The Villages edition of STYLE, September 2014

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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cont September 201 4 // VO LU M E 1 1 N UMB E R 1 1

Featuring

36 MEDICAL MARVELS

For years, Alex Pring, 6, endured stares and questions from strangers. Now, thanks to a group of visionary UCF students, Alex has a robotic arm that has given him newfound confidence.

STORY: JAMES COMBS

Some may think they need to make a trip to Orlando or Gainesville to access state-of-the-art technology, but there are actually plenty of local medical marvels right here in Lake County, STORY: GARY CORSAIR, JAMES COMBS AND SHEMIR WILES

49 HEALTH PROS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

This month, Health Pros recognizes passionate professionals who go above and beyond to meet growing health care needs. And with a little luck, you may find the right doctor or practice for you.

Oops

In our August issue, photos from a mission trip that appeared in The Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence’s quarterly Impulse publication were not credited. Gary Skidmore took the photographs. “Style” regrets the omission.

LAKE&SUMTER EDITION On the cover MODEL: ALEX PRING PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED LOPEZ PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK

VILLAGES EDITION On the cover SANTA FE SURGERY CENTER PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED LOPEZ PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK

September 20 14 I 1 1

tents Departments 16

FROM THE PUBLISHER

18

EDITOR’S COLUMN

21

FIRST THINGS FIRST 22 #TRENDING Women for Hospice wants your gently worn shoes.

26 PERSON OF INTEREST For local indie artist Amber Dee Rewis, sobriety is music to her ears.

28 OUTSTANDING STUDENT Ten-year-old Mia Ciceri stands out in the classroom at Lake Prep School.

26

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ON THE SCENE 68 THE TO-DO LIST Suit up for some fun in September, plus “American Idol” contestant David Oliver Willis reveals why he’s chosen to stay in Mount Dora.

72 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT Corralling cancer Enjoy a fun night of dinner and dancing at the Cattle Baron’s Ball all in the name of cancer awareness.

Story: James Combs

90

72

70 74 OUT+ABOUT Webster wants you … if you’re country enough There’s more in this small Sumter town to see than a flea market and livestock.

Story: Gary Corsair 76 HI, SOCIETY! Highlights from Leesburg Corn Fest, Sandals and Sangria, the Salon Professional Academy’s Hair Olympics and more.

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EATS! 90 IN THE KITCHEN In keeping with tradition Long Hammock resident Marylu Masters reveals the proof is in the sauce.

Story: Shemir Wiles 94 SALUTE Corked Don’t judge a bottle of wine by its closure. Many winemakers are going uncorked.

Story: Mary Ann DeSantis 96 FORK ON THE ROAD Francesco’s Ristorante No ticket to Tuscany needed; Francesco’s brings a taste of Italy to Summerfield.

Story: Shemir Wiles 112 FINAL THOUGHT I can live without Facebook … at least I think I can Taking a stand against social gobbledygook.

Story: Gary Corsair

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“After having a peripheral nerve stimulator implanted, my pain has been decreased by 85 percent. I am no longer on pain medication and muscle relaxers. Dr. Pyles is excellent, and I’ve recommended him to friends.”

—MELISSA HOLYCROSS, OCALA`

Stephen T. Pyles, M.D.

Pain Treatment Centers VM -SVYPKH Pain is inevitable, Z\ќ LYPUN PZ VW[PVUHS

2300 S. Pine Ave. I Ocala, FL 34471

352.861.4600 www.drpyles.com

This month on

What’s happening beyond the print edition

TINA MORRISON HOST OF “STYLE TV”

RIGHT AT HOME Instead of hitting it big in Los Angeles, Former “American Idol” contestant David Oliver Willis decided to bring his talents back home to Mount Dora. And after finding success with the Mount Dora Coffeehouse and Bistro, he and his wife Olivia are opening up Third & Baker, a spot where local musicians and incredible art will come together.

FORK ON THE ROAD Francesco’s Ristorante

FEATURING

Host Tina Morrison heads to Francesco’s Ristorante in Summerfield for some authentic Italian fare that will have you saying, “That’s amoré!”

REALLY TRANSFORMED “Style TV” is checking out some local medical marvels sure to amaze you. Plus, be sure to watch as we meet with Alex Pring, a 6-year-old Groveland boy who loves playing outside, sports and riding his four-wheeler — all with a bionic arm any Autobot or Decepticon would be jealous of.

BUCKLE IT UP “Style TV” celebrates the start of football season with our hometown teams. From practice to game day, we get in on the action of Friday Night Lights!

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

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.

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September 20 14 I 1 5

From the publisher

MILESTONES GALORE AND MORE IN STORE

I’ve enjoyed many wonderful milestones since entering the world of magazine publishing in 2008, but this summer has been something else.

For starters, the Hot List issue was our most popular magazine ever.

The August edition of Lake and Sumter Style disappeared nearly as quickly as Scott Hegg, our circulation director, delivered it to more than 100 locations.

And more than 50,000 people read the edition online.

Your enthusiastic response confirms our abiding belief that our community will support a magazine devoted to local personalities, businesses and events.

Thank you for advertising, nominating and voting in our Hot List contest, and for reading and sharing Style!

But that was just one milestone. I hadn’t even come down from that Cloud 9 when the Florida Magazine Association bestowed nine awards upon us at the annual FMA conference. And five were first-place honors!

Again, we couldn’t have done it without you. Our awards are your awards!

Achieving two wonderful milestones in the same month is like having your cake and eating it, too. But this cake came with extra toppings.

We also moved closer to occupying our new home in downtown Leesburg, which will give us about three times as much space to produce your hometown magazines.

Extensive renovations to the majestic Leesburg Opera House excited and delighted us throughout the summer, and members of the Akers Media Group staff were like giddy kids on Christmas morning as the finishing touches were applied.

We can’t wait to show off our new digs. We think you’ll be impressed when you see the original red brick walls, beautifully restored pine floors and a few modern touches we’ve incorporated.

Our new offices will provide an environment that will foster creativity and productivity, but our new home will be more than a place where we conduct business. We look forward to hosting events such as business after hours, kickoff parties for special editions of our magazines and events, fundraisers for worthy causes — you name it, we’ll consider it.

So be on the lookout for your invitation to our open house.

Finally, as if I haven’t had enough excitement, Doug and I sold our house and moved into a new one.

I can honestly say I’ve never had a summer like this one.

It just goes to show that milestones can and will appear when you least expect them. It also demonstrates that you increase the odds of good things happening when you work hard and do the right things for the right reasons.

Here’s hoping a wonderful milestone — or two, or three — are just around the corner for you.

See you soon,

Kendra Akers

Kendra Akers, publisher kendra@akersmediagroup.com

feedback Tell us like it is!

COMPELLING READ

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

Doug Akers

VICE PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com

Jamie Ezra Mark CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER jamie@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY 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

Mary Ann DeSantis Anthony Casto

EDITOR-AT-LARGE SENIOR DESIGNER/EDITORIAL maryann@akersmediagroup.com anthony@akersmediagroup.com

James Combs Michael Gaulin

STAFF WRITER PRODUCTION DIRECTOR james@akersmediagroup.com michael@akersmediagroup.com

Bob Tennant Rheya Tanner

COPY CHIEF DESIGNER bob@akersmediagroup.com rheya@akersmediagroup.com

Fred Lopez Matthew Gaulin

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER ASSOCIATE PHOTOGRAPHER fred@akersmediagroup.com matt@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS // PHOTOGRAPHERS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Fred Hilton Ron Vandevander Pat Jocelyn Mark Rothschild Kathy Porter

____________________

article on Marie Dean Arrington. I was interested in knowing more about what happened after seeing her picture on the cover. I found the article to be not only informative but also intriguing.

I grew up in Winter Garden and was a young girl when this occurred; therefore, I was very interested since I had never heard of this case. Upon reading your response to the comments you received from various readers of the article, I was concerned about but not surprised at the reactions.

I have taught at LakeSumter State College, worked as a therapist at LifeStream Behavioral Center and continue to work with people in the medical field. One thing I have learned is most people do not want to hear the truth. Most people want to maintain the world they have built for themselves, and when someone attempts to enlighten them, they become angry and fearful.

It is sad when people want to sweep things under the rug. I have an 84-year-old aunt who constantly states, “The rug is too full; it can’t hold any more trash.” I think those people who said you showed poor taste, climbed into the gutter and sacrificed ethics for sensationalism are narrow-minded and shallow.

This is the world we live in; it is sometimes cruel, unfair and ugly.

Continue with the good work. We need it in Lake County and throughout the world.

NEVER BACK DOWN

— Pat McFarland

I recently picked up a copy of Style, The Villages edition. Wow! The creativity of the articles and the ads were quite compelling and thought-provoking.

The feature in which men were introduced by their vocations was particularly interesting. Each photo was a study in itself. The person’s job description was found in the seemingly random artifacts in the display.

The paper on which the magazine is printed is fun to turn. The whole magazine just seemed classy.

I will be sure to pick up copies in the future when I see them. Keep up the good work.

— Mary Moser

____________________

AN OUTSTANDING UPDATE

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

Andrew Akers Aubrey Akers

ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE PRODUCTION COORDINATOR andrew@akersmediagroup.com aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

Melanie Melvin Debra Matlock

DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES ACCOUNT COORDINATOR melanie@akerscreative.com deb@akerscreative.com

ADMINISTRATION Tina Morrison Brittany Buell

OFFICE MANAGER ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT tina@akersmediagroup.com brittany@akersmediagroup.com

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

LAKE & SUMTER STYLE IS A PROUD MEMBER OF

FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION

LEESBURG PARTNERSHIP

LEESBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

TAVARES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SOUTH LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LAKE EUSTIS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SUMTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AMERICAN ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION

WINNER OF AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

83

Lake & Sumter Style, September 2014. Published monthly by Akers Media, 1450 E. North Blvd, Leesburg, Florida 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2014

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 to Lake & Sumter Style” 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.

I would like to thank you so much for featuring me as one of Lake and Sumter counties’ outstanding students. It was an awesome experience getting to talk with James Combs and being photographed by Matthew Gaulin. The quality of the article far exceeded my hopes or expectations.

To update you on my national competition, I placed 31 out of 76 competitors in my discipline, and I am very pleased with that result. The experience was one of the best I’ve had. I do hope to be returning to compete next year.

Thank you again for the article.

— Zackery Lucas

Mr. Corsair, I read your

September 20 14 I 1 7

Editor’s column

MY VERY OWN HOT LIST Thanks to all who voted in our annual Hot List competition. We are thrilled thousands of votes were cast and plenty of deserving people were recognized.

Now, it’s my turn.

• Nicest eyes, nicest smile, nicest hair, nicest niceness: Gwen Corsair (Forgive me, but I’m not sleeping on the couch).

• Friendliest man on the planet: John Brandeburg.

• Best bookstore: DiddleySquat’s, Webster.

• Best restaurant: Cotillion Southern Café, Wildwood.

Chicken and waffles, barbecue pork nachos, oneof-a-kind homemade salad dressing and incredible cakes. Each time I go, I expect to see Elvis at a corner table.

• Best Café: Fruitland Park Café. Everything is wonderful.

• Best Italian Restaurant: Tony’s Pizza, Eustis.

• Best Mexican restaurant: Mexican Grill, Colony Cottage Shopping Center, The Villages. For Mexican on the go, you can’t beat Elmer’s Wagon in the Big Dog Saloon parking lot.

• Best Japanese steakhouse: Fuji in Summerfield or Kiku in Tavares. Flip a sushi roll to decide.

• Best wings: Ramshackle’s, Leesburg.

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• Best fried chicken: Get the rest of the bird at Maryland Fried Chicken in Leesburg.

• Best burger: Blue Plate Deli. Forget that it is a Shell station (on County Road 466A just west of Fruitland Park). Don uses only ground chuck and Lori makes everyone feel like family.

• Best automobile air conditioning service: Reynolds Air Conditioning, Leesburg. Super honest and super skilled.

• Best irrigation dude: Landscaping by Jerome.

• Best car wash: BP Auto Clinic, Leesburg.

• Best barbecue: C&K Country Kitchen, Oxford for sandwiches. For ribs, you can’t go wrong with Jack’s Barbecue, Minneola or Oakwood in Fruitland Park.

• Best Nursery: Fairfield Farms, Highway 301, north of Oxford. Brenda Carroll has everything, including instructional classes and giveaways one Saturday a month.

• Best donuts: Donut King, Minneola. Incredible variety, but my order is always the same: I want whatever just came out of the fryer.

• Best performers: Sugar Bear Band. They primarily play in The Villages and mainly play covers, but not notefor-note.

• Best pizza: Mom and Dad’s, Lady Lake. No foo-foo toppings, just great crust and a sauce I can’t get enough of.

• Best server: Juan, Mexican Grill, The Villages. Little man delivers big service.

• Best barber/stylist: Alicia D at Studio Styles. She’s a hair artist!

• Best mechanic: Oren Meredith, Meredith Auto Clinic, County Road 25 between Lady Lake and Weirsdale. Small shop, but skilled and honest. What a concept.

• Best tire store: Tire RoundUp, Lady Lake or Leesburg.

Honest, caring and qualified.

.com

• Best food shopping: Landphair Meats and Seafood, Leesburg.

Awesome Danish baby back ribs, steaks and seafood at great prices.

• Best meat: The meat department at Jackie’s Market in Webster. The steaks and ribs are special and the homemade sausage is worthy of filling your freezer with.

So that’s my Hot List. Let me know if I missed anyone or anything that’s absolutely sizzling.

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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

DANCING FEAT A group of young female dancers started 2014 on the right foot and continued taking steps in the right direction.

Leesburg-based Dance Dynamix enjoyed another successful competition season, which culminated in June with the winning of the Icon Award at the

Showbiz Talent Nationals in Daytona Beach. The prestigious award is chosen based on technique, sportsmanship and showmanship.

“I’m so proud of everything these dancers accomplished,” says studio owner and choreographer Terri Hicks.

“They worked very hard to get where they did and they achieved what they set out to accomplish.”

Dance Dynamix is in the Tropic Theater on Main Street.

WRITTEN IN STONE The Lake-Sumter State College Foundation is offering commemorative bricks to community members who would like to support the alumni association. The bricks cost $50 and include up to three lines of text. They will be placed along walkways throughout the Leesburg campus. Money generated will be used to fund a variety of programs and events for the alumni association.

“Supporting the alumni association with a commemorative brick is the perfect way to honor an alumnus, friend, family member, business or civic group and also help build a legacy in our community,” says Erin O’Steen-Lewin, development manager.

For more information, call the L-SSC Foundation at 352.365.3539.

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9/11 by the numbers

GOOD FROM BAD

500,000 Members joined the Presidential Prayer Team within two weeks of the 9/11 attacks.

19 million

Americans sent emails in the aftermath of 9/11 to family, friends, colleagues and others they had lost touch with.

WE SHALL NEVER FORGET

This month marks the 13th anniversary of America’s darkest day, Sept. 11, 2001.

The images of that unfathomable terrorist attack will never diminish in our minds, but we thankfully admit that much good came from 9/11.

Millions learned to treasure life; to live each day fully. Relationships were repaired; priorities were re-evaluated; goals were set; takers became givers.

We did what Americans always do when adversity strikes: We banded together, strengthened our resolve, prayed more, loved harder and got stronger.

In short, our nation became more unified. Less trusting, yes — but stronger and more determined to hold and protect the ideals we cherish.

No, we shall never forget. But we won’t be defined by tragedy either. We will remember the fallen, honor our heroes and stand united against those who threaten our way of life.

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

38,600

$

Paid to 17 victims of Hurricane Sandy by the Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund in 2012. The charity honors the memory of firefighter Carl V. Bini, who died at ground zero.

3.5 million

Raised for college scholarships by the Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation, a charity created by family and friends of one of 342 firefighters who lost their lives at ground zero.

Sources: charitynavigator.org

$

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

JAMIE MARK’S SEPTEMBER

THEHITLIST

_____________________________________

1 // IPADS AT LAKE MINNEOLA HIGH A shortage of the devices available to students at the “iPad school” and the additional $100,000 spent to order for 250 more is making people quite iRate.

2 // MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS The biggest surprise at this year’s VMA’s? There are still music videos!?!

3 // ALS ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE Dumping a bucket of ice water on your head in Florida’s Summer heat? Sounds more like good sense than a challenge.

4 // RABID FOX IN MOUNT DORA The health department is warning residents to seek treatment if scratched or bitten by an animal.

This after a decidedly not-so Fantastic Mr. Fox tested positive for rabies.

PUTTING THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD

Some were boots. Others were shiny patent-leather dress shoes that had never been worn. And then there were tennis shoes and sandals and pumps — a shoe lover’s paradise.

But for Women for Hospice, the shoes are more than just stylish footwear; they’re a new opportunity to raise money for patient care services at Cornerstone Hospice.

Over the years, the nonprofit organization of steadfast and charitable ladies has given more than $2 million to the hospice.

“The group was looking for a creative way to help raise money while making an impact on their environment,” says Desirée Coleman-Cohrn, director of legacy planning and major gifts at the Cornerstone Hospice Foundation. “Instead of the special events and auctions, they wanted

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something different.”

So, starting this month, Women for Hospice will conduct its first shoe drive.

The shoes will be donated to Funds2Orgs, a social enterprise organization that ships the shoes to developing nations so needy people can sell them to make a living, a process that encourages self-sustainability and microenterprise. According to Funds2Orgs. com, the collected shoes are consolidated and shipped to on-the-ground business operators where they clean, repair, or melt down outsoles if necessary to make a new pair of shoes.

“When we introduced Women for Hospice to the Funds2Orgs shoe campaign they were head over heels, no pun intended,” says Coleman-Cohrn.

5 // NEW KRYSTAL IN LEESBURG Tiny burgers sold by the sack-full? This fast food joint can’t get done fast enough!

6 // LAKE SQUARE MALL CRUISE-IN Organizers are planning a monthly classic car show starting in October, making it the most literal interpretation of driving business to the mall. Ever.

“The partnership has allowed our ladies to provide business opportunities in disadvantaged countries and, most importantly, provide footwear to impoverished people. Not to mention, keeping 30,000 pair of shoes out of our local landfills.”

The goal is to collect 1,200 bags of shoes.

