STYLE Magazine, Village Edition, February 2017

February 2017

VILLAGE EDITION

T R RE S WATE

ORAT

ION

NEW HOME CONS

TRUC TION

Whatever your home needs, Ask Jimmy.

ATION FIRE RESTOR

ROOFING

RE A L

ESTAT

E PR O

PE R T

Y

BMW of Ocala

BMW of Gainesville

Ultimate Shopping Experience

BMWofGainesville.com

The Ultimate Driving Machine®

©2016 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times. Optional equipment shown extra.

The daily grind.

Without the last letter.

The new Macan.

$

699

*/MONTH

36 MTHS

$3999 due at signing Excludes tax, title, and license fees.

No security deposit required.

Porsche of Ocala 5155 S.W. College Road Ocala, FL 33474

352-861-0234

PorscheOfOcala.com *Lease for 36 months with $3999 due at signing including $0 security deposit with approved credit. 10K miles per year, 30¢ per mile thereafter.

Plus tax, tag, title fee, $899 pre-delivery service fee and $185 electronic tag registration service fee. In-stock units only. Expires month end.

Enjoy Special Low Finance Rates On New BMW Vehicles Including BMW Ultimate Care Program®

$

0 Maintenance

up to

3 Years / 36,000 Miles**

Unlimited-Mileage Roadside Assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Special lease and finance offers available by BMW of Gainesville/Ocala through BMW Financial Services. **For maintenance terms and conditions, see BMWUSA.COM/Ultimatecare_maintenance

BMW of Ocala

5145 S.W. College Road Ocala, FL 33474

352-861-0234

BMWinOcala.com

“I lost 44 pounds... ” Physician-Directed Weight Management & Skin Care Solutions Weight Management

Proven & Affordable Programs Personalized Nutrition & Exercise Coaching Metabolic Testing HCG, B12, LIPO and HGH injections Prescription Appetite Suppressants & Much More

Medical Spa

Botox & Restylane Coolsculpting HydraFacial MD Laser Photofacials & Hair Removal Smoothshapes Laser Cellulite Treatments Microdermabrasion Lifestyle Perfect Peel & VI Peel Massage Permanent Makeup

Diets Don’t Work.

It’s about making healthier lifestyle choices.

—Michael Holloway, M.D.

Come in for a FREE consultation.

Call today!

“I have more energy and I’m feeling great about myself. Dr. Holloway also introduced me to Restylane and Laser treatments for my face and chest which reduced my wrinkles and sunspots. People are always saying how terrific I look!”

— Lyn Dickey

Read the rest of my story at LSMedSpa.com

1-844-LIFESTYLE LSMedSpa.com Before

Two Convenient Locations: 2139-B NE 2nd Street, Ocala 8550 NE 138th Lane, Suite 600, Lady Lake Like Us! Facebook.com/LSMedSpa

“I purchased my new XTS a few months ago.

This is my first Cadillac, and I’m really satisfied with my decision.

Chris Gurnett, my salesman, is great. Due to all the bells and whistles, I have been back to the dealership several times for assistance on the features.

Chris is always glad to help.”

--FRANK AND HELLEN COSMO,

PLAZA THE VILLAGES

8893 US HWY 441, LEESBURG, FL 34788 // 352.787.1323 // PLAZACADILLAC.COM

4

lakeandsumter

.com

(L–R): GREG YAGER, GENERAL MANAGER; HELLEN AND FRANK COSMO; CHRIS GURNETT, SALES REPRESENTATIVE

February 2017

5

LARG ES

REA EA H

T

TION IN LEC E T S

I

ce s

fo

st

yl

pri

e

I

f r e v e ry li

e

STAY ON THE GO WITH DOCS WHO KNOW ORTHO. goaoi.com

N O W AT T H E S H A R O N M O R S E M E D I C A L O F F I C E B U I L D I N G

1400 N US Hwy 441, Suite 552, The Villages, FL 32159 p. 352.751.2862 f. 352.751.5541

Our patients say it best!

Read their full stories at: www.LakeEye.com

EYE RUN March 4th, 2017 LAKE SUMTER STATE COLLEGE

YEARS

“Since having cataract surgery with Dr. Wehrly, I feel more confident driving at night and I don’t need glasses for daily activities. Now, I can sign my name without searching for my glasses!”

– Judy Menefee

Eye Care, I Run! New Vision for Independence provides training to help people of all ages with visual impairment in Lake and Sumter Counties learn to adapt to and overcome vision loss. Join us at the annual EYE RUN proudly sponsored by Lake Eye Associates for a 5k run/walk,10k run and 1/2 mile blindfolded sensory walk – all to benefit New Vision for Independence.

“I had surgery on both eyes, two weeks apart. Both surgeries went great. I didn’t realize how bad my vision had gotten until afterward – I can’t believe how much better I can see and how bright colors are! Dr. Gutti is a great guy! I definitely recommend him.” – Angelo Seno

Shirts will be given to 5k and 10k participants who register by February 17th, and all finishers will receive a custom Eye Run medal.

Sign up now!

To register: http://newvisionfl.org/events Race and walking course starts at Lake Sumter State College in Leesburg.

The course follows a perimeter road that encircles Silver Lake. (day of) Registration opens at 6:30am Races begin at 7:30am

“Dr. Holman was very knowledgeable and thorough. He explained the different lens options, including the Symfony lens. Dr. Holman and staff are amazing. It was the most organized surgery that I've ever had – truly was life changing. Now things are light and bright again.” – Maureen Calvesio

LEADING THE WAY IN SUPERIOR CATARACT SURGERY With Breakthrough Technologies that Restore Vision From Every Distance.

As the first local practice to offer the industry’s most accurate laser cataract surgery and the only FDA-approved extended depth-of-focus lenses for crisp multi-range vision, Lake Eye remains at the forefront of advanced cataract treatment. Drs. Scot Holman, Scott Wehrly and Vinay Gutti combine world-class surgical experience and breakthrough technologies to restore healthy vision - and better lives - to countless satisfied patients.

Lake Eye – the clear choice for clear vision.

Board-certified ophthalmologists (from left to right):

VINAY GUTTI, MD, SCOTT R. WEHRLY, MD and SCOT C. HOLMAN, MD TAVARES | LEESBURG | THE VILLAGES | LADY LAKE

352-365-2020 U www.LakeEye.com U

Facelift, Temporary Fillers, or Permanent Facial Fillers?

Do you know your best options?

Dr. Rich Castellano is a Double Board CertiďŹ ed Facial Plastic Surgeon as seen on:

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

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

NEW! FACIAL BEAUTY SOCIAL MIXER LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE

FREE IMAGELIFT BOOK for first 20 callers!

(Retail $14.95)

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

RAFFLE DRAWINGS FOR FREE FILLER, UP TO A $995-$1200 VALUE CALL NOW TO RSVP - LIMITED SEATING

U P C O MIN G FACIA L B E AUT Y S O C I A L M I X ER February 7th February 21st March 7th March 15th

Waterfront Inn, The Villages ImageLift Office, The Villages Waterfront Inn, The Villages Citrus Hills Country Club Seminar, Hernando

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

Dr. Rich

THE VILLAGES // 8630 East County Road 466 877.346.2435 // www.IMAGELIFT.com

STRENGTHEN YOUR RETIREMENT KNOWLEDGE __________________________________________ Learn ____________ » » » »

Types of Annuities How Annuities Work How your advisor gets paid How Annuities earn interest

And much more expert information!

____________ SEATING IS LIMITED, RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!

352.350.1161

Elizabeth Cornell Certified Annuity Specialist® CEO & Founder

ANNUITY UNIVERSITY Our FREE Annuities 101 is an exclusive, classroom-style workshop designed to teach you how annuities work. And YES, we’ll put it all in layman’s terms!

With all the controversy and confusion surrounding these products, we are on a mission to educate YOU and “set the record straight.” No products will be sold or presented, this is strictly educational.

MISSION INN RESORT & CLUB 10400 County Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737 *TB Financial Group Inc. is a licensed insurance agency for life, health, and annuities. We are not securities licensed. We are not tax advisors. Our seminars are very general in nature and not meant to replace the advice of your CPA, Tax Preparer, Investment Advisor or Attorney. We will not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal professional for these matters.

FEBRUARY 2017 // VOL.13 NO. 4 // F e a t u r e s

36 Reviving A Happy Home Updating a beloved home can mean doing anything from painting to a room addition. Thinking about making some changes? Here’s the place to get the scoop on the latest trends in updating décor, lighting, and adding to the curb appeal.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY, JAMES COMBS, THERESA CAMPBELL, DEBBI KIDDY

February 2017

LAKE & SUMTER

REALTOR

YEAR Lena Williams followed Mom’s footsteps but took her own path to

ALSO:

REIMAGINING YOUR HOME

Renovation, Innovation, Restoration

2017 PARADE OF HOMES

View an array of homes by innovative builders in Lake and Sumter County!

OF THE

68 A Parade of Happy Homes Beautiful Harbor Hills will be the site of the 2017 Parade of Homes from the Home Builders Association of LakeSumter. The focus this year is on family living, enjoying outdoor living with a kitchen and fire pit. See all types of homes in a variety of settings. You may even find your dream home at the Parade of Homes.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

76 Realtor® of the Year Realtors Association of Lake & Sumter Counties announce thier multi-million dollar producers for 2016.

February 2017

VILLAGE EDITION

WATER

RESTO

RATION

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION

Whatever your home needs, Ask Jimmy.

FIRE RESTORATION

ROOFING REAL

ESTATE

PROPER

TY

On the covers LAKE & SUMTER STYLE DIRECTION: JASON FUGATE PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED LOPEZ MODEL: LENA WILLIAMS VILLAGES EDITION DIRECTION: JASON FUGATE PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED LOPEZ PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK , JASON FUGATE

February 2017

15

*

*

d e pa r t m e n t s

21 I N TH E KNOW

22 26 28 30

#Trending Person of Interest Outstanding Student This ‘N That

89 ON THE SCENE

90 92 94 96 100 102

114 92

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

94

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

112 114 118 120 124

26 25

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

COLUM NS

18 From the Publisher 148 Final Thought

28 96 118 16

lakeandsumter

.com

17860 S.E. 109th Ave, Suite 629 Summerfield, FL 34491

Mon-Fri 9-5 & Sat 9-2

352.347. 7900

bobscoinsandjewelry.com

877.347.7900

facebook.com/bobscoinsandjewelry

Offer valid throughout February, 2017 and applies to new, in-stock jewelry and selected watches. Excludes consignments.

*

From The Publisher

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

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

Always improving o be the standard in which others are measured.”

This is one of my favorite quotes and from the moment I heard it, I have tried my best to live it. This quote also rings true for one of my good friends, Lena Williams.

I have known Lena now for several years, personally and professionally. She is a mother, a wife, friend to many, and Realtor to countless others. I would describe her as an all-around superwoman. In fact, Lena has assisted me and my husband Doug in selling and purchasing homes for almost a decade. We always rely on Lena when we need a Realtor because she has a way of making every experience as exciting as the last. She is calm and reassuring at times when you need it the most and has a keen knowledge of her industry, ensuring that her clients get the best deal and are protected throughout the entire process. Which is why it came as no surprise to me when she was recently voted “Realtor of the Year” by the Lake-Sumter Realtor Association.

We are honored to have Lena Williams grace our cover this month as we celebrate the area’s million/multimillion-dollar producers. Real estate is a tough business, and it takes hard work, dedication, and love for your profession to accomplish what these individuals have achieved.

We salute all Realtors in Lake and Sumter counties.

This issue isn’t just about our amazing Realtors; there is much more. We dive into the ins and outs of reimagining your home. We offer design ideas, as well as the latest and greatest trends in remodeling, building, landscaping, and so much more.

After all, our home is an extension of ourselves. It reflects our personality, our tastes, and our overall style. What better publication to help you reimagine your home than Style magazine?

As always, we love to hear your feedback on the magazine via Facebook posts, calls, letters, and emails.

Until next month, enjoy!

Kendra Akers

At You r S e rv i c e

Hot Off The Press!

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

Coming in March:

SPONSORED BY

February 2017

February 2017

VILLAGE EDITION

LAKE & SUMTER

WATER

RESTO

RATIO

N

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION

TO LAKE COUNTY

REALTOR

YEAR Lena Williams followed Mom’s footsteps but took her own path to

OF THE

Editorial // Design // Photography

Leigh Neely MANAGING EDITOR leigh@akersmediagroup.com James Combs STAFF WRITER james@akersmediagroup.com Theresa Campbell STAFF WRITER theresa@akersmediagroup.com Fred Lopez CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER fred@akersmediagroup.com

Sneak Peek

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

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

contributors

Diane Dean Christopher Holmes Mary Ann DeSantis Nancy Howell Jessy Flinn Debbi Kiddy Chris Gerbasi Tom Kubala Fred Hilton Gary McKechnie Ron Vandevander

ALSO:

Whatever your home needs, Ask Jimmy.

REIMAGINING YOUR HOME

Renovation, Innovation, Restoration

FIRE RESTORATION

2017 PARADE OF HOMES

View an array of homes by innovative builders in Lake and Sumter County!

ROOFING

REAL

ESTATE

PROPE

RTY

RELATIONSHIPS ARE EVERYTHING “A flower cannot blossom withhout sunshine and man cannot live without love.”

PEDAL THROUGH THE HEART OF LAKE COUNTY ON THE COAST-TO-COAST CONNECTOR

—Max Muller

Get yours

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

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

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

sales // marketing

Tim McRae VICE PRESIDENT, SALES & MARKETING tim@akersmediagroup.com Mike Stegall SENIOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE mike@akersmediagroup.com Sylvia Ducote ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE sylvia@akersmediagroup.com

David Coté ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE david@akersmediagroup.com Tina Morrison ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE tina@akersmediagroup.com Melanie Melvin DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES melanie@akersmediagroup.com

Administration

Deb Matlock OFFICE MANAGER deb@akersmediagroup.com Aubrey Akers Shaena Chastain ADVERTISING COORDINATOR RECEPTIONIST aubrey@akersmediagroup.com shaena@akersmediagroup.com distribution

Scott Hegg DISTRIBUTION MANAGER scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com Lake & Sumter Style is a proud member of

Florida Magazine Association

Leesburg Partnership

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

Sumter County Chamber of Commerce

American Advertising Association

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

Brandon Buell’s blog about his son, Jaxon, and the positive impact that Jaxon’s life is making around the world.

Creativity at its peak ADVERTISING // BRANDING // DESIGN // MEDIA PLANNING // INTERACTIVE PUBLIC RELATIONS // PROMOTIONS // AUDIO/VIDEO PRODUCTION

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 352.787.4112

Lake & Sumter Style. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 South Fifth Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2017 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Paid Promotional Feature” and “Special Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media.

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook Stay connected to everything going on

Pinterest Follow us for creative inspiration.

SERVICING ALL YOUR CREATIVE NEEDS INCLUDING

WINNER OF

150+ Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce

Digitize your life.

Twitter Follow @GetStyleMag and @GetHLMag

YouTube Visit our channel to see exclusive videos

February 2017

19

*

Serving Central Florida Communities For Over 30 Years

PERSONAL

COMMERCIAL

Homeowners Automobile Property Life Annuities Long Term Care

Workers Compensation Property Automobile Liability Employee Benefits

CALL FOR YOUR PERSONALIZED QUOTE TODAY

352-751-6622

Having the right insurance agent doesn’t matter. Until it does.

TheVillagesInsurance.com

22

T R E N D I N G //

26

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

28

O U T S TA N D I N G S T U D E N T //

30

T H I S ‘ N T H AT

SEE STORY on PG 30

In the Know

“You know, back in my day...”

21

February 2017

21

* #I TnR ETNhD eI N GK n o w

A lovely name, a lovely holiday

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet,” says Shakespeare in “Romeo and Juliet.” The quotation implies that names do not necessarily reveal anything.

But, don’t tell that to Rosella and John Valentine of Pennbrooke Fairways in Leesburg. They love their last name and have a lot of fun with it, especially around Valentine’s Day. For the Valentines, their name conjures up visions of hearts, flowers, love, THE VALENTINES and romance.

Rosella adores decorating their home with hundreds of red and pink hearts, Valentine wreaths, and many other Valentine-themed decorations every February. “If music be the food of love, play on, give me excess of it,” she says, reciting a Shakespeare quote that justifies her approach to the holiday.

“So why not enjoy a beautiful name and a lovely holiday that everyone can grab ahold of and love?” says Rosella. She also noted another Shakespeare quote from “Hamlet” of “To be, or not to be, that is the question.” And for the Valentines, the answer is a resounding “yes” that it’s more than OK to be passionate about Valentine’s Day.

VIA PORT MALL

Laid back in love If you haven’t been to the AMC Theatres at the Via Port Mall in Leesburg lately, you can treat your Valentine to a movie in style!

Not only can you pick your seats ahead of time and reserve them online, you can recline while watching the big screen! The leather chairs are set up in twos and are totally adjustable. As one patron says, “At least if you don’t like the movie, you can always catch a good nap!”

You also can upgrade from your standard popcorn and soda to a glass of wine, beer, or a cocktail from MacGuffin’s Bar in the lobby.

Menu items include mozzarella sticks, French fries, chicken tenders, pizza, and more!

22

lakeandsumter

.com

Presbyterian preschool awarded prestigious grant First Presbyterian Church of Eustis Preschool was awarded one of the most prestigious grants for charitable organizations in the Mount Dora area. The Mount Dora Community Trust is a nonprofit organization begun in 1972 due to the generosity of Charles and Mary McLin. The charity awarded $2,500 for the new Eustis preschool to purchase materials to teach the Florida Pre-K standards in math, science, basic skills, stem activities, literacy, art, creative imagination, and physical education.

“We are honored to receive this grant and humbled by the generosity of the Mount Dora Community Trust and the McLin Foundation,” says Preschool Director Shawnie Cheatham.

“Our desire is to provide a high quality preschool program and this will go a long way in helping us achieve those goals.”

First Presbyterian Church of Eustis Preschool will open August at their campus at 117 South Center Street, Eustis. For more information, visit www.fpceustis.com.

$2.5k

grant for education!

Busting myth on love bugs Volunteers needed The Villages Regional Hospital is seeking interested individuals to join its auxiliary to help continue the tradition of delivering compassionate patient care.

Lou Emmert, president of the hospital auxiliary, says the volunteers work in a variety of departments, including the hospital’s gift shop, information desks, serve as patient representatives, shuttle patients to and from the parking lots, to manning the fundraising Ye Old Thrift Shoppe in Lady Lake.

Volunte e r They also fill in the gaps by assisting hospital staff and providing extra services for patients, guests, and family members. Those interested in learning more may contact the volunteer placement office at 352.751.8176 or email tvrhvpo@CentFLHealth.org.

Love is in the air in February, so what’s the story behind the “love bugs,” those sex-crazed mating insects that we often see every May and September?

Urban legend has it that the amorous red-and-black love bugs were created decades ago when the mosquito population was out of control and the University of Florida’s mad scientists decided to fight back. Philip Koehler, an endowed professor in UF’s entomology department, once said he didn’t know how the impossible myth began. “If we’d created them, they would be orange and blue,” he joked.

Physician of the Year Dr. Peter A. Marzek, MD, FACS, was recently named Florida Hospital Waterman Physician of the Year 2016. He is pictured with David Ottati, president and CEO of Florida Hospital Waterman on the left and Dr. Flor Putigna, MD, chief of staff for Florida Hospital Waterman.

February 2017

23

* #I TnR ETNhD eI N GK n o w

Ja m e s C o m b s’

1

After a bartender asked a 52-year-old woman to turn off her e-cigarette inside a Villages restaurant, the woman became enraged and fought the bartender.

Surprisingly, she was arrested on charges of disorderly intoxication rather than aggravated vape.

2

A custodian at Tavares High School was charged with slipping poison into the drink of a female coworker.

This is one janitor who needs to clean up his act.

3

A 28-year-old man was arrested after he ran across four lanes of traffic in Lady Lake and exposed his genitals to drivers. He also flashed a uniformed deputy, leading to his arrest. This fellow will be the “butt” of jokes for many years to come. Hopefully he can put this “behind” him and keep his junk in the trunk.

4

Nine people were arrested after sneaking drugs such as marijuana, Xanax, and Suboxone into the Lake County Detention Center. I guess smuggling drugs into jail takes a “joint” effort.

5

Because his wife hid the television remote control from him, a 69-year-old Summerfield man assaulted her and was charged with battery. Dude, try rekindling some romance in your marriage. It’s more important to turn on your wife than the television!

6

A homeless woman broke into a Leesburg shed to cook meth. Deputies arrived and were forced to use a Taser gun when the woman became aggressive. A song just formed in my head: “If there’s something strange, going on in your shed.

Who you gonna call? Methbusters!

If there’s someone weird, who’s messed up in the head.

Who you gonna call? Methbusters!”

24

lakeandsumter

.com

Sullivan is at the helm again Commissioner Timothy Sullivan was unanimously chosen chairman of the Lake County Board of County Commissioners recently. Serving his second term on the commission, Chairman Sullivan, District 1, has also served as city commissioner and mayor of Fruitland Park. “The most important thing to me is making sure we maintain the quality of life for Lake County and all of its residents in a fiscally responsible way—the key to that is economic development,” Commissioner Sullivan says. Commissioner Leslie Campione, District 4, was selected as vice chair.

Fiery Meeting A room full of angry residents didn’t deter Fruitland Park Commissioners from voting 3-2 to disband the city’s fire department. The service was to be outsourced at a cost of $175 per household. However, Lake County’s commissioners stepped in and approved a plan to consolidate the fire services for the part of Fruitland Park not in The Villages. On Oct. 1, a lieutenant and a firefighter paramedic began working at station 56 in Fruitland Park from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Another firefighter was added to station 53 from 6-8 p.m. to cover calls at night.

Round-the-clock service at Fruitland Park station 56 will begin on Oct. 1 this year.

J o s h Ta k e s O n : AN ADMITTEDLY ASKEW POINT OF VIEW FROM THE MIND OF ILLUSTRATOR JOSH CLARK

Ages

51%

89%

87%

Other

Apple OS

Android OS

43%

Blackberry

68%

65+

80%

55-64

45-54

35-44

98% 97% 96% % 89

1% 3%

Windows Phone

Source: Nielsen Mobile Insights

2%

25-34

Everybody loves their smartphones, but who uses them the most? Millennials aged 18-24. No big surprise, but this graphic shows everybody but those 65+ are close behind.

US SM A RT PHON E M A R K E T SH A R E BY AGE , OPE R AT I NG S YS T EM A N D GEN DE R , Q 3 2016

18-24

On your phone much?

Who’s traveling overseas?

According to the Boston Consulting Group, Millennials (ages 18 and 34) are more interested in international travel than older generations. The United Nations estimates that this demographic generates more than $180 billion in annual tourism revenue and equates to 20 percent of all travelers abroad.

American millennials have every reason to rethink the “golden years.” Retirement plans have been drastically affected by the number of American corporations who have ceased to offer pensions, according to the Center

for Retirement Research. The number of companies providing pensions to workers is down by 44 percent in 1995 and 88 percent in 1983.

Like many peopel, millennials are also skeptical of the Social Security system; the Pew Research Center has reported that only 6 percent of millennial expect to receive the types of benefits that today’s retirees enjoy. For millennials, the idea to save travel for retirement is being replaced by better go now, while you can.

February 2017

25

* PIEnR STOhN eO FKI NnToE w REST

V I TA L

S TAT

S

As the former chief deputy to retired Sheriff Gary Borders, Grinnell was elected Lake County Sheriff in the recent general election.

Born in Eustis, grew up in Leesburg, graduated from Leesburg High School Resides in Lady Lake A Marine Corps combat veteran during Operation Just Cause and in the Middle East during Operation Desert Shield/Storm Completed basic law enforcement training at Lake Technical Center Joined Lake County Sheriff ’s Office in 1994

Years in law enforcement: 23

Earned associate’s degree in criminal justice; bachelor’s in organizational management; a graduate of the 244th session of the FBI National Academy; and a graduate student at Columbia College.

What I want people to know about me: I enjoy serving people.

Best advice I’ve been given: Never stop my own professional development.

Greatest achievement:

Active on boards of Boys and Girls Club of Lake and Sumter, and the Lake-Sumter State College Foundation

Nov. 8, 2016

My hero: Jennifer, a mother, my wife, social worker for Hospice. She has been my rock.

He and his wife Jennifer have two children, Lauren and Blake

26

lakeandsumter

.com

Pet peeve: Tardiness.

Always arrive 15 minutes early!

Guilty food pleasure: Brownies with Breyers’ vanilla ice cream

Favorite way to unwind: Homosassa River

Favorite quote: To whom much is given, much will be required!

NOW LE B AVAILA THS N 6 MO CIAL SPE ING* C . Minimum I F NtoAcrN oval edit appr required. t *Subjectonthly paymenr details. m e fo See stor

* OI UnT TS ThA NeDKI NnGoS w TUDENT

Marlee Nickerson Age 17 // S EN I O R AT U MAT I L L A H I G H SCH O O L / G I V I N G W I T H CO M PA S S I O N A N D E XCEL L EN CE

Music and Memory program through a movie my mom brought home, called “Alive.”

The Gold Award is for Girl Scouts like the Boy Scouts’ Eagle Award, and since I have close family affected by dementia, I wanted to raise money to purchase Apple iPods for the program.

28

lakeandsumter

.com

What are your future plans?

I plan to attend Lake Sumter State College for two years and then transfer to Florida Gulf Coast University to receive my master’s degree to be a pediatric occupational therapist.

What are your other passions? I’ve always had a passion for kids, and after watching a family friend who has cerebral palsy at therapy, I’ve had an interest in occupational therapy for many years.

Favorite book? “The Help”

by Kathryn Stockett

Biggest influence? My parents. They have always been my No. 1 supporters, and they push me to always do my best and try my hardest in whatever I do. As a soccer coach for 5-year-olds, the little kids have also had a huge influence on me. Realizing they watch everything I do as well as copy it, I must set a good example in order to be a good mentor.

Favorite quote? “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

Photo: Fred Lopez

What influenced you to raise awareness of the Music and Memory Program through the Girl Scout Gold Award Project? I learned about the

What are you involved in?

Varsity soccer, varsity cross country, National Honor Society, the American Youth Soccer League (AYSO), assistant soccer coach, 4H Club president, Girl Scouts, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) club. I raced go-karts on dirt tracks for three years. I recently quit racing as I am about to graduate high school and attend a university elsewhere. I was Junior Unrestricted Points Champion in 2014 at Volusia Speedway.

I also raced the Florida Dirt Championship Series for one season on dirt tracks around the state.

* TI HnI ST‘ Nh’ eT HKAnT o w

STRAIGHT A’S FOR THE

A TEAM When I was a kid, I constantly griped about having ride a stinky bus full of even stinkier kids to school. The whine hardly left my mouth until someone from the older generation told me of how easy I had it and how rough things were in the old days.

