Villages STYLE 1114

What’s in a name?

For nearly 40 years, Lake ENT & FPS has been setting the standard for compassion, technology and artistry in patient care for ear, nose, throat and facial plastic surgery.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR “GALLERY” OF SERVICES INSIDE.

Leading – Edge Treatments Of Macular Degeneration Diabetic Retinopathy

&

Mid Florida Eye Center is giving patients new opportunities for restored sight.

DEDICATED RETINA INSTITUTE Mid Florida Eye Center’s Retina Institute has been selected for high-profile clinical trials.

TWO RETINA SPECIALISTS Dr. Shawn C. Wilker has joined Lake County’s first retina specialist, Dr. Ray D. Maizel, to bring additional breakthroughs in retinal eye care to Central Florida.

ADVANCED OUTPATIENT VITREORETINAL SURGERY IN A CONVENIENT, COMFORTABLE OUTPATIENT SETTING Mid Florida Eye Center’s Surgery Center of The Villages offers advanced vitreoretinal surgery, a revolutionary procedure that allows patients a faster recovery and improved comfort.

MACULAR DEGENERATION SPECIALISTS The two Doctors are also available to provide leadingedge treatments to patients with retinal diseases such as macular degeneration, retinal detachments, and diabetic retinopathy.

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Sa Pro nta Fe fes sio Cross nal Cening ter C

ROLLING A CRES R D.

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ROLLING A CRES R D.

D. BUENA VISTA BLV

BLVD.

MORSE BLVD.

BUENA VISTA

MORSE BLVD.

Visit Mid Florida Eye Center’s Retina Institute to learn how these and other recent breakthroughs could change your life.

R4 66 LOCATION: NEW

Ray D. Maizel, M.D. Shawn C. Wilker, M.D.

Call 888.820.7878 or 352.735.2020 to schedule your appointment!

MidFloridaEye.com MidFloridaEye.com

Board Find Certified • Fellowship Trained out more information online atMount Dora • Leesburg

• The Villages/Stonecrest • Apopka

Participating MedicareBoard-Certified Provider • Two Surgical Locations | Fellowship-Trained | Participating Medicare Provider

Mid Florida Eye Center The Villages/Santa Fe Crossing 8630 E. CR 466, Suite A

NEW LOCATION: Mid Florida Eye Center The Villages/Santa Fe Crossing 8630 E. CR 466, Suite A

Two Surgical Locations | Five Office Locations THE VILLAGES/STONECREST • THE VILLAGES/SANTA FE • MOUNT DORA • LEESBURG • APOPKA

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

Visit FHWaterman.com

QUALITY CARE

IS OUR WAY

Santa Fe Professional Center, 8564 East CR 466, The Villages, FL 32162

Call 352.561.4943

S

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

SERVICES INCLUDE

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

________

DOCTOR SPOTLIGHT DR. SCOTT WEHRLY states, “Santa Fe Surgery Center is my resounding favorite. With over 300 years of combined experience, the nurses at Santa Fe provide the safest and most efficient surgical experience I have known. They provide excellent pre- and post-operative care with a loving smile and minimize patient wait time.”

“Santa Fe also has the most advanced microsurgical equipment, including Lake County’s first LenSx Cataract Laser, the brand new Centurion phacoemulsifaction machine to do cataract surgery and the endocyclophotocoagulation laser (ECP) to treat glaucoma. When I go to Santa Fe, I know I’m delivering the best quality eye care.”

Your life.

Well furnished.

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BABETTE’S FURNITURE & HOME SHOPPE 8345 US HWY 441, Leesburg babettesonline.com // 352.728.5600

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Gift Certificates are always available Botox $10 per unit Restylane 15% Off Micro Laser Peel 25% Off Facial 20% Off Silkpeel 15% Off Offer Expires 11/30/14 Open 9:30 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday

call us and Add your Email to our online concierge system and receive exclusive discounts and gifts

US Hwy 441/27 Lady Lake, Fl. 32159

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Happy Thanksgiving from

e v r e s y! a e d o R t t a e s r u o y

*

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Featuring

36 CELEBRATING 10 YEARS IN STYLE

We know, we can’t believe it either, but it’s true: Lake and Sumter Style magazine is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. To commemorate this momentous occasion, we are taking a look back at some our best stories, best covers, best … well, everything as we raise a glass and toast to a decade of Style.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES AND JAMES COMBS

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MISSION IN ACTION

Residents of the Dominican Republic don’t desire luxurious homes or shiny, new cars. In fact, a simple spinal adjustment makes them happy. That’s what Style photographer Fred Lopez discovered when he accompanied a local chiropractic office on a mission trip to Puerto Plata. We are sharing both heartwarming and heartbreaking photography from this trip as seen through Fred’s lens.

STORY: JAMES COMBS

LAKE&SUMTER EDITION On the cover DIRECTION: JAMIE EZRA MARK PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK MODEL: GRALYNN MUNZ HAIR: JANNILLE DALTON OF MICHAEL’S COUTURE SALON MAKEUP: KATIE HOYT-NATERA OF MICHAEL’S COUTURE SALON

VILLAGES EDITION What’s in a name?

For nearly 40 years, Lake ENT & FPS has been setting the standard for compassion, technology and artistry in patient care for ear, nose, throat and facial plastic surgery.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR “GALLERY” OF SERVICES INSIDE.

On the cover LAKE EAR, NOSE, THROAT AND FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK

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EDITOR’S COLUMN

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

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FIRST THINGS FIRST 22 #TRENDING An honor for the Boys and Girls Club of Lake and Sumter Counties; Leesburg Partnership’s popular Christmas House has moved.

26 PERSON OF INTEREST When it comes to academics and athletics, Chris Blanton hits home runs.

28 OUTSTANDING STUDENT Miss Pre-Teen Florida and Umatilla Middle School student Lilly Parker proves you can have brains and beauty.

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ON THE SCENE 70 THE TO-DO LIST From Mount Dora to South Lake, there’s events galore in November, plus Central Florida artist Rita Brooke readies for the big time.

74 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT Eat, drink and be merry Craft beer lovers rejoice! The Leesburg Craft Beer, Wine and Food Festival will offer plenty of snacks, suds and seasonal fun.

Story: James Combs

76 OUT+ABOUT A Golden Isle Thanksgiving St. Simons Island, Georgia, is teeming with history and plenty of outdoor splendors to explore.

Story: Mary Ann DeSantis 78 HI, SOCIETY! Highlights from the Hydro Drag World Championships, the annual Harvest Grape Stomp, the Francis Coppola Director’s Cut Wine Pairing Dinner and more.

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EATS! 96 IN THE KITCHEN Flavors of fall Get ready to savor the tastes of the season with these appetizing, autumn-inspired recipes.

Story: Shemir Wiles 100 SALUTÉ Shaken If Napa Valley wines tickle your fancy, never fear. August’s earthquake left winegrowers dazed but not destroyed.

Story: Mary Ann DeSantis 102 FORK ON THE ROAD Evans Prairie Country Club With exceptional service and food, this Villages gem takes country club dining to a new level.

Story: Shemir Wiles 112 FINAL THOUGHT Having ‘routine’ surgery?’

Plan for the unexpected A health care surrogate is a must-have.

Story: John T. Marshall, Esq.

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‘‘I feel your pain.

That’s why I’ve developed a proprietary approach to knee joint problems that involves an integrated combination of minimally invasive surgical procedures, pharmaceutical intervention and pain management. This results in faster healing times, fewer complications and less pain.”

— Donald Perry MD

Specializing in joint reconstruction and sports medicine

2051 Mayo Drive Tavares, FL 32778 352.343.2171 rpocenter.com

Editor’s column

OH BROTHER! BRAINS SAVES MY LIFE … AGAIN My life just got better.

My older brother Brian is moving to Florida. He says he’s moving to be near me.

Excuse me for a moment. I need a tissue.

I’ve dreamed of this day for a long time.

My brother and I have had a mutual admiration society for a long time. I’ve admired his always sunny disposition; his work ethic; his ability to make, save and invest money; and his tenacious rebounding on the basketball court.

I wish my sons were as close as Brian and I am. But they are not, and seem uninterested in strengthening the familial bonds.

Excuse me for a moment. I need another tissue.

My earliest memory of my big brother involved an impromptu swim in the creek that ran alongside our property. For some reason, we had waded onto our neighbor’s property, where the water was stiller and clearer. Mr. Vawter, that neighbor, must have been gone, or we surely wouldn’t have trespassed.

I remember us splashing each other as we waded farther and farther from the creek bank. And then, I stepped into an underwater hole. I panicked, flailing my arms and kicking my legs. I was probably about 7 years old, and not much of a swimmer.

I’m sure I would have drowned if Brian, then 9, hadn’t kept a level head. He jumped into the hole, gave me a bear hug and paddled us to safety. I thrashed, yelled

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and swallowed water all the way.

I don’t know if I told him then, so I say it now: “Thanks Brains. You saved my life.”

His nickname fits him like a scuba diver’s wet suit. Brian was the brain. I was the free spirit. He made honor rolls. I made up the National Clown Association, a league where students were secretly awarded points for throwing things in the trash can and sharpening pencils. Bonus points were awarded for entering the classroom after the bell sounded.

Brains could have gone to college, but my parents were against higher education.

They wanted him to wash windows and clean offices so he could preach from doorto-door. Naturally, Brains became the best window cleaner in Kokomo. I don’t know that he ever loved it, but he sure can make a squeegee sing. Knows his Bible, too.

Me, I followed my heart into journalism.

Never made much money, but met some wonderful people and made a few indelible memories.

I was the selfish son; Brian was the responsible one.

Yet he never looked down on me, never lectured me about doing the right things.

In fact, Brains always supported me.

Even when I was stupid.

I was never more stupid than the day I decided to quit my super stable job as public relations director to start a weekly sports newspaper.

Brains should have talked me out of it. Instead, he moved 50 miles to the

town where I lived, bought thousands of dollars of computer equipment, rented office space, hired staff, learned how to report sports and let me play newspaper publisher.

The venture lasted nine months, cost him tens of thousands of dollars — he refuses to tell me how much — and resulted in his wife divorcing him.

He’d still be pumping money into my dream if I hadn’t wised up and pulled the plug.

I’m going to pay him back … someday.

Until then, I’m determined to be the best little brother I can be.

I can’t believe he’s moving here. Where did I put that box of tissues?

Gary Corsair

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

get yours.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Order a subscription of

your favorite magazine to be delivered directly to your home for just $24. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Style or Healthy Living magazine. Choose both magazines for $36 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112, go to www.akersmediagroup.com or mail us at Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088 Leesburg, FL 34749.

Digitize your life.

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

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

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

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.

happy birthday to us!

We can’t believe it either, but Style is celebrating its 10th anniversary with this issue. They say time flies when you’re having fun — well, we have had a blast and we can’t thank our readers enough for being a part of this incredible journey!

BACK ISSUES: Order by mail for cover price at $4.95+ sales tax and shipping.

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

Catch our blog!

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

lakeandsumterstyle.com OFFERING

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e-newsletter

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From the publisher

Kendra Akers

FROM THE BEGINNING

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

Doug Akers

VICE PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com

Jamie Ezra Mark CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER jamie@akersmediagroup.com

Sabrina Ciceri

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER sabrina@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY Gary Corsair Steven J. Codraro

EXECUTIVE EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR gary@akersmediagroup.com steve@akersmediagroup.com

Shemir Wiles Josh Clark

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

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

Mary Ann Desantis Morgan Ellis Fred Hilton Ron Vandevander Pat Jocelyn John T. Marshall Kathy Porter 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 Deb Matlock

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

ADMINISTRATION Tina Morrison Shaena Chastain OFFICE MANAGER RECEPTIONIST tina@akersmediagroup.com shaena@akersmediagroup.com

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

LAKE & SUMTER STYLE IS A PROUD MEMBER OF

FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION

LAKE EUSTIS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LEESBURG PARTNERSHIP

SUMTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LEESBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AMERICAN ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION

TAVARES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SOUTH LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

83

WINNER OF AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

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 was at a local restaurant waiting to be seated when a magazine cover caught my eye.

It was glossy and sleek; I automatically assumed it was a national product. But as I looked closer, I noticed it was a local magazine. I was astonished by its quality, and, man, did I think it was cool.

“It” was Ocala Style. I knew at that very moment that I had to be a part of it.

I picked up the magazine, found the name of the marketing director and sent him an email letting him know of my qualifications and my desire to work for the magazine. I received an email back, got an interview, met the publisher Kathy Johnson and was offered a job.

Not long after working there and learning my way, I began to discuss with Kathy the need for a magazine of such quality in Lake and Sumter counties. I explained it would be the first of its kind and this community would love it and most certainly support it. It didn’t take much convincing, since Kathy is a talented visionary and amazing entrepreneur.

We planned a September 2004 launch of Lake and Sumter Style, but we had a major setback.

The delay wasn’t caused by lack of advertising sales; there was no shortage of community support. It was Mother Nature.

Lake County was hit by three consecutive major hurricanes, which caused extreme damage to our community. It took months to get things running again, but we pressed forward and made our debut in November.

I cannot explain the sense of pride and the excitement I felt for this magazine and for my community the first time I held Style in my hands. It was a life-changing moment for me.

Time went on, and Style continued to be a success. I had the extreme privilege of becoming owner and publisher of Style when my husband, Doug, and I purchased the magazine from Kathy in 2010.

I have loved Style magazine since the day it was born and today I am still extremely proud of what it represents. Thank you, Kathy Johnson, for believing in me and thank you to our readers and advertisers for your continued support.

Here’s to another decade of Style. .

Kendra Akers

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First Things

f1rst #TRENDING PERSON OF INTEREST OUTSTANDING STUDENT

22 26 28

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

A GUIDING LIGHT

The board of directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lake and Sumter Counties was named the Board Team of the Year by the Florida Area Council of Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

The award is given for overall performance of a local governing body. The board was recognized for leadership and excellence as a team in resource development, marketing, planning and commitment to serving youth.

“Our board lends its professional expertise in a number of

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Lake County residents, here is your opportunity to kick off the holiday season with the spirit of giving.

To benefit The Salvation Army in Leesburg and the Lake Cares Food Pantry in Mount Dora, the Lake County Department of Community Services’ Public Transportation Division is hosting the ninth annual Stuff the Bus campaign from 9a.m. to 5p.m. on Nov. 8.

During the event, Lake County Connection buses will be collecting nonperishable food at the following locations: • Wal-Mart Supercenter 17030 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora • Wal-Mart Supercenter 2501 Citrus Blvd., Leesburg

different areas, which has allowed us to direct more resources to the children we serve,” says Lena Williams, the board president. “Every decision made is centered around creating the greatest impact on the children who need us most in Lake and Sumter counties.”

In 2014, 100 percent of high school seniors in the program graduated. In addition, there were no teen pregnancies or juvenile arrests.

“The goal of the annual food drive is to stuff donated nonperishable food and canned goods, baby food and pet food into a county bus,” said Ken Harley, manager of the Public Transportation Division. “Last year, we collected more than 4,500 pounds of food, and this year we hope to exceed that amount.”

Nonperishable food items can include canned meats, vegetables, fruits, stews and chili, canned or dry soups, canned or packaged pasta, peanut butter, tea bags and ground coffee, hot and cold cereals, rice, cake and pancake mixes, syrup, powdered milk, juice boxes, granulated sugar, baby food and formula, granola and cereal bars, and dry or canned pet food.

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Sources: history.com/interactives/thanksgiving-by-the-numbers, nfl.com/photoessays/0ap2000000288476, businessinsider.com/2013-black-friday-stats-2013-12

million

turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving.

300,000

TALKIN’ TURKEY

Gobble up these interesting Thanksgiving facts.

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

cubic feet of helium is needed to blow up the 15 largest balloons in the Macy’s Day Parade. That’s the volume of 3.4 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

20

How many times the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions have played on Thanksgiving Day.

135.27

$

the amount of the average online purchase on Black Friday 2013.

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

JAMES COMB’S NOVEMBER

THEHITLIST

_____________________________________

1 // IF FIRED, embattled UF coach Will Muschamp may audition for a role on Swamp People. After all, he’s good at killing Gators.

2 // A LADY LAKE MAN shoots a 500-pound black bear that broke into his sitting room. He was just exercising his right to “bear” arms.

3 // FLORIDA VOTERS DECIDE whether medical marijuana should be legalized. Opponents say the drug is harmful, but perhaps they’re just blowing smoke.

4 // BOMB THREATS were recently called into three Lake County schools in one day. Talk about having no class.

CALL OF THE CROWN

The Miss Leesburg Scholarship Pageant was held in September at Leesburg High School.

The following winners will spend a year representing their communities through various volunteer programs.

Pictured: Back row left to right: MISS LEESBURG: Dayla Scheinfeld, 18, daughter of Ida and Michael Scheinfeld.

TEEN MISS LEESBURG: Jenna Croft, 13, daughter of Jackie and Roger Croft.

Front row left to right: JUNIOR MISS LEESBURG: McKenzie Berry, 11, daughter of Leigh Ann and Quentin Berry.

TINY MISS LEESBURG: Sophia Ross, 6, daughter of Angela and Clint Ross.

LITTLE MISS LEESBURG: Madison Rowland, 8, daughter of Charlotte and Herb Rowland.

5 // “FANGATE” tarnishes the debate between Rick Scott and Charlie Crist. Can’t they air their differences without any drama?

6 // TACKO FALL, a 7-foot, 6-inch basketball player from Liberty Christian Prep in Tavares, recently committed to the University of Central Florida.

For him, the sky is truly the limit.

7 // LET ME “SEA” MY KIDS. A Florida mom who drove her van into the ocean with three children inside is asking for supervised visitation. Why does she continue making waves?

CHRISTMAS IS IN THE HOUSE It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas … especially inside Lake Square Mall.

That’s the new location of the Leesburg Partnership’s popular Christmas House, which will be open Nov. 1–Dec. 13.

Christmas shoppers will find more than 50,000 items made by 100 holiday crafters. Among them are gifts, baked goods, floral arrangements, toys, dolls and jams and jellies.

The Christmas House is between Belk and Sears. It is open from 10a.m.–6p.m. Monday through Thursday; from 10a.m.–8p.m. Friday and Saturday; and from noon–5p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 352.323.1250 or visit ChristmasHouse.LeesburgPartnership.com.

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PAINTING A CLEAR VISION

Sumter County native Ken Neal was recently hired as executive director of Young Performing Artists.

Ken is a visual artist and music producer whose 2013 debut album, “I’m Movin’ On,” was named one of the Top 50 urban contemporary albums at the 50th annual Grammy Awards.

“It’s not often you get to work in the industry where your passion lies,” he says.

“Being an artist and being afforded this opportunity is just an ideal situation.”

Beverly Steele founded Young Performing Artists in 1998. The program allows students through age 22 to participate in visual and performing arts.

“We are excited to have Ken join our team,” Beverly says. “We’re looking forward to Ken’s experience and knowledge in helping our organization along its innovative and creative path.”

FAST AND THE CURIOUS

Students at East Ridge High School in Clermont are learning the nuts and bolts of automotive mechanics.

Recently, members of the Braille Battery Race team tasked East Ridge students enrolled in the school’s Automotive Collision, Repair and Refinishing course with restoring a badly damaged Nissan 350Z race car that had been retired for three years. The goal was to race the car in the new X Games sport called Gymkhana Grid.

The students were excited to give the race car a new life. According to Chris Brewer from AutomotiveAddicts.com, the overhaul was a complete success.

“The restoration was a labor of love, painstakingly restored,” he said. “Using PPG paint materials, the radically customized 350Z looks absolutely stunning in the bright Florida sun.”

The car was showcased in August on the Daytona International Speedway during the Red Bull Global Rallycross.