In turn, Women for Hospice will receive $12,000. One Clermont woman, Ruee Wheeler, has gathered 600. She hopes to collect 1,000. Shoes of all sizes and types for men, women and children are needed.

Broken straps and heels will be repaired.

Through November, shoes can be dropped off at Hospice Hope Chest, 315 N. Donnelly St., in Mount Dora. For more information, contact Connie Prudhomme at 352.365.2162.

SPARKLING INSIDE AND OUT Anticipation mounts for Lacey Morgan as she stands onstage in Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale. All her hard work and effort has come down to this. Silence fills the jam-packed venue as an important announcement is made.

“And the third runner-up is … Lacey Morgan.”

Finishing in the top five is nothing to be ashamed of, especially in a prestigious, pressurepacked competition like Miss Florida USA. Lacey had the honor of competing against 69 of the Sunshine State’s most beautiful women during the weeklong competition in July.

“It was an extremely busy week,” says Lacey, a 2011 graduate of Leesburg High School. “Between rehearsals, dinners, photo shoots and the actual competition, there was little time for anything else. We stayed at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa,

which is right on the beach. Unfortunately, I never got to enjoy the beach.”

Lacey has competed in pageants most of her life and won the titles of Teen Miss Leesburg in 2010 and Miss Teen United States in 2012. For her, though, pageants are not only about the crown and its sparkling jewels.

“There are misconceptions about pageants,” she says. “They’re not all about glamour and beauty. Being a pageant contestant has allowed me to perform more than 2,000 hours of community service and develop an appreciation of giving back to others. Also, winning scholarship money through pageants allowed me to attend college and earn an associate degree.”

This month, Lacey began working toward a nursing degree at Lake-Sumter State College.

PASSING THE BUCK Robert White was recently named president of First National Bank of Mount Dora. He replaces C. Heywood Gordon, who spent more than three decades at the bank.

“Heywood set a very high standard, one that I’m honored to uphold,” says White, who joined the bank in 1990 and previously was executive vice president.

“I’m ardently committed to the bank’s continued success and to its staff, whom I consider to be extended family. It is an esteemed privilege to take over the helm.”

A retirement party was held for Gordon on June 27. Among those attending were present and former co-workers and employees, devoted customers and many of his personal and professional friends.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

In March 1982, a famous rock ’n’ roll guitarist died in a plane crash in Leesburg. What was his name? Visit lakeandsumterstyle.com to see if you answered correctly.

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First things first // person of interest Movers and shakers

FUN FACTS: • A singer and songwriter, Amber is working on an album for Studio 51, which plans to use her music for national advertisements, talk shows and television shows.

• Amber is making her book about prescription drug addiction into a movie. She is currently writing a screenplay.

WORST ADVICE: When my doctor said I was in pain and needed more OxyContin. He increased my dosage from 20 milligrams to 60 milligrams three times a day.

AMBER DEE REWIS

INDIE ARTIST, PUBLISHED AUTHOR AND GUITAR INSTRUCTOR LIVES IN FRUITLAND PARK AGE: 54

PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

HIGN NOTES: I was a nurse for 15 years and then decided to follow my passion for music. While in my 30s, I earned an associate degree in music at Lake-Sumter State College. I began giving private guitar lessons and later taught guitar classes at The Villages Charter School. Today, I sing and play guitar, and my music ranges from rock and pop to country and Celtic. My music is available at blacksheepsongs.com.

SWEET DREAMS: My music comes to me while I’m relaxing in bed and drifting to sleep. I have to record the songs as soon as I wake up; otherwise I’ll forget.

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ONE FOR THE BOOKS: I am also author of the book “Wreckage: Prescription Drug Addiction Caught by Surprise.” The book focuses on my personal experience with prescription drug addiction. Five years ago I was hit by a semi and required two cervical spine surgeries. Because the pain persisted, I was prescribed OxyContin for one year and became ridiculously addicted. Addiction is enslavement and the situation worsens with each relapse.

For people who read my book, I want them to understand how medical patients can stumble into dark places and that most people addicted to prescription drugs are not the dregs of society.

IN FIVE YEARS: I plan to have finished some projects — music and film — and be living comfortably on royalties.

I see myself still writing, teaching, mentoring and most importantly, living in peace. I need peace. Then a Grammy would be nice. I will also have a better understanding of the business aspect of music. I know the creative and theory side but the business side is another challenge.

MUSIC YOU’D TAKE ON A DESERTED ISLAND: The Beatles. This band was so eclectic and their music was all over the place.

Therefore, I could never get bored listening to them.

SOMETHING NOBODY KNOWS ABOUT YOU: People see me as a very strong person, but honestly, I sometimes feel vulnerable, weak and tired.

IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL: I would be an eagle. They fly high, they’re powerful and they live alone in remote places.

DESIRED TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTION: “She went for it.”

FAVORITE JUNK FOOD: Dark chocolate.

PERSONAL QUOTE: “Don’t be disappointed if you do not succeed. Be disappointed if you do not try.”

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First things first // outstanding student Making the grade

VITAL STATS A SHINING STAR: Mia was one of 400 Central Florida students selected for the Disney Dreamer and Doer award, which recognizes students who shine in the classroom and lead by example.

SHE’S A-OK: Mia maintains A’s in every subject.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE ACTIVITIES is reading.

This summer I have read 10 books, and most of them are about dogs because I love them. My family has one dog named Rudy. I fill up his food and water bowls and take him outside to use the bathroom.

I LOVE PLAYING ELECTRONIC GAMES such as Minecraft and Pokémon Rumble Blast.

However, I am not allowed to play these games during the week because my parents make me study and complete my homework.

AGE : 10 FIFTH-GRADE STUDENT AT LAKE PREP SCHOOL

I WAS LAKE PREP SCHOOL’S 2014 NOMINEE for the Disney Dreamer and Doer award.

For my nomination, I received theme park passes to Walt Disney World. My favorite theme park at Disney is the Magic Kingdom.

MY TEACHERS NOMINATED ME FOR THE AWARD because I help other students when they are having difficulty with their schoolwork. One time, a middle school teacher came into our classroom and asked, ‘Can I borrow Mia?’ She wanted me

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to help a seventh-grade student complete a crossword puzzle. I always thought older students would be teaching me. I never thought I would be teaching them. I also enjoy helping teachers in the classroom.

MATH IS MY FAVORITE SUBJECT because it comes easier to me than other subjects. I also like art because I get to use paint, clay and crayons to create magnificent artwork. My least favorite subject is science, because it does not interest me as much.

I LOVE MY DAD BECAUSE HE WORKS HARD EVERY DAY TO put a roof over my head and food on the table. I love my mom because she’s a foster parent who takes care of other children who would otherwise have very little. She amazes me because she handles so many things at once.

I try to help her around the house by unloading the dishwasher, folding laundry and putting toys away.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING MY PARENTS TAUGHT ME is to treat people how you want to be treated.

PHOTO: MATTHEW GAULIN

MIA CICERI

ONE UNIQUE THING ABOUT ME is I’m adopted. I was born in China, which is on the other side of the world. I feel very blessed that I was adopted by wonderful parents who inspire me to do my best and take care of me.

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“Men no longer need to suffer from frequent urination because they are getting older,” says Dr. James Young, a down-toearth urologist with thirty-two years of experience in treating men with prostate problems in Lake Countyv. 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 2,200 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 32 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

A 7-Step Process For Choosing The Right Facial Cosmetic Procedure Are you confused by all of the options out there that claim to make you look younger? Would you like to look your best, but are too afraid to experiment with something too new or too old-fashioned? Keep reading, we will discuss Dr. Rich Castellano’s 7 basic steps you should consider for any Facial Cosmetic Treatment:

1. Tighten the Sagging Skin: This is the primary focus to create the “Wow!” result. The best look usually comes from tightening. If you like what you see when you pull in the mirror, that is a pretty good idea of what can be achieved. The experts can tell you where non-surgical options are effective.

2. Restoring Lost Volume: Look at your pictures when you were in your 20’s and 30’s and you will see how the volume in our face has changed.

Restoring the lost volume doesn’t replace tightening loose skin, but it does provide a little or no downtime option to look more youthful!

3. Repairing and Polishing Damaged Skin: Whether it is sundamage or acne scarring, it is never too late to take care of your skin. Start out with sunscreen, steamed and raw vegetables to nourish your skin, quit smoking, and drink 2-3 liters of water a day for optimum skin health. Laser treatments are effective maintenance and prevention.

5. Maintenance and Prevention are better than 6. Renovation, though Renovation is sometimes needed. Always best to know both smaller and bigger treatment options.

7. The most attractive thing we do to our face is SMILE! This tightens our skin, plumps the cheeks, and build’s the tent posts at the cheeks to make us look (and feel) our best!

When choosing any cosmetic treatment, please consider how it relates to all 7 of these steps to best predict your outcome and choose correctly!

At ImageLift, we are a National Center of Excellence for our long-term fillers, and we train other doctors in the ImageLift techniques. The experience of Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Rich Castellano, is sought across the country and internationally. We will absolutely provide you with a customized treatment that works for you and your individual needs right here in The Villages, no travel required.

4. Understand your face is like a “Tent” or a “Hand in a Glove”: The tent posts of the face are the chin, back of the jaw, cheek, and brow. Look at your shoes, and the facial tent falls down around the mouth. Look up and the facial tent tightens. Or, think of how a hand fills in the glove when we put it on. As we get older, the hand gets smaller and doesn’t fill in the “Facial Glove.”

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DR. SCOTT WEHRLY

Bringing visionary care to Central Florida Santa Fe Surgery Center is my Santa Fe also has the most resounding favorite. With over advanced microsurgical equip300 years of combined experiment, including Lake County’s ence, the nurses at Santa Fe first LenSx Cataract Laser, the provide the safest and most efbrand new Centurion phacoficient surgical experience I have emulsifaction machine to do known. They provide excellent cataract surgery and the endocypre- and post-operative care clophotocoagulation laser (ECP) with a loving smile and to treat glaucoma. When I go to minimize patient wait time.

Santa Fe, I know I’m delivering the best quality eye care.

DR. SCOT HOLMAN

Restoring clear, healthy vision to The Villages Dr. Scot Holman performs advanced cataract laser surgery, lens implantation and oculoplastic surgery at Santa Fe Surgery Center. He says the center provides him with a skilled team and cutting-edge equipment to positively impact the vision of his patients.

“We have some of the most stateof-the-art equipment for every field of medicine represented here,” he says.

He also enjoys working alongside medical professionals who pride them-

selves in patient satisfaction.

“We have the most experienced group of nurses of any ambulatory surgery center in Central Florida,” says Dr. Holman, a board-certified ophthalmologist who completed his residency at the University of Florida.

“Our patients and their families come back and praise our staff’s efficiency, saying they were so attentive, professional and friendly.”

DR. SHELBY L. TERPSTRA Improving vision — inside and out 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 20or 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.

SANTA FE SURGICAL CENTER Offering the best in ambulatory surgical care

Local residents have a choice when it comes to outpatient surgery. It’s an important choice, especially for those who desire high-quality patient care, the convenience of not having a surgery delayed and a cost-effective alternative to hospitalization.

That’s precisely why more people are opting to have their outpatient surgeries performed at Santa Fe Surgical Center in The Villages. Since opening in August 2011, the center has maintained a strong track record of offering quality care while achieving excellent patient outcomes.

Blending modern, state-of-the-art technology with old-fashioned, hands-on patient care, the Santa Fe team prides itself on making a patient’s visit as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

Leading the team is Dr. Tim Reed, who serves as medical director and chief of anesthesia. These dual roles allow him to continue practicing his love of medicine while being involved in the ongoing effort to constantly improve the overall operation of the center.

“Being our full-time practicing anesthesiologist helps me as

Call today for more information // 352.561.4943

medical director better identify areas where we can improve,” says Dr. Reed, a board-certified anesthesiologist who began private practice in Ocala in 2001. “We challenge ourselves to always get better through regular quality assessment and quality improvement. If we see anything not running perfectly at Santa Fe we immediately set goals for improvement.”

Of course, Dr. Reed does not take full credit for Santa Fe’s success.

Recruiting and retaining a skilled, dedicated and caring staff has paid big dividends. The staff includes a team of nurses, operating room

technicians and administrative personnel that together form a strong cohesive single unit.

“From the very beginning, we have hired people based on their core values and what we see in them as individuals,” he says. “We bring people in who are trustworthy, caring, honest and warm. Once we find these types of people, we offer training and support in their individual area of expertise. The reason behind this logic is simple.

You can train almost anyone how to insert an IV, but you cannot train someone to be a good person — that comes from within.”

Without question, having a kind, gentle staff translates into a better overall patient experience. “Patients notice how well the staff gets along and tell us we’re the happiest medical group they’ve ever seen,” he says. “When patients come here they are not just a number. Instead, no matter how busy we may be, we aim to make each patient feel like they are the single most important person we will treat all day.”

The fully accredited and multispecialty facility offers numerous surgical services, as well as interventional pain management.

Tim Reed, M.D. MEDICAL DIRECTOR, CHIEF OF ANESTHESIA

DENNIS AND CATHERINE JANOWICZ For a local couple who underwent a total of four cataract surgeries at Santa Fe Surgical Center, seeing is believing.

Thanks to the dedicated team of “I’d rather go to Santa Fe and ments: “I was nervous going into surgeons and staff at Santa Fe Sur- have cataract surgery than have the surgery. However, the entire gical Center, the world has never a mammogram,” says Catherine, team at Santa Fe is smiling and looked more beautiful to Dennis who spent 41 years as a nurse very accepting, which made Janowicz and his wife, Catherine. near Boston. “The anesthesiologist me feel relaxed. Following the Today, both enjoy brighter, explains everything to you, and surgery, the nurses carefully and clearer vision after having cataract then the nurses go out of their way thoroughly explained everything surgery performed on each eye to make you feel comfortable. I I needed to do and what medicawithin the past year. While they was treated so wonderful that I felt tions I should take. The entire staff are quick to praise the meticulous I was the only person in the entire is very professional, yet they have surgical skills of Dr. Scot Holman, building. We ate at Bob Evans a unique ability to make patients they are equally pleased with their after all our surgeries because they feel calm. Having surgery at Santa overall experience at Santa Fe were so painless.”

Fe was much better than going to Surgical Center.

Dennis echoes his wife’s sentithe dentist!”

DR. FELIX J. ESAREY

Podiatric surgery takes a step in the right direction Dr. Felix Esarey finds the Santa Fe Surgery Center to be a fantastic asset for both patients and his thriving practice Tri-County Podiatry.

“The great thing about Santa Fe is the relaxed atmosphere,” says Dr. Esarey. “When a patient is in a hospital setting it can be

a bit overwhelming, as there can be several operating rooms being utilized at the same time. The surgery center isn’t like that at all; it’s calm and very patientfriendly. When the patient’s appointment time arrives, everyone and everything is ready. Nothing is hurried or late.”

DR. JOHNNY WU Patients love Santa Fe Surgical Dr. Johnny Wu loves the fact that Santa Fe Surgery Center allows for much more individualized attention for his patients.

“Our trained nursing staff has many years of

hospital experience, and instead of having to spread their time and attention out over many different patients, they are able to focus their attention directly on the patient in front of

DR. SEABORN M. HUNT III An eye for greatness

Dr. Seaborn Hunt does a little bit of everything at Santa Fe Surgical Center — from basic and advanced lens implants to laser glaucoma surgery and eyelid malposition surgery. He has the latest technology at his fingertips, including the Alcon LenSx laser, which allows bladeless laser cataract surgery to be performed with pinpoint precision and perfectly clean cuts.

“Having procedures performed at Santa Fe Surgical Center is beneficial to patients,” he says. “Patients pay less and spend less time here than they would at a hospital, and the entire facility operates very efficiently.”

Dr. Hunt opened his Ocala-based opthalmology practice in 2001. He also serves as a surgical consultant and cataract surgeon with Lange Eye Care.

them,” he says. “It is so important for the patient to know that the physician and the attending nurses have their attention directed on them and them alone.”

SERVICES OFFERED Since 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.

While future expansion is anticipated, the wide array of services currently offered at Santa Fe Surgery Center includes: General surgery Podiatric surgery Minimally invasive neurosurgery Laser cataract surgery Corneal transplantation Oculoplastic surgery General ophthalmology Interventional pain management

SANTA FE SURGERY CENTER Santa Fe Professional Center, 8564 East CR 466 The Villages, FL 32162 352.561.4943

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MARVELS OF MODERN

MEDICINE

Every day, the medical world evolves. Devices get smarter; procedures become quicker and easier to perform; robotic surgery becomes the norm. And though we have not yet reached “Star Trek” status, the potential to achieve it is there. To celebrate the many advances in medical technology, Style presents some of the latest and greatest breakthroughs in modern medicine that are available locally.

September 20 14 I 37

PUMP ON Like an engine, the heart makes our bodies go. Almost 100,000 times a day, it beats, moving about 2,000 gallons of blood through a system of blood vessels over 60,000 miles long. But when disease strikes this important muscle, it can yield devastating, sometimes fatal, results.

Luckily for Lake and Sumter residents, local physicians and hospitals are making investments in modern technology to keep patients’ hearts ticking despite health threats. Here are a few advances that will leave you in awe.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES

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MARVELS OF MODERN PHOTO COURTESY OF MEDTRONIC

MEDICINE

MEDTRONIC REVEAL LINQ INSERTABLE CARDIAC MONITOR

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOSTON SCIENTIFIC

In the not-so-distant past, cardiac monitors were bulky, intrusive and hard to use.

But earlier this year, Leesburg Regional Medical Center (LRMC) became the first hospital in the region to successfully implant the new Medtronic Reveal LINQ Insertable Cardiac Monitor. It is now available at both The Villages Regional Hospital and Florida Hospital Waterman, as well.

Placed just beneath the skin through a small incision, the monitor is the smallest implantable cardiac monitoring device available (about a third the size of an AAA battery), making it virtually invisible to the naked eye.

“Because it’s so small, it doesn’t require sedation, only local anesthesia. We just slide it in using a minimally invasive insertion procedure and within the hour, the patient is free to go home,” says Lori Stevens, director of the Heart Institute at LRMC. “The procedure takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, which has helped with the work flow in the cath lab. It also has relatively few complications.”