STORY: FRED HILTON

W

ith great flourish, my elder described how he battled to walk two miles through eight feet of snow to reach his school. (Or maybe it was eight miles through two feet of snow, but I know it was uphill both ways. At least he rarely mentioned the wolves, bears, and mountain lions.)

All this little story proves is the older generation is always going to gloat about having things tougher than the younger generation. And, yes, I’m going to do exactly that.

Young folks are growing up in a world where computers do virtually everything for them. If they don’t already brush your teeth and tie your shoes, it won’t be long. Kids in school use computers to research anything.

Just pick a subject, type in a word or two on Google and, bingo, you’ve got what you need for your research paper.

We old geezers had to rely on archaic books called encyclopedias and a scary object of torture called a card catalog in the library.

When I was a teenager, many of my buddies headed for the encyclopedias they had at home when facing a research project. They’d look up a subject then select certain portions to plagiarize put into their own words and their paper was done.

Unfortunately, encyclopedias were really pricey in those days so we didn’t have a set.

My mother, however, was an ingenious lady and discovered that one of the encyclopedia publishers would give you the first volume free. If you wanted, you could then buy the remaining volumes. If you didn’t buy, you could keep

the free volume. So we ended up with an “A” volume of the Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia.

(It might have been another encyclopedia publisher but “Funk & Wagnalls” is really fun to say.)

And that, dear friends, if why I know all there is to know about Alaska. If you need information on Alchemy, I’m your go-to guy.

Ditto on Archimedes. And for Aardvarks.

You can only write so many research papers on “A” topics so I had to go to the dreaded card catalog. If you’re from the computer era and not familiar with the card catalog, it was a reference tool invented during the Spanish Inquisition by Torquemada.

You could find a typical card catalog in a library. It was a big cabinet with hundreds of sliding drawers. Each drawer contained roughly a zillion cards, which gave you the names of books and magazines containing information on any subject you were researching.

You’d copy down some mysterious numbers that led you to the book you wanted. Then you’d stumble through the library stacks, occasionally tripping over people who were asleep or making out.

Finally, you located the book so you could copy the information you needed put the books’ thoughts in your own words. And you’d finally have your paper done.

Today, all you wimps have to do is type a few words on your computer and find the information you need to cut and paste summarize for your paper.

In case you’re wondering, an Axolotl is known as the “walking fish,” but it’s not a fish. It’s an amphibian—the “Mexican Salamander.”

This, of course, reminds me of the time Yogi Berra said that people who hit both lefthanded and right-handed were amphibious.

*

All this little story proves is the older generation is always going to gloat about having things tougher than the younger generation.

And, yes, I’m going to do exactly that.

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

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

February 2017

31

Our commitment

goes beyond

simply building great homes. We tailor luxury living with the needs of the modern family in mind. Find the classic lifestyle in your perfect neighborhood at one of the many Orlando area Taylor Morrison communities.

• Cypress Reserve

• Havencrest

• The Estates at Pearl Lake

• Esplanade at Highland Ranch

• Retreat at Lake Charm

• The Preserve at Laureate Park

• Southern Oaks

• The Reserve at Phillips Cove

• Estancia at Windermere

• Steeple Chase

• Thornbrook at Towne Center

• Overlook at Hamlin

• The Canyons at Highland Ranch

• The Cove at Hamlin

• Walden Cove • Woodland Park

407.756.5025 taylormorrison.com/orlando

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 Manager for details and visittaylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. © January 2017, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. #CBC1257822. All rights reserved.

STARTING AT

$29* INSTALLED *per/sq.ft.

Over 300 colors in stock!

&

BUILDING STONE :: COUNTERTOPS :: FURNITURE :: LANDSCAPING STONE :: MISCELLANEOUS www.southeasternstoneandtile.com :: 352.629.7518 :: 1208 S.E. 3RD AVE, OCALA, FL 34478

Go All In. • Daily Poker Tournaments and Promotions • Try your hand at Texas Hold'em, Omaha or 7 Card Stud • Off Track Betting on Horses and Greyhounds • Great food and table side service all in a comfortable setting

352.347.CARD (2273) 17996 South US Hwy 301 | betoxford.com 34

lakeandsumter

.com

36

lakeandsumter

.com

HOME REVIVING A HAPPY

When a home becomes a family’s space in the universe, there’s really no reason to leave it—just make it better. Add the room needed for the new baby. Turn the married child’s room into a library. Update the foyer with a new light fixture. Find a new color to live in. Make it safer, stronger, more beautiful, but keep traveling the same road to home.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY, JAMES COMBS, THERESA CAMPBELL, DEBBI KIDDY

February 2017

37

REVIVING A HAPPY HOME

KITCHENS

I

n today’s home, the kitchen known as the “heartbeat” of the home, where family members and friends often gather for great food and warm conversation. The need to remodel usually has three main reasons: to add comfort and beauty, to add functionality through space and updating, or for resale value. Renovating a kitchen can provide as much as 85 percent return on your payout.

Ivy Irizarry, designer for Clermont Kitchen and Bath, says the kitchen is one of the first rooms a homebuyer view. “Current trends in kitchens are white-on-white natural looks. White or gray cabinets, with white, marble quartz are popular. The “distressed” look—for both cabinets and flooring—is also trending.”

If your kitchen is in need of general updating, or a major overhaul, here are some tips:

*

Renovating a kitchen can provide as much as

85

percent return on your payout.

38

lakeandsumter

.com

PAINT: Remodelers agree painting walls is an easy and inexpensive way to update a kitchen. Popular colors include yellow, red, blue, white, green and gray. Once you select your favorite color, getting the right finish is essential. Because the kitchen often needs constant cleaning, a satin or semi-gloss finish is the best option. Satin finishes stand up well to dirt, stains, and mildew and clean easily.

trends are here today—even in the kitchen. From meat thermometers that alert your smartphone when dinner is ready, to sensor-activated, energy-saving lights, or hands-free faucets, innovative kitchen technology will make your life easier.

FUNCTIONALITY:

UPGRADING APPLIANCES:

Manufacturers are trending toward hydraulic, multitiered drawers with easy-

Besides paint, the most popular kitchen update is energy-efficient appliances.

close doors to help add space and usage with the touch of a button.

AUTOMATION AND TECHNOLOGY: Futuristic

Modern cooks enjoy duelfuel ranges with double convection ovens as well as water-saving paneled dishwashers to make clean-up easier—and look good, too.

FLOORING: Stunning flooring adds beauty and durability.

Tiles with the luster and appearance of hardwood are very popular, and they can stand up to the wear and tear most kitchen floors get. It adds to the beauty of your new kitchen, as well as durability. Rustic, or distressed flooring is also becoming popular.

February 2017

39

REVIVING A HAPPY HOME

ELECTRONICS

H

ome automation has become better and less expensive as electronics have improved. You can monitor everything from your smartphone or tablet. This will serve the gadget lovers as well as seasonal visitors.

APPLETV: Connects to all your Apple devices and apps so you can control everything with one device.

WIRELESS SPEAKERS: Listen to your favorites anywhere from the kitchen to poolside. They can be connected to your router, linked wirelessly, and you’re ready to go.

There are also the portable speakers that can go to the beach or outdoor pavilion so you’re never without your favorite music. Kohler even has a Bluetooth-enabled speaker in its Moxie showerhead that holds a charge for up to seven hours.

*

Monitor everything from your smartphone or tablet.

NEST THERMOSTAT: A thinking thermostat that learns your schedule and programs itself or can be controlled by your phone. It knows the temps you prefer, is red when in heating mode and blue when cooling, and saves you up to 20 percent on heating/cooling bills. Best part: so easy to install most anyone can do it.

THROW OUT THE 16 REMOTES: Put your remote on your iPhone or iPad and control TV, Blu-Ray player, dim lights, play DVDs. It’s cool, but it does need to be programmed by an authorized dealer, which means it will definitely work correctly.

ELECTRONIC LOCKS: No worries about losing or misplacing keys. Now doors can be opened with a code or using your smartphone. You can

40

lakeandsumter

.com

even let people in when you’re away from home and they arrive early.

Some locks also do amazing things like sending you a text when kids get home from school.

VIDEO DOORBELLS: Never worry about who’s ringing the doorbell when you can pick up your smartphone and see the person at your door. You can view the visitor even when you’re away from home.

SECURITY CAMERAS: Keeping an eye on your property is no longer just for the rich and famous.

Video cameras that connect to your home computer and can be easily installed are now available. They also record, which means video evidence, which is often accepted in court cases.

HOT FROM THE COLD: Though they’re more expensive, you can now get refrigerators that dispense hot water along with the cold.

CHARGE IT: Leviton has a 20-amp USB Charger Receptacle (looks like a regular outlet), which charges your many electronic devices, leaving electrical outlets available for little things like blenders, toasters, or even lamps.

February 2017

41

REVIVING A HAPPY HOME

BATHROOMS T

*

With frameless shower doors, there are fewer places water can collect and mold can grow in the shower.

here are multiple reasons why homeowners remodel bathrooms.

It can improve the home’s comfort level, add to its overall beauty, and increase resale value.

Beatriz Taylor is owner of Clermont Kitchen and Bath Design. She says one of the most popular trends in bathroom remodeling is frameless, glass shower enclosures.

With frameless shower doors, there are fewer places water can collect and mold can grow in the shower. Conversely, traditional framed shower doors typically lead to water buildup underneath the door’s seals, resulting in the formation of mold and mildew.

“Frameless shower doors are very easy to clean; you only need to do a simple wipe then squeegee,” she says. “These doors are also aesthetically pleasing because they create a more open space and makes your shower feel bigger than it really is.”

Another growing trend is the addition of quartz countertops.

Yes, that’s right. Quartz countertops in the bathroom. Just because the bathroom is a place where people shave, brush, their teeth, and it doesn’t mean it cannot be a luxurious haven.

“One of the great things about quartz is that it has the look of natural stone but also the durability of materials such as porcelain to stand up to everything a bathroom faces,” Beatriz says. “Another great thing about quartz is that it is typically one solid color, which is an advantage for homeowners trying to create an open, clean look in their bathroom.”

REMODEL OR RENOVATION Before doing any extensive work to your home such as an addition or complete renovation, be sure to see if you need a permit for the work. The officers where you inquire about permits are available online from Lake County at lakecountyfl.gov/departments and from Sumter County at sumtercountyfl.gov/116/PermitTypes-Submittal-Requirements.

Both Lake and Sumter counties offer extensive information about permits on their respective websites.

When thinking about renovation, keep in mind these numbers for Best Renovation Return on Investment:

42

lakeandsumter

.com

• 101.8% for new steel front door • 91% for new fireplace • 85% for kitchen remodel • 83% for attic into bedroom • 77% for window replacement • 55% for upscale garage addition • 50% for home office remodel • 48.5% for new sunroom addition • 40% for master suite addition Source: RSI Media

February 2017

43

REVIVING A HAPPY HOME

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT Create a large yard chess game Turn tires into swings The addition of pergolas or arbors can create a sense of privacy

C

reating outdoor entertaining areas or even fun play spaces for children doesn’t have to break the bank.

There are numerous innovative and imaginative ideas on Pinterest to inspire creativity, such as building small bridges, a multi-level deck for a kiddie pool, and even a teepee playhouse from wood pallets.

Ro-Mac Lumber and Supply Inc., 700 Main St., Leesburg, often has a supply of free pallets available to the public, according to Rebecca Ballash of Ro-Mac, and they can be found on the the west end of the parking lot.

The company also has wood that can be used for a wide array of do-it-yourself projects.

Here are some ideas Lake and Sumter Style readers may want to consider in creating outdoor entertainment or play areas around their home in 2017: • Make a mosaic hopscotch • Create a large yard chess game • Design a chalkboard on a fence • Create an outdoor music wall • Paint rocks with colorful letters of the alphabet • Embed a slide into the landscape to create hill slide • Make a backyard race car track design with cement • Turn tires into swings • Bring life to a dead tree by turning it into a fort • Repurpose an old sink into an outdoor play kitchen area

44

lakeandsumter

.com

• Establish low-maintenance gardens with droughtresistant plants • Create the soothing sound of water in self-contained systems, ranging from urns, fountains, to high-end water walls • Plant blended gardens that include edibles and ornamentals. Gardens with fruit, vegetables, and herbs can be an alternative to turf grass.

• For some families, chickens or bees are part of their outdoor landscape, including Steve Knowles family of Leesburg. They have a decorative chicken coop behind their Palmora Park home.

• The addition of pergolas or arbors can create a sense of privacy.

• Consider having more rooms of the home open to the yard rather than one or two rooms.

• Expand outdoor living space with small hibachi or full-sized kitchens.

February 2017

45

REVIVING A HAPPY HOME

PAINT

P

*

Paint is a reasonably inexpensive way to make a big impact,” she says.

“When the right colors are chosen, that impact can be very positive.

erhaps the easiest and least-expensive way to update the interior of your home is with paint.

The blah days of winter often bring a need to change your home décor. Are you looking for a brighter room that looks larger or do you want a warm, cozy feeling to the room? Whatever you’re wanting, the color is available is a multitude of shades and tones.

Choosing the right color for a room can be one of the biggest challenges. There are so many colors available that it makes the task seem overwhelming. Overall trends for 2017 might be a good place to start. They’re running toward dusky blues, shades of gray, pastel greens, blue, yellow, pink, and taupe.

Leah Conner, owner of Leah D. Conner Interior Design in Leesburg, offers this advice. “Paint is a reasonably inexpensive way to make a big impact,” she says. “When the right colors are chosen, that impact can be very positive.”

Trim work in the room can be monochromatic, which hides flaws, or lighter or darker than the wall color, which accentuates moldings.

Leah recommends moving two shades away if you want to use different shades of the same color, adding, “Lighting in a room changes the way each color looks and often the same shade can look different in another room.”

It’s important to keep in mind the way colors affect a room or space. You may want to avoid colors that are too dark in a small space. “This can make a room seem smaller,” Leah says. “Sometimes with paint, it’s best to keep it simple. Don’t mix too many colors.”

Recommendations come from the International Housewares Association for 2017 DAY DREAMING: Yellow Iris and a Nile green, are used to expand on the blue and pink.

ACQUIRED TASTE: Orange chiffon, pale gold, mulberry, brandied melon, dove gray, and a muted pink.

RAW MATERIALS: Zephyr Pink popping among the many neutral tones.

AT EASE: Neutrals, both cool and warm, blended with muted tones.

FOREST BATHING: Several shades of green and blue-green, which are contrasted by Grape Kiss and refreshing Acid Lime.

GRAPHIC IMPRINTS: A base of black and white then pulling blazing yellow, dazzling blue, Prism Pink, Fandango Pink, Opaline Green, and Orange Popsicle.

NATIVE INSTINCTS: Smoky Orchid and a Carmine Red along with softer earth tones.

FLORABUNDANT: Pink yarrow, chrysanthemum, red dahlia, Baton Rouge, and varying shades of green.

46

lakeandsumter

.com

REMINISCENCE: Maritime Blue, Sepia Tint and rattan and mix of new colors like Murky Martini Olive and Bird’s Egg Green.

Day Dreaming

At Ease

Native Instincts

Florabundant

Acquired Taste

Forest Bathing

Reminiscence

Raw Materials

Graphic Imprints

February 2017

47

REVIVING A HAPPY HOME

LIGHTING T

*

Lighting is the jewel of your home.

It’s what decorates your home, and it can add a style and add more value to your home.

— KIM MICHAELS

he ambiance of lighting sets the mood of a home, and it can be key in entertaining or when placing a house on the real estate market.

Realtors often turn on lights in showing homes for a reason—to make a house glow and project warmth.

“Lighting is the jewel of your home. It’s what decorates your home, and it can add a style and add more value to your home,” says Kim Michaels of Besco Electric Supply and Lighting Center in Leesburg.

While showing an array of the latest in lighting styles—including an orb over candlelight fixture with crystals and mini crystal chandeliers that are becoming popular in women’s closets for a little bling—Kim believes a home has more appeal with stunning lighting fixtures over those that are mediocre.

Aly Prill of Babette’s Furniture and Home says adding additional lighting to overhead fixtures, such as buffet table lamps, projects a nice ambiance. Among the new 2017 trends are distress lamps, lighting made of oyster shells for an organic look, and ceramic-based lamps in colors of turquoise and denim blues.

“Anything coastal is just a timeless look,” Aly says. “Our clients from up north have a second home down here, or they are permanently moving down here and they want a lighter look—a Florida look.”

Here are other ways to create a tranquil ambiance and peaceful atmosphere with lights: • Twinkling accent lighting in walkways

• Pool lights

• Wall sconces

• Brightly colored Chinese lanterns

• Lights strung through trees; lights around umbrella of outdoor dining table

• Sheer globe lights

• LED lights that are programmable or low-voltage lights • Ground light fixtures • Accent lights installed higher up and directed downward to simulate moonlight

48

lakeandsumter

.com

• Lantern table lights • Hanging paper origami lanterns with battery-powered lights • Tiki torches • Floating candles with large bowl or vase filled with water

February 2017

49

REVIVING A HAPPY HOME

CURB APPEAL T

*

83

percent of homebuyers begin their search for a new home online. As many as

63

percent will drop by to see a house in person if they like what they see in online photos

50

lakeandsumter

.com

here’s an old saying about older women and makeup, “Any old barn looks better with a little paint.” Though that’s an insult and may provoke a woman to violence, it’s worth remembering when you’re thinking about giving your home some great curb appeal.

According to the National Association of Realtors®, a whopping 83 percent of homebuyers begin their search for a new home online. As many as 63 percent will drop by to see a house in person if they like what they see in online photos.

“First impressions are everything,” says Lena Williams of Morris Realty and Investments.

“Without curb appeal, you may end up on the market longer than you would like!”

The elements of curb appeal include the front, side, and back yards, the driveway, garage doors, shutters, windows, sidewalks, and landscaping. You may also want to add new house numbers that can be clearly seen from the road so there’s no problem finding your house.

To begin the process of giving your home a nicer curb appeal, examine it closely thinking like a homebuyer. Chances are, you’ll immediately begin to see the little things you’ve overlooked because you’re passing them every day and accustomed to the flaws.

“When trying to sell, start with sprucing up the outside. From the first photo showing the exterior, to the buyer driving by to check it out before choosing whether to go inside, it all starts with curb appeal,” Lena says.

The popular TV show, “This Old House” offers these tips: • Clean up your yard

• Replace outdoor lighting if needed

• Put fresh plants in containers or hanging baskets

• Make sure all sprinklers are working

• Add drought-resistant plants to the landscape or plant an ornamental tree

• Repair fencing

• Get a new lamppost or mailbox if yours looks worn or outdated Then again, if you’re one of those people who enjoys yard work and keeps the outside as neat as the inside, you may just need to paint the exterior and add new plants for a colorful flourish.

One thing to keep in mind: many home owners associations have rules about exterior painting.

Be sure to check this before making a color change.

Leah D. Conner Interior Design suggests picking a paint color should be done carefully. “One of the biggest points I’d love to pass along when it comes to exterior paint, for both residential and commercial buildings, is to paint a few samples in several different locations prior to making a final decision on color and shade,” Leah says. “Don’t make a decision based on twoinch by two-inch color swatch from a paint store.”

Paint nearly always looks different on the house’s surface than it does on the paint sample.

You may always want to paint the front door and shutters with contrasting colors.

Another simple way to add decoration to the exterior of your home is adding decorative handles or accents to garage doors. Find attractive ways to hide yard items like putting your garden hose in a bench with storage or in a decorative pot.

Make a good first impression with homebuyers by adding a “little paint to the old barn.”

February 2017

51

Your Single Source Supplier

HOURS: Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Gregory Samano II, D.O.

SERVICES Varicose Vein Treatment Spider Vein Treatment Beauty Nights

Jennifer Sutphin, RDMS

(call for info)

Arin Wales,

Patient Care Coordinator

Accepting most insurances.

Dee Tanner 352.629.8191 MorganBros.com / 1620 Northeast 8th Rd., Ocala, Florida 34471

352.385.7442 17580 17580 US Hwy 441, Mt. Dora, FL 32757

Paint Contracting Services Family owned and operated since 1975 BUY YOUR PAINT FROM THE LOCAL EXPERTS! All Interior/Exterior Paint under $27.00/gallon

Amanda Kelley & her father, Gary Tutor PARTNERS, ANCHOR COATINGS

www.anchorcoatings.com

2280 TALLY ROAD LEESBURG, FL 34748 52 lakeandsumter .com

352-728-0777

SERVICES INCLUDE: • Roof Coatings • Residential & Commercial Painting • Interior & Exterior

Ro-Mac Design Center Have the dream home you’ve always wanted!

IF YOU CAN DREAM IT We can design it. From realistic rendered images, to a 3D bird’s eye view, we’ll turn your dream home ideas into a full set of construction documents, ready to permit and build.

CUSTOM DREAM HOUSE Staffed by a team of seasoned design professionals, Ro-Mac Design Center is ready to design a home specifically matched and well-tuned to your dreams and desires. Owning a custom designed and built home is a once in a lifetime experience, and we want you to have a home that is unique, fits your lifestyle, and works within your budget.

In our initial free consultation, we’ll sit down with you, talk over your ideas and wishes, and make sure we understand your goals and dreams. You will be the center of our attention throughout the design process, until you are ready to say, “That’s it! That’s exactly what I’m looking for.”

Your finished construction drawings will be fully detailed, builder friendly, code-compliant, and ready to pull a permit.

TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT You’ll also be able to visit our Window and Door Showroom, where you can see, feel, and use the actual doors, windows, and millwork ahead of time. No more choosing from a magazine or brochure photo, only to be sorely disappointed at the quality, once they are installed.

EXPANDING YOUR VISION Homeowner needs can change over time, and relocation is not always a consideration. We offer extensive remodeling design services for existing homes.

Our remodeling professionals bring many years of design and construction experience to help make your project a reality. Structural integrity and difficult connection issues, like matching up with existing roofs and working around load bearing walls — special design considerations like this are second nature to us.

CALL US TODAY Call Ro-Mac Design Center today, visit us on the web, or drop us an email at DesignCenter@RomacLumber.com. Let’s start working together, to make your dreams and visions a reality.

DESIGN CENTER Leesburg 352-314-3197

Lic#CBC1252465 Ro-Mac Lumber & Supply, Inc.

700 East Main Street - Leesburg, Florida 34748 Open Monday through Friday, 7am to 5pm

Ro-Mac Windows Windows give your house curb appeal. They are your eyes to the beauty outside. At the same time, they must also protect your family from the environmental extremes of Florida’s fickle weather. If you had a home built in the last 30 years, it was probably outfitted with inefficient, single-pane aluminum

windows. That was pretty much the standard back then, when a window’s only job was to provide a view of the outside world.

Today, however, new advanced building materials, construction techniques, and thermal technologies have rendered those old windows obsolete, not energy-efficient, and in many cases, do not meet Florida’s modern day building and energy codes.

WINDOWS Leesburg 352-314-3164

Lic#CBC1252465 Ro-Mac Lumber & Supply, Inc.

700 East Main Street - Leesburg, Florida 34748

The Villages 352-753-3333

722 Duck Lake Road - The Villages, Florida 32159

Ocala 352-622-7099

1432 SW 15th Avenue - Ocala, Florida 34471

THE TOUCH TEST Not sure if your windows are energy efficient? Touch your window pane and its frame during the hottest or coldest part of the day. If it feels like the temperature outside, your window is not energy efficient. The outside temperatures are being transferred into your home, eating away at your energy savings. Signs of sweat on the window sill and frame on a cold day are another good indicator. It occurs when your home’s warm, moist air hits the cool, smooth surface of a poorly efficient window; like a cold, aluminum can of soda sweats on a hot summer day.

The new manufacturing and material technologies of today’s energy efficient vinyl windows let you enjoy the view while saving you money.

They keep the outside temperatures outside, and they can significantly lower your heating and cooling energy bill.

WE CAN HELP YOU Ro-Mac Windows is your local window headquarters with large showrooms in both their Leesburg and Ocala locations.

Ro-Mac has provided window installations, replacements, and repairs for homeowners in Central Florida for over 70 years.

Ro-Mac Garage Doors QUALITY AND BEAUTY Ro-Mac Garage Doors is ready to provide you with the latest in quality, style, and security. As a full line dealer of Clopay® Garage Doors, we offer one of America’s most trusted brands, with a wide variety of styles and options that meet Florida’s strenuous hurricane codes.

CUSTOM GARAGE DOORS Looking to upgrade? Clopay’s Coachman® Collection offers a full range of low maintenance, insulated steel garage doors with designs to complement a wide variety of architectural styles including Craftsman, Shaker, Traditional, French Country, Tudor and Victorian.

Don’t forget your golf cart or riding mower, because no one in Central Florida installs more six-foot-wide garage doors than Ro-Mac Garage Doors. Turn almost any utility building into a working garage by installing a specialty, custom door.

GARAGE DOOR OPENERS Ro-Mac carries a full range of openers with a full-suite of innovative features like smartphone control, battery backup and advanced security features. These openers will give you peace of mind that your garage is safe and secure.

REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE, AND SERVICE With a warehouse of parts, we can repair and service nearly every major brand, and we offer an annual tune-up to check the operator, door balance/lubrication, adjust springs, align sensors, inspect rollers/cables and check remotes for security.

And with Ro-Mac Garage Doors 24-hour Emergency Service.

Help is always just a phone call away at 352-577-9030.

EXPERIENCE COUNTS For more than four decades, Central Floridians have used Ro-Mac Garage Doors for all of their garage door needs. The well trained staff at Ro-Mac Garage Doors are experienced professionals, and they’ll never try to sell you something you don’t need. Ro-Mac Garage Doors - a company you can trust.

Lic#CBC1252465 Ro-Mac Lumber & Supply, Inc.

GARAGE DOORS

The Villages 352-748-4575

722 Duck Lake Road - The Villages, Florida 32159

Leesburg 352-314-0893

720 East Main Street - Leesburg, Florida 34748

Ro-Mac Showrooms

(In both Leesburg & Ocala)

Examine actual windows, siding, and doors — not photos.

VISIT OUR WINDOW & DOOR SHOWROOM Our Ro-Mac Window & Door Showrooms display a unique blend of windows, doors, and siding for any style Florida home.

Actual house facades have been created with fully interactive, hands-on displays to provide you an opportunity to open, close, and inspect these building products exactly as they would be installed in your own home.

A WIDE SELECTION Unlike other window and door companies that show a single product line, the Ro-Mac Window & Door Showroom prominently displays top quality manufacturers, like Kolbe, PGT, MI/BetterBilt, YKK, Lincoln, Andersen, Croft, and Custom Window Systems. They also carry a full line of Therma-Tru and Masonite Doors, and a complete line of mouldings and millwork products.

CUSTOM DOORS AND MILLWORK Custom door sizes are no problem. We can build special sized doors, manufacture specialty trim, and provide complete millwork solutions for any size home. We also have one of the

most skilled installation departments in Central Florida.

Serving Central Florida since 1945, Ro-Mac has a reputation for offering the best in quality products and customer service.