Bill Barto, who teaches the course at East Ridge, has presented students with numerous opportunities through corporate partnerships and community relationships.

DID YOU KNOW? Fifty years ago, Wildwood High School captured its first Class A football championship by defeating Lake City, 12–7. The victory clinched an undefeated, 12–0 season for the Wildcats.

Wildwood’s 1964 championship season is the subject of author Gary Corsair ‘Cats With 12 Lives, scheduled to be released before Jan. 1.

The school won its second championship in 1970 after walloping Port St. Joe, 30–0.

First things first // person of interest Movers and shakers

FAST FACTS: • Chris was the first Lake-Sumter State College student selected for three awards in one year: the Bill Tuten Baseball Scholar-Athlete from the Florida College System Activities Association; the Mid-Florida Conference Male Scholar Athlete of the Year; and the National Junior College Athletics 2014 Lea Plarski Award.

• Despite juggling athletics and academics, Chris maintained a 4.0 grade-point average at L-SSC.

elementary schools to help children with reading and other schoolwork. Through the Miracle League, our team taught baseball fundamentals to special-needs children.

MAJOR

MVP

LET’S CALL IT A KNIGHT: I am attending the University of Central Florida and attempting to be a walk-on with the baseball team. Recently, the baseball team held a walk-on tryout. I was invited back to practice with the team during the fall.

It’s like an extended tryout to make the team once the real season rolls around.

CHRIS BLANTON

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY SASHEIKA TOMLINSON

AGE : 2 1 LIVES IN ORLAND O F U L L - T I M E S T U D E N T AT T H E UN IVERSIT Y OF C ENTR AL FLORIDA

QUITE A CATCH: As a catcher for LakeSumter State College’s baseball team, I received the 2014 National Junior College Athletics Lea Plarski Award. Each year, this award is given to one studentathlete in the country who excels in sportsmanship, leadership, academics, community service and athletics.

Winning this is a big accomplishment for not only me but also the school and the community. I never dreamed about winning such a prestigious award.

WALKING THE WALK: I played varsity baseball at Timber Creek High School in Orlando.

I was not heavily recruited and became a walk-on at L-SSC. During my freshman year I competed against two sophomore

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catchers for playing time. I became the starting catcher toward the end of the season. At the beginning of my sophomore year I earned the starting job once again. I also received a scholarship for the spring semester.

MAKING A STATEMENT: L-SSC President Dr. Charles Mojock called me the most decorated student-athlete in school history. My success would not have been possible without the excellent support staff in place.

GIVING BACK: During my time at L-SSC, I enjoyed volunteering in the community. I was able to participate in several Habitat for Humanity projects and also visit local

OFF THE DIAMOND: When I’m not playing baseball or studying, I enjoy PlayStation, pick-up basketball games, hanging out with friends and golf.

LAST BOOK YOU READ: My marketing textbook.

I do not have much time to read for pleasure.

FAVORITE JUNK FOOD: When I go to Miller’s Ale House in Orlando, I order fried chicken tenders that sit atop a mountain of fries with melted cheese and bacon.

Essentially, it’s a heart attack on a plate.

DOGS OR CATS: DOGS. We always had at least two dogs when I was growing up. We had a cat that constantly terrorized me when I was 6.

MUSIC I’D TAKE ON A DESERTED ISLAND: Kenny Chesney. He does laid-back beach songs, so his music would add to the atmosphere.

Fabulous Living. Stress-Free Lifestyle.

Make Your Dreams Come True at Freedom Pointe.

Join us for coffee as residents dish on Freedom Pointe.

Stop by for coffee, conversation and culinary delights as our residents share the inside scoop on what makes Freedom Pointe such an exceptional place to call home. Make plans to attend today!

Thursday, November 13 | 9:30 a.m.

For reservations or more information, call 1-866-612-8225 by November 10.

My friends tell me I am so calm and relaxed since I moved to Freedom Pointe – I’m like a different person. And, they’re right! I should have done this two years ago. Don’t wait…make your dreams come true today!

~Jeanette Ferrell, Freedom Pointe Resident

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

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ALL THE PLACES LIFE CAN GO is a Trademark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA. ® Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office. 14-52040-0299-0914-LB

First things first // outstanding student Making the grade

AGE : 1 2 SEVENTH-GR ADE ST UDENT AT U M AT I L L A M I D D L E S C H O O L

IN MARCH, I WAS CROWNED Miss Pre-Teen Florida in Daytona Beach.

I was the only contestant from Lake County. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. I remember hearing my dad scream, “Oh my gosh, that’s my daughter on stage!”

I ALSO COMPETED IN MISS PRE-TEEN UNITED STATES, which was held in July inside the Synetic Theater in Washington, D.C. It was an amazing experience because I met girls my age from all over the country and visited the White House and Arlington National Cemetery. We even participated in the National Independence Day Parade.

THE NATIONAL COMPETITION involved four components: a patriotic runway show, on-stage question, model and gown. I wore a pink gown with rhinestones. Although I did not win the overall competition, I did win the Most Photogenic award, which is voted by the public.

AS A PAGEANT WINNER, I’ve been fortunate to do some volunteer work, such as packaging food for Deliver the Difference, reading to children at the Boys and Girls Club of Lake and Sumter Counties and providing toiletries and personal items to a women’s shelter.

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VITAL STATS • SHINING STAR: Lilly has won numerous pageants, including Miss Lake County, Miss Pre-Teen Florida, Winter Wonderland, Snow Queen, and Denim and Diamonds.

• ACE IN THE HOLE: Lilly is a straight-A student and is taking an advanced math class.

IN ADDITION TO COMPETING IN PAGEANTS, I have been a cheerleader for seven years. I belong to a competitive cheerleading program in Eustis called Champion Cheer All-Stars. We travel to various competitions and also attend cheerleading camps and learn from professionals.

MY FAVORITE SUBJECT IS KEYBOARDING. My keyboarding teacher is hilarious and refers to me as a Southern Belle.

AFTER I GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL, I want to attend the University of Florida and be a Gator cheerleader.

I PLAN ON MAJORING IN NURSING and becoming a nurse practitioner.

When my grandmother had cancer, I saw how much the nurses were able to comfort her and help her feel at peace. My grandmother had a wonderful relationship with her nurses.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE SHOWS is “Duck Dynasty.” I love Si Robertson.

He’s so funny and always so real.

THE ADVICE I’D GIVE TO YOUNGER CHILDREN is to always be yourself. If you have two choices, always be sure to make the right one. Always follow your dreams.

PHOTO: MATTHEW GAULIN

LILLY PARKER

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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-three years of experience in treating men with prostate problems in Lake County. Although the cause of these symptoms is most likely an enlarging prostate (BPH), a normal part of the aging process in men, treatment options are more numerous and less invasive than those offered to our fathers and grandfathers.

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

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

Lastly, I teach him his treatment options.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, contact

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

352.751.4990 801 Northshore Drive, Eustis, FL 32726

352.357.6786

ProstateEvaluation.com

My Favorite Things

Painting by: Emily Lewis

Opening Reception Saturday, November 8 5p.m. - 7p.m.

www.LeesburgCenter4Arts.com

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This exhibit features work from various artists and reflects the themes from the popular song “My Favorite Things� from the Sound of Music.

The exhibit will be on display in our gallery through December 13.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH. You are going to want a urologist with the skills and experience to resolve your problem quickly. The good news, Advanced Urology Specialists has fifteen urologists—all with the expertise you need to focus on the toughest challenges. The better news, when the going does indeed get tough, you won’t have to go far for relief. Eight offices throughout Central Florida means the chances are good there is an Advanced Urology office close by.

855-298-CARE advancedurologists.com With 8 conveinient locations to serve you!

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THERE FROM THE START It’s not a secret; Lake and Sumter Style is the publication people clamor for when they want to be in the know about local people, places and events. But every great magazine has to start some– where. So no celebration would be complete without reminiscing with some of the key figures who launched Lake and Sumter Style.

KENDRA AKERS

THE PRESENT PUBLISHER FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE MARKETING AND ADVERTISING DIRECTOR “I was lucky enough to be a part of Style’s inception and be there when the very first magazine hit the streets. Needless to say, I have always been a fan of Style, but I always felt like it could be more than what it was.

“In 2010, my husband Doug and I were offered the opportunity to purchase the magazine and we immediately accepted.

Now I was able to make the decisions for the magazine and put my ideas into place. I wanted to see more local content, more faces and places, and I wanted to truly showcase what Lake and Sumter counties are really about.

“We started doing special features like the Businessmen and Businesswomen of Style, the Realtor issue, Power Couples and Extraordinary People. We also introduced the very first Hot List to the community. We eventually redesigned the entire magazine, which included changing the logo. This was a difficult decision for me because I wasn’t sure if we should change something so well-known to the readers, but we made the right decision. As soon as we launched it, we had instant feedback. Our readership audits skyrocketed in just a year from 114,000 readers to over 200,000. I believe it is safe to say the new look was a hit.

“It has always been my dream that Style be the No. 1 most-read local magazine.

Today, my dream has come true. Style is the magazine of Lake and Sumter counties. It belongs to the community and

its residents. And it does what it is meant to do, which is represent the area with Style, and I could not be more proud.”

KATHY JOHNSON

STYLE’S FIRST PUBLISHER

“I’d been publishing Ocala Style for about five years when I felt it was the perfect time to expand the Style brand. The question was, ‘What direction should I go?’

“I found myself being drawn to Lake and Sumter. Not only was there an abundance of stories to be told about the area’s beauty and diversity, but I felt certain the residents would identify with our message. On top of that, all my instincts said this area would explode with growth, and that’s where I needed to be.

“Once the decision was made, our highly skilled writers and design team went to work. Probably our biggest challenge was deciding what stories would be the first to be told. Lake County alone has over 17 cities and municipalities, so representing the area in the most thoughtful and responsible way was foremost on my mind. Once it hit the stands, I knew we had made the right choices.”

THAT’S SOME STORY Style is known for looking good, but it has also been known for publishing some amazing stories over the years.

Whether we entertain or educate, Style is always thinking outside the box.

And while it’s hard to just pick 10, we managed to single out some of the most memorable articles and issues we’ve printed.

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“FOR JESSIE” JANUARY 2006

Mark Lunsford became a high-profile child advocate after the tragic death of his 9-year-old daughter, Jessica Lunsford.

JoAnn Guidry interviewed Lunsford as he tried to promote legislation that would toughen laws against sexual offenders.

“STORM STORIES” MARCH 2007

When a series of tornadoes struck Lake

DEAN BLINKHORN THE ORIGINAL EDITOR

“We wanted to be different from LAKE magazine and go with something that had a little more, well, Style, with it. The first few issues went by very, very quickly, and every month, I always had a blast putting the magazine together.

“The story I really liked the most was the one about Wolfy’s after it had been destroyed by a fire. It had a lot of power, but I also enjoyed a lot of the lifestyle stuff like learning about new resturants and highlighting interesting people in the community.

“I’m amazed to see what Style has become; it has really taken off. I just find it hard to believe it’s been 10 years.”

STEVEN CODRARO

THE FIRST (AND CURRENT) CREATIVE DIRECTOR “I remember coming on staff in early 2004 about seven or eight months before we actually launched the magazine.

“Luckily, creating the look

for Lake and Sumter Style was easy because Kathy already had a winning design with Ocala Style. Most of our time was dedicated to fine-tuning things and making sure we had several stories and photos in the hopper for future months.

“As I look back at the beginning of Style, I think, ‘Wow, look at what we did and look at what we do now.’ It’s also kind of refreshing to see that some of the pioneers are still involved 10 years later.”

MARY ANN DESANTIS

PREVIOUS EDITOR TURNED FAVORITE CONTRIBUTOR “One of the best memories I have with Lake and Sumter Style is doing my column, ‘Full Circle.’ I still have people who ask me what happened to it.

“Also, I have fond memories of the first story I ever did for Style. It was about the Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club. When I first got the assignment, I was like, ‘What?’ But it turned out it was one of the largest lawn bowling clubs in the country.”

MEDIA POWER

One of the cool things about Lake and Sumter Style is our advertisers.

“When Akers started producing Style magazine, we promised we would be the most client-friendly publication advertisers would ever deal with, and we’ve stuck to that promise,” says Tim McRae, vice president of marketing and sales. “We are so appreciative of our clients and the fact that they have chosen to support us every month. Thank you.”

So it’s only fitting we ask 10 of our most faithful advertisers to share why they love and always choose to advertise in Style.

“At Tri-County Podiatry, we have built a practice on the fundamental belief that providing quality treatment and service to our community is at the heart of everything we do. When looking to advertise, we look for companies that share the same belief in providing a quality product to our community, and we found that with Style magazine.

You cannot go wrong working with the entire team at Style.

Through the years the brilliant creative team has worked with us to create timeless, fun and eye-catching content that reflects our physicians and practice perfectly.”

— JENINE FRAZIER, PRACTICE MANAGER AT TRI-COUNTY PODIATRY

“Advertising and marketing are some of the most valuable tools a real estate company utilizes. We appreciate the amount of exposure with

Jumping for birthday joy is Riley Collette, who was born in Tavares on November 11, 2004

and Sumter counties in February 2007, Style sent out a team to cover the devastation and destruction, and to tell the stories of unsung heroes who emerged during and after the storm.

“A ROYAL ROMANCE”

the story of how Michael and Jennifer Dempsey met at the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire in 2007 and fell in love.

Eight months later, they enjoyed a sunset wedding at Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora.

NOVEMBER 2010

Akers Media Group began publishing Style in November 2010. In that issue, we shared UNDER UNDER NEW NEW OWNERSHIP—SAME OWNERSHIP—SAME GREAT GREAT MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || FIND FIND OUT OUT WHAT’S WHAT’S NEW! NEW!

UPDATE: Since the article, the couple have experienced adversity.

In November 2011, Jennifer’s 14-year-old son, Nicholas Polk, was tragically killed in a jet ski accident. Six months later, their baby, Joscelyn Dempsey,

was diagnosed with hemimegalencephaly, a rare neurological condition in which one side of the brain is abnormally larger than the other side. She suffered life-threatening seizures and underwent numerous brain surgeries.

Their marriage strength-

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November 20 14

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10 LOCAL MEMORIES FROM 2004, THE YEAR THAT STYLE LAUNCHED

1. The Lake County commissioners were: District 1: Jennifer Hill District 2: Robert Pool District 3: Debbie Stivender District 4: Catherine Hanson District 5: Welton Cadwell Ten years later, only Cadwell remains on the Lake County commission.

East Ridge High School graduated its first senior class in May 2004.

2.

3. In February 2004, George Knupp

8. Residents in Leesburg were hor-

4. In November 2004, Chris Daniels

easily won his bid to become Lake County sheriff by receiving 60 percent of the vote.

Sadly, he was tragically killed two years later in a charity bus race at New Smyrna Speedway.

6. President George W. Bush made a

The estimated population of Lake County in 2004 was 260,788. Today, the estimated population is 308,034.

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BUSINESSWOMEN AND BUSINESSMEN OF STYLE

THE 2011

S N BUSINES LLY MEA LE REA N OF STY WOME

MAY AND JUNE 2011

No one before Style had ever published an annual issue that celebrated local businesswomen and businessmen in such a grandiose fashion.

West Janet of success raising hair The

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campaign stop at The Villages on Oct. 19, 2004.

He was introduced to the crowd by state Sen.

through the trials and tribulations.”

rified on April 21, 2004, when 51-year-old Kathy Hollingsworth was killed in the parking lot of the dental office where she worked. She parked her car at 7a.m. A man emerged, pulled a gun and asked for her purse. After a brief struggle, the man shot and killed her. She was married to Ken Hollingsworth, who at the time was principal of Astatula Elementary School.

Between Aug. 13 and Sept. 25, 2004, Central Florida was hit by hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne. Weather-weary, stormrattled residents quickly grew tired of heavy rainfall, strong winds, fallen billboards, toppled trees, roof damage and power outages. It was one of the worst hurricane seasons in Florida’s history.

Another memorable election occurred in November 2004 when James Smith became Groveland’s first elected African-American mayor.

ened through difficult times.

“The best fairy tales are stories of overcoming adversity,” Jennifer says.

“We relied heavily on each other and turned to each other for support.

In all marriages, couples should work hard to grow

7.

In Sept. 2004, The Villages High School football team won its first varsity game. The Buffalos routed Jacksonville Providence, 43-13, and finished the season with a 7-2 record.

Jr., a popular four-term Lake County sheriff, was removed from office after a grand jury indicted him on perjury charges. He was convicted of lying about how his department disposed of old vehicles to area car dealerships. Jeb Bush, governor at the time, appointed J.M. “Buddy” Phillips acting sheriff.

Enjoying some birthday (cup)cake is Ty Stepp, who was born on November 10, 2004.

Carey Baker, who, in 2003, was deployed to Iraq as a member of the Army National Guard.

“I want to thank Carey Baker for his service, not only in the armed forces but in the statehouse,” Bush said at the rally. In 2012, Baker was elected Lake County Property Appraiser.

Bringing the Old Hollywood glamour, our first Businesswomen and Businessmen of Style issues were instant hits. Over the years, the concept has evolved to incorporate a cover contest that is not only wildly successful but also highly coveted.

10.

THE HOT ISSUE AUGUST 2011

From hot topics to hot restaurants, Style has been turning up the heat for four years in the annual hot issue.

With the addition of the Hot List, Lake and Sumter counties have really taken to this

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yearly issue. It’s the one time every year our readers get to tell us and the rest of the community what’s really hot.

MORE

MEDIA POWER HEALTHY COMPETITION FROM JAMES COMBS, LAKE AND SUMTER STYLE STAFF WRITER

“When Lake and Sumter Style unveiled its first magazine in 2004, I was not an ally but rather a competitor. I was working at LAKE magazine, which had always been a digest-sized publication.”

“But the arrival of Style changed that. Realizing that LAKE needed to be on par with the competition, then-publisher Rob English announced in the summer of 2004 that LAKE was transitioning to a full-sized publication. I was taken by surprise because Rob had vowed our magazine would always remain digest-sized.

“Prior to that, I had served as both a writer and photographer for LAKE. However, my ‘photography,’ if you want to call it that, was always iffy at best. Rob realized the quality of our photography needed to be seriously upgraded and hired a full-time photographer before the launch of our first full-size magazine in September 2004.

“Although LAKE was the county’s only magazine for six years, I was actually excited about the arrival of Lake and Sumter Style. For starters, I knew competition would keep me on top of my game. Secondly, having a larger magazine would allow for more words and more photographs for each story.

“Had someone told me back then that one day I’d be writing for Lake and Sumter Style, I would have laughed. It’s funny how time changes everything.”

“A GREAT PLACE FOR BUSINESS” JANUARY 2012

We live in an era when businesses come and go, but some local companies have withstood the test of time.

In our January 2012 issue,

we featured four companies celebrating milestones.

Lassiter Ware Insurance had served the county for 100 years; United Southern Bank was celebrating its 75th anniversary; Husebo Advertising had been around for 50 years; and Mid-Florida Eye Center turned 25.

Style’s local distribution, as well as through the Internet. The quality of print and the attention to detail they provide our team is excellent. We have used Lake and Sumter Style several times for our advertising needs, and we are always amazed at the end product. They have a wonderful reputation, and our company likes to support local businesses. Style is a staple in our community. Why wouldn’t you advertise with them?”

publication focuses on relevant topics. I’ve tried many advertising avenues throughout the years, but I feel putting my advertising dollars in Style has always been a great investment. The magazine’s staff always does wonderful things for the community, so I know my advertising dollars are going to good use. Also, whenever I’ve done special benefits, such as for children with cancer, Style is always the first to jump aboard and offer me a page.”

— LENA WILLIAMS,

— VINCENT VITTORIA,

OFFICE MANAGER AT MORRIS REALTY AND INVESTMENTS

“(I advertise in Style) because of their excellent support staff and broad readership.”