The Medtronic Reveal LINQ is an option for patients at risk for cardiac arrhythmia or who experience symptoms such as dizziness, heart palpitations, fainting and chest pain that may suggest a cardiac arrhythmia.

Unlike traditional monitors, which must be worn for 30 days and then returned to the patient’s physician so the information can be retrieved, this monitor has a battery life of up to three years and can wirelessly transmit a patient’s data to his or her doctor from anywhere in the world. Also, the device can alert a physician if the patient has experienced cardiac events.

“It’s amazing to think something this small can be so powerful,” says Stevens. “It’s also been amazing for our female heart patients because it is hardly visible, unlike past models that would leave bumps. A lot of our patients were sensitive to that. Now we implant several of these a week. And once the doctors become increasingly comfortable with the device, we’ll probably phase out the other models and strictly use this one.”

SUBCUTANEOUS IMPLANTABLE DEFIBRILLATOR Further advancing the treatment of lifethreatening heart arrhythmias is the new electrophysiology device known as the

subcutaneous implantable defibrillator system (S-ICD).

Available first in Lake County at Florida Hospital Waterman, the S-ICD is the world’s only subcutaneous implantable defibrillator that provides protection from sudden cardiac arrest without touching the heart and blood vessels. Implanted under the skin on the side of the chest just under the armpit, this device can detect life-threatening arrhythmia from normal rhythms. When it senses a rhythm disturbance, the device delivers an electrical shock to restore the rhythm back to normal.

Unlike its more invasive counterpart, the S-ICD does not use insulated wires, known as leads, to provide the shock. Instead, it uses a combination of a pulse generator and an electrode that surrounds the heart.

“Because this device is so easy to install, it can be performed as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia,” says Dr. Miguel Bryce, medical director of electrophysiology at Florida Hospital Waterman. “Patients can go home the same day and resume their normal activities in 10 to 14 days instead of six weeks.”

Experts say the device can be great for younger patients who are at risk of cardiac arrest but don’t qualify for standard systems or for those who strictly need an implantable defibrillator.

“This device does not provide cardiac pacing; therefore, if someone has a weak, damaged heart but does not require a pacemaker, this may be a viable option, though not everyone qualifies to use it,” explains Dr. Bryce.

OFF-PUMP CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS SURGERY Also known as beating-heart surgery, off-pump bypass surgery is technically not new; it’s been around for roughly 15 years.

However, only 15 percent of heart surgery programs in the country use it and Florida Hospital Waterman is one of them.

Dr. Gary Allen has been performing off-pump bypass surgeries for nearly 10 years. Historically during coronary artery bypass surgery, surgeons received assistance from a heart-lung machine, allowing the heart’s beating to be stopped so the surgeon could operate on a blood-free and still surface. However, using the machine can cause many complications, according to Allen.

“It increases bleeding and a patient’s chance of experiencing a stroke,” he says. “It can also cause lung problems.”

In contrast, off-pump bypass surgery allows the heart to continue beating during the entire procedure.

“We use stabilizers to hold the area of heart that’s being operated on,” Allen says. “It’s about the size of a silver dollar. Meanwhile, the rest of the heart can continue to pump and circulate blood throughout the body, which is great for the patient.”

Very few surgeons perform it, despite its inherent benefits.

“One of the biggest benefits of this surgery is reduced blood loss,” he says. “Then I would say reduced hospital stay and limited time on a breathing machine during surgery are the next important advantages. I believe many shy away from using offpump bypass surgery because it requires a full-team approach with a trained doctor, staff and anesthesiologist.”

September 20 14 I 39

HIGH-TECH ©2014 INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.

SURGEON

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A surgeon is as good only as his or her skill, dedication, hands and eyes.

Skilled surgeons at The Villages Regional Hospital are even better since the implementation of the fourth generation da Vinci Xi Surgical System.

The da Vinci is a robotic-assisted system that delivers real-time 3D-HD video and utilizes smaller, thinner robotic arms with a greater range of motion than previous versions.

The system provides an extension of the surgeon’s hands and eyes and should reduce the size of incisions and decrease the amount of tissue damage.

“The da Vinci Robotic System is a clear advancement in minimally invasive technology, which is now available to The Villages and surrounding communities,” said Dr. Harvey Taub, a local board-certified urologist. “The Xi offers greater range of motion and advantages for many types of surgery.

Urologists, gynecologists, abdominal and thoracic surgeons alike will find the Xi to be a giant leap forward.”

TVRH was the fourth hospital in the nation to install the new da Vinci Xi Surgical System.

TVRH surgeons and operating room staff have years of experience with previous generations of the da Vinci system.

.com

MARVELS PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION

OF MODERN

MEDICINE

LIFEVEST

She was having dinner with her husband when Jane Mangini’s heart stopped.

Bobby Dillaha was on the way to the hospital when he went into cardiac arrest.

Frank House was in bed when his heart quit.

All are alive.

They’re alive because they were wearing a medical device called LifeVest, a wearable defibrillator.

The LifeVest monitors a patient’s heart and delivers a treatment shock to restore normal heart rhythm if a life-threatening rhythm is detected.

“It’s an important part of the puzzle right after heart injury,” says Dr. Georg Couturier, a cardiologist at Heart of The Villages. “It’s like a big bandage you put on a cut. After a couple of weeks, you take it off.”

LifeVest is the ultimate fail-safe plan.

“Basically, if a patient has a bad injury to the heart, we can’t immediately tell how well they’ll recover,” Couturier explains. “When a patient wears LifeVest, it gives us time

POSTERIOR PAIN

IS NO LAUGHING MATTER Many may feel going to the doctor is a pain in the butt.

But some patients visit the doctor because they actually do have a pain in the butt.

That derriere pain may result from piriformis syndrome. The piriformis is a small muscle deep in the buttock, which, when it becomes shortened and tight, impinges on the sciatic nerve. Patients with piriformis syndrome typically experience pain

in their buttocks, legs, groin and low back.

“One of the most frustrating things for these patients is they cannot sit for long periods of time,” says Dr. Daniel Spurrier, owner of Central Florida Neurosurgical Clinic in The Villages.

Dr. Spurrier is one of very few neurosurgeons in the country who offers piriformis surgery. During the procedure, he spreads the fibers of the gluteus maximus

to evaluate their recovery and provides protection against dying from the heart stopping suddenly. A lot of hearts improve during the first six weeks. LifeVest provides additional protection.”

LifeVest is used for a wide range of conditions — recovery from a heart attack, before or after bypass surgery or stent placement, and cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure — that place patients at particular risk. LifeVest has been prescribed for more than 100,000 patients.

Ted Rypchinski, a Villager, began wearing LifeVest after his fourth fainting spell over a span of two or three months.

The diagnosis: ventricular tachycardia, a condition that could result in sudden cardiac death.

“I was told I was lucky to be alive, so the LifeVest was a welcome partner,” Rypchinski says. “It definitely makes me feel more secure.”

to access the piriformis muscle, then cuts the tendon where the piriformis connects to the greater trochanter. That relaxes the muscle and takes pressure off the sciatic nerve.

“When I cut the tendon, I can see exactly where the nerve has been indented,” he says. “Although I loosen the muscle, patients will not feel any different when they participate in activities because other muscles in the buttocks will pick up the slack.”

Dr. Spurrier has performed the procedure on patients throughout the Southeast, including Auburn University sprinter Marcus Rowland. But an accurate diagnosis must be

made before surgery is an option. He requires an MRI of the lumbar spine to rule out a herniated or ruptured disc, the symptoms of which closely mimic piriformis syndrome symptoms. In addition, he performs a clinical examination to re-create the patient’s pain.

Once a diagnosis has been made, he refers patients to physical therapy and performs surgery only on those who respond unfavorably to conservative treatment.

“I would estimate that 95 percent of my piriformis patients are female,” he says. “Females have a wider pelvis, which puts them at an increased risk.”

September 20 14 I 41

6-YEAR-OLD ALEX PRING WAS BORN WITH NO RIGHT ARM FROM JUST ABOVE THE ELBOW. WITH THE INNOVATION AND INGENUITY OF UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA STUDENTS, HE’S ARMED WITH A RENEWED SPIRIT. NOW THE WORLD’S

MARVELS OF MODERN

MEDICINE

WITHIN

REACH STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ+KT CRABB PHOTOGRAPHY

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September 20 14 I 43

Alex Pring calls himself a Transformer.

He even possesses qualities of his favorite supreme-sized robot, Optimus Prime.

He’s gentle, brave and fearless.

The 6-year-old Groveland boy may not convert from vehicle to robot and back, but his colorful, plastic bionic arm rivals that of any Autobot or Decepticon.

“It’s my robo arm,” he says with a smile.

Alex, a first-grader at Minneola Elementary, was born with a limb deficiency; he has no right arm from just above the elbow. But thanks to the innovation and ingenuity of University of Central Florida students, he’s now armed with a renewed spirit.

In July, Alex visited the UCF campus, where students fitted him with a bionic arm they spent eight weeks building.

It may be a fake arm, but it gives Alex real hope. He can now give double highfives, sit upright on a bicycle, complete a set of push-ups and drive the family four-wheeler. But when he first put on the arm, he had something more important to do.

He told the photojournalists pleading for a picture that he needed a moment alone with his mother. Alex excitedly approached her and for the first time ever,

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gave her a two-arm hug. It was a defining moment.

He could now fully embrace a loved family member … and the future.

“I instantly started crying,” says the boy’s mother, Alyson Pring. “To have my son hug me in a way he’s never hugged me before was one of those special life moments I’ll never forget.”

A CLASS ACT

“Hi. I’m Alex and I was born this way.”

That’s how the boy with hazel eyes and light brown hair introduces himself to strangers. He simply answers the inevitable question before it is asked.

For Alex, this is a defense mechanism resulting from ignorant comments he’s heard throughout his young life.

Rarely can he be in public without someone reacting to his arm.

“The other day we went school

shopping and five kids kept staring at him,” Alyson says. “Their parents did not say anything to them. That frustrated me. Incidents like those are why Alex becomes antisocial when he’s around lots of people. He knows people are going to approach him and either touch his arm or ask him what happened.”

Alex always has an answer to those situations.

“I tell them that’s not polite,” he says.

“I don’t like it when people tease me because it hurts my feelings.”

For Alyson, seeing her child’s feelings hurt served as a motivational tool. For years, she has searched relentlessly for ways to obtain a prosthetic arm for Alex. She is a member of e-NABLE, a worldwide online community that collaborates to make prosthetic hands.

That’s where she came in contact with Albert Manero, a UCF student who

“IT’S MY ROBO ARM!”

September 20 14 I 45

earned a master’s degree in aerospace engineering and is pursuing his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering.

When Albert learned of Alex’s condition, he was inspired to help.

“I feel it’s important to use my education to help other people,” Albert says. “I knew from the start building an arm for Alex would be challenging, but there was never a doubt we’d find a way to get the job done.”

Albert recruited a team of 15 UCF students and alumni to assist him with the project, including engineering students, photographers, videographers and machinists. They ordered necessary parts online and embarked on an eightweek mission to build a bionic arm suitable for Alex.

“We worked on the bionic arm during our free time,” Albert says. “Sometimes we would meet as late as 10p.m. just to work out glitches or tweak things.”

The late nights inside UCF’s College of Engineering machine shop ultimately paid dividends. By the end of eight weeks, they invented a bionic arm using a professional-grade 3D printer, which allowed them to melt plastic and form it into the desired shape and size with the help of a computer modeling program. The 9-pound, battery-operated arm features three electrodes that sense movement in Alex’s bicep. He flexes the muscle to control movements of the hand and open and close all five fingers simultaneously, allowing him to grasp objects. The arm is strapped on with Velcro.

“One of my favorite things about the

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arm is the design of the hand because it looks more like a human’s hand,” Albert says. “We decided against the traditional claw design because we wanted Alex to feel like a superhero instead of a super villain.”

Alex certainly looked heroic when he used the arm for the first time.

“He took to it very quickly,” Albert says. “He learned how to pull out a chair with two hands and was also picking Upper left: University of Central Florida aerospace engineering student Albert Manero shakes the robotic hand he and 15 other students designed for Alex Pring. It took the UCF team seven weeks to build the “bionic” arm at a cost of $350. Conventional prosthetic arms cost about $40,000.

Below: Mom Alyson Pring cries tears of joy as she receives her first two-armed hug from her 6-year-old son Alex.

Opposite page: Proud parents Steve and Alyson Pring with Alex and his little sister.

things up off the floor. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when he hugged his mom.”

The bionic arm cost $350 to build and was given free to the family. That’s a godsend for the Prings, since prosthetic arms can cost as much as $40,000. The family insurance would not cover the expense because as children grow, they need larger devices. Therefore, this invention can potentially be a gamechanger in the prosthetic industry. Albert has posted the design of the arm online.

“Our goal is to make these arms affordable and accessible for children,” Albert says. “And we’re not finished with Alex’s arm. We have a list of improvements we’d like to make within the next year.”

Having only half a right arm has never slowed Alex down.

Because of his incredible ability to adapt to his condition, he has participated in

MARVELS OF MODERN

MEDICINE

activities enjoyed by other boys his age.

When riding a bike, he’d lean forward and rest his right arm on the handlebars as he steered with his left arm; to play a game on a cell phone, he positioned the phone against his right arm and pushed buttons with his left hand. He has even played cards using his feet.

The family’s Groveland property is an ideal place for Alex to fish, swim, shoot firearms and ride four-wheelers. Recently, he tried to jump a dirt mound with a golf cart and got it stuck. Sounds like something most little boys would do.

“He can also run very fast and he’s even figured out ways to climb trees,” says Alex’s grandfather Bob Kelly, who lives in St. Cloud. “He’s a combination of a gazelle and a monkey. He wasn’t raised to think he cannot do something. It has always been how he is going to figure out how to do something.”

So for Alex, having a bionic arm is more about improved confidence. And that’s invaluable considering the insults he’s endured. Without question, the ignorance of others has handicapped the boy more than anything else.

“Before he entered pre-kindergarten and was around other students, Alex never thought of himself as different,” Bob says.

“It is everyone else who has a problem.”

With a visible physical defect, Alex was always an easy target for teasing and ridicule among his peers. Some wondered whether he was bitten by a shark or alligator. Others assumed he had been run over by a truck.

“There were days he would come home from school and go right to his room,” Alyson said. “He was sad because he had his feelings hurt. Sometimes he is

able to ignore it; other times he becomes tired of it.”

And it wasn’t only children who said or did hurtful things.

“When we were shopping or eating at restaurants adults would approach Alex and ask what happened to his arm,” Alyson says. “Another time we were at Disney World and had Alex in a stroller.

A woman came up and said, ‘His arm fell out of the sleeve. Let me fix it.’ When she realized Alex only had half of an arm, she gasped and walked away.”

Incidents such as those are why Alex wears his bionic arm in public with pride. The hurtful comments have given way to admiration and awe when others watch the boy operate his arm.

He can now hold open a door, grip both

handlebars on his bicycle and place books in the library drop box.

“I like my arm because I can do more things now,” Alex says. “The reason I like it most, though, is because people don’t tease me anymore.”

Those simple words have a profound effect on Alyson’s heart.

“I am forever grateful for what the UCF students did for my son,” she says. “They certainly did not have to spend their free time making a bionic arm for Alex. And the fact they are willing to revise his arm in the future and make it more effective shows how they are a great group of people with incredibly big hearts.”

Those UCF students not only built Alex a new arm.

They built him a new life.

“I LIKE MY ARM BECAUSE I CAN DO MORE THINGS NOW.”

September 20 14 I 47

12th Annual

Cattle Barons' Ball

Presenting Sponsor

The Grand Oaks Resort 3000 Marion County Road Weirsdale, FL 32159 Tickets: $150 each or $1000 for a reserved table of 8

Gold Sponsors:

September 27, 2014 6–11P.M. Featuring live entertainment by the

Dan Story Band.

TB

F INANCIAL G ROUP I NC .

Walt & Phyllis Baum

For tickets, tables and sponsorships please visit www.DenimAndDiamondsGala.com, call 352.326.9599 or email Carolyn@CarolynMaimone.com

Dizziness? visit us today

EXCEPTIONAL

Urgent Care Center Your health. Your time. Our priority.

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 9am-3:30pm Sunday Closed

(352) 391-5200 Dana Center 11950 County Rd 101 The Villages, Fl 32162 Dr. John Im Graduate of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Residency Trained in Emergency Medicine

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Who says you only receive quality health care in large metropolitan areas?

Camogliano Medical Practice ............................................50 Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute ............................52 Advanced Urology ................................................................53

profile Gulf Coast Spine ....................................................................54 Advanced Gastroenterology & Surgery Associates ..............................................................56 Glover Chiropractic Clinic ....................................................57 Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic ...............................................58 Leesburg Regional Medical Center Urgent Care ................................................................58 Central Florida Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ................................................60

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Easily navigate our Health Pros health care directory by choosing the section that best fits your individual needs.

Looking for a physician? Maybe you are looking for a special practice? Just thumb through the Practice section until your needs are met. Our Profiles section allows you to get to know each doctor individually on a one-on-one basis.

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Lake County residents are blessed with outstanding medical services thanks to talented local physicians and the facilities that accommodate them. In this month’s special issue of Health Pros, you will have an opportunity to meet these physicians, who range from dentists and heart surgeons to chiropractors and internists, as well as learn about cutting-edge treatments and well-respected practices throughout the area.

We feel honored to recognize the hardworking professionals of the health care field, especially since they provide compassion during difficult times and meet the health needs of the communities where we work and live.

With any luck, you may discover a medical service or specialty physician who is best for you, your family members, or your friends.

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DR. LUIS RAMOS

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Camogliano Medical Practice

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CAMOGLIANO MEDICAL PRACTICE Spanish Plains Medical Plaza | 1400 U.S. Highway 441 N. | Bldg. 900 Suite 902 | The Villages, FL 32159 352.259.3435 | DrCamogliano.com

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beyond office visits. The practice has affi liations with The Villages Regional Hospital, Leesburg Regional Medical Center and Promise Hospital.

In addition, it is affi liated with nursing homes such as Lady Lake Specialty Care, The Club, The Villages Rehab and Nursing Facility and Arbor Village Nursing Facility.

This allows the Camogliano Internal Medicine team to provide a continuum of care that begins in the office and continues in a hospital, rehabilitation facility and nursing home.