Ro-Mac has been making customers happy for over 70 years, and you don’t last long in this industry unless you deliver quality products, service, and keep your promises. Ro-Mac is a name you can trust, and we can’t say it any better than that.

Lic#CBC1252465 Ro-Mac Lumber & Supply, Inc.

LUMBER&SUPPLY

Leesburg 352-787-4545

700 East Main Street - Leesburg, Florida 34748

Ocala 352-622-7099

1432 SW 15th Avenue - Ocala, Florida 34471

Mary Rhodes Branch Manager

Timothy Legendre

NMLS#354036

Katie Lorenzen Kimberly Likely Randall Krasneck NMLS#244853

MortgageFirmPros.com 352.383.3046 | 620 East 5th Ave., Mount Dora

OFFICES: Orlando - Clearwater - Altamonte - Mount Dora - Jupiter - Lakeland - Tampa Fort Lauderdale - Boca Raton - Port Orange - Maitland - Lady Lake - Melbourne - St. Petersburg Company NMLS #189233

Wanna talk about mold in your home?

Don’t just ask Branam James‌

Ask Jimmy.

J

infeng Ma came home from a 40-day cruise ready to get back to work. However, not being able to open the door to his home was the first indication of a big problem.

“While I was overseas, there was a leak in my refrigerator icemaker, and the everything downstairs was wet,” Jinfeng says. “ The floors, the walls, the kitchen cabinets, and carpets all had to be removed.”

Jinfeng believes the leak in the line going to the icemaker must have happened shortly after he left for his cruise so it had plenty of time to do significant damage and let mold grow throughout the home’s first floor.

“I knew there was extensive work to be done because the mold spread to the living room, the dining room, and even the kid’s playroom,” Jinfeng said.

His insurance company called BranamJames Construction, and Jinfeng immediately felt he was in good hands.

“Things became much easier once Jimmy and his team became involved, and I knew they were working for my interest” Jinfeng says. “They’re very knowledgeable, very patient, and they make things easy, beyond easy. I’m an immigrant, and Jimmy is a good listener. He answered all my questions and made me feel America is a great place.”

“Things became much easier once Jimmy and his team became involved, and I knew they were working for my interest.” — JINFENG MA

Before

WHEN MOLD TAKES OVER

“The leak from the icemaker waterline caused mold infestation in the entire first floor of Mr. Ma’s home,” Jimmy says. “There was so much dampness in the house, the door had swollen shut, and he couldn’t get it opened.”

Mr. Ma’s insurance adjustor contacted BranamJames Construction knowing they had a reputation for quality work, exemplary customer service, and being timely and efficient.

They found Mr. Ma’s damage was so extensive everything had to be taken out down to the wall studs.

“Sometimes in these situations we can go in with drying equipment and dry the structure out page to and repair what Turn the g’s home n see Jinfe rmed. transfo

After the damage. This time it was too far gone since the leak had been going on for more than a month,” Jimmy says.

Jimmy warns that it’s very important to notify your insurance company of mold or water damage within 14 days of finding the problem. Otherwise, they may not cover the cost of fixing it. In fact, it’s the law in Florida.

KEEP AN EYE ON THINGS

Our services

Some of the extra services we offer:

• • • • • •

Residential Contracting Services Residential Additions/Remodeling Commercial Builds Construction Management Services Commercial Roofing Projects Residential Roofing Projects

If you’re going to be away on vacation or an extended trip, be sure you have someone who can actually go inside your home and check for any leaks for other problems.

“I think it’s important that you have a neighbor or a friend walk through your home occasionally if you’re going to be gone an extensive amount of time. That way you’ll have that 14-day window covered in case something happens,” Jimmy says.

Mr. Ma had to work with his insurance company, providing proof he was out

• • • • • •

Inspections Initial Estimates Evictions Janitorial Services Landscaping Interior & Exterior

• • • • • •

Debris & Hazard Removal Repairs Boarding Winterization Painting Electrical

Nine Things You Should Know About Mold 1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.

2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment except to control moisture.

3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.

5. Reduce indoor humidity (30-60 percent) to decrease mold growth by: • Venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside • Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers • Increasing ventilation • Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

• Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

6. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.

7. Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

8. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting.

9. Molds can be found almost anywhere and can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present—wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

of the country when the damage occurred.

“We’re still in the process of finishing the work, though it’s going well and on schedule. Removing all the flooring, drywall, and all the elements down to the studs takes time.”

Mr. Ma was forced to live elsewhere because breathing mold is toxic.

MOLD REMEDIATION LEVELS This was a standard mold remediation job for BranamJames Construction, a procedure they have extensive experience with. While mold is present everywhere, indoors and outdoors, mold spores thrive on moisture and quickly expand when exposed to water. Level 1 remediation is normally used for small areas of mold, maybe up to 10 square feet while Level 2 mold remediation takes significant time. First, the water problem must be fixed, all wet and mold-damaged material must be removed and properly discarded. All surfaces must be cleaned with a HEPA vacuum and then with a damp cloth or mop, which should be discarded too. The area must then be allowed to completely dry so there is no moisture anywhere.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXPERTS

“When this is done, we’ll call in a third party to do testing to ensure everything is as it should be,” Jimmy says. “If you call us before calling the insurance adjustor, we’ll handle everything for you—filing the claim and dealing with the insurance company directly. Jen Cecil, our permit technician, is a pro with this work.”

Watch your words when you’re speaking with the insurance company and take photos of the damage from every angle you can see.

Report the mold as soon as you notice an issue. Don’t wait to see if it will get worse.

17 Years of Experience 710 N. 14th Street, Leesburg, FL 34748 /// 352.530.2232 branamjames.com CGC1515370 /// CCC1329080 /// CAC1818354 /// MRSR2645

Jimmy says it may help the insurance company to get the information from a contractor because they know the work will be done and the claim can be easily verified, so call them first. “An estimate from an adjustor may not include all the items needed to be done, which means the homeowner will have to go back to their insurance company,” he adds.

GET THE RIGHT PEOPLE FOR THE JOB Now that the damaged material has been removed and the first floor has been dried out completely, BranamJames Construction begins the restoration work. New drywall will be put up along with new cabinets and flooring, and Mr. Ma’s house will eventually have what is essentially a new first floor.

All of this will be done according to Mr. Ma’s specifications and wishes, something BranamJames always guarantees.

“Always be sure you’re dealing with a licensed contractor,” Jimmy says. “There have been problems with this issue in our area, and our licenses are plainly displayed on our website and available for review.”

Learn everything you need to know about BranamJames Construction at www.branamjames.com. You can see photos of recent work and a portfolio of jobs they’ve done in the past. Their areas of expertise include roofing, and general contract work—residential and commercial.

“We ensure everything is done promptly and professionally from start to finish,” Jimmy says. “We offer budgeting, consulting, materials management, estimating, quality control, and field supervision on all jobs.”

Forefront merges experienced and young talent Hans Bentzon, 54, and Amelia Swart, 31, represent partners with experience and fresh ideas at Forefront Architecture and Engineering, a Clermont-based company that provides services locally and on an international scale.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

A

Forefront Architecture 1230 Oakley Seaver Drive, Suite 200 Clermont, FL 34711 352.241.4389

mong Forefront’s nearly 40 employees’ current projects: a hotel on a Panama beach, providing a wide spectrum of services for national, high-volume builders, and serving local clients with custom home designs.

“We’re not a very large powerhouse architectural firm in the traditional sense; people are amazed at what we are able to accomplish with our size and footprint,” says Hans.

“We are not afraid to take on anything. There are no jobs too small or large for us.”

Forefront takes pride in having talented, registered architects, and engineers with expertise in design, and mechanical and electrical and structural engineering.

The company can provide collaborative services for all facets of the building industry, including design, prompt delivery, cost efficiency, and professional representation for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

“It’s kind of a one-stop shop,” says Hans. “We do everything in house. We have all of these people, and part of that talent includes Amelia Swart. She is young with fresh ideas; she’s attracting a younger clientele with great ideas.”

Amelia came to Forefront with a construction background and is a licensed real estate agent. She also launched the interior design department at Forefront.

“I am excited about bringing a new market segment into the company, specifically commercial, because I’m very passionate about the idea of mixed-used

*

It’s kind of a onestop shop, we do everything in house.

We have all of these people, and all of these talents under one roof.

— HANS BENTZON

properties,” Amelia says.

“Communities where you accomplish everything that you need in terms of living, working, and playing.”

She says Forefront has the expertise to make mixed-use projects happen.

“Not only do we have the residential experience, but we have the commercial as well.

It’s not often that you find that together in the same place with the level of service that we provide.”

In newer communities, the mixed use properties are conducive with trends such as walking communities or farm-to-table communities.

“It’s an old idea that’s reemerging and it is very appealing to millennials because we are accustomed to convenience and having whatever we need at our fingertips,” she says.

“Amelia being a millennial and being a partner has really taken this and run with it,” Hans says, by reaching out to community leaders with ideas and leveraging the technology to get it done quickly.

Forefront can also help clients who seek custom home designs.

“We take time to understand what is important to you, come up with ideas and put them in the computer,” he says. “On your next visit, we show them to you in 3-D, so you get the feel for the house before you actually custom build the house. The results are based on your preferences of what you like and what’s important to you.

Current trends and the latest technology can be implemented into the custom home, too, including energyefficient systems.

“I think the strongest message throughout the whole design process is that we are truly an advocate for the client,” says Amelia. “We have a web access for our clients to be able to track the progress of the drawing, where we are, and what we are doing with it—all at the touch of their fingertips to help keep clients in the loop.

Amelia enjoys offering solutions to Forefront to potential clients.

“We are an integrated service,” she says. “Being able to understand the construction production and understanding acquisition or real estate part really provides a more cohesive service all the way around. All of those things are related. What I enjoy about the company and working for Hans, specifically, is that he is willing to take the risk to let someone my age be innovative.”

Hans proudly noted the dynamics of two generations works well at Forefront.

50%

OFF

LIST PRICE Chandeliers over $300.00 Through 3/31/2017 *Excludes Sale Items/Prior Purchases

Your Lighting & Fan Design Center.

Shop where the decorators go!

NEW INVENTORY

Visit Our Showroom Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Latest Design Trends Lighting and Fan Design Center 352-787-4542 // 711 SOUTH 14TH ST. (HWY 27), LEESBURG, FL // BESCOLIGHTS.COM

Complimentary Design Consultations •

Chandeliers • Pendants • Fans • Lamps

CALL TODAY TO FIND OUT ABOUT 25 YEAR WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY!

NEW CONSTRUCTION ROOF REPAIR RE-ROOF ROOF-OVER

PETE TSIRNIKAS Owner

352.669.6607 :: www.bonedryroofingllc.com Licensed in Lake, Sumter, Orange, Seminole, and Marion Counties.

F e at u r i n g

4 Gale Lazenby A firefighter and a chaplain.

Plus

6 Our House Moving on up means a place for hubby’s toys.

10 A Community Renaissance The prettiest street in Orange Blossom Gardens.

* IVNSTtHyE lV eI L L A G E S

We cannot give what we do not have Like most folks in The Villages, when I think of Feb. 14, I think about love. It’s a time we celebrate loving relationships—relationships that sustain us and provide us with affection, companionship, devotion, joy, and pleasure.

STORY: PAT JOCELYN

* V

illager and professional life coach Barbara Kenyon says we often forget to celebrate and dedicate You’re living ourselves to the most important love relationship of all—the one we have with yourself with ourselves. “After all,” Barbara says, all day, make “You’re living with yourself all day, sure you’re make sure you’re in good company.”

The process of forgetting to love in good ourselves can occur when we’re single, company. married, or simply dating. It can also occur with children, friends, and even in —BARBARA KENYON working relationships; but this month I’ll be talking about adult love relationships and using myself as an example.

I’m a single, fairly intelligent 69-year-old woman who, over time, has successfully and sensibly dealt with a number of life-altering challenges. Yet, a few months ago I found myself in a relationship where, under the guise of “making it work,” I compromised way too many of my core values and beliefs including finances, religion/ spirituality and politics—all in the name of “love.”

WN LIFE D-REKNOUISE HAY L R O W I misplaced much of what OR LO N WITH A KENYO OACH AND AUTH BARBAR C made me me. I worried too

2

much about what another person thought of me and not enough about what I thought about me. My body, mind, and spirit suffered in the process. My life was like wearing a pair of jeans two sizes too small—no matter what I did, I just couldn’t get things to fit or feel right.

With my precious core values compromised, I relinquished much of my control to someone else. I morphed into a person I no longer believed in or even liked. Barbara shared a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that reinforced what I had intuitively discovered on my own. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Unknowingly, I had given my consent.

But now it was time to regain what I had lost, to love myself—again. I quieted my mind and my body and listened to my inner voice. I knew what I had to do. I ended the relationship.

Barbara says it best. “It’s all about our self-talk and what’s going on in our head.

Treat yourself as you would a best friend.

Become your own best friend.”

My two cents worth? Love and appreciate who you are because you cannot give what you do not have.

we know making it easy to find flooring you'll love.

The Floor Shoppe Family owned & community trusted since 1979

352.748.4811

Wildwood Oaks Business Center 9815 N US Hwy 301, Wildwood

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 10am-2pm

thefloorshoppe.com

WHEN CLEAN JUST ISN’T CLEAN ENOUGH.

CALL TODAY 352.753.8653 COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES FOR: BANKS DOCTOR’S OFFICES PROFESSIONAL BUSINESSES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CLEANING

SERVICES ALSO INCLUDE: FLOOR MAINTENANCE CARPET CLEANING WINDOW CLEANING

CLEANING SUPPLIES: PAPER // CHEMICALS // EQUIPMENT

Free Estimates // Licensed & Insured UltimateContractCleaning.com danucc@aol.com PROUD MEMBER OF:

3

* MVESEtT yAlVeI L L A G E R

Gail Lazenby Chaplain of the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in The Villages

V I TA L

S TAT

Why Fire/EMS? My mother was a registered nurse supervisor at the local hospital, and several firemen were her friends.

She taught an occasional first aid course, and went on fire calls to provide on-scene aid for victims or firemen. I was at the same school in Grand Island, New York, for 33 years, but I also worked as a fire fighter/paramedic.

All these experiences prepared me well to be a chaplain.

S

Married to Kathy Lazenby for 44 years.

Resident of the Village of Belle Aire since 2002.

Born in Geneva, New York.

Home town is Grand Island, New York.

Main hobbies are golf and reading, mostly non-fiction.

Has a collection of 300 unique writing pens.

Household pet is “Gertie,” a Yorkshire-Maltese.

4

What motivated you to become the Chaplain?

I have been involved in this field of fire and rescue for most of my life. Since moving to The Villages in 2002, I worked with the fire department in various capacities. During my work here, I felt called to serve Jesus Christ in a new capacity. In July of 2016, I was ordained as a deacon in the National Catholic Church. As chaplain, I am on-call 24/7 for my colleagues in need.

You display strong leadership skills. While

during stressful and trying times. Since I have experienced or seen most of what others may be going through, I believe I provide genuine understanding and help.

What other community services do you perform? I am in my fourth term as a supervisor in Community Development District No. 3, and a past-president of the Rotary Club. I work with Clean Kids Back Pack Program, where we provide hygiene products to children.

in Grand Island, I trained Fire/EMS personnel in neighboring counties. I was the president of the teacher’s association, chairman of the English and social studies departments, and building administrator. I was on the town board of commissioners and also chairman of a charity in the community.

What is one word that describes you?

What do you like most about what you do? I

What are your greatest accomplishments?

enjoy being with others while providing comfort

My marriage and being ordained.

Driven. When I make a commitment to accomplish something, I see it through.

What is your motto? Why join something if you can’t run it? This relates to my level of commitment, and my decisionmaking capabilities.

Home Health

Rebuilding History The Villages began with the dream Harold Schwartz had for retirees. That dream has spread far and wide, and now the developers are going back to the beginning to bring history into the present.

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI // PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

After an aging house was removed last year from a lot on Roseapple Avenue, a new home was built on the spot in 65 days, sold in September to Connecticut snowbirds, and occupied by December.

Just that quickly, the developer of The Villages is transforming the historic side of the community by buying dozens of manufactured homes —standing since the 1980s and ’90s— and replacing them with brand-new sitebuilt houses.

The neighborhoods east of U.S. Highway 27/441 represent the origins of The Villages, which mushroomed out of businessman Harold Schwartz’s mobile home park. Today, cleared lots and new rising structures dot the streets in the villages of Silver Lake and Orange Blossom Gardens.

Residents appear to love the rebuilding movement, with some saying new homes help raise property values, and put a fresh coat of paint on the aesthetics of the community.

“It’s the best thing that’s ever happened around here,” says Norman Narum, who has lived for nearly 25 years in a house

6

DAN AND HELEN TUCCILLO

7

*

“This is nice, to me. It’s relaxing, laid back. It’s a great little place. You can sit in your driveway and have a beer or go out and do anything you want.”

— DAN TUCCILLO”

8

built onsite by a contractor working for Schwartz, appropriately, on East Schwartz Boulevard.

Of course, the developer is not making improvements out of pure altruism. For example, The Villages of Lake-Sumter Inc. bought the Roseapple Avenue lot and its 1980 manufactured home for $70,000. The Connecticut snowbirds, Dan and Helen Tuccillo, paid about $235,500 for the new house, Lake County property records show.

But the Tuccillos apparently didn’t mind the price tag.

“Dollar for dollar, compared to the north, it’s much better here for housing,” Dan says.

They lived for several years in a doublewide manufactured home a few streets away from Roseapple. However, their real estate agent advised them to sell that house and buy a larger lot where they could have a new home built.

“A lot of doublewides are super nice and there are so many that are so great, but it was a little cramped for company,” Dan says. “So we decided to spend a little of the kids’ inheritance.”

The payoff was a house with three bedrooms, two baths, plenty of space for visiting family and Dan’s favorite spot, a 25-by-25-foot garage better known as his “toy room.” He’s a member of The Villages Goldwing Club, and the toy room is where he parks his large Goldwing motorcycle.

Their residence had that fresh “newhouse smell” as they moved in, and Helen was “having a lot of fun spending money to furnish it,” Dan says. The semi-retired couple formerly lived part time in Pompano Beach, but found the pace of The Villages more to their liking.

“This is nice, to me,” Dan says as he surveys his street. “It’s relaxing, laid back. It’s a great little place. You can sit in your driveway and have a beer or go out and do anything you want.”

The ongoing housing construction represents a changing of the guard on the historic side, says Maureen Connelly.

She and her husband Bob have lived part time on Heathrow Avenue since 2005.

“I think the neighborhood is turning over,” Maureen says. “This was the original starting point, and a lot of original owners are still here. Unfortunately, they’re dying, and their kids don’t want this. They just want to sell for any price.

From what I hear, The Villages is paying good money for their homes.”

The Connellys live just down the street from a vacant lot ready for building that backs up to the Orange Blossom Hills Golf Course. Orange Blossom Gardens has had its share of site-built houses all along, there are just more of them now, Maureen says.

As for the couple’s own doublewide manufactured home, she says it’s in fairly good condition and she doesn’t know if they will sell it someday. But they’re both in favor of the developer’s housing swap.

“I think it’s great,” Maureen says.

“It doesn’t do anything but raise our [property] values. I think it will be awhile before the whole neighborhood is site-built. It probably will take 15 to 20 years before they’re all finished. I think all the singlewides will go, and I’m all for that. They couldn’t get out fast enough.”

Over in Silver Lake, Carl Ittner spoke in front of his house on Tarrson Boulevard as workers at a nearby lot poured cement for the foundation of a new house. Just two weeks later, the framework of the new house was in place, and two other new houses on his street were near completion.

“They don’t take that long to put them up,” Carl says. “They’re occupied right away, too. One wasn’t even vacant for a month and boom! They moved in.”

The construction on his street doesn’t bother Carl. Replacing the old with the new is good for the neighborhood, he says.

“They’re getting rid of a lot of trailers that are really in rundown shape,” Carl says. “Eventually, you won’t see many trailers here. It’ll all be houses.”

Well, almost all. Carl and his wife have no plans to sell their 1985 manufactured home, where they’ve lived for almost nine years. They like their house, plus,

property taxes are lower on mobile homes than houses, he says.

Roland Busser also lives near a lot that was recently cleared of an old mobile home at the corner of Mark Avenue and Kelsea Court. Across the street from Roland, one of the first “replacement homes” in the neighborhood was built in 2014.

“That’s what they do,” Roland says.

“They come in and buy it, evidently, take it out and move it.”

The housing transition has pros and cons, he says.

“The new ones will bring the value of the neighborhood up, but as the manufactured homes get old, they’re harder to insure,” Roland says. “A lot of people don’t carry insurance anymore.”

Roland, who’s lived in Silver Lake for 12 years, estimates his manufactured home is worth $140,000 and it’s not going any higher, “but I’m not in it for the money,” he says. The developer sold the new house across the street for about $180,000.

Roland has concerns that other areas of The Villages are becoming too pricey. His parents moved to The Villages in 1989, when the now-historic side still was known as a haven for blue-collar workers and World War II veterans, he says.

“This was an affordable lifestyle,” he said. “It’s still an affordable lifestyle, but some million-dollar homes are going in [elsewhere in The Villages].”

Things change. Norman Narum, the longtime resident on East Schwartz Boulevard, enjoyed watching his neighborhood one afternoon from the comfort of a chair in his driveway. He’s seen a lot of changes from his vantage point, but he still loves the area today.

“I have no complaints,” Norman says.

“I can’t think of very much negative to say. Everybody keeps their place up good.”

Norman’s not going anywhere, either.

He’s done a lot of remodeling over the years, as have many neighbors, and he figures houses that once cost less than $100,000 now are worth $200,000.

“We put in a lot of money, but it’s worth it,” he says.

Now, residents feel they are getting some new bang for their buck through the developer’s revitalization effort.

The historic side of The Villages, which also includes the Village of Country Club Hills, has rooftops numbering in the thousands. So, rebuilding could last many more years.

Recreational funds also have been used in recent years for renovations at several rec centers and athletic facilities, as well as additions to Paradise Park on Paradise Drive, giving the whole community a lively vibe.

Across the street from the park sits yet another cleared lot, just waiting for another new house.

*

Residents appear to love the rebuilding movement, with some saying new homes help raise property values, and put a fresh coat of paint on the aesthetics of the community.

9

It’s Time for a Change With new homes being built in the historic neighborhoods of The Villages, current homeowners are opting to remodel or renovate to join the move to upgrade.

STORY BY CHRIS GERBASI // PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

A

s new houses pop up around them, many homeowners living on the historic side of The Villages want to do their part for the renaissance of the community.

Home remodeling projects, both large and small, can be spotted throughout the villages of Orange Blossom Gardens, Silver Lake, and Country Club Hills.

Gio Milano labored in his backyard through much of the recent holidays. In December, he and a construction company started a large patio for his house on Heathrow Avenue, overlooking Lone Oak Lake.

When Gio and his partner, Tina Crispi, moved in to the site-built house in 2013, he immediately went to work remodeling the interior from “floor to ceiling and wall to wall,” he says. The house was built in 1992 and needed upgrades to virtually every area. He revamped the kitchen and bathrooms, and put in hardwood floors.

So, he’s used to getting his hands dirty. The couple’s new patio will cover 10-by-40 feet, with a large sliding door entrance from the house, screening all the way around and a roof extending from the house, resulting in a beautiful view of the lake and its island with one lone oak.

“It’s going to be a nice little place to entertain,” Gio says.

Most of the houses on Lone Oak Lake have patios or decks, as neighbors have followed each other with home improvements.

“Everybody seems to be improving as we go,” Gio says. “We’re not keeping up with the

10

Joneses, but we like to keep our homes improving and looking nice.”

In fact, Gio calls Heathrow “the prettiest street in Orange Blossom Gardens,” with the lake on one side and a golf course on the other.

In nearby Silver Lake one recent afternoon, construction workers were busy with roofs, garages, driveways, and additions at various houses.

Homeowner Donald A. Jones monitored the progress of a patio addition at his Tarrson Boulevard residence, where he and his wife Christine recently relocated from another street in the neighborhood.

The worker at the house, from a local construction company, happened to mention that he’s done five to 10 remodeling upgrades to mobile homes in the area in the past six months.

The Joneses’ project includes expanding an 8-by-10foot area into a full patio enclosed with glass windows,

and adding a new walkout with bannisters extending from the back door of their 1986 manufactured home.

“We did a lot of work,” Donald says, adding he hopes the nearly $15,000 cost will be worth it.

Coincidentally, next door to the Jones house is a vacant lot, the former site of an old manufactured home purchased by The Villages developer to make way for one of many new site-built houses on the historic side.

The new houses not only enhance the look of the neighborhoods, but also apparently spur other homeowners to action. Gio says he might not have bothered to invest in a new patio if some homes in Orange Blossom Gardens had remained neglected.

“I think it’s great that they’re building new homes in the area and making the area look pretty,” Gio says.

“They’re doing a nice job correcting that situation.

The new homes revitalize the area. It’s a big plus. The neighborhood’s blossoming.”

*

We’re not keeping up with the Joneses, but we like to keep our homes improving and looking nice.

— GIO MILANO

GIO MILANO AND TINA CRISPI

11

Make it memorable.

The 1889 Opera House offers history and 3,500 square feet of spacious style for events ranging from seminars to weddings.

Holiday Parties • Life Celebrations • Speaker Events Business Socials • Conferences/Seminars • Weddings 108 5TH STREET, LEESBURG 352.787.6806 | OPERAHOUSEEVENTS.COM

* BVOSOtK yClL UeB

Learn More:

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

Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker

By Jennifer Chiaverini. An intimate look into life of former slave that spans nearly a century.

*

The author is known for her Elm Creek Quilts books, which focus on the Civil War era.

14

STORY: DIANE DEAN

I

n 1868 Elizabeth Keckley wrote an autobiography “Behind the Scenes: Or Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House.” Elizabeth bought freedom from slavery for herself and her son and became a modiste. As a modiste she designed and produced fashionable dresses for a spectrum of elite government figures including the wives of Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee. Keckley had a thriving dressmaking business employing several women and was a civil activist who founded the Contraband Relief Association to provide aid to the African American (then called colored) troops who served in the Civil War and their families. Her own son, George Kirkland, left college to join the war effort and was killed.

The death of her son created a bond with Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary Todd Lincoln as the Lincolns lost

three of their four sons at early ages. Grief and worry were a constant with Mary.

The president’s salary of $25,000 did not support the extravagant spending of his wife, as she engaged in “retail therapy.”

Elizabeth stayed a loyal confidante and comfort to Mrs. Lincoln after the assassination of the president. After his death, Elizabeth helped Mary dispose of items to pay off the bills. Some of the president’s personal items were sold along with clothes designed by Elizabeth and worn by Mary. This was known as the “old clothes scandal.”

Keckley wrote her book to place Mrs. Lincoln in a more positive light.

Her publisher betrayed her by including personal letters from Mrs. Lincoln. The public felt this was a violation of privacy and Mrs. Lincoln ended her relationship with Elizabeth. The book didn’t sell well.

“Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker,” written

by Jennifer Chiaverini, and published in 2013 has sold well. The author is known for her Elm Creek Quilts books, which focus on the Civil War era.

Facilitator, Barbara Fisler, had questions for small groups that dealt with war, race relations, discrimination, and friendship. Some felt the emphasis on the war slowed the story and devalued the topics of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address or the Emancipation Proclamation.

Several members were surprised they enjoyed the book.

As Mrs. Lincoln’s dressmaker, Elizabeth observed Washington’s elite and the character and philosophy of the president. In the Springfield, Illinois, museum, Elizabeth is a figure behind Mary, who is in a dress described in the book.

Her usual place was in the background.

The Smithsonian Museum has the dress Mary wore to her husband’s second inauguration. A quilt made by Elizabeth from scraps of gowns of Mary’s is displayed by the Kent State University Museum.

Eventually this former slave and dressmaker was on faculty at Wilberforce University in the Department of Sewing and Domestic Science Arts, and organized a dress exhibit for the Chicago

World’s Fair. Elizabeth ended up in the National Home for Destitute and Colored Women and Children, which was partially funded by her association begun decades earlier.

The real buzz of the book club discussion was the subject of Chiaverini’s possible plagiarism of Keckley’s book.

However, the date indicates it is “public domain,” and can be quoted freely. Still, there should have been credit to Keckley.

Entire passages were lifted and repeated.

Considering what appears to be a real appreciation by the author for the times and lives of blacks during the Civil War era, it was disappointing to see her treat her fellow author with such disrespect.

Member Comments – Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley, her seamstress, were alike in some ways and different in other aspects. Yet their friendship developed during a poignant time in in history.

I enjoyed the book. It was a new twist for the author who wrote the “Elm Creed Quilts” series.

—Gail Feind, Pennecamp Most readers will be familiar with the Civil War history that plays a major role in this book, but many may be surprised to learn about Mrs. Lincoln’s increasingly unstable personality as well as what happened to her after her husband’s assassination. I was disappointed to learn that a sizeable portion of the book was lifted from Keckley’s own novel, “Behind the Scenes: Thirty Years a Slave and Four years in the White House.”

—Shari Greifner, Bonnybrook If you are a lover of history, this book is for you. It has everything you want regarding history and politics.

It is the bonding of two individuals a world apart: Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley, a free slave that bought her freedom and became a sought-after seamstress in Washington, D.C. I was impressed with the similarity of our politics after the assassination of President Lincoln. Letters leaked to the newspapers

by Mrs. Lincoln to gain sympathy and a memoir being written by Elizabeth Keckley of her intimate knowledge of the White House inner circle and her

friendship with Mary Todd Lincoln. Historical but yet quite contemporary.

—Charlotte Priestner, Rio Ponderosa I found this a slow read. It lacked the suspense to entice the reader to learn what happens next. The story tells some of the challenges during the Civil War, difficulties of being black, and some peculiar behaviors of Mary Lincoln. However, a reader familiar with the history of America during slavery and the personal and political difficulties President Lincoln encountered may find it a challenge to complete. I could not get interested in the tale of dressmaking.

—Carole La Pine, Hemingway I thought the book was mediocre. I was hoping to learn more about Elizabeth Kleckley and why she was such a serene person when life was so unfair to her. Why did she continue to be Mary Lincoln’s confidante when there was no give and take? It was not a friendship of equals—Mary needed Elizabeth, Elizabeth never confided in Mary. The facilitator was excellent. She was well prepared and brought new information to the discussion. I was especially impressed by how she handled the issue of racial inequality, encouraging us to think deeply about the impact of unequal treatment of people. She did not let the one negative and needlessly nasty comment put her off her stride.

—Linda Ward, Hacienda North

Fiction Bestsellers As of January 23

1 Never Never

BY JAMES PATTERSON

2 Milk and

Honey

BY RUPI KAUR

3 Two by Two

BY NICHOLAS SPARKS

4 The Chemist

BY STEPHENIE MEYER

5 Cross the

Line

BY JAMES PATTERSON

6 The Whistler

BY JOHN GRISHAM

7 Below the

Belt

BY STUART WOODS

8 The Mistress

BY DANIELLE STEEL

9 No Man’s

Land

BY DAVID BALDACCI

10 The Wrong

Side of Goodbye

BY MICHAEL CONNELLY

15

Compassionate care for your companions

• NEW PUPPY AND KITTEN EXAMS

CENTRAL FLORIDA PET CREMATORY HAS BEEN SERVING LAKE AND MARION COUNTIES SINCE 2002. IT IS OUR GOAL TO HELP YOU SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR SPECIAL FRIEND IN THE MOST CARING AND UNDERSTANDING WAY.

352.307.2256 // 10725 SE 36th Ave www.cflpetcrematory.com “A way to provide the respect and loyalty after death that your pet freely gave in life”

• YEARLY WELLNESS EXAMS • FLEA AND HEARTWORM PREVENTION • YEARLY BLOOD SCREENING • MAINTAINING A HEALTHY GERIATRIC PET • COLD LASER THERAPY • REGENERATIVE STEM CELL THERAPY

352.347.3900 // 10725 SE 36th Ave www.BelleviewVeterinaryHospital.com

A

PARADE OF BEAUTIFUL HOMES Take a walk on the Street of Dreams to see the latest in home design and décor in Lake County.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY // PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

of rade held a P e Th ll be es wi Hom

B

5 Fethbrou.gh 5 . r a M

rowsing is often the most enjoyable part of a shopping trip. The 2017 Parade of Homes, running from Feb. 5 through March 5 at Harbor Hills in Lady Lake, gives you a chance to browse the beautiful new homes in this area. There is no entry fee.

Lisa Templin-Raybon is executive director of the Home Builders Association of Lake-Sumter (HBALS), and she says you’ll find a variety of ideas, styles, and builders and possibly, your dream home.

“You’ll get great ideas for decorating and discover exactly what national, regional, and custom builders

A PARADE OF BEAUTIFUL HOMES do,” Lisa says. “It’s the perfect place to get ideas for updating or remodeling the home you love or finding something you want to add to your current building plans.”

Harbor Hills, the dream community, is a popular Lake County development that includes an array of amenities and the Florida favorite—great golf! Add to that the peaceful, open spaces along with the safety of a gated community.

There are 21 different builders, offering a variety of model homes as well as custom-built homes that will meet the needs of first-home buyers, families, and seniors, that built the houses featured in this year’s Parade of Homes.

“Lake and Sumter counties are great places to buy and build right now,” Lisa says.

“A lot of people don’t want the hustle and bustle of Orlando but enjoy that this area is close to everything they like doing without the traffic and congestion.”

She went on to say there are many opportunities for a better quality of life along with great schools, an array of opportunities and amenities for seniors, and it’s located in the heart of the state.

“This gives our builders a chance to display their work and allows people to see what they can do to create the perfect home for the buyer’s needs and wants,” Lisa says.

For the first time this year, there will also be the option of visiting remodeled and renovated homes. These will opened on weekends only, but members of HBALS realize many people are opting to do renovations,

addition, or remodels because they don’t want to leave a treasured neighborhood or home.

“These homes give people ideas and let them view the handiwork of those who do renovations,” Lisa says.

According to market studies, houses in the $200,000 to $250,000 range are selling quickly and the

inventory is low. “The Parade of Homes gives Realtors® a good opportunity to show customers everything that’s available,” Lisa says. “We’ve seen many people move to this area because their parents moved down here to The Villages or another community, and the children find they want to live here to, so that’s a draw for us.”

*

This gives our builders a chance to display their work and allow people to see what they can do to create the perfect home for the buyer’s needs and wants.

— LISA TEMPLIN-RAYBON

Parade of Homes Entries Adams Homes American Family Homes Arlington Ridge Homes Beazer Homes CalAtlantic Homes David Weekley Homes Dream Custom Homes of Citrus Dream Finders Homes Harbor Hills Hegstrom Homes Hibiscus Homes Grand Oaks Manor Kevco Homes Builders and Realtors know that moves are often made when transitions occur in life—a new baby or an adult child moving back home adds the need for another bedroom, retiring may signal the need to downsize and decrease the amount of home and yard maintenance.

“Some people are empty nesters and wonder where ®

they want to go now,” Lisa says. “A friend of mine just built a house on Lake Harris, and she built a smaller house, but it is on the lake where before she was in a subdivision. I think you’re constantly moving in your phases of life, and with Lake County, lots of people love that it’s a little bit more laid back than they find in the city.”

Lisa says they also have people call the HBA from out of state to find out when the Parade of Homes is scheduled so they can come and see the homes, meet the builders, and get to know the area.

“All of our builders do different things, and you have a lot of different options with production builders and national and regional

Mainsail Solutions/ Green Key Village Medallion Homes Michael Olm M/I Homes RedTail Shea Homes/Trilogy Orlando Showcase Homes Turning Leaf

A PARADE OF BEAUTIFUL HOMES

builders, and then there’s the person who already has their own lot and wants to go with the custom builder so they can make design choices that production builders don’t do,” Lisa says.

The beauty of the Parade of Homes is that it showcases the latest in home design. Though builders are more prominently featured, there are also architects, interior designers, landscapers, home automation specialists, kitchen and bath designers and manufacturers, and building product suppliers involved with the homes.

There is no better way to see what’s trending in home design, decorating, or appliances than to tour the Parade of Homes. It really is a way to learn everything you need to know about home design and building your dream house.

It’s interesting to note the strong connection between the number of homes in the parade and the strength of the local market. Last year’s event featured 31 homes. With the addition of remodeled homes, visitors will not only view the latest in contemporary looks, they’ll be able to see how timeless architectural design elements are blended with the latest in energy efficiency and home automation advances.

There are also some new popular elements you may see like the “drop zone,” a place to put purses, keys, mail, and phones or the addition of a pet bathing station, and home theaters.

*

All of our builders do different things, and you have a lot of different options with production builders and national and regional builders.

— LISA TEMPLIN-RAYBON

“We also do an event with the Realtors Association to maximize exposure. We provide bus tours for the north, the south, and the central parts of the county to showcase the Parade of Homes for them,” Lisa says.

“We serve them breakfast and then take them from home to home. Last year I went to all of the homes in a weekend, and even if you’re happy with your house, you can’t help but be impressed with what you aee.”

Outdoor living spaces is definitely a selling point

for homes now. “It’s kind of like the urban campfire,” Lisa says. “People want the fire pit and those kinds of features make focus more on the family and that’s another draw for Lake County.”

Lisa says there are also the seniors who enjoy doing a lot of entertaining and the outdoor kitchen and fire pit become the focal point.

“Pools are still a huge draw for people.”

“We’ve got homes as far down as Clermont and all the way up to Oxford, and everywhere in between,” Lisa says. “We have entries coming from all those different cities.”

The judges of the Parade of Homes must be from out of the area, and they will be judging the homes on Friday, Feb. 17, with the awards banquet the following Friday at the Harbor Hills Country Club. The judges will also choose the best feature of each home, and there will be a merit award given for this.

The HBA-LS members are not just builders. The three membership categories are builder members, associate members, and affiliate members. Associate members include title, mortgage, automotive, marketing, media, pool, paver, site work, concrete, lumber supply fencing, irrigation, lawn care, cleaning services, dumpster, roofer, electrical, and stucco companies (anyone who wants to network with builders) along with Realtors. One advantage for members of HBA-LS is they also belong to Florida Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders.

Parade of Home Entry Cities Clermont Groveland Minneola Mount Dora Eustis Sorrento Umatilla Leesburg Lady Lake Oxford

Prepare for the tour • Pick out what you’re particularly interested in seeing before your go.

• Plan your route so you know exactly where you’re going next.

• Be prepared for the weather.

• Wear comfortable shoes.

• Arrive early and take your time touring the homes.

• Take notes so you remember what you really liked.

• Take photos with your cell phone.

Y L P U P S E P L

352.748.ROCK (7625) 4144 E CR 462, Wildwood Mon-Fri 8-5 • Sat 9-4

A

N

D

S

C

AT SOME OF THE LOWEST PRICES IN THE AREA!

A

EVERYTHING FOR FLORIDA LANDSCAPING

“Simplicity, sophistication, and satisfaction is what you can expect with BranamJames Construction.”

— Jimmy

Wanna talk about buildin’ your dream home?

Don’t just ask BranamJames…

“BranamJames was a Godsend for us when we relocated from New York to Florida last year. We needed the expertise of a contractor for various home improvement projects, and we found BranamJames via the internet through Home Advisors. We knew from the “get go” they would meet our needs.”

— Monserrate Carrero and Elsa Ortiz

Before

17 Years of Experience 710 N. 14th Street, Leesburg, FL 34748 /// 352.530.2232 /// branamjames.com CGC1515370 /// CCC1329080 /// CAC1818354 /// MRSR2645

MILLION DOLLAR REALTORS:

REALTOR YEAR OF THE

Lena Williams followed Mom’s footsteps but took her own path to 2016 Realtor of the Year.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY // PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

76

lakeandsumter

.com

L

ena Williams used to tell her mother, wellknown Leesburg Realtor Theresa Morris, that she would never do real estate sales.

However, as she grew older, she changed her mind, got her license in June 2000 at age 18, and has been selling houses ever since. Now she works with her mother, who is Broker/Owner of Morris Realty and Investments.

“We have some amazing Realtors in this community, so this was a surprise and a true honor to receive this award,” Lena says. “There are many deserving agents out there, including my mother and many of the agents at Morris Realty. I am humbled and very grateful.”

The Lake County native is a graduate of Leesburg High School, and she offers that as one of the reasons she loves her job so much. “I love living here, and I love selling people their homes here. This year I closed more than $17 million in real estate, but the important number is 77 transactions,” Lena says. “Each transaction represents a family or person I was able to help.

I owe being Realtor of the Year to all my clients from the past 17 years.”

There’s another reason she has such a deep appreciation for the award—part of the recognition is due to

*

The important number is

77

transactions.

Each transaction represents a family or person I was able to help.

—LENA WILLIAMS

February 2017

77

MILLION DOLLAR REALTORS

*

When you help someone with what’s often the largest purchase of their lives, they are trusting you.

I don’t take that lightly.

—LENA WILLIAMS

community service. “I am passionate about this. I think everyone should dedicate some time to the betterment of the community,” Lena says. “I volunteer for several organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs. It is very important to me to give back.

I cannot stress that enough. I encourage every person to choose something to do this New Year to make your community better.”

Lena freely admits it’s the personal connection she makes with each client that really appeals to her. She’s delighted when she runs into clients years later and they share how much they’re still enjoying the home she helped them purchase. “When you help someone with what’s often the largest purchase of their lives, they are trusting you.

I don’t take that lightly.”

She’s also very pleased when a past client recommends her to friends or family, but no matter how the client comes to her, the dedication to pleasing that client is the same.

“I approach every client with an open mind, listening to their concerns, and trying to guide them in the right direction.”

Real estate in this area is thriving, according to Lena. Prices are on a slow upswing, and buyers are not scared of the market. It’s still possible to buy a home with mortgage

payments that are less than rent. If you are renting, Lena says it’s always a smart move to buy, and now is also a good time to upgrade to a larger home.

For those who might be considering real estate sales as a career, Lena encourages you to go for it, but be ready to work because it’s not an easy job. “You have to be self-motivated and willing to work many hours,” she adds.

“However, it is well worth it for those who want to be successful.”

Family is very important to Lena. She and her husband Craig have two lovely daughters—Hannah is 8 years old and Haley is 6. Their favorite family activity is camping at Disney World and getting away for weekend trips to enjoy some quality time together.

“My family is my strength, and my husband is my biggest fan. He is always there to encourage and support me,” Lena says. “My family knows how hard I work so when we have our time together, we play hard.”

That little girl who used to tell her mother she’d never work in real estate has done quite well.

“In the end, it’s the best decision I ever made and, honestly, I owe it all to her. She is my inspiration.”

MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CLUB Arellano Realty & Investments, LLC Karin Arellano Theresa Kay Bobby Orr Ashley Pun Susie Westbrook Asano Real Estate LLC Leslie Campasano

lakeandsumter

Beacon Real Estate & Associates, Inc Geoffrey S. Chernault Geraldine “Gerri” Rosenthal Warren K. Thomas Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices® Home Team Realty Jim McCallum

Avalar Real Estate Services Moises Alvelo

78

Colleen Donlevy-Burns Doreen Landi Tracie Ruffolo Ashley Taylor

.com

Black Tie Real Estate & Investments, Inc Mark Dyer Lauren Lester Michael Ritzenthaler

CAN Realty, LLC Nicole May

BonJorn Real Estate Pamela Bonjorn

Catherine Hanson Real Estate, Inc Ginger Mansour

Bravo’s Properties & Management, LLC Taimi Guillot

Carlino Commercial Group, Inc Jeff Carlino

Century 21® Blue Sky Realty Group Jurgita Ribokaite

Century 21® Carlino Realty, Inc Patricia King Alex VonHartman Century 21® John C. Thomas, Inc Ted Trawick Century 21® Prime Property Resources, Inc Summer Alvis Kelly Rice

Century 21® Professional Group, Inc Lori Walker

Connie Mahan Real Estate Group Connie Mahan Cynthia Tompkins

Coldwell Banker Residential RE Sandra Krumrine

Dave Lowe Realty, Inc. Nova Fuller Kathleen Ghearing Michele Lowe Pam Myers Janet Shatzer

Coldwell Banker® Tony Hubbard Realty, Inc Richard Bisaillon Jearri Bush Pamela S. Eddy Dawn Giachetti Marsha Burton Gordon Kaley Hansen Lisa Haynes Jean Nunn Andrea Summers Donna Wall Linda Weber Victoria (Vici) J. Winn Coldwell Banker® Tyre & Taylor Susan Hooper Coldwell Banker® Camelot Realty Arthur Blundell Judy Blundell Patsy Casey William Casey Phyllis Dallinga Denise Hedrick Linda Kellerman Shannon V. King Jeana Matthews Breezy Owens Elliott Owens Bob Podell Mollie Podell Carole Rohan Betty Salas Lisa West Ana Zitnick Coletti Real Estate, Inc Cynthia Coletti Ronald Coletti

Discover Florida Realty Simon Ambrose Frank DiLiberto Catherine MacKenzie Dunn Realty Mary Dunn Sean Dunn Michelle Parrish E-Direct Realty, LLC Jann Knight Empire Network Realty, Inc Reto C. Badraun Diana Barber Mary Poillion, PA Nancy Pruitt ERA® Grizzard Real Estate Jeanne Abernathy Susan Aicher Mandy Bass Dick Batts Richard Beliveau Paul Carraway Lisa Carter Toni Chapman Christi Charpia Donna Cline-Hansard Marlene Cook Sheila Davis Tim Davis Kathleen Dermody Kris DiLeva Bonnie Drawdy Ian Drummond

Doug DuVarney Linda Engelbrecht Dan Foster Terri Gordon Jessica Graham Christina Grant Lauri Grizzard Linda Grizzard Brittney Guadagnoli Joe Hamblin Ryan Heitman Scott Hubbard Felecia Humphrey Olga Jakubowski Lisa Jones Carol Julianelli Christina Keene Judy Kelley Brandy Kelly Tammy King Dalemarie Lamb-Witter Lauralyn Lane Roxanne Logan Carolyn Maimone Loretta Maimone Autumn Makin Debra L. Martin Jayne Marvin Ofelia “Lia” May Karol McDermott Diana Miguel Ira Miller Marilyn Morris Kristen Myer Misty Noland Kathleen O’Brien

Kara Puryear Clarissa Rainey Stacey Ray Kathy Reeg-Polfer Jim Richardson Lindsay Sellars Becky Short Brian Smith Margaret Smith Sharon Smith Jeanne H. Sutton Gloria Tabor Julie Townsend Rebecca Jeannie Ulmer David Wax Kenneth Weber Susan M. Wellington Cynthia Wheeler Page Whittle Sharon Wooten Craig Yox Exit® Realty Tri-County Gina Befumo Lynn Gagnon Marty Goff Andy Key Shirley Peacock Carolyn Tessada Jack Voller Jaret Whitney FIRST Alison Wheatley Matthew Wheatley

Flamingo Real Estate & Management Margaret “Regina” Rodriguez Jamie L. Shoemaker Florida Plus Realty, LLC Claire Brooks Christina Greenslade Lesley Greenslade Mary Lamoray Nicola J. Martz Diana L. Stone Florida Real Estate Center, LLC Paula Wheeler DJ Wilson Florida Realty Investments Gregory Scott Homan Florida Realty Marketplace Jeri Anarumo Four Star Home Brokers, Inc Sharon Bacon Garnet Eversole Colleen Kramer

MILLION DOLLAR REALTORS Foxfire Realty, Inc Gary Arnold Barry Cooperstein Fran Dann-Akin Hope Deszell Patricia “Pam” Hall David P. Kennedy Sheila McKathan Dorothy Wise Gregory Wood Robert Woodsford Front Porch Realties, Inc Abigail Carr Joy Zahn Garden Gate Real Estate, Inc Gina Buck Lisa Dyson Grizzard Commercial Real Estate Group Michael Pederson Daniel Tatro Hancock Real Estate Eliza Kapp Harbor Hills Sales, Inc Adam Rich Sean Rich Holly Curley Choice Realty, Inc Holly Jane Curley HomeRun Realty, LLC Lana Flodman

JMR Realty, Inc. James Romeyn Melanie Romeyn

lakeandsumter

John Roberts Realty Michael Alberson

Lowery’s Real Estate Group, LLC John Ardizone, Jr Lowry Realty, LLC Sandy Trzaska

Keller Williams® Classic VI Realty Melissa Conway Sabrina Deem Victoria Kania Jon Wanberg Chad Williams Angela Workinger Eddy Workinger

Morris Realty and Investments Greg Boliek Jo Leen Cooper Kim Ducharme Lauren Fickett Valerie Foerst Lynn Haynes Carolyn Kennedy Theresa Morris Scott Strem Lena Williams

Keller Williams® Cornerstone Realty Crystal McCall

Lake Panasoffkee Realty, Inc. Monica “Gail” Barnard

.com

List Now Realty, LLC Matt Buttner

Keller Williams® Classic III Realty Joseph Cooper Regina Cruz Vivienne Cunningham Stephanie M. Glover Cheryl S. Glover, CIPS, CRS Deborah Hauert Tiki Jackson Patti-Jo Jungreis Maria Martinez Brandie Mathison-Klein April Rager Juan Rodriguez Gale L. Springer Pamela Tarver Dabney D. Wamsley Kellie Wheeler Nicholas Whitehouse

La Rosa Realty, LLC Sabine Bayona Travis C. Sawchuk Bhopaul Tangalan Monica Velez Leonardo Vidal, P.A. Colleen Weatherbee

Howey Realty Tina St. Clair

80

John Edwards Realty & Investment Properties, LLC Mary Zecca

Micki Blackburn Realty Patricia Daries Andrea Edgington Jane Franklin Janet Gibbs Kathy Griner Michael Lovett Robert L. Lyles, Jr Dale Odom Joe Patterson Mission Inn Real Estate, Inc Mary Jane Easley Janet Pratt

Nancie Lyons Realty Nancie Lyons NorthStar Realty Services Lily Boutros Mary R. Kelly

Joy Ray Debbie Studer Number One Choice Realty® Daulis Webb Optima One Realty, Inc Caleb Cox Aimee Stanley Tony Stanley PAL Realty Dawn Brooks Cary Fier Betty Fitch Mary Jane Grimes Kirk Morel Adriana Skoloda RE/MAX® Premier Realty Lynn Bartlett Sharon Bassett Brenda Bell Barbara Bucalo Chris Canfield Mardi Carter Buddy Clark Louis J. Cummings Tana Darley Randy Erb Tammy Freilich Lillian Gauvin Debbie Gentry Thomas Heller Brenda Herr Paul Jackson Sharon King Monica Kopel Bonnie Manross Jarene Mathias Rick McKean Robert Payne Denise Pierce Larry Pierce Debbie Roberts Rose Rupe

Bradley W. Salmons Timothy Sennett Guy Shipley Robert Slutsky Cindy Steinemann Holly A. Stratton Roland Stults Hope Wilson Joy Wilson Deborah Woods RE/MAX® Realty Center International Heather Hamilton Peter M. Hettmann Kirsty Pitts Dianne Scott RE/MAX® Results Julie Clay Elaine Giddens Kimberly Jones Ronald Phillips RE/MAX® Titanium Group Darlene Misciagno Stephen Misciagno Maria Molina Ed Sloniker RE/MAX® Touchstone Audrey James Addie Owens Marie Rich RE/MAX®Navigator Jannie Gurney Amy Spivey Real Estate Professionals of Lake William Marsh Real Living® Good Neighbor Realty, LLC Charlene Connolly Chris Feamster

Collie Hendrickson Mary Jo Williams Real Living® Real Estate Solutions Bill Kolb Realteam Realty, Inc Trish Leisner Realty Executives in The Villages Kathy Abruzzo Robert A. Berube Nancy J. Britton Karoline Clark Elizabeth W. Dietrich Mary Grant Julie Haines Laura Jensen Sally Love Karla Mason Annette McCullough Frank Melino John Mello Frances Pierce Steve Savage Peggy Schaefer Linda Sears Pasquale Serafino Beverly Shive Cissie Smith James Van Ostran Cindy Wise Carol Youkey Realty Professionals of FL, LLC Nicholas Clough Frank Ranfone Harvey Rosenberg RLW Realty Logan Wilson Robert Slack Fine Homes, LLC Nicky Lerch Rock Springs Realty, LLC Joel Bornstein

Scates Realty & Investments Properties, Inc Ronald Pavlacka Eileen Scates Sellstate Next Generation Realty Judy L. Trout Maureen E. Wilson Smith & Smith Realty, Inc Billie Faye Smith Danny Smith Spruce Creek Real Estate, LLC Katy Crouse Stake Your Land Realty, Inc Katina Hargrove TerZa Real Estate Delphine Lampert The Florida Property Shop Sales & Rentals, Inc Sarah Gholami Elizabeth Turner Travis Realty Group Diane Travis Vangie Berry Signature Realty Ryan Berry John Cox Duane Lanier Angela Phillips Karen M. Riscinto Ken Roberts, Jr Michael Tart Susan Tindel Vantage Point Realty Co. Deborah Govin Jennie Luft

Visionary Properties, Inc. Mary Baker Watson Realty Corp. REALTORS® Brenda Anglada Enger Barnes-Webb Bryan Biery Michael Hammert Cheryl Hilty Dennis Hjorten Melissa Horbal Linda Lake Lisa Lake Jo Ann A. Larse Jared Lindroth Allen O. Mates, P.A. Nancy McCloskey Monique McGuire Kris Persaud Camille M. Ruiz Christine Tangusso Colleen Taylor Mike “Turk” Taylor Barbara Thompson, P.A. Deena Thurmond Terry Ward Weichert Realtors® Hallmark Properties Antonia-Jane Duroux Joey Feeser Joanne Galyean Margaret E. Hensinger Jorge L. Mulet, Sr