— DR. ASAD QAMAR, FOUNDER OF THE INSTITUTE OF CARDIOVASCULAR EXCELLENCE

“Style has a good reach all over Lake and Sumter. It has also allowed us to be a little creative and nontraditional with our marketing. For example, with Businessmen of Style we are able to show a different side of who we are. I could be sitting in our office and hear patients talking to the doctors about how they saw them in the magazine. We certainly see a return on our investment.”

— LINDA RICKETSON, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND MARKETING AT LAKE EYE ASSOCIATES

OWNER OF COUSIN VINNIE’S FAMILY SPORTS RESTAURANT

“Lake and Sumter Style has been a great source of promotion for our hospitals. We are proud to be part of a locally owned publication and happy to have an outlet to reach so many local households and businesses with such a positive impact. I truly appreciate the enthusiasm and integrity of the entire team at Style and wish them well on their 10th anniversary.”

— KATHY HOUSER, ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AT CENTRAL FLORIDA HEALTH ALLIANCE

“My practice has been running in Lake and Sumter Style for several years.

It has been my pleasure working with the company’s sales and advertising departments. My results have been greater than I could have anticipated; therefore, I will continue advertising with Style.”

“Style magazine is very reputable, the content is enjoyable to read and the

— DR. JAMES W. YOUNG,

“A MONUMENTAL FLIGHT”

“DEALING IN FLESH”

Staff Writer James Combs accompanied The Villages Honor Flight on its inaugural voyage to Washington, D.C. in May 2012. During the one-day trip, local World

Taking a more serious tone, Style exposed the prevalence of human trafficking in the Central Florida area and offered ways people can help end it. In researching the ar-

NOVEMBER 2012

UROLOGY ASSOCIATES OF LAKE COUNTY

MARCH 2012 War II veterans were able to visit various war memorials as well as Arlington National Cemetery.

ticle, we uncovered a disturbing fact: Central Florida has the second-highest number of child sex trafficking cases in the United States.

UPDATE: The Lake County Human Trafficking Task Force has made amazing strides in cracking down on human

November 20 14

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IT’S A CELEBRATION As we toss the confetti and blow out the candles to commemorate 10 years of representing the community we love, we decided to see who else is celebrating 10-year anniversaries.

Yelp: Chances are you’ve used Yelp’s consumer-driven reviews to help you decide on where to dine when you’ve traveled into unfamiliar territory. In July, Yelp celebrated the big 1-0 with a series of parties and events all over the world, including in San Francisco, where the company got its start.

Facebook: What did we do before status updates and selfies?

In February, the social media giant marked 10 years by allowing users to create a video titled “A Look Back.” The 62-second clip notes the year you joined Facebook and then shows the most popular posts and random photos from your profile over the years.

Perez Hilton: If you’re a hardcore fan of entertainment blogs, the fact celebrity blogger Perez Hilton is celebrating his 10-year anniversary this year should make your

day. While Hollywood is known for relationships that come and go like the wind, Perez Hilton has proven he has staying power.

“The Biggest Loser:”

Over the course of its 10 years, this hit NBC show has helped 310 dieters transform their health and shed over 33,000 pounds. But what’s even more impressive is while other shows that started around the same time have since called it quits (“Lost,” “Laguna Beach,” “Desperate Housewives”), “The Biggest Loser” is still going strong and still changing lives.

World of Warcraft: This month, gamers are geeking out over the 10-year anniversary of WoW, the largest online role-playing game in the world. To commemorate this joyous occasion, WoW will be serving up new in-game content until January.

“MIXING IT UP WITH EMILY ELLYN”

trafficking and raising awareness of the issue on a local level. The first major arrest in April as a result of an undercover operation that resulted in the rescue of a 14-year-old victim of human trafficking and the apprehensions of 44 alleged prostitutes, pimps and “johns.”

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JANUARY 2014

To kick off the New Year, Senior Staff Writer Shemir Wiles got to sit down with Food Network star Emily Ellyn to talk about her life,

.com

STILL MORE

MEDIA POWER

* “It has always been my dream that Style be the No. 1 most-read local magazine.

Today, my dream has come true. Style is the magazine of Lake and Sumter counties.

It belongs to the community and its residents.”

“Style magazine provides Mission Inn direct access to the informed business executives and residents in the surrounding Lake and Sumter counties.

Your interesting stories and monthly themes allow us to tie in the resort directly to interested buyers, from wedding ceremony or receptions options to special holiday parties, business retreats or family getaways. We can count on your fresh ideas and articles to keep readers interested and engaged in what’s happening on the local scene.”

— BUD BEUCHER, VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER AT MISSION INN RESORT & CLUB

“Over the years that we have worked with Lake and Sumter Style we have had nothing but wonderful experiences. We can attribute it to the fact that photographer Fred Lopez has such an astounding talent that has been demonstrated with all the work he has done for our company. Not only is he an amazing photographer and a great businessperson, but he has

made each and every photo shoot such a fun-filled encounter. We have never been disappointed in any work we have received. We can say that working with Lake and Sumter Style has truly been a pleasure. Congratulations on the first 10 years. We wish you the best in the next 50 to come!”

— LACEE GERARD, PATIENT COORDINATOR AT LEGACY CLINIC OF CHIROPRACTIC

“I’ve worked with the writers, photographers, designers and salespeople at Lake and Sumter Style. The entire team is excellent to work with and has always accommodated me. They each take a great deal of pride in their work, which is reflected by the beautiful magazine that is produced. By advertising with Lake and Sumter Style, I have received a good return on my investment, and I feel like I’m part of a family.”

— HALAH ISMAIL, CO-OWNER AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR AT ALANI MEDICAL SPA

— KENDRA AKERS, PUBLISHER

Helping us make a birthday wish is Piper Tabor, who was born on November 3, 2004.

her food and her plans for the future.

UPDATE: Among other things, Emily is preparing to cook at Taste of Atlanta and judge the World Food Championships in Las Vegas. This year has seen Emily presenting at cooking and blogging

events around the country and a television appearance on the FYI Network, which is the new format for A&E’s Biography. She is also a spokeswoman for the local (but internationally known) charity Give Kids the World and helps increase funds and awareness for its Ice Cream

for Breakfast campaign. Also, look for another Emily Ellyn appearance on Food Network in Spring 2015.

“MEAN MARIE” JULY 2014

Style broke ground in July 2014 with a first-ever in-depth true crime expose dissecting Leesburg’s Crime of the Century: the 1968 abduction and murder of a legal secretary and the subsequent arrest, conviction and prison escape of longtime criminal Marie Dean Arrington. Nine

months of research and dozens of interviews, including face-to-face meetings with Arrington, revealed several flaws in the state’s case against Arrington.

November 20 14

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name?

What’s in a

Inside Lake ENT & FPS’

Comprehensive Gallery of Services On any given day at Lake Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery, patients ranging from pediatric to geriatric are benefiting from the team of board certified physicians, physician assistants, and other specialized professionals whose commitment to compassion, technology and artistry provide the framework for nearly 40 years of exceptional patient care.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Services • Ear evaluation and cleanings • Treatment of ear infections • Complete audiology/hearing testing and services • Independent distributor of hearing aids • Dizziness and imbalance evaluation • Physical therapy for imbalance

Chronic ear infections to hearing loss, dizziness to ringing, conditions that affect the health and function of the ear can be as simple as ear wax or perhaps something more serious.

Lake ENT prides itself on offering the full complement of medical and diagnostic expertise under one roof. Our nationally certified Doctors of Audiology, licensed hearing aid specialists, and audiology staff work together, along with Lake ENT’s board certified medical staff and experienced physician assistants, to diagnose and provide the most effective treatment.

When hearing loss is part of your diagnosis, Lake ENT’s physicians work closely with the audiology team - and vice-versa - to

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provide optimal care. Additionally, Lake ENT offers comprehensive diagnostic and testing resources including a hearing test booth at each of their three locations. They also utilize the resources of their balance and vestibular specialists to address any inner ear conditions that may be causing dizziness or vertigo.

As an independent dispenser of hearing aids, we offer a broad selection of manufacturers, technology, placement and features, all to meet practically any bud-

get, condition or lifestyle.

Once you are fitted for a hearing aid at Lake ENT, we

“As a greeter at my church, I enjoy meeting and chatting with people so I want to hear the best I can. The audiology team at Lake ENT has helped me do that. They’re honest, hardworking and always have my best interests in mind. I’ve had the same set of hearing aids for five years and it’s because of the care, maintenance and adjustments they provide as my hearing and lifestyle continuously change.”

— Ken Johnston, The Villages SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Scan this code to learn more about your rights when purchasing a hearing aid.

nose

“I didn’t know you could breathe this freely. I highly recommend Dr. Freedman and the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure to anyone who is suffering from sinus issues or nasal congestion.

It could really change their lives for the better.”

Services • Allergy testing and treatments • Evaluation and treatment of sinus disease and infections • Minimally invasive Balloon Sinuplasty® • Sinus surgeries • Surgery for nasal obstruction

— Bonnie Pearson, The Villages

If you suffer from chronic sinus conditions, you’re in good company. For some it’s seasonal or year-round allergies. For others, the structure of your nose and sinus passages may be the root of your discomfort.

Lake ENT’s physicians, physician assistants and allergy specialists in Leesburg, Tavares and The Villages can identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a comprehensive plan to effectively manage and treat your sinus and nasal problems.

Perhaps your condition is more chronic than seasonal. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining that prevents normal mucus drainage from your

Sneezing behind the wheel may result in you traveling as far as 50 foot with your eyes closed!

(Source: CDC)

sinuses into your nose.

For some, Balloon Sinuplasty is a safe and effective procedure for chronic sinusitis patients who are not responding well to medications and are seeking relief from uncomfortable and painful sinus symptoms such as head-

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

aches and facial pressure.

Lake ENT is the first practice in Lake County to offer the revolutionary Balloon Sinuplasty surgery.

This minimally invasive sinus surgery is covered by insurance and requires less downtime than traditional sinus surgery. In most cases, Balloon Sinuplasty can be performed in an outpatient setting at their Leesburg office or in one of their affiliated outpatient surgery centers.

Scan this code to watch Bonnie’s story.

“We knew tonsillectomy surgery for my son was inevitable but Dr. Vaught put my son and me at ease from the start. He was so good at explaining everything in a way that we both could understand. I couldn’t have asked for things to go more smoothly.”

— Tracy Vandeveer, Leesburg

Conditions of the throat can range from simple to serious. Thyroid conditions, tonsillitis, strep throat, voice disorders, and even swallowing all impact our lives, our health and sometimes our ability to communicate. Many of these conditions can be improved

or corrected under the care of one of the practitioners at Lake ENT. While always a last option, our board certified surgeons are extremely versed in the surgical procedures sometimes required to resolve such issues. Minimally invasive procedures employed by the physicians at Lake ENT have dramatically reduced both discom-

fort and recovery time.

Lake ENT’s medical team, along with its Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), can evaluate and develop a plan of care for patients who are experiencing a voice or swallowing disorder.

Lake ENT uses some of the most state-of-theart techniques currently available to examine the pharynx/larynx. Video Laryngeal Stroboscopy and Functional Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) are painless, office-based procedures which assist the doctors and SLP in evaluating the patient’s throat and voice box. Through this technology, Lake ENT can provide a detailed endoscopic evaluation, analyzing a patient’s voicebox and swallowing disorders.

Services • Evaluation/ treatment of tonsillitis as well as upper respiratory infections • Evaluation of swallowing, hoarseness and vocal cord function • Voice and swallow therapy with Speech Language Pathologist • Thyroid and parathyroid conditions

throat SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Scan this code to watch Tracy’s story.

Services • Surgical and non-surgical facial enhancements/rejuvenation • Cosmetic surgery of the face, neck, ear, eyelid, brow and forehead • Silkpeel®, chemical peels, Rejuvapen®, microdermabrasion • Botox and facial fillers • Skin cancer surgery and repair of MOH’s defects

“I felt very comfortable with Dr. Madonna from the start. He’s very personable. I was able to talk to past patients who had facelift procedures and all of them gave him rave reviews. I made the right decision and I’m definitely pleased.

— Melinda Barker, The Villages

Want to give your look a lift? Long time Lake County practitioner, Dr. Dino Madonna, a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, received his Fellowship training from the Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

Ask him what inspires his passion for the FPS portion of the Lake ENT & FPS practice and he will tell you, “I’ve always been fascinated by the three-dimensional artistry involved in bringing an enhanced and youthful appearance to the face.”

Dr. Madonna specializes in face and neck lifts as well as procedures of the nose (Rhinoplasty), eyelids (Blepharoplasty), chin (Men-

toplasty), ears (Otoplasty), brow (Browplasty), as well as laser and skin resurfacing.

Each consultation begins with a “face to face” conversation in order to determine the client’s circumstances, needs, wants and expectations. This philosophy is what drove Dr. Madonna to open Face2Face Aesthetics and Wellness, located at The Villages and Leesburg Lake ENT offices (see next page for more about Face2Face).

Scan the code to watch Dr. Madonna explain his passion for the artistry of facial cosmetic surgery.

facial

Plastic Surgery

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Experience & Qualifications

At Your Service Meet Our PAs: As if we haven’t thrown enough letters at you already, the Lake ENT & FPS practice would not be complete without its PAs. Physician assistants (PA), Jenniffer Ferguson, PA-C and Christine Halvorsen, PA-C have both been formally trained in ENT services at the University of Florida. Both also bring a wealth of experience, understanding and compassion to Lake ENT & FPS’ practice and its patients.

Under the close supervision of Lake ENT’s physicians, they are able to help facilitate more immediate appointments and always have complete access to the full complement of

Lake ENT’s services, specialists and staff to best address your condition.

Face2Face Aesthetics and Wellness: Many times, how you look dictates how you feel. That’s why Lake ENT & FPS opened the Face2Face medspa, adjacent to The Villages office.

Licensed Aesthetician, Tammie Callahan, one of 2013’s Top Aesthetic Medical Professionals (Aesthetic Everything®), and Stacey Townsend, RN work under the medical supervision of Dino Madonna, MD – Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon. Silkpeel®, chemi-

People think you have to have a referral to see a specialist, that’s not true with us. We just try our hardest to get everybody in and take care of everybody. We try to be so people-oriented and treat everybody like they’re related to us because that’s the only way to practice.

— Judith Milstead, MD Lake ENT & FPS

cal peels, Rejuvapen®, and microdermabrasion can help bring back youth and vitality to your look with minimal downtime. Chelsey Hartenstein, LMT provides

THE VILLAGES 352.753.8448 LEESBURG 352.728.2404 TAVARES 352.343.7279 FACE2FACE 352.259.5126 LakeENT.net

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an array of massage therapies while facials, spray tans, manicures, pedicures and waxing help revive the spirit as well as provide both physical and psychological benefits.

Scan the code for a video tour of Face2Face

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WE OFFER VARIOUS MEDICAL SERVICES: • Adult medicine - preventative and routine services • Acute care • Blood pressure and heart diseases • COPD and other lung diseases • Dermatology • Minor surgeries • Osteoporosis care • Rheumatology - knee and other joint injections • Diabetes and other endocrine disorders • Nutritional/dietician services • Diabetic teaching • In-house diagnostics and lab

753 Highway 466 in Lady Lake 352.633.7659 // 352.633.7649 // www.pfpconline.com 50

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The Villages

• Bio-Freeze • Compression Aids • Walkers & Canes

441 27

Lady Lake

Rolling Acres Rd.

Leesburg

BUSINESS TECHS “Where Quality Service is Still Important!”

Customer Testimonial: “The decision to go with Business Techs four years ago was one of the best decisions I’ve made. We have five locations with multiple machines at some offices that run a very high volume. I like to do business locally and their knowledge & response times are the best we’ve experienced. I highly recommend them.“ — Gus Grizzard

L to R: Gus Grizzard, ERA Grizzard Real Estate, Broker/Owner - Angie Boliek, Business Techs, Network Specialist - Beau Franklin, Business Techs, Pres./Owner

“Sometimes this is the only way to get Gus to listen!”

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A home we can grow into!

A little place to call our own!

When it comes to buying a home, knowledge is power.

That’s why our loan officers make sure you know your options. We listen to your questions, and work quickly to get the answers—and approval—you need. Call Janet or Jeanne today. We’re ready to help.

Janet Noack NMLS#514772 352-589-4663 Jeanne Lazo NMLS#514769 352-771-2404

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A SILENT AUCTION BENEFITTING PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS Providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling and advocacy.

NOVEMBER 10TH – 13TH Bid on finely decorated wreaths donated by individuals, local businesses and organizations.

Join us November 13th from 6:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. as we close this evening of holiday splendor featuring our all-occasion wreaths display, entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, chocolate fountains and more.

For More Information Call: 352.873.2036 2800 SW 41st St. Bldg.

200 Ocala, FL 34474

AN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNIT Y

www.thebridgeatocala.com

A $5.00 donation per person is requested for this event.

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is your first line of defense for your husband’s office full of sniffling, sneezing co-workers. Our primary care physicians are there for everything from regular checkups and treating common ailments, to promoting wellness programs like weight loss or smoking cessation. We’re also excellent at heading off illnesses before they have a chance to take hold… Becky brought Ted in on Friday and they both got a flu shot. Ted made it through the week

without a single sniffle.

puticeonit.com Locations OCALA, TAVARES, SUMMERFIELD, WILLISTON AND THE VILLAGES For more information, call 352.854.0681

Trust Ro-Mac Garage Doors ®

When a homeowner presses the button for their garage door opener, and nothing happens, panic can set in. A car trapped inside a garage is a scary situation.

When that happens, you need a company you can trust, and that will provide you with honest service at a fair price.

Unfortunately, in Central Florida, homeowners are often taken advantage of by garage door companies who like to prey on panicking homeowners.

A Reputation For Honesty Jim Chaput has been managing Ro-Mac Garage Doors for 35 years, and to him, reputation is everything. He knows that trust and honesty are the reasons why Ro-Mac is the largest garage door installer and service provider in Lake and Sumter Counties. “We are not going to sell a customer a door, part, or service that is not needed,” said Chaput. Recently, a homeowner in The Villages told Chaput that she called a yellow-page garage door company for service on a broken spring on her garage door, and their service technician quoted her $875 to fix her problem. The technician tried to swindle this homeowner by telling her she had to replace all of the

working parts on her garage door, when it wasn’t necessary.

“I told the homeowner, for $875 she could buy a completely new door, and that a broken spring usually costs less than $200,” explained Chaput.

The Ro-Mac name has been trusted by Central Florida homeowners, remodelers, and contractors since 1945.

With Ro-Mac Garage Doors’ new 24- hour emergency service available at 352-577-9030, you can avoid being ripped off by yellow-page garage door companies that don’t even maintain a local office to stand behind their services. Ro-Mac Garage

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Doors has two convenient office locations to provide all of your garage door service needs — 722 Duck Lake Road in The Villages, and 720 East Main Street in Leesburg.

The Best Selection Ro-Mac Garage Doors has the selection, variety, and popular styles that can give your home its distinctive signature. As a full line dealer of Clopay® Garage Doors, they provide garage

your garage door replacement headquarters, and custom sizes are no problem. Every day, Ro-Mac installs custom size replacement garage doors and openers with various glass options and header heights. Ordering a custom garage door is a lot cheaper than rebuilding an odd-sized opening, and with one phone call, a Ro-Mac representative will come to your house to provide you with a free estimate.