“We like to stay with our patients every step of the way,” says Debbie Camogliano, who serves as administrator of the practice. “This leads to an overall better quality of care and improved patient outcomes.”

At Camogliano Medical Practice, delivering superior patient care is always top priority. “We love helping make our patients feel better and enjoy a better quality of life,” Dr. Ramos says.

“And we develop each treatment plan based on the specific needs of a patient.”

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r. Romulo Camogliano has practiced internal medicine in the area for 18 years. During that time, he has developed a reputation as a caring physician who possesses an extraordinary expertise, skills and knowledge in his field. As a result, his patient base has steadily increased.

To accommodate the growth and expedite care, he added ARNP Janet King two years ago; a second nurse practitioner, Ronnie Boekema, last April and Dr. Luis Ramos, who joined the practice in August. Dr. Ramos is an experienced rheumatologist who treats conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout and osteoporosis. To say he is excited about teaming up with Dr. Camogliano is an understatement.

“I look forward to getting to know patients from The Villages and surrounding area,” Dr. Ramos says. “When it comes to medicine, Dr. Camogliano and I share the same vision— offering personalized care and spending the necessary time with patients so we can treat them to the best of our ability.”

Of course, that personalized care extends well

health pros 2014

World Class Cancer Care in Our Corner of the World RBOI practicing the most advanced radiation oncology, right here in Central Florida.

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hen Norman Anderson lost a close friend to cancer at 21, he vowed to make oncology his life’s work. In 1990, Dr. Anderson opened the Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute, named in honor of that friend lost too soon. He was joined by fellow UF physicians Tim Brant, Steve Bucy, and Joseph Bennett. Years later, Dr. Luis Carrascosa became a member of the team in Marion County.

In 1998, RBOI was awarded accreditation from the American College of Radiology, the highest honor given to radiation oncology practices in the U.S. Recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to cancer care, RBOI utilizes a wide array of treatment modalities including Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT RapidArc), Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), combined with advanced targeting technologies like Onboard Imaging (OBI), ExacTrac, and Calypso.

But even with all these advanced technologies at RBOI’s disposal, Dr. Anderson is the first to warn against an overemphasis on the machines themselves. “The medical professionals responsible for the design and delivery of the treatment,” he says “are at least if not more important than the technology.” And it is here that RBOI has no equal in the surrounding areas. RBOI employs a team of medical physicists and dosimetrists at each site that are always available, ensuring peer review and the highest possible quality of care.

Patients like Bud Conklin say RBOI deserves equal recognition for its warm, family-like atmosphere. Following his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2011, Bud chose Calypso 4D Localization, which uses GPS-like technology to optimize radiation targeting. Now cancer-free, the air force veteran says he was as wowed by the personal attention at RBOI as he was by the advanced therapies. “My 88 year-old mom was worried about her ‘little boy,’” Bud says. “The staff took the time to show her how everything worked, put her mind at ease — I think that says so much.”

The warmth and expertise at RBOI extend beyond medical care. Physician-led support groups offer emotional support and cancer navigators are always available to patients and their families for one-on-one counseling. For patients like Bud Conklin, there’s no reason to travel when they can get cutting edge treatment with the comforts of home. “I didn’t feel like I was sick,” Bud says. “I was just visiting my friends at RBOI every morning.”

ROBERT BOISSONEAULT ONCOLOGY INSTITUTE Drs. Anderson, Bennett, Brant, Bucy and Carrascosa | Clinics in Ocala, TimberRidge, The Villages and Lecanto | 352-732-0277 | RBOI.com

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ADVANCED UROLOGY SPECIALISTS Locations in Lake, Sumter, Citrus and Marion counties 352.350.8272 | AdvancedUrologists.com

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Advanced Urology Specialists

dvanced Urology Specialists has one simple mission: to offer innovative, highquality urologic care close to home.

“I’m really proud to be a part of a group of physicians who believe in providing the same, sometimes better, level of care that can be found at universities and places like Mayo Clinic,” says Dr. Richard Roach, who joined the practice in November. “This is great for our patients because it means they can receive the quality of care they need and deserve without having to visit a big city. Instead, we can do that … right here.”

Established in 2009, Advanced Urology Specialists was the groundbreaking result of five leading urology practices merging to form a shared vision for a new kind of urological care.

“Separately, we had worked together very cordially for years,” explains Dr. Andrew Sher, one of the founding partners. “But we decided to combine our talents to offer a more complete continuum of innovative and integrated care. As a group, we play to each other’s strengths and that allows us to be quicker and more efficient.”

With a reputation as the region’s most trusted resource for specialized care of male and female urological conditions, Advanced Urology Specialists employs a team approach when addressing anything from urinary incontinence to erectile dysfunction to prostate cancer.

Each urologist is a specialist trained in the latest techniques for treatment of various urologic problems with emphasis on minimally invasive procedures.

“For example, at a small practice one physician may be an expert in one treatment but not in another,” say Dr. Sher. “Because we are such a large group, we can make all treatment options available.”

“There isn’t an area we don’t treat,” adds Dr. Saumil Karavadia, who has been with the practice for a year. “We can help you achieve what you’re looking for as a patient because we have a very high level of expertise within our group.”

health pros 2014

Dr. Frank Bono

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rank S. Bono, D.O., is a highly skilled and much-sought-after orthopedic surgeon who specializes in disorders of the spine.

A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in psychology and a minor in biology and chemistry, he received his degree in osteopathic medicine from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. He performed his internship and residency at Botsford General Hospital in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Dr. Bono has trained exclusively in the highly specialized field of minimally invasive spine surgery and has been recognized by Consumer Reports, HealthGrades and Newsweek for his patient satisfaction and surgical outcomes.

He has received numerous awards for his work and contributions to the field from the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons and the Michigan Osteopathic Association.

He is the author of articles in several publications and is often called upon to deliver talks about his work to physician groups and professional associations.

However, he maintains his greatest accomplishment is one he shares with his wife Susan: their four beautiful children.

GULFCOAST SPINE INSTITUTE Locations in The Villages, Inverness, Spring Hill and Tampa 855.485.3262 | TakeYourBackBack.com

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Dr. James Ronzo

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GULFCOAST SPINE INSTITUTE Locations in The Villages, Inverness, Spring Hill and Tampa 855.485.3262 | TakeYourBackBack.com

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ames J. Ronzo, D.O., is nationally recognized as a leader in minimal access spine surgery and regularly shares his expertise in the operating room with spine surgeons visiting from around the country.

Recognized by Consumer Reports, ProPublica, HealthGrades and Newsweek, Dr. Ronzo’s surgical outcomes have gained national recognition. Having lectured nationally and internationally on topics such as bone morphogenetic protein and minimally invasive spine fusions. One of his lectures was to an international group of spine surgeons in Nice, France.

He conducted a 600-patient study focused on minimally invasive lumbar fusions that he presented at the annual Clinical Assembly of Osteopathic Specialists.

Dr. Ronzo’s clinical interests extend to the evaluation and surgical management of degenerative disorders of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, minimally invasive surgery and microsurgery. His research interests include improving minimally invasive spine surgery through advancing technology.

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Dr. Garth O. George D

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r. George has always enjoyed his work, but there’s an extra spring in his step these days.

George, one of the skilled doctors at Advanced Gastroenterology & Surgery Associates, is feeling downright chipper about two new drugs that are handcuffing Hepatitis C, a notorious killer virus that attacks the liver.

“In the USA these drugs are showing very high success rates against Hepatitis C, which is the most common reason people have liver transplants,” George said. Though treating Genotype I still uses the injectable interferon with two pills, it’s an all-pill therapy for Genotypes II and III. And it’s a cure. It’s not a viral suppressive like is used with HIV. It’s a cure.”

No wonder Dr. George is excited. He’s been fighting Hepatitis C for nearly 25 years.

“When I was training in Miami, the cure rate was 6 percent. That was in 1990,” George said.

“Through the evolution of different therapies we saw the cure rate reach 22 percent, then 50 to 60 percent. But today, these new treatments are showing cure rates of 96 to 98 percent!”

The wonder drugs causing all the excitement are Sovaldi and Olysio, Hopefully in October of this year the FDA will approve a non-interferon, pills only treatment for all genotypes. This would be a uncomplicated cocktail of medications.

“No more Interferon shots every week,” George said. “And these new drugs only take three months to cure Hepatitis C, compared to a year for previous therapies.”

The only bad news is that Sovaldi costs about $1,000 a pill. Of course, that cost will gradually drop – especially if ABT-450 and others become available.

Dr. George calls the wonder drugs “game changers” and urges Baby Boomers get tested for Hepatitis C. “That’s what the CDC is recommending,” Dr. George said. “People born from 1945 to 1965 are five times more likely than other adults to be infected. You should be tested even if you didn’t participate in high-risk behavior.”

Nearly 3 million people end up with Hepatitis C. Twenty-five percent of them will develop cirrhosis of the liver.

ADVANCED GASTROENTEROLOGY & SURGERY ASSOCIATES 8100 County Road 44 | Leesburg, FL 34788 | 352.323.8868

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Glover Chiropractic Clinic B

exercises to those who are experiencing problems with their range of motion and movement. She was recently voted Hottest Massage Therapist in Style magazine’s Hot List.

Together, these women bring more than 22 years of experience in chiropractic care to the practice. They also have mastered the art of making the road to recovery at Glover Chiropractic a pleasant one.

“When people come to see us, they are in pain, depressed and understandably disgruntled,” explains Elizabeth. “We try to keep things positive and uplift our patients’ spirits because they may have been suffering for some time.

It’s rewarding when we see someone’s attitude change because they’ve finally found relief. It’s one of the best parts of the job.”

The other best part is working with Dr. Glover.

“He’s a great boss,” says Elizabeth. “We all have families and he is really great about allowing us to have the time with our children when we need it. We also love working for him because unlike traditional doctor’s offices, we know we can help our patients get better.”

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312 N 14th Street Leesburg, FL 34748 352.787.9995 | GloverChiro.com

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ehind every successful doctor is an equally successful and dedicated staff. In the case of Dr. Jeffrey Glover of Glover Chiropractic Clinic, he has four experienced and educated professionals in his office who understand the importance of restoring a patient’s health while maintaining an alwayspositive atmosphere.

“We all work very well together and share a ton of laughs, especially with our patients,” says Elizabeth Sellers, who serves as the practice administrator and is a Certified Chiropractic Physician’s Assistant. “We make them feel like family.”

Working alongside Elizabeth are Whitney Law, Kathy Murphy and Tracy Zito. Whitney handles many of the front desk duties, such as answering the phone and helping patients when they arrive in the office, while Kathy assists Dr. Glover with patient care.

Licensed massage therapist Tracy Zito works in the office two days a week to help patients who may require further care following a treatment.

“She specializes in lymphatic drainage massage, which helps people who have swelling in their extremities. Through this massage, she is able to reduce swelling and toxin buildup,” says Elizabeth.

Tracy is also a personal trainer and offers useful

health pros 2014

Dr. John Theeck

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any physicians advertise having the latest, state-of-the-art equipment, but many times those fancy gadgets just mask a person’s symptoms.

Dr. John Theeck believes in discovering the root of the pain and eliminating it. At his practice, Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic, he uses complex examinations to determine his patients’ underlying problems.

“We try to become the hero in a different way,” he says. “A laser, pill or patch doesn’t correct the problem. We do what is necessary to determine the cause of your pain and discomfort, and then we fix it.”

Dr. Theeck treats everything from aching backs and feet to sinus infections and high blood pressure. And with his practice being located in

The Villages, he realizes how important it is for his local clients to have a second lease on life.

“They play tennis, golf and pickleball, so I look at them like athletes,” Dr. Theeck says. “They want their body to operate to its full potential and I help them achieve that.”

He is also a staunch proponent of educating people on how to prevent disease.

“I am a board member of ChiroMission, which is a humanitarian mission group that provides holistic care to Third World countries. I also sit on the board of World Wellness Education, a group that raises awareness on what causes disease,” he says. “If I can educate patients now to prevent diseases in the future, then I feel like I have succeeded. There are things a person can do to prevent certain illnesses such as cancer, stroke, diabetes and heart disease.”

Much of Dr. Theeck’s drive to help people undergo complete lifestyle changes comes from his personal experiences with medical error.

“I had two loved ones pass away from medical error. They were taking medications they didn’t need, so that drives me to create a better community,” he says.

With such a stellar reputation, Legacy Clinic attracts patients from all over the country who are seeking relief because they’ve grown tired of taking medicine and not knowing what it’s for.

“People tell me all the time they wish I would open a practice in their area,” Dr. Theeck says.

“I find it rewarding to help patients overcome debilitating pain and get their lives back.”

LEGACY CLINIC OF CHIROPRACTIC 1950 Laurel Manor Drive, Suite 204 | The Villages, FL 32162 | 352.259.0024 | legacyclinicofchiropractic.com

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Dr. Gregory Krivonyak

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LEESBURG REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER URGENT CARE 550 E. Dixie Avenue | Leesburg, FL 34748 | 352.323.CARE (2273)

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inor injuries, common illnesses and school physicals are just a part of life and rarely require a trip to the emergency room. That’s where Dr. Gregory Krivonyak and the new Urgent Care Center on the campus of Leesburg Regional Medical Center (LRMC) can help.

Dr. Krivonyak staffs the Urgent Care Center two to three times a week. He also serves as director of Leesburg Regional’s budding occupational health program.

“Urgent care is a good choice when your regular physician can’t see you because he’s booked or it’s after hours. We can treat people for everyday problems such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, a cut, shingles or an upper respiratory infection,” says Dr. Krivonyak. “If you have a cough and you think it may be pneumonia, we can look at it because we’ll always evaluate you to see if it is something we can treat or if it is something that

needs to be addressed in the ER. Either way, we are capable of making those types of decisions, which can help alleviate the strain sometimes placed on the ER for non-emergency situations.”

And with the new Urgent Care Center being associated with LRMC, Dr. Krivonyak explains how he is able to order certain tests that other centers can’t.

“For example, if someone has a swollen limb and they think they have a blood clot, I can order an ultrasound to check. Not a lot of centers can do that and that truly sets us apart,” he says. “It’s one of the reasons I love working for LRMC. They allow me to use my skills to their full potential.”

He also enjoys the unpredictability of the job.

“It’s quick, ever-changing and never boring,” he says. “I like seeing different people every day with different problems. It’s like rapid paced general medicine.”

Dr. Krivonyak completed his undergraduate degree, graduate degree and Bachelor of Science in 1997 at Fairmont State College in West Virginia, where he also played college football. He began medical school in 1999 at Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, before going on to complete his internship and residency in Tampa at the University of South Florida. He completed residencies in pediatrics and occupational medicine by 2008.

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Dr. Anureet Garg

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CENTRAL FLORIDA PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION 8610A E. County Road 466 | The Villages, FL 32162 | 352.391.5866 914 E. Dixie Avenue | Leesburg, FL 34748 | 352.365.9553

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depending on the injury, disorder or illness. She enjoys treating various conditions, ranging from arthritis, spinal cord injuries and stroke to brain injuries, neuropathy, sports injuries and almost any physical problem.

“The most gratifying aspect of this job is improving a patient’s quality of life,” she says.

“Rehabilitation adds life to years; not just years to life. For instance, a patient can survive a stroke but becomes very dependent on others to help him or her perform simple functions of everyday life. That is not the life people want to live. We help patients become independent and also treat subsequent side effects such as pain and spasticity.”

She offers a wide array of treatment options, including muscle injections, joint injections, spasticity injections and osteopathic manipulations. Dr. Garg can also refer patients to physical therapy and diagnose conditions by ordering medical imaging or performing electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction tests.

“Our field overlaps with other specialties, mainly orthopedics, rheumatology and neurology. As a result, we are a one-stop place for physical problems. That is very beneficial and convenient for patients. For example, if a patient suffers from neuropathy and arthritis, they can come here and receive treatment for both conditions rather than visiting separate doctors.”

practice

s a girl growing up in Michigan, Anureet Garg saw fi rsthand how debilitating physical conditions can affect a person’s quality of life. Her grandmother was a paraplegic, while one of her closest friends battled spina bifida. That sparked a passion inside her to become a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician and treat people with physical impairment and disability.

Today, she is living her dream.

Dr. Garg completed her residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation in June 2013 at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. In May, she joined the team at Central Florida Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The practice has offices in Leesburg and The Villages and is owned by Dr. Robert Maiello.

“Being here is wonderful because we offer a true physical medicine and rehabilitation practice,” says Dr. Garg, who graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2009. “Dr. Maiello offers comprehensive rehabilitation services, and his emphasis on high-quality patient care is precisely how I practice medicine.”

Dr. Garg loves the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation because she helps impaired patients lead healthier and more independent lives. Her rehabilitation and treatment programs are specifically designed for individual patients

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PICTURE PERFECT Cardiologist Mark Rothschild captures the heart of humanity in his photos Page 6

AMAZING GRACE Meet longtime Villager Frank Grace Page 4

Plus

THIS ‘N’ THAT

Here’s a call to action: Old fat guys with their old fat dogs unite!

Page 16

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CLUB OF THE MONTH STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: PROVIDED

GOTTA ‘CACHE’ ’EM ALL JULIE WHEELER IS LIVING PROOF YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD FOR A LITTLE HIGH-TECH HIDE AND SEEK. A Villager, Julie Wheeler spends much of her time geocaching, a fun-filled treasure hunt that blends outdoor adventure with new technology. But she’s not seeking gold or silver; instead, she’s searching for hidden containers — caches — that contain a logbook and small items.

Finders take those items and replace them with items of their own.

Instead of using a compass, geocachers use a handheld GPS receiver.

Julie fondly remembers her first time geocaching — or, as she calls it, her geoversary — on Oct. 6, 2012.

“Being outdoors and the thrill of locating a hidden device got me instantly hooked,” she recalls. “It turned out to be a special day.”

Julie, the president of The Villages Geocaching Club, has enjoyed many special days since then. She has found 1,570 hidden caches and counting. It’s a hunting season that never ends.

“I do it year-round,” she says. “It’s a

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lot of fun, and I’ve gone to areas in The Villages that I did not know existed.

Also, I love matching my wits against the person who hid the cache.”

