The Villages edition of STYLE, March 2015

The Power of Giving Parady Financial Group pays it forward, then shows others how to extend the cycle of giving.

SEE OUR SPECIAL FEATURE INSIDE

Why obliterate 100% of your knee when only about 25% is arthritic?

Chronic knee pain? A total knee replacement obliterates 100% of the cartilage and up to 50% of the ligaments in the knee. But why undergo a total knee replacement if only 25% of your knee is arthritic? That’s the logic behind a partial knee replacement performed by Dr. Kerina at Tri-County Orthopaedic Center. The procedure preserves all the tendons and ligaments of the knee, allowing for shorter recovery time

and greater function. Dr. Kerina pioneered outpatient partial knee replacements, and has helped thousands of patients return to the active lifestyle they enjoy. Don’t total your knee without exploring viable options like the outpatient partial knee replacement. Call Dr. Kerina today at 352-787-9141 for a one-on-one consultation.

J. Mandume Kerina, M.D. National leader and #1 surgeon for Zimmer/ZUK partial knee replacements; most requested for surgeon-to surgeon training

352-787-9141 ~ Patient specific, ligament-sparing partial knee replacement for rapid return to your active lifestyle ~

FULLY ACCREDITED BY THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY (ACR) IN CT, MR, PET/CT, AND ULTRASOUND

Technology provides the most precise images, but experience provides the answers.

At the Florida Hospital Waterman Center for Medical Imaging, board certified radiologists and skilled technologists have the training and experience needed to provide you with the answers you need. We offer some of the most advanced imaging services in Lake County with a focus on personalized care and convenience. To schedule an appointment, or for more information about the services provided, call (352) 253-6363.

• • • • • •

PET/CT HIGH RESOLUTION CT/CTA MRI/MRA BONE DENSITY X-RAY 4D ULTRASOUND

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Call 352.561.4943

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ince its humble beginnings, Santa Fe Surgery Center has developed a reputation for providing first-class surgical services in a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment. Because no more than two surgeries are ever performed simultaneously, the staff can devote more time and attention to patients and their families.

SERVICES INCLUDE

• General surgery • Podiatric surgery • Minimally invasive neurosurgery • Laser cataract surgery • Corneal transplantation • Oculoplastic surgery • General ophthalmology • Interventional pain management

________

DOCTOR SPOTLIGHT DR. SHELBY L. TERPSTRA states, “The Santa Fe Surgery Center runs so smoothly because of the great staff. Our physicians have performed surgery in the area for many years and during that time, we learned which nurses were most proficient, kind and knew how to take proper care of patients.”

“The staff was handpicked to ensure patients have the most successful experience possible.

We are lucky to have several 20- or 30-year veteran nurses who form the backbone of the center. My patients comment time and time again about how great our staff is.

They make a potentially stressful situation much easier, which leads to better outcomes for the surgeon and patient.”

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cont March

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Featuring

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HERE COMES THE GUIDE

Planning the perfect wedding isn’t as easy as it looks, and with so much advice out there, who’s to say what’s true and what’s just fluff. Style cuts through the nonsense to give you the 4-1-1 on what every bride needs to know from the moment he slips the ring on your finger to the day you say, “I do.”

STORY: SHEMIR WILES

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SAY I DO TO MISSION INN

Couples looking to tie the knot in a picturesque, Old World-inspired setting should look no further than Mission Inn Resort & Club.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES

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STYLE PRESENTS: 50 YEARS

Four couples still smitten after 50 years reflect on lives well lived.

STORY: M.E. GRIFFITH

88

THE ALPS OF FLORIDA

Visionary built legendary golf course after string of failures.

STORY: KEITH CHARTRAND

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

PARADY FINANCIAL: THE POWER OF GIVING Parady is paying it forward.

LAKE&SUMTER EDITION

VILLAGES EDITION

On the cover CREATIVE DIRECTION: STEVE CODRARO PHOTOGRAPHY: MATTHEW GAULIN PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK MODEL: SIERRA CICERI

On the cover PHOTOGRAPHY: SCOTT A. MILLER MODELS: PARADY FINANCIAL GROUP

March

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ents 127

Departments 14

EDITOR’S COLUMN

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

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FIRST THINGS FIRST 20 #TRENDING One local bank is doing its part to maintain its green standards by keeping plastic bags out of landfills.

24 PERSON OF INTEREST World is a canvas for artist who discovered painting late in life 26 OUTSTANDING STUDENT First Academy’s Jonathan Punt shoots for excellence on and off the court.

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ON THE SCENE 100 THE TO-DO LIST From dragon boat racing to fine art, events are plentiful in March, plus local hard rockin’ band proves they’re a ‘Keeper’ 106 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT High on the Hog The “Q” is swine and dandy at Clermont’s popular Pig on the Pond Story: James Combs

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24 108 OUT+ABOUT Ono (that means “good”) Island Forget Waikiki, Kauai is unspoiled Hawaii Story: Gary Corsair 110 HI, SOCIETY! Highlights from the Taste of South Lake, ICE’s holiday party and more.

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1 25 EATS!

126 IN THE KITCHEN La dolce vita (The sweet life) Meet the magnificent macaron maestro of Eustis.

Story: Shemir Wiles 130 SALUTÉ Wedding Bubbles Choosing a sparkling wine can be overwhelming with so many choices. Toast to happiness, love, and good health with these suggestions for all budgets.

Story: Mary Ann DeSantis 132 FORK ON THE ROAD Southwest savor Delicious Tex-Mex takes center stage at Fiesta Grande Story: Shemir Wiles 144 FINAL THOUGHT You too can be an umpire Story: Gary Corsair

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SPECIALIZING IN JOINT RECONSTRUCTION & SPORTS MEDICINE

► Exclusively uses muscle sparing techniques on ALL primary joint replacements

► Makoplasty/resurfacing same day surgery

► Perioperative pain control system consistently yields low pain control scores well above the national average

► Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair I’ve developed a proprietary approach to hip joint problems that involves an integrated combination of minimally invasive surgical procedures, pharmaceutical intervention and pain management. This results in faster healing times, fewer complications and less pain.

— Donald Perry MD

2051 Mayo Drive, Tavares, FL 32778 :: 352.343.2171 :: rpocenter.com

Editor’s column

BEST PLACE TO LIVE? YOU MAY ALREADY BE THERE Last month’s issue about the best places to live got me thinking about houses big and small, and I’ve decided I have no desire to have 10 bedrooms, six bathrooms and a butler.

That’s because my dream house was a creaky, old, threebedroom, one-bath sheathed in asbestos shingles in a flood plain in Plymouth, Indiana.

The house had a certain charm … especially when the Yellow River flooded and filled our basement with muddy water up to the top step.

Today, there’s an empty lot at 412 South Plum Street. The city leveled our $17,500 home and paid us to relocate.

You know what they say about location, location, location?

That house had it.

It was close to transportation — trains rumbled through our backyard four times a day. It was waterfront property — a clogged stream trickled alongside the tracks. It was close to public utilities — transmission towers and humming lines carrying electricity filled the horizon in the woods 200 yards from our lot.

That wooded area was a real tourist attraction too. It drew carloads of kids with six-packs, drug dealers and users, and at least one murderer (someone dumped a body there one spring).

And you couldn’t ask for more entertaining neighbors.

Mr. Keller gutted a deer in his yard. The guy across the street burned his house down when he forgot french fries on the stove because he was so engrossed in spray painting a bust of Elvis on his front porch.

No doubt about it, 412 South Plum Street was the best place I ever lived.

That house was like a magnet. The Houston girls would come by. Bob and Lolly would take the kids to the park and McDonald’s. The May boys used to spend the night. We had marathon Nerts parties. Potluck dinners with Juan and Jane.

Gwen’s nephew, Donovan, joined our family when his marriage ended. Our friend, David, moved in when he was

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trying to get his life together. Speedy Thurman stayed long enough to prove he could catch a squirrel with his bare hands.

Thank goodness they didn’t move into our halfway house at the same time.

And Grandma Rita lived with us for a year. My three brothers can’t say that.

My little brother Steve drained beer cans and slept in the garage — the very building where I videotaped the “All Dressed Up and Nothing To Say” music video when I fancied myself as a band manager for The Balance.

So many memories.

I read stories to Cassie in the bedroom with the slanted ceiling. Caleb and I traded basketball cards on the living room floor. Garrett banged on my drum set in the living room where my band The Amateurs practiced.

Walks to the library and bike rides to the park. Leisurely strolls to Penguin Point for tenderloins and fries.

I pitched baseballs to Stuart in the backyard. One day, a man walked up to us and asked if I’d let my son play on his Little League team. “But he’s only 7,” I replied. “That’s okay, I’ll get the league to make an exception.”

Homemade pizza night. Kids parties in the backyard. Finger paints and coloring books.

I’ll never have a home as wonderful as 412 South Plum.

That’s where I learned the best place to live has nothing to do with square footage or amenities. Anyplace can be the best place to live … if you want it to be.

Gary Corsair

Join us for our

escape. to the perfect place

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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to call home

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Located on beautiful Lake Harris, high-quality, upscale homes are featured in our newest 55+ community. Come in for a tour and let us show you the home of your dreams. You’ll find us behind the U-Haul/Self Storage on U.S. 27.

HARBOR

352.323.0696

HiddenHarborLeesburg.com

@your service hot

off the

press!

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

get yours.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Order a subscription of

your favorite magazine to be delivered directly to your home for just $24. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Style or Healthy Living magazine. Choose both magazines for $36 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112, go to www.akersmediagroup.com 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 by mail for cover

Catch our blog!

No need to wait for next month’s magazine. Keep abreast of what’s happening through the eyes of Executive Editor Gary Corsair.

price at $4.95+ sales tax and shipping.

To pick up a back issue from our office, please call 24 hours in advance.

Digitize your life.

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

For the best in enhanced magazine entertainment, join us online for the media experience of a lifetime.

lakeandsumterstyle.com OFFERING

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Become a fan of Lake & Sumter Style or Healthy Living by signing up on our Facebook page, following us on Twitter (@GetStyleMag or @GetHLMag) or visiting our YouTube channel.

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SHOW YOUR LOVE.

.com

From the publisher

THE SEVEN-YEAR ITCH

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

Sabrina Ciceri

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER sabrina@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY Gary Corsair Steven J. Codraro EXECUTIVE EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR gary@akersmediagroup.com steve@akersmediagroup.com

Shemir Wiles Josh Clark

SENIOR STAFF WRITER SENIOR DESIGNER/ADVERTISING shemir@akersmediagroup.com josh@akersmediagroup.com

James Combs Anthony Casto

STAFF WRITER SENIOR DESIGNER/EDITORIAL james@akersmediagroup.com anthony@akersmediagroup.com

Matthew Gaulin Michael Gaulin STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER PRODUCTION DIRECTOR matt@akersmediagroup.com michael@akersmediagroup.com

Rheya Tanner DESIGNER rheya@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS // PHOTOGRAPHERS Garrett Corsair Mary Ellen Griffith Keith Chartrand Pat Jocelyn Mary Ann DeSantis Kathy Porter Morgan Ellis Patti Thompson Jane Fuentes Ron Vandevander SALES // MARKETING Tim McRae

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING tim@akersmediagroup.com

Mike Stegall Heidi Ressler

SENIOR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE mike@akersmediagroup.com heidi@akersmediagroup.com

Melanie Melvin David Coté

DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE melanie@akerscreative.com david@akersmediagroup.com

Deb Matlock

ACCOUNT COORDINATOR deb@akerscreative.com

ADMINISTRATION Tina Morrison Aubrey Akers

OFFICE MANAGER RECEPTIONIST tina@akersmediagroup.com aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION Scott Hegg DISTRIBUTION MANAGER scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

LAKE & SUMTER STYLE IS A PROUD MEMBER OF

FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION

LEESBURG PARTNERSHIP

LAKE EUSTIS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SUMTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LEESBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AMERICAN ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION

TAVARES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SOUTH LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

My husband Doug and I were married in March 2008 and the past seven years have been insanely crazy and amazing, all at the same time.

When we married, I had three children of my own: two teenage boys and one preteen daughter. Doug had two daughters: one the same age as my daughter and another just slightly younger.

The merging of our families was one of the most difficult experiences of my life. After many challenges and some help from a counselor, we made it work. Now, I can say that seven years later we really do have the perfect family. Our children are healthy, happy and well balanced, and they all love each other as though they have been family forever.

As if merging two small families into a large one was not enough of a challenge, Doug and I also decided that I would quit my job and start a company of our own. And to add to that insanity, the economy crashed just two months after we launched Akers Media Group. This was again by far one of the most difficult experiences of my life. We had ups and downs and encountered many struggles, but failure was certainly not an option, so again we made it work. In fact, we didn’t just make it work, we made it great. Akers Media has been recognized with a multitude of awards, has grown rapidly and Inc. magazine named us one of the fastest-growing media companies in the country.

After seven years of marriage, merging a family and creating a successful business, some might wonder, “What next?” Yes, there is a something next. I am happy to share that last month we decided to introduce a new man into our lives.

I have only known him for a short time, but I can honestly say he is already one of the greatest loves of my life. I bet now you are scratching your head, saying, “Oh no, did she get the sevenyear itch and is cheating on Doug?” Of course not. I have given my heart to another man, but it is not another lover. It is to our son, Connor Douglas Akers. Last month, Doug and I adopted a baby boy, born Feb. 5.

I am certain our decision will turn out just like the other experiences we have shared: we will experience challenges, hardships, heartaches, exhaustion and other difficulties, but I am also certain that raising this child with Doug by my side will no doubt be the most rewarding experience yet.

I am looking forward to the next seven years of marital bliss. God only knows what will come next.

P.S. To my loving husband Doug, happy anniversary!

I cannot imagine life any other way, with any other person. I love you.

Sincerely,

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WINNER OF AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Lake & Sumter Style, March 2015. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 Fifth Street, Leesburg, Florida 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2015 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. “Special Advertising 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.

Kendra Akers

Melissa was right to be concerned about her husband. Family history is a primary contributor to a person’s overall cardiovascular health. It’s never too early to ask your doctor for an assessment.

Never too soon to ask for recommendations to help. The good news, after a thorough workup at ICE, their cardiologists were able to determine that his heart was in good shape. His cholesterol was high but it was manageable through medication. Melissa’s heart felt as if a great weigh had been removed from it.

[ we’re on it. ] puticeonit.com Locations OCALA, TAVARES, SUMMERFIELD, WILLISTON AND THE VILLAGES For more information, call 352.854.0681

First Things

f1rst #TRENDING PERSON OF INTEREST OUTSTANDING STUDENT

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

WET & WILD

Tavares is offering fun in the sun this month by hosting a ton of family friendly water-related activities.

WHAT: No Duck Left Behind Rubber Ducky Race and Carnival THE 4-1-1: More than 15,000 ducks will race.

The top 25 lucky ducks crossing the finish line will go into the final heat at 3p.m. The winning duck’s owner will receive a $5,000 scholarship. Six other winners will receive prizes totaling over $3,000.

WHEN: 10a.m., March 7 WHERE: Wooton Park, downtown Tavares

WHAT: Central Florida Dragon Boat Festival THE 4-1-1: The one event kicks off Friday with the Awakening of the Dragon ceremony, a performance by the Orlando Taiko Drummers and a grand fireworks display over Lake Dora. Saturday, races run all day, along with entertainment in the big tent.

WHEN: 5–8:15p.m., March 13; 9a.m.–5p.m., March 14 WHERE: Wooton Park, downtown Tavares WHAT: Tavares Spring Thunder Regatta THE 4-1-1: Over 60 beautifully restored vintage and classic race boats will run demonstration laps on a 1-mile oval course on beautiful Lake Dora.

In addition to seeing and hearing these beautiful vintage boats run, spectators can also view them close-up in the pit area.

WHEN: 9a.m.–5p.m. March 21 & 22 WHERE: Wooton Park, downtown Tavares WHAT: Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival THE 4-1-1: The Annual Sunnyland Boat Festival on Lake Dora is one of the largest antique and classic boating events on the East Coast. In addition to the boat show, seaplane rides are available, as well as train rides on the Orange Blossom Cannonball.

WHEN: 9a.m.–noon, March 27–29 WHERE: Wooton Park, downtown Tavares

WOMEN’S HERSTORY

SOURCE: nwhm.org/education-resources/resources/quizzes/quiz-answers-2/

The countless contributions, sacrifices and advancements women have made to help shape America are recognized every March during Women’s History Month.

If you fancy yourself a women’s history whiz, take a crack at our quiz. The answers may surprise you.

• Who was the first known American woman advocate for women’s right to vote?

• What female ex-slave developed effective war and espionage strategies long before women served in the military?

• Who was the first woman to run for President of the United States?

• Who was America’s first female self-made millionaire?

• Name the woman who invented the concept of a franchise.

Answers: 1. Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams; 2. Harriet Tubman; 3. Victoria Woodhull; 4. Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove; 5. Martha Matilda Harper

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LAKE COUNTY WATER

BY THE NUMBERS More than

1,000 named lakes

130

miles of paddling bliss on the Lake County Blueways

72

degree water temperature year-round at Alexander Springs

SMART SHOPPING United Southern Bank is actively doing its part to maintain its green standard and pride in the environment.

Since 2007, USB has handed out 55,000 reusable shopping bags. “Just one of these bags will eliminate the need for 1,000 plastic bags. Laid end to end, they would stretch 13 miles,� says Lynne Winker, Vice President & Marketing Officer.

Plastic bags tend to be the overwhelming choice for both stores and customers asked to choose between plastic and paper; however, every year Americans throw away 100 billion plastic bags. And only 2 percent of bags are recycled. And 12 million barrels of oil are used to make those 100 billion bags, which could spend an eternity sitting in landfills around the country.

USB recognizes that there are little things people can do make for a greener planet; therefore, the company vows to continue to give away and encourage use of its reusable bags.

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

8

lakes make up the Harris Chain of Lakes

193

gallons of water are consumed each day by Lake County residents

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

READY TO RETIRE

With over a decade of accomplishments under his belt, Lake-Sumter State College President Dr. Charles Mojock is preparing to celebrate one more milestone: his retirement.

During the college’s District Board of Trustees meeting held in January, Dr. Mojock announced his intention to retire at the end of 2015.

“The college and larger community have always been so welcoming and supportive of Cathy (wife) and me and for that we are so grateful,” said Dr. Mojock in a letter. “It has truly been an honor and capstone of my 40-year career in education to serve as your president.”

During his 12 1/2 years of leadership, Dr. Mojock has achieved several accomplishments, including building a strong faculty and leadership team, forging corporate and community partnerships, implementing new programs, receiving numerous national awards and building and remodeling a number of college facilities.

“Dr. Mojock will surely be missed,” said Tim Morris, chairman of the board of trustees. “His dedication to the students, college family and community at large is unwavering. His focus has always been the students and through his leadership, he has pursued countless ways to put the student’s best interest first. He is an admirable leader, educator and colleague.”

PEDAL POWER

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THEHITLIST

____________________________

1 // A 19-YEAR-OLD Mount Dora

man was arrested after his live-in girlfriend grew tired of his drug use and called police.

The call resulted in the man going from a natural high to an emotional low in a matter of minutes.

2 // A SAN DIEGO WOMAN

plunging a toilet in an office building pulled up a five-anda-half foot boa constrictor that was flicking its tongue.

Showing proper restroom etiquette, she waited until the boa was finished before calling animal control.

3 // IN AN EFFORT TO combine

football and fellowship, an Alabama church is holding services in the most unusual of locations — a Buffalo Wild Wings franchise. In addition to living on wings and a prayer, churchgoers hope to see their favorite teams complete plenty of Hail Mary passes.

4 // A CLERMONT CHURCH

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure — at least that’s the case at the Lake County landfill.

Lake County has given out more than 1,000 discarded bicycles since 2009 through the Bicycle Re-Cycle program, which began when employees at the landfill noticed good bikes were being thrown away.

“It seemed wasteful to destroy these bicycles when so many kids would love to have a bike but their parents couldn’t afford one,” said Patricia Cotoia, an office associate with the Solid Waste Division, which oversees the program. “Some bicycles needed a little TLC but are usable, and some are practically new.”

However, the supply of bicycles quickly dwindled. That’s where the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Eustis Police Department stepped in, offering unclaimed bikes from their lost and found.

“I never throw any bikes away,” said Larry Elliot, a Eustis Police Department CSI technician. “There is always someone who can do something with them.”

To obtain a bike through the Bicycle Re-Cycle program, visit the Lake County landfill at 13130 County Landfill Road, in Tavares from 8a.m.–5p.m. Monday through Friday, or call 352.343.3776. There is a limit of one bicycle per household per month and recipients must be residents of Lake County.

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JAMES COMBS’ MARCH

.com

received $1.4 million from anonymous donors. Going forward, money from the collection plate will seem like chump change.

5 // DR. MEHMET OZ warns that

carrying a cell phone in your bra can dial in breast cancer.

If true, ladies should strongly consider making their brassiere a no phone zone.

6 // THE LAKE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD faces a $1.2 million

fine for class-size violations.

Apparently, 361 classes in the county had more students than allowed by the state. The silver lining here? Truancy rates must be way down.

LEAVING A LEGACY The holiday season may be well behind us, but the spirit of giving is still in the air.

Theodore Clark of Grand Island recently endowed $75,000 to LakeSumter State College to support the future of top students seeking associate degrees in health information technology.

Scholarships will be awarded annually in the name of the program’s mentor, the late Laura Ann Clark, who taught medical terminology for LSSC and served as an advisory committee member.

“Mrs. Laura Clark was instrumental in bringing the program to LSSC and helping Brandy Ziesemer, program manager, get it nationally accredited,” said Rosanne Brandeburg, executive director of the LSSC Foundation. “It is exciting to announce that the first two recipients of this new scholarship are Cinnamon Adamskie and Teresa Threlkeld. Both students met with Mr. Clark to thank him for his generous contribution to the college.”

To be eligible for this scholarship,

students must attend LSSC and be seeking a degree in health information technology while maintaining a minimum 3.0 grade point average. All applicants must meet specified criteria to be considered, including completing the LSSC

Foundation’s scholarship application.

For more information about applying for this scholarship, or any other LSSC Foundation scholarship, contact Claudia Morris at 352.365.3539 or morrisc@lssc. edu.

From left to right: Teresa Threlkeld, Theodore Clark and Cinnamon Adamskie.

ADOPTING CHANGE

It’s official: the Humane Society/ SPCA of Sumter County is taking on the responsibility of animal adoptions from Sumter County Animal Services.

According to the Sumter County government website, animal services ceased adoptions as of Feb. 1 to refocus on apprehending dangerous animals, responding to nuisance animal calls and tending to injured animals. By handling adoptions, Humane Society/ SPCA of Sumter County officials

believe they will be able to place more adoptable dogs and cats into permanent, safe homes.

A statement on the Humane Society/SPCA website stated: “It will be a great undertaking and we shall strive to do our best for Sumter’s animals in need while continuing our own adoptions and community assistance programs …

We hope that our community will be interested in becoming part of this effort in one way or another.”

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First things first // person of interest Movers and shakers

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER WORLD IS A CANVAS FOR ARTIST WHO DISCOVERED PAINTING LATE IN LIFE STORY: GARRETT CORSAIR

A

rt studio walls filled with vivid, realistic sketches, charcoals and oil paintings shout, “I’ve been doing this all my life.”

The reality? Glenda Dupuis found her calling relatively late in life.

Glenda grew up in London. At age 15 she moved to Canada, where she began her nursing career.

“I enjoyed being a nurse because you get to watch and observe people as well as help them out,” says Glenda, who lives in a lakefront home outside of Leesburg with her husband of 20 years, Gary.

Glenda’s love of observing people is a big reason she taught herself to paint after retiring from nursing 15 years ago. “I enjoy doing portraits because it captures people and their personalities,” she says. “You can add warmth to a painting and I like to catch people in their natural state.”

Glenda’s development as an artist flourished after she joined a club for painters. She added to her knowledge by attending workshops.

It didn’t take long for her to become proficient. “When I first started painting and I’d finish a piece, I’d stand back and look at it and couldn’t believe I did that.”

And she continues to grow as an artist. A year ago, she tried pastels and fell in love with them.

Glenda’s versatility is evident as you look around the studio her husband built next to his garage. “If it wasn’t for the support from

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my husband I would not have the time to be able to paint. I used to paint in the kitchen, but then it started getting too messy. Being the supportive and loving husband he is, he built me a studio,” Glenda says.

Bright, beautiful paintings are everywhere, even the bathroom door. But a dark, black-andwhite scene in the corner by a window stands out. In it, a woman stands on a hill and looks toward a smoldering mine. The woman is Glenda’s grandmother. The painting mirrors an image printed in an old newspaper.

“It was the biggest mine explosion to this day.

Four hundred twenty-five people were killed,” Glenda says. “Many were young boys and men who left behind widows.”

Glenda’s amazing talent is most evident in portraits that look so realistic you would think your were looking at an actual photograph.

“A single portrait can take anywhere from a week to six weeks if done in oil, and a pastel painting can sometimes be done within a few hours.”

She certainly has plenty of models to choose from. “I have 12 grandchildren and have done a portrait for every one of them,” Glenda says

with a smile. “I must have done over 100 portraits by now.”

Glenda would love to say she’s done thousands, but that may not be possible.

She’s 73 and her brushes don’t always feel comfortable in her talented hands.

“I will continue to paint as long as I can. I have arthritis in both hands and after a short time I begin feeling the pain.”

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I’M INVOLVED IN MANY ACTIVITIES as a student of First Academy. I am on the basketball and tennis teams, I serve as president of National Honor Society and I have been playing trumpet all four years as a performer in the concert band. I also played football during my freshman and sophomore years.

MY FAVORITE SPORT to play is basketball. I played two years at the junior varsity level and two years at the varsity level. During my senior season, I am averaging 13 points and 10 rebounds per game.

THIS SEASON, I play shooting guard on offense and defend the post on defense. I am actually the team’s leading rebounder, which is unusual for a shooting guard. I am also captain of our basketball team.

TO MAINTAIN GOOD GRADES, you have to make sure all your work is finished before you reward yourself. Also, to do your best academically and athletically, always seek the help of teachers and coaches because they are flexible and will help you with your schedule. God’s commandment to work hard at whatever you do for God’s glory is highly motivating to me.

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JONATHAN PUNT AGE : 1 7 S E N I O R AT F I R S T A C A D E M Y - L E E S B U R G

MY FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS is AP biology.

We have been able to do lots of cool lab work, including injecting DNA into bacteria to make it resistant to viruses.

I ALSO PLAN TO EARN A PH.D. in theology because I want to become a religious professor. My passion in life is learning about faith and defending faith.

RIGHT NOW, I am leaning toward attending Baylor University because I was accepted into its University Scholars Program. Of the school’s 4,000 incoming freshman each year, only 40 students are accepted into this unique program, which allows students to design their own course of study centered around personal areas of interest.

REGARDLESS OF WHERE MY CAREER LEADS ME, I will definitely come back to visit First Academy because of the wonderful friends I’ve made here. Because the school is small, it feels like a tight-knit community.

PHOTO: MATTHEW GAULIN

I NEVER PLAY VIDEO GAMES and rarely watch television unless a sporting event is on. Not doing those things are big reasons why I can successfully juggle my busy schedule.

If I was working toward personal success, I don’t think I’d be disciplined enough, but God has given me a motivation that is much bigger and more important than my own success, namely glorifying Him and furthering His kingdom.

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That’s not Jim Morrison. His name is Chuck Shoop, and he’s been the rock star plant manager at Ro-Mac Doors & Millwork for a little over 18 years.

