STYLE MAGAZINE, Village Edition, April 2016

Including

LIVING THE DOG LIFE

7 AMAZING CANINES THAT SHOW YOU THAT “GOING TO THE DOGS” IS A GOOD THING!

April

2016

READY TO STRIKE AGAIN BACK IN THE GAME WITH A NEW KIND OF CLUB!

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

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ents Departments 17

26 PERSON OF INTEREST Richard Artmeier bought a $12.75 bus ticket to get from Indiana to Florida State University because he wanted to play basketball.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

19

FIRST THINGS FIRST

69

ON THE SCENE

20 #TRENDING Who let the dogs out for the Puppies Bowl? Tim Tebow comes to town in April, and Bushnell Motorsports Park might satisfy your need for speed! The recent growth in Fruitland Park has increased traffic at Lake Griffin State Park. A top birder soars with his bird count and Barbie has some great new curves.

24 OUTSTANDING STUDENT Yeager is doing well in school. In fact, he won police dog of the year!

70 THE TO-DO LIST There be dragons—actually, it’s the annual Dragon Boat Festival! If Mozart is more to your liking, see the performances of the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra. Wear your favorite Hawaiian shorts to the Faces of Homelessness Extravaganza at Whispering Oaks Winery.

76 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT It’s time to celebrate the sweet, healthy blueberry at the Mount Dora Blueberry Festival. Find all things blueberry at Elizabeth Evans Park.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

78 OUT+ABOUT Antarctica is cool in so many ways: penguins, icebergs, craggy mountaintops, and incredible vistas.

STORY+PHOTOS: DR. MARK ROTHSCHILD

80 HI, SOCIETY!

89 EATS!

92 FORK ON THE ROAD Cousin Vinnie’s Sports & Burger Bar not only has great food, it also sits in the middle of great family entertainment at ViaPort Florida. Enjoy an amazing view with your meal at Palm Gardens, and check out some of the new menu items at Eaton’s Beach in Weirsdale.

STORIES: LEIGH NEELY+ MICHELLE CLARK+ SHEMIR WILES

96 SALUTE´ A treat for the wine connoisseur—a vintage perspective tasting during Premiere Napa Valley.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

98 IN THE KITCHEN Ever wonder about the gourmet treats your dog loves? Style goes behind the scenes at Piglet’s Pantry in Mount Dora to see how their popular treats are prepared.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

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FINAL THOUGHT Whether it’s wearing your school colors or sporting a leather vest for bike week, having the best-dressed dog is always fun!

STORY: RHEYA TANNER

CORRECTIONS FROM THE ARTICLE, “BREAKING GROUND” IN FEBRUARY 2016 “The Village’s crawl along 466A continues with some houses completed and sold while others are still in progress. A portion of Windy Acres Farm, Fruitland Park’s rodeo, is the site of current development. The correlating section of 466A is still under road construction.”

According to Janet Galbreath, who owns the residence, Windy Acres Farm, there is nothing on the property under construction, and it is most definitely not for sale.

FROM THE ARTICLE, “LEGENDS OF LEADERSHIP” IN MARCH 2016 Style inadvertently printed a photo of S. W. Pringle, father of Henry Pringle, in the March story, “Legends of Leadership.” This photo is of Henry Pringle.

We offer our apologies for the errors.

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LIVING THE DOG LIFE

RELATION BLUNDERSSHIP STOP

IN THE NAME OF LOVE

ON A ROLL 2016

READY TO STRIKE AGAIN

BACK IN THE GAME WITH A NEW KIND OF CLUB!

April

2016

HOW FOAM ROLLING UP MUS BREAKS CULAR TRIGGER POINTS

April

hot off the press!

7 AMAZING CANINES THAT SHOW YOU THAT “GOING TO THE DOGS” IS A GOOD THING!

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

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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.

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From the publisher

MY WESTIE OBSESSION

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

Doug Akers

VICE PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com

Jamie Ezra Mark CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER jamie@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY

James Combs Steven J. Codraro

STAFF WRITER CREATIVE DIRECTOR james@akersmediagroup.com steve@akersmediagroup.com

Leigh Neely Joe Deleon

STAFF WRITER/COPY EDITOR SENIOR ART DIRECTOR leigh@akersmediagroup.com joe@akersmediagroup.com

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

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

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

Jarrod Clark Fred Hilton Mary Ann DeSantis Kathy Porter Pat Jocelyn Dr. Mark Rothschild SALES // MARKETING

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

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Scott Hegg DISTRIBUTION MANAGER scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com LAKE & SUMTER STYLE IS A PROUD MEMBER OF

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AMERICAN ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION FOR EXCELLENCE

Lake & Sumter Style, April 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.

It’s a common belief among my family that my dog Myles is the most beloved member of our household. In fact, my daughter once told me she believed if a scenario ever occurred where I had to choose between saving her life and saving Myles’ life, I would probably elect to save Myles.

My husband told me he has accepted the fact that Myles is at the top of my priority list, even over him. My Facebook friends always ask about him when they see me out, just as if he were my child. They feel like they know him personally due to all the photos and videos I post of him.

At work, one of our team members created a sign that said “Sir Myles is in the house” to warn everyone to close the front door so he didn’t dart into the parking lot.

When I take him to the groomers, they know Myles is a special dog. They always treat him like royalty, and his report card always says the same thing: “Myles was, well, he was Myles.”

Are you beginning to get the picture here? Yes, I am a little obsessed with my fourlegged son, Sir Myles Douglas Akers. But that is normal, right? Allow me a moment to put this in perspective for those who don’t have dogs or for others who may believe I am a little over-the-top and a bit crazed.

At night, Myles sleeps right next to me, and when I wake up, he is the first to greet me with a lick on the cheek to tell me good morning. When I leave for work, he walks me to the door to see me off, as if he’s telling me to have a good day. When I return home, even if it’s because I forgot something and have only been gone for five minutes, he jumps up and down and is ecstatic to welcome me back.

Recently, I had to have a major surgery and was in serious pain throughout my recovery. Myles sat right at the foot of my bed and was so worried about me he would not leave my side. He even forfeited his dinner the first night I was home so he could monitor me and make sure I was okay.

There is no doubt our love for each other is mutual. And even though I may be called ‘the crazy dog lady,’ and get teased about my obsession with Myles on a daily basis, it is all worth it. I feel extremely blessed to have his love and to be able to experience such an incredible bond with him, even if he is “just a dog.”

So feel free to continue with the name-calling and finger pointing. I don’t get offended; I will just smile and proudly agree, “Yep, that’s me.”

Sincerely,

Kendra Akers, Publisher kendra@akersmediagroup.com April 20 16

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Our team… …has the highest level of education and skill. …uses top-notch technology and equipment. …provides the best possible care to our patients. …is getting bigger.

Meet the newest team members.

DR. ROBERT L. PURDON

Dr. Robert Purdon, a radiation oncologist for 30 years, loves being part of RBOI. While he feels honored to offer patients advanced technologies and techniques, the most rewarding part of the job is interacting and forming genuine relationships with patients.

DR. HERMAN FLINK

We’re excited to announce the addition of Dr. Herman Flink, a radiation oncologist for nearly 40 years who is board-certified in both radiology and radiation oncology. He completed his residency and fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.

THE VILLAGES 352.259.2200 OCALA 352.732.0277 TIMBER RIDGE 352.861.2400 INVERNESS 352.726.3400 LECANTO 352.527.0106 RBOI.COM Scan the QR Code with your smartphone to find out more about RBOI.

First Things

STADIUM PHOTO: Arkorn / Shutterstock.com

f1rst #TRENDING PERSON OF INTEREST OUTSTANDING STUDENT

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

Winning big Parks & Trails specialist Gallus Quigley became the top birder in Lake County after shattering his “big year” goal to view 220 of the county’s 284 bird species.

He spotted lucky No. 220, a black tern, in September at the Lake George Boat Ramp in Astor. However, Quigley didn’t stop there. By the end of 2015, he had viewed 243 different species, entered 1,000 bird checklists into his eBird app, and won a friendly contest with a fellow birder in Osceola County.

“I went to hundreds of different locations across the county and many places I’ve never been before,” said Quigley. “Lake Apopka is one of the best locations, and Ferndale Preserve turned up its usual great birds. However, one of the most surprising was Flat Island Preserve.”

This year, Quigley is hosting nearly 30 free birding events for Lake County Parks & Trails. To learn more, call 352.253.4950 or visit www.lakecountyfl.gov/parks.

JOSH TAKES ON: AN ADMITTEDLY ASKEW POINT OF VIEW FROM THE MIND OF ILLUSTRATOR JOSH CLARK

REVVING UP FOR BIKEFEST

Be prepared when you hear the rumble of Bikefest in Leesburg. Download the free app for your smartphone so you can have all you need at your fingertips.

Available at the App Store or Google Play, it will give you the complete event schedule, as well as let you create your own itinerary, receive event notifications, and access maps to indicate parking, vendors, and shuttle routes. Adding to the fun, you can post to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram straight from your camera.

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CELEBRATING SUCCESS IN SUMTER

s e i b r Ba ’

PHOTOS: Shutterstock.com; BarbieMedia.com/Mattel; Dan Gibson Photography

got a new body

Don’t call it a comeback; call it a realworld makeover for the world’s best-selling doll. Mattel announced in January it would produce a new Fashionistas® line for Barbie featuring three new, more realistic body types: tall, curvy, and petite, in seven skin tones, 22 eye colors, 24 hairstyles, and 30 hair colors.

Trendy fashion options and accessories will also be available.

Social media exploded over the news, with some celebrating Mattel’s bold move to embrace diversity. Others questioned Mattel’s motive, noting that Barbie sales have been sagging and this body-positive gimmick is just a way to increase the bottom line.

It was a great night for the Sumter County business community at the 93rd annual Wine & Roses Dinner and Awards Gala. Hosted by the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce, this celebration honors local leaders and outstanding companies for hard work and community involvement.

Bill Keen, President of the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce, presents the Business Woman of the Year award to Lisa Hatcher Corrales, owner The Red Door in Wildwood.

Business Man of the Year award was accepted by Trevor Baldwin, Scott Robertson’s business partner, in honor of Scott Robertson.

Large Business of the Year Award for Agromillora Group was accepted by Mireia Bordas.

Outstanding Non-Profit award was accepted by Della Boushley, Executive Director of Sumter County Youth Center.

Small Business of the Year award was accepted by Reba Mazak, owner of 3M Ranch in Bushnell.

Chamber Volunteer Award was accepted by Ryon Meyers with SECO Energy

Doggy trends Technology has given us some of our coolest and most ridiculous trends, but the same can be said for our furry friends. Dog-shaming—a practice where owners post a picture on social media making light of disgraceful doggy deeds like chewing up couch cushions—has become very popular.

Mobile devices also make it easy to check in with your pooch while you’re away. Dog Monitor is an app for your

iPhone, iPad, or Android device that tracks your dog’s activity and allows you to communicate with your pet.

Other devices on the market like Petchatz, Petzi, and iCPooch allow video chats with pets and even dispense a treat from anywhere you are. Other hot canine trends are dog hammocks, health monitors not too different from Fitbits, and pet entertainment centers.

It’s good to be a dog these days!

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

JAMES COMBS’

THE HIT

LIST

1 // THE SUPREME COURT recently ruled Florida’s death

penalty unconstitutional because juries only play an advisory role in recommending death, while judges can reach different decisions. There are currently 10 death row inmates from Lake County. At least the electric chair isn’t being brought back. Death row inmates may be the only thing we don’t fry in the South.

NEED FOR SPEED!

Sumter County has a new thrill-seeking feature: Bushnell Motorsports Park, home to a 2/3-mile paved track for high-speed karts and bikes. The track is an outgrowth of a family-owned parts and repair business. The track’s services include rentals, speed school, and owners’ programs that offer boarding of karts and onsite mechanics. You can rent one or several karts, or rent the whole track for group events. The track also plans to host several race series. For more information on rentals, races, and gear, visit bushnellmotorsportspark.com or call 352.568.0778, and don’t forget to follow them on Instagram for pictures and videos of exciting track events.

2 // AN ANGRY LAKE COUNTY MAN who could not find

jelly for his peanut butter sandwich began arguing with his wife, causing her to spill milk onto the floor. He took out his frustration by using her head to clean up the puddle of milk. Not only should you never cry over spilled milk; you shouldn’t act like an idiot over spilled milk, either.

The quarterback

3 // AT A RECENT LAKE COUNTY Commissioners

4 // IN WILDWOOD, A PROSTITUTE was arrested after

robbing a man who did not have money for sex. Wow, talk about someone’s party being crashed, or, in his case, cashed!

5 // A 2,555-HOME SUBDIVISION on Sugarloaf has

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

6 // A CLERMONT WOMAN CALLED 911 and warned

The growth of The Villages into Fruitland Park has been a boon for Lake Griffin State Park. According to park officials, Villagers are among their most dedicated volunteers. The protected area of “natural Florida” is an oasis for all who enjoy hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. Glimpses of the park’s residents—alligators and a variety of birds and fish—make any park adventure worthwhile. An annual pass is $60 for an individual and $120 for a family.

avid cyclists enthusiasts angry and upset. They think it’s a “wheelie” bad idea because they may no longer get to pedal up the 300-foot mountain. Maybe they should hire a “spokes”-person to speak out against the vicious “cycle” of residential developments. Remember, fighting for Sugarloaf Mountain will definitely be an “uphill” battle! that she’d pass out if she didn’t get cigarettes and chicken wings. Deputies later arrived at her apartment complex. Her chicken wing craving put her in a “fowl” mood, and next time she wants cigarettes, she needs to walk her “butt” to the store.

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The Animal League and Lake Front TV held their own version of the Super Bowl, and it most likely contained dog chow. The Puppies Bowl featured rival teams the Barking Broncos and the Pouncing Panthers with winners hoping for more than a trophy—they wanted a forever home.

The goal of the Puppies Bowl was to raise awareness about pets available for adoption. “We… [wanted to] let viewers know they can adopt a pet instead of buying one from a pet store,” said Doreen Barker, executive director of The Animal League. “We showcased some of our adorable pets in a fun setting where potential adopters could see their true personalities on TV.” The Pouncing Panthers were champions, and if you missed it, check it out on YouTube and see all the action courtesy of Lakefront TV.

Photo of Tim Tebow: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

has a tale

meeting, Commissioner Sean Parks recommended forming a Citizens Fire Advisory Board to help address fire department issues. This is actually an innovative idea, and we can only hope that it doesn’t ultimately flame out.

THE

BARK

ON THE STREET

Tebow talks

Beloved former Gator athlete and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow came back to Central Florida for a speaking engagement with Real Life Church in Clermont in February. The Heisman Trophy winner is guest speaker April 9 at Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home Benefit Gala. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased online at www.MDCAcademy.org/tebowtime and proceeds will benefit the Children’s Home.

Emerson’s Dog Kitchen is a local organic treat company that makes doggy goodies without preservatives, and with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit shelter dogs and rescue groups. Treats can be ordered on their website, which is home to owner Adrienne Willix’s “Dog Blog.”

The company is dedicated to developing a healthy doggy community in Northeast and Central Florida and gets involved with pet events throughout the region. Visit emersonskitchen.com to order treats, and follow on Facebook at facebook. com/emersonskitchenpdx to keep up with what’s going on and local pet stories.

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First things first // person of interest

HOW DID YOU GET FROM INDIANA TO FLORIDA? My high school coach took a doctoral program at Indiana University and was in class with Don Veller, who was the football coach at Florida State University. Don asked my coach, Wayne Ziegler, if anyone could play basketball.

He said, “Well, I have this guy Dick Artmeier, but we’ve never won any tournaments and no one has ever seen him play, but he’s a scrappy player.”

So he took my name, gave it to the basketball coach, and lo-and-behold, one day Mom had a letter from FSU. I opened it up and they said, “We heard you’re a pretty good player. If you come and make the team, we’ll give you the out-of-state tuition.”

WAS THERE A FEAR OF FAILURE? I asked my agriculture teacher what I should do.

He said, “Look at it this way, if you go and don’t make the team, you can always come back and at least be able to say you’ve been to Florida.” It made sense to me, so I bought some clothes, packed them in a suitcase, and caught a Greyhound bus for $12.75. I went to Tallahassee to enroll in school and play basketball. I made the team as a freshman and ended up in the hall of fame in 1984.

RICHARD ARTMEIER

WHAT WERE YOUR SUCCESSES? I was always guarding the high scorer on every team we played. I held West Virginia AllAmerican Rodney “Hot Rod” Hundley to seven points in the 1955 Orange Bowl Tournament. I was the thirdleading rebounder on the team because I would let players jump and when they came down, I would take the ball away from them.

WHERE DID YOUR BASKETBALL CAREER BEGIN? I grew up in Indiana and my father was a tenant farmer. The first paycheck he got was $17.50 for a week of working.

I lived in Rush County but I went to school in Decatur County where I

played basketball. If you were born in that county, you could go to that school; therefore, when we moved to Rush County because Dad got a job, I was still able to go back to Decatur and play ball my senior year.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BEST MEMORIES? I met my wife, June, when I missed a layup and fell in the lap of an FSU cheerleader. I got up carefully, apologized, and noticed her beautiful face. We dated and our first kiss was in front of a sweet-smelling tea olive tree. I have a bush planted in our garden.

PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

FSU Hall of Fame Inductee

CHECK OUT MORE REVIEWS

HWY 441 / EUSTIS FL 32726 WWW.VGCHEVY.COM 352.343.2400

SEE OUR LATEST VIDEO

THANK YOU, STEVE! YOUR KIND WORDS CONTINUALLY INSPIRE US TO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

THANKS LAKE COUNTY FOR 35 YEARS OF SUPPORT!

d a water pump replaced that was under warranty and the service was very fast and we were kept well informed. • Our service rep, Bra iley was very efficient and courteous. • Quick service on Volt. Had a water pump replaced that was under warranty and the service was v t and we were kept well • Our serviceLIKE rep, Brad BaileyTHAN was very cient and courteous.

Quick service on Volt. Excellent jo WHERE THEinformed.

ONLY THING YOU’LL BETTER OUReffi PRICE IS THE BUYING• EXPERIENCE ITSELF ff is very attentive. • Lenny was great to work with and was on top of my service. • We have experienced all facets of your dealership. d our old car serviced there and Brad Bailey was great and the reason we came to VG when we decided to buy a new vehicle. Our salesm ke Bradner was outstanding and explored every option to get us the price we wanted. Tony, in Finance was also great. All in all the best ca ying experience we have had in a long while. We would highly recommend VG to anybody. • Service dept got the truck in and out in reco e. Everyone is always very professonal and friendly. • Doug Tutin always delivers, my father deals with him and so do I. Our family will al e him for our vehicle needs. • Wayne was amazing and I will go back to him and Vann Gannaway Chevy for future vehicles. Have already gan recommending to friends. Best dealership ever. • Doug Tutin is by far the most courteous “I and salesman I havescout met. His kindn amhelpful a professional baseball pressure tactics and great demeanor made for the most pleasant car buying/leasing experience.

Great asset to nights your company. who spends 120 a year on Will the refer a road.truck.

Therefore, havewent purchased l come back! • Rick and Tony made me feel very comfortable and confident about buying my new They Iboth out of their way WHAT I HAVE TO SAY about vehicles ke it a great experience! Thank you Rick and Tony! • Roc did an excellent job on my car. • The time15was finallyfrom rightVann for aGannaway me and I am ABOUT VANN GANNAWAY Chevrolet, I turn them ppy with my purchase and the experience. So much so that I brought my mother in today and we got her aand new Chevy asover well.pretty Thank you quick.

The service people, sales staff, NICHOLS ug and Tony (finance) forSTEVE makingMOUNT this aDORA, streamlined and pleasurable experience. • Rick was great with being patient on the amount of ti FL and finance department are all top eded to make a purchase. • Wow! What a difference after visiting other dealers in the area. Everyone was very friendly and helpful witho notch and very accommodating. ing pushy to sell something. Thank you very much! • Great friendly service. They’ll get the job Everybody done whenknows they tell • My husband a myyou. name.” ded in our 2011 Silverado for a new 2015 Silverado. This is our 3rd purchase with Delores Herman at Vann Gannaway Chevrolet and as al s a great experience. I recommend this dealership for any car buying needs. • Awesome experience. Delores did an excellent job showin vehicles and helping us make a good decision. • Once again the tech at Vann Gannaway went out of their way to repair the shifter in my rvette. They got the parts overnighted and had me back in the car the next day. I was very pleased with the the sevice manager as well as hs. • I needed a new key FOB and didn’t have an appointment but Dwayne and Brad took care of me right away. Can’t say enough abou ality of service and the friendliness of sales at this dealership. I would highly recommend it. • Service was great! Brad in service took car and Melvin made sure I was taken care of. Yolanda in Accessories took care of getting my windshield tinted since my sunvisor was not lo ough. I love the great service I always receive at Vann Gannaway! I am so very glad I bought my car from them! God bless them all! • Thi

First things first // outstanding student Leader of the pack

Training is never truly completed for police dogs.

For K-9s like Jaeger, schooling continues in the field with 480 hours of patrol school. Corporal Yancy Isaacs is Jaeger’s handler, and he discusses the process of training a police dog and Jaeger’s successes.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS JAEGER MUST MASTER BEFORE HE GOES OUT? Heeling control, distance control, social exposure, gunfire exposure, recall, apprehension, stress under gunfire, search, alert, and tracking.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF HIS EDUCATION? Obedience: It is the line of communication between you and the dog. Everything else will come. Without obedience, everything else probably won’t be all that great because he won’t end up respecting you. Respect is the dog doing what he doesn’t want to do because you want him to do it.

WHAT’S HIS JOB? WHAT DOES HE TRAIN FOR? He’s a full-service patrol dog, meaning he has to track and find people in a building or just a general area. And he also will find narcotics.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE TOUGHEST OBSTACLE? Jaeger fell ill and the doctors said he wouldn’t make it off the operating table. There is a 99-percent mortality rate for his condition and that was a year ago.

PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

WHAT HAS BEEN JAEGER’S BIGGEST SUCCESS? Jaeger received the Eustis Elks Club’s Lake County Sheriff K-9 of the Year award this year.

FAVORITE TOY: He’s got a ball he’ll hurt you over.

FAVORITE TREAT: Summer sausage.

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JAEGER

VITAL STATS BREED: German Shepherd FAVORITE JOB: Tracking

POLICE DOG OF THE YEAR / AGE: 4½ / LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF K-9

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THE CUTTING EDGE Tenaj Salon Institute:Where hands-on training meets real world experience.

To simply call Tenaj Salon Institute (TSI) a beauty school would be an understatement. TSI in The Villages goes above and beyond to teach its students the technical skills, as well as the business, marketing, and guest handling tools, needed to prepare for a successful career after graduation.

Somer Roth

Most stylists dream about the kind of career Somer Roth has had since graduating from Tenaj Salon Institute (TSI).

For several years, she worked as a stylist for the extraordinary Salon Jaylee hair salon at its Colony Plaza location. It didn’t take long for her peers and supervisors to notice she had what it took to take her career to the next level.

Somer’s strong work ethic and dedication to her clients helped her excel at her job and soon, she found herself presented with a once-in-alifetime opportunity: to become a managing partner at Salon Jaylee’s

Additionally, TSI students are offered the unique opportunity to learn from some the most sought-after leading industry professionals and gain realworld experience on its clinic floor.

