd Street, Webster. For more info, visit cyclemeet. com.

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JUNE 11

Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival

Enjoy a little island getaway in Clermont as they bring the Caribbean to you at Waterfront Park. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and wonderful smells of the islands.

The event will include vendors with food and crafts, live music from around the Caribbean, and a Jerk cook-off competition. Come down, fill your plate, and play a friendly game of dominoes. Tickets are $10 and $3 for children under 10. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 100 Third Street, Clermont. For more information contact Valerie Bray 407.312.3909., or email vybray1949@gmail.com.

listening and grooving to some of the best Rock ‘n Roll hits. Tickets are $7.

Food and drink available for purchase. Put on your blue suede shoes and hit the dance floor. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 2728 West Old Highway 441, Mount Dora.

For more Information contact Ron Greene at 352.729.2939.

JUNE 10

JUNE 11

Join Lakeridge Winery for the annual stomping of the grapes and loads of fun for the entire family, all ages may participate.

Over 80 local artists and crafters will display their work. Incredible live music available all weekend.

Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks, and a variety of food can be purchased.

Enjoy complimentary winery tours and tastings.

This is the 26th year of the celebration. June 10-12.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 19239 U.S. 27 North, Clermont.

For more info, visit lakeridgewinery.com.

It’s time to grab your binoculars and join the officials at The Pasture Reserve to conduct a count of the fair-winged friends.

Volunteers may assist in surveying the population of birds & butterflies on the property. 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 5144 Lake Erie Road, Groveland. For more info, contact Gallus Quigley at 352.242.4950., or email parksandtrails@ lakecountyfl.gov.

CLERMONT HARVEST FESTIVAL

QUARTERLY BIRD & BUTTERFLY SURVEY

JUNE 18

FOLK MUSIC

Indulge in a night of music at the Trout Lake Nature Center. Visiting performers will be strumming your favorite folk tunes under the stars.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 520 E. County Road 44, Eustis.

For more info, contact Eileen Tramontana at 352.357.7536., or email tlnc.director@gmail. com.

ARTS+EXHIBITS

MUSIC+THEATRE JUNE 2

THE BEAT GOES ON

Olympia Banquets presents a weekly dance party. Every Thursday join the Beat Goes On Band

JUNE 17

FRIDAY NIGHT NATURALIST

Each month a different expert comes to the Trout Lake Nature Center for presentations.

Attendance is free and you will learn more about nature, wildlife, nature photography, etc. This month Gary Kuhl from the leadership team of the Florida Conservation Coalition discusses the work of the Coalition and use his photos to illustrate.

Gary is a wildlife/nature photographer. 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. 520 E. County Road 44, Eustis. For more info, contact Eileen Tramontana at 352.357.7536., or email tlnc.director@ gmail.com.

JUNE 25

FOCUS PHOTO CLUB EXHIBIT OPENING It’s the opening of their exhibit on the subject of Turtles. Come support local artists’ and see how the lens captures Florida wildlife. Event takes place at the Trout Lake Nature Center. 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 520 E. County Road 44, Eustis.

For more info, contact Eileen Tramontana at 352.357.7536., or email tlnc.director@ gmail.com.

JUNE 12

Herp Hike at Ferndale Preserve Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. Join staff on a hike to look for these elusive and cryptic creatures and learn something about their lifestyles. This event is free, but you will need to register. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 19220 County Road 455, Ferndale.

For more information contact Justin Pouliot at 352.516.7011., or email parksandtrails@ lakecountyfl.gov.

JUNE 17

The Longest Yard Sale

The biggest and longest yard sale in Central Florida. Three days of antiques, vintage, collectibles, plants, produce, household goods, tools, designer clothing, everything needful. Join and set up at Renninger’s Mount Dora Flea Market and Antique Center. Spaces are $25 (the size of your car or truck). Bring your own tables and tents. If you want to reserve their tents and tables, spaces are $75. Come out and browse. June 17-19. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 20651 US441, Mount Dora. For more information call 352.383.8393.

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On the scene // LOCAL TALENT

LAURIE SULLIVAN

ALL HER WORLD’S A STAGE STORY: LEIGH NEELY PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

This is the first in a series of articles featuring talent from local theaters.

In the fall of 1948, a group of theater enthusiasts met to discuss starting a community theater. They found a former ice plant in Mount Dora that offered perfect acoustics, and The IceHouse Players had their first performance on Feb. 7, 1949, with “Return Engagement.” Thanks to

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land being donated by the municipality, the group was able to build the current theater, which seats 270. It opened with a production of “The Solid Gold Cadillac” in the fall of 1958. Major renovations were done in 2011 thanks in part to a gift from The Sonnentag Foundation.

The current show is “Becky’s New Car,” which stars actress Laurie Sullivan.

Though Laurie Sullivan is originally from Manhattan and lived for many years on Long Island, she has

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called central Florida home since 1999. She lives in Sorrento with her husband Lee Childers and their son Nathan, 7.

Laurie got her BSA in musical theater from a college in upstate New York. She spent five years doing summer stock, working in children’s theater, and with tour companies. “I began to work on cruises. That’s where I met my husband, as a performer on a cruise ship,” Laurie says. “We took a couple of years off right after we met, and then he began working for Princess Cruises. I actually had my own show on the ship very briefly until I found out I was pregnant and had to take another break.”

Plans to be a performer were always a part of Laurie’s dreams. She began taking voice lessons while in eighth grade and continued taking them through college. She took dance in college, but didn’t focus on it. She freely admits, “I’m lucky that I’m pretty coordinated.”

Her favorite part in a play was playing the baker’s wife in “Into the Woods.”

“It was a lot of fun and a great production, a really fun role to play,” Laurie says. “I was so thrilled to do it. We had gorgeous costumes, and everything came together, so it was a wonderful experience at the IceHouse.”

When Nathan was three, Laurie auditioned for IceHouse and has been doing performances at the theater for about four years. “It’s a nice hobby for me,” Laurie says. “It’s something I love to do, but it’s not a fulltime job.

I take care of my son and get to travel.” She homeschools Nathan so they can travel with Lee when the opportunity arises.

“We like living in Sorrento because it’s a little bit of both worlds. There’s lots of farmland, but we live in a nice development and have lots of friends here,” Laurie says.

“With my husband’s travel, we could live anywhere, but we love it here.”

Last year Laurie put together a production called, “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” which features four girls at their senior prom in 1958.

“We performed the show at The IceHouse in 2012, and I thought it would work really well on ships. We sang great songs like ‘Sand Man,’ ‘Lollipop,’ and ‘Cupid, Cupid.’

It was so much fun to do, and we were hired to do it for a ship, but the show was cancelled.”

Laurie actually wrote her one-woman cabaret show, which she did on her husband’s ship last summer. “I got to sing with an actor from West End [London], which is the equivalent of a Broadway star over here. I pulled a bunch of songs that I enjoy singing, and put a lot of patter between songs, which my husband helped me write,” Laurie says. “It’s a 35-minute show with songs like ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade,’ and ‘Somewhere’ from “West Side Story,” and I did ‘Let It Go’ from “Frozen.” I did ‘Man of La Mancha,’ which is written for a male character, but I have a very nice version for a female. It’s quite a workout, but I love it.”

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Bands subject to change. Email inconcert@ akersmediagroup.com to submit an event for In Concert.

Submissions must be received by the ninth of the month prior to month of the event (example: June 9 for July issue).

ARTIST

VENUE

Steve Champagne Pat Boone Dennis Gallo Jeff Whitfield Jon Cabrera Stava Mala The Accuzed Swamp Juice Baby Blues and the No Attitude Band Crystal Vision The Band 4 Play Da Boys Swamp Juice Al Manfred Defenders of Daisies Jeff Whitfield The Band 4 Play Dangerous Dave Merrill Blue Stone Circle Matthew and Gunnar Nelson Live Wire Full Tilt Megan Katarina The Band 4 Play Manfredi Rocks Live Wire Mad Hadder Band Jon Cabrera Defenders of Daisies Jeff Whitfield Bobby France Justin Heet Boggy Creek Missin’ Piston The Band 4 Play Judge Talford Band Da Boys Boggy Creek Missin’ Piston Mad Hadder Band Jon Cabrera Defenders of Daisies Jeff Whitfield The Band 4 Play Al Manfredi Defenders of Daisies Sound Theory Band Broccoli Samurai Manfredi Rocks Brian Smalley The Fritz Sound Theory Band

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On the scene // social spotlight Where you want to be

ROCK ME AT RENNINGER’S

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

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PHOTOS: Provided by The Great Outdoor Jam and courtesy of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong; VOodoo VIsionary/Drew Stawin Photography; Broccoli Samurai.

PIGEONS PLAYING PINGPONG

Shades of Woodstock will hit Mount Dora when The Great Outdoors Jam opens Thursday, June 30.