Chuck knows doors!

Look at your home’s front entrance.

Do you see a door that is uninteresting, ordinary, dull, boring, worn-out, or just plain ugly? If so, then you are like thousands of other homeowners in Central Florida who believe they are stuck with a front door that detracts from the beauty of their home. Well, no longer.

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Ro-Mac’s Custom Door Plant in downtown Leesburg can size and hinge new doors to fit most existing openings, and their install specialists can usually replace the entire door without removing the door jamb.

Want to dramatically upgrade the look and curb-appeal of your home, while allowing more natural sunlight inside at the same time? Ro-Mac Doors can reconfigure most solid doors to accept a decorative glass insert. This is a quick and easy way to bring new life to your home while creating a stunning first impression—all without the cost of completely replacing the door itself. A decorative glass in a once solid door will brighten up the interior of your home affordably.

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Custom Moulding and Millwork Many times, a homeowner needs to match up some older wood moulding to keep from having to replace everything in a room. The Ro-Mac Door Plant is your custom moulding and millwork solution center. That’s right, RoMac can custom produce most mouldings to match older profiles, and they can create new mouldings for that

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Expert Craftsmanship Ro-Mac Doors is managed by Chuck Shoop, a master tradesman in custom doors and custom millwork. Chuck has been solving difficult door problems at Ro-Mac for over 18 years, and previously worked as a master craftsman in the cabinet industry for nearly two decades.

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impulse SPRING 2015 /// THIS QUARTERLY PUBLICATION IS A SERVICE OF

12 Habits of a Healthy Heart

Do something long enough and it becomes a habit. Adopt these twelve habits and they could save your life.

contents Featuring

12 Habits of a Healthy Heart Habits get a bad rap sometimes. There are good habits, too. Even healthy ones and those are the best kind. Here we are going to share the top twelve habits you can develop that add up to one, very heart-healthy lifestyle.

Departments

3 : from the heart A personal message from Dr. Asad Qamar

4 : ice spotlights Meet Dr. Norm Weinstein who knew he was medicine-bound at a young age. Plus, our Medical Assistants work in various specific areas—Clinical, Lab and Scribe—to keep the business of the practice running smoothly.

5 : patient spotlight ICE patient Lisa Morgan shares her inspiring experience with our medical team and a word of encouragement.

15 : the beat New technologies and procedures give us fresh perspectives on the state of our health.

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from the heart

Ask not what your heart can do for you…

Friends, As this first issue of IMPULSE for 2015 was being created, it occurred to me one more time just how magnificent that organ beating in the center of our chests really is. It begins beating before we are born and goes on working tirelessly (for the most part) beating 100,000 times a day, 3.6 million times a year. That is of course, if the heart is healthy and treated with the barest minimum of care.

Which brings me to the point of this IMPULSE: What have you done for your heart lately?

If you’re inclined to answer “Not enough” or even “What do you mean?” perhaps the following pages will help you out in that regard. In them, we list 12 items — including a bonus number 13 — that belong on every heart “to do” list. From exercise and eating right to taking your heart health in your own hands by keeping track of important indicators like cholesterol and stress levels.

Several items on our list have to do with the food you put into your body and how to make sure you are feeding your heart what it needs. We’ve even included a heart healthy recipe that is part of a heart-healthy meal — you’ll need to visit our website for the recipes to complete your meal!

One of my favorite sections in IMPULSE has to do with new technologies and trends in medicine. It is fascinating to see what others in the field are working on and what we may be able to expect to improve our lives in coming years. Check out the beat for a sneak peak at what we could have coming up in all our futures.

Also, I am always proud to introduce the names and faces behind the workings of our growing and thriving practice. It is because of our incredible staff that we are as successful as we are. I encourage you to read our department spotlight and meet some of the new faces at ICE. Our goal at ICE is to help as many people as we can by spreading messages of good health. We treat those who are in need. And whenever and wherever we can we make someone’s day a little brighter by opening our hearts and sharing a little of ourselves. I am proud of the men and women who lend their skills and their hearts every day to helping us achieve those goals. I am humbled and I thank you all.

“We treat those who are in need. And whenever and wherever we can we make someone’s day a little brighter by opening our hearts and sharing a little of ourselves.”

Asad U. Qamar, MD FACC, FCCP, FSGC, FACP, FSCAI Cardiologist

puticeonit.com // 3

employee spotlight

Dr. Norm Weinstein

From a very young age Norman Weinstein “always wanted to help people” and medicine seemed like the perfect career. Medical School at Hahnemann University in Philadelphia was followed by Residency at Northwestern University in Chicago and a Fellowship at the University of Chicago. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases and Interventional Cardiology. After he was referred to ICE by a colleague, Dr. Weinstein was “impressed by the work ethic, the quality of care, superior technology and upbeat attitude of all the staff.” He started at ICE in April 2014. What makes him such a good fit? “I am a strong believer in Patient Rights and my role to help patients become a part of the decision-making process in their own care.”

department spotlight

Medical Assistants

Pictured are Mary Moreno and Lashanda Evans

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Medical Assistants are the front lines of ICE and serve as liaisons between patients and physicians and other departments. They are trained to work with a variety of skill sets that allow them to keep the business of the practice running smoothly. Different teams of Medical Assistants work in specific areas—Clinical, Lab and Scribe—and every one reflects the personal, compassionate vision that defines ICE. According to the Medical Assistants Supervisor, whole job it is to keep the different teams on task, “No matter how we feel, our job is to put that smile on our face and be there for our patients … From the moment we open that door and call them back to when we walk them out, it’s important that we make patients feel special— like one of our family.” Diana is not bashful either about how well she thinks her Medical Assistants do their work. “I have the best team at ICE—the Clinical, Lab and Scribe Team. We’re pretty competitive. We work hard. But we play hard, too.”

patient spotlight

Lisa Morgan Citra, FL “It all started with a dog bite when I was 16. It brought cancer out in me. Radiation and chemo cured me but probably contributed to me having a pacemaker put in when I was 29 years old. Fast forward to 10 years ago. Dr. Qamar treated my daughter for blackouts and I was impressed with his manner right away. How thorough he was. How he explained things. So, I remembered Dr. Qamar when my own doctor retired. I had shortness of breath, no energy symptoms that worried me. Dr. Qamar referred me to one doctor who said I needed a heart/lung transplant. Dr. Qamar just said, “No, I don’t think so.” He sent me to Mayo where they replaced my tricuspid valve. I don’t have shortness of breath now. I can sing again. I can walk the one-mile track in my neighborhood. Before I couldn’t walk to my Mom’s just two gates down.

I just love Dr. Qamar and all the people at ICE. I actually made friends with one of the girls at the front desk. They’re awesome people. So comforting. If I could say anything to people it would be, “Don’t give up. Put one foot in front of the other. I’ve survived cancer. They said long ago I’d never have children. Today I’m here and I have two magnificent kids.”

“It all started with a dog bite…”

puticeonit.com // 5

12 Habits of a Healthy Heart

They say do something long enough and it becomes a habit.

We say, adopt these twelve habits and they could become lifesavers.

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1

Move your lazy … heart.

2

You knew exercise was going to be on the list.

It’s better for your body, your mind and your mood. It will dramatically lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and stroke. It’s one of the most significant contributors to heart health. Its No. 1 spot on our list is not random.

Got it. But which exercises should I do? And for how long? There’s a seemingly endless list of exercise choices. What you choose to do boils down to what you can do and what you enjoy as you build up to least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week.

“Build up” is key, especially for people over age 50. Start with what you can tolerate and gradually increase your time and intensity as you progress.

Walking is an excellent way to get moving again.

Thirty minutes at a time — even 15 minutes — will have a positive effect on your health.

Be sensible and keep your expectations in check. You’re not 20 or 30 any more and odds are, running a marathon is a ways off in your future. But do push yourself to improve.

Expand your exercise regimen to include activities you never considered before. Try tai chi — it’s great for improving balance and flexibility. Yoga is amazing for improving strength, flexibility and reducing stress.

Investigate classes with a mix of ages. They’ll be livelier, boost your confidence and may even be a lot more fun.

Become BFF’s with your fruits and vegetables.

Mom was right all those years ago and practically every diet program from Hollywood’s hippest new trend to the USDA’s food pyramid agrees with what she was saying. “Eat your fruits and vegetables.”

Fill half your plate with them at every meal — and eat them first. Your body will thank you, loud and clear. A recent European study concluded that eight servings of fruits and vegetables per day will cut the risk of your dying from heart disease by 22 percent. And before you balk at the “eight servings” remember what a serving really is: a carrot. Half a banana. A small apple. If you’re looking at three meals and trying to spread eight portions between them, add a couple of healthy snacks during the day. Combine portions in a meal. Soups and salads are excellent ways to double or triple up. Fruit makes for some very tasty desserts — baked apples, poached pears and even grilled nectarines can’t be beat.

puticeonit.com // 7

3

Add color to your life.

Nature didn’t add Her glorious rainbow of color to fruits and vegetables just for looks. The red in tomatoes, watermelon and red beans … The orange in, well, oranges, as well as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash …

Green, of course, in everything from spinach to broccoli to kiwi fruit … Purple eggplant, blueberries, black beans … All those colors are there for a reason summed up in a single word — antioxidants. The antioxidant compounds found in the colorful spectrum of Nature’s world are bioactive chemicals that provide powerful cardio-protective effects. They protect arteries and blood vessels from the damaging fats, sugar and flour in the rest of your diet — as well as some of the genetic challenges you may be facing from high cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood sugar.

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Recipe copyright © 2015 American Heart Association. This recipe is brought to you by the American Heart Association’s Simple Cooking with Heart ® Program.

Habits

Chicken Paella

If you like Chinese fried rice, you’ll love this simple Spanish version of the dish. $2.39 per serving // Serves 6

Ingredients

Directions

Cooking spray

1. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray, add chicken and cook over medium-high heat 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins, all visible fat discarded, cut into 1-inch cubes • 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil • 2 medium chopped tomatoes, lightly mashed in a bowl with a fork • 1 small onion, chopped • 1 can no-salt-added green beans

2. Remove chicken from pan.

3. Add oil, bell peppers and onions to skillet.

Stir well and cook 5 minutes until onions begin to become translucent.

4. Add tomatoes, peas, garlic, parsley and saffron or Turmeric. Stir and cook 2 minutes more.

• 1 tsp garlic from jar, minced

5. Reduce to medium low-heat, add broth and chicken, stir well and cover.

• 1/2 tsp parsley

6. Simmer for 20 minutes.

• 1/4 tsp saffron OR 1/8 tsp tumeric

7. Add rice, mix well and heat until warmed through.

Nutrient Information Calories Total Fat Saturated Fat Trans Fat Polyunsaturated Fat Monounsaturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium Potassium Carbohydrates Fiber Protein Calcium

380 5.5g 1.0g 0.0g 1.5g 2.5g 48mg 113mg 628mg 57g 7g 24g 43mg

Hungry for more?

Try these three additional heart-healthy recipes from our website:

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

Balsamic Fish

• 2 cups long grain rice, cooked to package instructions

Asian Pork Cheese Veggie Frittata w/Fruit Salad

puticeonit.com // 9

Carbs—love ‘em, don’t leave ‘em.

4

How many times have you heard a friend or family member brag about the amazing results they’re getting on their low carb, or even no-carb, diet? Those diets have been shown to result in short-term weight loss, but for long-term health, the truth is that carbohydrates are a necessary part of a person’s daily intake. You need them. In fact, the Institute of Medicine recommends that 45 to 65 percent of your daily calories should come from carbs (a good goal: 10 to 35 percent from protein and 20 to 35 percent in dietary fat). The key is to pick the right ones. Carbohydrates are found in a wide variety of foods, from grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, legumes, nuts and seeds. Better choices are fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and intact whole grains and beans. Bad choices are sugary, processed, flour-based foods like bread, cereal, pasta etc. Choose well and live better as a result.

5

Be a lean, mean protein machine.

Protein can be found in every cell in the human body. It repairs cell structure. It helps grow new cells. It is literally one of your body’s main building blocks. Proteins break down into amino acids and we need lots of them to stay healthy. Trouble is, we Americans have no trouble getting enough proteins. In fact, most of us consume way too much protein for our own good. And like most things, not all protein is created equal. Think lean and mean for proteins. Put fish at the top of your list. Eat it most often — one or two palm-sized servings a week. Skinless chicken comes next.

Eggs have gotten a bad rap because of the cholesterol in their yolks, but omega-3 eggs — one whole mixed with a few egg whites — make for an excellent, heart-healthy protein breakfast. Last on the list is red meat; any red meat — beef, lamb or pork. Try to limit yourself to one serving a week of the leanest cuts. Red meat as a protein source comes with the highest risk for cancer and heart disease.

Omega Oh My!

6

Omega-3 fatty acids have been lauded for improving everything from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia to bone health. But the single area most often cited as an Omega-3 benefit is heart health. And with good reason. Research shows that Omega-3s can prevent irregular heartbeat, reduce plaque inside arteries, decrease blood clotting, decrease triglycerides (blood fat), increase HDL (good cholesterol) and decrease inflammation. According to Penny Kris Etherton, professor of nutrition at Pennsylvania State University, “Omega-3 favorably affects a number of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and at the top of the list is reducing the risk of sudden death from heart attack.” Eat at least one serving of oily fish — salmon, sardines, herring — per week to ensure you have enough Omega-3 in your diet. Eat less and you’ll need to add an Omega-3 supplement to your weekly intake.

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7

Habits

Get your head in the game.

Some studies seem to indicate that your own head can be for or against you when it comes to heart health. Certain personality traits can be key indicators of impending complications, and recognizing them could literally be the difference between life and death. Are you depressed?

Anxious? Hostile? Angry? Impatient? Competitive? Uptight? Even worse, do you display one or more of those traits? Some shrug their shoulders and say, “That’s life.” But those who use their heads and learn to cope best with “life” make better food and exercise choices and may ultimately outsmart their unhealthy personality traits to live longer and healthier.

8

Sleep on it.

Recent findings by the Chicago Medical School indicate that if you sleep less than six hours a night, you’re twice as likely to have a stroke or heart attack and one-and-a-half times more susceptible to congestive heart failure. Sleep more than eight and you’re more likely to have chest pains and coronary artery disease in your future. Why? It’s all about the hormones. Sleep too little and stress — fight or flight — hormones get released that raise blood pressure, blood sugar and heart rate. Why over-sleepers suffer is less clear, though some say it has to do with a tendency toward depression, less motivation to exercise and literally less time daily devoted to heart-healthy practices.

puticeonit.com // 11

9

Life goes better with chocolate.

You knew it all along didn’t you? A little bit of chocolate can go a long way toward making you feel better — as long as it’s dark chocolate and you don’t eat the whole box. Limit yourself to about 1.5 ounces a day and you’ll get all the good stuff — enough anti-oxidants to relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure and control blood sugar.

Eat more than that and you get the bad stuff — added fat, sugar and calories — that counteract all that guiltless good you thought you were doing.

10

Learn about cholesterol. Manage the levels in your body.

Know them like you know the numbers in your address.

Live and breathe the benefits of the good — HDL. Be vigilant and root out the sneaky influence of the bad — LDL. See your doctor and test for your levels regularly. Your total cholesterol should be at or below 200 mg/dL. LDL (low density lipoprotein) numbers should be at or below 100 mg/ dL. HDH (high density lipoproteins) should be 50 mg/dL or higher. Triglycerides — blood fat — should ideally be below 150 mg/dL. Consult with your doctor about dietary steps you can take to keep your numbers in line. If your cholesterol is high, ask about cholesterol lowering medications.

11

Be a pal.

Friends don’t let friends get heart attacks. A little extreme perhaps, but a 2004 study does indicate that having a close relationship with another person — a friend, lover or relative — can cut the risk of a heart attack by half in someone who’s already had one. A three-year Swedish study of more than 13,600 men and women found that having few or no close friends increased the risk of having a first-time heart attack by about 50 percent.1 Another study by the State University of New York at Oswego found that having a buddy could lower blood pressure — even if your buddy is a dog. According to the AHA, owning a pet, particularly a dog, could lower your risk of heart disease. Some studies seem to show that dog ownership benefits can be attributed in large part to taking the dog for a walk. One study concluded, “Not surprisingly, dog owners who walk their dogs are more likely to achieve the recommended level of physical activity than dog owners who do not walk their dogs.”2

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1. http://consumer.healthday.com/encyclopedia/emotional-health-17/psychology-and-mental-health-news-566/health-benefits-of-friendship-648397.html 2. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/Owning-a-Pet-May-Protect-You-from-Heart-Disease_UCM_453586_Article.jsp

Become a “cholesterolic.”

12 Habits

12

Weight there’s more…

Maintain a healthy weight. It’s that simple … and for many, that difficult. The proof is that fully two-thirds of adults in America are overweight or obese. Too much fat is the culprit.

Especially when it clusters around your middle. Risks for high blood pressure and diabetes go up. Cholesterol rises.

Several of the steps listed above directly relate to weight maintenance; eating habits, exercise, even sleep habits. But the point is, like your cholesterol numbers, it is healthiest to know what your ideal weight should be and be constantly on your guard to keep it there. Consult with your physician to determine where your weight needs to be and what lifestyle changes you can make to maintain it.

And 13 (To make it a bakers dozen)

Stop Smoking!

Stop smoking is at the end of our list for impact. It could have easily led it off. Smoking is the overwhelming No. 1 risk factor for heart disease, cancer, stroke, and heart attack. And what’s most ironic is that it is preventable.

Unlike genetics, environment, invisible germs and viruses, smoking is a deadly killer entirely within your control. According to the CDC, cigarette smoking kills 480,000 Americans a year — and 41,000 of those deaths are from second-hand smoke.

Smoking-related illness costs us more than $289 billion a year. There are so many groups and programs and medications to help you quit that you really have no excuse to continue smoking. Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. If nothing else, do it for your wallet. The price of cigarettes keeps going up with no end in sight. In New York, the cost exceeds $14 a pack! Stop smoking and start living heart healthy, today.

puticeonit.com // 13

the beat A heart disease vaccine?

Walking is good, group walking is better The benefits of getting out and stepping it around the block are well documented —weight loss, reduced depression, reduced cancer recurrences, lower blood pressure, etc. A new study led by Sarah Hanson and Professor Andy Jones from the University of East Anglia show that walking in a group has additional payoffs, including lower blood pressure, resting heart rates and better cholesterol numbers. According to Hanson, “People who walk in groups also tend to have a more positive attitude toward physical activity, a shared experience of wellness, and say they feel less lonely and isolated. Taking regular walks can also be a catalyst for adopting other healthy behaviours.”

14 \\

Wouldn’t it be great to get a shot and not have to worry about getting a heart attack?

Dr. Kiran Musunuru of Harvard University’s Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology believes he is on the right track to eliminating the threat of heart disease in humans by up to 90%. Dr. Musunuru isolated a genetic mutation in a French family who maintained remarkably low LDL numbers. He spliced that gene mutation onto mice DNA, and within days lowered cholesterol in the mice by 35% to 40% — so far with no side effects.

Says Musunuru, “I think I can confidently say that with this tool, this technology will work on live, breathing human beings, but we need to figure out the safety; that’s the barrier to overcome before we can test these therapies.”

BLOOD PRESSURE BREAKTHROUGH

The Coupler A small device developed by ROX Medical called the Coupler is inserted between the artery and vein in the upper thigh. (A 40-minute procedure under local anesthetic.) No bigger than a paper clip, the Coupler helps regulate blood flow to treat hypertension in patients.

— Image of the Coupler Courtesy of leicestermercury.co.uk

Picture Perfect Heart

Our hearts are as individual as we are — different sizes, shapes, conditions — and that makes one-size-fits-all remedies like heart valves and pacemakers and defibrillators less than ideal. Researchers recently went a long way toward solving that dilemma with the use of a 3-D printer and stretchy electronics. Basically, they created 3-D images of animal hearts, printed their models, then wrapped the models with stretchy arrays of sensors, oxygenation detectors, strain gauges, electrodes, and thermometers. The models could then be unwrapped, and the electronics array wrapped around the actual heart — for a perfect fit. Once available in humans, the improvements in customtailored monitoring and treatment could be staggering.

Heart — Heal Thyself!

A new gene — called Meis1 — has been discovered that seems to be the reason that heart tissue, unlike other tissues in the body, does not regenerate.

Scientists, experimenting on mice, managed to “turn off” the Meis1 gene and when they did, healthy new heart cells were created in the mice.1 The future use in humans is uncertain, but the gene discovery may point to a way of healing heart damage caused by heart attacks in humans.

Coronary Heart Disease — early form of Scurvy?

Studies have revealed that vitamin C deficiency, famously the cause of scurvy among sailors in previous centuries, also affects cells in the walls of arteries. The deficiency causes a myriad of tiny cracks and lesions to form there.

The body, trying to heal the damage, rushes cholesterol, lipoproteins and other blood risk factors to “fill in the cracks.” Over time, those areas develop into atherosclerotic deposits — plaque — that can cause heart attacks and, in arteries in the brain, strokes.

— drrathresearch.org/discoveries/heart-disease.html

Which is deadlier:

French fries or car wrecks?

Not even close. When fast food restaurants tried to improve their health numbers by swearing off of saturated fats, a side effect of their new approach created trans fats instead. Trans fats are killers when it comes to heart disease. Americans have a 1-in-84 chance of dying in a car, but a 1-in-5 chance of succumbing to heart disease.

— New York Times

The Patchwork of Life Zio Patch takes Heart Monitoring to a new level.

This small 2-by-5-inch adhesive bandage may soon make the bulky heart monitor devices of today obsolete. It can capably monitor heart activity for up to 14 days.

Then, when all the data has been collected, the patient drops it in an envelope and mails it.

How do you mend a broken heart?

You patch it!

The patch is a gel-like consistency and contains periostin, a natural substance that encourages cell division. Studies conducted on rats that had suffered heart attacks showed that applying a patch to damaged areas on the heart resulted in a 100-fold increase in heart cells and a 16-percent boost in pumping ability.

This technique may one day be applicable to humans to replace the need for heart transplants, or even prevent heart attacks altogether.

puticeonit.com // 15

Tavares

Ocala

Williston

Summerfield

The Villages

CARDIOLOGY PRIMARY CARE VEIN CARE LIMB SALVAGE PHONE 352.854.0681 FAX 352.854.8031

OCALA 3515 SE 17th St Ste 100

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Here comes

the guide

You’re engaged.

Now what?

That first step into wedding planning can be a doozy, but “Style” is here to soften the blow by revealing what every bride needs to know from the moment he slips the ring on your finger to the day you say, “I do.”

STORY: SHEMIR WILES PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

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brideto be

You can’t believe it.

It finally happened.

He popped the question.

You’ve told every person you can think of about your engagement, down to the postman.

You’ve even changed your status on Facebook and added a new board to your Pinterest account called “Gettin’ Hitched.”

But, once all the excitement starts to die down, you realize you have a long road of planning ahead of you before you can officially go from Ms. to Mrs. What on Earth do you do next?

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what do I

Want?

Local bride-to-be Sierra admits there are a lot of places to look for wedding ideas, but she says nothing beats her top three choices:

• Bridal magazines • Pinterest • TheKnot.com “I’ve found these three sources to be incredibly handy for planning the overall look and feel of my wedding,” says Sierra. “Pinterest especially has been a godsend for brides because it allows you to sift through tons of ideas and save the ones you love.”

TIP

While planning is important, do take a minute to bask in the glow of your recent engagement. It’s a once-ina-lifetime moment, so don’t muddle it with guest lists and catering appointments right out the gate. Breathe, smile and enjoy showing off that rock on your finger.

Get organized Getting organized is often easier said than actually done. It’s possible, so long as you stick to your plan and don’t let procrastination crash the party. Here are some super easy tips to keep things in order so you can make it down the aisle.

1. BUY A HANDY DANDY CALENDAR. Yes, it’s so 1990s, but a calendar (or at least a monthly planner) can actually help you keep and set goals. For example, if you plan to get married in April, mark on your calendar to have your ceremony venue and reception site booked by Aug. 15. Seeing it in writing will keep you accountable and encourage you to get everything done early so the last couple of months before your wedding are smooth sailing.

2. FIND TIME. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the everyday grind and wedding planning can sometimes end up taking a backseat. Don’t allow that to happen. Carve out time for you and your fiancé to talk and confer on where things stand. It will cut down on stress and give you and your future hubby a great opportunity to practice that awesome communication you’ll need for a successful marriage.

3. SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES. When Bridezilla raises her ugly head, everyone runs to take cover. Tame the beast by allowing your future Mr. to have a hand in planning the nuptials. After all, it’s his special day, too. Divvy up duties so he can feel like this is just as much his wedding as it is yours.

4. SECURE THE DETAILS. In the beginning when you’re meeting with your vendors, be clear about your wants and your expectations.

Make sure dates, times and locations are abundantly clear in contracts. Also, make sure to read the fine print before offering your John Hancock so you can be aware of things like cancellation fees and policies.

5. DON’T BECOME DISORGANIZED. Stay organized. Receipts, contracts, appointments, ideas … everything needs a designated place to live. While planning a wedding is no small feat, a little help and a lot of organization might make it at least seem like a piece of cake.

9

Pick a date, any date The average engagement length used to be two years.

Now it’s anywhere from nine months to a year.

While you may not need to have the exact day picked out, Sierra advises brides to at least have a month or season in mind so they know where the finish line is. Also, be open to having your wedding on a nontraditional day of the week. “Everyone wants a Saturday, but it’s more expensive than say a Friday or a Saturday,” she says. “Be willing to compromise. For example, my wedding will be on a Monday.”

ACCORDING TO

bob LOCAL WEDDING AND EVENT PLANNER BOB TUCKER OF MISS DAISY’S FLOWER & GIFTS OFFERS GOOD ADVICE FOR YOUR BIG DAY

build a budget Before you book or buy anything, the future bride and groom need to agree on one important detail. No, not whether to have an open or cash bar. You need to establish a precise budget.

“Most vendors fail to ask two important questions when they meet with engaged couples: what is your realistic budget and who’s paying for it?” says Bob Tucker, local wedding planner and owner of Miss Daisy’s Flowers and Gifts in downtown Leesburg.

“The budget is extremely important because it directly correlates to how many guests you will be able to invite. For example, about eight to 10 people can sit at a table. Between table linens, centerpieces, chairs and meals, that can easily come to about $350 per table, and that’s not including other things like photography and a DJ. Your budget should be a number you are not only comfortable spending but also have the means to pay for.”

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bride in with the

New

Until recently, there were only a few truly classy venues to hold weddings and receptions. That changed when two new venues with lots of style arrived on the scene.

In Tavares, Pavilion on the Lake is serving a tropicalinspired overwater oasis. Two-story windows give way to exciting, breathtaking vistas of Lake Dora. A hand carved winding staircase guarantees brides a show-stopping entrance on their special day. And the 150-foot brick-paved pier is ideal for experiencing an unparalleled lake view that is both spectacular and unique.

In Sumter County, Cypress House Ranch B&B in Bushnell is proving to be the ideal wedding venue for the bride who’s more at home in cowboy boots than high heels. Owner Amy Griffing purchased the property in 2013, and ever since then, she’s been fixing up the place to make it into the perfect home away from home.

“For a long time this was a very underappreciated location.

Now, I’m working on building it up to make it a sought-after destination,” Amy says.

Packages start at five hours up to a full weekend where Cypress House hosts part of the wedding party the night before the big event. On the day of the wedding, you have access to the whole property, including porches, the barn and kitchen.