Those who attend TSI gain a competitive edge over their peers in the marketplace and are often

able to handle the high demands of their profession. Opportunities for TSI alumni are endless; since graduating, Somer Roth, Erin Mills, and Garvino Garcia have been successfully putting the remarkable skills they learned at TSI to work.

popular Rolling Acres Plaza location.

Under her direction, the salon continues to flourish, and in addition to becoming a salon owner, Somer has also had the amazing opportunity to work as a stylist during Premiere Orlando, the country’s largest tradeshow, and she’s completed an impressive number of advanced workshops, including an intense five-day training course at the prestigious Sassoon Academy in Miami.

Somer has truly made a name for herself as a hard-working, positive, and enthusiastic professional. She’s also proud to be a source of inspiration for not only herself but also her

extremely talented team at Salon Jaylee — and she owes it all to beauty school.

“They prepared me for the real world … by teaching the business skills necessary to be successful,” she says. “The instructors teach you how to multiservice a client and exceed their expectations.”

When Somer was looking for the right school to earn her cosmetology education, she said TSI immediately made her feel at home.

“I went on a tour and fell in love,” she says. “When you walk into the building, there’s this instant energy that gets you excited about learning.”

Furthermore, she says she was

impressed by the amount of experience students gain at TSI. From styling up to 20 clients a week to collaborating with some of the best in the industry, Somer believes TSI helped her build the confidence that’s allowed her to go after her dreams.

“I worked hard to utilize all the fundamentals that were instilled in me at cosmetology school,” she says. “I not only learned how to offer multiple services, but I also was taught how to retain clients to grow a company. Knowing an individual’s needs is essential, but having business skills behind it is a plus.”

Erin Mills

Since graduating from TSI six years ago, Erin has had a whirlwind of a career. In addition to being a stylist for Educe Salon in Orlando, she has done hair for several New York Fashion Week shows, served as a national artist and educator for Kerastase luxury hair care products, and worked as the lead stylist for a show put on by fashion designer Carolina Herrera.

Erin also styled the hair for Miss Universe 2014 and occasionally, she shares important hair care tips and tricks on “Good Day Orlando.” When asked how she’s been able to land so many incredible gigs, Erin quickly credits TSI for helping her realize her potential early.

“They set me up for success right away,” says Erin. “The instructors have high expectations when it comes to understanding hair and quality, so I learned to push myself from the beginning.”

Having incredible drive and a strong educational foundation is what’s helped Erin make some of her dreams come true. For example, being the lead stylist for such a major fashion designer was something Erin had wanted to do for a long time, and she strongly believes TSI gave her the tools to make it happen.

“Each day, we were told we could be successful,” she says.

“It helped me expect more from myself, and I’m just so thankful for what TSI did for me personally and professionally.”

“They set me up for success right away.”

—Erin Mills

Garvino Garcia

Garvino never dreamed of becoming a teacher. For him, attending TSI was all about learning what he could when it came to cosmetology.

“I’m a barber by trade, but while I was in school, I learned everything I could. I even learned a little bit about styling and how to apply make-up,” he says. “I wanted to have a diverse background.”

However, since graduating from TSI in 2011, Garvino has discovered he has a knack for teaching. It all started with participating in hair shows and teaching classes at Premiere Orlando, which was priceless exposure. He has also gone back to TSI a number of times to teach classes in addition to his job as a master barber at Hair Junkies Hair Studio in Ocala.

“At TSI, I learned professionalism. I try to make every client feel like they’re No. 1 when they’re in my chair,” Garvino says. “The skills

I learned are also a little bit more advanced because TSI is good about educating its students on the newest styles and techniques to keep us one step ahead of everyone else.”

If someone would have told Garvino years ago that he would be sharing his knowledge with others, he probably would have laughed.

Now, he says it comes so natural and it’s an experience he wouldn’t trade for the world.

“It’s become another passion for me,” he explains. “When I share some of my knowledge I gain knowledge.

It’s a truly humbling experience and it makes me feel good to know I’m doing something right.” ________________________________

FOR MORE INFORMATION

TENAJ SALON INSTITUTE 11915 County Road 103 The Villages, FL 32162 352.753.5511 tenajsaloninstitute.com

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Would you like to improve your life, health and sense of well being?

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STORIE

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s s. This month’s Style is chock-full of tale dog zing ama are e ther then and s, dog are In this world, there pups perform extraordinary feats. From show and ally ition ond unc love that ines can about highly gifted you e of these remarkable pooches will leave som of ts men ieve ach ing tand outs the , to therapy hounds saying, “Bow-wow wow!”

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Much like the peanut butter cups she’s named after, 3-year-old Reese is sweet to the core. People can’t help but fall in love with the adorable Great Pyrenees/ German shepherd mix.

“She’s such a caring, loving dog,” says her owner Nina Calabrese. “Even people who don’t like dogs like her.”

There was a time, however, Reese wasn’t so loved.

When Nina first spotted her, she was a sick, malnourished puppy in a pet store. Her tendency to nip at newcomers landed her among the discounted dogs. Nina, in search of companionship after making a difficult and lonely move from New Jersey to Florida, wasn’t initially sold on Reese. But even after playing with a gorgeous golden retriever pup, she found herself repeatedly drawn to the teddy bear-like furball.

“I thought she was the cutest little puppy,” says Nina. “I didn’t realize when I got her home how sick she was though. She had really bad kennel cough and she was very underweight.”

But after some tender loving care, Reese made not only a full recovery she also made a place in Nina’s heart.

“I say she’s my little doggie soul mate,” Nina says and smiles. “When I moved here I didn’t know anyone and Reese showed me unconditional love…It was just

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extremely difficult being alone until I found her.”

Realizing the impact Reese was having in her life, Nina started kicking around the idea of training Reese as a therapy dog. Nina says the dog loves to make people smile, and she knew

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Reese had the gift to do just that for others. It wasn’t until she moved to Clermont 18 months ago that Nina got serious about therapy dog training for Reese. She joined Caring Canines Therapy Dogs, a local nonprofit therapy dog organization

that visits assisted living facilities, hospitals, libraries, child care centers, and other places where children and adults can benefit from a little canine comfort.

Every week, Nina takes Reese to Superior Residences of Clermont to spend time

with their memory care and Alzheimer’s residents. They also go to Building Blocks Ministries, a nonprofit in Minneola that helps individuals with developmental disabilities achieve independent living and successful employment.

Each places brings out different sides of Reese’s personality. For example, when she goes to Superior Residences on Mondays, she’s calm and super affectionate with the residents.

“A lot of them miss their own pets so they love being around her,” says Nina.

“Some even have dog treats to share with her, and she’s just extremely good about going around and greeting everyone.”

However, at Building Blocks, Reese comes alive, playing with and giving loads of wet kisses to the clients.

“We go for walks on Friday mornings at Building Blocks, and when we arrive, everyone gets so excited.

Reese just feeds off their energy,” Nina says. “I have to make sure I visit all the classrooms because everyone wants time with Reese.”

Volunteer work is very important for both Reese and Nina, who eventually wants to take Reese to hospitals and other places where people could benefit from doggie therapy. Nina believes life should be about doing for others and spreading positivity. Having Reese helped change her outlook on life; therefore, she knows Reese can make life just a little sweeter for others, too.

FROM PAUPER TO

PRINCE Rags arrived at the pound with his girlfriend and six puppies. Still, the good folks at the Humane Society of Sumter County took them in. He was scruffy with matted fur, very dirty, and came from a bad situation. However, once he was clean and fed, his personality was evident, and his destiny changed when he was adopted by the Dodsworth family of Leesburg.

Now he’s Royal, much beloved by owners Sharon and Randy who found him after losing their 12-yearold lab, Jake. “My husband wanted one of the puppies, and I said no. I wanted one that was already trained.

Royal was housebroken, and he was crate trained,” Sharon says.

Rags’ adoption was official June 20, 2014, and he became Royal Jasper Dodsworth. Sharon put a great deal of thought into his name. Since Royal is a Shih Tzu mix, he comes from a long line of royalty.

The breed name Shih Tzu means “little lion,” but

they’re known more for their love and loyalty than their need to be king.

With Royal’s calm demeanor and mild temperament, Sharon decided amateur dog shows might be fun. Royal didn’t mind wearing the small outfits she got for him and she sent a photo to Disney Side’s Dog’s Day. Sharon dressed herself and Royal as pirates and they were selected to be one of the 101 dogs to go to the Magic Kingdom.

Royal’s star quality came through again when he won “Prettiest Eyes” at the Leesburg Not So Westminster Dog Show followed by wearing the winning costume at a Halloween contest at Petco. It seemed Sharon had a regular Zoolander on her hands. When Royal hears the click of a photo being taken, he turns his head and assumes a pose, and he doesn’t have a bad side.

He has a variety of costumes and most come from teddy bears bought at thrift

stores, and he also has three premium rides for parades and shows, including his pony, pirate ship, and choo-choo train. However, Royal is not all about show business, he just loves being with people.

“His personality always shines through. We take him everywhere. He’s so quiet and well mannered, even though he does have his moments. He loves people,” Sharon says. “We’re signed up for classes in June for him to be a therapy dog.”

He’s a little over 3 years old now and another feather in Royal’s cap is his book “Rags to Riches: Meet Royal” by Lissa L. Theisler.

The book is aimed at teaching the value of adopting shelter dogs and a portion of the proceeds goes the Sumter County SPCA. For information on the book, check out Royal’s Facebook page, “Royal Rags to Riches.”

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ROLLING WITH Dice and her human, Howard Horwitz, are pretty familiar faces in and around The Villages. As a therapy dog team, the dynamic duo visits as many assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers as they can between County Road 44 and County Road 42.

“We’re on the road four days a week, and average about eight visits a week,” says Howard. “Sometimes we hit three places in one day.”

Dice is just one of the 65 registered dogs that make up the Canine Therapy Teams of The Villages. Nevertheless, the 10-year-old Bouvier des Flandres wasn’t always a therapy dog. During the first two years of her life, Dice was a show dog, but a defective tooth lead to early retirement.

Howard eventually became her owner and recognized immediately she would make a wonderful therapy dog.

“She’s a couch dog,” he says and laughs. “She just has the perfect personality and disposition for what she does.

She never reacts; she’s always this calm, except when I forget to feed her.”

Inspired by Dice’s sweet, low-key temperament and the need for therapy dogs in Lake and Sumter counties, Howard decided to form the Canine Therapy Teams of The Villages in 2009. It started

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with just him, Dice, and three other teams. However, word of mouth and good media exposure has helped the group grow to incredible heights.

Together, Dice and Howard have received a number of awards for their volunteer work. In 2014, they were awarded the American Kennel Club (AKC) Distinguished Therapy Dog Award, the highest AKC recognition a therapy dog can receive. Then last year, the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, a national therapy dog registry, recognized Dice with a certificate and pin for completing 1,100 visits.

Recently, the Alliance of Therapy Dogs named Dice and Howard its No. 1 therapy dog team out of its 14,000 members. It’s a fitting title for a pair who dedicates so much of themselves to making others happy.

Howard says it’s the best feeling in the world when he and Dice arrive at one of their designated stops and people’s faces light up at the sight of her. For many who live in assisted living facilities or nursing homes, they live there because they have to, and some rarely have visitors.

“So we become their visitors, and it brings some joy to us to know we serve that purpose,” Howard says.

“I enjoy it immensely and I know [Dice] does, too.”

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PREVENTIVE PET CARE: A doggone good idea.

You’ve undoubtedly heard the old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Without question, this holds true when it comes to our beloved pets.

In fact, the cost of prevention is much less than the cost of treating a disease, especially one in its advanced stages.

At Belleview Veterinary Hospital, Drs. Cara Oliver and Rick Erwin take a multi-faceted approach that includes evaluation of a pet’s overall health and risk of disease or other health problems. Over time, they monitor and track all facets of a pet’s wellness, including dental care, parasite control, nutrition, and vaccinations.

“It’s all about keeping pets healthy and happy,” said Dr. Oliver, a veterinarian of 14 years. “Our veterinary practice is extremely focused on preventive care because we feel the best way to prevent sickness is treating it before it occurs. Through preventive care, we can help save pets from needless suffering and save pet owners from large financial burdens.”

She is particularly adamant about heartworm treatment. After all, a single mosquito bite can prove fatal to your pet.

“Heartworm prevention also eliminates intestinal parasites such as hookworms and roundworms,” she said. “Roundworms are also a zoonotic disease, which means they can be contagious to humans and especially children.”

Dr. Oliver also performs yearly

blood profiles to monitor a pet’s liver values, glucose values, and kidney values, as well as red blood cell and white blood cell counts.

“By doing this, we’re able to see minor changes in a pet’s organ function before it becomes apparent on the outside. We can put it on a nutritional supplement or nutraceutical and effectively treat the problem before it worsens.”

Flea and tick control is another preventive measure that Dr. Oliver says is vitally important.

“Ticks carry lots of diseases and can cause your pet to become very sick. Fleas are rampant in Florida and cause death in many animals. Fleas also cause allergies in your pet and can cause your pet to become so anemic they cannot survive without a blood transfusion.”

Another component in preventive care is making sure pets maintain normal and healthy body weights.

An obese animal has potential risk for joint disease, heart disease, respiratory diseases, and diabetes.

“When it comes to the longevity and health of your pet, preventive health care is extremely important,” she said.

“When animals do not receive the proper care they need, it leads to more serious illnesses as they age.”

BELLEVIEW VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

CENTRAL FLORIDA PET CREMATORY

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THE BEAUTY OF A

BULLY Keltce Harrell is leader of the pack, and that’s no easy task. Keltce trains a pack of American bully dogs for shows. According to the United Kennel Club (UKC), it’s imperative that Keltce establish herself as the authority in the relationship because American bullies are pack animals and need a true leader. These dogs are considered working dogs, and the show performances adhere to that belief.

“American bullies came from bringing an American pit bull terrier to a Staffordshire terrier, and to get the look that we have today, they added other, bigger bully breeds,” Keltce says. “Old English mastiffs for the color, and some say they added Rottweiler, but the breed standard we are trying to focus on now would be the pit bull and the Staffordshire to create this big dog.”

Her first comment when talking about her beloved dogs is, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” due to the occasional negative news appearing about pit bulls. American bullies are considered gentle, loyal, loving animals that would lay down their lives for their owners.

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Keltce’s journey to becoming involved with show dogs began with a Facebook tag from a friend. The picture was an 8-week-old American bully puppy with cropped ears.

“He was so tiny and tough looking, that I instantly feel in love with him,” Keltce says.

Seeing the beauty and showmanship in the tiny dog, Keltce began thinking about taking him to shows. “It was very tough at first, learning the breed and what to look for in a show-quality bully,” Keltce says. “When Kash hit 9 months old, I entered him in his first official show. He blew me away with how he performed. I knew from here on out, he was built for the ring.

He picked up a first place and best male.”

In recent months Kash has won seven best of breed awards and is a dual UKC and American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) champion.

Keltce enjoyed her new avocation so much, she decided to purchase more bullies and now has four big boys and a lovely lady: Kash, Tank, Nitro, Priest, and Jade. She generally goes to shows every weekend, and works with the dogs every day to help them be show worthy.

Keltce’s sister, Kaylan, loves to watch her sister show her dogs. “You can tell the difference when she’s showing them versus someone else. They know that’s their mama,” Kaylan says. “I love it, but I get nervous. [Keltce] just goes out there and does it. It’s neat to watch because these dogs just know exactly what to do.”

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A HEART-WARMING

‘TAIL’

“ONE REASON A DOG CAN BE SUCH A COMFORT WHEN YOU’RE FEELING BLUE IS THAT HE DOESN’T TRY TO FIND OUT WHY.” —UNKNOWN

Uninhibited, playful pups running fast and jumping hurtles—that’s probably the most common picture of an extraordinary dog. But often it is the calm and sweet-spirited that changes someone’s life.

Webster is a tame and often quite bashful pit bull puppy.

But it is his carefulness that makes him a good companion for Noah Hollis, a retired firefighter with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Webster is not like most service dogs. It is his seeming character flaws—his separation anxiety and wariness of strangers—that make him a perfect match for Noah’s needs.

Noah struggles with severe anxiety, which most often is set off by busy public areas.

Visiting places like Wal-Mart or even attending regular church services can be trying activities for Noah, who is prone to panic attacks.

The loss of independence and the feeling of seclusion can be debilitating, but with Webster by his side, Noah says these symptoms seem to decrease. Because of Webster, he is able to venture out with much more ease.

“More than anything he has helped my confidence level,” Noah says.

When in public, Webster sticks to Noah like glue. “We should have named him Velcro,” Noah says with a good laugh. “He’s attached to me.”

And when someone wanders too closely into Noah’s space, which could trigger an uneasy reaction, Webster instantly knows what to do.

With no aggression or malice,

Webster simply turns away from his place at Noah’s side and faces the individual to put a barrier between that person and Noah. This gives Noah an extra level of comfort, and when the individual walks away, Webster returns to his usual place.

Webster’s gift of perception and intuition is a blessing.

Not only will he pick up on situational issues, he is in tune with attitudes and mood.

“Part of PTSD is dealing with depression,” Noah says, “and he seems to pick up on that.” When Noah’s mood sinks, Webster draws in closer, making sure he is near enough to comfort Noah.

Likewise, Webster needs Noah as a shield against uncertainty. Noah is his constant. Plus, the attention Noah gives easing Webster’s anxiety helps distract from his own. This is one codependent relationship that is actually beneficial to both parties. The pairing allows each of them to live healthier, more active lives.

Webster and Noah walk through their whole day together. Training starts at 9 a.m., and Noah works with Webster on obedience before taking him out. “I like to take him places where I’m more apt to get anxiety,” says Noah.

The duo tests the waters together and grows a little every day. Noah owns a tattoo shop in Leesburg and each day Webster goes to work with him. Webster is learning to be around people, a skill Noah is relearning himself.

“It’s not just training him, it’s training me.”

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LITERACY

‘UNLEASHED’ Five years ago when Thom Battisto was looking for a new four-legged friend, he wasn’t having much luck. He didn’t make a connection until a 4-yearold Australian shepherd/ chow mix named Sydney rested her chin on his knee.

Sydney’s calm and attentive nature made her a good

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companion, qualities Thom thought would also make Sydney a great therapy dog.

Not long after her adoption, Read to Sydney, a nonprofit that combines literacy and therapy efforts, was born to help children build the confidence to read aloud.

For some children, read-

.com com c om m

in can be an anxious activing ity. However, Sydney and it her friends, which includes he her younger brother Toby he and a white Maltese named an Lucy, redirect the child’s Lu nervous energy and create a ne comforting environment. co One of the ways Sydney helps children is through he her own storybook. “Sydhe ney Finds a Job” follows ne the h canine’s quest to get a job all her own. Along the way she makes a few mistakes, but ultimately meets Sarah, a friend in need, and helps her learn to read.

Not only does the book ensure students feel included during readings, but Thom is also able to fund the program through book sales. When someone buys a book for $8, the money goes toward growing the program and a second copy is donated to a local library or school.

The nonprofit does monthly visits to schools and public libraries; they host parties and community events; and they can always be found Sundays inside their reading room at West Oaks Mall in Ocoee.

Among Sydney and Thom’s scheduled visits is New Hope Christian Academy of Minneola. The students have a continuing relationship with Sydney.

Not only are they willing to read aloud, they look forward to it all week.

Some even pick dog-related books, like “The Adventures of Wishbone,” to keep Sydney’s interest.

As the students get older, they still enjoy the activity,

too. Once they’ve graduated from Sydney’s storybook, they select chapter books to read to the dogs in installments. Every child of every ability enters the library with excitement.

J.P., who is 17, was one of the first students to read with Sydney, and especially enjoys the bimonthly visit to the academy. He is a special needs student who had trouble making out words. But with the help of the program he learned to read with ease and enthusiasm.

His parents have seen such a tremendous improvement they joined Read to Sydney’s board to promote the literacy efforts that worked so well for their son.

The nonprofit organization has grown by leaps and bounds. Springing from a well-established community in South Lake, they are a growing presence in West Orange County.

Read to Sydney is currently promoted in places as far away as Chicago.

Thom also plans to grow Sydney’s book into a series of five books. Each will introduce more dog friends and cover issues such as bullying and adoption. The book has already gained supporters and fans across the globe, and in addition to English, is produced in Spanish, and Braille editions. Former first lady Laura Bush, President Barack and first lady Michelle Obama, and an archbishop are among those with a copy in their libraries.

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His American Kennel Club-registered name is GCH Alpha Natura Bacchus CA CM2. But to those who know and love this endearing, energetic 9-year-old pup, he’s simply Bac. At home, his show dog status and prestigious awards mean nothing as he races through the house ready to greet strangers and offer slobbery kisses to whoever wants them.

According to his owner Deanna Donohue of Double D Picards & German Wirehaired Pointers in Umatilla, Bac is a part of the family.

“I think one of the most common misconceptions is show dogs don’t have good lives,” she says as she affectionately scratches behind Bac’s ears. “But mine live a great life. When Bac’s at home, he just gets to be a dog.”

Still, Bac isn’t your average four-legged companion; he’s rare in breed and in accomplishments. His rustic, scruffy appearance may make you think he’s just some shaggy mutt, but looks can be deceiving. Bac is a berger Picard (pronounced “bare-zhay pee-car”), an old, extraordinary French herding breed. These charming dogs were brought to near-extinction during World Wars I and II due to heavy fighting in the Picardy region of France, which is where the breed originated. And while fanciers have made incredible strides to rebuild the Picard population, there are only around 4,000 in the world.

The AKC believes the current influx of Picards into North America is due

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to better communication between European breeders and American buyers thanks to the Internet. However, the popular 2005 movie “Because of Winn-Dixie” may also have something to do with it since the dog featured in the film was a Picard.

Nevertheless, Deanna’s love affair with this magnificent breed happened long before they became mainstream. She was working as a flight attendant for United Airlines when she encountered her first Picard in a pub in London.

“I’ll never forget, this guy walked in with this big, shaggy blond dog and sat at the bar. Then the dog stood up and placed his paws on the bar,” she says.

Thinking it was a mutt of some sort, Deanna was quickly corrected when the gentleman informed her it was a berger Picard. Almost instantaneously, she decided she had to have one, and she’s been an owner and breeder of Picards ever since.

“I got into showing because I really wanted to breed,” she says, “and while I have a good eye for structure, I wanted it confirmed by a judge.”

Over the years, there have been a number of well performing Picards in the show dog world, but Bac has garnered an impressive amount of recognition that’s currently unmatched.

“Bac has done more for the breed in North America than any other dog,” Deanna says.

“He’s made history.”

For example, Bac was the first and only Picard to

win best in show during the Gateway Nationals at Purina Farms in October 2012, defeating more than 1,800 dogs. He also became the first Picard to win best of breed at the Eukanuba National Championship in 2013 and was the first Picard to finish in the United Kennel Club top 10 at No. 6.

Then in July, the berger Picard officially enter the AKC herding group and Bac made AKC history by becoming the first group winning Picard. He went on to become the first male berger Picard champion that same month after only two weekends of showing and the first male grand champion two weeks later.

However, the most exciting accomplishment for Bac was being the first of five Picards to be invited to compete for the first time in the 2016 Westminster Kennel Club dog show this past February.

Accompanied by Deanna and his handler Billy Rodriguez, Bac put on quite the show in New York City. He didn’t win best of breed, but Deanna says he most certainly was the crowd favorite.

“I was so proud of him. The crowd didn’t even know him, but they loved him,” she says.