She records each find on Geocaching. com and signs the logbook inside the container to prove she was there. Julie also searches the website for coordinates of caches she hasn’t yet found. And while the hunt is exciting, Julie also has hidden her fair share of containers with items such as ponchos, in case of rain, and wipes, for dirty hands.

“Any time you take an item from the container, it must be replaced with something of equal or greater value,” she says.

Geocaching made its debut in 2000 and has exploded in popularity. There are more than 5 million registered geocachers and 2 million caches to find. Local folks have taken fondly to the activity, as evidenced by the 145 members of The Villages Geocaching Club. Club members hold meetings

at Laurel Manor Recreation Center on the first Thursday of each month at 10a.m. You do not have to be a geocaching pro to attend.

“Those who would like to know about geocaching are paired with some of our experienced geocachers, who share their knowledge,” Julie says.

“And anyone interested in participating in geocaching will learn how to use Geocaching.com and get started.”

As president, Julie hopes to arrange more geocaching outings.

“We gathered in early August and went geocaching around The Villages,” she says. “It was a blast. I want to plan several outings a year so we can do different types of geocaches in different areas.”

For more information about The Villages Geocaching Club, call Julie Wheeler at 925.200.3366.

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meet a villager STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTO: MATTHEW GAULIN

NOTEWORTHY ACHIEVEMENT: I worked for the Bell Telephone Co. for 30 years and retired as public relations director of Pacific Bell. Today, I am the festival roundup editor for the publication American Rag and the communications consultant for the Association of Mature American Citizens. However, my proudest achievement is marrying Sue, my wife of 51 years. We have two children and two grandchildren.

FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: New Orleans. The city has great food, music and cultural history. With such a variety of restaurants and music clubs, you need to spend several days in the city to take it all in. I’ve also attended six Mardi Gras events. I enjoy the excitement, uniqueness and thrill.

COLLECTION: Sue and I were co-owners and operators of Grace’s Books and Records in downtown Leesburg. Today, we have more than 3,000 books in our home neatly placed on bookshelves in the guest bedroom, garage and even our bathroom. We also maintain a collection of vinyl LP jazz records that are framed and hanging on the walls of our home.

FAVORITE AUTHORS: I am a fan of mystery writers James Patterson and Lee Child.

Both write in a succinct, intriguing manner that makes it hard to put down their books. I also like James Michener, who had a fascinating way of combining fictional stories centered on historical events.

FAMOUS PEOPLE YOU MET: As assistant secretary for the California Health and Welfare Agency, I was on staff with Gov. Ronald Reagan. He was an extremely genuine person and never micromanaged his staff.

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5

BEST OF

BOTH

WORLDS Cardiologist Mark Rothschild is the picture of a man twice-blessed.

STORY: PAT JOCELYN PHOTOS: MARK ROTHSCHILD

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It was the old man and the ageless task he was performing that first captured the good doctor’s attention.

Dr. Mark Rothschild had just arrived in a small village in Tari Province in Papua, New Guinea, and he was intrigued with the vignette being played out before him.

It was an image Rothschild captured on camera.

“I noticed a village elder had two pieces of twine and was rubbing them together (with a piece of bamboo),” Rothschild said.

Fascinated, the Central Florida cardiologist continued to observe the old man. “He made a fire and then lit his pipe. That’s when I took a picture of him.”

“This is one of my favorites,” Rothschild said as he studied the photo of the old man.

“Photographically, it’s a really cool picture. He didn’t pose for this and his eyes are gazing (into the distance) so you got a perfect angle.

He’s wearing a beautiful purple and red sari. And the fact that he made

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“HE MADE A FIRE AND THEN LIT HIS PIPE. THAT’S WHEN I TOOK A PICTURE OF HIM.”

the fire that lit his pipe … I mean, where else are you going to see things like this? It’s so unique.”

It’s unique because Papua New Guinea is in the southwest Pacific Ocean, 8,378 miles from Rothschild’s office at Heart of the Villages, a medical group in The Villages.

And unique because Rothschild is a cardiologist with a camera, not a professional photographer, explorer or anthropologist.

Papua New Guinea is known for cultural diversity and an unbelievably high number of social structures and traditions that can be traced back hundreds of years and are still in use. It’s the kind of thirdworld society Rothschild is drawn to. He enjoys photographing images of the people, their traditions, their cultures, their animals and their breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.

“You see the decay of American civilization living in contemporary society,” Rothschild said. “Then you go to Mali (West Africa) and do a threeday trek from one village to another,

sleep in a sleeping bag and meet the people; the things you see and the cultures you become exposed to — that’s what I like.”

Rothschild said he was a little surprised at his own reaction to third-world travel.

“I didn’t really know I would like

You might think photography and cardiology are as different as hot dogs and caviar, but Rothschild doesn’t necessarily agree.

“Photography, like cardiology, takes a certain amount of technical proficiency — it’s not something you just learn to do in a day or two,” he said. “It’s

“Cardiology is the cornerstone of internal medicine,” he explained.

“More people die of heart disease than any other disease by far. (Cardiology) is a lot of work but people benefit from it, and it’s emotionally and intellectually gratifying.”

The 60-year-old loves working in the

“I DISCOVERED THERE’S A WHOLE WORLD OUT THERE AND IT’S DIFFERENT FROM ANYTHING I’VE EVER EXPERIENCED ” that kind of thing but I discovered there’s a whole world out there and it’s different from anything I’ve ever experienced,” he said.

It’s more than knowing where a country is on the map; it’s more about the exploration and discovery.

“Wouldn’t it be great to really discover a lot more things?”

Rothschild asked himself.

something that takes a period of time and training.”

The Syracuse, New York, native knows a thing or two about time and training.

It took 14 years of training to become a non-invasive cardiologist — that is, a cardiologist who uses external tests to evaluate and diagnose cardiac disorders.

Rothschild is clearly dedicated to his profession.

medical field and doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon. But he is looking ahead.

“I can’t do full-time cardiology forever, and over the last few years I’ve had a desire to become more professional with my photography,” he said. “It started out as just being fun. Now I’m trying to get up to another level.”

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“I’M NOT AN ARTIST. I’M A PROFESSIONAL PERSON WHO HAS EMBRACED THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY.”

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That other level is to eventually become a photojournalist, but he wants to focus on more than just taking the photo.

“I would like to go beyond the superficial,” he added. “I’d like to delve into why a culture is the way it is.”

Rothschild wasn’t always keenly interested in photography. When he was 25, he backpacked through Western Europe and the British Isles for three months. He had a little point-and-shoot camera and took quite a few pictures, but admits they weren’t very good.

Rothschild’s interest increased when digital photography came along. He wanted to learn more. His medical career left little time for traditional classroom training, so he turned to the Internet and online courses. Rothschild continued taking courses as time allowed. And he also continued his travels.

“I’ve been to 33 countries and have a short and medium list of places I’d like to see,” he said. “It’s not just the photography, it’s the travel. It makes perfect sense to marry the two and do travel photography.”

Initially he traveled with a friend, Cliff Malzman, who’s visited 66 countries and is a talented photographer. Now Rothschild travels with wife, Lisa.

So, has photography changed him?

“Everybody is the sum product of all their experiences,” he said. “I am the way I am today because of all my experiences to date. I think my personality today has been contributed to by traveling and meeting and talking to people.”

His medical career has, of course, also has played a major role in his life.

“That’s my background and that’s what I’ve done,” he said. “I come to travel and photograph from a different

perspective. I’m not an artist. I’m a professional person who has embraced the art of photography. I’ve found ways of learning the technical aspects of photography and being able to develop it in a creative way that I never thought of myself as being able to do.”

And those similarities between photography and cardiology?

There’s another.

Watching this cardiologist interpret the intricate results of an echocardiogram is in many ways similar to watching him interpret the results of the digital image he had taken of the indigenous man smoking a pipe.

Both images were powerful and both fulfilled the purpose of documenting a portion of life itself. And it was Dr. Mark Rothschild’s job to accurately translate and share the story of what he saw before him.

For more examples of Dr. Rothschild’s work, visit his website at markrothschildphoto.com.

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Dr. Payman shares the philosophy of trying to achieve results by identifying the cause of low back pain, neck pain, and arthritis of the joints.

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V

book club STORY: KATHY PORTER

ORPHAN TRAIN

A POIGNANT STORY OF TWO UNLIKELY FRIENDS AND A RELATIVELY UNKNOWN EVENT IN AMERICAN HISTORY Facilitator Kay DeRousse noted that, for the second time in two months, The Villages Bookworm Club read a novel, “Orphan Train,” in which the author chose to tell the story using two narrators.

Previously, the club had read “The Kitchen House,” a story about life in an antebellum Virginia plantation, which utilized the same technique.

Telling the tale in “Orphan Train” are Molly and Vivian. Molly is a 17-year-old Penobscot Indian in foster care. Vivian is a 91-year-old woman with many secrets.

Molly is assigned to do community service by helping Vivian clean out her attic. As they sort through her possessions, Vivian’s memories begin to flood back and she divulges those secrets to Molly.

We travel between Maine in 2011 and Minnesota in the 1930s. Vivian, only 9 years old in 1929 and orphaned in New York City, is placed on a train with dozens of other orphans destined to be placed in foster homes somewhere in the Midwest. As we learn about this little-known period of American history, our hearts ache for Vivian’s struggle to survive. Molly discovers she has the ability to help Vivian find the answers to questions that have haunted her life.

For 75 years, more than 200,000 children, most of whom were Irish immigrants, were transported on orphan trains to be placed in foster homes around the Midwest to endure what amounted to indentured servitude for a majority of children. Club members were quick to draw a parallel between the tens of

THE NEXT MEETING

The Bookworm Book Club will meet Sep. 16 to discuss The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout. Club chairwoman Kathy Porter can be contacted at 352.259.8196 or kathyporter@comcast.net.

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Wonderful, enlightening and the second read was even better than the first. The book influenced me to research history of orphan trains.”

— Lorraine Tinkler Village of Sunbury

thousands of unescorted minors now entering the U.S. illegally.

It was surprising to learn that a number of the club members had family or friends with direct experience with the orphan trains. Some family members were placed in good homes with loving families; others were subjected to terrible hardships, much like co-narrator Vivian.

The group was heartened by members’ stories of their own experiences in foster care or coping after the loss of a parent at an early age.

Members said they just couldn’t put the book down and were unanimous in their praise. In fact, the book prompted some to do more research about orphan trains. A discussion of the ending was not as favorable. A number of members were disappointed in the conclusion. They said they wanted more, but noted that perhaps this was intentional, paving the way for a second book. However, the group considered this novel a gem and would highly recommend it.

About the Author Christina Baker Kline was born in England and raised there as well in the American South and Maine. She graduated from Yale University, Cambridge University and the University of Virginia. She has taught fiction and nonfiction writing, poetry, English literature, literary theory and women’s studies at Fordham University, Yale, New York University and Drew University. Kline donates her time and editing skills to a number of organizations in New Jersey and Maine. Orphan Train is her fifth novel and she is currently at work on a literature anthology and a novel based on a painting by Andrew Wyeth, Christina’s World. Kline resides in Montclair, New Jersey, with her husband and three sons.

HARDCOVER BESTSELLERS AS OF AUGUST 21

1. EDGE OF ETERNITY by: Ken Follett

2. THE ESCAPE by: David Baldacci

3. BIG LITTLE LIES by: Liane Moriarty

4. BURN

by: James Patterson, Michael Ledwidge

5. FOUR : A DIVERGENT COLLECTION by: Veronica Roth

WHAT CLUB MEMBERS THOUGHT I couldn’t put this book down, not even for minute, as I was caught up in the sad events and tragedies that befell a young orphan girl. Orphan children were relocated from large cities on the East Coast to the Midwest by train. They were forced to live with a foster family and treated as an indentured servant. It was heart-wrenching that some children were placed in deplorable situations. However, it was gratifying Mary Day that some children were able to cope with the Village of Duval circumstances and turned the situation into a lifelong “Orphan Train” was an extraordinary insight into a part learning experience or used it as a stepping stone to grow into adulthood. of American history I never knew existed. The author lent personal feeling and depth of emotion into the lives Gail Feind Village of Penncamp of people who were caught up in this experience. It was a good read and I would recommend it to anyone.

A parallel story about two strong women who rise Betty Anne Kolodny above the conditions in their early lives. Interesting Village of Ashland how they react to the conditions that happen to them.

Surprising how orphans were treated in the late This book tells the story of orphan trains, sending 1800s and early 1900s when put on a train and sent orphans west to families. It is in the past but these to the Midwest to be fostered or adopted. children are not unlike the foster children and refugees Pat Crigler of today.

Village of Glenbrook A wonderful story about a 91-year-old woman who was shipped from New York City to Minnesota on the orphan train. A young 17-year-old foster child, who had issues to deal with, puts in community service hours with the older woman and brings out the history of both women and the similarities of their journeys. They both grow with the relationship.

6. PERSONAL by: Lee Child

7. THE REVENGE OF SEVEN by: Pittacus Lore

8. WE ARE NOT OURSELVES by: Matthew Thomas

9. LOVE LETTERS

by: Debbie Macomber

10. THE WITCH WITH NO NAME by: Kim Harrison

Beth Hicks

Village of Santiago I

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this ‘n’ that STORY: FRED HILTON

CUE THE OLD FAT GUY AND HIS OFD Nearly all of us who live in The Villages are pretty happy here.

That’s a reasonably safe statement. Why wouldn’t we be happy? There’s plenty to do; the weather is great; and most of the folks who live here are genuinely nice. It’s probably not an exaggeration to say 99 percent or so of us are very contented.

Of course, there are some isolated exceptions. For example, the people who produce that newspaper that’s delivered to our driveways in a yellow plastic bag seem a little disgruntled.

They provide us with the gripe du jour, but that doesn’t deter many of us from thinking this is the best place going.

Our satisfaction is understandable: The Villages is run with amazing efficiency. It’s almost scary how everything clicks together so nicely. Since I spent a lot of years in the communications field, I am particularly impressed by The Villages’ marketing plan. It’s absolute genius. The Villages’ promotion and advertising appeal to a certain demographic — older folks who want to remain vibrant and active.

Television ads for The Villages are all top-notch in quality and presentation. They show happy folks enjoying themselves in a wide range of active living — golfing, tennis, pickleball, swimming, bowling, dancing, even water skiing. But, as my old pal Hamlet said, “there’s the rub.”

Lots of people in The Villages, including me, don’t do any of those things. I am much better at eating, sitting and drinking than I am at sweating. A number of years ago, when everyone in America was jogging, a good friend of mine said: “We are each endowed with a finite number of heartbeats and I’ll be damned if I’m going to waste any of mine jogging.”

Those of us who avoid running and leaping constitute a large part of The Villages’ population, but we’re totally ignored in the advertising. It is time to recognize The Villages’ Old Fat Guys — or “OFGs,” as we call ourselves.

I considered filing a class-action suit on behalf of OFGs to get us our just recognition in those TV commercials. There’s this nice lawyer on TV who says he’d be “honored” to help us out.

I also thought about those “for the people” lawyers and almost asked them if they’d consider being “for the Old Fat Guys.”

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After considerable thought, I decided against the lawsuit because: a) it would be expensive, and b) it’s a pretty stupid idea anyway. Instead, I decided to appeal to The Villages’ sense of fair play and insist that an Old Fat Guy be part of the TV advertising. I will happily volunteer to be the designated Old Fat Guy. We can even include my Old Fat Dog — OFD — in some of the ads.

Golf is very important to the success of The Villages, so certainly ads should continue featuring all those happy folks playing golf for free forever on our executive courses. But every once in a while, the golf ad should show an OFG driving by a golf course as he goes from Winn-Dixie to Publix to compare wine prices.

There’s not a lot that can be done to feature an OFG in the commercials that show people swimming or water skiing.

However, the importance of water in The Villages could be illustrated in the ad by an Old Fat Guy mixing some water into his single-malt scotch.

As the designated Old Fat Guy, I would be happy to walk my Old Fat Dog outside a tennis court in one of the commercials. If a ball is hit over the fence, the OFD and I could walk slowly over, pick it up and throw it back to the tennis players.

One of the great selling points about The Villages is the live entertainment every night of the year in the three town squares.

People dancing to the live music provide a wonderful element to any commercial. This is not my thing, but the film guys can get a shot of me sitting at Lake Sumter Landing’s Market Square enjoying a tasty beverage from the drink shack while dozens of Villagers line dance.

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

On the

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

68 72 74 76

September 20 14 I 67

On the scene // the to-do list

SEPTEMBER To have an event considered for the Calendar, send a short text description along with a color photo (if available) 60 days in advance of event to: calendar@akersmediagroup.com or Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749

EVENTS SEPT. 4

ART LAB FOR KIDS The children will have projects to help stretch their creativity and learn new techniques to open up a whole new world of possibilities. The three-week courses will be ongoing.

Cost for one course is $55.

4:30–5:45p.m. CONTACT: jcomellas@cfl.rr.com

Open to all. 8–10a.m. Tangerine Hall, 7101 Wright Ave., Tangerine. $5 for adults, $2 for children. CONTACT: info@ TangerineImprovementSocie ty.com SEPT. 10

THE MARKET PLACE Farmers market, 9a.m.–2p.m. at Palmetto Plaza in Eustis CONTACT: eustis.org

SEPT. 10

FIRST FRIDAY STREET PARTY Live entertainment and vendors, sponsored by the city of Eustis.

6–10p.m. downtown at Ferran Park. CONTACT: hoonr@ eustis.org

BUSINESS AT BREAKFAST Speaker is Chris Chappel.

Sponsored by Avante Centers.

Lakeside Inn, 100 N. Alexander St., Mount Dora. 7:30–9am.

Price: $10 with RSVP, $12 at the door. CONTACT: clerical@ mountdora.com

SEPT. 5

SEPT. 10-12

SEPT. 5

MIXED MEDIA Every Friday in September.

Bill Bernoir will lead students.

Class may be sculpting with clay or using recycled materials and acrylic paints on canvas.

Beginners welcome. 7–9p.m. at Montrose Gallery in Clermont.

Class Fee $35. A small materials fee may be charged. CONTACT: wmbernoir@yahoo.com

PANCAKE AND FRENCH TOAST BREAKFAST Breakfast includes pancakes, Texas-style French toast, sausage, eggs to order, orange juice and coffee, plus whatever the neighbors might bring along.