Live music will be happening throughout the weekend until the big jam ends Sunday, July 3. “This is the third year for our big band blowout, and this year we’ll be jamming in the fields of Renninger’s off Highway 441,” says organizer Kenny Todd. “It promises to be a weekend filled with music, food, and fun!”

Previously held at Maddox Ranch in Lakeland, this year’s event features Ben Pont, Dani Jaye, Dennis Stadelman, and Juan Jamon as artists at large.

This concert is known for its excellent music and laid-back atmosphere.

Bands include Pigeons Playing Pingpong, a group that features high-energy psychedelic funk and

electro-funk grooves, and they hail from Baltimore, Maryland.

They will be joined by Broccoli Samurai, who come from Cleveland, Ohio, and play synth-laden progressive electronica strongly bass influenced and heavy on drums.

They’re regulars at festivals like this and generally treat audiences to great music.

Add to the mix Aqueous, Come Back Alice, Holy Miss Moley, Aliver Hall, The Juan Jamon Band, Displace, Copious Jones, Ajeva, Tweed, and Voodoo Visionary, and you’re in for nonstop great listening.

But that’s not all…Russ Bower’s Isn’t Dead Yet, Funk You, Joose, Justino and The Difference, Boxcar Hollow, Constant Orange, and Universal Sigh will also be jamming. This year’s lineup will feature Constant Orange, Universal

BROCCOLI SAMURAI

VOODOO VISIONARY

Sigh, Shoeless Soul, Este Loves, Lucidea, Teen Girl Squad, Legacy Orchestra Collective, Free the People, Controlled Fall, Oak Hay, Free Range Strange, and Harmonica Man and the Sawgrass Band.

“We generally have 30 to 35 bands over the four days, and our attendance is around 1,000,” Todd says.

Bands will play come rain or sunshine, so come prepared to be comfortable staying all day. Festival planners recommend you bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, along with film and digital cameras as long as you’re taking photos for personal use. You’ll need a valid drivers license for will-call tickets and/or to

drink alcohol. Feel free to bring a tent, lights, tables, and chairs, or just bring the camper or RV. Though there’s no electricity, generators are no problem. Bring the family as kids under 12 get in free.

Don’t be a party pooper; leave the weapons and illegal substances somewhere else. No dogs, scooters, or personal motorized vehicles are allowed, and absolutely no fireworks.

Join the fun in the Beautiful Fields of Renninger’s, 20651 U.S. Hwy. 441 in Mount Dora. Gates open Friday at 10 a.m. and the music ends Sunday at 7 p.m. with gates closing at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $53.74 to $127.59.

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On the scene // out+about A travel companion for points near and far

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FROM KITTY HAWK TO MARS

The impossible happened on the sand dunes surrounding Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, when Orville and Wilbur Wright altered the world of transportation with their first manned flight, one that lasted a mere 12 seconds.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS PHOTOS: MARY ANN DESANTIS+OUTERBANKS.ORG

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The wind in North Carolina’s Outer Banks can be relentless, especially when trying to cross a parking lot with an umbrella. I know because my favorite umbrella became history on the morning I visited the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. It was no surprise to learn the area is the sixth windiest place in the nation.

Those kinds of prevailing winds brought Dayton, Ohio, brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright to a remote, sandy location, then known as Kitty Hawk. In 1900, while working on their designs for a flying machine, the Wrights queried the U.S. Weather Bureau about places where they would find “reasonably brisk, steady winds, open areas free from obstructions… and soft terrain upon which to land.”

The brothers considered Chicago and Cleveland, but the soft, sandy landing was of utmost importance as was the isolation they needed to pursue their seemingly impossible dream.

The Kitty Hawk weather station manager replied and told them the “sandy beaches were wide and clear of obstructions and the winds blew steady.” The eastern barrier islands along the Atlantic coast would definitely provide the privacy they needed.

Three years after those letters were exchanged, the Wright brothers made history on Dec. 17, 1903, when Orville piloted the first “heavier-than-air”

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TRIP

TIP THE WRIGHT BROTHERS NATIONAL MEMORIAL is open every day except Christmas from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7, adults; free for children and teens age 15 and under. For additional planning, visit the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau at www.outerbanks.org.

machine for 12 seconds across 120 feet. The earth-bound chains had been broken, and subsequent flights lasted longer and went farther.

Today, North Carolina’s Outer Banks are known for sun, sand, fishing, and, of course, ocean breezes. The area has changed tremendously, including the

1953 incorporation of the town Kill Devil Hills, which is why the memorial park is not located within Kitty Hawk city limits.

Operated by the National Park Service, the Wright Brothers National Memorial is a testament to the brothers’ imagination, determination, fortitude, and self-taught engineering skills. It’s a family-friendly park where parents and their kids can explore and learn, starting with the Visitors Center that houses a full-scale reproduction of the 1902 glider and a 1903 flyer. The tall monument on Kill Devil Hill marks the 90-foot high hill where the brothers sent a 10-year-old to try the first glider, who was then followed by Wilbur.

Kids of all ages, including adults, enjoy climbing on the life-sized bronze and steel replica of the first airplane.

The 10,000-pound sculpture was designed for a hands-on experience as is the 852-foot strip that marks the location of the first four flight paths.

Families race along the grass-covered path to see just how long running 120 feet to 852 feet can take them. A granite boulder marks where the first plane left the ground while smaller stone markers chart the four flights’ paths, distances, and landings.

“The boulder where the flight took off marks the ‘death of impossibilities’,” says Dan Shook, the National Park Service interpretive ranger. “The Wright brothers showed the world that anything is possible.”

120 FEET

THE DISTANCE OF WRIGHT BROTHERS’ FIRST FLIGHT Just because the space shuttles are grounded doesn’t mean you have to be. More than 1.5 million visitors a year visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for an entertaining and comprehensive space program experience that looks to the future and Mars.

The Wright brothers’ spirit of exploration and innovation is alive and well at the Kennedy Space Center, contrary to misguided beliefs that the Titusville attraction is all history. Space history indeed is covered extensively, including a dramatic introduction into the cavernous room displaying the Space Shuttle Atlantis. There are plenty of peeks into the future, however, especially with the newest Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted exhibit.

TRIP

TIP ARRIVE AS SOON as the KSC Visitor Complex opens at 9 a.m. to ensure you have time to experience everything this massive facility has to offer. Admission is $50 for adults and $40 for children, ages 3-11. Lunch with an astronaut requires a separate fee. Find your “pre-launch” checklist at www. kennedyspacecenter.com.

Throughout the Mars exhibit, visitors test their deep-space savvy with interactive games and simulators. They learn how to handle micrometeoroids or what to do when exposed to high levels of radiation. The next generation of astronauts can practice the essential skills of orbital docking and planetary landings.

Just as the Wright brothers had a hard time getting people to believe in their mission to fly, so did NASA when it came to putting a man on the moon.

The trials and tribulations—as well as the crowning achievements—are well documented in the one-of-a-kind Apollo/Saturn V Center exhibit. Upon arriving at the KSC Visitor Complex, I headed straight for the bus tour that delivered me to the center. Not only did I avoid the human wave lurching into the Shuttle Launch Experience®, but I had a relaxing journey through space history—much of which I had forgotten or never knew—and got a great foundation for the rest of my visit.

During the “participatory” bus tour (the guide asked visitors a lot of trivia questions), I saw Launchpad 39B, where 53 shuttle missions blasted off. Nowhere is the future more evident because 39B is currently being modified for NASA’s

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MILES TRAVELED IN SPACE BY SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS Space Launch System. The SLS will be the most powerful rocket ever built and is slated for deep space exploration, with a test flight as early as 2017.

No trip to the Kennedy Space Center is complete without a ride on the Shuttle Launch Experience®, housed in the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit building. I had to sit back, buckle up, and hold on tight for what veteran NASA astronauts call the world’s most realistic simulation of a space shuttle launch. It is a bumpy ride so I would not recommend it immediately after breakfast or lunch, but it’s a delightful few moments of giggles and thrills.

From the Shuttle Launch Experience® and astronaut encounters to larger-than-life IMAX® films, hands-on activities and behind-the-scenes tours, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex provides a great opportunity to combine history lessons with fun entertainment.

ABOUT THE WRITER Mary Ann DeSantis has written features for Style publications since 2006. She was recognized with a first place Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Award for Travel Writing in 2012 and a second place Travel Writing Award in 2015.

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On the scene // Hi, society!

LONG LIVE THE KING AND QUEEN The Crowning Ball is the highlight of the Leesburg Partnership Mardi Gras

celebration. Held at the National Guard Armory, the event features lots of fun events, music, and dancing, and an array of delicious delicacies! King Rex: Johnny Malik and Queen Divine: Mandy Wettstein will reign supreme throughout 2016!