“When they did announce the winner, the crowd went silent, but Bac had no idea he didn’t win. He was still his usual happy self. It would have been great to add to his resume, but I can’t fault him for the performance he gave.

He was spot-on.”

With Westminster behind him, Bac is now officially retired. He may do the occasional show or some sheep herding competitions with his original handler and Deanna’s husband, Rick, but his main focus will be on producing more top dogs.

Deanna plans to breed him this summer with her other Picard, Matilda. Matilda is also an award-winning dog; she won an award of merit at Westminster this year with her handler, Deanna’s 14-year-old niece Billie Green who is one of the top junior handlers in the country.

When the decision is made to breed, Deanna is very eager to let people know it’s not about the money. She truly loves and cares for her dogs and is more concerned about their health and matching puppies to the right homes than making a profit.

“My dogs’ health is checked before choosing to breed them. I also have every person I sell to sign a contract that says if for any reason they can’t care for their dog anymore it must come back to me,” she says. “I

match each dog to a person’s needs and I interview every potential owner. One time I had someone who wanted to buy one of my puppies, but after looking at his home on Google Earth, I saw he had like 70 kennels in his backyard and realized he was probably a puppy mill, so I refused to sell to him. Then I took it a step further and warned everyone else I knew who breed Picards.”

Even in cases when things have happened beyond Deanna’s control, she’s made it a point to do what’s right before anything else. For example, when a Picard she sold to a couple died four years later from a tumor, she told them she would give—not sell—them another puppy when they were ready. And when a lady suffering from multiple sclerosis called her from California in search of Picard as a companion dog, she sacrificed time and money to be sure the woman received the right dog for her specific needs.

“It’s more than just selling a dog. Picards are beautiful, wonderful dogs and because of them, I’ve made some great friends for life. For me, it’s a commitment for life,” she says.

And as for Bac, there isn’t enough she can say about him. It’s been an exciting journey to raise a champion, and now, Bac gets to enjoy the rest of his years knowing he’s left his paw mark in Picard history.

“He’s just that once-in-alifetime dog,” Deanna says.

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(On left) U.S. Army Sgt. Sean Karph with the 82nd Airborne, pictured while serving in Afghanistan in April 2012 (On right) Sean, injured when a IED exploded taking his lower left leg in June 2012, is now holding the Striker One prototype

READY TO

STRIKE 50

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AGAIN The proposed new driver called Striker One aims to open up the game of golf to thousands who have mobility issues.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

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D

avid van de Velde’s business advice is simple: Find something no one else is doing and do it. He describes it as ‘finding a hole and filling it,’ and that philosophy made him a very wealthy man.

It requires keeping your eyes open to needs and opportunities. For van de Velde, that meant finding a way to play golf when his own physical mobility was limited by a torn rotator cuff. He noticed many senior players were giving up the game because

an idea for a club that operates with a butane-powered cylinder that moves and strikes the ball for distances up to 180 feet. Called a Power Assist Golf (PAG) Driver™ and nicknamed “Striker One,” the prototype club is currently being tested by Epsilon Tech, an Israeli engineering firm headed by Erich Wilson and a friend of van de Velde’s. If all goes well, van de Velde and his partner, David Booth, hope to sell the club to a large golf manufacturer

His vision, however, extends to helping many disabled veterans. Booth founded Combat Veterans to Careers, a national organization, after he retired from the military.

“I’ve seen the struggles, not just with veterans but also with their families,” explains Booth. “It’s hard to transition back into life.

It helps getting them out doing things and playing sports like golf.”

Booth and van de Velde met at a Rotary Club meet-

club most golfers will need.

“The club will not only help disabled veterans take up golf maybe for the first time, but it will also help seniors re-enter the game,” says van de Velde. “Someone whose life was playing golf will not have to give it up when they can’t swing a club anymore.”

If the prototype arrives in time, wounded combat veteran Sean Karph [pictured here] will use it in a golf tournament organized

by Booth in Palm Springs.

“THE CLUB WILL NOT ONLY HELP DISABLED VETERANS TAKE UP GOLF MAYBE FOR THE FIRST TIME, BUT IT WILL ALSO HELP SENIORS RE-ENTER THE GAME,” — DAVID VAN DE VELDE

of physical limitations.

“I wanted to play golf with my buddies,” he says, “but we have a hole in the golf industry for people who are dealing with physical issues. The major manufacturers make balls, clubs, bags…but nothing for golfers who need some assistance.”

The entrepreneur who created Ketel One and Van Gogh vodkas says 500,000 people a year stop playing golf due to mobility or health issues.

He describes this group as an “untapped market and the golf industry doesn’t know what to do with them.”

Van de Velde developed

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who will reproduce it for amateur golfers.

“We’ve got about $400,000 in development [costs] for the club, and we’d like to get our money back,” says van de Velde.

Although Booth, 43, is much younger than van de Velde, he, too, understands how physical limitations affect a golf game. A roadside bomb during the Iraq War left him with a broken neck and some mobility issues.

“The club will help me get out there and play more,” says Booth, who served 20 years in the U.S. Army before taking a medical retirement.

.com

ing in The Villages, where they both live. They started talking about such a driver after seeing someone at a golf expo with a trick club.

“That’s what gave us the idea,” says Booth. “We started talking and it has progressed to this prototype.”

Van de Velde says the Striker One club is a “driver, chipper, and putter all-inone club.” Golfers will be able to set distances up to about 180 feet on the face plate. The butane propellant will allow 100 shots per cartridge (about the size of a disposable lighter). The best part is the weight—it’s very light and may be the only

Karph was injured while serving with the 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan, causing a below-the-knee amputation in 2012. He only recently began playing golf with Booth’s encouragement.

“It’s about getting him into the camaraderie of golf—something a lot of veterans don’t have,” explains Booth. “They miss the brotherhood and this is a great way to get them involved.”

When the club sells, van de Velde and Booth plan to give a portion of the profits to the Combat Veterans to Careers organization.

BY THE NUMBERS

Power Assist Golf Driver

3200+ The number of man hours to develop the prototype _______

3

The number of years in the making to date _______

100 lbs The amount of aluminum used _______

100+ 1,500

The amount of tests performed _______

meters of 3D polymer rope (length of about 15 football fields)

_______

$400k The amount spent in development costs _______

180 ft

The range of PAG driver

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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.

How does your group achieve that?

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.

How do you help your clients achieve their objectives?

Focusing our attention on our clients’ financial details means working toward their goal of living the lifestyle they have always envisioned. Having the resources in place to enjoy the next stage of their lives is important in achieving those goals. Perhaps they want to master a new language or travel to see family.

Moving financial worry away from the front of their minds can put big concerns to rest.

What specific strategies do you offer your clients?

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.

Michael Monteith

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

Nicole Silberstein

Client Service Associate nicole.silberstein@morganstanley.com

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

The Lake Sumter Group at Morgan Stanley

832 Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages, FL 352.751.7845 • Toll free 800.447.6036 morganstanleyfa.com/LakeSumter

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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“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)

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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 33 years with extensive experience in evaluation and management of prostate problems.

For more information, contact

PHYSICIANS FOR ACCOUNTABLE CARE 920 Rolling Acres Road, Suite 201 Lady Lake, FL 32159

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352.357.6786

ProstateEvaluation.com

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RAISING THE STANDARD FOR YOUR

MONEY AT TB FINANCIAL GROUP Underdog companies disrupt industries, make others rethink their strategies, and demonstrate the power of innovation, optimism, and perseverance.

When Liz Cornell opened TB Financial Group in August 2013, she embraced the role of underdog.

After all, she opened her company among a sea of financial planners who have been entrenched in the area for years. Her competitors had every conceivable advantage, most notably experience, name recognition, and money.

Plenty of naysayers told Liz that opening a retirement planning company would prove disastrous. But underdogs like Liz always adhere to the saying, “It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”

Liz refused to listen to her critics and followed her heart. After all, winners win because they never lose their belief that they can win. Even when faced with what seems like insurmountable odds, they have faith that they will find a way to make their dreams come true.

Liz had a clear and concise vision of what her company would be and how it could achieve unprecedented success through honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Her goal was to set new standards of excellence in their industry rather than follow the pack with one-size-fits-all solutions.

For her, the key to success meant building lasting

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and meaningful relationships based on trust, education, and superior client service.

“I have always been a big believer in educating our clients from start to finish and letting them be involved in every step of the process,” she said. “Being transparent is something that is sorely lacking in our industry, and transparency is something that is an integral part of my company.”

However, she has taken education a step further by offering workshops twice a month for both prospective and current clients. Annuity 101, which is presented in a traditional lecture format, highlights various types of annuities, and the intricacies of how the products work. Annuity 102 simulates a real-life appointment and gives prospective clients a bet-

If you do the right thing 150 percent of the time it always comes back.

— LIZ CORNELL

ter understanding of what “real life” planning with annuities looks like.

By always keeping clients’ best interests in mind and conducting business with the utmost ethical standards in mind, TB Financial Group has risen from underdog to top dog in only a few years.

In fact, the company has experienced considerable success and raised the eyebrows of many industry peers. The company has been featured in the July 2014 and June 2015 issues of Forbes magazine. In addition, others in the financial planning industry have contacted Liz and inquired about her successful business model, as well as her distinctive seminars “Annuity 101 and “Annuity 102.”

While her client base has tripled in the past 24 months, her staff has quadrupled in an effort to continue serving clients with the personal at-

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tention they’ve come to expect and deserve. Despite the growth, Liz hasn’t lost sight of the values that got her here.

“We’ve been able to grow because we adhere to our four pillars—listening, caring, education, and having fun,” Liz said. “It’s all about authenticity and transparency. If you do the right thing 150 percent of the time it always comes back. Financial Services and Insurance is an old-school industry that truly needed a facelift in how business in conducted.”

Liz’s new staff shares her enthusiasm in how business is conducted and is equally passionate about being part of the TB Financial Group team. Just ask Lou Dibenedetto, a junior agent who started seven months ago.

“Liz has taught me so much in the short time I’ve been employed here,” he said. “She is an excellent teacher and cares about all of us so much. I love coming to work everyday because it’s such a family environment here. We all get along great and communicate very well with each other.”

Dustin McFarland joined the company in February as vice president.

“This company is unique because of the attention that each client receives,” he said. “We don’t just wine and dine them, sign them up, and then forget about them.

We continually interact with them through one-on-one meetings, newsletters, and various client events. Our clients here are so much more than a number.”

And when you have happy employees like Lou and Dustin, it means clients are going to be equally happy.

“The comfort level with Liz is way up there,” one client said.

“She talks to you in language you can understand and she’s a very patient, kind, and really just a good person.”

Other clients offered glowing praise, as well.

“Liz did not stand to make a lot of money off me, but she was able to get me where I needed, whereas my previous financial advisor was unable to. She was there for me rather than what kind

of money I could possibly bring to her. I was very pleased.”

A class act

Although Liz specializes in financial retirement strategies, she is not a full financial planner. She works only with fixed annuities, index annuities, and life insurance.

Advantages of annuities include tax-deferred growth, guaranteed income, principal protection, and access to your funds should you need them.

“Annuities are a niche and uncharted territory for most,” Liz said. “I’m not an expert at everything, but I am very knowledgeable when it comes to annuities and how to plan with them. I know the insurance industry up, down, backward, and sideways. My ultimate goal is to empower clients. If I cannot help them I have no problem referring them somewhere else.”

Most importantly, her clients will never have to worry about Liz moving her company to a larger city. Having been born and raised in Leesburg, she takes a great deal

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

of pride in serving people who proudly call Lake County home.

“We are not a fly-by-night company, and we are not going anywhere,” Liz said. “I want TB Financial to be the national player for consumers when it comes to purchasing annuities and life insurance. I also want us to be the standard for the way in which business is conducted. Either financial companies will do business like us or they will be bought out

by TB Financial Group.”

The success of TB Financial Group is an excellent example how anyone can start a business and grow it into something wonderful through determination and persistence. By maintaining impeccable ethics and values, even the biggest of underdogs can ultimately become a force to be reckoned with. ________________________________

FOR MORE INFORMATION

TB FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 3261 U.S. Hwy. 441, Fruitland Park 352.350.1161 tbfinancialgroup.com

1585 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite B, The Villages tricountypodiatry.net // 352.259.1919 MEDICAL & SURGICAL TREATMENT OF: • Bunions and Hammertoes • Corns • Morton’s Neuromas • Ingrown Nails and Warts • Heel and Arch Pain • Thick, Painful Toenails • Foot Injuries • Diabetic & Geriatric Foot Care • Sports Medicine • Orthotics • Diabetic Shoes • Numbness/Tingling of Feet

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Featuring

DON’T GIVE UP Inspirational stories from the women who train special dogs PAGE 8

Plus

MEET A VILLAGER Music to our ears PAGE 2

IN THE VILLAGES

Where shopping is always a pleasure PAGE 6

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meet a villager STORY: PAT JOCELYN

MUSIC TO OUR EARS

Rob Newton knew he wanted to be a radio broadcaster when he was growing up in the Ozarks, listening to local disc jockey Mark Foster. It wasn’t until years later the Missouri native had his first opportunity to fulfill his dream.

“I went to college and you couldn’t be on the radio until you were a junior,” Rob recalls. “But as a freshman I walked into the station and said I’d do anything, including sweeping floors or pulling the wire,” which is separating 700 to 800 feet of teletype into categories when removing it from the machine.

“When people past 50 know the purpose of the [streaming radio] station is to

go beyond the music

and into every facet of their lifestyle, then we will have really scored for our generation.”

—RADIO PERSONALITY ROB NEWTON

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“One day the farm reporter didn’t show up,” Rob says. “I was told to get in there and read the farm news.”

A year later Rob was named Missouri Farm Reporter of the Year.

After three decades of successful broadcasting and several major relocations, Rob yearned for a warmer climate. “I moved to Florida in 2004 and became the co-manager of WVLG radio in The Villages until my retirement last year.”

Rob still had a significant Central Florida following with other radio broadcasting commitments, and it was because of those loyal listeners and program sponsors that an idea was born. He decided to build a portal for seniors that started with a streaming radio station called Our Generation’s Classic Hits. It will eventually evolve into a site filled with experts discussing subjects significant to seniors while giving listeners an opportunity to write about their personal experiences.

“Everything from gardening to golf carts. The home page of the site will be news at the top, then daily columns, daily experts, podcasts, videos, Q&A’s, and multimedia. It will be a big effort,” Rob says. “It’s been a year in the planning with the first step being the radio station, but this will expand. When people past 50 know the purpose of the station is to go beyond the music and into every facet of their lifestyle, then we will have really scored for our generation.”

To continue in that vein, Rob says listeners are encouraged to contact the site with their ideas about what should be a part of programming.

“And I want to put them on the air.

I’m going to give them a voice.”

To access Rob Newton’s streaming radio station, go to www.OurGenerationsClassicHits.com or www.RobNewtonRadio.com. If you would like to contact Rob, email him at ozark53@gmail.com.

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this ‘n’ that STORY: FRED HILTON

THANK GOODNESS! THEY’RE HEADING BACK NORTH This is the time of year most of them are leaving so I guess it’s safe to talk about them. You know who I mean. Every year, when it starts to get cold up North, they flock down here by the thousands. They try to take over everything. They’re all over the place. They stomp around the neighborhood and town squares like they own them. You smile at them and try to be nice, and they just snarl. What’s worst of all, sometimes nobody picks up their poop.

This proves once again you should never jump to conclusions.

You thought I was talking about snowbirds but it should certainly be obvious by now I am not. Actually, snowbirds are nice folks and the ones I know are good friends. Snowbirds might cause a little extra traffic and longer lines in our favorite restaurants but the restaurants likely wouldn’t be there at all if the snowbirds weren’t around. Certainly, a few of the snowbirds are jerks, but the jerk to non-jerk ratio among snowbirds is no higher than it is among full-time Villagers.

Snowbirds have lots of positives but they do bring one dreaded thing with them: snowdogs. They disrupt the daily routine in The Villages and

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create a rift in the natural order of life.

The problem with snowdogs is their size. They’re big. They’re huge. They slobber. They violate the prime directive of dogdom in The Villages which says that, by definition, a dog in The Villages is small.

There are many types of dogs in The Villages, but they all have littleness in common. We’ve got fluffy little dogs, yippy little dogs, ankle-biter little dogs, hairless little dogs, and an occasional little wiener dog.

When the dome was first placed over The Villages, they forgot to include an important proviso limiting the size of Villages dogs. My first thought for such a rule was no dog in The Villages can be bigger than a breadbox. That idea was rejected since nobody knows what size a breadbox is, at least since “What’s My Line?” went off the air.

Then I decided the perfect maximum size for a dog in The Villages was 28 pounds. Any dog weighing more than 28 pounds would automatically be refused entry into the bubble. All the little dogs would rejoice.

It is purely coincidental that our dog Paris weighs 27½ pounds. This makes Paris the biggest dog in the

neighborhood. As such, she benevolently reigns as Queen Bee/Alpha Dog of the neighborhood. Each day while touring her empire, Paris is greeted by all the neighborhood little dogs that gather around her to pay homage.

Fluffy dogs, yippy dogs, hairless dogs, and wiener dogs unite in exchanging morning sniffs with the queen. The one exception is a little black-andwhite yippy dog whose goal in life is to make his bones by beating up the queen. Paris ignores him and most certainly is regally saying “We are not amused” in dog talk.

Needless to say, the normal way of life in our neighborhood is disrupted for three or four months by the presence of those monstrous and surly snowdogs.

Of course, things could be worse.

Snowbirds could bring huge snowcats or angry and smelly snowferrets.

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).

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in the villages STORY: PAT JOCELYN

WHERE SHOPPING IS ALWAYS A PLEASURE Administrative Professionals Day is April 27. It was once called Secretary’s Day. When I saw this online, it caused me to pause and think about all of the people, both administrative and other support personnel, that we as Villagers interact with every day, people we sometimes take for granted. I’m not sure if the cashiers at Colony Plaza’s Publix on County Road 466A would fall into that category but I’m including them and here’s why: On average I probably go to this particular Publix twice a week.

It seems every time I get home from shopping there, I remember something I forgot to pick up—and that’s using a list.

As many of you who live south of CR 466 are well aware, this Publix is probably the busiest grocery store in The Villages, and it’s getting busier every day as more homes are built in that area. The only time I’ve gone to that store and didn’t have to hunt for a parking space was once at 8:45 in the evening, 15 minutes before closing.

Considering the hundreds of customers who pass through their checkout counters each day, I frankly don’t know how the overworked cashiers do what they do and still maintain their polite demeanor and helpful attitude. I have never, and

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I mean never, been treated with disrespect in that store.

I once forgot to pick up a package of romaine lettuce and had to run back to produce and retrieve the culprit while frantically yelling an apology over my shoulder to those waiting in line behind me. Another time I forgot to get out my credit card ahead of time and held up the line for several minutes while searching through my overloaded wallet for the misfiled card. Each time, the cashier was patient and helpful even though people behind me kept looking at their watches and were obviously displeased with my lack of preparation.

Another time I was in a checkout line that had five people not

so patiently waiting their turns.

You know the signs: tapping their feet, darting their eyes, sighing loudly. Ignoring their displays of impatience, the cashier calmly and compassionately continued helping an elderly senior who had given him way too much cash for her purchases.

Bravo to all the cashiers who work at Colony Plaza. You guys knock it out of the park every time!

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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DON’T GIVE UP BEFORE THE MIRACLE HAPPENS

STORY: PAT JOCELYN PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ+PAT JOCELYN

Call it intuition, or a God thing, but when Villager Sandy Jensen saw a short blurb in the newspaper about an upcoming fundraiser for Villagers for Veterans, a local nonprofit that helps critically injured veterans, she just knew she and her husband, Mike Applebaum, had to attend.

Speakers at the event included two female vets critically injured while in service to their country.

One woman had a service dog, the other had been waiting for a dog for years. When Sandy heard that, she felt an immediate response.

“I knew I was being directed to this area of vets and service dogs.”

It bothered her that one of the veterans had been waiting more than five years for a service dog.

She and Mike wanted to help.

“I saw this article on Patriot Service Dogs, Inc., and I asked Mike to call and inquire,” says Sandy.

Mike adds, “The article was just a little blurb on Patriot Service Dogs that dealt with asking for help with things like mailings.”

But when he called, the conversation with founder Julie Drexel quickly took on a new twist. “She asked me if I would like to work with one of the dogs.”

That struck a chord with the couple. They decided to find out more about the nonprofit and met with Julie. “She brought Patriot and that was the first time we met the dog,” Mike explains. “It was love at first sight.” Patriot is a beautiful yellow lab.

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…the first time we met the dog [Patriot]. It was love at first sight.”

— MIKE APPLEBAUM

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Mike and Sandy learned dogs that are potential service animals are donated by local breeders while they’re still puppies. Some of them come from as far away as Tennessee. The puppies are brought to Lowell Correctional Institution in Marion County where female inmates train them by participating in a program called WOOF (Women Offering Obedience and Friendship) After approximately one to two years of training, the dogs are fostered out to volunteers that expose them to the real world environment—something they can’t get behind the prison walls.

Julie meets with potential volunteers to ensure the dog and the handler have a bond. Then paperwork is completed, and the dog is fostered for as short as a few days to as long as a week, based on the volunteer’s availability.

Each foster caregiver is given a list of things the dog needs to learn and keeps a journal that travels with the dog, documenting its activities and any problem encountered. When the training and fostering are complete, dogs are matched up with veterans. Remarkably, volunteers are responsible for the entire process.

Mike and Sandy were impressed with Julie’s organization and became Patriot’s foster parents. Mike knew their involvement would be crucial to Patriot’s success as a service dog, which made it a vital endeavor.

“Our purpose is to get Patriot acclimated to the type of life she may have with a veteran,” he says.

“There are numerous people hosting Patriot at different points in her training. She is one and a half years old and at two years, they begin the real work with a potential veteran.”

Mike’s work with Patriot in-

cluded taking the dog to a variety of men’s restrooms because in the correctional facility, there are no urinals and no doors other than those going to the outside. Other challenges included experiencing different floor surfaces and grates and unfamiliar noises like vacuum cleaners—something the dog never heard before. The world outside the prison is vastly different from what the dog has known.

“It makes you feel good about yourself and what you’re doing. It builds your self-esteem.”

— SERVICE DOG TRAINER AND LOWELL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION INMATE DANA DOUGLAS

Mike and Sandy knew they would get attached to Patriot, and a special bond with this dog did, in fact, develop. “I cry quicker with animals than I do with people. That’s just who I am,” Mike says. “But now that I’ve gotten involved in this whole process, I’m feeling all of this…being able to do something to help [these veterans] is really important.”

It’s obvious Mike has very strong feelings about what he and Sandy

are doing with the dogs.

“It will be with tremendous pride that we say goodbye to this dog,” Mike continues as his eyes fill with tears. “I don’t act like this too many times, but this really touches my heart. This dog is special and has a special purpose and needs to be treated that way.

You know a veteran is going to be relying on her. This dog will absolutely without question change the life of the person she’s with.”

Mike and Sandy know the ultimate goal of the dog is to serve the veteran and assist in the healing process.

“You can tell this dog has been raised with nothing but love. You can sense it,” Sandy adds.

That is music to Julie’s ears. She knows service dogs are making a huge difference in veterans’ lives, but seeing how these dogs are impacting the lives of people responsible for their training is an added bonus. Not only are people like Mike and Sandy acknowledging that impact, but also the inspirational stories coming from the female inmates raising and training the service dogs are quite remarkable.