MILLION DOLLAR CLUB Arellano Realty & Investments, LLC Terri Kuebbeler Avalar Real Estate Services Marie Cameron Manny Fabre Janella Martina Cathleen McGrath Jo Lynn Nicholson Beacon Real Estate & Associates, Inc Susan Richter Bill Webb Real Estate & Investments, LLC William Webb BonJorn Real Estate Genger Narehood Catherine Hanson Real Estate, Inc Leslie Hanson Rotarius

Century 21® Carlino Realty, Inc Jeanette Ekberg Richard Sczykutowicz Century 21® John C. Thomas, Inc Paula K. Brown Pam Gunn Kathi Hill Century 21® Prime Property Resources, Inc Robert Southern Coldwell Banker® Tony Hubbard Realty, Inc Lisa Atkinson Jennifer Billinger Sally Busby Gypsy “Anne” Jones Terry Mosley Karen Nason Christine Newsome Lisa Roberts

February 2017

81

MILLION DOLLAR REALTORS Coldwell Banker® Camelot Realty Barbara Breuer Alyse Carter Joe W. Hutto Bonita Kosson

Frances Sheehan Carole Thompson Kathy Thompson Beverly Ann VanDeVeer Leslie Williamson David Wittenberg

Keller Williams® Classic III Realty Rodelie Tirone-Winters

Randall Gregg Mason Kelly Tetzlaff Jennifer Warren

La Rosa Realty, LLC Jeff Jackson

Connie Mahan Real Estate Group Mary Merritt Michael Merritt

Exit® Realty Tri-County Steven Boone Fred Brace Edye Holt Sheri Hutchinson Jessie Kulpan Leah Mason Marlene Meade Jill Nelan

Lake County Realty Group, LLC Melody Ostrom

RE/MAX®Navigator Barbara Dobbs Debra Payne

Cook & Company Realty, Inc David R. Cook Dana Realty Group, LLC Debra Flora

Florida Plus Realty, LLC Robert Mager

Dave Ellis Realty, LLC Dave Ellis

Florida Real Estate Center, LLC Don Wilson

Dave Lowe Realty, Inc. Anamaria Nolan Stephenie Winheim

Foxfire Realty, Inc Timothy Condron Joyce Ann Ellis Herb Hall Robert Loiselle Jill Ruell John M. Saunders Kathleen Short Russell Stevens Judith Willetts

Discover Florida Realty Regina DiLiberto Jamie Sue Mansene Dunn Realty Jamie Dunn

Garden Gate Real Estate, Inc Michael Specchio

ERA® Grizzard Real Estate Trish Bitsios Anna Brady Doelene Brown Walter Coe Sherona Dye Karen Giehl Albre Green Claudia Harbaugh Michael Herman Deborah Kirchenberg Buddy Lewis Carl Martin Lori Morgan Sharon Rankin

82

lakeandsumter

Homeland Florida Realty, Inc Joan E. Zabar HomeRun Realty, LLC Anthony Piccione John Roberts Realty Karen Beisley Fred Slotnick

.com

Micki Blackburn Realty Dan Brady Myra Paxton Morris Realty and Investments Linda Marsh Optima One Realty, Inc Drew Evans Oxford Land Company Jim Mariucci RE/MAX® Premier Realty Mary Colbert April Couturier Holly Denton Leslie Harker Svyla Karageorge Nate Natale Cheryl Probert Marilyn Ptalis Nicole Sanders Karen Sartele Cheryl Simmons Ashton Thomas Jamie Whitling RE/MAX® Titanium Group Pierluigi Arbini-Salom Dagma Leblanc Brandon Allen Misciagno RE/MAX® Touchstone Jennifer Balliett

Real Living® Good Neighbor Realty, LLC Bill Bazner Darlene Clark Billie Dahl Lynn O’Connor Lynn Risch Debra Stewart June Stienstra Candace Van Waes Realteam Realty, Inc Jim Limpus Realty Executives in The Villages Lauren Beth Arch Lisa Esposito James Grider Nathan Piotrowski Realty Professionals of FL, LLC Jennifer George Robert Hughes William Reed Scates Realty & Investments Properties, Inc Adriana Escoto Silver Beach Realty, LLC Geoffrey Presson Tadlock Realty Bret Spaude TerZa Real Estate Lisa Pownall Nathalie Visscher

The Florida Property Shop Sales & Rentals, Inc Michael “Razz” Randazzo Travis Realty Group Jose Hernandez Tyre & Taylor Commercial Realty, Inc John R. Buxman Don Oliver W. Glenn Tyre Vangie Berry Signature Realty Terasa Morgan Vantage Point Realty Co. Anne Sasser Watson Realty Corp. REALTORS® Kent Adcock Yamil Agosto Terra L. Brady Cynthia Drobot Noel Lawrence Ron Lawson Jr. Winnie McHale John G. Muller, PA Charlotte Rose Ellen Tidwell Weichert Realtors® Hallmark Properties Lynne Cox Leslie Jarrard Ariya Mobed

Micki Blackburn Realty PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

R

ealtors and Florida natives Michael Lovett and Dale Odom have been business partners for 13 years at the Sumter County office of Micki Blackburn Realty in Webster, yet the pair is pleased to serve buyers and sellers in Lake County, too.

They were among the top producers for 2016.

“They are both of exceptional good character, and good people,” says Micki Blackburn.

“They are exceptionally good real estate agents because of their backgrounds, and I am very proud that they are with our company.”

The agents love their jobs.

“We enjoy helping people,” Dale says. “When they leave the closing table, we like them to leave elated by what they have done, and happy with the representation they had.”

Both take pleasure in helping clients with their real estate needs.

“Either one of us will work as hard as we can to find what they are looking for,” Michael says of prospective buyers.

“As sellers’ representation, we will do our very best,” adds Dale. “To give them our professional opinion about what the market is doing, probably where their house is best going to fit in whatever

price range, and do our best to get it out there. It is a sellers’ market right now.”

The bulk of their business is mainly large tracts and selling vacant land since South Sumter County is very rural and agriculture related.

They’re pleased the market is as good as it was in 2004-05.

“It’s a good time to sell because it is a sellers’ market and the inventory is down, so when you put something on the market now, you can’t keep it out there,” Michael says.

Dale recalls when the market was down for seven years and eight months.

“Beginning in 2006, we never saw a change until August 2013,” she says, crediting God for getting them through the lean times.

“We had enough faith to hang in there, and know that we were going to be taken care of and now it’s on the uphill swing again,” Dale says, adding the market has been climbing gradually since 2013.

Both real estate agents are 62 and have no plans to retire. Dale says she hopes to still be doing real estate transactions at 92. “The good thing about the industry we are in, there’s really not a time table for retirement!”

Michael Lovett 352.255.7277

Dale Odom

352.406.8053

Regina Rodriguez Broker Associate PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

R

Flamingo Real Estate & Management VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION

900 Cleveland Avenue Wildwood, FL 34785 352.636.4539 regina@flamingoRE.com

egina became a Realtor in 2005 following a career in banking.

“What I love about real estate is that it doesn’t seem like work, because I love what I do.” To prove it, she made 60 transactions in 2016, putting her in the Multi Million Dollar Producer category.

“I enjoy working with Sellers, helping them move on to the next chapter in their lives, and working with Buyers to achieve their dream of home ownership,” she says, adding it’s vital for buyers not to overextend themselves. “You don’t want to be married to your house; you want to enjoy life, too.”

Her overall goal? “I am committed to results,” she says. “Whether you are buying or selling, I’m committed to helping you get those results.”

Robbie Shoemaker Principal/Broker PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

S

umter County Native and Multi-Million dollar producer, Robbie Shoemaker has been in real estate for 12 years, and started Flamingo Real Estate and Management 3 years ago with his wife Jamie. “Our Company is about serving our local community and clients with their best interest in mind. It’s not commission-driven, it’s relationship-driven.

Commission is simply a byproduct of a job well done.

I love real estate in that it’s true capitalism! If you don’t perform, you don’t get paid.

There is no sitting on your hands. It’s hard work and if you put in the time and effort you will be rewarded for your efforts. Conversely the opposite is true as well, no work-no pay,” says Robbie.

Flamingo Real Estate & Management is unique in that it serves the Tri-County area with all facets of real estates services (residential, vacant land, commercial/industrial, commercial leasing, and property management), as well as residential & property management services inside The Villages.

Flamingo Real Estate & Management VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION

900 Cleveland Avenue Wildwood, FL 34785

352.303.6798 robbie@flamingoRE.com

They hold all the ‘aces’ Statistics show that only 30 percent of all family-owned businesses survive into the second generation and only 12 percent survive into the third generation.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

T

he Carter family has defied those insurmountable odds because they know the nuts and bolts of the hardware business better than most. In fact, you might just say they are “aces” of their trade.

In 1964, Roy Carter opened the family’s first Ace Hardware location in Tavares. Since then, Roy and his son, Cadie, have opened eight additional locations, including five in Lake County, two in Citrus County, and one in Orange County.

“The first five stores were existing hardware stores that we purchased,” Cadie said.

“We kept them going. The other stores were started from the ground up.”

Today, Cadie’s children are happily part of the thirdgeneration company, which is now called Carter’s Ace Hardware. That includes his sons, Cade and Zach, as well as his stepdaughter, Brittany Kraemer. Each child was born and raised in Lake County.

The influx of large big-box retail stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot has changed the face of the hardware business in Lake County. But it has not changed the way the family conducts business.

“My dad always taught me to treat people like I want

to be treated,” said Cadie, a 1978 graduate of Eustis High School. “We’ve always prided ourselves on doing things the right way by taking care of our customers and treating them with respect.”

*

It’s all about building relationships and making a point to go above and beyond for the customer.

— CADIE CARTER

While the family has kept old-fashioned customer service intact, they’ve also successfully adapted to a rapidly changing industry.

For instance, the family continually introduces new merchandise lines, such as the Big Green Egg porcelain grill, Yeti coolers and cups, and Oakley sunglasses. In addition, they sell Stihl® power equipment.

They’ve also changed locations of their stores throughout the years—one of the most important decisions a small business owner makes. It’s a decision that

requires precise planning and research. The Umatilla store is in its third location, while the Mount Dora, Tavares, and Eustis stores are in their second locations.

“Each time we’ve moved we have gone to bigger and better locations,” Cadie said.

Customers have followed them to each new location.

In fact, many customers have been loyal shoppers at Carter’s Ace Hardware for decades.

“It’s all about building relationships and making a point to go above and beyond for the customer,” Cadie said.

Happy customers are typically a byproduct of happy employees. Despite the fact that Carter’s Ace Hardware enjoys its busiest days on the weekend, the family has decided to close their stores on Sunday so employees can attend church or spend time with their families.

“God has taken care of us, and we will show our faith by closing on Sunday,” Cadie said. “We still feel our stores will thrive even though we will now be closed one day each week. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers, but we also want to be there for our employees and take care of them to the best of our ability.”

Carter’s Ace Hardware has the following locations in Lake County: Tavares: 509 S.R.19 352.343.3361 Eustis: 26 E. Orange Ave. 352.357.2366 Umatilla: 811 N. Central Ave. 352.669.3411 Mount Dora: 18691 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.2101 Leesburg: 27649 U.S. Hwy. 27 352.787.5446 Sorrento: 24329 S.R. 46 352.383.2061

237 West 4th Ave Suite 2 * Mount Dora, FL 32757 352-383-3600 * www.KaDeeKay.com Gift Cards Available

NORMAN S. NOVIS, M.D., P.A. Our patients’ care is our first priority.

Gourmet Kitchen Products Unique and Hard To Find Specialty Kitchen Products

*Baking Products& Baking Supplies for Everyone *Everyday Cooking, Cooks Tools & Gadgets Galore *Specialty Gourmet Salts PLUS Salt & Pepper Mills *PLUS Hard to Find Baking & Cooking Ingredients

Make Us Your 2017 Baking and Cooking Headquarters

®

SERVICES • ADULT MEDICINE - PREVENTATIVE AND ROUTINE SERVICES • ACUTE CARE • BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART DISEASES • COPD AND OTHER LUNG DISEASES • DERMATOLOGY • MINOR SURGERIES • OSTEOPOROSIS CARE • RHEUMATOLOGY - KNEE AND OTHER JOINT INJECTIONS • DIABETES AND OTHER ENDOCRINE DISORDERS • NUTRITIONAL/ DIETICIAN SERVICES • DIABETIC TEACHING • IN-HOUSE DIAGNOSTICS AND LAB

SUNSET PROFESSIONAL CENTER 352.633.7659 // 352.633.7694 801 Highway 466 B101, Lady Lake www.pfpconline.com

Boldly going where the big banks can’t.

Investing in you, since 1937.

88

lakeandsumter

.com

90

T H E T O -D O L I ST //

94

L O C A L TA L E N T //

96

O U T& A B O U T //

100

S O C I A L S P O T L I G H T //

102

89

HI , SOCIETY!

On the Scene

Leesburg’s Mardi Gras is celebrating its 20th year.

SEE STORY on PG 100

* TOHnE TTOh- DeO SL cI S eT n e

February FEB 2-12

Don’t Dress for Dinner The Ice House Theatre presents “Don’t Dress for Dinner,” a romantic comedy about Bernard, who wants to send his wife to her mother’s for the weekend, so he can romance his mistress, a Parisian model. Non-stop laughs!

(This is an adult comedy, Rated PG-17) Ice House Theatre. 1100 N Unser Street. Mount Dora, FL 32757.

FEB 3-5 AND 10-12

Lend Me a Tenor The Melon Patch Theater in Leesburg presents “Lend Me a Tenor,” an old favorite. Set in 1934, the play is about

a famous tenor coming to the local opera house. However, things go awry when the famous tenor falls ill. Box office hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 352.787.3013 for information.

FEB 3

Hot Topic Breakfast The fourth annual Hot Topic Breakfast, sponsored by Florida Hospital Water, will be at the Tavares Pavilion on the Lake at 8:30 a.m. Be sure to wear red for National Wear Red Day! The event is free but registration is required. Call 352.253.3635 or go to FHWatermanHeart.com.

FEB 4

FEB 3

Styx The six men comprising Styx committed to rocking the Paradise together by entering their second decade of averaging more than 100 shows a year. Styx draws from 40 years of chart hits, joyous singalongs, and hard-driving deep cuts. Their set covers a wide range of stylistic cornerstones. Show time is 7 p.m.; cost of tickets $55-$125. For more information, go to thesharon.com. Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, 1051 Main Street, The Villages.

Cirque Zuma Zuma Audiences will be amazed with a glimpse at a number of African cultural traditions—dancers and vocalists, South African gumboot dancers, incredible pole acts, comedy, tumblers, foot-table juggling, contortionists, percussionists, acrobats and more.

Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont.

Cost: $27-$50.

FEB 6

The Doo Wop Project Three parts Jersey Boys, two parts “Motown: The Musical” and “not your grandma’s doo wop,” these charismatic, handsome, triple threat talents tear it up, with musicality and dancing not found anywhere else! From the 50s to Jason Mraz and

90

lakeandsumter

.com

Amy Winehouse, they “doo-wop-ify” every song and people of all ages love them! Show time is 7 p.m. Cost of tickets $15-$45. For more information, go to thesharon.com. Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, 1051 Main Street, The Villages.

FEB 7

Free Seminar The Villages ImageLift invites you to a free seminar at 1 p.m. at Waterfront Inn, 1105 Lake Shore Drive, The Villages, to introduce you to their double board certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Rich Castellano. Meet the staff and get answers about ImageLift.

Seating is limited, so call and make your reservation now. Receive Dr. Castellano’s book free when you register. Go to imagelift.com/events or call 877.346.2435. One volunteer will participate in a FREE filler demonstration.

FEB 11

Annual Fox Run Clubhouse Sale The Fox Run Mobile Home Park is hosting their annual clubhouse sale. The biggest attraction is a huge white elephant sale, with unsold items going to charity. The sale will feature new and used items, including household goods, plants, jewelry, books, puzzles, and home-baked goods. 440 Fox Run Blvd., Tavares. Call Sandra Mottle at 352.253.9390 or email Fedup3@comcast.net for more information about this event.

FEB 11

The Second Annual Winterfest Arts and Crafts Faire is Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Villages Polo Field. Free admission and parking.

Live music by Ed Tanza, good trucks on hand, and an art gallery from students of Crossroads Academy.

Proceeds will benefit Crossroads Academy, an Ocala-based, nonprofit school for special-needs students.

FEB 21

“Don Quixote” Russian National Ballet Theatre The Russian National Ballet Theatre, directed by Elena Radchenko, stands above many of its rivals. The “Swan Lake” danced at Montgomery College’s Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center Tuesday night was the real thing. Show time is 7 p.m. Cost of tickets $20-$75. For more information, go to thesharon.com.

Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, 1051 Main Street, The Villages.

FEB 11

Love Week 5K Run Share the love for LOVE WEEK by giving back to your community! Join, in the race for a cause. Proceeds benefit "Beyond the Walls" food pantry and the City of Fruitland Park Recreation Department. $25 early registration by Wednesday, Feb. 1, 8 a.m. Registration day of the event is 6:40 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. and $30 CASH ONLY. For more info, contact the recreation department at 352.360.6734. Register at: raceroster.com/events/2017/10506/ love-week-5k-run.

FEB 21

Free Seminar The Villages ImageLift invites you to a free seminar at 1 p.m. at 8630 E. County Road 466, The Villages, to introduce you to their double board certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Rich Castellano. Meet the staff and get questions answered about ImageLift. Seating is limited, so call and make your reservation now.

Receive Dr. Castellano’s book free when you register. Go to imagelift.com/events or call 877.346.2435. One volunteer will participate in a free filler demonstration.

FEB 24-25

FEB 17

Clermont Comedy Series Every other Friday, the Clermont Comedy Series presents the best in stand-up comedy featuring headliners and crowd favorites from TV and national tours. Beer, wine, and craft beer available at concession. Clermont Performing Arts Center. 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont. Cost: $15.

“Cinderella” Russian National Ballet Theatre The Russian National Ballet Theatre, directed by Elena Radchenko, is amazing. Show times are 7 p.m. Cost of tickets $20-$75. For more information, go to thesharon.com. Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center / 1051 Main Street / The Villages FEB 24-28

FEB 18

22nd annual Plantation Arts Festival Festival will be 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Plantation. Watercolor, oils, pastel, mixed media, woodcarving, pottery, pencil, pen & ink. Ongoing demonstrations and opportunity drawings. Light refreshments available. The Plantation at Leesburg, 25201 Highway 27 in Leesburg. Call 352.460.0137 for more information.

The 2016 Judged Competition Art Show The art show will be held at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art, 1 Orange Avenue, Eustis. Exhibit open during regular museum hours. Presented by the Eustis Museum of Art. MAR 4

Broadway on Tour A concert featuring music from 10 of Broadway’s most beloved shows,

MAR 2

“Taj Express,” the Bollywood Musical “Taj Express” explodes with the sounds of India and Bollywood, capturing the vibrant, expressive spirit of the world of movies that have been entertaining billions of people in India for generations. Show time is 7 p.m. Cost of tickets $25-$80.

For more information, go to thesharon.com. Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, 1051 Main Street, The Villages.

including “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables, “Tonight” from West Side Story, “My Favorite Things” from Sound of Music, “All That Jazz” from Chicago, and so many more. Clermont Performing Arts Center. 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont. Cost: $43-$54.

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

February 2017

91

* IONnC OTNhC EeR TS c e n e

92

lakeandsumter

.com

DATE

TIME

ARTIST

VENUE

2/1

7:30 pm

Jeff Whitfield

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/3

8 pm

Defenders of Daisies

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/3

9 pm

Tommy & The Guns

Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg

2/4

8 pm

The Accuzed

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/4

9 pm

Tommy & The Guns

Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg

2/6

7 pm

The Doo Wop Project

The Sharon, The Villages

2/8

7 pm

Duke Ellington Orchestra

The Sharon, The Villages

2/8

7:30 pm

Jeff Whitfield

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/10

8 pm

Kings County

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/11

7 pm

Three Tenors Plus One

The Sharon, The Villages

2/11

8 pm

Da Boys

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/12

7:30pm

Defenders of Daisies

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/14

2 pm

The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra- American Music

The Sharon, The Villages

2/15

7:30 pm

Jeff Whitfield

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/17

8 pm

TC & SASS

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/17

9 pm

Chris Ryals Band

Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg

2/18

8 pm

Justin Heet

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/18

9 pm

Chris Ryals Band

Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg

2/19

7:30pm

Defenders of Daisies

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/22

7:30pm

Jeff Whitfield

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/24

8 pm

Blue Stone Circle

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/25

8 pm

Da Boys

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/26

7:30pm

Defenders of Daisies

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

3/1

7:30pm

Jeff Whitfield

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

3/3

8 pm

Defenders of Dasies

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

3/4

8 pm

Kings County

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

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

TRUST YOUR HEARING TO THE PROFESSIONALS

START HEARING BETTER TODAY Trust your hearing to our staff of Medical Doctors, Doctors of Audiology and Board CertiďŹ ed Hearing Aid Specialists.

Call Today for Your FREE Hearing Screening & Consultation.* Hearing Aid & Audiology Services

*Excludes diagnostic hearing test

352.728.2404 LakeENT.net THE VILLAGES LEESBURG TAVARES

* LOOnC ATL hT AeL ESNcTe n e

History of Stripping If your idea of a “historian” is a rather bland, even boring personality, then you’ve never had the pleasure of reading the works of Allan Holtz of Tavares.

STORY: DEBBI KIDDY // ILLUSTRATION: JOSH CLARK

A

llan researches and writes about newspaper comics for his Stripper’s Guide blog, started in 2005. In addition to his many contributions to to the comic publication, “Hogan’s Alley”, he is the author of American Newspaper Comics: An Encyclopedic Reference Guide (2012).

Allan became interested in comic books as a teen. “The Cartoon Museum, opened in 1967, was a landmark shop that exhibited and sold cartoon art,” he says. “The store also sold comic books, which is where I came in. As a teen, I frequented the shop as a certified comic book geek. At the time I couldn’t have cared less about newspaper comics.”

So, what sparked his interest? Allan says he owes it all to Jim Ivey, who was the editorial cartoonist for The Orlando Sentinel, a historian of cartooning, and proprietor of The Cartoon Museum.

Allan says, “Ivey took me under his wing, making it his mission to show me there is a lot more to cartooning than the exploits of overdeveloped musclemen running around in their long underwear. He gave me a deeper appreciation of the art form. I found that newspaper comics in particular had been very lightly researched, and I decided I may as well work toward becoming an expert on their history.”

When asked about his favorite comic strip as a child, Allan says, “I was a fan of ‘Dennis the Menace’ as a kid. I think it was because Dennis represented everything I was not. I was a well-behaved kid, followed all the rules, didn’t speak out of turn—I wasn’t a sissy or a mama’s boy, I just didn’t seem to have the will to be a bad kid. Dennis, I suppose, was my evil alter ego, the outlet for whatever part of me wanted to just go haywire and be a little hell-raiser.”

What is Allan’s favorite comic strip now and why does he enjoy researching comics? Allan replies, “Like any researcher, my favorite is ever-changing, it’s always the next big find.

Comic strip research is mostly the boring process of reviewing thousands upon thousands of newspapers on microfilm (though nowadays some are accessible on the internet). When I am lucky enough to discover an old comic strip series that has been completely forgotten, it is like an archaeologist finding a really unusual fossil. I can’t wait to document it and show it off to comic strip fans.”

For more with Allan Holtz see www.lakeandsumterstyle.com

94

lakeandsumter

.com

Come see us for all of your designer eyewear needs

Call Us Today 352.728.8318

1128 Bichara Blvd., The Villages (golf cart accessible) 1320 Shelfer Street, Leesburg beaconadvancedeyecare.com

Focusing on your eyecare needs for 29 years!

Doctors pictured above from left to right: Dr. James K. Berry; Dr. Albert R. Ducharme

Ashland: the estate where a presidential loser won If you love history—especially when it comes to presidential politics—you should add the beautiful Ashland Estate to your travel itinerary. The Kentucky home of three-time presidential candidate Henry Clay is a place where visitors discover that losing wasn’t the end of his illustrious career.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

96

lakeandsumter

.com

Photo: Courtesy of Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, Lexington, Kentucky

* OOUnT +TA BhOeU TS c e n e

M

uch like Hillary Clinton retreated to her Dutch Colonial Style home in Chappaqua, New York, in November, 19th century presidential candidate and Kentucky statesman Henry Clay went home to Ashland, his refuge from the rigors of politics and humiliating defeats in three presidential elections during the early 1800s.

One of America’s best-loved politicians, especially in his adopted hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, Clay played an influential role in politics for more than 40 years, including serving as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives for three nonconsecutive terms and making the position into the powerful one it is today. After his first defeat in the 1824 presidential race, he became Secretary of State under John Quincy

Adams from 1825 to 1829, and later served as a U.S. Senator.

Although somewhat insulated at his Kentucky farm, Clay did not escape the scorn of the press and other politicians, particularly Andrew Jackson who remained a bitter enemy following Clay’s run against him for the presidency in 1832. Clay was critical of Jackson’s unauthorized attack on Spanish forts in Florida in 1818, and Jackson never forgave Clay for the criticism. As a Whig party candidate, Clay narrowly lost his third presidential bid in 1844 to James K. Polk.

Today, more than 13,000 visitors a year tour the place that Clay declared “as good as any Moses would have found in the Promised Land.” The 18-room mansion holds many of the family’s original artifacts, including

13k

visitors tour the Ashland Estate annually.

February 2017

97

*

Trip Tip One of the newest downtown Lexington hotels is the 21C Museum Hotel, where modern art and blue penguins greet you. Even if you don’t lodge at the former bank building-turnedinto-hotel, be sure to check out the art galleries on the first and second floors.

Then grab a bite at LockBox, where the art extends into the former bank vault. And if you’re not sure about tomorrow’s weather, just look up at the “elemental” art globes in the main dining room, which predict the weather.

98

lakeandsumter

.com

Clay’s massive collection of law books and election memorabilia. The guided tours give insight to Clay’s personality—and his foibles.

For example, he liked to gamble and once lost a large silver candelabra.

Luckily, the family of the winner eventually donated it back to the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation, which operates Ashland.

Clay provided plenty of fodder for the press, especially political cartoonists. Particularly amusing is an illustration hanging in the Clay’s bedroom that showed the candidate’s rivals throwing bricks labeled with his faults, including dueling (he had two and was wounded in one) and drinking (he was known to make wine at Ashland).

Despite his shortcomings, Clay became a leading citizen of Lexington where he promoted civic improvements and supported nearby Transylvania University where he taught law. When he bought the farm near Lexington in 1811, he named it Ashland because of the many blue ash trees on the property. He cultivated a variety of grains and raised sheep, cattle, and extraordinary race horses.

He and his wife, Lucretia, also had 11 children there, several of whom died as young children. Today, the picturesque setting includes several historic outbuildings,

Photo: Courtesy of Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, Lexington, Kentucky

* OOUnT +TA BhOeU TS c e n e

Photo: Coolmore America (for new American Pharoah photos)

including a dairy cellar and a carriage house, formal gardens, and 17 acres of wooded parkland.