NANCY FAY, DON DUNBAR, MIKE FULLER, GAIL LA CROIX, AND GRANT CORBETT TIM AND TRISHA KIDODEAUX

MERLIN DECUIR, RANDI MOORE, SHARON AND RICK DUEMLER

PHOTOS: JARROD CLARK

DOLORES ST JULIEN AND SHELDON CASSANO

GREG NAQUIN AND RICHARD MORALES

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MARY AND ROLAND CAILLOUET, ELIZABETH AND CHARLES HAMILTON

ORVILLE ANDRE AND LAURA ANDRE

LOU AND MILLIE HANNOND, BEV AND TIM HARRIETT

BARBARA AND DAVID BRADLEY

SUSAN WALTERS, KAREN BRADLEY, DALE STEVENS AND CATHIE STEVENS

MRS.MCBROOM, MR.META, AND MRS.BAXTER

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On the scene // Hi, society!

WHAT A CATCH

Professional baseball player Francisco Lindor appeared at a meet and greet during a Boys and Girls Club of Lake and Sumter Counties event in Clermont. Francisco, a graduate of Montverde Academy, became the sixth-fastest player to reach 100 career hits in Cleveland Indians’ history during his rookie season in 2015.

MAUREEN KESSELING, ROD ERB, MARK GRAFF, FRANCISCO LINDOR, MICHELLE MICHNOFF, MICHELLE BECK, FREDDY WILLIAMS, AND EMILY LONG DONNA HAMILTON, FRANCISCO LINDOR, AND TERRY HAMILTON

DOUG BRAVERMAN AND FRANCISCO LINDOR

DR. KASEY KESSELRIMG AND DAVID METER JEANNE BOWER, FRANCISCO LINDOR, AND RICK BOWER

FRANCISCO LINDOR AND BRAYDEN LONG FRANCISCO LINDOR AND CONNIE KOLISNYK

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On the scene // Hi, society!

CRYSTAL MICCICHE

GOÛT DE LA VIE (TASTE OF LIFE!) The 10th annual Taste of Tavares left everyone completely sated. With a record number of participants and a sparkling new venue, it was a night to be seen and enjoy the flavor of Tavares at the Pavilion on the Lake.

DAVIS AND MANDY TALMAGE

RHONDA DAOUST

MICK CRONIN AND CHELSEA SERUGA

ALEXANDER GANDIA STEVIE REGISTER, JON ARAMINO, AND ASHLEY FORTUNE

PHOTOS: JARROD CLARK

TRAVIS SENNING AND RODGER KOOSER

AUTUMN NELSON, CARRY WALDRON, SANDRA STEPHENSON

PAM MOON, CHRIS MARSHA, JOHN KREBS JOHN RIORDAN, ALEX COOPER, AND NEESI ROSS

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JOSEPH BLACKWELL

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Addie Owens is excited to announce the opening of RE/MAX Touchstone. The newest Lake County RE/MAX will be located on SR 46 in the heart of Sorrento! Her team is eager to continue supporting Lake County buyers and sellers in this new capacity and to be a part of the exciting changes coming to the East Lake County area. For all your real estate needs, Addie Owens and the agents of RE/MAX Touchstone are here to help!

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AN INSPIRED LIVING EXPERIENCE FROM

What does The Lake Sumter Group at Morgan Stanley do?

We proactively serve a select group of families with the distribution phase of their retirement by offering rigorous, relentless discipline seeking to bring a higher level of predictability.

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With financial planning tools and discretionary portfolio management, we build plans based on our client’s risk tolerance. As portfolio managers, we manage our clients’ portfolios on a daily basis and guide their objectives, which range from developing a health care strategy to attending to estate planning needs.

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Our focus is on financial planning which includes retirement planning, retirement income planning, estate planning strategies, college education planning, custom portfolio management, long term care planning and life insurance planning.

Gregory Prevatt, CLTC, CFP® Senior Vice President Portfolio Management Director Financial Advisor gregory.prevatt@morganstanley.com

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Financial Planning Specialist Portfolio Manager Financial Advisor michael.monteith@morganstanley.com

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What makes your group passionate about what you do?

Our clients have spent their working years building a legacy. We enjoy helping them build the next phase of their lives. Having an advisor who can walk that path with them can mean the difference between living, and enjoying, their retirement.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates. This material is intended only for clients and prospective clients of the Portfolio Management program. It has been prepared solely for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument, or to participate in any trading strategy. The individuals mentioned as the Portfolio Management Team are Financial Advisors with Morgan Stanley participating in the Morgan Stanley Portfolio Management program. The Portfolio Management program is an investment advisory program in which the client’s Financial Advisor invests the client’s assets on a discretionary basis in a range of securities. The Portfolio Management program is described in the applicable Morgan Stanley ADV Part 2, available at www.morganstanley.com/ ADV or from your Financial Advisor. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and Federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the US. © 2015. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. CRC 1386730 01/16

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eats IN THE KITCHEN SALUTE QUICK BITES FORK ON THE ROAD DINING GUIDE

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EATS // in the kitchen Out of the frying pan and onto the page

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CREATING

CULINARY

MASTERPIECES Chef John Bell finds creating masterpieces with high school students as rewarding as cooking for the stars.

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

Executive Chef John Bell smiles approvingly at the colorfully decorated plate placed before him: an eye-pleasing, palate-tempting masterpiece of Ahi tuna seared with a mix of Hawaiian spices, fresh mango salsa, kimchi garnished with squash, and grilled zucchini—all placed on top of decorative orange and green sauces made from sweet Thai chili and a cucumber/ avocado puree.

“Not bad for high school kids,” he says.

His students’ creations are a far cry from the foods made in Grandma’s home economics class, and the Leesburg High School culinary instructor takes delight in introducing his 135 students to healthy dishes made from fresh ingredients that are often found at five-star resorts—the kind of foods he has en-

joyed cooking for numerous celebrities, including John Travolta, Dennis Weaver, Kelly Preston, Goldie Hawn, and Kurt Russell, to name a few.

Buddy Hackett was the chef’s first celebrity to meet.

“He was actually quite funny, very crude, but funny. I gave him an herbcrusted lamb chop with a balsamicreduction sauce,” John says, recalling the comedian cursed as he demanded mint sauce instead. “I went out in the garden, grabbed some mint, grounded it up, and made a little mint sauce. He was a happy camper.”

The first dish he made for Goldie Hawn was filet mignon stuffed with crawfish tails and herb butter, complemented with lobster-based sauce and beef stock sauce reduction. He says the actress and Kurt Russell were the

influence that led to him cooking for many celebrities.

He was the personal chef for John Travolta’s family, going to the actor’s Ocala home and preparing meals for the week. “John Travolta and Kelly Preston are two of the nicest people I have ever met. They are really down to earth, very friendly, very kind, very giving,” he says.

One thrilling moment for the chef was being among 20 chosen and screened to prepare dinner for President George H.W. Bush and the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during an Aspen summit attended by 86 leaders. The meal came to an abrupt halt before dessert was served—the first Gulf War started.

“A couple hours later we heard about the strike. We used to make jokes that the dessert caused the war,” he says.

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EATS // in the kitchen Out of the frying pan and onto the page

RECIPES FROM EXECUTIVE CHEF JOHN BELL:

FRESH PINEAPPLE SALSA

His love of cooking spans more than 40 years, and he is the current president of the Gulf to Lakes Chefs and Cooks Association. John recently received the American Culinary Federation Cutting Edge Award for the Southeast Region, in recognition of his passion and work in providing a top-quality culinary program.

“It’s my greatest achievement as a chef,” he says. “I made good money in the restaurant business, but teaching in school—you actually change the future.”

Sharing his passion for the culinary field with LHS students is also John’s way of honoring his own high school culinary instructor, the late Pam Snyder.

The chef says his Lake Weir High School teacher in Ocala saved him.

“I remember what she did for me, so it benefits me to give back,” John says.

“Long story short, I was not a very good student. I was actually a very bad kid.

My dad died when I was young, so I rebelled for many years.”

He was the seventh of 10 children in his Italian family, and he took home economics in seventh grade in Long Island, New York, before his family moved to Florida.

“I was expelled in my senior year, and Pam Snyder helped me get back in the school,” he says. “She saw something

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very special in me, and kept pushing me. She wouldn’t give up.”

His culinary instructor boosted his confidence enough to inspire him to go to Baltimore School of Culinary Arts.

His first business to own and operate was Top of Town Catering, an Italian deli and catering service in Ocala, and from there he embarked on a five-year apprenticeship with a master chef. He was encouraged to move to Aspen, Colorado, where he worked in restaurants and eventually owned and operated Orchard Inn, a four-star restaurant, outside Aspen. He returned to Florida to be a corporate chef and trainer, before opening a French fine dining restaurant in Ocala, Petit Jordin, which earned a four-star rating. “I know there should be an ‘e’ at the end of Petit, but that’s how it was spelled on the license,” he says with a grin, adding it would have been too costly to correct the error.

After his mentor and high school culinary teacher passed away in 2001, John closed the restaurant to work with the culinary program at Lake Weir High— his way of giving back to the instructor who changed his life.