Dana Douglas has been in prison nine times. “I’m a drug addict,” the 51-year-old inmate admits. “I also had a mastectomy in 2008.

I got out of prison in 2009, had chemo, and got back on drugs. I came back to prison in 2013.”

But this time something clicked for the Florida native. “I took responsibility for my life. I know I’m a good person,” she says with conviction. “When I’m off the drugs I’m amazing, but when I’m on them I’m the worst [person] you’ll ever meet.”

Even though she had no expectations of getting into the WOOF program, Dana applied. “Nothing good ever happens to me because

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“We’re not giving up and we’re asking people out there not to give up on us either. Miracles and good things truly do happen behind these bars.”

— SERVICE DOG TRAINER AND LOWELL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION INMATE HYLA HANSON

I’ve been in and out of prison my whole life,” she says. “But not two weeks later in June of 2013 I began working in the kitchen and I loved being around the dogs. Two weeks later they put me in as a dog worker.”

That one action transformed her life. “I joined NA (Narcotics Anonymous) about two years ago,” Dana says. “My life slowly began to change. I started going to recovery and I learned to be happy with me. As the dog began to change [her behavior], so did I.” Dana and the other dog trainers realize and are proud of the tremendous contributions they make for veterans in need. The inmates know these men and women have faced their own horrific challenges. “It boosted my self-confidence and I started walking differently and started putting on makeup,” Dana explains. “It makes you feel good about yourself and what you’re doing. It builds your selfesteem.”

Hyla Hanson can relate to Dana’s story. She came from a family of substance abusers and has multiple convictions on her record.

She’s been arrested 40 times, spent 25 stints in jail, and is now in prison for the second time.

“Something happened a few years ago,” Hyla explains. “I had a spiritual awakening and I found recovery. A greater power was at work. I was told to take the cotton out of my ears, put it in my mouth, and listen. That’s what I learned to do and it changed my life.”

Hyla signed up for the WOOF program and everything shifted for her. “As a drug addict, you’re all about instant gratification and fast, fast, fast,” she says. “There’s nothing fast about training these dogs.

This program teaches us about something we learned in recovery: how not to give up before the miracle happens. We’re not giving up and we’re asking people out there not to give up on us either.

Miracles and good things truly do happen behind these bars.”

Invariably, the inmates who work in the WOOF program not only learn to care for and train the dog, but also learn the value of discipline in their own lives.

“Through correction and structure, this program teaches us how to be productive. It teaches us hard work, persistence, consistency, and follow-through does pay off.”

Julie has built a very strong bond with these women and wants

people to look beyond the blue inmate uniforms. “They’re not only serving time for something they’ve done wrong, but I’ve never had anybody say they didn’t deserve to be here. These women right now are no different than you and me.

I am very blessed to know them.

They have enriched my life.”

Dana, Hyla, and the other women in the program may be incarcerated, but an important part of them travels with each of the dogs they trained, just as a part of Mike and Sandy will travel with Patriot. Each dog whose life has been touched by them has been infused with their patience, their dedication, and most importantly, their love.

And it’s that same love the veteran will feel as he or she bonds with a canine companion. None of them give up before the miracles happen.

For more information about Patriot Service Dogs or the WOOF program, visit www.patriotservicedogs.org.

If you would like Julie Drexel to talk to your club/organization, wish to donate funds, or become a foster care volunteer, call her at 352.514.9903.

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book club STORY: KATHY PORTER

ORDINARY GRACE

A DEEPLY MOVING COMING-OF-AGE TALE As the summer of 1961 begins in New Bremen, Minnesota, 13-year-old Frank Drum and his younger brother Jake are about to attend the funeral of their young friend, Bobby Cole, who was killed while playing on the railroad tracks. Bobby Cole’s death is the first of a series of deaths that fateful summer which Frank recounts for us some 40 years later.

Frank and Jake are the sons of Nathan Drum, an Army veteran who changed his life course after the war and became a Methodist minister rather than a lawyer. Their mother Ruth sings like an angel and gave up her musical career to be the wife of a successful lawyer, but not the wife of a pastor. Ariel, their musically gifted 18-year-old sister, is the golden child of her parents. Their father’s Army buddy Gus is also a fixture in the family.

As our hearts break over the incidents of death by accident, natural causes, murder, suicide, and the loss of Frank and Jake’s innocence, we meet a host of complex characters.

Among them are a blind musician and his mentally disturbed sister, Ariel’s boyfriend who is the son of the town’s most prominent family, an old Indian, a bully, a cop with loose lips, and many others who may not be central to the story but serve as the backdrop to life in a small town.

Highly skilled veteran facilitator, Sally Melton, started the discussion with a challenge. She asked the group to list as many characters in the story as they could recall without consulting the book. Members were quite surprised to discover the plethora of personalities. As we delved into the importance of their roles in the story, we were enamored with the author’s portraits of the players and how their roles were integral in picturing this small town.

The members were somewhat divided on the use of the prologue. Some felt they

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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The author takes us on a journey through small-town life in the early 1960s. His Harper Lee-style of writing gives us in-depth characterizations that mesmerize.

—Faith I. Andrus Bonita

couldn’t absorb the story because they were always waiting for the next death while others thought it heightened the mystery.

The prologue quoted Greek playwright Aeschylus. The quote contained the phrase “the awful grace of God.” That phrase raised a number of questions.

What was the author trying to convey by using that quote? Was the phrase in juxtaposition to the title “Ordinary Grace?” Did members think God’s grace could be awful? Were there other graces present in the story? Attempting to answer these questions elicited an array of thought-provoking ideas.

However, the group was not at odds over the use of an epilogue and was pleased the author chose to let us know how Frank, Jake, their family, and the town coped after that sad summer. Of the 80 members present, only one member disliked the book. The others had the highest praise for the story and its beautiful, picturesque prose.

FICTION BESTSELLERS AS OF MAR 20

1. PRIVATE PARIS

by James Patterson

About the Author William Kent Krueger was born in 1950 in Wyoming. His father was a high school English teacher and instilled in Krueger his love of literature and writing. He attended Stanford University for only one year. He lost his scholarship after protesting Stanford’s complicity in weapons production during the Vietnam War. Krueger fell in love with Minnesota as soon as he arrived, and Minnesota locales feature prominently in his multiple award-winning Cork O’Connor mystery series, which totals 14 books with more due in the next three years. “Ordinary Grace” received the 2014 Edgar Award for Best Novel.

Krueger resides in St. Paul with his wife Diane, a retired attorney, and they are the parents of two children.

2. FIRE TOUCHED

WHAT CLUB MEMBERS THOUGHT

by Clive Cussler

by Patricia Briggs

3. OFF THE GRID

by C. J. Box

4. THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN

by Paula Hawkins

5. THE GANGSTER

In a small Minnesota town, people are dropping like flies. Throw in a few red herrings, different families with different issues, and the book keeps you guessing who done it. Among the characters are a father who is a pastor with a wife who thought she was marrying a future lawyer, a blind musician who has a sister with emotional issues, and an old Indian with a prison background, and on it goes. The book is quirky, sad, and much more.

—Mary Day, Duval The author takes us on a journey through small-town life in the early 1960s. His Harper Lee-style of writing gives us in-depth characterizations that mesmerize.

—Faith I. Andrus, Bonita Definition of ordinary: of no exceptional degree or quality; average. Many coming-of-age stories may seem “ordinary.” Relationships between siblings, although at times difficult, are often “ordinary.” Diversities in personalities of husband and wife along with conflicts, love, and mysteries in relationships are, too, “ordinary.”

However, the author takes us along on the journey of facing challenges on the road to growing up in a small

town where lives touch others in “ordinary” and unusual ways. I found the description of the prayer at the grave of an unknown anything but ordinary. I was also fascinated by the description of two men, deep in conversation, playing a game of chess. What was extraordinary was the fact that one man, totally blind, could visualize each move on the board and plan his strategy to win. There are references in the book of “the awful grace of God.” After reading the book I thought, “But there for the grace of an awe-full God go so many of us.”

—Carole La Pine, Hemingway Fabulous discussion! Small-town life versus large city life! I think Bobby Cole was murdered and dropped off the bridge. Loved, loved, loved it!

—Marilyn Fleming, Sanibel All of you old soldiers out there may value the reading of this book. Although not about war, we find the blanket of grace lying over this small town in Minnesota not unlike your memories of battle. Grace is not ordinary, but is commonly laid across our lives.

—Sandy Hufnagle, St. Charles

6. THE NIGHTINGALE

by Kristin Hannah

7. ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE

by Anthony Doerr

8. THE STEEL KISS

by Jeffery Deaver

9. COMETH THE HOUR

by Jeffrey Archer

10. A GIRL’S GUIDE TO MOVING ON

by Debbie Macomber

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HighlandRanchFL.com | 983 Ridgeglen Way Clermont, FL 34711 | 352-415-4237 (Blackstill Lake Rd & Old Hwy. 50) Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, incentives, floor plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. © January, 2016, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. All rights reserved.

AN INSPIRED LIVING EXPERIENCE FROM

Calling All Teachers!

It’s Your Turn… Give Yourself Some Extra Credit!

Tuesday, May 3, 2016 6:00pm – 8:00pm Lake Receptions 4425 N Highway 19-A Mount Dora, FL 32757 Join Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Richard Bosshardt and Dr. Peter Marzek, for an open discussion exploring options to help enhance your image. Learn about the latest, cutting edge, non-surgical and surgical procedures, and how they can be individually tailored to enhance your unique appearance. Also speaking will be Wendy Lyn Phillips, Beauty & Image Expert, and author of Naked to Knockout. Fashions from Emz on Fifth and learn how to Dash out the Door in Style. Rick Copley of No Limits Fitness will speak about how to have more energy and vitality as a teacher.

Join us for an evening of pampering, information, & appreciation! ➢ Goodie Bags ➢ Complimentary Cosmetic Consults ➢ Reduced Fees for Cosmetic Procedures ➢ Door Prize Eligibility (School ID required) ➢ Chair Massages by The Salt Room, The Villages ➢ Light Refreshments

Space is limited! Call Amy today to reserve your seat! 352.742.0336

Bosshardt and Marzek Plastic Surgery Associates recognize the outstanding teachers in our communities that make a difference every day! This is why we want to give back to you! Thank you for all you do!

www.bosshardtandmarzek.com

On the

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

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On the scene // the to-do list

april

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

EVENTS APRIL 2

RUN FOR THE SON

Pick up those feet! This East Lake 5K for those in need is a community initiative planned by Christ Community Fellowship.

Follow the course from Prestwick Avenue to Troon Avenue and know each step helps someone have a meal or provide for their family. 7:30 a.m., Scott Park, 25633 Aberdovey Ave., Mount Plymouth. For more info, visit christcommunityfellowship. com or call 352.735.5050.

APRIL 2

FSRA EAST DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA

Get caught up in the excitement of youth competitive sailing. Held at the Clermont Boathouse, this is the regional championship hosted by the city. Come see the best youth and high school sailing teams in eastern Florida. Free. 3 p.m., 1050 Lake Minneola Drive, Clermont. For more info, email regatta@ rowlcra.org or call 321.276.7743.

Your objective: Catalog and widen your knowledge database on Eastern bluebird populations. Equipment: Binoculars required. Time: 8:30 a.m. Coordinates: 4800 University Ave., Leesburg. Contact Gallus Quigley at 352.253.4950.

a 10-, 20-, 34-, and 65-mile route, which begins at the Wildwood Community Center. Proceeds support the Boys and Girls Club of Lake and Sumter counties and the Sumter County Youth Center. Register at webikeforkids.com. 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., 6500 Powell Road, Wildwood. For more info, call 352.787.5258.

APRIL 2

14TH ANNUAL CENTRAL FLORIDA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

This unforgettable event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lake County Golden Triangle will be in Wooton Park. Whether you are a racer or a spectator, you don’t want to miss it. In addition to fierce competition on the water, there will be plenty of entertainment on the shore, including the Chinese acrobats, taiko drummers, vendors, and food trucks. Also new this year, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards will be available to try free!

Proceeds fund many worthwhile community projects and local scholarships. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 100 Ruby St., Tavares. For more info, go to cfdragonboat. org.

APRIL 6

INTERNATIONAL POLICE SOCCER TOURNAMENT

These men can’t seem to get away from a uniform.

They’ll trade their badges for jerseys to compete for the gold. Teams from all over the world will compete at the National Training Center. Three days of games begin Wednesday, April 6, and run until teams are eliminated. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1935 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont. If you’re interested in being a spectator or want more info, contact Kate Powell at Kathleen.powell@ orlandohealth.com or 352.241.7144.

APRIL 7

20TH ANNUAL SPRING FISH FRY APRIL 2

APRIL 2

Lake County birders, unite!

Converge on PEAR Park and accept your mission.

Pedal and propel kids to a better future. Each entrant must contribute $45 and pick a course. Choose from

SPRING BLUEBIRD BLITZ

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This beloved Leesburg tradition is a reminder this is still the South. A great unifying event that welcomes residents from all over to share a good

meal at the historic Mote Morris House. Come join your neighbors; eat, drink, and be merry! 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., 1195 W. Magnolia St., Leesburg. For more info, call 352.365.0053.

APRIL 8

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS!

Enjoy a night under the open sky, the perfect backdrop for some epic films. The Clermont Fire Department hosts this event in Waterford Park.

Bring a blanket and a few good friends and family, and watch a movie under the stars. 7 to 8:30 p.m., 100 Third St., Clermont.

For more info, call 352.394.3500.

APRIL 9

BETTER SPEAKER & LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

This three-hour educational workshop is a great opportunity to learn the secrets of successful speaking from advanced Toastmasters. Clermont Toastmasters is hosting it at FaithPoint Church.

Cost is $30 per person. 9 a.m. to noon, 290 Citrus Tower Blvd., Suite 200, Clermont. For more info, contact Kim Norberg at 352.234.6595.

APRIL 9

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

The Ocklawaha chapter of the DAR will host guest speakers, Bill and Cara Elder. Dressed in period costume, they will perform as George and Martha Washington. Cost is free and prospective members are always welcome at St. Edwards Church Hall.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 460 Grandview St., Mount Dora. For more info, call 352.589.5855.

APRIL 9

PEAR PARK NATURE CENTER OPEN HOUSE

Explore the nature center, which features a collection of rocks, fossils, shells, and minerals. A hands-on mini course on identifying fossils takes place from 10 a.m. to noon for ages 10 and up when accompanied by an adult. All participation is free. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4800 University Ave., Leesburg. For more info, call 352.314.9335.

APRIL 13

WOMEN’S FINANCIAL SECURITY CLASS

Learn how to hold on to your retirement purse strings. Join financial professional Cheryl Clark and begin the important

discussion of finances, the business world, and retirement. Finger foods and beverages will be served.

Reserve your spot today. 6 p.m. at the Leesburg Opera House, 108 S. Fifth St., Leesburg. For more info, call 352.533.7177.

APRIL 16

2ND ANNUAL FACES OF HOMELESSNESS EXTRAVAGANZA

Trade in the coat and tie for a Hawaiian shirt and flipflops. This year’s charity event is tiki themed and is at Whispering Oaks Winery. It includes great food, music, and live and silent auctions, so come prepared to raise money for a worthy cause. Free tours of the winery are also available. 6 to 9 p.m., 10934 County Road 475, Oxford.

For more info, visit facebook.com/ events/ 516532081854031/.

APRIL 16

AFTER DARK AT PEAR PARK

Join park staff on this twilight adventure and explore as the sun goes down. It’s free and a great way to spend a Saturday night in nature. Make a reservation to ensure your spot. 7 to 9 p.m., 26701 U.S. Highway 27, Leesburg. For more info, call 352.516.7011.

APRIL 9

Festivals of Speed

This unique event will leave you in awe. Some of the world’s rarest and fastest cars are coming to Lake County and the beautiful Mission Inn Club & Resort. Attend the cocktail reception under the stars with themed food stations, live music, premium open bar, and take-home goodies. 8 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $65 a person. The Display of Exotics follows the next day. General admission is $20, and kids under 12 are free. VIP packages are available for $85 and include VIP Patron badge, open bar all day, lunch, a gift bag, and an event poster. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mission Inn Club & Resort, 10400 County Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills.

For more info, visit festivalsofspeed.com.

Harmony, Inc., and meets at the community foundation building. The first four visits are free. If you decide to remain a regular, it is $20 a month. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., 2150 Oakley Seaver Drive, Clermont. For more info, call 407.230.3758.

APRIL 14

MAGIC OF MOZART

Florida Lake Symphony presents a night of Mozart masterpieces. Join them at the St. Patrick Catholic Church. Tickets are $42 in advance, $45 at the door, and $15 for students.

7:30 to 9 p.m., 6803 Old Highway 441, Mount Dora.

For more information, call 352.589.1500.

APRIL 8

WATER, WATER—A STANDARD FLOWER SHOW

Spring has sprung! Professional and enthusiasts from all over will present floral arrangements and horticulture entries. Show is free to spectators. 2 to 4 p.m., 849 West Ave., Clermont. For more info, visit clermontgardenclub.com.

APRIL 11

ANTIQUES ROAD SHOW APRIL 23

LAKE COUNTY LADIES CHORUS SPRING CONCERT APRIL 16

BRAS FOR THE CAUSE & BOXERS, TOO

This fun-filled event benefits those in our community affected by cancer. The fashion show will feature whimsically themed decorated bras and boxers that have been designed and donated by members of the community. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served and there’s a silent auction.

Tickets are $40. 6 to 10 p.m., 620 Montrose St., Clermont. For more info, call 352.217.2545.

APRIL 16

EARTH DAY 2016

Celebrate the planet we call home. Mount Dora will have earth-friendly exhibits and activities for all ages, music, and a raffle. This event is free and will be

held at Donnelly Park. A benefit concert at Elizabeth Evans Park will feature Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues for $8. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 500 N. Baker St., Mount Dora. For more info, visit mountdoraenvironment.org.

APRIL 21

20TH ANNUAL LEESBURG BIKEFEST

It’s here again! Leesburg comes alive with the roar of motorcycles from around the United States. Over 200,000 people come each year to experience Leesburg Bikefest, one of the most popular motorcycle rallies and music events worldwide! This year’s musical guests are Brett Michaels and Everclear, along with many others.

The event is free but there may be a charge to park

cars. 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday. For more info, visit leesburgbikefest.com.

APRIL 29

RELAY FOR LIFE SOUTH LAKE

Fight the war against cancer and support those affected by it through fundraising. Join this organized, overnight community fundraising walk with a survivor dinner. Held at East Ridge High School.

6 p.m. 13322 Excalibur Road, Clermont. For more information, contact Andrea McDowell at 321.226.8236.

MUSIC+THEATRE APRIL 1

GYPSY

Don’t miss the show!

This beloved musical is available for only two more weeks at the IceHouse Theatre. The story is loosely based on the famous burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee’s life and career. Tickets are $10 to $20. 8 to 11 p.m., 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. For more info, visit icehousetheatre.com.

The Lake County Ladies Chorus proudly presents “Love Is All You Need” at Lake-Sumter State College’s Paul P. Williams Auditorium. The chorus, which has been performing for 63 years, will sing favorites such as “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” and “I Will Always Love You.” Tickets are $10. 4 p.m. at 9502 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg. For more info, call 352.394.7029.

ARTS+EXHIBITS APRIL 2-3

APRIL 5

SISTERS OF SOUND

Got something to sing about? Want to belt it out? Put down that hair brush and join the Sisters of Sound on Tuesday evenings for vocal technique training. The group is an award-winning chapter of

VINTAGE GARDEN SHOW

Stop and smell the flowers with Renningers. Their Vintage Garden Show will have everything from pots and plants to decor and decadents. Free admission.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 20651 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora. For more info, visit renningers.net.

Come to the Eustis Community Center for the Antique Appraisal Clinic Road Show and bring your treasures for a variety of experts to appraise. There is a $5 charge for each item. Autographs, furniture, glassware, and porcelain items are among the many treasure you’ll find. 1 to 5 p.m., 601 Northshore Drive, Eustis. For more info, call 352.483.0046.

APRIL 11

GUITAR AND CARS

Calling all grease monkeys and hip cats! Come to Renningers and see classic and antique cars, and enjoy live music and shopping.

Music and car equipment will be for sale. Come find a treasure or make a few connections. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 20651 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora. For more information, call 352.383.8393.

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INCONCERT

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: April 9 for May issue).

DATE

TIME

ARTIST

VENUE

4/3 4/5 4/6 4/8 4/8 4/8 4/8 4/9 4/9 4/9 4/10 4/13 4/14 4/15 4/15 4/15 4/16 4/16 4/17 4/17 4/20 4/22 4/22 4/23 4/23 4/23 4/23 4/23 4/23 4/24 4/24 4/24 4/24 4/24 4/25 4/26 4/26 4/26 4/27 4/29 4/30

5 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

8 p.m.

9 p.m.

8 p.m.

2:30 & 7:30 p.m.

9 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

9 p.m.

9 p.m.

2:30 & 7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8 p.m.

9 p.m.

11 a.m.

3:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

8 p.m.

2:30 & 7:30 p.m.

9 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

3 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

Noon 12:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8 p.m.

2:30 & 7:30 p.m.

The Diamonds Broadway: The Big Band Years Jeff Whitfield Dailey and Vincent Villages Charter School Spring Musical Justin Heet Missin’ Piston Da Boys Exile and Janie Fricke Missin’ Piston Defenders of Daisies Jeff Whitfield Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra Jo Dee Messina Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra Swamp Juice Swamp Juice Jimmy Fortune Kronos Quartet Defenders of Daisies Jeff Whitfield Justin Heet Liquor Box Jill Towers 360 Band Swamp Juice Da Boys Billy Dean Liquor Box Justin Heet Hypersona Bender Defenders of Daisies Big Engine Puddle of Mudd 3 Ring Circus Jerico The Marshall Tucker Band Jeff Whitfield Blue Stone Circle Kentucky Headhunters and The Artimus Pyle Band

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale The Sharon, The Villages Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale The Sharon, The Villages Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares St. Patrick Catholic Church, Mount Dora The Sharon, The Villages First United Methodist Church, Clermont Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale The Sharon, The Villages Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg Gator Harley-Davidson, Leesburg Gator Harley-Davidson, Leesburg Rat’s Hole Bar, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg Towne Square Stage, Leesburg Gator Harley-Davidson, Leesburg Bikers Party Zone, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Bikers Party Zone, Leesburg Towne Square Stage, Leesburg Gator Harley-Davidson, Leesburg Canal Street Square, Leesburg Towne Square Stage, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

Janie Fricke

The Marshall Tucker Band Jo Dee Messina

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On the scene // LOCAL TALENT

JAMES QUARTERMAN RAISING A PAW FOR GOOD TRAINING STORY: LEIGH NEELY PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

It’s not a dog’s life, but dogs are James Quarterman’s life. The busy dog handler is finding ways every day to make the world better for dogs and their humans.

Many of his graduates are working dogs that help humans in need, such as those with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and children with special needs through Marion County Helping Hands for Autistic Children,

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a relatively new program.

“I’ve been showing dogs since I was 7, and after I began training dogs, I opened my own kennel,” Quarterman says. “I train the dogs for one hour for six weeks.

We do one command every week, and when the dog shuts down, I talk with the owner about any new problems or if the owner thinks we can move on to the next command or if behavior modification is needed.

.com

The dog might give you two minutes, 20 minutes, or the whole hour, but you let the dog gauge it.”