Visitors are often surprised to learn that Clay’s original mansion fell into such disrepair that his son, James, razed it and rebuilt an exact replica, using some of the wood from the original structure. Nevertheless, the estate is one of Kentucky’s first designated National Historic Landmarks.

Although Clay never became president, his influence has resonated for centuries. Just before his death in 1852, he was known as the “great compromiser” because he was able to delay the Civil War by almost a decade. Clay was so respected that he became the first person to ever lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, and his funeral was a model for Lincoln’s in 1865.

More than a century after his death, a majority of American historians honored Clay as one of the greatest U.S. Senators to have ever served.

As I walked through Clay’s beloved Ashland, I sensed only a fraction of Henry Clay’s disappointments at not becoming president. Instead, I marveled at how one man was able to make a difference, not only in politics, but also how he found joy and contentment in a beautiful home among Kentucky’s blue ash trees.

Looking around Lexington “It’s hard to get beyond the horses,” Meg Jewett-Leavitt, owner of the exclusive L.V. Harkness shop, told me on a recent trip to the Horse Capital of the World.

I

ndeed, everyone wants to see the horse farms, especially Ashford Stud Farm where Triple Crown winner American Pharoah [sic], spends his post-racing career..Tickets ($20) to visit American Pharoah sell out months in advance but they are released gradually. Sign up for email notification of ticket availability at visithorsecountry.com/coolmore.

While the horses are a great reason to visit Lexington, the city has a lot more to offer, especially when it comes to history, art, and food.

Highlights include the Mary Todd Lincoln House, where the future first lady spent her childhood, and the Headley-Whitney Museum, home to an eclectic collection of baubles by George Headley, the 1940s-jewelry designer to Old Hollywood stars.

Downtown Lexington—in addition to being home to the University of Kentucky—offers an array of art galleries, shops, and restaurants.

VisitLex.com offers lists of things to see and do.

February 2017

99

* SOOnC I ATLhSeP OST LcI eG HnTe

Leesburg’s Mardi Gras is 20!

It has been 20 years of parties, parades, and purple as Leesburg marks this significant celebration of Mardi Gras. Leesburg’s family friendly event is a month fun and events leading up to “12 Hours of Madness” at the party in the street!

STORY: DEBBI KIDDY

* J

oe Shipes, executive director of Leesburg Partnership says, “With this being our 20year anniversary, you can bet we will pull out all the stops!”

Everything began Jan. 12 when candidates for King Rex and Queen Divine were introduced. Candidates win votes with contributions. Each candidate has their own page on the Mardi Gras website, and finds their own creative ways to get the people of their realm to vote for them.

Four parties prior to the Mardi Gras Parade allow candidates to earn votes for points from supporters and raise money to fund various events in Leesburg for the rest of the year. The Kick Off Party was at Sip Restaurant on Jan. 12, and the candidates were announced and made their pitch for votes.

It’s so much fun to see Main Street filled with marching jazz bands, stilt walkers, jugglers, and fire eaters.

—JOYCE HUEY

100

lakeandsumter

.com

Last year’s events included Leesburg’s Got Talent, Kamikaze Karaoke and Bowling, the Reverse Draw, and culminated with The Crowning Ball! The ball is a formal event with dancing, great food, and the crowning of King Rex and Queen Divine.

For revelers such as Joyce Huey, the Leesburg Mardi Gras represents a day full of fun, food, and fellowship. That’s why she attends the event each year. In fact, she was crowned Queen Divine in 2011 after raising $22,347.50 for the Leesburg Partnership.

The 20th annual Leesburg Mardi Gras has events going from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. featuring jugglers, stilt walkers, face painting, bead throwing, balloons, music, food and more madness! Happenings during the day include the Kids Parade (11 a.m.) and the Pet Parade

(2 p.m.). Nighttime lights ablaze in the Main Street Parade (7 p.m.) with Mardi Gras King Rex and Queen Divine presiding over floats, beads, masks, and Zulu coconuts.

“It’s so much fun to see Main Street filled with marching jazz bands, stilt walkers, jugglers, and fire eaters,” says Joyce, owner of Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe in downtown Leesburg.

“I also love the parade because everybody is so excited to get the beads and candy that are being thrown by the parade participants. It’s also great that so many people come to the downtown area and see what we have going on here. As a business owner, I think that’s very important.”

The meaning behind three popular Mardi Gras traditions: Throwing colored beads The tradition of throwing colored beads from those riding floats in the parade starts with their original colors. The color of the beads was determined by the king of the first daytime carnival in 1872. He wanted the colors to be royal colors— purple for justice, gold for power and green for faith. The idea was to toss the color to the person who exhibited the color’s meaning.

The Mask Hundreds of years ago, the mask was a way for Mardi Gras partygoers to mingle with people of all social classes and be whoever they wanted to be—at least for a few hours. Today, float riders in New Orleans are required by law to wear masks.

Zulu Coconuts Since we do have coconuts in Lake County, you may want to incorporate this last Mardi Gras tradition of handing out Zulu coconuts. As early as 1910, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, one of the oldest black krewes (parade hosts), handed out coconuts. The first coconuts were left in their natural hairy state, but later, members began painting and decorating them. Receiving a Zulu coconut is one of the most sought-after traditions during Mardi Gras.

Calendar of Upcoming Events Match Game Thursday, Feb. 2 6 p.m.

Cover: $5 Starlight Ballroom 414 W Main St., Downtown Leesburg Reverse Draw Wednesday, Feb. 15 7 p.m.

Leesburg Opera House 108 S. Fifth Street, Downtown Leesburg The Crowning Ball Friday, Feb. 17 7 p.m.

The Leesburg National Guard Armory 400 W Meadow St. Leesburg 20th Annual Mardi Gras Party in the Street Sat., Feb. 18 Kid’s Parade 11 a.m.

Pet Parade 2 p.m.

Main Street Parade 7 p.m.

February 2017

101

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

Tournament Scores a Hole in One! The annual Scott A Strong Golf Tournament was recently hosted

by Mission Inn Resort with Cory Gibbs serving as tournament chair. This event raises money for the Scott A. Strong Memorial Scholarship fund that has touched the lives of more than 80,000 students in this area. Strong was a big believer in public education and a former member of the Lake County School Board.

PHOTOS: SHAENA CHASTAIN

Umatilla Band

Shane Stephenson, Doug Major, Brenda Petterson, Peggy Campbell

Lori Strong, Michaella Strong

Brian Charles, Imani Williams, Jordan Hawkins

Joe Schulte, Bob Schulte, Kyle Boling, Eric Boling

Jim Melanson, Cory Edwards, Matt Tilley, James Christino

Noah Stewart, Tanner Rayburn, Mariah Khetem, Ryan Keene

102

lakeandsumter

.com

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

Those Sultry Havana Nights The LifeStream Foundations hosted their annual “Gala of Hope,” which celebrated 45 years of service to the communities in the area. Held at the historic Mission Inn Resort, this year’s theme was “Havana Nights.”

Proceeds will benefit services for children and their families in the community.

PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

Sheridan Lucia and Kathleen Dignam Barbara Simmons, Nancy Overton and Angie Riviere

Sid and Lee Klein

Geneva Oliver, Keith Curtis, and Geraldine Brown Rosa and Michael Saumier

Tim and Bonnie Donihi

104

lakeandsumter

.com

Where Art & Medicine come t gether

FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY AND MEDICAL SPA

KINDRA MITTENMEYER MEDICAL AESTHETICS & LEAD AESTHETICIAN

DINO MADONNA, MD

BOARD CERTIFIED, FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

CHRISTA TIBBALS

MEDICAL AESTHETICS COORDINATOR & RN

352.259.5126

855.my1.face | face2facefl.com

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

A Grand Party Lake Port Square/Lake Harris Healthcare recently celebrated a grand reopening with a celebration and ribbon cutting. A part of Brookdale Senior Living Solutions, Lake Port Square is on the shores of Lake Harris in Leesburg.

PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

Tim Sullivan with Daughter Megan Sullivan

Alfredo Farinas, MD.

Kevin Trout

Christian Steil and Maria Bready

Mark Daniels, Alfredo Farinas, Lisa Patterson, Kevin Trout, Karen Loria, Mary Mackey, Christian Steil, Joe Jones, and Michael Wooldridge

106

lakeandsumter

.com

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.

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

Meagan Sullivan and Tina Morrison

John Malik, Jr.

Bikers, Babes, and Black Bear The second annual Gator HarleyDavidson Biker’s and Babes Golf Tournament was held in October at the Black Bear Golf Club in Eustis.

Along with team play, there was a dunk tank, a silent auction, raffles, door prizes, and merchandise tents.

Sponsors were Black Bear Golf Club, Florida Hospital Waterman, and Fran Haasch Law. PHOTOS: SYLVIA DUCOTE

Johnny Malik and Rex Rutledge Mike Levine

Doug Akers

Mark Addis and Stephen

108

lakeandsumter

.com

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.

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

Michael Monteith

Nicole Silberstein

Client Service Associate nicole.silberstein@morganstanley.com

Vice President Financial Planning Specialist Portfolio Manager Financial Advisor michael.monteith@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. © 2016. 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. CRC1651264 11/16

112

QU I C K B I T E S //

114

I N T H E K I T C H E N //

118

S A LU T É //

120

F O R K O N T H E R O A D //

124

DI NI NG GUI DE

111 Around the Table

The Great American Pizza Bake.

SEE STORY on PG 113

* QAUrI CoKuBnI TdE S T h e

Ta b l e

TAVA R E S

Enthusiasm for Flavor It’s new and the goal is coffee flavor like you’ve never experienced. Wild Bear Coffee is a Coffee Roasters and Pour Over Bar. Beans are roasted on site and the array of coffees is definitely gourmet. According to the website, the owner has “dedicated my life now to roasted microlot and microclimate coffees you’ll never find anywhere.”

Take Sumatra Lintong Aek Nauli or Rawanda Cocatu Coop SWP Decaf, Estrella Lenca Honduras, Tansania Mbeya Peaberry, and, of course, Wild Bear Espresso home in 12-ounce bags “sealed with a gassing valve for freshness.” 122 E. Main Street, Tavares. Contact: wildbearcoffee@gmail.com.

THE VILLAGES

A Hidden Gem Tucked into a strip mall in Spanish Plaines Shopping Center is Koyame, a madeto-order Chinese restaurant.

Though space for seating is very limited, most reviews say it’s excellent food and quick service. It’s near The Villages Regional Hospital, so it might be a place to grab a quick bite when visiting a friend. 1558 Bella Cruz Drive.

352.750.9983. 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Chocolate: the love drug

Chocolate is touted as the “love drug” since it gets right to the heart of sexual pleasure by increasing the brain’s level of serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical.

Drexel University noted chocolate may raise libido since consuming it also causes your brain to release the pleasure chemical dopamine, which may put you in the mood for love.

The best ways to benefit from the heart-enhancing effects of chocolate are to consume cocoa powder or to eat a moderate amount of semi-sweet dark chocolate.

Cocoa powder can be used to make hot cocoa, with milk or water or added to blender drinks and baked goods. It contains little fat, and no sugar. Sweeten lightly. For the dark chocolate, keep it to about half a 3.5-ounce bar daily.

112

lakeandsumter

.com

MOUNT DORA

A Spot of Tea, A Glass of Wine The Windsor Rose Tea Room and Restaurant has added a delightful wine to their menu—Keel & Curley.

They’ve found Tampa Bay wine very popular with entrees or desserts. They have an amazing array of the wines including Key West Key Lime, Peach Chardonnay, Wild Berry Pino Noir, and Black Raspberry Merlot. So next time you’re ready for some English fare, enjoy Fisherman’s Pie, English Cornish Pasty, or Bangers and Mash with some Keel & Curley for lunch. They also serve breakfast—hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Wednesday and Sunday.

142 W. 4th Avenue, Mount Dora. 352.735.2551.

GRAND ISLAND

A Wish or Two Ago French Bakery and Market Place

MOUNT DORA

Tijuana Flats Mount Dora residents and visitors can now enjoy made-to-order Mexican fare in a casual environment at the recently opened Tijuana Flats, 17375 U.S. Highway 441.

A host of fresh ingredients are prepped the same day as ordered. Tijuana Flats boasts no canned foods, zero trans-fat cooking oil, no microwaves or freezers, vegetarian, lard-free beans, and hormone-free chicken, pork, and steak.

In addition, chips, tortillas, queso, guacamole, and salsas are made from scratch daily.

Order online and gift cards are available.

The Great American Pizza Bake The second week of February is the time to get in the kitchen and bake your own homemade pizza. And when you make your own, you control the ingredients by adding vegetables, lean meat, low-fat cheeses, wholegrain crust, as well as decrease the amount saturated fat and salt.

The enticing aroma of all-natural, fresh-baked breads, assorted pastries, and sweets fills the air at French Bakery and Market Place, A Wish or Two Ago, 13810 County Road 44, Grand Island. Kathleen Farrugia and husband, Philip, a master French baker from France, enjoy sharing healthy baking ingredients and the process involved in making their breads.

God’s Bread (whole wheat flour and a bit of rye flour with no preservatives, dairy, soy, sugar, or any other harmful additives) and their signature ‘Wishscottis’(biscotti with a twist) are among favorites. Opened in 2010, the bakery also carries imported French gourmet cheeses, wines, Amish gift jellies and jams. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, and you can call 352.483.5074. Find them at three Farmers Markets each week: Thursday at Spanish Springs in The Villages, Saturdays at Brownwood Paddock Square in The Villages, and Sunday in Mount Dora.

MOUNT DORA

Coffee Branch Café Sisters Vivian Canganelii and Mitzie Whitehead always wanted to own their own business and now they have it—the Coffee Branch Café, 144 West 5th Ave., Mount Dora.

Here you’ll find various specialty coffee and tea drinks, such as espresso, cappuccino, lattes, frappes, Italian cream sodas, unique blended teas, and iced Southern-style sweet tea along with doughnuts and a variety of freshly baked goods. The shop is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ingredients:

1

refrigerated pizza crust, 12-inch diameter

The Apple of My Eye Certain foods have been historically considered to incite passion and attraction.

In ancient Greece, throwing an apple at someone was the symbolic way of declaring love and catching it meant the reciprocal feeling!

3/4 cup canned tomato sauce 1

teaspoon oregano leaves

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1

small onion, sliced

1/2 small green pepper, thinly sliced 1

cup mushrooms, fresh, sliced

1

cup mozzarella cheese, part skim milk, shredded (about 4 ounces)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees (very hot). Place crust on ungreased pizza pan or baking sheet. Mix sauce, oregano, and garlic powder. Spread evenly over crust. Place vegetables on top of tomato sauce. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake until cheese melts and vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Makes four servings of 2 slices each. Each slice is 241 calories.

Source: The University of Maine Cooperative Extension

February 2017

113

* IANrT oH EuKnI TdC HTEhNe

Ta b l e

Cooking for Mardi Gras “When the taste changes with every bite and the last bite is as good as the first, that’s Cajun.” —Paul Prudhomme STORY: CHEF JESSICA FLINN

I

f you asked me for my favorite regional cuisine here in the U.S., it would be difficult to place anything above my love of Cajun and Creole cuisine. The flavors are deep, unique, bold, and flat-out delicious. In fact, I’ll admit it—I’m obsessed! Every year for my birthday I go to my favorite restaurant that specializes in cuisine from Louisiana and I do a little happy dance. My love of all things Bayou is strong, so in the spirit of Mardi Gras I’ve come up with a fun menu that you, your friends, and family will love and leave you saying “Laissez bon temps rouler!” (Let the good times roll!)

114

lakeandsumter

.com

Let’s start with a classic seasoning blend you can use in just about anything savory in the South.

Let’s put that Creole seasoning to good use.

A great “salad,” appetizer, or side dish, are these fried green tomatoes with remoulade sauce and crawfish. I dream about fried green tomatoes. I have gotten more burns on my tongue from trying to sneak a bite straight out of the pan than I care to admit. But it is so worth it! Crispy, creamy, and decadent!

Ingredients:

3

Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade and Crawfish

Directions:

medium, firm green tomatoes

vegetable, or peanut oil work well in this recipe)

1½ cups allpurpose flour 1

Kosher salt to taste

tablespoon Creole seasoning (see recipe on the right)

1

cup whole milk

2

eggs

¾

cup cornmeal

¼

cup dry bread crumbs frying oil (up to 2 cups, depending on the size of the pan—canola,

Remoulade sauce (see recipe below) 1

cup cooked, shelled crawfish (this is a commonly found in most grocery stores near the frozen seafood. If you do buy frozen, completely defrost it prior to use in this recipe.)

Cut an unpeeled tomatoes into ½-inch thick slices. Next, create a breading station for your tomatoes. To the first shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour and creole spice. The second shallow bowl will hold your milk and eggs (whisk the eggs to combine with the milk). Last, add the cornmeal and the breadcrumbs to your third bowl.

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dip the tomato slices in the seasoned flour mixture, then the milk mixture and finish with the cornmeal breadcrumb mix.

Once your tomatoes are all coated, begin frying the tomatoes slices for 2-3 minutes maximum on each side. You are looking for a golden brown color on each side.

Remove from pan to a paper towel lined plate and sprinkle very lightly with salt.

Resist all urges to eat while piping hot.

Right before serving, top with a dollop of remoulade sauce and sprinkle the crawfish over the top of the remoulade. Then most importantly—dig in! These delicious little babies are best eaten immediately.

Remoulade Ingredients:

1¼ cups mayonnaise ¼

cup whole grain mustard

1

tablespoon paprika

2

teaspoons Creole seasoning

2

teaspoons pickle juice

Creole Seasoning Ingredients:

2½ tablespoons paprika 2

tablespoons salt

2

tablespoons garlic power

2

teaspoons prepared horseradish

1

1

tablespoon capers, chopped

tablespoon ground black pepper

1

tablespoon onion powder

1

teaspoon hot sauce

1

tablespoon cayenne pepper

1

teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

1

tablespoon dried oregano

1

tablespoon dried thyme

Directions:

Directions:

Mix well, season to taste with salt and pepper. This remoulade is best made a few hours in advance. Enjoy!

Combine all ingredients and store covered for up to 1 month.

February 2017

115

* IANrT oH EuKnI TdC HTEhNe

Ta b l e

Next up—the main course! How can we talk about Mardi Gras food without mentioning Jambalaya? Don’t be scared by the number of ingredients in this recipe. It’s easy! A little chopping, a little stirring, and definitely a little time to sip a glass of wine, then boom! Dinner is ready and on the table.

Jambalaya Ingredients:

12

ounces Andouille sausage, sliced

1

yellow onion, chopped

8

ounces chicken thighs, cleaned of fat and chopped into bite size pieces

1

bell pepper, chopped

3

stalks of celery (including leaves), diced

14.5 ounces can chopped tomatoes, not drained 1

teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1

teaspoon hot sauce

3

tablespoons creole seasoning, separated

2

tablespoons garlic, chopped

2¾ cups chicken stock

1

tablespoon olive oil

1

cup white rice

½

lb. medium sized shrimp, peeled and deveined

Directions:

In a deep skillet, heat oil on medium and add sliced andouille sausage and chopped chicken. Sprinkle with about a tablespoon of the Creole seasoning. Stir well until chicken is mostly cooked through. Next, add peppers, onions, garlic, and celery. Sprinkle again with another tablespoon of Creole seasoning; stir over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften. Now we add the rice, chopped tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and chicken stock.

Stir well. Add the last tablespoon of Creole seasoning. Bring to a low boil, over medium heat and cover. Stir every 3-4 minutes for about 20 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed into the rice and the rice is tender. Add your shrimp in to the rice, stir and cover for 3-4 minutes or until shrimp are pink and just cooked through. (The only two sins in Jambalaya are overcooked shrimp and undercooked chicken.) Serve immediately.

116

lakeandsumter

.com

If we’re going to talk real Southern food, let’s swing for the fences shall we? The quintessential dish made in the heart of New Orleans, from overstocked shipyards full of bananas back in the 1950’s, leads us to the completely guilty pleasure that is Bananas Foster.

Bananas Foster Ingredients:

4

tablespoons unsalted butter

½

cup dark brown sugar, packed

½

tablespoon cinnamon

2

teaspoons lemon zest

2

firm, ripe bananas, peeled, cut in half lengthwise then cut in half crosswise

¼

cup Dark Rum Vanilla ice cream

Directions:

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Next, add brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Stir well with a whisk to dissolve the sugar.

Do not boil this mixture, as it may cause the sauce to break. Now, add the bananas and bathe them in that delicious sauce in the pan.

Continue to cook them 1-2 minutes, until the bananas just begin to become tender. Remove the pan from the heat (be sure to turn off your burner as well). Now let’s get those bananas drunk! Add the rum and light the rum on fire (I suggest using a stick lighter, which is the safest way to not get yourself killed). GENTLY swirl the pan to distribute the flame. Once the flame has died, spoon the sauce and bananas over vanilla bean ice cream and prepare for heaven! The combination of hot caramel-rum sauce and cold ice cream is crave-able!

*

The dish was created in 1951 by Paul Blangé at Brennan’s in New Orleans, Louisiana.

February 2017

117

* SAArL UoTuÉ n d

T h e Ta b l e

The wine world’s Big Six Six grape varieties comprise the “big six” in the wine-making world: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Salute continues its Big Six review this month with a look at the three red grapes that are the foundation for many of the world’s best wines.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS, WSET

22

Part

of

. If you missed the first installment, be sure to check our website for last month’s issue!

Last month, Part I of The Big Six covered the white grape varieties of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.

Get your wine glasses ready and taste along with us.

I thought writing about red wine would be easy, because these three varietals are among my favorites. However, the challenge has been to fit everything into two pages. After all, entire books—in fact, volumes of books have been written about these classic red wines.

One of the most important aspects when learning about wine is to understand the concept of “body.” Most wine classes instruct you to think about milk. That’s right! Milk’s texture helps describe wine. Equate skim milk with Pinot Noir, a wine so light that you can practically see through it; whole milk has medium body, like Merlot; and finally, there is rich, heavy cream, which coats your tongue.

Cabernet Sauvignon is often considered the crème de la crème of wines because of its richness and intense flavors.

Enjoy the differences among these classic red varietals in a side-by-side tasting:

Pinot Noir It’s hard for me to be objective about Pinot Noir, my favorite go-to wine for just about any meal. And recommending only one is nearly impossible. Wines made from Pinot Noir grapes are lighter, both in color and body. They are also food friendly, especially with a classic pairing of grilled salmon or a savory chicken dish. Generally grown in cool climates, Pinot Noir grapes can be temperamental and difficult to grow; hence, prices tend to be higher. Cranberry and red cherry flavors are found in wines produced in cooler climates (Oregon, Burgundy) while wines from moderate zones (California) exhibit raspberries and black cherries.

Pinot Noir is also the grape used for French Burgundy wines.

RECOMMENDED:

ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY 2014 PINOT NOIR, CARNEROS:This earthy Pinot was a total surprise, because I always associated the legendary Mondavi name with Cabernets and Merlots. However, Mondavi has been making this Pinot Noir since 1969 so it’s not new to the RMW line-up of decent and affordable wines. The wine had the classic raspberry and cherry flavors with an added spiciness of clover and cinnamon. The wine complemented roasted game hens perfectly. (Suggested retail: $27).

GARY FARRELL VINEYARDS & WINERY 2013 PINOT NOIR, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY: Gary Farrell Winery selects grapes from the region’s top vineyards to take advantage of varied climates and unique characteristics of each site. The result is a complex Pinot Noir that is elegant with more tannins than you usually find in this varietal. With quite a spectrum of flavors—from raspberry to mushrooms— this 2013 vintage paired extremely well with grilled salmon and a variety of cheeses. (Suggested retail: $45).

Cabernet Sauviginon

Merlot

The granddaddy of classic red wines has to be Cabernet Sauvignon, which is the top-selling red varietal because of its intensity and full-body flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon vines grow well all over the world, and the hardy grapes allow winemakers to achieve consistency and good taste. An excellent Cabernet can be found at any price point, whether you’re on a tight budget or can afford to splurge. And when it comes to pairing with a steak dinner, there’s no better choice.

Merlot wines took a beating after the 2004 movie, “Sideways,” about a wine-tasting road trip. The film’s main character, played by Paul Giamatti, disparaged the varietal as he romped through wine country looking for the perfect Pinot Noir. For years following the movie, many wine drinkers stayed away from Merlot. Luckily, winemakers are winning fans back with medium-bodied Merlots that have the tannins, acidity, and flavors to make them excellent choices with or without food.

RECOMMENDED:

MINER FAMILY WINERY 2013 NAPA VALLEY MERLOT, STAGECOACH VINEYARD: This wine is luscious, and it made a simple dinner of ham and macaroni and cheese seem like an elegant affair. The grapes are hand-picked from a mountainous vineyard, and the winemaker uses a combination of Old World winemaking techniques with modern technology to produce a Merlot that can stand up to a Cabernet with its mouth-puckering tannins. (Suggested retail: $40).

ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY OAKVILLE 2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON: Oakville has been the cradle of great Cabernet Sauvignon for more than 130 years, but Robert Mondavi put it on the map with his To Kalon vineyard. Winemaker Genevieve Janssens consistently carries on the tradition with flavorful and highly rated wines. 2013 was considered an epic year for Napa winegrowers because it provided optimal flavor development in Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The perfection in this complex and refined Robert Mondavi wine makes it highly sought after, and prices seem to be increasing since my visit to Napa last February. (Current suggested retail: $60).

BERINGER KNIGHT’S VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON, SONOMA COUNTY: Located 17 miles north of the Beringer Winery, the Knight’s Valley vineyard in Sonoma County has volcanic, well-drained soils perfectly suited for Cabernet Sauvignon. I was fortunate to attend a vertical tasting for 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009 vintages of the Beringer Knight’s Valley Cabernet. Without a doubt, all were exceptional wines with firm tannins. Beringer even recommended cellaring for several more years. That’s good news if you buy the latest 2013 release. (Suggested retail: $34).

RECOMMENDED:

The Big Six Wine Grapes Light Body Style WHITE: Riesling RED: Pinot Noir Medium Body Style WHITE: Sauvignon Blanc RED: Merlot Full Body Style WHITE: Chardonnay RED: Cabernet Sauvignon Source: “Great Wines Made Simple,” by Andrea Immer, © 2000.

CHATEAU CROIX FIGEAC SAINT EMILION 2011 GRAND CRU, BORDEAUX, FRANCE: My husband recently came across a closeout deal on this wine from the right bank of France’s Garonne River in Bordeaux, where the Merlot grape is predominant. While many Merlot wines are fruit forward with a hint of sweetness, this French version is earthy and has smooth tannins. Most wine websites recommend drinking the 2011 vintage by 2017 so that probably explains the discounts. (Suggested retail: $20).

Mary Ann DeSantis Mary Ann DeSantis is a fellow of the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers, Napa Valley, and recently received certification from the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust (WSET). An awardwinning journalist, she has written for Lake & Sumter Style since 2006.