The chef’s students—past and present—respect him.

Ingredients: 2 cups diced pineapple (1/2 inch) 1 cup diced sweet onion (1/4 inch) ½ cup diced red pepper (1/2 inch) ½ cup diced green pepper (1/4 inch) 1 to 2 diced jalapenos (1/4-inch seeded) medium to mild range ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon coconut sugar 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper ground (may use smoked paprika for milder spice) Salt to taste (usually a teaspoon is enough) Directions: Prep all ingredients before mixing.

Blend onions, pineapple and spices first.

Let sit 5 minutes to allow the acid of the fruit to soak into spices and pull out their oils. Add remaining ingredients and mix together. For best taste, allow the salsa to sit 20 to 30 minutes before serving.

MARINADE FOR ISLAND CHICKEN Ingredients: 1 quart red wine vinegar 2 cups oil 2 tablespoons each grated orange, lemon, and lime peel ½ cup each fresh lemon, lime, and orange juice 1 cup fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon basil 1 tablespoon garlic, granulated 1 tablespoon onion, granulated 1 tablespoon salt Directions: Mix all ingredients and soak chicken in marinade at least 2 hours or overnight, if possible.

“Studying under Chef Bell is a good learning experience and he teaches nonstop,” says Cody Workman, 23, recalling his first class in 2007. “I’ve learned how to keep your cool in the kitchen and how it runs.”

Cody is now a sous chef for David Copperfield on the magician’s private island in the Bahamas, and he occasionally visits LHS to interact with the chef’s students.

“What I’ve enjoyed the most being here is learning from a true chef, getting a true experience,” says Erica Scarberry, who just completed her second year in the LHS culinary program. “I want to be a chef and learn as much as I can learn because Chef Bell has the most knowledge.”

Erica says because of the LHS culinary instructor, she’s eating healthier and has learned to try new things.

One of the chef’s goals is showing students how they can get the most nutritional value from foods in simple, delicious way.

“You can take basic things and liven them up,” he says, such as topping

grilled chicken or seafood with fresh, homemade salsas. “You are getting a lot of untapped vitamins when made fresh…Basil is great for headaches, it’s great for your blood, it’s great for liver.

There are so many herbs and spices that are so healthy for you, and by eating them fresh, you’re getting all that.”

He taught his students how to make their own spices and garlic blends.

First-year students begin by researching the ingredients of the foods they normally eat. Then Chef Bell demonstrates how these dishes can be made inexpensively, such as toaster pastry treats made with flour, water and butter. “You can make one big one,

cut it up and freeze them,” he says.

He also tells students homemade macaroni and cheese is easy to make and better than the version in the box that is filled with chemicals.

“A lot of kids in college say they are grateful for what they learned in my class because it helps them cook meals,” he says. Others, including a medical student, wrote to the chef to thank him for the organizational skills they learned in his class.

During the school year, the chef and his students operate the Jacket Café, a small on-campus eatery open to the public from 10:55 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays (as long as it doesn’t interfere with school testing).

“It’s a learning kitchen, so we want the kids to learn,” John says. “We have a basic menu of Caesar salads, grilled chicken salad, and we have what is famous here called the ‘Stinger,’ and it’s French fries with chicken fingers tossed with hot sauce, cheese and bacon and it’s one of the teachers’ favorites.”

Chili cheesesteaks and cheeseburgers are on the menu along with café specials.

Once every five weeks the Jacket Café offers a continental buffet where the students whip up Asian stir fry dishes. Pasta day and brunch day are popular, too, where the students prepare dishes in front of their diners.

The chef says the café gives students the ability to problem solve, learn people skills, and time management. They also learn the value of being responsible, and how to conduct themselves in a professional manner.

John has accomplished many goals since he began cooking in earnest at age 16, so what’s on his culinary bucket list?

“Cooking at the White House once, that would be kind of cool,” John says.

Would he prefer cooking for President Obama or the next elected commander in chief?

“It doesn’t matter if it’s the current administration or future administration,” he says with a grin. “You don’t have to agree with them to cook for them.”

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EATS // saluté A worldly look at wine

SUMMER WHITES It’s time to break out your summer whites… and we’re not just talking about shoes. Replace those heavy Cabs and dark Malbecs with an array of white wines that pair with summer’s lighter menus.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

I’ve been cleaning out closets during the past few weeks, including my wine closet. My brown shoes and quilted jackets were packed away while my heavy, dark wines were pushed to the back corners of the wine frig. I’ll need those items again but, for now, Florida’s warmer temperatures are calling for much lighter things, including food and wine.

Just as there are thousands of summer shoe styles, so are there innumerable white wines with many different flavor

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styles. It’s impossible to talk about them all, so this month “Saluté” will focus on locally available wines made from the ‘Big Three’ white varietal grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Even if you are an avid red-wine fan, you’ll find these white wines enhance summer dishes just as nicely as reds do with winter’s hearty beef stews.

SAUVIGNON BLANC I’m a huge fan of wines made with Sauvignon Blanc grapes. They are crisp, refreshing, and food friendly whereas that is not always the case with some other white wines. The reason is Sauvignon Blancs have more acidity than other varietals, and it’s the acidity that makes wine pair well with food.

California’s Sauvignon Blancs did not start with great reputations, but Robert Mondavi upped the game when he created a richer style of the varietal. He wanted his wine to stand out from the others so he named it Fumé Blanc. He did not trademark the name so other wineries eventually crafted wine in the same style using the Fumé Blanc moniker. When the Robert Mondavi Winery celebrates its 50th anniversary in July, Fumé Blanc will be featured prominently in the festivities as it symbolizes the late winemaker’s innovative style. Try the 2014 Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc ($20) with grilled shrimp or with a crab salad.

The right wine pairing makes even the simplest dish taste elegant. I never dreamed tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich could be so exquisite until I tried it with Cakebread Cellars 2014 Sauvignon Blanc ($28).

Cakebread is one of California’s most respected white wine producers, and most people choose the Chardonnay. I elected for the less expensive Sauvignon Blanc, which was light and had

a nice balance of fruit and acidity.

I’m happy to have discovered Franciscan Estate wines this summer.

The 2014 Sauvignon Blanc ($17) has become one of my favorites, especially with rich, creamy Alfredo-sauce dishes. The wine label described notes of grapefruit and lime, but the citrus was not overwhelming. In fact, it was one of the smoothest and velvety tasting wines I’ve ever had.

CHARDONNAY Although Chardonnay is the most popular white wine consumed in the U.S., it’s not always the best choice for food pairings. Always dry and sometimes very oaky, Chardonnay can overwhelm a delicate dish. However, I’m “wild” about the Franciscan Estate Cuvée Sauvage Chardonnay ($32), which was Napa Valley’s first wild yeast-fermented Chardonnay.

The winemaker does not add yeast— the French oak barrels are just tucked away in a cellar and the natural fermentation occurs, creating a luscious rich Chardonnay that is a perfect complement to smoked salmon and other rich dishes.

Head up the Pacific Coast for a lighter—and budget friendly—Chardonnay from Washington State’s Columbia Valley. The Mercer Canyons 2014 Chardonnay ($13) was an unexpected surprise with hints of vanilla, pear, and pineapple along with a creamy finish. In fact, the winemaker even suggested creamsicle [sic] textures but I didn’t associate the long finish with that particular summer treat. It’s a delightful poolside sipping wine or one you can enjoy with a hearty summer salad.

RIESLING Choosing a Riesling to go with a special dinner can be tough because this varietal runs the gamut from pucker-mouth dry to sticky sweet.

The best way to know what you are getting is to check the back label for the International Riesling Foundation Taste Profile scale, which tells you the wine’s degree of sweetness or dryness.

The sweet Rieslings—most often from Germany—are an excellent choice if you are serving Asian food or a very spicy dish.

While there are several excellent dry Rieslings from Washington State, don’t forget to look East to New York’s Finger Lakes region. With more than 11,000 acres of vineyards, the Finger Lakes region is the largest wineproducing area east of California.

Glaciers formed the deep, freshwater lakes thousands of years ago and left mineral deposits that make the area’s wines unique.

The top-rated and most award-winning Finger Lakes winery is Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars, established in 1962. I tasted the 2012 Dry Riesling ($15) last summer and was impressed with its well-balanced acidity. Wine Enthusiast Magazine gave the recently released 2014 vintage a 91 in its March issue. In fact, five of the Dr. Frank Wines received above 90 scores.

Wines from the Finger Lakes regions are starting to appear in local wine shops more frequently. In the past, fans had to order the wines directly from wineries to sample these delightful and different styles. If you see one, pick it up and try it with your favorite summer menu.

ABOUT THE WRITER Mary Ann DeSantis is a 2016 fellow of the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers, Napa Valley.

An award-winning journalist, she has written for Lake & Sumter Style since 2006.