Quarterman contends if there’s a problem between the dog and its owner, it’s generally the human who’s the problem. “Dogs are like kids; they’ll push the boundaries and get away with as much as they can.

Owners call me in and ask me to fix it. It might take an hour or just a couple of ses-

sions. I’ve never met a dog I couldn’t work with; it just takes longer for some than for others.”

His credentials include being a safe dog evaluator for the American Dog Breeders Association. This program has two levels of dog socialization and basic obedience training, helping the owner learn what’s involved in responsible dog ownerships. He also has a degree in canine nutrition and began doing specialized training in 2007.

“Each dog is different. On a service level, you have a specific disability that needs help. You may prefer a Rottweiler, but I have a German shepherd that would work better because of what he has stored in his memory bank,” Quarterman says. “A lot of people want to tell me the breed, color, male or female, and size of dog they want, but it’s my job to find a dog that meets the requirements of what you need it to do.”

His personal favorite breed is the American pit bull terrier, and one of the goals of the group American Preservation Dog Registry is to change the laws restricting breeds in rescue shelters and look beyond the stories they see in the news. He is certified in their S.M.A.R.T. Start dog evaluation program.

“You have to look at the bigger picture,” Quarterman says. “A boxer may look like a pit bull to an untrained animal control person. The 2013 Therapy Dog of the Year was Elle the pit bull.”

Enjoy the things you love without allergies

If you struggle with allergies to pollen, dust, pets and other environmental triggers, your options have been to try the nearly impossible task of avoiding outdoor/indoor allergens, taking medications that make you feel sluggish and drowsy, or getting frequent painful allergy shots.

Now there’s a safe and painless solution to environmental allergies!* Allergy drops are a

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*Immunotherapy may not treat all allergic conditions. Eye exam and allergy evaluation are required to determine eligibility.

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

AN ODE TO THE

BLUE BERRY It’s a super food that packs a wallop — the tiny sphere that is a blueberry.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY PHOTOS: PROVIDED

Celebrate the blueberry at the height of its season at the Mount Dora Blueberry Festival, which is April 23–24 on the lake at Elizabeth Evans Park.

Joseph Steed organized the event through Festivals of Florida and is excited to celebrate “Blueberries — the new Citrus!”

Mount Dora begins the two-day festival with a blueberry pancake breakfast starting Friday morning at 8.

Last year, this event drew around 500 people, and more are expected this year. In addition to the blueberry pancakes made with locally grown fruit, the breakfast includes sausage, orange juice, and coffee for $7.

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Most people know most of the citrus groves in Central Florida disappeared after the freeze of 1989, and Steed says many of the citrus growers have replaced orange trees with blueberry bushes. According to the University of Florida, the low-chill southern high bush blueberry does best in Central Florida.

The blueberry loves the cold in New Jersey, and the state has always been the largest producer. However, the advantage of growing blueberries in Florida is the crop comes in significantly earlier, and being the first at market is always best in terms of revenue.

A Dozen Blueberry Facts 1. Considered a super food with cancerfighting antioxidants from the pigment that makes them blue.

2. Helps improve memory.

3. Reduces bad cholesterol and promotes heart health.

4. Fights urinary infections.

5. Only 80 calories per cup.

6. Good source of dietary fiber to keep you full longer.

7. Good source of manganese to support bone development and convert carbs to energy.

8. Provides 25 percent of recommended daily vitamin C in one cup.

9. Full of polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

10. Decreases insulin resistance.

11. Helps decrease belly fat.

12. Reduces the risk of DNA damage and increases lifespan.

“Our blueberries come in first, so we are putting our blueberries into a fresh market with open supply and demand,” Steed says. “There are 27 varieties and they are continuing to produce more varieties that can survive and grow in Central Florida.

They like dry and wet environments.

Those that grow in Central Florida are different from those grown in North and South Florida.”

Last year was the first blueberry festival, and it came about due to Steed’s visit to the state festival. “It was a carnival atmosphere and I really thought we could do better than that,” he says.

“I approached the City of Mount Dora, and they were all for it. After all, they’re the city of festivals.”

Steed wanted the festival to celebrate the true value of the blueberry: its health benefits and its importance to Central Florida’s economy.

“We thought of the festival as a stool with three legs: economic, food, and health,” Steed says.

Among the vendors at last year’s event were a gastroenterologist, a chiropractor, and an oral surgeon.

One of the big changes from last year’s festival is all vendors this year

are required to have something related to blueberries. “All the food products, craft beers, wines, and even crafts need to relate to blueberries,” Steed says. “It was difficult for people to find that last year, so this year we’re requiring everyone to do it. Even if they’re doing T-shirts, they need to have blueberries on them.”

Another change is for the food vendors, with balloons indicating where they’re located. “We’re marking all the food vendors with three blueberry-colored balloons,” Steed explains.

“Many of our vendors sold out before the end of the day last year. We had between 8,500 and 10,000 people last year, and we hope to have more this year. We’re looking to have about 130 vendors this year.”

There will be plenty of fresh blueberries from a variety of Central Florida growers, but there may not be many growers at the event. In order to celebrate blueberries at the peak of their harvest, it means producers may be too busy.

“Because the festival comes during the harvesting season, and it’s right in the middle of the season, the growers are trying to get the fruit picked and to market, which is why a lot of the growers aren’t represented,” Steed says. “After they get all that harvested and the market is glutted, that’s when you see the U-pick signs go up.”

There will be entertainment from the popular Mount Dora band TNT with Janelle while visitors stroll through the vendors. It’s a sure thing you won’t be “blue” after visiting the Mount Dora Blueberry Festival.

MOUNT DORA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL APRIL 23–24, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. ELIZABETH EVANS PARK (END OF DONNELLY STREET) FESTIVALSOFFLORIDA.COM

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

ANTARCTICA:

A

MY ADVENTURES ON THE COOLEST CONTINENT

fter reading “Shackleton’s Way” about British explorer Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic expedition, I was anxious to do my own photographic exploration of the highest, driest, coldest, and most isolated landmass on earth.

In 1915, Shackleton and 22 of his men were stranded on Elephant Island, located in the South Shetland Archipelago and considered the gateway to Antarctica, after his ship became mired in ice. Fortunately, our more modern ship, the Sea Explorer, was able to navigate the icy waters and give passengers stunning views of the beachfront where king penguins frolicked and sea lions hunted for food.

Antarctica is one of the most peaceful places on earth. The beautiful, clean landscape was punctuated only by penguin grunts and ice cracking as our small boats, known as zodiacs, were lowered into the water near Point Wild.

Point Wild is a beach named after Frank Wild who was second in command on Shackleton’s expedition. The peacefulness was interrupted when a predatory sea lion attacked a penguin, a gory sight that stunned even the most seasoned photographers on board.

Our ship proceeded through the Antarctic Sound en route to Brown Bluff.

Peering at the pristine landscapes from the ship’s deck, multiple tabular icebergs were visible. These were sheets of ice that had calved off any one of countless glaciers that lined the shore.

Having reached Brown Bluff, the zodiacs were lowered, and we motored to shore where we were greeted by the chirping sounds of thousands of gentoo and adélie penguins. These cute creatures reveled on the beach in front of the stark backdrop of a towering volcano that rose 2,450 feet.

As our ship meandered into the Antarctic Sound surrounded by D’urville, Joinville, and the Dundee Islands, it became obvious our vessel was engulfed

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STORY+PHOTOS: DR. MARK ROTHSCHILD

in a large sheet of ice. This made a zodiac excursion impossible, a common occurrence in the fickle and highly variable environment that characterizes this southernmost continent.

The next day we penetrated deep into the Antarctic Peninsula where Neko Harbor is situated, lined by alpine glaciers and mountains. On the beach, numerous gentoo penguins scurried about. Our group trudged up a steep, rocky incline until we reached a flat landing area. As we rested, a tremendous boom rang out. Directly across the bay, a large ice sheet had calved off a glacier, and was gaining momentum on its way down to the waters of Advord Bay. A closer look at the glacier revealed large crevasses, all lined with an aqua tinge that varied depending on lighting conditions.

Proceeding down the peninsula, our ship an-

chored in the southern end of the Errera Channel.

The zodiacs were lowered and we made landing on Danco Island. On our approach, we saw many rolled icebergs (icebergs that had tipped over), crevassed glaciers, and surrounding mountains. Our onshore greeting party consisted of 1,600 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins.

We entered the Cierva Cove under a threatening sky filled with cumulonimbus cloud formations.

There were numerous icebergs of diverse geometric shapes that took on an interesting turquoise hue against the gray skies.

As we departed the Antarctic Peninsula, the spirit of Ernest Shackleton permeated my consciousness.

After having experienced the harsh southern environment and threatening seas of the Antarctic Convergence, it is almost inconceivable that he and his crew survived some of the most adverse physical conditions imaginable. The heroic age of human exploration of the Antarctic lives on.

ABOUT THE WRITER Dr. Mark Rothschild is a cardiologist at Heart of The Villages in Spanish Springs. He is also a photographer and photojournalist. His travels are documented on his website: markrothschildphoto.com.

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On the scene // Hi, society!

DR. MOJACK’S RETIREMENT PARTY

Distinguished alumni, staff, and friends of Lake Sumter State College gathered at Lake Receptions October 29 to celebrate the retirement of beloved Dr. Charles R. Mojack. The night was filled with remembrances and ‘thanks yous’ for many years of service to the college.

LINDA SKOLNIK, DR. ROBERT SKOLNIK, AND LUCY GANGONE

DEAN SIMMONS AND MIKE MATULIA

RENEE AND JOHN PEASE

PHOTOS: JARROD CLARK

JIM HENNINSEN AND CHUCK MOJOCK

NAN BURNSED, NANCY WAHL, AND JACKIE TALLEY

KAREN LEEFATT AND DR. PHILLIP LEEFATT MICHAEL MILLER, SYDNEY GLENN, MICHAEL ROSS, MIKAYLA PEÑA, AND JULIEN JOACHIM

DR. CECE RIVERS, TANYA ARMSTRONG, AND CLAIRE BRADY ROB AND KAREN ENGLISH

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Back by Popular Demand For Women that Play Golf and Women that Don’t Friday May 6, 2016 Continental Country Club

2017 Rookie

Congratulations to the

2017 Lake County Rookie Teacher of the Year

Linda Kohlmeyer Scholarship Fund

Tabitha Abbott Tavares Elementary School

Roy and Ruth Ryan Foundation

www.edfoundationlake.com

B. & George Grassel

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On the scene // Hi, society!

FLASH BACK FRIDAY 80’S STYLE

This year’s LifeStream Gala for Hope was 80’s themed. Guest donned their dated do’s & duds and headed over to Lake Receptions in Mount Dora. There was a costume contest and all the usual fun & faces. Proceeds went to Lifestream’s children and family services.

SHERRY OLIZANSKI

MORGAN CARY, DAWN CARY, LAVERNE HERNS, EMILY CARY, ERIN CARY

KAREN ROGERS

BILL AND KATIE BRETT

BILL AND MINDY MATHIAS DAN BLAQUIER AND KARIN BLAQUIER

PAT AND PEYTON BURKE

PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

MICKEY FORDE AND MARK FICOCELLI

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CHRISTY AND JOHN HENNS

Announcing Our

NEW

LADY LAKE LOCATION!

SPINNING CLASSES

CLASSROOM

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Limited Time Offer!

On the scene // Hi, society!

A VOUCHER FOR HOPE

With 240 women in attendance for the third Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon Oct. 9, at Mission Inn was a huge success! The event is a fundraiser for mammography vouchers for women who could not otherwise afford a mammogram. In partnership with Community Medical Care Center and with help from sponsors, sales of raffle tickets and corporate table sponsors brought in $11,000. HEIDI RESSLER, LYNNE BOWERSOX, MARYKATHERINE Many women who received vouchers in the past are survivors now. Mary Katherine Fechtel, Miss FECHTEL, DIXIE FECHTEL, BOBBIE ANNE BOWERSOX, NACY Florida 2015, spoke to the group about women’s issues. YOUNG, CATHERANE RIDDLE, AND GENENE RAWLS LANA SCHACK AND SUSAN THOMAS AND KRISTIN HALL LEE ANN GILSON

PHOTOS: JARROD CLARK

CAROL CARLTON, PAULA COFFMAN, SUZANN GOMILLION, HOPE DEMMONS, AND ASHLEY CHIARIELLO

SHANNON CRENSHAW AND VERONKIA WETTSTIEN

TERRI FECHTEL STROLY, CHERYL SCHOFIELD, LINDA TUCKER, EVELYN MONTGOMERY, KARLA KIMMONS, AND RENEE MILOTA

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GREG YAGER

E YEARS OF S TY

UN TO LAKE CO

RVICE MUNITIES

ING COM & SURROUND

Tried and true care.

Center for Advanced Joint Replacement Surgery LADY LAKE Summit Medical Park, 765 Highway 466 // 352.753.9105 LEESBURG 701 Medical Plaza Dr. // 352.326.8115 tricountyortho.com SPECIALTIES INCLUDE: Total Joint Replacement // Arthritis Evaluation // Non-Surgical Back Evaluation // Osteoporosis Evaluation // Physical Therapy Diagnostic Radiology // Sports Medicine // Shoulder Surgery // Foot & Ankle Surgery // Trauma & Fracture Management // Arthroscopic Surgery

Compassionate Specialized Care by Board Certified Fellowship-Trained Surgeons J. Mandume Kerina, MD

Isaac L. Mitchell, MD

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Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained.

Advanced Joint Replacement Surgery

Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained.

Shoulder/Upper Extremity and Sports Medicine.

Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained.

Orthopaedic Trauma and Spine, National Osteoporosis Foundation Member.

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Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained.

Cartilage Rejuvenation, Shoulder Surgery, and Sports Medicine.

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Advanced Total Joint Replacement Surgery, Chairman of Surgery at CFHA.

On the scene // Hi, society!

HERE SHE COMES…

The 29th annual Miss Leesburg Scholarship Pageant was held at Leesburg High School. Winners included Tiny Miss Leesburg Callie Braun; Little Miss Alexis DeLand; Junior Miss Brooke Crenshaw; Teen Miss Eva Henderson; and Miss Leesburg Savannah Zuk. The girls proudly represent Leesburg at special events, parades, and community activities throughout the year.

DAYLA SCHEINFELD AND JENNA CROFT

SIERRA CLEMMONS AND SERITA MORGAN

MISS LEESBURG SAVANNAH ZUK, TEEN MISS LEESBURG EVA HENDERSON, JUNIOR MISS LEESBURG BROOKE CRENSHAW, LITTLE MISS LEESBURG ALEXIS DELAND, AND TINY MISS LEESBURG CALLIE BRAUN ASHTON SILVIS AND KIM BITTING

KELSIE ODUM HAILEY BAKER, SYMONE BAKER, AND MIKHALA CARRASEO

JULIE BAUTIER

PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

KHENNEDY AND REAGHAN WOOSTER

352.435.HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788 352.530.2665 // 1217 W MILLER ST., SUITE 6, FRUITLAND PARK, FL 34731 morrisrealtors.com

VOL. 5 // ISSUE 2

*To learn more about the home featured in the cover photo, see page 21.

THERESA MORRIS REALTOR® // BROKER // OWNER

352.360.3736 // THERESA@MORRISREALTORS.COM THERESA SELLS A PROPERTY EVERY 29 WORKING HOURS!

HISTORIC CHARM… 2 ACRES! Enjoy 5/3 with attached 2 car garage. Plus 1/1 guesthouse with attached 4 car garage. Enjoy morning tea overlooking SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF LAKE UMATILLA from your large screened patio! French doors lead to porch. Get cozy by wood burning fireplace. Kitchen features granite counter tops and butler’s pantry. Original restored windows and wood floors. Four large bedrooms downstairs and 2 baths. Oversized loft bedroom with bath upstairs too. Ground features courtyard, grape arbor, green house, aviary, and producing orange trees. Don’t miss this SOUTHERN BEAUTY...GATEWAY TO OCALA NATIONAL FOREST…FULL OF FAMILY FUN! $425,000 MLS# G4820905.

CAR ENTHUSIAST DREAM! Enjoy a full air conditioned 3 car garage in this 3/2 beauty. Featuring solid cherry wood floors… Great room plus dining area. Gourmet kitchen with cherry wood cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and more… Corner lot, on half acre plus. One of a kind won’t last long! $278,500 MLS# G4824069.

YOUR OWN RESORT! Live on West Crooked Lake in this 4/3.5 home! Enjoy boating, skiing, fishing, kayaking and much more on this pristine clear lake. Beautiful Spanish tile throughout main level. Stone wood burning fireplace with bench seating in family room. Den/office, too. Amazing views of lake throughout home. Spacious master bedroom & master bath includes a jetted garden tub, separate shower stall and dressing area. Entertain Large Party’s by the screened birdcage pool and deck area! VACTION IN THE BACKYARD IS JUST A CALL AWAY! $549,000 MLS# G4818701.

GOLF COURSE FRONTAGE! Room for everybody in this custom “Lexington” model 3/3 home. Huge kitchen opens up to large family room. Formal living and dining areas with triple sliding doors leading to screened birdcage lanai.

Upgrades galore! Detached in-law quarters! Bring your mother-in-law! $274,781 MLS# G4823540.

CRYSTAL CLEAR INSPECTION SERVICES Florida Licensed Home Inspectors NACHI Certified

…When Experience Matters…

Expect Excellence

Erick J. Trecek Certified Master Inspector FLHI3403 NACHI11033102

P.O. Box 274 Eustis, FL 32727 info@ccis4u.com

352.455.0352

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT INSPECT BEFORE YOU INVEST

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WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

PEACE AND QUIET! Overlooking 3 gorgeous treed acres with partial pasture, this 3/3 plus large office/den with potential for 4th bedroom will offer you everything you need!

Formal living and dining. Oversized kitchen opens to large family room. Master suite features additional “retreat” bonus room. Relaxation is here! $275,000 MLS# G4823053.

CHAIN OF LAKES… WATERFRONT HOME! Your own peninsula on approximately 1.5 acres with two sides bordered on Lagoon leading to Chain Of Lakes. This 3/2 home with oversized 2 car garage is completely remodeled thru-out to “like new” condition. Kitchen features island, granite counter tops, breakfast nook, tiled backsplash, and stainless steel appliances! Formal dining room. Large family room overlooks water. Master Suite is spacious.

Master bath includes double sinks, jetted tub and separate shower stall. Detached building for “man cave” or in-law quarters. No HOA. BRING ROCKING CHAIRS AND FISHING POLES! $339,900 MLS# G4821096.

GATED COMMUNITY! Room for everybody in this 3/2.5 home with attached 2 car garage. Kitchen features a breakfast nook opens to great room.

Oversized master suite and spacious guest rooms!

MOVE IN READY WITH COMMUNITY POOL… LOW FEES! $167,900 MLS# G4819120.

STUNNING SUNSETS… CHAIN OF LAKES ACCESS! You’ll be drawn to this 3/2.5 home awarded “Florida Best Design in Layout”! Formal dining room with wall of built in lighted china cabinet. Huge gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops and island. Master suite with his and her walk in closet and vanities, garden tub for bubble bath “relaxation”, separate shower with bench seat. Bedroom 2 and 3 feature “Jack n Jill” bath.

UPGRADES GALORE! Expansive 20x20 screened birdcage lanai. OWNER TAKES OVER 100K LOSS! FIND PERFECTION HERE! $323,900 MLS# G4822242.

ANYTIMEFITNESS.COM

24-hour access & security • convenient parking private restrooms • private showers • tanning personal training • hdtvs • cardio equipment • treadmills elliptical • exercise cycles • and much more!

NOW OPEN! LEESBURG 352.742.2008

SUMMERFIELD 352.307.0700

BUSHNELL 352.569.1015

LADY LAKE 352.633.0868

MOUNT DORA 352.308.8126

WILDWOOD 352.399.2977

morrisrealtors.com

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KIM DUCHARME REALTOR®

352.874.5906 // KIM@MORRISREALTORS.COM KIM CONNECTS...YOUR REAL ESTATE CONNECTION!

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BRING ONE; BRING ALL! There’s room for the entire family is this rare find. Main home features 3/2,

formal dining, living, family room, large kitchen with granite countertops. Master suite with fireplace.

1/1 in-law apartment features living, bar, and kitchen. Screened pool with lanai, 2 pole barns, private basketball court, horse stalls, RV parking, all on 6 acres! A must see! $629,000 MLS#G4819722.

UNFORGETTABLE FIRST IMPRESSION! 3/2 golf

course frontage home is located in the Gated golfing community of Harbor Hills. Featuring over 2500 sq.ft. of living. Vaulated ceilings, split floor plan, kitchen with granite. His/her garage and separate den. $309,000 MLS# G4816150.

REDUCED BREATHTAKING VIEWS FROM EVERY ROOM! Come home to the 3/2 remodeled lake home. Featuring

over 2,600 sq ft of living the entire home is new. New kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, self closing drawers and more. Staggered porcelain tile throughout the main floor. Dining area features electric fireplace. Large lot directly on Lake Unity also includes boat dock with lift. You will fall in love at first sight! $359,000 MLS# G4817892.

WOW! COME SEE THIS SPACIOUS 3/2 Located

in Howey in the Hills boasting over 2,200 sqft of open living. Formal living/dining area, open kitchen overlooks family room. Master bath includes dual sink vanity, walk in shower, & garden tub. Other features include new roof within 3yrs, newer appliances. A must see! $249,000.

REDUCED OWNER HIGHLY MOTIVATED! MUST SELL! CANAL FRONTAGE! Leads to the Chain of Lakes! Great place

to entertain family & friends! Main house features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths plus 400 sq ft 1/1 in-law suite to give over 2,800 sq ft of living! Canal front leading to Lake Eustis. Screened pool, tiki bar, and 3 level deck plus boat dock makes creates a slice of paradise. A must see $289,000 MLS# G4823928.

SecurityNational Mortgage Company, Inc. 5222 Andrus Ave, Suite A Orlando, FL 32810

O: 407.730.2902 // F: 407.641.9395 Branch Phone: 407.730.8823

LIFE CHANGING CONVENIENCE! 3/2 + den minutes

from the mall! 1800 sqft of living. Features include volume ceilings, open kitchen overlooks living room, formal dining, split floor plan. Master bedroom includes walk in closet, jucuzzi tub, dual sinks, and separate shower stall. Screened lanai and fence backyard and more! Call today! $149,000.

Todd Levensohn Sales Manager 321.287.5440 NMLS 299664

Branch NMLS 1449449 | Co. NMLS 3116 | State License: FL-LO12263 | snmcloanteam.com/toddlevensohn | todd.levensohn@snmc.com

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WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

JO LEEN COOPER HOWE RESIDENTIAL SALES // PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND RENTALS

352.267.0770 // JOLEEN@MORRISREALTORS.COM THE RESULTS WILL MOVE YOU!

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FLORIDA LIVING ON THE WATER IN THE PLANTATION The Bagonia model blooming with

10 ACRES-HORSE LOVERS PARADISE Home has over 2500 sq.ft. of living area with tons of upgrades

FISH FROM YOUR OWN BACKYARD. Corner lot

WATERFRONT ON LAKE EUSTIS - CHAIN OF LAKES - Rare find. Immaculate home on Lake Eustis with

CLOSE TO THE VILLAGES - Affordable 3/2 home.