“The weekend package is nice because guests get to spend more time with the bride and groom, and you can have everything centralized. You don’t have to have your rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception in three different places. You can have it all here,” says Amy.

FLOWERPOWER

Flowers are often at the bottom of the to-do list for most brides. And that’s a shame, says Bob, because flowers should actually be at the very top.

“The florist is always the last one contacted, but you have to think that the flowers and décor are going to set the entire mood and tone for the wedding and reception.”

Is a passport required to travel to your honeymoon destination?

Keep in mind that it may take months to get a passport.

Apply as soon as possible.

Style’s

TOP 5 WEDDING VENUES

• Mission Inn Club & Resort, Howey-in-the-Hills • Pavilion on the Lake, Tavares • Isola Farms, Groveland • Serenity Park & Wedding Chapel, The Villages • Cypress House Bed & Breakfast, Bushnell For a list of more local venues, visit lakeandsumterstyle.com

Planner or no planner ACCORDING TO

bob 38

TIP Book important vendors, such

as your florist, DJ or band, caterer, photographer and videographer, at least nine months before your wedding.

But be thorough in your research. Ask to see portfolios and don’t be shy about also asking for references. You want to make sure you are hiring someone who fits and understands your needs.

Also, make sure you purchase your dress, reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests, establish your bridal registry and book your officiant.

When it comes to a wedding, sooner is better.

Spending dough on a wedding planner can seem pointless, especially if you feel like no one could possibly execute the wedding of your dreams better than you. But Bob tends to disagree.

“Hiring a wedding planner will be money well spent,” he says. “A wedding planner serves two important functions. The first is keeping you on budget. If you tell me you only have $10,000 to spend, I will make sure you don’t go a penny over. I’ve had to be stern with brides in order to keep them from blowing their budget, but in the long run, they’re grateful. And second, the wedding planner is going to keep the time leading up to the wedding and the day of the wedding as stress-free as possible.”

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FRESH in FLORAL

Trends are always something to keep in mind when planning floral arrangements for your wedding. The International Floral Distributors’ annual Flower Trends Forecast notes four hot trends to be on the lookout for in 2015: MAJESTIC: This style screams

royalty. It’s a theme that incorporates shades of violet and purple. Orchids, roses and carnations in deep plums, bright violets and lavenders are a must.

LAPIS LUXURY: The word “refined” comes to mind with this particular trend. Everything is powered by beautiful blues and crisp whites. White calla lilies, roses and peonies can be combined with blue hydrangea or delphinium.

KALEIDOSCOPE: This is for brides who are wildly creative and love out-of-the-box color. Colors are dynamic with bright orange, coral red, hot pink and turquoise, which can be pulled off using roses, dahlias, gerrondo gerbera daisies and ranunculus in sunny colors.

MODERN GARDEN: The

traditional bride who relishes an earthier, more romantic event will enjoy the blush and peach hues of this style.

The flowers include garden blossoms of roses, clematis and stock combined with succulents and lamb’s ear foliage.

*

“Once you have your budget and your ideas in place, you need to start booking vendors.

Venues, florists and photographers are the three places you need to start because they have things booked several months in advance.”

TIP

Never hire a band without seeing it play — more than once if possible. Also, approve the playlist. Few things can ruin a reception quicker than an inappropriate or off-color song. Think Adam Sandler in the “Wedding Singer.”

— SIERRA March

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ACCORDING TO

Trendy

THEMES

bob It’s no secret that the rural charms of Lake and Sumter counties lend to the perfect setting for weddings with a more rustic look. Think mason jars and bedecked barns. However, Bob sees more and more brides opting to abandon themes all together for something a little more classic.

“There is a transition going on where brides are doing more romantic weddings,” he says. “It’s becoming more traditional. I’m seeing a return to a more soft approach, a more simplistic approach.”

‘wine’ not?

When it comes to wedding colors, nothing has influence quite like the Pantone Color of the Year. This year’s Color of the Year is marsala, a red-brown hue that’s earthy yet elegant. Like the wine, marsala is described as a color that’s full-bodied, tasteful and rich. Be prepared to see this stylish tone popping up everywhere from wedding invitations to bridesmaid dresses.

“It’s a very trendy color,” says Bob. “It fits with so many different themes, from country-inspired weddings with the burlap and sunflowers to the classic black and white wedding that can use marsala for a pop of color. I’m a big fan of it.”

You’re invited THE DEETS ON

EATS

Everyone loves to eat, so when it’s time for the reception, food is the first thing on everyone’s mind. Here are some blossoming trends to keep in mind as you plan your wedding day menu.

BRUNCH: Daytime weddings are cheaper so more brides on a budget are opting for brunch-themed weddings. Mimosas, bloody marys, an omelet bar … the options are endless.

You’ve decided on a budget. You have the date picked. And you’ve found and booked the venue of your dreams. Now, it’s time to start inviting people.

As a rule, save-the-dates should be mailed out at least six to seven months before the big day (eight months if it’s a destination wedding). While save-the-date cards are a modern invention, they serve an important purpose; they helps guests make travel arrangements and take time off, if needed.

Once the wedding is about two to three months away, formal invitations are next, and be sure to include reply cards with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Honeymooning in …

COMFORT FOOD: Forget the

classic, stuffy wedding fare. Comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, cheeseburgers and fries and barbecue are becoming popular food choices. In order to make these dishes wedding worthy, caterers are amping up the presentation.

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FOOD TRUCKS: We all know food

trucks are big right now. So are outdoor, country-style weddings.

Naturally, these two worlds have combined to bring a bit of fun that will certainly be the talk of the town.

.com

Honeymoons are about getting away and being able to start off your marriage on a positive and relaxing note. But, not everyone can afford a trip to Fiji or a trek across Europe. Still, money shouldn’t be a reason to nix a honeymoon all together.

“While cruises are still quite popular, couples should look into booking some time at an all-inclusive resort for a fun getaway,” says Sierra. “You can book a flight to Mexico or some place in the Caribbean and do something different without breaking the bank.”

cake

let’s talk

The wedding cake is as traditional as it gets.

It’s an important part of the celebration; therefore, it deserves just as much attention as anything else.

Kathi Vincent, the brilliant mind behind Cotillion Southern Café in Wildwood, is a whiz when it comes to baked goods, so it’s no surprise local brides wanting a cake with style look to her to make it happen.

That’s why Style turned to Kathi to give us some insight on this scrumptious subject.

wedding, unless I have had to order special items for the cake. They can change flavors, size, fillings, etc.”

ON FONDANT VS. FROSTING

“As far as fondant is concerned I think the fad is over. We very rarely have anyone ask for it. It does not taste good and the sleek look that brides loved last decade has given way to vintage, rustic, homemade-looking cakes.

Most of our cakes are requested to have oldfashioned swirl marks left by the spatula so it looks homemade. If it looks homemade, it tastes better.”

HOT CAKE TRENDS

ON SECURING A BAKER

“Most brides should order their cake at least six months in advance. The thing to remember is most bakers can only take so many cakes on one weekend. You want to make sure you reserve your bakery as soon as you know who you want to bake your cake so you can lock your date in.”

ON CHANGING YOUR MIND

“At my bakery, I tell my brides they can change their cake up until seven days before the

Who you hire to capture your day is a big decision.

Clermont photographer Morgan Ellis of Morgan Ellis Photography shares her top 10 tips for choosing a wedding photographer.

1. KNOW YOUR STYLE

Picking

a photgrapher

This will narrow down results when you have a wide selection.

2. PLAN AHEAD Popular months book fast; it’s never too early to plan.

3. WORD-OF-MOUTH REFERRALS Real experiences are better than a fancy website.

4. DON’T HIRE FAMILY MEMBERS Family and business (and an open bar) don’t mix.

5. PORTFOLIO Ask to see their work and not just website photos.

6. COMPARE PACKAGES Make sure what you’re getting is in the writing.

7. SPEND TIME WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER You want your personalities to mesh, not clash.

8. DON’T LET PRICE BE THE DETERMINING FACTOR You get what you pay for.

9. EXPERIENCE Find out how many weddings they’ve shot and how many years they’ve photographed weddings.

10. SHOT LIST Create a list of important shots and special guests so nothing is missed because you don’t get a redo.

For a few years, cupcakes became the chic, contemporary alternative to wedding cakes.

However, Kathi is happy to report brides are coming back around to the tried and true tiered tradition, as well as mixing it up by offering guests more dessert options than ever.

Dessert buffets are also quite popular, which again drives home the idea of letting guests choose what they want for their sweet tooth.

“Last year we did a lot of dessert buffets for weddings with pies, cakes, brownies, candy bars and cookies,” says Kathi. “At my son’s wedding last November, we did a pie bar with all kind of pies. We had it in a vintage pie safe and served them from antique ironing boards.

It was a huge hit.”

WOW-WORTHY TRENDS According to Bridal Guide, some of this year’s wedding gown trends are:

1. CROP TOPS: You read that right. Brides are showing a little more skin this season with crop tops and cutouts.

2. BALL GOWNS: It looks like tulle has been laid to rest — for now. Instead, designers are reinventing this classic look with lighter material that gives a more flawless yet easy breezy appearance.

3. PLUNGING NECKLINES: Again, skin is in this year. The cutesy sweetheart necklines of yesteryear have given way to more daring and racy V-necks.

4. CAPLETS: From vintage to boho chic, caplets ruled the runway. It’s the perfect option for a bride who wants to cover her shoulders, but may not want the full commitment of sleeves.

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*

“The most important thing to keep in mind on the day of your wedding is to keep calm. It’s a special, once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Enjoy every second of it.”

— SIERRA

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in AL TIM E TH IDE

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m

in

rs

6

u T ho ERFEC A P THE GTH OF LEN EPTION REC

u THE BEST tes OF T LENG A CE IME FO TH REM R ONY

30

s

THE ETWEEN AND B GAP REMONY TION CE RECEP THE

THE W EARL s GRO GROO Y OMS M AN M E ARRI N SH D V THE E BEFO OULD CERE RE MON Y

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SOURCE: BRIDALGUIDE.COM/PLANNING/WEDDING-PLANNING-BASICS/ COMPLETE-WEDDING-DAY-TIMELINE

ACCORDING TO

bob

LOCAL WEDDING AND EVENT PLANNER BOB TUCKER OF MISS DAISY’S FLOWER & GIFTS OFFERS GOOD ADVICE FOR YOUR BIG DAY

Plans on standby No bride wants disasters on her wedding day, but sometimes things happen. Bob says the best advice he gives brides is to have a back-up plan.

“There should always be a Plan B in case something goes wrong,” says Bob. “As long as there is a Plan B, the bride will be less stressed and more focused on enjoying her day. And with a day-of wedding coordinator, it becomes his or her responsibility to handle those last-minute hiccups so the bride isn’t even aware they’re happening.”

TIP

BRIDE’S KIT • • • • • • • • • • • • •

It doesn’t hurt to have your own wedding day survival kit handy in case an emergency strikes. TheKnot.com recommends the following day-of essentials:

Aspirin (or pain reliever of choice) Band-Aids Bottle of water Chalk (to cover up any last minute smudges or smears on your wedding dress) Clear nail polish (for stocking runs) Corsage pins Dental floss/toothpicks Eye drops Extra earring backs Extra panty hose Hair pins/ponytail holder Hand towelettes Hem tape

• • • • • • • • • •

Matches Mini sewing kit Safety pins Scotch tape Sedatives (yeah, we went there) Small folding scissors Smelling salts (in case you pass out) Spot remover Static-cling spray Straws (so the bride can stay hydrated without smudging her lipstick) • Tissues • Tweezers

The matron or maid of honor should also be on standby with these crucial items for the bride: • • • • • •

Breath mints/spray Comb/brush Cash Cellphone Hair spray Linen handkerchief

• • • • •

Makeup (for quick touch-ups) Mirror Nail file Perfume Tampons/sanitary napkins

After a long day of exchanging vows, posing for countless photos and greeting guests, your feet will be tired. Once all the formalities are done, switch to a cute pair of ballet flats for the reception. Your shoes will still be super cute, but you’ll be comfortable too, which will be perfect for busting some of your signature moves on the dance floor.

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Romance on the water

A tropical-inspired waterfront wedding awaits at Tavares’ new Pavilion on the Lake.

Strolling past the lush flora that surrounds Wooton Park, guests are transported to a fabulous, one-of-a-kind overwater oasis. With extraordinary views and a scenic pier that stretches over picturesque Lake Dora, the Tavares Pavilion on the Lake provides the perfect setting to gather with family and close friends to say, “I do.”

The two-story, 8,000-square-foot conference and wedding facility replicates the historic pavilion that was built in 1912 and subsequently torn down in 1961.

“The idea to rebuild the Tavares Pavilion on the Lake was born from several visioning sessions facilitated by former Mayor Nancy Clutts, with the participation of Tavares citizens and stakeholders,” says Tamera Rogers, community services director. “Residents made it clear they wanted us to honor Tavares’ history in a very special way; therefore, we decided we would reconstruct the Tavares Pavilion on the Lake in a location close to where the original stood with a similar yet more modern look and with state-of-the-art amenities. Our city council and our city administrator John Drury embraced the idea and we ran with it.”

The Tavares Pavilion on the Lake peacefully “floats” over Lake Dora at the end of a 40-foot-wide, 150-footlong, brick-paved pier with ornamental

railing and 28 gas lamps that light the way to paradise. Equipped with its own power and water, the pier itself can be transformed into a charming outdoor venue for a smaller affair.

Inside the Tavares Pavilion on the Lake, two-story floor-to-ceiling windows provide a remarkable panorama of the calming lake waters. Exquisite, antique furnishings accented with 43 pieces of original artwork convey the feel of a luxury island resort.

“We wanted to incorporate a lot of carved wood into the space to convey that island vibe. Plus, the additional windows and glass-lined hallways on either side of the building give the building a cruise ship feel,” says Rogers.

“We are also very proud of our art collection, which features an amazing painting by local artist Jacqueline Holland-Berkley. In this painting, Jackie truly captured our brand identity as ‘America’s Seaplane City,’ as does copper artist Bill Squires in his handhammered, 14-foot copper propeller, which is installed on the exterior roof gable. We are honored to have their artwork, along with the sculpture of Estella Fransbergen. Two ballrooms, one upstairs and one downstairs, offer flexible seating and dining options, and capacity ranges from 300 to 500 guests, depending on the seating arrangements. Elevators are available

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

to seamlessly move from one floor to the next; however, the two magnificent interior staircases maybe the best way to explore the Tavares Pavilion on the Lake.

The magnificently designed main staircase is made from sugar maple and was handcrafted in Wisconsin.

It is especially designed for a memorable bridal entrance.

“We want to create that memory where a bride is walking down the stairs and her guests gasp as she enters the room,” says Carrie Petroski, pavilion manager. “We call it our ‘Titanic’ staircase.”

In addition to the two interior staircases, the Tavares Pavilion on the Lake can be accessed by two exterior steel staircases, which descend from the second floor balcony onto the pier.

For the lucky couple’s wedding day, the Tavares Pavilion on the Lake offers both a private bride’s room and groom’s room. The bride’s room comes exquisitely decorated and furnished with lounging chairs and loveseats while the groom’s room serves as a quiet gathering area with its own outdoor deck.

The Tavares Pavilion on the Lake also comes equipped with a full catering kitchen, two meeting/conference rooms, multiple viewing screens, digital display boards, self-tinting glass window walls

and luscious landscaped grounds, which provide a tropical utopia for outdoor weddings and photo opportunities.

Couples can expect first-rate concierge service when they arrive the day of their wedding.

“We are here to assist our clients and greet them as they and their guests arrive on the day of their event,” says Petroski.

“We work behind the scenes, so you rarely see us, but we are busy making sure everything is where it should be.”

In the next year, the city is hoping

to build a seaplane dock near the pavilion so a bride or groom can arrive by seaplane or boat or leave for their honeymoon from the facility.

This year, the Tavares Pavilion on the Lake has already booked 89 events, and they anticipate the reservations to keep growing as more and more people discover this newly established gem in Lake County.

“The community is so supportive of this new venture. With every open house we host, we hear the

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

positive feedback and see the looks of amazement as people lay eyes on the space for the first time,” says Rogers.

“We are completely excited every time we show it to someone,” adds Petroski.

“It is such a special and beautiful venue we’ve added to Lake County, and we’re very proud of it.”

We are looking forward to planning your next event. Contact us at 352.253.4300 or TavaresPavilion@Tavares.org

Come see our new Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care additions Reserve a private preview before our February opening.

We are now giving advance tours of model homes and accepting reservations in the new Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care additions to our community. Be first in line to select your favorite floor plan and location. Our lovely golf cart-accessible retirement community alongside the Hacienda Hills championship golf course is the only one located in The Villages. Discover how state-of-the-art designs and experienced staff combine to assist senior bodies and minds for healthier and happier lives.

To schedule the next available appointment for your private preview tour, call (352) 750-1355 ext. 3127 or (352) 250-6580.

Brookdale Place Freedom Pointe Assisted Living | Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care 1700 El Camino Real | The Villages, FL 32159

brookdale.com

Assisted Living Facility License pending opening February 2015

Retirement goals aren’t always easy to meet. So is it crazy to think your financial advisor should be? Not to Edward Jones.

Our over 11,000 financial advisors are in neighborhoods like yours, not downtown skyscrapers. So a face-to-face talk about your retirement is always close at hand. Join the nearly 7 million investors who know. Face time and think time make sense. www.edwardjones.com.

Actually believes retirement goals that seem out of reach require a financial advisor who’s not.

Jeananne C Niemann, AAMS® Financial Advisor

.

LEESBURG Jeananne Niemann 352.787.7782

MKT-7739-A-HP MKT-7739-A-HP

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MOUNT DORA Rebecca Sargent 352.357.2282

114 East Dixie Avenue CLERMONT Chris Boylan Leesburg, FL 34748 352.394.8538 352-787-7782

Products and services offered through Edward D. Jones & Co, L.P. © 2013, Member SIPC

.com

Products and services offered through Edward D. Jones & Co, L.P. © 2013, Member SIPC

BROOKDALE® and ALL THE PLACES LIFE CAN GOTM are trademarks of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA ® Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office. 14-52042-2166-1214 SW

WHAT’S YOUR

WEDDING

STYLE? Sophisticated, Relaxed, Classic or Romantic?

Happily ever after with nuptials at famous resort in Howey-in-the-Hills 48

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Say I do

to Mission Inn Couples looking to tie the knot in a picturesque, Old World-inspired setting should look no further than Mission Inn Resort & Club STORY: SHEMIR WILES

W

ith more than 1,100 rolling acres of natural Florida splendor and multiple indoor and outdoor wedding venues, Mission Inn provides the perfect setting for the perfect wedding.

“We’re proud to offer a number of reception and ceremony locations, each with their own unique style and spectacular views,” says Shannon Tarrant, Mission Inn wedding sales manager. “For example, one location has a very Spanish colonial feel, while another location just off the golf course has a more traditional Southern atmosphere.

Having such variety allows couples to fi nd the venue that best fits their personal taste.

Then from there, the wedding can be customized to include all the little details the happy couple wants present for their big day. We shy away from being cookie cutter.

Instead, we encourage our couple to express

themselves as we help guide them toward the wedding of their dreams.”

Every step of the way, Mission Inn makes every effort to work within a couple’s budget to create an affair to remember. Competitive wedding packages include beverage options as well as menu planning, which incorporates custom options, a tasting to sample Mission Inn’s delicious wedding menus and a consultation with their chefs.

“Whether you are looking for an elegant, formal event in our Grand Ballroom or a more relaxed, rustic ceremony at our waterfront Marina del Rey venue, we are designed to cater to a wide range of styles and themes,” says Tarrant. “It doesn’t matter if you have 25 guests or 330 guests; we are here to make each wedding unforgettable.”

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“Whether you are looking for an elegant, formal event in our Grand Ballroom or a more relaxed, rustic ceremony at our waterfront Marina del Rey venue, we are designed to cater to a wide range of styles and themes�

Mission Inn specializes in outstanding service that begins months before the wedding.

Each couple has the luxury of their very own venue coordinator. As the liaison to the resort team, they coordinate with the culinary and service staff to ensure a flawless day from start to fi nish. They help organize details, including linens, floorplans, the rehearsal dinner and a weekend full of events.

For couples opting to make their impending nuptials a three-day celebration, family and friends can enjoy amazing accommodations that include deluxe guestrooms and suites and fantastic outdoor resort activities such as 36 holes of championship golf, trap and skeet shooting, boating, swimming and tennis. To chase away any wedding day butterflies, the lucky couple and guests can plan a visit to Spa Marbella for a day of pampering and pure relaxation, and later visit any of the four on-site restaurants that range from casual to fine dining.

“I think what couples enjoy is the fact we can offer this private resort feel without it being touristy,” explains Tarrant. “With 50 years’ worth of experience hosting events and weddings, we have developed timeless qualities of style and tradition that are unparalleled.”

Style is Mission Inn’s calling card; therefore, it’s only natural that this month Mission Inn has partnered with Lake & Sumter Style magazine to present the inaugural InnStyle Wedding Showcase. From 11a.m. to 2:30p.m.

March 1, attendees will have the opportunity

to meet and mingle with an intimate group of Central Florida and Lake County’s best wedding professionals while being ‘inn’-spired by four different and distinct wedding styles: sophisticated, relaxed, classic and romantic.

Each type of wedding will be showcased with a reception table full of unique details, including custom linens, floral design, favors, wedding dresses, rentals, delicious hors d’oeuvres, signature drinks, dessert and cake samples and much more.

There will be fantastic giveaways, including the grand prize of a mini-moon to Mission Inn Resort.

“Instead of doing the traditional wedding showcase where couples visit booth after booth, we wanted to do something to highlight our four distinct venue styles at Mission Inn,” says Tarrant. “With our unique setup, attendees will be able to see and hopefully pinpoint some great ideas for their own wedding. They will also get to meet the vendors and start building those relationships.

“The wonderful thing about this showcase is it falls in line with everything we strive to do for our couples at Mission Inn. We work hard to offer the best service and make your special day perfect. Because we are a familyowned company, we believe it’s about making you a part of our family and creating those special memories that live on long after saying, ‘I do.’”

“With fifty years worth of experience hosting events and weddings, we have developed timeless qualities of style and tradition that are unparalleled” - Shannon Tarrant

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presents

years Four couples still smitten after 50 years reflect on lives well lived STORY: M.E. GRIFFITH

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years T

he institution of marriage isn’t revered like it once was. Today, its popular to live together instead of taking “till death do us part” vows. And half of those who do tie the knot end up untying it.

But love hasn’t lost its staying power.

That was clear at Mission Inn’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, an event honoring couples from across the nation who came to celebrate their golden anniversaries with families, friends and many other pairs who have been married for 50 years or longer.

It was a magical weekend — a powerful public display of commitment and love that would restore even the most cynical person’s faith in happily ever after.

Naturally, each couple had a love story to share. Here are four that warmed our hearts:

John & Mary John and Mary Christof, Leesburg, married Sept. 9, 1961 It’s an understatement to say Mary had a memorable date with a young engineer at a fancy German restaurant.

“We were sitting there very nicely and we were looking at the menu,” she recalls. “He said, ‘Mary, there’s a little bit of a problem here,’ and I said, ‘Oh, what’s the problem?’

He said, ‘I can’t afford to eat here.’”

And they didn’t.

“I was mortified,” Mary says. “I must have turned a hundred shades of red.”

But Mary hung in there anyway.

Mary and John met while working at Philco. John was an engineer, she was a secretary — and engaged. When she broke it off, John asked her to an afternoon movie.

She wasn’t thrilled … until she found out he asked her to go out early so they would have more time together.

During their courtship, John helped Mary’s father build a boat (in the living room of her mother’s house). John eventually asked for Mary’s hand in marriage.

After getting her father’s permission, he gave her a ring at Christmas. They took it and had it blessed by their priest. That was

the beginning of their commitment, now a half century old — and counting.

“Once we got married John never stopped working. He got his master’s degree in engineering and he was on a roll,” Mary says.

They also worked together to build several homes.

John had many job offers, including in Silicon Valley and Belgium, but he chose to keep family first. They stayed in Philadelphia near their extended clan until their boys were grown and had children of their own.

The Christofs spent several summers with family on the shore, and during the winter, they would ski with their kids in Pittsburgh.

Today, Mary and John travel all over the United States in a Winnebago. Branson, Missouri, and Alaska are favorite destinations. They have even visited some of Mary’s extended family in Ireland.

When asked how they handle rough spots, Mary and John both agree respect comes first. “We never fought in front of the children, we never disagreed in front of the children or used any bad language.

Ever,” says Mary. “We love the religion we belong to and believe firmly in it. What we believe is the core in our lives. The center of it all is God.” She goes on to say, “We’ve had a wonderful life. There’s not one regret … there was something very special from the beginning, and there is still today.”

Lois & Lloyd Lois and Lloyd Oelke, Tavares, married Jan. 7, 1956 Lloyd Oelke frequently walked past Lois’ house and they attended the same small school for 12 years. But he never gave her a second thought — until his best friend wanted to date her. “ “Then I said, ‘Whoa,’” Lloyd says with a smile.

Lois didn’t think Lloyd was available. “He was dating my girlfriend Jane,” Lois says.

Shortly after nixing Lloyd’s initial request for a date, Lois had a change of heart. She was one of the candidates for the town’s Carnival Queen and she asked him to escort her.

When asked how that first date went, Lloyd replies with a grin. “Her dad was a cop so I behaved.”

Shortly after joining the Air Force, Lloyd ended up in Korea. He proposed through a letter. She accepted and began planning their wedding with help from her parents and future in-laws.

“When I got home … just before Christmas, she had everything all ready,” Lloyd recalls. “All I had to do was put a suit on.”

The couple enjoyed a one-day honeymoon at a theater across the river.

“We had to get back to base,” says Lois.

Looking back, Lloyd’s 20 years of service in the United States Air Force may have solidified the couple’s commitment to each other. They have visited 21 countries. The most challenging stint may have been his two years in Turkey. Lloyd and Lois lived there with their three daughters and seldom had running water.

“You were lucky if they turned the water on for 20 minutes a day.”

The Oelkes had to haul their drinking water 20 miles roundtrip in large plastic containers. One at a time, each family member would take a bath in a Turkish tub with shared water. They used a fireplace for heat and had no phone, no T.V. and no radio for two years.

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years

Peg & John Peg and John Ernest, Howey-in-the-Hills, married Aug. 8, 1964 “We became very close as a family. We did things together,” Lloyd states.

The Oelkes are still close — and they’re still doers.

Together, Lloyd and Lois enjoy days on the water on their pontoon boat. Once a month, they sail with friends to restaurants and parks.

Lloyd works part time, patrolling once a week for Citizens on Patrol with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. He has several Alzheimer’s patients he checks on once a month through their Safety Net program.

Lois keeps busy with her great-grandchildren and spearheads a Toys for Tots drive.

They’ve covered a lot of ground since that first date more than 50 years ago.

“What keeps us together is communication. I think that’s the key,” Lloyd says.

“We don’t do things without the other one knowing about it. If I want to buy something I really want, I’ll get her blessing first. We try to resolve issues before we go to bed, and we give one another a kiss goodnight before we go to sleep. We’ve been doing that for a long time.”

Somewhere along the way, pretty early on, Peg and John Ernest decided they wouldn’t fight. “We haven’t had an argument in 50 years,” says John.

That doesn’t, however, mean they always agree.

“We are pretty opinionated people,” declares Peg. John figured out early that he was in trouble when Peg started slamming cabinet doors.