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EATS // QUICK BITES Bits and Bites of Food in the News

A SKINNY CARAMEL DRIVETHRU Eustis is abuzz with anticipation of the new Starbucks storefront location at the Shoppes at Eustis Village.

In addition to their trademark coffee, Starbucks has Tazo tea in bags and tea latte concentrates.

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FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT “THE DAYTIME CAFÉ – EVERYTHING IS MADE TO ORDER AND FRESHNESS IS NEVER COMPROMISED.”

Manager Kelly Welsh of the Lady Lake location of First Watch, says you’ll never find a heat lamp or deep fryer here. As soon as the food is prepared, it’s in front of you—from skillet to plate to table. You’ll also find their breakfast, brunch, and lunch items are as varied as they are fresh.

Whether it’s a pesto chicken quinoa bowl, veggie grill, fresh juice bar, or an order of sourdough French toast with butter and powdered cinnamon sugar, First Watch customers can eat as healthy as they want or be as indulgent as they want.

First Watch walks the talk and has what most folks are looking for in an informal eatery: varied menu options, an efficient and friendly staff, and outstanding food at a reasonable price.

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HARVEST FESTIVAL

BOBBING FOR PARKING Even though there are numerous complaints about too much traffic and lack of parking, a new Bob Evans Restaurant is coming to Colony Plaza in The Villages. A traffic light was installed shortly after PDQ opened in the same plaza, which also includes McDonald’s, Beef O’Brady’s, Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill, and China Gourmet III.

Lakeridge Winery will hold its 26th annual Harvest Festival June 10-12. Entry requires a $2 donation, with proceeds going to Hospice Foundation.

Live music, ample food vendors, and local artisans will be selling unique treasures.

Stomping contests are a popular festival attraction, along with the complimentary winery tours available with wine tastings for those 21 and up.

Food on the Move Wrapsody Crazy Good Wraps Soup & More is a new downtown Leesburg eatery brought to you by the same people that introduced Sip Wine & Jazz Bar to the area. Wrapsody is taking over Southern Gourmets’ location at the end of Southern Gardens. But what about Sandy’s delicious chicken salad and the gourmet shop? Have no fear. Southern Gourmet will be moving down to the former Dandy’s Sandwiches’ location on the corner of Fourth and Main streets, which has been vacant a few months. Looks like stores and stomachs are filling up nicely in Leesburg.

International Picnic Day Not much matches the simple pleasure of grabbing a blanket, a basket packed with a good meal, and enjoying the outdoors. People are encouraged to head outdoors to some of their favorite lawns and pavilions on June 18 to celebrate International Picnic Day. Visit Lakecountyfl.gov to see a list of parks, picnic tables, and pavilions available for use.

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EATS // fork on THE Road Tasty insights and observations

LILLY’S SUPER SUBS & SUDS

A HOT SANDWICH AND A COLD BEER STORY: LEIGH NEELY PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

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Just off U.S. Highway 441 is a wellknown place to get a good sandwich and enjoy a beer. Lilly’s Super Subs & Suds is a Leesburg icon and a favorite among locals. Just step up to the counter, order your favorite sandwich—hot or cold—and take a seat in back for a delightful meal.

My friends and I went at the lunchtime, but our orders came

quickly and were fixed precisely as we ordered them.

I had a hot ham and provolone cheese sandwich on wheat bread (white bread is the other option) with everything but onion. That means lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and nice, big hamburger pickle slices. There’s a great selection of tasty sides that include french fries, potato salad, onion rings, or spicy Cajun fries, but I had crispy sweet potato fries dipped in a brown sugar glaze that was scrumptious.

The Philly cheesesteak on wheat bread with provolone was my friend’s choice along with the sweet potato fries. This sandwich comes with homemade tomato sauce or American cheese, which my friend opted not to have on her sandwich. It’s made with flanked beef grilled with just the right amount of onions.

My youngest friend ordered the Bimbo Burger. This quarter-pound beef patty comes topped with American cheese, grilled ham, and anything on the “everything” list you choose.

Lilly’s is a delightful place to enjoy a meal, with its beer can-lined walls

and ceiling and a bar that has a small portable TV playing soap operas or a daytime TV show at lunchtime. Under the beer cans lining the wall is an array of bar trays. The beer cans appear to be from all over the world and are often studied intently by customers.

There’s draft and bottled beer available along with iced tea and Coke products. Hot sandwiches include the Monti-Cristo, Lilly’s Gizmo, and chicken cordon bleu while cold subs feature an Italian special, genoa, Lilly’s Combo, and Lilly’s Ultimate Hoagie. Phone ahead and your order will be ready when you get there.

If you’re wanting to feed a group, just give Lilly’s three-days notice and they’ll fix you up with your favorite sub in three- to six-feet lengths with all the fixings. This includes a choice of two sides, a tablecloth, napkins, and even a trash bag to clean up the mess.

4 FORKS

(OUT OF POSSIBLE 5) LILLY’S SUPER SUBS & SUDS

32339 County Road 473 Leesburg, FL 34788 352.343.4663 www.facebook.com/Lillys-Super-Subs-Suds FORK REPORT: Casual dining. $$// Seated immediately (for lunch)//Wait for meal: 15 minutes OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY STARTERS ($1.63 - $9.34): Deviled eggs; breaded zucchini sticks, corn nuggets, wild chili poppers.

HOT AND COLD SUBS ($2.99-$7.66): California cheesesteak, meatball Italiano, chicken filet, chicken bacon ranch, tuna and cheese, all-American combo, garden sub.

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.

MOM & DAD’S

ITALIAN RESTAURANT STORY: LEIGH NEELY PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

This little place in the heart of Lady Lake is a local favorite, and it was packed when we had dinner there recently. Families, couples,

and a group of friends celebrating a birthday filled the air with lively conversation as we enjoyed a delicious meal.

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All the food at Mom & Dad’s is authentic and homemade, from the famous sauce to pastas to the incredible desserts. They have wonderful daily specials like Lamb Shank Osso Bucco, but many diners automatically order the Spaghetti al la Bruzzi, which is the house specialty. This baked spaghetti has a meat sauce, mushrooms, and three cheeses.

I opted for the Chicken Parmigiana with its chicken breast baked in the

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homemade sauce and highlighted with three cheeses. It did not disappoint. My companion enjoyed the Spinach Lasagna, which features seven layers of homemade pasta, fresh spinach, ricotta, and the three cheeses all smothered in the sauce.

Our dinners came with simple salads heightened by the house dressing and, of course, Papa’s freshly made bread with the wonderful pesto. While I enjoyed a glass of Southern sweet tea,

my dinner companion had a glass of Rigoletto Chianti, which she said perfectly complemented her lasagna.

I have to admit as much as I enjoyed my entrée, I only ate half of it because I had spied the homemade cakes on the counter when we were being seated. Again, I wasn’t disappointed. I had the magnificent German Chocolate Cake, and my friend had the Hummingbird Cake.

Of course we exchanged bites and both cakes were exceptional. Mama stopped by our table to ask how we liked the desserts, and she told us she makes all the cakes. I told her it tasted just like my mother’s homemade German Chocolate. It’s one of our family favorites. In fact, my husband and I had German chocolate cake under the white icing of our wedding cake.

If you’re looking for a great Italian dinner that will remind you of home and all the goodness of eating there, try Mom & Dad’s.

MOM & DAD’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 304 U.S. Hwy. 441 Lady Lake, FL 32159 352.753.2722

NOW

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unitedsouthernbank.com • 11 locations

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

dining Charley’s Grilled Subs 421 N West St. 352.568.1186 $

Calabria Ristorante 13900 County Road 455 407.656.5144 $$

Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 $

Cheeser’s Palace 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 $

Coyote Rojo 2082 W. CR 48 352.569.0302 $$ Critic’s Choice 8032 CR 476B, 352.568.0008 $ Hong Kong Restaurants 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-888 $$ Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 $ Market Street Gardens 311 N. Market St. 352.568.0100 $$ Mia Plaza Pizzeria 6092 CR 609 352.793.4418 $

Astatula Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 $

Astor Sparky’s Place 24646 State Road 40 352.759.3551 $$ Sterling Restaurant & Lounge 23525 State Road 40 352.759.3833 $$

Bushnell Angelotti’s Pizza 920 N Main St. 352.569.0446 $ Beef O’Bradys 2586 W. CR 48 352.568.7000 $

IN YOUR CITY

Sonny’s Bar-B-Q 2684 W. CR 48 352.569.0200 $ TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877 $$ Waffle House 2571 W CR 48 352.793.5656 $ Waller’s Restaurant 138 Bushnell Plaza 352.793.2592 $ Whistle Stop Café 311 N. Market St. 352.568.7667 $$

Clermont Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988 $$$

Flippers Pizzeria 2523 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.242.2214 $$ G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd.

352.243.8900 $$$ Green Garden 1790 E. Hwy. 50 352.243.2077 $$ Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd.