FABULOUS FIND IN THE FAIRWAYS - tucked away

upgrades. 3/3 and an extra half bath, your own separate office, formal living room, and dining room. Family room overlooks Lake Lessman. Enjoy the views. $295,000 MLS# G4818472.

with deep water canal on the chain of lakes in lake harris shores. 500 Yearly dues includes water for the year. $145,000. (Under Contract)

Master bedroom downstairs. All appliances stay, even the washer and dryer. New carpet and freshly painted. New AC in 2012, new roof in 2011, and new well pump in 2010. $109,900.

throughout. 3-car garage, Oversized 2 car garage, 8 stall barn, huge workshop, RV hookup, fenced and cross fenced with irrigation water to every pasture. Lush green pastures. Private and secluded. There is no place like HOME and this is IT. $399,900 MLS# G4819760.

Boat House and storage area on canal leading to Lake Eustis. No views blocked. Living room with stunning views of lakefront. Master bedroom also capturing the views. Perfect home for winter residents. Private and secluded on dead end street. $259,900.

but minutes away from Brownwood Square in the Villages. 3/3 with office/den, open floor plan, upgrades galore. 3 car garage and home is on oversized lot. $348,900.

HOME ON DEEP WATER CANAL IN LAKE HARRIS SHORES - spacious home with huge kitchen, living

room, and family room with fireplace. Covered patio overlooking the water. $189,900.

THOMAS MULLER

VOLTHOM ELECTRIC, INC. LOVING WHAT WE DO.

MASTER ELECTRICIAN, OWNER AND PRESIDENT

352-789-2454 / EMAIL: THOMAS@VOLTHOMELECTRIC.COM WWW.VOLTHOMELECTRIC.COM EC#: 13006598

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LAUREN FICKETT REALTOR®

352.636.2167 // LAUREN@MORRISREALTORS.COM LEAVE IT TO LAUREN!

5 ACRES OF PURE COUNTRY LIVING! Cleared and ready to build! Minutes to the new Publix shopping center in Sorrento. $79,900.

SILVER LAKE AREA! 2 master suites! 4 total bedrooms and 3 baths on cul-de-sac. 2 car garage plus detached 1 car garage. Upgraded with real wood floors, granite, and much more! $279,900.

LIVABLE, LOVABLE, AVAILABLE! It’s hard to believe that this fantastic home is on the market…come see for yourself!

Boasting over 2,400 square feet with three full bedrooms plus a large den, this floor plan is superb. All of this sits on a beautiful almost half acre lot with a fenced backyard and a screened enclosed lanai fit for the Family!

SUNSETS ON SILVER LAKE! This amazing home features a superb location on Silver Lake Drive. There's 1.7 acres of beauty with abundant opportunity. The Main house features three bedrooms with plenty of storage throughout and custom built-ins for convenience. Entertain with ease in the enclosed Florida room with built in grill and wrap around porch style. Relaxing will be easy while sitting in the living room with a gorgeous stone fireplace and a picturesque view of the water. The completely remodeled kitchen offers gorgeous cabinetry, state of the art stainless steel appliances, and granite counters. $449,000.

YOUR OWN RESORT! Live on West Crooked Lake in this 4/3.5 home! Enjoy boating, skiing, fishing, kayaking and much more on this pristine clear lake. Beautiful Spanish tile throughout main level. Stone wood burning fireplace with bench seating in family room. Den/office, too. Amazing views of lake throughout home. Spacious master bedroom & master bath includes a jetted garden tub, separate shower stall and dressing area. Entertain Large Party’s by the screened birdcage pool and deck area! VACTION IN THE BACKYARD IS JUST A CALL AWAY! $549,000 MLS# G4818701.

LEGACY OF LEESBURG! Double door entrance welcomes you to this gorgeous 3/2. Formal dining area, Living area, Kitchen with beautiful 42” cabinets that overlooks the family room. Romantic master suite with additional office/den. Corner lot! $185,000.

GREAT STARTER OR INVESTMENT HOME. This heart of Leesburg place has over 1300 square feet with solid construction and three full bedrooms plus a bonus room. A brand new ROOF was done in November 2015. The back deck is perfect for entertaining. $89,900.

Ross Plumbing Cleaner • Faster • Better TFR inc

Contact: Amanda Wettstein 6|

352.406.0422

WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

Lic. # CFC056481

352-728-6053

TerryRossPlumbing.com

930 Thomas Ave., Leesburg

DRUG-FREE • HONEST • RELIABLE • EXPERIENCED • PROFESSIONAL

MARSELLA FABRE

REALTOR®

352.217.0575 // MARSELLA@MORRISREALTORS.COM

GREAT BUY! Your own private oasis is waiting for you in this charming marathon courtyard Villa! Close to pools, recreational center, country club and shopping

centers. This is 2/2 home is located in The Villages of Calumet Grove Villa. The kitchen opens to dining/living room combo. Large living room opens to lanai that has been extended with bird cage screen enclosure with plenty of room to relax or entertain. Enjoy easy care yard with stone landscaping. Fenced backyard for extra privacy. The attached 1 car garage has room for a car and your golf cart, pull down stairs to attic storage. This is a MUST SEE home! THIS GREAT BUY WON’T LAST LONG CALL TODAY! $189,000 MLS# G4823359.

BREATHTAKING VIEWS! Highly elevated lot gives

you a fabulous view of Chain Of Lakes! You will enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets on this unique lot! Make memories at this great location with lake access! Enjoy boating, skiing, fishing from docks and more! Don’t let this deal blow past you! $37,900 MLS# 4703283.

VENTURE TO OCEAN! Enjoy 4/3.5 in this extraordinary home plus 1/1 attached in-law quarters! Living room

with wood burning fireplace leads to sunken family room. Formal dining room. Huge unique kitchen with “atrium” features lots of cabinets plus oversized island. Master suite with cedar walk in closet. Master bath with glass shower and separate garden tub with jets for relaxation. Additional second master bedroom. Full kitchen in attached in-law quarters. Open patio in rear for BBQ’S. Shed in backyard for additional storage. Majestic oaks surround this home on canal leading to Chain Of Lakes! Dont Miss This Unique Find! $350,000 MLS# G4707007.

LAKE FRONT...ROOM FOR EVERYBODY! Enjoy 5 large bedrooms and 4 full baths on almost two acres with relaxing views of peaceful waters. Formal living &

dining area. Any cook will love the huge gourmet kitchen with island, breakfast nook and walk in pantry. Breakfast nook opens to large great room. Multiple master suites. Plus den/office, too. Lots of family fun in the oversized pool/lanai area. Enjoy cool nights by the fireplace. Have your own family recreation area with SPORTS COURT for tennis & basketball. Fish from your own dock in backyard. Great location! Just minutes to The Villages. What a fabulous find! Bring the family! $499,000 MLS# G4810354.

Rich LeMoyne Regional Manager NMLS#333158

725 E Alfred St. Tavares, FL 32778 352.408.5999 cell // 352.742.1077 fax

We are committed and passionate professionals who puts our clients' best interests and satisfaction above all else.

Our team’s determination to cater to our clients' specific needs coupled with our market expertise, attention to detail and superior negotiating skills allows you to receive first class service.

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LENA WILLIAMS REALTOR®

352.636.4488 // LENA@MORRISREALTORS.COM LENA SELLS!

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GORGEOUS SILVER LAKE AREA POOL HOME 3200+

sqft, 4/2.5 on almost a half acre with oversized 2 car garage with work bench area, large rooms with walk in closets, wood floors, stunning fireplace, and more... This traditional style gem will not last long! $264,900 MLS# G4814359.

PRICED TO SELL! This home has over 2,400 sq.ft.,

3/2.5, and plenty of entertaining space. Fenced yard, screen enclosed lana, completely remodeled kitchen with gorgeous granite, custom cabinetry, and a convenient island. There are so many features you must see to appreciate! $215,900 MLS# G4819360.

YOUR TAVARES TREASURE IS HERE! Deeded Lake access, 3/2, fenced, cul de sac lot, over half acre! Priced at a fabulous $169,900 MLS# G4822891.

W

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VILLAGES BEAUTY! This stunning home has many

upgrades throughout with a newer roof, new floors, large open floor plan, and close to everything! You can’t beat this for $145,000 MLS# G4821899.

PURELY PEACEFUL! Gorgeous Lakes and Springs

home. 3/3 with Den and bonus playroom, gorgeous granite, custom cabinets, plenty of storage, and on .79 acres with chain of lakes view and pond frontage. $374,900 MLS# G4819143.

BEAUTIFUL WILDWOOD HOME IN THE FAIRWAYS!

4 full bedrooms, gorgeous pool, wood floors, large master suite, almost 2000 sq.ft., large oversized garage, and much more! $249,999 MLS# G4821669.

LEAH D. CONNER Interior Designer ID# 0004224

Custom Window Treatments

Commercial

Residential Consulting

352.406.3018

leahdconner.com

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WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

Staging

leahdconner@gmail.com

REDUCED

EXCEPTIONAL WATERFRONT HOME ON BEAUTIFUL SPRING FED LAKE WOODWARD! Immaculate custom

home with tons of upgrades and features. You will be impressed. Plenty of entertaining with an amazing pool and dock, additional entertaining room with custom bar.

4/4 with 2 half baths! $575,000 MLS# G4819728.

BEAUTIFUL 4/3 HOME with in ground pool, fenced

backyard, almost 3000 sq.ft., gorgeous wood floors, bonus room with custom bar area. What a fabulous floor plan! $269,400 MLS# G4822564.

GORGEOUS 5.83 ACRE CHAIN OF LAKES ESTATE!

5/4.5 and 4500+ sq.ft.! You may spend most of your time outside in the enclosed pool area or on the custom dock, built in fire pit, plenty of entertaining areas, jet ski lift, boat hoist, and 2 story sun deck! All of the bedrooms have lake views and private bathrooms.

VACANT LAND OPPORTUNITIES

Stunning 2.3 acres in Woodgate in Lady Lake $124,900.

Lake Beauclair Waterfront almost 1 acre $119,000.

STUNNING EXECUTIVE VILLAGES HOME! Location

is second to none with almost walking distance to Sumter Landing. Take in the amazing golf course views of the legendary Palmer course! 3,400 sq.ft. of custom beauty in the rare seen Villages Home! $799,000 MLS# G4822830.

YOUR DREAM HOME AWAITS in gorgeous

Woodgate in Lady Lake! Stunning custom home with almost 4000 sf, 4/2.5, fenced, 2.56 acres, amazing custom features, over sized swim spa, and an amazing price $549000 MLS# G4824955.

Mirror Lake Lots in Fruitland Park! Only $23,500 or $47,000.

Oak Pointe in Lady Lake - Starting at just $39,900!

Take charge of your financial future.

Call us today at 352.350.2397.

VAN VOORHEES, ELSTAD & ASSOCIATES A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 3507 Wedgewood Lane The Villages, FL 32162 352.350.2397 rob.elstad@ampf.com steven.van.voorhees@ampf.com steven.c.van.voorhees@ampf.com www.VE-Associates.com

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Š 2014 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (7/14)

morrisrealtors.com

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CAMIE KENNEDY REALTOR®

352.408.4668 // CAMIE@MORRISREALTORS.COM CAMIE CAN!

MISSION INN - LAS COLINAS - SIMPLY STUNNING!

HARBOR HILLS - BRAND NEW BEAUTY! This 3/3 Toscano

HARBOR HILLS - Exquisite true, custom home. 4/3 with

HARBOR HILLS - Immaculate inside and out! 2/2.5

HARBOR HILLS GOLF COURSE FRONTAGE 2/2 (with den)

HARBOR HILLS - THE GROVES - Ready to go, 3/2

Custom 5/4 pool home with additional upstairs bonus room. Formal living and dining and family room. Granite and stainless in kitchen with breakfast nook. Large yard with screened pool area and 3 car garage. Gorgeous features inside and out. $554,900 MLS# G4824005.

with private backyard. “Seville” model with den, dining room, breakfast nook and spacious inside laundry room. Many upgrades: Pavers, extended lanai, arched entry ways and more! This is the one! $229,900 MLS# G4815925.

model was completed the end of 2015 and is loaded with upgrades! Den/office, tile flooring, custom shutters, paver driveway, and Zoysia grass! Relax on the back screened lanai with private backyard. Don’t wait to build, when you can move in now! $369,000 MLS# G4824273.

on golf course with breathtaking views! Great room, breakfast nook, inside laundry room, enclosed, ducted Florida room, 2 car+ golf cart garage and an additional storage room/ workshop (air conditioned) located in the garage. Sure to impress! $224,500 MLS# G4819514.

office/ den, formal dining, French doors, arched entry ways, spacious screened lanai, and 2 car plus golf cart garage.

Other features include paver driveway, 12 ft ceilings, granite, and inside laundry room. Attention to detail will shine through from outside in. $299,900 MLS# G4823312.

pool home with no rear neighbors! Formal dining, volume ceilings, breakfast nook, split plan, separate 10x13 room, inside laundry room and much more!

All this in sought after gated/ golf community. Don’t pass this one by! $224,900 MLS# G4816749.

PENDING

STONECREST - Very well maintained and upgraded 3/2

San Marco model with fenced yard and custom pond.

Formal living, dining, family room and spacious kitchen with all new “Bosch” appliances. Glass enclosed lanai, 2 car + golf cart garage and so much more! Call today to preview. $247,040 MLS# G4822221.

THE VILLAGES - The time is now to buy and location is

key! Very well maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bath Cabot Cove Villa in the desired Village of Alhambra. Vinyl enclosed front Florida room, skylight in kitchen and New AC (within year). This home is sure to impress.

Act fast! $169,900 MLS# G4824226.

Rich LeMoyne Regional Manager NMLS#333158

725 E Alfred St. Tavares, FL 32778 352.408.5999 cell // 352.742.1077 fax

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WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

VILLAGES - Immaculate 2/2 “Austin” model on

corner lot. Enclosed (ductless ac), tiled Florida room with an additional slab outside. Many upgrades... crown moulding throughout, skylight, built in’s, new blinds, beautiful landscaping and more. A true gem. $192,233 MLS# G4821220.

We are committed and passionate professionals who puts our clients' best interests and satisfaction above all else.

Our team’s determination to cater to our clients' specific needs coupled with our market expertise, attention to detail and superior negotiating skills allows you to receive first class service.

LYNN HAYNES

REALTOR®

352.516.0903 // LYNN@MORRISREALTORS.COM

GOLF COURSE HOME ON THE 7TH HOLE WITH EXPANSIVE BEAUTIFUL VIEWS from this spacious 3 bedroom 2.5 bath Williamsburg model in the Del Webb Spruce Creek Golf

& Country Club. Enjoy entertaining by the gas FIREPLACE in the great room which opens to the dinette and kitchen area. Kitchen offers ample counter space, tin back-splash, gas range, double door pantry and much more you must come and see. INSURANCE ON THE APPLIANCES, A/C AND HOT WATER TANK TRANSFERS TO NEW OWNER. Master and Bedroom 2 has views of the golf course and bedroom 3 is closetless but includes the bed and wardrobe unit. Relax or entertain in the large lanai enclosed with acrylic windows with sunset views of the golf course or in the additional screen enclosed lanai. This beautifully maintained community is TRULY GATED with personnel and offers 36 holes of golf, a restaurant, clubhouse, fitness center, 3 pools and spas, tennis and pickle ball, a softball field, nature trail and 60 resident formed clubs. $375,000.

BEAUTIFUL SUNRISES AND SUNSETS on this 4.54

acres with several mature trees in Courtney Jane Estates next Lakewood Ranches. Build your dream home in the country close to shopping, medical, and the soon to arrive highway.

Deed Restrictions protect the land value without HOA fees or being too restrictive. Bring the horses and ENJOY!

3.27 ACRES CLOSE TO THE VILLAGES with a winding treed drive way offering PRIVACY for this WELL CARED for one owner home.

NEUTRAL DECOR and open floor plan with telescoping sliding doors to the large screen enclosed lanai which is under the shingled roof.

Spacious master bedroom has a walk in closet, built in desk, and attached three piece bathroom. The second bedroom is 12 x 16 with a large closet and could be considered a second master bedroom. Inside utility room has a laundry tub and expanded room for storage or the ironing board. The owner custom built this home and added a coat closet, extra linen closet, energy efficient duct work, work shop building, and over-sized garage. There is a very cost effective way to add a third bedroom in the lanai. The property is zoned for horses, is all high and dry and is fenced on three sides in the rear. This stucco block home is move in ready and awaits its new owners. $179,900

HISTORIC CHARM… 2 ACRES! Enjoy 5 large bedrooms and 3 baths with attached 2 car garage. Plus 1/1 guesthouse

with attached 4 car garage. Enjoy morning tea overlooking SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF LAKE UMATILLA from your large screened patio! French doors lead to porch. Get cozy by wood burning fireplace. Kitchen features granite counter tops and butler’s pantry. Original restored windows and wood floors. Four large bedrooms downstairs and 2 baths. Oversized loft bedroom with bath upstairs too. Ground features courtyard, grape arbor, green house, aviary, and producing orange trees.

Don’t miss this SOUTHERN BEAUTY...GATEWAY TO OCALA NATIONAL FOREST…FULL OF FAMILY FUN! $425,000

GATED COMMUNITY, WELCOME FAMILIES! Room for

everybody in this 3/2.5 Home with attached 2 car garage.

Kitchen features a breakfast nook opens to great room.

Oversized master suite and spacious guest rooms! Move in ready with community pool… low fees! $167,900

“If you’re not Bone Dry, you’re all wet” FINANCING AVAILABLE

352.669.6607

PANDORA • Vera Bradley • Costa Del Mar Vietri Lampe Berger & much more!

415 W. Main St. • Historic Downtown Leesburg, FL 34748 • 352.728.0033 Open: M-F 10-6 • Sat 10-5

www.bonedryroofingllc.com

shopaladas.com RC29027460

NEW CONSTRUCTION

REROOF

ROOF REPAIR ROOFOVER

morrisrealtors.com

| 11

VALERIE FOERST REALTOR®

352.360.3492 // VALERIE@MORRISREALTORS.COM

YOUR CENTRAL FLORIDA NATIVE // 35 YEARS OF HELPING CENTRAL FLORIDA WITH THEIR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

REDUCED

JUST LISTED Scottish Highlands Pond view with

custom upgrades. Ceramic Tile throughout, gorgeous open light kitchen, with Island split plan, no popcorn ceilings and roof was replaced in ‘09. Call Valerie Foerst 352-360-3492. $110,000 MLS# G4816037.

NEAR THE VILLAGES IN WINGSPREAD - with a 4

CAR GARAGE! Stately 4 bedroom plus office and Fireplace. Volume Ceilings, Granite counter tops, Lots of Tile and Laminate on a half acre. Call Valerie Foerst 352-360-3492. $330,000 MLS# G4815521.

SHORT SALE the real deal in Scottish Highlands.

2/2 split plan with open kitchen and enclosed lanai.

No immediate rear neighbors...nice view! $85,000 MLS# G4819032.

SUNSETS OVER THE VILLAGES. Close to all the Squares and Charter Schools without the Village cost and

NEW CONSTRUCTION Ryland Homes 3/2 in Grand

KING OF THE MOUNTAIN 3/2 in Scottish Highlands

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS 3/2/2 plus butler pantry,

bonds. Like new custom block home with a lot of upgrades and an ideal location next to 1 acre community area perfect for the little ones. Yep, neighbors on only one side of your 1/2 acre lot. 3/2 split plan with office has vaulted ceilings, stunning kitchen with stainless appliances wood laminate flooring. Your future awaits, call now! Valerie Foerst 352-360-3492. $189,900.

has views of pond & club house. Fresh paint, high ceilings, wood floors and double garage. $120,000 MLS# G4824472.

NEXT TO VILLAGES OF BROWNWOOD in

Pennbrooke on GOLF COURSE 2/2 plus bonus room and screened lanai, huge kitchen suite, workshop. $129,900 MLS# G4824308.

Island Reserve, 1481 SQ FT with Granite Countertops and Tile in living areas. $152,946 MLS# T2759876.

Have a home to Sell? Buy a Ryland Home and ask about the huge discount possible on YOUR sale. You must Call Valerie Foerst 352-360-3492.

family room and lanai. 1800 sq.ft., volume ceilings well kept with newer roof and AC. Nice yard on a dead end street. $140,000.

TYLER JACOBS 352-326-4007 | www.insureleesburg.com

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WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

GREG BOLIEK REALTORÂŽ

352.267.2349 // GREG@MORRISREALTORS.COM

SPECTACULAR 5/2/1 TWO STORY HOME WITH POOL! Great curb appeal, Warm ceramic tile, Every room has new paint that is tasteful and yet has some color, Unbelievably beautiful wood flooring in Dinning Room, Den and throughout the second floor, Bright kitchen with newly installed light fixtures, There is a sink in the island as well as the counter, Living room has enough space for the whole family, Upstairs almost every light fixture and ceiling fan is new, Large open loft, Master Bedroom is large enough for a complete bedroom suit and comfortable couch, You will be impressed with the size of the other bedrooms also, second bath even has two vanities, kitchen appliances are nearly new, pool pump recently replaced, 3 car garage. For more details and a tour of this home: http://www. tourfactory.com/1519715, MLS G4824589

BEAUTIFUL AND WELL MAINTAINED 2/2 home in a waterfront community with Lake Griffin access, beautiful wood laminate flooring, galley style kitchen, dining room and living room, large air conditioned workshop, washer/ dryer utility room, low lot rent, club house, and boat launch.

More information: http://www.tourfactory.com/1460079.

NICE 2/2 DOUBLEWIDE with screened lanai in Ocala. Only 20 minutes to The Villages/Oxford. Carpeted throughout, split bedrooms, open floor plan, inside laundry, all furnishing and appliances are included, covered parking, nicely landscaped, irrigation system, this is a must see home before you buy. Call Greg for additional details.

HAYNES CREEK ACCESS! Doublewide with over 1300 sqft, 2/2, new flooring, kitchen cabinets, appliances, screened lanai, attached workshop, 2 detached sheds, storage shelves everywhere. Lot rent includes water/sewer.

Located in the wonderful waterfront community of Tara Village. Information: http://www.tourfactory.com/1462057

STUNNING AND SERENE SETTING! This 5/4/1 home is full of extras from the new in 2014 roof to the extensive landscaping with custom lighting.This home features wood floors, 12’ ceilings, crown molding, tray ceilings, breakfast nook with bench seating, newer appliances, 3 car garage, play ground and much more. MLS# G4809346.

WIDE OPEN SPACES BUT MINUTES TO EVERYTHING! Beautiful 4/2/1 home on an acre, featuring wood, tile and carpet flooring, cathedral ceiling, bay windows, metal roof, attached 2 car garage, 2 car covered carport, and a detached workshop. Come and enjoy the peacefulness and beautiful sunsets. MLS# G4815656.

FABULOUS MASTER SUITE! This 3/2 home features an open floor plan and split bedroom layout making this a great choice for all your family needs, formal dining space, office/den, comfortable like new carpeting, inside utility, large wooden deck overlooking a preserve, 2 car garage. MLS# G4804871.

morrisrealtors.com

| 13

MICHAEL BARRETT

RESIDENTIAL SALES // PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND RENTALS

352.255.5710 // MICHAEL@MORRISREALTORS.COM

VILLAGES OF PARKWOOD “THE CLUBHOUSE” Gated Community Family and Adult Community Large Clubhouse and Pool

2500 REASONS TO BUY! Over 2500 sq.ft. of welcome living space! This 4/3 beauty is situated on an oversized double lot with no rear neighbor! Huge kitchen with granite counter tops, opens to breakfast nook and great room with glass doors leading to lanai! Large master bedroom has double tray ceilings and master bath has his and her walk in closet and vanities, huge garden tub and oversized separate shower!