Florida’s extreme weather conditions can easily damage a garage door, even throw it out of balance. You should also lubricate and adjust your garage door annually, to ensure proper and quiet operation. Ro-Mac Garage Doors provides a low-cost garage door tune-up service to eliminate those problems, and extend the life of your garage door.

doors that not only meet, but exceed Florida’s tough hurricane codes. They also have the size and styles that are in demand, like the Clopay Coachman® Collection, that can turn your garage door into a “Wow!” factor. Ro-Mac also installs more six-foot custom golf car doors than anyone in the Central Florida area.

Ro-Mac Garage Doors installs and services the latest in garage door opener technologies, with keyless entry, smart phone security, and a battery backup system so the door will open during power outages. Whether you prefer a chain, screw, or belt-driven garage door system, they carry the biggest names, like Liftmaster® and All-Star®, and their skilled service technicians can install your garage door system to operate smoothly and quietly.

If you ever suspect that your garage door remote has been compromised, and you want your code changed, or want to purchase a new remote, your first call should be to a name you trust, Ro-Mac, for quick and easy service on most brands.

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Results and patient experience may vary. Ask us if the CoolSculpting procedure is right for you. The CoolSculpting procedure for non-invasive fat reduction is cleared for the flank (love handles) and abdomen. CoolSculpting, the CoolSculpting logo and the Snowflake design are registered trademarks of ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc. ©2014. All rights reserved. IC1662-A

• Live patient demonstration • Raffles • Meet & Greet with Dr. Mendoza

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Featuring

THE VULNERABLE AMONG US Seniors at risk reside here fortunately, so do their helpers Page 8

MEET A VILLAGER

Meet retired teacher and prolific author Mark Newhouse Page 4

Plus

THIS ’N’ THAT

Whats black, white, and read all over?

Page 6

V

in the villages STORY: PAT JOCELYN

IS THE VILLAGES GETTING TOO BIG FOR ITS BRITCHES?

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good days and they have bad days. I know I do. There are always going to be annoyances no matter where you live.

“Sometimes we set our standards so high because The Villages has done such a great job — it’s what we get used to.

And when our expectations are so high, sometimes we’re going to be disappointed. That’s life.”

Both Villagers make valid points. There’s nothing we can do about The Villages’ growth. Thousands of homes are going to be built and thousands more people are going to buy them — we don’t have control over that. But we do have control over how we react to a particular situation and we do have control over how we treat fellow Villagers.

We’re all here to enjoy our retirements and to be an active part of this wonderfully diverse community. I’d like to think we can garner enough patience and compassion to help that new guy who got turned around on the golf cart path rather than yell at him. I’d like to think we can loosen up a bit and offer to share our swim lane with that new resident or overlook the fact that someone “stole” our favorite parking space.

I’d like to think that, even on our bad days, we never take for granted the wonderful lifestyle that we’ve been blessed with here in The Villages.

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

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ANTHONY CASTO

I

t’s that time of year again when the snowbirds return to their homes in The Villages. And with that annual migration, full-timers brace themselves for longer waits at restaurants, theaters and department stores. And there’s always the traffic.

Those longer wait lines aren’t just a result of snowbirds returning, however. Anyone who’s been to the Colony Plaza Publix lately or has had to wait in line for 45 minutes to get into a water aerobics class knows that. Some would say there seems to be a definite cause-and-effect relationship between increased home sales and longer wait lines.

And shorter tempers.

But when it comes down to it, Villagers are a gracious sort and tend to take those minor inconveniences in stride. Don’t we?

Well … not exactly. Not all of us … and not all the time.

Villagers have been known to shake their fists in the air as someone “steals” the parking space they’d scoped out only seconds before. The occasional Villager has offered up the single-finger salute because a golf cart cut them off at a stop sign.

Some have refused to share lanes at the sports pool and think nothing of being unkind to harried wait staff.

It seems The Villages isn’t always “Florida’s Friendliest Hometown” after all.

I asked a couple of Villagers for their opinion. Is The Villages getting too big for its britches? Is its increasing size changing the complexion of the place?

“I love living in The Villages but the drawback is, yes, it is getting too large,” Village of Hemingway resident Ruthie Sheperd said. “It’s destroying that hometown community feel — people don’t interact as well as they used to. They don’t show the friendship that was so apparent when I first moved here.”

Sheperd also said it’s the responsibility of everyone (the fulltimers and the new and seasonal residents) to make an effort to reach out and connect.

“As Villagers,” she said, “we’re supposed to be friendly.”

One guy who doesn’t think The Villages is getting too big, or think it’s losing its small-town appeal, is Village of Duval resident Larry Harris.

“Listen, people are going to be people,” he said. “They have

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meet a villager STORY: PAT JOCELYN PHOTO: MATTHEW GAULIN

The cards were stacked against young Mark Newhouse.

Or so it would seem.

His parents were Holocaust survivors who seldom displayed affection to each other, or to their son.

His father was abusive. His mother, in a self-protective mode, was cold and distant.

Mark, a quiet boy, did well in school but was targeted by his peers and bullied endlessly.

He could have used those circumstances as an excuse for failure. But he used the pain and isolation he felt as a boy as a healing force toward his adult pursuits: teaching elementary school, becoming an advocate against bullying and answering his passion for writing.

It makes for a most interesting conversation:

MARK NEWHOUSE

A DIFFERENT KIND OF VOLUNTEERISM

Retired teacher and prolific author Mark Newhouse underwent a challenging childhood; now, years later, it’s inspired him.

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STYLE: How did growing up in an abusive and unloving environment impact you?

MARK NEWHOUSE: There was never any love or affection in our house. Some people have families they can talk to, but I never did. I was a very shy child, so I turned to pen and paper to solve problems.

The very first story I showed to anyone was about being bullied.

S: Why do you think you were bullied?

MN: Teachers liked me and I was very polite — I had to be, because my father was very strict. I held doors open and raised my hand a lot and studied very hard. I wasn’t very athletic. Part of it might have been because I was Jewish, but I was kind of a geeky kid and I didn’t like myself very much. I became a target.

S: Did you become a teacher because of the bullying?

MN: There’s definitely a connection to my growingup years. I was very sensitive to children who were the underdogs, the underachievers. In fact, every book I’ve written is about an underdog. I don’t believe in labels and I believe you can find in every child something within them that can be tapped. I applied for administrative positions and then turned them down because the closer you are to the children, the more you impact them. It’s where I wanted to be.

S: How did your father feel about your teaching career?

MN: My dad could never understand why I would stay in teaching because to him, it was a low-pay, low-prestige job. I’ve always had this need inside me for approval from my parents and my father didn’t approve of my teaching. He wanted me to become a lawyer. I had to find a way to give myself some kind of self-fulfillment so I could prove I wasn’t “just” an elementary school teacher, because in my mind that wasn’t enough.

S: What provided that feeling of self-fulfillment?

MN: A lot of my students couldn’t read their textbooks and some of those books were really awful, so I created materials myself.

Later, I was approached by a teacher who wanted to start a school project to raise money for Ethiopia. I suggested (a unique approach) and Newsday asked me to do a

write-up about the project.

Later, they asked me to write additional pieces, including several teachers guides. Now I was someone who was working for a newspaper parttime and was a published writer. To me, that gave me a sense of fulfillment I had never felt before.

S: When you retired and moved to The Villages, how did you get involved in volunteerism?

MN: In 2008, we started the Children’s Authors’ Team.

Although there was a creative writers group in The Villages, there wasn’t a place where children’s authors could network among themselves.

That’s why I created the group. They call me the Top CAT — that means I’m the president of the group.

S: Didn’t you start another writing group?

MN: Yes, about four years ago I was co-founder of The Writers League and served as president for two years.

S: What other groups or activities are you involved in?

MN: I’ve recently volunteered to be a coordinator for the Florida Writers Association Youth Writers Program. I will try to get Villages authors to visit various schools and adopt them and create chapters for the Youth Writers Program. I also visit local schools and libraries (to promote writing). The joy of working with kids again, even on a limited basis, is wonderful.

S: Are you involved in any activities that specifically deal

with bullying?

MN: Yes, I’m totally dedicated to doing whatever I can to eradicate bullying help victims of bullying and educate bullies and their families to the self-destructive nature of their behaviors. I participate in several antibullying sites on LinkedIn (an online professional networking site), as well as host the bullystoppersclub Facebook page, where I post messages to give victims and their families hope. I also give away free anti-bully materials, including a 96-page activity book on my website: bullystoppersclub.com.

S: Why do you volunteer?

MN: When I retired, I remember asking myself, “How am I ever going to feel significant again?”

The Villages has given me and other people that opportunity. The whole idea of volunteerism is helping others, but you’re not only helping others, you’re also helping yourself.

People don’t think of me as a volunteer — I’m not volunteering at a hospital or a soup kitchen, but if I can help someone who wants to leave a legacy of a book or a story or a memoir — that to me is a major accomplishment. When I go into a school and get them laughing and smiling, it isn’t volunteerism — it’s sheer joy. I think the real secret to volunteerism is looking inside yourself and finding out what your strengths are — then being willing to share those strengths wherever and whenever you can.

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this ‘n’ that STORY: FRED HILTON

WHAT’S BLACK, WHITE AND READ ALL OVER? WELL, YOU KNOW.

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love newspapers. To coin a word, that makes me a “newspaperphile.”

When I was a little kid, the newspaper was one of the first things I read. After I mastered “Run, Spot, Run,” I began to read the daily newspaper.

Then, as today, I first turned to the sports section. I noticed a certain baseball team usually was in first place in the American League. And that explains how a kid born and raised in the South became a lifelong Yankees fan.

After checking the Yanks’ progress, I turned to my second favorite part of the newspaper — the comic strips. My favorites in those days were “Li’l Abner” and “Pogo.” They were followed later by “Bloom County” and “Calvin and Hobbes” and joined today by “Zits” and “Pearls Before Swine.”

Even as a kid, I learned you could also get information from newspapers. At the age of 7, I wanted to know the progress of a war being fought in faraway Korea. Our newspaper updated the war situation daily with a map showing the sections of Korea held by the communists in black and the part held by the good guys in white. One day, the map was almost totally covered in black with the exception of a little corner of the country in a place called Pusan. That was scary stuff for a 7-year-old, but things did get better and I soon went back to enjoying the Yankees and the comics.

I continued to be a voracious newspaper reader and, at the ripe old age of 16, I got a job in the summers and after school as the sports editor of our local twice-a-week newspaper. (I never could figure out if that made it a “semi-weekly” or a “bi-weekly,” so twice-a-week it is.)

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The title “sports editor” sounds impressive but it really wasn’t. I was the only person in the sports department. I was also responsible for collecting from the carrier boys and driving the editor’s car with a bagful of newspapers to the Max Meadows post office.

When I wasn’t collecting from the carrier boys, I had some adventures that were unusual for a 16-year-old. I covered my first ax murder and interviewed many ballplayers in their first year as professionals, including a couple of pretty fair hitters in Tony Oliva and Boog Powell.

After high school, I stuck with newspapering for about 15 years — first on my college newspaper and then as a reporter, and later editor. My adventures there included being shot at by a fellow who didn’t like newspapermen and looking down at the ground while covering a crime scene and discovering I was standing in a pool of blood.

The wretched working hours finally drove me off to the saner world of public relations, but stayed joined at the hip with newspapers since I was the media spokesman for a large public university.

And I still cherished my daily newspaper.

We even taught our dog a Stupid Pet Trick with a newspaper. Teddy, a big, brown lovable dog, would wait patiently while I sat and read the paper. When the toilet flushed, he’d run to the bathroom door. I’d open the door enough to hand him the paper, which he’d carry to my wife. Dave Letterman would approve.

Sadly, newspapers are dying. People have been predicting their demise since I was a reporter in the ’60s. The assumption then was television news would kill print

media. Our executive editor disagreed and once bellowed: “I refuse to abrogate our news-gathering responsibility to that damned one-eyed monster!” He scared me anyway, but that proclamation terrified me, although I it did make me learn what “abrogate” means.

Newspapers survived TV news but the power of the Internet is finally driving them into oblivion. Young people don’t read the printed word anymore; they get all they need to know online. Many of my old friends who spent decades in newspaper were forced into early retirement or simply kicked out the door. Some of the nation’s most venerable newspapers have stopped publishing. Newspapers have physically shrunk in size.

One of the few full-sized newspapers remaining is our paper right here in The Villages. That’s reason No. 132 to love living in The Villages. The Daily Sun is full-sized and produced on good newsprint, making it very readable.

It has great comics and reports the Yankees’ scores, although the results aren’t as much fun as they used to be. Teddy would have enjoyed carrying it, too.

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

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THE VULNERABLE AMONG US

Seniors at risk reside here; fortunately, so do their helpers.

STORY: PAT JOCELYN PHOTOS: PAT JOCELYN AND MATTHEW GAULIN

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“Joe” was 92, blind and living alone.

He paid a housekeeper $150 a week to take care of his place, yet the World War II vet’s house was overrun with roaches.

His toilet didn’t work and getting water was a problem. Joe didn’t bathe regularly and his clothes were stained.

His son lived out of state and called his father regularly, but wasn’t aware of his father’s conditions. Joe was a Villager at risk.

So were “Jim” and “Joan,” who lived in the Village of Glenbrook for more than a decade. Years earlier, Joan had suffered a stroke. After moving to The Villages, one of her legs was amputated and she used a wheelchair.

Jim later also experienced a stroke and he, too, was in a wheelchair. Their only excursions were by golf cart, usually to the grocery store, where employees helped them shop. None of their children lived close by. They were Villagers at risk.

“Helen” lived alone and had no close relatives. Her health was marginal; she fell frequently and couldn’t get back up.

She repeatedly called 911; in one week, Helen fell three times and EMS personnel responded each time. During the last call, police were notified. “Helen” was a Villager at risk.

Like it or not, the elderly are vulnerable. At risk of deteriorating health. At risk of neglect. And God forbid, at risk of exploitation. It happens more often than you think.

According to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, for every reported case of elder abuse nationally, 14 go unreported.

“It’s not going away,” said Barbara Crewell, a Villager and the Community Services director for United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties. She referred to the number of seniors at risk living in and around The Villages. “We know there is a need here, but we also know many Villagers are very private people. We know they have to learn to trust you before they will reach out and ask for help.”

LovExtension founder and president Linda Krupski also knows of the increasing number of Villagers need help. LovExtension is a local nonprofit that offers free weekly visits and more to those in need. Volunteers pick up groceries, read stories, visit the homebound and — sometimes most importantly — are generous with muchneeded hugs.

The volunteers also provide critical and often expensive personal hygiene items such as adult diapers and deliver nutritional drinks — all at no cost.

“Our goal is to keep people in their homes for as long as

possible,” Krupski said.

“But we also visit people in assisted living and nursing facilities,” said Krupski’s sister, Nancy, a retired registered nurse who is LovExtension’s vice president.

Villager Kathy Wall is LovExtension’s volunteer coordinator for The Villages.

“Residents would look at me and say, ‘Really? There are people here who need help?’” Wall said. “No one realizes there’s a great need for the elderly here. There are a lot of organizations that can provide food, but it’s that one-on-one communication that is needed just as much. It’s important that we provide that human contact.”

Human contact isn’t limited to weekly visits.

LovExtension organizes birthday parties that include providing a cake and small gifts.

“We had a 90-year-old woman who never had a birthday party,” Nancy Krupski said. “She had been a caregiver for 14 years, was alone and had no family. Just prior to her birthday she had a stroke. She was in a nursing home so we all went there to celebrate her birthday.”

Linda Krupski emphasized the many warning signs to identify an elderly person in need.

“There are so many possibilities,” she said. “There really isn’t just one profile.

“It may be a person who is lonely and just craves that

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Photo by: Pat Jocelyn.

LovExtension’s Kathy Wall (left) and Linda Krupski (right) do more than deliver meals to the homebound; they provide companionship and support for clients in need.

weekly interaction with another human being. It could be someone who is a caregiver for an Alzheimer’s patient and needs some contact with the outside world. It may be someone that isn’t eating enough or someone who needs a supply of Depends and can’t afford them.”

“In fact, we had a retired professor who didn’t have enough money to make it through the end of the month and he had to choose between his medicine and Depends,” Nancy Krupski said. “Depends are very expensive and we knew then we had to look into the situation. Now, Bread of Life (an aid organization) donates pull-ups, Depends and Poise to us and we hand them out for free.”

“We’re trying to reach the ones out there that aren’t going to the activities, that aren’t participating in the world around them,” Linda Krupski added. “We’re trying to get to that one person who is isolated.

“We’re also looking for a man or woman who was married for a long time and lost their spouse. They used to do everything together and now life is meaningless to the survivor. Cooking starts to be a chore so they eat soup out of

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a can. Often a surviving spouse’s income is drastically reduced and money becomes an issue. If it’s the husband who died, the wife may not know how to drive.”

Kathy Haviland is familiar with those stories. She’s the founder of a for-profit company called Tri-County Senior Outreach Services, which provides crisis intervention for clients at risk. Tri-County helps clients navigate through the maze of placement issues, insurance company requirements, demands from Medicare, Medicaid and other government agencies, legal paperwork and more.

Haviland is recognized throughout the elder care community.

For more than 30 years, the Fruitland Park resident whose parents live in The Villages has been working in the health care industry, holding key positions as a social worker and assisted living administrator. She also has sat on numerous elder care boards of directors.

“I’m a coach — a rented family member — I’m holding your hand and we’re jumping.” Haviland said. “I triage the case, focus on what is the most immediate action needed to be taken and pull in the right resources.”

“Joe” is an example of Haviland’s influence.

Haviland was hired by Joe’s son through a neighbor who knew of her work.

“I fired the housekeeper, hired a new one, and brought Veterans Affairs in,” Haviland said. “The house was repaired and cleaned and we got rid of the roaches. The result was for quite a while (Joe) had private-duty home health care — his income was high enough. The son was so grateful he cried on my shoulder. Then I got a call that (Joe) had a fall and was on his way to the emergency room.

Later he ended up at a local hospice and passed.”

Haviland also was involved in “Helen’s” case. The Department of Children and Families investigated and a guardianship process initiated.

Helen was eventually placed in a senior facility.

LovExtension got involved with “Jim” and “Joan.” The couple were visited each week and calls to their children kept them informed about their parents’ well-being.

“I don’t know if we could have let them stay there by themselves if it weren’t for LovExtension (volunteers) dropping in on them every week,” Jim’s daughter said.

Joan has since died but LovExtension continued its visits with Jim. After living alone for about a year, Jim moved to assisted living and now lives with his daughter in Tennessee. Even so, LovExtension personnel keep in touch with Jim because “he’s like family,” they say.

Other programs and organizations are available to help seniors.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and The Villages Community Watch have programs that will either contact you or vice versa daily, if you live alone or have medical issues and have no one to check on you. If the office doesn’t hear from you, it will call you. If you don’t answer, it will contact a neighbor or a relative. If contact still can’t be made in a timely manner, a representative will be dispatched to your home. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office does not offer that type of program.

Another Lake County Sheriff’s Office initiative is Lockbox. For $18, Lake residents at risk can have a lockbox (similar to a Realtor’s lockbox) that holds a house key. The access code is made available to EMS, fire and police personnel and used only in emergencies.

In The Villages, there is the Day-Break Club.

According to its website, it provides “a supervised location where caregivers leave loved ones who have special needs for a few hours each week.”

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR ORGANIZATIONS MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE: • 2-1-1 Program – A free United Waysponsored, 24-hour information and referral helpline which links people in need with assistance from local health and human service programs.

Just dial 211.

• Lake County Senior Watch Program – Provides Lake County residents free, daily phone contact.

Contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 352-343-2101.

• Lake County Lockbox Program – Provides a lockbox for your Lake County home that only emergency personnel have access to. One time charge of $18. Contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 352-343-2101.

• Sumter County Peace of Mind Program – Provides Sumter County residents free, daily phone contact. Contact Sumter County’s Sheriff’s Annex in The Villages at 352-753-2799 or 352-689-4600.