352.242.1910 $$$ Lyn’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe 824 W. Montrose St. 352.536.9935 $ Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 $$ Robata Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 $$ Rusty Fox 649 12th St. 352.394.3333 $$ Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club Restaurant 2601 Diamond Club Dr. 352.243.0411 $$ Spiro’s Pizza 1203 W. Hwy. 50 352.394.5538 $$ Sugar Mama’s Bake Shoppe 648 Eighth St. 352.241.9738 $$ Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 $$

$: $5 – $14 $$: $15 – $24 $$$: $25 – $40 $$$$: $40+

Eustis 1884 Restaurant & Bar 12 East Magnolia Ave. 1.800.856.1884 $$ Barnwood BBQ 50 W. Orange Ave. 352.630.4903 $$ Cafe Gianni 119 N. Bay St. 352.589.1402 $$ Dam Smoker Barbeque 36721 County Road 19A 352.357.6555 $$ Double Take Pizza 403 N. Grove St. 352.343.0990 $$ El Korita Mexican Restaurant 256 W. Ardice Ave. 352.483.0355 $ Jeannie’s Place 209 E. Gottsche Ave. 352.357.0027 $ Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288 $$$ King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404 $$ La Mandarina Mexican Restaurant 1401 Orange Ave. 352.357.2487 $$

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 $$$ Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 $$

Kid’s Menu

Lady Lake Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000 $$$ Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 $$ Texas Stockyard BBQ 360 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.750.5229 $$

Leesburg Bloom’s Baking House and Restaurant 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004 $$

Fruitland Park

Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442 $

Fruitland Park Café 3180 US Hwy. 441/27 352.435.4575 $

Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377 $$

Legends Cafe 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441/27 Fruitland Park 352.728.0006 $$

Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 County Road 44 352.365.2177 $$

Groveland Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. State Road 33 352.429.2997 $$$

Howey-inthe-Hills

Olivia’s Coffee House & Bistro 113 N. Bay St. 352.357.1887 $

JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd.

352.324.3600 $$

Rhythms Bar & Restaurant 12 S. Bay St. 720.318.5492 $

Mission Inn Resort & Club’s El Conquistador 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$

Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. County Road 44 352.589.9100 $$

Mission Inn Resort & Club’s Nickers 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$

Habaneros 3 Mexican Restaurant 10601 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.315.1777 $$ HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 $ Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 $ Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 County Road 473 352.343.4663 $ Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 $$ Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd.

352.323.1616 $$

Beer, Wine or Cocktails

Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd.

352.728.0788 $$ San Juan Mexican Restaurant 1341 S. 14th St. 352.787.7575 $$ Stavros Pizza 755 N. 14th St. 352.326.4202 $$ Takis Pizza Restaurant 1324 W. North Blvd.

352.787.2344 $$ The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 $$ The Latin Cafe 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 $$ Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe 410 W Main St 352.435.9107 $$ Vic’s Catering 352.728.8989 $$$$

Mascotte Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd.

352.429.2093 $$

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 Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668 $

CONTINUED

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1884 RESTAURANT AND BAR

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: 11A.M.–12A.M. // LUNCH, DINNER, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 12 EAST MAGNOLIA AVENUE, EUSTIS // 1.800.856.1884 // WWW.1884RESTAURANTANDBAR.COM Located in the historic Ferran’s building in downtown Eustis, 1884 Restaurant and Bar is a must for all to discover. The restaurant, which is open from 11am to Midnight 7 days a week, has everything from Boar’s Head wraps and pressed sandwiches at lunch to hand-cut filets and the signature double-bone, two-inch thick pork chop at dinner. Sushi Bar 7 days a week, lunch and dinner! With more than 10,000 square feet, 1884 can accommodate an intimate dinner for two to a private event in one of the 3 semi private rooms. Diners can also enjoy the full-service bar while ordering custom craft cocktails and eight rotating beers on tap. “Wine Down Wednesday” features $4 house wines. By using the most local and fresh ingredients, the chefs and bartenders will amaze you with their talent. Dinner and daily specials begining at 5 pm with happy hour from 4:30 - 6:30. No doubt, there’s something for everyone at 1884. This restaurant has won in 4 categories for the 2015 Lake and Sumter Style’s Hot list: Best server - Shelly Jaggers, Best bartender - Chelsea Harkness, Best Cocktail, and Best Girls Night Out. They were also named as Open Table’s Restaurant of the Month.

Call 1.800.856.1884 to reserve your table or book your party now. Join the email list at www.1884restaurantandbar.com to be the first to know of all specials, entertainers and events.

BARNWOOD BBQ AND COUNTRY KITCHEN 50 W. ORANGE AVE., EUSTIS. // 352.630.4903 // WWW.BARNWOODBBQ.COM

Mouth-watering barbecue. A family-like atmosphere. Old-fashioned service. Those are three qualities that patrons of Barnwood BBQ and Country Kitchen in Eustis experience upon each visit. Owners Dan and Elaine Backhaus have discovered that the recipe behind delicious barbecue is cooking meats low and slow over smoldering wood. That method has served them well, both for their restaurant and food truck business. Diners can also purchase Barnwood’s delicious, award-winning barbecue sauces and special seasonings. Popular breakfast items include a ham-and-cheese omelet, smoked sausage omelet, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and a variety of breakfast combinations, which are served all day. The restaurant’s equally delicious lunch items include a three-rib sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, beef brisket platter, smoked country sausage platter, mushroom Swiss burger, and grilled Reuben sandwich. Burgers, soups, and salads are also available. Be sure to top off your meal with one of Barnwood’s popular desserts, which include fruit cobbler and dark-chocolate brownies.

Judges Choice Best Entree for our pulled pork 2014 and 2015 at the Taste of Triangle Food Event.

HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 7A.M. TO 3P.M. LOCATION: 50 W. ORANGE AVE. IN EUSTIS. CONTACT: 352.630.4903 OR VISIT WWW.BARNWOODBBQ.COM.

COUSIN VINNIE’S SPORTS & BURGER BAR

OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK: 11A.M.–LATE // FOOD, LIQUOR, MUSIC, SPORTS! 10401 U.S. HWY. 441, LEESBURG // 352.314.3600 // WWW.LEESBURGSPORTSBAR.COM The new Cousin Vinnie’s is located inside “Via Entertainment” at ViaPort Florida, formally Lake Square Mall. Owner “Cousin” Vinnie Vittoria has created another great bar and restaurant—this time sporting a full liquor bar! This new 150-seat establishment is surrounded by 22 bowling lanes, billiard tables, electronic dartboards, and a huge arcade. Vinnie spent several months with three executive chefs creating this new flavor-rich menu! The menu offers: 23 gourmet burgers, several killer grilled cheese sandwiches, 8 amazing signature appetizers, seared tuna, fish & shrimp tacos, pizza, jumbo wings, fresh salads and much more! Where else in Lake County can you go and let your children bowl or play in the arcade while you sip on a refreshing adult beverage? This new venue also has: happy hour Monday Thursday 5 - 7pm, free wi-fi and 25 bigscreen televisions. The next time you venture out to eat, treat yourself to much more than dinner! Live entertainment every Thursday and Friday night. Check out everything on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cousinvinniesburgerbar or call 352.314.3600 today.

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

dining Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 $$$

Operation Deep Freeze Custard 140A West 5 Avenue 352.735.8269 $

Blackbear Smokehouse 18750 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.2327 $$

Palm Tree Grille 351 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.1936 $$

Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 $

Pisces Rising 239 W. Fourth Ave. 352.385.2669 $$$

Cecile’s French Corner 237 W. Fourth Ave. 352.383.7100 $$

PizzAmore’ 722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092 $

Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426 $

Saucy Spoon Catering & Bistro 427 S. Highland St. 352.383.1050 $$$

Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000 $$

Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 $

Cupcake Delights 122 E. 4th Ave. 352.383.2200 $

Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 $

Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 $

The Frog and Monkey Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.1936 $$

Incredible Edible Cakes 4295 W. Old Hwy. 441, Suite 2 352.223.3581 $ Ivory’s Take Out 1325 N. Grandview St. 352.735.6797 $ Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 $ Lisa’s Kitchen 3201 N. Hwy. 19A 352.383.9338 $$ 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., Suite 100 352.758.9818 $

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IN YOUR CITY

Whales 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 County Rd. 437 352.383.8882 $ Gi Gi’s 25444 State Road 46 352.735.4000 $$ Lisa’s Country Cafe 23911 State Road 46 352.735.3380 $

Summerfield Francesco’s Italian Ristorante and Stone Fire Pizza 16770 South U.S. Hwy. 441 352.693.2008 $$

Tavares

The Garden Gate Tea Room 142 E. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2158 $$

Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 $$

The Goblin Market 331-B Donnely St. 352.735.0059 $$$

Buzzard Beach Grill 12423 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.5267 $$

The Health Basket of Mount Dora 18834 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.735.1166 $$

Casa Mia Cafe 505 W Main St 352.742.9940 $

$: $5 – $14 $$: $15 – $24 $$$: $25 – $40 $$$$: $40+

O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 115 S Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157 $$

Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678 $$

Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829 $$

Buddy’s BBQ 1210 N. Main St. 352.330.0338 $$

China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 $

Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.391.9939 $$

China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 $

Sinbad’s of Lake County 1050 W. Burleigh Blvd.