5K WALK-JOG-SKIP Enjoy Harbor Hills Country Club golf course as you make the journey any way you like to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lake and Sumter Counties. Awards and activities. $25 until Sept. 20; $30 day of race.

CONTACT: HARBORHILLS.COM/5K

OPEN STUDIO Share fellowship in art. Bring in art you are currently working on and join others doing the same.

No instructor. Bring your own supplies. Free to members, $5 studio fee for non-members.

Montrose Open Studio, 776 W. Montrose St., Clermont.

CONTACT: chedemac@aol.com

Independence of Wildwood 7676 Rio Grande Blvd., Wildwood. CONTACT: 352.793.3099

A TASTE OF SIMPLY SUMTER An evening of food, music and boutique shopping that celebrates the businesses that make Sumter County a wonderful place to live, work and play. Providence

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.com

required. CONTACT: alckathyc@juno.com

SEPT. 18 SEPT. 13

SEPT. 11 SEPT. 6

SEPT. 27

BUTTERFLY KISSES PAINT LESSONS Beginner students will paint the animal pictured on the website in order to learn techniques.

Intermediate and advanced students will bring in their own photo to work from. Canvas, paints, mediums supplied. $150, ($135 for members).

10a.m.-4p.m. Registration

MOUNT DORA FOOD TRUCKS Ten to 15 food trucks offering a wide variety of different food styles. Behind the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce.

Tables & seating available in Sunset Park. 5:30–8:30p.m.

SEPT. 20

RABIES VACCINATION-PET ADOPTION Lake County Animal Services

holds a rabies vaccination clinic at its shelter at 28123 County Road 561 in Tavares from 9a.m.–3p.m., with adoption hours from 10a.m.–4 p.m.

CONTACT: lakecountyfl.gov/ adopt

and water. 9:30–11a.m., Ellis Acres, 25302 County Road 42, Paisley. CONTACT: lakecountyfl. gov/parks

SEPT. 26

SEPT. 20

TRAIL RIDE Watch for white-tailed deer, black bears and wild turkeys along the grassy trails near Lake Akron in Paisley. All experience levels and ages are welcome; participants must bring their own bicycles

GOLF TOURNAMENT Annual event benefits the hungry and homeless on their road to a responsible life.

8:30a.m., 16301 Phil Ritson Way, Winter Garden. CONTACT: 352.617.8788.

SEPT. 27

DOWNTOWN CRUISE-IN About 150 classic cars cruise

EP

EDITOR’S PICK

in to historic downtown Eustis.

Enjoy downtown shops and restaurants, great music and cool cars. 5–8:30p.m., Magnolia Avenue, Eustis.

CONTACT: 352.360.3712.

MUSIC+THEATRE SEPT. 12

MOVIE IN THE PARK Free at dusk at Donnelly Park.

Bring your family and come downtown for Mount Dora’s Movie in the Park.

SEPT. 12

SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET The Stephen Sondheim masterpiece tells the tale of revenge by an unjustly exiled barber returning to 19th century London. His thirst for blood soon includes his unfortunate customers, while a resourceful owner of a pie shop downstairs has the people of London lining up in droves for a mysterious new meat pie recipe – and the carnage has only begun.

Tickets: $29 ($25 students/ seniors). Runs through Oct. 5 at Theatre Works, Winter Garden. CONTACT: theatreworksfl.org

Food and drinks are sold and proceeds benefit the club.

4–10p.m., Cassia Community Club, Eustis. CONTACT: Pat at 352.589.8008.

SEPT. 20

BLUEGRASS MUSIC IN CASSIA Enjoy a relaxing evening of live music inside or outside.

Admission free. Donations of nonperishable food items for the food pantry greatly appreciated.

Food and drinks are sold and proceeds benefit the club. 6:30– 10:30p.m. Cassia Community Club, Eustis. CONTACT: Pat at 352.589.8008.

MUSIC IN THE COUNTRY Enjoy a relaxing evening of live country music inside or outside. Free. Donations of nonperishable food items for the food pantry greatly appreciated.

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE

Mortimer Brewster discovers his two spinster aunts have a horrifying hobby.

Meanwhile, his brother, Teddy, digs the locks for the Panama Canal in the cellar.

When another brother, Jonathan, arrives seeking a safe hideout, hilarity ensues.

Runs through Oct. 5, at the Sonnentag Theatre, 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora.

ART/HISTORY EXHIBITS

SEPT. 20

LAKE EUSTIS FOLK CONCERT At the Trout Lake Nature Center. A donation of $5 is requested. 50/50 raffle. Bring a dish for the pot luck dinner at 7p.m. Concert will start around 7:45. With enough interest, there’s a song circle after the concert around 9:15.

We’ll provide coffee and hot tea. 520 E. County Road 44, Eustis. CONTACT: trou tlakenature.org

SEPT. 12

MOUNT DORA ART STROLL The Art Stroll is a monthly showcase and celebration of the best galleries, artists, photography, restaurants, bars, shops and businesses in downtown Mount Dora. Each venue offers its own exhibitions, entertainment, refreshments, demonstrations and vibes until 8p.m. or later.

SEPT. 26

SEPT. 20

SEPT. 13

SEPT. 12

STREET PALOOZA AND LAWN CONCERT What is a palooza? An all-out party with a ton of people.

Arts and crafts, live music, food, spirit, free family fun.

Music by Bohemian Swing.

Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora.

CONTACT: 352.383.4101.

SANFORD ART WALK A gallery tour through town when Central Florida artists are featured in a gallery setting. Artists, live music, refreshments and lots of art.

The event is open to the public and admission is free. 6–9p.m. downtown Sanford, 230 E. First St. CONTACT: info@ sanfordwelcomecenter.com

SEPT. 26-28

RIFLES, RAILS & HISTORY

Three-day event will take guests back to the Civil War period as they experience a living history encampment. The schedule features a parade, artillery and cavalry demonstrations, drills, historic presentations and exhibits. Noon–5p.m. 100 E. Ruby St., Tavares. Free.

September 20 14 I 6 9

On the scene // the to-do list

LOCAL TALENT PROFILE

INCONCERT LOCAL LIVE MUSIC

DAVID OLIVER WILLIS STORY BY: GARY CORSAIR

Mount Dora the next Nashville? Memphis? L.A.? Why not?

Two-time American Idol contestant David Oliver Willis spent two months in Los Angeles being wooed by music publishers and record companies … and then walked away from certain fame and fortune.

Willis returned home to Mount Dora and a coffeehouse he and his wife Olivia would soon open.

The L.A. music dealmakers were certain the singer/songwriter would be back.

They were wrong.

“I had people in L.A. calling me saying, ‘When are you coming?’” recalls Willis, who describes himself as “not a pop artist, but a folk/soul artist.”

His answer?

“I’m not,” he says. “Maybe someday, but not now.”

That surely perplexes the starmakers, but Willis is determined to prove music magic can happen anywhere.

“I’ve done four talent shows in Lake County, and the amount of talent here is remarkable,” Willis says. “They all feel like they have to leave to make it. But you don’t. We can have a music scene right here. I learned the business side when I was in L.A. I know how it’s supposed to work. But I saw the need for staying in this area.”

That’s good news for local musicians … and fans of original music.

David and Olivia are committed to promoting local talent at Third & Baker, a spinoff of their popular Mount Dora Coffeehouse & Bistro they closed last month.

Of course, David and Olivia, also a talented singer, will perform regularly. And that’s more appealing than the glitz and glamour of the City of Angels.

“I’ve performed at the Mirage Theater in Las Vegas, the Adobe Theater in Los Angeles and in an alley in Mount Dora on a porch,” David says. “The number of people in front of you isn’t what’s important.

“I perform with the same amount of passion whether the audience is in the thousands or a couple dozen people in wheelchairs when I play at Waterman Village each week.”

Besides, the 23-year-old who adroitly blends folk and soul can fly out to out to L.A. anytime to make a little coin.

“I feel like I’ve been called to stay home a little while longer,” Willis says. “It’s probably one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make. But I have to follow where my heart is right now. If that changes, I hope doors will still be open.”

Willis is determined to make Third & Baker a hit when it opens this month, but he has a fallback plan. He’s recording his debut album in Orlando.

“I’m waiting to see what that does,” he says. “And I’m booking some shows, some in L.A., some in Georgia, and I’m still playing locally.”

If the album succeeds he can pump more money into the coffeehouse and the careers of other local performers.

“I don’t fear the fame, but I don’t seek it,” Willis said. “If a dollar comes along, it’s not going to change me.

Hopefully, I’ll get some resources to allow us to pursue our dream.”

A dream firmly rooted in Lake County.

If you’d like to help, you can contribute at GoFundMe.com. Here’s the link: http://www.gofundme.com/ c6c1o4?forcedesktop=1

70 I lake andsumt er

.com

DATE

TIME

ARTIST

VENUE

09/03 09/04 09/05 09/05 09/05 09/06 09/06 09/06 09/06 09/07 09/10 09/11 09/12 09/13 09/13 09/13 09/13 09/14 09/14 09/07 09/12 09/12 09/13 09/17 09/18 09/19 09/19 09/19 09/19 09/19 09/20 09/20 09/20 09/20 09/20 09/21 09/21 09/24 09/25 09/26 09/26 09/27 09/27 09/27 09/27 09/28 09/21 10/01 10/02 10/03 10/03 10/04 10/04

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Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative/blues) “Dangerous” Dave Merrill (Rock/blues) Boggy Creek (country) Brewery Boys (’60s/’70s/’80s) Conflict of Interest (classic rock) DownBeat (rock & roll) Brian Smalley (folk/acoustic/Americana) Boggy Creek (country) Conflict of Interest (classic rock) Just Twistin’ Hay (Celtic) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative/blues) Bobby France (acoustic) Mud Rooster (blues/roots/jazz) The Groovemasters (jazz/funk/R&B) 3 For The Road (classic rock) Sticks and Bones (rock) Mud Rooster (blues/roots/jazz) Kelly Jarrard (acoustic/soul/jazz) Banished Misfortune (Irish) “Dangerous” Dave Merrill (Rock/blues) Nightly Blues (blues/R&B/jazz) Liv Wire (classic rock) Liv Wire (classic rock) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative/blues) “Dangerous” Dave Merrill (Rock/blues) The Smokin’ Torpedoes (blues) 3 For The Road (classic rock) Brewery Boys (’60s/’70s/’80s) Mad Hadder Band (rock) Blue Earth (classic rock) The Smokin’ Torpedoes (blues) Sonic Gypsies (rock/country/dance) Blue Earth (classic rock) Uncle Bob’s Rock Shop (rock) Bohemian Swing (swing/gypsy jazz) Bobby France (acoustic) Just Twistin’ Hay (Celtic) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative/blues) “Dangerous” Dave Merrill (Rock/blues) Boggy Creek (country) Blue Sin (blues/classic rock) Charlie Daniels Band (Southern rock/country) Uncle Bob’s Rock Shop (rock) 3 For The Road (classic rock) Al Demateis (acoustic) DOC Meehan (Irish) Kelly Jarrard (acoustic/soul/jazz) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative/blues) “Dangerous” Dave Merrill (Rock/blues) Brewery Boys (’60s/’70s/’80s) The Band 4Play (rock/country/pop) 3 For The Road (classic rock) Rich Lawrence & His Retrosonics (retro tunes)

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Shamrock Package & Lounge, Leesburg

Pisces Rising, Mount Dora Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento Shamrock Package & Lounge, Leesburg Tremain’s Tavern at Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento Lakeridge Winery, Clermont City Fire at Brownwood, The Villages Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Tremain’s Tavern at Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Pisces Rising, Mount Dora Shamrock Package & Lounge, Leesburg Shamrock Package & Lounge, Leesburg

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Lake-Sumter Landing, The Villages City Fire at Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages

Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Frank’s Place, Leesburg Shamrock Package & Lounge, Leesburg

Pisces Rising, Mount Dora Pisces Rising, Mount Dora Shamrock Package & Lounge, Leesburg Spanish Springs Town Square, The Villages

Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Tremain’s Tavern at Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Shamrock Package & Lounge, Leesburg

Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Elizabeth Evans Park, Mount Dora Brownwood Paddock Square, The Villages

Bonifay Country Club, The Villages Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora Tremain’s Tavern at Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Rocking Rabbit Brewing, Mount Dora Frank’s Place, Leesburg City Fire at Brownwood, The Villages Rocking Rabbit Brewery, Mount Dora

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

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

THE NATURAL NAIL SPA For a relaxing and enjoyable spa experience, try the Natural Nail Spa, a podiatrist-owned and certified modern nail lounge that maintains a pampering, relaxing atmosphere and the utmost sterilization and safety techniques.

Even the nail polish bottle goes home with the client — just another step to heighten the “safe pedicure experience.”

SATURDAY Sept 13th 6:00pm Live Music by T. Scott Walker

September 20 14 I 7 1

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

CORRALLING CANCER STORY: JAMES COMBS

W

hen she was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma at 20, Madison Miller entered her battle against cancer armed with a powerful weapon — faith.

That faith was invaluable when Madison, of Palm Harbor, underwent chemotherapy and radiation for seven months.

She lost her hair, eyebrows and eyelashes, a devastating blow, especially to someone her age.

“For me, losing my hair was the most frustrating part, because how you look means a lot when you’re young,” says Madison, who was attending St. Petersburg College when

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diagnosed. “People would always stare at me wherever I went. Through it all, though, I felt the need to stay strong and show people that you do not have to be weighed down by cancer. And because of my faith, I never feared having this disease.”

Madison is now 21 and in remission. She frequently speaks at high schools in Pinellas County to help students understand there is life after a cancer diagnosis. Now, residents of Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties have an opportunity to be inspired by this courageous and determined young woman.

She’s the guest speaker at this

.com

month’s Cattle Baron’s Ball and she looks forward to sharing her spiritual journey.

“I am so excited to visit the area and talk about my experience,” says Madison, the niece of Joe and Missy Ziler, who own Kevco Builders in Eustis. “Cancer is a dark place, and my goal is to bring light to this disease.”

KICKIN’ UP SOME FUN The Cattle Baron’s Ball of Lake, Sumter and Marion Counties will be held Sept. 27 at Grand Oaks Resort in Weirsdale.

During the western-themed gala, guests can don their favorite cowboy attire — jeans, denim shirts, boots and booties

— and enjoy an evening of fun-filled activities, dinner and live entertainment. It’s a festive event, but organizers are serious about stopping cancer. They hope to raise $100,000 and fund life-saving cancer research.

“This is your opportunity to stand up to cancer and help sponsor more birthdays,” says Carolyn Maimone, chairwoman of the event. “This is one of the very few events where every dollar you donate goes to programs and services to support cancer patients in our community. I’ve seen family members, friends and pets battle cancer. Witnessing their

struggles makes me want to fight even harder.”

The Cattle Baron’s Ball adds a little fun to the fight.

Attendees can mosey up to the open bar for beer, wine and mixed drinks; saddle up for entertaining games such as ring toss and bean bag tic-tac-toe; and kick up their heels to live country music provided by the Dan Story Band. For dinner, they can rustle up some grub

thanks to local culinary chefs who’ll prepare a wide variety of gourmet Southern cuisine.

With a little luck, they may walk away with prized possessions. The live and silent auctions feature items such as an autographed Lynyrd Skynyrd guitar, a vacation package to Nashville and refurbished antique pieces

by Oscar Morris, owner of Eustis-based Beautifying Floors

by De Vere. Golf packages and man cave packages will also be up for bid.

Attendees also can donate money to WinnDixie Hope Lodge, which provides free lodging for

cancer patients undergoing treatment at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Their family members receive free lodging, as well.

“Many locals have stayed at Hope Lodge and received wonderful support,” Carolyn says.

According to Carolyn, enjoying nonstop fun while grabbing cancer by the horns makes the Cattle Baron’s Ball unique. She has attended the event three straight years and served on the organizing committee in 2013.

“I did not know what to expect the first year and was blown away,” she says. “I

was touched when I heard a cancer survivor’s story and became involved from there. It’s very impressive to look around the room and see all the community leaders and business owners who have gathered in the fight against cancer.”

Patients like Madison hope the fight gives cancer a permanent boot.

Tickets are $150 per person or $1,000 for a table of eight.

They can be purchased online at denimanddiamondsgala. com. For more information, call Carolyn Maimone at 352.223.6519.

September 20 14 I 7 3

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

Webster Community Hall

WEBSTER WANTS YOU …

IF YOU’RE COUNTRY ENOUGH STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY: GARY CORSAIR

L

ocals know there are only two answers to the question, “What’s in Webster?”

Answer A: The Monday flea market, which features thousands of dealers and draws 100,000 shoppers in the winter months.

Answer B: The third largest livestock auction in the state, where 1,000 to 1,500 head of cattle are sold each Tuesday.

And that’s it.

Or is it?

Perhaps the 820 residents of Webster want to keep us in the dark so we don’t buy up the real estate and ruin their small-town feel.

“We want to be discovered,” says livestock auctioneer Daylon Raybon, “but be respectful.”

Translation: Leave your big-city ways at the city limit sign. Webster folk are happy with the pace of their lives.

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“I believe Webster is the best-kept secret in the state,” says Mark Newby, a Key West transplant who’s the city’s lone mounted police officer. “I couldn’t get out of Key West fast enough.”

Wait a minute … the guy moved from Key West to Webster?!

“This is the last affordable land in Florida,” Newby says. “There are good people here. Supportive people. They keep it simple, keep it country.”

Perhaps there’s more to Webster than meets the eye?

Mayor Kelly A. Williams thinks so.

“We don’t shut down from Wednesday through Sunday,” Webster’s visionary mayor says with a chuckle.

Williams says there’s lot of reasons to visit, or relocate, to Webster. Here are a few: • The Frog In The Window antique

store and the adjoining Diddley-Squat bookstore are filled with literary treasures and collectibles, but the most valuable things at 861 NE First Street are proprietors Ken and Judie Mueller.

Shame on anyone who rushes in and out.

There’s browsing and talkin’ to be done!

“I’ve been collecting books since I was young boy,” Ken said. “At Christmas, my mother would give me $50 and I’d ride my bike all around town buying books.”

Some of those books are now on Diddley-Squat shelves. But they may not be there for long.