• The Villages Community Watch Adult Watch Program – Provides Villagers with free daily phone

contact. Contact Community Watch at 352-753-0550.

• The Villages Day-Break Club – Volunteers provide supervised activities for Villagers with special needs. Visit their website at www.day-break-club.org and click on “Information” then click on “Members/Caregivers” then “application”.

• LovExtension – Volunteers provide free, weekly visits to your home or senior facility. If you are interested in becoming a much-needed volunteer or would like to become a client of LovExtension call 352-6691121, visit their website at www.

LovExtension.com or send email to LindaK@LovExtension.com.

• Tri-County Senior Outreach Services, LLC – A for-profit company that provides senior advocacy and resource management assistance. Free consultations. Call Kathy Haviland at 352-551-1260 or send email to tricountyoutreach@gmail.com.

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book club STORY: KATHY PORTER

THE BURGESS BOYS

A FAMILY SCARED BY DEATH, SECRETS AND SIBLING RIVALRY

After their father is run over by his own car when 4-year-old Bob accidently releases the brake, Jim, Bob and Susan Burgess carry into adulthood wounds that never heal.

Jim, the eldest brother, becomes the star of the family. A highly successful New York corporate attorney with an ego to match, he has a rich wife and a seemingly perfect family life. Kindhearted and compassionate Bob tries to follow in his brother’s footsteps but can’t do better than being a Legal Aid attorney.

Susan, Bob’s twin sister, remains in their hometown of Shirley Falls, Maine.

Divorced and cynical, Susan struggles to make ends meet for herself and her reclusive teenage son, Zach.

Shirley Falls is desperately trying to cope with an influx of thousands of Somali refugees when Zach throws a pig’s head into one of their mosques.

Jim and Bob arrive to help but are almost allergic to their birthplace. The case receives national attention but it is the relationship between Jim and Bob that assumes center stage. We soon become aware of long-buried secrets in this family.

The Villages Bookworm Club member Barbara Fisler provided an in-depth biography of author Elizabeth Strout and the group had a discussion of Strout’s writing style. Members were divided in their opinions. Some thought her prose and composition were elegant; others thought it rambled and needed editing.

The group was distressed by the barbs the siblings threw at each other,

THE NEXT MEETING

The Bookworm Book Club will meet Nov. 18 to discuss a Georgia O’Keeffe Study. Club chairwoman Kathy Porter can be contacted at 352.259.8196 or kathyporter@comcast.net.

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Intriguing to know how one single incident at a very young age has a profound effect on the lives of three siblings.”

— Bobbie Peters Village of St. James

particularly Jim’s constant putdowns of Bob. They further did not understand why the bond between twins Bob and Susan was not much closer.

When debating the reasons Zach would commit his act of vandalism, members compared Zach to Jacob in last month’s book, “Defending Jacob,” as well as how the cases were handled.

The group agreed one of the more sympathetic characters was Somali cafe owner Abdikarim and would have liked more development of his character. He sensed that Zach was a troubled boy and not the perpetrator of a hate crime.

Most members were unaware of the current influx of Somali refugees in Maine.

Somalis now number over 6,000. Questions persisted as to why Somalis would choose Maine, which is so different from their homeland. A research paper authored by a sociologist from the University of Maine shed light on the motives.

Although a majority of the members enjoyed the novel, many others maintained the book provided a better discussion vehicle than a good read.

About the Author Elizabeth Strout, born in 1956, was raised in Maine and New Hampshire. She graduated from the Syracuse University College of Law with a law degree and certificate of gerontology from the Syracuse School of Social Work. She is best known as the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Olive Kitteridge,” her third novel. When asked about her motivation for writing, Strout says, “We want to know, I think, what it is like to be another person, because somehow this helps us position our own self in the world. What are we without this curiosity?” Married to a former Maine attorney general, Strout splits her time between New York City and Maine.

HARDCOVER BESTSELLERS AS OF OCTOBER 21

1. PRINCE LESTAT by: Anne Rice

2. GRAY MOUNTAIN by: John Grisham

3. LEAVING TIME by: Jodi Picoult

4. REVIVAL

by: Stephen King

5. THE SLOW REGARD OF SILENT THINGS by: Patrick Rothfuss

WHAT CLUB MEMBERS THOUGHT Strout’s essay at the end of the book titled, “Going Through Old Papers,” was the best part of the book. It described what book clubs are all about — you bring your own history and experiences to each book as you read it. I liked that section better than the whole rest of the book.

Diane Dean

Village of Buttonwood

This is the story of a dysfunctional family caused by the accidental death of their father. Each was hesitant to show affection to one another. One brother is pompous and successful; the younger brother is shy and unassuming. The sister is at times a shrew and at other times a lonely and depressed woman. But then trouble comes to the family, they are all united as one in defense of one another. The family in the end is everything.

After reading “Defending Jacob,” I read “The Burgess Jean Setaro Village of Woodbury Boys” with constant comparison of the two boys. I wanted to know more about Zach and why he did what On the outside, the Burgess boys and their sister he did. have built lives of varying degrees of success. A Ina Lidsky family crisis forces them all to face their personal Village of Santiago demons and come out better persons in the end.

Sorry, I didn’t like it – found it stilted, no spark to her writing. It just didn’t engage me and I lost interest in her characters. I had to push myself to keep reading.

Sylvia Liebl

6. THE WORLD OF ICE & FIRE

by: George R. R. Martin, Elio Garcia, Linda Antonsson

7. THE BURNING ROOM by: Michael Connelly

8. THE NARROW ROAD TO THE DEEP NORTH by: Richard Flanagan 9. EDGE OF ETERNITY by: Ken Follett

Pat Crigler

Village of Glenbrook

10. BURN

by: James Patterson, Michael Ledwidge

Village of Springdale

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EVERYONE IN THE WATER The Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic team gathers after completing a team-building exercise known as the “Waterfall Challenge” on the second day of their mission. They trekked nearly 2 miles into a rainforest, then jumped off a rock ledge into the water. “That was a great experience,” Fred Lopez says. “It helped cleanse our bodies, minds and souls so we could focus on the trip.”

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MISSION MERCY Award-winning photographer Fred Lopez documents Legacy Clinic’s medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic.

STORY: JAMES COMBS

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.com

As he rode through the slums of the villages that dot the Dominican Republic countryside, Fred Lopez saw heartbreaking images. An abandoned child sitting on a street corner sipping grape soda; a girl with no socks or shirt riding a beat-up tricycle through sewage water; and rundown shacks held together

by rotted wood and rusty tin housing entire families.

The devastation of seeing developing nations on television is horrifying; the reality of seeing it up close is far worse.

“It melts your heart to see the conditions these people live in,” Fred says. “I knew I wasn’t in Leesburg anymore.”

Fred, the chief photographer

for Akers Media, was part of a recent mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Through ChiroMission, a nonprofit organization, chiropractors throughout the United States descended upon Puerto Plata to provide spinal adjustments to both natives and displaced Haitians who’d settled there.

Fred accompanied the team

of Dr. John Theeck, owner of Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic in The Villages.

Fred’s goal was to capture the trip through the power of photography. But as the team visited schools, drug treatment shelters, orphanages and senior citizen centers, he also served as a translator so doctors could effectively com-

HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS Though the mission teams stayed at a luxurious resort on a blue-water beach, not far away were villages where residents endured miserable living conditions. “Photographically, I had to ask myself, ‘How Can I capture their way of living in a fair and balanced way?’” Fred says.

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municate with locals.

“Even though I was going there to visually document the experience, the biggest service I provided was translating,” he says. “I’d tell the people to relax or ask them where they felt pain. I spoke more Spanish than I have in the past 10 years.”

Chiropractors had no reservation about putting their bare hands on HIV patients, drug addicts and homeless people. Perhaps that’s because in this country, the simple gift of a spinal adjustment was met with undying appreciation.

“One day we entered a school and a small girl around 3 or 4 hugged me and wouldn’t let go,” Fred says. “She looked into my eyes, and it was like she saw hope. I don’t have any children, but I felt like she was my child.”

KEEP ON TRUCKING Each morning at 8a.m., the mission teams piled into the back of a 1980s pickup truck and drove to a village. Children outside their homes smiled and waved as help arrived. “Riding in the back of a pickup truck was dangerous because the roads were full of speed bumps and there were motorcycles zooming by us,” Fred says. “But whenever we saw a child smile at us, the fear went away because it gave us a sense of hope and purpose.”

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A GENTLE TOUCH Dr. John Theeck of the Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic adjusts a drug rehab patient who suffered from severe back pain.

Theeck used makeshift surfaces to perform each adjustment. Afterward, the patient smiled and hugged Theeck.

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(Bottom left): Dr. John Theeck visits a Dominican school to inform children of chiropractic care. Fred Lopez served as translator. “Their eyes were fixated on Dr. Theeck because they were interested to hear what he had to say,” Fred says. “He wanted the children to have knowledge about chiropractic before he adjusted them.”

(Top right): Dr. Christopher Kessler of Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic adjusts a man who suffered from severe neck pain. The smiles on the faces of patients after each adjustment were proof they enjoyed immediate relief, Lopez says.

The smiles are evident in the smaller photos on this page.

(Bottom right): A small girl rides a tricycle down a narrow village road with no adult supervision. Fred Lopez asked the girl if he could take her picture.

Unafraid, the girl nodded her head in approval. “There was a sense of peace and happiness about her,” Fred says. “I guess she was happy to be a child playing outside on the road. The whole time, though, it was like she kept waiting for me to tell her, ‘I’m done,’ so she could continue playing.”

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

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On the

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On the scene // the to-do list

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

EVENTS NOVEMBER 1,2,7,8 AND 9

THE LADY OF THE LAKES RENAISSANCE FAIRE The Faire features over 100 performers and over 60 artisans working in mediums such as pottery, leatherwork, blacksmithing, sculpture and candle making. All proceeds benefit the Educational Foundation of Lake County. $15 adult, $10 child. In Tavares at State Road 19 and County Road 448. CONTACT: 352.326.1265

NOVEMBER 8

35TH ANNUAL MONTVERDE DAY Will feature 140 food, craft and art vendors, free parking, raffles throughout the day, train and pony rides, chalk art contest and live entertainment. Carnival provided by Sunshine Amusements for a day of fun for the whole family. From 8a.m.–6p.m. at Kirk Park, 17436 Division St., Montverde. CONTACT: 407.469.2681

Regatta headrace hosted by the Lake County Rowing Association.

Includes a 5K headrace for youth on Saturday and masters (adults) on Sunday. View for free at beautiful Waterfront Park in Clermont.

Activities and food available. From 7:15 to 11:30a.m. CONTACT: 407.497.1035

FRANK THOMAS FOLK HERITAGE FESTIVAL Come learn about Florida’s unique past as you visit with historical reenactors, folk artists, and demonstrators. Or explore your creative side by entering our photo contest as well as youth writing and storytelling competitions. From 9a.m. to 5p.m. at the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park in Bushnell.

CONTACT: crackerheritagefestival. weebly.com

NOVEMEBER 21

NOVEMBER 7

LEADER OF THE LAKE REGATTA The inaugural Leader of the Lake

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ART OF THE DEAL Art of the Deal offers catered cuisine, an open bar with wine and top-shelf liquor, dancing, live and silent auctions, gaming tables and entertainment. Money supports various programs offered by the Mount Dora Center for the Arts. 6p.m. at the Donnelly Building, Mount Dora. Cost: $85.

NOVEMEBER 15

CRAFT BEER, WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Stroll through Venetian Gardens in Leesburg and sample a wide variety NOVEMEBER 8 of craft beers and select wines MOUNT DORA SCOTTISH from around the world. Event will HIGHLAND FESTIVAL feature live music. 6–10 p.m. $25 Highland athletics, Scottish music, dance, border collies demo, Scottish in advance; $35 at gate. CONTACT: heritage tents, Scottish vendors, food 352.365.0053 and beverages. From 10a.m.–5p.m. at Gilbert Park, 310 S. Tremain St., in Mount Dora. Free. CONTACT: 352.735.7183

NOVEMBER 8–9

NOVEMBER 8

FIRST FRIDAY STREET PARTY In downtown Eustis/Ferran Park.

Live entertainment and vendors.

6p.m.–10p.m.

CONTACT: hoonr@eustis.org

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CONTACT: 352.383.0880

NOVEMBER 8

NOVEMBER 9

NOVEMBER 15

NOVEMBER 16

HOLIDAY MARKET Find items for an old-fashioned Christmas and a little something for everyone on your gift list.

9a.m.-2p.m.at Faith Lutheran Church, Eustis, fellowship hall, 2727 S. Grove St. Benefits Women’s Guild, which raises funds for mission and humanitarian projects.

CONTACT: 352.483.3822

PAWS FOR MOUNT DORA Get stamped at different monthly pet-friendly locations and return at 2p.m. with your stamp card to be entered to win prizes. 11a.m.–2p.m.

125 Edgerton Ct. Cost: $1.

CONTACT: janet.gamache@g mail.com

INAUGURAL GOBBLE WOBBLE 5K WHMS Windy Hill Middle School students hope to raise funds to support local needy children in their school district through food and gifts during the upcoming holidays. There are two races: the 5K is at 8:30a.m. and a mile dash at 9:30a.m. 5K is $25 and mile dash is $10. From 8:30 to 11a.m. at Windy Hill Middle School, 3575 Hancock Road, Clermont.

CONTACT: 352.394.2123

MOUNT DORA VILLAGE MARKET The Village Market will be in Simpson’s Cove until July to allow for construction in Elizabeth Evans Park.

Sundays, shop for fresh produce alongside herbs, crafts, goat cheese, honey, breads, butterflies and more.

9a.m.–2p.m. On South Tremain Street adjacent to the Mount Dora Marina and Gilbert Park. CONTACT: janet.gamache@gmail.com

NOVEMBER 15 NOVEMEBER 8

THE NOT-SO-WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW While at the Leesburg Saturday Morning Market, enjoy The Not-SoWestminster Dog Show. Medals will be awarded for prize winners.

Enjoy live music from Tommy Treadway. 8a.m.–1p.m. at Towne Square in downtown Leesburg. Free.

CONTACT: 352.365.0053

FOOTSTEPS OF THE FIRST FLORIDIANS Learn about Native Americans and other early residents of Lake County. There is a short presentation in the parking area, followed by a slow-paced hike of about 2 miles on uneven, hilly terrain. 9-11a.m., 19220 County Road 455, Ferndale. Make a reservation.

CONTACT: parksandtrails@ lakecountyfl.gov

NOVEMBER 21 NOVEMBER 15

NEW BEGINNINGS A gala evening to celebrate Lake County and support local children and families in need. Clermont Arts and Recreation Center. 3700 S. U.S. Hwy. 27, 6p.m.

CONTACT: southlakechamber-fl. com/events/eventdetail. aspx?EventID=1277

PADDLING ADVENTURE Join Lake County park rangers and staff from Lake County Water Authority on a trip to Blackwater Creek through the Lake Norris Conservation Area. All experience levels welcome and may use one of their kayaks. 9a.m.–1p.m.

Lake Norris Conservation Area, Lake Norris Road, Eustis.

CONTACT: gailg@lcwa.org

NOVEMBER 23

BICYCLING TOUR Bring your own bicycle and join park rangers for a guided tour of the paved South Lake Trail in Clermont. All ages and skill levels welcome. 1-3p.m., South Lake Trail, Minneola Trailhead, 315 Madison St., Minneola. Make a reservation.

CONTACT: parksandtrails@ lakecountyfl.gov

DECEMBER 6

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AND PARADE Parade starts 5p.m. Festivities in the park 4-9:30p.m. Wooton Park, 100 E. Ruby Street, Tavares.

CONTACT: 352.742.6319.

ART/HISTORY EXHIBITS NOVEMBER 8, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28

PLEIN AIR EXHIBIT AND PAINT OUT Mount Dora Center for the Arts.

138 E. Fifth Ave. 10a.m.–4p.m. $25. CONTACT: beth@ mountdoracenterforthearts.org

be proud of. From 6 to 9p.m. at Leesburg Center for the Arts, 429 W. Magnolia St. Cost: $30.

CONTACT: 352.365.0232

EP

EDITOR’S PICK

NOVEMBER 29

MUSIC+THEATRE NOVEMBER 9

‘AMERICA & MUSIC‘ The city of Mount Dora and Just Us Orlando Productions present a fresh two-act presentation of sassy and inspiring music, voice and dance from a melting pot of American music of the past and present, with reflections of war that will have you experiencing a range of emotions. 3p.m.

CONTACT: 352.735.7183

ARTIST SHOWCASE

The Villages Art League’s 17th annual event celebrates 25 years of art in The Villages. Works include oils, watercolors, acrylics and other mediums by more than 70 artists. Savannah Center, 9a.m.–3p.m.

CONTACT: 352.751.1033.

nonperishable food items for the food pantry appreciated. Food and drinks benefit Cassia Community Club. 6:30p.m.–10:30pm. 29245 E. State Road 44, Eustis.

CONTACT: 352.589.8008

Wonderful,” and “I Got the Sun in the Mornin’”. Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse, 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora.

INFORMATION: icehousetheatre. com/2014-2015-season

NOVEMBER 15

DECEMBER 2

LAKE EUSTUS FOLK MUSIC Bring a dish for the pot luck dinner at 7p.m.; concert starts around 7:45. Possible song circle afterward around 9:15. Donation of $5 requested. 50/50 raffle.

7–8p.m. 520 E. County Road 44, Eustis.

CONTACT: troutlakenature.org

HOLIDAY MUSIC SERIES Concerts at the Cooper Memorial Library, on the main floor for everyone’s enjoyment. 4–6p.m., 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive, Clermont.

CONTACT: 352.536.2275

NOVEMBER 15–16

THE WORLD FAMOUS GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA Still swinging after nearly 80 years, the Glenn Miller Orchestra will surely get you “in the mood” when it takes the audience on a journey to a time when big bands were king and music was swing. Cost: $27.

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

DECEMBER 6-7

NOVEMBER 13

SOCIAL ARTWORKING SERIES: THE HILLS ARE ALIVE Sip a little, paint a little and get ready to enjoy the relaxing experience of canvas painting with the cast of Melon Patch Players’ “The Sound of Music.” Even if you have never painted, you’ll come away with a piece of art you will

NOVEMBER 21–DECEMBER 14 NOVEMBER 15

BLUEGRASS MUSIC IN CASSIA Enjoy a relaxing evening of live bluegrass music — inside or out — and drain the stress from your life and connect with friends old and new. Free. Donations of

‘ANNIE GET YOUR GUN’ “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” as Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show presents the love story of sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Frank Butler. The score includes “Anything You Can Do,” “The Girl That I Marry,” “They Say It’s

‘TIS THE SEASON A heartwarming homage to everybody’s favorite holiday music.

Mac Frampton plays all the favorites and holiday classics. 2p.m.

Lake-Sumter State College, Paul P. Williams Fine Arts Auditorium, 9501 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg. $27.

CONTACT: LewinE@LSSC.edu

NOVEMEBR 6

TASTE OF SOUTH LAKE & BUSINESS EXPO

Presented by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, this community event highlights local businesses and restaurants along with entertainment. 5–8:30p.m at Clermont Waterfront Park, 100 Third St. $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

CONTACT: TASTEOFSOUTHLAKE.COM

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On the scene // the to-do list

LOCAL TALENT PROFILE

INCONCERT LOCAL LIVE MUSIC

NOT-BY-THE-BOOK BROOKE STORY: GARY CORSAIR

Rita Brooke taught herself to play the organ at 4, picked up guitar at 13 and was writing songs and singing in talent shows by 14.

But she didn’t realize she was a musical prodigy.

That dawned on her in college, when what she thought she should do collided head-on with what she’s supposed to do.