Peg rarely gets angry these days. “I have discovered over the years if I’m quiet and I sort through it in my own mind, then I start seeing my part of the problem and then I can have a rational conversation. We just feel that for us … when you fight you say ugly things and it’s hard to ever get past that. Once you say the words you can’t take them back.”

John, the pastor of Howey Baptist Church, adds, “The Word says be angry and sin not.”

When asked what he does if they disagree about something he states, “I shut up.”

The Ernests suggest giving each other time to get over the heat of the moment before attempting to resolve an issue.

Their first date was on Peg’s front porch.

“Her mother wouldn’t let us go anywhere else,” John says. Eventually, he earned her mom’s trust and they were able to venture out on their own to a nice Italian restaurant. From there it was true love.

Both Peg and John are artists and work on their creative projects together. If you drive down County Road 48, stop by the Howey library to see the colorful mural they and their children and grandchildren painted across the entire back wall. Currently, they are designing a project to go on the front lawn of the library — a concrete sculpture of books on a shelf.

Ultimately, it’s not thoughtfulness or art projects that keep them together. John says it’s their faith. “If I put Jesus between me and her, I’ll never have a problem.”

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years

Bill & Jeanette Bill & Jeanette Victor, Mount Dora, married Dec. 30, 1944 It was 1938 when Bill Victor begrudgingly attended a dance at the local YMCA. He was 16, shy and his mother made him go. That was the night he met 15-year-old Jeanette, and they’ve been together ever since.

Although they lived in the same neighborhood, Jeanette says her mother would often remind her that “Bill cannot come over every night because you need to do your homework.” So, he came over, but not every night.

Five years later, they were married.

Bill doesn’t remember proposing and jokes that he thinks she did. Regardless, they married when he was home on leave from the Merchant Marines. Jeanette says they had a wonderful honeymoon in the Poconos. But it was a scary time — 1944 — and the day after they returned, Bill headed back to war.

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“We had 500 bombs, airplane gas, tanks, planes and trucks on deck. That was a place you didn’t want to be. We lost 733 ships.”

Bill talks about convoys of about 10 rows of eight ships each. He says, “There was a wall of them, and they [the enemy] would just shoot into us. They were bound to hit something. I was lucky they missed me.”

After returning home to Jeanette, Bill worked in a family-owned company for about 20 years, and then started his own real estate business in New York. His clients included Mrs. Edward R. Murrow, Norman Vincent Peale and Thomas Dewey.

The Victors not only built a strong marriage, they worked together building their own boat, and then a house. Jeanette says, “I was his handyman and gofer. From then on we went out with the kids just about every weekend. It was a cabin cruiser. We even slept on it.”

Jeanette laughs about the winter day they tried to lug a bathtub up a steep hill while they were building their house. “We were all running and sliding in the ice trying to get it … when we look back at all the things we did to get that house in shape. We only lived in it for two years.”

It was on a lake and they went swimming in the summer and ice skating in the winter.

“It was fun,” Jeanette recalls.

When asked how they have managed to stay together for 70 years, Jeanette answers simply. “We just get along. We very seldom have a disagreement.”

John adds, “I have found that every argument we might have had — which are very far and few between — I always get the last words in: ‘Yes dear.’”

Jeanette adds, “We’ve been very fortunate.

Not many of them make it like we have.”

She thinks for a moment, then says, “It was a wonderful life, honey.”

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

PARTY

MISSION INN INVITES 50 SPECIAL COUPLES TO CELEBRATE THE RESORT’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY STORY: M.E. GRIFFITH

Mission Inn Resort & Club in Howeyin-the-Hills, one of the country’s most distinguished golf and spa resorts, celebrated its 50th anniversary by inviting 50 couples who have been married for a half century to help pop the golden corks.

The Beuchers, who have owned Mission Inn since 1964, drew couples from as far away as Indiana and Ohio, along with many local residents, for their complimentary “Golden Vow Renewal” in November.

“With three generations of our family involved in the hospitality business, 50 years have produced quite literally a lifetime of memories,” said Bud Beucher, Mission Inn’s vice president and general manager. “This was a perfect way to celebrate and personally show our appreciation.”

Among the attendees were Mount Dora residents Bill and Jeanette Victor, the longest, happily wed pair of the

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group, who took their vows 70 years ago on Dec. 30. Bill’s words of advice to other couples: always get the last word in when arguing. Bill says those words should be, “Yes dear.”

As each couple was announced, the “groom" led his “bride" down the aisle of the scenic outdoor setting as a classical compilation of their original wedding songs played. U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, R-Winter Garden, spoke prior to the Rev. Glynn Ferguson performing a nondenominational vow renewal liturgy.

“Good relationships,” Ferguson told the couples, “never stop growing.”

The congressman, who celebrated his 42nd anniversary this year, expressed his excitement to the crowd.

“There’s not a whole lot of things worth cheering about sometimes in the Congress,” he said, “but here I can say, ‘Way to go!’ You are an example for every one of us.’”

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The couples joined in a group toast after the ceremony while family and friends showered them with confetti from the veranda above.

In turn, couples offered “golden nuggets” — words of wisdom on how to stay married during tough times. Perhaps the most sure-fire advice for remaining on course while the boat rocks came from Margaret and Normal Endahl of Leesburg. Their rule? “Who leaves in anger, must take the children.”

The guests of honor spent three days at the bucolic grounds, dining and dancing, playing the resort’s iconic El Campeon golf course, enjoying the spa, shooting clay pigeons at the trap and skeet compound, fishing in Lake Harris and taking a walking tour of Mount Dora.

PATIENCE! CLAIRE AND JIM BRADFORD LEESBURG

Stick-to-itiveness JANE AND ROBERT HILL CLERMONT

years

COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO EVERYTHING MARGARET AND FREDERICK ARN CLERMONT

MARRIAGE IS A GIVE- ALWAYS SAY AND-TAKE SITUATION “YES DEAR” EUGENIA AND PAT BARBERIO DELTONA

DON’T GIVE UP. KEEP SECRET QUIET WHEN TO HAPPY NECESSARY MARRIAGE? SANDY AND PAUL JAEGER OCALA

Knowing how to compromise and adjust are the keys to a happy marriage

What’s the secret to a long, happy marriage?

We recently put that question to experts in the field of marital bliss — dozens of local couples who have been married for 50 years or longer.

MARGRET AND ROBERT APPE MOUNT DORA

NEVER GO TO BED MAD. ALWAYS HAVE A GOODNIGHT KISS LOIS AND LLOYD OELKE TAVARES

COMPROMISE DOROTHY AND CHARLES HINCHLIFFE LEESBURG

Time goes by too quickly; make the most of every day together FRANCES AND GLENN LANGSTON EUSTIS

MARY AND REV. WILLIAM JACKSON SUMTERVILLE

Hug a lot... problems magically cut in half

COMPROMISE. FIGHT THE BIG BATTLES AND THE LITTLE ONES TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES

JOANN AND JOHN FURMAN EUSTIS

KATHLEEN AND GEORGE SHAW LEESBURG

BE KIND, LOVING AND CONSIDERATE OF ONE ANOTHER CLAUDETTE AND JOHN ARRUDA CLERMONT

Have a sense of humor JOANNE AND RICHARD LEWANDOWSKI LEESBURG

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TO PAP OR NOT TO PAP For many women a yearly pap smear is not necessary; however an annual well-woman exam remains important for overall gynecologic health

OUR PHYSICIAN SPECIALISTS have the expertise to diagnose and treat any condition unique to women (and have been doing so for over 40 years in this area).

Some of the cancers our WOMEN ONLY specialists screen for include: NEW

DEATHS

BREAST CANCER

225,00

41,000

CERVICAL CANCER

12,000

4,000

UTERINE CANCER

47,000

8,600

OVARIAN CANCER

21,000

14,500

VAGINAL CANCER

1,200

450

VULVAR CANCER

4,500

1,000

*annual national estimates

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“The truth is, the pap smear test is only a small part of an in-depth annual examination. At Lake OB-GYN Associates, we take pride in preventative female medicine and endorse treating the whole patient, rather than just the disease. Reflective of this philosophy, patients will see a physician for a thorough exam at every visit. Annual visits with or without pap smears allow us to keep patients at their optimal health by considering the mind, body and spirit of everyone who sets foot through our doors.”

Lauren N. Britt, D.O.

“For many women a yearly pap smear is not necessary; however an annual well-woman exam remains important for overall gynecologic health. During an annual visit, your doctor will review symptoms and perform a thorough exam to screen for breast, ovarian, and uterine conditions, urinary dysfunction, vulvar disorders, and other conditions which could otherwise go undetected and untreated.”

Kaitlin R. Lee, M.D.

Lake OB-GYN Associates of Mid Florida THE VILLAGES LEESBURG 1400 US Hwy. 441 N, Bldg. #950 601 E Dixie Ave., Medical Plaza #401 The Villages, FL 32159 Leesburg, FL 34748 352.259.5649 352.787.1535 www.leesburgobgyn.com

LLC

JB’s Cinematic Creations & Photography You can count on JB’s Cinematic Creations & Photography to deliver what we promise. We’ve been in the business for over 25 years, continually satisfying families and businesses in the Central Florida, Miami, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area. We are proud of the fact that a large percentage of our clients come from repeat customers and referrals.

Whether you want to capture your family’s precious milestones or get striking images to market a product, you can rely on JB’s Cinematic Creations & Photography to make it happen.

We offer our services for destination weddings, corporations and events.

Joseph Blackwell President/CEO 352.589.1155 410-922-2949 www.jbccp.com info@jbccp.com

Classic Services

Chair Covers and Sashes Beverage Dispensers Custom Centerpieces Drinking Glasses Flatware Barware Tables Chairs China Tents Linens

si c s a l C , Classic Tents

Champagne Fountains Candy Buet Dishes Catering Supplies Pipe and Drape Cupcake Tower Dance Floors Chuppas Arches Staging Bars Props

he Classic Choice T , s n e Lin

352.357.7920 // www.ClassicTentsEvents.com // 1255 E. County Road 44, Eustis Fl 32736

st ials! u g ec a u ll a A C - Sp y l Ju ding ed W bo

o ut

ur

Experience

Real Florida Charm…

For more than 130 years Lakeside Inn has helped couples and their families celebrate one of life’s most cherished days in a timeless setting to be treasured forever. Picturesque views showcase stunning sunsets viewed from beneath majestic moss draped live oaks. A beautiful white gazebo and lushly landscaped grounds serve as the perfect backdrop for a romantic experience rich in history and tradition.

800-556-5016 lakeside-inn.com

100 North Alexander Street Mount Dora, FL 32757

Events by Miss Daisy’s Let us plan your event!

Weddings

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Miss Daisy’s Flowers & Gifts 1024 W. Main Street Leesburg, FL

352.787.6806

www.MissDaisysFlowers.c om 66

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“Whatever Your Occasion, Let Miss Daisy’s Make It Special!”

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS OF LADY LAKE‌

YOUR DREAM DAY

DESTINATION AWAITS Harbor Hills Country Club offers beauty and elegance in a traditional setting. Our Chef prepares gourmet cuisine, which is presented by our world-class staff. From the first moment to the last, we will make your once in a lifetime day an unforgettable experience.

MENTION THIS AD AND YOUR BRIDAL PARTY CHAMPAGNE TOAST IS ON US. Please contact our Wedding Coordinator, Christy Rich directly at 407.421.3988 or crich@harborhills.com for your personal consultation.

6538 Lake Griffin Road, Lady Lake, Florida 32159 // 352.753.7000 // www.harborhills.com

No Duck Left Behind $10,000 in prizes

Rubber Ducky Race Grand Prize: $5000 College Scholarship and Carnival Proceeds benefit Lake County Schools Saturday, March 7, 2015 10:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.

Wooton Park, Tavares

Duck Adoptions on sale at participating schools 1 for $5 or 3 for $10 Or order on-line at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2015educational-foundation-no-duck-left-behind-rubberduck-race-tickets-14816557723 Learn the Duck Dance and win prizes! More information at www.facebook.com/noduckleftbehindrace

www.edfoundationlake.com

// 352-326-1265 //

follow us on facebook

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

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

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

Lastly, I teach him his treatment options.

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

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

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

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

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

And with an office staff with nearly as much experience as the doctor, (many have worked with Dr. Young more than twenty

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 patient’s time as much as we do our own,” adds Dr. Young. “Patients appreciate this; many of our patients tell me I have the best office staff on the planet. I consider that a huge compliment.”

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

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

JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D. Board Certified Urologist Practicing in Lake County for over 33 years with extensive experience in evaluation and management of prostate problems.

For more information, contact

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

352.751.4990 801 Northshore Drive, Eustis, FL 32726

352.357.6786

ProstateEvaluation.com

MISSION INN RESORT & CLUB Lake County’s Special Occasion Place

Planning an anniversary party or family get-together? Need a place for your upcoming wedding? Asked to coordinate the holiday dinner or annual company meeting? All are important and require special attention, take a lot of your time to plan, and must be flawless in execution and memorable in all the right ways!

Thank goodness Lake County has a complete destination resort that can accommodate these types of important events just minutes from your offices or residence. Recognized locally for their award-winning Champagne Sunday

Brunch and endless Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet each Saturday evening, Mission Inn Resort has expanded their catering expertise to accentuate those important milestone moments in our lives.

Romantic Weddings

Taste of Perfection

In 2014, Mission Inn hosted 110+ weddings with quiet perfection.

Trip Advisor named the resort to their Circle of Excellence and central Florida wedding planners recognized Mission Inn with their 5 Carat Award of Distinction.

Long popular for hosting in-state conferences, group golf getaways, regional day meetings, and statewide associations, Mission Inn continues their 50 year tradition of program excellence. When your organization is looking for a place in Lake County for your next meeting, awards dinner or charity golf tournament, reach out to JStevens@missioninnresort.com or call 352-324-3904.

With four distinctive locations on property to host your wedding, Mission Inn provides the perfect locale when selecting your wedding style. Whether sophisticated, relaxed, classic, or romantic, your day is sure to reflect your personal desire for a truly memorable ceremony and reception.

Local brides-to-be looking for trending nuptial ideas and decor options can attend an InnStyle Wedding Showcase at Mission Inn on Sunday, March 1, 2015 from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Wedding professionals will share their expert opinion on floral designs, linens, favors, wedding dresses, signature drinks and desserts, cake samples and more! Guest admission is complimentary by registering at MissionInnResort.com/InnStyle. Sign up for prize giveaways and plan your entire wedding in just one afternoon!

While coordinating over 650 programs annually, Mission Inn chefs, servers, and program coordinators inspect each banquet detail to assure every event is perfectly presented.

Groups from throughout the Southeast return each year to meet, dine and celebrate company objectives.

Par Excellence

In January 2015, Golf Digest recognized both championship golf courses at Mission Inn among their Top 75 Public Courses in Florida (El Campeon #29 and Las Colinas #68).

Additionally, Golf Advisor ranked El Campeon #3 in their Top 10 Orlando courses. No wonder golfers from all over the world come to Mission Inn to play!

Locals enjoy special senior rates every Monday and Tuesday and discounted rates throughout the year. Planning an outing with your golf buddies or coordinating an upcoming golf event, contact the Mission Inn Pro Shop for reservations at: TeeTimes@missioninnresort.com or call 352-324- 3909.

Mission Inn features exceptional dining options, as well as golf, spa and deluxe accommodations.

Enjoy the historic setting of our resort for your next program.

TWO CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES • SPA • FOUR RESTAURANTS • MARINA TENNIS • AWARD WINNING CULINARY STAFF • OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

Call 352-324-3101 for Reservations | MissionInnResort.com

Delivery Available 6 Days A Week

3509 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL 32162 in the Southern Trace Plaza 352.391.1334 Delivery not available in all areas. EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS® & Design and all other marks noted are trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. ©2013 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

NORMAN S. NOVIS, M.D., P.A.

Our patients’ care is our first priority.

WE OFFER VARIOUS MEDICAL 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

753 Highway 466 in Lady Lake 352.633.7659 // 352.633.7649 // www.pfpconline.com 74

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The Power g n i v i G f o

Visit ParadyFinancial.com to see how your friends, family and neighbors paid it forward.

The Power of Giving Parady Financial Group CEO Greg Parady may be best known as the Layaway Santa who paid off over $20,000 worth of layaway Christmas gifts in 2013 at a Wal-Mart in The Villages.

His unexpected generosity garnered national attention from CNN, MSNBC, The Today Show, Time Magazine, Good Morning America and The Huffington Post.

“The initial layaway gift was a happy accident,” said Parady. “My wife and I had agreed to purchase some toys for children in need at Christmas. We planned to meet up at a local WalMart to choose some gifts and while I was waiting in the toy aisle for her to arrive I overheard a woman talking about her hardship and how she may have to

put back some of the items she had on layaway. So I wandered into the Layaway section and went on a little spending spree. We ended up paying off or paying down layaway accounts for around 75 families.”

Parady considers that

initial gift a game-changing point in his life. Not only did it help the local families and community, it also had a long-term benefit that has carried over to the 2014 holiday season as a number of philanthropists throughout

“I overheard a woman talking about her hardship and how she may have to put back some of the items she had on layaway. So I wandered into the Layaway section and went on a little spending spree.”

— Greg Parady

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the country took note and began their own Layaway Santa programs. Giving to others gave the Paradys an unexpected feeling of humility and fulfillment.

And they were inspired to share that feeling with others. He admits that he never expected the attention in 2013 or the impact that it has had on so many throughout the community.

So, for the 2014 holiday season Greg and his wife Jenni visited Wal-Mart stores in The Villages and Leesburg, and again paid off over $16,000 worth of layaway items. But they also invited clients, elementary school children and the local police department to get in on the giving action, as well.

(Clockwise Left to Right) Corporal Travis Whitley, Surgical Tech Lori Arment, CEO Greg Parady and wife Jenni Parady, 4th grade student Sanaya Littlejohn and her mother, Latrece Taylor

Parady Pays it Forward What would you do if someone handed you a $100 VISA gift card and asked you to make a positive change in a stranger’s life?

That’s exactly the question Greg Parady proposed to a select group of clients, who were tasked with paying it forward by committing random acts of kindness — $36,000 in gift cards were distributed and the response was overwhelming.

Parady Financial Group’s clients wasted no time in planning their gifting strategies. Some staked out grocery stores and big box retailers for families who looked like they could use a financial boost.

Others gave to churches, firefighters, animal shelters, the homeless, elementary schools and neighbors. Many directed their gift cards to assist with medical bills or to victims of abuse.

For Marie Hunkele, a chance encounter gave her the opportunity to pay it forward. “I gave one of the gift cards to Christopher, a homeless man who I met while feeding the homeless in Pittsburg on December 25,” she said. “He was very grateful.”

Faith Andrus and Manny Manderine used their gift card as an opportunity to thank a Salvation Army volunteer for his hard work. “Manny and I were headed into the Publix store

in Spanish Springs,” Faith explains. “The volunteer for the Salvation Army was at the door, clearly feeling the cold temperature, but continued to pleasantly greet each individual entering the store. As part of our Pay it Forward we purchased him a large serving of hot

chili from Publix. He was thrilled.”

Hundreds of clients took to Facebook and the Parady Financial website to recount their stories of giving, but Rose Haverlack may have summed it up best. “Simple acts of kindness have no expiration date, but this was

a wonderful holiday because of the blessings I received and the help I was able to give others through friends and family. May all of their lives change for the better because of this. May ‘Pay it Forward’ become a standard because it makes the giver feel so happy.”

“Simple acts of kindness have no expiration date, but this was a wonderful holiday because of the blessings I received and the help I was able to give others through friends and family.

— Rose Haverlack

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Sanaya Littlejohn, Fourth grader at The Villages Elementary.

Kids Learn the Power of Giving Seeing the success of the Parady Pays it Forward program, Greg decided to get children — who he is known to have a soft spot for — involved. The entire 4th grade class at The Villages Elementary was chosen to participate. Each of the 138 students received a $25 VISA gift card and were instructed on ways they could work with their parents to commit random acts of kindness.

They were also asked to document their acts and how it felt to give back.

“I give because I’ve benefited from this community and enjoyed success in my business and it feels good to help others who may need a boost,” said Parady. “There’s nothing better than the power of giving. I want children to experience what it feels like to brighten someone else’s day — for no reason at all.

The feeling is contagious and memorable.”

According to The Villages Elementary Acceleration Resource Teacher Bonnie Binneveld, the program left a lasting impact not only on the children, but on her. “I was touched and a little saddened by

how many children were already familiar with some of life’s greatest challenges like homelessness, cancer, struggles of single moms, and grandparents who can’t afford medicines,” she said.

“I am not a classroom instructor, but I do feel like the Pay It Forward project created a sense of community. Students were truly excited to stop me in the hall and tell me how

To read the children’s personal pay it forward messages, visit ParadyFinancial.com.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

they made life a little better for someone else. I do hope that this is a lesson that will impact them for life. We all learned how good it felt to be able to help others. Making the connection between our school and the Parady Group has been one of my proudest achievements as an educator.”

Fourth grader Sanaya Littlejohn knew immediately how she would use her gift card. At just nine years old, the spunky fourth grader shares a special relationship with her grandfather.

Recently diagnosed with cancer, he was all set to spend his Christmas in the hospital. Her gift to him — a sweater — was meant to keep him warm during his hospital stay while he battles his illness.

(Clockwise Left to Right) Surgical Tech Lori Arment, CEO Greg Parady, 4th grade student Sanaya Littlejohn and mother Latrece Taylor

Givers Become Receivers Greg and Jenni were so touched by reading Sanaya’s story and her kindness that they had a similar idea. Greg knew that one of his clients, Lori Arment, was a labor and delivery surgical tech at a local hospital and asked her if she’d like to help him pay it forward to her patients. He told her about his Pay it Forward program, and Sanaya’s story about using the funds for her sick grandfather. Lori agreed to help.

Before his arrival, Lori and the other nurses in her unit asked patients if they would be ok with a visit from a local philanthropist. He arrived with a sack of $100 VISA gift cards and asked the nurses to hand them out on his behalf. “He was a little hesitant, but the nurses convinced him to give out some of the cards himself,” said Lori. “So, he went in and met with the families and explained the concept of paying it forward. He gave some additional cards to us to hand out later and we decided we would use them for patients in the pediatric unit, as well.”

According to Lori Arment, the program had a significant impact on the nurses. “I wish I could do it

every week. It was so much fun to see the reactions of the people.”

Unbeknownst to Lori, philanthropic fourth grader

Sanaya Littlejohn – the one who paid it forward to her sick grandfather — benefited directly as a scenario that could surely

“…I can use this money for the new baby and my two children who need Christmas gifts. God works in mysterious ways.”

— Latrece Taylor

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

be likened to instant karma unfolded on the labor and delivery unit. Greg appeared in her mother’s hospital room with a gift card. Sanaya’s mom, Latrece Taylor, had just given birth.

With a newborn and two other children at home to care for she was quietly carrying the burden of financial stress just days before Christmas. “Sanaya was shocked when I told her Mr. Parady came to my hospital room,” said Latrece.

“I too was in shock and very appreciative as I can use this money for the new baby and my two children who need Christmas gifts. God works in mysterious ways.”

“It really touched the entire labor and delivery unit and was such an honor to give these cards to patients and see the reactions,” said Lori Arment. “I told the families that all Greg wanted in return was for them to pay it forward, again. You don’t have to do anything big. Just do a random act of kindness for someone. Help an old lady with her groceries or sit with a neighbor. One guy just broke down and cried.”

Corporal Travis Whitley

Police Ride-Along Hospital patients weren’t the only recipients of the extended Pay it Forward initiative. With a focus on doing something good for those who are most needy, Greg participated in a police ride-along with the assistance of local law enforcement Corporal Travis Whitley — the husband of one of Greg’s employees, Tiffany Whitley.

During the ride-along they visited neighborhoods in Lake County with a high population of indigent residents. Once there, Greg, Tiffany and Corporal Whitley combed the neighborhoods looking for those who would benefit most. Many of the area’s residents received gift cards, a kind word and encouragement. The homeless were given sleeping bags, flashlights and other camping supplies along with gift cards.

When asked how many homeless lives he touched, Greg responded with, “I couldn’t say; these people are much more than just a number. They are our family and part of our community.

What mattered to me was providing them with hope, light, some warmth and a meal during the holidays.

That’s what families do.”

One family in particular had recently fallen on some very hard times. Alicia Pupo and her two young children were forced out of their apartment in October when it was ruined by heavy flood damage and deemed to be uninhabitable. Her reaction was similar to many of the families Greg touched on the ride-along. “I was in

“It took a few minutes for me to process what was happening.

I started shaking and all I could do was give hugs and repeatedly say thank you.… That morning, I had given my very last dollar at church…”

— Alicia Pupo

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

complete shock,” she said.

“It took a few minutes for me to process what was happening. I started shaking and all I could do was give hugs and repeatedly say thank you.”

The Pay it Forward program had come just in the nick of time for this family.

According to Alicia, every penny she had was spent on getting her kids into a home so they wouldn’t be living in a hotel on Christmas morning. “That morning, I had given my very last dollar at church, so I honestly believe Greg was doing God’s work that day.

He made it possible for me to provide my babies with a wonderful Christmas, which they definitely wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

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THE ALPS OF

FLORIDA VISIONARY BUILT LEGENDARY GOLF COURSE AFTER STRING OF FAILURES STORY: KEITH CHARTRAND

I

n the case of William Henry Howey and his son William John, the apple actually fell quite far from the tree.

William Sr. was an Illinois circuit-riding preacher in the mid- to late-1800s who taught the beliefs of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Junior didn’t receive a calling from above. An entrepreneurial spirit filled young William’s soul.

William John “W.J.” Howey once wrote, “As a young man I was imbued with the vision of building a great agricultural and horticultural empire.”

It took years, thousands of miles traveled and experiments in different businesses before Howey’s vision came to fruition, right here in Lake County.

Howey never consciously planned for his empire to include one of the most prestigious golf courses in the state of Florida. What we know today as the El Campeon course at Mission Inn Resort and Club was built solely to attract investors to Howey’s empire.

Once an 18-hole piece of promotion, El Campeon has stood the test of time over 98 years. It is the sixth oldest course on the Florida Historic Golf Trail.

W.J. Howey dreamed big. Being successful in business wasn’t enough; he wanted to dominate. At a

young age he had a desire to work hard and make lots of money. In 1892, at age 16, he sold life insurance.

Later, he worked as a land developer before becoming enamored with a new-fangled invention called a horseless buggy.

Realizing the automobile would be a monumental game-changer, Howey moved to Kansas City to produce his own line of cars. He hoped to rival Olds and Ford, but the business failed miserably — Howey only made seven cars in two years.

Howey’s first attempt at an agricultural and horticultural empire took place in Mexico. It also failed. Howey’s plan to develop pineapple plantations was uprooted by reforms by Mexican president Porfirino Diaz and rebellion that led to the Mexican Revolution.

Winter Haven, Florida, was Howey’s next stop. In 1908, the 33-year-old took to a business venture that finally stuck. He learned to be a citrus grower. In six years, Howey mastered the production and sales of oranges and grapefruit.

Howey’s next move — to beautiful, undeveloped countryside with numerous lakes located 55 miles due north of Winter Haven — was the shortest of

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William John Howey

his career, but it had the biggest impact.

Howey was attracted by rolling hills, a sight rarely seen in Florida. The land was uninhabited, which made the acreage even more attractive.

“He might have been a businessman but what made him so successful was that he was a promoter,” said Donna (Beucher) Line, Mission Inn’s current owner. “He was a fascinating man.”