COME EXPLORE! $279,990 MLS# G4816810.

MAX HOME, MINI PRICE! It pays to act quickly on a rare value. $184,990 for this 3/2.5 bath beauty! Spacious kitchen with gorgeous black Whirlpool appliances, a breakfast bar and lovely cabinetry. Huge master bedroom features vaulted ceilings and a large walk in closet! Hurry!

It’s getting rarer by the minute! MLS# G4816270

HANDS DOWN WINNER! Luxurious features in this home include diagonally laid laminate wood flooring, crown molding and lighting upgrades! The bright and inspiring kitchen includes 42” cabinetry, beautiful granite counter tops and loads of counter space. The master bath features granite counter tops for his and her sinks, lots of beautiful mirrors, large garden tub, and separate tiled shower and water closet. THERE IS NO COMPETITION FOR THIS HOME! $279,999 MLS# G4823835.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT...$159,999! Open concept!

Spacious kitchen with snack bar overlooks great room and dining area! If you like to entertain the covered lanai is perfect for your backyard barbecues! Don’t miss out on this steal of a home!

MLS# G4823598.

Rich LeMoyne Regional Manager NMLS#333158

725 E Alfred St. Tavares, FL 32778 352.408.5999 cell // 352.742.1077 fax

14 |

WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

We are committed and passionate professionals who puts our clients' best interests and satisfaction above all else.

Our team’s determination to cater to our clients' specific needs coupled with our market expertise, attention to detail and superior negotiating skills allows you to receive first class service.

LINDA MARSH REALTORÂŽ

352.978.3016 // LINDAMARSH@MORRISREALTORS.COM

LAKE FRONT HOME ON THE CHAIN OF LAKES! This is your chance to own a Lake Front home for an affordable price! This home offers stunning views of Lake

Eustis from every room. Just imagine walking out your back door, hopping on your boat and cruising to your choice of the many restaurants on the water! Or walking out your back door and fishing off your private dock! Beautiful Sunsets, private and secluded dead end road. This very special property will not last long so call today! Linda Marsh 352-978-3016 $259,900.

D HE E AC AG T DE GAR

SOUTHERN BELLE WITH LAKE VIEWS! Charming 3/2 block home on 1/2 acre with fireplace, screened in lanai, detached oversized garage or workshop, and a

private back yard with no rear neighbors! No HOA, public boat ramp & dock just yards away. Perfect location for lake access without lake front price! With a little TLC, this home will be fabulous! $134,500. Call Linda Marsh 352-978-3016

LIVE THE FLORIDA LIFESTYLE in this stunning and spacious home with it’s bright open floor plan, vaulted ceilings and 2861 square feet of living space! The

cook in the family will absolutely love the large open kitchen with island & 42 inch oak cabinets. The huge Master Suite has a garden tub, separate walk in shower and an abundance of custom closets. French doors open out to the enormous lanai, great for entertaining. Conveniently located just minutes to major highways, beaches and attractions. $285,000 MLS# G4816392 Call Linda Marsh 352-978-3016.

morrisrealtors.com

| 15

JOAN DEFOE REALTOR®

352.516.6843 // JOAN@MORRISREALTORS.COM REAL ESTATE “LITTLE GIANT” // MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PRODUCER // PREMIER AGENT

PEACEFUL PARADISE on lovely Myrtle Lake. Priced below appraisal. Residential plus income producing ranch estate on water front. Property includes 5 parcels making up approximately 33 +/- acres! This awesome 3/3 home with attached 2 car garage includes formal living and dining rooms. Family room with real wood burning buck stove. Cathedral ceilings. Master suite offers a spectacular view of the water! Includes covered rv patio that could house up to 38ft. 5th wheel!

Organic certified tangerine tree. Enclosed workshop and barn. COME RELAX ON WATERFRONT PROPERTY! $590,000 MLS# G4818289.

REDUCED EUROPEAN FLARE! 3/2 with great room and formal dining. Kitchen features granite counter tops, maple cabinets and snack bar. Master bedroom has built in colonial furniture/shelving. Double door entry to master bath with his/her raised granite vanities. Don’t miss out on this unique home! $279,000 MLS# G4814528.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME! Come relax and enjoy living in this lovely 55+ community that features a large clubhouse, solar heated pool, and shuffleboard courts. This 2/2 home features large living and dining area with built in China Cabinets. THIS DEAL WON’T LAST LONG! $45,000 MLS# G481443.

REDUCED AMAZING VIEW OF LAKE IDLEWOOD with your own dock and boat ramp. Spectacular lake view through glass sliding doors and large screened lanai featuring river rock flooring. Kitchen features breakfast nook, island with veggie sink, granite counter tops, back splash and stainless steel appliances. Formal dining and great room with wood burning fireplace. FISH FROM YOUR OWN BACKYARD! $272,000 MLS# G4816438.

SecurityNational Mortgage Company, Inc. 5222 Andrus Ave, Suite A Orlando, FL 32810

O: 407.730.2902 // F: 407.641.9395 Branch Phone: 407.730.8823

Todd Levensohn Sales Manager 321.287.5440 NMLS 299664

Branch NMLS 1449449 | Co. NMLS 3116 | State License: FL-LO12263 | snmcloanteam.com/toddlevensohn | todd.levensohn@snmc.com

16 |

WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

TREY HALIDAY REALTOR® // PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

352.365.6900 // TREY@MORRISREALTORS.COM

PENNBROOKE FAIRWAYS 3/2 2 car garage on the golf course. $1200 per mo. Gated 55+ community.

MLS# G4823857.

SHADY OAKS RESORT ON LAKE GRIFFIN Cottages from $1200 per month, utilities included w/ boat slip. www.shadyoaksresorts.com

HARBOR HILLS 4/2, 2 car garage on the golf course in Harbor Hills. Split floor plan offers formal dining room, separate kitchen nook and large living room. LEASED!

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES Rental Analysis: Recommendation on how to get the most from your property.

Analysis based on comparable properties and market movement.

Marketing: Online with Multiple Listing Service Zillow.com Yard Signage Local media outlets (Daily Commercial, The Daily Sun, Style Magazine).

Occupied Properties: All adult applicants are prescreened for credit, criminal and eviction history.

All lease agreements are prepared by an attorney.

Collect and handle all payments (rent, security deposit, pet deposits).

Post late payment notices.

Handle complete eviction process.

Operate within the Landlord Tenant Law Comply with Federal “Fair Housing Act” Handle repairs with licensed, insured and bonded vendors.

Inspections: Move in walk thru inspection in writing along with photographs of the property conditions at the time of lease signing.

Move out walk thru inspections in writing along with photographs of the property conditions when tenant vacates.

Bi-Annual inspection of occupied property.

For Owners: Monthly and annual income and expense reports along with 1099 statement.

We can pay mortgage payments from rental income if desired by owner.

Let us manage your rental property. Call us today at 352-365-6900. morrisrealtors.com

| 17

David Knowles Exclusive Agent David A. Knowles Agency Allstate Insurance Company 27615 US HWY 441 Suite 110 Leesburg 34748 24 Hour Customer Service

Cell: 352.455.2589

FL Insurance License # A143808 Phone: 352.326.9300

dawnahosier@brokerstitle.net

18 |

WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

Fax: 352.326.3931

SCOTT STREM REALTOR®

352.978.3428 // SCOTT@MORRISREALTORS.COM

SERIOUS ABOUT SELLING // MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PRODUCER

REDUCED

REPO PROPERTY FOR SALE. 5 BAY Warehouses with 2,400 sq.ft. each or 12,000 sq.ft. total. 3 bays fully rented and 2 empty. Original cost $1M built in 2007, owner financing available. M-1 industrial zoning allows for wide variety of uses. Public utilities. Available for lease at $5.00 per sq.ft. or for sale at $600,000. MLS# G4699789.

APPROVED FOR 40+ LOTS with city water and sewer, Visibility from 441 at crossroad of Picciola and 441, and Walgreens at corner. Can be used for commercial, multifamily or residential development. Close to new subdivision, restaurants, shopping, school and churches. Great opportunity and a great price. Survey and site plan available. $299,000 MLS# G4820044.

1 ACRE C-3 HEAVY COMMERCIAL CORNER including two commercial buildings partially leased. 2850 Sqft building divided into 3 units/950 sqft each and 2nd building is 1740 sqft office warehouse. Lots of parking and property in good repair. Great income investment, with great rental income! $255,000 MLS# G4820047.

REDUCED

EXCEPTIONAL OFFICE/WAREHOUSE BUILDING located in green leaf business park in busy leesburg. Great location with easy access to the villages, clermont, turnpike etc. 6,750 Total with very nicely appointed 870 sq ft office space. Approved for another 4500 sq ft of space if desired. Clear span design. 2 Grade level 14x16 rollup doors. $340,000 MLS# G4686423.

MASSIVE PRICE REDUCTION! Nearly one acre located on Hwy 27 at the entrance of Royal Highlands. Located in area of many highly populated gated communities, with excellent exposure and traffic including benefit of signalized intersection.

Great location for office, retail, and other commercial franchise possibilities! $250,000 MLS# G4816685.

ESTABLISHED AND SUCCESSFUL automotive repair/ alignment shop for sale with real estate and tools/inventory!

3600 sqft building with 6 bays, built 1985. Waiting area, private office, and 2 restrooms inside. Over 175 ft road frontage on tally rd in busy leesburg. Business has been established for over 30 years! Owners ready to retire! $250,000 MLS# G4815990.

MEDICAL/PROFESSIONAL OFFICES on busy corner of main entrance to downtown Mount Dora. Previously set up as 4 wet prep exam rooms, reception/admin area w/ built ins, and private office.

Freshly painted and remodeled.Two covered parking spaces with entrance to building. Nice detached block storage/utility building also included. Asking $1,750 per mo. MLS# G4822570.

FANTASTIC 9+/- ACRE COMMERCIAL SITE Over 670 ft on E. Colonial Dr. in the heart of Orlando! Rarely does a parcel of this size come available in such a premiere location. Zoned C-2, with traffic counts in excess of 49,000 daily. An array of opportunity, as it’s size and zoning accommodate room for a big box store, major retail center, or national brand car lot. $3,300,000 MLS# G4810902.

13.45 TO 30+ ACRES OF COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT PROPERTY with 1770 ft. direct lake frontage on Harris Chain of Lakes. Plus over 850 feet on busy Hwy 441! Prime property at a great price! $2,490,000 MLS# G4697916.

Our Commercial Division At Morris Realty and Investments, Inc is committed to providing exceptional service across all types of commercial real estate investments, and possesses a deep knowledge of the ever changing commercial market. Whether it be vacant land, improved property, commercial leasing, or even the sale or purchase of an existing business opportunity, Morris Realty and Investments, Inc. has the skills and tools necessary to provide well informed guidance in every aspect of the transaction. Morris Realty & Investments, Inc. has a long standing reputation of working with the core principles of honesty, integrity, and results. We pledge to apply these principles along with our knowledge of the commercial market and dedication to our clients, to provide a successful experience in meeting all aspects of the selling, purchasing, and leasing processes to our client’s utmost satisfaction. morrisrealtors.com

| 19

SCOTT STREM REALTOR®

352.978.3428 // SCOTT@MORRISREALTORS.COM SERIOUS ABOUT SELLING // MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PRODUCER

REDUCED

WONDERFUL LAKE DORA FRONTAGE ON PRESTIGIOUS LAKESHORE DRIVE! This 3/2.5 home features nearly 125 ft.

LAKE frontage on half and acre, complete with boat dock and aluminum seawall! Home features a spacious kitchen, vaulted ceilings, newer roof and A/C, and updated flooring! LOW COUNTY TAXES! Located right in between growing downtown Tavares (America’s Seaplane City) and famous historic downtown Mount Dora! Call for more details! $405,000 MLS# G4807523.

GORGEOUS TWO STORY spanish style condominium in pristine move in condition with brand new appliances, brand new carpet, and professionally painted throughout! Perfect for florida living,this home also features it’s own pool and a covered outdoor cooktop/kitchen area finished in tumbled travertine tile. This is low maintenance living at it’s best! $144,900 G4824341.

EXCEPTIONAL 3500 sq ft (under air) 4/2 home on almost 1/2 acre! Close to LRMC hospital, shopping mall, and restaurants!

There is also an attached 4 car garage/workshop (in addition to the air conditioned 2 car original garage) with front and rear garage doors for storage, multiple vehicles, toys etc. This home is one of a kind! Also available FOR RENT as well! $325,000 MLS# G4824321

BEAUTIFUL HOME ON LAKE ELDORADO! This wonderful paradise features 2/2, a detached 2 car garage. Attached garage has been converted in to a 3rd bedroom, but could easily be converted back to garage or shop! Located in peaceful county location with amazing views and direct frontage on the lake! $195,000 MLS# G4819854.

DIRECT LAKE HARRIS LAKEFRONT! This one of a kind lot boasts 200+/- ft of frontage on the Harris Chain of Lakes, elevated sunset views over the water, and even a professionally maintained organic orange grove on site!

This is paradise! $335,000 MLS# G4815996.

ONE OF A KIND! 90 +/- ACRES ON LAKE YALE! Over 2000 waterfront feet on lake yale and over 2400 front feet on cr 452! Beautiful level land with amazing waterfront views. Property has numerous potential uses! $849,900 MLS# G4808401.

10+/- ACRES OF NICE CLEARED LEVEL LAND IN AREA OF LARGER ESTATE HOMES ON CR 452. BRING THE HORSES! Located in county limits for low taxes and the freedom of country living! $124,900 MLS# G4808399.

BEAUTIFUL LAKE FRONT HOME ON LAKE DORA ON OVER 1/2 ACRE! Home features 3/2 with den/office, stainless steel appliances, and also a 2 car garage. Recently built private boat dock features boat lift, jet ski lift, and screened room for taking in the amazing sunsets on the lake! Just minutes to downtown Mount Dora! $349,900 MLS# G4800507.

Craig Williams Lawn Service

Kamie Fischer & Rebekah Lanier

Licensed and Insured Free Estimates

FREE ESTIMATES Great Customer Service

Cell: 352-636-4454 20 |

WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

352.396.0547 352.789.1166

TwoGirlsandASponge.com TwoGirlsandASponge@gmail.com

CAMIE KENNEDY REALTOR ®

352.408.4668 // CAMIE@MORRISREALTORS.COM CAMIE CAN!

LENA WILLIAMS REALTOR ®

352.636.4488 // LENA@MORRISREALTORS.COM LENA SELLS!

MAGNIFICENT CUSTOM ESTATE! This spectacular home is your own private retreat on seven plus acres loaded with luxury. The main house features five full bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms. The additional detached two story guest house features two floors with two separate apartments, both with full kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.

There are many extra rooms in the main house such as a theatre room, three story playroom, den/study, two loft areas, and even a 1,120 square foot recreation room. The outside pool living area features an incredible 800 square foot pool with a spillover spa with a stunning water feature, an outdoor kitchen, outdoor fireplace, separate garden area. There are no details spared here… you may spend most of your time outside in this area taking in the stunning views of the pond as well. Loaded with features, there are too many to list but some important ones include 5 high efficiency zoned a/c systems, a state of the art 16 camera security system, spray foam insulation, walnut wood floors and travertine tile, butler’s pantry with bonus refrigerator and freezer, top of the line appliances including three speed cook ovens, an island sink, wine closet, 15,000 sq.ft. driveway, two story playhouse with zip line, regulation size tennis court, and much more. Bring the toys to store in the main 2.5 car garage or the detached 3.5 car garage in the detached apartment. All this in beautiful Oxford, close to The Villages and many activities. This home is truly amazing! $1,750,000 MLS# G4824613. morrisrealtors.com

| 21

Meet Our Staff At Morris Realty & Investments, we strive for your buying or selling experience to be as seamless and pleasant as possible. We have the best support staff on our team to assist you in accomplishing your goals. Please meet our experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly staff who are only a phone call or email away.

Lena Williams Office Manager/Realtor速

Theresa Morris Broker/Owner

Brittany Meany Closing Coordinator

Joan DeFoe Closing Coordinator

Cathie Bakich Listing Coordinator

Kristen Sullivan Listing Coordinator

22 |

WELCOME HOME // 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 3, LEESBURG, FL 34788

“Valerie’s years of experience are evident in her professionalism, knowledge of the market and attention to detail. Her communication skills and complete honesty are remarkable.

She is an A1 service provider.”

“Easy and stress free... Thanks Mike!”

—The Spittle Family

Mike Barrett 352-255-5710

“We can’t say enough about the exceptional level of service Lauren provided, it was definitely second to none. We would recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell”

— John & Cyndi Cummings

Lena Williams 352-636-4488

“Lena always meets our expectations. If we ever need anything with real estate we will use her!”

— Joan Whitten

Valerie Foerst 352-360-3492

— Keri Sredl

“We really appreciated Scott’s positive attitude and his level of communication during our sale.”

— Lynn Weber

Scott Strem 352-978-3428

Jo Leen Cooper 352-267-0770

“We really enjoyed Jo Leen’s upbeat attitude.”

— Ed and Hilda Storey

“Greg found the place for us. We appreciate him, his professionalism and his personality” — Pat Lee

Greg Boliek 352-267-2349

“Kim is Awesome! She remained committed and aggressively got the job done. House is sold!”

— Mike and Mary Pat Godigkeit

Kim Ducharme 352-874-5906

Lauren Fickett 352-6362167

Theresa Morris 352-360-3736

“Theresa did an amazing job, she went above and beyond expectations”

Morris Realty has the area’s top “Lynn ALWAYS made herself available. She was always honest Realtors®... and knowledgeable! Love Her!” but don’t just take our word for it.

“Joanie is great, — Janice Cook

—Megan Battle

Lynn Haynes 352-516-0903

Joan De Foe 352-516-6843

“Camie sold my home in less than two months, what more could I ask for.”

friendly, thorough, and goes beyond the call of duty.“ — Gene and Connie Wilson

— Paul and Connie Anderzunas

Camie Kennedy 352-408-4668

“Marsella was the best person I hired to sell my home. I never thought my home would sell in just 3 weeks!”

—Ralph and Norma Furbush

“Linda understood quickly what I was looking for and found our perfect home... she was a pleasure to work with... Linda also listed our previous home and sold it within two weeks”

Marsella Fabre

352.217.0575

— Susan & Bill Fuller

Linda Marsh 352-978-3016

352-435-HOME (4663)

morrisrealtors.com

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AA FRESH EXPERIENCE! FRESH DINING DINING EXPERIENCE!

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Anaward-winning award-winningteam team showcases showcases versatile, An versatile,innovative innovativecuisine. cuisine.

MissionInn InnResort’s Resort’sfour fourrestaurants restaurants and and two two lounges Mission lounges provide provideguests guestswith withsuperb superbservice, service, inventive entrées and inspired presentations.

Accomplished chefs prepare the freshest, highest-quality fare, inventive entrées and inspired presentations. Accomplished chefs prepare the freshest, highest-quality fare, from circadian breakfast buffets to weekly all-you-can-eat prime rib and seafood buffets. from circadian breakfast buffets to weekly all-you-can-eat prime rib and seafood buffets.

TWO GOLF COURSES • SPA • TRAP & SKEET • DINING • MARINA TWO GOLF COURSES • SPA • TRAP & SKEET • DINING • MARINA 30,000 SQ. FT. MEETING SPACE • OUTDOOR COURTYARDS • 19 MEETING ROOMS 30,000 SQ. FT. MEETING SPACE • OUTDOOR COURTYARDS • 19 MEETING ROOMS

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Montessori

An “education for life”… starts at Casa Lady Lake

Discover why Montessori education has amazed parents and inspired children for over 100 years.

Enroll and watch your child grow to love learning while developing life skills sush as: Self Confidence, Independence, Curiosity, and Creativity.

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CasaMontessoriLadyLake.com April 20 16

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Events by Miss Daisy Let us plan your event!

Weddings

•

Birthdays

•

Luncheons

•

Anniversaries

•

Corporate Parties

Miss Daisy’s Flowers & Gifts 1024 W. Main Street Leesburg, FL

352.787.6806

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“Whatever Your Occasion, Let Miss Daisy’s Make It Special!”

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

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

EAT LIKE A GREEK

Bigger

isn’t better Small Batch Bistro is a new gourmet cafe in charming downtown Eustis, where the premise is fresher food in smaller batches. The menu has a few daily items like the delicious roasted tomato balsamic bisque, which is topped with pesto grilled cheese bits. Other specialty items alternate availability. The quiche is made with seasonal ingredients and the flavor of their fresh-baked cookies changes often. The small batch process offers variety and ensures your meal is the freshest it can be—something larger restaurant can’t always guarantee. This new spot is quickly gaining regulars, even before its official grand opening.

Check it out before the secret spreads.

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Located on Highway 19A near Eudora Road, Aladdin’s Mediterranean Grill & Oyster Bar is casting its own special magic over Mount Dora.

Since opening three months ago, owner Rala Elagha says patrons regularly comment on the quality of the food and the affordable prices. She also says people love the variety. The menu features Mediterranean classics such as chicken shawarma, gyro sandwiches, and kabobs; however, the biggest draw has been their falafel and seafood selections. “We have mussels, clams, oysters,” says Rala. “We have a lot of different options for different tastes. So far we haven’t heard anything bad; our customers love everything.”

Ralph Grotto recently appeared on the popular CNBC reality show “Restaurant Startup” along with his mother, Rosemarie. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Ralph worked in the kitchens of Katie Belle’s, Cattle Baron, and Tierra Del Sol Country Club in The Villages. However, his newest venture came from a family love for rice balls.

The familiar treat became so popular that Ralph named his catering business “I Got Balls” and now features more than 30 different Sicilian rice balls on his menu. Ralph learned to cook rice balls from Rosemarie’s father, who retired from his contracting business to cook.

Since it’s “who you know” that helps in show business, Ralph was lucky enough to have friends who work in television try some rice balls. They called “Restaurant Startup” to pass the word, and Ralph was flown to Los Angeles for the competition; he invited his mother to join him.

Anyone interested in trying the tasty balls may order online at orderyourballs.com, or any of the other menu items Ralph features. At the close of the show, which aired Feb. 10, it was reported that Ralph was in negotiations to sell the rice balls at “Whole Foods, Costco, and other suppliers.” Though he was not the winner in the end of the show, he’s still on top!

Pete’s Diner:

Where dinner is done easy

This popular breakfast and lunch eatery in Fruitland Park has been drumming up interest lately with their Dinner Done Easy program.

Owners DeeDee and Allan Pharmer’s program is geared toward singles and families too busy to cook, or elders who are unable to cook. Pete’s provides their Dinner Done Easy patrons with a weekly menu and has been recommended by home health care professionals and Veterans Affairs.

For more info, call 352.552.4221 or visit DinnerDoneEasy.net.

THIRD NAME’S THE CHARM?

On the stretch of U.S. Highway 27 leaving Leesburg and heading for Minneola is a large Spanish style building that can’t seem to keep a tenant. It’s a great location for a restaurant, sitting right on the edge of the Legacy community, but for one reason or another there has been a lack of success. Once the home of Levi’s Bistro, it was replaced by Zachary’s Bar & Grille, which marketed itself as a friendly sports bar. Many reviews online report the service was quite the opposite. So, once again, the sign outside has changed. It now reads U.S. 27 Bar & Grill. While it has yet to garner any reviews and no menus can be found floating online, we’re hoping for anything but a bust! Fingers crossed.