“After moving to Florida to finish my business studies at the University of South Florida, I began playing at local open-mic nights and was approached to play at a private party,” Brooke says. “From there, I decided to start doing more gigs, professionally, so I began to play at local restaurants, coffee shops and bars.”

Tampa couldn’t seem to get enough of the talented singer/songwriter, who grew up in a musical family just outside Houston.

“It was soon after when I decided that, despite the fact I was going to school for business, music was still my No. 1 love,” Brooke says. “I tried to go a different path, but it brought me right back home to my guitar and my microphone.”

Her epiphany came on stage when she realized she was singing to herself.

“A line from one of my original songs says, ‘Can’t change destiny, it will always be a part of me,’” she says.

“That’s how I feel about music.”

The part of Brooke that’s defined by music is made up of many parts. Her rock/country/Texas blues style is influenced by Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin, Steve Ray Vaughn, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Led Zeppelin and Willie Nelson.

“I wouldn’t know how to compare myself because I’m just a product of all the great musicians and singers who have gone before me,” Brooke says. “I am often told I have a unique voice. It’s crazy but when people ask me who I sound like, I often don’t know how to respond. I am just me. That’s probably the best answer.”

And a product of a unique family.

“I was raised in a very music-oriented family where everything centered around that next song coming through the speakers,” she says. “My dad and my brothers played instruments. It was pretty standard that every Friday and Saturday night my parents and all of our extended family got together. Much like the rest of the week those gatherings centered around music. I guess I got my appreciation for music from them.”

Today, Brooke is getting appreciation from fans throughout Central Florida, Texas and Nashville.

She recently joined the Nashville Songwriters Association, which brings her one step closer to her dream of a recording contract and national tours.

“I have a lot of drive and won’t stop until I play on the big stage, that being the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Austin City Limits, Amway Center, and the Grand Ole Opry,” she says. “I probably won’t really stop after that because truly that is just the beginning of my dream and my goals.”

While plotting stardom, Brooke is fronting an Orlando band with plans to tour next year.

“Things are definitely happening,” Brooke says, “and that is very exciting for a girl like me.”

Follow Brooke at ritabrooke.com

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).

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DATE

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Keeper (rock) The Rockin’ Relics Band (oldies) Griffin Vittone (acoustic rock) Da Boys (acoustic) Kelly Jarrard (acoustic/soul/jazz) Roy Baker (easy listening) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative/blues) The Band 4Play (rock/country/pop) Bobby France (acoustic) Alan Darcy (jazz saxophone) Brewery Boys (’60s/’70s/’80s) Double Shot (Rock) Double Shot (rock) Baby Blues & the No Attitude Band (rock/blues) David Oliver Willis (folk/soul/blues) Conflict of Interest (rock) Stava Mala (eclectic acoustic) Staggard Straight (country) The Selwyn Birchwood Band (blues) Kelly Jarrard (acoustic/soul/jazz) Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative/blues) The Band 4Play (rock/country/pop)

VENUE

Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Evans Prairie Country Club, The Villages World of Beer, Wildwood Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Olivia’s Coffeehouse, Eustis Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Margarita Republic, The Villages Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Pisces Rising, Mount Dora Rocking Rabbit Brewing, Mount Dora Frank’s Place, Leesburg Frank’s Place, Leesburg Lakeridge Winery, Clermont Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg The Lost Parrot, Mount Dora Frank’s Place, Leesburg Lakeridge Winery, Clermont Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Margarita Republic, The Villages “Dangerous” Dave Merrill (Rock/blues/contemporary) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares RosyThorn (country) VFW Post 8087, Mount Dora Andrew Williams Band (blues/rock) Rocking Rabbit Brewing, Mount Dora The Accuzed (dance) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares That Lousy Band (rock) Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Evil Monkey (rock) Frank’s Place, Leesburg The Music Mixx (jazz/pop/contemporary) Hacienda Hills Country Club, The Villages Grant Peeples (folk/Americana/roots) Olivia’s Coffeehouse, Eustis Roy Baker Band (vintage rock) Rocking Rabbit Brewing, Mount Dora That Lousy Band (rock) Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Maiden Voyage Band (Southern rock/blues) JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento Bobby France (acoustic) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative/blues) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares The Band 4Play (rock/country/pop) Margarita Republic, The Villages DownBeat (rock & roll) Merrill’s Market, Mount Dora Alan Darcy (jazz saxophone) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Staggard Straight (country) Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg 3 Ring Circus (rock/modern country) Oasis Saloon, Sorrento Social Fatigue (Southern rock) Frank’s Place, Leesburg The Music Mixx (jazz/pop/contemporary) Hacienda Hills Country Club, The Villages Kings Country (party rock) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 3 For The Road (classic rock) City Fire at Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages Staggard Straight (country) Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Keeper (rock) Frank’s Place, Leesburg Kelly Jarrard (acoustic/soul/jazz) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Jeff Whitfield (adult alternative/blues) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares “Dangerous” Dave Merrill Ruby Street Grille, Tavares The Paul Stott Group (blues) Pisces Rising, Mount Dora The Music Mixx (jazz/pop/contemporary) Hacienda Hills Country Club, The Villages Carly Bak (singer-songwriter/indie) Olivia’s Coffeehouse, Eustis Kings Country (party rock) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

Nov 27 - 30th, 2014

at Daytona International Speedway 8am-4pm Thurs-Sat ~ 8am-2pm Sun

$15 Thurs-Sat ~ $10 Sun Kids 11 & Under FREE www.TurkeyRun.com or 386.255.7355

6000+ Classic Cars for Show & Sale Massive Swap Meet * Artisan Alley * Great Food Lazydays RV Show & Sale

Come visit Lazydays RV Show & Sale on the west side of Lake Lloyd. Huge savings on 40 RV’s

The Bobby Allison Project Join us for a special tribute to military and their families.

Enjoy entertainment, specialized vendors and much, much more!

Little Gobblers Play Zone

Meet the legendary Bobby Allison and be a part of the incredible unveiling of his beloved 1950 Studebaker Bring the kids and grandkids for bounce houses, face painting, balloon, art, crafts and more!

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

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: PROVIDED BY LEESBURG PARTNERSHIP

B

ert Boliek’s been a regular at the Leesburg Craft Beer, Wine and Food Festival since the 5-year-old event’s inception. For him, the festival brews up plenty of suds and satisfaction.

“It’s a very warm event and a wonderful way to start off the holiday season,” says Bert, a Leesburg resident and co-owner of Lake Glass. “I always go with a group of friends, and we have a great time. I like to say beer is the perfect social lubricant because it gets people talking.”

A craft beer enthusiast, Bert also enjoys sampling the latest offerings from breweries throughout the country. While attending the festival in 2010, he discovered one of his favorites: Victory Hop Devil, made

by Victory Brewing Company of Downingtown, Pennsylvania.

“It still tastes as good today as it did back then,” he says. “I appreciate beer that takes more effort to make than the run-of-the-mill beer you find at grocery stores. I have always been someone who values quality over quantity. I would rather have less of something that tastes better than more of something that tastes inferior.”

Lake County residents unaware of craft beers’ rise to star status in recent years can familiarize themselves by attending the Leesburg Craft Beer, Wine and Food Festival. The event will be held Nov. 21 at Venetian Gardens from 6–10p.m.

“Venetian Gardens lends itself to a smaller craft beer festival like ours,” says Joe Shipes, executive director of the Leesburg Partnership.

“Some say this is their favorite event because they spend time with friends and reacquaint with old companions in a fun, open-air environment. In addition, people who come will enjoy a sneak peek

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of the holiday decorations and lighting display.”

As attendees stroll through the park, they can visit various tents that serve craft beer, wine and food. Joyce Huey’s Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe in downtown Leesburg will supply 15 domestic and international wines, and local restaurant owners will serve up a small sampling of some of their signature dishes.

Throughout the evening, fans can enjoy a live performance

by Eustis musician T. Scott Walker, whose island-style music complements Venetian Gardens’ lakefront setting. Free cab rides will be offered to anyone who, as Joe puts it, “has a little too much fun.”

SO, WHAT’S ON TAP?

Here are some of the breweries and beer represented at this year’s festival.

AVIATOR BREWING COMPANY, FUQUAY-VARINA, NORTH CAROLINA

“WIDE OPEN RED” — A classic Irish red ale that has a malty sweetness and a somewhat dry finish.

“MAD BEACH WHEAT” — This American beer is brewed with half barley and half white wheat and is spiced with sweet orange peel.

“HOG WILD IPA” — A golden brew made with pale ale and Vienna malts.

“DEVILS TRAMPING GROUND” — A golden-colored ale with a fruity spicy flavor that finishes sweet.

FLORIDA BEER COMPANY, MELBOURNE, FLORIDA

“SUNSHINE STATE PILS” — A light body that is clean and crisp and leaves a pleasant hop bitterness lingering on the palate.

“FLORIDA LAGER” — A tropical-inspired craft lager with a full, rich flavor.

“SWAMP APE” — Expect a potent aroma and bite with this beer, which features five distinct varieties of hops.

BIG STORM BREWING COMPANY, ODESSA, FLORIDA

“WAVEMAKER” — A well-balanced beer with caramel malt flavors and a subtle floral presence.

“ARCUS” — This beer features a citrusy hop aroma, and the addition of local honey at the end of the brewing process lends a subtle sweetness for a clean finish.

GOOSE ISLAND BREWING COMPANY, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

SWEETWATER BREWING COMPANY, ATLANTA , GEORGIA

“420 EXTRA PALE ALE” — This West Coast-style pale ale features a stimulating hop character and crisp finish.

“IPA” — An unfiltered beer that leaves all the natural flavors intact.

“HOP HASH” — Expect a stealthy, smooth citrus finish.

MAGIC HAT BREWING COMPANY, BURLINGTON, VERMONT

“#9” — This beer is fermented with an 150-yearold strain of top-fermenting English yeast.

“DREAM MACHINE” — Upon first sip, a smooth hop bitterness reveals itself — fresh, bold and slightly spicy — before subtle hints of mild malt appear.

“SNOW ROLLER” — Expect bitterness of malt flavors made of caramel and toasted biscuit.

WIDMER BROTHERS BREWING COMPANY, PORTLAND, OREGON

“HEFE” — This beer packs a bold, clean flavor with pronounced citrus and floral aromas.

“BRRR” — With this tasty beer, caramel and chocolate malts reward you with a balanced sweet flavor and velvety finish.

“MATILDA” — Drinkers will enjoy dried fruit and clove aromas, a spicy yeast flavor and a satisfying VICTORY BREWING COMPANY, dry finish.

DOWNINGTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA “SOFIE” — The light and refreshing creamy “HEADWATERS PALE ALE” — A firmly crisp and vanilla finish will excite champagne enthusiasts. aromatically arousing ale.

“PERE JACQUES” — Brewed with malt and “GOLDEN MONKEY” — This warm, flavorful ale is Belgian yeast, this beer is a wonderfully fruity and brewed with exotic spices from the East. malty ale.

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

A GOLDEN ISLES THANKSGIVING

November is a great time to drive to St. Simons Island, Georgia, where history and tradition have captivated visitors for generations.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

A

cool morning walk along the windswept beach on St. Simons Island is a perfect time to count your blessings.

The peacefulness is interrupted only by seagulls calling to one another as they gently glide overhead, seemingly announcing the peak summer crowds of people have gone. An orange-andgold sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean welcomes the day on the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles and is a perfect example why 45 percent of Americans prefer to take offseason vacations, according to a new AAA survey.

The ocean water may be a little cooler than most Floridians like, but St. Simons has so much more to offer than a beach. The history and tradition lend themselves to a familystyle Thanksgiving getaway. The natural landscapes and the old-South environment make the island, which is only a four-hour drive from Central Florida, a relaxing retreat.

“St. Simons Island has a much different look than the Gulf Coast,” said Gaines Sturdivant, whose family has owned the island’s historic King and Prince Resort since 1980. “The marshes bring in a lot of wildlife you don’t see in other places. It also has great sailing and all kinds of paddle sports.”

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The coastal community has a rich history that draws tourists from across the nation. The area was important to the British, who established Fort Frederica in the 1730s as a buttress against Spanish invaders from Florida. Georgia’s future as an original British colony was ensured when British forces defeated the Spanish in the Battle of the Bloody Marsh in 1742. Today, the National Park Service protects the archeological remnants of Fort Frederica, which has a museum, demonstrations of settlement life, historical tours and hiking trails.

One of the more popular attractions is the St. Simons Lighthouse, on the southern end in the town of St. Simons. Visitors can climb the 129 spiral steps to the top of the 104-foot brick tower for a panoramic view of the island. The original structure opened in 1810 but was destroyed in 1862 by retreating Confederate forces, who did not want the important navigational aid to fall into the hands of the Union. Rebuilt in 1872, the operational lighthouse still casts a beam 23 miles out to sea, guiding ships and freighters into the St. Simons Sound.

The island’s history is best

explained at the Maritime Center, a Roosevelt-era Coast Guard station now operated by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society. Explained through the eyes of a “Coastie,” the center’s exhibits offer an informative and entertaining look at both the natural and maritime history of the area. Be sure to read the memorials just outside the entrance to learn about two merchant ships, the SS Oklahoma and the Esso Baton Rouge, which were torpedoed by a German submarine in 1942 just off the St. Simons coast.

Head to the less-developed northern end of the island to visit Christ Church, the site where brothers John and Charles Wesley, considered the fathers of Methodism in America, first preached to natives beneath a giant oak tree. With its beautiful stained-glass windows and heavily wooded grounds, Christ Church is one of St. Simons Island’s treasured landmarks. The present structure was built in 1884 by Anson Phelps Dodge Jr., in memory of his young wife who died during their honeymoon. Their story captured writer Eugenia Price’s imagination after she decided to take a spontaneous side trip to St. Simons Island on her way to Jacksonville

Trip

TIP CALL AHEAD in 1961. Her book, “The Beloved Invader,” was the first in her popular St. Simons Trilogy written after she moved to the island permanently.

Parking can be a challenge on the island but you don’t have to drive to all the attractions. Lighthouse Trolleys, operated by island native son Cap Fendig, stop at every historical site with plenty of time at each. From Dec. 13–24, Lighthouse Trolleys will offer a 90-minute Christmas Tour of Lights.

Finally, a sunset cruise around the

local waters is the perfect way to end your visit to St. Simons Island. Circle the inland and marshland waters for a look at natural habitats that look much as they did when the first inhabitants — Mocama, Timucua, and Guale Indians — fished and hunted in the area.

About the writer

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

St. Simons Island has many different kinds of accommodations, from beachside condos to nationally known golf resorts. If you want to combine history with a bit of luxury, a “royal treatment” spa, a salt marsh golf course, and excellent Southern cuisine, check the online specials for the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort.

“We have guests who tell us they grew up coming to this hotel every year,” says Bud St. Pierre, who has been the resort’s sales director since 2002. “It’s not unusual to see three generations of a family vacationing here together.”

Built in 1935 as a seaside dance club, the King and Prince became a hotel in 1941 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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On the scene // Hi, society!

MIKE YOUNG, CARRIE RIVARD, KELSEY VEILLETTE, MICHELLE STEVENS AND JERRID CHAMBERS

MAKING WAKES

Tavares is much more than the Seaplane City. That was evident in August when some of the best water cross racers in the world gathered at Wooton Park and competed in the Hydro Drag World Championships on Lake Dora. Competitors rode high-speed jet skis and negotiated a closed course.

GLENN AND MARSHA SAYLES YELENIS PEREZ AND SHAYNA HAWKINS AND KYARA VEGA AMANDA SAWYER

PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

ANGELICA GONZALEZ

LAURA SUARES CHRISTOPHER CAPUTO

CARRIE ZORN

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C

elebrating Senior Living

Each And Every Day. HarborChase is home to the best, those who live here, and those who care for them. Respect and simple kindness abound, as we celebrate each individual life with the dignity they have earned and a warm appreciation of the chapters that are yet to unfold.

Our associates are selected for their outstanding nursing and caregiving skills, and even more for their compassionate and encouraging hearts. HarborChase communities embody the spirit of home with elegant surroundings, fine food, and a wide variety of engaging activities that make each day here shine.

ACT NOW! Just a few luxury apartments left!

Call for more information or to schedule a tour at 888-998-2395!

Assisted Living & Memory Care

13517 NE 86th Court, Lady Lake, Florida, 32159 www.HarborChase.com/Villages.htm Assisted Living Facility # AL9726

On the scene // Hi, society!

WHAT A SWEET TIME

The Francis Coppola Director’s Cut Wine Pairing Dinner was held at Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe in downtown Leesburg. Guests met artist J.T. Smalley during a private reception, enjoyed a five-course dinner prepared by local chef Victor Donahey, and saw cinematic highlights of Hollywood director Francis Ford Coppola. Live and silent auctions also were held. Money raised benefited the Leesburg Center for the Arts.

AMY PAINTER AND BEVERLY JOHNSON

YVONNE CINTRON AND CRAIG WALKER

CLELL COLEMAN AND BETSY WINGER

JUDY BJORN AND JOYCE HUEY LEAH GINN

RALPH AZUZ AND CAT REEL

SANDI MOORE, MANDY WETTSTEIN AND LYNNE KELLEY

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PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

NEIL KELLY, LUCILLE ROSS, JUDIE BISHOP AND MILA COLE

ROMULO

Camogliano

Camogliano, M.D.

BOARD CERTIFIED INTERNAL MEDICINE

MEDICAL PRACTICE Ramos,

LUIS G. M.D. , FACR BOARD CERTIFIED IN RHEUMATOLOGY

JANET

Baker King, ARNP

RONNIE JANE

Boekema, ARNP

WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY AFFILIATIONS

• The Villages Regional Hospital • LRMC Hospital • Promise Hospital • Lady Lake Speciality Care • The Club • The Villages Rehab and Nursing Facility • Arbor Villages Nursing Facility

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS •

Care Plus • Blue Cross Blue Shield • Well Care

OUR SERVICES • Blood Pressure/Cholesterol Screening/Monitoring • Diabetes Screening/Glucose Monitoring • Coumadin Checks • Echocardiogram Ultrasounds • Men & Women Annual Physicals • Lab Draws • School/Employment Physicals • EKG Testing • PT-INR • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Osteoarthritis • Lupus • Osteoporosis • Bursitis/Tendonitis • Gout • Connective Tissue Diseases • Scleroderma • Rheumatologic diseases • Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

DrCamogliano.com // 352.259.3435 // Find us on

M–F 8:30a.m.–5:30p.m. Spanish Plains Medical Plaza, 1400 US HWY 441 N. Bldg. 900 Suite 902, The Villages, FL 32159

On the scene // Hi, society!

TOE THE VINE

Sticky feet and the constant sounds of stomping and squishing were the order of the day at Lakeridge Winery’s 20th annual Harvest Grape Stomp. Participants climbed into a wooden barrel and displayed fancy footwork as they tried to extract the most juice in two minutes. In addition, attendees enjoyed live music and tours of the winery’s 28,000-square-foot facility.

MICHAEL, GIADA AND AMANDA PLACIDO

VINCENT AND KYLIE PULCINI SHEILA, NEKTARIOS AND ARIANNA SAGIAS

ALBA AND JOSE VASQUEZ TARA, BRIANNA, JOE AND DYLAN NARDELLI PHOTOS: MORGAN ELLIS

HEATHER DALSANTO AND HAILEY MOFFITT

BJ ROLLI AND JAN KOVARIK CHRIS RIZZO AND JIMMY CARROLL

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AUDRA, JASON AND BROOKE BOBBITT

For all your outdoor needs,

Count on SPARR

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352.330.1718

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On the scene // Hi, society!