February 2017

119

* FAOrR Ko OuNnTdH ETRhOeA DTa b l e

SO ME HIBACHI

So Me…More for Me WRITER: DEBBI KIDDY // PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

D

on’t be fooled by the humble setting of the So Me Hibachi restaurant at 248 W. Ardice Ave., Eustis. The food is definitely first class. I recently visited the Chinese Sushi/ Hibachi/American restaurant and was immediately greeted with a huge smile from Sandy Zhao.

Sandy waited on me from behind the walk-up counter, where I ordered my lunch of a pork eggroll, Dancing Dragon Roll, and the Special of the Day—Steak, Shrimp and Chicken Hibachi served

on fried rice with an eggroll and crab/cream cheese roll.

You can also order noodles, if you prefer. There was no line, and Sandy brought my meal to my booth. If you are not into sushi, So Me Hibachi serves Philly steak, chicken, or shrimp sandwiches with fries for the American palate.

Though seating is limited, the restaurant is neat and cozy, with booths, tables, and counter seating. Service was attentive and I received my meal in about 12 minutes.

The owner, Guo Ri Huang, served the ample sushi roll

So Me Hibachi // 248 W. Ardice Avenue, Eustis // 352.750.0627

120

lakeandsumter

.com

with an artistic flair and a friendly smile. It was fresh, with shrimp tempura, cheese roll with eel, avocado, fish egg, and scallion.

The special was just that— special. The shrimp, steak and chicken were all tender, and the fried rice was firm and flaky with bite-sized chunks of onions, mushrooms and zucchini. The ingredients were fresh, hot, and flavorful at a reasonable price.

If you are in the area and want a quick and quality lunch or dinner, I highly recommend So Me Hibachi.

4

SUNRISE GRILL

Get a rise

Forks

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL // PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

(Out of a possible 5)

S

unrise Grill has been a favorite diner for 21 years for many Tavares residents, snowbirds, and others who make a stop in the Winn-Dixie plaza where the diner makes its home at 452 E. Burleigh St. “Where Friends Meet Friends” is the eatery’s motto and Sunrise Grill is typically packed with regulars and families—an excellent sign of a popular place.

It’s known for tasty sausage gravy over buttermilk biscuits, and there’s also the wonderful melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk pancakes, hearty three-egg omelets, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches, along with French toast pancakes, piggies in a blanket, Belgian waffles, and regular morning favorites of eggs, hash browns, home fries, or grits.

Many regulars rave over the hearty breakfast portions and friendly service, and this is also a diner with a down home feel, where signed sports memorabilia and photos fill the walls.

Since I knew breakfast was a big hit, it was time to check out the lunch fare. The sandwich and soup combo of baked ham on whole wheat with beef vegetable soup was my order, while my companion chose a delicious turkey melt sandwich filled with turkey, bacon, tomato, onion, and cheese on toasted sourdough bread.

Hot subs, club and deli sandwiches, hamburgers, jumbo hot dogs, salads, specialty sandwiches and melts, homemade soups, and lighter side choices of assorted fruit plates or chicken and tuna salad served on a bed of lettuce with assorted fruits and cottage cheese are on the lunch menu.

Diners do get their money’s worth at Sunrise Grill, and while there are more lunch offerings worthy of trying, I believe this diner really shines as a fun “go-to” place for breakfast, and for the little ones under 10, a Mickey Mouse pancake is on the menu.

Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares 352.343.7744 Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday to Friday; and 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday

Fork Report:

Casual dining. $$Seated immediately (lunch hour) WAIT FOR MEAL: 12 minutes OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY STARTERS: ($2.29-$2.79): French toast pancakes, 10 different omelets, Bagelicious of fried egg, bacon, ham, American and Swiss cheese on a toasted bagel, sunrise burrito.

ENTREES: ($3.49$7.49): Country-fried Shepherd Pie, Cajun Chicken, Grilled Cheese sandwich with bacon and tomato, Reuben, BBQ Pork, hot Pastrami, Alaskan Pollack.

How Fork On The Road Works Our reviewers are objective and unbiased. This is not a paid feature. Our reviewer makes one unannounced visit and we pay for our meals.

February 2017

121

* FAOrR Ko OuNnTdH ETRhOeA DTa b l e

*

Night Owl Caribbean Cuisine Restaurant treats diners to the flavors of Jamaica right in the heart of Eustis.

NIGHT OWL

It’s a hoot STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL // PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

I

t’s always good to be pleasantly surprised by delicious foods, and the colorful Night Owl Caribbean Cuisine Restaurant does just that—treats diners to the flavors of Jamaica right in the heart of Eustis.

The $5.99 Tuesday-to-Friday lunch special is a hearty bargain, where diners choose from curry chicken, fried tilapia, jerk chicken, fried chicken, or brown stew chicken, each served with rice and peas or white rice and one side item, ranging from mac and cheese, collard, greens, sweet cornbread, green beans, baked beans, steamed vegetables, or plantains.

Since jerk—referring to the spicy or wet rub applied to chicken and other meats— is regarded among the Caribbean’s most popular cuisines, I couldn’t resist trying the jerk chicken with the spice rub being a half mixture of spicy and sweet barbecue.

From the first bite into the meat, I felt I was in culinary paradise. It was the most tender, moist, and delicious chicken, complemented by tasty macaroni and cheese and fresh green beans.

My friend raved about the fried tilapia, collard greens, rice, and sweet cornbread, and she was right. Each was delicious from the samples she shared.

We’re eager to return with a friend whose father is from Jamaica, and we may have to try Night Owl’s other dishes, like Manish water (goat soup), coco bread (Jamaican sweet bread), curry goat, oxtails, or Jamaican Escovitch fish. Of course we’ll have to save room for dessert, since sweet potato pie, coconut cake, pound cake, chocolate cake, and carrot cake are on the menu.

The restaurant’s food, served in takeout containers, ranges from $6 to $13.

Night Owl Caribbean // 929 S. Bay St., Eustis // 352.589.0256

122

lakeandsumter

.com

Six months of concern.

A million prayers.

One surgery.

Then declaring victory is

Amazing.

From prostate cancer to point guard.

It’s a journey that requires commitment, a strong will and a medical team dedicated to your complete healing.

And that’s why the caring exprts at Florida Hospital Waterman are so vital in getting back to full health.

Because when you realize you’ve beaten your toughest adversary,

LIFE is AMAZING

Visit FHWatermanCancer.com

*

A r o u n d T h e Ta b l e DINING GUIDE

Dining in your city Astatula

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

Beach Bums 12 S. Bay St. 352.308.8504 $

Flippers Pizzeria 2523 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.242.2214 $$

Dam Smoker Barbeque 36721 County Road 19A 352.357.6555 $$

Bushnell

G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd.

352.243.8900 $$$

Beef O’Bradys 2586 W. CR 48 352.568.7000 $

Green Garden 1790 E. Hwy. 50 352.243.2077 $$

Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288 $$$

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

Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd.

352.242.1910 $$$

Coyote Rojo 2082 W. CR 48 352.569.0302 $$

Lyn’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe 824 W. Montrose St. 352.536.9935 $

Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 $

Astor Sparky’s Place 24646 State Road 40 352.759.3551 $$

Hong Kong Restaurants 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-8888 $$ Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 $ Sonny’s Bar-B-Q 2684 W. CR 48 352.569.0200 $ TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877 $$ Waffle House 2571 W CR 48 352.793.5656 $

Legend $: $5-14

Waller’s Restaurant 138 Bushnell Plaza 352.793.2592 $

$$: $15-24

Clermont

$$$: $25-40

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

$$$$: $40+ Kid’s Menu

Calabria Ristorante 13900 County Road 455 407.656.5144 $$

Beer, Wine or Cocktails

124

lakeandsumter

.com

Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 $$ Robata Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 $$ Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club Restaurant 2601 Diamond Club Dr. 352.243.0411 $$ Spiro’s Pizza 1203 W. Hwy. 50 352.394.5538 $$ Sugar Mama’s Bake Shoppe 648 Eighth St. 352.241.9738 $$ Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 $$

Eustis 1884 Restaurant & Bar 12 East Magnolia Ave. 1.800.856.1884 $$ Barnwood BBQ 50 W. Orange Ave. 352.630.4903 $$

King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404 $$ Maria’s Latin Dinner 1 N. Eustis St. 352.357.5555 $ NightOwl Caribbean Restaurant 929 S. Bay St. 352.589.0256 $ Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. County Road 44 352.589.9100 $$ Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022 $$ Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949 $$ The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 $$ The Great Pizza Company 23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377 $$ The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 $$$ Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 $$

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

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

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

Howey-in-theHills JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd.

352.324.3600 $$ Mission Inn Resort & Club’s El Conquistador 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$ Mission Inn Resort & Club’s Nickers 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$ Lady Lake Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000 $$$ Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 $$ Athena New York 360 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.750.5227 $$

Leesburg Bloom’s Baking House and Restaurant 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004 $$ Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442 $ Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377 $$ Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 County Road 44 352.365.2177 $$

Habaneros 3 Mexican Restaurant 10601 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.315.1777 $$ HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 $ Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 $ La Palma Mexican Grill 1690 Citrus Blvd.

352.323.1444 $$ Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 County Road 473 352.343.4663 $ Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 $$ Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd.

352.323.1616 $$ Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd.

352.728.0788 $$ Stavros Pizza 755 N. 14th St. 352.326.4202 $$ Takis Pizza Restaurant 1205 N. 14th St. 352.787.2344 $$ The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 $$ The Latin Cafe 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 $$ Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe 410 W Main St 352.435.9107 $$ Vic’s Catering 352.728.8989 $$$$

Mascotte Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd.

352.429.2093 $$

Minneola Jack’s Barbecue 100 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.2673 $ Lil Anthony’s Pizza 205 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.1516 $$ Tiki Bar & Grill 508 S. Main Ave. 352.394.2232 $$

Mount Dora Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668 $ Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 $$$ Blackbear Smokehouse 18750 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.2327 $$ Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 $ Cecile’s French Corner 237 W. Fourth Ave. 352.383.7100 $$ Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426 $ Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000 $$ Cupcake Delights 122 E. 4th Ave. 352.383.2200 $ Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 $ Incredible Edible Cakes 4295 W. Old Hwy. 441, Suite 2 352.223.3581 $

Ivory’s Take Out 1325 N. Grandview St. 352.735.6797 $

Zellie’s Pub 4025 N. U.S. Hwy. 19A 352.483.3855 $$

Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd.

352.343.7744 $

Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 $

Sorrento

The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 $$

Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 $ One Flight Up - Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Suite 100 352.758.9818 $ Pisces Rising 239 W. 4th Ave. 352.385.2669 $$$ PizzAmore’ 722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092 $ Shiva Indian Restaurant 140A W. 5th Ave. 352.735.4555 $$ Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 $ Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 $ The Frog and Monkey Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.1936 $$ The Goblin Market 331-B Donnely St. 352.735.0059 $$$ The Health Basket of Mount Dora 18834 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.735.1166 $$

Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 County Rd. 437 352.383.8882 $ Gi Gi’s 25444 State Road 46 352.735.4000 $$

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

Tavares Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 $$ Buzzard Beach Grill 12423 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.5267 $$ Casa Mia Cafe 505 W Main St 352.742.9940 $ Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd.

352.508.5137 $$ Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313 $$ Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 County Road 448 352.343.6823 $ O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 115 S Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157 $$

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

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

Village Coffee Pot 425 Donnelly St. 352.383.3334 $

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

352.343.6669 $$

Zac’s Pressed for Time Cafe 505 W Main St. 352.253.4663 $

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

The Villages Bob Evans 2199 Parr Dr. 352.259.1224 $ Bonefish Grill 3580 Wedgewood Ln. 352.674.9292 $$ Bonifay Country Club 1033 Pinellas Place 352.205.7455 $$ Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 $$ Carrabba’s 650 U.S. Hwy. 441 N 352.430.1304 $$ Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678 $$ China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 $

Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evans Prairie Trail 352.750.2225 $$

Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 $$

Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400 $$

TooJay’s 1129 Canal St. 352.430.0410 $

Hemingway’s at Havana 2484 Odell Circle 352.753.1475 $$$ Las Tapas - Brownwood Paddock Square 352.399.5516 $$ The Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd.

352.753.1475 $$$ The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800 $$ Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd.

352.753.3824 $$ NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994 $$ Outback Steakhouse 710 N. Hwy 441 352.430.2590 $$ Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.391.9939 $$ RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930 $$ Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393 $$

City Fire Brownwood & Paddock Square 352.561.2078 $$

Scooples 2718 Brownwood Blvd 352.750.6263 $

Olive Garden 3680 Wedgewood Ln. 352.259.0304 $$

Square One Burgers & Bar 2542 Burnsed Blvd.

352.689.2191 $$

VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887 $$

Wildwood Aztec’s Mexican Restaurant 348 Shopping Center Dr. 352.748.2250 $ Beef O’ Bradys 840 S. Main St. 352.689.0048 $ Buddy’s BBQ 1210 N. Main St. 352.330.0338 $$ China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 $ Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 $$ O’Shucks! Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 $$ Polly’s Pantry 819 S. Main St. 352.330.4002 $$ Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 $$ Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 $$

Yalaha Yalaha Bakery 8210 County Road 48 352.324.3366 $$

February 2017

125

*

A r o u n d T h e Ta b l e DINING GUIDE

1884 Restaurant and Bar 12 E. Magnolia Ave., Eustis // 1.800.856.1884 // 1884restaurantandbar.com Mon-Sat: 11 a.m.–12 a.m. // Sun 11a.m.-10p.m.

Located in the historic Ferran’s building in downtown Eustis 1884 Restaurant and bar is a must for all to discover. 1884 has everything from Boars Head wraps and hand pressed burgers at lunch to hand cut filets and the signature double bone in pork chop at dinner. They also offer Sushi 7 days a week lunch and dinner. With more than 10000 sf, 1884 can accommodate an intimate dinner for two to a private event of up to 100 in one of the three semi-private rooms. Diners can also enjoy the full-service bar while ordering custom craft cocktails, 8 rotating beers on tap and an amazing wine list. Join 1884 on Mondays for Prime Rib Special… Tuesdays, where kids eat free*…Wednesdays you can get $4 by the glass or free bottle of house wine*…

Thursdays offer Wing special with Friday and Saturday always the best dinner specials around and on Sundays, they serve a traditional style brunch from 11 – 3. No doubt, there is something for everyone. This restaurant has won in 6 categories for L2016 Lake and Sumter Style’s hot list as well as Open Tables Restaurant of the month several months running. You can also enjoy live entertainment nightly. Check us out on facebook for all the details.

Call 1.800.856.1884 to reserve your table or book your party now. Lunch, dinner, live entertainment. 1884restaurantandbar.com to be the first to know of all specials, entertainers and events.

The 24 Tap Room 1107 W. North Blvd., Suite 26, Leesburg // 352.315.0198 Mon-Thu 3 p.m-12 a.m. // Fri 3 p.m-1 a.m. // Sat 12 p.m.-1 a.m. // Sun 12 p.m.- 12 a.m.

The 24 Tap Room is a fun and new craft beer and wine bar where you can enjoy 24 rotating taps, weekly live entertainment, trivia, board games, darts, and special nightly events. Visit on Sundays to watch NFL football on one of several 48-inch TV’s inside or on their outdoor patio. Proprietor Alberto Cisneros says, “We’re focused on bringing an ever-changing selection of some of the best locally-brewed beer in the state, as well as other great craft brews from across the country, to discerning beer lovers in Lake County.” A variety of appetizers are now available, including Sweet Potato Tots, Pulled Pork Sliders, Pub Pretzels, Black Bean and Chicken Nachos and Grilled Chicken Quesadillas.

Buster Tubbs 110 N. New Hampshire Ave., Tavares // 352.742.7676 // bustertubbs.com Open 7 days a week at 7a.m. // Sat-Tue: open until 3p.m. // Wed-FrI: open until the music stops Voted the “Best Sports Bar” in the “2016 Hot List” of Lake and Sumter Style magazine’s August issue, Buster Tubbs is the “neighborhood watering hole” in Tavares with comfort foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a great happy hour.

It’s the go-to place to watch football, or enjoy karaoke Wednesday nights with Rudy and Belva on the new stage, music trivia Thursday nights, and live music on Friday nights. Buster Tubbs also has been generating raves from regulars for our delicious bayou barbecue, specialty coffees, Hazelnut Lattes, Peanut Butter Pie, amazing crab cakes, Buster Blue burger, Seaplane Fish, fried green tomatoes and so much more. Fans also rave about the atmosphere and friendly service. Come check out Buster Tubbs!

126

lakeandsumter

.com

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERICAL •Driveways •Walkways •Pool Decks •Retaining •Walls •Flooring/Tile •Sod SERVING ALL OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

352.573.9827 paversforyou@gmail.com

Licensed and Insured LIC# 45-4915530

“The final product met and exceeded all my expectations and plans for another project are already underway.”

— Dr. Scott Sittler, Orlando

February 2017

127

*

A r o u n d T h e Ta b l e DINING GUIDE

Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant Open seven days a week: 11a.m.–9p.m. // Food, Spirits, Music, Sports 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441, Leesburg // 352.253.2442 // CVinnies.com Cousin Vinnie’s is located on U.S. Hwy. 441 across from Home Depot. Owner “Cousin” Vinnie Vittoria and his family have created a unique atmosphere by combining a sports bar with a family restaurant. As soon as you walk into Vinnie’s you will immediately notice why they are famous for outstanding comfort food and service! They also have been voted BEST WINGS in Lake County every year since opening in 2009. Additional menu items offered are killer ½ lb. burgers, personal pan pizzas, amazing ribeye cheese steaks, healthy wheat wraps, fresh homemade salads, chicken strips that totally melt in your mouth, 16 awesome appetizers and their signature deep fried Ice Cream and Snickers Bars! Every Monday is “Texas Hold’em” from 6–10p.m. Tuesday night is “Family Night” from 4–8p.m. when kids 12-and-under eat free. Wednesday night is “Trivia Night” when the fun starts at 6:30p.m. with prizes given to the top 3 teams. There is no better place on the weekends to see who hoists the trophy or takes home the checkered flag. Cousin Vinnie’s also offers, free Wi-Fi, great music and an enthusiastic staff, ready to exceed your expectations. Vinnie’s has been open eight years, if you have never been there… it is absolutely time for you to check it out!

Cuba Pichy’s Cuisine 10401 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg // at Via Port Mall 352.365.2822 If you’re in the mood for a flavorful, authentic Cuban food experience, then Cuba Pichy’s Cuisine, located at ViaPort Florida Mall in Leesburg, is just what you’re looking for. The menu includes classic dishes such as Roast Pork, Ropa Vieja, Palomilla steak, and popular dishes such as Arroz con Pollo, Churrasco, Mofongo, vegetarian and seafood dishes, as well as a selection of Pichy’s Masterpieces. Most dishes are served with rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. Appetizers like Cuba’s Gran Combo, a variety of delicious items including Masitas Fritas, Chicharrones de Pollo, Ham-croquettes, and sweet plantains; Pichy’s beef empanadas filled with spicy, flavorful ground beef encased in a delicious flaky baked pastry, Cuban sandwiches, specialty desserts and Cuban coffee are always available.

Cuba also features a full-service bar, and a private banquet room that can accommodate up to 40 guests, and, as a bonus, Pichy will create a specialty menu just for your group.

The Goblin Market Restaurant & Lounge 331-B Donnelly Street (Rear Alley), Mount Dora // 352.735.0059 // GoblinMarketRestaurant.com Lunch: Tue–Sat 11a.m.–3:00p.m. // Dinner: Tue–Thu 5–9p.m., Fri–Sat 5–10p.m., Sun 11a.m.–3:30p.m.

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

Join us for our new “lighter fare” dinner menu, gourmet soups, salads, and sandwiches.

Tuesday–Thursday from 3–9p.m. (regular dinner menu also available).

128

lakeandsumter

.com

WE WILL SHARE THE LATEST INSIGHTS 2017 CAPITAL MARKETS OUTLOOK *Lunch to be served following event.

WHAT’S UNFOLDING IN GLOBAL CAPITAL MARKETS? WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE WORLD ECONOMY? HOW ARE THESE FORCES SHAPING THE INVESTING LANDSCAPE TODAY? Raymond James and AB Investments connects timely insights to actionable opportunities in its latest quarterly Capital Markets Outlook.

PRESENTERS

JOHN IVORY

GEORGE MATHIS

Financial Advisor

First Vice President, Investments

JOE DOMINGUEZ, CIMA, CFA Director of AB Investments

Thursday, March 9th, 2017 10:30-11:30 AM

3890 Woodridge Drive, The Villages, FL 32162

Please RSVP with Kitty Havlu at 352.674.1687 www.facebook.com/MathisWealthRJ

@mathiswealth_rj

www.raymondjames.com/mathiswealthrj

Joe Dominguez is not affiliated with Raymond James. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. 2615 West Torch Lake Drive, The Villages, FL 32163

*

A r o u n d T h e Ta b l e DINING GUIDE

Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room 311 W. MAGNOLIA ST., LEESBURG // 352.474.2739 MONDAY-THURSDAY 11 A.M.-10 P.M. // FRIDAY-SATURDAY 11 A.M.-12 A.M. // SUNDAY 12 P.M.-6 P.M. It’s a fun, friendly place to hang with friends and to meet new ones. Our Chicago/Firefighter themed Tap Room offers 6-8 of our own “session” beers featuring fresh Florida fruits and other local ingredients. Our beers are brewed on premise. We also offer (10) guest taps featuring beers from small craft breweries across the U.S. There is something for everyone. Our “Chicago” Style food menu features items like real Italian Beefs with Giardiniera peppers. Italian Sausage, the Maxwell Street Polish Sausage, Gyros, Pizza Puffs, Tamales and even the original Chicago Hot Dog “Run through the garden.” All your favorite footballs teams are playing on six (6) TVs with the NFL Package. Enjoy our spacious outdoor seating area with live music many weekends. We are located Historic Downtown Leesburg which offers a great shopping experience with specialty shops, antique stores, and a host of unique food and drink establishments. Every third Thursday, we partner with Gator Harley in Leesburg for our Bike Night; Live music, beer and food specials, BBQ, prizes and more, right here at the brewery!

SPONSORED BY: JOIN US FOR Cool Cars Under the Stars event February 9th!

Find us online:

BIKE NIGHT ON FEB. 16TH

La Palma 1690 Citrus Blvd., Leesburg // 352.323.1444 // LapalmaGrill.com Open Daily 11:00am – 9:00pm // Lunch Specials: 11:00am – 3:00pm Owner Raudel Torres invites you to a delicious dining experience at the La Palma Mexican Grill. The recipes used for these unique dishes are a blend of old-school traditions from Mexico, combined with culinary inspirations and trends from California and Louisiana. Flavorful, homemade Mexican entrees such as Tacos Azteca, Carnitas, Fajitas, and Tamales and much more are timeless and prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Sit in the comfortable dining room or enjoy the outdoor view on the new patio deck. Fast and friendly service, reasonable prices, and three-for-one margaritas all day every day mean exceeding customer expectations. In addition to in-house service, catering is available for large parties, or meetings. Daily specials available on the website, lapalmagrill.com and you can enjoy a Mariachi band the first and third Sunday of each month.

Mason Jar 37534 State Road 19, Umatilla // 352.589.2535 Mon–Sat 6am-8pm // Sun 6am-2pm Established in 1979, The Mason Jar is well-known for southern style, downhome cooking; sparkling clean, casual dining room; family-friendly hospitality and reasonable prices. Located in Umatilla at 37534 State Road 19, and family-owned, the restaurant is a welcome sight for travelers and locals alike. Seven days a week patrons enjoy breakfasts of homemade grits, real fried potatoes, fluff y biscuits, country ham, and mile-high pancakes. If you are a late riser, you can still enjoy daily specials: Monday-Meatloaf; Tuesday-Beef Tips and Noodles; Wednesday-Liver and Onions; Thursday-Fried Chicken; Friday-All you can eat Fish Fry; Saturday-Fried Chicken Livers and Sunday-Award-winning, all-you-can-eat Fried Chicken. Other favorites include various beans (pintos, lima, northern) with rice, served with onion slices and corn muffins, homemade soups, fresh vegetables for sides, and of course, the meal wouldn’t be complete without a glass of southern sweet tea!

Awards: Orlando Sentinel’s Best Fried Chicken in Lake County (March, 2015) Orlando Sentinel’s Best Breakfast in Lake County (March, 2015)

130

lakeandsumter

.com

2018

Congratulations to the

2018 Lake County Teacher of the Year Candidates!

Anthony Ritter Eustis Heights Elementary

Jessica Simmons Gray Middle School

Tammy Jerkins Leesburg High School

PAMELA DUKE Astatula Elementary WENDY OLIVER-WILLIAMS Beverly Shores Elementary

LEONA MELLON Fruitland Park Elementary TIFFANY GISONDI Grassy Lake Elementary

LEAH BULTEMA Mascotte Elementary Charter KAREN KRAWCHUK Minneola Elementary Charter

CELESTE CHAPUT Spring Creek Elementary Charter JUDITH ANN LEMOYNE Tavares Elementary

NICOLE MARCONI East Ridge High HEATHER TOMLIN East Ridge Middle

KIM MARCHAND Lake Minneola High PAMELA NETHERTON Lake Technical College

CINDY YOX Rimes ELLC APRIL BRONSON Round Lake Elem Charter

CAROL ANN MORRIS-SMITH Umatilla Elementary KIM ROYAL Umatilla High

JOANNE CONSIDDER Eustis Middle

AMANDA FURROW Lost Lake Elementary

KATHERINE MORTON Carver Middle TERESA JANE SMITH Clermont Elementary AMY HERMAN Clermont Middle TRACEY BARTON Cypress Ridge Elementary

LONNIE KEYES Eustis Elementary ANTHONY RITTER Eustis Heights Elementary STEPHANIE N. STEELE Eustis High

Presented by

JESSICA SIMMONS Gray Middle KAYLA COXE Groveland Elementary NANCY STEWART Imagine South Lake KRISTEN KASHA Lake Hills School

JAMIE BERRY Lake Virtual School CHRISTY MAURIELL Leesburg Elementary TAMMY JERKINS Leesburg High

VERONICA JOHNSON Mount Dora High KIM LOWERY Mount Dora Middle ROBIN FRATES Oak Park Middle DARREN THORNTON Pine Ridge Elementary

ALLISON LOVE Sawgrass Bay Elementary VALERIE CUSTER Seminole Springs Elementary MARY LANNING Sorrento Elementary ERIC CALABRESE South Lake High

KAREN KELLY Tavares High TERI ROBERTS Tavares Middle SHANNON BASS Treadway Elementary RHONDA BOSTON Triangle Elementary

PAMELA CAMPBELL Umatilla Middle CRYSTAL SUGGS Villages Elementary RESHONDA SCOTT Windy Hill Middle

Sponsored by

*

A r o u n d T h e Ta b l e DINING GUIDE

Mom & Dads 304 U.S. Hwy. 441, Lady Lake // 352.753.2722 Tue-Sat 4pm–9pm // Closed Sun & Mon This little place in the heart of Lady Lake is a local favorite. All the food at Mom & Dad’s is authentic and homemade, from the famous sauce to pastas to the incredible desserts. Made from scratch in-house ravioli and lasagna. Many diners automatically order Spaghetti al la Bruzzi, which is the house specialty. This baked spaghetti has a meat sauce, mushrooms, and three cheeses. Add to that the homemade bread Papa prepares every day, and you’ve got a memorable meal. You can’t stop with the entrée, however. Mama’s homemade cakes are amazing! Moist and delicious German Chocolate, creamy, luxurious Red Velvet, Cannoli, and who doesn’t love Spumoni. If you’re looking for a great Italian dinner that will remind you of home and all the goodness of eating there, try Mom & Dad’s.