The rich, sandy soil of the area’s countryside was exactly what citrus groves needed to produce fruit. The land was also perfect for drainage. Howey gobbled up acre after acre for $8 to $10 each. His idea wasn’t just to plant citrus trees and make money off oranges and grapefruits; he would sell parcels for $800 to $2,000 an acre to investors, guaranteeing them a return on their money.

Spoken like a true promoter, Howey called his newly found land “the Alps of Florida.” It was a far-fetched description, but investors’ return on their money was fact, not fiction.

Howey knew investors weren’t going to send money without seeing what they were investing in. That was fine; Howey wanted them to come. He encouraged them to come. He advertised in newspapers up North so they would come. Howey wasn’t just trying to make his citrus empire grow; he hoped people would come and eventually live in the area. Visitors would need to be attracted to the area by more than citrus. Howey wanted his area to be grand.

The rich, sandy soil of the area that was

Early El Campeon golf course

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“He might have been a businessman but what made him so successful was that he was a promoter.

He was a fascinating man” —Donna (Beucher) Line ideal for citrus groves also was perfect for golf courses. Ironically, Howey didn’t play golf. He left his vision of a golf course in the hands of two men form Chicago.

Club professional George O’Neil had designed a few courses. O’Neil enlisted the help of Chick Evans, who was probably the second best amateur champion at the time behind Bobby Jones.

O’Neil designed Chicago’s Beverly Country Club in 1908. He was also the club’s pro. The course quickly gained recognition for excellence. Two years after opening, it hosted the Western Open, a tournament for professional golfers. Usually

won by a golfer from England, Evans won the tournament as an amateur.

Howey convinced both O’Neil and Evans to spend their winters in Florida starting in 1917. With significant financial compensation, both led the charge in building a firstclass golf course. “When the Almighty designed the world He did nothing more lovely than the country in which I do my winter’s work,” O’Neil reportedly said in a remark perhaps influenced by Howey’s promotional expertise.

What O’Neil did with the 6,300-yard course, initially called Chain-o-Lakes Country Club, was create something never seen before.

Changes in elevation were the norm, especially on the front nine. Holes No. 1 and No. 3 both had high tee boxes that gently slopped downhill. The challenge of a high tee box on hole No. 6 created the possibility of a shot rolling into a pine forest. Every foot of the 375-yard ninth hole was uphill.

Water was prevalent on the back nine. The par-3, 160-

yard 13th hole and par-3 16th carry over water. The green on the 15th hole is a peninsula.

The home hole, the 18th, is a combination of hills and water.

There is a steep upgrade to the green that includes an approach shot over water.

“What made the design so unique was building it on that ridge,” Richard Moorhouse wrote in his book “Golf in Florida.” “There was nothing like that in Florida.”

The original course yardage book overstated the attractive features of the course’s landscape, saying that water, climate and accommodations rivaled St. Andrew’s in Scotland.

Again, Howey’s promotional handiwork was evident. Nothing compared to St. Andrew’s, but the Chain-o-Lakes Country Club was elite. It was one of only two courses in Florida that was, at the time, a full, regulation length golf course over 6,000 yards. The Seabreeze Course in Daytona Beach was the other.

For the early 1900s, most golf course greens were made of oiled sand, not grass. Chain-o-Lakes had grass greens; a sign toward

modernization of the game.

“The upkeep was easier,” Moorhouse wrote. “If a ball hits a grass green there is much more upkeep that has to take place.

The sand was oiled so that when a ball hit or rolled on it, the sand wouldn’t stick to the ball.”

In addition to the golf course, a clubhouse/hotel for guests was steps away from the first tee. The Bougainvillea Hotel, which also housed investors, was a place for golfers to relax after a round with “every convenience offered,” as stated in the yardage book.

The hotel was also the entertainment draw of the area.

The completion of the golf course at Chain-o-Lakes Country Club took place in late 1917.

Howey advertised citrus

opportunities, his golf course, hotel and the beautiful scenery in ads in the most read newspapers in the North in hopes of luring those with deep pockets.

In 1920, the Bougainvillea Hotel burned down. It was rebuilt and renamed the Hotel Floridian four years later. With the area steadily growing, Howey didn’t spare any expense to have the original course redesigned.

He commissioned Charles E. Clark of Royal Troon in Scotland to advance and re-develop O’Neil’s originally layout. The course eventually became known as El Campeon.

The story of Howey-inthe Hills and Mission Inn is documented with so much detail because of the record keeping of the town’s inhabitants and the current family that owns Mission Inn, the Beuchers.

Back in October of 2014, when the state of Florida officially established the Florida Golf Trail, Mission Inn was an obvious choice to be included. It met all the criteria: a course open to the public, built between 1890s and World War II era and has a documented history.

Of the 50 courses on the trail, there is only one in Lake County. There might be five courses that are older but you’ll be hard pressed to find one that we known as much about as El Campeon at Mission Inn.

Mission Inn Resort current day signage with Florida Historic Golf Trail logo March

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Lauri

GRIZZARD

OWNER/AGENT, CRS MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PRODUCER 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE Lauri Grizzard prides herself in her dedication to both home buyers and sellers.

“A Real Estate transaction is often the largest investment in my clients’ lives,” she says. “And without the help of a professional, the process can be overwhelming.”

As a result, Lauri believes in taking the time to educate her clients. Boasting the elite Certified Residential Specialist Designation, which is earned by only 3% of Realtors in the Nation, Lauri has the experience and education you can rely on.

“It’s incredibly important to me that I guide my clients in making an informed decision,” says Lauri, who owns ERA Grizzard with her husband, Gus. “As an ERA company we have the unique ability to offer industry leading tools and resources to our clients, which helps take our customer experience to the next level.”

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On the scene // the to-do list

MARCH To have an event considered for the calendar, send a short text description along with a color photo (if available) 45 days in advance of event to: calendar@akersmediagroup.com or Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749

EVENTS MARCH 6

FAMILY FOOD TRUCK NIGHT The Clermont Downtown Partnership hosts the First Friday Family Food Street Trucks and Music on Montrose. City Hall Park in historic downtown Clermont, FL. 6–9p.m. CONTACT: 352.394.3392

MARCH 6–8

VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE ALLIANCE SWAP MEET AND BIKE SHOW A true enthusiasts’ swap meet for resources for the education and preservation of antique, vintage and classic motorcycles. Lake County Fairground, 2101 County Road 452, Eustis. 8a.m.–6p.m. Free.

CONTACT: 904.626.0664

MARCH 6-15

SUMTER COUNTY FAIR Ride unlimited rides for $20 per person, per day. $15 if you purchase online at wadeshows. com before March 5. Sumter County Fairgrounds, 7620 State Road 471, Bushnell.

Villages. This riding event will benefit Project Legacy and The Sumter County Youth Centers.

CONTACT: webikeforkids.com

MARCH 21

WE BIKE FOR KIDS Held at the SeaBreeze Recreation Center in The

10 0

Leesburg Fine Art Festival

MARCH 7

BEST OF BROADWAY: THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBER Songs from Broadway’s biggest hit shows like “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Evita,” “Cats” and the haunting “Phantom of the Opera.” Mount Dora Community Building, 520 N. Baker St., Mount Dora. 7–9p.m. $25/$34 VIP. CONTACT: 352.217.8390

Celebrating its 38th year, this anticipated event will showcase some of the country’s most accomplished artists as well as rising stars. Historic downtown Leesburg.

CONTACT: 352.365.0232

MARCH 7–8

Swingtime with the Jive Aces and Tinseltown Jitterbugs.

A celebration of songs by greats such as Louis Prima, Cab Calloway, Bobby Darin, Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. along with a few swinging originals.

Lake-Sumter State College, Paul P. Williams Fine Arts Auditorium, 9501 U.S. 441, Leesburg. 2p.m. $27. CONTACT: 352.365.3506

MARCH 12–14

SILENT AUCTION FOR DREAMS AND NIGHTMARES Donations are being sought for the Lake County Library System’s 12th annual Lake BookFest, which will feature authors of fantasy, paranormal and science fiction. CONTACT: 352.253.6167

MARCH 14–15

MUSIC+THEATRE

MARCH 6–8 MARCH 13–15 MARCH 20–22

THE MUSIC MAN The play follows a fast-talking traveling salesman as he cons the folks of River City to buy instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he is to organize.

His plan to skip town is foiled when he falls for Mirian. Melon Patch Theatre, 311 N. 13th St., Leesburg. 8–10p.m. Adults $18, Students $9. CONTACT: 352.787.3013

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MARCH 14

6TH ANNUAL AMVETS POST 1992 GOLF OUTING Four-person scramble benefits Cornerstone Hospice’s SALUTES! and We Honor Veterans programs. Cash prizes, free beverages on the course, fried chicken buffet, door prizes, putting contest. Baytree Executive Golf Course, 120 Juniper Way, Tavares. Shotgun start at 8a.m. $45 entry fee.

CONTACT: 352.801.0278 or 352.408.0872.

MARCH 19–20

ROMANTIC PIANO AT THE SYMPHONY Twenty-year-old virtuoso Estonian pianist Sten Heinoja joins the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra again this season with the romantic Rachmaninov Piano Concerto

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No. 2. Rimsky-Korsakov’s fabulous “Scheherazade” completes the program.

Thursday at St. Patrick Church, 6802 Old Hwy 441 S., Mount Dora; Friday at Family Christian Center in Clermont, FL. $15–$45. 7:30–9p.m.

CONTACT: 352.589.1500

MARCH 21 MARCH 21

100% BLUEGRASS JAM Come enjoy traditional and true bluegrass music. Everyone is welcome to pick or grin. Free admission and refreshments but donations are encouraged. Cassia Community Club, 29245 State Road 44, Eustis. 6:30–11p.m.

CONTACT: 352.217.2422

MARCH 20–APRIL 4

BOEING BOEING It’s the 1960’s, and swinging bachelor Bernard has a flat in Paris and three gorgeous stewardess fiancés who don’t know about each other. Bernard’s life gets bumpy when his friend Robert comes to stay and a new speedier Boeing jet throws off his careful planning.

Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Cost $25 ($21 for students/seniors). CONTACT: 407.877.4736

US 2: A SAXY NIGHT OF MUSIC AND COMEDY Be entertained by sax tickler Alan Darcy and laugh at the outrageous British funny lady herself, Petrina. VIP includes wine/hors d’oeuvres “Meet & Greet” with Petrina and Alan at 6p.m., plus a copy of Alan’s brand new CD. Mount Dora Community Building. 7–9p.m.

Cost $20/$32 VIP. CONTACT: 352.217.8390

MARCH 20–22 MARCH 26–29

HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY A musical biography of the country star’s career includes all of his greatest songs such as “Hey Good Lookin” and “Your Cheatin’ Heart.”

The IceHouse Theatre, 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. Shows: Thursdays at 7:30p.m; Fridays at 8p.m; Saturdays and Sundays at 2p.m. $10–$20. CONTACT: 352.383.4616

MARCH 27

5TH ANNUAL EUSTIS JAZZ REVUE Jazz concert, three-course dinner and art auction. Enjoy an evening of high-energy jazz and fine dining. Jazz performed by the award-winning Eustis Jazz with featured guest saxophonist Jeff Rupert. First Baptist Church of Eustis, 3551 E. Orange

Ave. 6:30p.m. Cost $30 for eights seats/table. CONTACT: 352.357.3921

ART/HISTORY EXHIBITS

atmosphere. Bring chairs and/ or blankets. 9a.m–5p.m. $5 admittance. Children under 12 and active/retired veterans are free.

Renninger’s Antique Center, 20651 U.S. 441, Mount Dora. CONTACT: 352.383.8393

MARCH 12

10TH ANNUAL WINE-A-FARE The Friends of the Lake Eustis Museum of Art will celebrate all things art. An unique and exciting evening of art and cultural entertainment featuring silent auctions, music, hors d’oeuvres, complimentary wine, a beer bar and a special dance performance

by Studio 19, Center for Performing Arts. 1 W. Orange Ave., Eustis.

5:30–9p.m. $35. CONTACT: 352.483.2900

MARCH 13–MAY 1

“YOU ARE HERE” ENCAUSTIC WORK OF RUSSELL THURSTON - BEST IN SHOW “BIG BAD WAX” EXHIBIT This exhibit is a direct result of the artist’s return to the studio after a long hiatus. A directness and spontaneity in this work exploring nature, science and the interconnected systems of information. CONTACT: MountDoraCenterForTheArts.org

MARCH 21

COLORED PENCIL PAINTERS GUILD SPRING JUBILEE Demonstrations, art raffle, door prizes live music and more. Colony Cottage Recreation Center, 510 Colony Blvd. (Route 466A & Morse Blvd), The Villages. 9a.m.–3p.m.

Free. CONTACT: 352.430.3937

FESTIVALS/FAIRS MARCH 1

INDIAN POW WOW Enjoy traditional Native American culture, including drumming, dancing, crafts and food. Family

MARCH 1

STARLITE FILM FESTIVAL Festival celebrates the imagination and entrepreneurial spirit of microbudget films and their creators. Garden Theater, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. CONTACT: StarliteFilmFest.com

MARCH 14–15

FLORIDA ANTIQUE MILITARY EXTRAVAGANZA Taking place outside the Renninger’s Antique Center, this event will feature military vehicle displays, reenactment encampments, military collectible dealers and everything military. Free appraisals will be given. Parking is free. CONTACT: 352.383.8393

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EDITOR’S PICK

MARCH 13–15

Pig on the Pond

This annual event provides fun for the entire family, including cooking competitions and a 5K run/walk. Proceeds go toward scholarship funding for South Lake County students. Waterfront Park in Clermont. $5 daily fee for adults, $3 for children ages 2–6.

CONTACT: PIGONTHEPOND.ORG

MARCH 21

BBQ~BLUES & BREW Sample all you can eat from the area’s best backyard barbeque competitors’ favorite pork and chicken recipes. Downtown Leesburg. 5–10pm. $10 for adults, $5 for children. CONTACT: 352.326.8090

MARCH 28

VETERANS TRIBUTE Veterans tribute and recognition for all branches, recognizing World War II, Korean War and Vietnam veterans. Special guests, speakers, live music, food, beverages and activities. Rural King in Leesburg.

CONTACT: 352.323.8750

MARCH 13–14

Dragon Boat Festival

Watch and participate in the exciting water sport. Teams of paddlers, a drummer and steerperson compete for trophies and rankings. Professional performers. Vendors and fireworks. Wooton Park, 100 E. Ruby St., Tavares. 5–9pm. $3.

CONTACT: 352.343.2531

On the scene // the to-do list

LOCAL TALENT PROFILE

HARD ROCKIN’ BAND DEFINITELY A ‘KEEPER’ STORY: JANE FUENTES

The rock ‘n’ roll landscape is filled with tough-as-nails characters who have endured fickle fans, band breakups and shattered dreams, but few have survived as much adversity as Sick Ross, 52-year-old drummer for local hard rock band Keeper.

In 2011, Ross was involved in a horrific car accident that almost claimed his life. “The other car ran a light and I got T-boned,” he says. “I had over 40 broken bones. I was two weeks in a paralytic coma and flat lined three times.

But he lived to rock again.

“Every day is a gift,” he says. “I don’t take a single day for granted. One of the best moments of my life was last New Year’s when my son Paul played with me on stage for the first time. He played the saxophone to Bob Seger’s ‘Turn

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the Page.’ I downloaded the sheet music from the Internet the night before and that’s all the practice he had. I am one proud papa.”

“Turn the Page” is about as mellow as Keeper gets.

“I’m the metalhead, and I like loud-and-in-your-face hard rock,” says Ross, who lives in Summerfield. In a previous life, Ross played with Lobotomy, an old school thrash band. “We opened for hard-core death metal bands like Suicidal Tendencies, Exodus and Nuclear Assault.”

Bill Broyles, rhythm guitarist and vocalist, is at the other end of the musical spectrum. The Fruitland Park resident likes to bring things down a notch.

He cites Paul McCartney as the artist he’d most like to share a stage with.

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The musical tastes of bass guitarist Earl Ammer (Wildwood) and lead guitarist Rob Howard (Fruitland Park) fall somewhere between the preferences of Ross and Broyles.

They favor Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.

“We’re all about the same age,” Broyles says, “and there’s certain genres of music we all identified with growing up.

Each of us is partial to certain genres, so we’ve got a really eclectic playlist — classic rock, alternative, heavy metal … ” Band members have played in various bands throughout Central Florida and have known each other for years. “We go way back,” Broyles explains. “Heck, there’s 100 years of experience just between the drummer and the bass player.”

Keeper members have been around the proverbial block a time or two, which explains why they are totally at home in front of all kinds of audiences, especially boisterous ones.

The band’s powerful, energetic

and, at times, ear-splitting sets reflect Keepers’ riotous, albeit expressive personalities and their choice to live their lives out loud. They play hard, love harder and own the consequences.

For instance, while most musicians have a day job, not many choose to wrestle bears for a living. Yet for nine months that’s how Broyles supported himself. “That was the dumbest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” he says. “Someone said to me, ‘Hey, if you want to be a bear wrestler, we’ll give you money.’”

Today, Broyles is a computer technician by day, a skydiver and rescue diver.

Broyles says one of the best experiences they’ve had as a band was playing a free concert last year for Heart Strings for Heroes. “The concert was to raise money for wounded veterans,” he explains. “It was really a heartfelt thing for us on a personal level. We look forward to participating again this year.”

“We don’t play for the money,” Ross adds. “We’ve all got day jobs. We play for the pure love of music, and for the fans that follow us around and support us.”

Keeper is working on a new CD with a release date sometime midyear. They’ve also scheduled live performances at Frank’s Place in Leesburg and Hurricane Dockside in Tavares.

INCONCERT DATE

TIME

ARTIST

3/6 3/6 3/6 3/6&7 3/7 3/11 3/12 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/13&14 3/14 3/14 3/14 3/14 3/15 3/15 3/18 3/18 3/19 3/20 3/20 3/20 3/20&21 3/21 3/21 3/22 3/22 3/22 3/25 3/26 3/26 3/27 3/27 3/27 3/27&28 3/27&28 3/28 3/28 3/28 3/28 3/28 3/29

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David Oliver Willis (folk/soul/blues) Blue Stone Circle (variety) Stava Mala (eclectic acoustic) Blue Earth (classic rock) Brian Smalley (folk/acoustic) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative) Kelly Jarrard (acoustic/soul/jazz) Cami Lundeen (pop/rock/indie) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative) Kings Country (party rock) Manfredi Rocks (rock) Bar Fly (rock) Swerve! (pop/rock/dance) Conflict of Interest (rock) Marty Stuart & His Fab. Superlatives Sonic Gypsies (rock/country/dance) Da Boys (acoustic) Swerve! (pop/rock/dance) Nate McManus (folk) Dennis Gallo (Top 40/R&B/rock) RX Bandits (rock, groove tech) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative) Dennis Gallo (Top 40/R&B/rock) Brewery Boys (’60s/’70s/’80s) Chicken Train featuring Lonie Carter (rock) Justin Heet (blues/soul/country) That Lousy Band (classic rock) Kings Country (party rock) Roy Baker Band (rock) Nate McManus (folk) Bobby France (acoustic) Jack Bumgarner (blues) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative/blues) Roy Schneider (Americana/folk) Kelly Jarrard (acoustic/soul/jazz) Da Boys (acoustic) Swerve! (pop/rock/dance) Southern Breeze (classic rock) Mad Hadder Band (rock) Boggy Creek (country) Rich Lawrence & Retrosonics (retro tunes) Blue Stone Circle (variety) Swerve! (pop/rock/dance) 10,000 Papercuts (hard rock) Southern Breeze (classic rock) Nate McManus (folk)

VENUE

1884 Restaurant & Bar, Eustis Ruby Street Grille, Tavares The Lost Parrot, Mount Dora Shamrock Package & Lounge, Leesburg Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares World of Beer, Clermont Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento The Oasis, Sorrento McGregors Bar, Mount Dora Shamrock Package & Lounge, Leesburg Elizabeth Evans Park Lakefront, Mount Dora Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares McGregors Bar, Mount Dora Magical Meat Boutique, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Wooton Park, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Shamrock Package & Lounge, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Magical Meat Boutique, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Lakeridge Winery, Clermont Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Olivia’s Coffeehouse, Eustis Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares McGregors Bar, Mount Dora Shamrock Package & Lounge, Leesburg The Oasis, Sorrento JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares McGregors Bar, Mount Dora Frank’s Place, Leesburg Shamrock Package & Lounge, Leesburg Magical Meat Boutique, Mount Dora

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Our residents have multiple opportunities to socialize and can take comfort knowing they will see genuine, familiar faces every day.

Contact us at 352.873.2036 for a list of our upcoming events.

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March 20 15

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

HIGH ON THE HOG The “Q” is swine and dandy at Clermont’s popular Pig on the Pond STORY: JAMES COMBS

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here’s nothing wrong with having fun — and maybe even going hog wild.

Clermont’s longest-running and largest event allows you to do just that.

The 17th annual Pig on the Pond for the Kids will be held March 13–15 at Waterfront Park. Attendees can enjoy everything from delicious barbecue and thrilling carnival rides to extravagant fireworks and homemade crafts.

In addition to having fun, your attendance raises muchneeded funds to help local high school students fulfill their dream of receiving a college education. Since 2003, the event has generated more than $1 million for scholarships and educational programs in South Lake County.

“In the past, we’ve awarded scholarships to students who otherwise may have been unable to attend college,” says event manager Cheryl Fishel. “Many of those students move back to the area after college and become involved in the community because they appreciate what we did for them.”

TIME TO PIG OUT If you have a hearty appetite, you’ll be in hog heaven at Pig on the Pond.

Inhale the aroma and savor the tastes as barbecue vendors rub their ribs and smoke their barbecue to perfection. You’ll be able to purchase barbecue from vendors who regularly compete in barbecue competitions throughout Florida. They include Uncle Jimmy’s in Clermont, MattDaddy’s Barbecue in Minneola, Hook ‘em Horns BBQ in Leesburg, Beef O’Brady’s in Clermont, Big Papa’s Country Kitchen in Naples, Two Crackers Cooking in St. Cloud, BBQ Shack in Lakeland and Oxie’s Food in Deland.

There will also be a macaroni and cheese competition on Sunday. Competitors include local restaurants, nonprofit organizations and home cooks. Local chefs will judge the competition, and prizes will be awarded in various categories. The

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public can purchase $5 sampling tickets and eat macaroni and cheese until their hearts are content.

THESE LITTLE PIGGES WENT RACING You won’t see pigs fly, but you will certainly see them run and swim — and that isn’t a bunch of hogwash. Robinson’s Racing Pigs delight and entertain festival-goers at fairs all over Florida.

Throughout the weekend, there will be eight contests where four pigs race around an oval track and through a shallow pool of water to the finish line. Each pig is sponsored, and the winner of each race receives a hot dog and Oreo cookies. Talk about squeal appeal.

“People are always fascinated by the pigs, and all of the races draw a big crowd,” Fishel says. “We all know that horses race and we know that greyhounds race, but pigs? It is quite a spectacle to see.”

Once the oinkers finish racing, festival-goers can venture over to the midway carnival and enjoy children’s rides, slides and a Tilt-a-Whirl. There will also be plenty of games where children and adults can win prizes such as stuffed animals and goldfish.

Other highlights throughout the weekend include a 5k run/ walk, a fireworks show Saturday night, a chili cookoff and a pig costume contest.

“There’s something for people of all ages to enjoy,” Fishel says.

“I encourage everyone to come because they’re sure to have a wonderful time while doing their part in helping local students receive the benefit of a college education.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT PIGONTHEPOND.ORG.

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

ONO (THAT MEANS “GOOD”) ISLAND

Forget Waikiki, Kauai is unspoiled Hawaii STORY AND PHOTOS: GARY CORSAIR

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Don Livingstone is a fixture at the Waimea Falls lookout area. Don lives off the land and supports himself by making hats and baskets.

a and Pa Kettle, the Brady Bunch and Elvis had wonderful vacations in Waikiki, but they missed the real Hawaii.

Waikiki is dirty, crowded and full of hotels desperately needing renovation. Hawaii’s beachfront neighborhood on the island of Oahu can’t hold a tiki torch to Hawaii’s Garden Isle, Kauai.

Kauai is a wonderland of uncrowded beaches, hiking trails, farmers markets, quaint small towns, stunning mountains and endless photo opportunities.

And you can experience Kauai without breaking the bank.

Use airbnb.com, VRBO.com and flipkey.com to find deals. Ask questions and do diligent research before sending a deposit. Don’t take anything for granted. Some condo owners in Princeville promise beach access, but don’t mention that you have to traverse a potentially dangerous rocky trail to get to the sand and surf.

By all means, stay away from Craigslist. “We hear scams here and there, even in paradise … be careful,” says Domie Bucasas, appraisal support services administrator in the Kauai property appraiser’s office.

End negotiations immediately if someone asks for the entire payment up front.

SLEEP CHEAP

LEAVE THE DRIVING TO SOMEONE ELSE

No need to pay a fortune for lodging. Find quality lodging for less than you’d spend for an Orlando hotel room.

There’s no need to rent a car for your entire stay.

You can ride all around the island on buses that are comfortable,

modern, rarely crowded and affordable for $2 per trip.

WONDER AFTER WONDER You will, however, need a car to see Kauai’s most aweinspiring site, Waimea Canyon, a natural wonder 10 miles long and 3,000 feet deep.

The twisting, turning road to the top of the canyon is 18 miles long, but the destination is worth the drive.

Stop at every lookout point and linger long enough to see colors change against the canyon walls.

Follow the road to its end for breathtaking views of the Na Pali coast.

When you return to flat land, book a boat tour to see the rocky majesty of Na Pali you can’t see from land. You’ll also see dolphins, turtles and possibly whales. Or take a helicopter tour.

Wailua Falls is another must-see. The twin waterfall is accessible by car. Most visitors snap photos from a waist-high wall a few hundred yards away, never realizing they can hike to the base of the falls for truly stunning photographs.

Of course, adventurers who make the 15-minute trek on the unmarked trail should be prepared to get dirty, muddy and a little wet.

Kauai is the rainiest Hawaiian island, so plan sightseeing on overcast days

and head to the beach when the sun is prominent.

Which beach? Doesn’t matter; they’re all special. And most are right off Kuhio Highway. If you can only visit one beach, make it Makua Beach, better known as Tunnels, on the north shore.

Tunnels is both welcoming and intimidating. The shallow inner reef is great for snorkeling and kids, while the outer reef draws experienced surfers, scuba divers, paddle boarders and wind surfers.

Stay long enough to enjoy a spectacular sunset.

The water is seldom rough at Hanalei Town, a charming, storybook hamlet just west of Princeville. Go for a swim and walk the Hanalei Pier (built in 1892 and featured in the film “South Pacific”) after touring the historic Waioli Mission House and nearby art galleries and quaint shops.

GOLF Kauai has seven golf courses, and while you can pay $200 to play a round at the fabulous Poipu Bay Golf Course or the Princeville at Hanalei Prince (rated Hawaii’s No. 1 golf course

by Golf Digest), you can also play the Kukuiolopo Golf Course in Kalahelo for under $10.

SHOPPING For all-day shopping, head to Kapaa. But don’t pay and arm and a leg for Aloha shirts or

muumuus. The bargains are at Hawaiian Wear Factory on Highway 581 behind the ABC Store on Kuhio Highway.

Coffee lovers must visit the sprawling Kauai Coffee plantation in Kalaheo.

Hawaii’s largest coffee grower has 4 million trees on 3,100 acres, a wonderful gift shop and daily tastings of more than a dozen brews.

While you’re in the boonies, drive through the picturesque, mile-long fragrant tunnel of 100-yearold Eucalyptus trees near Koloa Town.