352.343.6669 $$

City Fire Brownwood Paddock Square 352.561.2078 $$

RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930 $$

Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd.

352.343.7744 $

Olive Garden 3680 Wedgewood Ln. 352.259.0304 $$

Ricciardi’s Italian Table 3660 Kiessel Rd. 352.391.9938 $$

The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 $$

Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evans Prairie Trail 352.750.2225 $$

Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393 $$

Zac’s Pressed for Time Cafe 110 S. New Hampshire Ave. 352.253.4663 $

Umatilla Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 State Road 19 352.669.3922 $ The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535 $$

The Villages Bob Evans 2199 Parr Dr. 352.259.1224 $ Bonefish Grill 3580 Wedgewood Ln. 352.674.9292 $$

Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400 $$ Glenview Champions Country Club 3194 Glenview Rd 352.753.0077 $$ Hemingway’s at Havana 2484 Odell Circle 352.753.1475 $$$ Las Tapas Brownwood Paddock Square 352.399.5516 $$ The Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd.

352.753.1475 $$$

Bonifay Country Club 1033 Pinellas Place 352.205.7455 $$

The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800 $$

Village Coffee Pot 425 Donnelly St. 352.383.3334 $

Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313 $$

Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 $$

Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd.

352.753.3824 $$

Wasabi Buffet 16700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.7016 $$

Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 County Road 448 352.343.6823 $

Carrabba’s 650 U.S. Hwy. 441 N 352.430.1304 $$

NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994 $$

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Beer, Wine or Cocktails

Outback Steakhouse 710 N. Hwy 441 352.430.2590 $$

Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd.

352.508.5137 $$

The Windsor Rose English Tea Room 142 W. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2551 $$

Kid’s Menu

Scooples 2718 Brownwood Blvd 352.750.6263 $ Square One Burgers & Bar 2542 Burnsed Blvd.

352.689.2191 $$ Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 $$ TooJay’s 1129 Canal St. 352.430.0410 $ Toscani’s Deli and Pizzeria 8760 SE Mulberry Ln. 352.693.2237 $$ VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887 $$

Wildwood Aztec’s Mexican Restaurant 348 Shopping Center Dr. 352.748.2250 $ Beef O’ Bradys 840 S. Main St. 352.689.0048 $

Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 $$ Dickey’s Barbeque Pit 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.4288 $$ Mel’s Island Café 901 Industrial Dr. 352.748.4105 $$ O’Shucks!

Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 $$ Polly’s Pantry 819 S. Main St. 352.330.4002 $$ Rita’s Oyster Bar 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.399.2987 $$ T Weston’s Smokehouse 1210 N. Main St. 352.748.9378 $$ 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 $$

EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

THE GOBLIN MARKET RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 331-B DONNELLY STREET (REAR ALLEY), MOUNT DORA 352.735.0059 // WWW.GOBLINMARKETRESTAURANT.COM

Nestled on a back alley in downtown Mount Dora, the Goblin Market Restaurant has been charming locals and tourists alike since 1996. The restaurant, housed in a renovated warehouse, features three intimate, book-lined dining rooms and a full-service lounge furnished in soothing, muted tones with tasteful modern art. The private, tree-shaded courtyard and garden patio are open year-round for al fresco dining. Low lighting and “new age” music add the finishing touches to the restaurant’s casual elegance. Owners Vince and Janis Guzinski embrace a simple philosophy of offering the highest-quality products, served in a unique and romantic atmosphere by a personable and attentive staff.

The Goblin Market’s wine list and menu represent a refreshing mix of ideas from its culinary team. The diversified origins and background of each member ensure exciting menu offerings and nightly selections.

HOURS OF OPERATION: LUNCH: TUESDAY–SATURDAY 11A.M.–3:00P.M. DINNER: TUESDAY–THURSDAY 5–9P.M., FRIDAY–SATURDAY 5–10P.M., SUNDAY 11A.M.–3:30P.M.

JOIN US FOR OUR NEW “LIGHTER FARE” DINNER MENU, GOURMET SOUPS, SALADS, AND SANDWICHES. TUESDAY– THURSDAY FROM 3–9P.M. (REGULAR DINNER MENU ALSO AVAILABLE).

SUBWAY

WWW.SUBWAY.COM Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads made right before your eyes. The “healthy” alternative to fast food.

LADY LAKE // 208 W. Guava St. // 352.750.4929 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 HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–SATURDAY SUNDAY

10A.M.–10P.M. 10A.M.–9P.M.

SWEET TOMATOES

508 US HWY. 27/441, THE VILLAGES // 352.751.2500 General Manager Victor Garner and Production Manager Martinis McDuffie invite you to enjoy a delicious dining experience that’s healthy and flavorful. After creating your own custom-made salad from a buffet with more than 50 items, you can choose homemade soup or chili, that’s prepared every day beginning at 3 a.m. There’s also pasta, fresh Focaccias, and muffins all made from scratch. You’ll also find vegetarian and gluten-free options. Since no meal is complete without dessert, try soft-serve ice cream and enjoy it with cobbler or brownies or just add your favorite topping. If you’re wondering what menu items are available today, just call and our friendly staff will be happy to tell you. Make dinner your way at Sweet Tomatoes!

HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY - SUNDAY 11 A.M. – 9 P.M.

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

TIKI WEST RAW BAR AND GRILL 118 WEST RUBY ST. TAVARES // 352.508.5783

A fun-filled dining experience and delicious food await patrons at Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill. Owner Chris Clark serves up tasty Key West-inspired food such as homemade crab cakes, mahi tacos, fresh oysters, and our famous chargrilled oysters. We now offer all you can eat specials everyday on crab legs $37.99, peel and eat shrimp $24.99, fried shrimp $24.99, crawfish $19.99, fried mahi mahi $ 16.99, fried clamstrips $15.99, and fried tilapia $11.99. Choose an all you can eat and you get any of the others of equal or lesser value!

Daily specials are also offered, including .60¢ wings on Monday, $2 off dozens of oysters on Tuesday, peel-and-eat shrimp for $9.99 on Wednesday, $16.99 Angus Choice Prime Rib dinner on Thursday, and discounted buckets of oysters on Sunday. Happy hour is all day, everyday. Diners can also sit at the horseshoe-shaped oyster bar and see how shucking oysters is an art form.

HOURS OF OPERATION 11 A.M. TO 10 P.M. SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY 11 A.M. TO 11 P.M. OR LATER FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

ZAC’S PRESSED FOR TIME CAFE 505 W. MAIN ST., TAVARES 352.253.4663 // WWW.ZACSPRESSEDFORTIME.COM

Situated in beautiful downtown Tavares across Main Street from the Lake County Courthouse, Zac’s Pressed for Time Café is a popular casual dining restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. Zac’s offers indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate every season and the widely diverse menu is flavored to suit all tastes. Homemade biscuits with sausage gravy, breakfast skillets, burgers, Cuban sandwiches, quesadillas, turkey melts and fresh salads are a few of the customer favorites. Daily specials are available including the crowd-pleasing pot roast sandwich with mashed potatoes, black beans & rice and steak tacos! Have a group to feed? Zac’s has a private dining room, which can hold up to 20 of your closest friends or business associates.

HOURS OF OPERATION: OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 7:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR RESTAURANT IN OUR DINING SECTION? CALL US AT 352.787.4112

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THANKS LAKE COUNTY FOR 35 YEARS OF SUPPORT!

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WHATand I HAVE TO SAY of ittheir names, like JoeThankyouRic ny!

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11TH ANNUAL

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SUPERIOR SURGICAL CARE Dr. Yin Luk and the surgical staff at Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages® Regional Hospital work together to deliver quality patient treatment.

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

Hernia repair is one of the most common surgical procedures in the world. According to Yin “Tammy” Luk, MD, FACS, a board-certified general surgeon with Central Florida Health—the parent company for Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages® Regional Hospital—she performs these surgeries several times a week.

A hernia is a condition that is fairly common, especially in people who engage in strenuous activities that involve heavy straining for work or exercise. Other risk factors include medical conditions such as obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, emphysema, immune suppression, or chronic constipation. “A hernia usually occurs at the belly button or groin area,” says Dr. Luk. “It can also happen in an area where a person has had prior surgery. If there is a weak spot or opening in the abdominal wall, a fatty tissue or organ, which is commonly the bowel, can protrude through this defect. If a patient notices that she/he has a bulge in any of these areas, along with pain and swelling, the best thing to do is to have it evaluated immediately.”