TRACIE VALDES AND JAN WIDEMAN

READY TO RUMBLE

Bikers grabbed onto their handlebars and held on tight because Gator Harley-Davidson’s three-day customer appreciation celebration provided plenty of fun. The event, which also recognized the dealership’s 21st anniversary, featured a bikini contest, a Mr. Hardbody competition, a tattoo contest and an appearance by WJRR’s Taco Bob. Proceeds benefited Haven of Lake and Sumter counties.

CESAR ZAMBRANO AND JULIETTE BAROSS

JOHN PAPPARIELLA CHELSEY BREITENR AND NICK DECANDIA

TONY MATUKAS TAMMY SAVAGE, JILL GILMORE AND MARY WOOD

PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

LIZ TAYLOR AND LENA LOYSELLE

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“Dr. Pyles is a miracle worker. I have spinal stenosis and thought I would live with leg pain for the rest of my life. He implanted a spinal cord stimulator and gave me my life back. He is a wonderful doctor.”

—PAM COOK, OCALA

Stephen T. Pyles, M.D.

Pain Treatment Centers of Florida Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional

2300 S. Pine Ave. I Ocala, FL 34471

352.861.4600 www.drpyles.com

Cough? visit us today

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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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Introducing

Dr. Ernesto Bustinza-Linares Fellowship trained Oncologist/Hematologist Dr. Bustinza-Linares graduated from Medical School at Universidad Nacional San Agustin in Peru and remained for a few years in his home country as a volunteer physician with the Peruvian Red Cross and working with the military and underserved population while in the Air Force. He completed his internal medicine residency at University of Miami in 2009 and then departed to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center for a fellowship in investigational cancer therapeutics. There, he focused on Phase I trials with newly developed small molecules, monoclonal antibodies and histone deacetylase inhibitors writing multiple articles in peer review journals.

Most recently, he completed his Hematology/Oncology fellowship at University of Miami and moved to The Villages area to serve our expanding community. He is a very compassionate and competent bilingual physician, who is also known for his excellent bed side manner.

Now accepting new patients No PCP referral needed Specializing in the treatment of: • Breast Cnacer • Lung Cancer • Skin Cancer • Prostate Cancer • Multiple Myeloma • Colon Cancer

• Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma • Melanoma • Anemia • Iron Deficiency Anemia

Serving the Tri-County area with offices conveniently located in

The Villages, Leesburg and Ocala For appointments, call us at

352.508.1502 INSURANCES ACCEPTED:

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Breathe easy with us.

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• INTENSIVE AND ICU MANAGEMENT • COPD • ASTHMA • DISEASES OF THE LUNGS • SLEEP DISORDERS • NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS • MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED

DR. MARJERY LOPEZ

Board-Certified in Internal and Pulmonary Medicine. Privileges at LRMC, The Villages Regional Hospital and Promise Hospital.

LEESBURG: 1038 W North Blvd, Ste 102

DR. JOSÉ DIAZ

Board-Certified in Internal and Pulmonary Medicine. Privileges at LRMC, The Villages Regional Hospital and Promise Hospital.

VILLAGES: 1400 US Hwy 441, Bldg 900 Ste 906

MARIA BYRD, ARNP Certified in adult health, specializing in Pulmonary Medicine. Privileges at LRMC and Promise Hospital.

PILAR SMITH, ARNP Certified in adult health, specializing in Pulmonary Medicine. Privileges at Promise Hospital.

352.315.1627 • www.pg-cf.com

Join us for the 3rd annual Saturday • November 8th • 2014

At the Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence 4730 SW 49th Rd., Ocala, FL 34474 Registration at 8:00 A.M. Walk begins at 9:00 A.M. Our 3rd annual ICE WALK encourages fun for all while benefiting your health and wellness. Come and enjoy the day with our participating vendors including Pet Adoptions, Pet Costume Contest, Marion County Sheriff’s K-9 demonstrations and more!

Proceeds to benefit

Sponsors

OCALA’S

GOOD LIFE

TM

MAGAZINE

Tracy Mabry Law

352.854.0681 // ocalaice.com // limbstitute.com

237 West 4th Ave. Suite 2 * Mount Dora, FL 32757 * 352-383-3600 We are located in the Arbors & Eyebrows complex at the corner of Alexander and 4th Ave. in Historic Downtown Mount Dora.

Open 7 days a week

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*Cooks Tools & Gadgets Galore *Demo Cooking Class are available *Hard to Find Baking & Cooking Ingredients *Specialty Gourmet Salts PLUS Salt & Pepper Mills *Everyday Cooking & Baking Supplies for Everyone

Gift and Wedding Registry

*Gift cards available *Also shop on-line at www.KaDeeKay.com

LEAH D. CONNER Interior Designer

® Since 1990 • Licensed & Insured

Thorough Cleaning Services For: Banks Doctor’s Offices Professional Businesses New Construction Cleaning Property Management Cleaning Services Also Include: Floor Maintenance Carpet Cleaning Window Cleaning Pressure Washing Cleaning Supplies: Paper Chemicals Equipment

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Custom Window Treatments Commercial Residential Consulting Staging

352.406.3018

leahdconner.com

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leahdconner@gmail.com

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danucc@aol.com 352.753.8653

Attention to

Your Financial Details…

means working toward your goal of living the lifestyle you have always envisioned. Knowing you have the resources in place to enjoy the next stage of your life is important in achieving those goals. Perhaps you want to master a new language, or travel to

see family. Moving financial worry away from the front of your mind can put big concerns to rest.

With discretionary portfolio models and planning tools we can build a plan based on your risk tolerance. As portfolio managers, we manage your portfolio on a daily basis, guiding your objectives from developing a health care strategy to helping you attend to estate planning needs.

You’ve spent your working years building a legacy.

Now let’s work to build the next phase of your life.

Knowing you have an advisor who can walk that path with you may mean the difference between living, and enjoying, your retirement. Protect what you want for today, and what you need for tomorrow.

Charles H. Smith, Sr. CWS® Senior Vice President Portfolio Management Director Wealth Advisor charlie.smith@morganstanley.com

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

Michael Monteith

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

Nicole Silberstein

The Smith Prevatt Monteith Group at Morgan Stanley 832 Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages, FL 32162

Client Service Associate nicole.silberstein@morganstanley.com

352.751.7845 • Toll free 800.447.6036

morganstanleyfa.com/smithprevattmonteith Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates. This material is intended only for clients and prospective clients of the Portfolio Management program. It has been prepared solely for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument, or to participate in any trading strategy. The individuals mentioned as the Portfolio Management Team are Financial Advisors with Morgan Stanley participating in the Morgan Stanley Portfolio Management program. The Portfolio Management program is an investment advisory program in which the client’s Financial Advisor invests the client’s assets on a discretionary basis in a range of securities. The Portfolio Management program is described in the applicable Morgan Stanley ADV Part 2, available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV or from your Financial Advisor. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters. ©2014 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC CRC1008201 09/14

Lake Ear Nose Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery

More Than Just A Name!

EAR

NOSE

• Ear evaluation and cleanings

• Allergy testing and treatments

• Treatment of ear infections

• Evaluation and treatment of sinus disease and infections

• Complete audiology/hearing testing and services • Independent distributor of hearing aids • Physical therapy for imbalance

• Minimally invasive Balloon Sinuplasty® and other sinus surgeries • Surgery for nasal obstruction

THE VILLAGES 352.753.8448 LEESBURG 352.728.2404 TAVARES 352.343.7279 LakeENT.net

THROAT • Evaluation/treatment of pediatric and adult tonsillitis as well as Upper Respiratory Infections • Evaluation of swallowing, hoarseness and vocal cord function • Voice and Swallow therapy with Speech language pathologist • Thyroid and Parathyroid conditions

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PLASTIC SURGERY • Surgical and non-surgical facial enhancements/ rejuvenation • Cosmetic surgery of the ear, eyelid, brow, forehead, face and neck • Laser resurfacing, Rejuvapen® micro needling, Silkpeel®, etc.

• Botox and fillers • Skin cancer surgery and repair of MOH’s defects

THE VILLAGES 323.259.5126 Face2FaceFL@gmail.com Face2FaceFL.com

Lady of the Lakes

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:

eats IN THE KITCHEN SALUTÉ FORK ON THE ROAD DINING GUIDE

96 100 102 106

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

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STES

FLAVORS OF FALL

E

T

A

O

F HOM

As the weather grows cooler, turn your attention to these appetizing, easy-to-make autumnal delights.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

W

hen cooler weather starts to phase out the sweltering days of Florida summer, it’s time to rejoice.

Fall is finally here, and while autumn in Florida may not be as colorful or spectacular as our Northern counterparts’, it beats preparing for their subsequent winter snowstorms.

We don’t need to bundle up as tightly as the rest of the nation, but fall nonetheless warrants curling up with a good book and a bowl of hearty vegetable soup or a fresh-out-of-theoven casserole.

In Cheryl Bloom’s kitchen, it’s the season for shepherd’s pie, a fall favorite in many households across the country.

One of the great things about this common cold-weather casserole is its diversity.

“You can make it your own,” she says. “It’s all about making a shepherd’s pie that fits you and your family’s tastes.”

“You can make it your own, it’s all about making a shepherd’s pie that fits you and your family’s tastes.”

— Cheryl Bloom

Cheryl uses soy sauce in her recipe to give it a unique flavor. People can also substitute everyday seasonings such as onion powder, celery salt and garlic powder for the real thing.

“You can chop up onions and celery and add some minced garlic to really make your dish hearty,” she says.

However, if mothers and fathers alike have to feed finicky young eaters, using chopped onions and celery may be out of the question.

“I have a few people in my family

that don’t like chopped onions or celery in their food,” Cheryl says, “so instead of making two dishes I just changed out the onions for onion powder. No one noticed and it still had a very good flavor.”

Vegetables aren’t the only ingredients that can be experimented with when making shepherd’s pie.

“Instead of ground beef, you can use leftover chicken or turkey,” she says. “I think it could be amazing with turkey, vegetables and potatoes and then topped with stuffing. What a neat idea for after-Thanksgiving leftovers.”

As a complement to her shepherd’s pie, Cheryl likes to depart from making corn muffins, rolls or biscuits for her bread. Instead, she opts for bran muffins, another seasonal staple.

Though many may believe bran muffins are bland and dry, Cheryl’s 30-year-old recipe puts emphasis on flavor over healthy, especially if you go the extra mile to add diced apples, carrots or even raisins.

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

SHEPHERD’S PIE Recipe courtesy of Cheryl Bloom

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons chopped onion 2 tablespoons chopped celery 1 pound ground beef 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon garlic power ½ tablespoon soy sauce 1 can (approx. 1–2 cups) beef broth or consommé 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with ½ cup cold water ¼ cup corn (frozen) ¼ cup peas (frozen) ¼ cup carrots (frozen) 3 large potatoes 4 tablespoons butter 2–4 tablespoons milk for desired consistency

•

• • •

• DIRECTIONS: • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• Sauté onion and celery in your choice of oil. Set aside.

• Brown and drain ground beef. Then add sautéed onion and celery, salt, pepper, garlic powder, soy sauce and beef broth or consommé to the pan.

• When the beef mixture is brought

to a gentle boil, slowly add small amounts of the cornstarch mixture while stirring continuously.

Continue to add the cornstarch mixture until you reach your desired thickness of gravy. Place ground beef mixture in a large baking dish.

Peel and boil potatoes. When soft, mash and add butter, milk and salt for taste.

Pour frozen vegetables over ground beef mixture, then place mashed potatoes over the vegetable layer.

Sprinkle with any of your desired toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, diced green onions, chives, parsley, parmesan cheese or bits of real bacon.

Cook in oven for 25 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!

NOTE: Use three teaspoons of onion power if you are not sautéing fresh onions and celery. Also, if you are using fresh vegetables, blanch them before putting them on the pie. However, do not overcook them because they will cook in the oven once the pie is put together.

BETTER BRAN MUFFINS Recipe courtesy of Cheryl Bloom

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup flour ½ cup sugar 2½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda 1¼ cup Nabisco 100 percent bran cereal 1 cup milk 1 egg 1/3 cup melted butter

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DIRECTIONS: • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

• Combine dry ingredients, except cereal.

• Mix bran with milk and let stand for five minutes.

• Add egg and butter to bran mixture.

Mix well.

• Add dry mixture; mix until ingredients are all moistened.

• Fill 15 muffin cups lined with paper.

• Bake for about 15 minutes.

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EATS // saluté A worldly look at wine

SHAKEN Mother Nature handed extraordinary challenges to Napa Valley this year. Winegrowers were humbled first by a drought and then a major earthquake; they never missed a beat when it came time to harvest 2014 grapes.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

T

he images of broken bottles and overturned barrels in Napa, California, on Aug. 24 were disconcerting to wine lovers worldwide.

The Napa Valley in California — often called “America’s Eden” — was shaken awake at 3:20a.m. (PDT) by an earthquake registering 6.0 on the Richter scale. No lives were lost, but the damage seemed extensive. Many wondered if we’d ever drink Napa Valley cabernet or chardonnay again.

The morning’s first light revealed a gigantic mess, not only at wineries in the southern end of Napa County but also in downtown Napa. Damage estimates in the community exceeded $400 million and losses to the wine industry were reported at $80 to $100 million, according to Patsy McGaughy, communications director for the Napa Valley Vintners, a nonprofit trade association representing 500 wineries.

“Damage ran the gamut from broken bottles and overturned barrels to major structural damage,” McGaughy said. “Cleanup at the wineries has gone incredibly well. They had to press on as grapes were ripening and the 2014 harvest was ready.”

One of the hardest-hit wineries was Trefethen Family Vineyards; the historic 1886 building used as the tasting room sustained structural damage. Engineers are working to save what is considered one of Napa Valley’s most iconic buildings.

In the meantime, Trefethen has opened a temporary visitors center and has had an incredibly successful 2014 harvest.

“While there is no good time for an earthquake, Mother Nature was kind to us in her timing,” said Trefethen president John Ruel.

“That week was a small window when wineries were postbottling and pre-crush.”

“Most everything had already been bottled and taken off property for storage to make room for the 2014 grape harvest,” marketing director Mimi Gatens explained.

She added that most of Trefethen’s barrels were filled with water, not wine, to be clean for the new grapes. In fact, she said the winery was up and running within a day after the earthquake and ready for harvest.

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Saintsbury Winery, a leading producer of pinot noir, also considered itself lucky. The 2013 vintage was bottled the week before and had been moved into a secure wine storage facility.

Saintsbury marketing director Heidi Solzinger said the winery did not lose any barrels, but did lose a collection that dated to 1981.

“Our permanent loss was 400 bottles from our personal library that contained a bottle of each vintage since Saintsbury was founded,” Solzinger said. “Those bottles can’t be replaced.”

The vintners association’s McGaughy said the earthquake wasn’t the most devastating event Napa Valley vintners have experienced. In 2005, a fire at a wine warehouse destroyed 4.5 million bottles of wine owned by 92 Napa Valley wineries and 43 collectors.

“Some of our wineries were more impacted by that fire than the earthquake,” she said.

The earthquake did affect mostly 2012 and 2013 vintages, but McGaughy said those were record-breaking years. There are still plenty of those bottlings available.

“Consumers may feel an effect if they have a favorite winery that was hit,” she said, “but we are not expecting widespread price increases or shortages. In addition, the 2014 harvest is almost done and it looks to be terrific.”

Living with the threat of an earthquake is a way of life for Californians and especially for vintners.

“It’s part of being farmers and working with Mother Nature … she is always dealing us challenges and we learn to handle them,” said Gatens of the Trefethen Family Vineyard. “We will probably look at stacking the barrels differently, but overall the safety mechanisms for protecting the wines were there, and they did what they were supposed to do.

“Tell the folks in Central Florida they don’t have to worry,” Gatens added. “They will have Napa Valley wine.”

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.

LOCAL WINE MERCHANTS TALK NAPA VALLEY Nancy Lackey, owner of Wine Cellars of Mount Dora and Wine Cellars Uncorked in Eustis: “Only the southern Napa Valley was affected by the earthquake and they still have to be competitive with other regions. First estimates coming out of Napa Valley look good. I don’t think we’ll see any big price increases.”

Heather Hitson, wine consultant for ABC Fine Wine & Spirits in Lady Lake “Nothing has changed for our stores.

We’re not seeing much of an effect from the earthquake. If the harvest had been destroyed, that would be a different story.”

Heather’s recommendations: 2011 Stepping Stone (Cornerstone Winery) Cabernet Franc. $44.99 2010 Milliken Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, $22.49

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: ANTHONY CASTO

Nancy’s recommendations: 2009 Trinchero Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Chicken Ranch Vineyard, $42.99 2011 Franciscan Magnificant Meritage, $50.99

EATS // fork on THE Road Tasty insights and observations

FEAST

EVANS PRAIRIE COUNTRY CLUB There are many country club dining options in The Villages, but Evans Prairie Country Club is one of the best.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES PHOTOS: MATTHEW GAULIN

T

he Villages is no stranger to good restaurants.

Worthy dining spots abound, both in and around Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.

But only a few really stand out in terms of food and service.

I’ll admit I wasn’t sure what to expect when I learned I’d be visiting Evans Prairie County Club, the newest country club addition to The Villages. “Stuffy and predictable,” part of me automatically thought.

Country club dining usually doesn’t do it for me, because while most tout “exquisite cuisine” and an “excellent dining experience,” the truth is sometimes it’s floating somewhere around run-of-the-mill.

Nevertheless, keeping an open mind is part of the job. And from the time I stepped inside Evans Prairie, the staff, under the direction of general manager Jon McNeely, showed me why their establishment is fast becoming a favorite among astute Villagers.

I was immediately shown to my table, nestled in the corner of the far-left dining room. It was perfect for observing not only the steady lunch bunch, but also the wait staff, which remained hopping and attentive the entire two hours I was there.

I fell in the love with the interior of Evans Prairie. It’s rustic with Old West panache. The wood-like floors give a weathered yet stylish feel that continues through the neutral-colored walls, windowed dining rooms and coffered ceilings.

A walkway leads to a large bar area that stays busy during Happy Hour, which is every day from 11a.m. to 5p.m. Beyond the bar, diners can choose to eat alfresco on the spacious patio area that overlooks the “prairie.” And on Saturdays, there’s the bonus of live entertainment.

During the day, much of the crowd consists of golfers who finished a morning on the links or girlfriends out for a causal lunch.

My server for the afternoon, Jennifer, quickly secured my drink

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ADDRESS: 1825 Evans Prairie Trail The Villages 32162 PHONE: 352.750.2225 HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday–Thursday, 11a.m.–9p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11a.m.—10p.m.; Sunday, 10a.m.–9p.m.

POPULAR DISHES: Hot crab & cheese dip: $9.95 Jumbo shrooms: $9.95 Lobster mac & cheese: $15.95 The shank: $16.95 Petite filet abruzzo: $13.95 Bourbon pecan pie: $6.95

order and informed me my appetizers would soon be out.

To start, I sampled the jumbo shrooms and hot crab and cheese dip. Jumbo may be an understatement. These herbed cream cheese stuffed portobellos are massive, both in size and flavor. It was a welcomed departure from the rubbery, excessively buttery mushroom appetizers served at most restaurants. Instead, this dish had nice balance between the high-fat, mildtasting cream cheese and the earthy tang of the mushrooms.

With a nicely deep-fried panko breadcrumb crust, the mushrooms also had good crunch, and the accompanying

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horseradish dip was a nice touch. You may want to share, because you’ll receive six as an appetizer and you won’t be able to eat more than two.

The hot crab and cheese dip also was delightful. The lump blue crab was mild and allowed the three-cheese blend and assortment of spices to take center stage.

Served with grilled pita bread, it is a nice way to start out a meal if you’re harboring a slight craving for seafood.

For my main dishes, it was all about protein. I first tried the highly regarded petite filet abruzzo. The hand-trimmed filet mignon, topped with a lovely tomato salad and fresh

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mozzarella, is intoxicating.