Before returning to civilization, eyeball the Spouting Horn blowhole in Koloa, where incoming waves are forced upward through a coral formation. It’s a 10-minute gander, but there are gift shops nearby.

And don’t overlook Hanapepe, one of the smallest towns on Kauai. Hanapepe is home of Talk Story, the western most bookstore in the United States; the abandoned Aloha State Theatre; a bouncy pedestrian suspension bridge (across the Waimea River); and the Kauai Cookie Company, famous for cookies flavored with guava, coconut, mango, corn flakes, Kona coffee and of course, macadamia nuts.

GOOD EATS Kauai is for sightseeing, relaxing and ... experiencing inexpensive cafes and food trucks serving poke, malasadas, manapua and other delectable dishes. Here are a few of the locals’ favorites:

• Hamura Saimin in Lihue is nothing fancy, but it is the place to go for saimin, a Hawaiian noodle soup augmented by roast pork, onions, fish cake and other goodies.

• The Village Snack and Bakery Shop in Hanalei serves great plate lunches of teriyaki steak, Katsu chicken or short ribs with white rice and macaroni salad for $8.

• Ono Ono Shave Ice in Kapaa.

Shave Ice is sold on practically every street corner, but no one matches Ono Ono’s grapefruitsize ball of iciness drenched in dozens of flavors.

Getting to Kauai is the big expense, but you can fly roundtrip from Orlando to Lihue for less than $800.

Take away the airfare and Kauai is downright affordable.

You can eat for $20 a day and lodging can be had for less than $80/night.

Shucks, even Ma and Pa Kettle could afford that.

March

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On the scene // Hi, society!

DANCING ON AIR

LIZA MARKELOV, ANASTASSIA ABRAMENKO, ANNA LUKASHEVA AND VIKA KLEYMAN PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

Anastassia Ballroom & Dance welcomed dance enthusiasts to its new studio during its first meet & greet event. Attendees enjoyed a free complimentary group ballroom dance class, followed by a chance to meet the instructors and staff over a glass of champagne. On Blossom Lane in Leesburg, Anastassia Ballroom & Dance offers ballroom, Latin, rhythm, smooth, ballet, pointe, technique and character dance lessons.

VLADIMIR ABRAMENKO AND LILIA NECHAEVA NIK MECAJ, EUGENE PARKHIMOV, TONY WERK, IVAN MARKELOV AND ANASTASSIA ABRAMENKO

ANASTASSIA ABRAMENKO AND IVAN MARKELOV

LENA ABRAMENKO

JOHN WILLIAMS, M.D., JILL HAIGHT, TERI GRAY AND FERNANDO SERRA, M.D. ANASTASSIA ABRAMENKO AND PAVEL VOLYNSKIY

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

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rooms plus wash area. Newly refurbished TENNIS COURT and sparkling POOL. “English Tudor” style 3/3 with remodeled kitchen, two wood burning fireplaces, whole house air filtration system and double pane windows. MINUTES FROM THE VILLAGES. $597,300 MLS# G4806920 Call Theresa Morris 352-360-3736.

FOUR CAR GARAGE ONE ACRE POOL HOME… Iron gated entrance with up to 5 ACRES POSSIBLE. 3/3 home with 4 car detached garage plus workshop with

heat/air that can easily convert to horse stalls. Oversized in-ground pool with waterfall. Enjoy handcrafted woodwork thru-out. Great room features 35 FT high cathedral oak ceiling with wood burning fireplace New wood floors and much more. $435,000 Call Theresa Morris 352-360-3736 MLS# G4705788.

FIT FOR A KING…12 ACRES! Enter through iron gates to custom built 3/3.5 “lap of luxury” home. Pool/spa, covered lanai, gas fireplace and summer kitchen

with built in grill and mini fridge/sink. Brick face decking opens to scenic fenced 12 acres and in ground fire pit overlooking man-made pond. BANK OWNED million dollar view and house is PRICED TO SELL! Pristine location in gated development designed for horses. Features miles of horse trails and minutes to the interstate. $749,000 MLS# G4807493. Call Theresa Morris 352-360-3736.

Cell: 321.287.5440 Office: 321.888.2431 Fax: 321.285.0040 5222 Andrus Ave., Suite A Orlando, Florida 32810

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41599 SHANE RD IN EUSTIS. Great place to 3/2 on almost 10 acres with 3 stall barn, detached 2 car raise a family in the country. 5/3 on 12.5 acres. garage, and pole barn for extra storage. Remodeled and Majestic oaks and small pond in the back. Private well maintained. $159,900 MLS# G4808536. and secluded, close to horseback riding preserves. $249,900 MLS# G4803716.

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3352 CEDAR LN IN HARBOR SHORES. Waterfront

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3234 SITE TO SEE IN EUSTIS. Below recent

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On the end of a cul-de-sac. Reduced to $59,000 MLS# G4802690.

37224 APIARY ROAD IN GRAND ISLAND. Country paradise on almost 4 acres. Featuring 3/2.5 with over

3000 sq.ft. of living area. Upgrades and extras galore. If you have a large family or entertain, this is the home for you. Home has been remodeled and updated. Huge pool with lanai area. Detached workshop or another oversized 2 car garage. Chicken coop condo and barn for your horses. This is the place to call HOME. $324,500 MLS# G4807962.

Ross Plumbing Cleaner • Faster • Better TFR inc

Lic. # CFC056481

352-728-6053

TerryRossPlumbing.com

930 Thomas Ave., Leesburg

DRUG-FREE • HONEST • RELIABLE • EXPERIENCED • PROFESSIONAL

morrisrealtors.com

| 3

JOAN DEFOE REALTOR®

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

HIGHLIGHT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD! Spacious home 3900 SqFt. under H&A. Features 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths, heated pool with spa and 3 Car Garage with workbench for handyman. Unique lot with no rear neighbors and side is located next to beautiful pond. Foyer leads to formal living/dining room. Hugh kitchen with island, walk-in pantry, stainless steel appliances, custom cabinets with pull out shelving with breakfast nook overlooking family room. Has over $131K of upgrades in this STUNNING HOME. Call Joan DeFoe today at 352-516-6843 for your appointment to see this property. $325,000 MLS# G4808020.

2 ACRE CHARMING HOME + “IN LAW APARTMENT...Beautiful historic 1936 immaculate home inside and out.

Separate formal dining room with cedar walls and built in China cabinet with glass doors. Large eat-in Kitchen and Breakfast area with loads of “real wood” cabinets. Inside laundry includes washer and dryer. Detached in-law qtrs., located above the garage features 1/1 and living area with new wall unit for heat and air. Many, many extras, please call Joan DeFoe at 352-516-6843 for your appointment. MLS# G4803263 $209,000.

A SWEET DEAL! 2/2 home with glassed Florida room, large living room, dining area, eat-in kitchen plus covered and screened carport. Extra parking pad. Utility Room with washer, dryer and small work area. Completely furnished. Call Joan DeFoe today to view this property. $49,900 MLS# G4805197

16 ACRE RANCH ESTATE…BRING HORSES…iron gated entry to this beautifully treed property. Pasture includes cross fencing. Horse enthusiast appreciates top of the line 4 stall barn, tack & feed rooms plus wash area. Newly refurbished Tennis Court and sparkling POOL. “English Tudor” style 3 BRM 3 BA with 2 car garage, additional parking with circular driveway. Formal LR w/wood burning fireplace. Separate DRM. For the CHEF IN THE HOUSE, enjoy lovely granite counter tops, new custom wood cabinets with pull outs, built-in can and closet pantry. Lots and Lots of extras a rare find just minutes from The Villages. Call Joan DeFoe for your appointment to view this property. 352-516-6843 $597,300 MLS# G4806920.

Craig Williams Lawn Service 38751 Lakeview Walk Lady Lake, FL 32159 352-459-5261

$ON 2IXIE

Lt. Col. (R), U.S. Army Owner

6ETERAN /WNED s %MPLOYING 6ETERANS Licensed - Insured - Bonded

4|

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

FREE ESTIMATES Great Customer Service

Cell: 352-636-4454

VALERIE FOERST REALTOR®

352.360.3492 // VALERIE@MORRISREALTORS.COM

YOUR CENTRAL FLORIDA NATIVE // 33 YEARS OF HELPING CENTRAL FLORIDA WITH THEIR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

REDUCED

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS EXCEPTIONAL HOME. 14x12

VERY AFFORDABLE TURNKEY CONDO just $175 a

4/4 HAS IN-LAW SUITE and bonus rooms, plus

3/2 WITH FAMILY ROOM AND FENCED YARD Custom

LIKE NEW! 4/3 pool home has open floor plan with

SILVER LAKE 4/2 WITH TROPICAL POOL. Over 2700

screened entry, oversized dining, additional sitting room and well for irrigation. $79,900

paint and Wood Laminate floors in Eustis, Move-In Perfect! $147,000 MLS# G4807975

month. 2/2 in a convenient location, covered parking with extra storage and pool. $53,000

formal dining. Drool over granite counter tops and custom cabinets $265,000

private pool. Amazing contemporary has been completely Upgraded including tile throughout. $239,000 MLS# G4808450

sq.ft. of tile and wood accents, french doors and fireplace…and a fenced yard! $255,000

STEP BACK IN TIME WHERE A HOUSE WAS A HOME WHERE FAMILIES GATHERED AND STAYED. 2 acres of lawn and oaks with vintage 4/3 farm house and mother

in law apartment. True Florida home and a must see! $219,000

Rich LeMoyne Regional Manager NMLS#333158

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

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

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

morrisrealtors.com

| 5

KIM DUCHARME REALTOR®

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

PENDING 3/2 IN GATED COMMUNITY featuring 1200+ sqft of

3/2 TWO STORY HOME located in the gated golfing community of Sorrento Springs. Over 2600 sq ft of

PICCIOLA ISLAND 3/2 in Fruitland Park featuring

3/2 + DEN FEATURING JUST OVER 1800 SQ FT OF LIVING. Open living space, corner lot and large fenced

living. Kitchen features center island, closet pantry, stainless steel appliances and kitchen nook area. Living and dining room combo with French doors leading to screened lanai. Fenced backyard. Home is tiled throughout. $132,000. MLS #G4707299

just under 1200 sq.ft. of living. Lake Access to Lake Griffin. A must see! Won’t last long! $89,900 MLS# G4707111.

living space. No rear neighbors! $169,000. MLS#G4800483.

backyard. Will not last long! $153,900

LOVE THAT VIEW! Calm yourself in the peaceful setting of this custom built waterfront home. This private 2 acre

estate built in 2006 features 4/3 and over 2,600 sq.ft. of open living space has a floor plan to floor you! Home is situated on 178’ frontage of the Palatlakaha River. Boat and fish directly from your backyard with direct access to Lake Harris included on The Chain of Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. $350,000. MLS# G48021878

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME on this 10 acre wooded,

high and dry parcel. Currently being used as a pine tree farm. $125,000 MLS# G4803595.

Cell: 321.287.5440 Office: 321.888.2431 Fax: 321.285.0040 5222 Andrus Ave., Suite A Orlando, Florida 32810

Todd Levensohn Mortgage Lender NMLS 299664

www.mortgagetodd.com

Licensed by Florida Office of Financial Regulation Branch NMLS 1288871

6|

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

todd.levensohn@cfimortgage.com

GREG BOLIEK REALTOR®

352.267.2349 // GREG@MORRISREALTORS.COM

PRICED REDUCED OVER $7000! From the curb you notice the well maintained landscape and a privacy fence with access gates on both sides. As soon as you step into the screened

front porch and look down at the beautiful tile, you know you have found a jewel. The Living room greets you first with ceramic tile entry and then carpeting. The walls are all freshly painted throughout with wonderful earth tones. Passing through to the kitchen you will find an open bright space with an island, breakfast bar, two pantries and ceramic tile floor. The kitchen is open to the Dinning room/Family room and sliding glass doors leading to a patio where you will want to spend hours relaxing. There is an inside laundry room with washer and dryer included. The Master Bathroom has been upgraded with granite counter tops, light fixtures, shower with ceramic tile and clear glass frame less doors that swing open to allow handicap access and ceramic tile floor and tub surround. The toilet has it’s own space also. The garage has been completely finished. Attic access is in the garage and decking has been added for the storage of the season possessions. Home is conveniently located near shopping, hospital, government offices and the YMCA. $142,500 Call Greg, 352-267-2349

FOUR CAR GARAGE ONE ACRE POOL HOME… 3/3

home with 4 car detached garage plus workshop with heat/air. Oversized in-ground pool with waterfall. Great room features 35 ft high cathedral oak ceiling with wood burning fireplace $435,000 MLS# G4705788.

IMPACT FEES PAID FOR 4 OFFICE SPACES! Great

vacant lot in a great location. Over 24,000 vehicles per day! Easy access to HWY 27 and HWY 441. City provides all utilities. To get started on your new office call right away. $95,000.00 Call Greg, 352-267-2349.

GREAT IN TOWN LOCATION close to The Villages.The

lot is fully buildable and virtually no site work or prep needed. There are a total of 5 lots. Discount will be offered for bulk purchase. $70,000 MLS# G4705859 Call Greg, 352-267-2349.

CRYSTAL CLEAR INSPECTION SERVICES FLORIDA LICENSED HOME INSPECTORS NACHI Certified Inspectors

Erick J. Trecek

FL HI 3403 NACHI 11033102 PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT Inspect Before You Invest

352.455.0352

P.O. Box 274 Eustis, FL 32727 CrystalClearInspections@yahoo.com SERVING ALL OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

morrisrealtors.com

| 7

LAUREN FICKETT REALTOR®

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

PRICED TO SELL! This 2/2 is move in ready! Additional large family/game room is great for entertaining. New roof in 2013, new well and hot water heater in the end of 2012.

Screen enclosed back patio. $59,000 MLS# G4804083.

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY! This 4/2.5 is big enough for everyone! Features open kitchen, private great room, and formal dining. All rooms upstairs with office/den. Large master suite with his and her closets, double sinks, and garden tub. Screen enclosed pool. No rear neighbors. Short sale. $169,900.

GREAT LOCATION! Located close to downtown Mount Dora this lot is a great deal. Build your dream home! No HOA! 1 mile to shopping, restaurants and more! $24,900.

BRING YOUR SUNTAN LOTION you are going to need it while boating around the Chain of Lakes. Breathtaking views from your dock await you. This 3/2.5 home welcomes you through the front door to an open floor plan, hardwood floors and lake view. Galley kitchen with newer appliances. Formal living, great, and dining rooms all have great views of the lake. Huge enclosed Florida room with A/C. Screened in patio with hot tub that conveys. 2 car carport. Irrigation system which pulls water from the lake. Boat dock and hoist. 2 A/C units, 5k water purification/softener system. $324,000 MLS# G4695599.

2 MILES TO THE VILLAGES! TWO HOMES! Beautiful custom built 3/2.5 estate. Upgrades galore! Settled back off the main road, you have all the privacy you need.10 acres total.

Separate newer manufactured home with 3/2 on other 5 acres. $575,000. Executive home and 5 acres could be split and purchased seperately for $475,000 MLS# G4706615.

ANYTIMEFITNESS.COM

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

NOW OPEN! LEESBURG 352.742.2008

8|

SUMMERFIELD 352.307.0700

BUSHNELL 352.569.1015

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

LADY LAKE 352.633.0868

MOUNT DORA 352.308.8126

WILDWOOD 352.399.2977

SHARON SMITH REALTOR®

352.391.0099 // SHARON@MORRISREALTORS.COM

LAKE ACCESS, 2.5 GARAGE Lake Myrtle Shores.

Wonderful family home on cul-de-sac. Sturdy 2X6 frame, new carpet, 2179 sq.ft. with .67 acres. New A/C. $210,000 MLS# 4804770 call Sharon at 352-391-0099.

SELLER SAYS MAKE AN OFFER on this sparkling pool home. The MBR has a huge BR and closets galore! This spacious 3/2 with Formal LR and DR has Plantation Shutters throughout the 2385 sq.ft. of living area. The kitchen has tiled floors and counters with beautiful white cabinets and glass inserts. The Living and Family room share a traditional fireplace open to both sides. The enclosed pool has a large lanai to enjoy those days of entertaining with lots of room for lounging and relaxing. All this on a large corner lot with lake access. MLS# G4703358 call Sharon at 352-391-0099.

TUSCAN LIVING AT MISSION INN… After a great round of golf, come home to this incredible home and cool off in the spectacular pool while enjoying the scenic views of the canal and golf course! The extras in this home will impress you…coffered ceilings in the dining and family rooms, 3612 Sq.Ft. of living, with 3 garages and storage galore! The wooden floors are Brazilian cherry. No expense has been spared in this incredible home. Large closets, high ceilings, 4 BR, 4 full baths. The kitchen is every cook’s dream with a 6-burner gas stove, convection oven, warming drawer, wine refrigerator plus dry bar and separate breakfast area, not to mention gorgeous cherry cabinets. Gas fireplace in family room on cool nights make this the ultimate dream home! MLS# G4801724. Call Sharon Smith. 352-391-0099.

EXPANSIVE HOME IN PRETIGIOUS PALMORA PARK! If you like contemporary living, this is the perfect place for you! LEASE/OPTION POSSIBLE WITH SATISFACTORY TERMS TO SELLERS. Huge unique kitchen with “atrium” has tons of cabinets and an over-sized island. Enjoy 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths in the main house plus an attached 1/1 additional living space with full kitchen making it a lovely In-law or Nanny apartment. This community is one of the oldest and most sought-after places to live in the area. All this on a canal leading to Lake Harris Chain-of-Lakes. $375,000. MLS# G4707007 Call Sharon. 352-391-0099.

Rich LeMoyne Regional Manager NMLS#333158

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

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

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

morrisrealtors.com

| 9

MICHAEL BARRETT

RESIDENTIAL SALES // PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND RENTALS

352.255.5710 // MICHAEL@MORRISREALTORS.COM

10 |

2 BEAUTIFUL WELL MAINTAINED PARCELS OF LAND. Approximately 4 +/- acres. Build your dream home with a view. Both parcels are located on Bertsville Rd. Located in the rolling hills of Lady Lake. $68,000 MLS# G4805982.

HERE IS YOUR CHANCE to build your dream home.

Oak Pointe Subdivision close to The Villages, shopping, schools, churches and more. There are two lots available for purchase from this owner. $44,500 MLS# G4691963

VACANT LOT IN BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT WATER PLACE. Property is cleared and flat with a 4-mile lake view of Lake Eustis! Beautiful subdivision with community dock with a beautiful water view. Build the house of your dreams here. $37,900 MLS#G4703283.

BE DRAWN INSIDE THIS ALLURING TUSCANY INSPIRED 4/3.5 HOME. Two story atrium entryway, two-sided brick fireplace separates the tiled living room with a wall of windows and pocket sliders and the Formal Dining Room with stately Chandeliers. Also take a dip in the pool that features a new deck and filter system. $299,900 MILS#G4805542

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

BEAUTIFUL AND SECLUDED 10 +/- lot. Can be sub-divided into two 5 acre parcels. Build your dream home. Lots of trees. On county maintained road. $160,000 MLS# G4805979

SCOTT STREM REALTOR速

352.978.3428 // SCOTT@MORRISREALTORS.COM

SERIOUS ABOUT SELLING // MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PRODUCER

REDUCED

WONDERFUL LAKE DORA FRONTAGE ON PRESTIGIOUS LAKESHORE DRIVE! This solid home features nearly

150 ft. frontage on half and acre, complete with boat dock and aluminum seawall! Home features a spacious kitchen, vaulted ceilings, new roof, new a/c and direct Lake Dora frontage with no road in between house and lake. LOW COUNTY TAXES! Perfect location between downtown Mount Dora and downtown Tavares! $495,000 MLS# G4807523

PEACE AND QUIET ON THE WATER! Large home on

4+/- acres with waterfront! Beautiful swimming pool and a nice secluded location, yet still convenient to shopping! Great family home! $299,900 MLS #G4806030.

REDUCED

CHAIN OF LAKES FRONTAGE! Waterfront paradise awaits! Perfect 3/2 home complete with boat dock and beautiful views of the water. Deep canal leads out to the best boating and fishing spots in Lake County! This is a must see! Great value! $239,000 MLS# G4806082

RARE OPPORTUNITY! DOUBLE WATERFRONT ON THE HARRIS CHAIN OF LAKES! Perfectly located with 100 ft of Lake Eustis frontage out your spacious backyard (with no road in between) and 100 ft on canal out front as well! Freshly remodeled home features a 3/2 main house PLUS a formerly rented guest apartment which could also make a perfect in-law guest quarters. The Harris Chain of Lakes feature some of the best boating and fishing in the state, and this double waterfront location is unbeatable! Call today for more info! $399,900.

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

PRICED TO SELL! Beautiful home located in prestigious Silver Ridge features 2 master suites, a unique loft overlooking the living/dining room, fireplace, and even a large additional bonus room. All on an oversized corner lot! G4808768 $127,500

352-326-4007 | www.insureleesburg.com morrisrealtors.com

| 11

CAMIE KENNEDY REALTOR®

352.408.4668 // CAMIE@MORRISREALTORS.COM CAMIE CAN!

PENDING

HARBOR HILLS Golf Course Frontage…Gorgeous

views. 3/2 with split floorplan. Formal dining, addtional dinette and screened lanai. Oversized garage with golf cart entry. You must see to appreciate! $209,000.

HARBOR HILLS 4/3 pool home with wooded view…

SPRUCE CREEK SOUTH Popular Holly model. 3/2 split

VACANT LOT Serene setting in Oxford minutes from

GREAT DEAL! Attention builders! 1.36 acres with paid

Formal living, dining and family room. Spacious kitchen with breakfast bar, stainless appliances and a built-in desk. Engineered hard wood floors, vaulted ceilings, pool access from three rooms, side entry golf cart garage access. Opportunity Knocks! $319,000.

plan with vaulted ceiling. Corian counter tops, solar tube, large walk-in tiled shower in Master bath. Enclosed Florida Room off back of home. Inside laundry and a 2 car garage. Sure to impress! $109,250.

PENDING

SPRUCE CREEK SOUTH CORNER LOT 3/2 Holly model

with open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, inside laundry room, private fenced yard and a 20x10 tiled lanai.

Fresh interior paint… A great find in this golf course, gated community! $114,000.

PENDING

The Villages and The Villages Charter School. Build your dream home on this wooded 6.34 acre corner lot. Bring your own builder. Homes must be minimum 2400 sq ft living space. Must see to appreciate. $170,000.

PENDING

TREASURE ISLAND Spacious manufactured home

on corner lot. 2/2 with eat-in kitchen, inside laundry, wet-bar and split floor plan. Great find… $44,900 MLS# G4804678.

LAKES OF MOUNT DORA WITH WATER VIEW! Duke

model with upgrades galore! 3/2.5 with Casita.

Open courtyard with one room casita complete with plantation shutters, murphy bed and walk in closet. $285,000 MLS# G4805839

Rich LeMoyne Regional Manager NMLS#333158

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

12 |

impact fees for a 1700+ square foot home. Concrete driveway on property plus a 185’ deep well and septic tank. $49,900.

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

HIGHLAND LAKES LIGHT AND BRIGHT! 3/2 with

private backyard. Spacious eat-in kitchen, extra closet space, inside laundry room, whole house generator and glass enclosed Florida room. Great find in this popular, gated community. $149,197 MLS# G4802449

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

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

David Knowles Exclusive Agent David A. Knowles Agency Allstate Insurance Company 4120 Corely Island Road, Suite # 100 Leesburg, FL 34748 FL Insurance License # A143808

24 Hour Customer Service

Cell: 352.455.2589

Phone: 352.326.9300

Fax: 352.326.3931

LEAH D. CONNER Interior Designer ID# 0004224

Custom Window Treatments

Commercial

Residential Consulting

352.406.3018

leahdconner.com

Staging

leahdconner@gmail.com

morrisrealtors.com

| 13

LINDA MARSH REALTOR®

352.978.3016 // LINDAMARSH@MORRISREALTORS.COM

VILLAGES OF PARKWOOD A family friendly neighborhood in The Villages. You will adore this 5/4 two story luxury home which features a gourmet kitchen with stainless

steal appliances, large island with built in smooth range top, built in wall oven, granite counter tops and lots of custom cabinets. The breakfast nook overlooks the family room with French doors that lead out on to the lanai and swimming pool. The Master bath has his and her vanities, granite counter tops and garden tub. Extra features include 6” baseboards and double pane windows. Call to see this outstanding house today! $335,000 MLS# G4804214 Call Linda 352-978-3016.

IMPECCABLE AND CHARMING 3/2 block home in

Fruitland Park. Light and bright kitchen, separate dining room, sunken living room, family room and split bedrooms.

Roof has been replaced and heater is like new. No water bill and no HOA fees. Call now to see this very special home today! $155,000 call Linda at 352-978-3016.

HARD TO FIND 4/2 BLOCK HOME Enjoy a little bit of country while just minutes from everything! This home is on a large lot with a huge back yard. The kitchen has a breakfast bar and lots of cabinets.

Oversized laundry room. $85,000 MLS# G4806718 call Linda 352-978-3016.

LIVE THE FLORIDA LIFESTYLE in this affordable

HOME SWEET HOME 4/2 well preserved 1927 built

TURN KEY READY! Immaculate 3/2 home on 1/2

HISTORIC HOME…TIMELESS TREASURE! Conveniently located in town. Remodeled kitchen with all new appliances. Washer and dryer included. New flooring in family room and guest bath. Refinished hardwood floors in living and dining room. Roof replaced in 2010. $119,000 MLS# G4800028 call Linda 352-978-3016.

home with original hardwood floors. Huge great room with fireplace, large kitchen with breakfast nook, master bedroom downstairs, wooden deck and brick patio courtyard with fenced back yard. $129,000 MLS# G4805764 call Linda 352-978-3016.

acre corner lot in Fruitland Park with over 2100 square feet! Newly remodeled kitchen, bonus rec room, double paned windows and private well for irrigation. $162,900 MLS# G4807841 call Linda 352-978-3016.

Rich LeMoyne Regional Manager NMLS#333158

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

14 |

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

2/2 home in a Co-Op Community. Monthly HOA fee of $125 includes water, basic cable, clubhouse with swimming pool and many other activities. You can own a nice winter home for a reasonable price! Owner Financing Available…$35,000 MLS# G4700639.

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

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

LENA WILLIAMS REALTOR®

352.636.4488 // LENA@MORRISREALTORS.COM LENA SELLS!

LADY LAKE! Peace awaits this 3/3 on 1 acre with fenced

yard and so many upgrades! The inside is stunning with beautiful wood and ceramic tile, large rooms, stainless steel appliances, rounded corners, high ceilings, and much more. $279,900 MLS# G4707655.

1.65 GORGEOUS ACRES in Lady Lake. You will fall in

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS EXCEPTIONAL HOME. 14x12

FRUITLAND PARK SERENITY! This amazing 3/2

LOCATION… PRICE… SIZE… over 3100 sq.ft.

love with this traditional 3/2, split bedroom home. Features include laminate wood floors, a cozy bay window and a wood burning fireplace. large screened porch and privacy with the fenced back yard. $169,900 MLS# G4805378.

screened entry, oversized dining, additional sitting room and well for irrigation. $85,000

PRICE REDUCED

STUNNING! This 3/2 1999-built home is in a gated all-ages community with community dock on Lake Harris and community pool. This home has it all with wood floors, upgraded cabinetry, granite and marble counters and much much more. $165,000 MLS# G4801238.

built in 2005 has a backyard and lanai that is perfect for Florida! The open floor plan features an additional den and a formal dining plus eating area in kitchen. Perfect for the family! $199,000 MLS# G4702852

in the heart of Leesburg with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and ready to move in… What more can you ask for? Storage.. large closets… beautiful landscaping.