Using the latest state-of-theart equipment, hernia repairs at Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages® Regional Hospital are performed using minimally invasive techniques. This approach generally provides less pain and a faster recovery time for the patient.

“With the laparoscopic method, we use a high-definition, fiber-optic camera to visualize the operative field,” says Dr. Luk. “From there, we use gas inflation to gain a wide view of the defect and surrounding structures. Afterwards, the content of the hernia is reduced back into its intra-abdominal location.

Finally, we use a mesh to cover/repair the defect.”

Using this surgical technique, Dr. Luk explains that patients are generally able to go home the same day as their surgery.

They also experience less pain, swelling, and scarring when compared to the traditional, more invasive, open surgeries that are performed on hernias.

“For the groin hernia especially, we work purely within the layers of the abdominal wall, without having to enter into the abdominal cavity. The recovery is much quicker with little to no discomfort,” Dr. Luk explains. As a general surgeon, Dr. Luk also performs a variety of procedures, which include

“It is a team approach; from the nursing staff to the technical support/ equipment. We are able to give patients the best possible outcomes” surgeries on the gallbladder, breast, stomach, bowel, and wound, to name a few. Dr. Luk has nothing but high praises for the surgical support staff of Central Florida Health.

“It is a team approach; from the nursing staff to the technical support/equipment. We are able to give patients the best possible outcomes,” she says. “I often

receive positive feedback from my patients about how the hospital staff treated them before and after their procedure. The team members are good at describing to the patients and family what to expect during and after their surgeries. Also they help in reminding the patients of the appropriate aftercare at home to ensure a good recovery. This relieves the anxiety a patient may experience before their procedure.

It is a stressful time, especially for someone who may not have family support close by. Most importantly, Central Florida Health has an excellent surgical team (scrub tech, nurse, and technical/equipment support) that assists me in providing safe and high quality care during surgery to ensure the best outcome for my patients.”

After graduating from The Ohio State University with her medical degree in May 2003, Dr. Luk went on to complete her general surgery residency at the world-renowned University of Louisville in June 2008. Desiring to move to a warmer, snow-free climate, Dr. Luk relocated

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

to Lake County. She has practiced at both Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages® Regional Hospital for close to a decade.

When asked what she loves most about her job, Dr. Luk is quick to say that she enjoys problem-solving and fresh challenges.

“As a surgeon, I enjoy having the ability to see a problem and fix it,” she says. “Many of the cases that I perform are life-saving and it is very rewarding to see the immediate and positive result. That is why I love what I do.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

YIN (TAMMY) LUK, MD, FACS General Surgeon

601 E. Dixie Ave., Suite 801 Leesburg, FL 34748 1400 US Hwy 441 N. Sharon Morse Bldg, Suite 526 The Villages, FL 32159 352.323.1405

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

CULTIVATING A SENSE OF TRUST AND SERVICE The financial services landscape is constantly evolving. It is influenced by actions and changes around the world on a regular basis. To the investor, it may feel as though each day presents new challenges and concerns.

The 24-hour-a-day media frenzy surrounding the financial services industry only further breeds distrust and fear among investors. We at The Miller-Grimes Group of SunTrust Investment Services, Inc. know that each investor has a basic need to receive honest, clear and trustworthy advice. With over 20 years of serving Lake and Sumter County residents, The Miller-Grimes Group has built a reputation of trust among its clients and their families.

Providing solid investment options for each individual investor’s needs goes a long way in cultivating and nurturing long-term relationships.

The Group aims to foster a partnership with investors starting at the very first meeting. The team of highly specialized and dedicated financial professionals seeks to ensure that the clients’ expectations are exceeded.

As David Miller, Senior Vice President with SunTrust Investment Services and co-founder of the Group says, “Our goal is to raise clients’ financial confidence, identify the steps necessary to meet their goals and provide sound financial recommendations.” The Group delivers on this goal by focusing on the establishment of strong and long-lasting relationships.

Addressing clients’ goals and aspirations through a disciplined financial planning process further

elevates the clients’ understanding and awareness of their current financial status. This goes a long way in helping them achieve their future financial objectives.

The Group has over 50 years of combined financial services experience. Mike Grimes, Senior Vice President with SunTrust Investment Services and cofounder of the Group, says, “It is this extensive experience and our

“It is this extensive experience and our commitment to the highest quality of service that has allowed us to build strong client relationships over the past 20 years” commitment to the highest quality of service that has allowed us to build strong client relationships over the past 20 years.” The service model is specifically designed to provide excellent and accessible service representatives to each client.

Having three, dedicated service representatives in various local offices helps ensure that clients will always receive high quality service.

At The Miller-Grimes Group, every team member is focused on creating

an ongoing relationship with clients and their families.

The team has grown right alongside Lake County and will be there as that growth continues into the future. Born and raised in Lake County, Jason Compton, a Financial Consultant with SunTrust Investment Services, has seen many changes in the community.

Jason says, “Being able to serve the people of Lake County has been my personal privilege.” Jason’s relationship with the community and its people allows him to bring an exceptional perspective to the team.

Lake County is a distinctive and diverse community with a variety of needs. The Miller-Grimes Group offers tailored strategies designed around their clients’ unique needs.

The foundation for their service focuses on the planning process and identifying a client’s personal goals. Getting to the roots of a client’s circumstances takes time and an in-depth review, SunTrust Investment Services Financial Consultant, Karl Kuchma, utilizes

a detailed assessment to get to know all aspects of his clients’ objectives. Karl states, “We have to review the various facets of each clients’ needs before we can provide recommendations and options that will meet these needs.”

The Miller-Grimes Group team members are located throughout the county at SunTrust Bank branches, one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious bank-holding companies. SunTrust is committed to inspiring financial confidence through their OnUp movement. Along with financial confidence, The Miller-Grimes Group strongly believes that clients must take action and develop a financial plan that provides the proper elements needed for growth to achieve their financial goals. Managing your wealth is an important task that requires experience and expertise, and the professionals of The Miller-Grimes Group stand ready to assist you cultivate your financial aspirations.

Investment and Insurance Products: • Are not FDIC or any other Government Agency Insured • Are not Bank Guaranteed • May Lose Value Securities, insurance (including annuities) and investment advisory products and services are offered by SunTrust Investment Services, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser and broker-dealer affiliate of SunTrust Banks, Inc., member FINRA, SIPC, and a licensed imsurance agency.

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

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Final thought // Leigh Neely

PURPLE HAZE A LOOK BACK “For What It’s Worth” (1967) Buffalo Springfield It was a bright spring day in 1968, and I was a junior in high school in Chattanooga, Tennessee. My best friend was Cindy Coulter, and we were inseparable.

We were also inconsolable when my boyfriend and her brother received their draft notices the same day.

I was always a straight arrow, never disobeyed my parents, and never skipped school. That day I disobeyed my mother and went to Cindy’s house instead of going to my piano lesson.

Terry and Don were going to Vietnam, and it seemed a fitting time to rebel.

“If I Die” (1969) Eric Burdon & the Animals I can still remember the trepidation and fear we felt, the way we tried to comfort each other, but we both knew our lives would never be the same. We also knew Don and Terry would never be the same. Would they come back? When we said goodbye after boot camp, would it be the last time we saw them?

Meeting the men who are restoring the Huey helicopter in the hangar at the Leesburg International Airport made me think of

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Terry, who was a helicopter mechanic in Vietnam.

Seeing their faces as they saw the helicopter after so many years was touching.

They’ll soon be putting it in Veterans Memorial Park in Leesburg.

“War” (1969) Edwin Star When Terry and Don were gone, we wrote letters every day. Cindy and I were 16 and filled with teenage angst. We kept each other up-to-date on the status of Terry and Don and followed the nightly news reports about the war. I also wrote letters to a young man from my church who was in Vietnam. It was a stressful, scary time. One of my deepest regrets, however, is that I wrote Terry the infamous “Dear John” letter while he was in Vietnam. To this day,

.com

it puts a knot in my stomach when I think of it.

Thankfully, Terry and Don came home. I saw Terry a few times, but Cindy moved to Baton Rouge that summer, and I never saw Don again. My life felt like it was in great upheaval, but I know it was nothing compared to what those two young men went through.

“The Unknown Soldier” (1968) The Doors Terry, Don, and the thousands of young men and women who served for our country in Vietnam saw and did things most of us can’t even imagine. They were the ones who fought bravely, struggled to leave the war behind them, and came home to find what was normal no longer fit.

Another vivid memory I

have is watching the first POWs descend the steps of the plane that brought them home from Vietnam.

Though I did not know them, I cried for them and was horrified at how some of my peers treated Vietnam veterans. Coming home to be shamed and ridiculed must have only added to their hardship. My father was a World War II veteran, so I grew up respecting and appreciating those in service to our country.

If you’re part of my generation, you recognize the song titles I have used here.

When I hear them today, I immediately go back to another time, another place, another war.

“One Tin Soldier” (1968) The Original Caste

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