Mom & Dad’s also offers a full gluten free menu featuring pizza, lasagna, ravioli, and desserts all made in-house from scratch.

Momiji Japanese Sushi and Grill 24400 State Road 44, Sorrento // 352.357.2285 LUNCH: Mon-Fri 11am-3pm // DINNER: Mon-Thu 3-10pm, Fri 3-11pm, Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-10pm Momiji Japanese Sushi and Grill offers a fine dining experience with a wide array of delicious Japanese fare, including 25 different hibachi dishes on the dinner menu (10 at lunch) and nearly 30 different varieties of chef’s special roll and a sushi bar that sushi lovers are bound to love. Among diners’ favorites are the Momiji Roll of lobster tempera, spicy tuna in soy wrap, topped with spicy king crab, mango, Momiji sauce and mango sauce, and the Sushi and Sashimi Combo with four pieces of sushi and nine pieces of sashimi and spicy tuna roll. Traditional dishes of soup and salad are available, along with starter from kitchen, starter from sushi bar, a la carte, entrée from sushi bar, rolls or hand rolls. Momiji notes its goal is to provide an unforgettable dining experience for all patrons.

Puddle Jumpers 111 W. Ruby St., Tavares // 352.508.5862 // PuddleJumpersLakeside.com Mon-Thu 11am-10pm // Fri-Sat 11am-12am // Sun 11am-8pm Casual lakeside dining at its finest is what patrons experience at Puddle Jumpers overlooking Lake Dora in Tavares. The restaurant is a local favorite and has generated raves of being a great place for good fun with friends and private events.

Come check out the offerings of delicious food and drinks from a fully stocked bar, including a wide array of fresh seafood specialties, appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, homemade soups, steaks and ribs from the grill. Puddle Jumpers is also the “go-to” place to enjoy live music and entertainment on most weekends. If you’ve never been to Puddle Jumpers, it’s absolutely time to take the plunge!

132

lakeandsumter

.com

Serving the community for over 90 years.

Residential Lending Team Natasha Dykes, Amy Bolt and Margarita McCartney

Let us help you get the lowest rate on your home loan.

Call Today

352-383-2111 www.fnbmd.com "1 /ĂŠ ", ĂŠUĂŠ " ĂŠ/, - 1, ĂŠUĂŠ-",, /"

pay February 2017

133

*

A r o u n d T h e Ta b l e DINING GUIDE

Sully’s Smokehouse 10820 County Road 44, Leesburg // 352.483.RIBS (7427) Wed-Fri 11am–8pm // Saturday 11am-6pm If you’re really hungry, you may want to try the Jumbo Pulled Pork Sandwich at Sully’s Smokehouse. It’s so big you can share it. Sully’s, which is rated No. 7 out of 97 restaurants in Leesburg on Trip Advisor, also prepared meals for catering events from 20 people to 500 people. Customers pick up their orders. Meals include ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and smoked sausage with sides of homemade Brunswick stew, cole slaw, baked beans, and collard greens, along with pasta salad, mustard potato salad, and mayo red-skinned potato salad. This family-run business has been around for nine years.

For information or to order catering, call the restaurant at 352.483.RIBS (7427) or call owner Trent Sullivan’s cell phone at 352.267.4861.

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

Lady Lake Eustis Mount Dora Leesburg The Villages

Wildwood

208 W. Guava St. // 352.750.4929 469 Plaza Dr. // 352.357.7827 18870 U.S. Hwy. 441 // 352.735.4376 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 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 480 W. Gulf to Alantic Hwy. // 352.748.8800

Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill 118 Ruby St., Tavares // 352.508.5783 Sun-Thu 11am-10pm // Fri-Sat 11am-11pm Daily specials draw large groups to Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill. Daily specials include $2 off dozens of Raw, Steamed, or Chargrilled Oysters on Tuesday; $9.99 pound of peel and eat shrimp on Wednesdays; $5 off Buckets of Oysters Thursday or Sunday; or $9.99 Mahi Mahi beer battered fish fry on Friday. Diners are thrilled the upbeat, colorful Tavares restaurant overlooking Lake Dora has expanded its outdoor dining area on the patio. Diners also love the “All You Can Eat” crab legs for $39.99; peel-and-eat-shrimp, coconut shrimp or fried shrimp for $25.99; fried Mahi Mahi or fried clam strips for $16.99.

The best part about the All You Can Eat is you can reorder any of the All You Can Eat specials of equal or lesser value. Come check out our new lunch menu good Monday-Friday from 11-3. Happy Hour is all day, every day!

134

lakeandsumter

.com

NUMBER 1 IN MOBILE HOME RESALES SERVING CENTRAL FLORIDA SINCE 1982

WHY CHOOSE FOUR STAR?

COLLEEN KRAMER

LINDA CURTIS

JUNE BARTKE

I am a licensed real estate agent who will work for you!

I am friendly, professional, and ready to help you buy or sell your home. Your needs come first!

ColleenK@fourstarhomes.com 352.478.4596

Top sales agent working for you! I work closely with local communities & help take the guess work out of finding the perfect retirement community of your dreams.

Linda.Curtis@fourstarhomes.com 352.547.5665

Experience counts! I have worked as the top sales and listing agent with Four Star Homes for more than 17 years!

I am here to help you find the home you are looking for.

Junebartke@fourstarhomes.com 352.508.1202

“Gretchen showed home and did a great job” – R. Engel

“Dee was always there, patient, and helpful. We came into town, bought a home, and closed in less than 1 week!”

– R. Daniels & J. Mozingo

“Delight to deal with Linda” – SB. Hanson

GRETCHEN DAVIS

SHERRY ALBERT

LINDA BIGGS

Experience & professionalism!

Full time agent & top producer.

I work to find you the perfect place to call home. I will listen to your needs and find what works for you!

Gretchen@fourstarhomes.com 352.360.7124

I have been a sales expert for over 30 years. I pride myself in helping others and am a trustworthy professional, you can count on me.

SherryA@fourstarhomes.com 352.508.4488

I am a licensed real estate agent here for all of your listing and selling needs. I value my customers and take the time to help them find their perfect home.

Lindab@fourstarhomes.com 352.348.1461

352.508.1655

•

“Great agent with Colleen, very professional and fought for our deal. She helped us buy and sell!”

– T. & D. Kline

WWW.FOURSTARHOMES.COM

BUYING OR SELLING? FOUR STAR HAS OVER 100 AGENTS WORKING 7 DAYS A WEEK • OVER 2,600 HOMES SOLD IN 2014 & 2015 WE SELL A HOME EVERY 6 HOURS ON AVERAGE • WE LIST A HOME EVERY 4 HOURS ON AVERAGE

Leesburg Brewery with Chicago Flair Everybody has a story, and John Sokol, owner of Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room, is no exception.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

H

Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room 311 W. Magnolia, Leesburg 352.474.2739

e is the owner of a brewery and restaurant in Illinois and came to Leesburg after dropping his son off at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.

“My friend lives in Tavares, and I came this way to visit him,” John says. “I’m a freshwater lake person, so I definitely love this area.”

John’s restaurant and brewery was noted as the smallest licensed brewery in the state of Illinois. “People think of breweries as gigantic places you tour with giant vats of beer, but that’s not our goal. I have owned the bar in Illinois for 15 years, and when I expanded the restaurant, I thought about what would bring people in, and I realized it would be a small brewery that specialized in great craft beers.”

After learning about this part of Central Florida, John became convinced he could do the same thing in Lake County. He decided Leesburg was a great location.

Economic Development Director Michael Rankin and Executive Vice President of the Leesburg Partnership Joe Shipes provided the help and information that convinced John this was the place to open his next business. With the help of community leaders in Leesburg, he purchased a building and was able to get his business renovated and in operation in a fairly short period of time.

“The people in Leesburg bent over backwards to help me. Mike walked me around with Tom Grizzard and Jerry Galbreath. They put a committee together and asked to meet with me to show me downtown Leesburg, and that was pretty impressive,” John says. “I thought about renting

a building, but I decided I wanted roots here.”

The name of the craft brewery is an homage to firefighters, and John has been a firefighter for many years. “I’m still active in my Chicago area department, and my wife is a schoolteacher up there. I divide my time, between here an Illinois.”

John says the beauty of the Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room is you can always expect to find something new and exciting on tap every visit. “We brew beer in small batches, and we feature a real Chicago style Italian Beef and the famous Chicago Dog you won’t find anywhere else around here.” And remember, you never put ketchup on a Chicago dog.

They’ll also be introducing a true Chicago pizza soon—a 12-inch thin crust with sauce to the edge, and you put the toppings on first and the cheese on top and it’s baked to a golden brown.

2016

April

Featuring

LIVING THE DOG LIFE

7AMAZING K-9S

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

Plus

STRIKER ONE

XXXX XXX XXXXXX XXX XXX XXXX XXX

THE AREAS MOST READ PUBLICATION

REACHING

210,719 www.lakeandsumterstyle.com Source: 2013 Media Audit Ranker report, Adults 18+ Cume persons.

AUDITED READERS

PROBLEMS WITH YOUR PROSTATE? Does this sound familiar? As you grow older, do you realize you are getting up more often at night to urinate? Have you come to accept this as in inevitable part of aging as your father did or his father before him?

There is no need for men to suffer from frequent urination because they are getting older. Dr. James Young, a down-to-earth urologist in Lake County since 1982, has successfully treated thousands of patients who suffer with enlarged prostate (BPH).

What’s even better is that treatment options are more numerous and far less invasive than those offered to our fathers and grandfathers.

Dr. Young is internationally recognized as one of the leading experts in Prostiva RF Therapy, an in-office procedure for the treatment of enlarged prostate in men. Prostiva utilizes low-level radiofrequency energy to destroy the obstructing component of the enlarged prostate The procedure allows men to stop taking medications for their prostate issues without undergoing major surgery.

That distinction has placed him on Castle Connelly’s prestigious Top Docs list for five consecutive years.

“Dr. Young is one of the pioneers and current leaders of in-office BPH therapy, particularly with the Prostiva

RF therapy system,” said Greg Fluet, former CEO of Urologix, Inc. “He has been a consistent and committed champion. For that, I have significant respect and admiration.”

Dr. Young has performed more Prostiva procedures than any urologist in the United States and possibly the world. In 2014, he performed nearly 400 Prostiva procedures, accounting for approximately 5 percent of the 8,000 performed worldwide.

The procedure is performed in Dr. Young’s office under local anesthesia. “I am very happy with the results I have achieved for many patients using Prostiva RF Therapy,” says Dr. Young, who has successfully treated nearly 3,000 patients with this procedure.

Not only is Dr. Young happy; patients are extremely satisfied, as well. That’s evidenced by the glowing reviews he receives on healthgrades. com and vitals.com from patients who underwent the procedure.

“His revolutionary procedure

was easy with very little discomfort,” wrote one patient.

“My urinary problems have disappeared, I sleep better, and have significantly more energy,” another patient wrote.

Dr. Young encourages all patients to visit vitals.com and healthgrades. com to find for themselves what patients are saying. Dr. Young’s Healthgrades online profile was visited 2,311 times between January 2015 and January 2016, ranking him 18th among 978 urologists in Florida.

Always striving to be on the cutting-edge of therapies to treat enlarged prostates, Dr. Young is now offering a new procedure called Rezum. This safe and efficient treatment uses thermal energy in water vapor to remove obstructive tissue surrounding the prostate. The procedure is performed in-office under local anesthesia or oral sedation.Dr Young is the first urologist in Central Florida to offer this cutting edge treatment. At this time Dr Young has

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

performed more Rezum therapies than any urologist in the United States.

Within the next year it is anticipated that Dr Young will have performed more Rezum treatments than any urologist in the world.

“It takes less time to perform and destroys even more of the obstructive tissue. It also has rapid symptom relief and minimal discomfort“After seeing the results I have obtained with this procedure I am overwhelmed with the benefits the patients are receiving.

There is no doubt in my mind that Rezum therapy is the best way to treat an enlarged prostate; in addition to superior results, one of the most compelling aspects of this treatment is how minimally invasive it is to the patient, thus the patient tolerates the procedure with little to no discomfort.” ________________________________

JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D. Board-certified Urologist

Practicing in Lake County since 1982 with extensive experience in evaluation and management of prostate problems.

Comprehensive care If you are a first-time patient of Dr. Young, you will receive a detailed examination.

“When I see a new patient I perform physical examinations and properly evaluate the patient’s symptoms, thus diagnosing the underlying problem(s),” Dr. Young said. “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 enlarged prostate 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, officebased therapies as alternatives to lifelong medical therapy.

With an office staff with nearly

as much experience as the doctor (many have worked with Dr. Young for 25 years), 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 patients’ time as much as we do our own. 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 waking up at night and have difficulty falling back asleep because you’re worried what may be wrong, then it is time to check in with Dr. Young and have him examine you.

“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.”

Prostate Cancer Screening

James W. Young III, M.D. Nationally recognized board-certified urologist

Annually over 50 years of age (At age 40 if family history or African American)

For more informaiton and to see actual patient testimonials, please visit:

ProstateEvaluation.com AVAILABLE FOR SECOND OPINIONS FOR BPH AND PROSTATE CANCER

PROSTATE EVALUATION CENTER 808 HIGHWAY 466, LADY LAKE, FL 32159 P: 352.751.0040

F: 352.751.2825

Introducing Rezum Therapy for enlarged prostate.

Medicare, TRICARE, and most medical insurances accepted.

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

Explore Leesburg

415 W. Main Street | 352.728.0083 | Open M-F 10-6 • Sat 10-5

Licensed & Insured

Free Estimates

601 W. Main St. // Doggibags.com

352.326.8090 QUALITY SERVICE FOR YOUR TAX AND BOOKKEEPING NEEDS

TAX PREPARATION PAYROLL SERVICES BOOKKEEPING

352.409.8251

Jason Garven

GatorGitter34@gmail.com

Owner

Dawn Mainville Enrolled Agent

201 N. 3rd St, Leesburg, FL 34748 www.GoFigureTax.com

352.460.4806 In Historic Downtown Leesburg 201 West Main Street

140

lakeandsumter

.com

352.326.0310 712 W. Main Street

352.728.8588

DEDICATED TO THE TREATMENT OF: LEG PAIN LEG SWELLING VARICOSE VEINS SPIDER VEINS LYMPHEDEMA WOUND CARE MINIMALLYINVASIVE TREATMENTS NO DOWN TIME FREE CONSULTS

we treat more than just veins

we treat the whole leg

Tom Tran PA-C, MPAS Mike Richards PA-C, MPAS

vein center at the villages ®

MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED. CALL FOR DETAILS. 1050 OLD CAMP RD, STE 202, THE VILLAGES • 3515 SE 17TH ST, STE 100, OCALA

352.259.5960

Dr. Kalpesh Solanki,

D.O. FACC

Board Certified Cardiologist Medical Director

Azure Alkaline pH8.3 Spring Water ®

Azure® Alkaline Spring Water comes from Heatherwood Spring which is a part of the Crystal River Springs Complex in West Central Florida.

Our water is fresh, native, balanced, pure spring water and is guaranteed to be 100% bottled from the source without any artificial modifications or alterations to acquire its unique and special qualities. ®

AZURE ALKALINE SPRING WATER HAS ITS UNIQUE BENEFITS AND A CLEAN REFRESHING TASTE: • Super Hydrating & Detoxifying • • • • • •

Boosts Immune System Anti-Oxidant/Anti-Aging Improves Digestion Increases Energy Replenishes Essential Minerals Enhances Circulation & Metabolism

TYPICAL WATER ANALYSIS (mg/liter)

FUN FACTOID: Drink 8 -16 oz of regular water and jump up and down. You will hear and feel the water slosh in your stomach. Drink the equivalent amount of Azure® Alkaline Water and try jumping. Nothing happens! It is immediately absorbed on the way down.

Ca 36 Mg18 K 1 Na 5 pH 8. 3

tds 98

1903 GREENLEAF LN, LEESBURG, FL 34748 ll 352.728.5646 www.azurewater.com

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

— -ED AND MARY JAVOR, LEESBURG

“The pricing was extraordinary. The dealership really did us right. The Vann Gannaway team works with you until everybody is satisfied.”

Are you ready to be

ReNewed?

Tired of being told there's nothing wrong when you know you just don't feellikeyourself?Ifcommoncomplaints such as fatigue, low sex drive, brain fog, weightgainandmoodinessaffectyour day-to-day,thenitistimetounderstand how to live your life ReNewed.

Medical Director, Randy Fink, MD, and Pamela Cook, MSN, NP, invite you to optimize your health and increase your happiness at their newly opened, state of the art location in Lady Lake.

WE SPECIALIZE IN: Bio-Identical Hormones for Men & Women MonaLisa Touch™ Sexual Health General Gynecology

RenewMeMD.com | 352-633-0686

8550 NE 138th Lane, Building 100, Suite 102 Lady Lake, Florida 32159 RANDY FINK, MD, FACOG

PAMELA COOK, MSN, NP

1585 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite B, The Villages, FL 32159 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

FOOTC A R E F OR PE OPL E OF A L L AG E S W I T H AC T I V E LIFEST Y LES.

MEDICARE AND MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED

SCAN HERE with your smart phone to learn more about Tri-County Podiatry

Come to The Dentist and let us make your smile great again!

NEW YEAR SPECIAL - $150 off of Crowns (D2740) *Offer can be used for up to 6 crowns

Complimentary Exam and X-Rays EXAM - D0150 XRAY - D0210 (excludes emergencies) *For new patients without insurance only. Emergency exams excluded. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must present coupon to receive offer.

3 5 2 . 480. 0800 • 3 0 7 La g ra nd e Blvd , La dy La ke • www. c omet ot h edent is t . c om *Offer expires one month past publish date. Scan the code for more offers and to watch our latest video. FREE implant & denture consultations. We process dental claims. Financing available with approved credit.

The patient and any other person responsible for payment has the right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the discounted fee or reduce fee service, examination or treatment. Fees may vary due to complexity of case. This discount does not apply to those patients with dental insurance or discount plans, fees are minimal.

Carlos Medina, DMD

Events by Miss Daisy Let us plan your event!

Weddings

•

Birthdays

•

Luncheons

•

Anniversaries

•

Corporate Parties

Miss Daisy’s Flowers & Gifts

“Whatever Your Occasion, Let Miss Daisy’s Make It Special!”

1024 W. Main Street Leesburg, FL

352.787.6806

www.MissDaisysFlowers.c om February 2017

147

*

F i na l T h oug h t

Thanks for the Memories The song “Reunited” by Peaches & Herb brings back memories and so do reunions.

STORY: DEBBI KIDDY

W

hether it’s a family, high school, college, military, or some other reunion, reuniting with those from our past stirs emotions and memories. Most are fond and happy recollections of school days, such as the special people and groups we joined in athletics, music, service, or social clubs. Some are bittersweet, reminiscing about those who are no longer with us or we have simply lost touch. Either way, reunions bring back thoughts of the past and anticipation of rekindled friendships.

I traveled to Nashville to my college alma mater in November and the weekend was packed! Not only packed with my suitcase of “just the right” clothes and accessories, and packed with activities planned to keep us engaged, entertained, and inspired to endow our future financial support—but also packed with memories of people, places and events.

As I enjoyed the variety show on Friday night, nostalgia transported me to

*

Traveling with classmates to London, Paris, Rotterdam, Munich, and more taught me many “first” lessons outside the classroom.

148

lakeandsumter

.com

the many “firsts” experienced on this campus.

First time away from home, first time to live in a dorm, first roommate, first time to do my own laundry, first time to fall in love, first major broken heart.

My first date on campus was a cute southern boy who called and asked to “carry me out” on Friday night. Wanting to be “witty” I responded, “Well, if you can pick me up, I guess you can carry me out!” Cultural diversity— another new “first.”

My first travel experiences were to destinations I never dreamed I would visit, like Niagara Falls, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. for national speech tournaments. I remember a dedicated professor who spent weekends away from his family to coach and mentor young speakers who went on to become talented teachers, business managers, and ministers.

Every spring break I traveled with our concert choir throughout the southeast to recruit future

students and raise funds for the college. I remember two talented professors who traveled with us and taught us harmony—in song and in living—both on campus and abroad.

My first trip outside the United States was a European tour through eight countries during the first summer after freshman year. Traveling with classmates to London, Paris, Rotterdam, Munich, and more taught me many “first” lessons outside the classroom.

Though, like all of us, I can recall a few “bitter” first lessons, like feeling left out by some who thought they were better than others, but I also remember more about the hospitality of strangers in a foreign land, and the sweet patience, kindness, humor, and love between dear friends, mentors, and professors I still cherish today.

Thanks for the memories and I look forward to seeing all of you at our next reunion. As Elvis sang, “I’ll remember you.”

3.99

% APR*

for 12 months on Balance Transfers with No Balance Transfer Fees!

Ready to scale back on credit card debt?

Transfer your balances and whip high interest rates into shape! Receive 3.99% APR* forNow 12 months credit card balancesto transferred an Insight or for with on less requirements qualify,toyou reallyVisa canPlatinum get more Insight Visaless.

Platinum + Rewards between January 1, 2017 and March 31,more 2017. doing Stop by any card of our Central Florida locations for

or tooropen your IncentiveorChecking today!

Callinformation, us at 407.426.6000 Toll-Free 888.843.8328, visit one of Account our convenient locations for more information and to get started today!

INSIGHTCREDITUNION.COM INSIGHTCREDITUNION.COM *APR=Annual Percentage Rate. A PROMOTIONAL RATE of 3.99% APR applies only to balances transferred on or before March 31, 2017. Balance transfers are allowed up to your available limit on your Insight Visa Platinum or Insight Visa Platinum + Rewards credit card. This offer is not good for transferring balances from existing Insight Visa Platinum or Insight Visa Platinum + Rewards credit cards or loans. For interest purposes, balance transfers will accumulate finance charges from the date of posting. Charges and cash advances made on your Insight Visa Platinum or Insight Visa Platinum + Rewards credit card will be made at the regular interest rate. The balance transfers made to a new Insight Visa Platinum or Insight Visa Platinum + Rewards credit card are subject to application and approval. The PROMOTIONAL RATE of 3.99% APR applies only to balances transferred on or before March 31, 2017. At the end of the 12-month PROMOTIONAL period, all balances transferred under this promotion will revert to the standard Balance Transfer APRs. No balance transfer fee will be charged on balances transferred January 1, 2017 through March 31, 2017. Other restrictions may apply. Offer begins January 1, 2017 and ends March 31, 2017. Federally insured by NCUA.

Federally Insured by NCUA

!

E

TA TOYO

S TH E K A M

ES K A AM C U L .. DE

CE N E R FE

IF D E TH

CAR.

V

0TO 0 6 S E EHICL SE CHOOM! FRO

DRIVE A NEW 2017 COROLLA

AND LOWER YOUR MONTHLY PAYMENT! SEE DELUCA TOYOTA FOR COMPLETE DETAILS

“TREATING CUSTOMERS WITH HONESTY AND INTEGRITY FOR OVER 39 YEARS! STOP BY TODAY AND EXPERIENCE THE DELUCA DIFFERENCE.” – FRANK DELUCA, PRESIDENT/OWNER

ONE OF FLORIDA’S LARGEST AND MOST LUXURIOUS TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS.

OVER 94,500 TOYOTAS SOLD SINCE 1978! WITH A STATE-OF-THE-ART SERVICE DEPARTMENT, A FULL-SERVICE SALON AND A CAFÉ.

WE’RE JUST A SHORT DRIVE FROM THE VILLAGES. PLEASE CALL FOR DIRECTIONS.

DELUCATOYOTA.COM 352.732.0770 / 1719 SW COLLEGE RD. OCALA Featuring a no cost maintenance plan with roadside assistance.

WWW.

Minto Florida Communities

Premier locations.

Inspired lifestyles. Unbeatable new home values.

Enjoy the warm Florida sunshine year-round!

Minto offers an incomparable combination of exceptional communities and new home values that you’ll cherish for years to come.

This affordable alternative to Palm Beach County puts active adult resort living on the map!

6 NEW MODELS NOW OPEN!

Port St. Lucie

This friendly neighborhood you’ve always dreamed of features small town charm and amazing resort-style amenities. Enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment at the community’s own Tradition Square town center. Plus uncrowded beaches and championship golf are close by. Come discover LakePark’s vacation inspired lifestyle with a Stay & Play Getaway for only $229!*

Single-Family & Villa Homes from the $190s

(888) 730-9864 ~ mintofla.com

FLORIDA’S NEW

We saved the best for last!

TAMPA

SARASOTA

LAST CHANCE – FINAL PHASE! After 50 years as one of America’s most popular active adult communities, we’re celebrating the release of our final phase. Come experience all the pleasures of this Where to Retire Magazine Hall of Fame Community for only $229!* Tour 8 beautiful new model homes by Minto – Florida’s preeminent homebuilder.

Luxury Paired Villas & Single-Family Homes from the $190s

(888) 347-1779 ~ mintofla.com

For location, hours of operation and further details about our award-winning communities throughout Florida, visit mintofla.com.

Best Floor Plans for 50+ *Costs of trip including airfare and expenses will be reimbursed up to $500 after the buyer closes on a Minto home. Purchase must be made within 90 days of Stay & Play visit. Receipts for airfare and expenses must be submitted in order to be reimbursed for exact expenditures. The reimbursement cost is not to exceed $500. © Minto Communities, LLC 2017. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Artist’s renderings, dimensions, specifications, prices and features are approximate and subject to change without notice. Minto, the Minto logo, LakePark, the LakePark logo, Sun City Center and the Sun City Center logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC1519880 2/2017

Facelift Tummy Tuck Breast Augmentation Liposuction Eyelid Surgery Hair Transplant Botox & Injectable Fillers Spider Veins Chemical Peels MEMBER OF American Society of Plastic Surgeons

MEMBER OF American Society for Aesthetic Plastic

Board Certified Plastic Surgeons James Rogers DMD MD • Navinderdeep Nijher MD Leonik Ahumada MD FACS NURSE PRACTITIONER Lindsey Hicks ARNP-C

C A L L U S T O D AY

(352) 750-0019 REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

www.VillagesPlasticSurgery.com THE VILLAGES/DANA CENTER LOCATION 11950 CR 101, Suite 205, The Villages, FL 32162

OCALA/PADDOCK PARK LOCATION 3320 SW 34th Circle, Ocala, FL 34474