WELCOME HOME TO SKYERANCH! 40 acre Estate... arrive by plane on your private runway. Inside the estates Victorian-inspired exterior, you will find many custom features. Kitchen island,

walk in pantry, commercial style gas stove and beautiful custom cabinetry. The large kitchen opens into a bright breakfast room with floor to ceiling windows. The office has custom built-in shelving and opens into the family room.The three upstairs bedrooms each feature private bathrooms and plenty of space. Additional bonus room, perfect for a quiet retreat. Master bedroom features a large jacuzzi tub and separate shower. From upstairs, you can access a spiral staircase leading to a widows walk. Entertain in your screened lanai, connected to the open pool deck featuring a stone waterfall and deep blue water pool with Jacuzzi jets and sunning shelf. The detached barn houses a separate living area with a 1/1 full kitchen studio upstairs and a two-room suite with full bath downstairs. This property, with 40 acres and a private pond with a shimmering fountain is truly a stunning fly-In home, a rare find, with endless opportunities. MLS# G4806928 $1,100,000

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

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

shopaladas.com morrisrealtors.com

| 15

IT’S PAMPER TIME AT SPA MARBELLA

The Spa Marbella at Mission Inn Resort is under new management and the time to get pampered is NOW! For a limited time, all services are being offered at 15% off published prices for single or couples massage, pedi-and manicure, facials and more. Indulge yourself and discover the area’s most exciting resort / spa experience. NOW at Spa Marbella Mission Inn Resort.

Appointment times, call 352-324-3924 TWO AWARD WINNING GOLF COURSES • SPA MARBELLA • TRAP & SKEET EXQUISITE DINING • MARINA DEL REY • CHAMPIONSHIP TENNIS

H OWEY - IN - THE -H ILLS , FL | MissionInnResort.com

“Dr. Pyles is a miracle worker. I have spinal stenosis and thought I would live with leg pain for the rest of my life. He implanted a spinal cord stimulator and gave me my life back. He is a wonderful doctor.”

—PAM COOK, OCALA

Stephen T. Pyles, M.D.

Pain Treatment Centers of Florida Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional

2300 S. Pine Ave. I Ocala, FL 34471

352.861.4600 www.drpyles.com

On the scene // Hi, society!

CELEBRATING GOOD TIMES

It was an evening of fun and merriment at the Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence’s annual holiday party at the Hilton Ocala. The masquerade-themed party featured dinner, dancing and casino games. Attendees were also encouraged to donate toys for the fourth annual ICE Toy Drive, which benefits Kids Central. In addition, Dr. Asad Qamar took the opportunity to thank every department for its hard work.

CHERI AND MARK HOOKS WITH DR. GEORGE AND KIM GILBERT

SARAH VASSALLO, NYKOL GALVAN AND BRITTANY CHARRON

TABITHA AND MARQUALLE WOLLBRIGHT

BRIDGETT SUMMERALL

DR. ASAD QAMAR

LICA SAENZ AND VICKY ADORNO

SARAH JOHNSON NANCY AND CODY TERRELL

NANCY SOMBATT WITH CHASE AND MAURA THOMPSON

11 2

I lakeandsumt er

.com

PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

BOB RUTKOWSKI AND JEN CANNADAY

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On the scene // Hi, society!

AN ACT OF FAITH

Students united in prayer at Tavares High School during the second annual Fields of Faith event. Student-athletes took to the field to share their faith with like-minded individuals and pray for the administration, teachers, students and coaches.

CHARLIE CERNEY AND NIKKI SAUERBREY KEN AND ADANIELLE DAUGHTY

TESSA WHITEHEAD AND TRYSTON FARRELL

SAMANTHA AND BIANCA MONTRONE WITH BRITTANY MCCOY BRILLE AND ARIELLE DAUGHTY

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On the scene // Hi, society!

TASTY TREATS

TOM AND SYDNEY TANKO

JENNIFER CAPPELLO, KANDACE CLATTERBAUGH, CARA D’AMBROSIO` AND JESSE HERNANDEZ GABRIEL MINASSIAN PHOTOS: MORGAN ELLIS

Hundreds flocked to Waterfront Park in Clermont to enjoy the fourth annual Taste of South Lake & Business Expo. Attendees enjoyed signature dishes and drinks from more than 25 of the area’s best restaurants and voted for the Best of South Lake. The T Scott TropRockers Duo provided live entertainment throughout the evening.

TREY, STACEY, DONNIE, BRADLEY AND DARCIE HUNT JAMER MARINO, JONATHAN MARINO AND JEREMY RUSH

CHRISTIAN BROWN AND ANDREA RODRIQUEZ

DR. JOSH HASKIN, JOANN RAFACZ AND DR. PAUL SCORCHY THE T SCOTT TROPROCKERS DUO

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morganstanleyfa.com/smithprevattmonteith Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates. This material is intended only for clients and prospective clients of the Portfolio Management program. It has been prepared solely for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument, or to participate in any trading strategy. The individuals mentioned as the Portfolio Management Team are Financial Advisors with Morgan Stanley participating in the Morgan Stanley Portfolio Management program. The Portfolio Management program is an investment advisory program in which the client’s Financial Advisor invests the client’s assets on a discretionary basis in a range of securities. The Portfolio Management program is described in the applicable Morgan Stanley ADV Part 2, available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV or from your Financial Advisor. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and Federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the US. © 2015. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC CRC 1110052 02/15

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l a v i t s e F Art g r u b s e e L

THE 38TH ANNUAL

EX ECU T I V E D I R E C T O R LE T T E R

Cover Read more about poster artist Jackii Molsick on page 14.

Contents What is a juried art festival? . . . . Pg. 4 Event Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 5 Walk With The Expert . . . . . . . . . Pg. 6 Literary Arts Festival. . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 8 Event Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 12 Featured Artists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 14

Flock TO THE FESTIVAL MARCH 14TH & 15TH

As the Executive Director of the Leesburg Center for the Arts, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 38th Annual Leesburg Art Festival. I am so proud to be a part of the team that brings artists, musicians, actors and dancers together from all over the country to celebrate the culture that makes our community unique.

As the white tents pop up all over Historic Downtown Leesburg, the excitement of spring brings an opportunity for artists and appreciative audiences to come together each year in an atmosphere unlike any other. This year’s festival will be an exciting opportunity for families to come and spend the day together, with no admission fee. There will be a Kids Zone near Town Square with plenty of activities for the whole family, as well as the Town Square Stage by City Hall with tons of entertainment, featuring musicians, dancers and performers from all over Central Florida. And don’t miss the Student Art Exhibit at the Center for the Arts at the corner of 5th and Magnolia and the Leesburg Art Association Spring Show at Southern Gardens Galleria.

On the East end of Main Street, you’ll enjoy the Adult Storytellers and Local Author Book Signings at the 2nd Annual Literary Arts Festival hosted by the Leesburg Public Library along with the Riverwind Flute Circle. Visit one of the Gourmet Food Trucks, meet some Emerging Artists, and participate in a “Walk with the Expert” while you are here. There’s a Classic Car Show on Saturday and an opportunity to spot a “Living Windows” version of your favorite masterpieces.

The artists you’ll find up and down Main Street are among the best in the country. You will certainly be moved by their artwork, and I invite you to make their art a part of your life by purchasing something you can enjoy for a lifetime.

As you walk the streets of downtown Leesburg this weekend you will see a fantastic mix of cultures and methods of expression. We are a living, breathing, thriving destination for visitors with so much to offer. We are an exciting community for residents to live and work in.

I hope you’ll bring your family this weekend. It’s a wonderful place to be!

Amy Painter, Executive Director Leesburg Center for the Arts Pg.

th 2 The 38 Annual Leesburg Art Festival

A little dust. A lot to love.

We’re paving our way to progress; making big improvements!

See all that’s happening and say hello to your favorite merchants while you’re here. Their doors are open—if a tad dusty.

www.leesburgpartnership.com

ABOUT THE EVEN T

WHAT IS A JURIED ART Festival?

Leesburg Art Festival is a juried show. In mid-summer of each year, artists who wish to apply submit 3 digital images of their work as well as an image of their booth set up and a short artist statement that explains the process of producing their art. They pay a small fee for the jury, or selection committee, to consider them as potential participating artists.

Once the deadline closes for artist applications, usually in early December, the jury panel is assembled. The jury is usually composed of artists, art educators, knowledgeable art patrons, and gallery owners. To ensure impartiality, entries are assigned numbers and no artists’ names are used during the selection process. The jury panel determines which artists will be accepted into the show based on technical skill, creativity, the medium, originality, marketability and general appeal.

The artists who are chosen by the jury panel are sent invitations to participate in the festival. The artists who are chosen then have a short period of time in with which to respond to the invitation. In order to reserve their space in the festival, they must pay their booth fee by the deadline, which is usually in mid January.

Artists and craftsmen usually prefer to be with other creative people rather than mixed in with importers, resellers and manufacturers at an “open� or non-juried show. The goal of the Leesburg Art Festival is to present a well-rounded show which will present art for sale at many different price points, but always art that is created by the artist that you will meet while walking the streets of Leesburg throughout the weekend.

Pg.

th 4 The 38 Annual Leesburg Art Festival

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR S P ON SOR S

Presented by the Leesburg Center for the Arts Pg. 5

TOUR THE EVEN T

Walk WITH THE EXPERT Sign up at the Walk with the Expert tent, located near the clock on Town Square during the Leesburg Art Festival to get an insider’s view on the world of art. When you take your walk, you’ll meet several artists in their booths, you’ll learn from a professional Art Festival artist, and you’ll count the steps you take using your LRMC pedometer for fitness. The Walk with the Expert program is free to the public and sponsored by Leesburg Regional Medical Center.

14

THE ETIQUETTE OF BUYING ART

15

YOU CAN BUY ART

MAR

MAR

Saturday, March 14th, 3:00 P.M. Hosted by Cheryl Jones Evans, Fine Artist and Creativity Facilitator Is this your first time at an art festival? Are you interested in purchasing something, but you’re not sure how to approach the artist? Is it okay to negotiate price on artwork?

Sunday, March 15th, 3:00 P.M. Hosted by Robert Trask, Appraiser & Broker with Independent Art Services of Central Florida What should you consider when buying art? Why should you buy a certain piece? How do you decide which piece of art is right for you? How do you begin to build an art collection?

THIS PROGRAM IS SPONSORED BY: Walk with the Expert is sponsored by Leesburg Regional Medical Center, a 322-bed acute-care hospital that is home to the area’s leading physicians, surgeons and specialists and has been serving Central Florida for 50 years.

The team at LRMC specializes in cardiology, orthopedics, neurosciences, minimally invasive surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics and stroke care. www.CFHAlliance.org

Pg.

th 6 The 38 Annual Leesburg Art Festival

Your All Occasion Gift Shop 415 W. Main St., Leesburg, FL 34748 352.728.0033 * M-F 10-6 Sat 10-5

Literary ARTS FESTIVAL FEATUR ED EV EN T

Visit the Main Stage at the east end of the Leesburg Art Festival all weekend long for Adult Storytellers, Local Author Book Signings and performances by the Riverwind Flute Circle.

Authors Carmela Cattuti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Between the Cracks Gregory Chinama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Living in the Age of Apathy Judi Ciance, Casey Quinby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Empty Rocker, Paint Her Dead, and Caught with a Quahog Annie Kelley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dragons of the Wold: The Chosen Maddie Lock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ethel the Backyard Dog Ray Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investigations of the Reverend Lyle Thorne and three additional volumes of short stories Lois Podoshen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trying on Bathing Suits & Other Horror Stories; books for children, including Grandpa’s Candy Store, The Birthday Bird, Paco’s Garden, and The Artist Mildred Santiago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dreams and Realities: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Resilience Frank Stanfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vampires, Gators and Wackos: A Newspaperman’s Life and Unbroken: The Dorothy Lewis Story Gail Tyson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Whale’s Tale - Wyatt’s Antarctic Adventure: Tagged by Scientists Peter Updike. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wild Treasures of an Outdoorsman Paul Wheelhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Global Prayers for All People: Various Occasions, Many Faith Traditions

Pg.

th 8 The 38 Annual Leesburg Art Festival

Riverwind Flute Circle will be performing all weekend on the Literary Arts Stage.

2 0 1 5 L E E SBURG PUBL I C L I BRA R Y LI T E R A R Y A R T S FE S T I VA L

Featured Storytellers Jeremy Evans – Saturday, March 14th at 11:00A.M. Award-winning storyteller Jeremy Evans has been telling stories since he was twelve years old, appearing at schools, libraries, and festivals all across the state of Florida. He has also made his mark further afield, having performed as far north as New York and as far west as California. Back in 2004, at the tender age of 16, he emerged as winner of the National Youth Storytelling Showcase. He tells a wide range of stories that appeal to all ages, from true stories to folk tales to full blown lies.

Chris Kastle – Saturday, March 14th at 2:00pm As a professional touring musician and storyteller, songsmith, author, artist, and educator for half a lifetime, Chris Kastle has performed throughout the United States and in Canada, Europe, and New Zealand. The songs and stories of Chris Kastle have been described as “exquisite” and possessing “powerful imagery”. Her performances at concerts, festivals, libraries, schools, and camps are a rich blend of original works and those drawn from folk tradition. They captivate, entertain, and transport people of all ages.

Cheryl Floyd – Sunday, March 15th at 1:00pm Whether it is folktales from around the world or Cajun tales from her southern Louisiana roots, Cheryl Floyd loves to share humor, song, and story with listeners of all ages. She brings forth her love of the written word and the oral tradition from her years as a school librarian, educator, and publisher of a healthy living magazine.

Cheryl has a Master’s degree in Storytelling from East Tennessee State University.

Presented by the Leesburg Center for the Arts Pg. 9

T H E T H E

O F F I C I A L S P O N S O R O F 2 0 1 5 L E E S B U R G AR T F E S T I VA L

G U I D E

PLAZA CADILLAC

Personally blessed. Cadillac proud.

As I personally reflect back on this past year here at Plaza Cadillac, I truly realize just how blessed I am to be surrounded by such a wonderful family both at home and here at the dealership. I have a fantastic wife, six wonderful children and two grandchildren, all of which fill my life with joy. Even our two cats have mellowed out and have started liking me, which I thought would never happen!

I look at each and every one that that works here at Plaza Cadillac as a member of the Plaza family along with every customer that does business with us. We often tell our new customers just how much we appreciate them becoming a member of the Plaza family and we truly mean it! Just as it is to be a husband, father and grandfather, it is also so very rewarding to be surrounded by a team of employees that share in the same philosophies that I do, greet guests with a warm smile and then take every step to ensure they are completely satisfied with their visit. At Plaza Cadillac, we are proud of our profession and are obsessed with providing a world class environment for our guests to do business in. Simply stated, we are truly passionate about Cadillac and love helping our customers celebrate their life success stories.

At Plaza Cadillac, we are so fortunate to be able to provide such outstanding products, service and the benefits of ownership that only Cadillac Motor Division offers. That is the reason we find that once a customer makes the decision to drive a Cadillac, they just keep coming back. We sell a great product and then it is our responsibility to make the ownership experience the best that it can be. That is our challenge and we love it!

The model year 2015 has several wonderful new product offerings which will be covered in the following pages. The long-term product plans for Cadillac are even more exciting. I cannot disclose at this time what is on the horizon but please stay in contact with us here at the dealership and we will let you know. As I mentioned, it is exciting!

It is our pleasure to once again be a supporter and sponsor of the Annual Leesburg Arts Festival. Plaza Cadillac is very involved in our local community and involvement like this is just another small way of saying “Thank you� to our followers.

Enjoy the Arts Festival and be safe,

JOSEPH H. NOLETTE Dealer Gregory Yager General Manager

caddygm@comcast.net

Tony Pagano General Sales Manager tony@cadillactony.com

Todd Arnette Finance Director

TArnette629@gmail.com

Charlie Cintron Service Manager

CharlesCintron@PlazaCadillac.com

Joe Braga Accessories Manager

JoeBraga@PlazaCadillac.com

Mark Carter Parts Manager

MarkC@PlazaCadillac.com

Kevin Browning Roadside Assitance Cell: 352.551.9502 Harry Akarcay Warranty Administrator

HarryAkarcay@plazacadillac.com

Kristi Bailey Business Development Director Kbailey@plazacadillac.net

Greg Yager

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OWNER BENEFITS WE HAVE CREATED THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE SUITE OF OWNER BENEFITS OFFERED BY ANY LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE BRAND IN THE WORLD, PROVIDING EVERYTHING OUR CADILLAC OWNERS NEED AND EVERYTHING THEY DESERVE.

PREMIUM CARE MAINTENANCE

The Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance program1 covers routine oil changes, tire rotations, certain air filter replacements and a thorough multipoint vehicle inspection for 4 years or 50,000 miles.2

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

Cadillac offers more years of standard Roadside Assistance than any leading luxury automaker, with services for 6 years or 70,000 miles.4 This 24/7 program provides lockout, towing, refueling, Dealer Technician Roadside services and more.

COURTESY TRANSPORTATION

This program provides alternative transportation and/or reimbursement of certain transportation expenses if your Cadillac requires warranty repairs for 6 years or 70,000 miles. That is more years of service standard than any leading luxury automaker.

WARRANTY PROTECTION

The Cadillac 6-year or 70,000-mile3 Powertrain Warranty offers more years and miles standard than BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. In addition, our 4-year or 50,000-mile3 Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty covers repairs on your entire vehicle, including parts and labor, to correct any concerns in materials or workmanship.

THE ONSTAR®5

Directions & Connections® Plan allows you to push one button to connect with a specially trained Advisor to find the things and places you need. Get directions or a diagnostics check while you drive. Make calls with both hands on the wheel, and control your vehicle with the OnStar RemoteLink® mobile app.6 And, as always, get help immediately in a crash or an emergency. XTS comes standard with one year of the OnStar Directions & Connections Plan.

SECURITY BY ONSTAR

If you’ve reported your Cadillac stolen, OnStar can use GPS technology to help authorities quickly locate and recover it. An OnStar Advisor can further assist authorities by sending a remote signal to activate Stolen Vehicle Slowdown,®8 which can gradually slow the vehicle to a stop to aid in its recovery.

Advisors can also enable a Remote Ignition Block,8 making it impossible to restart a stolen vehicle once it has been turned off.

DIAGNOSTICS BY ONSTAR

With the most comprehensive vehicle diagnostics11 from OnStar, maintaining your Cadillac can be as simple as checking your email or your OnStar RemoteLink mobile app. Every month, you can receive an email with the status of key operating systems, or push your blue OnStar button for a real-time diagnostics check on demand.

EMERGENCY BY ONSTAR

With Automatic Crash Response, 7 in a crash, built-in sensors can automatically alert a specially trained OnStar Advisor who is immediately connected into your Cadillac to see if you need help sent to your 1. Standard on all 2011 and newer vehicles. 2. Whichever comes first. See dealer for select scheduled maintenance details. 3. Whichever comes first. See dealer for limited warranty details. 4. Whichever comes first. 5. Visit onstar.com for coverage map, details and system limitations. Services vary by conditions. 6. Available on select Apple,® Android,™ BlackBerry® and Windows® devices. Services vary by device and conditions. Requires active OnStar subscription. 7. Visit onstar com for details and system limitations. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. Not all vehicles may transmit all crash data. 8. Service varies with conditions. 9. Requires an existing OnStar service contract and prepaid minutes. Visit onstar.com for coverage map, details and system limitations. 10. Devices must be WPA2- compliant with active OnStar service and data plan. Wi-Fi devices manufactured prior to 2006 may not be compatible. Please consult your device manufacturer for information regarding the WPA2 security protocol and Wi-Fi device compatibility. Visit onstar.com for details and system limitations. 11. Capabilities vary by model. Visit onstar.com for details and system limitations. 12. Requires iPhone® or Android™ mobile device.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

exact location. Other OnStar emergency services include Injury Severity Prediction and First Assist, which ensure you quickly get the help you need when seconds matter most.

CONNECTIONS BY ONSTAR

Available OnStar Hands-Free Calling9 allows you to make and receive calls safely from your Cadillac.

With the OnStar RemoteLink mobile app, you can access real-time information and control your vehicle from anywhere you have cell phone service.

With a few simple steps, you can find a destination using the RemoteLink app and send directions right to your vehicle. Available OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi® hotspot10 can help you stay better connected to the world around you. The content and connections you crave throughout your day have moved inside your Cadillac, with a hotspot capable of supporting up to seven mobile devices at once, along with a high-speed, highly reliable 4G LTE connection — making it an easy way to access data on the go. You’ll also see an enhancement to current OnStar services, including shorter response times and faster service delivery. This is the most powerful OnStar ever, empowering you and your passengers to create a highly connected world inside your car.

NAVIGATION BY ONSTAR

Just push the blue OnStar button, and an Advisor can download turn-by-turn directions5 to your Cadillac. A voice will then call out every turn, or the directions will be sent to your navigation system, if equipped. You can also plan routes using MapQuest. com® and send them to your Cadillac.

1

Robin Durnbaugh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 711 Barbara Boyce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604 Wendy Witchner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 Debbie Stillman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Lisa Hansell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406 Laurel Davern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302 Betty Bosworth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OO7 Gary Bobofchak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 Kathy Finton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 Deborah Barnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309 Juan CarlosCahue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407 Jenna Hirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 605 Laurie Onufer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411 Dr Eric Lundgren. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704 Caleb Barnaby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 610 Aline Sar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 707 Paul Albritton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 609 Parry Dolle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703 MIXED MEDIA Margaret Everson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401 Deane Kellogg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O11 Jennifer Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Magali Fox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408 Gregory Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 Scott Bowman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 PAINTING Bill Salada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OO5

N 7th St.

CERAMICS David Wells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 700 Kelly Cornell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 Carole Meier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200X Jennifer Beville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Patrick and Hil-Dee Bates . . . . . . . OO3 Daryl Jackson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 DRAWING Nick Alexiades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 FIBER Kathryn Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 FINE CRAFTS Joel Lockridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O15 Magali Cereghino-Groves . . . . . . . 709 Kelly Williams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403 William Waite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Jim Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Richard Morris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 602 Linda Hansee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404 William Graham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713 GLASS William Tackett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 611 Sandra Funk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405 Myra Haddock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OO9 Joan Milbrandt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 JEWELRY Rick Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O14

Orange Ave.

A R T I STS & EV EN T MA P

LAA SPRING SHOW

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SOUTHERN GARDENS GALLERIA

713

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Zhiyong Ye. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608 Cheryl Ritter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Lynn Ferris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413 Robert Cornman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 702 Kayko Stanton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Swetha Barkam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O13 William Dickson, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Carol Napoli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Dan Burleigh Phillips . . . . . . . . . . . . 612 Bruce Nawrocke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Christina Burke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304 Kenneth Aunchman. . . . . . . . . . . . . 210 Jackii Molsick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 601 PHOTOGRAPHY/DIGITAL ART Jeff &Michelle Cobble . . . . . . . . . . 708 Michael Carley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705 Ashley McDermott . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Restrooms

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6th Street

7th Street

Orange Avenue

9th Street

Main Street

703

Jim Hogan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O16 James Orme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607 Debi Denny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400X Timothy Hall,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 Jane Axman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OO1 Katie Deal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306 David Julian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409 James Marsh, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 606 Paul Ingwalson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402 SCULPTURE Michael Riley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706 Chuck Tripp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 JT Smalley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410 Amy Lennard Gmelin. . . . . . . . . . . . 603

Market Street

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705

Parking

C // Leesburg Art Association Spring Show

A // Leesburg Center for the Arts E Artist must check-in!

B // Palace Bldg. – 3rd Floor E Artist Award Dinner

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2nd FLOOR ARTIST DINNER

KID’S ZONE

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PLAZA CADILLAC

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Presented by the Leesburg Center for the Arts Pg. 13

TH R E E – D I M E N S IO N A L A RTIS T

Richard MORRIS Most of my artwork is accomplished by three methods of enhancements to the wood; pierce carving, power carving and air brush painting. With pierce carving the wood has to be very thin. As the name implies, a high-speed air driven dental drill with a carbide bit is used to pierce the wood and carve shapes. This is all hand done, without the use of a laser.

The second is power carving the piece to achieve the desired results.

This involves the use of high-speed air driven rotary tools. Different types of bits are used in these tools to accomplish a particular task.

Third is using an airbrush to add color when needed. I use primarily transparent paint so the grain of the wood will still show through.

Find

Richard’s work will be available for purchase at the Leesburg Art Festival in Booth #602 on the north side of Main Street at the corner of 6th and Main.

Magali FOX M IXED M EDIA ARTIST

I have painted highly textured, colorful mixed media abstracts for 30 years. In 2009, I started listening to classical music while I painted and soon realized that the cadence, mood and feel of my art began mimicking the sounds that came from my earphones. Today, all my paintings celebrate the joy of the wonderful music that is my inspiration. I collage pieces of sheet music within the various layers of each painting, as a way of further infusing the piece with the source of its inspiration. Sometimes, I hand draw a piece of musical score with pen and ink and it becomes part of the painting. Most of my paintings are titled after the compositions that inspired them.

Although abstract, my paintings are not without purpose, energy and meaning. They are not as much painted as they are built. The nuances of the under-painting, which show through here and there, the gestural brushwork, the elements that I choose to incorporate and their placement within the composition are all orchestrated to give the painting movement and tension and are meant to act as “magnets”, bringing the viewer closer.

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Find

Magali’s work will be available for purchase at the Leesburg Art Festival in Booth #408, on the North side of Main Street, at the corner of 5th and Main.

Jackii MOLSICK P O S T E R A R T IST

I am a painter who enjoys exploring a variety of subject matter and media. I consider myself a watercolorist, first and foremost, but from time to time, also enjoy explorations in collage, oil and pastel. My paintings reflect my love of nature, animals, people, travel and nostalgia.

I have painted since childhood, and grew up with a mother who was an accomplished oil and watercolor painter. I have also had the pleasure of studying with many modern day watercolor masters, including Mel Stabin, Tony Couch, Janet Rogers, Frank Webb and Fred Graff.

Today, I am fortunate to teach watercolor at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts, and maintain a working studio in Mount Dora.

Find

Jackii’s work will be available for purchase at the Leesburg Art Festival in Booth #601, on the South side of Main Street, at the corner of 6th and Main.

Presented by the Leesburg Center for the Arts Pg. 15

eats IN THE KITCHEN SALUTÉ FORK ON THE ROAD DINING GUIDE

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

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LA DOLCE VITA (THE SWEET LIFE) Meet the magnificent macaron maestro of Eustis.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES

R

osann Evans lives for a challenge. As a matter of fact, “I can’t” doesn’t seem to exist in her vocabulary. Therefore, when celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsey told contestants on his hit television show “MasterChef” that making French macarons was one of the hardest culinary feats to master, Rosann took the famous chef’s words as a direct dare.

“And he was right,” she says with a laugh.

Even with Pinterest, YouTube, Google and library books as her teachers, Rosann discovered each recipe for macarons always slightly differed. It was a lot of trial and error before she achieved the right taste and texture.

“Many went into the garbage at first. It took about 10 batches before the whole batch was good. However, by the time I hit 30 or 40 batches, they were coming out good back to back. Now, I rarely mess them up,” she says.

A year and a half of solid practice helped build Rosann’s confidence to the point she left her full-time job as the office manager at Deaf and Hearing Services in Leesburg to launch Dolce

Mattina, her home-based macarons (and more) business.