“In this town, people are reading,” Ken claims. “The demise of the printed word is vastly overrated.”

So are rushing about, making money and other things like that.

Mayor Kelly A. Williams

Jackie Thomas (center), Tina Riley (front) and Janey Medina (back)

Webster Police Officer Mark Newby

Diddley-Squat Books

“The store is named Diddley-Squat for a reason,” Ken says. “If the wife asks me, ‘What did you do today?’ I can say, ‘Diddley-Squat.’ And if she asks, ‘How much money did you make today?’

Again, I can say, ‘Diddley-Squat.’”

• The folks at El Curiosities at 125 N. Market Blvd. are definitely making money.

People come from all over to purchase planters, statutes, metal animals, tall flowers, pottery, benches and all sorts of kitschy cool stuff.

• Market Side Pawn is another business full of bargains. Owner John Dematteo prides himself in offering gently used motorbikes, guns, four-wheelers and electronics.

• Jackie’s Market pretends to be a minimart, but it’s the biggest little grocery store in Sumter County.

“It’s not a convenience store,” says Williams.

“They have everything you need to make a real meal.” Including a real meat department with butcher and bandsaw.

“They call it ‘our little Winn-Dixie,’” remarks owner Jackie Thomas.

And Jackie’s committed to continuing “the family-oriented” feel her mom cultivated.

“I know how to take care of people,” Jackie says. “We have people come from Orlando, Inverness and Leesburg for our specially cut meats and low prices.”

newest restaurant, the Plantation House, on the north end of the city.

• And down-home cookin’ is served up at Farmer’s Market, formerly the Speckled Butterbean.

“All four restaurants in Webster are good,” Williams says.

So now you know the real Webster. But don’t tell everybody — only people who know how to keep it country.

The beef everyone raves about is Colorado boxed beef. But the homemade sausage is incredible as well.

• Speaking of food, Danny Walker is serving up stacked sandwiches, oysters, fresh seafood and cold beer at Webster’s

September 20 14 I 7 5

On the scene // Hi, society!

BEING CORNY

The fourth annual Leesburg Corn Fest was held downtown. Attendees were able to enjoy Zellwood sweet corn, known for its sweet taste and tender texture. Festivalgoers also enjoyed live entertainment, contests for children and adults, and various rides and games.

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MARK AND DOTTIE DURHAM PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

FRANK AND MARGIE POMERLEAU

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JAMIE HART DAWN AND ANDY BLOOM

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On the scene // Hi, society!

ALOHA FROM OKAHUMPKA

The Hawaiian-themed event Sandals and Sangria raised money for two Leesburg Regional Medical Center Foundation programs: Ladies in Philanthropy and the LRMC capital campaign.

Hula girls, fire dances and roast pig were all part of the event, held inside the home of June Lew. Attendees also bid on items such as trips and jewelry.

KATHY, JIM AND LAURIE SAFFORD

ROBYN HASSELL AND CORALEE MILLANG

PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

EDWARD WILLIAMS WITH RAY AND BARBARA MORAN

LEE MACHUTA WITH GARY AND DIANA BLANKLEY

WADE BOYTTE AND LYNEE WINKER MARY TUCKER AND CORRINE MAZE

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On the scene // Hi, society!

A HAIR-RAISING EXPERIENCE JOHN ROBINSON, ROBIN SMITH, ERICA BURGOS, TERESA CLERMIN AND ERICA MURRY

ALEXA STAFFORD, TABITHA SCHOOLEY AND SAMANTHA DAVIS

MRS. YOUNG, KAREN POPLIN, AND ERIC BURGUS

J0HNNY GEBRIDE AND DIANE QUEZADA

SIERRA HOLLAND, ANTOINETTE BRADLEY, MERCEDES RAMSEY AND TORIS CARTER

DESIREE FIGUEROA, ASALIA FRANCO, SUMMER PHILLIPS, KENDRA HOLLEY, AND JOANE CINTRON BRITTANY KELLY, BROOKE SHELLART AND MARSHA NICALEAU

CRYSTAL EALURE, BINX MCEARCHERN, SOMER ROTH AND CARLA LANSFORD

TABITHA , JOHNNY AND ASALIA

SARA NIKI NELSON AND TIFANI SHARIER

PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

What was hotter? The tension or the weather? During the Salon Professional Academy’s first Hair Olympics, current and former students competed in events such as one-handed up dos, a three-legged race, mannequin basketball and blindfolded makeup. The Hair Olympics is one example of extras offered to TSPA students. They also receive advanced education from renowned industry professionals and participate in onsite photo shoots.

A GREAT LIFESTYLE is Less Taxing in our LIFE CARE COMMUNITY

Moving to our Life Care community is a less taxing way to enjoy a great retirement lifestyle. You can deduct a significant percentage of the non-refundable portion of the purchase price in the first year!—!plus a percentage of the monthly service fee you pay!—!for a healthy tax deduction.

And while you’re protecting your financial assets with a sound decision on Life Care, you’re also living a great lifestyle with fabulous food, abundant services and access to all the continuing care you may ever need. Look at the advantages of Life Care and you will never look back.

Care Free Lifestyle • Villages Amenities • Tax Benefits • Predictable Long Term Care Costs • Asset Protection

To learn more, join us for conversation, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Wednesday, September 10 | 3 p.m.

For reservations and more information, call 1-866-612-8225 by September 5.

ON LIKE US FACEBOOK® www.facebook.com/freedompointethevillages

A Life Care Community 1550 El Camino Real | The Villages, Florida 32159 | brookdale.com

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.

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

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

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

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On the scene // Hi, society!

IT’S A WASH

Shannon Harper held a car wash and animal adoption at Infinity Fitness in Fruitland Park. The event raised money for Cinagro Farm Rescue Inc., a foster-based animal rescue for dogs and cats. Shannon is a veterinary technician for Cinagro.

Pastor Rex Lowe of Rexcellent Productions donated a bounce house for the event.

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RUSTIC, RETRO, RECLAIMED For many, vintage isn’t just another trend; it’s a lifestyle. And whether you’re searching for French country furniture, bohemian clothes trimmed in old lace and leather, or urban chic décor, Zen Cowgirl in Mount Dora is guaranteed to have it all.

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In my store, you’ll find one-of-a-kind items, anything from shabby chic, distressed furniture to jewelry fashioned from old spoons.”

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753 Highway 466 in Lady Lake 352.633.7659 // 352.633.7649 // www.pfpconline.com 8 8 I lake andsumt er

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eats IN THE KITCHEN SALUTÉ FORK ON THE ROAD DINING GUIDE

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September August 20 14 20I13 8I 9 2

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

IN KEEPING WITH TRADITION Y LEAGBAOTCTLE IN

If you live in Sumter County, chances are you’ve tasted Granny Nichols Bar-B-Q Sauce. Marylu Masters keeps her Granny’s legacy alive, one precious bottle at a time.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

S

he was 60 and widowed, and Lula Mae Nichols — “Granny” — devised a plan: She’d sell her homemade barbecue sauce to supplement her income.

For years, the Oxford community of Long Hammock enjoyed the sauce she and her late husband, Henry Nichols — “Papa” — made for local gatherings, church socials and club meetings. Not a person who tasted it could resist it.

With one 10-gallon stainless steel pot, an old gas stove and Mason jars, Granny was ready for business. All she needed was a name for her condiment.

“One day, Granny was sitting on her front porch pondering out loud what she would call her product,” says Marylu Masters, one of Granny Nichols’ granddaughters. “She said, ‘If I did this, what should I call it?’ Without hesitation, my sister Bobbie replied, ‘Just call it Granny Nichols Bar-B-Q Sauce; that’s what it is.’”

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And so it was. And that’s what it has remained for more than 40 years.

Though Granny was laid to rest in 1998, her legendary sauce lives on, thanks to Marylu. She started helping to make the sauce when she was 15. Then, as Granny grew older and weaker, she eventually passed on the business to Marylu.

Now, she cooks the secret recipe in a commercial-grade kitchen attached to her Oxford home, which is three miles west of Granny Nichols’ old home on Nichols Cemetery Road.

Inside, the kitchen sparkles. It has to, because the state is fiercely strict with inspections. And while government red tape has become stickier over the years, Marylu has made every effort to implement the changes without impinging on Granny Nichols’ original recipe.

“I’ve had to add UPC coding, my address and a list of ingredients to my bottles all in the name of compliance with state regulations,” says Marylu, “but what

I can say is I still make the sauce exactly the same way Granny made it. I even use the 10-gallon stainless steel pot she used.

“Then, later, I bought another 10-gallon pot and I remember Granny asking me, ‘Why are you buying another pot?’ and I told her, ‘Because we’re going to grow, and I can make 20 gallons of sauce in the same amount time I can make 10.’”

Marylu also has stuck to Granny Nichols’ foolproof marketing strategy: word of mouth.

“We’ve never advertised the sauce,” she says. “People just know Granny Nichols.

“I thought about having my sauce in Cracker Barrel at one time, but it would have cost me thousands. And to rent a 12by-12 space in the big-chain grocery stores would cost about $10,000 a month. Then you have to guarantee to sell a certain amount each month to keep your space.

It’s just too much of a headache.”

Instead, Marylu keeps Granny Nichols

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

stocked mostly at produce stands, meat shops and independent grocers throughout Sumter County. Best Meats in Wildwood, Brown’s Country Market in Oxford and Jackie’s Market in Webster are just a few of the places you can find it.

She also ships sauce to Okeechobee, where some of Marylu’s relatives live, and to mail-order customers from all over the state and country. Included on the list is a man in Cocoa Beach who orders a year’s supply of sauce every Christmas.

And then there is the handful of customers who still pull into Marylu’s driveway looking to buy a bottle, just as they did at Granny Nichols’ place.

“I have a lot of the same customers that Granny used to have when she was making the sauce,” Marylu says. “I also have the younger generation who show up because their mom or dad sends them or because it’s a family tradition.

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“We say everything is better when it’s made in the country, and that includes the sauce. Making it is nostalgic for a lot of people in this area and truly a lost art.”

That art to making Granny Nichols’ famous sauce is a wellguarded secret. Only a few select family members are familiar with the recipe and the only other relative who actively makes the sauce is Marylu’s daughter Lindsey, who helps when the sauce is in high demand during peak barbecuing season.

“Sometimes I make it three times a week, and even that’s not enough,” says Marylu. “From start to finish, it takes about four hours to make 20 gallons of barbecue sauce and I’ll do about five batches in a day.”

The most recognizable of the sauces is Granny Nichols’ original mild sauce. Marylu also sells a hot version, available only upon request, and a spicy mustard-based sauce she began

making for a client who was originally from South Carolina.

That pioneer spirit seems to be ingrained into Marylu’s character. It’s been passed down the family tree, starting with Granny Nichols’ father’s family, who homesteaded in the Pahokee area and used cabbage palm fronds and timber to make their homes.

“They were real pioneers,” says Marylu. “As a result, my grandparents were very industrious people.”

Granny Nichols was also a great storyteller and a practical joker.

“I had a great childhood because of Granny,” Marylu says. “She was quite a legend. She was born in 1907 and survived the deadly hurricane of 1928 in Okeechobee. But she also loved to pull jokes on us grandchildren and tell stories. I would just listen to her and learn so much. I wish I would have taped her or written her stories down.”

There’s a hint of regret in Marylu’s voice, but the memories aren’t completely lost. Marylu relives them each time she stirs in her Granny’s 10-gallon pot, or when a longtime customer stops by with a story about Granny Nichols.

As for the future of Granny Nichols Bar-B-Q Sauce, Marylu hopes the sauce will be her retirement plan.

She wants to grow the business yet keep it simple. It’s what Granny would have wanted.

“I think of her every day,” Marylu says. “I carry on her tradition every time I fill a bottle. If I’ve learned anything during the time I’ve run the business, I’ve learned I have something to be proud of. I’ve made a lot of friendships behind it, and I just want to keep it going for as long as possible.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GRANNY NICHOLS BAR-B-Q SAUCE, CALL 352.748.2708.

QUICK BBQ FACTS • A 2013 study conducted by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association shows 80 percent of all U.S. households own a grill or smoker. And 97 percent of grill owners actually used their grill in the past year.

• The most popular foods for cooking on the grill are, in order: burgers (85 percent), steak (80 percent), hot dogs (79 percent) and chicken (73 percent).

• The most popular flavors of barbecue sauce are hickory, followed by mesquite, honey, and spicy hot.

• The most popular grilling occasions are the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day

EATS // saluté A worldly look at wine

CORKED

The best wines come with corks. Or do they? Evidence is mounting that twist-off caps can be just as good for wines. But are they good for the environment? The pros and cons continue to be debated among experts, winemakers and the wine-loving public.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS PHOTO ILLUSTRATIOR: ANTHONY CASTO

W

ine and corks have a history together that has existed for centuries.

A first-century amphora that not only had a cork but also still contained wine was found in Ephesus.

Fifth-century Greeks and Romans used corks to close wine jars. Corks are mentioned in Shakespeare’s 16th-century “As You Like It,” when the character Rosalind says impatiently, “I pray thee take thy cork out of thy mouth, that I may drink thy tidings.” And no one should forget the indomitable Dom Perignon, who chose the bark of the cork oak in the 17th century to seal his champagne.

For generations of oenophiles, cork has been the only acceptable closure on a bottle of wine. Twist-off caps? Relegated to cheap jug wines, until South Africa, Australia and New Zealand introduced them on premium wines a decade or so ago. According to Wine Enthusiast magazine, 10 percent of American wines now have screw tops and the numbers are growing even among high-end wineries.

Although many wine drinkers view the ease of opening a wine bottle with a screw cap as a big advantage, it just doesn’t have the allure of popping the cork.

“It’s all about presentation,” says Joe Sabatini, partner of the wine-themed Palm Tree Grille in Mount Dora. “The

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whole presentation of uncorking the bottle is what people have come to expect with a nice bottle of wine. There is nothing wrong with a screw cap. In fact, it may be a better stopper because there is no chance of bacteria tainting the wine, but people perceive wines with screw caps to be inferior.”

Sabatini, who admits he also favors corks, agrees with the experts, however.

Synthetic corks and screw caps could be better for wine some day.

“Technology makes it a different world,” he says. “People have to get over it if it makes for a better bottle of wine.”

His wine-savvy customers know a highly regarded Washington state riesling or an Australian shiraz may come with a screw-cap closure.

“If they know the wine,” says Sabatini, “they know what it’s going to be.”

Increasingly, winemakers prefer screw caps for white wines and reds that are meant to be consumed young, according to Dave McIntyre, a wine columnist for The Washington Post. Screw caps do not allow oxygen to enter the bottle, which ensures the wines will remain crisp and well-preserved. More complex wines, however, benefit from the “breathing” and healthy gas exchange, especially when cellared more than 18 months.

Finally, there is the argument that natural

cork is more environmentally friendly and sustainable, key missions for most winemakers. There are thousands of acres of cork forests in Portugal’s Alentejo region — the world’s top producer of cork. It’s an environmentally rich area that harbors hundreds of species of plants, birds and animals, including the world’s rarest cat, the Iberian lynx. The cork oak trees live 200 to 300 years and are a remarkable and sustainable resource for cork. The bark that’s peeled away to make cork stoppers grows back and the process is repeated, as it has been since Roman times. For those of us who are “corkophiles,” Alentejo’s protected cork forests just add to the allure of wine bottles sealed with natural corks.

Although there is not 100 percent agreement among wine experts as to which closure is absolutely the best, it’s safe to say you should choose your wine on what’s inside the bottle, not how it is sealed. If you like the wine, that’s all that matters.

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.

TYPES OF WINE CLOSURES

Natural Cork Advantage: Allow healthy gas exchange for flavorful wine.

Disadvantage: Higher chance of “corked” wines and trichloroanisole (TCA) taint.

Synthetic Cork Advantage: Can be easily extracted or reinserted into a wine bottle.

Disadvantage: Does not expand or contract within the bottle, a factor necessary even with slight temperature fluctuations. The tight seal between the cork and bottle must be consistent.

Twist-off Caps Advantage: Less chance wines will be “corked” or tainted Disadvantage: Considered by some a hallmark of a cheaper or inferior product.

September 20 14 I 95

EATS // fork on THE Road Tasty insights and observations

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FRANCESCO’S RISTORANTE AN

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Just outside The Villages, a new Italian spot serves the tastes of Tuscany.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

I

n Summerfield, just by the LakeSumter county line, Francesco’s Ristorante showcases the best in family-style Italian comfort food.

Where the old Taverna Red used to be on U.S. 27/441, this 7-monthold establishment is a refreshing addition to the sea of Italian restaurants in and around The Villages.

Francesco’s captures the essence of Tuscany with soft lighting, an earthy color scheme and rustic décor. A large mural depicting a vintage countryside wine cellar welcomes diners as they enter the sizeable dining room. Rows of empty oak wine barrels rigged above the open kitchen add a touch of sophistication and refinement.

Near the kitchen, flickering flames illuminate the brick oven used to craft Francesco’s signature oven-fired pizzas. The bar, a show-stopping centerpiece, creates a neighborhood pub feel with exquisite wooden cabinetry, ample seating and flat-screen TVs. The spacious Garden Room houses a beautiful stone fireplace and is large enough to seat 80 guests.

Equally exquisite is the restaurant’s menu, conceptualized by head chef Noel Bravo and managing partner Franco

Esposito. Kathy Funk, who co-owns Francesco’s with Franco and Paul D’Alto from Pomodoro Cafe in Gainesville, said the menu features both traditional and Neapolitan-style dishes, as well as their popular thin-crust pizzas.

“Our pastas are either homemade or imported from Italy,” Kathy said.

“And we make all our sauces, stocks, soups and dough from scratch.

Nothing is purchased from a store.”

In redesigning the space, Kathy explained, they wanted a warm, comfortable atmosphere that felt like a little slice of Italia. They also wanted to offer food that’s high-quality but affordable.

“We have one dish that is $15, but our entrees range in cost from $10 to $12,” said Kathy.

Since opening in March, the crowds have been steady. Irresistible lunch specials have been well received, but Franco’s Old World charm is what keeps people coming back. He enhances the restaurant’s appeal with his thick Italian accent and immense passion for food.

He makes it a point to check in at each table because, for him, good customer service is just as essential as good food.

“This is my life,” Franco explained, his Italian roots evident in every word.