B.Y.O.D (Bring Your Own Dog)

Love is a good sub

Leesburg and Lilly’s Super Subs & Suds make the perfect pair. In fact, last month they marked 28 years together. Anyone who stepped inside Lilly’s on County Road 473 knows the love affair is real. The charm of the beer can lined walls and ceiling, the absence of noisy flat screens, and the best dang subs in the city keeps locals coming back.

The reason Lilly’s outlasted economic downturns and an influx of chains is they always offer food made fresh and served hot and, above all, “the softest buns & finest meats.” Cheers to many more years of happy bellies!

Every third Friday of the month from 6 to 9 p.m., wine down with your favorite four-legged friend at Wine Den during Yappy Hour. This oh-sopopular downtown Mount Dora event draws in a good number of wine-loving doggie owners who enjoy mixing and mingling. Patrons and their pooches can expect great entertainment, amazing beer and wine specials, and clothing and pet food specials courtesy of Piglet’s Pantry, and it’s all for a good cause. Ten percent of the proceeds from the evening benefits the Humane Society of Lake County, a nonprofit, no-kill shelter that saves countless lives by helping deserving pets find their ‘fur’ever homes.

For more information about Yappy Hour, visit thewinedenonline.com or call 352.735.5594.

YOU SAY TOMATO April is National Florida Tomato month, and time for some great spring dishes. Here are some tips and a recipe from Floridatomatoes.org.

TOMATO TIPS

Use a sharp paring knife to make several angled cuts through the stem and under the core.

SEEDING: Lay the tomato on its side and halve with a sharp serrated knife.

Squeeze each half firmly enough to push out the seeds. Discard seeds.

PEELING: To eliminate the skin in cooked dishes, gently lower two or three tomatoes at a time into enough boiling water to cover. Boil for 15 to 30 seconds, lift into a colander with a slotted spoon. Rinse briefly under cold running.

SUN AND SEA CHEF SALAD YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

Ingredients: • 2 large fully ripened fresh Florida tomatoes • 2 medium oranges, peeled • 1/3 cup prepared vinaigrette dressing • 4 cups packed mixed salad greens or lettuce • 12 oz. cooked peeled and deveined shrimp • 1 green pepper, thinly sliced • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled Directions: • Core and cut each tomato into 12 wedges.

Cut each orange crosswise into six slices; cut slices into halves.

• In blender or food processor, place eight tomato wedges and four end orange slices.

Whirl until smooth, about one minute. Add vinaigrette; blend until smooth.

• Place 1 cup of greens on each of four chilled salad plates. Top each with equal amounts of tomato wedges, orange slice halves, shrimp, green pepper, and goat cheese.

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EATS // fork on THE Road Tasty insights and observations

BURGERS, BEER, AND BOWLING STORY: LEIGH NEELY PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

For a great place to enjoy a savory burger and family fun, try Cousin Vinnie’s Sports & Burger Bar inside Via Entertainment at ViaPort Florida. The dining area is near the arcade and faces the 22-lane bowling alley. There are also two party rooms for large groups and an exit leading to the main mall area.

Vinnie’s menu features classic burgers, specialty burgers, spicy burgers, and health-conscious burgers. Don’t want the carbs? You can also get the gourmet burgers in burger bowls filled with a blend of lettuce and cabbage topped with the burger of your choice.

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My two companions and I enjoyed an array of food. I had the house salad with Vinnie’s signature bacon and hot honey dressing. The greens were fresh and crisp, and the dressing was a nice blend of savory and sweet. For my entrée, I had an order of four mild buffalo chicken wings. You may be like me and say, “How can four wings be enough?”

Well, they’re whole jumbo wings, so saying jumbo is no exaggeration!

One of my friends had The Alaskan from the healthconscious menu, which is a homemade salmon burger with lime mayo sauce, lettuce, and tomato on a brioche bun. She

potato chips, seasoned curly fries, or the homemade coleslaw—regular, pineapple, horseradish, or bleu cheese.

Our meals were served quickly and hot. The server was attentive and refilled drinks without being asked. After we tried our foods, we were immediately asked if everything was to our liking, and it was! For dessert, we shared the funnel cake straws topped with powdered sugar and served with chocolate sauce for dipping. It was excellent!

We were there for lunch, and Cousin Vinnie’s does have a menu of lunch specials that has reduced prices and portion sizes.

The only problem we had was being sure we were at Cousin Vinnie’s as there’s a definite lacking of signage.

PALM GARDENS RESTAURANT & MARINA A GREAT LITTLE HANGOUT OFF THE BEATEN PATH STORY: SHEMIR WILES PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

4 FORKS

(OUT OF POSSIBLE 5) COUSIN VINNIE’S SPORTS & BURGER BAR 10401 U.S. Highway 441 (in the old Target building) 352.314.3600 www.cvinnies.com

FORK REPORT:

Casual dining. $$//Seated immediately (lunch)//Wait for meal: 15 minutes//kitchen stays open for late events in the Fun Zone

enjoyed it with Vinnie’s homemade pineapple coleslaw.

My second lunch companion had The Big Hot Mess burger, which includes Philly jalapeno cream cheese, Cajun seasoning, beer cheese, jalapenos, and lettuce on a sesame seed bun. She, too, had the pineapple coleslaw.

The beef burgers are a blend of brisket, short ribs, and ground chuck.

You can get any burger with homemade

OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY STARTERS ($4.99-$12.99): Pretzel Logs (served with beer cheese and garlic butter); Seared Ahi Tuna (over a bed of sesame oriental salad, wakame seaweed salad, wasabi sauce, and a drizzle of soy glaze); and Vinnie’s Secret Shrimp (grilled shrimp over wonton chips with Vinnie’s sweet and spicy sauce).

ENTREES: ($8.49-$12.99) Mahi Fish Tacos (grilled with cabbage, homemade lime mayo sauce, cilantro in tortillas with a side of mango salsa); Spicy Shrimp & Chorizo Flatbread Pizza (boom boom spread, mozzarella cheese, bleu cheese crumbles and cilantro); and Tempura Fish & Chips (tempura battered Swai fish, homemade lime mayo sauce with cocktail or tartar sauce and curly fries). Kids Meals ($4.99-$5.99).

I’ve been dining out long enough to know first impressions shouldn’t be everything. And while Palm Gardens may not furnish the pomp and circumstance of most waterfront restaurants, it delivers on what matters most: service and food.

On the evening I visited, I realized pretty quickly I was overdressed. Flip flops and shorts would have been more appropriate than my dress pants and patent leather pumps. And after finagling a parking spot (there’s no designated parking, so you have to create your own spot) and trekking through dampened dirt, I was still pretty optimistic I was in for a treat.

The outdoor accommodations aren’t fancy, but they don’t need to be. After a quick wipe of our timeworn patio table and a couple of sweet teas later, my guest and I were settling in quite comfortably.

To the left, we watched the sun slowly dip behind the moss-covered trees and to the right, we could see the cars rushing across U.S. 441, but the sounds of traffic never traveled down the river.

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Word on the street is Palm Gardens is famous for its raw bar, which is only available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and since it was Tuesday, I ordered the fried basa fillet sandwich instead and the buffalo shrimp as an appetizer. My guest settled on the shrimp po’boy.

If you like grouper, you’ll enjoy basa.

The fish is mild and slightly sweet, and has a very delicate texture that makes it pretty light, even with it being fried.

However, the standout was the buffalo shrimp. Swimming in a pool of tangy hot sauce, the shrimp had just the right amount of heat, and the blue cheese dip that comes with it tasted homemade and had generous amounts of blue cheese.

As for the shrimp po’boy, my guest loved it. The sandwich was overflowing with bite-sized, golden fried shrimp and both sandwiches came with hot and crispy french fries.

Our waitress was as pleasant and attentive as can be, and having Mother Nature provide the backdrop for a lovely meal made it even better. On the surface, Palm Gardens may not look like much, but underneath the backwaters ambience is a wonderful, relaxing dining experience you won’t regret.

PALM GARDENS RESTAURANT & MARINA 1661 Palm Garden St., Tavares 352.343.2024 palmgardensmarina.com

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THINGS GET STEAMY AT EATON’S BEACH STORY: MICHELLE CLARK PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

Eaton’s Beach has been serving up their own special brand of classic dishes under the name of ‘Florisiana cuisine.’ The mixing of two vibrant cooking traditions has been a success, and when people visit the Lake Weir location they enjoy the feeling of being a part of a private beach club.

Chef Dave, the mastermind behind Eaton’s fusion taste, has introduced a second menu for the downstairs branded the Steam Shack.

After months of renovation, a new steam boat facade, stage, and deck extension has transformed the space into a retreat all its own. And while the upstairs still has a traditional sit-down feel, the Steam Shack operates on a walk-up order process with a magnetic board above the counter that changes seasonally.

If you’re feeling particularly ravenous, order the low country boil. Crab legs, plenty of jumbo shrimp, two corn on the cob halves, potatoes, and spicy sausage served in a sizable foil baking pan: It’s a personal feast.

If you’re not big on surf, try the Del Rio Cuban. To say the sandwich is exceptional is just the beginning.

It begins with the bread; a good Cuban needs a just the right amount of crisp to the crust. Dedicated to taste, Eaton’s Beach imports their bread fresh from the oldest bakery in Tampa.

It is this attention to detail which makes visiting the new Steam Shack a worthwhile adventure. Check out the new additions for yourself Thursday through Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. You be the judge.

Share your experience with us on our website or Facebook page. How many forks do you give it?

EATON’S BEACH SANDBAR & GRILL

15790 SE 134th Ave, Weirsdale 352.259.2444 eatonsbeach.com

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EATS // saluté A worldly look at wine

A VERY W GOOD YEAR A vintage perspective tasting during Premiere Napa Valley shows what a difference 10 years can make in the wine world.

STORY+PHOTO: MARY ANN DESANTIS

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ine is often a celebratory drink, and it’s not unusual for people—even casual wine drinkers—to buy a vintage from a significant year in their lives and hold it for a special occasion. I have a friend who bought several cases of an expensive wine made the same year his son was born. He cellared those wines until his son married—a good 30 years later.

After my husband and I married, we discovered California wines made in 1996—the year we married— were particularly good despite a challenging growing year. We tried to collect affordable 1996 vintages and have one on our anniversary each year. About 10 years ago, though, we opened the last of our collection. I’ve often wondered how the 1996 wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignons, had aged. Were they still elegant or would they be past their prime?

During the annual Premiere Napa Valley barrel tasting and

auction in February, I had an opportunity to attend a vintage perspective tasting where I sampled several 1996 and 2006 wines. Other vintages were being showcased, but I chose to focus on those two vintages to see how 10 years’ difference affected the taste.

The walk-around, blind tasting gave me a chance to form my own opinions on library vintages of Napa Valley wines. Library wines are those that have been cellared or are part of a collection. Occasionally, wineries sell their library collections of older vintages in auctions.

Wine writers were allowed to tag

along with licensed buyers during the Premiere Napa Valley event, which showcased long-established brands as well as newcomers to the winemaking scene. Only after we tasted the five or six wines in each vintage and compiled our notes could we learn the wines’ names.

I was anxious to see how the 1996 vintage faired over time because it was a challenging year for wine growers.

An unseasonably warm winter and substantial rainfall caused the overall harvest to be reduced by 20 to 30 percent; however, the light crop and smaller grape clusters resulted in richly flavored grapes, evident in both a Broman Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon and a Truchard Vineyards Syrah. I was surprised that the 20-year-old Syrah could hold its own against Cabernets, especially with its deep, rich cherry flavors and smooth tannins.

While I hold a special affinity for 1996, I had to admit the 2006 vintages won the blind tasting hands down.

Fellow writers kept saying, “spend time at the 2006 table,” and I rushed to get through the six wines. Not only was it the best table, but it also showcased my favorite wine of the tasting: ERBA Cabernet Sauvignon, an elegant wine with a beautiful aroma. A relative newcomer in Napa Valley, ERBA produced its first vintage in 2003 from vines planted in 1998.

Overall, the 2006 wines were excellent in spite of a growing year also fraught with challenges, including a New Year’s flood, continual wet weather, and a record-breaking summer heat wave. It has been called a “grower’s year” as Napa Valley vintners had to work around those challenges to produce excellent wines.

Hopefully, as a consumer, your significant or memorable year produced a good vintage of wine. Read vintage charts from not only California, but also other wine-growing regions. You may find a mediocre vintage in one region was excellent in another. And if you plan to hold your wines for a while, be sure to reread about wineaging secrets in January’s “Saluté” at www.lakeandsumterstyle.com/salutenew-year-old-wine.

SALUTE CREATOR RECEIVES FELLOWSHIP TO STUDY AT PROFESSIONAL WINE WRITERS SYMPOSIUM Mary Ann DeSantis, who has written “Salute” for Lake & Sumter Style since 2010, recently returned from the prestigious Symposium for Professional Wine Writers in Napa Valley, California. DeSantis was one of 30 writers worldwide to receive a full fellowship, based on her work, to attend the 12th annual symposium.

The symposium draws top wine book authors, magazine editors and writers, critics, and wine content creators to speak, listen, debate, and explore themes prevalent in contemporary wine writing. This year’s speakers included the legendary Hugh Johnson, author of The World Atlas of Wine; Eric Asimov, New York Times wine critic; Ray Isle, wine editor, Food & Wine magazine; Jay McInerney, bestselling novelist and wine columnist for Town & Country.

In addition to attending sessions at Meadowood Resort Napa Valley and the famed Culinary Institute of America/ Greystone, DeSantis also spent an afternoon working in the vineyard of Honig Winery, a leading Napa Valley vintner.

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

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WOOFING DOWN A

DOGGIE DELIGHT STORY: LEIGH NEELY PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

Edson Pereira believes cooking for dogs is just like cooking for people; you use the best ingredients and prepare the food in the healthiest manner possible.

The intrepid cook is in the kitchen every morning at 4 a.m. baking the various Muddy Paws treats offered at Piglet’s Pantry, the store he and his wife, Carla, own in downtown Mount Dora. “We’ve been doing this for 20 years,” Carla says. “We’ve worked with vets who helped us develop the recipes, and Edson does all the baking.”

The gourmet treats Edson prepares come in a variety of flavors and shapes. They also contain all-natural ingredients such as apples, bananas, blueberries, and carrots.

“We don’t use any wheat, corn, or soy because dogs have allergies just like humans,” Edson says. “We use white rye flour and then we use peanut butter or sweet potato.”

A recent study from Nielsen called, “Humanization of Pet Food,” supports Edson’s reasoning behind putting healthy ingredients in your pet’s food.

According to their survey, approximately 85 percent of people believe feeding pets healthier food extends their lives. Consumers are also more interested in nutrients in the food, not a vague “scientific mix.”

Piglet’s Pantry is named in honor of Piglet, the greyhound that came to live with the couple after finishing her racing career in 1997. She was just 2 years old and a picky eater. The Pereiras began preparing food for Piglet to encourage her to eat more, and a new line of delicious dog treats was born.

Piglet was the first of many greyhounds that came to live at the Pereira house. Koko is their remaining greyhound, and Stella, a lively whippet, enjoys spending her days at the store greeting customers.

Piglet’s Pantry is a very dog-friendly shop, and the staff is always ready with a treat for canine visitors.

“Working here and petting dogs is the highlight of my day,” Carla says.

“Some dogs will not let their owners walk by the store without coming in.”

Mary Hobson, who often works behind the bakery counter, adds, “They come right up to the counter and wait for a treat.”

When Stella is not walking around with Carla or meeting new friends, she is snoozing in her bed behind the counter. Even with lots of customers and great activity in the store, she manages to have her nap.

The kitchen where the Muddy Paws goodies are prepared is down the block from the store. It’s filled with long counters, baking equipment, and baking pans lined with bone-shaped treats. The tidy room carries the faint odor of whatever was baked last.

Edson has a machine that cuts the cookies, but he also has storage containers filled with cookie cutters for every holiday season and special event imaginable. When the cutting is finished, he removes the excess dough from the machine, rolls it out, and cuts it into small strips that are perfect for the little dogs.

Like the bakery where you buy your favorite Danish, there’s a rolling cart

lined with cookie pans and bottles of colored icing. The brown icing that looks surprisingly like chocolate is actually carob, which is naturally sweet, low in fat, and high in fiber, and contains calcium but has no caffeine. For the icings, Edson often uses yogurt mixed with peanut butter for its consistency.

“I’m in here every morning at 4 and I have most of the baking done by 7 or 7:30,” Edson says. “I make 25 pounds of whatever flavor I’m cooking. That means I do about a 100 pounds of treats every day. In high season, it may be as much as a 150 pounds.”

Once the baking is completed, Edson moves on to the next part of the process: labeling and packaging, which is all done by hand.

The Pereiras began selling their gourmet dog treats at farmer’s markets and craft festivals before deciding to open a brick-and-mortar store. Now the colorful store is a favorite stop for most Mount Dora shoppers—and their pets.

In addition to selling delicious, everyday treats, Edson can prepare beautiful, personalized cakes for special celebrations involving the canine member of your family. “The cakes have a cake-like texture. It is softer, and the icing ingredients are the same,” Edson says. “Again, there’s no sugar or salt. The icing is made with whipped cream, peanut butter, and yogurt.”

The one piece of advice Edson has for all pet owners is read the labels on the food you buy. “Especially on dog food. You can see on the label that some of the big companies put in so much other stuff, like preservatives.”

Remember, ingredients are listed in order of their content, so if you read “ground yellow corn, chicken by products, soybean hulls” first, these are the main ingredients in your dog’s diet.

Edson is proud the labels for Muddy Paws list only a few quality ingredients.

For example, the Muddy Paws Biscuit Mix: Peanut Butter you can take home to bake yourself includes white rye

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

flour and creamy peanut butter.

“Our dogs eat more of a raw diet at home,” Edson says. “It’s more expensive, but it’s much healthier for the dog. You can find quality kibbles, but you’ll also pay a lot more for that. In the long run, you’ll save money by fixing it yourself.”

Edson says peanut butter is the preferred flavor for discerning canines followed closely by bacon. The healthiest treats are the ones containing apples, bananas, carrots, and blueberries. He added that having a store with a lot of first-time visitors means he and Carla tend to answer the same questions repeatedly. However, they use that information to ensure the knowledge and advice they pass along is accurate and based on time-tested logic.

Incidentally, Piglet’s Pantry isn’t the only kitchen Edson rules over; he does all the cooking at home, too. “I cook everything. That’s how I relax.

The kitchen is mine. Don’t touch my kitchen. And I drink while I’m cooking,” he says with a laugh. “The more I drink, the better it tastes.”

However, most days you’ll still find Edson mixing and baking all the gourmet treats and delicious doggie delights Piglet’s Pantry has become known for, while Carla and Stella talk with customers. Along with treats, the store also offers an extensive array of whimsical collectibles for dog or cat lovers. In a special corner are memory stones, which can be placed in a garden or yard in honor of a beloved pet that has passed on. And if you keep shopping, you might even find that something special for your favorite horse.

Piglet’s Pantry is open seven days a week, so it’s always a good time to stop by.

Piglet’s Pantry Dog Bakery 400 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora 352.735.9779 www.pigletspantry.com

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PEANUT BUTTER BONZ INGREDIENTS: 2 c. rye flour ½ c. rolled oats 3 T. vegetable oil ½ c. peanut butter 1 tsp. brewer’s yeast 2 c. warm water DIRECTIONS: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the dry ingredients with a wooden spoon. Add the peanut butter and water. Stir the mixture until dough forms, it will be very stiff (borrow a wellmuscled friend if you must). Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it 10-15 times to distribute the ingredients thoroughly, and then roll it out to ¼ inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into a bone shape and put them on a greased cookie sheet. Bake them at 300 degrees for 45 minutes, then turn the oven off and leave them in the oven overnight to harden. Once baked and cooled, they will keep for several weeks in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator.

Have fun baking and Bone Appetit!

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

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, dart boards, Golden Tee Golf ,and a HUGE ARCADE. Vinnie spent 90 days working side by side with three executive chefs creating this flavor-rich new menu! The menu offers: 23 gourmet burgers, several gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, 8 amazing signature appetizers, seared tuna, fish, and shrimp tacos, fresh salads, jumbo wings, and 8- and 16-inch pizzas. The deep fried chicken and fish simply melt in your mouth! 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: free Wi-Fi, 25 bigscreen televisions, and a $50,000 lighting and sound system. The next time you venture out to eat, treat yourself to much more than dinner! You can 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

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.

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

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

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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Final thought // Rheya Tanner

THEY’LL ALL BE WEARING AMERICAN BEAGLE Around my house, I am the queen of the Princess Pack. My family loves dogs passionately, and as such, we have a pack of three lovely ladies: two dachshund sisters named RC and Pepsi and a lab/Aussie mix named Pearl. Each of my princesses is beautiful, of course, but Pearlie in particular is special; she’s a model. She has thick black fur, big brown eyes, a charming smile, and currently, a flowery blouse I leant her from my closet.

Yes. I dress my dog in my clothes. Yeah, it’s weird. But you know what? She looks pretty darn good! We even do glamour shoots. She pulls off blouses, sweaters, and dresses and even skinny jeans with the proper clothes pinning.

Honestly, she looks better in a lot of my clothes than I do (it’s the calisthenics, I think).

She’s not the perfect model; some of her photos come out blurry because she won’t sit still without treat incentives.

But I remind her often of how beautiful she looks, and I’ll be damned if the camera doesn’t agree!

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I dress my other dogs up, too, but admittedly less often.

They’re too small to fit into my clothes and are decidedly not as…shall we say “stylish” as their sister. It’s partly that they’ve chunked up with age, and their neck fat bunches up into furry muffin tops around their shirt collars.

But it’s also because, while Pearl is slender and graceful, Pepsi and RC are just kind of weird.

Pepsi, the runt of the litter, has an oddly shaped body (by that, I mean she looks like a pork sausage with dog parts slapped onto it), and a small airway that causes her to snort when she breathes.

RC, meanwhile, hunts and kills roaches for sport, and her dense, portly body is about as elegant as a brick.

While I love them both to pieces, they just can’t model a hoodie with the same poise Pearlie can.

In all seriousness, though, I am well aware that I’m gushing about shoving my dog into $10 blouses like it’s a thing to do. It’s not like I flaunt her around town or

.com

anything—she’s a closet model. I’m not totally sure where it came from, either.

I wasn’t big into dress-up or dollies as a little girl, and I don’t normally find clothes that interesting.

Maybe I subconsciously personify my dogs far more than I ought to? Maybe I just need to get out more (I definitely need to get out more).

But good reason or not, what’s wrong with getting your dog all vogued-up in the privacy of your home? Not a thing, as far as I’m concerned. All I know is that there’s something about it that makes me happy—and hey, isn’t that all that matters?

Speaking of things that make people happy, my dog pack is rather unexpectedly

in the process of expansion now. A few days ago, my family met a litter of 3-weekold Australian shepherd puppies, and my mom fell in love (because this one is different from those other dogs we have, don’t you know).

So, we’re adding a fourth princess to the mix: a blue merle named Miss Maizee.

This pup won’t get quite as big as Pearl, according to the breeder, but I’m secretly hoping she’ll still be able to model with her older sister.

Either way, Maizee will quickly blend in as a member of our ever-growing pack.

I’m not sure how many more dogs Mother will hoard over the next few years, but I can at least guarantee they’ll be well-dressed.

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