“I started out just wanting to master it, but along the way I realized I really had a knack for making macarons,” says Rosann. “It’s been fun watching things take off.”

SWEET TALK Undoubtedly, most people are first drawn to macarons because of their distinct look. They come in an array of colors ranging from lively hues like hot pink or electric orange to more muted pastel shades. And they’re bite-sized, which makes them not only ridiculously adorable but totally irresistible. But ultimately, their versatility is what keeps people coming back for more.

Over time, Rosann has experimented with some interesting flavor profiles that leave tongues wagging.

“Most shells don’t have a flavor, but for a bride one time I made a pomegranate shell using freeze-dried pomegranate and I filled the cookies with a rose-infused ganache that was too die for,” she says. “I’ll also add cocoa to make a chocolate-flavored shell or

freeze-dried carrots and spices for my carrot cake macarons. Now that my skills are pretty solid I’ve been trying to play around more with the meringue.”

The result: small treats with big tastes.

And the flavors get even more daring when Rosann experiments with her fillings.

“I make my own limoncello to make my limoncello buttercream. I also make my own fruit purees and vanilla. For my pecan pie macarons, I add chopped pecans to the caramel pecan filling. I get into the creativity of making different flavors,” Rosann says, “but the biggest challenge is recreating flavors people already know like chocolate-covered cherry or tiramisu.”

Other challenges lie within the preparation of the macarons. Rosann will be the first to tell anyone Chef Ramsey wasn’t kidding when he said these delicate confectioneries are hard to create.

While the meringue only requires four ingredients — almond meal, sugar, powered sugar and egg whites — the execution has to be precise.

“The ingredients have to be weighed

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

WHAT ARE MACARONS? Often confused with coconut macaroons, French macarons are meringue-based cookies made with almond flour or meal, egg whites, granulated sugar and powdered sugar, then filled with buttercream, ganache or fruit puree. A good macaron will have a crisp, eggshell-like exterior and a light-as-feather interior with a soft, chewy finish.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Favorite food: “Pasta.”

Favorite macaron flavor: “Tiramisu.”

Favorite celebrity cook/baker: “Jacques Pépin. He just knows everything and has been around forever.”

Favorite kitchen utensil: “A Microplane grater. You can use it to not only grate but also zest. I like to use it to grate fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano.”

Favorite music to bake to: “I have a playlist called ‘Calm’ that I listen to.

I like blues, country, but I also find myself listening to a lot of the music my parents listened to. Stuff from the ’40s and ’50s.”

FRENCH MACARONS Adapted from Allrecipes.com

INGREDIENTS:

3 egg whites, room temperature 5 tablespoons white sugar 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar 2/3 cup finely ground almonds or almond meal DIRECTIONS: • Preheat oven to 285 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.

• Beat egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment until whites are foamy. Beat in white sugar and continue beating until egg whites are glossy, stiff peaks.

Be careful not to overbeat.

• Sift confectioners’ sugar and ground almonds in a separate bowl. Then quickly fold the almond mixture into the egg whites using a silicone spatula.

Make sure the batter doesn’t become runny.

• Spoon a small amount of batter into a pastry bag fitted with a

plain round 0.4-inch tip. Pipe out 1-inch disks onto prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each disk.

• Rap baking sheets firmly on the counter two to three times until tops of disks are smooth.

• Let the piped cookies stand at room temperature until they form a hard skin on top, about 20 minutes.

• Bake cookies until set but not browned, about 10 minutes; let cookies cool completely before filling.

NOTE: To measure by weight, use these amounts: 100 grams of egg whites, 50 grams of white sugar, 200 grams of confectioners’ sugar and 110 grams of ground almonds.

For colorful cookies, add gel food coloring to the meringue, and for different flavors, add dry flavorings, like cocoa, to the powedered sugar/ ground almond mixture.

by the gram, not measured, and it has to be exact. That was a hard concept for me to grasp because when I cook I just add a little of this and a little of that,” says Rosann.

There’s also the added obstacle of humidity, which the Sunshine State is famous for.

“I have to check the humidity every day. If it’s in the 90s, I try not to bake because humidity requires me to adjust my oven temperature, baking time and even the ingredients,” she says.

Then there’s the consistency.

“You have to get a feel for what the mixture is supposed to feel like when you’re mixing it,” says Rosann. “Then from there you have to make the shells the right size when you’re piping them and allow them to dry for at least 20 minutes under a fan before you bake them.”

And last comes willpower, because macarons can’t be eaten the same day they’re made.

“You have to refrigerate them for at least 46 hours before serving them,” Rosann explains. “This allows the filling to permeate into the shell for the right texture.”

However, once the intricate process is finally complete, you’re left with a decadent delicacy that’s too sweet to pass up.

Rosann has already captured the attention of East Lake County in the short time Dolce Mattina has been her fulltime gig. She won the Judge’s Choice Award for desserts during last year’s Taste of Golden Triangle. She was also the featured business for December in the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce’s publication. And in addition to being on the vendors’ list for weddings at Lake Receptions, she’s working on joining the vendors’ list at Mission Inn Club & Resort in Howey-in-the-Hills.

Despite the notoriety, Rosann is quick to say she wants to keep Dolce Mattina small.

“I just want to continue to do weddings, parties, business conferences and conventions — just enough to be able to support myself,” she says.

For Rosann, nothing could ever replace the satisfaction she feels when she sees someone try her macarons for the first time.

“I love when someone takes that first bite and they’re not expecting the texture — the lightness of the shell,” she says. “I enjoy watching people’s faces light up. That’s what’s fun for me. That is what truly brings me joy.”

BASIC BUTTERCREAM FILLING Adapted from “I Love Macarons” by Hisako Ogita

INGREDIENTS:

7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 2 egg yolks 1/4 cup granulated sugar 3 1/2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract DIRECTIONS: • Cut butter into pieces, and mash with a spatula until the texture resembles mayonnaise.

• In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks, then add sugar and whisk until you can no longer see the sugar granules. Add milk, and whisk to combine.

• Pour the egg mixture into a small saucepan, and heat over low heat, whisking frequently to ensure the mixture does not curdle or burn. Cook until the mixture’s consistency becomes similar to pudding.

• Pour mixture back into its bowl, and whisk constantly until it returns to room temperature.

• Whisk in butter in three batches, add vanilla extract and stir until smooth and all ingredients are fully combined. Pipe onto one macaron half and sandwich between another.

*FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DOLCE MATTINA, VISIT DOLCEMATTINA.COM.

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EATS // saluté A worldly look at wine

WEDDING BUBBLES

Choosing a sparkling wine can be overwhelming with so many choices. Toast to happiness, love and good health with these suggestions for all budgets.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

T

he small details about weddings are what brides remember years later, and those memories often include the champagne and the toasts that were part of the event. I’ll never forget a bottle of French champagne we received as a wedding gift — a Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut — and how the effervescent blend with aromas of pears and golden apple tickled my palate. Years later, when we could afford to splurge, my husband and I would buy Piper-Heidsieck for our anniversary.

Wine has been a part of wedding sacraments long before crystal flutes were invented. From Greek mythology to Old Testament scriptures, wine has symbolized life, vitality and abundance — all things that newlyweds hope to have throughout their marriage. The French made wedding toasts even more fun when they dropped toasted bread into the wine goblets just as the ancient Romans did.

The Romans were trying to temper the taste of acidic wine, but in France the bride and groom were racing to get to the soggy lump first. The winner, supposedly, would rule the household.

Luckily, champagne has come to epitomize romance more than who will be the boss. I cannot recall ever attending a wedding where the bride and groom did not toast each other, whether it was with champagne or some other sparkling wine. A picture perfect moment is born when the couple, with arms twisted like pretzels, sips their beverage of choice from a flute. If it tastes “like the stars”, as the famed Dom Perignon supposedly described, then it’s all the better.

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To be legally called “champagne,” the wine must come from the Champagne region in eastern France. Sparkling wines from any other French region are known as “crémants.” These wines also can be produced from grapes other than pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot meunier (the standard grapes for champagne), and crémants are usually much less expensive.

Regional specialties are also excellent choices for weddings and special occasions. If budget is a concern, consider Spain’s sparkler, called “Cava,” or Italy’s aromatic “Prosecco.” Italy’s Piedmont region also produces a sweeter, low alcohol Asti Spumante that is typically used as a dessert wine. Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. also produce some delicious sparkling wines at exceptionally competitive price points.

With more than 4,000 champagne producers in France and even more sparkling wine producers worldwide, it’s hard to know which one to choose for your special day. Most experts agree the way to go is to buy from a reliable producer whose consistency has been proven year after year. The following suggestions are by no means comprehensive, but these producers have excellent reputations:

ABOUT THE WRITER Living in Italy was the catalyst for Mary Ann DeSantis to understand more about wine, and she now enjoys sharing what she’s learned. Since 2010, Saluté has covered topics for oenophiles of all levels — from novice wine drinkers to experienced connoisseurs. The column received a 2014 Florida Magazine Association Silver Award for Best Department and a 2012 Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Award for Commentary.

BUDGET FRIENDLY DOMAINE CHANDON BRUT, about $35 and up. The best French traditions and methods are combined with New World innovations to create this California sparkling wine.

FREIXENET CORDON NEGRO BRUT, ABOUT $12. A full-bodied cava from Spain, the exceptional taste of apples, pears and citrus belies its reasonable price.

ELEGANCE FOR UNDER $100 MOET & CHANDON ROSE IMPERIAL, ABOUT $65. A romantic and sensual French champagne that is fresh and fruity.

VEUVE CLICQUOT NON VINTAGE BRUT YELLOW LABEL, ABOUT $45. Refreshingly smooth and creamy, this French champagne is not too sweet for the wine connoisseur or too dry for the novice wine drinker.

PIPER-HEIDSIECK CUVÉE BRUT, $40 TO $55. Highly rated by both Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast magazines, this fullbodied champagne is composed mostly of pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes from the region around Reims, France.

LUXURY BUDGET DOM PERIGNON, $165 and up, depending on vintage. Considered the “champagne of champagnes,” Dom Perignon is a classic that is highly coveted and only produced from certain vintages. Some vintages can be cellared for many years. Wealthy parents have been known to buy a vintage from the year their child was born to serve at a wedding years later.

CHAMPAGNE TRIVIA • All champagne was sweet until about 1850.

• The label “extra brut” means the champagne is even drier than “brut.”

• The late Marilyn Monroe drank and breathed champagne “as if it were oxygen,” according to her biographer George Barris. She supposedly once took a bath in 350 bottles of champagne.

• Vintage champagne must contain 100 percent of grapes from a single vintage year.

• Non-vintage champagnes are blends from several years of harvests; more than 80 percent of champagnes produced are labeled non-vintage.

• Drink non-vintage champagne right away; vintage champagne can be kept 10 to 15 years.

• Wedding cake pairs best with sec and demi-sec sparkling wines. The brut and extra-brut are better as apéritifs or throughout the meal.

TRIVIA SOURCE: “Windows on the World Complete Wine Course” by Kevin Zraly. Publisher Sterling Epicure, Copyright 2014. Pp.222-229.

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EATS // fork on THE Road Tasty insights and observations

SOUTHWEST SAVOR Delicious Tex-Mex takes center stage at Fiesta Grande

STORY: SHEMIR WILES

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M

ount Dora is a mecca for good restaurants. It’s a place food lovers like myself can’t get enough of.

And while I could have settled on any number of places to fill up for lunch, my palate was longing for something a little South of the border. Ideally, a trip to Mexico (or the good ol’ Southwest) would have been my next move, but pressed for time I decided to visit an oldie but goodie: Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill.

Though tucked away off the main thoroughfare (downtown on North Baker Street), Fiesta Grande manages to pull a good crowd. A big draw is its amazing Happy Hour featuring generous-sized margaritas for an even more generous price. But alcohol is only a draw. Fiesta Grande’s true Tex-Mex cuisine keeps people coming back.

The atmosphere is Southwest inspired. Think Spanish-style tile “roofs” jutting from walls and Mexican serape blankets throughout

the spacious dining rooms. And if dining al fresco is more your speed, Fiesta Grande has a covered outdoor dining area, perfect for munching on chips and salsa while you peoplewatch undetected.

I popped in on a Friday around noon and was seated quickly. My server immediately brought out the usual chips and salsa. The chips were fresh tasting and the salsa was decent, though I felt it could use a little more fire.

I decided to order an appetizer of choriqueso. Sometimes referred to as queso fundido or queso flameado, choriqueso is a warm, molten cheese dish that’s mixed with chorizo and jalapenos. Unlike its cousin, chili con queso, this cheesy creation is thick, rich and savory. It’s served with warm tortillas because chips wouldn’t be able to navigate this dense dish.

I found the chorizo to be perfectly cooked and the jalapenos added

some good heat. All it takes is a few spoonsful to make nice soft taco rollups. But be forewarned, between the chips and salsa and choriqueso you could fill up very easy, so be sure to make this an appetizer you share.

Skipping the burritos, fajitas and other classic Tex-Mex fare, I indulged myself with something a little different by ordering a chimichanga. Essentially a deep-fried, super stuffed burrito, chimichangas have gained popularity over the years.

Back in 2011, Arizona was lobbying to make the chimichanga its official state food based on the widespread belief it was invented there. According to a New York Times article, Carlotta Flores of El Charro Cafe in Tucson claims her greataunt Monica accidentally dropped a burrito into a deep fryer, thus creating the chimichanga in the early 1950s. However, Sharisse Johnson, the president and chief executive of

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EATS // fork on THE Road Tasty insights and observations

Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen in Phoenix, insists it was her late father, Woody, who was tinkering in the kitchen in 1946 when the chimichanga was born.

Either way, whether you side with Carlotta or Sharisse, one thing is certain: the chimichanga is not only fun to say but fun to eat. At Fiesta Grande, it comes covered with cheese sauce and is served with lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream and a choice of rice or beans. I picked beans, which, after a dash of salt, were tasty. The ground beef chimichanga itself was nicely seasoned and fried to golden perfection. However, the highlight of the dish was the guacamole.

If you love guac, I recommend you try it at Fiesta Grande because it’s extremely fresh and full of good flavor. I liked the chunks of avocado and tomato and its creamy consistency.

For dessert, skip fried ice cream

or the traditional flan and ask for a sopapilla. When you hang around enough Tex-Mex eateries, you hear about sopapilla but, in my case, I had never been adventurous enough to order it. I thought it was more like a cake but it’s actually a fried dough topped with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar. Some restaurants serve it as fried puffed pastry pockets, but at Fiesta Grande, it’s presented as a relatively thin, round, crunchy flatbread.

Following two enormously heavy, enormously caloric meals, the sopapilla was a welcomed light finish. It was very crisp and sweet, but not treacly. And the dough, though fried, is incredibly airy, meaning you won’t feel guilty eating it all by yourself.

My server remained attentive through my entire visit, though I longed for a more sociable interaction; however, as a whole, Fiesta Grande is a solid TexMexican restaurant. The menu offers plenty of options, some familiar and some less conventional, and its setting is perfect for an evening out with good friends — and even better eats.

ADDRESS: 421 N. Baker St., Mount Dora, FL 32757 Phone: 352.385.3540 Hours of operation: Monday–Thursday, 11a.m.– 8p.m.; Friday, 11a.m.–9p.m.; Saturday, Noon– 9p.m.; Sunday, Noon –8p.m..

POPULAR DISHES: Choriqueso: $6.50 Fiesta Nachos: $9 Chimichanga: $10 (ground beef or chicken); $11 (grilled chicken or steak) Fajitas Texanas: $14 (for one); $25 (for two) Mole Enchiladas: $13 Carne Asada: $13

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

dining Charley’s Grilled Subs 421 N West St. 352.568.1186 $ Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 $ Coyote Rojo 2082 W. CR 48 352.569.0302 $$ Critic’s Choice 8032 CR 476B, 352.568.0008 $ Hong Kong Restaurants 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-888 $$ Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 $ Market Street Gardens 311 N. Market St. 352.568.0100 $$ Mia Plaza Pizzeria 6092 CR 609 352.793.4418 $

Astatula Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 $

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

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

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

Clermont Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro

IN YOUR CITY

4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988 $$$ Calabria Ristorante 13900 County Road 455 407.656.5144 $$ Cheeser’s Palace 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 $ Flippers Pizzeria 2523 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.242.2214 $$ G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd.

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

352.242.1910 $$$ Lyn’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe 824 W. Montrose St. 352.536.9935 $ Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 $$

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

Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 $$

Eustis 1884 Restaurant & Bar 12 East Magnolia Ave. 1.800.856.1884 $$$ Cafe Gianni 119 N. Bay St. 352.589.1402 $$ Dam Smoker Barbeque 36721 County Road 19A 352.357.6555 $$ Double Take Pizza 403 N. Grove St. 352.343.0990 $$ El Korita Mexican Restaurant 256 W. Ardice Ave. 352.483.0355 $ Jeannie’s Place 209 E. Gottsche Ave. 352.357.0027 $ Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288 $$$

Robata Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 $$

King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404 $$

Rusty Fox 649 12th St. 352.394.3333 $$

La Mandarina Mexican Restaurant 1401 Orange Ave. 352.357.2487 $$

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 $$

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

Kid’s Menu

6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000 $$$

The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 $$$

Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 $$

The Great Pizza Company 23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377 $$

Texas Stockyard BBQ 360 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.750.5229 $$

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-inthe-Hills 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

Leesburg Bloom’s Café 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004 $$ Cupcake Time 703 W. Main St. 352.728.2253 $$ 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 $$ HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 $ Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 $ Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 County Road 473 352.343.4663 $ Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 $$ Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd.

352.323.1616 $$ Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd.

352.728.0788 $$

Beer, Wine or Cocktails

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

352.787.2344 $$ The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 $$ The Latin Cafe 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 $$ Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe 410 W Main St 352.435.9107 $$ Vic’s Embers 7940 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.8989 $$$$

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 $$$

CONTINUED

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

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 // WWW.CVINNIES.COM

Cousin Vinnie’s is located on U.S. Hwy. 441 across from Lake Square Mall. 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 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. 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.

Thursday night is “Karaoke Night” where everyone is a star! 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 almost seven years, if you have never been there… it is absolutely time for you to check it out!

FRANCESCO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE AND STONE FIRE PIZZA 16770 SOUTH U.S. HIGHWAY 441, SUMMERFIELD 352.693.2008 // WWW.FRANCESCOSRISTORANTE.COM

Francesco’s Italian Ristorante and Stone Fired Pizza brings authentic Italian dishes and “real” wood fired gourmet pizzas to the South Marion County and The Villages area. Newly opened in March of 2014 Francesco’s has been gaining a great reputation for superb Italian cuisine, beautiful atmosphere, awesome service and great prices. Also many “New” daily specials have been added like: Sunday “Famiglia Style” dinners for Two, Monday Three course Dinner for Two with bottle of wine only $29, Tuesday NY Strip’s for Two $24.95 and Thursday’s Braccioloni ala Francesco for Two $19.95. If your still looking for that special place for your holiday party or club event our “Garden Room” can accommodate up to 80 guests. Just in time for the holidays: “Give the gift of great food” For every $100 in gift certificates purchased you receive a $20 bonus card. So come visit Francesco’s and enjoy great food, service and value.

HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY-SATURDAY 11AM-10PM SUNDAY 11AM-9PM

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

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

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

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

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

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

dining 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 $$ Cupcake Delights 122 E. 4th Ave. 352.383.2200 $ Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 $ Incredible Edible Cakes 4295 W. Old Hwy. 441, Suite 2 352.223.3581 $ Ivory’s Take Out 1325 N. Grandview St. 352.735.6797 $ Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 $ Lisa’s Kitchen 3201 N. Hwy. 19A 352.383.9338 $$ Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 $ One Flight Up - Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Suite 100 352.758.9818 $

140

Operation Deep Freeze Custard 140A West 5 Avenue 352.735.8269 $ Palm Tree Grille 351 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.1936 $$ Pisces Rising 239 W. Fourth Ave. 352.385.2669 $$$ PizzAmore’ 622 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.0092 $ Saucy Spoon Catering & Bistro 427 S. Highland St. 352.383.1050 $$$ Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 $ Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 $ The Frog and Monkey Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.1936 $$ The Garden Gate Tea Room 142 E. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2158 $$ The Health Basket of Mount Dora 18834 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.735.1166 $$ The Windsor Rose English Tea Room 142 W. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2551 $$ Village Coffee Pot 425 Donnelly St. 352.383.3334 $ Wasabi Buffet 16700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.7016 $$

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IN YOUR CITY

Whales Tale Fish House 2720 W. Old. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.385.1500 $$ Zellie’s Pub 4025 N. U.S. Hwy. 19A 352.483.3855 $$

Sorrento Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 County Rd. 437 352.383.8882 $ Gi Gi’s 25444 State Road 46 352.735.4000 $$ Lisa’s Country Cafe 23911 State Road 46 352.735.3380 $

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

.com

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

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

City Fire Brownwood Paddock Square 352.561.2078 $$

China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 $ Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 $$

Olive Garden 3680 Wedgewood Ln. 352.259.0304 $$

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

Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd.

352.343.7744 $

Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evans Prairie Trail 352.750.2225 $$

Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393 $$

Umatilla Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 State Road 19 352.669.3922 $

Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400 $$ Glenview Champions Country Club 3194 Glenview Rd 352.753.0077 $$

The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535 $$

Hemingway’s at Havana 2484 Odell Circle 352.753.1475 $$$

The Villages

Las Tapas Brownwood Paddock Square 352.399.5516 $$

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 $

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 $$ Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.391.9939 $$

Beer, Wine or Cocktails

RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930 $$

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

352.343.6669 $$

The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 $$

Kid’s Menu

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

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

Wildwood Aztec’s Mexican Restaurant 348 Shopping Center Dr. 352.748.2250 $ Beef O’ Bradys 840 S. Main St. 352.689.0048 $ Buddy’s BBQ 1210 N. Main St. 352.330.0338 $$

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

Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 $$ Polly’s Pantry 819 S. Main St. 352.330.4002 $$ Rita’s Oyster Bar 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.399.2987 $$ T Weston’s Smokehouse 1210 N. Main St. 352.748.9378 $$ Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 $$ Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 $$

Yalaha Yalaha Bakery 8210 County Road 48 352.324.3366 $$

EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

JB BOONDOCKS

704 S. LAKESHORE BLVD., HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS 352.324.3600 • WWW.JBBOONDOCKS.COM JB Boondocks is tucked away in a picturesque setting on Little Lake Harris in Howey-in-the-Hills. JB Boondocks is accessible by land, sea, and air via car, motorcycle, boat, or seaplane. With a full bar and a huge outdoor deck overlooking the lake, JB Boondocks makes for the ultimate setting to relax and unwind. The menu offers fresh seafood, steaks, chops, classic Italian dishes, tasty sandwiches, salads, sinfully sweet desserts, and much more. Each Friday night is our famous fish fry, Wednesday night features prime rib and Thursday night is Ladies’ Night. Cocktails from the bar are festive and we have a great selection of beer and wine, as well. Situated on five acres on the lake, JB Boondocks is the perfect place for your car, motorcycle, boat, or seaplane club to gather. We have plenty of dock space and parking to accommodate all your needs.

JB BOONDOCKS IS OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY 11A.M.–4P.M., TUESDAY–THURSDAY 11A.M.–9P.M. FRIDAY 11A.M.–10P.M., SATURDAY 11A.M.–10P.M., SUNDAY NOON–8P.M.

SUBWAY

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

LADY LAKE // 208 W. Guava St. // 352.750.4929 EUSTIS // 469 Plaza Dr. // 352.357.7827 MOUNT DORA // 18870 U.S. Hwy. 441 // 352.735.4376 LEESBURG // 2013 Citrus Blvd. // 352.787.6442 10135 U.S. Hwy. 441, Suite 4 // 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. Hwy. 27, Suite 4 // 352.314.8847 THE VILLAGES // 1580 Bella Cruz Drive // 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165th Mulberry Lane // 352.750.9991 1070 Lake Sumter Landing Drive // 352.205.8535 349 Colony Blvd. // 352.391.1657 WILDWOOD // 480 W. Gulf to Alantic Hwy. // 352.748.8800 HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–SATURDAY SUNDAY

10A.M.–10P.M. 10A.M.–9P.M.

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

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WHAT’S YOUR SEASON FOR SNEEZIN’?

Whether your allergy symptoms are seasonal or year-round, our team of board certified physicians, PAs and allergy nurses offer comprehensive diagnosis and customized treatments for seasonal and year-round allergies.

THE VILLAGES 352.753.8448 LEESBURG 352.728.2404 TAVARES 352.343.7279 www.LakeENT.net

Scan the code for this month’s featured video.

Final thought // GARY CORSAIR

YOU TOO CAN BE AN UMPIRE B

aseball season is upon us; an annual occurrence that always makes me wonder, “Whatever happened to my ball/strike indicator, pocket whisk broom, chest protector and mask?”

I have absolutely no idea what I did with my gear after my summer as a Little League umpire. I may have run over them with my Opel Manta. Or maybe I sold the gear to some other sucker. I hope so, because the $7 a game I was paid barely covered hot dogs, popcorn and Mountain Dews. Being a highly-esteemed on-field arbiter of fair and foul, I expected to be “comped” at the Little League concession stand. Uh uh.

Not in Sharpsville, Indiana, in 1977. Fortunately, Twizzlers only cost a nickel.

I chewed a lot of red rope that season. Maybe that’s why my umpiring counterpart viewed me with contempt. At least it seemed like contempt.

Ronnie only said five words to me all year. I kid you not.

Before our first game, I asked if he wanted to call balls and strikes or take the base paths. “I don’t work the plate,” Ronnie muttered, before directing a stream of tobacco juice inches from my newly polished black shoes.

Then again, Ronnie didn’t need to talk. The only 6-foot-1, 250-pound, bearded, bib-overall-wearing umpire I ever knew communicated fine with scowls and grunts. “Unnt” meant out; silence meant safe.

I really wanted us to be a team, but Ronnie would shove a wad of Red Man in his mouth every time I got near him. He loaded up right there on the field in front of players. And no one said a word about it. I’m guessing they wanted to stay alive.

Or maybe they were in awe of the greatest umpire who ever lived. Ronnie never missed a call. No one ever questioned one of his grunts.

They sure enjoyed second-guessing me though. “Poke a hole in your mask … Wipe the bird s--- out of your eye …

Where’s your seeing eye dog?” … and a few things I can’t print here.

I didn’t take it personally … not until I took a foul ball to the adam’s apple. I couldn’t breathe as I tore off my mask and stumbled to the fence. I was leaning against the chain link, gasping and trying to shake the fog from my head, when a frog-face stuck her mug an inch from mine and barked, “Crop Maker better win, ump!”

Somehow, I survived the season. I was okay once I

accepted that the whole lot of them were crazy.

The realization came the morning I slept in. Saturday was normally a big day for the Little League, but it had rained all night and was still coming down. So I went back to bed. The frantic phone call came at 10a.m. “We’re playing, get your a—over here.”

Driving through sprinkles, I was horrified to see a pillar of black smoke rising toward the heavens. I remember thinking, “My God, someone bombed Sharpsville!”

I wasn’t far off. League officials had put the match to 50-gallon drums of gasoline they emptied onto the infield.

Naturally, I was horrified.

Sure enough, the Sharpsville nuts dried out their infield.

And we played ball, even though the outfield was a swamp. I threw four dozen waterlogged balls out of play.

Looking back, umpiring was kind of fun. I may even try it again sometime. But I’ll do things differently next time. No chest protector or mask for me. I’m working the base paths, growing a beard and wearing bib overalls.

Erniemorris.com ENTERPRISES, INC.

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SW 99th St. Rd.

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