* “… I would have to say this was the best Bolognese I’ve ever had — and that’s saying something.”

— Rita Diette “I enjoy giving people a wonderful experience and unique cuisine, because I want them to come back. It makes me proud to have people travel from as far as Ocala to try it and love it.”

When visiting an Italian restaurant, it’s easy to be cliché and settle for sampling chicken Alfredo, spaghetti and anything parmigiana. But of the four dishes I tried, only two were a given: lasagna and oven-fired pizza; the

September 20 14 I 97

ADDRESS: 16770 S. U.S. Highway 441, Suite 608 Summerfield, FL 34491 PHONE: 352.693.2008 Hours of Operation: Monday–Saturday, 11a.m.–10p.m.; Sunday, 11a.m.–9p.m.

POPULAR DISHES: Spaghetti Bolognese: $11.50 Lasagna: $11 Tagliatelle alle costolette: $14 Salmon Cleopatra: $14 Village BLT pizza: $10.50

latter was remixed uniquely enough to garner admiration from my judicious palate.

The Village BLT pizza came out piping hot and garnished with applewood-smoked bacon, red onions, diced Roma tomatoes and mozzarella.

However, what made this pizza unusual was that it was topped with chopped romaine that had been tossed in creamy Caesar dressing and sprinkled with Romano cheese.

The collaboration between cold salad and hot pizza was shockingly well-matched.

Luckily, the heat didn’t wilt the lettuce; the romaine remained crisp and retained its deep flavor along with the dressing.

It added welcomed complexity to an otherwise classic pie.

Francesco’s lasagna was

9 8 I lake andsumt er

comfort food in every sense.

Made with homemade pasta, it was loaded with meat, cheeses and baked in a highly flavorful tomato sauce. The dish was homey and appealing, though just a tad more heat would have made it truly sing.

The signature seafood dish — salmon Cleopatra — delivered in both presentation and taste. The salmon was mild and flaky and the two large Gulf shrimp were cooked nicely. I was smitten with the seafood and sautéed capers and mushrooms dressed in a savory lemonbutter sauce and served atop authentic al dente angel hair pasta. I would return solely for this dish because it was so perfectly executed.

Another dish not to miss is

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the tagliatelle alle costolette.

The pork ribs simmered in their special ragu sauce were quite tender, which made it easy to shred the meat from the bone and mix it with the ragu and ribbons of tagliatelle pasta, which are similar in shape to fettuccine. This dish was so multifaceted it took me a few spoonfuls to appreciate the rich, hearty flavors.

Villagers Annamay Miller and Rita Diette, who were enjoying a late lunch, raved over their pasta and sauce dishes.

“I’m from Boston and the North End is known as Little Italy, but I would have to say this was the best Bolognese I’ve ever had — and that’s saying something,” Rita said.

They complimented Franco and his hospitality, as well as the inexpensive lunch specials.

“The food here is so good and reasonably priced, which is nice when you compare it to the others restaurants in The Villages,” said Rita.

“It’s like our little secret, and I don’t want to let it out.”

We’re here to help you invest today and through lots of tomorrows.

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

EVANS PRAIRIE COUNTRY CLUB 1825 EVANS PRAIRIE TRAIL, THE VILLAGES 352.750.2225 // WWW.EVANSPRAIRIERESTAURANT.COM

Evans Prairie Country Club is a casual fine dining restaurant inspired by a Western flair while serving delicious cuisine in an intimate dining atmosphere. As the newest country club in The Villages, and as an extension of Brownwood Town Square, you will find our rustic décor pleasing to the eyes and our exceptional food a delight to your palate. Wrought iron chandeliers grace our dining areas accented by wood-like floors, giving you a feel of being in the Old West. Comfortable and inviting, our outside bar will delight your senses while the patio and outside tables provide a scenic up-close view of beautiful Evans Prairie. Our western-style menu is chock-full of cuisine you would expect to find, including citrus-infused salads, hearty steak dishes, and fresh mouthwatering seafood, while staying reasonably priced. Evans Prairie’s specialty drinks and our eclectic dessert menu are sure to have you satisfied, and we greatly value your guest experience from each and every visit.

HOURS OF OPERATION: SUNDAY – THURSDAY: 11A.M.–9P.M. FRIDAY – SATURDAY: 11A.M.–10P.M. HAPPY HOUR: EVERY DAY 11A.M.–5P.M.

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. Vinnie’s recently won “Medium Business of the Year” and is famous for outstanding food and even better service! They also have been voted BEST WINGS in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014. Additional menu items offered are killer ½ lb. burgers, personal pan pizzas, amazing ribeye cheese steaks, healthy wheat wraps, homemade salads, chicken strips that absolutely 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! Every Saturday watch your favorite college team while enjoying $1.50 select draft beers all day and night. On Sundays they offer “The Sunday NFL Ticket,” catch any game… any time! Cousin Vinnie’s also offers, free Wi-Fi, great music, and an enthusiastic staff ready to exceed your expectations. Vinnie’s has been open for six 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 Fire Pizza opened in March of 2014, as a collaboration of partners Paul D’Alto from Pomodoro Cafe in Gainesville and Kathy Funk from Pasta Faire in Belleview, along with their new managing partner Francesco Esposito. “Francesco’s” is an elegant, but casual Italian Ristorante. The menu by new head chef Noel Bravo and partner Francesco Esposito features authentic Italian dishes, homemade pastas, scratch-made sauces and soups, as well as stoneand-wood-fired gourmet pizzas. The dining rooms have been updated with beautiful new booths, wall-to-wall carpet and rustic Italian decor. Our new Garden Room is a great place to bring your large group, business seminars, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Capable of holding up to 80 guests, the Garden Room is fully air-conditioned and heated with a beautiful fireplace, and is adorned with Italian tapestries and photography, carpet, comfortable tables and chairs. So come visit the new Francesco’s and enjoy great food, service and value.

HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY-SATURDAY 11AM-10PM SUNDAY 11AM-9PM

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

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

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

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

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

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

MEZZA LUNA ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BAR 243 COLONY BLVD., THE VILLAGES 352.753.3824 // WWW.MEZZALUNAGRILL.COM

Established in October 2013, Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar is the best Italian restaurant you can experience in The Villages. Mezza Luna offers an array of options from breakfast to dinner where you can always find something new to try.

With a modern look, friendly staff and classic-inspired dishes, Mezza Luna welcomes you to sit and enjoy our all-day Happy Hour, live entertainment and daily specials. Visit mezzalunagrill.com to look at our entertainment schedule, menus and discount coupons.

HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–SUNDAY (LUNCH AND DINNER) 11A.M.–9P.M. MONDAY–SUNDAY (BREAKFAST) 7–11A.M. SUNDAY BRUNCH 10A.M.–3P.M.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 5:30 TO 8:30P.M.

PALM TREE GRILLE

351 NORTH DONNELLY STREET, MOUNT DORA 352.735.1936 // WWW.PALMTREEGRILLE.COM The décor is sophisticated yet casual allowing for the perfect meeting, family gathering, or private event. Our “Wall of Wine” makes for a stunning display of more than 600 bottles of wine. Culinary offerings include classic Italian as well as steaks, chops, seafood, pasta, salads, tasty sandwiches, sumptuous desserts, and more. Guests can relax in the lounge where we offer a full bar with unique wines, craft beers, and a variety of spirits. The restaurant is available for special events such as weddings, corporate functions, family gatherings, and other celebrations. Every month, the Palm Tree Grille operates a “Wine Connoisseur Dinner.” These exciting dinners offer four-course meals with each course being paired to a particular wine. Guests may also purchase wines to take home with you, just as you would in a wine shop.

LOCATED IN MOUNT DORA, THE PALM TREE GRILLE HAS BEEN FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1995.

HOURS OF OPERATION: SUNDAY MONDAY–SATURDAY

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NOON–8P.M. 11A.M.–9P.M.

EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

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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Indulge your plosion senses in an ex tables, of art, casino , top shelf gourmet food delicious open bar and t. entertainmen

Tick availablets e at

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880 Date: N ovembe r8 Time: 6 p.m.

Photo by: Marc Vaughn

f o t r A eal ris” th“eND iu t à Pa

BUSINESS TECHS “Where Quality Service is Still Important!”

Customer Testimonial: (Aug. 2013) “I just wanted to express how great it was when we were having VXFK D ¿ W ZLWK RXU VHUYLFH SURYLGHU ODVW ZHHN WR KDYH \RXU VHUYLFH :H KDG FKDQJHG IURP RQH FRPSDQ\ WR DQRWKHU DQG LW ZDV RXW RI WKHLU µUHDOP¶ RI VHUYLFH SUR¿ GHG , NQHZ ZKR WR FDOO , SUD\HG ZKHQ LW ZDV RQ D )ULGD\ DIWHUQRRQ NQRZLQJ ZH KDG DOUHDG\ EHHQ KHOSHG RQFH E\ WKH RZQHU RI %XVLQHVV 7HFKV WKDW GD\ WKDW KRSHIXOO\ VRPHRQH ZDV VWLOO WKHUH $QG \HV VKH ZDV 6KH SODFHG D GLVWUHVV FDOO WR 0DUN ZKR LPPHGLDWHO\ FDOOHG PH ZKR MXVW VR KDS SHQHG WR EH RQ &5 DIWHU WU\LQJ WR WURXEOHVKRRW WKH SUREOHP ZLWK PH RYHU WKH SKRQH WR QR DYDLO RIIHUHG WR VZLQJ E\ DIWHU RQ D )ULGD\ , FDQ¶W H[SUHVV KRZ DQ\WLPH DQ\ RI \RXU VHUYLFH WHFKV DUH KHUH WKH\ DUH VXSHU SURIHVVLRQDO EXW PDUN ZHQW DERYH DQG EH\RQG WR KHOS XV :HQW WR DOO FRPSXWHUV WR PDNH VXUH ZH FRXOG SULQW WR WKH FRSLHU EHFDXVH WKH JDWHZD\ ZDV EURNHQ <RX VHH WKH FRSLHU ZDVQ¶W WKH LVVXH WKH ,QWHUQHW OLQNHG WR WKH FRSLHU ZDV WKH LVVXH :H SURFHVV SD\UROO IRU RXU FRPSDQ\ RQ 6XQGD\ 2XU FUHZV SRVVLEO\ FRXOG KDYH PLVVHG D SD\FKHFN LQFOXGLQJ PH , DP VR WKDQNIXO KH WRRN WKH WLPH WR FDUH &XVWRPHU 6HUYLFH KHOSV PDNH D FRPSDQ\ DQG \RX KDYH D JUHDW RQH 6LU ´

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3rd Annual

and

Wings Wildflowers Festival

Friday, Oct. 3 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 4 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 5 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Venetian Gardens

The Wings and Wildflowers Festival hopes to make the 2014 experience unforgettable by holding field trips in these birding hotspots and wildflower havens, as well as bringing some of the nation's best birding, wildflower and nature experts to the area to share their knowledge.

retina care improving

through research

In the ever-expanding field of retina care, vitreoretinal specialist and surgeon Dr. Shalesh Kaushal is excited that the Retina Specialty Institute continues to play a key role in furthering medical advances through its participation in clinical trials and giving patients access to the most advanced care.

A clinician scientist with a strong academic background, Dr. Kaushal takes great pride in being involved in cutting-edge clinical trials to treat many conditions of retinal disease. He earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Md., and his Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

His work as head of the retina division at the University of Florida in Gainesville has helped cultivate his passion for solving problems for both his patients and the scientific community. As result, he has earned a reputation as being a selfless visionary and compassionate practitioner.

As an avid researcher, Dr. Kaushal has participated in numerous clinical trials involving revolutionary breakthroughs in retina care such as gene therapy, stem cell treatment, and new drugs. And he is bringing these breakthroughs to Retina Specialty Institute’s Villages office, which is conveniently located in the Sharon Morse building Suite 532.

High on the list of innovations is the use of stem cells. “There are many types of stem cells, but there are two basic kinds that we look at. There are cells that can rejuvenate tissue and then there are types that can actually regenerate and replace cells that are lost through normal wear and tear, injury, or disease,” says Dr. Kaushal.

“We want to bring those types of trials to The Villages.”

The Retina Specialty Institute is also highly involved in researching the use of nutraceuticals to treat a variety of visionthreatening diseases, especially within his field of specialty: inherited retinal and macular diseases like retinitis pigmentosa

(RP) and Stargardt disease as well as age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). “Instead of patients receiving injections to treat dry macular degeneration, we are hoping to find oral medications to mediate the disease,” he says. “We’re bringing exciting research to Central Florida.”

As a FDA-approved clinical trial study center, Retina Specialty Institute is known widely among major pharmaceutical companies, peers, and patients for delivering continual peak performance. The goal is to use the research to provide patients with better results while being less intrusive.

Aside from his contributions and active involvement in clinical research, Dr. Kaushal carries a real passion for charity — as proven by his many diligent hours caring for and treating underserved populations in local communities as well as abroad.

Dr. Kaushal also enjoys the sacred relationship between doctor and patient and makes it a point to communicate in a way that is both clear and understandable. He considers it a great honor to provide quality patient care that not only restores sight and improves vision but also increases quality of life.

The surgeons of Retina Specialty Institute are lending shape to the unknown, forging the next generation of knowledge and technology that help preserve the gift of sight from retina diseases like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Experience visionary retina care. Preserving. Treating. Advancing Now accepting patients at The Villages.

Call today for an appointment at 850.529.7077

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Final thought // Gary Corsair

I CAN LIVE WITHOUT FACEBOOK …

AT LEAST I THINK I CAN

I

’m finally ready to admit it. I can live without Facebook.

One hundred forty-seven requests to play Farmville helped me reach that realization.

Actually, it’s more than that.

I joined Facebook to keep abreast of what my family and friends were doing. I loved the idea of hitting an icon and instantly seeing who got promoted, who had a baby, who was embarking on crosscountry cycling trip, who was auditioning for a reality show.

Turns out, my Facebook family members aren’t doing any of those things. They don’t have time; they’re too busy posting nonsense on Facebook.

The last time I looked: • Dawn had a migraine. Her car broke down the day before. The day before, she had a migraine. The day before, she “felt like poo.” Her most positive post this year was “There’s not enough coffee. Just sayin’.”

• Angie posted photos of her grandkids. Same photos she posted last week. I can’t stand those kids … and I don’t even know them.

• Karen invited me to take the “How Crazy Are You?” quiz.

• Carrie posted a video of a dancing orangutan with the headline, “When Your Kids Have To Go Back To School!”

Fourteen other friends posted the same video this month.

• Jim shared a screenshot of the five-day weather forecast with the comment, “I love this cool weather.”

• Dale invited me to take the “If You Take the Red Pill, You Become Fluent in Every Spoken Language, If You Take the Blue Pill, You Master Every Instrument in the World, Which One Would You Take?” quiz.

• Jewell misses her dead dog. The day before, she had a dream about her dead dog.

• Chaz misses his departed father. He also missed his dad last week. And the week before that.

• Dave invited me to take the “How Crazy Are You?” quiz.

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• Jennifer sent me a video of a man in a Mentos suit being dropped into a tub of Diet Coke.

• Brittany changed her profile photo back to the profile photo she had in July.

• Deborah invited me to take the “How Redneck Are You?” quiz.

• Molly said, “I love you.” But I have no idea who she’s talking to.

• David posted a new selfie … for the 11th day in a row.

• Ken invited me to take the “How Crazy Are You?” quiz.

• Ellen keeps posting cartoons of an animated Ellen with captions like “Ellen eats spaghetti while her cat watches.”

• Terry is bashing Obama. Again.

• Mickey shared another photo of her horse. To me, it looks like the previous 22 horse photos she’s posted. A horse is a horse, of course, of course.

• Ned sent me the, “Which City Should You Live In?” quiz.

• Tina lost another pound after a two-hour earlymorning workout while my fat self slept.

• Courtney keeps posting photos of pugs dressed like humans — wearing sunglasses, hats, scarves, etc.

Perhaps I need new friends. Or maybe Grandma Rita was on the money when she said, “Some people just talk to hear themselves talk.”

So I’m going to sign off, say farewell to Facebook and return to emails, letters and phone calls to keep in touch with family and friends.

I’m serious. I’m done with Facebook. I’m signing off. I really am … right after I watch this video David posted of the Muppets signing the Beastie Boys’ “So What’cha Want.”

Lady

Lakes

of the

Renaissance Faire NOW TWO WEEKENDS November 1-2 and 7-9 10:00a.m. - 5p.m.

Lake Idamere-Tavares, FL State Road 19 and C.R. 448, Tavares, FL 32778 At Gate: $15 adult • $10 child Follow the weekly saga of Lord Edward facebook.com/ladyofthelakesrenfaire Education Day: November 7 - $5 at gate 352.326.1265 Seniors : November 7 - $5 at gate Group Sales for 15 or more: cullen-battc@lake.k12.fl.us SAVE MONEY! ORDER ADVANCE TICKETS ONLINE AT WWW.LAKERENFAIRE.COM 352.326.1265

Proceeds benefit:

TOYOTA MAKES THE CAR...

DeLUCA MAKES THE DIFFERENCE! 1719 SW COLLEGE ROAD, OCALA

352-533-2198

“Treating customers with honesty and integrity for over 36 years! Stop by today and experience the DeLuca Difference.”

– Frank DeLuca, President/Owner

OVER 87,000 TOYOTAS SOLD SINCE 1978!

WHY THE DELUCA DIFFERENCE...

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • RESPECT • KNOWLEDGE WISDOM • TRUTHFULNESS • CARING

Our new, ultra-modern facility opening Fall 2014 with a state-of-the-art service department, a full-service salon and a café.

We’re just a short drive from The Villages.

Please call for directions.

TWO YEARS NO COST MAINTENANCE WITH EVERY NEW VEHICLE PURCHASE!

Featuring a no cost maintenance plan with roadside assistance.* *ToyotaCare covers normal factory scheduled service. Plan is 2 years or 25K miles, whichever comes first. The new vehicle cannot be part of a rental or commercial fleet, or a livery/tax vehicle. See participating Toyota dealer for plan details. Valid only in the continental U.S. and Alaska. Roadside Assistance does not include parts and fluids.

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OCALA/PADDOCK PARK LOCATION 3320 SW 34th Circle, Ocala, FL 34474