It was extremely tender and had a subtle smokiness from being charcoal grilled.

Furthermore, the sides of grilled asparagus and Yukon Gold mashed potatoes were prepared excellently and tasted extremely fresh.

Next, I tried the popular pork shank. Slow-cooked for 14 hours and covered in a caramel reduction sauce, this dish is solid. The shank alone was juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender, and I enjoyed the caramel reduction, which wasn’t too sugary.

With only two years under its belt, Evans Prairie proves being the new kid on the block doesn’t necessarily mean mediocrity.

“We’re really pleased with how the community has embraced us, and now we get quite a few regulars who come dine with us,” said McNeely.

“Groups are starting to schedule more engagements with us.

Anniversaries, birthdays — people are choosing to celebrate milestones with us, too.”

From its Southwesterninspired fare to its legendary

service, there’s good reason for McNeely to be proud of Evans Prairie. The most refreshing moments of my visit involved the staff. My server Jennifer was not only courteous but very personable and knowledgeable about the menu. And one employee even happily volunteered to carry my bags stuffed with leftovers to my car.

Villager Ron Taylou, dining with his wife and a cousin, said it was his second trip to Evans Prairie in a week.

“The food was so good I had to come back,” he said. “My wife had the petite filet and I had a basic hamburger when we first came here. Today, I had the albatross sandwich and she had the shrimp and grits. It was all very good.

“I’ll be sure to bring more people here to try it out.”

Before I left, I needed to try just one more dish.

And what’s more Western (and American) than a slice of warm, delicious apple pie and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert?

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

dining Charley’s Grilled Subs 421 N West St. 352.568.1186 $ Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 $ Coyote Rojo 2082 W. CR 48 352.569.0302 $$ Critic’s Choice 8032 CR 476B, 352.568.0008 $ Hong Kong Restaurants 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-888 $$ Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 $

Astatula Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 $

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

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

IN YOUR CITY

Clermont Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988 $$$ Calabria Ristorante 13900 County Road 455 407.656.5144 $$ Cheeser’s Palace 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 $ Flippers Pizzeria 2523 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.242.2214 $$ G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd.

352.243.8900 $$$ Green Garden 1790 E. Hwy. 50 352.243.2077 $$

Manginogrube, Inc. 411 W. Parkhill Ave. 352.793.6350 $$

Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd.

352.242.1910 $$$

Market Street Gardens 311 N. Market St. 352.568.0100 $$

Lyn’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe 824 W. Montrose St. 352.536.9935 $

Mia Plaza Pizzeria 6092 CR 609 352.793.4418 $

Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 $$

Sonny’s Bar-B-Q 2684 W. CR 48 352.569.0200 $

Robata Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 $$

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

Rusty Fox 649 12th St. 352.394.3333 $$ Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club Restaurant 2601 Diamond Club Dr. 352.243.0411 $$ Spiro’s Pizza 1203 W. Hwy. 50 352.394.5538 $$

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

Sugar Mama’s Bake Shoppe 648 Eighth St. 352.241.9738 $$ Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 $$

Eustis Cafe Gianni 119 N. Bay St. 352.589.1402 $$ Dam Smoker Barbeque 36721 County Road 19A 352.357.6555 $$ Double Take Pizza 403 N. Grove St. 352.343.0990 $$ El Korita Mexican Restaurant 256 W. Ardice Ave. 352.483.0355 $ Jeannie’s Place 209 E. Gottsche Ave. 352.357.0027 $ Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288 $$$ King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404 $$ La Mandarina Mexican Restaurant 1401 Orange Ave. 352.357.2487 $$ Olivia’s Coffee House & Bistro 113 N. Bay St. 352.357.1887 $ Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. County Road 44 352.589.9100 $$ Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022 $$

Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949 $$ The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 $$$ The Great Pizza Company 23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377 $$ The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 $$$ Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 $$

Fruitland Park Fruitland Park Café 3180 US Hwy. 441/27 352.435.4575 $ Legends Cafe 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441/27 Fruitland Park 352.728.0006 $$

Groveland

Kid’s Menu

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

Leesburg Bloom’s Café 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004 $$ Cupcake Time 703 W. Main St. 352.728.2253 $$

Stavros Pizza 755 N. 14th St. 352.326.4202 $$ Takis Pizza Restaurant 1324 W. North Blvd.

352.787.2344 $$ The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 $$ The Latin Cafe 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 $$

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

Vic’s Embers 7940 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.8989 $$$$

Howey-inthe-Hills

HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 $

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

San Juan Mexican Restaurant 1341 S. 14th St. 352.787.7575 $$

Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe 410 W Main St 352.435.9107 $$

Habaneros 3 Mexican Restaurant 10601 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.315.1777 $$

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

Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd.

352.728.0788 $$

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

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

JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd.

352.324.3600 $$

Beer, Wine or Cocktails

Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 $ Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 County Road 473 352.343.4663 $ Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 $$ Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd.

352.323.1616 $$

Mascotte Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd.

352.429.2093 $$

Minneola Jack’s Barbecue 100 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.2673 $ Lil Anthony’s Pizza 205 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.1516 $$ Tiki Bar & Grill 508 S. Main Ave. 352.394.2232 $$

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

CONTINUED

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

EP

EDITOR’S PICK

SHUCK DAT OYSTER BAR 118 W. RUBY STREET, TAVARES // 352.508.5344

A sudden craving for oysters always leads to a visit to Shuck Dat in downtown Tavares.

Once here, plan to discover some of the most super-fresh, reasonably priced oysters around. Sitting at the oyster bar with friends and enjoying a few cold beers makes for a fun-filled, festive dining experience, but don’t forget that Shuck Dat serves much more than just delicious oysters. The prime rib is tender and juicy, and the peel-and-eat shrimp is full of flavor. Just be sure to check out their extensive seafood menu next time you pop in for a bite to eat. And if you’re a sports junkie, you’ll appreciate being able to watch multiple games at once thanks to 11 strategically placed television sets.

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!

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

dining Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 $$$ Blackbear Smokehouse 18750 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.2327 $$ Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 $ Cecile’s French Corner 237 W. Fourth Ave. 352.383.7100 $$ Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426 $ Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000 $$ Cupcake Delights 122 E. 4th Ave. 352.383.2200 $ Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 $ Incredible Edible Cakes 4295 W. Old Hwy. 441, Suite 2 352.223.3581 $ Ivory’s Take Out 1325 N. Grandview St. 352.735.6797 $ Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 $ Lisa’s Kitchen 3201 N. Hwy. 19A 352.383.9338 $$ Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 $

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One Flight Up - Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Suite 100 352.758.9818 $ Operation Deep Freeze Custard 140A West 5 Avenue 352.735.8269 $ Palm Tree Grille 351 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.1936 $$ Pisces Rising 239 W. Fourth Ave. 352.385.2669 $$$ PizzAmore’ 622 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.0092 $ Saucy Spoon Catering & Bistro 427 S. Highland St. 352.383.1050 $$$ Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 $ Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 $ The Frog and Monkey Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.1936 $$ The Garden Gate Tea Room 142 E. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2158 $$ The Health Basket of Mount Dora 18834 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.735.1166 $$ The Windsor Rose English Tea Room 142 W. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2551 $$ Village Coffee Pot 425 Donnelly St. 352.383.3334 $

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IN YOUR CITY

Wasabi Buffet 16700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.7016 $$ Whales Tale Fish House 2720 W. Old. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.385.1500 $$ Zellie’s Pub 4025 N. U.S. Hwy. 19A 352.483.3855 $$

Sorrento Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 County Rd. 437 352.383.8882 $ Gi Gi’s 25444 State Road 46 352.735.4000 $$ Lisa’s Country Cafe 23911 State Road 46 352.735.3380 $

Tavares Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 $$ Buzzard Beach Grill 12423 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.5267 $$ Casa Mia Cafe 505 W Main St 352.742.9940 $

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

Pressed for Time Cafe 110 S. New Hampshire Ave. 352.253.4663 $ Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829 $$ Sinbad’s of Lake County 1050 W. Burleigh Blvd.

352.343.6669 $$ Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd.

352.343.7744 $ The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 $$

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

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

China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 $

RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930 $$

Olive Garden 3680 Wedgewood Ln. 352.259.0304 $$

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

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

352.753.1475 $$$

Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd.

352.508.5137 $$

Bonifay Country Club 1033 Pinellas Place 352.205.7455 $$

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

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

Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 $$

Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd.

352.753.3824 $$

Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 County Road 448 352.343.6823 $

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

NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994 $$

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

Outback Steakhouse 710 N. Hwy 441 352.430.2590 $$

.com

Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.391.9939 $$

City Fire Brownwood Paddock Square 352.561.2078 $$

Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evans Prairie Trail 352.750.2225 $$

Kid’s Menu

Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393 $$ Scooples 2718 Brownwood Blvd 352.750.6263 $ Square One Burgers & Bar 2542 Burnsed Blvd.

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

Beer, Wine or Cocktails

Buddy’s BBQ 1210 N. Main St. 352.330.0338 $$ China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 $ Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 $$ Dickey’s Barbeque Pit 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.4288 $$ Mel’s Island Café 901 Industrial Dr. 352.748.4105 $$ O’Shucks!

Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 $$ Polly’s Pantry 819 S. Main St. 352.330.4002 $$ Rita’s Oyster Bar 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.399.2987 $$ T Weston’s Smokehouse 1210 N. Main St. 352.748.9378 $$ Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 $$ Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 $$

Wildwood

Yalaha

Aztec’s Mexican Restaurant 348 Shopping Center Dr. 352.748.2250 $

Yalaha Bakery 8210 County Road 48 352.324.3366 $$

Beef O’ Bradys 840 S. Main St. 352.689.0048 $

EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

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

OPEN THANKSGIVING 12PM-7PM

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).

JB BOONDOCKS

704 S. LAKESHORE BLVD., HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS 352.324.3600 • WWW.JBBOONDOCKS.COM JB Boondocks is tucked away in a picturesque setting on Little Lake Harris in Howey-in-the-Hills. JB Boondocks is accessible by land, sea, and air via car, motorcycle, boat, or seaplane. With a full bar and a huge outdoor deck overlooking the lake, JB Boondocks makes for the ultimate setting to relax and unwind. The menu offers fresh seafood, steaks, chops, classic Italian dishes, tasty sandwiches, salads, sinfully sweet desserts, and much more. Each Friday night is our famous fish fry, Wednesday night features prime rib and Thursday night is Ladies’ Night. Cocktails from the bar are festive and we have a great selection of beer and wine, as well. Situated on five acres on the lake, JB Boondocks is the perfect place for your car, motorcycle, boat, or seaplane club to gather. We have plenty of dock space and parking to accommodate all your needs.

JB BOONDOCKS IS OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY 11A.M.–4P.M., TUESDAY–THURSDAY 11A.M.–9P.M. FRIDAY 11A.M.–10P.M., SATURDAY 11A.M.–10P.M., SUNDAY NOON–8P.M.

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

SHUCK DAT OYSTER BAR

118 W. RUBY STREET. TAVARES // 352.508.5344 Fresh food, friendly service and fabulous times are enjoyed at Shuck Dat Oyster Bar at The Cajun Quarter. Diners can enjoy delicious oysters in all areas of the restaurant, including the 20-seat oyster bar and the family-friendly dining room. Manager Chris Clark, who has 15 years of shucking experience, ensures visitors receive nothing less than the freshest selection of oysters. Of course, there’s something for everybody on the diverse menu, including made-to-order Cajun entrees and fresh seafood. With 11 televisions and packages such as NFL Sunday Ticket, College Game Plan, the SEC Network and the Big 10 Network, sports enthusiasts will be in heaven.

HAPPY HOUR IS FROM 4–7P.M. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. IT INCLUDES $1 OFF ALL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; $2 OFF A DOZEN OF OYSTERS STEAMED OR RAW; 70-CENT WINGS; $6.99 1/2 LB. PEEL-AND-EAT SHRIMP; 40-CENT MIDDLE NECK CLAMS; 50-CENT TOP NECK CLAMS. THE WINGS AND CLAM ITEMS FOR HAPPY HOUR COME IN ORDERS OF 10.

HOURS OF OPERATION: SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY 11A.M.–10P.M. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 11A.M.–11P.M.

SUBWAY

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

LADY LAKE // 208 W. Guava St. // 352.750.4929 EUSTIS // 469 Plaza Dr. // 352.357.7827 MOUNT DORA // 18870 U.S. Hwy. 441 // 352.735.4376 LEESBURG // 2013 Citrus Blvd. // 352.787.6442 10135 U.S. Hwy. 441, Suite 4 // 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. Hwy. 27, Suite 4 // 352.314.8847 THE VILLAGES // 1580 Bella Cruz Drive // 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165th Mulberry Lane // 352.750.9991 1070 Lake Sumter Landing Drive // 352.205.8535 349 Colony Blvd. // 352.391.1657 WILDWOOD // 480 W. Gulf to Alantic Hwy. // 352.748.8800 HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–SATURDAY SUNDAY

10A.M.–10P.M. 10A.M.–9P.M.

TOOJAY’S ORIGINAL GOURMET DELI

VILLAGE OF SPANISH SPRINGS, 990 DELMAR DRIVE, THE VILLAGES // 352.753.3510 LAKE SUMTER LANDING, 1129 CANAL STREET, THE VILLAGES // 352.430.0410 Starting to think about your Thanksgiving plans? Why not leave the preparation to us. Our deluxe carved and decorated turkey can be ordered alone, or complete with candied yams, cranberry sauce, cornbread stuffing and rich giblet gravy. Add to it glazed carrots and green beans almondine and you’ve got the perfect holiday meal. We also feature a full line of holiday desserts from pecan pie to our signature pumpkin cheesecake. This year, give TooJay’s a call then sit back and relax and enjoy time with family and friends.

TOOJAYS IS OPEN UNTIL 3:00 P.M. THANKSGIVING DAY. BRUNCH SERVED FROM 8:00 A.M. – NOON. FULL LUNCH AND DINNER MENU SERVED FROM NOON TO 3:00 P.M. DINE IN • TAKE OUT • DELIVERY • CATERING MONDAY – SUNDAY 8 A.M. – 9 P.M.

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Dr. Theeck on his recent mission trip to the Dominican Republic.

John C. Theeck D.C.

NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION:

Get your spine properly evaluated before damage occurs

352.259.0024 // legacyclinic.org

1950 Laurel Manor Dr, Ste 204, The Villages, FL 32162

Our mission here at Legacy Clinic is to provide our patients with the highest quality of care, by resolving the root cause, working beyond symptomatic treatment. Our purpose is to strive for our patients fullest health potential, through education and preventative lifestyle opportunities.

Final thought // John T. Marshall, esq.

HAVING ‘ROUTINE’ SURGERY? PLAN FOR THE UNEXPECTED

I

recently received a call from a client who informed me that her husband’s “routine” surgery seemed to have gone well, but he passed away several days later due to an ailment aggravated by the surgery.

This happened at the same time our national media was covering the death of Joan Rivers, following what was supposed to be a “routine” surgery.

Thankfully, I had met and finalized my clients’ estate plans, including their emergency health care documents, just two days prior to his surgery.

Although there is little you can control when putting yourself in a physician’s hands, you can make things easier for yourself, your family and friends by making sure your emergency health care documents are up to date.

No surgery ever is “routine,” but planning for the unexpected gives you control. The designation of health care surrogate, living will and HIPAA waiver are essential health care documents anyone 18 or over should sign and have in their possession. Although similar health care documents executed in another state are valid in Florida, you should meet with an attorney to review Florida’s law governing these documents to ensure your emergency health care documents are up to date.

A designation of health care surrogate authorizes your appointed surrogates — whether they’re family or friends — to provide, withhold or withdraw consent for your particular health care treatment

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if you’re incapacitated and unable to make your own informed health care decisions. They may include authorizing an additional surgery, consenting to experimental treatment, seeking a second opinion, etc. So, when undergoing a “routine” surgery, for the duration of the time you are under anesthesia and are unable to make your own health care decisions, your health care surrogate can make your health care decisions for you should an issue arise.

Life support is any artificial means of sustaining life when someone suffers from a terminal condition, an end-stage condition, or is in a persistent vegetative state. If you’re on life support and are able to make your own informed decisions, you can decide whether to have life support removed.

But not everyone on life support is in a position to make such a decision. Without a living will, the decision to withdraw life support falls on the surrogates you appointed in your designation of health care surrogate. That can be a heavy burden to place on anyone’s shoulders.

A living will allows you to decide, while you are presently able to make informed

health care decisions, whether you want life support withdrawn if it is medically determined your life will be sustained only by artificial means. The surrogates appointed in the living will serve only to make sure your desires are fulfilled; they are not burdened with making the lifeand-death decision we all hope to avoid.

The third essential health care document is a HIPAA waiver. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is a federal law that prevents a medical provider from voluntarily disclosing your personal medical information without your informed and written consent.

Providing a HIPAA waiver to your surrogates authorizes them to collect and review your personal medical records, as well as discuss your prospective treatment with your medical provider, without any violation of federal law.

ABOUT THE WRITER John T. Marshall is an attorney with Bogin, Munns & Munns, P.A. He can be reached at 352.391.6031.

ow to h n r Lea K BACK

I DIDN’T HAVE TO LIVE WITH BACK PAIN!

E N I P S E FRE MINAR SE AC B R U O TAKE Y

IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN!

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- I WALKED AN HOUR AFTER SURGERY…PAIN FREE! - JUST A 45-MINUTE PROCEDURE - ONLY A ¾” INCISION

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“I was walking a mile by the end of the week and by week three I was riding my bike.

Now I’m living my life again!”

MEDICARE & OTHER INSURANCES ACCEPTED!

DR. FRANK BONO + DR. JAMES RONZO

Over 30,000 patients treated & 13,000 surgeries performed.

BOARD CERTIFIED, FELLOWSHIP TRAINED

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery 2012

NATIONALLY FEATURED IN

LEADERS IN SHOWCASE September 2013 issue

SPINE SURGERY

Locations THE VILLAGES, INVERNESS, SPRING HILL AND TAMPA Learn more at TAKEYOURBACKBACK.COM // 855.485.3262

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 November 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 a part of a rental or commerical fleet, or a livery/taxi vehicle. See participating Toyota dealer for planValid details. only in continental U.S.Alaska. and Alaska.

Roadside Assistance not inlcude fluids. details. onlyValid in the continental U.S. and Roadside Assistance doesdoes not include partsparts and and fluids.

www.DeLucaToyota.com

AIDA > CANCER Aida is greater than cancer. With cancer running in her family, Aida knew the importance of regular screenings.

So when her doctors diagnosed her with an aggressive form of breast cancer, she was ready to fight. A year later, with the help of the Florida Hospital Waterman Cancer Institute and some of the region’s most advanced cancer treatment including SAVIŽ, a breakthrough in radiation therapy, Aida is cancer free. To read more about Aida, her journey to survivorship and how she is greater than breast cancer, visit FHWaterman.com.

Aida Yaccarino Breast Cancer Survivor with her husband, Lou

Facelift Tummy Tuck Breast Augmentation Liposuction Eyelid Surgery Hair Transplant Botox & Injectable Fillers Spider Veins Chemical Peels

Board Certified Plastic Surgeons James Rogers DMD MDÊUÊ >Û `iÀ`ii«Ê iÀ MD i Ê Õ >`> MD MEMBER OF iÀ V> Ê- V iÌÞ vÊ* >ÃÌ VÊ-ÕÀ}i Ã

MEMBER OF iÀ V> Ê- V iÌÞÊv À Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

C A L L U S T O D AY

(352) 750-0019 REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

www.VillagesPlasticSurgery.com THE VILLAGES LOCATION 1501 US Hwy 441 N, Bldg 1000, STE 1001 The Villages, FL 32159

OCALA/PADDOCK PARK LOCATION 3320 SW 34th Circle, Ocala, FL 34474